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Guanosine hydrogels in focus: A comprehensive analysis through mid-infrared spectroscopy
No full textGuanosine nucleosides and nucleotides have the peculiar ability to self-assemble in water to form supramolecular complex architectures from G-quartets to G-quadruplexes. G-quadruplexes exhibit in turn a large liquid crystalline lyotropic polymorphism, but they eventually cross-link or entangle to form a densely connected 3D network (a molecular hydrogel), able to entrap very large amount of water (up to the 99% v/v). This high water content of the hydrogels enables tunable softness, deformability, self-healing, and quasi-liquid properties, making them ideal candidates for different biotechnological and biomedical applications. In order to fully exploit their possible applications, Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to unravel the vibrational characteristics of supramolecular guanosine structures. First, the characteristic vibrations of the known quadruplex structure of guanosine 5 '-monophosphate, '-monophosphate, potassium salt (GMP/K), were investigated: the identified peaks reflected both the chemical composition of the sample and the formation of quartets, octamers, and quadruplexes. Second, the role of K+ + and Na+ + cations in promoting the quadruplex formation was assessed: infrared spectra confirmed that both cations induce the formation of G-quadruplexes and that GMP/K is more stable in the G-quadruplex organization. Finally, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used to investigate binary mixtures of guanosine (Gua) and GMP/K or GMP/Na, both systems forming G-hydrogels. The same G-quadruplex-based structure was found in both mixtures, but the proportion of Gua and GMP affected some features, like sugar puckering, guanine vibrations, and base stacking, reflecting the known side-to-side aggregation and bundle formation occurring in these binary systems
EFFECT OF EGG CONSUMPTION ON HEALTH OUTCOMES: AN UPDATED UMBRELLA REVIEW OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL AND INTERVENTION STUDIES
No full textPolystyrene Nanoparticles in Zebrafish: their Role in ocular Stress and Lipid Metabolic Imbalance.
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Seasonal prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles in Enterococcus spp. identified from mussels farmed along the coasts of the Abruzzo region
No full textThe present study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) circulation through the different seasons in the Enterococcus genus isolated from mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) for human consumption and farmed along the coasts of the central Adriatic Sea (Abruzzo region, Italy). A total of 250 mussels were collected, and 32 Enterococci (90.62% Enterococcus faecium and 9.37% Enterococcus durans) were identified using the VITEK 2 system (bioMérieux, France). Antibiograms included 26 molecules used for the treatment of veterinary and human infections. Biomolecular screenings involved 45 genetic determinants responsible for AMR. Results showed mainly resistance against tetracycline (44.44%), vancomycin (27.78%), quinupristin-dalfopristin (16.67%), nitrofurantoin, and linezolid (11.11%). Concerning the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), multiplex end-point polymerase chain reaction assays mostly amplified tetC (59.37%), tetD (50.00%), cfr (43.75%), vanA and vanD (37.50%), vatE (21.87%), vatD, poxtA and qnrS (18.75%) and 52.67% and 35.11% in winter and spring seasons, respectively. The consistent environmental ARG circulation confirms the genetic pollution of marine environments, and the season variable (water temperatures) significantly influences their horizontal circulation and phenotypical expression. The AMR phenomenon, defined as uncontrolled, represents a crucial public health concern that needs to be monitored
Tra etica ed estetica: nuove traiettorie del discorso pubblicitario
No full textThis essay aims to analyze how advertising discourse has evolved to incorporate themes, styles, and values historically and culturally associated with ethical and artistic discourse. Despite their differences, these two trajectories of advertising share a common objective: to move away from being seen purely as a persuasive, commercial activity and towards emphasizing existential values. The result is an increasing hybridisation of advertising discourse, which finds its most accomplished expression in the refined and ephemeral forms of communication on social media
IL MINORE E L’ILLECITO IN ETÀ IMPERIALE. RIFLESSIONI GIURISPRUDENZIALI E TRACCE NORMATIVE
No full textIn what terms and to what extent the prepubescent is called to answer for the consequences of illicit acts has been the subject of legal reflection since ancient times and is a theme marked by complex and non rigid profiles. Roman law contemplates ever increasing degrees of awareness in acting and for the effect it estimates differently, from birth to puberty, the manifestation of will for the purposes of imputation of the illicit act. This is also due to the peculiar nature of the crime committed. Adultery, due to the implications with the very essence of Romanity protected by the legal system and due to the biological characteristics essential for the consummation, stands out from other illicit acts quoniam tale crimen post pubertatem incipit
Characterization and Application of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) for Enhanced Climate-Resilient Crop Production in Sustainable Agriculture.
No full textThe PhD thesis explores the use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve the resilience of agricultural crops to salt stress. In general, it fits into a context that not only aims to corroborate knowledge in sustainable agriculture but also to address today's challenges related to climate change. Initially, the impact of salt elicitation was studied, to assess stress tolerance and promote the accumulation of phenolic compounds. Laterally, the biodiversity and activity of PGPR in conventional and organic agricultural systems was examined. Bacterial strains were found that were successful in reducing the negative effects of salinity through solubilization of phosphorus, production of IAA and siderophores. Finally, the study was extended to include PGPR strains isolated from extreme marine sediments, namely mangroves of Cartagena Bay in Colombia, demonstrating their potential as biostimulants. The results have allowed us to study a promising microbial consortium that, if added to saline soils, could significantly improve production and overall soil health, while reducing negative impacts on the environment
Case Report: Reproductive evaluation of a Murgese stallion with obstructive azoospermia, accumulation of hyaline material in the ampullae ducts, and corpora amylacea in vesicular glands
No full textThis report aims to present a case of obstructive azoospermia in a stud stallion diagnosed with an alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) assessment. A 20-year-old Murgese stallion is referred for acquired azoospermia. History is negative for reproductive disorders, and clinical examinations and ultrasonography of internal and external genitalia do not reveal significant alterations. Semen collection highlights the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate and the urinalysis is negative for spermatozoa. SPAP assay is performed on seminal plasma, with a value of 30 IU/L, compatible with obstructive azoospermia. A biopsy is performed, detecting the presence of complete germ lines in both testes. A resolution is attempted endoscopically, gently insufflating ampullae, with negative results, so the stallion is excluded from breeding. Time afterwards, the stallion dies of natural causes, and necropsy and histopathological analyses are performed. Corpora amylacea are highlighted in both seminal vesicles; the right and left ampullae show ectasic lumen, with the diffuse presence of hyaline material. Ampullae obstruction is an uncommon pathology, which can affect stallions and jacks, generally caused by the accumulation of spermatozoa, but, unfortunately, this case was unresponsive to attempted treatments. Interestingly, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of corpora amylacea in equine stallion sexual glands