Modelling human choices: MADeM and decision‑making

Research supported by FAPESP 2015/50122-0 and DFG-GRTK 1740/2. RP and AR are also part of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics FAPESP grant (2013/07699-0). RP is supported by a FAPESP scholarship (2013/25667-8). ACR is partially supported by a CNPq fellowship (grant 306251/2014-0)

Genomic profiling of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

ALCL is one of the most common form of NHL. ALCL has been separated in two distinct entities based on the presence or absence of translocations affecting ALK gene. The aim of this project is to demonstrate that ALK+ and ALK- subsets can definitively be considered different entities. ALK- ALCL samples have a more perturbated and complex profile. Among all the ALCLs, the most common losses affected 17p13.3-p12 (TP53, 25%) and 6q21 (PRDM1, 19%). PRDM1 was inactivated in 12/31 (39%) and in 1/33 (3%) of clinical specimens derived from ALK- and ALK+ ALCL respectively, in 4/7 (57%) ALCL cell lines. We perform gain-of-function experiments in order to unravel the function of BLIMP1 loss in ALCL pathogenesis. After the re-expression of PRDM1, ALCL cells underwent proliferation arrest, with a concomitant moderate increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells and an arrest in cell cycle, suggesting a tumor suppressor role for BLIMP1

Sugar and protein content in different monofloral pollens - building a database

Pollen is the only protein source for the honey bee colony. Its nutritional quality varies according to the floral origin. The total protein content is a very important information in many research fields. Nevertheless its interpretation may be falsified by the sugars which are the main component of pollen pellets. In this paper we provide a database containing sugar and nitrogen content of 40 different pollen types

A new method to quantify paraffin in beeswax based on FT-microRaman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis

none8nononeLara, Nobili; Francesca, Corvucci; Dora, Melucci; Roberto, Colomba; Giorgia, Serra; Michela, Boi; Chiara, Ceci; Francesca-Vittoria, GrillenzoniLara, Nobili; Francesca, Corvucci; Dora, Melucci; Roberto, Colomba; Giorgia, Serra; Michela, Boi; Chiara, Ceci; Francesca-Vittoria, Grillenzon

Effect of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide, peptide histidine methionine and substance P on human major salivary gland secretion

OBJECTIVE: The parasympathetic transmitters vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P are secretagogues in salivary glands of animals. Currently, we hypothesise that in human salivary glands, these neuropeptides and the VIP-related peptide histidine methionine (PHM) also exert secretory actions, reflected morphologically by exocytosis of acinar protein/glycoprotein-storing granules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Submandibular and parotid gland tissues, exposed in vitro to VIP and PHM, and substance P, respectively, were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. For comparison, the response to in vitro stimulation of isoproterenol, phenylephrine and carbachol was examined. Moreover, the peptidergic innervation of the glands was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: VIP- and PHM-immunoreactive nerves were in close proximity to acini and ducts in the two glands, while these elements lacked a substance P-positive innervation. While no morphological changes occurred in response to substance P (parotid glands), VIP and PHM administration (submandibular glands) caused conspicuous acinar degranulation accompanied by luminal space broadening. In the two glands, both α1 - and β-adrenergic receptor stimulation and muscarinic receptor stimulation caused similar changes as to VIP/PHM, although to varying extent. CONCLUSIONS: VIP and PHM, but not substance P, are likely transmitters in the parasympathetic control of salivary (protein) secretion in humans. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Chemometrics for the Direct Analysis of Solid Samples by Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques

The direct chemical analysis allows investigating samples without altering them, keeping the sample available for further analysis. For the qualitative investigation, analytical procedures like gas-chromatography, Raman microscopy, and Infra Red spectroscopy are available; however, the univariate approach is not exhaustive in the case of very complex matrices. The quantitative approach is still an open issue, due to the strong matrix effect hindering the creation of univariate calibration methods in interpolation mode. The multivariate analysis may be the solution. Three-way Principal Components Analysis (PCA) allows for comprehension of variables influencing classification. The Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) combined with Discriminant Analysis (DA) allows classifying. Multivariate standard addition calibration based on PLS coupled with Net Analyte Signal (NAS) calculation allows bypassing the matrix effect in quantitative analysis. This Chapter is focused on the issues mentioned above. Three sections will be presented: SECTION 1: three-way PCA is applied to the discrimination among bacterial species in samples analyzed as such by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Applications to timely analysis of pathogenic microbes are foreseen. SECTION 2 PLS-DA is applied to Raman spectra to discriminate adulterated beeswaxes from natural ones. This procedure may be implemented to prevent possible adulteration of bees\u2019 products. SECTION 3 PLS-NAS is applied to ATR spectra to quantify biogenic silica in marine sediments. The new method allows to accurately study the time evolution of primary productivity in the Antarctic basins