Atoxigenic-based technology for biocontrol of aflatoxin in maize and groundnuts for Tanzania

Application of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus to reduce aflatoxin content in crops is an effective strategy for managing aflatoxin in several regions throughout the world. We report the development and validation of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe TZ01 and Aflasafe TZ02, for use in maize and groundnut in Tanzania, a country frequently affected by aflatoxin contamination. Each product contains four atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native and widely distributed in Tanzania. Efficacy tests on maize and groundnut were conducted over two years and in four regions of Tanzania where aflatoxin contamination is prevalent. Application of both products significantly (P<0.05) reduced aflatoxin levels in maize and groundnut in both years and in all districts. No differences were observed in total Aspergillus section Flavi population in treated and untreated fields, revealing that application of the biocontrol products do not alter overall Aspergillus populations in the environment. The results indicate that both products are effective tools for aflatoxin mitigation in groundnut and maize. The products were officially registered in 2018. Currently, there are scale-out and-up efforts of aflatoxin biocontrol products in Tanzania through a private sector company that is making the products available to farmers. Protecting maize and groundnut from aflatoxin contamination in Tanzania can result in health, income, and trade benefits.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on peripartum affective psychopathology

Introduction

Despite COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacting mental health, few studies evaluated effects on perinatal mental health.

Objectives

Therefore, we aimed at assessing pregnant and puerperal women during first and second COVID-19 waves.

Methods

70 women (41 pregnant and 29 puerperal) consecutively afferent to our outpatient service for Perinatal Mental Health (March 2020-March 2021) were administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19-S), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience questionnaire (WDEQ).

Results

Women who reported last menstruation date (LMD) in 2019 second semester showed higher EPDS scores (p=0.026), those with estimated delivery date (EDD) in 2021 second semester showed higher CAS scores than those with EDD in 2020 first semester (p=0.020) or in 2021 first semester (p<0.001). Women with clinically significant EPDS Scores reported higher FCV-S-19 (p=0.005) and CAS (p=0.003). Subjects with a previous psychiatric hospitalization showed higher FCV-S-19 (p=0.003). A weak positive correlation (r=0,290; R2=0,084; p=0.015) has been observed between FCV-S-19 and EPDS. Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0,377; R2=0,142; P=0.001) between CAS and EPDS and between CAS and FCV-S-19 (r=0,641; R2=0.410; p<0.001). All subjects showed high scores for tocophobia after experiencing delivery.

Conclusions

COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pregnant and/or postpartum women also without a previous psychiatric condition. Early identification and screening tools should be routinely provided to all pregnant and postpartum women.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Depressive symptoms in the peripartum: incidence and associated characteristics

Introduction

The peripartum is a period at high risk for the onset of depressive symptoms. The prevalence of peripartum depression (PD) ranges from 6 to 20% and is burdened with high adverse birth outcomes, poor mother-infant bonding, and a high risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. However, PD is underrecognized and consequently undertreated.

Objectives

We aimed at screening depressive symptoms in women during pregnancy and postpartum, and evaluating the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with depressive symptoms.

Methods

199 women, 55 during pregnancy and 144 in the postpartum period, consecutively admitted to the Perinatal Mental Health Service of Ancona (Italy) were administered a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire together with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Women scoring ≥ 12 at the EPDS were considered screening positive.

Results

Twenty women (10%) were screening-positive. These women were more often foreigners (R2=0,032; β=0,178; p=0,012), single (R2=0,026; β=0,163; p=0,022), with a positive psychiatric family history (R2=0,114; β=-0,337; p=0,001) and more frequently affected by physical comorbidities unrelated to pregnancy (R2=0,03; β=0-0,174; p=0,014). These women also had more gestational comorbidities such as gestational hypertension (R2=0,02; β=-0,154; p=0,030), shortening of uterus neck (R2=0,05; β=-0,234; p=0,001), and miscarriage threats/placental abruption (R2=0,004; β=-0,067; p=0,001).

Conclusions

Our study highlighted the association between depressive symptoms and potentially dangerous gestational comorbidities. Our results further stress the need to screen all women in the peripartum for the presence of depression, in order to identify those at-risk and eventually put in place strategies to prevent further complications to mothers and children.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Neurological manifestations of Kawasaki disease and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19: A comparison of two different clinical entities

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most frequent idiopathic vasculitis in children, affecting medium- and small-sized vessels. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has recently emerged as a new systemic hyperinflammatory condition affecting children some weeks after an acute COVID-19 infection. KD and MIS-C share different aspects and differ in many others: patients affected by MIS-C are usually older, with prominent gastrointestinal manifestations, diffuse adenopathy, extensive conjunctivitis, myocardial damage, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia at the laboratory exams. Both conditions can present neurological complications. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a narrative review of neurological involvement in KD and MIS-C. A comprehensive review literature has been performed, and the main clinical features have been analyzed, contributing to neurological differential diagnosis.

A Compartmental Model for the Iron Trafficking Across the Blood-Brain Barriers in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Iron accumulation in the brain is supposed to play a central role in the induction of oxidative stress and consequently in neurodegeneration. The sensitive balance of iron in the brain is maintained by the brain barriers system, i.e., the blood-brain barrier between the blood and brain interstitial fluid and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier between the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this work, we proposed a three-compartmental mathematical model simulating iron trafficking between blood, CSF, and cerebral space, describing the direction of fluxes based on the structural and functional characteristics of the brain barriers system. Different techniques of sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the most important parameters, providing an indication for the most relevant biological functions that potentially affect the physiological transport of iron across brain barriers.

The impact of a regional training program on peripartum depression in territorial psychiatric services

Introduction

The Unit of Clinical Psychiatry of the University Hospital “Ospedali Riuniti – Ancona”, in collaboration with the Marche Region Health System, is conducting a national observational project entitled “Measures related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and assistance of postpartum depressive syndrome”, aiming at promoting women’s Mental Health, particularly in pregnancy and peripartum period.

Objectives

The primary objective is implementing all measures/interventions needed to promptly screening, early diagnosising, and supporting/caring women with mental health disease during pregnancy and peripartum period. A dedicated training program was performed by our clinical team belonging to the Peripartum Psychiatry Outpatient Service of the Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, at the University Hospital “Ospedali Riuniti”, Ancona, Italy, to a selected audience of Gynecologists/Obstetricians/Nurses/Psychologists/Psychiatrists/GPs and Pediatricians.

Methods

The training program is a 2-days residential course, held on 21-22^th September, 2020. After the training program, all participants (n= 70) were asked to provide an informed consent and complete an online questionnaire to evaluate knowledge/opinions/experiences and clinical practices in the field of depression in pregnancy and postpartum.

Results

A 40-items questionnaire investigated: a) general attitude in performing screening of depression/anxiety during pregnancy; b) overall knowledge about peripartum depression; c) overall knowledge about management/treatment; d) how physicians manage patients with peripartum depression/anxiety (i.e., how they perform screening/diagnosis/treatment during pregnancy, their levels of knowledge/confidence about psychopharmacology in pregnancy).

Conclusions

The findings of the residential course may allow clinicians to adequately inform and help in drafting a preventive, screening and management program able to assist regional stakeholders in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and assistance of perinatal depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on postural control in Parkinsonian patients with Pisa syndrome: A pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pisa syndrome (PS) is a clinical condition frequently associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). It is characterized by a trunk lateral flexion higher than 10 degrees and reversible when lying. One pathophysiological hypothesis is the altered verticality perception, due to a somatosensory impairment. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) manages fascial-system alterations, linked to somatic dysfunctions. Fascial system showed to be implicated in proprioceptive sensibility.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess OMT efficacy on postural control in PD-PS patients by stabilometry.

METHODS

In this single-blinded trial we studied 24 PD-PS patients, 12 of whom were randomly assigned to receive a multidisciplinary physical therapy protocol (MIRT) and sham OMT, while the other 12 received four OMT plus MIRT, for one month. The primary endpoint was the eye closed sway area assessment after the intervention. Evaluation of trunk lateral flexion (TLF) with DIERS formetrics was also performed.

RESULTS

At one month, the sway area of the OMT group significantly decreased compared to placebo (mean delta OMT - 326.00±491.24 mm2, p = 0.01). In the experimental group TLF showed a mean inclination reduction of 3.33 degrees after treatment (p = 0.044, mean d = 0.54). Moreover, a significant positive association between delta ECSA and delta TLF was observed (p = 0.04, r = 0.46).

DISCUSSION

Among PD-PS patients, MIRT plus OMT showed preliminary evidence of postural control and TLF improvement, compared to the control group.

Multiscale pink-beam microCT imaging at the ESRF-ID17 biomedical beamline

Recent trends in hard X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT) aim at increasing both spatial and temporal resolutions. These challenges require intense photon beams. Filtered synchrotron radiation beams, also referred to as `pink beams', which are emitted by wigglers or bending magnets, meet this need, owing to their broad energy range. In this work, the new microCT station installed at the biomedical beamline ID17 of the European Synchrotron is described and an overview of the preliminary results obtained for different biomedical-imaging applications is given. This new instrument expands the capabilities of the beamline towards sub-micrometre voxel size scale and simultaneous multi-resolution imaging. The current setup allows the acquisition of tomographic datasets more than one order of magnitude faster than with a monochromatic beam configuration.

Promoting physical activity-related health competences in people with intellectual disability

Background

Physical inactivity is a global health problem. Physically active people show lower rates of chronic diseases or mortality. People with intellectual disabilities (PWID), a vulnerable group for health problems, have significantly lower levels of physical activity (PA) than general population. Due to reduced cognitive abilities, communicative and literacy skills, PWID have less access to health programs. Target-group-oriented interventions are rare.

Methods

Methodological triangulation to survey PA-related health competences in all 3 subcategories: 3 participating observations and 24 interviews with PWID (inclusion criteria for both: mild or moderate ID); staff online survey (n = 67), all in an integration assistance institution. Participatory approach: 2 expert groups with PWID advise researchers e.g. validating results.

Results

As expected, movement abilities and body awareness various highly from general population. An effect knowledge is widely spread (PA = health), but execution knowledge of PA is only marginally available e.g. not knowing how to increase PA healthy. Control competences as results from interview and observations: intrinsic motivation is highly present (unlike results from staff survey), but volition - self-efficacy and bring into action - is very poor, self-management and a lack of ideas are identified as a major problem. Low expectation of self-efficacy proved to be the biggest obstacles for PA, but caregiver are an own health resource. Expert groups confirm important of PWID perspectives on living environment.

Conclusions

To promote a PA lifestyle, health education with a focus on promoting self-efficacy orientated to the living environment (incl. caregiver) regarding own perspectives and health resources is needed. In this way, a vulnerable group for health problems can be empowered. Results indicate a successful approach to promote PA-related health competences in PWID to minimize health inequalities in relation to general population.

Key messages

Health inequalities among people with intellectual disability through promoting a PA lifestyle can be minimized. Intervention for people with intellectual disabilities must take into account the perspectives and the resources of the users.

Transcriptomic and computational analysis identified LPA metabolism, KLHL14 and KCNE3 as novel regulators of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological program between physiology and pathology. Here, amniotic epithelial cells (AEC) were used as in vitro model of transiently inducible EMT in order to evaluate the transcriptional insights underlying this process. Therefore, RNA-seq was used to identify the differentially expressed genes and enrichment analyses were carried out to assess the intracellular pathways involved. As a result, molecules exclusively expressed in AEC that experienced EMT (GSTA1-1 and GSTM3) or when this process is inhibited (KLHL14 and KCNE3) were identified. Lastly, the network theory was used to obtain a computational model able to recognize putative controller genes involved in the induction and in the prevention of EMT. The results suggested an opposite role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) synthesis and degradation enzymes in the regulation of EMT process. In conclusion, these molecules may represent novel EMT regulators and also targets for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Placental Stem Cells from Domestic Animals: Translational Potential and Clinical Relevance

The field of regenerative medicine is moving toward clinical practice in veterinary science. In this context, placenta-derived stem cells isolated from domestic animals have covered a dual role, acting both as therapies for patients and as a valuable cell source for translational models. The biological properties of placenta-derived cells, comparable among mammals, make them attractive candidates for therapeutic approaches. In particular, stemness features, low immunogenicity, immunomodulatory activity, multilineage plasticity, and their successful capacity for long-term engraftment in different host tissues after autotransplantation, allo-transplantation, or xenotransplantation have been demonstrated. Their beneficial regenerative effects in domestic animals have been proven using preclinical studies as well as clinical trials starting to define the mechanisms involved. This is, in particular, for amniotic-derived cells that have been thoroughly studied to date. The regenerative role arises from a mutual tissue-specific cell differentiation and from the paracrine secretion of bioactive molecules that ultimately drive crucial repair processes in host tissues (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, angiogenic, and neurogenic factors). The knowledge acquired so far on the mechanisms of placenta-derived stem cells in animal models represent the proof of concept of their successful use in some therapeutic treatments such as for musculoskeletal disorders. In the next future, legislation in veterinary regenerative medicine will be a key element in order to certify those placenta-derived cell-based protocols that have already demonstrated their safety and efficacy using rigorous approaches and to improve the degree of standardization of cell-based treatments among veterinary clinicians.

Prevalence and phenotype of the c.1529C>T SPG7 variant in adult-onset cerebellar ataxia in Italy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hereditary ataxias are heterogeneous groups of neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by cerebellar syndromes associated with dysarthria, oculomotor and corticospinal signs, neuropathy and cognitive impairment. Recent reports have suggested mutations in the SPG7 gene, causing the most common form of autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia (MIM#607259), as a main cause of ataxias. The majority of described patients were homozygotes or compound heterozygotes for the c.1529C>T (p.Ala510Val) change. We screened a cohort of 895 Italian patients with ataxia for p.Ala510Val in order to define the prevalence and genotype-phenotype correlation of this variant.

METHODS

We set up a rapid assay for c.1529C>T using restriction enzyme analysis after polymerase chain reaction amplification. We confirmed the diagnosis with Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

We identified eight homozygotes and 13 compound heterozygotes, including two novel variants affecting splicing. Mutated patients showed a pure cerebellar ataxia at onset, evolving in mild spastic ataxia (alternatively) associated with dysarthria (~80% of patients), urinary urgency (~30%) and pyramidal signs (~70%). Comparing homozygotes and compound heterozygotes, we noted a difference in age at onset and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score between the two groups, supporting an earlier and more severe phenotype in compound heterozygotes versus homozygotes.

CONCLUSIONS

The SPG7 c.1529C>T (p.Ala510Val) mutants accounted for 2.3% of cerebellar ataxia cases in Italy, suggesting that this variant should be considered as a priority test in the presence of late-onset pure ataxia. Moreover, the heterozygous/homozygous genotype appeared to predict the onset of clinical manifestation and disease progression.

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis of Iris Morphometric Changes Induced by Prostaglandin Analogues Treatment in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

Background:

The study aimed to evaluate iris thickness changes in patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) or Ocular Hypertension (OHT) under treatment with Prostaglandin Analogues (PG).

Objectives:

Primary outcome measures were iris thickness at the region of Dilator Muscle Region (DMR) and Sphincter Muscle Region (SMR). DMR/SMR ratio was also evaluated. The secondary outcome was the correlation between PG treatment length and iris parameters.

Methods:

The charts of patients with POAG or OHT who underwent Visante OCT were retrospectively selected. The patients were divided in a group using PG for at least 6 months and a group using hypotensive drops not including PG or alpha-adrenergic agonists. A third group included healthy subjects.

Result:

98 subjects were selected. Patients with POAG or OHT using PG eyedrops showed a significant iris thickness reduction at DMR compared to healthy subjects and to patients using hypotensive eyedrops not containing PG. Significantly higher SMR thickness values were found in PG group compared to both control groups. DMR/SMR ratio significantly reduced in PG group. No correlation was found between PG treatment length and iris parameters.

Conclusion:

The present data indicate that PG treatment induced DMR thickness reduction and an increase in SMR thickness. These changes were not related to the duration of PG exposure.

Anaplasia and Heterogeneity of Gfap Expression in Gliomas

GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) distribution was investigated in selected areas of glioblastomas and astrocytomas. The proliferating cell population of glioblastomas was GFAP negative and contained many mitoses which were also negative. The old, deeply located areas were composed of cells with visible cytoplasm, intensely GFAP-positive; mitoses in these areas were both GFAP-positive and negative. GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes, once trapped in the tumor, were no longer distinguishable from positive tumor cells. They sometimes contained mitoses. In astrocytoma, anaplasia was due to the development of a GFAP-negative population with negative mitoses. The problem of dedifferentiation and differentiation of malignant gliomas in discussed taking into account the possiblity that malignancy may be due to increasing mutation rates of tumors. The problem of redifferentiation of already dedifferentiated cells is also discussed.

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in Human Cerebral Tumors. An Immunohistochemical Study

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was studied in 160 cerebral tumors, mostly of neuro-epithelial nature. It was positive in astroglial tumors with an intensity proportional to the degree of cell differentiation. It was sometimes positive also in non-astroglial tumors, such as oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas, and this finding is discussed in relation to genesis and diagnostic value. In medulloblastomas, there were also positive cells, which could be reactive glia cells included in the tumors or subependymal cells. The demonstration of GFAP is very useful in gliosarcomas for identifying the glial component. It was sometimes positive in hemangioblastomas, and it is discussed in view of the nature of the stromal cells of this tumor.

Reactive Astrocytes in the Morphologic Composition of Peripheral Areas of Gliomas

The participation of reactive astrocytes in the morphologic composition of peripheral areas of 25 gliomas was investigated. Reactive astrocytes were studied by the immunohistochemical demonstration of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. Reactive astrocytes were more abundant around malignant gliomas than around well-differentiated astrocytomas. They underwent modifications when entrapped within the tumor proliferation and became indistinguishable from tumor astrocytes. Mitoses occurred in both types of cells. Reactive astrocytes did participate in the cell composition of gliomas. They might have contributed to tumor growth. Practically, their occurrence might lead to an erroneous diagnosis when small fragments of tissue are examined.

Optimal number of multiple rapid swallows needed during high-resolution esophageal manometry for accurate prediction of contraction reserve

BACKGROUND

Multiple rapid swallows (MRS) is a provocative test for assessment of contraction reserve, however reproducibility on repetitive MRS is incompletely understood. Our aim was to determine the optimal number of MRS sequences for consistent assessment of contraction reserve.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients (79 IEM and 80 normal motility) who underwent high-resolution manometers were enrolled. Ten single swallows (SS) and 10 MRS were performed. Gold standard for evaluation of the contraction reserve was the ratio between the mean DCI of 10 MRS and the mean DCI of 10 SS (MRS/SS DCI ratio). Rates of false negatives and false positives were calculated for increasing numbers of MRS sequences, using either mean DCI or the MRS with the highest DCI.

KEY RESULTS

According to the gold standard, 50 IEM and 50 normal motility patients had contraction reserve. With progressively increasing numbers of MRS sequences, contraction reserve was detected using mean MRS DCI within three and four MRS sequences in IEM and normal motility respectively, whereas two and three MRS sequences were needed using the MRS sequence with the highest DCI. False positives were much higher with highest DCI method compared with mean DCI, (22% vs 9% respectively in IEM; 24% vs 9% in normal motility) when three MRS sequences were considered.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

At least three MRS are needed to reliably assess contraction reserve. The mean DCI of the three MRS sequences is the best variable to utilize as evidence of contraction reserve.

Survey of Penicillia associated with Italian grana cheese

The present work aimed to contribute information on the mycobiota associated with ripening grana cheese, with focus on the genus Penicillium as potential mycotoxin producers. Eighteen wheels of grana cheese, aged in different storehouses situated in Northern Italy, were sampled to isolate associated fungi. Penicillium spp. were commonly dominant; morphological observation and gene sequencing were applied to identify Penicillium at species level. P. crustosum and P. solitum were the dominant species. Citrinin and ochratoxin A mycotoxins were analysed and the latter was found in all grana cheese samples. These results confirmed that a polyphasic approach is mandatory for Penicillium identification at species level.

Gastro-esophageal reflux and antisecretory drugs use among patients with chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis: a study with pH-impedance monitoring

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis (CAAG) often refer digestive symptoms and are prescribed antisecretory medications. Aims were to investigate: (i) gastro-esophageal reflux (GER), (ii) psychopathological profile, (iii) frequency of use and clinical benefit of antisecretory drugs.

METHODS

Prospective observational study on 41 CAAG patients who underwent: 24 h multichannel intra-luminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring off-therapy, standardized medical interview and psychological questionnaire (i.e., SCL-90R). The medical interview was repeated at least 1 month after MII-pH in patients who were using antisecretory drugs. Statistical analysis was performed calculating median (10th-90th percentiles) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval.

KEY RESULTS

Median intra-gastric pH was 6.2 (4.6-7.0). One patient had acid reflux (AC) associated with symptoms, five had increased total reflux number and four had symptoms associated to non-acid reflux (NA) (patients referred as 'GER positive'). Using patients 'GER negative' with normal SCL-90R as reference, the RR of being symptomatic in patients GER positive was 2.1 (1.1-4.1) if SCL-90R was normal and 0.9 (0.5-1.7) if it was altered (difference in RR significant being p = 0.04). Seventeen/28 (61%) symptomatic patients were on antisecretory drugs, which were stopped in 16 of them according to results of MII-pH and clinical evaluation after 574 days (48-796) showed that symptoms were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

In patients with CAAG (i) AC reflux rarely occurred whereas increased NA reflux was not infrequent both being related to symptoms in some patients, (ii) psychopathological profile has a role in symptoms' occurrence, (iii) antisecretory drugs were generally inappropriately used and clinically ineffective.

A high-pressure and high-temperature gas-loading system for the study of conventional to real industrial sized samples in catalysed gas/solid and liquid/solid reactions

A high-pressure–high-temperature gas-loading system (GLS) is described for combinedoperandoX-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry investigations during catalysed gas/solid or liquid/solid reactions. The pressure cell consists of a single-crystal sapphire tube which serves as both high-pressure container and reaction cell, with up to 6 mm inner diameter. The system can operate in two different configurations, under either static high pressure or dynamic pressurized flow. The transportable reaction cell can be filled under inert atmosphere inside a glove box, enabling studies with oxygen-sensitive compounds to be conducted. The five main benefits of this system can be summarized as follows: (i) the temperature, pressure and gas-flow ranges of 298–1273 K, 10−3 mbar–200 bar (0.1–2 × 107 Pa) and 0–1 l min−1, respectively, (ii) the combination of different gases, (iii) the flexibility of the cell design, (iv) the full rotation of the pressurized cell, and (v) the combination of X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry as analytical tools. These key points open new possibilities for studying the evolution of catalysts or compounds from a fundamental point of view as well as for industrial applications, in both cases inoperandoconditions.

Stability analysis of 4-species Aβ aggregation model: A novel approach to obtaining physically meaningful rate constants

Protein misfolding and concomitant aggregation towards amyloid formation is the underlying biochemical commonality among a wide range of human pathologies. Amyloid formation involves the conversion of proteins from their native monomeric states (intrinsically disordered or globular) to well-organized, fibrillar aggregates in a nucleation-dependent manner. Understanding the mechanism of aggregation is important not only to gain better insight into amyloid pathology but also to simulate and predict molecular pathways. One of the main impediments in doing so is the stochastic nature of interactions that impedes thorough experimental characterization and the development of meaningful insights. In this study, we have utilized a well-known intermediate state along the amyloid-β peptide aggregation pathway called protofibrils as a model system to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which they form fibrils using stability and perturbation analysis. Investigation of protofibril aggregation mechanism limits both the number of species to be modeled (monomers, and protofibrils), as well as the reactions to two (elongation by monomer addition, and protofibril-protofibril lateral association). Our new model is a reduced order four species model grounded in mass action kinetics. Our prior study required 3200 reactions, which makes determining the reaction parameters prohibitively difficult. Using this model, along with a linear perturbation argument, we rigorously determine stable ranges of rate constants for the reactions and ensure they are physically meaningful. This was accomplished by finding the ranges in which the perturbations dieout in a five-parameter sweep, which includes the monomer and protofibril equilibrium concentrations and three of the rate constants. The results presented are a proof-of-concept method in determining meaningful rate constants that can be used as a bonafide way for determining accurate rate constants for other models involving complex biological reactions such as amyloid aggregation.

Traditional vs wireless intragastric pH monitoring: are the two techniques comparable?

BACKGROUND

Few data are available comparing intragastric pH measured with the traditional catheter-based and the more recent wireless system (Bravo), and also comparing intraesophageal and intragastric pH during reflux events. Aims of our study were to elucidate these points.

METHODS

Eleven subjects with functional dyspepsia underwent placement of a Bravo capsule 9 cm below the squamo-columnar junction (SCJ) and of a dual-electrode catheter, so that the distal electrode was located 9 cm below and the proximal one 6 cm above the SCJ.

KEY RESULTS

The wireless system showed lower intragastric pH than the traditional catheter in the postprandial period (median 2.2 wireless vs 2.7 catheter, P < 0.05) but not in the whole 24 h. Moreover, during the 24 h, minimum intraesophageal pH during reflux events was lower than the simultaneous pH in the gastric body recorded using the catheter (2.2 vs 2.4, P < 0.01) and in the postprandial period lower than the one recorded using both techniques (2.3 vs 2.8 wireless and 3.2 catheter, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

(i) after meals, in the 1st 2 h postprandial pH in the gastric body is significantly lower when measured with the wireless capsule than with the traditional catheter, presumably because of less buffering by food in proximity of the mucosa, (ii) during reflux events intraesophageal pH is lower than pH in the gastric body, in accordance with the notion of greater intragastric acidity in the subcardial region.

Ovine amniotic epithelial cells: in vitro characterization and transplantation into equine superficial digital flexor tendon spontaneous defects

In vitro expanded and frosted ovine amniotic epithelial cells (oAECs) were evaluated for their phenotype, stemness and attitude to differentiate into tenocytes. Fifteen horses with acute tendon lesions were treated with one intralesional injection of oAECs. Tendon recovery under controlled training was monitored. In vitro expanded oAECs showed a constant proliferative ability, a conserved phenotype and stable expression profile of stemness markers. Differentiation into tenocytes was also regularly documented. US controls showed the infilling of the defect and early good alignment of the fibers and 12 horses resumed their previous activity. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations in an explanted tendon demonstrated the low immunogenicity of oAECs that were able to survive in the healing site. In addition, oAECs supported the regenerative process producing ovine collagen type I amongst the equine collagen fibers. Considering our results, oAECs can be proposed as a new approach for the treatment of spontaneous equine tendon injuries.

Expression of gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2) in some benign salivary gland tumors

Salivary gland tumors, most of which are rare benign tumors, represent a histologically heterogenous group with the greatest diversity of morphological and cellular features. The aim of this study is to analyse the expression and possible interactions between gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2) in some benign salivary gland tumors. We investigated the expression of gelatinases and cyclooxigenases in control salivary gland, Pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor through immunohistochemistry and Reverse Transcription - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). We identified the expression of both classes of enzyme in normal samples and in the two types of pathological samples without any quantitative differences. From the present data no significant differences emerge in the expression of these enzymes among the different pathologies examined. Nevertheless, due to the small number of samples included in this study, general statements regarding correlation between the degree of severity of the tumoral pathology and the quantitative expression of these potential tumoral markers can not be made.

Characterization, GFP gene Nucleofection, and allotransplantation in injured tendons of ovine amniotic fluid-derived stem cells

Amniotic fluid has drawn increasing attention in the recent past as a cost-effective and accessible source of fetal stem cells. Amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSCs) that display high proliferation rate, large spectrum of differentiation potential, and immunosuppressive features are considered optimal candidates for allogeneic repair of mesenchymal damaged tissues. In this study, ovine AFMSCs (oAFMSCs) isolated from 3-month-old sheep fetuses were characterized for their proliferation rate, specific surface antigen and pluripotency marker expression, genomic stability, and mesenchymal lineage differentiation during their in vitro expansion (12 passages) and after nucleofection. The high proliferation rate of oAFMSCs gradually decreased during the first six subculture passages while the expression of surface molecules (CD29, CD58, CD166) and of pluripotency-associated markers (OCT4, TERT, NANOG, SOX2), the in vitro osteogenic differentiation potential, and a normal karyotype were maintained. Afterwards, oAFMSCs were nucleofected with a selectable plasmid coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP) using two different programs, U23 and C17, previously optimized for human mesenchymal stem cells. Transfection efficiencies were ∼63% and ∼37%, while cell recoveries were ∼10% and ∼22%, respectively. Nucleofected oAFMSCs expressing the GFP transgene conserved their pluripotency marker profile and retained a normal karyotype and the osteogenic differentiation ability. Seven single clones with a GFP expression ranging from 80% to 97% were then isolated and expanded over 1 month, thus providing stably transfected cells with long-term therapeutic potential. The in vivo behavior of GFP-labeled oAFMSCs was tested on a previously validated preclinical model of experimentally induced Achille's tendon defect. The allotransplanted oAFMSCs were able to survive within the host tissue for 1 month enhancing the early phase of tendon healing as indicated by morphological and biomechanical results. Altogether these data suggest that genetically modified oAFMSCs might represent a valuable tool for in vivo preclinical studies in a highly valid translational model.

Achilles tendon regeneration can be improved by amniotic epithelial cell allotransplantation

Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) are ideal seed cells for tissue regeneration, but no research has yet been reported on their tendon regeneration potential. This study investigated the efficiency of AEC allotransplantation for tendon healing, as well as the mechanism involved. To this aim ovine AECs, characterized by specific surface and stemness markers (CD14(-), CD31(-), CD45(-), CD49f, CD29, CD166, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, TERT), were allotransplanted into experimentally induced tissue defects in sheep Achilles tendon. In situ tissue repair revealed that AEC-treated tendons had much better structural and mechanical recoveries than control ones during the early phase of healing. Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses indicated that extracellular matrix remodeling was more rapid and that immature collagen fibers were completely replaced by mature ones in 28 days. Moreover, spatial-temporal analysis of cellularity, proliferation index, vascular area, and leukocyte infiltration revealed that AECs induced a specific centripetal healing process that first started in the tissue closer to the healthy portion of the tendons, where AECs rapidly migrated to then progress through the core of the lesion. This peculiar healing evolution could have been induced by the growth factor stimulatory influence (TGF-β1 and VEGF) and/or by the host progenitor cells recruitment, but also as the consequence of a direct tenogenic AEC differentiation resulting in the regeneration of new tendon matrix. These findings demonstrate that AECs can support tendon regeneration, and their effects may be used to develop future strategies to treat tendon disease characterized by a poor clinical outcome in veterinary medicine.

Isolation, characterization, and in vitro differentiation of ovine amniotic stem cells

Stem cell (SC) regenerative therapy represents an emerging strategy for the treatment of human diseases. Since amniotic fluid-derived cells have been recently proposed as a promising source of human SCs, the present research aimed to amplify in vitro and characterize ovine amniotic fluid-derived SCs collected from the membranes (AMSCs) or fluid (AFSCs). These cells were found to proliferate, express the pluripotent SC markers OCT-4 and TERT, and differentiate in both osteogenic and smooth muscle lineages in vitro. However, AMSCs presented an earlier down-regulation of SC markers and a faster rate of differentiation. Thus, AMSCs and AFSCs may represent sources of characterized pluripotent SCs that can be easily collected and amplified in vitro. These ovine SCs may be used in preclinical studies on large animals to develop future human therapies.

Experimental study on allografts of amniotic epithelial cells in calcaneal tendon lesions of sheep

An experimental protocol was designed to study the survival and behaviour of an allograft of amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) in an ovine model. The study was conducted on three healthy adult sheep. A core lesion was created in both calcaneal tendons under ultrasound (US) guidance by injecting 400 UI of Type 1A collagenase diluted in 0.6 ml saline. The AECs were obtained from a 60-80-day-old fetus and cultured under standard conditions. After 15 days of collagenase treatment, 2 x 10(6) AECs stained with a vital membrane fluorescent probe (PHK26) were injected under US guidance in 500 microl saline solution into the lesion of one limb. The contralateral untreated limb was used as a control. Animals were euthanatized 7 (1) and 30 (2) days later. Histological analyses performed on explanted tendons clearly demonstrate that AECs survived for at least 1 month inside the lesion without any adverse reactions. The damaged tissue of the treated tendons showed a high number of reparative cells in active proliferation that were accumulating collagen within the extracellular matrix. In addition, after 1 month, the neo-collagen began to be organized into parallel arrays of fibers oriented along the longitudinal axis of the tendon.

Non-linear recurrence analysis of NREM human sleep microstructure discloses deterministic oscillation patterns related to sleep stage transitions and sleep maintenance

Sleep is a dynamic process aimed at obtaining the required neurophysiological states at certain times, according to circadian and homeostatic needs and despite external or internal interfering stimuli. In this context, peculiar transient synchronized EEG patterns (TSEP) are supposed to play the main role in the building up of EEG synchronization and in the flexible adaptation against perturbations Our study aimed at disclosing and quantifying attractor driven, hidden periodicity or, conversely, chaotic oscillation patterns in the series of these TSEP related to sleep stage transitions and sleep maintenance. At first we devised a multistep algorithm, able to capture TSEP from EEG during sleep in 10 healthy volunteers. The time series of TSEP were then analyzed according to the Recurrence Plot (RP). TSEP series showed to form a pseudo-periodic series which becomes progressively denser and more stable until steady slow wave NREM sleep is reached, but looses stability just before REM sleep starts. This suggests that deterministic oscillatory patterns maybe adequate descriptors of the balance between homeostatic needs for NREM sleep and REM sleep pressure, supported by different cortical neuronal populations interactions.

Immunohistochemical and biomolecular identification of orphanin FQ, eNOS, atrial natriuretic factor and oxytocin in rat seminal vesicles

In previous studies performed on rodents, we detected the presence of adreno-cholinergic and peptidergic innervation in seminal vesicles and other organs of the male genital system, such as prostate and deferent duct, in which we also investigated the expression of NOS and NADPH-diaphorase. During this project, we focused our attention on the expression of some peptides involved in local control of smooth muscle relaxation, contractility, vasodilatation and control of blood flow in rat seminal vesicles. We investigated, through immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, the presence of four peptides: orphanin, eNOS, ANF and oxytocin. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of the proteins, whereas RT-PCR analysis confirmed gene expression of orphanin, eNOS and ANF, but not oxytocin. In our opinion, orphanin, eNOS and ANF could have paracrine effects regulating the function of seminal vesicles, whereas oxytocin, which may reach this anatomical district through the blood flow, may have a hormonal action. This is a pilot study that, with further investigation, may allow to better clarify the role of these molecules in the control of seminal vesicle tissues' homeostasis.

Fusion as the result of sperm–somatic cell interaction

The research has been designed to investigate whether acrosome-reacted spermatozoa can fuse with somatic cells and to check whether this event may involve the molecular machinery implicated in the sperm–egg fusion. Boar spermatozoa were capacitatedin vitroand then treated with A23187 to induce acrosome reaction and activate their fusogenic potential. Reacted spermatozoa, loaded with the membrane-permeant fluorescent dye calcein AM, were incubated with plated granulosa cells or cells derived from stable cell lines: CRFK, VERO, and ESK4. The fusion between spermatozoa and somatic cells was revealed by the diffusion of the fluorescent dye from the sperm to the cell as membrane fusion and cytoplasmic continuity between the two cells were established. The involvement of integrin α6 and tetraspanin CD9 in the process of fusion was assessed by carrying out the experiment in the presence of antibodies against these molecules. Moreover, the incidence of fusion displayed by the different cell types used was analyzed in relation to their content in the above molecules assessed by western blot and immunostaining. The role of CD9 was additionally investigated by using CD9-negative cells. The data presented demonstrate that boar spermatozoa can fuse with different somatic cell types derived from different species and the process requires the combined presence of both integrin and tetraspanin molecules on the cell plasma membrane.

Immunohistochemical and transcriptional expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in normal and pathological human oral mucosa

The oral cavity is exposed to chronic or recurrent, physical and chemical trauma that could lead to mucosal reactions (e.g. hyperplasia, dysplasia and tumors). The objective of this study is to investigate the expression and the possible changes of the two matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in normal and pathological human oral mucosa samples. Normal oral mucosa samples and three different types of pathological conditions (hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma) were used for this study. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate protein expression for the two enzymes, while Reverse Transcription ? Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate gene expression. Image analysis was used to give a quantitative evaluation of the immunohistochemical data. In control samples we identified a weak expression of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the epithelial layers. In hyperplasia samples MMPs expression is limited to epithelial layers but the immunoreactivity is more intense than in the control. In dysplasia and carcinoma samples the two matrix metalloproteases are expressed not only in epithelium but also in some cells of the connective tissue and in the vessel walls. Qualitative RT-PCR and image analysis confirmed the immunohistochemical data. The results obtained in this study suggest the existence of a possible relationship between the entity of morphological disorganization of the oral mucosa in different pathologies and the increase of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

An atypical case of sporadic fatal insomnia

Fatal insomnia is a rare human prion disease characterised by sleep-wake disturbances, thalamic degeneration and deposition of type 2 disease-specific prion protein (PrP(Sc)). This report details a patient with sporadic fatal insomnia who exhibited cerebral deposition of type 1 PrP(Sc) and neuropathological changes largely in the basal ganglia. Previous damage of this brain region by a surgically removed colloid cyst and the insertion of two intracerebral shunts may have influenced the distribution of PrP(Sc) through a chronic inflammatory process. These findings add to our knowledge of the phenotypic variability of human prion diseases with prominent sleep disturbances.

Space Charge Regions in Fixed Charge Membranes and the Associated Property of Capacitance

The Poisson-Boltzmann equation, which was derived by Shockley in his treatment of the p-n semiconductor junction at equilibrium, is applied to fixed charge ionic membranes. The fixed charges in ionic membranes play the same role as "doping" ions in semiconductors, the major difference between the two systems being that in the former the mobile particles are ions while in the latter the particles are electrons and phenomenological particles, "holes." An important consequence of spatial gradients of fixed charge is the presence of space charge regions which give rise to an intrinsic electric field and potential. These quantities are established first for the single "lattice" thus providing a continuous treatment of the Donnan equilibrium invoked by Teorell-Meyer-Sievers in their treatment of fixed charge membranes. It is shown further that when a positive and negative membrane are juxtaposed, the space charge region in the "junction" so formed provides a mechanism for the storage of electrical energy. Thus while the system is basically a "conductor" the presence of transition regions of fixed charge give rise to the additional property of capacitance. Experimental data are presented on ionic and p-n junctions. The implications of this mechanism for the physical basis of capacitance in biological cells are discussed.

Equivalent Circuits as Related to Ionic Systems

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between certain "equivalent circuits" and the fundamental flux equations of Nernst and Planck. It is shown that as a direct algebraic consequence of these equations one may construct two types of equivalent circuits for a homogeneous (charged or uncharged) membrane. The one, which we term the "pure electrical equivalent circuit," correctly predicts all of the electrical properties of the membrane for both steady and transient states. The other, which we call the "mixed equivalent circuit," predicts the steady state I, Psi characteristics of the membrane and the steady state ionic fluxes; it is not applicable to non-steady state properties or measurements. We emphasize that with regard to the portrayal of the physical basis of the properties of a homogeneous membrane, the mixed equivalent circuit can be misleading. This is particularly significant because this same circuit can also be used to depict a mosaic membrane, in which case the circuit gives a realistic pictorialization of the physical origin of the membrane properties. It is hoped that our analysis will be of aid to workers in electrophysiology who make use of equivalent circuit terminology in discussing the behavior of the plasma membrane.