Changes of microenvironment in an in vitro co-culture system

For the enhanced understanding of fundamental cancer biology and improving molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, the role of the microenvironment during the initiation and progression of carcinogenesis is thought to be of critical importance (1, 2). The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model based on a co-culture of healthy human fibroblasts (HFs) and human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63s) to simulate the microenvironment including tumor and healthy cells. The HFs and MG-63s were in vitro co-cultured for a period of time ranging from 24h to 7 days. Cell morphology and organization were studied by phase contrast microscopy while the expression of Human Cartilage Glycoprotein 39 (YKL-40), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Matrix Metalloprotease 1 (MMP1) and IL1 alpha was investigated by Real Time PCR and Western Blotting. To better correlate the role of YKL-40, VEGF, MMP1 and IL1 alpha, siRNA knockdown of YKL-40 in MG-63 cells was performed, and changes in protein expression in the co-cultures were analyzed. Results showed a characteristic disposition of tumor and healthy co-cultured cells in columns which are not visible in tumor and healthy cells grown singularly. The expression of YKL-40, VEGF and MMP1 significantly changed in co-cultured cells compared to HFs and MG-63s separately cultured. siRNA knockdown of YKL-40 was responsible of a down-regulation of VEGF expression on HFs, and an increase of IL1 alpha expression in MG-63s. These results suggest that the tumor microenvironment has an influence on the protein expression of the healthy surrounding tissues and the process of tumorigenicity

Drug-Induced Urolithiasis in Pediatric Patients

Drug-induced nephrolithiasis is a rare condition in children. The involved drugs may be divided into two different categories according to the mechanism involved in calculi formation. The first one includes poorly soluble drugs that favor the crystallization and calculi formation. The second category includes drugs that enhance calculi formation through their metabolic effects. The diagnosis of these specific calculi depends on a detailed medical history, associated comorbidities and the patient's history of drug consumption. There are several risk factors associated with drug-induced stones, such as high dose of consumed drugs and long duration of treatment. Moreover, there are some specific risk factors, including urinary pH and the amount of fluid consumed by children. There are limited data regarding pediatric lithogenic drugs, and hence, our aim was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize these drugs and identify the possible mechanisms involved in calculi formation and discuss the management and preventive measures for these calculi

Ultrastructural changes in human gingival fibroblasts after exposure to 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate

Polymerized resin-based materials are successfully utilized in medical applications. One drawback is the release of monomers from the matrix due to an incomplete polymerization or degradation processes. Released monomers can diffuse in the systemic circulation and induce adverse effects to biological tissues. Although there are many hypotheses about the induction of cell death by resin monomers, the underlying mechanisms are still under discussion. The aim of the study was to investigate the morphological modifications in human gingival fibroblasts exposed to 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to better elucidate the mechanism of cell death induced by resin monomers. Primary cultures of gingival fibroblasts were exposed to 3mM HEMA for 24 h, 72 h, 96 h. Morphological investigations were performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while western blot for caspase-3 was carried out to verify apoptosis. Electron microscopy images showed deep changes in the cell surface and cytoplasm after 72 h and 96 h of HEMA treatment. Autophagic vesicles were easily observed just after 24 h. Cleaved caspase-3 was detected after 72 h of treatment. These findings suggest that resin based materials induced cell death by the cooperation of apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms. The understanding of these mechanisms will lead to the development of smart biomaterials without or with low adverse effects

Influence of a biomimetic gelatin porous scaffold in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Recently, tissue engineering has merged with stem cell technology to develop new sources of transplantable material for injury or disease treatment. Eminently interesting, are bone and joint injuries/disorders because of the low self-regenerating capacity of the matrix secreting cells, particularly chondrocytes (1). Gelatin based scaffolds are considered to be a highly suitable 3D material for tissue regeneration, due to high biocompatibility and adaptation to native tissues. In the present study, the chondrogenic and osteogenic potential of a porous gelatin based scaffold (2), alone or in combination with hydroxyapatite crystals, was investigated in human mesenchymal stem cells. Cells were culture up to 4 weeks on the scaffold and on monolayer. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability, light and transmission electron microscopy were carried out to demonstrate cell colonization inside the porous architecture of the biomaterial and scaffold adhesion. The expression of chondrogenic markers such as SOX9, collagen type II, aggregan and versican and osteogenic markers such as Collagen type I, Runx -2, osteopontin and bone matrix protein, were investigated by Real Time PCR. Results showed an high cell viability, adhesion and colonization of the scaffold. Real Time PCR data demonstrated an up-regulation of all the chondrogenic and osteogenic markers analyzed. In conclusion, gelatin porous scaffold provides an improved environment for chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells compared to cell monolayer culture system

matricellular protein expression and cell ultrastructure as parameters to test in vitro cytotoxicity of a biomimetic scaffold

Following scaffold implantation, cell sufferance, in-vivo encapsulation, foreign body reaction and inflammatory response has been reported and the up- regulation of matricellular proteins is often connected with this condition. Cytotoxicity of biomaterials is generally tested according to ISO standard 10993-5 based mainly on viability tests. Additional assays, based on improved cytotoxicity knowledge, are suggested in order to better analyze the biocompatibility of implant materials. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the matricellular protein expression as biomarker for in vitro-testing the biocompatibility of implant materials. Tenascin-C, osteocalcin and osteopontin belong to the matricellular protein family and were chosen as cytotoxicity markers. Mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffold and on carboxymethyl cellulose based hydrogel in order to evaluate gene/protein expression by cell viability test, Real Time PCR and western blot. Electron microscopy was carried out to evaluate the morphological changes induced by cell/scaffold interactions. A low expression of tenascin-c, osteonectin and osteopontin was demonstrated in collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffold compared to the cells cultured on tissue flasks and on hydrogel scaffold. Based on our results, we propose matricellular protein expression as parameter for testing in vitro biocompatibility of implant materials

Proyecto plataforma virtual para mascotas

En el presente trabajo, los integrantes del grupo han desarrollado una idea de negocio que tendrá por nombre Pet Society, la cual será de gran ayuda para las personas que cuenten con mascotas en su hogar y podrán buscar todo lo necesario que requieren, ya sea veterinarias, tiendas de artículos de mascotas, criadores, entrenadores de perros, entre otros. Esta idea de negocio, se desarrolló debido a que, se encontró una gran necesidad por parte de los usuarios en encontrar lo necesario para su mascota en un solo lugar de manera segura y rápida. Asimismo, esta aplicación contará con un filtro necesario para que los negocios que ingresen a la plataforma sean bien seleccionados, de tal forma que, los clientes no tengan ningún problema al momento de usar esta app. Para la realización de este proyecto, se realizaron las investigaciones necesarias, además, para su validación, se llevaron a cabo experimentos a lo largo del ciclo; se realizaron experimentos para la validación de modelo de negocio, para su solución y para comprobar el interés de compra por parte del público objetivo. Finalmente, para concluir con el proyecto, se realizó un plan financiero para comprobar la viabilidad del proyecto, por medio de los flujos de caja resultantes y sus indicadores financieros.In the present work, the members of the group have developed a business idea that will be called Pet Society, which will be of great help for people who have pets in their home and will be able to find everything they need, either veterinarians , pet supply stores, breeders, dog trainers, among others. This business idea was developed because there was a great need on the part of users to find what they need for their pet in one place safely and quickly. Likewise, this application will have a necessary filter so that the businesses that enter the platform are well selected, so that customers do not have any problems when using this app. To carry out this project, the necessary investigations were carried out, in addition, for its validation, experiments were carried out throughout the cycle; Experiments were carried out for the validation of the business model, for its solution and to verify the purchase interest of the target audience. Finally, to conclude the project, a financial plan was made to verify the viability of the project, through the resulting cash flows and their financial indicators.Trabajo de investigació

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre el consumo de ácido fólico en mujeres en edad fértil que acuden al Hospital Regional de Encarnación

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin (B9) that contributes to the closure of the neural tube. Supplementation in the periconceptional stage prevents up to 70% of neural tube pathologies. The objective was to describe the knowledge related to folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age in the HRE in the year 2022. The descriptive, qualitative, prospective, cross-sectional methodology was used, in women from 14 to 54 years of age. A value of n=386 was calculated, applied using google surveys, with questions from a validated instrument. The median age was 26 years, 63.07% were single, 50.5% with a tertiary academic level, 51.1% received advice on the consumption of folic acid. 88.44% answered correctly that it is folic acid, 95.4% consider its consumption important, 57.29% consume it, only 22.86% consumed it before pregnancy and half of them did so daily.  We must promote correct and timely information about the benefits of folic acid supplementation before pregnancy, although the vast majority have knowledge about the importance of supplementation and would consume it, only a small number consumed it before becoming pregnant.El ácido fólico es una vitamina hidrosoluble que contribuye al cierre del tubo neural, la suplementación en la etapa periconcepcional previene hasta el 70% de las patologías del tubo neural. El objetivo fue describir los conocimientos relacionados a suplementación con ácido fólico en mujeres de edad fértil en el HRE en el año de 2022.  Estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, de corte transversal, en mujeres de 14 a 54 años. Se calculó un valor n=386, se aplicó encuestas con preguntas de un instrumento validado.  La mediana de edad fue de 26 años, el 63.07% era soltera, el 50.5% con nivel académico terciario, el 51.1% recibió consejo sobre el consumo de ácido fólico. El 88,44 % respondió   correctamente que es el ácido fólico, el 95,4% considera importante su consumo, el 57,29% lo consume, solo el 22,86% lo consumío antes de la gestacíon y la mitad de ellas lo hizo diariamente. Debemos promover la correcta y oportuna información sobre los beneficios de la suplementación de ácido fólico antes de la gestación, aunque la gran mayoría tiene conocimientos sobre la importancia de la suplementación y lo consumiría, solo un pequeño número lo consumió antes de quedar embarazada

VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad

Acta de congresoLa conmemoración de los cien años de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918 se presentó como una ocasión propicia para debatir el rol de la historia, la teoría y la crítica en la formación y en la práctica profesional de diseñadores, arquitectos y urbanistas. En ese marco el VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad constituyó un espacio de intercambio y reflexión cuya realización ha sido posible gracias a la colaboración entre Facultades de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño de la Universidad Nacional y la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Córdoba, contando además con la activa participación de mayoría de las Facultades, Centros e Institutos de Historia de la Arquitectura del país y la región. Orientado en su convocatoria tanto a docentes como a estudiantes de Arquitectura y Diseño Industrial de todos los niveles de la FAUD-UNC promovió el debate de ideas a partir de experiencias concretas en instancias tales como mesas temáticas de carácter interdisciplinario, que adoptaron la modalidad de presentación de ponencias, entre otras actividades. En el ámbito de VIII Encuentro, desarrollado en la sede Ciudad Universitaria de Córdoba, se desplegaron numerosas posiciones sobre la enseñanza, la investigación y la formación en historia, teoría y crítica del diseño, la arquitectura y la ciudad; sumándose el aporte realizado a través de sus respectivas conferencias de Ana Clarisa Agüero, Bibiana Cicutti, Fernando Aliata y Alberto Petrina. El conjunto de ponencias que se publican en este Repositorio de la UNC son el resultado de dos intensas jornadas de exposiciones, cuyos contenidos han posibilitado actualizar viejos dilemas y promover nuevos debates. El evento recibió el apoyo de las autoridades de la FAUD-UNC, en especial de la Secretaría de Investigación y de la Biblioteca de nuestra casa, como así también de la Facultad de Arquitectura de la UCC; va para todos ellos un especial agradecimiento

EVALITA Evaluation of NLP and Speech Tools for Italian - December 17th, 2020

Welcome to EVALITA 2020! EVALITA is the evaluation campaign of Natural Language Processing and Speech Tools for Italian. EVALITA is an initiative of the Italian Association for Computational Linguistics (AILC, http://www.ai-lc.it) and it is endorsed by the Italian Association for Artificial Intelligence (AIxIA, http://www.aixia.it) and the Italian Association for Speech Sciences (AISV, http://www.aisv.it)

Search for gravitational-lensing signatures in the full third observing run of the LIGO-Virgo network

Gravitational lensing by massive objects along the line of sight to the source causes distortions of gravitational wave-signals; such distortions may reveal information about fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics. In this work, we have extended the search for lensing signatures to all binary black hole events from the third observing run of the LIGO--Virgo network. We search for repeated signals from strong lensing by 1) performing targeted searches for subthreshold signals, 2) calculating the degree of overlap amongst the intrinsic parameters and sky location of pairs of signals, 3) comparing the similarities of the spectrograms amongst pairs of signals, and 4) performing dual-signal Bayesian analysis that takes into account selection effects and astrophysical knowledge. We also search for distortions to the gravitational waveform caused by 1) frequency-independent phase shifts in strongly lensed images, and 2) frequency-dependent modulation of the amplitude and phase due to point masses. None of these searches yields significant evidence for lensing. Finally, we use the non-detection of gravitational-wave lensing to constrain the lensing rate based on the latest merger-rate estimates and the fraction of dark matter composed of compact objects