1,720,993 research outputs found
Genetics and Glaucoma: the state of the art
No full textGlaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Although genetic background contributes differently to rare early-onset glaucoma (before age 40) or common adult-onset glaucoma, it is now considered an important factor in all major forms of the disease. Genetic and genomic studies, including GWAS, are contributing to identifying novel loci associated with glaucoma or to endophenotypes across ancestries to enrich the knowledge about glaucoma genetic susceptibility. Moreover, new high-throughput functional genomics contributes to defining the relevance of genetic results in the biological pathways and processes involved in glaucoma pathogenesis. Such studies are expected to advance significantly our understanding of glaucoma's genetic basis and provide new druggable targets to treat glaucoma. This review gives an overview of the role of genetics in the pathogenesis or risk of glaucoma
Assessment of neurotoxicity assay based on neural-like cells from human adipose derived stem cells
No full text. In vitro animal models of the nervous system have been in use for many years provide an important tool for functional studies at cellular and molecular levels.
Aim of our study was to generate standardized neural precursor populations from human Adipose-derived Stem Cells (hADSC), by tissue, routinely discarded after liposuction surgeries. hADSC were submitted to neural differentiated procedures, and positiveness for Nestinn and GFAP confirmed their commitment to neural like cells (N-hADSC).
To test the suitability of N-hADSC as model for neural toxicity assessment, N-hADSC and rat cortical neuron cells were exposed for 24-48 hours to three neurotoxic compounds ( Carbaryl, Lidocaine and Phenytoin). A different behavior confirm the need of specie-specificity in toxicity tests
Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects of Humid Lightweight Coal Ash derived from the Disposal of Waste on Normal Human Keratinocyte and Endothelial Cell Lines in 2-D and 3-D Culture
No full textThe presence of waste in the environment has frequently been indicated as a significant risk
to human health. Therefore, landfill sites and the disposal of urban solid and non-hazardous waste by incineration
are subject to much environmental monitoring, in addition to the regulations already in place.
However, little action has been taken, and consequently no specific legislation exists, in relation to the
assessment of the real biological risk of various substances, including chemical mixtures and ashes, derived
from the incineration processes. This study assessed the cytotoxic potential of humid lightweight coal ash
(LA) derived from incineration processes and waste management, on two cell lines: NCTC 2544 normal
human keratinocytes and HECV endothelial cells. To reach this goal and to assess more-realistic methods
for animal replacement, we employed different in vitro experimental approaches: acute and longer exposure
to LA, by direct and indirect contact (0–2mg/ml and 16mg, respectively), both in 2-D and 3-D cultures.
In 2-D HECV cultures, we observed a decrease in the viability index, but only during direct contact with LA
doses higher than 0.1mg/ml. Moreover, some striking differences in cytotoxicity were observed between
the 2-D and 3-D models. Taken together, these observations indicate that, for studying pollutant toxicity
during longer exposure times, 3-D cultures in direct contact with the pollutant seem to offer a more suitable
approach — they mimic the in vivo behaviour of cells more realistically and under strictly controlled
conditions. Thus, in readiness for possible forthcoming European regulations, we believe that the proposed
study, even in its preliminary phase, can provide new advice on the assessment of the toxic and biological
potential of particular chemical compounds derived from waste management processes
Alternative approach to animal testing and cell cultures, according to European laws
No full textpublishe
Commitment of Italian academic LARF-DIMES for teaching and training in alternative approach to animal testing
No full textTo underline the importance of both the ethical issues of alternative approaches to animal testing and the life sciences in the 21st century, LARF-DIMES, at the University of Genova (Italy), is engaged since 2008 in organization of training courses for dissemination of international resources using the over twenty years of experience of its staff in various fields of experimental pathology and teaching which demonstrates the greater effectiveness of animal-free testing. Moreover LARF team organizes stages for graduated and graduating students of Medicine, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy degrees, PhD courses, and 2nd level Master on Reach regulations. The courses, focused on practical part and demonstration/lessons of specialist(s) working in the field, provide basic knowledge or improve existing expertise, on alternative methods. In each course, the participants get an update on innovative in vitro models with particular emphasis on 3D models. The organization plan foresees a substantial practice to allow everybody to set up cytotoxicity tests, according to OECD guidelines, and other emerging alternative in vitro models. These at least 2 days training courses are opened to 24 participants and include already experts of in vitro methods as well undergraduating students. The participants came from all over Italy, and the interest has been so high that courses are consistently oversubscribed, with unlucky participants asking to be registered on future courses to secure a place. On 2013 LARF team was one of the winners of international Lush Prize for Training category.All training modules were carried out by LARF staff and specialists from leading companies in in vitro research and models, such MatTek, ETT, Lonza, Biopredict, IvTech and others.
Dissemination of 3R-knowledge ensures best possible practice for a predictive and reliable toxicology, by performing and optimizing 2D/3D in vitro models based on human cells to evaluate the health hazard
Heme oxygenase-1 counteracts proinflammatory activation of microglial cells by acting on IRF5
No full textDevelopment of in vitro testing strategies for toxicity evaluation of mixtures derived from discarded laboratory chemicals
No full textOur complementary methods can represent an high content sensitive tool to assess the safety of chemical mixtures, that can act on skin, as well on eye and neural functions.
Aim of this study was to assess the toxic potential of two mixtures (Cat. EWC160506, one inorganic and one organic), by different in vitro approaches
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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