0000000000917691
AUTHOR
Paolo Colombo
Osservazioni morfoanatomiche su differenti popolazioni di Anthemis cupaniana Tod. ex Lojac. (Asteraceae)
A hybrid expressing genetically engineered major allergens of the Parietaria pollen as a tool for Specific Allergy Vaccination
Studio morfo-anatomico di Himanthoglossum robertianum e H. hircinum (Orchidaceae) della Sicilia
Fattore anti-lps da Parietaria Judaica
L’endotossina è una tossina microbica, parte integrante della membrana esterna della parete di batteri Gram-negativi che viene rilasciata completamente con la lisi del batterio. È costituita da sub-unita’ molecolari che hanno dimensioni comprese tra 10.000 e 20.000 Daltons, mentre le aggregazioni hanno dimensioni di circa 100.000 Daltons. Un esempio tipico di endotossina è rappresentato dal lipopolisaccaride (LPS) che è presente nella membrana esterna dei batteri Gram-negativi. Le endotossine sono le principali responsabili delle conseguenze cliniche delle infezioni da batteri gram-negativi. Infatti, l’endotossina è ritenuta responsabile della patogenesi della sepsi, dello shock settico e d…
Isolation, characterization and expression analysis of a collectin in Tunicate Ciona intestinalis.
Isolation of a novel LPS-induced component of the ML superfamily in Ciona intestinalis
ML superfamily represents a group of proteins playing important roles in lipid metabolism and innate immune response. In this study, we report the identification of the first component of the ML superfamily in the invertebrate Ciona intestinalis by means of a subtractive hybridization strategy. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that this protein forms a specific clade with vertebrate components of the Niemann-Pick type C2 protein and, for this reason, it has been named Ci-NPC2. The putative Ci-NPC2 is a 150 amino acids long protein with a short signal peptide, seven cysteine residues, three putative lipid binding site and a three-dimensional model showing a characteristic b…
LPS injection reprograms the expression and the 3′ UTR of a CAP gene by alternative polyadenylation and the formation of a GAIT element in Ciona intestinalis
The diversification of cellular functions is one of the major characteristics of multicellular organisms which allow cells to modulate their gene expression, leading to the formation of transcripts and proteins with different functions and concentrations in response to different stimuli. CAP genes represent a widespread family of proteins belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 superfamily which, it has been proposed, play key roles in the infection process and the modulation of immune responses in host animals. The ascidian Ciona intestinalis represents a group of proto-chordates with an exclusively innate immune system that has been widely st…
Osservazioni su uno caso di convergenza adattativa: Dianthus arrostii (Cariophyllaceae) e Plantago subulata subsp. humilis (Plantaginaceae)
Flower and fruit structure of the endangered species Petagnaea gussonei (Sprengel) Rauschert (Saniculoideae, Apiaceae) and implications for its reproductive biology
Petagnaea gussonei (Apiaceae) is an endangered species endemic to the Nebrodi mountains (north-eastern Sicily). Although an increasing number of studies have been performed on this species, its reproductive biology remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the structure of the flower and the fruit of Petagnaea, and the possible implications for its breeding system and seed dispersal mechanism. Results from fieldwork, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy suggest (1) the presence of protandrous hermaphrodite flowers; (2) geitonogamy, autogamy, and allogamy as breeding system mechanisms of P. gussonei, even if asexual reproduction is preferred b…
Osservazioni sulla morfologia fogliare di Ilex aquifolium L. in differenti condizioni di copertura e tipologia di bosco
Micromorfologia fogliare comparata ed anatomia generale di Epipactis microphylla (Ehrh.) SW. ed E. helleborine (L.) Crantz (Orchidaceae) in Sicilia
Indagini anatomiche e micromorfologiche fogliari su alcune specie del genere Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae)
The major allergen of the Parietaria pollen contains an LPS-binding region with immuno-modulatory activity
Background The major allergens in Parietaria pollen, Par j 1 and Par j 2, have been identified as lipid transfer proteins. The family of the Par j 1 allergens is composed of two isoforms, which differ by the presence of a 37 amino acid peptide (Par37) exclusive to the Par j 1.0101 isoform. The goal of this study was to elucidate the biological properties of the Par37 peptide. Methods In silico analysis, spectrofluorimetric experiments and in vitro cell culture assays were used to identify the biological properties of Par37. In addition, a mouse model of sensitization was used to study the influence of Par37 in the murine immune response. Results In silico analysis predicted that Par37 displ…
Seed micromorphology and its variation in Sicilian Orobanche
A further analysis of secretory structures of some taxa belonging to the genus Hypericum (Clusiaceae) in relation to the leaf vascular pattern
This work extends knowledge about the distribution of secretory structures (black nodules, translucent glands, and type A and B secretory canals) to other species of the genus Hypericum L., as only H. perforatum L. appears to have been widely investigated. Moreover, the current study was extended to include leaf vascular patterns. In the species studied, a possible correlation between the presence of black nodules and a particular biological form, that of hemicryptophytes scapose perennials such as H. perfoliatum L., H. perforatum L., H. pubescens Boiss., H. tetrapterum Fr., and H. triquetrifolium Turra, was noted. These black nodules are not present in H. androsaemum L. and H. hircinum L.,…
Indagini ecomorfologiche e micromorfologiche su Malva agrigentina (Malvaceae) endemita sicula
Dafne sericea Vahl. e D. gnidium L. (Thymelaceae): morfologia fogliare e fitodermologia a confronto
Confronto anatomico e micromorfologico fogliare fra Ophrys obaesa/O. pallida ed Epipactis microphylla/E. helleborine (Orchidaceae)
Impact of the flame retardant 2,2'4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) in THP-1 macrophage-like cell function via small extracellular vesicles
2,2’4,4’-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) is one of the most widespread environmental brominated flame-retardant congeners which has also been detected in animal and human tissues. Several studies have reported the effects of PBDEs on different health issues, including neurobehavioral and developmental disorders, reproductive health, and alterations of thyroid function. Much less is known about its immunotoxicity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects that treatment of THP-1 macrophage-like cells with PBDE-47 could have on the content of small extracellular vesicles’ (sEVs) microRNA (miRNA) cargo and their downstream effects on bystander macrophages. To achieve this, we puri…
Primo contributo allo studio morfoanatomico e micromorfologico su alcune specie di Serapias (Orchidaceae) della Sicilia
Studio Morfoanatomico di Himantoglossum robertianum ed H.hircinum (Orchideaceae) della Sicilia
The Anemonia viridis Venom: Coupling Biochemical Purification and RNA-Seq for Translational Research
Blue biotechnologies implement marine bio-resources for addressing practical concerns. The isolation of biologically active molecules from marine animals is one of the main ways this field develops. Strikingly, cnidaria are considered as sustainable resources for this purpose, as they possess unique cells for attack and protection, producing an articulated cocktail of bioactive substances. The Mediterranean sea anemone Anemonia viridis has been studied extensively for years. In this short review, we summarize advances in bioprospecting of the A. viridis toxin arsenal. A. viridis RNA datasets and toxin data mining approaches are briefly described. Analysis reveals the major pool of neurotoxi…
Electrophoresis of proteins and DNA on horizontal sodium dodecyl sulfate polycrylamide gels
Multivariate analysis of sites using water invertebrates and land use as indicators of the quality of biotopes of Mediterranean relic plant (Petagnaea gussonei, Apiaceae)
Petagnaea gussonei is a rhizomatous, perennial scapose hemicryptophyte species belonging to a monospecific genus of Apiaceae. It lives only along woodland rivulets and is a Tertiary relic localized in the restricted area of the Nebrodi Mountains (NE Sicily, Italy). Ecological indicators have been employed to understand the status of eight localities (intermittent rivulets) where the species occurs. In order to evaluate both the rivulets' water-quality and landscape use, index of anthropisation (Ia), water fleas bioassay (TU), and analyses of water macroinvertebrates have been employed. The results obtained for the level of toxicity exclude the presence of macropollutants (TU < 0.001), where…
Extracellular vesicles from PBDE-47 treated M(LPS) THP-1 macrophages modulate the expression of markers of epithelial integrity, EMT, inflammation and muco-secretion in ALI culture of airway epithelium
Aims: The lung epithelial cells form a physical barrier to the external environment acting as the first line of defence against potentially harmful environmental stimuli. These cells interact with several other cellular components, of which macrophages are some of the most relevant. We analysed the effects of the PBDE-47 on the microRNA cargo of THP-1 macrophage like derived small Extracellular Vesicles (sEVs) and the effects on A549 lung epithelial cells. Main methods: sEVs from M(LPS) THP-1 macrophage-like cells after PBDE-47 treatment (sEVsPBDE+LPS) were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and their microRNA cargo studied by qPCR. Confocal microscopy was applied to study sEVs…
From allergen back to antigen: a rational approach to new forms of immunitherapy
Studi morfologici su differenti popolazioni siciliane di Euphorbia bivonae Steud. (Euphorbiaceae)
FROM ALLERGEN BACK TO ANTIGEN: A RATIONAL APPROACH TO NEW FORMS OF IMMUNOTHERAPY
Leaf and stem anatomy in eight Hypericum species (Clusiaceae).
Abstract - Foliar micromorphology, epicuticular wax morphology and anatomical features of leaves and stem, particularly secondary xylem, were examined with light microscopy, general and histochemical staining and scanning electron microscopy in eight Hypericum species. Outer tegument tissue and type of secondary xylem are determining characteristics. Secondary xylem is ring-porous in H. perforatum, H. perfoliatum, H. tetrapterum, H. triquetrifolium, H. androsaemum and H. hircinum. In H. aegypticum and H. pubescens xylem is diffuse-porous, which is considered to be a more primitive type. These characteristics may be considered an additional criterion for species identification.
Lipid nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for the Parietaria judaica major allergen Par j 2
Maria Luisa Bond&igrave;1,*, Giovanna Montana2,*, Emanuela Fabiola Craparo3, Roberto Di Ges&ugrave;3, Gaetano Giammona3, Angela Bonura2, Paolo Colombo21Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, 2Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 3Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Molecolari e Biomolecolari Stembio, Universit&agrave; di Palermo, Palermo, Italy *These authors contributed equally to this workAbstract: Parietaria pollen is one of the major causes of allergic reaction in southern Europe, affecting about 30% of all allergic patients in this area. Specific immunotherapy is the only…
A Hybrid Expressing Genetically Engineered Major Allergens of the <i>Parietaria</i> Pollen as a Tool for Specific Allergy Vaccination
<i>Background:</i> Allergy is an immunological disorder affecting about 25% of the population living in the industrialized countries. Specific immunotherapy is the only treatment with a long-lasting relief of allergic symptoms and able to reduce the risk of developing new allergic sensitizations and inhibiting the development of clinical asthma in children treated for allergic rhinitis. <i>Methods:</i> By means of DNA recombinant technology, we were able to design a head to tail dimer expressing disulphide bond variants of the major allergen of the <i>Parietaria </i>pollen. IgE binding activity was studied by Western blot, ELISA inhibition assays and the …
Low-Cost Synthesis of Smart Biocompatible Graphene Oxide Reduced Species by Means of GFP.
The aim of this work is focused on the engineering of biocompatible complex systems composed of an inorganic and bio part. Graphene oxide (GO) and/or graphite oxide (GtO) were taken into account as potential substrates to the linkage of the protein such as Anemonia sulcata recombinant green fluorescent protein (rAsGFP). The complex system is obtained through a reduction process between GO/GtO and rAsGFP archiving an environmentally friendly biosynthesis. Spectroscopic measurements support the formation of reduced species. In particular, photoluminescence shows a change in the activity of the protein when a bond is formed, highlighted by a loss of the maximum emission signal of rAsGFP and a …
Fluticasone furoate maintains epithelial homeostasis via leptin/leptin receptor pathway in nasal cells
Leptin is involved in the lung epithelial homeostasis. Its role in the nasal tract is largely unknown. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by the allergen exposure leading to consequential structural abnormalities in the nasal epithelium. Topical corticosteroids are recommended as first-line therapy in AR. Parietaria pollen is one of the most important allergenic sources in the southern Europe. In vitro, in human nasal epithelial cell line RPMI 2650, we aimed to determine whether allergen stimulation acts on leptin/leptin receptor pathway and how fluticasone furoate (FF) influences this pathway. The effects of the major allergen recombinant Par j 1 (rPar j 1), of FF, of leptin, and of TGF-b1 …
Studio etnofarmacobotanico di Helleborus bocconei subsp. intermedius (Ranunculaceae): aspetti morfoanatonici
Identification of an LPS-Induced Chemo-Attractive Peptide from Ciona robusta
Background: Previously published work has demonstrated that the LPS injection of Ciona robusta leads to the overexpression of a truncated form of an immune-related mRNA (C8short) by means of Ciona robusta (CR) alternative polyadenylation (APA) (CR-APA). Methods: The 3D structure of the C8short-derived Ciona robusta chemo-attractive peptide (CrCP) was evaluated by homology modeling. The biological activity of the CrCP was studied in vitro using a primary human dermal cell line (HuDe). Real-Time PCR was used to investigate the expression levels of genes involved in cell motility. NF-&kappa
Modulating allergic response by engineering the major Parietaria allergens.
Smouldering hepatitis B virus replication in patients with chronic liver disease and hepatitis delta virus superinfection
Hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) was studied by Southern blot analysis in liver biopsy specimens from 75 HBsAg-positive patients with chronic liver disease living in southern Italy. Twenty-seven of the patients were hepatitis delta virus (HDV) superinfected. Intrahepatic HBV-DNA was detected in 54 (72%) patients, 32 (59%) of them with replicative forms. The presence of replicative forms was directly related to liver HBcAg and inversely related to liver HDAg, as shown by multivariate analysis. However, 14 patients with intrahepatic HBV-DNA non-replicative pattern and about half of HDV-infected patients were liver HBcAg and/or serum HBV-DNA positive, mostly in low amounts. Hi…
A hybrid expressing genetically engineered major allergens of Parietaria pollen as a tool for specific allergy vaccination
Studio morfoanatomico delle specie siciliane di Ptilostemon (Asteraceae)
Studio morfoanatomico di Erysimum bonannianum ed E. metlesicsii (Crucuferae) endemiche della Sicilia
Cross-reactive allergens of the Parietaria judaica pollen
Indagini micromorfologiche e anatomiche su Dionaea muscipula (Droseraceae), Nepenthes alata (Nepenthaceae), Pinguicula vulgaris (Lentibulariaceae), acclimatate nell’Orto botanico di Palermo
Studio morfoanatomico e fitodermologico su alcune “ spaccapietre” siciliane
Studio della variabilità genetica di popolazioni afferenti al genere Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) in Sicilia mediante analisi del polimorfismo isoenzimatico
The conservation and diversity of ascidian cells and molecules involved in the inflammatory reaction: The Ciona robusta model
Ascidians are marine invertebrate chordates belonging to the earliest branch (Tunicata) in the chordate phylum, therefore, they are of interest for studying the evolution of immune systems. Due to the known genome, the non-colonial Ciona robusta, previously considered to be C. intestinalis type A, is a model species for the study of inflammatory response. The internal defense of ascidians mainly relies on hemocytes circulating in the hemolymph and pharynx. Hemocytes can be in vivo challenged by LPS injection and various granulocyte and vacuolated cell populations differentiated to produce and release inflammatory factors. Molecular biology and gene expression studies revealed complex defens…
Dianthus borbonicus (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Sicily
Dianthus borbonicus a new species occurring in North-Western Sicily is described and illustrated. It is a rare chasmophyte belonging to the D. sylvestris group, which is exclusive of a rupestrian stand near Rocca Busambra (Ficuzza). Its macro- and micromorphological features (seed testa sculptures, and leaf anatomy), ecology, conservation status and a comparison with the related species are provided too.
Anatomical and micromorphological study on Hypericum sp. Pl. (Clusiaceae)
Indagini anatomiche e micromorfologiche fogliari su alcune specie della tribù Caryoteae (Arecoideae,Arecaceae) acclimatate nell’Orto Botanico di Palermo.
Lulwoana sp., a dark septate endophyte (DSE) in roots of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile seagrass
Posidonia oceanica is the most common, widespread and important monocotyledon seagrass in the Mediterranean Basin, and hosts a large biodiversity of species, including microorganisms with key roles in the marine environment. In this study, we ascertain the presence of a fungal endophyte in the roots of P. oceanica growing on different substrata (rock, sand and matte) in two Sicilian marine meadows. Staining techniques on root fragments and sections, in combination with microscope observations, were used to visualise the fungal presence and determine the percentage of fungal colonisation (FC) in this tissue. In root fragments, statistical analysis of the FC showed a higher mean in roots anch…
Sulla durata del ciclo vitale di Orobanche variegata e O. Rapum-genistae (Orobanchaceae)
Contributo allo studio morfoanatomico e micromorfologico fogliare di elementi espressivi della Flora siciliana: Periploca laevigata subsp. angustifolia (Asclepiadaceae) e Cymbalaria pubescens (Scrophulariaceae)
What do leaf anatomy and micromorphology tell us about the psammophilous Pancratium maritimum (Amaryllidaceae) in response to sand dune conditions?
Abstract The present study aimed at verifying the morphological variation in leaf traits among different populations of Pancratium maritimum (sea daffodil) and the correlation between leaf diversity and climate conditions at different sites. Eleven populations of P. maritimum from Mediterranean coastal sand dunes were investigated with respect to leaf surface micro-morphology, leaf anatomy, and vascular pattern. Morphometric analysis was based on 29 quantitative foliar parameters. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant function analysis (DFA), and clustering by Ward’s method were used for the statistical evaluation. Results revealed a rather u…
Comparative leaf micromorphology, anatomy and architecture in some Mediterranean species of Pancratium (Amaryllidaceae).
Pancratium L. is the most widespread genus of the Eurasian clade of Amaryllidaceae. It includes about 20 species of bulbous herbaceous geophytes, naturally occurring only in Macaronesia, Mediterranean basin, and throughout Africa to tropical Asia, but also introduced and cultivated in many countries (De Castro & al.2012). Pancratium species generally occur in specialized habitats, such as dry rocky slopes, cliffs, sandy seashores, coastal dunes, desert sandy soils. Leaf features are the main adaptive strategies of these plants in response to the numerous environmental constraints. Leaves in Pancratium show a gross morphological identity being usually glaucous, ensiform, parallel-veined, pla…
Morpho-anatomical investigations on Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae) in Tunisia.
Confronto anatomico e micromorfologica tra Ficus microcarpa L., F. nitida Thumb. e F. retusa L. ( Moraceae)
A CASE STUDY OF THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN SCHOOLS BELONGING TO AN AREA OF THE SICILIAN ISLAND INTERESTED BY THE PRESENCE OF PETROCHEMICAL REFINERIES
The indoor environmental quality is a topic particularly relevant for schools; this category of confined environments is, indeed, occupied by subjects (i.e. children), which are thought to be more vulnerable than adults to the negative health effects of poor indoor air quality, and whose learning process has long been recognized to be influenced by the quality of the indoor environment. This paper presents results of a study concerning the inside air quality of schools in four small towns sited in the southern part of Sicily, interested by the presence of a petrochemical refinery in the surrounding territory. The performed analysis made it possible to highlight the main criticalities regard…
Contributo alla caratterizzazione morfoanatomica e micromorfologica fogliare delle Orchidaceae siciliane: Limodorum abortivum E Neottia nidus-avis
Contributo allo studio dell’endofitismo in Helleborus L. (Ranunculaceae)
Evolutionary conserved mechanisms pervade structure and transcriptional modulation of allograft inflammatory factor-1 from sea anemone Anemonia viridis.
Gene family encoding allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) is well conserved among organisms; however, there is limited knowledge in lower organisms. In this study, the first AIF-1 homologue from cnidarians was identified and characterised in the sea anemone Anemonia viridis. The full-length cDNA of AvAIF-1 was of 913 bp with a 5' -untranslated region (UTR) of 148 bp, a 3'-UTR of 315 and an open reading frame (ORF) of 450 bp encoding a polypeptide with149 amino acid residues and predicted molecular weight of about 17 kDa. The predicted protein possesses evolutionary conserved EF hand Ca2+ binding motifs, post-transcriptional modification sites and a 3D structure which can be superimposed …
Anatomia e micromorfologia fogliare del genere Helleorus L. (Ranunculaceae)
Endophytic evidence in Helleborus L. (Ranunculaceae)
The Particular Story of Italians' Relation with Alcohol: Trends in Individuals' Consumption by Age and Beverage Type.
Aims In Italy, sales data show a dramatic fall in alcohol consumption between 1970 and 2010. The aim of our study is to provide updated information on trends, prevalence and determinants of alcohol drinking in Italy, using individual-level data. Methods Seven nationally representative cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Italy between 2006 and 2014, on a total sample of 21,416 participants aged ≥15 years, with available information on weekly consumption of wine, beer and spirits. Results Per capita alcohol consumption decreased by 23% between 2006 and 2014 (from 5.6 to 4.4 drinks/week), due to the fall in wine drinking. Overall, the prevalence of alcohol drinkers was 61.6%. Individuals…
Comparative Morphology of Viola tineorum and Viola ucriana (Violaceae), two endemics to the mountains around Palermo (NW Sicily)
Indagini micromorfologiche e anatomiche su Vinca major (Apocynaceae)
An allergen-polymeric nanoaggregate as a new tool for allergy vaccination.
Parietaria pollen is one of the major causes of allergic reaction in southern Europe, affecting about 30% of all allergic patients in this area. Specifi immunotherapy is the only treatment able to modify the natural outcome of the disease by restoring a normal immunity against allergens. The preparation of allergen-solid lipid nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for therapeutic proteins, P. judaica major allergen Par j 2, was investigated. The Par j 2 allergen was expressed in a large amount in Escherichia coli and purifid to homogeneity. Its immunological properties were studied by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition. Solid lipid nanoparticles were obtained by …
A hybrid expressing engineered major allergens of the Parietaria pollen as a tool for Specific Allergy Vaccination
Osservazioni fitodermologiche ed anatomiche su alcuni taxa del genere Encephalartos Lehm. (Cycadopsida) acclimatati nell’Orto Botanico di Palermo
Indagini morfo-anatomiche ed ecologiche su endemiche sicule appartenenti ai generi Euphorbia L. e Centaurea L.
Cloning and expression of a novel component of the CAP superfamily enhanced in the inflammatory response to LPS of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis.
The CAP superfamily is a group of proteins that have been linked to several biological functions such as reproduction, cancer, and immune defense. A differential screening between lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged and naive Ciona intestinalis has been performed to identify LPS-induced genes. This strategy has allowed the isolation of a full-length 1471-bp cDNA encoding for a 413-amino-acid protein (CiCAP). In silico analysis has shown that this polypeptide displays a modular structure with similarities to vertebrate CAP-superfamily proteins and to a collagen-binding adhesin of Streptococcus mutans. Domain organization analysis and alignment of CiCAP to other vertebrate CAP proteins have r…
Indoor air quality in schools of a highly polluted south Mediterranean area
This study aimed at surveying lower secondary schools in southern Italy, in a highly polluted area. A community close to an industrial area and three villages in rural areas was investigated. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), gaseous pollutants (CO 2 and NO 2 ), selected biological pollutants in indoor dust, and the indoor/outdoor mass concentration and elemental composition of PM 2.5 were ascertained. Temperature and RH were within, or close to, the comfort range, while CO 2 frequently exceeded the threshold of 1000 ppm, indicating inadequate air exchange rate. In all the classrooms, median NO 2 levels were above the WHO threshold value. Dermatophagoides p. allergen concentration…
Development of a biosensor for copper detection in aqueous solutions using an Anemonia sulcata recombinant GFP.
Fluorescent proteins from marine organisms represent potential candidates for biosensor development. In this paper, we described the isolation of a native green fluorescent protein from Anemonia sulcata and the cloning and purification of its equivalent as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the spectroscopic behaviours of the native and recombinant GFPs were investigated as a function of Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb 2+ and Ni2+ concentration. Our results suggest the high selectivity of both proteins at copper than the other metals and, for the recombinant protein, a great sensitivity at a very low concentration (0.1-1 μM). Moreover, starting from these data, using the combination of …
Root hair anatomy and morphology in Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile and substratum typology: First observations of a spiral form
Abstract The morpho-anatomical root hair features of P. oceanica ramets collected in meadows settled on different substrata (sand, matte and rock) were analysed. On each substratum, nine plagiothropic rhizomes each one composed by 3–6 interconnected short shoots were collected between April and May 2016 at 10 m of depth. On sand and on rock, the adventitious roots showed two distinct tubular and spiral-shaped hairs, clustered in yellowish-gray gelatinous pads. Tubular root hair tips were dactiliform and generally attached to grains of rock fragments. Moreover, a sub-circular swelling zone occurred. On matte , root hairs did not form gelatinous pads, were very short and had a simple distal p…
Erysimum bonannianum ed E. metlesicsii (Cruciferae): nuovi contributi alla morfologia tassonomica
Relationship between domestic smoking and metals and rare earth elements concentration in indoor PM2.5
Cigarette smoke is the main source of indoor chemical and toxic elements. Cadmium (Cd), Thallium (Tl), Lead (Pb) and Antimony (Sb) are important contributors to smoke-related health risks. Data on the association between Rare Earth Elements (REE) Cerium (Ce) and Lanthanum (La) and domestic smoking are scanty. To evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoke, indoor levels of PM2.5 and heavy metals, 73 children were investigated by parental questionnaire and skin prick tests. The houses of residence of 41 "cases" and 32 "controls" (children with and without respiratory symptoms, respectively) were evaluated by 48-hours PM2.5 indoor/outdoor monitoring. PM2.5 mass concentration was determi…
Multiple IgE recognition on the major allergen of the Parietaria pollen Par j 2
The interaction between IgE antibodies and allergens is a key event in triggering an allergic reaction. The characterization of this region provides information of paramount importance for diagnosis and therapy. Par j 2 Lipid Transfer Protein is one of the most important allergens in southern Europe and a well-established marker of sensitization in Parietaria pollen allergy. The main aim of this study was to map the IgE binding regions of this allergen and to study the pattern of reactivity of individual Parietaria-allergic patients. By means of gene fragmentation, six overlapping peptides were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their IgE binding activity was evaluated by immunoblotting in …
Studio morfologico dei taxa afferenti al genere ficusL. presenti nell'Orto botanico e nei giardini storici di Palermo
25-Hydroxyvitamin D, IL-31, and IL-33 in Children with Allergic Disease of the Airways
Low vitamin D is involved in allergic asthma and rhinitis. IL-31 and IL-33 correlate with Th2-associated cytokines in allergic disease. We investigated whether low vitamin D is linked with circulating IL-31 and IL-33 in children with allergic disease of the airways. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) Vit D], IL-31, and IL-33 plasma levels were measured in 28 controls (HC), 11 allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, and 35 allergic asthma with rhinitis (AAR) patients. We found significant lower levels of 25(OH) Vit D in AR and in AAR than in HC. IL-31 and IL-33 plasma levels significantly increased in AAR than HC. IL-31 and IL-33 positively correlated in AR and AAR. 25(OH) Vit D deficient AAR had higher l…
Ci8 short, a novel LPS-induced peptide from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis,modulates responses of the human immune system
The selective modulation of immunity is an emerging concept driven by the vast advances in our understanding of this crucial host defense system. Invertebrates have raised researchers’ interest as potential sources of new bioactive molecules owing to their antibacterial, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. A LipoPolySaccharide (LPS) challenge in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis generates the transcript, Ci8 short, with cisregulatory elements in the 3′ UTR region that are essential for shaping innate immune responses. The derived amino acidic sequence in silico analysis showed specific binding to human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I and Class II alleles. The role of Ci…
Osservazioni micromorfologiche ed architetturali su specie del genere Pyrus (Maloideae, Rosaceae) in Sicilia
Morpho-anatomical analysis of Viola tineorum and V. ucriana (Violaceae) endemic to the mountains around Palermo (NW-Sicily
Viola sect. Melanium is represented in Sicily by six species. Two of them, originally described as varieties of Viola nebrodensis, were later transferred at the species rank and named V. tineo- rum and V. ucriana. The study of micromorphological characteristics gives additional evidence agreeing with the independent specific status of V. tineourum and V. ucriana, that are confined to two very restricted areas south of Palermo: Rocca Busambra and Monte Pizzuta respectively.
Indagini ecomorfologiche e micromorfologiche su Euriale ferox (Nymphaeaceae)
Aggiornamenti e novità sulle conoscenze di Pancratium maritimum (Amaryllidaceae)
Pancratium maritimum L., bulbosa perenne degli ambienti dunali costieri, è un taxon relativamente recente se comparato con le specie del genere a gravitazione mediterranea. Gli studi noti su questa specie hanno analizzato vari aspetti della biologia (riproduttivi, biochimici, filogenetici, genetici, ecc.). Tuttavia, esistono ancora lacune scientifiche, tra cui l’assenza di studi su ampio areale di genetica di conservazione e sugli adattamenti eco-morfofisiologici alle condizioni di stress. Per ampliare le conoscenze su P. maritimum, la Fondazione Nando Peretti nel novembre 2012 ha finanziato un progetto triennale sulla conoscenza e la salvaguardia di questa specie (Progetto 2012-83). In que…
Indagini anatomiche e micromorfologiche su alcune alofite della Riserva naturale di Trapani e Paceco
Isolation and expression of a novel MBL-like collectin cDNA enhanced by LPS injection in the body wall of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis
Collectins are a family of calcium-dependent lectins that are characterized by their collagen-like domains. Considerable interest has been focused on this class of proteins because of their ability to interact with components of the complement system activating a cascade of events responsible for the activation of the innate immune system. A differential screening between LPS-challenged and naïve Ciona intestinalis has been performed allowing the isolation of a full length cDNA encoding for a 221 AA protein. In silico analysis has shown that this polypeptide displays protein domains with similarities to mannose-binding lectins. A phylogenetic analysis suggested that C. intestinalis MBL has …
Anatomia e micromorfologia fogliare nel genere Helleborus (Ranunculaceae)
Smoking in Italy 2013-2014, with a focus on the young.
Aims To update smoking prevalence trends in Italy among adult and young populations; to determine the recent spread, particularly among young smokers, of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes (which cost approximately half the price of manufactured cigarettes); and to evaluate the effects of 2013 legislation increasing the minimum tobacco purchasing age from 16 to 18 years in Italy. Methods Two surveys on smoking were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Italy, on a total sample of 6052 individuals, representative each year of the national population aged ≥15 years, where we collected data on type of tobacco most frequently smoked and on the perception of the enforcement of the tobacco sales-to-minors le…
Nuovi contributi morfoanatomici per una migliore discriminazione tassonomica del genere Ficus (Moraceae): Ficus sycomorus L. e Ficus magnifolia F. Muell.
LPS challenge regulates gene expression and tissue localization of a Ciona intestinalis gene through an alternative polyadenylation mechanism.
A subtractive hybridization strategy for the identification of differentially expressed genes was performed between LPS-challenged and naive Ciona intestinalis. This strategy allowed the characterization of two transcripts (Ci8short and Ci8long) generated by the use of two Alternative Polyadenylation sites. The Ci8long transcript contains a protein domain with relevant homology to several components of the Receptor Transporting Protein (RTP) family not present in the Ci8short mRNA. By means of Real Time PCR and Northern Blot, the Ci8short and Ci8long transcripts showed a different pattern of gene expression with the Ci8short mRNA being strongly activated after LPS injection in the pharynx. …