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Development of foraminiferal-based biotechnologies for the mitigation of the anthropogenic impact and restoration of marine ecosystems
No full textMarine pollution has increasingly damaged aquatic ecosystems, posing severe threats to marine biota and human health. Finding strategies and solutions to mitigate and address marine pollution has become a global priority. Recent advancements in marine biotechnology have opened new possibilities for using marine organisms to address marine pollution and global climate challenges. While benthic foraminifera, single-celled marine organisms, have been widely used as bioindicators of pollution, their potential as bioremediators remains largely unexplored. This PhD thesis pioneers the development of a novel benthic foraminiferal-based biotechnology, using a step-by-step approach. A cost-effective, homemade electric stimulator is introduced, capable of generating customized electric stimulation patterns using an Arduino board and minimal components. This device enables precise studies of electric fields on benthic foraminifera, representing a significant step in advancing marine ecosystem research. The effects of electric stimulation on the viability of a larger benthic foraminiferal species Amphistegina lessonii are then evaluated with the threshold electrical density range identified. Cellular and physiological responses to electric stimulation are further analyzed using a multidisciplinary approach. Key biomarkers, including proteins and enzymes, are employed to assess oxidative stress at the cellular level, while single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals metabolic responses. Additionally, the photosynthetic activity of symbionts in Amphistegina lobifera under electric stimulation is also investigated. Building on these findings, the potential of electric stimulation to promote the precipitation of dissolved ions in seawater and its effects on the growth rate of A. lobifera are examined. This thesis highlights the potential for further research to optimize conditions for benthic foraminiferal growth, aiming to facilitate the development of innovative applications of electric stimulation in environmental biotechnology.Marine pollution has increasingly damaged aquatic ecosystems, posing severe threats to marine biota and human health. Finding strategies and solutions to mitigate and address marine pollution has become a global priority. Recent advancements in marine biotechnology have opened new possibilities for using marine organisms to address marine pollution and global climate challenges. While benthic foraminifera, single-celled marine organisms, have been widely used as bioindicators of pollution, their potential as bioremediators remains largely unexplored. This PhD thesis pioneers the development of a novel benthic foraminiferal-based biotechnology, using a step-by-step approach. A cost-effective, homemade electric stimulator is introduced, capable of generating customized electric stimulation patterns using an Arduino board and minimal components. This device enables precise studies of electric fields on benthic foraminifera, representing a significant step in advancing marine ecosystem research. The effects of electric stimulation on the viability of a larger benthic foraminiferal species Amphistegina lessonii are then evaluated with the threshold electrical density range identified. Cellular and physiological responses to electric stimulation are further analyzed using a multidisciplinary approach. Key biomarkers, including proteins and enzymes, are employed to assess oxidative stress at the cellular level, while single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals metabolic responses. Additionally, the photosynthetic activity of symbionts in Amphistegina lobifera under electric stimulation is also investigated. Building on these findings, the potential of electric stimulation to promote the precipitation of dissolved ions in seawater and its effects on the growth rate of A. lobifera are examined. This thesis highlights the potential for further research to optimize conditions for benthic foraminiferal growth, aiming to facilitate the development of innovative applications of electric stimulation in environmental biotechnology
Role of Perinatal Stem Cell Secretome as Potential Therapy for Muscular Dystrophies
Get PDF: Inflammation mechanisms play a critical role in muscle homeostasis, and in Muscular Dystrophies (MDs), the myofiber damage triggers chronic inflammation which significantly controls the disease progression. Immunomodulatory strategies able to target inflammatory pathways and mitigate the immune-mediated damage in MDs may provide new therapeutic options. Owing to its capacity of influencing the immune response and enhancing tissue repair, stem cells' secretome has been proposed as an adjunct or standalone treatment for MDs. In this review study, we discuss the challenging points related to the inflammation condition characterizing MD pathology and provide a concise summary of the literature supporting the potential of perinatal stem cells in targeting and modulating the MD inflammation
Temporal dynamics of communities on plastic debris in a polluted marine habitat
No full textThis study investigated the succession of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities on polystyrene panels deployed for 25 weeks in a harbour environment influenced by anthropogenic activities. These activities resulted in an excess of nutrients from sewage and agricultural discharges, as well as the release of hydrocarbons and other pollutants. An eDNA metabarcoding approach targeting the 16S and 18S rRNA genes was used. This innovative methodology allowed a detailed analysis of the community development and succession, providing an in-depth view of biodiversity and ecological dynamics associated with plastic substrates. The microbial biofilm community remained stable throughout the experiment enriched in Rhodobacteraceae (16.97 %) and Flavobacteriaceae (17.99 %). Only minor differences observed between the early and late stages, consistent with their identification as key components of the biofilm. For the eukaryotic community, the early colonization stages were dominated by Alveolata (63.39 %) and Stramenopiles (23.53 %). Later stages showed changes in the community with Chlorophyta (20.14 %) and Opisthokonta (94.32 %) being the most abundant phyla. Richness, as alpha diversity index based on retrieved ASVs, varied from 1875 to 2481 and from 159 to 405 for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. This indicated an adaptive succession of plastic-associated communities in aquatic ecosystems. Potential plastic-degrading groups found in the prokaryotic community showed a dynamic distribution across colonization stages. Trophic dynamics on plastic debris showed that heterotrophs dominated the eukaryotic community. Our results confirmed the role of plastics as vectors in marine ecosystems, for complex communities composed of bacteria, algae, and invertebrates. This highlighted potential risks to the health of marine ecosystems
Il raffreddore e i suoi benefici
No full textLa pubblicazione di questo volume è il risultato di una seconda opera di traduzione in italiano di un testo di Noguchi Haruchika (dopo Rimproveri e lodi, editato dalla Luni nel 2023) direttamente dal giapponese, in cui egli si mostra particolarmente attento, come sempre nei suoi intenti educativo-formativi, al recupero delle naturali energie dell’essere umano, del suo corpo e della sua innata flessibilità: l’educazione del subconscio diviene il principale veicolo per liberare le persone da inconsapevoli impedimenti psicologici, che sono spesso la causa del loro ammalarsi e ostacolo per una piena guarigione. Il fine è quello di rispettare, mantenere o ripristinare l’equilibrio psicofisico dell’individuo, secondo una visione unitaria mente-corpo spesso lontana dalle diffuse idee cartesiane della cultura euroamericana per cui mente e corpo non sono un’unica realtà ma due poli distinti, se non opposti e per lo più indipendenti l’uno dall’altro, presenti nell’individuo
Updates to HIV Transmission Rate Estimates Along the HIV Care Continuum in the United States, 2019
No full textBackground: In 2019, there were an estimated 1.2 million persons with HIV (PWH) and 35,100 new infections in the United States. The HIV care continuum has a large influence on transmission dynamics. Methods: We updated Progression and Transmission of HIV 3.0, an agent-based simulation model, to estimate 2019 HIV transmission rates and distribution of transmissions by the HIV care continuum, race/ethnicity, transmission group, and age group. Results: In 2019, the estimated transmission rate in the United States was 2.94 new infections per 100 person-years ( inf/100p-y) . Transmission rates decreased along the HIV care continuum; the highest transmission rate was associated with persons with acute HIV infection and unaware of their HIV status at 16.35 inf/100p-y , followed by PWH (nonacute) and unaware of their HIV status (9.52), persons aware of their HIV status and not in care (5.96), persons receiving HIV care (on antiretroviral therapy) but not virally suppressed (4.53), and persons virally suppressed (0). The highest transmission rate by transmission group was among men who have sex with men at 3.68 inf/100p-y . Transmission rates decreased as age increased and are similar by race/ethnicity, after accounting for the HIV care continuum. Conclusions: Our results support a continued emphasis on helping PWH move along the care continuum through early diagnosis, linkage to care, and adherence to ART, resulting in viral suppression to reduce HIV transmissions. Furthermore, efforts should focus on reducing disparities in the provision of HIV prevention and care services, particularly for populations disproportionally affected by HIV
Volcano-tectonic controls on magma residence time in arc crusts: Insights from noble gas geochemistry in the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone
No full textThe Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes (SVZ) is a unique natural laboratory to explore the interaction between tectonic and volcanic processes. This study used the helium isotopic composition (R = 3He/4He of the sample) of volcanic rocks and geothermal gases to determine magma storage timescales across different volcano-tectonic settings. Precisely, we assess how transtensional and transpressional crustal settings linked to the interaction of the intra-arc Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault System (LOFS) and the margin-oblique Andean Transverse Faults (ATF), influence magma storage conditions and residence times. We focused on two volcanic systems: Sollipulli and Cordón Caulle. Measured helium isotope ratios normalized to the air ratio (or R/Ra) in geothermal gases range from 5.88 - 6.98 Ra for the Sollipulli and 2.37 - 5.42 Ra for Cordón Caulle, while the expected mantle endmember in this region is 7.9 Ra. Cordón Caulle's rocks showed the larger range of helium isotope ratios, with the highest of 5.71 Ra. We solved magma aging models, incorporating Monte Carlo simulations, to assess the progressive dilution of the magmatic 3He/4He endmember due to the addition of locally produced radiogenic 4He from decay of U and Th contained in magma chambers. Our results show shorter residence times at Sollipulli (31.8 ± 16.4 Ky), associated with transtensional LOFS-controlled setting, and longer residence times at Cordón Caulle (86.8 ± 27.8 Ky), linked to a transpressional ATF regime. These findings underscore the influence of both fault systems and deformation style on magma residence time, offering new insights into the processes that drive volcanic activity in the SVZ
l Teaching and Learning Center per ampliare l’offerta formativa dei docenti neoassunti: una proposta formativa sulla valutazione nella didattica universitaria
Get PDFThe article discusses some working hypotheses related to training proposals developed within the framework of the Teaching Learning Center (TLC). Under this name, there are structures and experiences which are often very diversified. On the other hand, they represent an unprecedented opportunity in the university system of our country for the promotion of the quality of teaching, the valorization of the development of teaching skills of university teaching and, consequently, for the improvement of the learning experience of students. This last aspect was the focus of a survey addressed to university professors and students of the University of Urbino Carlo Bo. The survey involves the administration to all students of the University of a questionnaire aimed at detecting their perception and their beliefs on evaluation in academic context. The paper discusses a hypothesis for structuring training courses focused on the evaluation of university teaching, consistent with the objectives of the TLC, based on data collected through the questionnaire (over one thousand replies) and also based on the results of a subsequent seminar with a group of university professors. In particular, the hypothesis converges on the identification of four fundamental cores which can constitute the framework for training design, in the TLC, of courses aimed at acquiring increased teaching competence of university professors in the field of evaluation
Antioxidant Bioactive Agents for Neuroprotection Against Perinatal Brain Injury
Get PDFPhysiological oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in supporting proper growth and development. While moderate oxidative stress is essential for activating key metabolic pathways and maintaining normal cellular signaling, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) can overwhelm the immature antioxidant systems of newborns, potentially leading to cellular damage and impaired physiological function. This vulnerability is particularly pronounced in the central nervous system, where limited detoxification capacity exacerbates the risk of oxidative damage, following hypoxic–ischemic events. Antioxidants agents—such as melatonin, erythropoietin, allopurinol, N-acetylcisteine, selenium, iminobiotin, taurine, and acetyl-L-carnitine—have demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in preclinical experimental studies, reducing markers of oxidative injury and improving neurological outcomes. These neuroprotective agents have also been evaluated in clinical trials, demonstrating antioxidant effects. A major issue lies in the complexity of neurological damage, which is not associated with a single pathological pathway. Additionally, the inability of these agents to reach effective concentrations within the central nervous system, along with inconsistencies across clinical trials in terms of dosage and administration methods, hinders the ability to obtain robust results. Future efforts should therefore focus on the development of delivery systems capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier and on establishing standardized clinical trial protocols and study designs. This educational review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging protective strategies, including antioxidant bioactive agents and nutritional interventions. It also explores the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress and its impact on neonatal brain injury
Shellfish farming contamination by marine biotoxins: New insights into the ecological toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis dynamics and DSP (diarrhetic shellfish poisoning) events for safe production management of marine aquaculture
No full textMussel farming is a strategic economic activity for several coastal regions, where seawater and mussels are regularly monitored for the presence of the toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis and associated toxins. This study analysed the ecological dynamics of Dinophysis species assemblages in relation to the toxicity events recorded in mussel farms and environmental variables over the multi-year (1998–2023) continuous observations along the Emilia-Romagna and Marche coasts (northwestern Adriatic Sea). DSP (diarrhetic shellfish poisoning) toxicity events were mainly recorded in autumn and winter and were associated with the abundance of D. caudata, D. fortii and D. tripos species (rs = 0.84, rs = 0.83, and rs = 0.66, respectively, p < 0.05). The Dinophysis species showed a clear seasonality with a succession of D. acuminata, D. sacculus in spring-summer, followed by D. caudata and finally D. fortii and D. tripos in autumn. In addition, each Dinophysis species showed its own optimum temperature for maximum growth. Furthermore, interannual trends showed an increase in Dinophysis spp. absence and a decrease in toxicity in bivalve mussels (5.35 and -3.31 % year-1, respectively), accompanied by a decreasing trend in DIN, phosphate and total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a (-1.97 %, -2.64 %, -3.3 % and -1.73 % year-1, respectively). In 2015 and 2022, prolonged toxicity events occurred when the surface waters were colder and slightly saltier than the long-term average. The data analysis highlighted the importance of the long- term observations for understanding the variability of DSP events and Dinophysis dynamics in relation to the environmental conditions to improve the management of aquaculture activities
3D-printed chewable gummy tablets: A new tool for oral amoxicillin administration in paediatric population
Get PDFAmoxicillin is one of the most prescribed antibiotics in the paediatric population. Currently available formulations (i.e., suspensions and tablets) suffer from limited acceptability often responsible for the therapeutic failure. In the present study it is proposed an innovative formulation for amoxicillin oral administration that could meet acceptability requirements of the paediatric population. Chewable gummy tablets were produced by the Pressure-Assisted Microsyringe 3D printing technology. As "ink" it was used a gel obtained by the co-formulation of corn starch with acacia honey. The optimized formulation, having a final dose of 200 mg per unit, resulted visually appealing. Good accuracy between the computer-aided design and final 3D-printed product was evident as well. The fabricated gummy tablets (1.07 ± 0.05 g) showed acceptable mechanical properties such as hardness (150.52 ± 5.67 N), and gumminess (68.13 ± 6.51 N) when exposed to simulated salivary fluid. Moreover, the 3D-printed gummy tablets determined the almost complete release of the drug in the gastric environment within 2 h and assured its permeation through the PermeaPad® membranes. The obtained results suggest that 3D printing is a versatile and scalable technology useful in the pharmaceutical industry to fabricate customized chewable formulations as a suitable alternative to conventional formulations for amoxicillin administration in the paediatric population