Riconoscere e prevenire i comportamenti disfunzionali

Il presente elaborato è frutto della personale esperienza professionale in qualità di assistente educativa in ambito scolastico, ambito nel quale spesso si osservano bambini e preadolescenti che manifestano, con modalità diverse, difficoltà che esprimono il segnale di un disagio psicologico sul piano affettivo-relazionale, comportamentale e degli apprendimenti, non necessariamente riconducibile a specifiche cause psicopatologiche. Sensibili all’esigenza di promuovere la prevenzione dell’insorgenza del disagio psicologico in età evolutiva attraverso il precoce rilevamento dei cosiddetti predittori o indicatori di rischio, l’indagine sperimentale qui presentata ha avuto il fine di valutare la significatività statistica dei risultati della somministrazione del Questionario Multifattoriale sul Mal di Scuola (QMMS, di Sasso, Marmorato & Sborlini, 2008) – strumento clinico specificatamente ideato per misurare il costrutto del disagio psicologico in età evolutiva espresso in ambito scolastico – nella regione Marche, al confronto con i risultati di precedenti campioni sperimentali di popolazione scolastica coinvolti nelle regioni Abruzzo, Puglia e Calabria. Nelle conclusioni, alcune riflessioni sul valore della prevenzione e sull’importanza della presenza specializzata di figure professionali quali lo Psicologo Scolastico

Insulin secretory granules labelled with phogrin-fluorescent proteins show alterations in size, mobility and responsiveness to glucose stimulation in living β-cells

The intracellular life of insulin secretory granules (ISGs) from biogenesis to secretion depends on their structural (e.g. size) and dynamic (e.g. diffusivity, mode of motion) properties. Thus, it would be useful to have rapid and robust measurements of such parameters in living β-cells. To provide such measurements, we have developed a fast spatiotemporal fluctuation spectroscopy. We calculate an imaging-derived Mean Squared Displacement (iMSD), which simultaneously provides the size, average diffusivity, and anomalous coefficient of ISGs, without the need to extract individual trajectories. Clustering of structural and dynamic quantities in a multidimensional parametric space defines the ISGs’ properties for different conditions. First, we create a reference using INS-1E cells expressing proinsulin fused to a fluorescent protein (FP) under basal culture conditions and validate our analysis by testing well-established stimuli, such as glucose intake, cytoskeleton disruption, or cholesterol overload. After, we investigate the effect of FP-tagged ISG protein markers on the structural and dynamic properties of the granule. While iMSD analysis produces similar results for most of the lumenal markers, the transmembrane marker phogrin-FP shows a clearly altered result. Phogrin overexpression induces a substantial granule enlargement and higher mobility, together with a partial de-polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton, and reduced cell responsiveness to glucose stimulation. Our data suggest a more careful interpretation of many previous ISG-based reports in living β-cells. The presented data pave the way to high-throughput cell-based screening of ISG structure and dynamics under various physiological and pathological conditions

Inhibiting the growth of 3D brain cancer models with bio-coronated liposomal temozolomide

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an effective means to deliver anticancer drugs into the brain. Among various forms of NPs, liposomal temozolomide (TMZ) is the drug-of-choice for the treatment and management of brain tumours, but its therapeutic benefit is suboptimal. Although many possible reasons may account for the compromised therapeutic efficacy, the inefficient tumour penetration of liposomal TMZ can be a vital obstacle. Recently, the protein corona, i.e., the layer of plasma proteins that surround NPs after exposure to human plasma, has emerged as an endogenous trigger that mostly controls their anticancer efficacy. Exposition of particular biomolecules from the corona referred to as protein corona fingerprints (PCFs) may facilitate interactions with specific receptors of target cells, thus, promoting efficient internalization. In this work, we have synthesized a set of four TMZ-encapsulating nanomedicines made of four cationic liposome (CL) formulations with systematic changes in lipid composition and physical−chemical properties. We have demonstrated that precoating liposomal TMZ with a protein corona made of human plasma proteins can increase drug penetration in a 3D brain cancer model derived from U87 human glioblastoma multiforme cell line leading to marked inhibition of tumour growth. On the other side, by fine-tuning corona composition we have also provided experimental evidence of a non-unique effect of the corona on the tumour growth for all the complexes investigated, thus, clarifying that certain PCFs (i.e., APO-B and APO-E) enable favoured interactions with specific receptors of brain cancer cells. Reported results open new perspectives into the development of corona-coated liposomal drugs with enhanced tumour penetration and antitumour efficacy

Farmers in the transition toward sustainability: what is the role of their entrepreneurial identity?

IntroductionThe European Union has recently prompted a shift toward Ecological Intensification (EI) practices, aiming to harmonize agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. Despite the benefits of EI, its implementation has been limited, as farmers face challenges in business reorganization and supply chain adaptation. This paper investigates the role of contract farming (CF) in promoting the adoption of sustainable practices among Italian wheat producers. Specifically, it analyzes the influence of farmers’ entrepreneurial identity on their engagement in such initiatives.MethodsUsing the case study of Barilla Group’s Carta del Mulino initiative, an innovative contract farming scheme incentivizing sustainable EI practices, the study explores the relationship between entrepreneurial identity and participation in CF schemes supporting EI. Data from a sample of 314 soft wheat farmers in four regions of Northern Italy were collected to examine the role of entrepreneurial identity in the adoption of sustainable practices and participation in CF schemes. To evaluate the research hypotheses, two distinct econometric models were developed.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that farmers with a more developed entrepreneurial identity are more likely to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices and engage in contractual schemes involving EI practices. The study highlights the importance of fostering and supporting farmers’ entrepreneurial identity while increasing their knowledge of alternative agricultural techniques to address the challenges of the agricultural sector. This integration of individual perspectives (entrepreneurial identity) with a systems view (contract farming schemes) offers valuable insights for future research, policy, and practice in agri-food systems sustainability

Investigating the mechanism of action of DNA-loaded PEGylated lipid nanoparticles

PEGylated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are commonly used to deliver bioactive molecules, but the role of PEGylation in DNA-loaded LNP interactions at the cellular and subcellular levels remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of DNA-loaded PEGylated LNPs using gene reporter technologies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCS). We found that PEG has no significant impact on the size or nanostructure of DNA LNPs but reduces their zeta potential and interaction with anionic cell membranes. PEGylation increases the structural stability of LNPs and results in lower DNA unloading. FCS experiments revealed that PEGylated LNPs are internalized intact inside cells and largely shuttled to lysosomes, while unPEGylated LNPs undergo massive destabilization on the plasma membrane. These findings can inform the design, optimization, and validation of DNA-loaded LNPs for gene delivery and vaccine development

CFBM - A Framework for Data Driven Approach in Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation

Recently, there has been a shift from modeling driven approach to data driven approach in Agent Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS). This trend towards the use of data-driven approaches in simulation aims at using more and more data available from the observation systems into simulation models [1, 2]. In a data driven approach, the empirical data collected from the target system are used not only for the design of the simulation models but also in initialization, evaluation of the output of the simulation platform. That raises the question how to manage empirical data, simulation data and compare those data in such agent-based simulation platform. In this paper, we first introduce a logical framework for data driven approach in agent-based modeling and simulation. The introduced framework is based on the combination of Business Intelligence solution and a multi-agent based platform called CFBM (Combination Framework of Business intelligence and Multi-agent based platform). Secondly, we demonstrate the application of CFBM for data driven approach via the development of a Brown Plant Hopper Surveillance Models (BSMs), where CFBM is used not only to manage and integrate the whole empirical data collected from the target system and the data produced by the simulation model, but also to initialize and validate the models. The successful development of the CFBM consists not only in remedying the limitation of agent-based modeling and simulation with regard to data management but also in dealing with the development of complex simulation systems with large amount of input and output data supporting a data driven approach

Imported arboviral infections in Italy, July 2014-October 2015: A National Reference Laboratory report

BACKGROUND: Imported cases of infections due to Dengue (DENV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses and, more recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) are commonly reported among travelers returning from endemic regions. In areas where potentially competent vectors are present, the risk of autochthonous transmission of these vector-borne pathogens is relatively high. Laboratory surveillance is crucial to rapidly detect imported cases in order to reduce the risk of transmission. This study describes the laboratory activity performed by the National Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses (NRLA) at the Italian National Institute of Health in the period from July 2014 to October 2015. METHODS: Samples from 180 patients visited/hospitalized with a suspected DENV/CHIKV/ZIKV infection were sent to the NRLA from several Italian Hospitals and from Regional Reference Laboratories for Arboviruses, in agreement with the National Plan on human surveillance of vector-borne diseases. Both serological (ELISA IgM test and Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test-PRNT) and molecular assays (Real Time PCR tests, RT-PCR plus nested PCR and sequencing of positive samples) were performed. RESULTS: DENV infection was the most frequently diagnosed (80 confirmed/probable cases), and all four genotypes were detected. However, an increase in imported CHIKV cases (41 confirmed/probable cases) was observed, along with the detection of the first ZIKV cases (4 confirmed cases), as a consequence of the recent spread of both CHIKV and ZIKV in the Americas. CONCLUSIONS: Main diagnostic issues highlighted in our study are sensitivity limitations of molecular tests, and the importance of PRNT to confirm serological results for differential diagnosis of Arboviruses. The continuous evaluation of diagnostic strategy, and the implementation of laboratories networks involved in surveillance activities is essential to ensure correct diagnosis, and to improve the preparedness for a rapid and proper identification of viral threats

Rhizosphere Microbial Communities and Heavy Metals

The rhizosphere is a microhabitat where there is an intense chemical dialogue between plants and microorganisms. The two coexist and develop synergistic actions, which can promote plants’ functions and productivity, but also their capacity to respond to stress conditions, including heavy metal (HM) contamination. If HMs are present in soils used for agriculture, there is a risk of metal uptake by edible plants with subsequent bioaccumulation in humans and animals and detrimental consequences for their health. Plant productivity can also be negatively affected. Many bacteria have defensive mechanisms for resisting heavy metals and, through various complex processes, can improve plant response to HM stress. Bacteria-plant synergic interactions in the rhizosphere, as a homeostatic ecosystem response to HM disturbance, are common in soil. However, this is hard to achieve in agroecosystems managed with traditional practices, because concentrating on maximizing crop yield does not make it possible to establish rhizosphere interactions. Improving knowledge of the complex interactions mediated by plant exudates and secondary metabolites can lead to nature-based solutions for plant health in HM contaminated soils. This paper reports the main ecotoxicological effects of HMs and the various compounds (including several secondary metabolites) produced by plant-microorganism holobionts for removing, immobilizing and containing toxic elements

Size and charge of nanoparticles following incubation with human plasma of healthy and pancreatic cancer patients

When nanoparticles (NPs) enter a biological environment, proteins bind to their surface forming a protein coating, which alters NP features giving it a biological identity, which controls its physiological response. The NP biological identity (size, charge and aggregation state) does strictly correlate with its physicochemical properties and the nature of the biological environment. While the former relationship has been extensively investigated, whether and how alterations in the physiological environment affect the biological identity of the NPs remains unclear. In this work we enrolled healthy and histologically proven pancreatic cancer patients. A statistically significant reduction in the level of clinically relevant proteins in cancer patients occurred. Positively and negatively charged lipid nanoparticles with two different surface chemistries (plain and PEGylated) were incubated with human plasma from both groups and characterized thoroughly by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. Only when plain positively charged NPs were tested, significant difference in zeta-potential between healthy and pancreatic cancer groups was found. This result implies that pooling human plasma from healthy volunteers might lead to a bias and thus unpredictable consequences in regard to previously optimized targeting profile.When nanoparticles (NPs) enter a biological environment, proteins bind to their surface forming a protein coating, which alters NP features giving it a biological identity, which controls its physiological response. The NP biological identity (size, charge and aggregation state) does strictly correlate with its physicochemical properties and the nature of the biological environment. While the former relationship has been extensively investigated, whether and how alterations in the physiological environment affect the biological identity of the NPs remains unclear. In this work we enrolled healthy and histologically proven pancreatic cancer patients. A statistically significant reduction in the level of clinically relevant proteins in cancer patients occurred. Positively and negatively charged lipid nanoparticles with two different surface chemistries (plain and PEGylated) were incubated with human plasma from both groups and characterized thoroughly by dynamic light scattering and zet