764 research outputs found
First person – Simona Amodeo
No full textABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Simona Amodeo is the first author on ‘Characterization of the novel mitochondrial genome replication factor MiRF172 in Trypanosoma brucei’, published in Journal of Cell Science. Simona is a PhD student in the lab of Torsten Ochsenreiter at the Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Switzerland, investigating mitochondrial genome anchoring, replication and inheritance in Trypanosoma brucei.</jats:p
Conversion of Enkephalin and Dermorphin into δ‐Selective Opioid Antagonists by Single‐Residue Substitution
No full textThe properties of di- and tri-peptides containing 1,2,3,6tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxyliacc id
(Tic) in second position suggest that the message domain of opioid peptides can be composed of
only two residues [Temussi, P. A., Salvadori, S., Amodeo, P., Guerrini, R., Tomatis, R., Lazarus, L.
H., Picone, D. & Tancredi, T. (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 198, 933-9391. As a crucial
test of the possibility that the Tyr-Tic segment be a message domain in longer peptide sequences,
we have inserted it in the sequences of two typical opioid peptides: [Leulenkephalin, a non-selective
agonist, and dermorphin, a selective p agonist. Here we report the synthesis and biological activity
of [~-Tic’]enkephalin, [~-Tic~]dermorphi[n~,- Tic’]dermorphin carboxylic acid and [~-Tic’]dermorphin:
all [L-Tic’lpeptides were converted from agonists to &selective antagonists. The NMR conformational
study in a dimethylsulfoxide/water cryoprotective mixture at low temperature shows diagnostic
side-chain-side-chain NOES in the spectra of all [~-Tic’]peptides and hints that the 90”
arrangement of the the two aromatic rings found in the cis-Tyr-L-Tic moiety, typical of N-methyl
naltrindole and other 6-selective opiate antagonists, is responsible for the antagonist activity of all
these peptides
Heterosexist microaggressions, student academic experience and perception of campus climate: Findings from an Italian higher education context
No full textWhile overt instances of harassment and violence towards LGBQ+ individuals have decreased in recent years, subtler forms of heterosexism still shape the social and academic experience of students in higher education contexts. Such forms, defined as microaggressions, frequently include environmental slights that communicate hostile and derogatory messages about one's sexual-minority status. However, there is some evidence suggesting that environmental microaggressions have deleterious effects on all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. The aim of the current study was to examine how heterosexist environmental microaggressions on campus contributed to heterosexual and non-heterosexual students' negative perceptions of campus climate. We also analyzed whether the effect of microaggressions on campus climate was mediated by student social integration on campus. Data were collected in 2018 through an anonymous web-based survey that involved students from a large university of Southern Italy. The sample consisted of 471 students from 18 to 33 years old. Thirty-eight (8.1%) students self-identified as non-heterosexual. Measures included self-reported experiences of environmental microaggressions on campus, student degree of satisfaction with peer-group and student-faculty interactions, perceptions of faculty concern for student development, and of the overall campus climate. The structural equation model showed that heterosexist environmental microaggressions on campus were associated with negative perceptions of campus climate through lowered satisfaction with peer-group interactions and perceptions of faculty concern for student development, for both heterosexual and nonheterosexual students. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that heterosexist microaggressions within campus environments are negatively associated with students' perceptions of campus climate, regardless of their sexual orientation. Both faculty and peers play an important role in creating an environment that supports the inclusivity of diversity and fosters a greater sense of belonging to the campus community
Il ruolo del genere nel lavoro con gli uomini autori di violenza: Affetti e rappresentazioni dei professionisti della salute
No full textIl lavoro di contrasto alla violenza maschile contro le donne ha recentemente spostato il proprio focus dalla donna vittima di violenza all’uomo maltrattante. Questo cambio di paradigma ha portato all’implementazione di programmi di trattamento rivolti agli autori di violenza e all’impegno di professionisti uomini nel contrasto alla violenza. Il presente studio ha l’obiettivo di esplorare gli affetti e le rappresentazioni di 7 professionisti della salute (3 uomini e 4 donne) che si occupano di trattare uomini autori di violenza, con un focus specifico sul genere di appartenenza. L’analisi semiotica quali-quantitativa applicata alle interviste semi-strutturate analizzate tramite il software T-LAB ha consentito di individuare la presenza di 5 cluster: 1) Riconoscimento delle emozioni; 2) Posizionamento di genere; 3) Competenze lavorative; 4) Percezione del rapporto tra i generi; e 5) Rapporto con il lavoro. I risultati sembrano confermare che il genere di appartenenza degli operatori giochi un ruolo fondamentale nell’esperienza lavorativa con gli uomini maltrattanti
Conversion of Enkephalin and Dermorphin Into Delta-selective Opioid Antagonists By Single-residue Substitution
No full textThe properties of di- and tri-peptides containing 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic) in second position suggest that the message domain of opioid peptides can be composed of only two residues [Temussi, P. A., Salvadori, S., Amodeo, P., Guerrini, R., Tomatis, R., Lazarus, L. H., Picone, D. gr Tancredi, T. (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 198, 933-939]. As a crucial test of the possibility that the Sr-Tic segment be a message domain in longer peptide sequences, we have inserted it in the sequences of two typical opioid peptides: [Leu]enkephalin, a non-selective agonist, and dermorphin, a selective mu agonist. Here we report the synthesis and biological activity of [L-Tic(2)]enkephalin, [L-Tic(2)]dermorphin, [L-Tic(2)]dermorphin carboxylic acid and [D-Tic(2)]dermorphin: all [L-Tic(2)]peptides were converted from agonists to delta-selective antagonists. The NMR conformational study in a dimethylsulfoxide/water cryoprotective mixture at low temperature shows diagnostic side-chain - side-chain NOEs in the spectra of all [L-Tic(2)]peptides and hints that the 90 degrees arrangement of the the two aromatic rings found in the cis-Tyr-L-Tic moiety, typical of N-methyl naltrindole and other delta-selective opiate antagonists, is responsible for the antagonist activity of all these peptides
FOURIER-MUKAI TRANSFORMS FOR SINGULAR PROJECTIVE VARIETIES
No full textThis Ph. D thesis deals with various aspects of the theory of derived categories of sheaves on projective varieties. The first result is a generalization of a representability theorem by Lunts and Orlov for fully faithful functors where the source derived category is the derived category of sheaves over the double point scheme. The second result is a description of the space of stability conditions for the same derived category. The final result is a descend criterion for equivariant sheaves to the quotient variety with respect to an action by a finite group
“Pensare alle prepotenze, Fare prepotenze”: un’esperienza di gruppo con alunni ed insegnanti.
No full textA novel technology for disinfecting surfaces infested with Candida auris: the UVC chip: Elena Frongillo
No full textBACKGROUND: The fungal pathogen Candida Auris is increasingly associated with multidrug-resistant infections that are highly expensive for the Health Care System. The spreading of this pathogen can occur, among others, through contact with infected surfaces or medical instruments. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel UVC chip, novel alternative to UVC LEDs and lamps, in inactivating Candida auris strain. METHODS: This experimental study was carried out between July and September 2020 at the University of Siena. Candida auris (ATCC 12372) at two known concentrations (1.5X107 and 1.5x106 CFU/ml) at a fixed distance (7,5 cm) from the chip (5.1mW radiant power) was tested, in triplicates, with three exposure times (5, 10 and 15 minutes). Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates without the plate lid and containing Candida auris were exposed to UVC light. Subsequently, the plates were incubated at 36 °C for 48 h. Log reduction between treated and positive control (not exposed to UVC light) samples was calculated. RESULTS: At 15 minutes, we had the highest inactivation result, mean 4.43 log10, starting from a 1.5x106 CFU/mL concentration. At a higher concentration, 1.5X107 CFU/mL, the reduction had a mean of 3.51 log10. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the experiments showed a significant microbial reduction in relation to the exposure time. The highest level of reduction was reached after 15 minutes of exposure. UVC chip had a relevant biocidal effect on Candida auris and may represent a valuable tool in the prevention of infections caused by this pathogen, which is becoming increasingly prevalent and persistent globally. KEY MESSAGES: • The use of UVC Chip decreases surface contamination. • New technology against healthcare-associated infections
Facemasks and Public Health: analysis of bacterial contamination in FFP2 masks: Gaia Papale
No full textBACKGROUND: Facemasks (FM), due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are extensively used and often worn beyond the recommended time. This has led to questions about the negative impact persistent contamination on FMs might have on public health. The study aims to assess the level of contamination reached in a small cohort of subjects after the recommended use (8 h) of FM. METHODS: This descriptive study was carried out between January and April 2022 on 17 people: 9 women and 8 men aged between 25-45 years. These two groups were divided into two micro-groups: women were selected according to their skincare habits (no skincare and skincare with cosmetics). In contrast, men were selected according to the length of their beards (thick or short beard). The FM was worn for 8 h in a controlled office setting, to avoid possible uncontrolled variables. Then, the FM was cut, placed in a tube with a recovery medium and centrifuged. The supernatant was removed and the pellet resuspended. Aliquots were plated on Petri plates and incubated for 48 h at 36 °C to count the Colony Forming Units (CFU). The statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software, performing the Wilcoxon matched-pairs and setting a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Women had higher FM contamination than men ([Image: see text] = 4960 vs 3130 CFU/ml). Also, we found more colonies ([Image: see text] = 18890 vs 3420 CFU/ml) in the FMs of women without skincare (p = 0.06), while among men, more colonies were reported for those with a thicker beard than for those with a shorter one ([Image: see text] = 3300 vs 2960 CFU/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Extensive FM use increases bacterial contamination exponentially. This could lead to changes in the facial microbiome, inducing skin conditions (such as allergic dermatitis and acne). Facial skin conditions are important public health issues for people wearing FMs daily. In addition, responsible handling of this equipment is essential to avoid the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through contact with these items, which can persist for many days. KEY MESSAGES: • Gender and physical characteristics may influence the level of contamination present on FFP2 face masks. • There is a need to increase community awareness on the proper handling of facemasks, prevent health problems for users, and limit the spread of infection to those around them
Don’t be scared to touch! Effectiveness of a new disinfection technology based on Ag ions & Zeolite: Valerio Peruzzi
No full textBACKGROUND: Disinfection of contact surfaces has become common practice since the two-year Covid-19 pandemic. The transmission of microbial agents has long been the focus of public health and hygiene awareness campaigns. Indeed, the development of new disinfection technologies and approaches is attracting considerable interest in the scientific community. Mixed plastic powders with antimicrobial properties and silver ions that compromise the metabolism of microorganisms could reduce the contamination of the contact surfaces. We aimed to evaluate an inorganic antimicrobial agent (IAA) based on Ag ions and zeolite mixed in a resin. METHODS: This experimental study was carried out at the University of Siena, Italy. Different objects were produced in two versions: i) with an IAA mixed in plastic resin; ii) with a standard plastic mixture. To the eye, the two versions were indistinguishable and were randomly contaminated with the hands of several operators. After the hand contamination, T0, we sampled the objects using RODAC plates at T1 (1h) and T2 (6h), incubating at 36 °C for 48 hours. Comparisons of the biocidal effect were made at T1 and T2. Statistical analysis was carried out with Stata. RESULTS: The mean level of contamination of the objects made with standard plastic were, respectively 50 CFU (SD 36.5) at T1 and 20 CFU (SD 13.6) at T2. In comparison, the objects made with IAA resin showed a mean level of contamination of 10 CFU (SD 5.9) at T1 and 6 CFU (SD3.6) at T2. The objects made with IAA resin have shown a mean percentage reduction of contamination of 79.5% at T1 and 78.3% at T2. CONCLUSIONS: IAA resin reduced contamination on objects that came into contact with hands. Antimicrobial plastic blends, are a valuable aid in counteracting the spread of infection related to contact with surfaces and fomites. The public health system could support and raise awareness for using these innovative materials for everyday applications and in healthcare facilities. KEY MESSAGES: • Inorganic antimicrobial agent based on Ag ions and Zeolite mixed in a resin are efficient in reducing the contamination on different items in a real-life context. • Public health system have to support and sensitize to production with inorganic materials with proven antimicrobial properties
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