Adhesion of sea-urchin living cells on nano-patterned anodic porous alumina

In this work we investigated the possibility of using living cells as stress sensing material in biosensors, in the light of the three Rs principle \u2013 Replacement, Reduction and Refinement . This approach requires the necessity to cultivate them on biocompatible electrical conducting substrate and to insert the circuit into a culture chamber that must assure both the transport of oxygen and the diffusion of the medium containing the potential stressor to the cells, without modifying their response and the structure of the culture. To this aim we fabricated nano-patterned substrates of anodic porous alumina to be used for enhancing cell adhesion, and culture chambers made in polylactic acid. Sea-urchin cells (coelomocytes) were cultured on these substrates at different times of 1, 3 and 5 days in vitro. Since these cells are progenitors of immune cells in vertebrate systems (blood cells), they carry out similar functions. For this reason, although they can differ considerably from vertebrates, they have been proved to be very promising sentinels of environmental water qualit

Correlates of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound parameters in patients with diabetes: the study on the assessment of determinants of muscle and bone strength abnormalities in diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) provides an estimate of bone mineral density (BMD) and also evaluates bone quality, which has been related to increased fracture risk in people with diabetes. This study aimed at assessing the correlates of calcaneal QUS parameters in diabetic subjects encompassing various degrees of micro and macrovascular complications and a wide-range of peripheral nerve function. METHODS: Four hundred consecutive diabetic patients were examined by QUS to obtain values of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), the speed of sound (SOS), quantitative ultrasound index (QUI), and BMD. RESULTS: Among surrogate measures of complications, sensory and motor nerve amplitude and heart rate response to cough test and standing correlated with QUS parameters at univariate analysis, together with age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, and renal function. Multivariate analysis revealed that BUA, SOS, QUI, and BMD were independently associated with age, male gender, hemoglobin A1c, BMI (or fat, but not fat-free mass), and somatic and autonomic nerve function parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that peripheral nerve dysfunction is associated with worse QUS parameters, possibly contributing to increased fracture risk in diabetes. The positive relation of QUS measures with adiposity needs further investigation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01600924)

Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria salesian mission (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, late 19th and early 20th centuries): Building sequence, population dynamics and reform proposals

La misión Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria funcionó en Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, entre finales del siglo XIX y mediados del XX con el propósito de llevar a cabo un proyecto de reforma entre los selk’nam. Si bien lo que aún se conserva de la antigua misión fue declarado monumento histórico nacional, hasta el momento se conoce poco sobre las formas que cobró su complejo central de edificaciones. En este artículo proponemos reconstruir la arquitectura de dicho complejo y sus transformaciones, discutiendo cómo pudieron encontrarse asociadas con dinámicas poblacionales y propuestas de reforma concretas. Por un lado, exploramos la secuencia constructiva del complejo, atendiendo a la abundancia, distribución y diversidad de estructuras en un eje tanto sincrónico como diacrónico. Por otra parte, analizamos el número y composición de la población residente, y las particularidades que cobraron las propuestas “civilizadoras-evangelizadoras” de los salesianos. Para ello, acudimos al abordaje de documentos escritos y fotográficos.Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria mission operated in Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, between the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, with the aim of conducting a reform project among the selk’nams. Even though the preserved sections of the ancient mission have been have been declared a national historical monument, so far little is known about the features that once defined the central complex of structures. In this article we intend to reconstruct the architecture of that complex and its transformations, discussing how they could have been associated with specific population dynamics and reform proposals. On the one hand, we explore the building sequence of the complex, considering the abundance, distribution and diversity of the structures in both synchronic and diachronic axes. On the other, we analyze the number and composition of the resident population, and the peculiarities of the civilizing and evangelizing proposals made by the Salesian Congregation. Written and photographic documents are taken into account.Fil: Salerno, Melisa Anabella. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Historia y Ciencias Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Rigone, Romina Carla. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Historia y Ciencias Humanas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Interfacial Morphology Addresses Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Composite Hole Transporting Materials of Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide and P3HT

The development of novel hole transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that can enhance device's reproducibility is a largely pursued goal, even to the detriment of a very high efficiency, since it paves the way to an effective industrialization of this technology. In this work, we study the covalent functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) flakes with different organic functional groups with the aim of increasing the stability and homogeneity of their dispersion within a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) HTM. The selected functional groups are indeed those recalling the two characteristic moieties present in P3HT, i.e., the thienyl and alkyl residues. After preparation and characterization of a number of functionalized RGO@P3HT blends, we test the two containing the highest percentage of dispersed RGO as HTMs in PSCs and compare their performance with that of pristine P3HT and of the standard Spiro-OMeTAD HTM. Results reveal the big influence of the morphology adopted by the single RGO flakes contained in the composite HTM in driving the final device performance and allow to distinguish one of these blends as a promising material for the fabrication of highly reproducible PSCs

Variação linguística entre surdos negros e surdos brancos na ASL: desenvolvimento histórico

Neste artigo abordaremos a segregação racial nos Estados Unidos e as implicações para o surdo negro. Compreendemos que o fim da segregação racial foi resultado de árdua luta do movimento negro e que dentro deste movimento a comunidade surda negra dos E.U.A. participou ativamente. Nesse acontecimento histórico, o surdo negro vivenciou uma dupla discriminação, de um lado, por ser negro e, de outro, por ser surdo. As escolas separadas, para surdos brancos e surdos negros, tiveram várias implicações, como a variação linguística dos surdos negros e dos surdos brancos na Língua Americana de Sinais (ASL). A comunidade surda negra dos E.U.A. lutou pelo acesso à escola, pelo fim da segregação racial, pelo reconhecimento da língua de sinais e, por ser surdo negro, pela igualdade de condições, como qualquer outra raça. Como consequência da segregação racial, utilizaremos pesquisas realizadas na Língua Americana de Sinais para abordar a variação linguística entre os surdos negros e os surdos brancos americanos

Novel Findings into AIRE Genetics and Functioning: Clinical Implications

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), formerly known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, is a paradigm of a monogenic autoimmune disease caused by mutations of a gene, named autoimmune regulator (AIRE). AIRE acts as a transcription regulator that promotes immunological central tolerance by inducing the ectopic thymic expression of many tissue-specific antigens. Although the syndrome is a monogenic disease, it is characterized by a wide variability of the clinical expression with no significant correlation between genotype and phenotype. Indeed, many aspects regarding the exact role of AIRE and APECED pathogenesis still remain unraveled. In the last decades, several studies in APECED and in its mouse experimental counterpart have revealed new insights on how immune system learns self-tolerance. Moreover, novel interesting findings have extended our understanding of AIRE's function and regulation thus improving our knowledge on the pathogenesis of APECED. In this review, we will summarize recent novelties on molecular mechanisms underlying the development of APECED and their clinical implications

Effect of different functionalized carbon nanostructures as fillers on the physical properties of biocompatible poly( l -lactic acid) composites

Composites of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) and biocompatible polymers are promising materials for a series of advanced technological applications, ranging from biomedicine and bioelectronics to smart packaging and soft robotics. In this work, we present three types of organic-functionalized CNSs, namely p-methoxyphenyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns and reduced graphene oxide, used as nanofillers for the preparation of homogeneous and well-dispersed composites of poly(L-lactic acid), a biocompatible and biodegradable FDA-approved polymer. A thorough characterization of the composites is given in terms of calorimetric response, electrical and mechanical properties. Significant differences are observed among the different types of CNS nanofillers, underlying the key role played by the nanoscale shape and distribution of the components in driving the macroscopic behavior of the composite material. Surface properties are probed through advanced atomic force microscopy techniques, on both flat substrates (films) and confined systems (nanofibers). All these composites proved to be biocompatible and to support as scaffolds the proliferation of human neuronal precursor cell line SH-SY5Y, opening the route to a future comparative analysis on their ability to boost neuronal differentiation

Archaeology, capitalism and critique. echoes of mark leone in latinamerican historical archaeology

En este artículo efectuamos una revisión de la obra de Mark Leone y elaboramos una reflexión sobre su impacto en la arqueología histórica latinoamericana. Por un lado, consideramos su propuesta para el desarrollo de una arqueología del capitalismo, analizamos las formas en que sus estudios permiten comprender la construcción y legitimación de las desigualdades del presente en el pasado, y presentamos sus discusiones sobre la necesidad de que la disciplina manifieste un compromiso socio-político claro. Por otra parte, discutimos las formas en que las ideas de Leone se encuentran explícita e implícitamente presentes en los trabajos de numerosos colegas de la región. De esta manera, esperamos revalorizar su contribución, destacando el potencial de sus formulaciones para atender a algunas problemáticas relevantes en las agendas de investigación locales.Neste artigo, revisamos a obra de Mark Leone e elaboramos uma reflexão sobre seu impacto na arqueologia histórica latino-americana. Por um lado, consideramos sua proposta de desenvolvimento de uma arqueologia do capitalismo, analisamos as formas pelas quais seus estudos nos permitem compreender a construção e legitimação das desigualdades do presente no passado, e apresentamos suas discussões sobre a necessidade de a disciplina manifestar um claro compromisso sociopolítico. Por outro lado, discutimos as maneiras pelas quais as ideias de Mark Leone estão explícita e implicitamente presentes nas obras de numerosos colegas da região. Desta forma, esperamos reavaliar sua contribuição, destacando o potencial de suas formulações para abordar alguns temas relevantes nas agendas de pesquisa locais.In this article we carry out a review of the work of Mark Leone and elaborate a reflection on its impact on Latin American historical archeology. On the one hand, we consider his proposal for the development of an archeology of capitalism; we analyze the ways in which his studies help us to understand the construction and legitimation of the inequalities of the present in the past; and we present his discussions on the need for the discipline to manifest a clear socio-political commitment. On the other hand, we discuss the ways in which Leone's ideas are explicitly and implicitly present in the works of numerous Latin American colleagues. In this way, we hope to highlight his contribution and the potential of his proposal to address some relevant problems in local research agendas.Fil: Salerno, Melisa Anabella. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Historia y Ciencias Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Cruz, María Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Historia y Ciencias Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Zarankin, Andrés. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Codevilla Soares, Fernanda. Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande.; BrasilFil: Rigone, Romina Carla. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Historia y Ciencias Humanas; Argentin

COVID-19 Detection from Mass Spectra of Exhaled Breath

According to the World Health Organization, the SARS-CoV-2 virus generated a global emergency between 2020 and 2023 resulting in about 7 million deaths out of more than 750 million individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. During these years, polymerase-chain-reaction and antigen testing played a prominent role in disease control. In this study, we propose a fast and non-invasive detection system exploiting a proprietary mass spectrometer to measure ions in exhaled breath. We demonstrated that infected individuals, even if asymptomatic, exhibit characteristics in the air expelled from the lungs that can be detected by a nanotech-based technology and then recognized by soft-computing algorithms. A clinical trial was ran on about 300 patients: the mass spectra in the 10-351 mass-to-charge range were measured, suitably pre-processed, and analyzed by different classification models; eventually, the system shown an accuracy of 95% and a recall of 94% in identifying cases of COVID-19. With performances comparable to traditional methodologies, the proposed system could play a significant role in both routine examination for common diseases and emergency response for new epidemics.Comment: 15 page

Composição corporal e perfil bioquímico de atletas profissionais de futebol em pré-temporada

Introduction and objective: The adequacy of body composition and biochemical profile, are related to improvements in various aspects of football, such as agility, endurance, strength, power and speed. The objective of this study was to evaluate body composition and the biochemical profile of football players in pre-season. Materials and Methods: A descriptive transversal study with 29 professional players, male, of a club that plays in the Brazilian B championship. The data collection occurred on the day of presentation of the team for the regular season. Were measured weight, height, and skinfolds and blood biochemical markers. The data obtained from the survey were typed in Microsoft Office Excel® and analyzed in Stata 14.0®, with a significance level of 5%. Discussion: The players evaluated feature parameters correspondent to similar studies. Results: The mean age was 24 ± 5,52 years. The average percentage of lean body mass found was 48.70 ± 1,62kg, while the fat mass was 12.32kg ±1,72. As to the biochemical profile, the athletes showed appropriate values of most of the examinations. Conclusion: The players were evaluated anthropometric profile compatible with the sport involved and the analysis of body composition and biochemical profile is important, since the suitability can lead to improve physical performance and prevention of injuries.Introdução e objetivo: A adequação da composição corporal e do perfil bioquímico, estão relacionados à melhoria de diversos aspectos do futebol, tais como: agilidade, resistência, força, potência e velocidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil da composição corporal e bioquímico de atletas profissionais de futebol em pré-temporada. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com 29 atletas profissionais, do sexo masculino, de um clube que disputa o campeonato brasileiro série B. A coleta de dados ocorreu no dia da apresentação da equipe para a temporada regular. Foram aferidas medidas corpóreas de massa corporal, estatura, dobras cutâneas e marcadores bioquímicos sanguíneos. Os dados obtidos foram digitados no Microsoft Office Excel® e analisados no Stata 14.0®, com nível de significância de 5%. Discussão: Os atletas avaliados apresentam parâmetros correspondentes à estudos similares. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 24 ± 5,52 anos. A média do percentual de massa magra encontrado foi de 48,70 ± 1,62 kg, enquanto a de massa gorda foi de 12,32 ±1,72 kg. Quanto ao perfil bioquímico, os atletas apresentaram valores adequados na maioria dos exames. Conclusão: Os atletas avaliados apresentaram perfil antropométrico compatíveis com a modalidade esportiva que participam e a análise da composição corporal e do perfil bioquímico é importante, visto que a adequação pode levar a melhora do desempenho físico, performance e prevenção de lesões.&nbsp