Toxic Tau Oligomers Modulated by Novel Curcumin Derivatives

The pathological aggregation and accumulation of tau, a microtubule-associated protein, is a common feature amongst more than 18 different neurodegenerative diseases that are collectively known as tauopathies. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the soluble and hydrophobic tau oligomers are highly toxic in vitro due to their capacity towards seeding tau misfolding, thereby propagating the tau pathology seen across different neurodegenerative diseases. Modulating the aggregation state of tau oligomers through the use of small molecules could be a useful therapeutic strategy to target their toxicity, regardless of other factors involved in their formation. In this study, we screened and tested a small library of newly synthesized curcumin derivatives against preformed recombinant tau oligomers. Our results show that the curcumin derivatives affect and modulate the tau oligomer aggregation pathways, converting to a more aggregated non-toxic state as assessed in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line and primary cortical neuron cultures. These results provide insight into tau aggregation and may become a basis for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, as well as advance the diagnostic field for the detection of toxic tau oligomers

The slowly variable star FY Lacertae

Photometric observations and analysis of FY Lac were performed in order to determine the variability characteristics, using measurements taken at Loiano site of Bologna Astronomical Observatory and AAVSO data. The star shows a Long Term variability with a preliminary period of about 274 +/- 28 days and photometric characteristics compatible with a red M5 III giant star, with a temperature of 3420 K degrees.Comment: 9 page

Effects of three different stimulations (acupuncture, moxibustion, acupuncture plus moxibustion) of BL.67 acupoint at small toe on fetal behavior of breech presentation

The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiovascular effects and fetal behavior during moxibustion, acupuncture or acupuncture plus moxibustion applied on the BL.67 acupoint of women (beside the outer corner of the 5th toenail) in fetal breech presentation. During the acupoint stimulation (20 min, two times a week), the women were submitted to computerized non-stress test. Fourteen cases were treated by both acupuncture and moxibustion, 15 cases by moxibustion and 10 cases by acupuncture. In 56% of cases, fetal position was converted from breech position to cephalic one; the success share was 80% for moxibustion, 28% for acupuncture, 57% for acupuncture plus moxibustion; the conversion, on average, was achieved after 3 sessions. Statistical analysis indicated that acupuncture plus moxibustion was able to reduce fetal heart rate during the application of stimuli while acupuncture and moxibustion separately did not affect such parameter. Moreover, moxibustion and acupuncture with moxibustion reduced fetal movements while acupuncture only appears ineffective. The present study suggests that fetal movements were reduced by both acupuncture plus moxibustion and moxibustion and that fetal heart rate was reduced just by acupuncture plus moxibustion. The mechanisms leading the effect on fetal heart rate and fetal movements remain to be clarified. Even though further studies are needed, such preliminar report mainly investigated the impact of different stimula on the BL.67 acupoint. Unfortunately these small series of data do not allow us to draw any conclusion about the effectiveness of the different treatments

L-Arginina e ipertensione in gravidanza

Il ruolo svolto dal sistema L-Arginina-ossido d’azoto (L-Arg-NO) nella genesi dell’ipertensione gestazionale è consolidato da numerosi studi in vitro ed in vivo. Infatti è stato dimostrato che l’inibizione della produzione di NO determina nell’animale da esperimento i medesimi segni e sintomi che si verificano in corso di preeclampsia (1-4). Recentemente la nostra attenzione si è focalizzata sulla capacità della L-Arginina di modificare la storia ostetrica delle donne affette da ipertensione cronica, che come è noto rappresenta un importante fattore di rischio per lo sviluppo di preeclampsia. A questo proposito sono state prese in esame 62 gravide affette da ipertensione preesistente alla gravidanza afferenti all’Ambulatorio di Patologia Ostetrica del Dipartimento Integrato Materno-Infantile dell’Università di Modena. Scopo dello studio è la valutazione della percentuale di conversione in preeclampsia, la quantità complessiva di farmaco antipertensivo utilizzato durante la gravidanza ed inoltre la valutazione dell’effetto della L-Arginina sulla pressione arteriosa misurato tramite Holter-24 ore. Considerando l’outcome materno-fetale, è stato osservato come il gruppo trattato con L-Arginina presenti rispetto al gruppo osservazione un’epoca gestazionale al parto più avanzata (38.1±2.8 vs 36.9±3.7), peso fetale maggiore (3048±741 vs 2933±950) e minor ricorso al taglio cesareo (20.6% vs 27.6%). Inoltre, il gruppo trattato con L-Arginina presenta una minor percentuale di parti al di sotto della 37ª settimana (26.5% vs 34.5%) e minor percentuale di neonati con peso inferiore a 2500 grammi (20.6% vs 24.1%

Il Progetto “Mentori per la didattica” e le altre iniziative dell’Università di Palermo

L’Ateneo di Palermo sta portando avanti diverse iniziative di miglioramento della qualità della didattica. In particolare, il progetto “Mentori per la didattica” nasce nel 2013 su iniziativa di alcuni docenti di ingegneria con l’obiettivo di migliorare la qualità della didattica dei partecipanti grazie a due strumenti chiave: l’aiuto dei mentori e una serie di incontri di riflessione e approfondimento. Ogni docente (mentee) che aderisce al progetto ha due mentori che hanno il compito di aiutarlo a migliorare la qualità della sua didattica. Inoltre, egli stesso svolge il ruolo di mentore a favore di altri due colleghi, cosicché ciascuno è mentore e mentee allo stesso tempo. I mentori assistono ad alcune lezioni del mentee, incontrano gli studenti e raccolgono il loro parere sul corso e, infine, incontrano il mentee per individuare insieme delle strategie di miglioramento. I mentori non sono interessati ai contenuti della disciplina ma alle modalità di erogazione della lezione. Di conseguenza, non devono essere esperti della disciplina insegnata dal mentee. Il programma prevede anche una serie di incontri che servono per fornire strumenti operativi nonché spunti di riflessione sul tema dell’insegnamento e contribuiscono a realizzare una maggiore consapevolezza del ruolo di docente. Il successo riscosso tra i partecipanti ha fatto sì che, nel corso degli anni, il numero di docenti coinvolti sia aumentato, fino a superare gli ottanta nel 2018, grazie al passaparola, estendendosi a tutte le aree del sapere. Il programma è stato molto apprezzato dai partecipanti e dagli studenti ed ha ricevuto un positivo apprezzamento nella relazione della CEV, relativa alla visita in loco per l’accreditamento periodico dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo. Negli ultimi anni è stata anche prevista la figura dei mentori senior che si occupano di assistere e guidare l’attività dei mentori più giovani. Nella presentazione il progetto sarà illustrato con particolare riferimento ai risultati ottenuti negli anni. Inoltre, saranno presentate altre iniziative future dell’Ateneo di Palermo sul miglioramento della qualità della didattica inclusi dei percorsi di formazione per i neoassunti e per i coordinatori dei CdS e la creazione di un apposita struttura che si occuperà di implementare e coordinare le riflessioni sulle innovazioni metodologiche e tecnologiche e di organizzare i cicli di seminari sopra citati

Polyamine, peroxidase activity and total protein content during storage of bird-of-paradise

The present study was aimed to the determination of the effect of storage on some biochemical characteristics (PAs content, POX activity and total protein content) of flower tissue of bird-of-paradise. Flowers were selected and labeled, avoiding any mechanical damage, and randomly distributed in recipients for two postharvest trials. In the first experiment, flowers were placed in recipients containing tap water and stored in a cold room, at 7.5 \ubaC and 90 % RH, for a period of 12 days. In experiment 2, flowers were stored in room temperature for a period of 6 days. For biochemical characteristics, samples (sepals, petals, stems and bracts) from experiment 1 were collected at 0, 4, 8 and 12 days, and at 0, 2, 4 and 6 days for experiment 2. Results showed that flower bracts, stored at 7.5 \ub0C, presented a lower content of PAs (Put and Spd), when compared to samples stored at room temperature. In both experiments, a high content of PAs (Spm) was observed in flower tissues in relation to Put and Spd. An increase of POX activity was observed in sepals stored in the cold, and was related to PAs degradation during senescence. No differences in total protein content were observed between the two treatments. The present study provides numeric results on changes in level of PAs, POX activity and total protein during postharvest of bird-of-paradise

Altered Expression of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor in the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

The endocannabinoid system has gained much attention as a new potential pharmacotherapeutic target in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the association between CB1 alterations and the development of AD neuropathology is unclear and often contradictory. In this study, brain CB1 mRNA and CB1 protein levels were analyzed in 3 × Tg-AD mice and compared to wild-type littermates at 2, 6 and 12 months of age, using in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Semiquantitative analysis of CB1 expression focused on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), prelimbic cortex, dorsal hippocampus (DH), basolateral amygdala complex (BLA), and ventral hippocampus (VH), all areas with high CB1 densities that are strongly affected by neuropathology in 3 × Tg-AD mice. At 2 months of age, there was no change in CB1 mRNA and protein levels in 3 × Tg-AD mice compared to Non-Tg mice in all brain areas analyzed. However, at 6 and 12 months of age, CB1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in PFC, DH, and BLA, and lower in VH in 3 × Tg-AD mice compared to wild-type littermates. CB1 immunohistochemistry revealed that CB1 protein expression was unchanged in 3 × Tg-AD at 2 and 6 months of age, while a significant decrease in CB1 receptor immunoreactivity was detected in the BLA and DH of 12-month-old 3 × Tg-AD mice, with no sign of alteration in other brain areas. The altered CB1 levels appear, rather, to be age-and/or pathology-dependent, indicating an involvement of the endocannabinoid system in AD pathology and supporting the ECS as a potential novel therapeutic target for treatment of AD

Application of the MESMA framework. Case study : Strait of Sicily

This deliverable D2.2 comprises a manual containing the protocol for the application of the generic framework to the MESMA case studies. The generic framework (deliverable D2.1) is the central document for the subsequent work packages of MESMA. It provides a best practice guide for monitoring and evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (SMA) in seven distinctive and clearly outlined steps which comprise 1) setting the context, 2) collation of existing information and mapping, 3) setting of targets, 4) risk analysis and state assessment, 5) assessment of findings against operational objectives, 6) evaluation of the effectiveness of management measures and 7) adaptation of the current management regime based on the outcome of the assessments (for details see D2.1). Although the framework has been developed as a generic tool for use by a range of people involved in evaluating SMAs, the first version of the manual was specifically tailored (in certain areas) for use by the case studies (WP3 of MESMA). It was designed to be an aid to the case studies applying the framework. Thus, feedback on the performance of the framework and manual is guiding the production of a revised framework and manual (D2.3) to be delivered in November 2012. The revised versions will be made available to the wider scientific community and management bodies. This document is the third version of the original document D2.2. As outlined in more detail in D2.1, we have identified several links between the WP2 framework on the one hand and a structured governance analysis (WP6) on the other. These links are indicated in the respective framework steps. The MESMA generic framework and manual does not accommodate for a comprehensivec governance analysis. Therefore the MESMA case study research has two streams – the MESMA framework and the governance research analysis. Governance issues in all MESMA case studies will be analysed through the WP6 Governance Analytical Structure. Further guidance on governance research has been developed and is available in a separate document entitled ‘Guidelines for MESMA WP6 Governance Research’. The WP6 governance research essentially aims to address the following questions: 1) What are the governance approaches and incentives being adopted in a given existing initiative with spatial elements, and how effective are the incentives and governance approaches in that particular context in achieving a particular priority objective? 2) What are the potential incentives and governance approaches that could be implemented to improve effectiveness in achieving the specific objective of an existing initiative and addressing related conflicts? 3) How do wider issues, such as top-down/bottom-up balance, inter-sectoral integration and power, cross-border issues, justice and different levels of knowledge, affect the effectiveness of existing initiatives? This ‘two stream’ approach will provide a clear way forward for combining the MESMA framework and governance research to the case studies in an integrated and coherent manner. As a result, in depth governance analysis covered by the governance work package is outlined briefly in the introduction of each framework step together with specific actions which will be largely carried out under the governance research. Further details on the WP6 governance analysis and on how the two streams of work will be linked from a WP6 governance perspective can be found in the document ‘Guidelines for MESMA WP6 Governance Research’, and Appendix 1 of this document shows a visualisation of the linkages between the two streams of work. It should be noted that in order to be able to link and integrate WP2 and WP6 research, both of the following conditions should be met: 1) Both WP2 and WP6 research are about analysing an existing initiative. Such an initiative may be an integrated marine spatial plan or part of the integrated plan; or if there is no integrated marine spatial plan in place, an existing initiative with spatial elements (e.g. sectoral management plan with spatial restrictions) which may be linked or offer valuable lessons to the future development of an integrated marine spatial plan. 2) WP2 and WP6 research should focus on the same priority objective for at least one run of the WP2 framework. The practical implementation of the framework is also linked to specific tools which will be identified and developed in WP4 and the data handling standards specified in WP5. A revised version of the manual should then interlink the actions underneath each framework step with a set of practical tools comprising technical and conceptual tools.peer-reviewe