Changes in the microsomal proteome of tomato fruit during ripening

The variations in the membrane proteome of tomato fruit pericarp during ripening have been investigated by mass spectrometry-based label-free proteomics. Mature green (MG30) and red ripe (R45) stages were chosen because they are pivotal in the ripening process: MG30 corresponds to the end of cellular expansion, when fruit growth has stopped and fruit starts ripening, whereas R45 corresponds to the mature fruit. Protein patterns were markedly different: among the 1315 proteins identified with at least two unique peptides, 145 significantly varied in abundance in the process of fruit ripening. The subcellular and biochemical fractionation resulted in GO term enrichment for organelle proteins in our dataset, and allowed the detection of low-abundance proteins that were not detected in previous proteomic studies on tomato fruits. Functional annotation showed that the largest proportion of identified proteins were involved in cell wall metabolism, vesicle-mediated transport, hormone biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, lipid metabolism, protein synthesis and degradation, carbohydrate metabolic processes, signalling and response to stress

Analysis of General Practitioners’ Attitudes and Beliefs about Psychological Intervention and the Medicine-Psychology Relationship in Primary Care: Toward a New Comprehensive Approach to Primary Health Care

The biopsychosocial paradigm is a model of care that has been proposed in order to improve the effectiveness of health care by promoting collaboration between different professions and disciplines. However, its application still faces several issues. A quantitative-qualitative survey was conducted on a sample of general practitioners (GPs) from Milan, Italy, to investigate their attitudes and beliefs regarding the role of the psychologist, the approach adopted to manage psychological diseases, and their experiences of collaboration with psychologists. The results show a partial view of the psychologist’s profession that limits the potential of integration between medicine and psychology in primary care. GPs recognized that many patients (66%) would often benefit from psychological intervention, but only in a few cases (9%) were these patients regularly referred to a psychologist. Furthermore, the referral represents an almost exclusive form of collaboration present in the opinions of GPs. Only 8% of GPs would consider the joint and integrated work of the psychologist and doctor useful within the primary health care setting. This vision of the role of psychologists among GPs represents a constraint in implementing a comprehensive primary health care approach, as advocated by the World Health Organization

A Modelling Approach for Assessing the Hydrogeological Equilibrium of the Karst, Coastal Aquifer of the Salento Peninsula (Southeastern Italy): Evaluating the Effects of a MAR Facility for Wastewater Reuse

The Salento Peninsula is characterized by poor surface water resources, due to the karstic nature of its territory. On the other hand, important groundwater resources are located in the deep, karst, coastal aquifer, which is of strategic importance for the economic and social development of the area. The increasing water demand, however, if not properly managed may pose serious problems to the hydrogeological equilibrium of this aquifer, which is highly susceptible to natural and anthropogenic changes and to saltwater intrusion. Taking steps from the previous works, the present paper focuses on the characterization of the deep aquifer of the Adriatic portion of the Salento Peninsula from a quantitative point of view by means of modelling tools for the simulation of groundwater dynamics. Conclusions about the extent of the saltwater intrusion phenomenon are consequently inferred. As a result of the implementation of a density-dependent flow model, the lateral extent of such phenomenon and the vertical depth of the transition zone between freshwater and saltwater were inferred, highlighting also the role of major faults which characterize the hydraulic behaviour of the karst system under exam. The model was also applied to design a Managed Aquifer Recharge facility for management and protection of the hydrogeological equilibrium of the deep aquifer. Its positive effects on the advancement of the saline front were highlighted. Model results also allowed identifying areas where the lack of data prevents a proper comprehension of the hydrogeological processes investigated, thus representing a supporting tool for planning further monitoring campaigns

Neuroserpin polymers cause oxidative stress in a neuronal model of the dementia FENIB

The serpinopathies are human pathologies caused by mutations that promote polymerisation and intracellular deposition of proteins of the serpin superfamily, leading to a poorly understood cell toxicity. The dementia FENIB is caused by polymerisation of the neuronal serpin neuroserpin (NS) within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of neurons. With the aim of understanding the toxicity due to intracellular accumulation of neuroserpin polymers, we have generated transgenic neural progenitor cell (NPC) cultures from mouse foetal cerebral cortex, stably expressing the control protein GFP (green fluorescent protein), or human wild type, G392E or delta NS. We have characterised these cell lines in the proliferative state and after differentiation to neurons. Our results show that G392E NS formed polymers that were mostly retained within the ER, while wild type NS was correctly secreted as a monomeric protein into the culture medium. Delta NS was absent at steady state due to its rapid degradation, but it was easily detected upon proteasomal block. Looking at their intracellular distribution, wild type NS was found in partial co-localisation with ER and Golgi markers, while G392E NS was localised within the ER only. Furthermore, polymers of NS were detected by ELISA and immunofluorescence in neurons expressing the mutant but not the wild type protein. We used control GFP and G392E NPCs differentiated to neurons to investigate which cellular pathways were modulated by intracellular polymers by performing RNA sequencing. We identified 747 genes with a significant upregulation (623) or downregulation (124) in G392E NS-expressing cells, and we focused our attention on several genes involved in the defence against oxidative stress that were up-regulated in cells expressing G392E NS (Aldh1b1, Apoe, Gpx1, Gstm1, Prdx6, Scara3, Sod2). Inhibition of intracellular anti-oxidants by specific pharmacological reagents uncovered the damaging effects of NS polymers. Our results support a role for oxidative stress in the cellular toxicity underlying the neurodegenerative dementia FENIB

Evaluation of laryngoscope blades and handles regarding bacterial/fungal load and blood presence

Orientador: Maria Isabel Pedreira de Freitas CeribelliDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências MédicasResumo: Lâminas e cabos de laringoscópios têm sido analisados evidenciando presença de sangue, fluídos corpóreos e microrganismos, podendo apresentar-se potencialmente contaminados durante seu uso clínico. A forma de utilização destes equipamentos na prática diária pode estar colocando o paciente e a equipe de saúde em risco devido à maneira como vem sendo feita sua limpeza e desinfecção. Neste estudo estabeleceu-se a hipótese de que a lâmina e o cabo de laringoscópio, prontos para serem usados no paciente, sejam potenciais fontes de contaminação. O objetivo geral foi determinar a presença de sangue e de microrganismos neste equipamento. Foram analisados cabos e lâminas de laringoscópios, prontos para uso, em dois hospitais universitários públicos do interior de São Paulo. A amostra foi definida considerandose os equipamentos prontos para uso nas seções selecionadas em cada hospital, totalizando para análise microbiológica na Instituição I, 42 lâminas e na Instituição II 41 lâminas. Para a fase de presença de sangue, respectivamente, foram avaliadas 48 e 50 amostras, sendo estes distribuidos entre lâminas e cabos de laringoscópios. As análises microbiológicas foram realizadas no Laboratório de Microbiologia da Divisão de Patologia Clínica da Instituição II, utilizando-se técnicas laboratoriais quantitativas e qualitativas. Para a identificação de sangue oculto foi utilizado o teste para o monitoramento de sua presença em superfícies com metodologia em conformidade com a norma EM ISO 15883, com nome comercial de HemoCheck-S®. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. Os resultados para o teste de sangue oculto nas lâminas e cabos dos laringoscópios foram de 14,3% e 46,0% positivos na Intituição I e II, respectivamente. Para o crescimento de microrganismos na Instituição I o resultado foi positivo para 76,2% das amostras, na Instituição II, um total de 92,7%. Na contagem de UFC mais de 101 UFC foram encontradas em 31,3% amostras na Instiutição I e na Instituição II em 44,7%. O estudo concluiu que a lâminas e o cabos dos laringoscópios nestas duas intituições pesquisadas oferecem riscos aos pacientes, apresentando crescimento de microrganismos e presença de sangue oculto. Urge providências para que seja possível sua utilização, garantindo-se a segurança dos pacientes e dos profissionais que tem contato direto com este equipamentoAbstract: Laryngoscope blades and handles have been analyzed showing the presence of blood, body fluids and microorganisms, which may present as potentially contaminated during its clinical use. The daily practical utilization of devices can be exposing patients and health professionals to risk, due to ineffective cleaning and disinfecting methods. This study established the hypothesis that the laryngoscope blade and handle, when ready to use, are potential sources of contamination. Thus, the overall objective is to determine the presence of microorganisms and blood in the equipment. Laryngoscope handles and blades was analyzed, when ready to use, in two public school hospital in the country side of São Paulo. The sample size was defined considering the equipment readiness in specific areas of each hospital, summarizing 42 blades at institution I and 41 blades at institution II for microbiological analysis. For the presence of blood testing phase, 48 and 50 samples were evaluated respectively, considering laryngoscope blades and handles. Microbiological analysis was performed at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Institution II, using qualitative and quantitative laboratory techniques. For occult blood finding, the surface test methodology in accordance with standard EN ISO 15883 was used, commercial name HemoCheck-S ® and data was analyzed descriptively. The results for occult blood test in the blades and handles of laryngoscopes were positive for 14.3% and 46.0%, for institutions I and II, respectively. For microorganisms' growth test, institution I indicated positive to 76.2% of the samples and institution II showed positive for a total of 92.7% of the samples. For UFC counting, UFC higher than 101 UFC was found in 31.3% of samples for institution I and 44.7% for institution II. This study revealed that the laryngoscope blades and handles of two evaluated institutions shows risks to patients, indicating a growth of microorganisms and the presence of occult blood. Urgent steps should be taken to allow their utilization, guaranteeing the safety of patients and health professionals who have direct contact with this equipmentMestradoEnfermagem e TrabalhoMestre em Ciências da Saúd

The GH-IGF-SST system in hepatocellular carcinoma: biological and molecular pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Different signalling pathways have been identified to be implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC; among these, GH, IGF and somatostatin (SST) pathways have emerged as some of the major pathways implicated in the development of HCC. Physiologically, GH-IGF-SST system plays a crucial role in liver growth and development since GH induces IGF1 and IGF2 secretion and the expression of their receptors, involved in hepatocytes cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. On the other hand, somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are exclusively present on the biliary tract. Importantly, the GH-IGF-SST system components have been indicated as regulators of hepatocarcinogenesis. Reduction of GH binding affinity to GH receptor, decreased serum IGF1 and increased serum IGF2 production, overexpression of IGF1 receptor, loss of function of IGF2 receptor and appearance of SSTRs are frequently observed in human HCC. In particular, recently, many studies have evaluated the correlation between increased levels of IGF1 receptors and liver diseases and the oncogenic role of IGF2 and its involvement in angiogenesis, migration and, consequently, in tumour progression. SST directly or indirectly influences tumour growth and development through the inhibition of cell proliferation and secretion and induction of apoptosis, even though SST role in hepatocarcinogenesis is still opened to argument. This review addresses the present evidences suggesting a role of the GH-IGF-SST system in the development and progression of HCC, and describes the therapeutic perspectives, based on the targeting of GH-IGF-SST system, which have been hypothesised and experimented in HCC

Sand Ridges on Rocky Coastal Platforms as Markers of Tsunami Impact: A Multi-Disciplinary Analysis along the Ionian Coast of Southern Apulia (Italy)

Along the Ionian coast of Southern Apulia, a sand ridge has been detected at the inner border of a wide, low-elevated rocky platform. A multi-disciplinary analysis was carried out to define the main geomorphological and sedimentological features of this dune-like coastal deposit, to clarify its nature as well as to obtain chronological constraints for its development. The geomorphological survey reveals that the sand ridge is about 40\u201360 m wide, reaching a maximum elevation of 3.9 m above m.s.l., whereas its thickness can be estimated between 1.0 and 2.8 m. The sand ridge is in some places associated with large-size boulders. Grain size analysis shows that it is made up of poorly sorted coarse-medium sands with a gravelly fraction, without significant sedimentary structures, as confirmed by Ground Penetrating Radar survey. The micro and macro-faunal assemblage sampled in the sand ridge can be related to shallow-water environments with Posidonia oceanica meadows occurring offshore. The development of the studied sand ridge can be ascribed to a tsunami event able to mix up very coarse bioclastic sands placed at submerged platforms, storm beach deposits covering the low-elevated coastal platform in patches, and possibly older tsunami deposits. Accelerator Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon age determinations on mollusc shells sampled from the sand ridge span from 929\u20131168 AD to 1707\u20131950 AD and cluster around the 18th\u201319th centuries, suggesting a possible association with a recent tsunami event. Data reported in the Euro-Mediterranean Tsunami Catalogue would indicate as the most likely event that one of the 25th April 1836, produced by a strong earthquake with its epicenter near Rossano village, on the Ionian coast of the Calabria region

Understanding the GDPR from a requirements engineering perspective—a systematic mapping study on regulatory data protection requirements

peer reviewedData protection compliance is critical from a requirements engineering (RE) perspective, both from a software development lifecycle (SDLC) perspective and regulatory compliance. Not including these requirements from the early phases of the SDLC can prove costly and challenging afterward. The general data protection regulation (GDPR) from the European Union (EU) sets a list of requirements that organizations working within its scope should satisfy. However, these requirements are complex to work with, as legal prose tends to be vague and imprecise, and not all requirements have received the same attention from researchers. This study aims to identify the research published in RE for helping compliance with regulatory data protection requirements. We gathered and analyzed 90 articles from 2016 to 2022 through a systematic mapping study. We analyzed key trends in the sample, such as year of publication, publication venue, type of research, interdisciplinarity in the author’s background, GDPR focus of compliance element, and type of proposal. Our main findings show ongoing interest, mostly published in conferences, in achieving overall compliance with the GDPR and consent as the most popular topics. Other topics, such as cookies or children’s data, did not receive significant attention. Research over the whole RE process has been done. 20 (22%) of the papers have authors affiliated with non-computer science; however, most research seems not interdisciplinary. We finally discuss gaps in the literature, possible future areas of research, and the importance of interdisciplinary research for regulatory data protection requirements in RE

Exploring Understandability in Socio-technical Models for Data Protection Analysis: Results from a Focus Group

peer reviewedThe understandability of conceptual models depends not only on the model’s inner complexity and representation but also on the personal factors of the model’s audience. This is critical when conceptual models are used for achieving common ground during the early stages of requirements engineering for information systems and, moreover, for complex domains such as data protection. In this article, we present the results of an exploratory study consisting of eight focus groups with 21 experts on software development, business analysis and data protection, examining socio-technical models of an information system to identify privacy risks. We surveyed participants on their backgrounds to characterize the personal factors of understandability and performed an initial understandability assessment on a socio-technical model. We compared these values with the outcome of the focus group, i.e., the effectiveness of the participants in identifying privacy risks, annotating whether the risks are identified individually by a participant or collaboratively by two or more participants. The results suggest that most of the privacy risks were identified collaboratively, regardless of the previous understandability scores and personal factors such as experience and background