Plankton Resting Stages in the Marine Sediments of the Bay of Vlorë (Albania)

In the frame of the INTERREG III CISM project, sediment cores were collected at 2 stations in the Gulf of Vlorë to study the plankton resting stage assemblages. A total of 87 morphotypes were identified and produced by Dinophyta, Ciliophora, Rotifera, and Crustacea. In 22 cases, the cyst belonged to a species absent from the plankton of the same period. The most abundant resting stages were those produced byScrippsiellaspecies (Dinophyta). Some calcareous cysts were identified as fossil species associated with Pleistocene to Pliocene sediment, although they were also found in surface sediments and some of them successfully germinated, thus proving their modern status. Total abundance generally decreased with sediment depth at station 40, while station 45 showed distinct maxima at 3 and 8 cm below the sediment surface. The depth of peak abundance in the sediment varied with species. This paper presents the first study of the plankton resting stages in the Bay of Vlorë. The study confirmed the utility of this type of investigation for a more correct evaluation of species diversity. In addition, the varying distribution with sediment depth suggests that this field could be of some importance in determining the history of species assemblages

Influence of occupants’ behavior on indoor CO2 concentration of a naturally ventilated multifamily building in Porto, Portugal

Adequate supply of fresh air is essential to provide a healthy, safe and comfortable indoor environment in buildings. Currently, the majority of the residential buildings in mild climate European countries, such as Portugal or Spain, remain naturally ventilated. This fact has raised concerns in the building sector regarding the indoor air quality present in these buildings as fresh air supply mostly relies on occupants? window opening behavior and personal habits, which can vary significantly from one apartment to the next. In this context, this work presents the indoor CO2 concentration levels registered during more than one year in the bedrooms and living rooms of eight apartments of a naturally ventilated residential building located in Porto, Portugal. Monitored CO2 concentrations confirmed relevant periods of time with inadequate indoor air quality, exhibiting great variations between apartments. Differential occupants? window opening behavior, personal habits as well as presence of internal CO2 sources (e.g. smokers) were stated as the major reasons behind these wide discrepancies. Results suggest that, in some situations, implementation of mechanical ventilation systems in residential contexts should be promoted in order to guarantee adequate IAQ at all times and regardless of outdoor weather conditions or occupants? window opening behavior. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Proyecto Arquitectónico Energéticamente Eficiente Mediante Gramáticas de Formas y Aprendizaje por Refuerzo

En este trabajo presentamos un sistema para la generación de esquemas de viviendas unifamiliares energéticamente eficientes. Los esquemas se sintetizan mediante la ejecución de gramáticas de formas simples, entrenadas por medio de técnicas de aprendizaje por refuerzo, teniendo en cuenta criterios tanto de habitabilidad como de eficiencia energética. Los resultados obtenidos son analizados y validadosUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Synovium-derived stromal cell-induced osteoclastogenesis: a potential osteoarthritis trigger

none7noPurpose: To shed light on the idea that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) recruited in synovium (SM) (i.e. Synovium-Derived Stromal Cells, SDSCs) could be involved in Osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology. Attention was also paid to a further stromal cell type with a peculiar ultrastructure called telocytes (TCs), whose role is far from clarified. Methods: In the present in vitro study, we compared SDSCs isolated from healthy and OA subjects in terms of phenotype, morphology and differentiation potential as well as in their capability to activate normal Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). Histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses were integrated by qRT-PCR and functional resorbing assays. Results: Our data demonstrated that both SDSC populations stimulated the formation of osteoclasts from PBMCs: the osteoclast-like cells generated by healthy-SDSCs via transwell co-cultures were inactive, while OA-derived SDSCs have a much greater effectiveness. Moreover, the presence of TCs was more evident in cultures obtained from OA subjects and suggests a possible involvement of these cells in OA. Conclusions: Osteoclastogenic differentiation capability of PBMCs from OA subjects, also induced by B synoviocytes has been already documented. Here we hypothesized that SDSCs, generally considered for their regenerative potential in cartilage lesions, have also a role in the onset/maintenance of OA. Clinical relevance: Our observations may represent an interesting opportunity for the development of a holistic approach for OA treatment, that considers the multifaceted capability of MSCs in relation to the environment.embargoed_20210517Dicarlo, Manuela; Teti, Gabriella; Cerqueni, Giorgia; Iezzi, Iolanda; Gigante, Antonio; Falconi, Mirella; Mattioli-Belmonte, MonicaDicarlo, Manuela; Teti, Gabriella; Cerqueni, Giorgia; Iezzi, Iolanda; Gigante, Antonio; Falconi, Mirella; Mattioli-Belmonte, Monic

Biofabrication of bundles of poly(lactic acid)-collagen blends mimicking the fascicles of the human Achille tendon

Electrospinning is a promising technique for the production of scaffolds aimed at the regeneration of soft tissues. The aim of this work was to develop electrospun bundles mimicking the architecture and mechanical properties of the fascicles of the human Achille tendon. Two different blends of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and collagen (Coll) were tested, PLLA/Coll-75/25 and PLLA/Coll-50/50, and compared with bundles of pure PLLA. First, a complete physico-chemical characterization was performed on non-woven mats made of randomly arranged fibers. The presence of collagen in the fibers was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and water contact angle measurements. The collagen release in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was evaluated for 14 days: results showed that collagen loss was about 50% for PLLA/Coll-75/25 and 70% for PLLA/Coll-50/50. In the bundles, the individual fibers had a diameter of 0.48 ±0.14 μm (PLLA), 0.31 ±0.09 μm (PLLA/Coll-75/25), 0.33 ±0.08 μm (PLLA/Coll-50/50), whereas bundle diameter was in the range 300-500 μm for all samples. Monotonic tensile tests were performed to measure the mechanical properties of PLLA bundles (as-spun) and of PLLA/Coll-75/25 and PLLA/Coll-50/50 bundles (as-spun, and after 48 h, 7 days and 14 days in PBS). The most promising material was the PLLA/Coll-75/25 blend with a Young modulus of 98.6 ±12.4 MPa (as-spun) and 205.1 ±73.0 MPa (after 14 days in PBS). Its failure stress was 14.2 ±0.7 MPa (as-spun) and 6.8 ±0.6 MPa (after 14 days in PBS). Pure PLLA withstood slightly lower stress than the PLLA/Coll-75/25 while PLLA/Coll-50/50 had a brittle behavior. Human-derived tenocytes were used for cellular tests. A good cell adhesion and viability after 14 day culture was observed. This study has therefore demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating electrospun bundles with multiscale structure and mechanical properties similar to the human tendon

In vitro osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells seeded on carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel

Stem cells from human dental pulp have been considered as an alternative source of adult stem cells in tissue engineering because of their potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Recently, polysaccharide based hydrogels have become especially attractive as matrices for the repair and regeneration of a wide variety of tissues and organs. The incorporation of inorganic minerals as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can modulate the performance of the scaffolds with potential applications in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to verify the osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) cultured on a carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel. Human DPSCs were seeded on carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel and on carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days. Cell viability assay and ultramorphological analysis were carried out to evaluate biocompatibility and cell adhesion. Real Time PCR was carried out to demonstrate the expression of osteogenic and odontogenic markers. Results showed a good adhesion and viability in cells cultured on carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel, while a low adhesion and viability was observed in cells cultured on carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel. Real Time PCR data demonstrated a temporal up-regulation of osteogenic and odontogenic markers in dental pulp stem cells cultured on carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel. In conclusion, our in vitro data confirms the ability of DPSCs to differentiate toward osteogenic and odontogenic lineages in presence of a carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel. Taken together, our results provide evidence that DPSCs and carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite hybrid hydrogel could be considered promising candidates for dental pulp complex and periodontal tissue engineering

Un sistema de Realidad Virtual distribuido basado en la gestión de recursos federados

The vast majority of distributed virtual environments use ad-hoc protocols to share resources and synchronize the interaction of multiple users on a shared virtual world. In this scenario, it is difficult to incorporate new interaction devices if they have not been taken into account from the beginning of the design of the virtual environment. This article shows how to manage virtual reality devices as federate resources in a virtual world using the standard architecture HLARTI. This approach has been used as a framework to build simulators for the training of operators in civil engineering.La gran mayoría de los entornos virtuales distribuidos utilizan protocolos ad-hoc para compartir recursos y sincronizar la interacción de varios usuarios sobre un mundo virtual común. En este escenario, es difícil incorporar nuevos dispositivos de interacción si desde el principio del diseño del entorno virtual no se han tenido en cuenta. En este artículo se muestra cómo gestionar dispositivos de Realidad Virtual como recursos federados en un mundo virtual utilizando la arquitectura estándar HLARTI. Esta aproximación se ha utilizado como marco de trabajo para construir simuladores para el entrenamiento de operarios en ingeniería civil

Bone regeneration strategies in the elderly: the role of ageing and replicative senescence in periosteal-derived stem cells

Periosteum contains resident progenitor cells (PDPCs) representing an attractive alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for skeletal tissue engineering approaches based on cell recruitment (1). Increased in life expectancy point out the necessity for customized strategies to restore bone loss due to trauma and/or disease in elderly. Aim of the present research was the evaluation of the ageing impact on PDPCs isolated from differently aged subjects. Moreover, since long-term culture could lead MSCs to senescence, the effects of culture expansion method on young PDPC through sequential serial passages were examined. Age-related increase of p53 expression and impairment in proliferating capacity were observed; those findings were strictly related to nitric oxide (NO) release. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed a greater expression of genes involved in bone remodelling in elderly donors. As far as replicative in vitro expansion was concerned, we observed that later PDPC passages exhibited the typical “replicative senescence” features (i.e. flattened and enlarged morphology, prolonged population doubling time and increased SA-βgal activity). In these cells, p16 rather than p53 seemed to be involved in senescence processes. Similarly to the elderly, the decrease in proliferating ability of in vitro senescent PDPCs was concomitant with a higher NO production, and the changes in the expression of genes involved in bone resorption and RANKL/OPG ratio were superimposable. Interestingly, the relationship between NO release and ageing could represent a cutting edge “replicative senescence index” as emerged by our System Biology approach. In conclusion, our findings suggest that in vivo cell ageing and in vitro subculturing must be taken into account when testing regenerative tissue strategies that use progenitor cells. Indeed, cells (e.g. MSCs and PDPCs) from the earliest subculture passages could be useful to validate any bone tissue engineering strategies, whilst the later ones could be used to test in vitro scaffolds for regenerative medicine approaches in elderly.This work was supported by grants from MIUR (Project PRIN 2010, MIND-2010J8RYS7)

Aging of periosteal-derived stem cells during expansion: an alternative tool for a customized bone regenerative strategy

Increased in life expectancy points out the necessity for tailored strategies to restore bone loss due to trauma and/or disease in elderly. Moreover, there is a compelling need for improved cell systems to test scaffolds interfacing with an “aging” tissue. For skeletal tissue regeneration, periosteal-derived stem cells (PDPCs) could represent an easily recruited source of Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) [1,2]. This study investigated the effects of long-term in vitro expansion on the stability and function of PDPCs, since extensive culture expansion is usually performed to obtain clinically relevant cell numbers, but its impact on cell behaviour is still unclear. An integrated approach based on flow cytometry, ultrastructural and quantitative Real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses was adopted. Senescent cell data were compared with those of cells isolated from differently aged subjects. Both replicative-senescent PDPCs and cells isolated from old donors were permanently blocked in G1 phase of cell cycle, through a pathway that seemed to involve nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of tumour suppressor proteins p16 or p53, respectively. Changes in the expression of MSC surface markers were detected in PDPCs during subculturing, whilst it was superimposable in young and aged PDPCs. Cytofluorimetric analysis of the physical parameters (i.e. FSC and SSC) showed a trend toward an increase in cell dimension and internal complexity in both populations analysed. This data was consistent with morphological observation that also evidenced similar alterations in mitochondrial shape. In addition, an intense autophagic activity in early passage PDPCs was observed, whilst in the late passages cells had a robust protein synthesis activity that could be related with “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP). In conclusion, the morphofunctional similarities detected in replicative-senescent and aged PDPCs suggest that their long-term expansion could be a reproducible and useful tool to mimic in vivo ageing

Age-related changes in human periosteal derived stem cells: a matter for effective bone regeneration strategies

Possible age-related changes in Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are of great inter- est in view of their use for regenerative medicine approaches also in the elderly. Con- sidering the primary role of periosteum in bone biology and to acquire data for a cell- based therapy stimulating graft osseointegration, we tried to identify specific aging markers or pattern of expression in human periosteal precursor cells (PDPCs). To this aim periosteal tissue was obtained from differently aged healthy subjects, gender matched with a mean age of 16, 28, 63 and 92 years. Immunohistochemical detection of Ki67 and p53, Nitric Oxide (NO) production and qRT- PCR of a selected gene pan- el for early osteoblastic differentiation (bmp2 and runx2) and bone remodelling (IL-6, RANKL and OPG) were evaluated. Our data evidenced that both Ki67 and p53 rep- resent striking markers of cell-cycle arrest in these cells and that their expression cor- relates with NO production. In addition, age affects genes involved in bone remodel- ling, with a significant increase in IL-6 mRNA expression as well as in RANKL/OPG ratio. As far as NO release is concerned, our data showed higher levels in PDPCs iso- lated from the elderly and a good correlation with the immunohistochemical analysis Moreover, mathematical modelling, in silico simulations and biochemical experiments were combined to investigate about possible underlying quantitative correlations. A clear one-term exponential relationship emerged from a comparison of involved marker trends against age of donors concerning measured NO concentration / Ki67 ratio. This analytical approach confirmed Ki67 as a senescence marker to be focused on. We believe that this study, taking into account age-related changes in human PDPCs, opens up new regenerative medicine strategies for aged bone and/or bone metabolic diseases