Computational spectroscopy of helium-solvated molecules: effective inertia, from small He clusters toward the nano-droplet regime

Accurate computer simulations of the rotational dynamics of linear molecules solvated in He clusters indicate that the large-size (nano-droplet) regime is attained quickly for light rotors (HCN, CO) and slowly for heavy ones (OCS, N$_2$O, CO$_2$), thus challenging previously reported results. Those results spurred the view that the different behavior of light rotors with respect to heavy ones - including a smaller reduction of inertia upon solvation of the former - would result from the lack of adiabatic following of the He density upon molecular rotation. We have performed computer experiments in which the rotational dynamics of OCS and HCN molecules was simulated using a fictitious inertia appropriate to the other molecule. These experiments indicate that the approach to the nano-droplet regime, as well as the reduction of the molecular inertia upon solvation, is determined by the anistropy of the potential, more than by the molecular weight. Our findings are in agreement with recent infrared and/or microwave experimental data which, however, are not yet totally conclusive by themselves.Comment: 11 pages, 13 figure

Freely chosen positive intergroup imagery causes improved outgroup emotions and encourages increased contact seeking immediately and at follow up

In two ethnic contexts, we focus on volitional imagined contact as a potential method to increase individuals’ readiness to voluntarily initiate intergroup contact and engage in responses with implications for reconciliation. In Study 1, we used a quasi-experimental design to determine the causal role of volitional (vs. non-volitional) valenced imagined contact with a refugee on downstream processes. Irrespective of volition, positive visualizations led to more positive outgroup emotions, action tendencies and contact seeking, however manipulated volition amplified the differential impact of valenced contact on outgroup emotions: Negative contact was more detrimental when freely chosen, than forced, whereas positive contact was equally beneficial irrespective of volition. Study 2 investigated factors driving individuals’ choices for positive (vs. negative) imagined contact in conflict-laden Cyprus and assessed immediate and longer-term consequences of such choices for interethnic contact seeking. In both studies, participants chose to engage in imagined contact of a valence that aligned with their prior contact histories consistent with an evaluative fit mechanism. Volitional valenced imagery predicted participants’ active and self-initiated contact seeking immediately and after a 2-week period. Hence, volitional intergroup imagery as a ‘mental contact script’ prepares individuals for actual intergroup contact and behaviors with implications for intergroup reconciliation and cohesion

Papillomavirus E5: the smallest oncoprotein with many functions

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are established agents of human and animal cancers. They infect cutaneous and mucous epithelia. High Risk (HR) Human PVs (HPVs) are consistently associated with cancer of the uterine cervix, but are also involved in the etiopathogenesis of other cancer types. The early oncoproteins of PVs: E5, E6 and E7 are known to contribute to tumour progression. While the oncogenic activities of E6 and E7 are well characterised, the role of E5 is still rather nebulous. The widespread causal association of PVs with cancer makes their study worthwhile not only in humans but also in animal model systems. The Bovine PV (BPV) system has been the most useful animal model in understanding the oncogenic potential of PVs due to the pivotal role of its E5 oncoprotein in cell transformation. This review will highlight the differences between HPV-16 E5 (16E5) and E5 from other PVs, primarily from BPV. It will discuss the targeting of E5 as a possible therapeutic agent

High density balsamic vinegar: application of stable isotope ratio analysis to determine watering down

Aceto balsamico di Modena IGP (ABM) is an Italian worldwide appreciated PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) vinegar, obtained from cooked and/or concentrated grape must (at least 20% of the volume), with the addition of at least 10% of wine vinegar and a maximum 2% of caramel for color stability (EU Reg. 583/ 2009). The geographical origin of ABM ingredients is never specified. Since 2013, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued a method for determining the water fraudulently added to the vinegar and the balsamic vinegar product (EN16466-3 18O-IRMS). The method is based on the stable isotope ratios analysis of the bulk AMB sample (expressed as δ18O in ‰ with respect to the international standard V-SMOW2). Balsamic vinegars with very high density (higher than 1.37 g / mL of sugar) are available on the market. They are obtained by adding a high amount of concentrated must or by a long aging of the product in the barrel, which leads to an intense evaporation and concentration. Products with such high density cannot be analyzed by using the official method as reported in the EN16466-3 18O-IRMS. Indeed, in this conditions, the equilibration between CO2 and the water in the sample, being the base principle of the process, does not occur. In this work, the official method has been modified and validated, calculating repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R), by proceeding with a prior dilution of the sample and by applying a correction to the data in order to eliminate the diluent isotopic contribution. Considering the limit value of δ18O for a non-watered product reported in the literature for vinegar and for rectified concentrated must [1-2], the threshold limit of δ18O below which the ABM product can be considered as adulterated was identified. References [1] J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014, 62, 32, 8197–8203 [2] Food Control 2013, 29(1), 107–11

Updated distribution and characterization of crayfish plague and microsporidiosis affecting Austropotamobius pallipes complex in Trentino (Northeast Italy)

One of the causes of the decline in distribution and abundance of the endangered white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex throughout Europe is the widespread invasion of alien crayfish and the associated spread of infectious diseases, primarily crayfish plague caused by Aphanomyces astaci. Although this disease usually causes mass mortality in A. pallipes, some wild populations appear tolerant towards A. astaci. Another relevant disease is microsporidiosis (porcelain disease), caused by the parasites Astathelohania contejeani and/or Nosema austropotamobii. In 2021-2024, we conducted a monitoring survey, aimed at mapping the distribution of A. astaci, A. contejeani and N. austropotamobii in wild populations of A. pallipes in Trentino (Northeast Italy). We applied non-invasive sampling methods to collect cuticular swabs from 31 of the 46 known populations, investigate the presence of A. astaci and if possible, identify its genotype through molecular analyses. Aphanomyces astaci was detected in 8 populations, and the presence of a low pathogenic genotype (genotype A) was confirmed in one of them. Thirty-three specimens from 10 populations showed macroscopic signs of porcelain disease, abdominal muscle tissues were collected and subjected to molecular evaluation. The presence of A. contejeani was identified in 23 individuals from 9 populations and N. austropotamobii was detected in 3 individuals, from 3 populations. 8 specimens collected from 6 populations were co-infected by the two microsporidians. This study was partly supported by the EU LIFE Programme: LIFE-CLAW, Crayfish Lineages Conservation in North-western Apennine (LIFE18 NAT/IT/000806), and by the SAGA and SAGA2 collaborative projects between FEM and IZSVe

Identity inclusiveness and centrality: investigating identity correlates of attitudes toward immigrants and immigration policies

Social psychology highlights ingroup identity as an important determinant of intergroup attitudes and relations; however, research has demonstrated that its effects can be positive, negative, or nonexistent depending on how such identity is conceptualized. This research explores how national identity inclusiveness (Study 1) and centrality (Study 2) are associated with immigration related attitudes in school and countrywide settings, respectively. Study 1 showed that teachers’ inclusive (i.e., overlapping) identities regarding their immigrant students related to positive attitudes toward these students, but not to attitudes about immigrants in general or immigration policy preferences. Study 2 found that national identity centrality was related to negative attitudes toward the social impact of immigrants, and to higher support for policies inhibiting the social inclusion of immigrants in the receiving community. Combined, these studies highlight the importance of considering different conceptualizations of ingroup identity in identifying relations to immigration‐based attitudes. Moreover, the studies highlight the value of promoting inclusive identities when aiming to improve attitudes toward immigrants. We conclude by discussing a new approach for promoting inclusive identities by framing immigrants as indispensable to the receiving community.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Common variable immunodeficiency. Epidemiology and clinical manifestations in 69 patients.

La inmunodeficiencia común variable (IDCV) se caracteriza por una alteración en la producción de anticuerpos y una mayor susceptibilidad a infecciones por bacterias extracelulares capsuladas, principalmente del tracto respiratorio. Analizamos las características clínicas de 69 pacientes, evaluados en un período de 10 años en tres centros de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Al inicio del estudio se encontraban en seguimiento 14 pacientes y al finalizar 60; la mayoría fueron derivados por infecciones o hipogammaglobulinemia, y casi la mitad con diagnóstico establecido de inmunodeficiencia. Sesenta y cinco (94.2%) pacientes presentaron infecciones por gérmenes capsulados, cuatro (6.1%) sepsis y dos tuberculosis. La edad promedio de comienzo de los síntomas infecciosos fue de 18.1 años, la edad promedio al momento del diagnóstico fue de 29.6 años y el retraso diagnóstico de 11.9 años. En 41 (59.4%) pacientes se registró el antecedente de diarreas recurrentes o crónicas. En 22 (31.9%) se diagnosticaron 13 enfermedades autoinmunes, siendo las más frecuentes las hematológicas y el hipotiroidismo. Ocho pacientes tuvieron linfoproliferación policlonal histológica, cuatro (5.8%) como enfermedad granulomatosa de hígado, laringe y piel, y cuatro como neumonía intersticial linfoidea (NIL). Diecinueve (27.5%) pacientes presentaron esplenomegalia y 23/57 (40.3%) imágenes sugestivas de procesos granulomatosos o linfocíticos en la TAC de tórax (incluidos los 4 con NIL). Tres (4.3%) pacientes desarrollaron linfoma B, cuatro (5.8%) adenocarcinoma de estómago y uno cáncer de mama. El estudio tuvo una mediana de seguimiento de 54 meses, rango 1-353 y durante el período del mismo murieron cuatro pacientes (5.8%).Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by an impaired antibody production and an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections of the respiratory tract, mainly by extracellular encapsulated bacteria. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of 69 patients evaluated over a period of 10 years at three centers in the city of Buenos Aires. At the onset of the study 14 patients were on follow up, and at its end the number of patients reached to 60. Most of them consulted for infection or hypogammaglobulinemia and nearly half had an established diagnosis of immunodeficiency. Sixty-five (94.2%) patients had infections by encapsulated bacteria, four (6.1%) sepsis and two tuberculosis. The average age of onset of infectious symptoms was 18.1 years; the average age at diagnosis was 29.6 years and the delay to diagnosis 11.9 years. Forty one (59.4%) patients reported a history of recurrent or chronic diarrhea. In 22 (31.9%) 13 autoimmune diseases were diagnosed, being the most frequent the hematological disorders and hypothyroidism. Eight patients had histological polyclonal lymphoproliferation, four (5.8%) with granulomatous disease affecting the liver, the larynx and/or the skin; and four as lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP). Nineteen (27.5%) patients had splenomegaly and 23/57 (40.3%) images suggestive of lymphocytic or granulomatous processes (including the 4 with LIP) in the chest CT. Three (4.3%) patients developed B cell lymphoma, four (5.8%) stomach adenocarcinoma and one breast cancer. The study had a median follow-up of 54 months, range 1-353 and four patients (5.8%) died during the follow up.Fil: Fernández Romero, Diego S.. Hospital Britanico. Serv. de Alergia E Inmunologia Clinica; ArgentinaFil: Juri, María C.. Hospital Britanico. Serv. de Alergia E Inmunologia Clinica; ArgentinaFil: Paolini, María V.. Hospital Durand; ArgentinaFil: Malbran, Alejandro. Hospital Britanico. Serv. de Alergia E Inmunologia Clinica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

EPCL electrospun microfibrous layers for Immune assays. Sensitive Elisa for the detection of serum antibodies against HPV16 E7 oncoprotein

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is the etiologic agent of more than 50% anal/cervical cancers and about 20% oropharyngeal cancers. HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes favor the transformation and are essential for maintaining the transformed status. Serum anti-E6 and anti-E7 antibodies appear to have prognostic significance for HPV-associated cancers. However, most of the previous attempts to establish diagnostic tools based on serum detection of E6 and/or E7 antibodies have been unsuccessful, mainly due to the low accuracy of applied tests. This paper reports on a feasibility study to prove the possibility to easily immobilize HPV16 E7 onto electrospun substrates for application in diagnostic tools. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) electrospun scaffolds (called ePCL) are used to provide a microstructured substrate with a high surface-to-volume ratio, capable of binding E7 proteins when used for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. ePCL functionalized with E7 exhibited superior properties compared to standard polystyrene plates, increasing the detection signal from serum antibodies by 5-6 times. Analysis of the serum samples from mice immunized with HPV16 E7 DNA vaccine showed higher efficiency of this new anti-E7 ePCL-ELISA test vs control in E7-specific antibody detection. In addition, ePCL-E7-ELISA is prepared with a relatively low amount of antigen, decreasing the manufacturing costs