R-spondin 1/Dickkopf-1/beta-catenin machinery is involved in testicular embryonic angiogenesis

Testicular vasculogenesis is one of the key processes regulating male gonad morphogenesis. The knowledge of the molecular cues underlining this phenomenon is one of today's most challenging issues and could represent a major contribution toward a better understanding of the onset of testicular morphogenetic disorders. R-spondin 1 has been clearly established as a candidate for mammalian ovary determination. Conversely, very little information is available on the expression and role of R-spondin 1 during testicular morphogenesis. This study aims to clarify the distribution pattern of R-spondin 1 and other partners of its machinery during the entire period of testicular morphogenesis and to indicate the role of this system in testicular development. Our whole mount immunofluorescence results clearly demonstrate that R-spondin 1 is always detectable in the testicular coelomic partition, where testicular vasculature is organized, while Dickkopf-1 is never detectable in this area. Moreover, organ culture experiments of embryonic male UGRs demonstrated that Dickkopf-1 acted as an inhibitor of testis vasculature formation. Consistent with this observation, real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that DKK1 is able to slightly but significantly decrease the expression level of the endothelial marker Pecam1. The latter experiments allowed us to observe that DKK1 administration also perturbs the expression level of the Pdgf-b chain, which is consistent with some authors' observations relating this factor with prenatal testicular patterning and angiogenesis. Interestingly, the DKK1 induced inhibition of testicular angiogenesis was rescued by the co-administration of R-spondin 1. In addition, R-spondin 1 alone was sufficient to enhance, in culture, testicular angiogenesis

Sensory and Biochemical Characterization of Novel Drinks Based on Tomato Juice

In these last years, consumers’ choices are being directed towards healthier food and beverages with an increasing demand for functional products. In this study, we investigated the sensory and biochemical properties of novel drinks based on tomato juice. To this purpose, different blends were formulated mixing fresh tomato juice with other fruit juices and nectars in different proportions and then assayed to investigate their sensory (panel test), compositional and biochemical characteristics. Our results indicated that it is possible to formulate tasty drinks based on tomato juice with improved nutritional properties. The combinations of red fruits/tomato (60/40 v/v) and red fruits/orange/tomato (40/30/30 v/v/v) showed a sugar content lower than those of different soft drinks on the market including energy drinks, and suitable lycopene levels as well. Interestingly, the blended red fruits/orange/tomato had a greater number of polyphenols and vitamin C, a softer tomato flavour and high sensory appreciation. High pasteurization (90ºC,7 min), performed to increase storability, did not significantly affect sensory and biochemical properties of drinks. These achievements may be useful to modulate tomato flavour release and consumer acceptability of novel drinks based on tomato juice

CD157 is an important mediator of neutrophil adhesion and migration

AbstractCD157, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)–anchored protein encoded by a member of the CD38 NADase/ADP-ribosyl cyclase gene family, is expressed on the surface of most human circulating neutrophils. This work demonstrates that CD157 is a receptor that induces reorganization of the cytoskeleton and significant changes in cell shape, and that signals mediated by CD157 act through modulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. These signals are independent of the products of CD157's enzymatic activities (ie, cyclic adenosine diphosphate [ADP]–ribose and ADP-ribose). Indeed, the enzymatic activities of CD157 in circulating neutrophils as well as in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)–differentiated (CD157+/CD38-) HL-60 cells, are hardly detectable. This work also shows that the receptorial activity relies on cross-talk between CD157 and β2 integrin. CD157 localizes in GM1-enriched lipid rafts and, upon activation, it migrates to the uropod, a structure specialized in motility and adhesive functions. Indeed, CD157 is involved in adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and in chemotaxis induced in vitro by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). These findings were consistent with the results obtained in neutrophils from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), in which CD157 is deficient. These neutrophils showed constant defects in adhesion and migration. Our data attribute specific and crucial roles to CD157 in the regulation of innate immunity during inflammation

The use and beauty of ultra-high-resolution seismic reflection imaging in Late Quaternary marine volcaniclastic settings, Bay of Naples, Italy

A Nápolyi-öbölben felvett ultra nagy felbontású egycsatornás (IKB-Seistec™) reflexiós szeizmikus szelvények korábbi geológiai és geofizikai vizsgálatok eredményeivel együtt kivételes, eddig soha nem látott felbontású szeizmikus leképezését nyújtják a Flegrei-mezők és a Somma-Vezúv felszín alá süllyedt késő-pleisztocén–holocén rétegtani felépí - tésének. A szeizmikus szelvényeken látott geometria és gravitációs magvevővel nyert üledékek adatainak összevetéséből Campania partközeli kontinentális talapzatán számos olyan üledékes és vulkáni szerkezet, valamint hidrotermális jelenség került leképezésre, melyek a legutolsó glaciális maximum (kb. 18 000 év) óta keletkeztek. A Pozzuoli-öbölben mért Seistec szelvények jól mutatják a beomlott kaldera gyűrűs vetőjét, a kb. 15 ezer éves Nápolyi Sárga Tufa (NYT) lerakódáshoz vezető kitöréskor felújuló boltozatot, és alátámasztják a deformáció későnegyedidőszaki korára és stílusára vonatkozó hipotéziseket. A szeizmikus szelvényeken látható a NYT rétegeinek töréses szerkezete, valamint hidrotermális fluidum-feláramlások és vulkáni/szubvulkáni intrúziók a gyűrűs vetők mentén. A Somma-Vezúv rétegvulkán előterében a kontinentális talapzat felett mért szeizmikus szelvények leképezték a Vezúv i.sz. 79-es kitörésekor Herculaneum városát elpusztító piroklaszt-ár tengervízbe érésekor keletkező, gravitációsan összeomló homokhullámok szerkezetét is. A Somma-Vezúv és a Pozzuoli-öböl közti, buckás felszínű Banco della Montagna területén mért szelvények és fúrómagok vulkanoklasztos diapírok sorát tárták fel. Ezeket a konszolidálatlan horzsakőből álló testeket a fluidum - feláramlás és aktív kigázosodás hatására kialakult mélybeli túlnyomás hozta fel a tengerfenékre.Very high-resolution, single channel (IKB-Seistec™) reflection seizmic profiles acquired in the Bay of Naples, com - plemented with geological and geophysical data from the literature, provide unprecedented, superb seismic imaging of the latest Pleistocene–Holocene stratigraphic architecture of the submerged sectors Campi Flegrei and Somma-Vesuvius volcanic districts. Seismic profiles were calibrated by gravity core data and document a range of depositional systems, volcanic structures and hydrothermal features that evolved after the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum (~ 18 ka BP) over the continental shelf on the Campania coastal zone. Seistec profiles from the Pozzuoli Bay yield high-resolution images of the shallow structure of the collapse caldera-ring fault — resurgent dome system associated with the eruption of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT) (ca 15 ka) and support a working hypothesis to assess the timing and the styles of deformation of the NYT resurgent structure throughout the latest Quaternary. Seismic images also revealed the nature of the fragile deformation of strata along the NYT ring fault system and the occurrence of hydrothermal fluids and volcanic/subvolcanic intrusions ascending along the ring fault zone. Seismic data acquired over the continental shelf off the Somma-Vesuvius stratovolcano, display evidence of gravit - ational instability of wavy bedforms representing the submarine prosecution of pyroclastic flows originated from the Vesuvius during the eruption that destroyed the Roman city of Herculaneum in 79 CE. At the Banco della Montagna, a hummocky seafloor knoll located between the Somma-Vesuvius and the Pozzuoli Bay, seismic profiles and gravity core data revealed the occurrence of a field of volcaniclastic diapirs formed by the dragging and rising up of unconsolidated pumice, as a consequence of fluid overpressure at depth associated with active degassing and fluid venting at the seafloor

COMPARAÇÃO DE TRÊS MÉTODOS DE ANÁLISE QUÍMICA UTILIZANDO GRAMA BERMUDA (Cynodon dactylon) COMO MATRIZ ANALÍTICA

Este trabalho foi realizado com objetivo de conhecer a eficiência dos procedimentos de análise foliar e de raiz, através da comparação de três metodologias para de análise química foliar e de raiz para a quantificação de potássio, sódio e fósforo. Os métodos avaliados foram a digestão via seca em cadinhos de porcelana, digestão nitro-perclórica e extração via úmida com ácido clorídrico. As amostras foram coletadas no setor de agronomia no Centro Universitário da Fundação Educacional de Barretos, e analisadas no laboratório de solos da mesma entidade. Analisaram-se amostras da grama-bermuda (Cynodon dactylon), enriquecida com lodo de esgoto. Na avaliação do método digestão via seca em cadinhos de porcelana obteve-se melhor sensibilidade para leitura do potássio na raiz da planta; na metodologia via úmida nitro-perclórica obteve-se melhor resultado para fósforo tanto na parte aérea quanto na raiz, também para o potássio na parte aérea e para o sódio na raiz; a extração via úmida em ácido clorídrico obteve-se um bom resultado do sódio na parte aérea

Interplay between COVID-19, pollution, and weather features on changes in the incidence of acute coronary syndromes in early 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an unprecedented change in the apparent epidemiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the interplay between this disease, changes in pollution, climate, and aversion to activation of emergency medical services represents a challenging conundrum. We aimed at appraising the impact of COVID-19, weather, and environment features on the occurrence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in a large Italian region and metropolitan area

Aseismic transient driving the swarm-like seismic sequence in the Pollino range, Southern Italy

Tectonic earthquake swarms challenge our understanding of earthquake processes since it is difficult to link observations to the underlying physical mechanisms and to assess the hazard they pose. Transient forcing is thought to initiate and drive the spatio-temporal release of energy during swarms. The nature of the transient forcing may vary across sequences and range from aseismic creeping or transient slip to diffusion of pore pressure pulses to fluid redistribution and migration within the seismogenic crust. Distinguishing between such forcing mechanisms may be critical to reduce epistemic uncertainties in the assessment of hazard due to seismic swarms, because it can provide information on the frequency–magnitude distribution of the earthquakes (often deviating from the assumed Gutenberg–Richter relation) and on the expected source parameters influencing the ground motion (for example the stress drop). Here we study the ongoing Pollino range (Southern Italy) seismic swarm, a long-lasting seismic sequence with more than five thousand events recorded and located since October 2010. The two largest shocks (magnitude Mw = 4.2 and Mw = 5.1) are among the largest earthquakes ever recorded in an area which represents a seismic gap in the Italian historical earthquake catalogue. We investigate the geometrical, mechanical and statistical characteristics of the largest earthquakes and of the entire swarm. We calculate the focal mechanisms of the Ml > 3 events in the sequence and the transfer of Coulomb stress on nearby known faults and analyse the statistics of the earthquake catalogue. We find that only 25 per cent of the earthquakes in the sequence can be explained as aftershocks, and the remaining 75 per cent may be attributed to a transient forcing. The b-values change in time throughout the sequence, with low b-values correlated with the period of highest rate of activity and with the occurrence of the largest shock. In the light of recent studies on the palaeoseismic and historical activity in the Pollino area, we identify two scenarios consistent with the observations and our analysis: This and past seismic swarms may have been ‘passive’ features, with small fault patches failing on largely locked faults, or may have been accompanied by an ‘active’, largely aseismic, release of a large portion of the accumulated tectonic strain. Those scenarios have very different implications for the seismic hazard of the area

Partnership tecnologiche e strategie aziendali

Le partnership tecnologiche, sforzi inter-organizzativi finalizzati alla R&S, rappresentano uno dei fronti \u2018pi\uf9 caldi\u2019 dell\u2019azione aziendale contemporanea (Hagedoorn, 2002), ma non \ue8 ancora del tutto chiaro se le dinamiche attivate nell\u2019ambito di tali connessioni siano strettamente limitate agli aspetti tecnologici o possano avere ricadute sui processi di formulazione delle strategie. L\u2019esperienza del Gruppo Loccioni, media impresa italiana che opera come system integrator, mostra come l\u2019allargamento dei circuiti di divisione del lavoro cognitivo (Rullani, 1997) implicato dalla costituzione di partnership in R&S, produca un apprendimento organizzativo che genera un progressivo miglioramento della capacit\ue0 di envisioning, a sua volta riflessa nella componente emergente delle strategie (Mintzberg, 1994) e nel conseguente ingresso in ambienti fino ad allora considerati \u2018lontani\u2019 dal management aziendale

Compared digestibility of plant protein isolates by using the INFOGEST digestion protocol

The use of ingredients based on plant protein isolates is being promoted due to sustainability and health reasons. However, it is necessary to explore the behaviour of plant protein isolates during gastrointestinal digestion including the profile of released free amino acids and the characterization of resistant domains to gastrointestinal digestion. The aim of the present study was to monitor protein degradation of four legume protein isolates: garden pea, grass pea, soybean and lentil, using the harmonized Infogest in vitro digestion protocol. In vitro digests were characterized regarding protein, peptide and free amino acid content. Soybean was the protein isolate with the highest percentage of insoluble nitrogen at the end of the digestion (12%), being this fraction rich in hydrophobic amino acids. Free amino acids were mainly released during the intestinal digestion, comprising 21–24% of the total nitrogen content, while the percentage of nitrogen corresponding to peptides ranged from 66 to 76%. Legume globulins were resistant to gastric digestion whereas they were hydrolysed into peptides and amino acids during the intestinal phase. However, the molecular weight (MW) distribution demonstrated that all intestinal digests, except those from soybean, contained peptides with MW > 4 kDa at the end of gastrointestinal digestion. The profile of free amino acids released during digestion supports legume protein isolates as an excellent source of essential amino acids to be used in protein-rich food products. Peptides released during digestion matched with previously reported epitopes from the same plant species or others, explaining the ability to induce allergic reactions and cross-linked reactivity.This work has received financial support from project AGL2015-66886-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and project PID2019-107663RB-I00 from Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN). M. S-H. is the recipient of FPU grant (FPU15-03616) from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.Peer reviewe