Use of in vivo phage display to engineer novel adenoviruses for targeted delivery to the cardiac vasculature

We performed in vivo phage display in the stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rat, a cardiovascular disease model, and the normotensive Wistar Kyoto rat to identify cardiac targeting peptides, and then assessed each in the context of viral gene delivery. We identified both common and strain-selective peptides, potentially indicating ubiquitous markers and those found selectively in dysfunctional microvasculature of the heart. We show the utility of the peptide, DDTRHWG, for targeted gene delivery in human cells and rats in vivo when cloned into the fiber protein of subgroup D adenovirus 19p. This study therefore identifies cardiac targeting peptides by in vivo phage display and the potential of a candidate peptide for vector targeting strategies

A compact light readout system for longitudinally segmented shashlik calorimeters

The longitudinal segmentation of shashlik calorimeters is challenged by dead zones and non-uniformities introduced by the light collection and readout system. This limitation can be overcome by direct fiber-photosensor coupling, avoiding routing and bundling of the wavelength shifter fibers and embedding ultra-compact photosensors (SiPMs) in the bulk of the calorimeter. We present the first experimental test of this readout scheme performed at the CERN PS-T9 beamline in 2015 with negative particles in the 1-5~GeV energy range. In this paper, we demonstrate that the scheme does not compromise the energy resolution and linearity compared with standard light collection and readout systems. In addition, we study the performance of the calorimeter for partially contained charged hadrons to assess the $e/\pi$ separation capability and the response of the photosensors to direct ionization.Comment: To appear in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research,

Case report: "C-SHAPED MANAGEMENT with THERMAFIL SYSTEM£

RiassuntoObiettiviL’anatomia del secondo molare mandibolare è altamente variabile. I canali C-Shaped rappresentano una sfida per il clinico nella sagomatura, detersione, ma soprattutto durante la fase di otturazione. Lo scopo del seguente lavoro è illustrare la versatilità del sistema Thermafil in questo tipo di anatomie canalari.Materiali e MetodiViene presentato un case series di 3 secondi molari mandibolari C-Shaped destinati altrattamento endodontico. Glide path e sagomatura sono stati eseguiti con PathFile e ProTaper fino ad F2. EDTA 10% e NaOCl 5% sono stati usati come irriganti. L’otturazione è stata eseguita con sistema Thermafil.Risultati e ConclusioniI controlli radiografici mostrano un’adeguata distribuzione della guttaperca ed un omogeneo sigillo apicale. A due anni i casi risultano asintomatici e si evidenzia la guarigione periradicolare. La tecnica presentata sembra facilitare la gestione della complessa anatomia canalare C-Shape.SummaryAimThe anatomy of mandibular second molar is highly variable. C-Shaped canals rapresent a challenge for the clinician in saping, cleaning, but mainly during obturation. The aim of this study is to illustrate the versatility of Thermafil System in such complex anatomy.Material and MethodsA case series of 3 C-shaped mandibular second scheduled for root canal treatment is presented. Glide path and shaping were performed with PathFile e ProTaper up to F2. EDTA 10% and NaOCl 5% solutions were utilised as irrigants. Obturation was accomplished with Thermafil system.Results and ConclusionRadiographic imaging showed an adequate distribution of thermoplasticised guttapercha with homogeneous apical seal. At 2 years follow up all cases appeared symptoms-free and showed periradicular health. The present technique appeared user-friendly and reliable in managing complex C-Shaped anatomy

A narrow band neutrino beam with high precision flux measurements

The ENUBET facility is a proposed narrow band neutrino beam where lepton production is monitored at single particle level in the instrumented decay tunnel. This facility addresses simultaneously the two most important challenges for the next generation of cross section experiments: a superior control of the flux and flavor composition at source and a high level of tunability and precision in the selection of the energy of the outcoming neutrinos. We report here the latest results in the development and test of the instrumentation for the decay tunnel. Special emphasis is given to irradiation tests of the photo-sensors performed at INFN-LNL and CERN in 2017 and to the first application of polysiloxane-based scintillators in high energy physics.Comment: Poster presented at NuPhys2017 (London, 20-22 December 2017). 5 pages, 2 figure

Production of the soluble pattern recognition receptor PTX3 by myeloid, but not plasmacytoid, dendritic cells

PTX3 is a prototypic of long pentraxin consisting of an N-terminal portion coupled to a C-terminal pentraxin domain, the latter related to short pentraxins (C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P component). PTX3 is a soluble pattern recognition receptor, which plays a non-redundant role in resistance against selected pathogens and in female fertility. The present study was designed to analyze the production of PTX3 by human dendritic cells (DC) and to define the role of different innate immunity receptors in its induction. Human monocyte-derived DC produced copious amounts of PTX3 in response to microbial ligands engaging different members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family (TLR1 through TLR6), whereas engagement of the mannose receptor had no substantial effect. DC were better producers of PTX3 than monocytes and macrophages. Freshly isolated peripheral blood myeloid DC produced PTX3 in response to diverse microbial stimuli. In contrast, plasmacytoid DC exposed to influenza virus or to CpG oligodeoxynucleotides engaging TLR9, did not produce PTX3. PTX3-expressing DC were present in inflammatory lymph nodes from HIV-infected patients. These results suggest that DC of myelomonocytic origin are a major source of PTX3, a molecule which facilitates pathogen recognition and subsequent activation of innate and adaptive immunity