1,723,527 research outputs found
Gli uomini illustri di Domenico Ribatti
No full textPrefazione a un libro in cui l'autore, il noto scienziato di caratura internazionale Domenico Ribatti, ha raccolto in ordine alfabetico una galleria di ritratti minimi, di "vires illustres", opportunamente senza alcuna distinzione fra umanisti e scienziati, come seguendo un filo rosso individuabile nella dimensione etica, dimostrata nella metodicità e riservatezza del lavoro e dell'inclinazione civile, non di rado l'una e l'altra insieme e indissolubilmente legate. Le scelte sono assolutamente personali, senza un disegno ideologico, lasciando che sia il lettore, semmai, a individuare collegamenti e nessi, riflettendo il carattere eterogeneo delle letture di Ribatti. Potremmo dire che esse siano state guidate dal caso ma anche dalla necessità, parafrasando il titolo del celebre saggio scritto dal Nobel per la Medicina Jacques Monod nel 1970. Il lettore potrà condividere o dissentire dalle scelte dell'autore, ma soprattutto l'intento dell'autore è stato quello di stimolare la curiosità del lettore ad approfondire le sue conoscenze attraverso la lettura che deve essere sempre libera e incondizionata
Detection of Possible Symmetries in Vascular Networks by Computer-Assisted Image Analysis
No full text: The possible forms that vascular networks may assume are significantly constrained by complex demands in terms of efficient delivery of oxygen and resources throughout the entire body. Because of these constraints the search for systematic patterns in the structural features of vascular networks and of their correlation with physiological needs and pathological conditions (such as tumor angiogenesis) represents an important line of morphological research. In this context, symmetry properties of vascular trees received limited attention, although symmetry is a widespread phenomenon, visible in all forms and scales in natural environments, and represents a significant information to describe a shape. In the present chapter three, image analysis-based methods allowing for the detection of possible symmetry features exhibited by vascular trees will be detailed and discussed
Vascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols
No full textVascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols provides a range of techniques for studying vascular morphogenesis in vivo and in vitro, reflecting advances in the field. Endothelial cell signaling is currently believed to promote fundamental cues for cell fate specification, embryo patterning, organ differentiation and postnatal tissue remodeling. Understanding the concept of vascular bed specificity represents a major challenge for future investigations. Indeed, one of the most interesting theoretical perspectives and practical applications of endothelial cell signaling is the possibility for these cells to maintain their inductive potential during adult life. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Practical and authoritative, Vascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols will serve as a instructive and useful reference for cell biologists, anatomists, pathologists and physiologists, as well as all those interested in this area of biological stud
A historical perspective on milestones in multiple myeloma research
Full text linkThe first well-documented case of multiple myeloma was reported in 1844 by Samuel Solly. In this article, the author presents a historical review of the disease. In particular, the review is focused on the main steps, including the definition of Bence Jones proteinuria, the characterization of tumoral plasma cells and serum globulins, and the fundamental contribution of Jan Waldenstrom. Finally, treatment of multiple myeloma, as well as the development of new agents, is discussed
Quantitative research assessment: using metrics against gamed metrics-comment
No full text: In this letter to the Editor, the author reports his comment on the review article entitled. "Quantitative research assessment: using metrics against gamed metrics" published in this Journal
Recensione del libro di Domenico Ribatti: L'immunologia del Novecento. Una scienza dell'individualità biologica. Carrocci, Roma
No full textRecensione del libro di Domenico Ribatti "L'immunologia del Novecento
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's)
No full textGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a relatively rare necrotizing vasculitis belonging to the so-called ANCA-associated vasculitides, in that circulating anti-proteinase-3 neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) can be detected in the large majority of patients. The major clinical manifestations include necrotizing granulomatous lesions in the upper and/or lower respiratory tract, and glomerulonephritis. Although generalized necrotizing vasculitis involving both arteries and veins is a frequent indication of its systemic character, limited forms restricted to paranasal sinuses can also be observed. In the absence of suitable therapies, the disease can lead to death in a high percentage of patients. The introduction of glucocorticoids associated to cyclophosphamide has marked a milestone in the treatment of GPA. This combination has in fact been able to remarkably improve the previously ominous prognosis of these patients, resulting in a 10-yearsâ survival rate of approximately 75 %. More recently, additional immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and rituximab have been employed, with comparable or even better results
The development of the vascular system: a historical overview.
No full textDevelopment of the vascular system involves a complex sequence of inductive and differentiating signals leading to vasculogenesis and/or angiogenesis. Dissecting and exploring this process in its multifaceted morphological and molecular aspects has represented a basic contribution and a fascinating adventure in the history of biology. Vasculogenesis, that is de novo formation of vascular channels, initiates early during embryo development and prevails at the beginning of embryo patterning and organ formation. Angiogenesis, the process of shaping new vessels from preexisting blood vessels, mainly operates during postnatal life. In this historical introduction, we try to retrace the early steps of scientific speculation on vascular development and to recapitulate the principal paths leading to our present appreciation of blood vessel formatio
Nicole Le Douarin and the use of quail-chick chimeras to study the developmental fate of neural crest and hematopoietic cells
Full text linkThe quail-chick chimera marking system, devised in 1969, gave a new impetus to the analysis of cell migrations and interactions in the developing nervous, immune and hematopoietic systems. The method is based on the observation that the constitutive heterochromatin in all embryonic and adult cells of the quail is condensed in one large mass in the centre of the nucleus and is associated with the nucleolus, making this organelle strongly stained with the Feulgen–Rossenbeck reaction. The association of cells or rudiments from two avian species, advocated as a means to identify cells that migrate during embryogenesis, was rapidly recognized in this context as a useful tool for the study of many developmental biology problems. This article summarizes the fundamental contribution of Nicole Le Douarin to the discovery and the application of this technique over the last 40 years
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