Adotta un elemento

Adotta un elemento 2014 2015: Questa attività nasce dall’esigenza di introdurre la tavola periodica come un alfabeto da utilizzare per comporre le sostanze della materia che ci circonda, e non un astruso elenco di nomi e simboli completamente distaccati dalle sostanze che manipoliamo abitualmente. Di conseguenza dopo aver visitato le scuole con attività pratiche sugli elementi chimici e sulle loro proprietà, si desidera con questa attività seminare la curiosità su alcuni aspetti che per motivi di tempo non possono essere valutati nella attività “viaggio attraverso gli elementi chimici”. Il web con numerosi siti di interesse chimico, risulta essere un ottima risorsa dal punto di vista di informazioni e facilmente fruibile da parte degli studenti più interessati. Siti come ad esempio: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tavola_periodica_degli_elementi, http://chemistry.about.com/od/everydaychemistry/tp/Chemistry-In-Daily-Life.htm, http://www.textbooksonline.tn.nic.in/Books/Std08/Std08-MSSS-I-EM-S-3.pdf, http://www.minerva.unito.it/Chimica&Industria/SistemaPeriodico/TabellaSemplice.htm, possono essere un buon spunto per iniziare un viaggio di conoscenza su elementi noti ma dalle inaspettate proprietà e presenti ad esempio come principio attivo in farmaci, in materiali ad alte prestazioni, in additivi in alimenti, in enzimi dalle fondamentali attività negli organismi viventi e così via. E’ ben chiara la trasversalità dell’attività che porterà lo studente ad attraversare le discipline di fisica, chimica e biologia in maniera elastica mettendo in relazione principi di base e conoscenze generali. Questa attività ha lo scopo di presentare gli elementi e il loro impiego da un punto di vista nuovo, un punto di vista che metta in luce l’importanza della chimica e della sua ricaduta in termini di sviluppo tecnologico e umano. Come esempio, si pensi a tutto lo sviluppo dell’elettronica e all’importante sviluppo civile e tecnologico dovuta alla scoperta delle proprietà semiconduttrici del Silicio e alla messa a punto del metodo Czochralski (http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Processo_Czochralski) per la purificazione e la costruzione di monocristalli di Silicio. Questa attività prevede: i) la preparazione di un elaborato di almeno 8 pagine (carattere a scelta, corpo 12, interlinea 1.5) e di una presentazione PPT e/o multimediale, corredati da eventuali semplici esperimenti pratici inediti rispetto all’attività 1) su un elemento della tavola periodica. L’elaborato tratterà un solo elemento chimico. ii) L’attività deve essere presentata da un singolo studente che sia motivato nell’approfondimento dello studio della chimica. Ad ogni studente viene assegnato in via esclusiva un elemento della tavola periodica all’eventuale fine di ricostruire una tavola periodica virtuale. iii) L’elaborato dovrà contenere un breve cappello introduttivo sulle caratteristiche generali dell’elemento e su note storiche sulla sua scoperta e approfondire gli aspetti applicativi tecnologici, farmacologici e merceologici dell’elemento e/o dei suoi derivati. iv) I riferimenti bibliografici e le fonti usate nella preparazione dell’elaborato devono essere citate alla fine dell’elaborato. v) Per la preparazione della presentazione metodi comunicativi alternativi e innovativi sono benvenuti tali come fumetti, video ed esperimenti inediti. vi) Il lavoro dovrà essere prettamente individuale, coadiuvato dai docenti delle Scuole Secondarie vii) Si prevede una giornata conclusiva negli ultimi giorni di maggio 2013 dove gli studenti presenteranno il loro studio. viii) L’acquisizione dei CFU da parte dello studente concorrente può essere convalidata attenendosi alle procedure del regolamento di Scuola e di Ateneo. L’adozione di un elemento da parte di uno studente dovrebbe essere fatta durante o subito dopo la attività sulla tavola periodica. L’adesione deve essere comunicata al docente referente compilando il sotto riportato modulo che a sua volta lo comunica a referente UNICAM [email protected]. Una commissione di docenti del corso di laurea in chimica valuterà gli elaborati degli studenti concorrenti. Questa attività è rivolta agli studenti particolarmente curiosi e attivi. L'attività si pone come obiettivi lo sviluppo di conoscenze nel campo degli elementi chimici, lo stimolo allo studio della materia e lo sviluppo di capacità comunicative. L'attività si articola su più fasi: i) la scelta di un elemento chimico, ii) la ricerca dei suoi aspetti chimici e fisici di base, iii) la ricerca su come questi aspetti cambino nei composti derivati dall'elemento. Il punto cruciale di questo studio riguarda l'individuazione dei prodotti con questi elementi che manipoliamo nella vita quotidiana. Classi coinvolte: Classi 4e e 5e. Tutti gli studenti curiosi sarebbe potenzialmente idonei per questa attività. Tuttavia si ritiene che alcune competenze utili per questa attività (come capacità comunicative sia orali che scritte, organizzazione dell’elaborato, capacità di sintesi) siano riscontrabili in studenti del 4 e 5 liceo scientifico e di scienze applicate. Calendario: Adozione dell’elemento entro fine febbraio 2015 Conferma adozione entro prima decina di marzo Consegna degli elaborati 20 aprile 2015 Upload degli elaborati approvati nel sito http://d7.unicam.it/plschimica Giornata finale con comunicazioni orali sull’elemento adottato alla fine di maggio (intorno al 20 maggio, mercoledì

Discrepancy between FLC assays: Only a problem of quantification?

Immunoglobulin light chains not associated with heavy chains (free light chains, FLC) are found in serum. A growing clinical importance has been assigned to the quantification of the kappa and lambda FLC in serum in the management of plasma cell dyscrasias. At present, automated immunoassays are the only available techniques allowing quantitative determination of serum FLC. Unfortunately, the two reagents available for FLC assay, provide sometimes divergent results. It has been proposed that the different results, unpredictably affecting individual serum samples, are due the different reactivity of reagents against FLC oligomers that are known to be present to a variable extent in serum, especially when lambda FLC are involved. We report a case where we demonstrated that the two reagents recognized differently FLC monomer and dimers

An Immunoenzyme Linked Assay (ELISA) for the Detection of Antibodies to Truncated Glycoprotein D (tgD) of Bovine Herpesvirus-1

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) is responsible for a variety of clinical signs. It is widespread in cattle and causes severe economic losses (Castrucci et al., 2002a, b). To prevent the infection several live and inactivated vaccines are commonly used. However, due to their short-term immunity and incomplete protection, new vaccine strategies have been proposed such as genetic vaccination (Babiuk et al., 1999). With this aim a DNA vaccine, with a plasmid expressing the tgD glycoprotein, known to be responsible for the virus antigenicity and consequent immunogenicity (Castrucci et al., 2004; Gupta et al., 1998), has been investigated. In the present study, the ELISA reaction was performed in order to detect specific antibodies in calves vaccinated with a DNA vaccine using the pcDNA3.1-tgD plasmid

Immunological and Differentiation Properties of Amniotic Cells Are Retained After Immobilization in Pectin Gel

Mesenchymal stromal cells from the human amniotic membrane (i.e., human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells [hAMSCs]) of term placenta are increasingly attracting attention for their applications in regenerative medicine. Osteochondral defects represent a major clinical problem with lifelong chronic pain and compromised quality of life. Great promise for osteochondral regeneration is held in hydrogel-based constructs that have a flexible composition and mimic the physiological structure of cartilage. Cell loading within a hydrogel represents an advantage for regenerative purposes, but the encapsulation steps can modify cell properties. As pectin gels have also been explored as cell vehicles on 3D scaffolds, the aim of this study was to explore the possibility to include hAMSCs in pectin gel. Immobilization of hAMSCs into pectin gels could expand their application in cell-based bioengineering strategies. hAMSCs were analyzed for their viability and recovery from the pectin gel and for their ability to differentiate toward the osteogenic lineage and to maintain their immunological characteristics. When treated with a purposely designed pectin/hydroxyapatite gel biocomposite, hAMSCs retained their ability to differentiate toward the osteogenic lineage, did not induce an immune response, and retained their ability to reduce T cell proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that hAMSCs could be used in combination to pectin gels for the study of novel osteochondral regeneration strategies

Soil microarthropod communities from Mediterranean forest ecosystems in Central Italy under different disturbances

The aim of this study is to assess soil quality in Mediterranean forests of Central Italy, from evergreen to deciduous, with different types of management (coppice vs. high forest vs. secondary old growth) and compaction impacts (machinery vs. recreational). Soil quality was evaluated studying soil microarthropod communities and applying a biological index (QBS-ar) based on the concept that the higher is the soil quality, the higher will be the number of microarthropod groups well adapted to the soil habitat. Our results confirm that hardwood soils are characterised by the highest biodiversity level among growth) and compaction impacts (machinery vs. recreational). terrestrial communities and by a well-structured and mature microarthropod community, which is typical of stable ecosystems (QBS value, >200). While silvicultural practices and forest composition do not seem to influence QBS-ar values or microarthropod community structure, the index is very efficient in detecting soil impacts (soil compaction due to logging activities). Several taxa (Protura, Diplura, Coleoptera adults, Pauropoda, Diplopoda, Symphyla, Chilopoda, Diptera larvae and Opiliones) react negatively to soil compaction and degradation (QBS value, <150). In particular, Protura, Diplura, Symphyla and Pauropoda, are taxonomic groups linked to undisturbed soil. This index could also be a useful tool in monitoring soil biodiversity in protected areas and in urban forestry to prevent the negative effects of trampling. QBS-ar is a candidate index for biomonitoring of soil microarthropod biodiversity across the landscape to provide guidance for the sustainable management of renewable resource and nature conservation

Rapid shedding of proinflammatory microparticles by human mononuclear cells exposed to cigarette smoke is dependent on Ca(2+) mobilization.

Microparticles are membrane vesicles shed by cells upon activation and apoptosis. Agonists capable of inducing microparticle generation include cytokines, bacterial products, P-selectin, histamine. Cigarette smoke extract has also been recognized as an agonist involved in microparticle generation with an apoptosis-dependent mechanism. We investigated the possibility that cigarette smoke extract induces the rapid generation of proinflammatory microparticles by human mononuclear cells with a calcium-dependent mechanism.Human mononuclear cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extract. [Ca(2+)]i mobilization was assessed with the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 NW. Microparticles were quantified with a prothrombinase assay and by flow cytometry. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells and A549 alveolar cells were incubated with cigarette smoke extract-induced microparticles and the generation of ICAM-1, IL-8, and MCP-1 was assessed by ELISA.Exposure to cigarette smoke extract induced a rapid increase in [Ca(2+)]i mobilization. Microparticle generation was also increased. EGTA, verapamil and the calmodulin inhibitor, W-7, inhibited microparticle generation. Incubation of lung epithelial cells with cigarette smoke extract-induced microparticles increased the expression of proinflammatory mediators.Exposure of mononuclear cells to cigarette smoke extract causes a rapid shedding of microparticles with a proinflammatory potential that might add to the mechanisms of disease from tobacco use

Hep3Gel: A Shape-Shifting Extracellular Matrix-Based, Three-Dimensional Liver Model Adaptable to Different Culture Systems

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a leading cause of clinical trial withdrawal. Therefore, in vitro modeling the hepatic behavior and functionalities is not only crucial to better understand physiological and pathological processes but also to support drug development with reliable high-throughput platforms. Different physiological and pathological models are currently under development and are commonly implemented both within platforms for standard 2D cultures and within tailor-made chambers. This paper introduces Hep3Gel: a hybrid alginate-extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel to produce 3D in vitro models of the liver, aiming to reproduce the hepatic chemomechanical niche, with the possibility of adapting its shape to different manufacturing techniques. The ECM, extracted and powdered from porcine livers by a specifically set-up procedure, preserved its crucial biological macromolecules and was embedded within alginate hydrogels prior to crosslinking. The viscoelastic behavior of Hep3Gel was tuned, reproducing the properties of a physiological organ, according to the available knowledge about hepatic biomechanics. By finely tuning the crosslinking kinetics of Hep3Gel, its dualistic nature can be exploited either by self-spreading or adapting its shape to different culture supports or retaining the imposed fiber shape during an extrusion-based 3D-bioprinting process, thus being a shape-shifter hydrogel. The self-spreading ability of Hep3Gel was characterized by combining empirical and numerical procedures, while its use as a bioink was experimentally characterized through rheological a priori printability evaluations and 3D printing tests. The effect of the addition of the ECM was evident after 4 days, doubling the survival rate of cells embedded within control hydrogels. This study represents a proof of concept of the applicability of Hep3Gel as a tool to develop 3D in vitro models of the liver

Particulate matter induces prothrombotic microparticle shedding by human mononuclear and endothelial cells

Particulate airborne pollution is associated with increased cardiopulmonary morbidity. Microparticles are extracellular vesicles shed by cells upon activation or apoptosis involved in physiological processes such as coagulation and inflammation, including airway inflammation. We investigated the hypothesis that particulate matter causes the shedding of microparticles by human mononuclear and endothelial cells.Cells, isolated from the blood and the umbilical cords of normal donors, were cultured in the presence of particulate from a standard reference. Microparticles were assessed in the supernatant as phosphatidylserine concentration. Microparticle-associated tissue factor was assessed by an one-stage clotting assay. Nanosight technology was used to evaluate microparticle size distribution.Particulate matter induces a dose- and time- dependent, rapid (1 h) increase in microparticle generation in both cells. These microparticles express functional tissue factor. Particulate matter increases intracellular calcium concentration and phospholipase C inhibition reduces microparticle generation. Nanosight analysis confirmed that upon exposure to particulate matter both cells express particles with a size range consistent with the definition of microparticles (50-1000 nm).Exposure of mononuclear and endothelial cells to particulate matter upregulates the generation of microparticles at least partially mediated by calcium mobilization. This observation might provide a further link between airborne pollution and cardiopulmonary morbidity