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1. Spatial patterns of organic matter content in the surface soil of the salt marshes of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

Author: A. Puppin, D. Tognin, M. Ghinassi, E. Franceschinis, N. Realdon, M. Marani, and A. D'Alpaos
Subjects: Ecology, QH540-549.5, Life, QH501-531, Geology, QE1-996.5
Abstract: Salt marshes are crucial eco-geomorphic features of tidal environments as they provide important ecological functions and deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. Being controlled by the interplay between hydrodynamics, geomorphology, and vegetation, the contribution of both organic matter (OM) and inorganic sediments drives salt marsh vertical accretion. This allows marshes to keep pace with relative sea level rise and likewise capture and store carbon, making them valuable allies in climate mitigation strategies. Thus, soil organic matter (SOM), i.e. the organic component of the soil, plays a key role within salt marsh environments, directly contributing to soil formation and supporting carbon storage. This study aims at inspecting spatial patterns of OM in surface salt marsh soils (top 20 cm), providing further insights into the physical and biological factors driving OM dynamics that affect salt marsh survival and carbon sink potential. Our results reveal two scales of variations in SOM content in marsh environments. At the marsh scale, OM variability is influenced by the interplay between surface elevation and changes in sediment supply linked with the distance from the marsh edge. At the system scale, OM content distribution is dominated by the gradient generated by marine and fluvial influence. The observed variations in SOM are explained by the combination of inorganic and organic input, preservation conditions, and sediment grain size. Our results highlight the importance of marshes as carbon sink environments, further emphasising that environmental conditions within a tidal system may generate strongly variable and site-specific carbon accumulation patterns, enhancing blue carbon assessment complexity.
Published: 2024
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2. Toward coherent space–time mapping of seagrass cover from satellite data: an example of a Mediterranean lagoon

Author: G. Goodwin, M. Marani, S. Silvestri, L. Carniello, and A. D'Alpaos
Subjects: Ecology, QH540-549.5, Life, QH501-531, Geology, QE1-996.5
Abstract: Seagrass meadows are a highly productive and economically important shallow coastal habitat. Their sensitivity to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, combined with their importance for local biodiversity, carbon stocks, and sediment dynamics, motivate a frequent monitoring of their distribution. However, generating time series of seagrass cover from field observations is costly, and mapping methods based on remote sensing require restrictive conditions on seabed visibility, limiting the frequency of observations. In this contribution, we examine the effect of accounting for environmental factors, such as the bathymetry and median grain size (D50) of the substrate as well as the coordinates of known seagrass patches, on the performance of a random forest (RF) classifier used to determine seagrass cover. Using 148 Landsat images of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) between 1999 and 2020, we trained an RF classifier with only spectral features from Landsat images and seagrass surveys from 2002 and 2017. Then, by adding the features above and applying a time-based correction to predictions, we created multiple RF models with different feature combinations. We tested the quality of the resulting seagrass cover predictions from each model against field surveys, showing that bathymetry, D50, and coordinates of known patches exert an influence that is dependent on the training Landsat image and seagrass survey chosen. In models trained on a survey from 2017, where using only spectral features causes predictions to overestimate seagrass surface area, no significant change in model performance was observed. Conversely, in models trained on a survey from 2002, the addition of the out-of-image features and particularly coordinates of known vegetated patches greatly improves the predictive capacity of the model, while still allowing the detection of seagrass beds absent in the reference field survey. Applying a time-based correction eliminates small temporal variations in predictions, improving predictions that performed well before correction. We conclude that accounting for the coordinates of known seagrass patches, together with applying a time-based correction, has the most potential to produce reliable frequent predictions of seagrass cover. While this case study alone is insufficient to explain how geographic location information influences the classification process, we suggest that it is linked to the inherent spatial auto-correlation of seagrass meadow distribution. In the interest of improving remote-sensing classification and particularly to develop our capacity to map vegetation across time, we identify this phenomenon as warranting further research.
Published: 2023
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3. LIDAR DERIVED SALT MARSH TOPOGRAPHY AND BIOMASS: DEFINING ACCURACY AND SPATIAL PATTERNS OF UNCERTAINTY

Author: T. Blount, S. Silvestri, M. Marani, and A. D’Alpaos
Subjects: Technology, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General), TA1-2040, Applied optics. Photonics, TA1501-1820
Abstract: As valuable and vulnerable blue carbon ecosystems, salt marshes require adaptable and robust monitoring methods that span a range of spatiotemporal scales. The application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based remote sensing is a key tool in achieving this goal. Due to the particular characteristics of tidal wetlands, however, there are challenges in obtaining research and management relevant data with the requisite level of accuracy. In this study, the spatial patterns in uncertainty stemming from scan angle, binning method, vegetation structure and platform surface morphology are examined in the context of UAV light detection and ranging (LiDAR) derived digital elevation models (DEM). The results demonstrate that overlapping the UAV flight paths sufficiently to avoid sole reliance on LIDAR data with scan angles exceeding 15 degrees is advisable. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of halophyte species and marsh morphology has a clear influence on DEM accuracy. The largest errors were associated with sudden structural transitions at the marsh channel boundaries. The DEMmean was found to be the most accurate for bare ground, while the DEMmin was the most accurate for channels and the middle to high marsh vegetation (MAEs = −0.01m). For the low to middle vegetation, all the trialled DEMs returned a similar magnitude of mean error (MAE = ± 0.03m). The accuracy difference between the two vegetation associations examined appears to be connected to variations in coverage, height and biomass. Overall, these findings reinforce the link between salt marsh biogeomorphic complexity and the spatial distribution and magnitude of LiDAR DEM error.
Published: 2023
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4. How well does a convection-permitting regional climate model represent the reverse orographic effect of extreme hourly precipitation?

Author: E. Dallan, F. Marra, G. Fosser, M. Marani, G. Formetta, C. Schär, and M. Borga
Subjects: Technology, Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Geography. Anthropology. Recreation, Environmental sciences, GE1-350
Abstract: Estimating future short-duration extreme precipitation in mountainous regions is fundamental for risk management. High-resolution convection-permitting models (CPMs) represent the state of the art for these projections, as they resolve convective processes that are key to short-duration extremes. Recent observational studies reported a decrease in the intensity of extreme hourly precipitation with elevation. This “reverse orographic effect” could be related to processes which are subgrid even for CPMs. To quantify the reliability of future projections of extreme short-duration precipitation in mountainous regions, it is thus crucial to understand to what extent CPMs can reproduce this effect. Due to the computational demands however, CPM simulations are still too short for analyzing extremes using conventional methods. We use a non-asymptotic statistical approach (Simplified Metastatistical Extreme Value: SMEV) for the analysis of extremes from short time periods, such as the ones of CPM simulations. We analyze an ERA-Interim-driven Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling (COSMO-crCLIM, convection-resolving Climate Modelling) simulation (2000–2009; 2.2 km resolution), and we use hourly precipitation from 174 rain gauges in an orographically complex area in northeastern Italy as a benchmark. We investigate the ability of the model to simulate the orographic effect on short-duration precipitation extremes, as compared to observational data. We focus on extremes as high as the 20-year return levels. While overall good agreement is reported at daily and hourly duration, the CPM tends to increasingly overestimate hourly extremes with increasing elevation, implying that the reverse orographic effect is not fully captured. These findings suggest that CPM bias-correction approaches should account for orography. SMEV's capability of estimating reliable rare extremes from short periods promises further applications on short-time-period CPM projections and model ensembles.
Published: 2023
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5. Extreme-coastal-water-level estimation and projection: a comparison of statistical methods

Author: M. F. Caruso and M. Marani
Subjects: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Geography. Anthropology. Recreation, Environmental sciences, GE1-350, Geology, QE1-996.5
Abstract: Accurate estimates of the probability of extreme sea levels are pivotal for assessing risk and for designing coastal defense structures. This probability is typically estimated by modeling observed sea-level records using one of a few statistical approaches. In this study we comparatively apply the generalized-extreme-value (GEV) distribution, based on block maxima (BM) and peaks-over-threshold (POT) formulations, and the recent metastatistical extreme-value distribution (MEVD) to four long time series of sea-level observations distributed along European coastlines. A cross-validation approach, dividing available data into separate calibration and test sub-samples, is used to compare their performances in high-quantile estimation. To address the limitations posed by the length of the observational time series, we quantify the estimation uncertainty associated with different calibration sample sizes from 5 to 30 years. We study extreme values of the coastal water level – the sum of the water level setup induced by meteorological forcing and of the astronomical tide – and we find that the MEVD framework provides robust quantile estimates, especially when longer sample sizes of 10–30 years are considered. However, differences in performance among the approaches explored are subtle, and a definitive conclusion on an optimal solution independent of the return period of interest remains elusive. Finally, we investigate the influence of end-of-century projected mean sea levels on the probability of occurrence of extreme-total-water-level (the sum of the instantaneous water level and the increasing mean sea level) frequencies. The analyses show that increases in the value of total water levels corresponding to a fixed return period are highly heterogeneous across the locations explored.
Published: 2022
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6. Characterizing marshland compressibility by an in-situ loading test: design and set-up of an experiment in the Venice Lagoon

Author: P. Teatini, C. Da Lio, L. Tosi, A. Bergamasco, S. Pasqual, P. Simonini, V. Girardi, P. Zorzan, C. Zoccarato, M. Ferronato, M. Roner, M. Marani, A. D'Alpaos, S. Cola, and G. Zambon
Subjects: Environmental sciences, GE1-350, Geology, QE1-996.5
Abstract: The fate of coastal marshlands in the near future will strongly depend on their capability to maintain their elevation above a rising mean sea level. Together with the deposition of inorganic sediments during high tides, organic soil production by halophytic vegetation, and organic matter decomposition, land subsidence due to natural soil compression is a major factor controlling the actual elevation of salt-marsh platforms. Due to their high porosity and compressibility, the marsh sedimentary body undergoes large compression because of the load of overlying more recent deposits. The characterization of the geotechnical properties of these deposits is therefore of paramount importance to quantify consolidation versus accretion and relative sea level rise. However, undisturbed sampling of this loose material is extremely challenging and lab tests on in-situ collected samples are not properly representative of in-situ conditions due to the scale effects in highly heterogeneous silty soils such as those of the Venice lagoon. To overcome this limitation, an in-situ loading test was carried out in the Lazzaretto Nuovo salt-marsh in the Venice Lagoon, Italy. The load is obtained by a number of plastic tanks that are filled with seawater, reaching a cumulative load of 40 kN applied on a 2.5×1.8 m2 surface. Specific instrumentations were deployed before positioning the tanks to measure soil vertical displacement at various depths below the load (0, 10, and 50 cm) and distances (0, 40, and 80 cm) from the load centre. Moreover, six pressure transducers were used to record overpressure dissipation over time. The collected datasets will be interpreted through a 3-D flow-deformation model that, once calibrated, provides reliable estimates of the compressibility values for each monitored depth interval.
Published: 2020
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7. Cleavage of Peptides from Amphibian Skin Revealed by Combining Analysis of Gland Secretion and in Situ MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Author: Andrés E. Brunetti, Mariela M. Marani, Rafael A. Soldi, Jacqueline Nakau Mendonça, Julián Faivovich, Gabriela M. Cabrera, and Norberto P. Lopes
Subjects: Chemistry, QD1-999
Published: 2018
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8. ON THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL WARMING ON ATLANTIC HURRICANE FREQUENCY

Author: S. R. Hosseini, M. Scaioni, and M. Marani
Subjects: Technology, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General), TA1-2040, Applied optics. Photonics, TA1501-1820
Abstract: In this paper, the possible connection between the frequency of Atlantic hurricanes to the climate change, mainly the variation in the Atlantic Ocean surface temperature has been investigated. The correlation between the observed hurricane frequency for different categories of hurricane’s intensity and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) has been examined over the Atlantic Tropical Cyclogenesis Regions (ACR). The results suggest that in general, the frequency of hurricanes have a high correlation with SST. In particular, the frequency of extreme hurricanes with Category 5 intensity has the highest correlation coefficient (R = 0.82). In overall, the analyses in this work demonstrates the influence of the climate change condition on the Atlantic hurricanes and suggest a strong correlation between the frequency of extreme hurricanes and SST in the ACR.
Published: 2018
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9. Preaponeurotic endoscopic repair (REPA) indication in men could be controversial

Author: F. J. Signorini, M. L. Chamorro, M. B. Soria, P. Salazar, M. Marani, L. Obeide, and A. Rossini
Subjects: Surgery
Published: 2022
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10. Peptide isolated from Cry1Ab16 toxin present in Bacillus thuringiensis: Synthesis and morphology data for layer-by-layer films studied by atomic force microscopy

Author: Alexandra Plácido, Emanuel Airton de Oliveira Farias, Mariela M. Marani, Andreanne Gomes Vasconcelos, José R.S.A. Leite, and Cristina Delerue-Matos
Subjects: Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics, R858-859.7, Science (General), Q1-390
Abstract: The peptide PcL342-354C was obtained from the Cry1Ab16 toxin present in Bacillus thuringiensis (“Computational Modeling Deduced Three Dimensional Structure of Cry1Ab16 Toxin from B. thuringiensis AC11” (Kashyap, 2012) [1]). In this data article, we report the synthesis and characterization of the PcL342-354C peptide by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. In addition, the preparation of layer-by-layer films is shown based on interspersion of this peptide with both polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), self-assembled on ITO (indium tin oxide) electrodes. The morphology of the ITO/PEI/PSS/PcL342-354C film was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). We also evaluated the effect of the number of bilayers in ITO/PEI/(PSS/PcL342-354C)n on the morphology of the film using AFM amplitude images. Further details about this study were published elsewhere, “Layer-by-layer films containing peptides of the Cry1Ab16 toxin from B. thuringiensis for potential biotechnological applications,” (Plácido et al., 2016) [2]. Keywords: Cry1Ab16 toxin, Bacillus thuringiensis, Layer-by-layer films, Atomic force microscopy, GMO׳s
Published: 2016
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11. The Significance of Hypervariability and Conserved Motifs in Antimicrobial Peptides from Tree Frogs

Author: Andrés E. Brunetti, Carlos A. Fuzo, Silvana Aguilar, Mauricio Rivera-Correa, Mariela M. Marani, and Norberto P. Lopes
Subjects: Pharmacology, Complementary and alternative medicine, Organic Chemistry, Drug Discovery, Pharmaceutical Science, Molecular Medicine, Analytical Chemistry
Published: 2023
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12. Identification of New Ocellatin Antimicrobial Peptides by cDNA Precursor Cloning in the Frame of This Family of Intriguing Peptides

Author: Mariela M. Marani, Silvana Aguilar, Ana P. Cuzziol Boccioni, Natalia L. Cancelarich, Néstor G. Basso, and Fernando Albericio
Subjects: in silico techniques, leptodactylidae, Leptodactylus latrans, natural products, bioprospection, Therapeutics. Pharmacology, RM1-950
Abstract: Ocellatins are a family of antimicrobial peptides found exclusively in the Leptodactylus genus. To date, 10 species have been studied and more than 23 peptides described. Here we report the sequences of five new peptides from the skin of the frog Leptodactylus latrans (Anura: Leptodactylidae) determined by cDNA cloning of the complete prepro-peptide structures. The mature peptides were characterized with in silico tools and compared with those previously described. With 21 amino acid residues, this new set of peptides not previously described in the Leptodactylus genus share between 100 and 76.2% similarity to ocellatin antimicrobial peptides. These novel peptides are cationic and their three-dimensional (3D) structure holds the highly conserved residues G1, D4, K7, and K11 and a high theoretical amphipathic α-helix content. Furthermore, in silico analyses of these new peptides predicted antimicrobial activity. This study is framed in the context of previous work published about ocellatins, and therefore, provides a review of this intriguing family of peptides.
Published: 2020
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13. Molecular basis of a bacterial-amphibian symbiosis revealed by comparative genomics, modeling, and functional testing

Author: Célio F. B. Haddad, Mariana L. Lyra, Cathrin Spröer, Andrés Eduardo Brunetti, Boyke Bunk, Carlos Alessandro Fuzo, Mariela M. Marani, Jörg Overmann, Norberto Peporine Lopes, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and Technische Universität Braunschweig
Subjects: Genetics, Comparative genomics, Whole genome sequencing, Bacteria, biology, Pseudomonas, Antimicrobial peptides, Genomics, Bacterial genome size, biology.organism_classification, Microbiology, Genome, Article, Animals, Microbiome, Anura, Symbiosis, Gene, Genome, Bacterial, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Abstract: Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:34:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-03-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) The molecular bases for the symbiosis of the amphibian skin microbiome with its host are poorly understood. Here, we used the odor-producer Pseudomonas sp. MPFS and the treefrog Boana prasina as a model to explore bacterial genome determinants and the resulting mechanisms facilitating symbiosis. Pseudomonas sp. MPFS and its closest relatives, within a new clade of the P. fluoresens Group, have large genomes and were isolated from fishes and plants, suggesting environmental plasticity. We annotated 16 biosynthetic gene clusters from the complete genome sequence of this strain, including those encoding the synthesis of compounds with known antifungal activity and of odorous methoxypyrazines that likely mediate sexual interactions in Boana prasina. Comparative genomics of Pseudomonas also revealed that Pseudomonas sp. MPFS and its closest relatives have acquired specific resistance mechanisms against host antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), specifically two extra copies of a multidrug efflux pump and the same two-component regulatory systems known to trigger adaptive resistance to AMPs in P. aeruginosa. Subsequent molecular modeling indicated that these regulatory systems interact with an AMP identified in Boana prasina through the highly acidic surfaces of the proteins comprising their sensory domains. In agreement with a symbiotic relationship and a highly selective antibacterial function, this AMP did not inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas sp. MPFS but inhibited the growth of another Pseudomonas species and Escherichia coli in laboratory tests. This study provides deeper insights into the molecular interaction of the bacteria-amphibian symbiosis and highlights the role of specific adaptive resistance toward AMPs of the hosts. Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo, SP Laboratorio de Genética Evolutiva Instituto de Biología Subtropical (CONICET – UNaM) Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Universidad Nacional de Misiones Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures Departamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista, SP Departamento de Análises Clínicas Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo, SP IPEEC-CONICET Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas Mikrobiologie Technische Universität Braunschweig Departamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista, SP FAPESP: 2013/50741-7 FAPESP: 2013/50954-0 FAPESP: 2014/20915-6 FAPESP: 2014/50265-3 FAPESP: 2017/23725-1 FAPESP: 2017/26162-8 CAPES: 88881.062205/2014-01 CAPES: 88887.464731/2019-00
Published: 2021
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14. Somuncurins: Bioactive Peptides from the Skin of the Endangered Endemic Patagonian Frog Pleurodema somuncurense

Author: Nestor Guillermo Basso, Mariela M. Marani, João B. Relvas, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Renato Socodato, Camila C. Portugal, Natalia Lorena Cancelarich, Beatriz G. de la Torre, Eder Alves Barbosa, Daniel C. Moreira, Natalia Wilke, Fernando Albericio, Luis Orlando Perez, Maria Laura Fanani, and Alexandra Plácido
Subjects: Amphibian, Antimicrobial peptides, Pharmaceutical Science, Cell morphology, 01 natural sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Ciencias Biológicas, biology.animal, Drug Discovery, Pharmacology, Innate immune system, biology, 010405 organic chemistry, Organic Chemistry, ANURA, BIOPROSPECTION, Biological activity, Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES, CDNA, biology.organism_classification, Antimicrobial, Cell aggregation, 0104 chemical sciences, 010404 medicinal & biomolecular chemistry, Complementary and alternative medicine, Biochemistry, Pleurodema, Molecular Medicine, CIENCIAS NATURALES Y EXACTAS
Abstract: The skin glands of amphibian species hold a major component of their innate immunity, namely a unique set of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Although most of them have common characteristics, differences in AMP sequences allow a huge repertoire of biological activity with varying degrees of efficacy. We present the first study of the AMPs from Pleurodema somuncurence (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Leiuperinae). Among the 11 identified mature peptides, three presented antimicrobial activity. Somuncurin-1 (FIIWPLRYRK), somuncurin-2 (FILKRSYPQYY), and thaulin-3 (NLVGSLLGGILKK) inhibited Escherichia coli growth. Somuncurin-1 also showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Biophysical membrane model studies revealed that this peptide had a greater permeation effect in prokaryotic-like membranes and capacity to restructure liposomes, suggesting fusogenic activity, which could lead to cell aggregation and disruption of cell morphology. This study contributes to the characterization of peptides with new sequences to enrich the databases for the design of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of investing in nature conservation and the power of genetic description as a strategy to identify new compounds. Fil: Cancelarich, Natalia Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Wilke, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Fanani, Maria Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Moreira, Daniel C.. Universidade do Brasília; Brasil Fil: Perez, Luis Orlando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentina Fil: Alves Barbosa, Eder. Universidade do Brasília; Brasil Fil: Plácido, Alexandra. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Socodato, Renato. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Portugal, Camila C.. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Relvas, João B.. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: De la Torre, Beatriz G.. University of Kwazulu-Natal; Sudáfrica Fil: Albericio, Fernando. University of Kwazulu-Natal; Sudáfrica Fil: Basso, Nestor Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentina Fil: Leite, José. Universidade do Brasília; Brasil Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina
Published: 2020
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15. 1567 Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals unique fibroblast subclusters in prurigo nodularis

Author: J.R. Patel, M. Joel, K. Lee, A. Kambala, H. Cornman, O.O. Oladipo, M. Taylor, J. Deng, V. Parthasarathy, M. Marani, S. Reddy, T. Pritchard, V. Rebecca, W. Ho, M. Kwatra, X. Dong, S. Kang, and S. Kwatra
Subjects: Cell Biology, Dermatology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Published: 2023
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16. 1605 A precision medicine-based peripheral blood immunophenotyping platform for erythroderma of unknown etiology

Author: H. Cornman, A. Kambala, M.P. Alphonse, M. Marani, K.K. Lee, A. Rajeh, S.V. Reddy, J.P. Mohammed, K. Parr, J.H. Bream, S. Kang, and S. Kwatra
Subjects: Cell Biology, Dermatology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Published: 2023
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17. Recent changes in rainfall characteristics and their influence on thresholds for debris flow triggering in the Dolomitic area of Cortina d'Ampezzo, north-eastern Italian Alps

Author: M. Floris, A. D'Alpaos, C. Squarzoni, R. Genevois, and M. Marani
Subjects: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Geography. Anthropology. Recreation, Environmental sciences, GE1-350, Geology, QE1-996.5
Abstract: In this paper, we examine variations in climate characteristics near the area of Cortina d'Ampezzo (Dolomites, Eastern Italian Alps), with particular reference to the possible implications for debris-flow occurrence. The study area is prone to debris-flow release in response to summer high-intensity short-duration rainfalls and, therefore, it is of the utmost importance to investigate the potential increase in debris-flow triggering rainfall events. The critical rainfall threshold is agreed to be a crucial triggering factor for debris-flows. Data from a monitoring system, placed in a catchment near Cortina (Acquabona), show that debris-flows were triggered by rainfalls with peak rainfall intensities ranging from 4.9 to 17.4 mm/10 min. The analyses of meteorological data, collected from 1921 to 1994 at several stations in the study area, show a negative trend of annual rainfall, a considerable variation in the monthly rainfall distribution, and an increase in the temperature range, possibly related to global climate changes. Moreover, high-intensity and short-duration rainfall events, derived from data collected from 1990 and 2008, show an increase in exceptional rainfall events. The results obtained in a peak-over-threshold framework, applied to the rainfall data measured at the Faloria rain gauge station from 1990 to 2008, clearly show that the interarrival time of over-threshold events computed for different threshold values decreased in the last decade. This suggests that local climatic changes might produce an increase in the frequency of rainfall events, potentially triggering debris flows in the study area.
Published: 2010

18. Structure and Function of Cationic Hylin Bioactive Peptides from the Tree Frog Boana Pulchella in Interaction with Lipid Membranes

Author: Silvana Aguilar, Andrés E. Brunetti, Aisel Valle Garay, Liem Canet Santos, Luis O. Perez, Daniel Moreira, Natalia L. Cancelarich, Eder Alves Barbosa, Néstor G. Basso, Sonia Maria de Freitas, Julián Faivovich, Guilherme Brand, Gabriela M. Cabrera, José R.S.A. Leite, and Mariela M. Marani
Subjects: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Physiology, Biochemistry
Abstract: Amphibians have a great diversity of bioactive peptides in their skin. The cDNA prepro-peptide sequencing allowed the identification of five novel mature peptides expressed in the skin of Boana pulchella, four with similar sequences to hylin peptides having a cationic amphipathic-helical structure. Whole mature peptides and some of their fragments were chemically-synthesized and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The mature peptide hylin-Pul3 was the most active, with a MIC= 14 µM against Staphylococcus aureus. Circular dichroism assays indicated that peptides are mostly unstructured in buffer solutions. Still, adding large unilamellar vesicles composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol increased the α-helix content of novel hylins. These results demonstrate the strong influence of the environment on peptide conformation and highlight its significance while addressing the pharmacology of peptides and their biological function in frogs.
Published: 2022
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19. Transport at basin scales: 1. Theoretical framework

Author: A. Rinaldo, G. Botter, E. Bertuzzo, A. Uccelli, T. Settin, and M. Marani
Subjects: Technology, Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Geography. Anthropology. Recreation, Environmental sciences, GE1-350
Abstract: The paper describes the theoretical framework for a class of general continuous models of the hydrologic response including both flow and transport of reactive solutes. The approach orders theoretical results appeared in disparate fields into a coherent theoretical framework for both hydrologic flow and transport. In this paper we focus on the Lagrangian description of the carrier hydrologic runoff and of the processes embedding catchment-scale generation and transport of matter carried by runoff. The former defines travel time distributions, while the latter defines lifetime distributions, here thought of as contact times between mobile and immobile phases. Contact times are assumed to control mass transfer in a well-mixed approximation, appropriate in cases, like in basin-scale transport phenomena, where the characteristic size of the injection areas is much larger than that of heterogeneous features. As a result, we define general mass-response functions of catchments which extend to transport of matter geomorphologic theories of the hydrologic response. A set of examples is provided to clarify the theoretical results towards a computational framework for generalized applications, described in a companion paper.
Published: 2006

20. Transport at basin scales: 2. Applications

Author: A. Rinaldo, G. Botter, E. Bertuzzo, A. Uccelli, T. Settin, and M. Marani
Subjects: Technology, Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Geography. Anthropology. Recreation, Environmental sciences, GE1-350
Abstract: In this paper, the second of a series, we apply the models discussed in Part 1 to a significant case study. The nature of the catchment under study, the transport phenomena investigated (i.e. nitrates moving as solutes within runoff waters) and the scales involved in space and time, provide an elaborate test for theory and applications. Comparison of modeling predictions with field data (i.e. fluxes of carrier flow and solute nitrates) suggests that the framework proposed for geomorphic transport models is capable to describe well large-scale transport phenomena driven and/or controlled by spatially distributed hydrologic fields (e.g. rainfall patterns in space and time, drainage pathways, soil coverage and type, matter stored in immobile phases). A sample MonteCarlo mode of application of the model is also discussed where hydrologic forcings and external nitrate applications (through fertilization) are treated as random processes.
Published: 2006

21. Diferentes dispositivos inalatórios na crise aguda de asma: um estudo randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado com placebo Different inhaler devices in acute asthma attacks: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Author: Herberto J. Chong Neto, Débora C. Chong-Silva, Daniele M. Marani, Flávia Kuroda, Márcia Olandosky, and Lúcia de Noronha
Subjects: Nebulizadores, inaladores dosimetrados, espaçadores de inalação, espaçador artesanal, criança, Nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, inhalation spacers, homemade spacer, child, Pediatrics, RJ1-570
Abstract: OBJETIVO: Verificar a eficácia, eventos adversos e custo do tratamento da crise aguda de asma, utilizando diferentes dispositivos inalatórios. MÉTODOS: Estudo randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado com placebo. Foi utilizado salbutamol em nebulizador, inalador dosimetrado com espaçadores industrial e artesanal e inalador em pó. As avaliações foram feitas em 0, 20, 40 e 60 minutos, seguidas da aplicação de salbutamol e placebo em outro dispositivo. Foram avaliadas 40 crianças em crise aguda de asma, com média de idade = 11±3,5 anos. Utilizou-se escore clínico e função pulmonar, e foram verificados eventos adversos. Foram calculados gastos com o medicamento e o dispositivo inalatório. RESULTADOS: O escore clínico e a variação no volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo foram semelhantes entre os grupos ao final do estudo. Foi encontrada uma variação maior na freqüência cardíaca com o uso de nebulizador (35%) do que nos grupos que fizeram uso do espaçador industrial (15%) e do inalador em pó (17%), e também entre os espaçadores artesanal e industrial, 28 e 15%, respectivamente (p = 0,004). O nebulizador e o espaçador artesanal provocaram mais tremores (p = 0,02). O custo do tratamento por paciente foi maior nos grupos nebulizador e espaçador industrial, R$ 22,31 e R$ 16,58, respectivamente (p = 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: O nebulizador foi o mais caro e consumiu mais droga para apresentar a mesma eficácia. O espaçador artesanal foi o mais barato. No entanto, apresentou mais eventos adversos do que o espaçador industrial e o inalador em pó. O espaçador industrial foi tão caro quanto o nebulizador, porém mais seguro. O inalador em pó foi mais barato e apresentou menos tremores, mas taquicardia semelhante ao espaçador artesanal.OBJECTIVE: To verify the efficacy, side effects, and cost of treatment of acute asthma attacks, using different inhaler devices. METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Salbutamol was administered via a nebulizer, a metered-dose inhaler (attached to a commercially available spacer device), a homemade non-valved spacer device, or a dry powder inhaler. Assessments were made at zero, 20, 40 and 60 minutes, followed by the application of salbutamol and placebo with another device. Forty children (mean age of 11±3.5 years) with acute asthma attacks, were evaluated. Clinical score, forced expiratory volume in one second and side effects were analyzed. The costs for medication and spacer devices were calculated. RESULTS: There is no difference between groups regarding clinical score and variation of forced expiratory volume in one second. There was a major variation in the heart rate response to the nebulizer (35%) compared to the commercially available spacer and dry powder inhaler (15 and 17%) and between the homemade spacer and the commercially available spacer (28 and 15%) (p = 0.004). The nebulizer and homemade spacer caused more tremor (p = 0.02). The cost of treatment was higher for the nebulizer and commercially available spacer (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The nebulizer was more expensive and used more medicine, showing the same efficiency. The homemade spacer was cheaper, but presented more side effects. The commercially available spacer was as expensive as the nebulizer, although safer. The dry powder inhaler was cheaper, but, just as the homemade spacer, it also caused tachycardia.
Published: 2005
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22. BR-bombesin: a novel bombesin-related peptide from the skin secretion of the Chaco tree frog (Boana raniceps) with physiological gastric effects

Author: Nayara Alves de Sousa, Mariela M. Marani, André Luís Fernandes Lopes, Emanuelle Morais Silva, Eder Alves Barbosa, Andreanne Gomes Vasconcelos, Felipe T. B. Kuzniewski, Suellen Sousa Lustosa, Karina Pereira Gomes, Diego Basile Colugnati, Jefferson A. Rocha, Lucianna Helene Santos, Marcelo P. Benquerer, Patrick Quelemes, Leiz Véras, Daniel C. Moreira, Kalinne Kelly Lima Gadelha, Pedro Jorge Caldas Magalhães, Alexandra Plácido, Peter Eaton, Lucas Nicolau, Jand Venes R. Medeiros, and José R. S. A. Leite
Subjects: Mammals, Organic Chemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Stomach, Biochemistry, Rats, Molecular Docking Simulation, Receptors, Bombesin, Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Animals, Bombesin, Anura, Rats, Wistar, Peptides
Abstract: Bombesin mediates several biological activities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and central nervous system in mammals, including smooth muscle contraction, secretion of GI hormones and regulation of homeostatic mechanisms. Here, we report a novel bombesin-like peptide isolated from Boana raniceps. Its amino acid sequence, GGNQWAIGHFM-NH
Published: 2021

23. Desertification risk mapping of the Zayandeh Rood Basin in Iran

Author: BARZANI, M MARANI and KHAIRULMAINI, O S
Published: 2013
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24. 679 A polygenic risk score uncovers racial and genetic differences in susceptibility to prurigo nodularis in patients of African ancestry

Author: C. Vasavda, G. Wan, C. Lu, N. Sutaria, N. Nguyen, M. Szeto, W. Adawi, J. Deng, V. Parthasarathy, Z.A. Bordeaux, M. Taylor, M. Marani, K. Lee, M.P. Alphonse, S. Kang, Y. Semenov, A. Gusev, and S.G. Kwatra
Subjects: Cell Biology, Dermatology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Published: 2022
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25. 856 Peripheral neuropathic changes in prurigo nodularis

Author: M. Marani, B. Pan, J. Deng, V. Parthasarathy, M.P. Alphonse, M. Polydefkis, and S.G. Kwatra
Subjects: Cell Biology, Dermatology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Published: 2022
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26. LB1041 Machine learning-based single cell analysis of prurigo nodularis identifies a unique population of CD14+pERK+ macrophages correlating with itch intensity

Author: J. Patel, J. Deng, V. Parthasarathy, M. Szeto, M. Marani, C. Trinh, K. Lee, O. Olapido, M. Kwatra, S. Kang, M.P. Alphonse, and S.G. Kwatra
Subjects: Cell Biology, Dermatology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Published: 2022
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27. 857 Racial differences in dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with prurigo nodularis

Author: K.K. Lee, N. Sutaria, M. Marani, J. Choi, Y. Roh, V. Parthasarathy, J. Deng, Z.A. Bordeaux, M. Taylor, T. Pritchard, A. Alajmi, W. Adawi, Y.R. Semenov, M.P. Alphonse, and S.G. Kwatra
Subjects: Cell Biology, Dermatology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Published: 2022
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28. Design of Affinity Chromatography Peptide Ligands Through Combinatorial Peptide Library Screening

Author: Soledad L. Saavedra, Gabriela R. Barredo, María C. Martínez-Ceron, Fernando Albericio, Silvana L. Giudicessi, Silvia A. Camperi, Osvaldo Cascone, and Mariela M. Marani
Subjects: chemistry.chemical_classification, Chromatography, 010405 organic chemistry, Chemistry, Peptide, 010402 general chemistry, Mass spectrometry, Tandem mass spectrometry, 01 natural sciences, 0104 chemical sciences, Adsorption, Affinity chromatography, Protein purification, Target protein, Peptide library
Abstract: In this chapter, a protocol to design affinity chromatography matrices with short peptide ligands immobilized for protein purification is described. The first step consists of the synthesis of a combinatorial peptide library on the hydroxymethylbenzoyl (HMBA)-ChemMatrix resin by the divide-couple-recombine (DCR) method using the Fmoc chemistry. Next, the library is screened with the protein of interest labeled with a fluorescent dye or biotin. Subsequently, peptides contained on positive beads are identified by tandem matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS/MS), and those sequences showing greater consensus are synthesized in larger quantities and immobilized on chromatographic supports. Finally, target protein adsorption on peptide affinity matrices is evaluated through equilibrium adsorption isotherms and breakthrough curves.
Published: 2020
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29. Design of Affinity Chromatography Peptide Ligands Through Combinatorial Peptide Library Screening

Author: G R, Barredo, S L, Saavedra, M C, Martínez-Ceron, S L, Giudicessi, M M, Marani, F, Albericio, O, Cascone, and S A, Camperi
Subjects: Peptide Library, Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization, Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques, Chromatography, Affinity
Abstract: In this chapter, a protocol to design affinity chromatography matrices with short peptide ligands immobilized for protein purification is described. The first step consists of the synthesis of a combinatorial peptide library on the hydroxymethylbenzoyl (HMBA)-ChemMatrix resin by the divide-couple-recombine (DCR) method using the Fmoc chemistry. Next, the library is screened with the protein of interest labeled with a fluorescent dye or biotin. Subsequently, peptides contained on positive beads are identified by tandem matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS/MS), and those sequences showing greater consensus are synthesized in larger quantities and immobilized on chromatographic supports. Finally, target protein adsorption on peptide affinity matrices is evaluated through equilibrium adsorption isotherms and breakthrough curves.
Published: 2020

30. Somuncurins: Bioactive Peptides from the Skin of the Endangered Endemic Patagonian Frog

Author: Natalia L, Cancelarich, Natalia, Wilke, Marı A L, Fanani, Daniel C, Moreira, Luis O, Pérez, Eder, Alves Barbosa, Alexandra, Plácido, Renato, Socodato, Camila C, Portugal, João B, Relvas, Beatriz G, de la Torre, Fernando, Albericio, Néstor G, Basso, José R, Leite, and Mariela M, Marani
Subjects: Staphylococcus aureus, Molecular Structure, Ranidae, Endangered Species, Argentina, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Hemolysis, Antioxidants, Permeability, Cell Line, Tumor, Liposomes, Escherichia coli, Animals, Humans, Amino Acid Sequence, Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor, Peptides, Skin
Abstract: The skin glands of amphibian species hold a major component of their innate immunity, namely a unique set of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Although most of them have common characteristics, differences in AMP sequences allow a huge repertoire of biological activity with varying degrees of efficacy. We present the first study of the AMPs from
Published: 2020

31. Sedimentologic and volcanologic investigation of the deep tyrrhenian sea: preliminary result of cruise VST02

Author: A. Bertagnini, M. Rosi, D. Penitenti, A. Magagnoli, V. Landuzzi, M. Marani, F. Gamberi, and A. Di Roberto
Subjects: submarine volcanism, submarine volcanic explosions, deep-sea fan, acoustic transparent layers, carbonate crusts, Meteorology. Climatology, QC851-999, Geophysics. Cosmic physics, QC801-809
Abstract: The VST02 cruise carried out in the summer of 2002 was focused at sedimentologic and volcanologic researches over selected areas of the deep portion of the Tyrrhenian sea. Chirp lines and seafloor samples were collected from the Calabrian slope surrounding Stromboli island, in the Marsili deep sea fan, in the Vavilov basin and in the Vavilov seamount. Submarine volcanic activity, both explosive and effusive, is occuring in the Stromboli edifice. Explosive submarine volcanism affects also the shallowest areas of the Vavilov seamount. Submarine carbonate lithification has been observed on the sediment-starved flanks of the Vavilov seamount. Acoustic transparent layers make up the recentmost infill of the Gortani basin, the easternmost portion of the Vavilov basin. Channels comprised of a variety of architectural elements and depositional lobes are the main elements of the Marsili deep-sea fan where, apparently, sedimentation occurs mainly through debris flow processes.
Published: 2006
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32. Polyclonal antibody production anti Pc_312-324 peptide. Its potential use in electrochemical immunosensors for transgenic soybean detection

Author: Ana M. Niebylski, N. Mariano Correa, Mariela M. Marani, Dario C. Ramirez, Marcos E. Farías, and Patricia G. Molina
Subjects: Biophysics, Peptide, POLYCLONAL ANTIBODY, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, 02 engineering and technology, Biosensing Techniques, 01 natural sciences, Antibodies, purl.org/becyt/ford/1 [https], CP4-EPSPS PROTEIN, Electrochemistry, purl.org/becyt/ford/1.4 [https], Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Incubation, chemistry.chemical_classification, Chromatography, biology, 010401 analytical chemistry, food and beverages, ELECTROCHEMICAL IMMUNOSENSOR, General Medicine, Electrochemical Techniques, 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology, Plants, Genetically Modified, 0104 chemical sciences, Dielectric spectroscopy, Electrophoresis, chemistry, Polyclonal antibodies, TRANSGENIC SOYBEAN, Antibody Formation, biology.protein, Soybean Proteins, Soybeans, Cyclic voltammetry, Antibody, 0210 nano-technology, Peptides
Abstract: A new polyclonal antibody that recognizes the CP4 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (CP4-EPSPS), which provides resistance to glyphosate in soybean (Roundup Ready®, RR soybean), was produced. New Zealand rabbits were injected with a synthetic peptide (Pc_312-324, (PEP)) present in the soybean CP4-EPSPS protein. The anti-PEP antibodies production was evaluated by electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed in order to study their specificity. The ELISA showed that the polyclonal antibody was specific to PEP. In addition, the anti- PEP was immobilized onto a gold disk electrode and the antigen-antibody interaction was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, the EIS showed that the electron transfer resistance of the modified electrode increased after incubation with solutions containing CP4-EPSPS protein from RR transgenic soybean, while no changes were detected after incubation with no-RR soybean proteins. These results suggest that the CP4-EPSPS was immobilized onto the electrode, due to the specific interaction with the anti-PEP. These results show that this antigen-antibody interaction can be detected by electrochemical techniques, suggesting that the anti-PEP produced can be used in electrochemical immunosensors development to quantify transgenic soybean. Fil: Farias, Marcos Ezequiel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología Molecular; Argentina Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Ramirez, Dario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina Fil: Niebylski, Ana Maria. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología Molecular; Argentina Fil: Correa, Nestor Mariano. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina Fil: Molina, Patricia Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina
Published: 2019

33. Genetic analysis of signal peptides in amphibian antimicrobial secretions

Author: L O, Pérez, N L, Cancelarich, S, Aguilar, N G, Basso, and M M, Marani
Subjects: Amphibians, Bacteria, Animals, Protein Sorting Signals, Amphibian Proteins, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Skin
Abstract: Amphibian secretion is an important source of bioactive molecules that naturally protect the skin against noxious microorganisms. Collectively called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), these molecules have a wide spectrum of action, targeting viruses, bacteria and fungi. Like many membrane and secreted proteins, AMPs have cleavable signal sequences that mediate and translocate the nascent polypeptide chains into the endoplasmic reticulum. Although it is accepted that the signal peptides (SPs) are simple and interchangeable, there is neither sequence nor structure that is conserved among all gene families. They derived from a common ancestor but developed different traits as they adapt to distinct environmental pressures. The aim of this study was to provide anoverview of the diversity of SPs of the frog, taking into account reported cDNA sequences and the evolutionary relationship among them. We analysed more than 2000 records that reported the relative abundance, diversity and evolutionary divergence based on the peptide signals of frog AMPs. We conclude that the physical properties of the sequence are more important than the specific peptidesin AMP SPs. Since there is significant overlapping among related genera, differences in secretion from different peptide types should be regulated by additional levels, such as posttranscriptional modifications or 5-UTR sequences.
Published: 2018

34. Genetic Analysis of Signal Peptides in Amphibian Antimicrobial Secretions

Author: Silvana Aguilar, Mariela M. Marani, Luis Orlando Perez, Nestor Guillermo Basso, and Natalia Lorena Cancelarich
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, Amphibian, Signal peptide, Genetics, biology, SIGNAL PEPTIDE, Endoplasmic reticulum, Antimicrobial peptides, DIVERSITY, ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES, 03 medical and health sciences, 030104 developmental biology, 0302 clinical medicine, Secretory protein, biology.animal, Complementary DNA, Ciencias de la Computación e Información, Gene family, Secretion, Otras Ciencias de la Computación e Información, 030217 neurology & neurosurgery, CIENCIAS NATURALES Y EXACTAS
Abstract: Amphibian secretion is an important source of bioactive molecules that naturally protect the skin against noxious microorganisms. Collectively called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), these molecules have a wide spectrum of action, targeting viruses, bacteria and fungi. Like many membrane and secreted proteins, AMPs have cleavable signal sequences that mediate and translocate the nascent polypeptide chains into the endoplasmic reticulum. Although it is accepted that the signal peptides (SPs) are simple and interchangeable, there is neither sequence nor structure that is conserved among all gene families. They derived from a common ancestor but developed different traits as they adapt to distinct environmental pressures. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the diversity of SPs of the frog, taking into account reported cDNA sequences and the evolutionary relationship among them. We analysed more than 2000 records that reported the relative abundance, diversity and evolutionary divergence based on the peptide signals of frog AMPs. We conclude that the physical properties of the sequence are more important than the specific peptides in AMP SPs. Since there is significant overlapping among related genera, differences in secretion from different peptide types should be regulated by additional levels, such as posttranscriptional modifications or 5-UTR sequences. Fil: Perez, Luis Orlando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentina Fil: Cancelarich, Natalia Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Aguilar, Silvana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina Fil: Basso, Nestor Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentina Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina
Published: 2018
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35. Single step recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) purification from milk by peptide affinity chromatography

Author: Fernando Albericio, María C. Martínez Ceron, Soledad L. Saavedra, Osvaldo Cascone, Rosa Erra-Balsells, Silvia A. Camperi, Silvana L. Giudicessi, Guillermina Forno, María Belén Bosco, and Mariela M. Marani
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, Transgene, PEPTIDE LIGANDS, Protein Array Analysis, DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING, 030209 endocrinology & metabolism, Peptide, INGENIERÍAS Y TECNOLOGÍAS, Chromatography, Affinity, RECOMBINANT BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, law.invention, Biotecnología Industrial, 03 medical and health sciences, chemistry.chemical_compound, BIOLOGICS, 0302 clinical medicine, Affinity chromatography, law, Animals, Humans, chemistry.chemical_classification, Downstream processing, Chromatography, Human Growth Hormone, TRANSGENIC COW MILK, food and beverages, Recombinant Proteins, Amino acid, 030104 developmental biology, Milk, chemistry, Recombinant DNA, Agarose, Otras Biotecnología Industrial, SOLID-PHASE PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS, Biotechnology, Hormone
Abstract: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is used for the treatment of several pathologies, most of them related to growth. Although different expression systems can be used for its production, the milk from transgenic cows is one of the most interesting due to the high rhGH level achieved (5 g/L). We have designed and synthesized short peptides (9 or 10 amino acid long) using Fmoc chemistry and studied their ability to purify rhGH from milk once immobilized on an agarose support. Using spiked milk with the hormone as a sample, rhGH was purified with 88% yield and 92% purity in a single step with a fold purification of 4.5. Fil: Saavedra, Soledad Lorena. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología Industrial y Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; Argentina Fil: Martínez Ceron, María Camila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; Argentina Fil: Giudicessi, Silvana Laura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología Industrial y Biotecnología; Argentina Fil: Forno, Angela Guillermina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Bosco, Maria Belen. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Erra Balsells, Rosa. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono; Argentina Fil: Albericio Palomera, Fernando. Universidad de Barcelona; España Fil: Cascone, Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; Argentina Fil: Camperi, Silvia Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; Argentina
Published: 2018
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36. Foreland deformational pattern in the Southern Adriatic Sea

Author: G. Mattietti, M. Marani, M. Ligi, M. Gasperini, F. Frugoni, P. Favalli, A. Argnani, and G. Mele
Subjects: Tremiti deformation belt, tectonic inversion, Meteorology. Climatology, QC851-999, Geophysics. Cosmic physics, QC801-809
Published: 1993
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37. In silico peptide prediction for antibody generation to recognize 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in genetically modified organisms

Author: Mariela M. Marani, Silvia A. Camperi, Maria Beatriz P.P. Oliveira, Joana Costa, José Roberto S. A. Leite, and Isabel Mafra
Subjects: chemistry.chemical_classification, In silico, Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Peptide, General Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Genetically modified organism, Biomaterials, 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase, chemistry, biology.protein, Antibody
Abstract: Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagonico; Argentina
Published: 2015
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38. Structure and function of a novel antioxidant peptide from the skin of tropical frogs

Author: Ana Oliveira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Nuno Vale, Eder Alves Barbosa, João B. Relvas, Mariela M. Marani, Graziella Anselmo Joanitti, Renato Socodato, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Paula Gomes, Yvonne Primerano Mascarenhas, Cláudia Alves, Lucinda J. Bessa, Camila C. Portugal, Manuela Pintado, Alexandra Plácido, Ana Carolina Mafud, Alicia S. Ombredane, Daniel C. Moreira, Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, and Veritati - Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, Signal peptide, Amphibian, Antioxidin, Antioxidant, Protein Conformation, medicine.medical_treatment, Antioxidant peptide, Physalaemus nattereri, Peptide, Biochemistry, Amphibian Proteins, Antioxidants, Amphibia, 03 medical and health sciences, Mice, 0302 clinical medicine, Physiology (medical), biology.animal, Botany, medicine, Animals, Cloning, Molecular, Peptide sequence, Skin, chemistry.chemical_classification, Reactive oxygen species, biology, Molecular Structure, Skin secretion, Bacterial Infections, Free Radical Scavengers, Fibroblasts, biology.organism_classification, In vitro, Neuroprotection, 030104 developmental biology, chemistry, ANFÍBIOS, NIH 3T3 Cells, Microglia, Anura, Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidation-Reduction, 030217 neurology & neurosurgery, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
Abstract: The amphibian skin plays an important role protecting the organism from external harmful factors such as microorganisms or UV radiation. Based on biorational strategies, many studies have investigated the cutaneous secretion of anurans as a source of bioactive molecules. By a peptidomic approach, a novel antioxidant peptide (AOP) with in vitro free radical scavenging ability was isolated from Physalaemus nattereri. The AOP, named antioxidin-I, has a molecular weight [M+H]+ = 1543.69Da and a TWYFITPYIPDK primary amino acid sequence. The gene encoding the antioxidin-I precursor was expressed in the skin tissue of three other Tropical frog species: Phyllomedusa tarsius, P. distincta and Pithecopus rohdei. cDNA sequencing revealed highly homologous regions (signal peptide and acidic region). Mature antioxidin-I has a novel primary sequence with low similarity compared with previously described amphibian's AOPs. Antioxidin-I adopts a random structure even at high concentrations of hydrophobic solvent, it has poor antimicrobial activity and poor performance in free radical scavenging assays in vitro, with the exception of the ORAC assay. However, antioxidin-I presented a low cytotoxicity and suppressed menadione-induced redox imbalance when tested with fibroblast in culture. In addition, it had the capacity to substantially attenuate the hypoxia-induced production of reactive oxygen species when tested in hypoxia exposed living microglial cells, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role for this peptide., The authors thank of the B2Tech platform facilities (Biochemical And Biophysical Technologies, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S) da Universidade do Porto, Portugal) for the use of circular dichroism (CD). AP is grateful for the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) grants (SFRH/BD/97995/2013) financed by POPH-QREN (subsidized by FSE and MCTES). NV thanks FCT and FEDER (European Union) for funding through UID/MULTI/04378/2013, project grant IF/00092/2014 and IF2014 position. NV thanks also Fundação Manuel António da Mota (FMAM, Portugal) by support to Nuno Vale Lab. PG thanks FCT for funding through UID/QUI/50006/2013. RS and CCP, hold postdoctoral fellowships from FCT (Refs: SFRH/BPD/91833/2012 and FRH/BPD/91962/2012, respectively). ACM is grateful to FAPESP (Grants 2014/02282-6 and 2016/18023-5). YPM is grateful to CNPq by the Senior Researcher Grant (PQ-Sr 306036/2016-9). EAB is grateful to PNPD/CAPES (Grant No:1603966) for its postdoctoral fellowship. M. M. Marani is a researcher at CONICET.
Published: 2018

39. Supporto alla pianificazione energetica locale: un recente dibattito con i principali attori in ENEA

Author: E. Costanzo, C. Martini, M. Gaeta, M. R. Virdis, M. Marani, Costanzo, E., Martini, C., Gaeta, M., Virdis, M. R., and Marani, M.
Published: 2017

40. Cry1A(b)16 toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis: Theoretical refinement of three-dimensional structure and prediction of peptides as molecular markers for detection of genetically modified organisms

Author: Joilson Ramos-Jesus, Andreia Coelho, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Alexandra Plácido, Ricardo Martins Ramos, Vladimir Costa, M.F. Barroso, Mariela M. Marani, Lucas Abreu do Nascimento, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Francisco das Chagas Alves Lima, Andreanne G. Vasconcelos, and Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, Amino Acid Motifs, 01 natural sciences, Biochemistry, Protein Structure, Secondary, Hemolysin Proteins, Structural Biology, Bacillus thuringiensis, Protein Isoforms, Cry1A(b)16, 2. Zero hunger, Immunoassay, biology, Homology modeling, Plants, Genetically Modified, Genetically modified organism, CIENCIAS NATURALES Y EXACTAS, Protein Binding, Detection of genetically modified organisms, Transgene, In silico, Bacterial Toxins, 010402 general chemistry, Zea mays, Antibodies, 03 medical and health sciences, Bacterial Proteins, Molecular dynamics simulation, Animals, Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs, Molecular Biology, Genetically modified maize, Binding Sites, Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins, fungi, Protein superfamily, biology.organism_classification, Molecular biology, 0104 chemical sciences, Ciencias de la Computación, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Rats, Endotoxins, 030104 developmental biology, Structural Homology, Protein, Ciencias de la Computación e Información, Immunization, Peptides, Food Analysis
Abstract: Transgenic maize produced by the insertion of the Cry transgene into its genome became the second most cultivated crop worldwide. Cry gene from Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki expresses protein derivatives of crystalline endotoxins which confer insect resistance onto the maize crop. Mandatory labeling of processed food containing or made by genetically modified organisms is in force in many countries, so, it is very urgent to develop fast and practical methods for GMO identification, for example, biosensors. In the absence of an available empirical structure of Cry1A(b)16 protein, a theoretical model was effectively generated, in this work, by homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations based on two available homologous protein structures. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to refine the selected model, and an analysis of its global structure was performed. The refined models of Cry1A(b)16 showed a standard fold and structural characteristics similar to those seen in Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A(a) insecticidal toxin and Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki Cry1A(c) toxin. After in silico analysis of Cry1A(b)16, two immunoreactive candidate peptides were selected and specific polyclonal antibodies were produced resulting in antibody–peptide interaction. Biosensing devices are expected to be developed for detection of the Cry1A(b) protein as a marker of transgenic maize in food. Proteins 2017; 85:1248–1257. Fil: Plácido, Alexandra. Instituto Politécnico do Porto; Portugal Fil: Coelho, Andreia. Instituto Politécnico do Porto; Portugal Fil: Nascimento, Lucas Abreu. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Vasconcelos, Andreanne Gomes. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Barroso, María Fátima. Instituto Politécnico do Porto; Portugal Fil: Ramos Jesús, Joilson. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Costa, Vladimir. Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portela; Brasil Fil: Lima, Francisco das Chagas Alves. Universidade Estadual do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Delerue Matos, Cristina. Instituto Politécnico do Porto; Portugal Fil: Ramos, Ricardo Martins. Universidade Estadual do Piauí; Brasil. Instituto Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Leite, José Roberto de Souza Almeida. Universidade de Brasília; Brasil
Published: 2017

41. Chapter 4 Bathy-morphological setting of the Aeolian Islands

Author: F. D'Oriano, G. Bortoluzzi, F. Gamberi, D. Casalbore, M. Marani, Francesco Latino Chiocci, Marco Ligi, Claudia Romagnoli, and A. Bosman
Subjects: geography, geography.geographical_feature_category, Oceanography, Volcano, Lineament, Archipelago, Submarine, Aeolian processes, Geology, Bathymetry, Volcanism
Abstract: An updated bathy-morphological setting of the Aeolian Islands is presented, based on new detailed bathymetric maps of the western, central and eastern sectors of the archipelago. In recent years, the acquisition of multibeam swath bathymetry has greatly expanded knowledge of the submarine portions of the Aeolian volcanic edifices, revealing that their submarine extension is much wider than that of the islands. Indications given by the submarine setting are fundamental for better understanding of the evolution of volcanism and the control exerted by main structural lineaments, as well as to locate large-scale flank instability events and recent submarine eruptive activity. DVD: Bathymetric maps of the eastern, central and western sectors are included on the DVD in the printed book and can also be accessed online at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Memoir37-electronic
Published: 2013
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42. Antibacterial activity of novel peptide derived from Cry1Ab16 toxin and development of LbL films for foodborne pathogens control

Author: Cristina Delerue-Matos, Peter Eaton, Alexandra Plácido, Krystallenia Batziou, Idalina Bragança, Alyne Rodrigues de Araújo, Mariela M. Marani, José Roberto S.A. Almeida Leite, Valentina F. Domingues, and Andreanne G. Vasconcelos
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, Materials science, Antimicrobial peptides, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bioengineering, Peptide, 02 engineering and technology, medicine.disease_cause, Microbiology, Biomaterials, Foodborne Diseases, 03 medical and health sciences, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Hemolysin Proteins, Bacterial Proteins, medicine, Escherichia coli, chemistry.chemical_classification, Minimum bactericidal concentration, biology, Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins, Toxin, Membranes, Artificial, 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology, biology.organism_classification, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Endotoxins, 030104 developmental biology, chemistry, Mechanics of Materials, 0210 nano-technology, Antibacterial activity, Peptides, Bacteria
Abstract: Escherichia coli is one of the most common etiological agents of diarrhea in developing countries. The appearance of resistant E. coli prevents treatment of these infections. Biotechnological products incorporating antimicrobial peptides are currently being considered in applications to prevent intestinal infections by these bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the peptide PcL342-354C, which is derived from the toxin Cry1Ab16 from Bacillus thuringiensis, against E. coli strains. We also report the preparation, characterization and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of LbL films containing PcL342-354C. The results showed that the PcL342-354C peptide inhibited the growth of different strains of E. coli with minimal inhibitory concentration ranging from 15.62–31.25 μg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentration was 250 μg/mL, indicating a potential antibacterial activity. The morphology of an ITO/Cashew gum/PcL342-354C film was analysed using atomic force microscopy which showed an increase of roughness due to the increase in the number of layers. The LbL films showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli NCTC 9001 in both conditions tested (10 and 20 bilayers). Our results indicate that the peptide exhibits an antibacterial potential that can be tapped to develop biomaterials with antibacterial activity for use against foodborne pathogens.
Published: 2016

43. Peptide selection and antibody generation for the prospective immunorecognition of Cry1Ab16 protein of transgenic maize

Author: Liliana Meira, Joana Costa, Isabel Mafra, M. Beatriz P.P. Oliveira, Liliana Grazina, Caterina Villa, Mariela M. Marani, and José Roberto S. A. Leite
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, In silico, CRY1A(B)16 TOXIN, B- AND T-CELL EPITOPE PREDICTION, Peptide, Genetically modified crops, Computational biology, LINEAR AND DISCONTINUOUS EPITOPES, Zea mays, Epitope, Analytical Chemistry, purl.org/becyt/ford/1 [https], 03 medical and health sciences, Hemolysin Proteins, Bacterial Proteins, Bacillus thuringiensis, ANTIBODY PRODUCTION, Prospective Studies, Gene, chemistry.chemical_classification, 030102 biochemistry & molecular biology, biology, Linear epitope, GMO, fungi, BIOINFORMATICS, PROCESSED FOOD, General Medicine, purl.org/becyt/ford/1.2 [https], biology.organism_classification, Plants, Genetically Modified, Molecular biology, Ciencias de la Computación, Endotoxins, 030104 developmental biology, chemistry, Polyclonal antibodies, Ciencias de la Computación e Información, biology.protein, Peptides, CIENCIAS NATURALES Y EXACTAS, Food Science
Abstract: The introduction of genes isolated from different Bacillus thuringiensis strains to express Cry-type toxins in transgenic crops is a common strategy to confer insect resistance traits. This work intended to extensively in silico analyse Cry1A(b)16 protein for the identification of peptide markers for the biorecognition of transgenic crops. By combining two different strategies based on several bioinformatic tools for linear epitope prediction, a set of seven peptides was successfully selected as potential Cry1A(b)16 immunogens. For the prediction of conformational epitopes, Cry1A(b)16 models were built on the basis of three independent templates of homologue proteins of Cry1A(a) and Cry1A(c) using an integrated approach. PcH_736-746 and PcH_876-886 peptides were selected as the best candidates, being synthesised and used for the production of polyclonal antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt of selecting and defining linear peptides as immunogenic markers of Cry1A(b)-type toxins in transgenic maize. Fil: Costa, Joana. Universidad de Porto; Portugal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Grazina, Liliana. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Villa, Caterina. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Meira, Liliana. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Leite, José R.S.A.. Universidade do Brasília; Brasil. Universidade Federal Do Piaui; Fil: Mafra, Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina. Universidad de Porto; Portugal
Published: 2016

44. 341. Radon mitigation: A practice example in medical clinics

Author: M. Marani, D. Ravanelli, and A. Valentini
Subjects: Radon mitigation, Biophysics, General Physics and Astronomy, chemistry.chemical_element, Radon gas, Radon, General Medicine, Civil engineering, Remedial action, Action levels, chemistry, Environmental science, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging, Ground floor, Structural approach
Abstract: Purpose Report the experience of Medical Physics Department of APSS Trento in coordinating the assessments and radioactive radon gas mitigations of medical clinics, complying with laws [1] , [2] . Methods and materials 42 measurement points were chosen in the workplaces at the lower floors (undergrounds, basements, ground floors) of the various buildings that were representative of the most critical situations with respect to aeration. Radon concentrations have been measured for one year through all workplaces using passive detectors, i.e. electrets giving integrated values, and also during Radon mitigation, using active detector, i.e. a Lucas scintillation cell monitor, allowing temporary monitoring. For each worker the effective dose was estimated applying the conversion factor 3·10−9 Sv·m3/Bq ·h [2] . Based on Radon concentration measurements and effective dose estimations, an evaluation of Radon mitigation has been undertaken (Fig. 1), adopting organizational or structural approach. Results The exceeding of the action levels [2] have been found only at medical clinics of Pinzolo and Levico, in terms of both concentration and effective dose. At Pinzolo a Radon concentration of 1745 Bq/m3 was measured, while at Levico it was found to be 1216 Bq/m3. Two different remedial actions were adopted. At Pinzolo an organizational approach was undertaken. Workers were transferred to another workplace at ground floor with a formwork for ventilated foundation, where the Radon concentration was 160 Bq/m3. Instead at Levico, considering also additional measurements in other places of the same building, an active soil depressurization through mechanical ventilation has been realized, leading to a Radon concentration less than 110 Bq/m3. The optimization of ventilation system was done using active dosimeters. Conclusion Although Radon mitigation is a challenging task, the adopted solutions proved to be effective.
Published: 2018
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45. Screening of One-Bead-One-Peptide Combinatorial Library Using Red Fluorescent Dyes. Presence of Positive and False Positive Beads

Author: Rosa Erra-Balsells, María Camila Martínez Ceron, Simon Côté, Eliandre de Oliveira, Fernando Albericio, Osvaldo Cascone, Silvana L. Giudicessi, Mariela M. Marani, and Silvia A. Camperi
Subjects: chemistry.chemical_classification, Streptavidin, Chromatography, Chemistry, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Texas Red, Peptide, General Chemistry, Bead, Fluorescence, Combinatorial chemistry, Microspheres, chemistry.chemical_compound, Peptide Library, visual_art, mental disorders, visual_art.visual_art_medium, False positive paradox, Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques, Peptide library, Fluorescent Dyes, Conjugate
Abstract: To screen one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial libraries, tens of thousands to millions of compound beads are first mixed with a target molecule. The beads that interact with this molecule are then identified and isolated for compound structure determination. Here we describe an OBOC peptide library screening using streptavidin (SA) as probe protein, labeled with a red fluorescent dye and using the COPAS BIO-BEAD flow sorting equipment to separate fluorescent from nonfluorescent beads. The red dyes used were ATTO 590 and Texas Red. After incubating the library with the SA-red fluorescent dye conjugate, we isolated positive beads caused by peptide-SA interaction and false positive beads produced by peptide fluorescent dye interaction. These false positives were a drawback when sorting beads by COPAS. However,an in depth analysis of both kinds of beads allowed the differentiation of positives from false positives. The false positive beads showed bright homogeneous fluorescence, while positive beads had a heterogeneous fluorescence, exhibiting a characteristic halo appearance, with fluorescence intensity greatest at the bead surface and lowest in the core. The difference was more evident when using Texas Red instead of ATTO 590. Thus, positive beads could be manually separated from false positive ones. The beads were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Most of the sequences obtained from positive beads had the His-Pro-Gln motif. Peptides from false positive beads were rich in Leu/Ileu, His, Phe, and Tyr.
Published: 2008
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46. Marine Georesources of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Critical Elements potential assessed by geochemical data

Author: FUNARI, VALERIO, ROVERE, MARZIA, GAMBERI, FABIANO, DINELLI, ENRICO, BRAGA, ROBERTO, M. Marani, V. Funari, M. Rovere, F. Gamberi, M. Marani, E. Dinelli, and R. Braga
Subjects: Deep-sea mining, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Critical element
Published: 2014

47. Ocellatin-PT antimicrobial peptides: high-resolution microscopy studies in antileishmania models and interactions with mimetic membrane systems

Author: Cristina Delerue-Matos, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Selma A S Kuckelhaus, Nuno Vale, Carla F. Sousa, Ana M. Tomás, Peter Eaton, Ana Georgina Gomes-Alves, Alexandra Plácido, Paula Gameiro, Mariela M. Marani, Mayara Oliveira, Universidade do Minho, and Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto
Subjects: 0301 basic medicine, Otras Ciencias Biológicas, Antimicrobial peptides, Cell, Antiprotozoal Agents, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Biochemistry, Protein Structure, Secondary, Ciencias Biológicas, Biomaterials, Membrane Lipids, 03 medical and health sciences, Atomic force microscopy, Surface plasmon resonance, medicine, Secretion, Leishmania infantum, Protein secondary structure, 030102 biochemistry & molecular biology, biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Membranes, Artificial, General Medicine, Lipid membranes, biology.organism_classification, Leishmania, 030104 developmental biology, Membrane, medicine.anatomical_structure, Mechanism of action, medicine.symptom, Scanning electron microscopy, CIENCIAS NATURALES Y EXACTAS, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
Abstract: Although the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is not clear, they can interact electrostatically with the cell membranes of microorganisms. New ocellatin-PT peptides were recently isolated from the skin secretion of Leptodactylus pustulatus. The secondary structure of these AMPs and their effect on Leishmania infantum cells, and on different lipid surface models was characterized in this work. The results showed that all ocellatin-PT peptides have an -helix structure and five of them (PT3, PT4, PT6 to PT8) have leishmanicidal activity; PT1 and PT2 affected the cellular morphology of the parasites and showed greater affinity for leishmania and bacteria-mimicking lipid membranes than for those of mammals. The results show selectivity of ocellatin-PTs to the membranes of microorganisms and the applicability of biophysical methods to clarify the interaction of AMPs with cell membranes., This work was partially supported by grants from INCT Nanobiotecnologia and PVE Project (MCT/CNPq), the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientiﬁcas y Técnicas (CONICET), and the Agencia Nacional de Promocion Cientíﬁca y Tecnologica (ANPCyT). M.M.M.is a researcher at CONICET. This work has also been supported through project UID/MULTI/04378/2013-POCI/01/0145/FEDER/007728 with ﬁnancial support from FCT/MEC through national funds and co-ﬁnanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out at Centro de Materiais da Universidade do Porto, CEMUP. Peter Eaton is supported by a Ciência sem Fronteiras grant via CNPq, and his lab work is supported by ﬁnancial support from FCT/MEC through national funds and co-ﬁnanced by FEDER, under the partnership agreement PT2020. Alexandra Pl acido and Ana Georgina Gomes-Alves are grateful to FCT for their grants SFRH/BD/97995/2013 and SFRH/BD/93766/2013, ﬁnanced by POPH–QREN–Tipologia 4.1–Formação Avançada, subsidized by Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior. Nuno Vale thanks Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2) and Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP) for co-funding refurbishment of the Porto Peptide Synthesis Facility (POPUP) through operation NORTE-07-0162-FEDER000111. NV thanks Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER (European Union) for funding through project grant IF/00092/2014. Work in AMT laboratory was supported by Project “NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000002-Host-Pathogen Interactions” cofunded by Programa Operacional Regional do Norte under QREN, through FEDER and FCT. None of the funding bodies were involved in study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.
Published: 2016

48. Characterization and Biological Activities of Ocellatin Peptides from the Skin Secretion of the Frog Leptodactylus pustulatus

Author: Andreia Coelho, Flávio Santos Dourado, Peter Eaton, João Paulo Figueiró Longo, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Patrick Veras Quelemes, Ricardo Bentes Azevedo, Márcia Luana Gomes Perfeito, Etielle B. Andrade, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Leiz Maria Costa Véras, Eder Alves Barbosa, Mariela M. Marani, Alyne Rodrigues de Araújo, and Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto
Subjects: Staphylococcus aureus, Erythrocytes, ANTIMICROBIANOS, Ranidae, Antimicrobial peptides, Molecular Sequence Data, Pharmaceutical Science, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, medicine.disease_cause, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Ciencias Biológicas, Mice, Salmonella, Drug Discovery, medicine, Escherichia coli, Animals, Humans, Secretion, Amino Acid Sequence, Peptide sequence, Skin, Pharmacology, chemistry.chemical_classification, biology, Molecular Structure, PEPTIDOS, Organic Chemistry, BIOPROSPECCIÓN, Fibroblasts, Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Antimicrobial, biology.organism_classification, Leptodactylus, Amino acid, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Complementary and alternative medicine, Biochemistry, chemistry, NIH 3T3 Cells, Molecular Medicine, ANFIBIOS, CIENCIAS NATURALES Y EXACTAS, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
Abstract: Eight new peptides were isolated from the skin secretion of the frog Leptodactylus pustulatus and their amino acid sequences determined by de novo sequencing and by cDNA cloning. Structural similarities between them and other antimicrobial peptides from the skin secretion of Leptodactylus genus frogs were found. Ocellatins-PT1 to -PT5 (25 amino acid residues) are amidated at the C-terminus, while ocellatins-PT6 to -PT8 (32 amino acid residues) have free carboxylates. Antimicrobial activity, hemolytic tests, and cytotoxicity against a murine fi broblast cell line were investigated. All peptides, except for ocellatin-PT2, have antimicrobial activity against at least one Gram-negative strain. Ocellatin-PT8 inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella choleraesuis strains with MICs in the 60 − 240 μ M range. No signi fi cant e ff ect was observed in human erythrocytes and in a murine fi broblast cell line after exposure to the peptides at MICs. A comparison between sequences obtained by both direct HPLC-MS de novo sequencing and cDNA cloning demonstrates the secretion of mature peptides derived from a pre-pro-peptide structure. Fil: Marani, Mariela Mirta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina Fil: Dourado, Flávio Santos. Secretaria de Vigilancia em Saude, Ministerio da Saude; Brasil Fil: Quelemes, Patrick Veras. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Araujo, Alyne Rodrigues de. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Perfeito, Márcia Luana Gomes. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Barbosa, Eder Alves. Universidade Do Brasilia; Brasil Fil: Véras, Leiz Maria Costa. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil Fil: Coelho, Andreia Luísa Rodrigues. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil. Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto; Portugal Fil: Andrade, Etielle Barroso. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Maranhaõ; Brasil Fil: Eaton, Peter. Universidade do Porto; Portugal Fil: Longo, João Paulo Figueiró. Universidade Do Brasilia; Brasil Fil: Azevedo, Ricardo Bentes. Universidade Do Brasilia; Brasil Fil: Matos, Cristina Delerue. Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto; Portugal Fil: Leite, José Roberto S. A.. Universidade Federal do Piauí; Brasil
Published: 2015

49. Statistical methods for analysis of seasonal modifications in the salt marshes of the Venice lagoon

Author: M. Marani Abbadessa, F. Benvenuto, A. Marani, L. Modenese, and Monica Camuffo
Subjects: Hydrology, geography, geography.geographical_feature_category, Aquatic biology, Phenology, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Vegetation, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, Salt marsh, Spatial ecology, Environmental science, Satellite, Statistical analysis, Physical geography
Abstract: PurposeTo define synthetic indices of changes of vegetation coverage on salt marshes of the Venice lagoon that might be used to model changes of the entire basin.Design/methodology/approachRemote sensing data from the satellite sensor QuickBird were processed to retrieve vegetation coverage in different seasons, i.e. different phenological stages of the halophytic vegetation. These changes have been described by means of landscape metrics (LSM's) and statistical moments.FindingsLSM's selected have been useful to describe the dominant shapes of vegetation coverage, while the low variations occurred were only partially explained. The first four statistical moments have been only partially functional to the description of temporal variation of the patches.Practical implicationsThese indicators, whose performances have been evaluated by the present work, could be used to detect larger variations on longer period and on wider spatial scale. In this way it could also be possible to easily detect the effects of changes on the hydrodynamic regime that may occur in relation with new projected interventions on the Venice lagoon.Originality/valueThis approach has never been applied to salt marshes of the Venice lagoon. The remote sensing data, in particular LSM's and statistical moments applied together, might be valuable tools to detect shape changes in the delicate environment of salt marshes and suggest possible remedies for problems of managing the Venice lagoon.
Published: 2006
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50. Isolation of Trypsin from Bovine Pancreas Using Immobilized Benzamidine and Peptide CTPR Ligands in Expanded Beds

Author: Guillermo J. Albanesi, Osvaldo Cascone, Silvia A. Camperi, Mariela M. Marani, Nancy B. Iannucci, and H’ector m. Fern’andez Lahore
Subjects: chemistry.chemical_classification, Chromatography, Process Chemistry and Technology, General Chemical Engineering, Cationic polymerization, Filtration and Separation, Dynamic capacity, Peptide, General Chemistry, Trypsin, Benzamidine, chemistry.chemical_compound, medicine.anatomical_structure, Adsorption, chemistry, Affinity chromatography, medicine, Pancreas, medicine.drug
Abstract: Peptide CTPR and p‐amino benzamidine (PAB) immobilized on Streamline™ were utilized as the chromatographic matrices for trypsin purification from bovine pancreas. By using a clarified pancreas extract, maximum capacity for CTPR‐Streamline was 47.4 mg/mL and for PAB‐Streamline 78.9 mg/mL while Kd values were 0.39 and 0.38 respectively. Dynamic capacity was 23.0 and 46.0 mg/mL for CTPR‐ and PAB‐Streamline respectively. When the purification process was applied to unclarified pancreas extract in the expanded‐bed adsorption mode, 80% trypsin recovery with a purification factor of 18.7 was achieved. Cationic and anionic trypsin obtained from the affinity column were separated by ion‐exchange chromatography.
Published: 2005
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