Autoimmunity and parasites.

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Arithmetic and Algebra, continuity or cognitive break? The case of Francesca

Abstract. Taking the 'operational/structural' perspective, as introduced by Sfard, this paper analyses the passage from computing with numbers and computing with letters. The discussion is based on a case study, taken from long term research project, still in progress. A key aspect, characterizing the transition from the two types of computation, will be highlighted: the change of role of operation properties

Building theories: working in a microworld and writing the mathematical notebook

Abstract. In the framework of a long term teaching experiment we present an educational approach based on the use of a dynamic geometry software and a symbolic manipulator. Here we present the general ideas of the followed approach focusing on how meanings can originate from phenomenological experience and evolve under the guidance of the teacher. In particular we will focus on meanings related to the ideas of theory, axiom and theore

L’algebrista : un micromonde pour l’enseignementet l’apprentissage de l’algèbre de calcul

RESUMÉ. Cet article présente un micromonde qui a été expérimenté en classe. Suite à des recherches que nous avions menées pour étudier le rôle du micromonde Cabri dans l’introduction de la géométrie en tant que domaine théorique, nous avons développé un nouveau projet de recherche dans le contexte de l’algèbre. Nous présentons les principales caractéristiques du projet et décrivons le micromonde que nous avons conçu et son fonctionnement. Nous décrivons brièvement une expérimentation et nous discutons cette expérience d’enseignement sur quelques exemples tirés de protocoles d’utilisation par les élève

Espressioni numeriche ed espressioni letterali: continuità o rottura

Abstract. Si analizza il rapporto tra calcolo letterale e calcolo di espressioni numeriche, evidenziando continuità e rotture . Si riporta poi alcuni risultati tratti da una sperimentazione svolta a livello del primo anno della scuola secondaria superiore

Autoimmunity and Parasites

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IL-34 a Newly Discovered Cytokine

In this study we describe some biological effects of IL-34, a newly discovered cytokine. We show that Il-34 stimulates monocyte cell viability and directly modulates the number and function of monocytes and regulates myeloid cell growth and differentiation. Moreover, since IL-34 in mice is involved in osteoporosis, an antagonist of this cytokine could be beneficial for the treatment of this disease

Inflammatory Compounds: Neuropeptide Substance Pand Cytokines

Inflammatory diseases represent one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and they affect the functions of several tissues. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves release of many pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines/chemokines, histamine, C3a, C5a (complement components), bradykinin, leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4), PAF, and substance P, in addition to anti-inflammatory molecules. Recently, it has been demonstrated that neuroimmune interactions are important in the initiation and progress of inflammatory processes. Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide that is released from nerve endings in many tissues. It acts via membrane-bound NK1 receptors (NK1R). Inflammatory and neuropeptides such as substance P stimulate the release of chemokines, in particular IL-8, a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. Expression of IL-8 is regulated mainly by the transcription factors NF-kappaB, activating protein-1. Substance P plays an important role in immunological and inflammatory states, and it is a mediator of tissue injury, asthma, arthritis, allergy and autoimmune diseases. In this article, our studies revisited the interrelationship between these two powerful inflammatory compounds: substance P and cytokines. These observations suggest that these inflammatory molecules may represent a potential therapeutic target to treat several inflammatory states

Inter-Relationship between Chemokines and Mast Cells

The inflammatory response is mediated by immunological and chemotactic factors, proteins of the complement system, histamine, serotonin, arachidonic acid products and cytokines. All these compounds, including cytokines/chemokines, are major contributors to the symptoms of inflammation. Cytokines/chemokines, commonly referred to as “biological response modifiers”, are relatively new compounds for possible use in stimulation of the immune response, and display a number of overlapping abilities to stimulate cells of various lineages and differentiation stages; nonetheless, most of these compounds are potent inflammatory mediators. Mast cell mediators are either contained within secretory granules or can be synthesized de novo and can be released upon activation by either a massive degranulation, or by a selective release of specific molecules. These cells accumulate in the stroma of a variety of inflamed and transformed tissues in response to locally produced chemotactic factors for immune-cells, such as RANTES and MCP-1. Here we describe some connections between mast cells and chemokines