Abstract
Skin wound healing is a complex biological process that requires the regulation of different cell types, including immune cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. It consists of 5 stages: hemostasis, inflammation, granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization, and wound remodeling. While inflammation is essential for successful wound healing, prolonged or excess inflammation can result in nonhealing chronic wounds. Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein secreted from glandular epithelial cells into body fluids, promotes skin wound healing by enhancing the initial inflammatory phase.

Lactoferrin also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity that neutralizes overabundant immune response. Accumulating evidence suggests that lactoferrin directly promotes both the formation of granulation tissue and re-epithelialization. Lactoferrin stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes and enhances the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen and hyaluronan. In an in vitro model of wound contraction, lactoferrin promoted fibroblast-mediated collagen gel contraction. These observations indicate that lactoferrin supports multiple biological processes involved in wound healing.

https://europepmc.org/article/med/22332789

Sette anni dopo, un’altra alluvione nel nuorese, in Sardegna: tre le vittime stavolta. Colpite da alluvioni e trombe d’aria sono anche Calabria e Sicilia, regioni dove si potrebbero verificare ulteriori fenomeni violenti.

La zona mediterranea è considerata dagli scienziati un “hot spot” climatico, e in particolare la permanenza di anticicloni africani consente un maggior soleggiamento e un maggiore riscaldamento delle temperature superficiali del mare. Diversi gli studi che mostrano un aumento graduale delle temperature anche nei mari italiani, si parla di circa due gradi centigradi in superficie negli ultimi 50 anni secondo quanto rilevato dai satelliti.

Gli oceani sono un enorme “magazzino” per il calore in accesso generato dai gas serra. L’aumento delle temperature del mare non solo provoca gravi impatti sulla biodiversità marina e contribuisce all’innalzamento del livello del mare, ma ha conseguenze su quanto accade in atmosfera, dove avvengono i fenomeni meteorologici.

Messi a punto da ricercatori dell'Università di Pisa e dell'Istituto nanoscienze del Cnr dei nanomateriali con proprietà termiche programmabili per via ottica: permetteranno di progettare etichette intelligenti per monitorare le temperature di conservazione di alimenti, farmaci e vaccini. Lo studio pubblicato su Nature Communications

Mantenere costanti le basse temperature e rilevare possibili interruzioni della catena del freddo sono operazioni essenziali nel settore alimentare o farmaceutico e, nei giorni della messa a punta di un primo vaccino anti Covid-19, che deve essere conservato e trasportato a una temperatura di 70 gradi sotto zero, la questione è al centro dell’attenzione. Da una ricerca pubblicata sulla rivista Nature Communications, coordinata da ricercatori dell’Università di Pisa e dell’Istituto nanoscienze del Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche (Cnr-Nano) in collaborazione con Scuola Normale Superiore e Istituto per i Processi chimico-fisici (Cnr-Ipcf), arriva una possibile risposta a questa problematica: i ricercatori hanno sviluppato dei nuovi nanomateriali con proprietà termiche che possono essere programmate usando la luce. Un risultato che aiuterebbe a progettare etichette intelligenti per il monitoraggio della temperatura.

Abstract

Lactoferrin is a 703-amino acid glycoprotein originally isolated from milk. Plasma lactoferrin is predominantly neutrophil derived but indications are that it may also be produced by other cells. Lactoferrin in body fluids is found in the iron-free form, the monoferric form and in the diferric form. Three isoforms of lactoferrin have been isolated, ie two with RNase activity (lactoferrin-beta and lactoferrin-gamma) and one without RNase activity (lactoferrin-alpha). Receptors for lactoferrin can be found on intestinal tissue, monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and on certain bacteria. A wide spectrum of functions are ascribed to lactoferrin. These range from a role in the control of iron availability to immune modulation. More research is necessary however to obtain clarity with regard to the exact mechanism of action of lactoferrin.

https://www.haematologica.org/article/view/683

Bibliography:

 - Ali O.M. et al. Synthesis of lactoferrin mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pemetrexed/ellagic acid synergistic breast cancer therapy. Colloids Surf B. Biointerfaces. 2020 Apr; vol.188:110824.

 - Awadasseid A. et al.; Initial success in the identification and management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) indicates human-to-human transmission in Wuhan, China. Int J Biol Sci. 2020 Apr 6;16(11):1846-1860. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.45018. eCollection 2020.

 - Binte Aziz Asma; Debate on Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination against COVID-19: Is it worth performing clinical trials? Biosafety and Health, 2020

 - Blaess M. et al.; COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lysosomes and Lysosomotropism Implicate New Treatment Strategies and Personal Risks. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 13;21(14):4953. doi: 10.3390/ijms21144953.

 - Campione Elena et al.; Lactoferrin as Protective Natural Barrier of Respiratory and Intestinal Mucosa against Coronavirus Infection and Inflammation; Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(14), 4903

 - Chang Raymond, Tzi Bun Ng, Wei-ZenSun; Lactoferrin as potential preventative and adjunct treatment for COVID-19; International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents Volume 56, Issue 3, September 2020, 106118

 - Church Dawson et al., App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings; JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2020

 - Deshmukh V, et al.; COVID-19: a conundrum to decipher. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2020 May;24(10):5830-5841. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202005_21378.

 - Donovan Sharon M.; The Role of Lactoferrin in Gastrointestinal and Immune Development and Function: A Preclinical Perspective. The Journal of Pediatrics VOLUME 173, SUPPLEMENT , S16-S28, JUNE 01, 2016

 - Doyle Lex W. & Jeanie L. Y. Cheong. Does bovine lactoferrin prevent late-onset neonatal sepsis? The Lancet VOLUME 393, ISSUE 10170, P382-384, FEBRUARY 02, 2019

 - Drago-Serrano et al.; Lactoferrin: Balancing Ups and Downs of Inflammation Due to Microbial Infections; Int J Mol Sci, 2017

 - ELFIN Trial Investigators Group; Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for very preterm infants: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet VOLUME 393, ISSUE 10170, P423-433, FEBRUARY 02, 2019

 - Elzoghby Ahmed O.et al. Lactoferrin, a multi-functional glycoprotein: Active therapeutic, drug nanocarrier & targeting ligand

 - Fernández-Lázaro Diego et al.; Physical Exercise as a Multimodal Tool for COVID-19: Could It Be Used as a Preventive Strategy? Int J Environ Res Public Health

 - Kaur Gurpreet & Geeta Gathwala. Efficacy of Bovine Lactoferrin Supplementation in Preventing Late-onset Sepsis in low Birth Weight Neonates: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Volume 61, Issue 5, October 2015, Pages 370–376

 - Giulia Martina Cavestro, Veronica Iori, Nadia Dal Bò, Angelo Franzè et all Lactoferrin: Mechanism of action, clinical significance and therapeutic relevance

   Original Article 

 - Groves Merton L. The Isolation of a Red Protein from Milk2. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1960, 82, 13, 3345–3350

 - Jawhara et al.; Could Intravenous Immunoglobulin Collected from Recovered Coronavirus Patients Protect against COVID-19 and Strengthen the Immune System of New Patients? Int J Mol Sci, 2020

 - Legrand Dominique. Overview of Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator. The Journal of Pediatrics VOLUME 173, SUPPLEMENT , S10-S15, JUNE 01, 2016

 - Mirabelli Carmen et al.; Morphological Cell Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Identifies Drug Repurposing Candidates for COVID-19; BioRxiv. Preprint. NaN NaN [revised 2020 Sep 28].

   Original articol 

 - Niaz Bushra et al. Lactoferrin (LF): a natural antimicrobial protein

 - Pammi Mohan & Gautham Suresh; Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.2017 Jun 28;6(6):CD007137.

 -  Root‐Bernstein Robert Age and Location in Severity of COVID‐19 Pathology: Do Lactoferrin and Pneumococcal Vaccination Explain Low Infant Mortality and Regional Differences?

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GODBYRbPL00&feature=youtu.be

   Original article 

  - Sreus A. G. et al.; COVID-19 during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Antiviral Spectrum of Maternal Lactoferrin in Fetal and Neonatal Defense; Journal of Dietary Supplements; 08 Nov 2020

    Original article 

 - Satué-Gracia M. T. et al. Lactoferrin in infant formulas: effect on oxidation. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2000 Oct;48(10):4984-90.

 - Superti Fabiana. Lactoferrin from Bovine Milk: A Protective Companion for Life. Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2562

 - Takayama Y. & Takezawa T. Lactoferrin promotes collagen gel contractile activity of fibroblasts mediated by lipoprotein receptors. Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie et Biologie Cellulaire, 01 Jun 2006, 84(3):268-274

 - Trend Stephanie et al.; Levels of innate immune factors in preterm and term mothers’ breast milk during the 1st month postpartum. British Journal of Nutrition Volume 115 supplement 7.

  - Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lactoferrin for Prevention of COVID-19 in Health Care Workers

 - Università Tor Vergata - Una risposta contro il Covid-19: la glicoproteina lattoferrina, una componente dell’immunità innata

 - Zhai Xiaofeng et al; Comparison of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Protein Binding to ACE2 Receptors from Human, Pets, Farm Animals, and Putative Intermediate Hosts.; J Virol. 2020 Jul 16;94(15):e00831-20. doi: 10.1128/J. Vi.00831-20. Print 2020 Jul 16.

 - Zhang Wan-Ying et al.: Molecular mechanism prediction analysis of compound Kushen injection in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Traditional Medicine Research 2020, 5 (5): 413-424. doi: 10.12032/TMR20200518180

 - Zhang Wan-Ying et al.; Treating COVID-19 by traditional Chinese medicine: a charming strategy?Traditional Medicine Research 2020, Vol. 5 Issue (4): 178-181 

Saipem e il Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche hanno siglato un accordo che consentirà all’Ente di ricerca di utilizzare HEXAFLOAT, la soluzione di Saipem relativa alla fondazione galleggiante a pendolo per turbine eoliche. L’ambito di utilizzo sarà un progetto di ricerca strategico per il sistema industriale del settore delle energie rinnovabili offshore, finanziato dal fondo della Ricerca di Sistema Elettrico nell’ambito dell’accordo di programma stipulato con il Ministero dello sviluppo economico.

Saipem e il Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche (Cnr) hanno siglato un accordo di collaborazione che consentirà all’ente di ricerca di utilizzare il concept di HEXAFLOAT, la soluzione di Saipem, brevetto pubblicato in attesa di validazione, relativa alla fondazione galleggiante a pendolo per turbine eoliche. L’ambito di utilizzo sarà un progetto di ricerca strategico per il sistema industriale del settore delle energie rinnovabili offshore (studi su piattaforme galleggianti per l’eolico ed il solare a mare), finanziato dal fondo della Ricerca di Sistema Elettrico e che rientra nell’ambito dell’accordo di programma stipulato con il Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico per il triennio 2019-2021.

ABSTRACT

Improved awareness regarding diet and health linkages has motivated researchers to give more attention to the health perspectives of individual foods. During the previous two decades, the global dairy industry diverted its interest from simple processing of commodities to the value addition. A significant income is being earned in the dairy industry from specialty proteins. Pakistan ranked 3rd in milk production worldwide and different milking animals e.g. cow, buffalo, goat and camel should be studied for their potential for generating new health-promoting diets and nutraceuticals foods. Bioactive proteins and peptides from having abundant applications including an antimicrobial food additive, dietary supplements, functional foods and nutraceuticals. Proteins from milk have a balanced composition of amino acids promising novel functional products. These also enhance the consistency and sensorial characteristics of various dairy products. Amongst, lactoferrin reveal bacteriostatic as well as bactericidal bustle against a variety of microorganisms.

It binds iron thus depriving it required for growth like L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Shigella dysenteriae and Bacillus subtilis. Lactoferrin executes as an alternative to antibiotics. It acts as a natural antimicrobial for bio preservation ranging from dairy, meat, seafood, beverages, bakery products, acne care, infant formulas, extending shelf life, ensuring safety and improving health by acting against life-threatening diseases like cancer, hepatitis, respiratory infections, and foodborne diseases in infants, children and adults etc. In the nutshell, the current review discusses the importance and safety perspectives of lactoferrin in the food industry as well as the health sector.

International Journal of Food Properties. Volume 22, 2019 - Issue 1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2019.1666137

Bibliography:

 - Ali O.M. et al. Synthesis of lactoferrin mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pemetrexed/ellagic acid synergistic breast cancer therapy. Colloids Surf B. Biointerfaces. 2020 Apr; vol.188:110824.

 - Awadasseid A. et al.; Initial success in the identification and management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) indicates human-to-human transmission in Wuhan, China. Int J Biol Sci. 2020 Apr 6;16(11):1846-1860. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.45018. eCollection 2020.

 - Binte Aziz Asma; Debate on Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination against COVID-19: Is it worth performing clinical trials? Biosafety and Health, 2020

 - Blaess M. et al.; COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lysosomes and Lysosomotropism Implicate New Treatment Strategies and Personal Risks. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 13;21(14):4953. doi: 10.3390/ijms21144953.

 - Campione Elena et al.; Lactoferrin as Protective Natural Barrier of Respiratory and Intestinal Mucosa against Coronavirus Infection and Inflammation; Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(14), 4903

 - Chang Raymond, Tzi Bun Ng, Wei-ZenSun; Lactoferrin as potential preventative and adjunct treatment for COVID-19; International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents Volume 56, Issue 3, September 2020, 106118

 - Church Dawson et al., App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings; JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2020

 - Deshmukh V, et al.; COVID-19: a conundrum to decipher. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2020 May;24(10):5830-5841. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202005_21378.

 - Donovan Sharon M.; The Role of Lactoferrin in Gastrointestinal and Immune Development and Function: A Preclinical Perspective. The Journal of Pediatrics VOLUME 173, SUPPLEMENT , S16-S28, JUNE 01, 2016

 - Doyle Lex W. & Jeanie L. Y. Cheong. Does bovine lactoferrin prevent late-onset neonatal sepsis? The Lancet VOLUME 393, ISSUE 10170, P382-384, FEBRUARY 02, 2019

 - Drago-Serrano et al.; Lactoferrin: Balancing Ups and Downs of Inflammation Due to Microbial Infections; Int J Mol Sci, 2017

 - ELFIN Trial Investigators Group; Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for very preterm infants: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet VOLUME 393, ISSUE 10170, P423-433, FEBRUARY 02, 2019

 - Elzoghby Ahmed O.et al. Lactoferrin, a multi-functional glycoprotein: Active therapeutic, drug nanocarrier & targeting ligand

 - Fernández-Lázaro Diego et al.; Physical Exercise as a Multimodal Tool for COVID-19: Could It Be Used as a Preventive Strategy? Int J Environ Res Public Health

 - Kaur Gurpreet & Geeta Gathwala. Efficacy of Bovine Lactoferrin Supplementation in Preventing Late-onset Sepsis in low Birth Weight Neonates: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Volume 61, Issue 5, October 2015, Pages 370–376

 - Giulia Martina Cavestro, Veronica Iori, Nadia Dal Bò, Angelo Franzè et all Lactoferrin: Mechanism of action, clinical significance and therapeutic relevance

   Original Article 

 - Groves Merton L. The Isolation of a Red Protein from Milk2. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1960, 82, 13, 3345–3350

 - Jawhara et al.; Could Intravenous Immunoglobulin Collected from Recovered Coronavirus Patients Protect against COVID-19 and Strengthen the Immune System of New Patients? Int J Mol Sci, 2020

 - Legrand Dominique. Overview of Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator. The Journal of Pediatrics VOLUME 173, SUPPLEMENT , S10-S15, JUNE 01, 2016

 - Mirabelli Carmen et al.; Morphological Cell Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Identifies Drug Repurposing Candidates for COVID-19; BioRxiv. Preprint. NaN NaN [revised 2020 Sep 28].

   Original articol 

 - Pammi Mohan & Gautham Suresh; Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.2017 Jun 28;6(6):CD007137.

 -  Root‐Bernstein Robert Age and Location in Severity of COVID‐19 Pathology: Do Lactoferrin and Pneumococcal Vaccination Explain Low Infant Mortality and Regional Differences?

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GODBYRbPL00&feature=youtu.be

   Original article 

  - Sreus A. G. et al.; COVID-19 during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Antiviral Spectrum of Maternal Lactoferrin in Fetal and Neonatal Defense; Journal of Dietary Supplements; 08 Nov 2020

    Original article 

 - Satué-Gracia M. T. et al. Lactoferrin in infant formulas: effect on oxidation. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2000 Oct;48(10):4984-90.

 - Superti Fabiana. Lactoferrin from Bovine Milk: A Protective Companion for Life. Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2562

 - Takayama Y. & Takezawa T. Lactoferrin promotes collagen gel contractile activity of fibroblasts mediated by lipoprotein receptors. Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie et Biologie Cellulaire, 01 Jun 2006, 84(3):268-274

 - Trend Stephanie et al.; Levels of innate immune factors in preterm and term mothers’ breast milk during the 1st month postpartum. British Journal of Nutrition Volume 115 supplement 7.

  - Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lactoferrin for Prevention of COVID-19 in Health Care Workers

 - Università Tor Vergata - Una risposta contro il Covid-19: la glicoproteina lattoferrina, una componente dell’immunità innata

 - Zhai Xiaofeng et al; Comparison of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Protein Binding to ACE2 Receptors from Human, Pets, Farm Animals, and Putative Intermediate Hosts.; J Virol. 2020 Jul 16;94(15):e00831-20. doi: 10.1128/J. Vi.00831-20. Print 2020 Jul 16.

 - Zhang Wan-Ying et al.: Molecular mechanism prediction analysis of compound Kushen injection in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Traditional Medicine Research 2020, 5 (5): 413-424. doi: 10.12032/TMR20200518180

 - Zhang Wan-Ying et al.; Treating COVID-19 by traditional Chinese medicine: a charming strategy?Traditional Medicine Research 2020, Vol. 5 Issue (4): 178-181 

Non ci sono giorni normali per uno ricercatore di orsi polari. Per oltre 35 anni, Andy Derocher ha studiato gli orsi polari mentre allevano i cuccioli, cacciano e si riproducono, vivendo tantissime esperienze. Con il supporto del WWF, il suo team monitora gli orsi polari della Baia di Hudson occidentale, in Canada.

Quello che non tutti sanno è che un biologo che studia gli orsi polari può lavorare solo nelle giornate di sole, perché le nuvole e la luce piatta rendono impossibile il tracciamento di questi animali. Gli orsi polari si muovono su vaste aree, ed è questo il motivo per cui gli elicotteri sono un altro strumento essenziale per la ricerca. Per portare a termine il lavoro, però, serve occorre uno stomaco di ferro: manipolare gli escrementi di un orso polare può nauseare anche il ricercatore più resistente. Ma tra le attività più difficili, emozionanti e utili per la conservazione di questa specie, c’è la cattura. Il protocollo utilizzato da Andy e dal suo team è sempre lo stesso: individuato un orso dall’elicottero, si anestetizza con un dardo e si attivano i rilieviprima che l'orso si svegli. La cattura di un orso polare deve essere sicura per l'animale, ma anche per l'equipaggio di ricerca.

Abstract

Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein involved in a large spectrum of biological actions including antimicrobial actions. Lactoferrin plays a central role in ferrokinetics: it binds free iron with great affinity limiting the amount of ions available for microorganism's metabolism. Its role in the host defence mechanisms consists in bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects; moreover it inhibits the proliferation of other microbes such as fungi and viruses. Lactoferrin is also involved in the modulation of immune system and recent studies indicate that lactoferrin directly modulates both production and function of neutrophils and monocytes.

https://moh-it.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/lactoferrin-mechanism-of-action-clinical-significance-and-therape

Abstract
The innate immunity protein lactoferrin (Lf) since its discovery from bovine milk in 1939, and then from human and other mammals’ milk has been studied extensively for its structure, function, and multifunctional properties. Lf is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in breast milk (colostral, mature, and whey fraction of milk), and in mammalian secretions such as synovial fluid, seminal plasma, tear fluid, and saliva. Also known as an innate antibiotic as it plays role in iron hemostasis and protection against microbial infections. It has antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunoregulatory properties and protects against growth and advancement of tumors.

Una nuova scoperta – effettuata da un team italiano coordinato dai professori Rocco Piazza, professore associato di Ematologia presso la facoltà di Medicina dell’Università di Milano-Bicocca, Carlo Gambacorti-Passerini, professore ordinario di Ematologia presso la stessa facoltà direttore del reparto di Ematologia dell’ospedale San Gerardo – fornisce un contributo importante alla comprensione della patogenesi della Leucemia Mieloide Cronica Atipica (LMCa) e potrebbe nel futuro cambiare il destino dei pazienti affetti da questa malattia. I risultati di questo lavoro di ricerca, condotto sotto il patrocinio della Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) e dell’Associazione “Antonio Castelnuovo”, sono stati pubblicato sull’autorevole rivista “Nature Communications”. L’8 dicembre, inoltre, lo studio sarà presentato dalla dottoressa Diletta Fontana, ricercatrice presso l’Università di Milano-Bicocca e primo autore della pubblicazione, al congresso della Società Americana di Ematologia in sessione plenaria, dove è stato selezionato, insieme ad altri 5 lavori scientifici provenienti da tutto il mondo, nella prestigiosa categoria dei “Late-breaking abstracts”.