Agata Scordino | University of Catania (original) (raw)

Papers by Agata Scordino

Unaged and controlled deteriorated seeds (45°C for 4 and 6 days) were subjected to osmoconditioni... more Unaged and controlled deteriorated seeds (45°C for 4 and 6 days) were subjected to osmoconditioning in PEG (polyethylene glycol) at an osmotic potential of -1.5 MPa for 6 and 12 days. In unaged seeds both priming treatments induced nuclei of the embryo root tips to enter the DNA synthetic phase, although to different extents. Osmoconditioning of controlled deteriorated seeds induced nuclear replication activity only when performed for the longest duration. In accordance with our previous findings, the frequency of nuclei induced to enter the synthetic phase was directly correlated with the improved seed germination performance, as measured by reduction in the mean time to germination. However, the frequency of priming-induced DNA synthesis cannot be used by itself to predict the efficiency of a seed priming treatment when performed on deteriorated seeds. With the objective of identifying new parameters for seed vigour estimation, variation in delayed luminescence (i.e. the light emitted a few milliseconds after the illumination stimulus has been switched off) emitted by unaged, aged and osmoprimed seeds has been analysed. A correlation between total photoinduced delayed luminescence and seed germination performance was observed, suggesting the possibility of using this parameter as a non-invasive method in order to test the physiological state of a seed sample.

Advanced Photonics 2018 (BGPP, IPR, NP, NOMA, Sensors, Networks, SPPCom, SOF)

The photoinduced ultraweak emission, Delayed Luminescence, of starch and cellulose, polymers havi... more The photoinduced ultraweak emission, Delayed Luminescence, of starch and cellulose, polymers having same glucose-based repeat units, are presented. The dependence of delayed luminescence on ordered structures and their nonlinear behavior is shown.

In the framework of the research project ETHICS “Pre-clinical experimental and theoretical studie... more In the framework of the research project ETHICS “Pre-clinical experimental and theoretical studies to improve treatment and protection by charged particles” funded by the National Nuclear Physics Institute, Italy, we studied the phenomenon called delayed luminescence emitted by non-tumorigenic breast epithelial MCF10A cell line after proton irradiation at different doses (0.5, 2, 6, 9 Gy). The aim is to found possible correlations between delayed luminescence and in vitro damaging induced by ion irradiation. The first results of this research show that the delayed luminescence kinetics is proton dose dependent. An interesting correlation between delayed luminescence and clonogenic potential was observed.

EPJ Web of Conferences

The non-thermal mechanisms, underlying the damage induced on human cells by radiofrequency electr... more The non-thermal mechanisms, underlying the damage induced on human cells by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), are still unclear and only few studies reported about the effect of RFEMFs on self-renewal of neural progenitor cells. In this research, we investigated the influence of low-intensity RF-EMFs on Olfactory Ensheathing Cell (OEC) cultures, typical glia cells showing characteristics of stem cells. Cell cultures were exposed, in far-field condition, at 900 MHz continuous and amplitude modulated EMFs for 10, 15 and 20 min at 37°C. The expression of OEC marker (S-100), stem cell marker (Nestin), cytoskeletal proteins (GFAP and Vimentin), apoptotic pathway activation by Caspase-3 cleavage and cell viability, were evaluated. Surprisingly 20 min of exposure to continuous or amplitude modulated 900 MHz EMF induced a different and significant decrease in cell viability, some dynamic changes in the expression of the analysed markers and in the activation of the apoptotic ...

In our recent works we reported that physical and chemical characteristics of serum can vary in r... more In our recent works we reported that physical and chemical characteristics of serum can vary in relation to the psychic activity of an individual depending on whether it is oriented to stress or relaxation. We wandered if these observations could be accompanied by an appreciable modification of the Ph, electric conductivity and Delayed Luminescence of the same serum samples. Our preliminary data may suggest that the serum pH could significantly increase during a Relaxation Response intervention while electric conductivity seems to decrease. Moreover, Delayed Luminescense could vary in the same subject according to the Relaxation Response practice. According to our proof of concept study, we postulate the appearance of a coherent system within the blood samples analyzed after the Relaxation Response. Further researches and some technical development are needed to support our preliminary findings.

The Journal of Experimental Biology

Several evidences have suggested the ability of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to influen... more Several evidences have suggested the ability of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to influence biological systems, even if the action mechanisms are not well understood. Only few data have reported about the effect of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on self-renewal of neural progenitor cells. A particular glial type, which shows characteristics of stem cells, are Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs). Herein, we assessed the non-thermal effects induced on Olfactory Ensheathing Cells through radio frequency electromagnetic fields changing the envelope of the electromagnetic wave. Primary OEC cultures were exposed to continuous or amplitude modulated 900 MHz electromagnetic fields, in far field condition and at different exposition times (10, 15, 20 min). The expression of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells markers (S-100 and Nestin), cytoskeletal proteins (GFAP and Vimentin), apoptotic pathway activation by Caspase-3 cleavage and cell viability were evaluated. Our results highlight...

Scientific Reports

Herein, we assessed the effect of Ferulic Acid (FA), a natural antioxidant with anti-cancer effec... more Herein, we assessed the effect of Ferulic Acid (FA), a natural antioxidant with anti-cancer effect, on the human glioblastoma cells through molecular and Delayed Luminescence (DL) studies. DL, a phenomenon of ultra-week emission of optical photons, was used to monitor mitochondrial assessment. The effect of FA loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was also assessed. To validate NLCs as a drug delivery system for glioblastoma treatment, particular attention was focused on their effect. We found that free FA induced a significant decrease in c-Myc and Bcl-2 expression levels accompanied by the apoptotic pathway activation. Blank NLCs, even if they did not induce cytotoxicity and caspase-3 cleavage, decreased Bcl-2, ERK1/2, c-Myc expression levels activating PARP-1 cleavage. The changes in DL intensity and kinetics highlighted a possible effect of nanoparticle matrix on mitochondria, through the involvement of the NADH pool and ROS production that, in turn, activates ERK1/2 pa...

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

Glucose is a natural chemical compound and is one of the most abundant organic molecules in natur... more Glucose is a natural chemical compound and is one of the most abundant organic molecules in nature. Plants and algae are able to produce it from water and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, using energy of photons coming from the sun. It is very important in life processes because, in energy metabolism, Glucose is the most important source of energy in all organisms. As energy reservoir it is partially stored as a polymer, in plants mainly as starch and amylopectin and in animals as glycogen. Moreover it is used as cellulose, the most abundant carbohydrate, to strengthen plants and algae cell walls. In this paper we study the Delayed Luminescence from Glucose and its polymers, Amylose and Cellulose, composed by chains of glucose connected by different bond, as well as Glucose water solution, in order to acquire new knowledge on the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon and check the possibility to give in-depth analysis of possible collective states present in Glucose-based structures. The phenomenon of DL in biological systems is not a byproduct, as one can naively expect. Instead, it is a property and necessity of the condensed matter, which can be also used as a tool to study the latter. It is a manifestation of the physical and biochemical processes in the system, on one hand side, and, on the other hand side, of its structural properties, in particular, of the presence and type of crystal-like structure, resulting in specific energy spectrum and electron transitions, as will be presented below. We show that the quantum yield and time trends of the Delayed Luminescence depend on the structure of systems under study. Significant differences in Delayed Luminescence parameters from cellulose before and after imbibition have been observed, indicating that Delayed Luminescence could be used to discriminate between various structures and follow the formation or demolition of them. The experimental results qualitatively agree with the soliton mechanism of the Delayed luminescence.

Biophotonics: Photonic Solutions for Better Health Care V

The first results concerning the possibility to use Delayed Luminescence spectroscopy to evaluate... more The first results concerning the possibility to use Delayed Luminescence spectroscopy to evaluate the in vitro induction of cytotoxic effects on human glioblastoma cells of nanostructured lipid carrier and drug-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier are showed in this contribution. We tested the effects of nanostructured lipid carrier, ferulic acid and ferulic acidloaded nanostructured lipid carrier on U-87MG cell line. The study seems to confirm the ability of Delayed Luminescence to be sensible indicator of alterations induced on functionality of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I in U-87MG cancer cells when treated with nanostructured lipid carriers.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2013

ABSTRACT The studies of plasmas generated by laser-matter interaction requires detectors that are... more ABSTRACT The studies of plasmas generated by laser-matter interaction requires detectors that are able to perform the time resolved imaging of photons and charged particles. Such information are necessary in order to characterize the time evolution of fundamental parameters (as temperature, density, etc.) of plasma. One of the key elements of such diagnostics is the position sensitive anode. We are studying a new type of position-sensitive anode which will be realized by using silicon planar technology: a trapezes and stripes resistive anode (TSRA). The new TSRA is a two-dimensional system, which can be coupled with one of two-stage multichannel plates for the particles detection or for photons.

Some recurrence relations are given which permit to calculate some integrals containing the produ... more Some recurrence relations are given which permit to calculate some integrals containing the product of at least two Legendre polynomials.

Il Nuovo Cimento D, 1994

Summary The possibility of using the parameters connected to delayed luminescence to detect ther... more Summary The possibility of using the parameters connected to delayed luminescence to detect thermal stress conditions in soya seeds is discussed here and the results of the measurement of photoinduced emission conducted on soya seeds characterized by a different vegetative vigour are presented. A phenomenological relationship between the total re-emission and the growth velocity was found. The distributions of the decay

Optica Acta: International Journal of Optics, 1986

ABSTRACT The validity of the Leontovich and the ‘perfect conductor’ approximated boundary conditi... more ABSTRACT The validity of the Leontovich and the ‘perfect conductor’ approximated boundary conditions has been evaluated for the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a conducting surface. Two cases, whose exact solutions are known, have been considered: a plane wave impinging onto a flat surface at various angles, and an electric dipole illuminating a sphere. Tables and graphs are provided in order to evaluate the suitability of the approximation for solving real problems.

Il Nuovo Cimento D, 1993

... is linked to the vitality of the cells, in fact both lots of seeds, live and devitalized, imb... more ... is linked to the vitality of the cells, in fact both lots of seeds, live and devitalized, imbibe in the same way (increase in weight), but the emission is higher in the live seeds which after the absorption of water begin a complex series ... [2] J. SLAWINSKI and D. SLAWINSKA: Low level ...

Infrared Physics, 1988

In the present note two types of open resonator with improved performance with respect to those c... more In the present note two types of open resonator with improved performance with respect to those currently used in Ledatron or Orotron sub-mm generators are analysed.A reduction of the starting current by one or two orders of magnitude respectively has been obtained.

Infrared Physics, 1989

... 28, 353 (1988). 6. O. Toraldo di Francia, // Nuovo Cimento 16, 61 (1960). 7. MA Ordal, RJ Bel... more ... 28, 353 (1988). 6. O. Toraldo di Francia, // Nuovo Cimento 16, 61 (1960). 7. MA Ordal, RJ Bell, RW Alexander Jr, LL Long and MR Querry, Appl. ... 6.G.Toraldo di Francia, Il Nuovo Cimento 16 (1960), p. 61. 7.MA Ordal, RJ Bell, RW Alexander Jr, LL Long and MR Querry, Appl. Opt. ...

Unaged and controlled deteriorated seeds (45°C for 4 and 6 days) were subjected to osmoconditioni... more Unaged and controlled deteriorated seeds (45°C for 4 and 6 days) were subjected to osmoconditioning in PEG (polyethylene glycol) at an osmotic potential of -1.5 MPa for 6 and 12 days. In unaged seeds both priming treatments induced nuclei of the embryo root tips to enter the DNA synthetic phase, although to different extents. Osmoconditioning of controlled deteriorated seeds induced nuclear replication activity only when performed for the longest duration. In accordance with our previous findings, the frequency of nuclei induced to enter the synthetic phase was directly correlated with the improved seed germination performance, as measured by reduction in the mean time to germination. However, the frequency of priming-induced DNA synthesis cannot be used by itself to predict the efficiency of a seed priming treatment when performed on deteriorated seeds. With the objective of identifying new parameters for seed vigour estimation, variation in delayed luminescence (i.e. the light emitted a few milliseconds after the illumination stimulus has been switched off) emitted by unaged, aged and osmoprimed seeds has been analysed. A correlation between total photoinduced delayed luminescence and seed germination performance was observed, suggesting the possibility of using this parameter as a non-invasive method in order to test the physiological state of a seed sample.

Advanced Photonics 2018 (BGPP, IPR, NP, NOMA, Sensors, Networks, SPPCom, SOF)

The photoinduced ultraweak emission, Delayed Luminescence, of starch and cellulose, polymers havi... more The photoinduced ultraweak emission, Delayed Luminescence, of starch and cellulose, polymers having same glucose-based repeat units, are presented. The dependence of delayed luminescence on ordered structures and their nonlinear behavior is shown.

In the framework of the research project ETHICS “Pre-clinical experimental and theoretical studie... more In the framework of the research project ETHICS “Pre-clinical experimental and theoretical studies to improve treatment and protection by charged particles” funded by the National Nuclear Physics Institute, Italy, we studied the phenomenon called delayed luminescence emitted by non-tumorigenic breast epithelial MCF10A cell line after proton irradiation at different doses (0.5, 2, 6, 9 Gy). The aim is to found possible correlations between delayed luminescence and in vitro damaging induced by ion irradiation. The first results of this research show that the delayed luminescence kinetics is proton dose dependent. An interesting correlation between delayed luminescence and clonogenic potential was observed.

EPJ Web of Conferences

The non-thermal mechanisms, underlying the damage induced on human cells by radiofrequency electr... more The non-thermal mechanisms, underlying the damage induced on human cells by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), are still unclear and only few studies reported about the effect of RFEMFs on self-renewal of neural progenitor cells. In this research, we investigated the influence of low-intensity RF-EMFs on Olfactory Ensheathing Cell (OEC) cultures, typical glia cells showing characteristics of stem cells. Cell cultures were exposed, in far-field condition, at 900 MHz continuous and amplitude modulated EMFs for 10, 15 and 20 min at 37°C. The expression of OEC marker (S-100), stem cell marker (Nestin), cytoskeletal proteins (GFAP and Vimentin), apoptotic pathway activation by Caspase-3 cleavage and cell viability, were evaluated. Surprisingly 20 min of exposure to continuous or amplitude modulated 900 MHz EMF induced a different and significant decrease in cell viability, some dynamic changes in the expression of the analysed markers and in the activation of the apoptotic ...

In our recent works we reported that physical and chemical characteristics of serum can vary in r... more In our recent works we reported that physical and chemical characteristics of serum can vary in relation to the psychic activity of an individual depending on whether it is oriented to stress or relaxation. We wandered if these observations could be accompanied by an appreciable modification of the Ph, electric conductivity and Delayed Luminescence of the same serum samples. Our preliminary data may suggest that the serum pH could significantly increase during a Relaxation Response intervention while electric conductivity seems to decrease. Moreover, Delayed Luminescense could vary in the same subject according to the Relaxation Response practice. According to our proof of concept study, we postulate the appearance of a coherent system within the blood samples analyzed after the Relaxation Response. Further researches and some technical development are needed to support our preliminary findings.

The Journal of Experimental Biology

Several evidences have suggested the ability of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to influen... more Several evidences have suggested the ability of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to influence biological systems, even if the action mechanisms are not well understood. Only few data have reported about the effect of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on self-renewal of neural progenitor cells. A particular glial type, which shows characteristics of stem cells, are Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs). Herein, we assessed the non-thermal effects induced on Olfactory Ensheathing Cells through radio frequency electromagnetic fields changing the envelope of the electromagnetic wave. Primary OEC cultures were exposed to continuous or amplitude modulated 900 MHz electromagnetic fields, in far field condition and at different exposition times (10, 15, 20 min). The expression of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells markers (S-100 and Nestin), cytoskeletal proteins (GFAP and Vimentin), apoptotic pathway activation by Caspase-3 cleavage and cell viability were evaluated. Our results highlight...

Scientific Reports

Herein, we assessed the effect of Ferulic Acid (FA), a natural antioxidant with anti-cancer effec... more Herein, we assessed the effect of Ferulic Acid (FA), a natural antioxidant with anti-cancer effect, on the human glioblastoma cells through molecular and Delayed Luminescence (DL) studies. DL, a phenomenon of ultra-week emission of optical photons, was used to monitor mitochondrial assessment. The effect of FA loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was also assessed. To validate NLCs as a drug delivery system for glioblastoma treatment, particular attention was focused on their effect. We found that free FA induced a significant decrease in c-Myc and Bcl-2 expression levels accompanied by the apoptotic pathway activation. Blank NLCs, even if they did not induce cytotoxicity and caspase-3 cleavage, decreased Bcl-2, ERK1/2, c-Myc expression levels activating PARP-1 cleavage. The changes in DL intensity and kinetics highlighted a possible effect of nanoparticle matrix on mitochondria, through the involvement of the NADH pool and ROS production that, in turn, activates ERK1/2 pa...

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

Glucose is a natural chemical compound and is one of the most abundant organic molecules in natur... more Glucose is a natural chemical compound and is one of the most abundant organic molecules in nature. Plants and algae are able to produce it from water and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, using energy of photons coming from the sun. It is very important in life processes because, in energy metabolism, Glucose is the most important source of energy in all organisms. As energy reservoir it is partially stored as a polymer, in plants mainly as starch and amylopectin and in animals as glycogen. Moreover it is used as cellulose, the most abundant carbohydrate, to strengthen plants and algae cell walls. In this paper we study the Delayed Luminescence from Glucose and its polymers, Amylose and Cellulose, composed by chains of glucose connected by different bond, as well as Glucose water solution, in order to acquire new knowledge on the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon and check the possibility to give in-depth analysis of possible collective states present in Glucose-based structures. The phenomenon of DL in biological systems is not a byproduct, as one can naively expect. Instead, it is a property and necessity of the condensed matter, which can be also used as a tool to study the latter. It is a manifestation of the physical and biochemical processes in the system, on one hand side, and, on the other hand side, of its structural properties, in particular, of the presence and type of crystal-like structure, resulting in specific energy spectrum and electron transitions, as will be presented below. We show that the quantum yield and time trends of the Delayed Luminescence depend on the structure of systems under study. Significant differences in Delayed Luminescence parameters from cellulose before and after imbibition have been observed, indicating that Delayed Luminescence could be used to discriminate between various structures and follow the formation or demolition of them. The experimental results qualitatively agree with the soliton mechanism of the Delayed luminescence.

Biophotonics: Photonic Solutions for Better Health Care V

The first results concerning the possibility to use Delayed Luminescence spectroscopy to evaluate... more The first results concerning the possibility to use Delayed Luminescence spectroscopy to evaluate the in vitro induction of cytotoxic effects on human glioblastoma cells of nanostructured lipid carrier and drug-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier are showed in this contribution. We tested the effects of nanostructured lipid carrier, ferulic acid and ferulic acidloaded nanostructured lipid carrier on U-87MG cell line. The study seems to confirm the ability of Delayed Luminescence to be sensible indicator of alterations induced on functionality of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I in U-87MG cancer cells when treated with nanostructured lipid carriers.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2013

ABSTRACT The studies of plasmas generated by laser-matter interaction requires detectors that are... more ABSTRACT The studies of plasmas generated by laser-matter interaction requires detectors that are able to perform the time resolved imaging of photons and charged particles. Such information are necessary in order to characterize the time evolution of fundamental parameters (as temperature, density, etc.) of plasma. One of the key elements of such diagnostics is the position sensitive anode. We are studying a new type of position-sensitive anode which will be realized by using silicon planar technology: a trapezes and stripes resistive anode (TSRA). The new TSRA is a two-dimensional system, which can be coupled with one of two-stage multichannel plates for the particles detection or for photons.

Some recurrence relations are given which permit to calculate some integrals containing the produ... more Some recurrence relations are given which permit to calculate some integrals containing the product of at least two Legendre polynomials.

Il Nuovo Cimento D, 1994

Summary The possibility of using the parameters connected to delayed luminescence to detect ther... more Summary The possibility of using the parameters connected to delayed luminescence to detect thermal stress conditions in soya seeds is discussed here and the results of the measurement of photoinduced emission conducted on soya seeds characterized by a different vegetative vigour are presented. A phenomenological relationship between the total re-emission and the growth velocity was found. The distributions of the decay

Optica Acta: International Journal of Optics, 1986

ABSTRACT The validity of the Leontovich and the ‘perfect conductor’ approximated boundary conditi... more ABSTRACT The validity of the Leontovich and the ‘perfect conductor’ approximated boundary conditions has been evaluated for the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a conducting surface. Two cases, whose exact solutions are known, have been considered: a plane wave impinging onto a flat surface at various angles, and an electric dipole illuminating a sphere. Tables and graphs are provided in order to evaluate the suitability of the approximation for solving real problems.

Il Nuovo Cimento D, 1993

... is linked to the vitality of the cells, in fact both lots of seeds, live and devitalized, imb... more ... is linked to the vitality of the cells, in fact both lots of seeds, live and devitalized, imbibe in the same way (increase in weight), but the emission is higher in the live seeds which after the absorption of water begin a complex series ... [2] J. SLAWINSKI and D. SLAWINSKA: Low level ...

Infrared Physics, 1988

In the present note two types of open resonator with improved performance with respect to those c... more In the present note two types of open resonator with improved performance with respect to those currently used in Ledatron or Orotron sub-mm generators are analysed.A reduction of the starting current by one or two orders of magnitude respectively has been obtained.

Infrared Physics, 1989

... 28, 353 (1988). 6. O. Toraldo di Francia, // Nuovo Cimento 16, 61 (1960). 7. MA Ordal, RJ Bel... more ... 28, 353 (1988). 6. O. Toraldo di Francia, // Nuovo Cimento 16, 61 (1960). 7. MA Ordal, RJ Bell, RW Alexander Jr, LL Long and MR Querry, Appl. ... 6.G.Toraldo di Francia, Il Nuovo Cimento 16 (1960), p. 61. 7.MA Ordal, RJ Bell, RW Alexander Jr, LL Long and MR Querry, Appl. Opt. ...