Identification of amino acid residues of the Fusarium verticillioides endo-polygalacturonase required to escape the inhibition by host plant PGIP.

Endopolygalacturonases (Endo-PGs) play an important role during fungal infection since they depolymerize the pectin component of plant cell wall. Most plant have evolved defence mechanisms to contrast the action of endo-PGs. A direct mechanism is the interaction with plant cell wall polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) that block the polygalacturonase activity. However, fungal pathogens can elude the inhibition by plant PGIP producing PGs refractory to inhibition. F. verticillioides endo-PG is unaffected by host PGIPs (asparagus and leek) as well as by Phaseolus vulgaris PGIP, that is the most efficient PGIP so far characterized. Recently, we have identified a specific amino acid residues of the PG responsible of the lack of recognition by bean PGIP. Now we have mutated few amino acids of the F. verticillioides endo-PG which allow the recognition by host PGIP. This finding highlights the structural features of the enzyme to escape PGIP inhibition. Moreover, this modified PG could be used to replace the native PG of F. verticillioides in order to better clarify the role of constitutive PGIP in plant defence

Realizing soft high torque actuators for complete assistance wearable robots

Wearable robots enhance the ability of their wearers to physically interact with the world, and can benefit rehabilitation efficiency, assistive devices’ effectiveness, and ergonomic support of workers. Wearable robots’ ergonomics and safety can be promoted by using actuators made of soft materials, but soft actuators in the literature are unable to produce the high torques required for lower limb activities of daily living (ADLs), for example, extension of the knee for sit-to-stand. This paper presents and validates a method for realizing a soft high torque actuator, the pleated pneumatic interference actuator, for knee extension. It was shown to produce a torque of 150 Nm at 2 bar and an angle of 70°. Future work will see the development of a portable pressure source to inflate the wearable actuator

Grapevine protection: from proof of concepts to pre-industrial biofungicides

New low-impact molecules or BCAs are continually developed to answer at the high request of more eco-friendly biofungicides. Only few of them are able to substitute preexisting pesticide and become registered bio-fungicides with a formulation study that promise a good efficacy over time. Fondazione Edmund Mach, and in particular our group, optimised the “modus operandi” in order to validate a potential biofungicide with lab proof results on leaf disks and greenhouse and field trials on grapevine plants. A lot of products, coming from internal or external projects or important pharmaceutical companies, were tested from the lab to the field, through the greenhouse until the pre-registration stage and some became a commercial product. The data collected are necessary to complete the Dossier of the product

Comparing Professional Values and Authentic Leadership Dimensions in Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: A series of three baccalaureate Nursing Leadership and Patient-Centered Care (NLPCC) courses were developed to strengthen students’ perceptions and preparation as leaders in the delivery of patient-centered care through more effective professional socialization. METHOD: A mixed-methods design was used, administering two surveys to students at the start of the junior year and the end of their senior year, plus two qualitative questions were administered after the second-semester junior and senior years. RESULTS: Qualitative data reflected a growing awareness of the professional nurse’s role and responsibilities beyond the bedside. Graduating senior students demonstrated a heightened awareness for the socialization and realities of practice and a growing sense of readiness and empowerment to embrace the professional role of an RN. CONCLUSION: Through role modeling, scripted conversations, and focused dialogue, the infusion of knowledge, skills, and attitudes from the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies allowed students to hone their socialization skills prior to entering the workforce. [J Nurs Educ. 2015;54(6):339–342.