Sufismo e fondamentalismo: le problematiche di un binomio

The present study intends to shed some light on a binomial, Sufism and Fundamentalism, which appears somehow ambiguous. Fundamentalism is not just a historical phenomenon, namely the Protestant movement that developed at the beginning of the XXth c. Fundamentalism connotes a spiritual attitude common to many religions, in which a rigid conservative approach to religious tradition prevails, with a literal reading of the sacred texts and sometimes a coercing action to impose it on others. Fundamentalism is shaped by its own religious tradition, and may develop into extremism and violence. Sufism represents the spiritual dimension of the Islamic tradition, developed over history into many currents and experiences. Between the two, Sufism and Fundamentalism, some connections exist, based on the nature of Islam which is a religion with a strong legal emphasis. Moreover, in Islam religion and politics are strictly connected. Thus, many Sufi orders in Islamic history were involved in political affairs, even in wars and trade of slaves. Modern extremist Islamic movements have taken some traits from the Sufi orders: the inner organization and a kind of spiritual atmosphere etc. Al-Qa’ida is an outstanding example of this. Hence, one should strive for an inner development of Islam towards pluralism and democracy. Sufism could help in such a process

Vegetative incompatibility and potential involvement of a mycovirus in the Italian population of Geosmithia morbida

Studies carried out during an Italian outbreak of the Thousand Cankers Disease of walnut, demonstrated that non-coalescing cankers on host plants, separated by equidistant uninfected zones, were associated with incompatible strains of Geosmithia morbida. Confirmation of the vegetative incompatibility of paired fungal isolates, randomly collected from black walnuts, was obtained from observations of a clear separation zones and the absence of anastomoses. Pairing tests with two incompatible monoconidial strains indicated differences in morphology and growth rates. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of icosahedral mycovirus-like particles in one of the monoconidial strains that demonstrated low degrees of virulence in planta compared with a particlefree monoconidial strain. The occurrence of a vegetative incompatibility system in recently introduced populations of G. morbida has considerable implications for fungal biology. Incompatibility in G. morbida and potential direct or indirect roles of the observed virus-like particles have potential ecological and epidemiological consequences. \ua9 Firenze University Press

Occupational markers and pathology of the castrato singer Gaspare Pacchierotti (1740\u20131821)

Following the birth of modern opera in Italy in 1600, the demand for soprano voices grew up and the prepuberal castration was carried out to preserve the young male voice into adult life. Among the castrati, Gaspare Pacchierotti was probably one of the most famous. The remains of Pacchierotti were exhumed for the first time in 2013, for a research in the reconstruction of his biological profile, to understand the secrets behind his sublime voice and how the castration influenced the body. All the findings discovered, through anthropological and Computed Tomography analyses, are consistent both with the occupational markers of a singer and with the hormonal effects of castration. The erosion of cervical vertebrae, the insertion of respiratory muscles and muscles of the arms can be an effect of the bodily position and exercise during singing. The hormonal effect of castration were related to osteoporosis and to the disorders of spine

Compositional data supports decentralized model of production and circulation of artifacts in the pre-Columbian south-central Andes

ArticleThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from National Academy of Sciences via the DOI in this record.The circulation and exchange of goods and resources at various scales have long been considered central to the understanding of complex societies, and the Andes have provided a fertile ground for investigating this process. However, long-standing archaeological emphasis on typological analysis, although helpful to hypothesize the direction of contacts, has left important aspects of ancient exchange open to speculation. To improve understanding of ancient exchange practices and their potential role in structuring alliances, we examine material exchanges in northwest Argentina (part of the south-central Andes) during 400 BC to AD 1000 (part of the regional Formative Period), with a multianalytical approach (petrography, instrumental neutron activation analysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to artifacts previously studied separately. We assess the standard centralized model of interaction vs. a decentralized model through the largest provenance database available to date in the region. The results show: (i) intervalley heterogeneity of clays and fabrics for ordinary wares; (ii) intervalley homogeneity of clays and fabrics for a wide range of decorated wares (e.g., painted Ciénaga); (iii) selective circulation of two distinct polychrome wares (Vaquerías and Condorhuasi); (iv) generalized access to obsidian from one major source and various minor sources; and (v) selective circulation of volcanic rock tools from a single source. These trends reflect the multiple and conflicting demands experienced by people in small-scale societies, which may be difficult to capitalize by aspiring elites. The study undermines centralized narratives of exchange for this period, offering a new platform for understanding ancient exchange based on actual material transfers, both in the Andes and beyond.We thank the former directors of Museo Etnográfico (University of Buenos Aires), M. N. Tarragó (2005–2015) and the late J. A. Pérez Gollán (1987–2005), who provided access to key samples and enthusiastic support for this project since its earliest stages. We also thank M. Berón (current Director of Museo Etnográfico, University of Buenos Aires), R. Cattáneo (Director of Museo de Antropología, University of Córdoba, 2011–2013), J. P. Carbonelli, M. E. De Feo, V. Puente, G. Míguez, and R. Spano for providing access to additional samples; A. Brechbuhler and E. Gillispie for assisting with lithic sample preparation and measurements; and C. Roush for preparing the samples for irradiation and for general laboratory management responsibilities. This research was primarily funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council Early Career Grant SX–5317 (2011–2013) and preliminary research was funded by British Academy Small Grant 51798 (2009) (both to M.L.). Fieldwork and petrography analyses have been supported by successive grants from Argentinean National Agency for Science and Technology (ANCyT) Raíces Program PICT 2007-00116 (to M.C.S.) and ANCyT PICT 2010-1048 (to M.A.K.). Funding was also provided by the National Council for Science and Technical Research PIP 112-2008 01-00256 (to M.C.S.) and PIP 11/042 (to M.A.K.). The Archaeometry Laboratory at the University of Missouri Research Reactor is supported in part by the National Science Foundation (BCS-1415403 and BCS-0922374)

Synthesis and characterization of palladacyclopentadiene complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

New palladacyclopentadiene compounds containing different chelate NHC-thioether and NHC-pyridine ligands have been prepared by transfer of the functionalized carbenes from the respective silver complexes to the polymeric precursors [PdC-COOR)4]n (R = Me, t-Bu). Their dynamic behaviour in solution was discussed and the solid-structure of 2c was determined by X-ray crystallography. The treatment of [Pd(C-COOCH3)4]n with two equivalents of the carbene silver complexes led to the (NHC)2Pd(C4-COOCH3)4 derivatives (3cei), a new class of compounds with only PdeC bonds. A serious limitation to this synthetic procedure is an excessive steric crowding around the metal centre. The complexes 3 are present in solution as a mixture of two atropoisomers, due to restricted rotation around the CarbeneePd bond. The kinetics of equilibration between the two configurational isomers was studied for complex 3c, which was also structurally defined by X-ray crystallography (anti isomer). Finally a synthetic protocol was set up for the synthesis of mixed NHC-Phosphine and NHC-Isocyanide palladacyclopentadiene complexes. In this procedure the order of addition of the reactants is of great importanc

Los recursos combustibles arqueológicos en Loma Alta : (Catamarca, Argentina)

El presente trabajo se basa en el estudio de los restos carbonizados producto de las combustiones que tuvieron lugar en el sitio arqueológico Loma Alta (Provincia de Catamarca, Argentina) y su variabilidad. Para ello se procede a la identificación de los taxones presentes entre los carbones depositados los estratos de dicho sitio, cuya antigüedad se estima en 1400 años AP en base a los resultados obtenidos sobre 7 muestras fechadas radiocarbónicamente (Scattolin, 2004). El material carbonizado fue preparado en laboratorio, examinándose las tres secciones diagnósticas en el Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido (MEB), Los fragmentos fueron identificados como procedentes de los géneros Bulnesia, Lycium, Larrea, Bougainvillea, Prosopis. Uno de los ejemplares corresponde a un espécimen de la familia Cactaceae. Los resultados se ponen en relación con la disponibilidad actual de recursos combustibles en las áreas vecinas al sitio, y su aprovechamiento por parte de los antiguos pobladores de Loma Alta.Fil: Calo, C. Marilin. Universidad de Buenos AiresFil: Rivera, Stella Marias. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y ForestalesFil: Scattolin, María Cristina. Universidad de Buenos Aire

Guillain-Barré syndrome in temporal association with influenza A vaccine

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome following influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine. CASE DESCRIPTION: A four-year-old boy presented right thigh pain and ascending muscular weakness 15 days after the second dose of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine. The neurological examination revealed tetraparesis and areflexia. Electroneuromyography showed lower velocity and conduction blockage with small secondary axonal loss. Treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient reached a plateau in the 4th day, followed by progressive muscular strength improvement. COMMENTS: The employment of large-scale influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccination and the preliminary reports from the American Surveillance Program suggest a significant association between Guillain-Barré syndrome and influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccination. All suspected cases of this association should be published for further evaluation. Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent serious illness and death related to influenza.OBJETIVO: Descrever um caso de síndrome de Guillain-Barré em associação temporal com a vacina influenza A (H1N1) 2009. DESCRIÇAO DO CASO: Menino de quatro anos com queixa inicial de dor em coxa direita e perda de força muscular ascendente 15 dias após a segunda dose da vacina influenza A (H1N1) 2009. Ao exame neurológico apresentava tetraparesia e arreflexia, com predomínio em membros inferiores. A eletroneuromiografia evidenciou redução da velocidade e bloqueio de condução neuronal, com discreta perda axonal secundária. Foi tratado com imunoglobulina por via intravenosa, atingiu platô no quarto dia de evolução da doença e, depois, houve melhora progressiva da força muscular. COMENTÁRIOS: Com o emprego em larga escala da vacina influenza A (H1N1) 2009 em nosso meio e os dados preliminares do sistema de vigilância norte-americano mostrando associação temporal significante com a síndrome de Guillain-Barré, recomenda-se a descrição dos casos suspeitos dessa associação. A vacina continua sendo o método mais efetivo para prevenir doença grave e morte por influenza.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Palladium organometallic compounds bearing N-Heterocyclic Carbene ligands as promising anticancer agents

Despite the appearance in the market of platinum compounds with minor side effects than cisplatin (i.e. carboplatin and oxaliplatin), they did not solve the ineffectiveness on some types of tumors, having the same mechanism of action proposed for cisplatin (DNA platination). For this reason, many research groups have focused their attention on the synthesis and determination of the anticancer properties of compounds with metals different from platinum. Among the most investigated metals there are certainly ruthenium and gold and, only recently, palladium. The latter, despite belonging to the same group of platinum, has some rather different features: \u2022Better water solubility of its complexes. \u2022Structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action generally different from platinum compounds. However, the fast dissociation pattern of palladium complexes compared to platinum represents a problem since the speciation, which heavily affects the biological activity and the pharmacokinetic properties, could be increased. To remedy this contraindication the most direct option is the introduction of ligands firmly anchored to the metal such as N-Heterocylic Carbenes (NHCs), which are known to give strong s-bonds with most of the transition metals. Moreover, several NHC-palladium complexes have already exhibited an interesting cytotoxic activity in vitro and tumour growth suppression even in vivo. In this PhD thesis, the synthesis and characterization of new palladium compounds stabilized by different types of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and important organometallic fragments such as h3-allyl-Pd(II), palladacyclopentadienyl and h2-olefin-Pd(0) will be exposed. The reactivity and the importance in many catalytic processes of the fragments reported in Fig. A1 are well known, on the contrary, their biological activity is almost unexplored. Starting from these premises, it was decided to test the synthesized compounds toward different tumor lines, particularly on ovarian carcinoma, and human fibroblasts (healthy cells). From the antiproliferative activity data collected for about one hundred compounds, emerges that, regardless of the nature of the selected carbene ligand, the most active compounds bear the allyl fragment. For these species the evaluation of their activity in vivo and experiments aimed at identify the primary biological target, in order to propose the possible mechanism of action, are planned. A class of compounds generally slightly less active than that containing the allyl residue is represented by the palladacyclopentadienyl complexes and their derivatives. Nevertheless, for some of the synthesized compounds, an excellent antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity has been shown on ovarian cancer cell lines (CisPt sensitive and CisPt resistance), accompanied by a poor activity against normal cells. For the compound 40a a thorough investigation on the main biological target, which was found to be DNA, and on the degree of uptake in tumor cells was also carried out. Due to the high stability imparted by the palladaciclopentadienyl fragment and the chelatig biscarbene ligand, this compound does not undergo substitution reactions when reacted with reduced glutathione (GSH), which is a potential coordinating species present in abundance in the biological environment. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that the interaction with the DNA occurs through non-covalent interactions with the polynucleotide chain. Finally, the class of compounds decidedly less active than those described so far is represented by the Pd (0) derivatives stabilized by olefinic ligands. For these complexes the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity was evaluated only in ovarian carcinoma lines, observing only in very few cases IC50 values comparable to those of cisplatin

Tremor de mento em recém-nascido no termo após hipóxia neonatal

CONTEXT: Newborns may present a range of motor phenomena that are not epileptic in nature. Chin tremor is an unusual movement disorder that typically starts in early childhood and may be precipitated by stress and emotion. Its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. CASE REPORT: We describe a full-term newborn that, immediately after neonatal anoxia, presented body and chin tremors that were unresponsive to anti-epileptic drugs. Subsequent neurological evaluation revealed signs of pyramidal tract damage and chin tremor triggered by percussion and crying. We discuss the hypothesis that the anatomopathological abnormality may lie at the level of the higher cortical centers or midbrain. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed in order to gain greater comprehension of neonatal tremors. Recognition of the various etiological possibilities and consequent management of treatable causes is essential for care optimization.CONTEXTO: O recém-nascido está sujeito a uma gama de fenômenos motores de natureza não epiléptica. O tremor do mento é um distúrbio do movimento incomum que tem início habitual na infância e pode ser precipitado por estresse e emoção. Sua fisiopatologia não foi completamente elucidada. RELATO DE CASO: Descrevemos um recém-nascido no termo, que, após anóxia neonatal, apresentou tremor de corpo e mento não responsivo ao uso de drogas antiepilépticas. A avaliação neurológica posterior revelou sinais de lesão do trato piramidal e tremor de mento desencadeado por choro e percussão. Discutimos a hipótese de que as alterações anatomopatológicas estejam localizadas no mesencéfalo ou centros corticais superiores. CONCLUSÕES: São necessários novos estudos para maior compreensão dos tremores em recém-nascidos. O reconhecimento das diversas possibilidades etiológicas e o decorrente manejo das causas tratáveis são essenciais para a otimização do atendimento.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of NeonatologyUNIFESP, Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryUNIFESP, Department of NeonatologySciEL

Strong altitudinal partitioning in the distributions of ectomycorrhizal fungi along a short (300 m) elevation gradient

• Changes in species richness and distributions of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities along altitudinal gradients have been attributed to changes in both host distributions and abiotic variables. However, few studies have considered altitudinal relationships of ECM fungi associated with a single host to identify the role of abiotic drivers. To address this, ECM fungal communities associated with one host were assessed along five altitudinal transects in Scotland. • Roots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) were collected from sites between 300 and 550–600 m altitude, and ECM fungal communities were identified by 454 pyrosequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Soil moisture, temperature, pH, carbon : nitrogen (C : N) ratio and organic matter content were measured as potential predictors of fungal species richness and community composition. • Altitude did not affect species richness of ECM fungal communities, but strongly influenced fungal community composition. Shifts in community composition along the altitudinal gradient were most clearly related to changes in soil moisture and temperature. • Our results show that a 300 m altitudinal gradient produced distinct shifts in ECM fungal communities associated with a single host, and that this pattern was strongly related to climatic variables. This finding suggests significant climatic niche partitioning among ECM fungal species