A BARF1-specific mAb as a new immunotherapeutic tool for the management of EBV-related tumors.

The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies is acquiring an increasing clinical importance, thanks to their specificity, efficacy and relative easiness of use. However, in the context of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related malignancies, only cancers of B-cell origin can benefit from therapeutic mAb targeting specific B-cell lineage antigens. To overcome this limitation, we generated a new mAb specific for BARF1, an EBV-encoded protein with transforming and immune-modulating properties. BARF1 is expressed as a latent protein in nasopharyngeal (NPC) and gastric carcinoma (GC), and also in neoplastic B cells mainly upon lytic cycle induction, thus representing a potential target for all EBV-related malignancies. Considering that BARF1 is largely but not exclusively secreted, the BARF1 mAb was selected on the basis of its ability to bind a domain of the protein retained at the cell surface of tumor cells. In vitro, the newly generated mAb recognized the target molecule in its native conformation, and was highly effective in mediating both ADCC and CDC against BARF1-positive tumor cells. In vivo, biodistribution analysis in mice engrafted with BARF1-positive and -negative tumor cells confirmed its high specificity for the target. More importantly, the mAb disclosed a relevant antitumor potential in preclinical models of NPC and lymphoma, as evaluated in terms of both reduction of tumor masses and long-term survival. Taken together, these data not only confirm BARF1 as a promising target for immunotherapeutic interventions, but also pave the way for a successful translation of this new mAb to the clinical use

Towards Critical Occidentalism Studies: Re-inventing the 'West' and 'Japan' in Mangaesque Popular Cultures

This paper investigates the reproduction of the imagined geography of the ‘West’ in contemporary Japan by employing a relational, intersectional and positional approach in order to examine Occidentalism and its hegemonic identification and othering process. Particular attention will be paid to emerging Japanese subcultures enacting a parodic and sexualised re-invention of Westernness and Japaneseness within a globalising mangaesque media mix

Post glacial sediment partitioning on a tectonically controlled, narrow shelf (Calabro-Tyrrhenian margin, Italy). Issues in defining S2S budget

The re-analysis of high-resolution seismic profiles collected along the narrow (2–9 km) shelf facing ∼90 km of the Calabro-Tyrrhenian coastline has enabled the reconstruction of its sequence-stratigraphic architecture, along with the quantification of sediment volumes accommodated during the last post-glacial sea level rise and highstand. The shelf volumes are compared with the gross volumes supplied by the short and steep rivers draining the uplifted hinterland area, obtained from morphometric analysis and inferred denudation rates (derived from uplift rates) of the drainage basins. The study area is divided in two main sectors based on the different morpho-stratigraphic setting and fluvial network controlling sediment distribution on the shelf. The Coastal Range sector is characterized by closely spaced mountainous rivers and narrow coastal plains; on the shelf, the post-LGM deposits show a main depocenter (up to 60 m thick) elongated ∼27 km parallel to the coastline. This shelf sector hosts up to 80% of the sediment sourced from rivers, with a small percentage of sediment loss, mainly related to off-shelf export along a network of shelf-indenting submarine canyons. Sediment deficit due to river aggradation is considered negligible based on the narrow and V-shaped thalwegs typical of the rivers in this sector. The Santa Eufemia sector is characterized by larger rivers and a wider coastal plain, with a major depocenter (up to 50 m thick) confined off the Amato River. In this sector, the entire post-LGM sequence accounts only for about 30% of the sediment supplied by rivers (60% considering only the HST), indicating that, in addition to sediment exported off-shelf, a significant part is trapped by river aggradation within the coastal plain. The volumetric comparison has also evidenced local but significant discrepancies in sedimentary budget between adjacent sub-sectors, likely related to the effect of northward-directed shelf currents on sediment distribution along the shelf

Comparison of Commonly Used Sail Cloths through Photogrammetric Acquisitions, Experimental Tests and Numerical Aerodynamic Simulations

Abstract The use of polymer composites has been increasing over the years and nowadays the requirements for designing high performance and lightweight fabrics and laminates for sail manufacturing have become more stringent than ever. The present paper offers an effective methodology that enhances the understanding of the influence of fibres orientation and arrangement of panels on sail performance. Constitutive characteristics of the ten commonly used sail cloths are experimentally measured and their influence on sail dynamic performance is compared using an aerodynamic approach. As expected also in industry 4.0 the method allows to control the production process and final product optimization

Distal esophageal involvement in Crohn disease: short treatment with adalimumab

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Digenean trematodes of Seriolella porosa (Pisces, Centrolophidae) in San Matías Gulf, Argentina

Seriolella porosa (Silver warehou) is an important fish resource in the Argentine Sea. No previous studies have been carried out to date on its parasite fauna. The present study aims to (i) identify the digenean trematodes that parasitize Silver warehou, (ii) estimate parasite frequency and abundance, and (iii) establish their relationship with fish size and sex. A total of 100 specimens of S. porosa from San Matías Gulf, Argentina were examined between September and October 2006. Host size and sex were determined. Parasites extracted from the stomach lumen were fixed, conserved in 5% formalin, and stained with Langeron's hydrochloric carmine. The following parameters were also determined: dispersion coefficient, prevalence, intensity, and parasite abundance. Differences in parasitism were assessed using non-parametric tests. Four adult digenean species were found in the stomach, namely Lecithocladium cristatum, Aponurus laguncula, Elytrophalloides oatesi and Gonocerca cf. phycidis. L. cristatum was not only dominant but also the most prevalent and abundant species. None of the digeneans showed interspecific association with each other and therefore they might follow different patterns of colonization (i. e., different intermediate hosts, seasonal and/or spatial distribution of the infective stages). Significant differences were observed among the digeneans analyzed in respect to the sex of the host. Results from this study show that Silver warehou plays a key role as a final host of a significant number of digeneans in the ecosystem. This study is the first step in an attempt to further determine the larval stages in intermediate hosts in San Matías Gulf.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Digenean trematodes of Seriolella porosa (Pisces, Centrolophidae) in San Matías Gulf, Argentina

Seriolella porosa (Silver warehou) is an important fish resource in the Argentine Sea. No previous studies have been carried out to date on its parasite fauna. The present study aims to (i) identify the digenean trematodes that parasitize Silver warehou, (ii) estimate parasite frequency and abundance, and (iii) establish their relationship with fish size and sex. A total of 100 specimens of S. porosa from San Matías Gulf, Argentina were examined between September and October 2006. Host size and sex were determined. Parasites extracted from the stomach lumen were fixed, conserved in 5% formalin, and stained with Langeron's hydrochloric carmine. The following parameters were also determined: dispersion coefficient, prevalence, intensity, and parasite abundance. Differences in parasitism were assessed using non-parametric tests. Four adult digenean species were found in the stomach, namely Lecithocladium cristatum, Aponurus laguncula, Elytrophalloides oatesi and Gonocerca cf. phycidis. L. cristatum was not only dominant but also the most prevalent and abundant species. None of the digeneans showed interspecific association with each other and therefore they might follow different patterns of colonization (i. e., different intermediate hosts, seasonal and/or spatial distribution of the infective stages). Significant differences were observed among the digeneans analyzed in respect to the sex of the host. Results from this study show that Silver warehou plays a key role as a final host of a significant number of digeneans in the ecosystem. This study is the first step in an attempt to further determine the larval stages in intermediate hosts in San Matías Gulf.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Una mirada penal restaurativa del abuso sexual a la infancia: el derecho de las víctimas a la verdad

El transcurso del tiempo en los delitos de ASI cumple un rol fundamental. La prescripción extingue la potestad represiva del Estado. La reforma legislativa establece que se suspende la prescripción mientras la víctima sea menor de edad y hasta que habiendo cumplido la mayoría, formule por sí la denuncia o ratifique la formulada por sus representantes legales durante su minoría de edad. Existen personas adultas, que durante su niñez fueron víctimas de actos de abuso sexual, cuando la CADH y la CDN gozaban de jerarquía constitucional. Atendiendo al interés superior del niño en relación con el derecho a la tutela judicial efectiva, consideramos que toda víctima -ahora adulta- gozaba al momento del ASI de la protección de las garantías enunciadas. Promovemos la realización del juicio por la verdad para las causas en las que fuese decretada la prescripción de la acción penal por delitos de ASI, a fin de constituir un mínimo umbral jurídico al que las víctimas puedan acceder. La única diferencia con los procesos ordinarios -en caso de acceder al debate oral y público- recae en la imposibilidad de aplicar la pena de una eventual sentencia condenatoria, sin perjuicio de determinar la responsabilidad del imputado.The passage of time incrimes ASI complies with a fundamental role. The prescription extinguishes the repressive power of the State. The legislative reform establishes that the statute of limitations is suspended as long as the victim is a minor and until after having completed the majority, he or she makes the complaint or ratifies the one made by his legal representatives during his minority. There are adults, who during their childhood were victims of acts of sexual abuse, when the ACHR and the CRC enjoyed constitutional hierarchy. Considering the best interests of the child in relation to the right to effective judicial protection, we consider that every victim - now an adult - enjoyed at the time of the ASI the protection of the aforementioned guarantees. We promote the realization of the trial for the truth for the causes in which the prescription of the criminal action for crimes of ASI was decreed, in order to constitute a minimum legal threshold to which the victims can access. The only difference with ordinary proceedings -in case of accessing the oral and public debate- lies in the impossibility of applying the penalty of an eventual conviction, without prejudice to determining the responsibility of the accused.Facultad de Psicologí

Basin-scale interaction between post-LGM faulting and morpho-sedimentary processes in the S. Eufemia Gulf (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

The integrated interpretation of high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, seismic profiles and backscatter data in the S. Eufemia Gulf (SEG; Calabro-Tyrrhenian continental margin, south-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea) documents the relationship between postglacial fault activity and morpho-sedimentary processes. Three systems of active normal faults that affect the seafloor or the shallow subsurface, have been identified: 1) the S. Eufemia fault system located on the continental shelf with fault planes mainly oriented N26E-N40E; 2) the offshore fault system that lies on the continental slope off Capo Suvero with fault planes mainly oriented N28E-N60E; 3) the Angitola Canyon fault system located on the seafloor adjacent to the canyon having fault planes oriented N60EN85E. The faults produce a belt of linear escarpments with vertical displacement varying from a few decimeters to about 12 m. One of the most prominent active structures is the fault F1 with the highest fault length (about 9.5 km). Two main segments of this fault are identified: a segment characterised by seafloor deformation with metric slip affecting Holocene deposits; a segment characterised by folding of the seafloor. A combined tectonostratigraphic model of an extensional fault propagation fold is proposed here to explain such different deformation.In addition to the seabed escarpments produced by fault deformation, in the SEG, a strong control of fault activity on recent sedimentary processes is clearly observed. For example, canyons and channels frequently change their course in response to their interaction with main tectonic structures. Moreover, the upper branch of the Angitola Canyon shows straight flanks determined by fault scarps. Tectonics also determined different sediment accumulation rates and types of sedimentation (e.g., the accumulation of hanging wall turbidite deposits and the development of contourite deposits around the Maida Ridge). Furthermore, the distribution of landslides is often connected to main fault scarps and fluids are locally confined in the hanging wall side of faults and can escape at the seabed, generating pockmarks aligned along their footwall