Karen Pinkus, Fuel. A speculative dictionary

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Metal ion and inter-domain interactions as functional networks in E. coli topoisomerase I

Escherichia coli topoisomerase I (EcTopoI) is a type IA bacterial topoisomerase which is receiving large attention due to its potential application as novel target for antibacterial therapeutics. Nevertheless, a detailed knowledge of its mechanism of action at molecular level is to some extent lacking. This is partly due to the requirement of several factors (metal ions, nucleic acid) to the proper progress of the enzyme catalytic cycle. Additionally, each of them can differently affect the protein structure. Here we assess the role of the different components (DNA, metal ions, protein domains) in a dynamic environment as in solution by monitoring the catalytic as well as the structural properties of EcTopoI. Our results clearly indicated the interaction among these components as functionally relevant and underlined their mutual involvement. Some similarities with other enzymes of the same family emerged (for example DNA prevents divalent metal ions coordination at non selective binding sites). Interestingly, same interactions (C- and N-terminal domain interaction) appear to be peculiar of this bacterial topoisomerase which suggest they could be favorably exploited to the design of selective inhibitors for this class of enzyme

Perspectivas y constructos para una educación a distancia re-concebida

The article presents a further analysis on different perspectives of Distance Education in contemporary scenarios. It advances on interpretative dimensions enlightened by the thought and work of Edith Litwin, still relevant to understand current debates. From its origin to the present, cultural, technological, educational, cognitive and communi-cative contexts have changed. Understanding how these changes are present in projects and proposals of distance education, especially in higher education, is a substantial challenge that provides new lens to re-imagine teaching and learning and its relation with knowledge. We pursue the search of creativity and the need to overcome formats that update old practices under the idea of “innovations”. With a strong emphasis on the concept of hybridization in which not only educational, psychological and epistemological but also political, social and cultural glances converge, and conside-ring distance education as a pedagogical option; this article poses some challenges to re-conceive distance education from critical perspectives that lead to genuine and substantive innovations.El artículo avanza en perspectivas para el análisis de la Educación a Distancia en los escenarios contemporáneos desde dimensiones interpretativas que recuperan el pensa-miento y la obra de Edith Litwin vigentes para comprender los debates actuales. Desde su matriz histórica de origen a la actualidad, han cambiado los contextos culturales, tecnológicos, educacionales, cognitivos y comunicacionales. Comprender cómo estos cambios atraviesan los proyectos y las propuestas de educación a distancia, especial-mente en la educación superior, resulta un desafío sustantivo porque ofrece una lente para avanzar en reconcebir la enseñanza, el aprendizaje y su relación con el conoci-miento. Es una búsqueda en la que la creatividad y la necesidad de superar formatos que actualizan viejas prácticas bajo la idea de «innovaciones».Con un fuerte acento en la concepción de hibridación, en la que convergen miradas didácticas, psicológicas, gnoseológicas pero también políticas, sociales y culturales; en la consideración de la educación a distancia como opción pedagógica; el artículo plantea algunas huellas y desafíos para seguir re-concibiendo la educación a distancia desde perspectivas críticas que den lugar a innovaciones genuinas y sustantivas

Mundos Virtuales en UNNOBA

La incorporación de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TICs) han revolucionado la forma de enseñar y aprender. Teniendo en cuenta que su evolución es cada vez mayor, este trabajo se centra en los avances realizados desde el desarrollo del Entorno Virtual de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje 3D (EV3D) en la Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA) y su conexión con el Entorno Virtual de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje (EVEA) ya oficialmente utilizado, UNNOBA Virtual

Expression of stathmin in asbestos-like fibers-induced mesothelioma: A preliminary report

Background. Mesothelioma is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, however, recent studies have also linked exposure to "naturally occurring asbestos" fibers with this disease. Fluoroedenite, a silicate mineral found in the southeast of Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), has been identified as a potential risk factor for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer often has a poor prognosis, and current diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are inadequate. Histological subtype, gender, and age at diagnosis are the most significant parameters for mesothelioma. Stathmin, a cytosolic protein that regulates cell growth and migration and is overexpressed in many human malignancies, has not yet been linked to mesothelioma survival or clinical-pathological variables. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of stathmin in ten mesothelioma tissue samples with available clinical and follow-up data. Material and Methods. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from ten mesothelioma patients were processed for immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate stathmin expression. Results. Our findings suggest that stathmin overexpression is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with mesothelioma. Furthermore, stathmin expression was significantly correlated with the survival time of mesothelioma patients. Conclusion. Our results suggest that stathmin expression may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for mesothelioma. This biomarker could be used to promptly identify patients with poor prognosis and to guide clinicians in the selection of treatment options

Real-Life effects of benralizumab on exacerbation number and lung hyperinflation in atopic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

Background: The humanized monoclonal antibody benralizumab targets the α subunit of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor and the FcγRIIIa receptor expressed by natural killer cells. Through this dual mechanism of action, benralizumab neutralizes the pro-eosinophil functions of IL-5 and promotes eosinophil apoptosis. Objectives and methods: The present real-life study aimed to evaluate, in 22 allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, the effects of benralizumab on asthma exacerbations and lung hyperinflation. Results: In this regard here we show that, after 24 weeks of add-on treatment, benralizumab completely depleted peripheral blood eosinophils (from 810 to 0 cells/μL; p < 0.0001), and significantly decreased both asthma exacerbation number (from 4 to 0; p < 0.0001) and residual volume (from 2720 to 2300 mL; p < 0.01). Moreover, at the same time point (24 weeks) benralizumab also increased pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (from 1295 to 1985 mL; p < 0.0001), FVC (from 2390 to 2974 mL; p < 0.0001), FEF25−75 (from 0.6 to 1.42 L/sec; p < 0.0001), IC (from 1940 to 2460 mL; not significant), and ACT score (from 14.73 to 22.95; p < 0.0001), as well as reduced prednisone intake (from 25 to 0 mg; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In conclusion, our results suggest that via its anti-eosinophil actions benralizumab improved airflow limitation, lung hyperinflation, and respiratory symptoms, as well as lowered asthma exacerbation rate and abrogated OCS consumption in most patients

Wounds difficult to heal. An effective treatment strategy

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of wounds difficult to heal concerns 50% of the elderly population in Italy and is therefore a relevant social burden. The present study shows how the treatment with autologous leuco-platelets reduces the healing time of wounds improving the functional recovery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n=100) with ulcers of the legs were divided in two groups: 1) 50 patients treated with conventional therapies; 2) 50 patients treated with autologous leuco-platelet concentrate (LPC) and hyaluronic acid (HIAFF, Hyalofill-F ® as a scaffold. RESULTS: After 2 months, a 49% reduction in wound area was observed in the second group and in about 65% wound reduction was achieved in 15 days (4 LPC dressings). In contrast, patients treated by conventional therapies, showed a longer healing time and a greater percentage of failures. Morphometric analysis of biopsy samples obtained from the edge as well as from the bottom of the lesions obtained from the LPC group, detected an abundant presence of neoformed capillaries, characterized by a cubic, "reactive endothelium", close to the site of LPC infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that healing was promoted not only by limiting bacterial infections but also by the release of chemotactic and proangiogenic factors from leukocytes and platelets, improving the neoformation of capillaries.Abstract: Objective: Treatment of wounds difficult to heal concerns 50% of the elderly population in Italy and is therefore a relevant social burden. The present study shows how the treatment with autologous leuco-platelets reduces the healing time of wounds improving the functional recovery. Patients and Methods: Patients (n=100) with ulcers of the legs were divided in two groups: 1) 50 patients treated with conventional therapies; 2) 50 patients treated with autologous leuco-platelet concentrate (LPC) and hyaluronic acid (HIAFF, Hyalofill-F®) as a scaffold. Results: After 2 months, a 49% reduction in wound area was observed in the second group and in about 65% wound reduction was achieved in 15 days (4 LPC dressings). In contrast, patients treated by conventional therapies, showed a longer healing time and a greater percentage of failures. Morphometric analysis of biopsy samples obtained from the edge as well as from the bottom of the lesions obtained from the LPC group, detected an abundant presence of neoformed capillaries, characterized by a cubic, "reactive endothelium", close to the site of LPC infiltration. Conclusions: These results suggest that healing was promoted not only by limiting bacterial infections but also by the release of chemotactic and proangiogenic factors from leukocytes and platelets, improving the neoformation of capillaries

Experiencia del uso del EV3D en UNNOBA

Este trabajo relata la experiencia que se llevó a cabo en la asignatura Análisis y Diseño de Sistemas II (ADS II) de las Carreras de informática de la Escuela de Tecnología de la Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA) utilizando Entornos Virtuales 3D (EV3D). A partir de esto, se muestra su impacto y las conclusiones a las que se arribó.Área: Tecnología en Educación.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Experiencia del uso del EV3D en UNNOBA

Este trabajo relata la experiencia que se llevó a cabo en la asignatura Análisis y Diseño de Sistemas II (ADS II) de las Carreras de informática de la Escuela de Tecnología de la Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA) utilizando Entornos Virtuales 3D (EV3D). A partir de esto, se muestra su impacto y las conclusiones a las que se arribó.Área: Tecnología en Educación.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI