103 research outputs found
Salinity Tolerance in Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl.: Seed Emergence in Field and Germination Trials
Coconut coir as a sustainable nursery growing media for seedling production of the ecologically diverse quercus species
Peat, a non-sustainable resource, is still predominately used in forest nurseries. Coconut coir might provide an alternative, renewable, and reliable growing media but few studies have evaluated this media type in forest nurseries. We assessed the influence of pure coir, in combination with various fertilization regimes, on the growth and physiology of three ecologically diverse Quercus species seedlings (Q. robur, Q. pubescens, and Q. ilex) during nursery cultivation. Seedlings were grown using peat and pure coir in combination with three fertilization treatments (standard, K-enriched, and P-enriched). Data were collected for: (1) growth and physiological traits; (2) detailed above- and below-ground morphological traits by destructive analysis; and (3) NPK content in leaves, shoot and roots, and in the growing media, following cultivation. Peat and coir in combination with the various fertilization treatments affected above- and below-ground morphology and, to a lesser extent, the physiological traits of Quercus seedlings. Large effects of the substrate occurred for most morphological variables, with peat being more effective than coir in all studied species. Fertilization also produced significant differences. The effect of K-enriched fertilization on plant growth was clear across the three species and the two growing media. P-enriched fertilization in peat was the only combination that promoted a higher amount of this element in the tissues at the end of cultivation. Despite their smaller size, seedlings produced in coir were compatible with standard Quercus forest stocktype size, and showed a proportionally higher root system development and fibrosity. Our results suggest that coir can be used as an alternative substrate to grow Quercus species seedlings, and that fertilization can offset coir deficiencies in chemical properties. As several functional traits drive planting performance under varying environmental conditions. according to the Target Plant Concept, coir might thus serve as an acceptable material for seedling cultivation in some cases
Cell wall-associated alpha-glucan is instrumental for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to block CD1 molecule expression and disable the function of dendritic cell derived from infected monocyte.
Summary We previously described an escape mechanism exploited by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to prevent the generation of fully competent dendritic cells (DC). We have now tested the effect of isolated mycobacterial components on human monocyte dif- ferentiation into DC and demonstrated that cell wall (CW)-associated alpha-glucan induces monocytes to differentiate into DC (Glu-MoDC) with the same altered phenotype and functional behaviour of DC derived from Mtb-infected monocytes (Mt-MoDC). In fact, Glu- MoDC lack CD1 molecule expression, fail to upregu- late CD80 and produce IL-10 but not IL-12. We also showed that Glu-MoDC are not able to prime effector T cells or present lipid antigens to CD1-restricted T-cell clones. Thus, we propose a mechanism of Mtb- monocyte interaction mediated by CW-associated alpha-glucan, which allows the bacterium to evade both innate and acquired immune responses
Diacylated Sulfoglycolipids Are Novel Mycobacterial Antigens Stimulating CD1-restricted T Cells during Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterial lipids comprise a heterogeneous group of molecules capable of inducing T cell responses in humans. To identify novel antigenic lipids and increase our understanding of lipid-mediated immune responses, we established a panel of T cell clones with different lipid specificities. Using this approach we characterized a novel lipid antigen belonging to the group of diacylated sulfoglycolipids purified from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The structure of this sulfoglycolipid was identified as 2-palmitoyl or 2-stearoyl-3-hydroxyphthioceranoyl-2âČ-sulfate-α-αâČ-d-trehalose (Ac2SGL). Its immunogenicity is dependent on the presence of the sulfate group and of the two fatty acids. Ac2SGL is mainly presented by CD1b molecules after internalization in a cellular compartment with low pH. Ac2SGL-specific T cells release interferon Îł, efficiently recognize M. tuberculosisâinfected cells, and kill intracellular bacteria. The presence of Ac2SGL-responsive T cells in vivo is strictly dependent on previous contact with M. tuberculosis, but independent from the development of clinically overt disease. These properties identify Ac2SGL as a promising candidate to be tested in novel vaccines against tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis may escape helper T cell recognition by infecting human fibroblasts
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Gender differences in biochemical markers and oxidative stress of rats after 28 days oral exposure to a mixture used for weight loss containing p-synephrine, ephedrine, salicin, and caffeine
A associação de p-sinefrina, efedrina, salicina, e cafeĂna em suplementos alimentares e produtos para perda de peso Ă© muito utilizada em todo o mundo, embora a efedrina tenha sido proibida em muitos paĂses. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de toxicidade Ă exposição oral de 28 dias Ă associação de p-sinefrina, efedrina, salicina e cafeĂna (na proporção de 10:4:6:80 m/m respectivamente) em ratos Wistar machos e fĂȘmeas. Diariamente, os animais foram observados quanto ao peso corporal, sinais de toxicidade, morbidade e mortalidade. ApĂłs 28 dias, os animais foram sacrificados e o sangue coletado para avaliaçÔes hematolĂłgicas, bioquĂmicas e de estresse oxidativo. NĂŁo se observaram sinais clĂnicos de toxicidade, tampouco perda significativa de peso, mortes, ou quaisquer alteraçÔes significativas nos parĂąmetros hematolĂłgicos. Biomarcadores do estresse oxidativo e bioquĂmicos mostraram peroxidação lipĂdica, danos renais e hepĂĄticos (p < 0,05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) em ratos machos (100 e 150 mg/kg) e a redução (p < 0,05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) nos nĂveis de glutationa reduzida (GSH) em todos os grupos de machos tratados. Nas fĂȘmeas, nĂŁo houve indĂcios de estresse oxidativo, nem alteraçÔes bioquĂmicas. O diferente perfil de toxicidade entre os gĂȘneros sugere influĂȘncia hormonal nos efeitos de mistura administrada. A associação testada pode alterar o estado oxidativo e promover danos renais e hepĂĄticos.The association of p-synephrine, ephedrine, salicin, and caffeine in dietary supplements and weight loss products is very common worldwide, even though ephedrine has been prohibited in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 28-day oral exposure toxicity profile of p-synephrine, ephedrine, salicin, and caffeine mixture (10:4:6:80 w/w respectively) in male and female Wistar rats. Body weight and signs of toxicity, morbidity, and mortality were observed daily. After 28 days, animals were euthanized and blood collected for hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress evaluation. No clinical signs of toxicity, significant weight loss or deaths occurred, nor were there any significant alterations in hematological parameters. Biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers showed lipid peroxidation, and hepatic and renal damage (p < 0.05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) in male rats (100 and 150 mg/kg) and a reduction (p < 0.05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) in glutathione (GSH) levels in all male groups. Female groups displayed no indications of oxidative stress or biochemical alterations. The different toxicity profile displayed by male and female rats suggests a hormonal influence on mixture effects. Results demonstrated that the tested mixture can alter oxidative status and promote renal and hepatic damages
Case report: bullous pemphigoid development underlies dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa disease worsening
Autoimmune response to cutaneous basement membrane components superimposed on a genetic skin fragility disease, hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB), has been described, but its effects on disease course remain unclear. We report a 69-year-old individual with congenital skin fragility and acral trauma-induced blistering that had suddenly worsened with the onset of severe itch and diffuse spontaneous inflammatory blisters. Next-generation sequencing identified compound heterozygous null and missense COL7A1 mutations, allowing the diagnosis of recessive dystrophic EB. However, the patientâs clinical history prompted us to investigate whether he might have developed a pathological autoimmune response against basement membrane components. Tissue-bound and circulating IgG antibodies to the major bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigen, BP180, were detected in the patientâs skin and serum, respectively, consistent with a diagnosis of BP. Corticosteroid therapy was initiated resulting in remission of BP manifestations. EB patients presenting rapid disease worsening should be investigated for the development of a concomitant autoimmune blistering disease
Liposomes loaded with bioactive lipids enhance antibacterial innate immunity irrespective of drug resistance
Phagocytosis is a key mechanism of innate immunity, and promotion of phagosome maturation may represent a therapeutic target to enhance antibacterial host response. Phagosome maturation is favored by the timely and coordinated intervention of lipids and may be altered in infections. Here we used apoptotic body-like liposomes (ABL) to selectively deliver bioactive lipids to innate cells, and then tested their function in models of pathogen-inhibited and host-impaired phagosome maturation. Stimulation of macrophages with ABLs carrying phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) or PI5P increased intracellular killing of BCG, by inducing phagosome acidification and ROS generation. Moreover, ABLs carrying PA or PI5P enhanced ROS-mediated intracellular killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in macrophages expressing a pharmacologically-inhibited or a naturally-mutated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Finally, we show that bronchoalveolar lavage cells from patients with drug-resistant pulmonary infections increased significantly their capacity to kill in vivo acquired bacterial pathogens when ex vivo stimulated with PA-or PI5P-loaded ABLs. Altogether, these results provide the proof of concept of the efficacy of bioactive lipids delivered by ABL to enhance phagosome maturation dependent antimicrobial response, as an additional host-directed strategy aimed at the control of chronic, recurrent or drug-resistant infections
Monosodium urate crystals promote innate anti-mycobacterial immunity and improve BCG efficacy as a vaccine against tuberculosis
A safer and more effective anti-Tuberculosis vaccine is still an urgent need. We probed the effects of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) on innate immunity to improve the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. Results showed that in vitro MSU cause an enduring macrophage stimulation of the anti-mycobacterial response, measured as intracellular killing, ROS production and phagolysosome maturation. The contribution of MSU to anti-mycobacterial activity was also shown in vivo. Mice vaccinated in the presence of MSU showed a lower number of BCG in lymph nodes draining the vaccine inoculation site, in comparison to mice vaccinated without MSU. Lastly, we showed that MSU improved the efficacy of BCG vaccination in mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), measured in terms of lung and spleen MTB burden. These results demonstrate that the use of MSU as adjuvant may represent a novel strategy to enhance the efficacy of BCG vaccination
Secondo Protocollo di Implementazione Misure per il contrasto e il contenimento della diffusione del virus Sars-CoV-2
Questo documento Ăš da intendersi come protocollo di implementazione delle attivitĂ nel corso della attuale fase dellâemergenza pandemica e, con lo âAddendum al Documento di Valutazione dei Rischi dedicato al rischio biologico derivante da Sars-CoV-2, protocollo di sicurezza anti contagio, misure di prevenzione e protezione, formazione e informazioneâ, le Linee guida operative per i lavoratori e le lavoratrici dello âIstituto Nazionale di Astrofisicaâ Misure per il contrasto e il contenimento della diffusione del virus Sars-CoV-2 e il Protocollo di implementazione MAB (Musei Archivi Biblioteche) dellâINAF, Misure per il contrasto e il contenimento della diffusione del virus Sars-CoV-2, dei quali costituisce parte integrante, contiene misure per il contrasto e il contenimento della diffusione del virus Sars-CoV-2 per ogni Struttura di Ricerca INAF - Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica e per la sede della Amministrazione Centrale, e sostituisce integralmente il âProtocollo di Implementazione Fase 2, Misure per il contrasto e il contenimento della diffusione del virus Sars-CoV-2â adottato con nota Circolare del Direttore Generale del 15 maggio 2020, numero 2482.
Le disposizioni contenute nel Decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri del 5 Agosto 2020 non si concretano in una totale âripresaâ delle attivitĂ di ricerca, ma semplicemente in un âampliamentoâ, peraltro assai limitato e condizionato, delle stesse.
Ă quindi necessario, in questa âFaseâ, adottare misure che consentano, ove possibile, di svolgere le attivitĂ lavorative nella massima sicurezza.
Pertanto, il Direttore Generale, d'intesa con il Presidente, il Direttore Scientifico e il Collegio dei Direttori di Struttura, ha avviato un processo volto a definire le azioni propedeutiche allâaggiornamento del âprocesso di implementazioneâ delle attivitĂ di ricerca e di laboratorio che potranno essere svolte in questa nuova âFaseâ, nella consapevolezza che le stesse non devono arrecare alcun nocumento alla salute dei dipendenti dell'Ente e non devono, in alcun modo, favorire, direttamente o indirettamente, una recrudescenza della pandemia in atto, salvaguardando il bene supremo della salute pubblica, costituzionalmente tutelato, e che facciano, quindi, prevalere l'interesse generale sulle logiche puramente individualistiche (Circolare 2 maggio 2020, n. 2083, Allegato 9).
Il presente documento tiene conto delle indicazioni contenute nei vari aggiornamenti dei provvedimenti Governativi e delle raccomandazioni delle AutoritĂ Sanitarie Nazionali ed Internazionali, individua e definisce, per tutte le Strutture di Ricerca, le misure di sicurezza che dovranno essere adottate e i dispositivi da utilizzare, suscettibili di ulteriori e/o diverse implementazioni a livello locale, in ragione delle diverse peculiaritĂ delle singole Strutture della specificitĂ dei luoghi, delle esigenze logistiche, delle misure organizzative adottate e di eventuali aggiornamenti delle disposizioni normative.
Resta inteso che in base allâevoluzione dello scenario epidemiologico, e nellâottica della tutela della pubblica sicurezza, le misure indicate potranno essere rimodulate, anche in senso piĂč restrittivo, e dovranno essere immediatamente applicate eventuali, future e piĂč restrittive disposizioni governative Regionali e/o locali.
Il Direttore Generale, il Direttore Scientifico e i Direttori di Struttura, ciascuno nell'ambito delle rispettive competenze, individuano idonee procedure di controllo dell'applicazione delle predette misure di sicurezza, con la collaborazione di RSPP, RLS e Medico Competente. I contenuti del documento saranno aggiornati ad ogni variazione della valutazione del rischio e delle misure di contrasto alla diffusione del Sars-CoV-19 da parte degli organi competenti. Ogni sede integra con eventuali indicazioni del Responsabile della Prevenzione e Protezione, del Medico Competente, del Rappresentante dei Lavoratori per la Sicurezza, anche in relazione allâambiente specifico
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