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Dall’archeologia della città all’archeologia per la città: il ruolo del potenziale archeologico nel progetto della città moderna Il caso dell'Esquilino a Roma
No full textThe aim of this research is the study of the archaeological potential of a multilayered urban context, characterized by an intense occupation which dates at least from the ninth century B. C. up to the present day. The case-study area is located in the southeast of Rome historical centre, corresponding to Monti and Esquiline districts. The research is organised in 4 parts, which deal with the method, tools and sources; the topographic analysis, the reconstruction of the historical-topographical context and finally the mapping of archaeological potential, which is the ultimate goal of the work.
Unlike large-scale territorial studies, a urban context study requires detailed topographic data. Urban-scale study has to answer to specific questions: not what is hidden in the subsoil of the modern city- which is already known- as rather how, where and why it has been- or not – preserved. Topographical data come from published and unpublished archaeological reports, archive data, historical maps and photos, to modern city plans. The research is focused on a critical analysis of data type and quality, and deals with their representation, with the aim of ensuring raw data readability and transparency, providing useful information for urban planning and for research purposes. In order to ensure the maximum dissemination of topographic data, they have been published on the SITAR open-access platform (http://webais.archeositarproject.it/webgis/php/page/main.php)
Derangement of the T-cell repertoire in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
No full textAlthough a number of studies suggest that different immune pathways may play a role in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), the shape of the T-cell compartment has been only superficially explored in these patients. In our study, we analyzed the peripheral T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and the distribution of different T-cell subsets – including regulatory T cells (Treg) – in 30 patients with NHL, by combining flow cytometry and spectratyping. We first demonstrated by flow cytometry an increased frequency of expanded T-cell subpopulations expressing the same TCR beta variable (BV) subfamilies in CD8+ cells from NHL patients when compared with healthy controls, beside a higher frequency of Treg. Moreover, NHL patients were characterized by a higher percentage of BVs showing a skewed CDR3 profile both in CD4+ and CD8+ cells when analyzed by spectratyping. Our data suggest that the T-cell branch of the immune system of patients with B-cell NHL is deeply deranged, as witnessed by the increased degree of activation and skewing of their TCR repertoire along with the higher frequency of Treg
Phenolic content, antioxidant and physico-chemical properties of Sardinian monofloral honeys
No full textIn this study, fifty-one monofloral Sardinian honeys from ten various floral origins were screened for their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, colour and electrical conductivity. The total phenolic amounts have been evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas quantification of several phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) has been carried out by HPLC-DAD technique. The richest sample in phenolic compounds resulted strawberry tree honey with about 40 mg GAE/100 g, as well FRAP test and DPPH˙ test confirm that antioxidant activity of strawberry tree honey extract exceed both honey extracts and synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT. Among the studied phenolic compounds a total of five phenolic acids (ferulic, syringic, trans-cinnamic, chlorogenic and p-hydroxycinnamic) and nine flavonoids (catechin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, galangin, pinocembrin and pinobanksin) were identified. Our results show good correlations between total polyphenol amount and antioxidant activity and between colour and electrical conductivity
Synthesis of amides from aldehydes and amines via C-H bond activation and discovery and development of novel and selective carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
No full textThis doctoral dissertation consists of two chapters.
In the first chapter is described the methodology developed for the synthesis of amides from aldehydes and amines by activating the aldehyde C-H bond. The technique involves the formation of N-chloro amine in situ, without being isolated from the reaction mixture, to which is then added the aldehyde. The two reagents in the presence of TBHP and Cu(OAc)2, forming the new CN bond. The method allowed to synthesize amides variously substituted in good yields.
In the second chapter is detailed a project focused on the development of new original and selective carbonic anhydrases inhibitors. This chapter is divided into four topics which include a) the application of the click chemistry as a powerful synthetic approach for the generation of sulfonamide-based inhibitors; b) the synthesis of a set of derivatives belonging to a previously indentified hit compound bearing the trifluorodihydroxypropanone moiety, and the strategy adopted for its biological optimization; c) the design and development of novel pyrazole-carboxylic acids derived from a previously identified lead compound, as well as its pharmacobiological optimization; d) the synthesis of potential carbonic anhydrase inhibitors carrying a benzoxaborole scaffold
Evaluation of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> contamination in sheep’s milk cheese-making plants
No full textThe general aim of the thesis was to evaluate the pattern Listeria monocytogenes contamination in sheep’s milk industrial cheese-making plants operating in the regional territory of Sardinian (Italy). Chapter 3 describes a longitudinal study conducted in 2 cheese-making plants over one year period. The objective of the study was to identify sources, sites of persistence and route of contamination within premises. Contamination mostly occurred in salting, product washing, packaging, ricotta salata storage and cheese ripening areas. The greater persistence of contamination over time was observed in washing, salting and cheese ripening areas. In Chapter 4 is presented a cross-sectional study on Listeria spp environmental contamination in 13 sheep cheese-making plants. The objective was to investigate the genetic diversity (population study) and the route of contamination (traceability) of L. monocytogenes strains. Strains originating from the processing environment were disseminated to other sites and food samples within and among facilities. In chapter 5 the potential pathogenicity of environmental and food isolates collected in cheese-making plants was studied by DNA sequencing. In particular the modification in nucleotide sequence of virulence factors hly, InlA and InlJ was investigated. L. monocytogenes environmental strains showed 90-100% of identity with reference sequences, suggesting their potential pathogenicity
Detoxification processes from vanadate at the root apoplasm activated by caffeic and polygalacturonic acids
No full textIn the root apoplasm, V(V) and V(IV) toxicity can be alleviated through redox and complexation reactions involving phenolic substances and the polyuronic components. In such context we report the role of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) on the reducing activity of caffeic acid (CAF) towards V(V). The redox reaction was particularly effective at pH 2.8 leading to the formation of oxidation products with redox activity towards V(V). An o-quinone was identified as the first product of the reaction which is further involved in the formation of CAF dimers. At pH ≥ 3.6 the redox activity decreased and a yield in V(IV) equal to 38, 31, 21 and 14% was found at pH 3.6, 4.0. 5.0 and 6.0 respectively compared with that obtained at pH 2.8. The redox reaction was faster in the presence of PGA and a higher yield of V(IV) was found in the 4.0–6.0 pH range with respect to the CAF-V(V) binary system. The higher efficiency of the redox reaction in the presence of PGA was related with the ability of PGA to bind V(IV). The biological significance of the redox reaction between CAF and V(V), as well as the role of PGA in such reaction, was established “in vivo” using triticale plants. Results showed that PGA reduced significantly the phytotoxic effects of the V(V)-CAF system
Natalizumab modulates the humoral response against HERV-Wenv<sub>73–88</sub> in a follow-up study of Multiple Sclerosis patients
No full textMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that begins as an inflammatory autoimmune disorder mediated by auto-reactive lymphocyte followed by microglial activation and chronic degeneration. The etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is unknown but several data support the hypothesis of possible infectious agents which may act as a trigger for the pathogenic cascade. Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV-W/MSRV), Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) have been associated to Multiple Sclerosis. In this study, we evaluated the humoral response against different peptides: the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-Wenv73–88, MAP106c121–132 from MAP, EBNA1 400–413 from EBV and the homologous human peptide MBP85–98 in a cohort of MS patients treated with natalizumab. Results showed a statistically significant difference in the response against the HERV-W peptide in MS patients after two years of natalizumab treatment
Lack of humoral response against <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> peptides homologous to human ZnT8 in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients
No full textIntroduction: The Helicobacter pylori (HP) reinfection rate seems to be higher in developing countries than in developed ones. An increased seroprevalence of HP has also been reported in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has been linked to both T1D and HT. Quite a few lines of evidence indicate that autoantibodies against several epitopes belonging to human zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) cross-recognize the homologous MAP3865c epitopes in both T1D and HT patients. HP may play a role in HT disease, most likely acting through a molecular mimicry mechanism that targets ZnT8 as reported for MAP and the two autoimmune diseases.
Methodology: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for the detection of antibodies against several epitopes deriving from HP proteins, which are highly homologous to the immunodominant ZnT8 peptides previously identified: ZnT8178–186 and ZnT8186–194.
Results: None of the HP peptides tested were significantly recognized when the humoral responses of 92 HT patients and 91 healthy volunteers were analyzed.
Conclusions: These findings do not support a triggering role for HP (through ZnT8 mimicking) in HT. If a molecular mimicry phenomenon is taking place, it involves a different self-antigen. Moreover, the negative outcome of the experiments performed stresses the fact that sharing stretches of sequence homology is relevant, but not enough to trigger an antibody-mediated cross-recognition
Epigenetic diversity of clonal white poplar (<i>Populus alba</i> L.) populations: could methylation support the success of vegetative reproduction strategy?
No full textThe widespread poplar populations of Sardinia are vegetatively propagated and live in different natural environments forming large monoclonal stands. The main goals of the present study were: i) to investigate/measure the epigenetic diversity of the poplar populations by determining their DNA methylation status; ii) to assess if and how methylation status influences population clustering; iii) to shed light on the changes that occur in the epigenome of ramets of the same poplar clone. To these purposes, 83 white poplar trees were sampled at different locations on the island of Sardinia. Methylation sensitive amplified polymorphism analysis was carried out on the genomic DNA extracted from leaves at the same juvenile stage. The study showed that the genetic biodiversity of poplars is quite limited but it is counterbalanced by epigenetic inter-population molecular variability. The comparison between MspI and HpaII DNA fragmentation profiles revealed that environmental conditions strongly influence hemi-methylation of the inner cytosine. The variable epigenetic status of Sardinian white poplars revealed a decreased number of population clusters. Landscape genetics analyses clearly demonstrated that ramets of the same clone were differentially methylated in relation to their geographic position. Therefore, our data support the notion that studies on plant biodiversity should no longer be restricted to genetic aspects, especially in the case of vegetatively propagated plant species
Accessibility and rurality indicators for regional development
No full textThe development of a region is affected, inter alia, by concepts linked to the ability to displace and reach other locations (accessibility) efficiently and to lagging economic conditions connected to contemporary countryside activities (rurality). These topics and their relationships have attracted the interest of scholars who have scrutinized the implications of accessibility and rurality for policy making and planning.
The aim of this paper is to contribute to the theoretical modeling of accessibility and rurality and to develop an empirical study of their spatial patterns, with reference to the municipalities of the region of Sardinia, Italy. We study accessibility through an indicator constructed using a doubly constrained spatial interaction model and propose the Composite Index of Rurality that aims to evaluate rurality in a regional setting employing multivariate analysis. We investigate the spatial dependence of these indicators through general and local spatial autocorrelation analysis to verify the hypothesis that scarcely accessible spatial units are classifiable as rural areas. The results show that, for the case study of Sardinia, this hypothesis is not always true, as some urban areas are not always highly accessible