The use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as drug delivery system represents a promising issue for diseases without effective pharmacological treatment due to insufficient local drug accumulation and ...excessive systemic toxicity. Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) represents about 70% of cases of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, the main challenge to long-term lung transplantation. It is believed that due to repeated insults to epithelial bronchiolar cells local inflammatory response creates a milieu that favors epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activation of local mesenchymal cells (MCs) leading to airway fibro-obliteration. In a previous work, we engineered GNPs loaded with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus, specifically decorated with an antibody against CD44, a surface receptor expressed by primary MCs isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage of BOS patients. We proved in vitro that these GNPs (GNP-HCe) were able to specifically inhibit primary MCs without affecting the bronchial epithelial cell. In the present work, we investigated the effect of these bioengineered nanoconstructs on inflammatory cells, given that a stimulating effect on macrophages, neutrophils or lymphocytes is strongly unwanted in graft airways since it would foster fibrogenesis. In addition, we administered GNP-HCe by the inhalatory route to normal mice for a preliminary assessment of their pulmonary and peripheral (liver, spleen and kidney) uptake. By these experiments, an evaluation of tissue toxicity was also performed. The present study proves that our bioengineered nanotools do not rise an inflammatory response and, under the tested inhalatory conditions that were used, are non-toxic.
Behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity, diet, sleep and sedentary behaviour of teenagers show promise when delivered through smartphones. However, to date there is no evidence of ...effectiveness of multicomponent smartphone-based interventions. Utilising a user-centred design approach, we developed a theory-based, multi-dimensional system, PEGASO Fit For Future (PEGASO F4F), which exploits sophisticated game mechanics involving smartphone applications, a smartphone game and activity sensors to motivate teenagers to take an active role in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This paper describes the study protocol to assess the feasibility, usability and effectiveness (knowledge/awareness and behavioural change in lifestyle) of the PEGASO system.
We are conducting a quasi-experimental controlled cluster trial in 4 sites in Spain, Italy, and UK (England, Scotland) over 6 months. We plan to recruit 525, in a 2:1 basis, teenagers aged 13-16 years from secondary schools. The intervention group is provided with the PEGASO system whereas the comparison group continues their usual educational routine. Outcomes include feasibility, acceptance, and usability of the PEGASO system as well as between and within group changes in motivation, self-reported diet, physical activity, sedentary and sleeping behaviour, anthropometric measures and knowledge about a healthy lifestyle.
PEGASO F4F will provide evidence into the cross-cultural similarities and differences in the feasibility, acceptability and usability of a multi-dimensional smartphone based behaviour change intervention for teenagers. The study will explore facilitating factors, challenges and barriers of engaging teenagers to adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle when using smartphone technology. Positive results from this ICT based multi component intervention may have significant implications both at clinical level, improving teenagers health and at public health level since it can present an influential tool against the development of chronic disease during adulthood.
https://clinicaltrials.gov Registration number: NCT02930148, registered 4 October 2016.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The role of CD19+CD24
CD38
B-regulatory cells in solid-organ Transplant (Tx) in acceptance are still scarce. In previous studies on kidney transplant recipients may suggest a protective role of this ...cell subtype in graft tolerance and the existence of a cross talk between B-and T-regulatory clones. In lung transplantation, the role of B-regulatory cells has never been investigated. In a murine tracheal transplantation model, this subset seems able to prevent tracheal obliteration when in combination with rapamycin. Aim of this study is to analyze peripheral CD19+CD24
CD38
B-reg cells counts in a cohort of lung recipients, their association with several clinical and pharmacological variables and their possible association with T regulatory cell.
From Jan 2009 to Dec 2014, 117 lung Tx recipients were submitted to an immunological follow up I-FU(median: 108.7 months (6.7-310.5)). Immunological follow up consisted of a complete blood peripheral immuno-phenotype, inclusive of CD19+CD24
CD38
B-cells (globally 1106 determinations). We tested the association between B-reg and relevant variables by linear or regression models for repeated measures, adjusting for time from Tx.
Among all variables analyzed at multivariate analysis: chronic rejection (OR - 0.19, p = .039), use of Mycophenolate (OR - 0.38, p < .001) and the presence of a concomitant pulmonary infection of S. aureus (OR 0.66, p = .002) and A. fumigatus (OR 0.50, p = .009) were significantly associated to B-reg cell. No significant correlation between CD19+CD24
CD38
B-reg cells and T-reg cells counts was found in our cohort.
Our present data highlight, for the first time, that this cell subset might participate in long-term lung graft acceptance mechanisms.
The objective of the present study was to test and establish mathematical models to estimate the leaf area of Garcinia brasiliensis Mart. through linear dimensions of the length, width and product of ...both measurements. In this way, 500 leaves of trees with age between 4 and 6 years were collected from all the cardinal points of the plant in the municipality of São Mateus, North of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The length (L) along the main midrib, the maximum width (W), the product of the length with the width (LW) and the observed leaf area (OLA) were obtained for all leaves. From these measurements were adjusted linear equations of first degree, quadratic and power, in which OLA was used as dependent variable as function of L, W and LW as independent variable. For the validation, the values of L, W and LW of 100 random leaves were substituted in the equations generated in the modeling, thus obtaining the estimated leaf area (ELA). The values of the means of ELA and OLA were tested by Student's t test 5% of probability. The mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and Willmott's index d for all proposed models were also determined. The choice of the best model was based on the non significant values in the comparison of the means of ELA and OLA, values of MAE and RMSE closer to zero and value of the index d and coefficient of determination (R2) close to unity. The equation that best estimates leaf area of Garcinia brasiliensis Mart. in a way non-destructive is the power model represented by por ELA = 0.7470(LW)0.9842 and R2 = 0.9949.
The main aim of this study was to estimate the costs associated with diagnostic assessment and 1-year therapy in children and adolescents enrolled in 18 ADHD reference centres. Data concerning 1887 ...children and adolescents from the mandatory ADHD registry database during the 2012-2014 period were analysed. The overall diagnostic and treatment costs per patient amounts to €574 and €830, respectively. The ADHD centre, the school as sender, and the time to diagnosis constitute cost drivers. Non-pharmacological therapy resulted as being more expensive for patients concomitantly treated with drugs (€929) compared to those treated with psychological interventions alone (€590; p = 0.006). This study gives the first and reliable estimate of the costs associated with both diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in Italy. Although costs associated with mental disorders are difficult to estimate, continuing efforts are need to define costs and resources to guarantee appropriate care, also for ADHD.
O processo de avaliação institucional caracteriza-se como uma nova dinâmica que está sendo implantada no cotidiano das IES no país. A partir da aprovação da Lei 10.861/2004, que instituiu o Sistema ...Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (SINAES), as IES iniciaram um processo de avaliação com o objetivo de atender ao SINAES, mas, também, de utilizar estes mecanismos para se auto-conhecerem e se auto-gerirem. Inserido neste processo, encontra-se um item determinante que é a participação dos membros que compõem a Instituição. Tendo em vista que os processos avaliativos, na maioria das IES, tiveram seu início devido à exigência da referida Lei, questiona-se a participação da comunidade acadêmica em relação à existência de democracia no processo de avaliação institucional da IES. Esta pesquisa busca analisar esta participação no processo de avaliação institucional da IES, no ano de 2005 especificamente, em relação à consulta on line realizada na Instituição.The institutional evaluation process is characterized as a new dynamics that is being introduced in the everyday life of the Higher Education Institutions (IES) in the country. Since the approval of the 10.861/2004 Law, which instituted the National Higher Education Evaluation System (SINAES), the IES started a process of evaluation with the purpose of not only complying with SINAES but also of using these mechanisms for self-knowledge and self-management. A determining item is inserted in this process: the participation of the members that constitute the Institution. Considering that the evaluative processes, in the majority of the IES, had their starting point due to the requirement of the above mentioned Law, the participation of the academic community is questioned in relation to the existence of democracy in the institutional evaluation process of the IES. This investigation aims at analyzing this participation in the institutional evaluation process of the IES, specifically in 2005, in relation to the on-line consultation conducted in the institution.
Avaliação institucional participativa Polidori, Marlis Morosini; Fonseca, Denise Grosso da; Larrosa, Sara Fernanda Tarter
Avaliação : revista da Rede de Avaliação Institucional da Educação Superior,
06/2007, Letnik:
12, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
O processo de avaliação institucional caracteriza-se como uma nova dinâmica que está sendo implantada no cotidiano das IES no país. A partir da aprovação da Lei 10.861/2004, que instituiu o Sistema ...Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (SINAES), as IES iniciaram um processo de avaliação com o objetivo de atender ao SINAES, mas, também, de utilizar estes mecanismos para se auto-conhecerem e se auto-gerirem. Inserido neste processo, encontra-se um item determinante que é a participação dos membros que compõem a Instituição. Tendo em vista que os processos avaliativos, na maioria das IES, tiveram seu início devido à exigência da referida Lei, questiona-se a participação da comunidade acadêmica em relação à existência de democracia no processo de avaliação institucional da IES. Esta pesquisa busca analisar esta participação no processo de avaliação institucional da IES, no ano de 2005 especificamente, em relação à consulta on line realizada na Instituição.
The institutional evaluation process is characterized as a new dynamics that is being introduced in the everyday life of the Higher Education Institutions (IES) in the country. Since the approval of the 10.861/2004 Law, which instituted the National Higher Education Evaluation System (SINAES), the IES started a process of evaluation with the purpose of not only complying with SINAES but also of using these mechanisms for self-knowledge and self-management. A determining item is inserted in this process: the participation of the members that constitute the Institution. Considering that the evaluative processes, in the majority of the IES, had their starting point due to the requirement of the above mentioned Law, the participation of the academic community is questioned in relation to the existence of democracy in the institutional evaluation process of the IES. This investigation aims at analyzing this participation in the institutional evaluation process of the IES, specifically in 2005, in relation to the on-line consultation conducted in the institution.
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