Frequency-Dependent Squeezed Vacuum Source for the Advanced Virgo Gravitational-Wave Detector

In this Letter, we present the design and performance of the frequency-dependent squeezed vacuum source that will be used for the broadband quantum noise reduction of the Advanced Virgo Plus gravitational-wave detector in the upcoming observation run. The frequency-dependent squeezed field is generated by a phase rotation of a frequency-independent squeezed state through a 285 m long, high-finesse, near-detuned optical resonator. With about 8.5 dB of generated squeezing, up to 5.6 dB of quantum noise suppression has been measured at high frequency while close to the filter cavity resonance frequency, the intracavity losses limit this value to about 2 dB. Frequency-dependent squeezing is produced with a rotation frequency stability of about 6 Hz rms, which is maintained over the long term. The achieved results fulfill the frequency dependent squeezed vacuum source requirements for Advanced Virgo Plus. With the current squeezing source, considering also the estimated squeezing degradation induced by the interferometer, we expect a reduction of the quantum shot noise and radiation pressure noise of up to 4.5 dB and 2 dB, respectively.

Almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) DA Webb] Processing Residual Hull as a New Source of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemical Composition, Radical Scavenging and Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts from Italian Cultivars ('Tuono', 'Pizzuta', 'Romana')

In this study we developed a new extract, by the use of conventional solid-solvent extraction and a food-grade hydroalcoholic solvent, rich in phenolic and triterpenoid components from almon hull to be employed as functional ingredient in food, pharma and cosmetic sectors. Two autochthonous Sicilian cultivars ('Pizzuta' and 'Romana') and an Apulian modern cultivar ('Tuono') have been tested for the production of the extract. Results showed that the two Sicilian varieties, and in particular the 'Romana' one, present the best characteristics to obtain extracts rich in triterpenoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, useful for the production of nutraceutical supplements. About triterpenoids, the performance of the hydroalcoholic extraction process allowed to never go below 46% of recovery for 'Pizzuta' samples, with significantly higher percentages of recovery for 'Tuono' and 'Romana' extracts (62.61% and 73.13%, respectively) while hydroxycinnamic acids were recovered at higher recovery rate (84%, 89% and 88% for 'Pizzuta', 'Romana' and 'Tuono' extracts, respectively). Invitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities exerted by the extracts showed promising results with P. aeruginosa being the most affected strain, inhibited up to the 1/8 dilution with 'Romana' extract. All the three tested extracts exerted an antimicrobial action up to 1/4 dilutions but 'Romana' and 'Pizzuta' extracts always showed the greatest efficacy.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Binaries in the First Half of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's Third Observing Run

We report on a search for compact binary coalescences where at least one binary component has a mass between 0.2  M_{⊙} and 1.0  M_{⊙} in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 April 2019 1500 UTC and 1 October 2019 1500 UTC. We extend our previous analyses in two main ways: we include data from the Virgo detector and we allow for more unequal mass systems, with mass ratio q≥0.1. We do not report any gravitational-wave candidates. The most significant trigger has a false alarm rate of 0.14  yr^{-1}. This implies an upper limit on the merger rate of subsolar binaries in the range [220-24200]  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}, depending on the chirp mass of the binary. We use this upper limit to derive astrophysical constraints on two phenomenological models that could produce subsolar-mass compact objects. One is an isotropic distribution of equal-mass primordial black holes. Using this model, we find that the fraction of dark matter in primordial black holes in the mass range 0.2  M_{⊙}<m_{PBH}<1.0  M_{⊙} is f_{PBH}≡Ω_{PBH}/Ω_{DM}≲6%. This improves existing constraints on primordial black hole abundance by a factor of ∼3. The other is a dissipative dark matter model, in which fermionic dark matter can collapse and form black holes. The upper limit on the fraction of dark matter black holes depends on the minimum mass of the black holes that can be formed: the most constraining result is obtained at M_{min}=1  M_{⊙}, where f_{DBH}≡Ω_{DBH}/Ω_{DM}≲0.003%. These are the first constraints placed on dissipative dark models by subsolar-mass analyses.

ATG7 immunohistochemical expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma. A preliminary report

Literature evidence has demonstrated a high incidence of asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in a Sicilian town (Biancavilla, Italy), where fluoro-edenite (FE) fibers were discovered some decades ago. As ATG7 immunohistochemical analysis has been ascribed as a prognostic tool of improved survival, we decided to investigate, in MPM patients, exposed and not exposed to FE fibers, the immunohistochemical expression of this autophagy-related protein named ATG7. We analyzed the correlation between ATG7 immunohistochemical level and clinicopathological parameters. Twenty MPM tissue samples, from patients with available clinical and follow-up data, were included in paraffin and processed for immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical results confirmed activation of the autophagic process in MPM. Densitometric and morphometric expressions of ATG7 were significantly increased in MPMs when compared to the control tissues. A significant association of a high level of ATG7 with increased survival was demonstrated, with a mean overall survival (OS) of 12.5 months for patients with high expression vs. a mean OS of 4.5 months for patients with low ATG7 expression. In addition, a significant correlation between ATG7 expression and the survival time of MPM patients was observed. This study represents a starting point to hypothesize the prognostic role of ATG7 which could be a reliable prognostic indicator in MPM.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Effect of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on Nrf2-regulated glutathione homeostasis in mouse kidney

Environmental toxicants such as phthalate have been involved in multiple health disorders including renal diseases. Oxidative damage is implicated in many alterations caused by phthalate especially the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is the most useful phthalate. However, information regarding its mechanism of renal damage is lacking. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates gene expression implicated in free radical scavenging and cytoprotection including the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) pathway. The aim of this study was to assess whether DEHP affects the Nrf2 pathway and the GSH concentration. Mice were divided into four groups: a control group and three groups treated with DEHP at different concentrations (5, 50, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Our results showed that DEHP altered the normal levels of serum biochemical parameters creatinine (CREA), urea, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This phthalate caused oxidative damage through the induction of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as marked by increase of protein carbonyl (PC) and loss of protein-bound sulfhydryls (PSH). Simultaneously, DEHP treatment decreased the protein level of Nrf-2, HO-1, and GCLC (responsible of GSH synthesis) and decreased the GSH level. Inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway is related to the activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. This apoptotic process is evidenced by an upregulation of p53 and Bax protein levels in addition to a downregulation of Bcl-2. Collectively, our data demonstrated that depletion of Nrf2 and GSH was associated with the elevation of oxidative stress and the activation of intrinsic apoptosis in mouse kidney treated with DEHP.

Quantum Backaction on kg-Scale Mirrors: Observation of Radiation Pressure Noise in the Advanced Virgo Detector

The quantum radiation pressure and the quantum shot noise in laser-interferometric gravitational wave detectors constitute a macroscopic manifestation of the Heisenberg inequality. If quantum shot noise can be easily observed, the observation of quantum radiation pressure noise has been elusive, so far, due to the technical noise competing with quantum effects. Here, we discuss the evidence of quantum radiation pressure noise in the Advanced Virgo gravitational wave detector. In our experiment, we inject squeezed vacuum states of light into the interferometer in order to manipulate the quantum backaction on the 42 kg mirrors and observe the corresponding quantum noise driven displacement at frequencies between 30 and 70 Hz. The experimental data, obtained in various interferometer configurations, is tested against the Advanced Virgo detector quantum noise model which confirmed the measured magnitude of quantum radiation pressure noise.

GW190521: A Binary Black Hole Merger with a Total Mass of 150 M_{⊙}

On May 21, 2019 at 03:02:29 UTC Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo observed a short duration gravitational-wave signal, GW190521, with a three-detector network signal-to-noise ratio of 14.7, and an estimated false-alarm rate of 1 in 4900 yr using a search sensitive to generic transients. If GW190521 is from a quasicircular binary inspiral, then the detected signal is consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses of 85_{-14}^{+21}  M_{⊙} and 66_{-18}^{+17}  M_{⊙} (90% credible intervals). We infer that the primary black hole mass lies within the gap produced by (pulsational) pair-instability supernova processes, with only a 0.32% probability of being below 65  M_{⊙}. We calculate the mass of the remnant to be 142_{-16}^{+28}  M_{⊙}, which can be considered an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH). The luminosity distance of the source is 5.3_{-2.6}^{+2.4}  Gpc, corresponding to a redshift of 0.82_{-0.34}^{+0.28}. The inferred rate of mergers similar to GW190521 is 0.13_{-0.11}^{+0.30}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Activity of Hidrox® in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Mice

BACKGROUND

In developed countries, the extension of human life is increasingly accompanied by a progressive increase in neurodegenerative diseases, most of which do not yet have effective therapy but only symptomatic treatments. In recent years, plant polyphenols have aroused considerable interest in the scientific community. The mechanisms currently hypothesized for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) are neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), the main component of Hidrox^® (HD), has been shown to have some of the highest free radical evacuation and anti-inflammatory activities. Here we wanted to study the role of HD on the neurobiological and behavioral alterations induced by rotenone.

METHODS

A study was conducted in which mice received HD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) concomitantly with rotenone (5 mg/kg, o.s.) for 28 days.

RESULTS

Locomotor activity, catalepsy, histological damage and several characteristic markers of the PD, such as the dopamine transporter (DAT) content, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and accumulation of α-synuclein, have been evaluated. Moreover, we observed the effects of HD on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis and inflammasomes. Taken together, the results obtained highlight HD's ability to reduce the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the damage associated with it by counteracting the three main mechanisms of PD pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

HD is subject to fewer regulations than traditional drugs to improve patients' brain health and could represent a promising nutraceutical choice to prevent PD.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present our current best estimate of the plausible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next several years, with the intention of providing information to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals for the third (O3), fourth (O4) and fifth observing (O5) runs, including the planned upgrades of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. We study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source for gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary systems of compact objects, that is binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems. The ability to localize the sources is given as a sky-area probability, luminosity distance, and comoving volume. The median sky localization area (90% credible region) is expected to be a few hundreds of square degrees for all types of binary systems during O3 with the Advanced LIGO and Virgo (HLV) network. The median sky localization area will improve to a few tens of square degrees during O4 with the Advanced LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA (HLVK) network. During O3, the median localization volume (90% credible region) is expected to be on the order of 10 5 , 10 6 , 10 7 Mpc 3 for binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems, respectively. The localization volume in O4 is expected to be about a factor two smaller than in O3. We predict a detection count of 1 - 1 + 12 ( 10 - 10 + 52 ) for binary neutron star mergers, of 0 - 0 + 19 ( 1 - 1 + 91 ) for neutron star-black hole mergers, and 17 - 11 + 22 ( 79 - 44 + 89 ) for binary black hole mergers in a one-calendar-year observing run of the HLV network during O3 (HLVK network during O4). We evaluate sensitivity and localization expectations for unmodeled signal searches, including the search for intermediate mass black hole binary mergers.

Increasing the Astrophysical Reach of the Advanced Virgo Detector via the Application of Squeezed Vacuum States of Light

Current interferometric gravitational-wave detectors are limited by quantum noise over a wide range of their measurement bandwidth. One method to overcome the quantum limit is the injection of squeezed vacuum states of light into the interferometer's dark port. Here, we report on the successful application of this quantum technology to improve the shot noise limited sensitivity of the Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detector. A sensitivity enhancement of up to 3.2±0.1  dB beyond the shot noise limit is achieved. This nonclassical improvement corresponds to a 5%-8% increase of the binary neutron star horizon. The squeezing injection was fully automated and over the first 5 months of the third joint LIGO-Virgo observation run O3 squeezing was applied for more than 99% of the science time. During this period several gravitational-wave candidates have been recorded.

Search for Subsolar Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's Second Observing Run

We present a search for subsolar mass ultracompact objects in data obtained during Advanced LIGO's second observing run. In contrast to a previous search of Advanced LIGO data from the first observing run, this search includes the effects of component spin on the gravitational waveform. We identify no viable gravitational-wave candidates consistent with subsolar mass ultracompact binaries with at least one component between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙}. We use the null result to constrain the binary merger rate of (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 3.7×10^{5}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1} and the binary merger rate of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 5.2×10^{3}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}. Subsolar mass ultracompact objects are not expected to form via known stellar evolution channels, though it has been suggested that primordial density fluctuations or particle dark matter with cooling mechanisms and/or nuclear interactions could form black holes with subsolar masses. Assuming a particular primordial black hole (PBH) formation model, we constrain a population of merging 0.2  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 16% of the dark matter density and a population of merging 1.0  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 2% of the dark matter density. We discuss how constraints on the merger rate and dark matter fraction may be extended to arbitrary black hole population models that predict subsolar mass binaries.

Is sequencing better than phenotypic tests for the detection of pyrazinamide resistance?

SETTING

Phenotypic tests used to detect pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance are slow and have a high rate of false resistance.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of pncA sequencing for the detection of PZA resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated in Tunisia.

DESIGN

A total of 82 isolates, 41 resistant and 41 susceptible to PZA on BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960, were sequenced for pncA. Whole genome sequencing was performed for strains that were phenotypically resistant and had wild-type pncA in addition to MGIT retesting with a modified protocol.

RESULTS

Twenty-three strains resistant to PZA with negative pyrazinamidase (PZase) activity harboured a mutation in the promoter or coding region of pncA. However, 18 strains resistant to PZA did not present any mutation. Repeat MGIT 960 showed that 16 of 18 M. tuberculosis isolates were falsely resistant to PZA. Compared with MGIT, PZase activity assay and pncA sequencing both presented a sensitivity of 92.0% (95%CI 73.9-99.0) and a specificity of respectively 96.5% (positive predictive value [PPV] 92.0%, negative predictive value [NPV] 96.5%) and 100.0% (PPV 100.0%, NPV 96.6%).

CONCLUSION

The standard MGIT assay showed a high rate of false resistance to PZA, and the PZase activity assay is slow. pncA sequencing could therefore represent a rapid, accurate, alternative test to detect PZA resistance.

GABA-containing compound gammapyrone protects against brain impairments in Alzheimer's disease model male rats and prevents mitochondrial dysfunction in cell culture

Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, decreased glucose/energy metabolism, and disrupted neurotransmission are changes that occur early in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), manifesting as mild cognitive impairment. Recently, the imbalanced function of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system was identified as a critical factor in AD progression. Thus, maintaining balance among neurotransmitter systems, particularly the GABA system, can be considered a beneficial strategy to slow AD progression. The present study investigated the effects of the compound gammapyrone, a molecule containing three GABA moieties: "free" moiety attached to the position 4 of the 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) ring, and two "crypto" moieties as part of the DHP scaffold. The "free" and "crypto" GABA moieties are linked by a peptide bond (-CONH-), resulting in a peptide-mimicking structure. In a nontransgenic male rat AD model generated by intracerebroventricular (icv) streptozocin (STZ) administration, gammapyrone (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg ip) mitigated the impairment of spatial learning and memory, prevented astroglial and microglial neuroinflammation, and normalized acetylcholine breakdown and GABA biosynthesis. In PC12 cells, gammapyrone protected against oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis caused by the mitochondrial toxin di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Gammapyrone did not bind to GABA-A and GABA-B receptors in vitro; therefore, we cannot attribute its neuroprotective action to a specific interaction with GABA receptors. Nevertheless, we suggest that the peptide-like regulatory mechanisms of gammapyrone or its allosteric modulatory properties are essential for the observed effects. Since, the icv STZ model resembles the early stages of AD, gammapyrone, and/or its congeners could be useful in the design of anti-dementia drugs.

The cosmic ray shadow of the Moon observed with the ANTARES neutrino telescope

One of the main objectives of the ANTARES telescope is the search for point-like neutrino sources. Both the pointing accuracy and the angular resolution of the detector are important in this context and a reliable way to evaluate this performance is needed. In order to measure the pointing accuracy of the detector, one possibility is to study the shadow of the Moon, i.e. the deficit of the atmospheric muon flux from the direction of the Moon induced by the absorption of cosmic rays. Analysing the data taken between 2007 and 2016, the Moon shadow is observed with 3.5 σ statistical significance. The detector angular resolution for downward-going muons is 0 . 73 ∘ ± 0 . 14 ∘ . The resulting pointing performance is consistent with the expectations. An independent check of the telescope pointing accuracy is realised with the data collected by a shower array detector onboard of a ship temporarily moving around the ANTARES location.

GW170817: Measurements of Neutron Star Radii and Equation of State

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(ρ) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R_{1}=10.8_{-1.7}^{+2.0}  km for the heavier star and R_{2}=10.7_{-1.5}^{+2.1}  km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97  M_{⊙} as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R_{1}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km and R_{2}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(ρ) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5_{-1.7}^{+2.7}×10^{34}  dyn cm^{-2} at the 90% level.

An algorithm for the reconstruction of high-energy neutrino-induced particle showers and its application to the ANTARES neutrino telescope

A novel algorithm to reconstruct neutrino-induced particle showers within the ANTARES neutrino telescope is presented. The method achieves a median angular resolution of [Formula: see text] for shower energies below 100 TeV. Applying this algorithm to 6 years of data taken with the ANTARES detector, 8 events with reconstructed shower energies above 10 TeV are observed. This is consistent with the expectation of about 5 events from atmospheric backgrounds, but also compatible with diffuse astrophysical flux measurements by the IceCube collaboration, from which 2-4 additional events are expected. A [Formula: see text] C.L. upper limit on the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux with a value per neutrino flavour of [Formula: see text] is set, applicable to the energy range from 23 TeV to 7.8 PeV, assuming an unbroken [Formula: see text] spectrum and neutrino flavour equipartition at Earth.

Sperm whale long-range echolocation sounds revealed by ANTARES, a deep-sea neutrino telescope

Despite dedicated research has been carried out to adequately map the distribution of the sperm whale in the Mediterranean Sea, unlike other regions of the world, the species population status is still presently uncertain. The analysis of two years of continuous acoustic data provided by the ANTARES neutrino telescope revealed the year-round presence of sperm whales in the Ligurian Sea, probably associated with the availability of cephalopods in the region. The presence of the Ligurian Sea sperm whales was demonstrated through the real-time analysis of audio data streamed from a cabled-to-shore deep-sea observatory that allowed the hourly tracking of their long-range echolocation behaviour on the Internet. Interestingly, the same acoustic analysis indicated that the occurrence of surface shipping noise would apparently not condition the foraging behaviour of the sperm whale in the area, since shipping noise was almost always present when sperm whales were acoustically detected. The continuous presence of the sperm whale in the region confirms the ecological value of the Ligurian sea and the importance of ANTARES to help monitoring its ecosystems.

Redox modulation of cellular stress response and lipoxin A4 expression by Hericium Erinaceus in rat brain: relevance to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

Background

There has been a recent upsurge of interest in complementary medicine, especially dietary supplements and foods functional in delaying the onset of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, being now increasingly recognized as antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and hepatoprotective agent also capable to stimulate host immune responses.

Results

Here we provide evidence of neuroprotective action of Hericium Herinaceus when administered orally to rat. Expression of Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) was measured in different brain regions after oral administration of a biomass Hericium preparation, given for 3 month. LXA4 up-regulation was associated with an increased content of redox sensitive proteins involved in cellular stress response, such as Hsp72, Heme oxygenase −1 and Thioredoxin. In the brain of rats receiving Hericium, maximum induction of LXA4 was observed in cortex, and hippocampus followed by substantia Nigra, striatum and cerebellum. Increasing evidence supports the notion that oxidative stress-driven neuroinflammation is a fundamental cause in neurodegenerative diseases. As prominent intracellular redox system involved in neuroprotection, the vitagene system is emerging as a neurohormetic potential target for novel cytoprotective interventions. Vitagenes encode for cytoprotective heat shock proteins 70, heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin and Lipoxin A4. Emerging interest is now focussing on molecules capable of activating the vitagene system as novel therapeutic target to minimize deleterious consequences associated with free radical-induced cell damage, such as in neurodegeneration. LXA4 is an emerging endogenous eicosanoid able to promote resolution of inflammation, acting as an endogenous “braking signal” in the inflammatory process. In addition, Hsp system is emerging as key pathway for modulation to prevent neuronal dysfunction, caused by protein misfolding.

Conclusions

Conceivably, activation of LXA4 signaling and modulation of stress responsive vitagene proteins could serve as a potential therapeutic target for AD-related inflammation and neurodegenerative damage.

Redox modulation of cellular stress response and lipoxin A4 expression by Coriolus versicolor in rat brain: Relevance to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

Increasing evidence supports the notion that oxidative stress-driven neuroinflammation is an early pathological feature in neurodegenerative diseases. As a prominent intracellular redox system involved in neuroprotection, the vitagene system is emerging as a potential neurohormetic target for novel cytoprotective interventions. Vitagenes encode for cytoprotective heat shock proteins 70, heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin and lipoxin A4. Emerging interest is now focusing on molecules capable of activating the vitagene system as novel therapeutic targets to minimize deleterious consequences associated with free radical-induced cell damage, such as in neurodegeneration. Mushroom-derived lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is an emerging endogenous eicosanoid able to promote resolution of inflammation, acting as an endogenous "braking signal" in the inflammatory process. Mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, being now increasingly recognized as rich source of polysaccharopeptides endowed with significant antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and cytoprotective effects, thereby capable of stimulating host immune responses. Here we provide evidence of a neuroprotective action of the Coriolus mushroom when administered orally to rat. Expression of LXA4 was measured in different brain regions after oral administration of a Coriolus biomass preparation, given for 30 days. LXA4 up-regulation was associated with an increased content of redox sensitive proteins involved in cellular stress response, such as Hsp72, heme oxygenase-1 and thioredoxin. In the brain of rats receiving Coriolus, maximum induction of LXA4 was observed in cortex and hippocampus. Hsps induction was associated with no significant changes in IkBα, NFkB and COX-2 brain levels. Conceivably, activation of LXA4 signaling and modulation of stress-responsive vitagene proteins could serve as a potential therapeutic target for AD-related inflammation and neurodegenerative damage.

Extended treatment of Cushing's disease with pasireotide: results from a 2-year, Phase II study

In a previous 15-day, Phase II study of patients with de novo or persistent/recurrent Cushing's disease (core study), treatment with pasireotide 600 μg sc bid reduced urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels in 76% of patients and normalized UFC in 17%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended treatment with pasireotide. This was a planned, open-ended, single-arm, multicenter extension study (primary endpoint: 6 months). Patients aged ≥18 years with Cushing's disease who completed the core study could enter the extension if they achieved UFC normalization at core study end and/or obtained significant clinical benefit. Of the 38 patients who completed the core study, 19 entered the extension and 18 were included in the efficacy analyses (three responders, 11 reducers, four non-reducers in the core study). At data cut-off, median treatment duration in the extension was 9.7 months (range: 2 months to 4.8 years). At extension month 6, 56% of the 18 patients had lower UFC than at core baseline and 22% had normalized UFC. Of the four patients who remained on study drug at month 24, one had normalized UFC. Reductions in serum cortisol, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, body weight and diastolic blood pressure were observed. The most common adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal disorders and hyperglycemia. Pasireotide offers a tumor-directed medical therapy that may be effective for the extended treatment of some patients with Cushing's disease.

The association of flushing bother, impact, treatment satisfaction and discontinuation of niacin therapy

BACKGROUND

Niacin has lipid-modifying efficacy and cardiovascular benefit, but is underutilised because of niacin-induced flushing (NIF). This real-world, prospective, observational study characterised the severity and impact of NIF symptoms among participants who were newly prescribed extended-release (ER) niacin.

METHODS

Participants were surveyed daily during week 1 of therapy, at weeks 5, 9, 13, and at months 7, 10 and 13. Surveys included the Flushing Symptom Questionnaire (FSQ), which includes the Global Flushing Severity Score (GFSS) question, the Flushing Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM).

RESULTS

Overall, 306 participants were enrolled. During week 1, 30.0% of participants reported a maximum GFSS ≥ 4 (moderate or greater). Mean FIQ domain scores increased with increasing flushing severity, primarily driven by the Irritation/Frustration domain. By week 13, only 2.5% of participants had attained a 2 g ER niacin dose. By month 13, 43.5% (n = 133) had discontinued ER niacin. At discontinuation, only 3.1% of participants had attained the 2 g dose. Over half of the participants who discontinued experienced flushing symptoms: 82% reported moderate to extreme flushing (GFSS ≥ 4), and 68% reported severe to extreme flushing (GFSS ≥ 7). Participants who discontinued and had flushing side effects reported high degrees of impact in the FIQ Irritation/Frustration domain, and high dissatisfaction as a result of side effects, as measured by the TSQM.

CONCLUSION

In a real-world setting, NIF side effects were bothersome and had an impact on the continuation of therapy.

Phenolic composition and biological activities of Juniperus drupacea Labill. berries from Turkey

The present study was designed to define the phenolic profile and the biological potential of berries methanol extract of Juniperus drupacea Labill. from Turkey. The total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteau assay) was 48.06±0.99mgGAE/g extract. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis allowed the determination of the complete phenolic profile of J. drupacea berries. Phenolic acids represented more than 60% of the total phenolics, and tyrosol was the major one (1324±0.64μg/g extract); within the flavonoids amentoflavone was detected as the main constituent (927±0.35μg/g extract). The extract exhibited good antioxidant properties, as determined by different in vitro models: DPPH test (IC(50) 0.38±0.02mg/mL), reducing power (12.63±0.14ASE/mL), Fe(2+) chelating ability (IC(50) 2.26±0.06mg/mL), and TBA test (IC(50) 2.47±1.13μg/mL). Cytotoxicity against Artemia salina was highlighted (LC(50) 489.47±27.8μg/mL), and a significant decrease (p⩽0.05; p⩽0.01) in HepG2 cells viability was observed at the higher concentrations (5-10μg/mL). The extract displayed good antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive bacteria and in particular Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible strain (MIC 78.12μg/mL).

Simplified exactly solvable model for β-amyloid aggregation

We propose an exactly solvable simplified statistical mechanical model for the thermodynamics of β-amyloid aggregation, generalizing a well-studied model for protein folding. The monomer concentration is explicitly taken into account as well as a nontrivial dependence on the microscopic degrees of freedom of the single peptide chain, both in the α-helix folded isolated state and in the fibrillar one. The phase diagram of the model is studied and compared to the outcome of fibril formation experiments which is qualitatively reproduced.

The hormetic role of dietary antioxidants in free radical-related diseases

Regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables or spices is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer and reduction of markers for neurodegenerative damage. Furthermore, greater health benefit may be obtained from raw as opposed to cooked vegetables. Nutritional interventions, by increasing dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, can retard and even reverse age-related declines in brain function and cognitive performance. The mechanisms through which dietary supplementation with antioxidants may be useful to prevent free radical-related diseases is related to their ability to counteract toxic production of both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, along with the up-regulation of vitagenes, such as members of the heat shock protein (Hsp) family heme oxygenase-1 and Hsp70. The most prominent dietary factor that affects the risk of many different chronic diseases is energy intake - excessive calorie intake increases the risk. Reducing energy intake by controlled caloric restriction or intermittent fasting increases lifespan and protects various tissues against diseases, in part, by hormetic mechanisms that increase cellular stress resistance. This biphasic dose-response relationship, referred to here as hormesis, display low-dose stimulation and a high-dose inhibition. Despite the current interest in hormesis by the toxicology community, quantitatively similar U-shaped dose responses have long been recognized by researchers to be involved with factors affecting memory, learning, and performance, as well as nutritional antioxidants and oxidative stress-mediated degenerative reactions. Dietary polyphenols present strong cytoprotective effects, however under uncontrolled nutritional supplementation gene induction effects and the interaction with detoxification responses can have negative consequences through the generation of more reactive and harmful intermediates.

Different pulling modes in DNA overstretching: a theoretical analysis

We study the thermally driven denaturation of a double-stranded polymer in the presence of a stretching force via Monte-Carlo simulations. When one strand only is stretched, the denaturation transition is first order, while when both strands are stretched, melting is second order. By revisiting the Poland-Scheraga model for DNA melting, we show that at room temperature, the most likely scenario is that DNA melts as it overstretches. Our results are in general agreement with the most recent experiments and suggest how varying temperature and stretching mode may help settle the question whether S-DNA exists or not.

Erucin, a new promising cancer chemopreventive agent from rocket salads, shows anti-proliferative activity on human lung carcinoma A549 cells

Erucin (ER) is a dietary isothiocyanate present in cruciferous vegetables, such as rocket salads (Erucasativa Mill., Diplotaxis sp.), that has been recently considered a promising cancer chemopreventive phytochemical. Biological activity of ER was investigated on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, analyzing its effects on molecular pathways involved in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, such as PARP-1 cleavage, p53 and p21 protein expression. Our results show that ER affects the A549 cell proliferation, enhancing significantly p53 and p21 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001). PARP-1 cleavage occurs only after exposure to high concentrations of ER (50 microM), in accordance to previous studies showing similar bioactivity of other isothiocyanates (ITCs). Our study reports for the first time that the induction of p53, p21 and PARP-1 cleavage may participate in the anti-proliferative activity of ER in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Comparison of data with those obtained with the isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SF), structurally related to ER, underlines the strong relationship between structural analogy of ITCs and their biological activity. The ability of dietary compounds to modulate molecular mechanisms that affect cancer cell proliferation is certainly a key point of the cancer prevention potential by functional foods.

Simple solvation potential for coarse-grained models of proteins

We formulate a simple solvation potential based on a coarsed-grained representation of amino acids with two spheres modeling the C(alpha) atom and an effective side-chain centroid. The potential relies on a new method for estimating the buried area of residues, based on counting the effective number of burying neighbors in a suitable way. This latter quantity shows a good correlation with the buried area of residues computed from all atom crystallographic structures. We check the discriminatory power of the solvation potential alone to identify the native fold of a protein from a set of decoys and show the potential to be considerably selective.

Design of amino acid sequences to fold into Cα-model proteins

In order to extend the results obtained with minimal lattice models to more realistic systems, we study a model where proteins are described as a chain of 20 kinds of structureless amino acids moving in a continuum space and interacting through a contact potential controlled by a 20x20 quenched random matrix. The goal of the present work is to design and characterize amino acid sequences folding to the SH3 conformation, a 60-residue recognition domain common to many regulatory proteins. We show that a number of sequences can fold, starting from a random conformation, to within a distance root-mean-square deviation between 2.6 and 4.0 A from the native state. Good folders are those sequences displaying in the native conformation an energy lower than a sequence-independent threshold energy.

Anti-inflammatory activity of extract and fractions from Nepeta sibthorpii Bentham

Several species of Nepeta genus are utilized in folk medicine for treatment of contusions, rheumatic pains, fever, cutaneous eruptions. Some species are employed for their anti-inflammatory properties. In this paper, we report the results of phytochemical studies on aerial parts of Nepeta sibthorpii Bentham (Lamiaceae), an endemic plant of Greece. The bioassay-guided fractionation of methanol extract led to the isolation of ursolic acid and polyphenol fraction. By HPLC, we determined some phenolics: chlorogenic acid (0.315 mg/g) and the flavonoids rutin (0.091 mg/g), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (0.387 mg/g) and a luteolin derivative. We assayed the radical scavenging activity of Nepeta sibthorpii methanol extract by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Moreover, we studied the anti-inflammatory activity of Nepeta sibthorpii methanol extract (50 mg/kg, os), ursolic acid and polyphenol fraction (dose corresponding to 50 mg/kg of methanol extract, os) in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rat. In this experimental model, we observed a significant inhibition of paw oedema. We suppose that the anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extract could be related to the free radical scavenging activity and that it depends on a synergic action of all the components of the methanol extract, even if ursolic acid can be considered the main responsible for this activity.

Chiral 3,3'-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-thiazolidinones] with anti-inflammatory activity. Part 11: evaluation of COX-2 selectivity and modelling

Anti-inflammatory/analgesic 3,3'-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-thiazolidinones] 1, obtained as racemic mixtures (a) and mesoforms (b), have two equivalent stereogenic centres (C-2 and C-2') and exist as RR, SS and RS isomers. The enantioseparation of 1a provided the single enantiomers that displayed different in vitro cyclooxygenase-1/cyclooxygenase-2 selectivity ratios. In particular the dextrorotatory compound is a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor and the levorotatory one is moderately selective. Instead, RS-meso isomer (1b) exhibited similar levels of inhibitory activity on both COX isozymes. The diastereo- and enantioselectivity has been explained by molecular modelling of RR, SS and RS compounds into COX-1 and COX-2 binding sites. Theoretical results indicated SS>RS>RR affinity order towards COX-2 isoenzyme, in agreement with in vitro and previous in vivo pharmacological results.

Anticonvulsant and sedative effects of Salvadora persica L. stem extracts

The effect of Salvadora persica L. stem extracts on the potentiation of sodium pentobarbital activity and on generalized tonic-clonic seizure produced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on the rat is reported. The extracts of Salvadora persica L. extended sleeping-time and decreased induction-time induced by sodium pentobarbital; in addition it showed protection against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion by increasing the latency period and diminishing the death rate.

Biological effect of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) waste matter. Note I: diuretic activity

In this work we studied in rat the diuretic activity of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) waste matter. The cladodes, flowers and non commerciable fruits were collected in S. Cono (CT, Sicily) cultivation. Acute and chronic diuretic activity of 15% infusion of cladodes, flowers and fruits were assayed. Natriuresis, kaliuresis and the activity on fructose-induced hyperuricemia was also studied. The results show that O. ficus indica cladode, fruit and flower infusions significantly increase diuresis. This effect is more marked with the fruit infusion and it is particularly significant during the chronic treatment. The fruit infusion shows also antiuric effect. In all experiments cladode, flower and fruit infusions showed a modest but not significant increase in natriuresis and kaliuresis.

Synthesis and antiinflammatory, analgesic activity of 3,3'-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis[2-aryl-4-thiazolidinone] chiral compounds. Part 10

In this note, the synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a new series of 2R,2'R/2S,2'S and 2R,2'S-meso 3,3'-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis[2-aryl-4-thiazolidinones] are described. Antiinflammatory activity was investigated by the carrageenin-induced paw edema test and analgesic activity by acetic acid writhing and hot plate tests in rats. All compounds displayed ulcerogenic effects and acute toxicity much lower than indomethacin and phenylbutazone. Meso isomers (b) showed better pharmacological profiles than corresponding racemates (a). Methoxy substitution patterns of the aryls on stereogenic carbons are generally the most favorable on the pharmacological profile.

Phase diagram of force-induced DNA unzipping in exactly solvable models

The mechanical separation of a double helical DNA structure induced by forces pulling apart the two DNA strands ("unzipping") has been the subject of recent experiments. Analytical results are obtained within various models of interacting pairs of directed walks in the (1,1,ellipsis,1) direction on the hypercubic lattice, and the phase diagram in the force-temperature plane is studied for a variety of cases. The scaling behavior is determined at both the unzipping and melting transitions. We confirm the existence of a cold denaturation transition recently observed in numerical simulations: for a finite range of forces, the system is unzipped by decreasing the temperature. The existence of this transition is rigorously established for generic lattice and continuum space models.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Hypericum empetrifolium Willd. (Guttiferae)

A methanolic extract of Hypericum empetrifolium Willd. was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties in rats (subplantar edema induced by carrageenan) and analgesic effects in mice (hot plate and writhing tests). Our results showed that the methanolic extract exhibits a significant anti-inflammatory activity and analgesic effects only in one of the experimental models (writhing test). Therefore, we may suppose that the methanolic extract of H. empetrifolium is active against inflammatory pain.

In vitro anti-mycotic activity of some medicinal plants containing flavonoids

Aqueous, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Citrus sinensis L. (Osbeck), Euphrasia officinalis L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Matricaria recutita L., Rosa canina L. and Ruta graveolens L. have been studied. The antimycotic activity was evaluated "in vitro" on strains of Candida albicans isolated from clinical samples obtained in the course of acute vaginitis.