225 research outputs found
Correction to: Nutrition behaviour and compliance with the Mediterranean diet pyramid recommendations: an Italian survey‐based study
No full textThe article “Nutrition behaviour and compliance with the Mediterranean diet pyramid recommendations: an Italian survey‐based study”, written by “Renata Bracale, Concetta M. Vaccaro, Vittoria Coletta, Claudio Cricelli, Francesco Carlo Gamaleri, Fabio Parazzini and Michele Carruba” was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 8th November 2019 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 23rd December 2019 to © The Author(s) 2019 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https ://creat iveco mmons .org/licen ses/by/4.0/), 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 original article has been corrected
Amino acids and mitochondrial biogenesis
No full textMitochondria are sources of energy production through their role in producing adenosine triphosphate for cell metabolism. Defective mitochondrial biogenesis and function play relevant roles in the pathophysiology of relevant diseases, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, myopathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their function is the product of synthesis of macromolecules within the mitochondria and import of proteins and lipids synthesized outside the organelles. Both are required for mitochondrial proliferation and may also facilitate the growth of preexisting mitochondria. Recent evidence indicates that these events are regulated in a complex way by several agonists and environmental conditions, through activation of specific signaling pathways and transcription factors. Nitric oxide (NO) appears to be a novel modulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. High levels of NO acutely inhibit cell respiration by binding to cytochrome c oxidase. Conversely, chronic, low-grade increases of NO stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis in diverse cell types. Here, we suggest that some types of nutrients, including specific mixtures of amino acids, may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and energy production in energy-defective conditions by increasing endothelial NO synthase expression
Protective Effect of Sildenafil against Estradiol-induced ROS production
No full textSeveral reports suggest that xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and its oxidase form (XO) play an important role in various forms of ischemic and vascular injuries. Recently we have demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) induces a significant decrease of the expression and activity of XDH and its conversion to XO in human mammary epithelial cells. E2 is known to induce upregulation of eNOS gene expression in aortic endothelial cells. In light of the ability of XO-derived O2• ̄ to combine with •NO to yield ONOO ̄, and considering that ONOO ̄ converts XDH to XO, it is important to protect tissues against the XO increased activity and ROS increased production, that would in turn react with •NO to augment ONOO ̄ production, thus creating a vicious cycle of oxidative stress. Our previous studies have indicated that sildenafil has a protective effect on human mammary epithelial cells as a consequence of the inhibition of XO and of the resulting decrease of free oxygen radical that may influence the expression of NADPH oxidase and PDE-5. We report that the contemporary inhibitory effect played by sildenafil on XO and PDE-5 is due to the structural modification induced by O2• ̄, which involves the release of a piperazine group able to inhibit XO
The stable archipelago in the region of the Pallas and Hansa dynamical families
No full textAmong highly inclined asteroids, the region of the central main belt between the 3J:-1A and 5J:-2A mean-motion resonances has long been known to host the Pallas and Hansa dynamical families. This region is characterized by the presence of the nu(6), nu(5) and nu(16) secular resonances, which in conjunction with the 8J:-3A mean-motion resonance divide the area into eight regions, the stable islands of the archipelago. Using a set of proper elements available at the Asteroids Dynamic Site (AstDyS) at the time, Gil-Hutton identified a family around (686) Gersuind and two more minor clumps around (945) Barcelona and (148) Gallia in the space of synthetic proper elements. In this work I compute a new set of synthetic proper elements for 2310 numbered and 2142 multi-opposition objects in this region. The use of the frequency-modified Fourier transform method allowed me to obtain non-negative estimates of the proper frequency of argument of pericentre precession g for members of the Hansa families characterized by values of e(forced) larger than e(free), and to solve the problem of the non-linear dependence of g versus n observed by Carruba & Michtchenko.My analysis shows that the two minor clumps of Gil-Hutton should now be considered dynamical families. Also, a new family in the domains of both proper elements (a, e, sin i) and frequencies (n, g, g + s) around (1222) Tina is discovered in this work, as well as a new frequency family around (4203) Brucato. Nine minor clumps, one of which is visible in both domains, are also observed.The taxonomical analysis of family members suggests that the Pallas family is compatible with a B-type composition (but two members are classified as C interlopers), while the Hansa family is possibly an S-type one. Sloan Digital Sky Survey Moving Object Catalog (SDSS-MOC3) data suggest that the Barcelona family might be an Sq group, and the Gersuind, Gallia and Tina ones should belong to the S complex. Geometric albedo data seem to confirm the possibility that the Barcelona and Gersuind families belong to the S complex. Data on cumulative size distributions, collisions time-scales, rotation rates and dynamics in this region are also revised in this work.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Grp Dinam Orbital & Planetol, BR-12516410 Guaratingueta, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Grp Dinam Orbital & Planetol, BR-12516410 Guaratingueta, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 06/50005-5CNPq: 302183/2008-6CNPq: 473345/2009-
Estradiol Decreases Xanthine Dehydrogenase Enzyme Activity and Protein Expression in Non-Tumorigenic and Malignant Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
No full textThe retinoic acid deficiency in breast tumour epithelial cells has been ascribed to an insufficient expression of either the enzyme(s) involved in its biosynthesis or the cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP) or both. In an attempt to define the mechanisms underpinning retinoic acid deficiency in these cell model systems, we have investigated the potential regulatory effect of oestrogen (17b-estradiol) on one key player in retinoic acid biosynthesis, the xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH). This enzyme is consistently expressed and very active in non-malignant human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC), as opposed to tumour MDA-MB231 and MCF7 cells. In these latter two cell lines, as opposed to
HMEC cells, we observe a residual ability of XDH to produce retinoic acid from retinaldehyde and the inability to use retinol, as a consequence of a deficit in CRBP. In addition, estradiol treatment of MDA-MB231 and MCF7 cells decreases protein expression and activity of the enzyme, with no modification of the mRNA transcript levels, eventually leading to deteriorate further retinoic acid production
Coinvolgimento del sistema dell’ossido nitrico nel mediare gli effetti pleiotropici della rosuvastatina
No full textA frequency approach to identifying asteroid families II. Families interacting with nonlinear secular resonances and low-order mean-motion resonances
No full textAims. In an earlier paper we introduced a new method for determining asteroid families where families were identified in the proper frequency domain (n, g, g + s) ( where n is the mean-motion, and g and s are the secular frequencies of the longitude of pericenter and nodes, respectively), rather than in the proper element domain (a, e, sin(i)) (semi-major axis, eccentricity, and inclination). Here we improve our techniques for reliably identifying members of families that interact with nonlinear secular resonances of argument other than g or g + s and for asteroids near or in mean-motion resonant configurations. Methods. We introduce several new distance metrics in the frequency space optimal for determining the diffusion in secular resonances of argument 2g - s, 3g - s, g - s, s, and 2s. We also regularize the dependence of the g frequency as a function of the n frequency (Vesta family) or of the eccentricity e (Hansa family). Results. Our new approaches allow us to recognize as family members objects that were lost with previous methods, while keeping the advantages of the Carruba & Michtchenko (2007, A& A, 475, 1145) approach. More important, an analysis in the frequency domain permits a deeper understanding of the dynamical evolution of asteroid families not always obtainable with an analysis in the proper element domain
Sildenafil protects human mammary epithelial cells against ROS production induced by estradiol
No full textSeveral studies suggest that xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and its oxidase form (XO) play an important role in various types of ischemic and vascular injuries. Recently, we have demonstrated that estradiol (E2) induces a significant decrease of the expression and activity of XDH and of its conversion to XO in human mammary epithelial cells. E2 is known to induce upregulation of eNOS gene expression in aortic endothelial cells. Because the XO-derived O2•– combines with •NO to yield ONOO–, and considering that ONOO– converts XDH to XO, the resulting increase of XO activity and reactive oxygen species production would eventually lead to a further increase of ONOO– production, thus creating a vicious cycle of oxidative stress. Our previous study has indicated that sildenafil has a protective effect on human mammary epithelial cells as a consequence of XO inhibition and of the resulting decrease of free oxygen radicals that can impair the expression of NADPH oxidase and type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE-5). In the present study, we report that the dual inhibitory effect exerted by sildenafil on both XO and PDE-5 is a consequence of a structural modification induced by O2•–, also consisting of the release of a piperazine group that could in turn inhibit the XO enzyme
Genotyping of Sex Hormone-Related Pathways in Benign and Malignant Human Prostate Tissues: Data of a Preliminary Study
No full textProstate cancer (PCa) is a major health issue in Westernized countries, representing a common cause of morbidity
and mortality in the elderly male population. Endogenous sex steroids, along with environmental factors (notably
diet) and host immune and inflammatory responses, are likely to cooperate in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Based on the assumption that a complex endocrine–inflammatory-immune interaction is primarily implicated in
human PCa, we have investigated the interplay between sex steroids and inflammation in development and
growth of human PCa. To this end, we have assessed nine functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)s of
five genes involved in sex hormone-related pathways in both hyperplastic and malignant human prostate tissues,
as well as in matched controls and in a ‘‘supercontrol’’ group composed of male Sicilian centenarians. In particular,
the following genes were investigated: AR-OMIM313700, SRD5A2-NM-000348, CYP19-NM-031226,
ERS1-NM-001122742, ERS2-NM-001040276. A significant association with prostate cancer was found in seven out
of the nine SNPs considered. Although this is a preliminary study and larger investigations are needed to confirm
the role of these genes in PCa development and/or progression, our data might provide an experimental basis to
develop additional or alternative strategies for prevention and treatment of PCa
Sustained quasi-steady turbidity current : outcrop evidence from the Pliocene peri-Adriatic foredeep (Cellino Fm., Central Italy)
No full textThe aim of this work is to investigate the nature of the numerous, very thick deep-water sheet-sandstones that dominate the lower portion of the Cellino Formation (Central Italy).
The studied turbidite system (about 2,500 m thick) represents the Lower Pliocene turbiditic filling of the outer Abruzzo sector of the Periadriatic foredeep. The foredeep was affected by compressional deformation linked to the overall migration of the chain-foredeep system toward the east. Tectonic activity was mostly coeval with the sedimentation and propagated towards the foreland; thrusting became progressively younger from W to E. The Cellino Basin has been intensely explored, being the site of hydrocarbon-bearing sands.
The turbidite beds can be distinctively resolved in the well logs and correlated to the measured sedimentary sections on outcrop. Based on well log correlation, tens of individual beds up to 23 m thick have been traced along the axis of the basin over distance in excess of 100 km and, perpendicularly to the basin, over distance of 30-40 km (Carruba et al. in press), with sand volumes on the order of a few 10’s Km3 (10 – 80 Km3). Palaeocurrent data taken from basal flute structures indicates southerly-directed flows, parallel to the depocentral axis of the basin. The thickest beds show a basin-wide extension, onlapping the basin margins without significant thickness variation.
The internal organization of the studied megabeds provides evidence for occurrence of long-lived flows and suggests deposition by gradual aggradation from sustained currents (sustained turbidity current; Kneller and Branney, 1995). The following features have been argued to be characteristic for sustained currents: (i) turbidite beds of extraordinary volume and thickness, (ii) very thick massive basal division (0.5 – 6 m thick), (iii) very frequent alternation of structureless and laminated intervals associated to internal scour surfaces, (iv) thick massive mudstone cap (1-10 m) that terminates the vertical organization of the sedimentary structures, (v) crudely developed grain-size profile that is overall upward fining (normally graded), (vi) abundant organic matter, (vii) extensive water-escape features.
The very thick massive basal division observed in the studied megabeds can be explained with progressive aggradation and absence of traction at the depositional flow boundary. The very frequent alternation of structureless and laminated intervals observed within the studied deposits, and their internal scour surfaces reflect temporal variation in flow velocity and sediment flux within the same current, as indicated by the discontinuity of the scour surface and the constant grain size above and below the surfaces. The graded upper part of the studied megabeds (a thick massive mud cap terminates the vertical organization of the sedimentary structures) represents the deposits of the waning stage of the current.
Assuming a quasi-steady flow scenario we can explain the nature of the numerous very thick megabeds within the Cellino Fm considering that the determining factors of the thickness of the studied deposits are the confinement of the basin and the rate and the duration of deposition, which may proceed as long as the current maintains a flux of grains towards the site of deposition.
The origin of these large-volume turbidity currents and their high rate of occurrence can be related to an interaction of many factors and external controls, which are typical of the ancient foredeep basins (Mutti et al., 2003).
Our data suggest that the studied megabeds could be originated from catastrophic floods and sediment failures during relative falling- and low-stand stage of sealevel forced by dramatic tectonic uplift of basin margins. Where the mountains fronts are close to shoreline, floods would be able to carry the majority of sediment load directly to the sea; the final depositional area of the ancient fluvial system that probably fed the Cellino basin lies in the deep water, far away from river mouths, and it is recorded by basinal turbidite sandstones and megabeds.
Although an understanding of climatic controls is extremely difficult on the basis of available data, high-frequency climatic pulses (that provided the water through which sediments were periodically flushed to the Periadriatic foredeep by flood-related process) could explain the amount of stacked megabeds. In this model, lower-frequency tectonically-forced cycles of uplift/denudation account for sediment availability through time. Consequently, the lower portion of the Cellino Formation could correspond to a stage of a single uplift/denudation cycle. In this stage, the tectonically active Cellino basin reaches its highest instability because the elevation of drainage basins is maximum and its proximity to the shoreline minimum
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