Bistren cryptands and cryptates: versatile receptors for anion inclusion and recognition in water

Bistren cryptands can act as selective anion receptors in water in two distinct versions: as hexaprotonated cages and as dicopper(ii) cryptates. Both classes of receptors exert geometrical selectivity, but dimetallic cryptates establish the strongest interactions with the anion

Serology of Viral Infections and Tuberculosis Screening in an IBD Population Referred to a Tertiary Centre of Southern Italy

Background. With the introduction of more potent immunosuppressive agents in inflammatory bowel disease, prevention of opportunistic infections has become necessary by introducing screening programs. Prevalence of the most important infectious agents may vary in different geographical areas. The aim of our study was to assess the immune status for hepatitis B, varicella, mononucleosis, and cytomegalovirus infection together with the determination of the hepatitis C and tuberculosis status in Southern Italy. Methods. Prevalence of latent tuberculosis, together with serology of hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster, and cytomegalovirus were collected by analysing retrospectively the clinical charts of IBD patients. Data were integrated with demographic and clinical features. Results. Data from 509 IBD patients divided in two age groups showed a prevalence of HBV infection in nonvaccinated patients of 9%. Seroprotection (HBsAb) in vaccinated IBD patients was lower (p 37 years of age. Conclusions. In younger patients, high susceptibility rates for primary herpesvirus infections should determine the choice of treatment. Loss of HBV seroprotection in already vaccinated patients should be considered for booster vaccination programs

Occult hepatitis B virus infection predicts non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in severely obese individuals from Italy

Obesity is associated with\ua0non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), which may progress towards non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) may contribute to hepatic damage in patients with\ua0chronic liver disease\ua0of different aetiologies (eg\ua0HCV, alcohol). However, information on the prevalence and clinical impact of OBI in obese individuals is lacking. The aims of this study were to investigate NASH prevalence and risk factors in obese people who underwent bariatric surgery

Bioactive Metabolite Survey of Actinobacteria Showing Plant Growth Promoting Traits to Develop Novel Biofertilizers

The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused harmful impacts on the environment with the increase in economic burden. Biofertilizers are biological products containing living microorganisms capable of improving plant growth through eco-friendly mechanisms. In this work, three actinobacterial strains Streptomyces violaceoruber, Streptomyces coelicolor, and Kocuria rhizophila were characterized for multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits such as indole acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, N-2-fixation, and drought and salt tolerance. Then, these strains were investigated for their secreted and cellular metabolome, revealing a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules, including antibiotics and siderophores, with S. violaceoruber being the most prolific strain. Furthermore, the in vivo assays, performed on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), resulted in an improved germination index and the growth of seedlings from seeds treated with PGP actinobacteria, with a particular focus on S. violaceoruber cultures. In particular, this last strain, producing volatile organic compounds having antimicrobial activity, was able to modulate volatilome and exert control on the global DNA methylation of tomato seedlings. Thus, these results, confirming the efficacy of the selected actinobacteria strains in promoting plant growth and development by producing volatile and non-volatile bioactive molecules, can promote eco-friendly alternatives in sustainable agriculture

Effetti della tiamina sull'artificiale prolungamento del fotoperiodo

La somministrazione di tiamina a piantine di frumento sottoposte ad un artificiale prolungamento del fotoperiodo si dimostra capace di determinare un notevole aumento sia della sostanza secca totale sia della sostanza secca prodotta per ogni ora d'illuminazione. Questa azione del tiamina va probabilmente riferita all'allontanamento di prodotti intermedi tossici del metabolismo