Characterization and functional analysis of glycosylation in mouse pluripotent stem cells

マウス胚幹細胞細胞（ESCs）およびエピブラスト様細胞（EpiLCs）は、in vitro で胚の初期発生を再現する多能性幹細胞（PSCs）であり、ESCsであるナイーブ状態のPSCsからEpiLCsであるプライム状態のPSCs への遷移メカニズムの解明を可能するモデルとなる。はじめに、ESCs とEpiLCs の網羅的糖鎖プロファイリングを行い、糖鎖構造が発生の初期段階から劇的な変化を遂げることを明らかにした。この変化は、クロマチンリモデラーであるpolycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)によって制御されており、全体の糖鎖構造を調節するネットワークの存在を見出した。さらに、ESCsにおける糖鎖の機能解析も行い、O-結合型でムチン型糖鎖の一種であるT 抗原（Galβ1-3GalNAc）とその構造を合成するC1galt1 がESCsの多能性の維持に関与していることを示した。本研究では、多能性の状態遷移中に発生する糖鎖のダイナミクスを明らかにし、糖鎖によるESCs多能性の制御メカニズムを特定した。創価大

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) as biomarkers for detection of Ceratocystis platani

AbstractCeratocystis platani causes canker stain of plane trees, and it represents a serious disease of Platanus spp. both in the United States and Europe. Current chemical or biological controls do not effectively manage C. platani, so new preventive methods need to be developed in order to limit this pathogen spreading. In this work, we have characterized the main volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted in vitro from pure cultures of C. platani and other common pathogenic fungal species of hosts plants growing in the same ecosystems as plane trees. We found that C. platani emitted a similar blend of VOC compared with phylogenetically similar species C. populicola. In particular, C. platani was characterized by emission of isoamyl acetate and isobutyl acetate while C. populicola by ethyl acetate and isobutyl acetate, which were not released by any of the other out‐group fungal species grown on the same medium. Moreover, following a targeted approach based on the main VOC found in vitro, we have successfully validated in vivo that VOC uniquely emitted by C. platani (i.e. isobutyl acetate along with isoamyl alcohol) were released from the bark of plane trees following C. platani inoculation. Our results highlight the possibility to exploit VOC emitted specifically by C. platani as biomarkers to recognize Platanus x acerifolia plants infected by this pathogen

The role of inferior petrosal sinus sampling in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome: review and joint opinion statement by members of the Italian Society for Endocrinology, Italian Society for Neurosurgery, and Italian Society for Neuroradiology

In the management of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) provides information for the endocrinologist, the neurosurgeon, and the neuroradiologist. To the endocrinologist who performs the etiological diagnosis, results of IPSS confirm or exclude the diagnosis of Cushing's disease with 80%-100% sensitivity and over 95% specificity. Baseline central-peripheral gradients have suboptimal accuracy, and stimulation with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), possibly desmopressin, has to be performed. The rationale for the use of IPSS in this context depends on other diagnostic means, taking availability of CRH and reliability of dynamic testing and pituitary imaging into account. As regards the other specialists, the neuroradiologist may collate results of IPSS with findings at imaging, while IPSS may prove useful to the neurosurgeon to chart a surgical course. The present review illustrates the current standpoint of these 3 specialists on the role of IPSS

Covid-19 and the role of smoking: the protocol of the multicentric prospective study COSMO-IT (COvid19 and SMOking in ITaly).

The emergency caused by Covid-19 pandemic raised interest in studying lifestyles and comorbidities as important determinants of poor Covid-19 prognosis. Data on tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity are still limited, while no data are available on the role of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP). To clarify the role of tobacco smoking and other lifestyle habits on COVID-19 severity and progression, we designed a longitudinal observational study titled COvid19 and SMOking in ITaly (COSMO-IT). About 30 Italian hospitals in North, Centre and South of Italy joined the study. Its main aims are: 1) to quantify the role of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on the severity and progression of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients; 2) to compare smoking prevalence and severity of the disease in relation to smoking in hospitalized COVID-19 patients versus patients treated at home; 3) to quantify the association between other lifestyle factors, such as e-cigarette and HTP use, alcohol and obesity and the risk of unfavourable COVID-19 outcomes. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and medical history information will be gathered for around 3000 hospitalized and 700-1000 home-isolated, laboratory-confirmed, COVID-19 patients. Given the current absence of a vaccine against SARS-COV-2 and the lack of a specific treatment for -COVID-19, prevention strategies are of extreme importance. This project, designed to highly contribute to the international scientific debate on the role of avoidable lifestyle habits on COVID-19 severity, will provide valuable epidemiological data in order to support important recommendations to prevent COVID-19 incidence, progression and mortality

Significant benefits of AIP testing and clinical screening in familial isolated and young-onset pituitary tumors

Context Germline mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene are responsible for a subset of familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) cases and sporadic pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Objective To compare prospectively diagnosed AIP mutation-positive (AIPmut) PitNET patients with clinically presenting patients and to compare the clinical characteristics of AIPmut and AIPneg PitNET patients. Design 12-year prospective, observational study. Participants & Setting We studied probands and family members of FIPA kindreds and sporadic patients with disease onset ≤18 years or macroadenomas with onset ≤30 years (n = 1477). This was a collaborative study conducted at referral centers for pituitary diseases. Interventions & Outcome AIP testing and clinical screening for pituitary disease. Comparison of characteristics of prospectively diagnosed (n = 22) vs clinically presenting AIPmut PitNET patients (n = 145), and AIPmut (n = 167) vs AIPneg PitNET patients (n = 1310). Results Prospectively diagnosed AIPmut PitNET patients had smaller lesions with less suprasellar extension or cavernous sinus invasion and required fewer treatments with fewer operations and no radiotherapy compared with clinically presenting cases; there were fewer cases with active disease and hypopituitarism at last follow-up. When comparing AIPmut and AIPneg cases, AIPmut patients were more often males, younger, more often had GH excess, pituitary apoplexy, suprasellar extension, and more patients required multimodal therapy, including radiotherapy. AIPmut patients (n = 136) with GH excess were taller than AIPneg counterparts (n = 650). Conclusions Prospectively diagnosed AIPmut patients show better outcomes than clinically presenting cases, demonstrating the benefits of genetic and clinical screening. AIP-related pituitary disease has a wide spectrum ranging from aggressively growing lesions to stable or indolent disease course

FISICA con Fisica Moderna

Si tratta di un manuale di fisica che affronta gli argomenti di fisica classica e moderna, dedicato alla preparazione di base di studenti dei corsi di laurea scientifici. Particolare attenzione viene data all'apprendimento dei concetti fisici di base mediante un ricco repertorio di esercizi in parte anche svolti. I contenuti sono aggiornati ai risultati di ricerca più recenti e le applicazioni riportate spaziano in diversi campi scientifici anche al di fuori della ricerca in fisica

Clinical and pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of delafloxacin for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections

In the era of multi-drug resistant pathogens, the adequate treatment of skin and skin structure infections remains a challenge for clinicians. Delafloxacin, with its broad spectrum against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and anaerobic organisms, represents a new therapeutic option in this setting, especially when coverage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is required in the empirical or targeted approach. Areas covered: In this drug evaluation, the Authors have reviewed the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of delafloxacin. In addition, recent data on clinical efficacy and safety from clinical trials have been included. Expert opinion: Delafloxacin represents an attractive therapeutic option due to a broad antimicrobial and favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated the low potential for resistance selection if used in empirical regimens. Delafloxacin is a promising candidate for the treatment of Gram-positive infections, especially if co-infection with other pathogens is suspected. This is because of the very low MIC of the agent for Gram-positive (including MRSA) and anaerobic bacteria and because of the wide spectrum of activity against Gram-negative organisms. For these interesting microbiological and PK/PD characteristics we expect future uses of this drug in other indications such as diabetic foot infection, osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infections, abdominal infections and central nervous system infections

Il pendolo di Foucault in S.Petronio

In occasione dell'anno mondiale della fisica e in concomitanza con l'anno cassiniano e il restauro della Meridiana di S.Petronio, è stato montato nella navata centrale della Basilica un pendolo di Foucault in scala 2/3 rispetto a quello del Pantheon di Parigi. E' stato inaugurato sabato 8 Ottobre con una cerimonia nel Palazzo Comunale aperta dall'assessore alla cultura del Comune di Bologna. Alla presenza del rettore dell'università e del direttore del dipartimento di fisica, hanno parlato il Prof. F.Palmonari, realizzatore del pendolo e il Prof. U.Eco, autore del romanzo col titolo omonimo. La cerimonia è proseguita nella Basilica con un intervento del Prof. Goriup, insegnante del Seminario Vescovile, e con il lancio della sfera del pendolo da parte di Eco. L'esposizione del pendolo di Foucault in S.Petronio, un esperimento spettacolare per mostrare la rotazione terrestre, resta nella basilica per due settimane da sabato 8 a venerdi 21 Ottobre per i turisti e le scolaresche in visita