Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars: fundamental Teff and log g of the third version

Context. Large spectroscopic surveys devoted to the study of the Milky Way, including Gaia, use automated pipelines to massively determine the atmospheric parameters of millions of stars. The Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars are reference stars with Teff and log g derived through fundamental relations, independently of spectroscopy, to be used as anchors for the parameter scale. The first and second versions of the sample have been extensively used for that purpose, and more generally to help constrain stellar models. Aims. We provide the third version of the Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars, an extended set intended to improve the calibration of spectroscopic surveys, and their interconnection. Methods. We have compiled about 200 candidates which have precise measurements of angular diameters and parallaxes. We determined their bolometric fluxes by fitting their spectral energy distribution. Masses were determined using two sets of stellar evolution models. In a companion paper we describe the determination of metallicities and detailed abundances. Results. We provide a new set of 192 Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars with their fundamental Teff and logg, and with uncertainties lower than 2% for most stars. Compared to the previous versions, the homogeneity and accuracy of the fundamental parameters are significantly improved thanks to the high quality of the Gaia data reflecting on distances and bolometric fluxes.Comment: accepted in A&

Whole Blood Transcriptome Characterization of 3xTg-AD Mouse and Its Modulation by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

The 3xTg-AD mouse is a widely used model in the study of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). It has been extensively characterized from both the anatomical and behavioral point of view, but poorly studied at the transcriptomic level. For the first time, we characterize the whole blood transcriptome of the 3xTg-AD mouse at three and six months of age and evaluate how its gene expression is modulated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). RNA-seq analysis revealed 183 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that represent a direct signature of the genetic background of the mouse. Moreover, in the 6-month-old 3xTg-AD mice, we observed a high number of DEGs that could represent good peripheral biomarkers of AD symptomatology onset. Finally, tDCS was associated with gene expression changes in the 3xTg-AD, but not in the control mice. In conclusion, this study provides an in-depth molecular characterization of the 3xTg-AD mouse and suggests that blood gene expression can be used to identify new biomarkers of AD progression and treatment effects

Clinical Study Risk Assessment of BRONJ in Oncologic Patients Treated with Bisphosphonates: Follow-Up to 18 Months

Objectives. Bisphosphonates related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a pathological condition characterized by bone exposure or latent infection in patients treated with the drug. The aim of the study is to monitor the BRONJ level of risk health in patients with cancer, according to a preventive clinical protocol, which is firstly aimed at reducing risk factors such as the periodontal infections. Materials and Methods. 10 patients participated in the protocol and were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 18 months of treatment with bisphosphonates, through full mouth plaque and bleeding scores (FMPS and FMBS), clinical attachment level (CAL) measurement, and the occurrence of osteonecrosis. Results. The mean plaque and bleeding were reduced and the CAL has not shown significant changes and in no cases was there manifestation of BRONJ. Conclusion. The protocol proved crucial for the maintenance of good oral health conditions by eliminating the risk of BRONJ during the observation period

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Improves Intestinal Mucosal Healing by Modulating Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Genes and Restoring Epithelial Barrier Functions

Gut mucosal healing (MH) is considered a key therapeutic target and prognostic parameter in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The dipotassium glycyrrhizate (DPG), a salt of the glycoconjugated triterpene glycyrrhizin, has been shown to inhibit the High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein, an allarmin strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of most inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. Here we discuss new insights on how DPG acts on MH comparing the acute phase and the recovery phase from experimental colitis in mice. We found that DPG strongly accelerates MH by differently regulating pro-inflammatory (CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL12, CCL7) and wound healing (COL3A1, MMP9, VTN, PLAUR, SERPINE, CSF3, FGF2, FGF7, PLAT, TIMP1) genes as observed only during the recovery phase of colitis. Relevant issue is the identification of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling genes, VTN, and PLAUR, as crucial genes to achieve MH during DPG treatment. Furthermore, a noticeable recovery of intestinal epithelial barrier structural organization, wound repair ability, and functionality is observed in two human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines exposed to DPG during inflammation. Thus, our study identifies DPG as a potent tool for controlling intestinal inflammation and improving MH