34 research outputs found
Appunti sulla fisionomia del Cavalca – autore
No full textAn analysis of the technical terminology used by Domenico Cavalca with respect to his activity of translating Latin texts in vernacular language demonstrates that the Preacher friar’s linguistic choices are extremely well pondered. Indeed, the author’s voice emerges in characteristic wordings such as ›tutto dì veggiamo‹ and ›per esperienza veggiamo‹, which refer to a concrete factual experience and hence to the everyday reality of his audience. The use of this kind of expression, which presents ties to the period’s scientific and rhetoric literature, and which appears also in Dante’s and Boccaccio’s prose, is particularly frequent in Cavalca’s last work, the ›Esposizione del Credo‹. In fact, this treatise proves to be of crucial importance for his self-constitution as a Dominican author.An analysis of the technical terminology used by Domenico Cavalca with respect to his activity of translating Latin texts in vernacular language demonstrates that the Preacher friar’s linguistic choices are extremely well pondered. Indeed, the author’s voice emerges in characteristic wordings such as ›tutto dì veggiamo‹ and ›per esperienza veggiamo‹, which refer to a concrete factual experience and hence to the everyday reality of his audience. The use of this kind of expression, which presents ties to the period’s scientific and rhetoric literature, and which appears also in Dante’s and Boccaccio’s prose, is particularly frequent in Cavalca’s last work, the ›Esposizione del Credo‹. In fact, this treatise proves to be of crucial importance for his self-constitution as a Dominican author
Correction to: Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (Journal of Neurology, (2023), 270, 11, (5561-5568), 10.1007/s00415-023-11911-y)
No full textThe article Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, written by Marta Bellofatto, Luca Gentile, Alessandro Bertini, Irene Tramacere, Fiore Manganelli, Gian Maria Fabrizi, Angelo Schenone, Lucio Santoro, Tiziana Cavallaro, Marina Grandis, Stefano C. Previtali, Marina Scarlato, Isabella Allegri, Luca Padua, Costanza Pazzaglia, Flavio Villani, Eleonora Cavalca, Paola Saveri, Aldo Quattrone, Paola Valentino, Stefano Tozza, Massimo Russo, Anna Mazzeo, Giuseppe Vita, Sylvie Piacentini, Giuseppe Didato, Chiara Pisciotta, Davide Pareyson and for the Italian C. M. T. Network was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 04 August 2023 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 19 August 2023 to © The Authors 2023 and this article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit. The original article has been corrected
A recent class of chemosensory neurons developed in mouse and rat.
No full textIn most animal species, the vomeronasal organ ensures the individual recognition of conspecifics, a prerequisite for a successful reproduction. The vomeronasal organ expresses several receptors for pheromone detection. Mouse vomeronasal type-2 receptors (V2Rs) are restricted to the basal neurons of this organ and organized in four families. Family-A, B and D (family ABD) V2Rs are expressed monogenically (one receptor per neuron) and coexpress with either Vmn2r1 or Vmn2r2, two members of family-C V2Rs. Thus, basal neurons are characterized by specific combinations of two V2Rs. To investigate this issue, we raised antibodies against all family-C V2Rs and analyzed their expression pattern. We found that six out of seven family-C V2Rs (Vmn2r2-7) largely coexpressed and that none of the anti-Vmn2r2-7 antibodies significantly stained Vmn2r1 positive neurons. Thus, basal neurons are divided into two complementary subsets. The first subset (Vmn2r1-positive) preferentially coexpresses a distinct group of family-ABD V2Rs, whereas the second subset (Vmn2r2-7-positive) coexpresses the remaining group of V2Rs. Phylogenetic reconstruction and the analysis of genetic loci in various species reveal that receptors expressed by this second neuronal subset are recent branches of the V2R tree exclusively present in mouse and rat. Conversely, V2Rs expressed in Vmn2r1 positive neurons, are phylogenetically ancient and found in most vertebrates including rodents. Noticeably, the more recent neuronal subset expresses a type of Major Histocompatibility Complex genes only found in murine species. These results indicate that the expansion of the V2R repertoire in a murine ancestor occurred with the establishment of a new population of vomeronasal neurons in which coexists the polygenic expression of a recent group of family-C V2Rs (Vmn2r2-7) and the monogenic expression of a recent group of family-ABD V2Rs. This evolutionary innovation could provide a molecular rationale for the exquisite ability in individual recognition and mate choice of murine species
Therapeutic efficacy of intracerebral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
No full text: The conditions supporting the generation of microglia-like cells in the central nervous system (CNS) after transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) have been studied to advance the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we explored the transplantation efficacy of different cell subsets and delivery routes with the goal of favoring the establishment of a stable and exclusive engraftment of HSPCs and their progeny in the CNS of female mice. In this setting, we show that the CNS environment drives the expansion, distribution and myeloid differentiation of the locally transplanted cells towards a microglia-like phenotype. Intra-CNS transplantation of HSPCs engineered to overexpress TREM2 decreased neuroinflammation, Aβ aggregation and improved memory in 5xFAD female mice. Our proof of concept study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of HSPC gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Exploring Biodiversity and Arsenic Metabolism of Microbiota Inhabiting Arsenic-Rich Groundwaters in Northern Italy
No full textArsenic contamination of groundwater aquifers is an issue of global concern. Among the affected sites, in several Italian groundwater aquifers arsenic levels above the WHO limits for drinking water are present, with consequent issues of public concern. In this study, for the first time, the role of microbial communities in metalloid cycling in groundwater samples from Northern Italy lying on Pleistocene sediments deriving from Alps mountains has been investigated combining environmental genomics and cultivation approaches. 16S rRNA gene libraries revealed a high number of yet uncultured species, which in some of the study sites accounted for more of the 50% of the total community. Sequences related to arsenic-resistant bacteria (arsenate-reducing and arsenite-oxidizing) were abundant in most of the sites, while arsenate-respiring bacteria were negligible. In some of the sites, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria of the genus Sulfuricurvum accounted for more than 50% of the microbial community, whereas iron-cycling bacteria were less represented. In some aquifers, arsenotrophy, growth coupled to autotrophic arsenite oxidation, was suggested by detection of arsenite monoxygenase (aioA) and 1,5-ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCo) cbbL genes of microorganisms belonging to Rhizobiales and Burkholderiales. Enrichment cultures established from sampled groundwaters in laboratory conditions with 1.5 of arsenite as sole electron donors were able to oxidize up to 100% of arsenite, suggesting that these metabolisms are active in groundwaters. The presence of heterotrophic arsenic resistant bacteria was confirmed by enrichment cultures in most of the sites. The overall results provided a first overview of the microorganisms inhabiting arsenic-contaminated aquifers in Northern Italy and suggested the importance of sulfur-cycling bacteria in the biogeochemistry of arsenic in these ecosystems. The presence of active arsenite-oxidizing bacteria indicates that biological oxidation of arsenite, in combination with arsenate-adsorbing materials, could be employed for metalloid removal
Transcriptomic Analysis of Two Thioalkalivibrio Species Under Arsenite Stress Revealed a Potential Candidate Gene for an Alternative Arsenite Oxidation Pathway
No full textThe genus Thioalkalivibrio includes haloalkaliphilic chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria isolated from various soda lakes worldwide. Some of these lakes possess in addition to their extreme haloalkaline environment also other harsh conditions, to which Thioalkalivibrio needs to adapt. An example is arsenic in soda lakes in eastern California, which is found there in concentrations up to 3000 mu M. Arsenic is a widespread element that can be an environmental issue, as it is highly toxic to most organisms. However, resistance mechanisms in the form of detoxification are widespread and some prokaryotes can even use arsenic as an energy source. We first screened the genomes of 76 Thioalkalivibrio strains for the presence of known arsenic oxidoreductases and found 15 putative ArxA (arsenite oxidase) and two putative ArrA (arsenate reductase). Subsequently, we studied the resistance to arsenite in detail in Thioalkalivibrio jannaschii ALM2(T), and Thioalkalivibrio thiocyanoxidans ARh2(T) by comparative genomics and by growing them at different arsenite concentrations followed by arsenic species and transcriptomic analysis. Tv. jannaschii ALM2(T), which has been isolated from Mono Lake, an arsenic-rich soda lake, could resist up to 5 mM arsenite, whereas Tv. thiocyanoxidans ARh2(T), which was isolated from a Kenyan soda lake, could only grow up to 0.1 mM arsenite. Interestingly, both species oxidized arsenite to arsenate under aerobic conditions, although Tv. thiocyanoxidans ARh2(T) does not contain any known arsenite oxidases, and in Tv. jannaschii ALM2(T), only arxB2 was clearly upregulated. However, we found the expression of a SoeABC-like gene, which we assume might have been involved in arsenite oxidation. Other arsenite stress responses for both strains were the upregulation of the vitamin B-12 synthesis pathway, which can be linked to antioxidant activity, and the up- and downregulation of different DsrE/F-like genes whose roles are still unclear. Moreover, Tv. jannaschii ALM2(T) induced the ars gene operon and the Pst system, and Tv. thiocanoxidans ARh2(T) upregulated the sox and apr genes as well as different heat shock proteins. Our findings for Thioalkalivibrio confirm previously observed adaptations to arsenic, but also provide new insights into the arsenic stress response and the connection between the arsenic and the sulfur cycle
Phosporous in rice paddy field, balance between productivity and environment in view of new agronomic practices
No full textPhosphorous (P) is an essential macroelement for plant development. Despite P is a major element in soil, it is often present in forms that are not available for plant uptake. Growing attention is directed towards P-solubilising microbes able to solubilize insoluble forms of P, making them available for plants. The content of P in soils is influenced by agronomic practices, but despite its importance in plant nutrition, the knowledge associated with this element is still scarce and there is a gap in the knowledge related to the mechanisms that affect P content. The present work aims at exploring the bacterial communities associated with the rhizosphere of rice cultivated in soils that underwent different agronomic practices, to detect bacteria that show plant growth-promoting activities (PGPA), in particular concerning P solubilisation. Rhizosphere and root samples of rice plants were collected from two paddies, one treated with phosphate and the other with a cover crop. Bacteria were isolated from different compartments of the rhizosphere: rhizosphere soil, root epiphytic biofilm (rhizoplane) and root endosphere. A total of 558 isolates (254 strains from the rhizosphere soil, 100 from the rhizoplane and 204 from the root endosphere) underwent de-replication at the strain level according to BOX-PCR analysis performed on capillary electrophoresis. Up to 5 candidates per each BOX profile variant were further screened for PGPA like hydrolysation of inorganic and organic P, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores, fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, and ACC deaminase activity. Of the 231 isolates tested, 25.1% showed tricalcium phosphate-solubilising abilities, among them 34 strains were isolated from the root endosphere and 24 from the rhizosphere. Moreover, 9 out of 11 rhizosphere isolates produced IAA. The promising isolates will be tested in vivo for their promotion of rice seed germination in growth pouches and, further, in soil pot experiments. The output of this project will help to understand the role of P-solubilizing bacteria in P rice nutrition and develop biofertilizers able to enhance the uptake of soil endogenous P
Intracerebroventricular delivery of hematopoietic progenitors results in rapid and robust engraftment of microglia-like cells
No full textRecent evidence indicates that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) can serve as vehicles for therapeutic molecular delivery to the brain by contributing to the turnover of resident myeloid cell populations. However, such engraftment needs to be fast and efficient to exert its therapeutic potential for diseases affecting the central nervous system. Moreover, the nature of the cells reconstituted after transplantation and whether they could comprise bona fide microglia remain to be assessed. We demonstrate that transplantation of HSPCs in the cerebral lateral ventricles provides rapid engraftment of morphologically, antigenically, and transcriptionally dependable microglia-like cells. We show that the cells comprised within the hematopoietic stem cell compartment and enriched early progenitor fractions generate this microglia-like population when injected in the brain ventricles in the absence of engraftment in the bone marrow. This delivery route has therapeutic relevance because it increases the delivery of therapeutic molecules to the brain, as shown in a humanized animal model of a prototypical lysosomal storage disease affecting the central nervous system.Version of Recor
An innovative hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy approach benefits CLN1 disease in the mouse model
No full textAbstract Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) can establish a long‐lasting microglia‐like progeny in the central nervous system of properly myeloablated hosts. We exploited this approach to treat the severe CLN1 neurodegenerative disorder, which is the most aggressive form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses due to palmitoyl‐protein thioesterase‐1 (PPT1) deficiency. We here provide the first evidence that (i) transplantation of wild‐type HSPCs exerts partial but long‐lasting mitigation of CLN1 symptoms; (ii) transplantation of HSPCs over‐expressing hPPT1 by lentiviral gene transfer enhances the therapeutic benefit of HSPCs transplant, with first demonstration of such a dose–effect benefit for a purely neurodegenerative condition like CLN1 disease; (iii) transplantation of hPPT1 over‐expressing HSPCs by a novel intracerebroventricular (ICV) approach is sufficient to transiently ameliorate CLN1‐symptoms in the absence of hematopoietic tissue engraftment of the transduced cells; and (iv) combinatorial transplantation of transduced HSPCs intravenously and ICV results in a robust therapeutic benefit, particularly on symptomatic animals. Overall, these findings provide first evidence of efficacy and feasibility of this novel approach to treat CLN1 disease and possibly other neurodegenerative conditions, paving the way for its future clinical application
