University of Palermo

About: University of Palermo is a education organization based out in Palermo, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 15621 authors who have published 40250 publications receiving 964384 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Palermo & Universita degli Studi di Palermo.

Tethyan magnetostratigraphy from Pizzo Mondello (Sicily) and correlation to the Late Triassic Newark astrochronological polarity time scale

Abstract: We present the magnetostratigraphy and stable isotope stratigraphy from an expanded (~430-m-thick) Upper Triassic marine limestone section at Pizzo Mondello, Sicily, and review published biostratigraphic information that can be used to defi ne the location of the conodont Carnian-Norian and NorianRhaetian boundaries in this section. Pizzo Mondello offers good potential for magnetostratigraphic correlation of marine biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic data with the continental Newark astrochronological polarity time scale (APTS) for development of an integrated Late Triassic time scale. The relatively stable average values of δ 18 O centered on 0‰ are a strong indication that the Cherty Limestone at Pizzo Mondello suffered very little diagenetic overprinting. The conodont Carnian-Norian boundary is located 12.5 m above a positive shift of δ 13 C. A statistical approach was applied to evaluate various Pizzo Mondello to Newark magnetostratigraphic correlations. Two correlation options have the highest correlation coeffi cients. In option #1, the base of Pizzo Mondello correlates with the middle part of the Newark APTS, whereas in option #2, the base of Pizzo Mondello starts toward the early part of the Newark APTS. We prefer option #2 in which the Carnian-Norian boundary based on conodonts, as well as its closely associated positive δ 13 C shift, correspond to Newark magnetozone E7 at ca. 228‐227 Ma (adopting Newark astrochronology), implying a long Norian with a duration of ~20 m.y., and a Rhaetian of ~6 m.y. duration. These ages are in fact not inconsistent with the few high-quality radiometric dates that are available for Late Triassic time scale calibration. Based on its good exposure, accessibility, stratigraphic thickness and continuity, and multiple chronostratigraphic correlation possibilities, we propose Pizzo Mondello as global stratigraphic section and point for the base of the Norian.

Micellization in Model Surfactant Systems

Abstract: Formation of micelles in model lattice surfactant systems was studied by a novel methodology based on grand-canonical Monte Carlo simulations The methodology involves combining free-energy information from a series of simulations in small systems by histogram reweighting The solution osmotic pressure as a function of overall volume fraction of surfactant shows a sharp break at the critical micelle concentration (cmc) at sufficiently low temperatures Studies in larger systems at appropriate values of the surfactant chemical potential are used to investigate the size distribution of micellar aggregates The methodology allows for a clear distiction between micellization and macroscopic phase separation Two symmetric diblock surfactants have been considered in the present work The cmc was found to increase with increasing temperature The enthalpy change on micellization was determined to be proportional to the chain length of the surfactant The mean micelle aggregation numbers were found to decrease a

Salinity and bacterial diversity: to what extent does the concentration of salt affect the bacterial community in a saline soil?

Abstract: In this study, the evaluation of soil characteristics was coupled with a pyrosequencing analysis of the V2-V3 16S rRNA gene region in order to investigate the bacterial community structure and diversity in the A horizon of a natural saline soil located in Sicily (Italy). The main aim of the research was to assess the organisation and diversity of microbial taxa using a spatial scale that revealed physical and chemical heterogeneity of the habitat under investigation. The results provided information on the type of distribution of different bacterial groups as a function of spatial gradients of soil salinity and pH. The analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA showed differences in bacterial composition and diversity due to a variable salt concentration in the soil. The bacterial community showed a statistically significant spatial variability. Some bacterial phyla appeared spread in the whole area, whatever the salinity gradient. It emerged therefore that a patchy saline soil can not contain just a single microbial community selected to withstand extreme osmotic phenomena, but many communities that can be variously correlated to one or more environmental parameters. Sequences have been deposited to the SRA database and can be accessed on ID Project PRJNA241061.

Population structure in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon is highly correlated with flowering differences across broad geographic areas

Abstract: The small, annual grass (L.) Beauv., a close relative of wheat ( L.) and barley ( L.), is a powerful model system for cereals and bioenergy grasses. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of natural variation can elucidate the genetic basis of complex traits but have been so far limited in by the lack of large numbers of well-characterized and sufficiently diverse accessions. Here, we report on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 84 , seven , and three accessions with diverse geographic origins including Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. Over 90,000 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the Bd21 reference genome were identified. Our results confirm the hybrid nature of the genome, which appears as a mosaic of -like and -like sequences. Analysis of more than 50,000 SNPs for the accessions revealed three distinct, genetically defined populations. Surprisingly, these genomic profiles are associated with differences in flowering time rather than with broad geographic origin. High levels of differentiation in loci associated with floral development support the differences in flowering phenology between populations. Genome-wide association studies combining genotypic and phenotypic data also suggest the presence of one or more photoperiodism, circadian clock, and vernalization genes in loci associated with flowering time variation within populations. Our characterization elucidates genes underlying population differences, expands the germplasm resources available for , and illustrates the feasibility and limitations of GWAS in this model grass.

Blocking CGRP in migraine patients – a review of pros and cons

Abstract: Migraine is the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide and it has immense socioeconomic impact Currently, preventative treatment options for migraine include drugs developed for diseases other than migraine such as hypertension, depression and epilepsy During the last decade, however, blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has emerged as a possible mechanism for prevention of migraine attacks CGRP has been shown to be released during migraine attacks and it may play a causative role in induction of migraine attacks Here, we review the pros and cons of blocking CGRP in migraine patients To date, two different classes of drugs blocking CGRP have been developed: small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants), and monoclonal antibodies, targeting either CGRP or the CGRP receptor Several trials have been conducted to test the efficacy and safety of these drugs In general, a superior efficacy compared to placebo has been shown, especially with regards to the antibodies In addition, the efficacy is in line with other currently used prophylactic treatments The drugs have also been well tolerated, except for some of the gepants, which induced a transient increase in transaminases Thus, blocking CGRP in migraine patients is seemingly both efficient and well tolerated However, CGRP and its receptor are abundantly present in both the vasculature, and in the peripheral and central nervous system, and are involved in several physiological processes Therefore, blocking CGRP may pose a risk in subjects with comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases In addition, long-term effects are still unknown Evidence from animal studies suggests that blocking CGRP may induce constipation, affect the homeostatic functions of the pituitary hormones or attenuate wound healing However, these effects have so far not been reported in human studies In conclusion, this review suggests that, based on current knowledge, the pros of blocking CGRP in migraine patients exceed the cons