Two benthic diatoms, nanofrustulum shiloi and striatella unipunctata, encapsulated in alginate beads, influence the reproductive efficiency of paracentrotus lividus by modulating the gene expression

Physiological effects of algal metabolites is a key step for the isolation of interesting bioactive compounds. Invertebrate grazers may be fed on live diatoms or dried, pelletized, and added to compound feeds. Any method may reveal some shortcomings, due to the leaking of wound-activated compounds in the water prior to ingestion. For this reason, encapsulation may represent an important step of bioassay-guided fractionation, because it may assure timely preservation of the active compounds. Here we test the effects of the inclusion in alginate (biocompatible and non-toxic delivery system) matrices to produce beads containing two benthic diatoms for sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus feeding. In particular, we compared the effects of a diatom whose influence on P. lividus was known (Nanofrustulum shiloi) and those of a diatom suspected to be harmful to marine invertebrates, because it is often present in blooms (Striatella unipunctata). Dried N. shiloi and S. unipunctata were offered for one month after encapsulation in alginate hydrogel beads and the larvae produced by sea urchins were checked for viability and malformations. The results indicated that N. shiloi, already known for its toxigenic effects on sea urchin larvae, fully conserved its activity after inclusion in alginate beads. On the whole, benthic diatoms affected the embryogenesis of P. lividus, altering the expression of several genes involved in stress response, development, skeletogenesis and detoxification processes. Interactomic analysis suggested that both diatoms activated a similar stress response pathway, through the up-regulation of hsp60, hsp70, NF-κB, 14-3-3 ε and MDR1 genes. This research also demonstrates that the inclusion in alginate beads may represent a feasible technique to isolate diatom-derived bioactive compounds

Prospective qualitative and quantitative non-invasive evaluation of intestinal acute GVHD by contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography.

Intestinal acute GVHD (I-aGVHD) is a life-threatening complication after allografting. Non-invasive bed-side procedures to evaluate extension and treatment response are still lacking. We hypothesized that, during I-aGVHD, contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography (CEUS) could detect microcirculation changes (MVC) of the bowel wall (BW) and help to monitor treatment response. We prospectively employed CEUS in 83 consecutive patients. Of these, 14 patients with biopsy-proven intestinal GVHD (I-GVHD) were defined as the study group, whereas 16 patients with biopsy-proven stomach GVHD (U-GVHD) without intestinal symptoms, 6 normal volunteers and 4 patients with neutropenic enterocolitis were defined as the control group. All patients were evaluated with both standard ultrasonography (US) and CEUS at the onset of intestinal symptoms, during clinical follow-up and at flare of symptoms. Standard US revealed BW thickening of multiple intestinal segments, useful to determine the extension of GVHD. CEUS showed MVC, which correlated with GVHD activity, treatment response, and predicted flare of intestinal symptoms. US and CEUS findings were superimposable at diagnosis and in remission. CEUS was, however, more sensitive and specific to identify subclinical activity in patients with clinical relevant improvement. These findings were not observed in the control groups. CEUS is a non-invasive, easily reproducible bed-side tool useful to monitor I-aGVHD

Factors predicting survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreatectomy with arterial resection

Pancreatectomy with arterial resection is a treatment option in selected patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to identify factors predicting cancer-specific survival in this patient population. A single-Institution prospective database was used. Pre-operative prognostic factors were identified and used to develop a prognostic score. Matching with pathologic parameters was used for internal validation. In a patient population with a median Ca 19.9 level of 19.8 U/mL(IQR: 7.1–77), cancer-specific survival was predicted by: metabolic deterioration of diabetes (OR = 0.22, p = 0.0012), platelet count (OR = 1.00; p = 0.0013), serum level of Ca 15.3 (OR = 1.01, p = 0.0018) and Ca 125 (OR = 1.02, p = 0.00000137), neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (OR = 1.16; p = 0.00015), lymphocytes-to-monocytes ratio (OR = 0.88; p = 0.00233), platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio (OR = 0.99; p = 0.00118), and FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 0.57; p = 0.00144). A prognostic score was developed and three risk groups were identified. Harrell’s C-Index was 0.74. Median cancer-specific survival was 16.0 months (IQR: 12.3–28.2) for the high-risk group, 24.7 months (IQR: 17.6–33.4) for the intermediate-risk group, and 39.0 months (IQR: 22.7–NA) for the low-risk group (p = 0.0003). Matching the three risk groups against pathology parameters, N2 rate was 61.9, 42.1, and 23.8% (p = 0.04), median value of lymph-node ratio was 0.07 (IQR: 0.05–0.14), 0.04 (IQR:0.02–0.07), and 0.03 (IQR: 0.01–0.04) (p = 0.008), and mean value of logarithm odds of positive nodes was − 1.07 ± 0.5, − 1.3 ± 0.4, and − 1.4 ± 0.4 (p = 0.03), in the high-risk, intermediate-risk, and low-risk groups, respectively. An online calculator is available at www.survivalcalculator-lapdac-arterialresection.org. The prognostic factors identified in this study predict cancer-specific survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer and low Ca 19.9 levels undergoing pancreatectomy with arterial resection

Inovação curricular no ensino superior: desafios e possibilidades

We conceive the university extension experiences relevant for pedagogical innovation in the formative processes in the university, because in them there are possibilities of intercultural dialogues between communities that struggle for recognition and inclusion. We understand that for pedagogical innovation it is necessary curricular innovation. (Campani, Silva and Parente, 2018). Based on the studies of Santos (2008), Bondia (2002), Popkewitz (2001), Hall (2006) we define curricular innovation as a reinventive intercultural experience sustained by a socially constructed epistemology embodied by an inclusive curriculum. In this article, we aim to analyze the contribution of the University Extension Program, the Incubator of Economic Solidarity Projects - IEES, for the process of curricular innovation of the State University Vale do Acaraú. This Program aims to empower communities to undertake and work in the solidarity economy. In analyzing the teachers' statements about their experiences of extension in the Program under study, we identified that, in creating differentiated ways of knowing and relating to knowledge in processes of interculturalities and inclusion, they intend to break with the scientific regularities, thus enhancing curricular innovation.Concebimos las experiencias de extensión universitaria relevantes para la innovación pedagógica en los procesos formativos en la universidad, pues en ellas hay posibilidades de diálogos interculturales entre comunidades que luchan por reconocimiento e inclusión. Comprendemos que para que haya innovación pedagógica es necesaria la innovación curricular (Campani, Silva y Parente, 2018). Basado en los estudios de Santos (2008), Bondia (2002), Popkewitz (2001), Hall (2006) definimos innovación curricular como una experiencia intercultural reinventiva sostenida por una epistemología socialmente construida y corporificada por un currículo inclusivo. En este artículo, objetivamos analizar la contribución del Programa de Extensión Universitaria, la Incubadora de Emprendimientos Económicos Solidarios - IEES, para el proceso de innovación curricular de la Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú. Este Programa pretende empoderar a las comunidades a emprender y trabajar en la economía solidaria. Al analizar hablas de los docentes sobre sus experiencias de extensión en el Programa en estudio, identificamos que las mismas, al crear formas diferenciadas de conocer y relacionarse con el conocimiento en procesos de interculturalidad e inclusión, incitan rupturas con las regularidades científicas potenciando la innovación curricular.Concebemos as experiências de extensão universitária relevantes para a inovação pedagógica nos processos formativos na universidade, pois nelas há possibilidades de diálogos interculturais entre comunidades que lutam por reconhecimento e inclusão. Compreendemos que para haver inovação pedagógica é necessária a inovação curricular (Campani, Silva e Parente, 2018). Com base nos estudos de Santos (2008), Bondia (2002), Popkewitz (2001), Hall (2006) definimos inovação curricular como uma experiência intercultural reinventiva sustentada por uma epistemologia socialmente construída e corporificada por um currículo includente. Nesse artigo, objetivamos analisar a contribuição do Programa de Extensão Universitária, a Incubadora de Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários – IEES, para o processo de inovação curricular da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú. Esse Programa objetiva empoderar comunidades a empreenderem e trabalharem na economia solidaria. Ao analisar as falas dos docentes sobre suas experiências de extensão no Programa em estudo, identificamos que as mesmas, ao criarem formas diferenciadas de conhecer e se relacionar com o conhecimento em processos de interculturalidades e inclusão, tencionam rupturas com as regularidades científicas potencializando a inovação curricular

Inovação curricular no ensino superior: desafios e possibilidades

Concebemos as experiências de extensão universitária relevantes para a inovação pedagógica nos processos formativos na universidade, pois nelas há possibilidades de diálogos interculturais entre comunidades que lutam por reconhecimento e inclusão. Compreendemos que para haver inovação pedagógica é necessária a inovação curricular (Campani, Silva e Parente, 2018). Com base nos estudos de Santos (2008), Bondia (2002), Popkewitz (2001), Hall (2006) definimos inovação curricular como uma experiência intercultural reinventiva sustentada por uma epistemologia socialmente construída e corporificada por um currículo includente. Nesse artigo, objetivamos analisar a contribuição do Programa de Extensão Universitária, a Incubadora de Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários – IEES, para o processo de inovação curricular da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú. Esse Programa objetiva empoderar comunidades a empreenderem e trabalharem na economia solidaria. Ao analisar as falas dos docentes sobre suas experiências de extensão no Programa em estudo, identificamos que as mesmas, ao criarem formas diferenciadas de conhecer e se relacionar com o conhecimento em processos de interculturalidades e inclusão, tencionam rupturas com as regularidades científicas potencializando a inovação curricular

Patient-reported Quality of Life outcomes in patients treated for muscle-invasive bladder cancer with radiotherapy ± chemotherapy in the BC2001 Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial

BC2001, the largest randomised trial of bladder-sparing treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, demonstrated improvement of local control and bladder cancer-specific survival from the addition of concomitant 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C to radiotherapy.This article is available via Open Access. Click on the Publisher URL to access the full-text

Magnetic Field Stimulated Transitions of Excited States in Fast Muonic Helium Ions

It is shown that one can stimulate, by using the present-day laboratory magnetic fields, transitions between the $lm$ sub-levels of fast $\mu He^+$ ions formating in muon catalyzed fusion. Strong fields also cause the self-ionization from highly excited states of such muonic ions. Both effects are the consequence of the interaction of the bound muon with the oscillating field of the Stark term coupling the center-of-mass and muon motions of the $\mu He^+$ ion due to the non-separability of the collective and internal variables in this system. The performed calculations show a possibility to drive the population of the $lm$ sub-levels by applying a field of a few $Tesla$, which affects the reactivation rate and is especially important to the $K\alpha$ $x$-ray production in muon catalyzed fusion. It is also shown that the $2s-2p$ splitting in $\mu He^+$ due to the vacuum polarization slightly decreases the stimulated transition rates.Comment: 5 figure

Trichothecene Mycotoxins Inhibit Mitochondrial Translation—Implication for the Mechanism of Toxicity

Fusarium head blight (FHB) reduces crop yield and results in contamination of grains with trichothecene mycotoxins. We previously showed that mitochondria play a critical role in the toxicity of a type B trichothecene. Here, we investigated the direct effects of type A and type B trichothecenes on mitochondrial translation and membrane integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sensitivity to trichothecenes increased when functional mitochondria were required for growth, and trichothecenes inhibited mitochondrial translation at concentrations, which did not inhibit total translation. In organello translation in isolated mitochondria was inhibited by type A and B trichothecenes, demonstrating that these toxins have a direct effect on mitochondrial translation. In intact yeast cells trichothecenes showed dose-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species, but only at doses higher than those affecting mitochondrial translation. These results demonstrate that inhibition of mitochondrial translation is a primary target of trichothecenes and is not secondary to the disruption of mitochondrial membranes

The prevention of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease with in-home monitoring using a wearable system: a pilot study protocol

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordBACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that gradually worsens motor function and leads to postural instability and, eventually, falls. Several factors may influence the frequency of future falls, such as slowness, freezing of gait, loss of balance, and mobility problems, cognitive impairments, and the number of previous falls. The TED bracelet is an advanced technological wearable device able to predict falls. AIMS: This principal aim is to investigate the feasibility of a full-scale research project that uses the TED bracelet to identify whether individuals with PD are at risk of falling. METHODS: This study will involve a pilot prospective observational study design; the subjects will include 26 patients suffering from mild PD and 26 others with no PD and no gait problems. Data will be collected from the TED bracelet and then compared to a paper-based fall diary. The enrolled participants will have a scheduled outpatient evaluation to collect both clinical and instrumental data as well as biological samples. DISCUSSION: This pilot study could then be implemented in a larger form to further evaluate the effectiveness of the TED device. Finally, it will help further develop gait monitoring systems for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases that can affect physical function and mobility, such as dementia and Alzheimer's. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing falls and their complications could lead to major advancements in the quality of home care for patients with PD, which would significantly impact the quality of life of both these patients and their caregivers.Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR