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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, De Caro R, Agnati LF. A Self-Similarity Logic May Shape the Organization of the Nervous System. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 36:203-225. [PMID: 38468034 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47606-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
From the morphological point of view, the nervous system exhibits a fractal, self-similar geometry at various levels of observations, from single cells up to cell networks. From the functional point of view, it is characterized by a hierarchical organization in which self-similar structures (networks) of different miniaturizations are nested within each other. In particular, neuronal networks, interconnected to form neuronal systems, are formed by neurons, which operate thanks to their molecular networks, mainly having proteins as components that via protein-protein interactions can be assembled in multimeric complexes working as micro-devices. On this basis, the term "self-similarity logic" was introduced to describe a nested organization where, at the various levels, almost the same rules (logic) to perform operations are used. Self-similarity and self-similarity logic both appear to be intimately linked to the biophysical evidence for the nervous system being a pattern-forming system that can flexibly switch from one coherent state to another. Thus, they can represent the key concepts to describe its complexity and its concerted, holistic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Roe L, Dobroski S, Manley G, Warner H, Dritschel H, Baldacchino AM. Fractals for an ethnography of time and addiction: Recursive and self-similar temporalities in heroin and poly-substance use. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1116142. [PMID: 36816418 PMCID: PMC9932797 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1116142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Drawing on both mathematical and anthropological understandings of fractality, this paper explores alternative perspectives of time as it relates to heroin addiction and poly-substance use in Scotland. The paper ethnographically illustrates temporalities which confound typical conceptualizations of linearity, and which can be better understood as fractal. Senses of linear time are disrupted for people who use heroin through intensive poly-substance use, an increasing trend in Scotland, as both time and memory become fragmented beyond coherence or re-assemblage. Distortedness and complexity being common descriptors applied to mathematical fractals, time shattered into uncountable and un-interpretable fragments similarly connotes fracture, dissonance, and distortion. A meaningful engagement with fractal theory contains the potential to open up new vocabulary, imagery, and theoretical avenues with which to grasp complex and non-linear time experience. The aims of the paper are, therefore, twofold; to both provide a nuanced ethnographic exploration of substance use time, and to develop a reflexive analytical framework for temporal experience through fractals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Roe
- Department of Social Anthropology, School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Sonja Dobroski
- Department of Social Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Manley
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Warner
- Edinburgh Futures Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi Dritschel
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Preclinical Development of Bioengineered Allografts Derived from Decellularized Human Diaphragm. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040739. [PMID: 35453490 PMCID: PMC9031975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic/surgical loss of skeletal muscle, causing aesthetic damage and functional impairment. Suboptimal current surgical treatments are driving research towards the development of optimised regenerative therapies. The grafting of bioengineered scaffolds derived from decellularized skeletal muscle may be a valid option to promote structural and functional healing. In this work, a cellular human diaphragm was considered as a scaffold material for VML treatment. Decellularization occurred through four detergent-enzymatic protocols involving (1) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), (2) SDS + TergitolTM, (3) sodium deoxycholate, and (4) TergitolTM. After decellularization, cells, DNA (≤50 ng/mg of tissue), and muscle fibres were efficiently removed, with the preservation of collagen/elastin and 60%–70% of the glycosaminoglycan component. The detergent-enzymatic treatments did not affect the expression of specific extracellular matrix markers (Collagen I and IV, Laminin), while causing the loss of HLA-DR expression to produce non-immunogenic grafts. Adipose-derived stem cells grown by indirect co-culture with decellularized samples maintained 80%–90% viability, demonstrating the biosafety of the scaffolds. Overall, the tested protocols were quite equivalent, with the patches treated by SDS + TergitolTM showing better collagen preservation. After subcutaneous implant in Balb/c mice, these acellular diaphragmatic grafts did not elicit a severe immune reaction, integrating with the host tissue.
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Stecco C, Sfriso MM, Porzionato A, Rambaldo A, Albertin G, Macchi V, De Caro R. Microscopic anatomy of the visceral fasciae. J Anat 2017; 231:121-128. [PMID: 28466969 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The term 'visceral fascia' is a general term used to describe the fascia lying immediately beneath the mesothelium of the serosa, together with that immediately surrounding the viscera, but there are many types of visceral fasciae. The aim of this paper was to identify the features they have in common and their specialisations. The visceral fascia of the abdomen (corresponding to the connective tissue lying immediately beneath the mesothelium of the parietal peritoneum), thorax (corresponding to the connective tissue lying immediately beneath the mesothelium of the parietal pleura), lung (corresponding to the connective tissue under the mesothelium of the visceral pleura), liver (corresponding to the connective tissue under the mesothelium of the visceral peritoneum), kidney (corresponding to the Gerota fascia), the oesophagus (corresponding to its adventitia) and heart (corresponding to the fibrous layer of the pericardial sac) from eight fresh cadavers were sampled and analysed with histological and immunohistochemical stains to evaluate collagen and elastic components and innervation. Although the visceral fasciae make up a well-defined layer of connective tissue, the thickness, percentage of elastic fibres and innervation vary among the different viscera. In particular, the fascia of the lung has a mean thickness of 134 μm (± 21), that of heart 792 μm (± 132), oesophagus 105 μm (± 10), liver 131 μm (± 18), Gerota fascia 1009 μm (± 105) and the visceral fascia of the abdomen 987 μm (± 90). The greatest number of elastic fibres (9.79%) was found in the adventitia of the oesophagus. The connective layers lying immediately outside the mesothelium of the pleura and peritoneum also have many elastic fibres (4.98% and 4.52%, respectively), whereas the pericardium and Gerota fascia have few (0.27% and 1.38%). In the pleura, peritoneum and adventitia of the oesophagus, elastic fibres form a well-defined layer, corresponding to the elastic lamina, while in the other cases they are thinner and scattered in the connective tissue. Collagen fibres also show precise spatial organisation, being arranged in several layers. In each layer, all the fibrous bundles are parallel with each other, but change direction among layers. Loose connective tissue rich in elastic fibres is found between contiguous fibrous layers. Unmyelinated nerve fibres were found in all samples, but myelinated fibres were only found in some fasciae, such as those of the liver and heart, and the visceral fascia of the abdomen. According to these findings, we propose distinguishing the visceral fasciae into two large groups. The first group includes all the fasciae closely related to the individual organ and giving shape to it, supporting the parenchyma; these are thin, elastic and very well innervated. The second group comprises all the fibrous sheets forming the compartments for the organs and also connecting the internal organs to the musculoskeletal system. These fasciae are thick, less elastic and less innervated, but they contain larger and myelinated nerves. We propose to call the first type of fasciae 'investing fasciae', and the second type 'insertional fasciae'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Stecco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Martina Sfriso
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Rambaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanna Albertin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Porzionato A, Guidolin D, Macchi V, Sarasin G, Grisafi D, Tortorella C, Dedja A, Zaramella P, De Caro R. Fractal analysis of alveolarization in hyperoxia-induced rat models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 310:L680-8. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00231.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
No papers are available about potentiality of fractal analysis in quantitative assessment of alveolarization in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Thus, we here performed a comparative analysis between fractal [fractal dimension ( D) and lacunarity] and stereological [mean linear intercept ( Lm), total volume of alveolar air spaces, total number of alveoli, mean alveolar volume, total volume and surface area of alveolar septa, and mean alveolar septal thickness] parameters in experimental hyperoxia-induced models of BPD. At birth, rats were distributed between the following groups: 1) rats raised in ambient air for 2 wk; 2) rats exposed to 60% oxygen for 2 wk; 3) rats raised in normoxia for 6 wk; and 4) rats exposed to 60% hyperoxia for 2 wk and to room air for further 4 wk. Normoxic 6-wk rats showed increased D and decreased lacunarity with respect to normoxic 2-wk rats, together with changes in all stereological parameters except for mean alveolar volume. Hyperoxia-exposed 2-wk rats showed significant changes only in total number of alveoli, mean alveolar volume, and lacunarity with respect to equal-in-age normoxic rats. In the comparison between 6-wk rats, the hyperoxia-exposed group showed decreased D and increased lacunarity, together with changes in all stereological parameters except for septal thickness. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves showed a comparable discriminatory power of D, lacunarity, and total number of alveoli; Lmand mean alveolar volume were less discriminative. D and lacunarity did not show significant changes when different segmentation thresholds were applied, suggesting that the fractal approach may be fit to automatic image analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Porzionato
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Gloria Sarasin
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Davide Grisafi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
| | - Arben Dedja
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zaramella
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; and
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Guidolin D, Marinaccio C, Tortorella C, Ruggieri S, Rizzi A, Maiorano E, Specchia G, Ribatti D. A fractal analysis of the spatial distribution of tumoral mast cells in lymph nodes and bone marrow. Exp Cell Res 2015; 339:96-102. [PMID: 26358232 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spatial distribution of mast cells inside the tumor stroma has been little investigated. In this study, we have evaluated tumor mast cells distribution through the analysis of the morphological features of the spatial patterns generated by these cells, including size, shape, and architecture of the cell pattern. We have compared diffuse large B cells lymphoma (DLBCL) and systemic mastocytosis in two different anatomical localizations (lymph nodes for DLBCL and, respectively, bone marrow for mastocytosis). Results have indicated that, despite the high difference in size exhibited by the mast cells patterns in the two conditions, the spatial relationship between the mast cells forming the aggregates resulted similar, characterized by a significant tendency of the mast cells to self-organize in clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Marinaccio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Simona Ruggieri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Eugenio Maiorano
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgina Specchia
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Hematology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy.
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Porzionato A, Sfriso MM, Pontini A, Macchi V, Petrelli L, Pavan PG, Natali AN, Bassetto F, Vindigni V, De Caro R. Decellularized Human Skeletal Muscle as Biologic Scaffold for Reconstructive Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:14808-31. [PMID: 26140375 PMCID: PMC4519873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160714808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered skeletal muscle tissues have been proposed as potential solutions for volumetric muscle losses, and biologic scaffolds have been obtained by decellularization of animal skeletal muscles. The aim of the present work was to analyse the characteristics of a biologic scaffold obtained by decellularization of human skeletal muscles (also through comparison with rats and rabbits) and to evaluate its integration capability in a rabbit model with an abdominal wall defect. Rat, rabbit and human muscle samples were alternatively decellularized with two protocols: n.1, involving sodium deoxycholate and DNase I; n.2, trypsin-EDTA and Triton X-NH4OH. Protocol 2 proved more effective, removing all cellular material and maintaining the three-dimensional networks of collagen and elastic fibers. Ultrastructural analyses with transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of collagen, elastic fibres, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. Implantation of human scaffolds in rabbits gave good results in terms of integration, although recellularization by muscle cells was not completely achieved. In conclusion, human skeletal muscles may be effectively decellularized to obtain scaffolds preserving the architecture of the extracellular matrix and showing mechanical properties suitable for implantation/integration. Further analyses will be necessary to verify the suitability of these scaffolds for in vitro recolonization by autologous cells before in vivo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Porzionato
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Maria Martina Sfriso
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Alex Pontini
- Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Lucia Petrelli
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Piero G Pavan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via G. Marzolo 9, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Arturo N Natali
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via G. Marzolo 9, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Franco Bassetto
- Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Vindigni
- Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
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Kim YJ, Kim HD, Kim HH, Shin SM, Kang CJ, Lee KH. Fractal analysis of cell boundary ultrastructure imaged by atomic force microscopy. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2015.1037347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Del Rio R, Iturriaga R, Schultz HD. Editorial: Carotid body: a new target for rescuing neural control of cardiorespiratory balance in disease. Front Physiol 2015; 6:181. [PMID: 26175689 PMCID: PMC4483515 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Del Rio
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Center for Biomedical Research, Universidad Autónoma de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Iturriaga
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Harold D Schultz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, USA
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Tissue Dynamics of the Carotid Body Under Chronic Hypoxia: A Computational Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 860:25-39. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18440-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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