Phenolic Fingerprinting and Glumes Image Analysis as an Effective Approach for Durum Wheat Landraces Identification

In the last decade, encouraged by economic, social and nutritional reasons, the trend towards the rediscovery and reuse of durum wheat landraces moved on in Sicily. This growing attention in local wheat landraces made necessary to design new effective and objective identification methods that are able to distinguish landraces. Considering the difficulties coming from the genetic and morphological heterogeneity of a landrace, in this chapter a multidisciplinary approach for durum wheat landraces identification is proposed. Nine Sicilian wheat landraces were investigated from the genotypic and phenotypic point of view, studying their polyphenolic profile, and analyzing the glumes morpho-colorimetric traits, in search of similarities and/or differences. In particular, hydro-alcoholic extracts from whole wheat grains were analyzed by means of HPLC/DAD and HPLC/ESI-MS, revealing 13 metabolites mainly belonging to the classes of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavones C-glycosides. The quantitative pattern of the 13 phenolic markers allowed to perfectly identify all the wheat samples, confirming a specific and genotype-dependent pattern of phenolics concentration. Moreover, computerized image analysis techniques were applied to compare the wheat samples on the basis of 138 quantitative morpho-colorimetric variables descriptive of glumes size, shape, color and texture, confirming the possibility to undoubtedly identify wheat samples belonging to local landraces

Probable disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies bolletii infection in a patient with idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rapidly growing mycobacteria are opportunistic pathogens in patients with underlying riskfactors. Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii is a newly recognized member of rapidlygrowing mycobacteria, isolated from respiratory tract and cutaneous infections. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of chronic disseminated infection caused by M. abscessus subsp. bolletiiin a 38-year-old Sri Lankan man with idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia. Idiopathic CD4+T lymphocytopenia is a rare cause of immunodysfunction that, similar to humanimmunodeficiency virus infection. M. abscessus subsp. bolletii infection was diagnosed byculture isolation from two sputum samples. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of M. abscessus subsp. bolletiidisseminated infection in a patient affected by idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia. Incontrast to previous reports, the isolate of M. abscessus subsp. bolletii presented intermediateresistance to clarithromycin and was susceptible to cefoxitin and imipenem

Selective COX-2 inhibitory properties of dihydrostilbenes from liquorice leaves--in vitro assays and structure/activity relationship study.

Three dihydrostilbenes belonging to the polyphenol pool characterized in the leaves of Sicilian liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) have been tested for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The three dihydrostilbenes (PA-82, GA-23, DO-07) were in vitro tested to evaluate their capability to scavenge the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and to decrease thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in human whole blood samples. On the basis of the observed capability of these compounds to affect the cell COX-1/COX-2 pathway, a molecular docking study was carried out in order to understand in detail the ability of these compounds to bind to COX-1 and COX-2. The results show that the liquorice dihydrostilbenes are preferred ligands for COX-2 rather than for COX-1, providing a good rational for the observed selectivity in ex vivo experiments. Therefore, they appear to be good candidates for employment in human therapy against inflammation-related pathological conditions

Discovery of Neuroprotective Agents Based on a 5-(4-Pyridinyl)-1,2,4-triazole Scaffold

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons. The common histopathological hallmark in PD patients is the formation of intracellular proteinaceous accumulations. The main constituent of these inclusions is alpha-synuclein (α-syn), an intrinsically disordered protein that in pathological conditions creates amyloid aggregates that lead to neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. The main goal of our study was to optimize our previously identified α-syn aggregation inhibitors of 5-(4-pyridinyl)-1,2,4-triazole chemotype in terms of in vivo efficacy. Our efforts resulted in the identification of ethyl 2-((4-amino-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4 H -1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetate (15), which displayed the ability to prevent 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine-induced bradykinesia as well as to affect the levels of PD markers after the administration of the same neurotoxin. In addition to the in vivo evaluation, for the 5-(4-pyridinyl)-1,2,4-triazole-based compounds, we measured the prevention of the fibrillization process using light scattering and a ThT binding assay; these compounds have been shown to slightly reduce the α-syn aggregation

Remote Teaching (and learning) of Emergency: a study on emotions in physical education students

El objetivo del estudio fue profundizar en la autopercepción emocional de estudiantes universitarios, en entornos virtuales como resultado de la experiencia educativa remota por la pandemia por COVID 19. Se trabajó con 41 estudiantes cursando el Profesorado en Educación Física de la Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina, durante el año 2020. Se realizaron valoraciones por género, edad, año de cursado de la carrera, experiencia en la virtualidad, trabajo y familiares a cargo. Se utilizó el Cuestionario EMOC-EVEA: Componente afectivo-emocional en entornos virtuales de enseñanza-aprendizaje (García-Perales, & Valverde Berrocoso, 2021). Los resultados muestran dos modos de percibir las emociones antes y durante la actividad virtual. Por un lado, una minoría más positiva sobre la experiencia de la virtualidad, que aprovecha aprender de otros modos, sintiéndose cómoda, capaz y predispuesta. Por el otro, una tendencia mayoritaria, más pesimista en relación con los desafíos cotidianos para conectarse, con sentimiento de abandonar la clase, inseguridad al interactuar virtualmente, sintiéndolo un obstáculo para su formación profesional. Aparecen emociones vinculadas a agobio, estrés, frustración, ansiedad, angustia, desamparo, confusión, desmotivación y aislamiento, haciendo referencia en general a procesos de pérdida de la identidad de la carrera ante la imposibilidad de prácticas y encuentros cuerpo a cuerpo.The objective of the study was to delve into the emotional self-perception of university students, in virtual environments because of the remote educational experience due to the COVID 19 pandemic. We worked with 41 students studying the Professorship in Physical Education of the National University of Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina, during the year 2020. Considerations were made by gender, age, year of study, experience in virtuality, work, and dependents. The EMOC-EVEA Questionnaire was used: Affective-emotional component in virtual teaching-learning environments (García-Perales, & Valverde Berrocoso, 2021). The results show two ways of perceiving emotions before and during virtual activity. On the one hand, a more positive minority about the experience of virtuality, who take advantage of learning in other ways, feeling comfortable, capable and predisposed. On the other hand, a majority tendency, more pessimistic in relation to the daily challenges to connect, with the feeling of leaving the class, insecurity when interacting virtually, feeling it an obstacle to their professional training. Emotions related to overwhelm, stress, frustration, anxiety, anguish, helplessness, confusion, demotivation, and isolation appear, referring in general to processes of loss of the identity of the race due to the impossibility of practices and body to body encounters.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Hif1α down-regulation is associated with transposition of great arteries in mice treated with a retinoic acid antagonist

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Congenital heart defect (CHD) account for 25% of all human congenital abnormalities. However, very few CHD-causing genes have been identified so far. A promising approach for the identification of essential cardiac regulators whose mutations may be linked to human CHD, is the molecular and genetic analysis of heart development. With the use of a triple retinoic acid competitive antagonist (BMS189453) we previously developed a mouse model of congenital heart defects (81%), thymic abnormalities (98%) and neural tube defects (20%). D-TGA (D-transposition of great arteries) was the most prevalent cardiac defect observed (61%). Recently we were able to partially rescue this abnormal phenotype (CHD were reduced to 64.8%, p = 0.05), by oral administration of folic acid (FA). Now we have performed a microarray analysis in our mouse models to discover genes/transcripts potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of this CHD.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We analysed mouse embryos (8.5 dpc) treated with BMS189453 alone and with BMS189453 plus folic acid (FA) by microarray and qRT-PCR. By selecting a fold change (FC) ≥ ± 1.5, we detected 447 genes that were differentially expressed in BMS-treated embryos vs. untreated control embryos, while 239 genes were differentially expressed in BMS-treated embryos whose mothers had also received FA supplementation vs. BMS-treated embryos. On the basis of microarray and qRT-PCR results, we further analysed the <it>Hif1α </it>gene. In fact <it>Hif1α </it>is down-regulated in BMS-treated embryos vs. untreated controls (FC_micro= -1.79; FC_qRT-PCR= -1.76; p = 0.005) and its expression level is increased in BMS+FA-treated embryos compared to BMS-treated embryos (FC_micro= +1.17; FC_qRT-PCR= +1.28: p = 0.005). Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed the under-expression of Hif1α protein in BMS-treated embryos compared to untreated and BMS+FA-treated embryos and, moreover, we demonstrated that at 8.5 dpc, Hif1α is mainly expressed in the embryo heart region.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We propose that Hif1α down-regulation in response to blocking retinoic acid binding may contribute to the development of cardiac defects in mouse newborns. In line with our hypothesis, when Hif1α expression level is restored (by supplementation of folic acid), a decrement of CHD is found. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that links retinoic acid metabolism to Hif1α regulation and the development of D-TGA.</p

MIS-C and co-infection with P. vivax and P. falciparum in a child: a clinical conundrum

Background The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic represents an unprecedented global health challenge. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms that can occur in other infections. Malaria should always be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection returning from endemic areas. Case presentation We present the first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and Plasmodium vivax-falciparum and SARS-CoV2 coinfection in children. Despite clearance of parassitaemia and a negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal PCR, the patient's clinical conditions worsened. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to make the diagnosis of MIS-C. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone was effective. Conclusions This case emphasizes the importance of considering malaria diagnosis in patients returning from endemic areas, even in the COVID 19 era. Malaria and SARS-CoV2 co-infection may increase the risk of MIS-C, for which early detection is critical for proper management

Valorisation of typical products through characterising and promoting actions: morpho-biometric traits, sensory analysis and flavonol content in Cipolla di Giarratana

The performances of 9 accessions of Cipolla di Giarratana landrace were evaluated at 5 different sites located 2 in the area where this landrace is traditionally grown (South-Eastern Sicily, 550 m asl), 2 in the neighbor areas with similar average altitude, and one on the South East coast of Sicily (sea level). Biometric and morphological traits, flavonol content and sensory profile were all considered in the valorisation of a typical product of a marginal area of Sicily. Data on the actual yield and crop management at farm scale were also obtained involving more than half of the growers actually cultivating Cipolla di Giarratana , and measuring yield, plant density, and bulb weight directly on the farms. The Cipolla di Giarratana landrace is characterised by a large and heavy bulb (535 g), strongly flattened at the poles, with the maximum diameter at the central section, and white in colour. Significant differences in bulb weight and diameter were found among accessions and locations, but there were no interactions between them and one accession reported the highest bulb weight value in all of the locations studied. With regards to bulb weight, farm scale data confirm the results we obtained at the experimental locations. Fifty percent of registered yield at farm scale ranged between 86 and 152 t ha –1 with a median of 119 t ha –1 , and measured plant density revealed that 50% of the farmers planted 20-27 plants per square meter. Analysis of the UV-vis and mass spectra showed the presence of 10 different flavonols with Quercetin as the most represented flavonol. The sensory profile of Cipolla di Giarratana onion showed that this landrace is characterised by a high intensity of sweet, typical fresh flavour and texture perception

Environmental and Agro-Economic Sustainability of Olive Orchards Irrigated with Reclaimed Water under Deficit Irrigation

This study explores the effects of the adoption of reclaimed water (RW) as source of irrigation in conjunction with the application of deficit irrigation strategies in an olive orchard (different genotypes) located within the “Valle dei Margi” farmhouse (Eastern Sicily). Specifically, the RW was obtained in situ by treating the wastewater coming from the farmhouse throughout a treatment wetland system (TW). The effects of RW on crop water status (CWS) was assessed by conducting plant-based measurements (i.e., leaf water potential, Ψ, and leaves relative water content, RWC) and determining satellite-based biophysical indicators. An economical and environmental evaluation of the proposed sustainable irrigation practices was carried out by using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach.The RW quality showed high variability due to fluctuations in the number of customers at the farmhouse during the Covid-19 pandemic period. However, high removal efficiency of the overall TW was reached even if the RW quality did not always accomplish with the limits of the Italian regulations. A strong impact in the variation of Ψ was observed among the olive orchard under the different water regimes, evidencing how CWS performances are greatly conditioned by the genotype. However, no differences in leaves RWC and in satellite-based biophysical indicators were detected, despite the severe water deficit imposed (i.e., 50% of irrigation water reduction). Finally, the results of the LCA analysis underlined that the use of RW may permit to obtain important gains both in economic and environmental terms, thus representing a valid strategy for the olive cultivation

CD36 and Fyn kinase mediate malaria-induced lung endothelial barrier dysfunction in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.

PMC3744507Severe malaria can trigger acute lung injury characterized by pulmonary edema resulting from increased endothelial permeability. However, the mechanism through which lung fluid conductance is altered during malaria remains unclear. To define the role that the scavenger receptor CD36 may play in mediating this response, C57BL/6J (WT) and CD36-/- mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA and monitored for changes in pulmonary endothelial barrier function employing an isolated perfused lung system. WT lungs demonstrated a >10-fold increase in two measures of paracellular fluid conductance and a decrease in the albumin reflection coefficient (σalb) compared to control lungs indicating a loss of barrier function. In contrast, malaria-infected CD36-/- mice had near normal fluid conductance but a similar reduction in σalb. In WT mice, lung sequestered iRBCs demonstrated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To determine whether knockout of CD36 could protect against ROS-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction, mouse lung microvascular endothelial monolayers (MLMVEC) from WT and CD36-/- mice were exposed to H2O2. Unlike WT monolayers, which showed dose-dependent decreases in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) from H2O2 indicating loss of barrier function, CD36-/- MLMVEC demonstrated dose-dependent increases in TER. The differences between responses in WT and CD36-/- endothelial cells correlated with important differences in the intracellular compartmentalization of the CD36-associated Fyn kinase. Malaria infection increased total lung Fyn levels in CD36-/- lungs compared to WT, but this increase was due to elevated production of the inactive form of Fyn further suggesting a dysregulation of Fyn-mediated signaling. The importance of Fyn in CD36-dependent endothelial signaling was confirmed using in vitro Fyn knockdown as well as Fyn-/- mice, which were also protected from H2O2- and malaria-induced lung endothelial leak, respectively. Our results demonstrate that CD36 and Fyn kinase are critical mediators of the increased lung endothelial fluid conductance caused by malaria infection.JH Libraries Open Access Fun