Design of decorated self-assembling peptide hydrogels as architecture for mesenchymal stem cells

Hydrogels from self-assembling ionic complementary peptides have been receiving a lot of interest from the scientific community as mimetic of the extracellular matrix that can offer three-dimensional supports for cell growth or can become vehicles for the delivery of stem cells, drugs or bioactive proteins. In order to develop a 3D "architecture" for mesenchymal stem cells, we propose the introduction in the hydrogel of conjugates obtained by chemoselective ligation between a ionic-complementary self-assembling peptide (called EAK) and three different bioactive molecules: an adhesive sequence with 4 Glycine-Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid-Serine-Proline (GRGDSP) motifs per chain, an adhesive peptide mapped on h-Vitronectin and the growth factor Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). The mesenchymal stem cell adhesion assays showed a significant increase in adhesion and proliferation for the hydrogels decorated with each of the synthesized conjugates; moreover, such functionalized 3D hydrogels support cell spreading and elongation, validating the use of this class of self-assembly peptides-based material as very promising 3D model scaffolds for cell cultures, at variance of the less realistic 2D ones. Furthermore, small amplitude oscillatory shear tests showed that the presence of IGF-1-conjugate did not alter significantly the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels even though differences were observed in the nanoscale structure of the scaffolds obtained by changing their composition, ranging from long, well-defined fibers for conjugates with adhesion sequences to the compact and dense film for the IGF-1-conjugate

La generación de preguntas: una estrategia de enseñanza y de aprendizaje del álgebra lineal

Esta experiencia busca indagar sobre el proceso de lectura académica de los estudiantes de ingeniería en un curso de Álgebra Lineal y Geometría Analítica. El estudiante universitario, al cursar las diferentes asignaturas, debe desarrollar prácticas de lenguaje y pensamientos propios del ámbito académico superior, ya que cada disciplina tiene su propia lógica de producción de escritos, de encarar la lectura de los textos y de establecer la comunicación entre quienes pertenecen a la misma comunidad científica o profesional. Como docentes investigadores no esperamos que los alumnos se inicien solos en estas prácticas; debemos ocuparnos, responsabilizarnos por esto que se dio en llamar su alfabetización académica. Aprender a leer y leer para aprender las disciplinas, son partes inseparables de una misma unidad. En el proceso estratégico de leer, el que lee anticipa e infiere, se interroga, no sólo como método indagatorio de lo que sabe y no sabe acerca del tema, sino también como manifestación del deseo de aprender sobre ese tema; formula hipótesis sobre el contenido que luego serán confirmadas o no según avance la lectura. La generación de preguntas por parte de los alumnos a partir de la lectura de un texto es una eficaz estrategia de aprendizaje y como tal tiene impacto en la comprensión de textos académicos

Análisis de una actividad de comprensión lectora sobre un texto de álgebra con alumnos de la carrera de ingeniería

En este trabajo contamos una actividad de comprensión lectora realizada por estudiantes de álgebra y Geometría Analítica. Para ello elegimos un texto universitario que trata el trinomio de segundo grado. Caracterizamos la comprensión lectora y el marco de alfabetización académica que la contiene. Describimos el contexto en que fue realizada. Utilizamos como instrumento de evaluación un cuestionario. Diseñamos y aplicamos un procedimiento para clasificar las respuestas al cuestionario y evaluamos el instrumento. Presentamos los resultados. El desarrollo de la actividad estuvo mediado por el aula virtual. Describimos el trabajo de los alumnos y le otorgamos valor acreditativo. Sostenemos que la práctica de la lectura académica aporta a una mejor formación de los ingenieros

Rise of pediatric robotic surgery in Italy: a multicenter observational retrospective study

open15noAbstract Background: The minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in term of robot-assisted surgery changed in a dramatic way the surgical approach either in adults or children. For many specialties (urology, gynecology, general surgery) robotic surgery rapidly became the gold standard for some procedures, while the experience in pediatric population is not wide for some reasons. The aim of this study is to retrospective analyze trends of application of robotic surgery in pediatric patients across the country, focusing on indications, limitations, development, and training acquired by national experience and in comparison to the literature. Methods: We made a retrospective multicenter study on behalf of Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery. We performed a census among all pediatric surgery units in the country to enroll those performing robotic surgery on children between 2013 and 2019. Results: We enrolled 7 pediatric surgery referral Centers (Ancona, Bologna, Brescia, Genova, Pavia, Pescara, Siena). A total of 303 patients were included in the study, 164 males (54%) and 139 females (46%). The most commonly performed interventions for each anatomic area were respectively atypical pulmonary resection (38%), pyeloplasty (49%), and fundoplication (30%). Conclusions: Since its first application in Italy, about 10 years ago, several considerations were made about application and feasibility of robotics in children.openAngotti, Rossella; Raffaele, Alessandro; Molinaro, Francesco; Riccipetitoni, Giovanna; Chiesa, Pierluigi Lelli; Lisi, Gabriele; Mattioli, Girolamo; Alberti, Daniele; Boroni, Giovanni; Mariscoli, Francesca; Martino, Ascanio; Pelizzo, Gloria; Maffi, Michela; Messina, Mario; Lima, MarioAngotti, Rossella; Raffaele, Alessandro; Molinaro, Francesco; Riccipetitoni, Giovanna; Chiesa, Pierluigi Lelli; Lisi, Gabriele; Mattioli, Girolamo; Alberti, Daniele; Boroni, Giovanni; Mariscoli, Francesca; Martino, Ascanio; Pelizzo, Gloria; Maffi, Michela; Messina, Mario; Lima, Mari

Photometric monitoring of Luminous Blue Variables

We present some preliminary results from our program of intensive near-infrared photometric monitoring ofa sample of confirmed and candidate Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) conducted from 2008 to 2010. Clear long-term variability has been observed for Wray 17-96 and V481 Sct, with overall brightness variation greater than 1 mag in the J band. Other sources, such as LBV 1806-20 showed detectable variability with amplitudes of few tenths of a magnitude with a time-scale of about 60 days

The GAPS Programme with HARPS-N at TNG. XII. Characterization of the planetary system around HD 108874

In order to understand the observed physical and orbital diversity of extrasolar planetary systems, a full investigation of these objects and of their host stars is necessary. Within this field, one of the main purposes of the GAPS observing project with HARPS-N at TNG is to provide a more detailed characterization of already known systems. In this framework we monitored the star, hosting two giant planets, HD 108874, with HARPS-N for three years in order to refine the orbits, to improve the dynamical study and to search for additional low-mass planets in close orbits. We subtracted the radial velocity (RV) signal due to the known outer planets, finding a clear modulation of 40.2 d period. We analysed the correlation between RV residuals and the activity indicators and modelled the magnetic activity with a dedicated code. Our analysis suggests that the 40.2 d periodicity is a signature of the rotation period of the star. A refined orbital solution is provided, revealing that the system is close to a mean motion resonance of about 9:2, in a stable configuration over 1 Gyr. Stable orbits for low-mass planets are limited to regions very close to the star or far from it. Our data exclude super-Earths with Msini ≳ 5M⊕ within 0.4 AU and objects with Msini ≳ 2M⊕ with orbital periods of a few days. Finally we put constraints on the habitable zone of the system, assuming the presence of an exomoon orbiting the inner giant planet. Based on observations made with the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) operated on the island of La Palma by the Fundación Galileo Galilei of the INAF at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the IAC in the frame of the programme Global Architecture of Planetary Systems (GAPS).Table A.1 is also available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/599/A90</A

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery