Fetal-Maternal Interactions in the Synepitheliochorial Placenta Using the eGFP Cloned Cattle Model

Background: To investigate mechanisms of fetal-maternal cell interactions in the bovine placenta, we developed a model of transgenic enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (t-eGFP) expressing bovine embryos produced by nuclear transfer (NT) to assess the distribution of fetal-derived products in the bovine placenta. In addition, we searched for male specific DNA in the blood of females carrying in vitro produced male embryos. Our hypothesis is that the bovine placenta is more permeable to fetal-derived products than described elsewhere. Methodology/Principal Findings: Samples of placentomes, chorion, endometrium, maternal peripheral blood leukocytes and blood plasma were collected during early gestation and processed for nested-PCR for eGFP and testis-specific Y-encoded protein (TSPY), western blotting and immunohistochemistry for eGFP detection, as well as transmission electron microscopy to verify the level of interaction between maternal and fetal cells. TSPY and eGFP DNA were present in the blood of cows carrying male pregnancies at day 60 of pregnancy. Protein and mRNA of eGFP were observed in the trophoblast and uterine tissues. In the placentomes, the protein expression was weak in the syncytial regions, but intense in neighboring cells on both sides of the fetal-maternal interface. Ultrastructurally, our samples from t-eGFP expressing NT pregnancies showed to be normal, such as the presence of interdigitating structures between fetal and maternal cells. In addition, channels-like structures were present in the trophoblast cells. Conclusions/Significance: Data suggested that there is a delivery of fetal contents to the maternal system on both systemic and local levels that involved nuclear acids and proteins. It not clear the mechanisms involved in the transfer of fetal-derived molecules to the maternal system. This delivery may occur through nonclassical protein secretion; throughout transtrophoblastic-like channels and/or by apoptotic processes previously described. In conclusion, the bovine synepitheliochorial placenta displays an intimate fetal-maternal interaction, similar to other placental types for instance human and mouse. © 2013 Pereira et al.

Um modelo de unit commitment hidrotérmico para o ambiente de mercados de energia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Atividade física em gestantes assistidas na atenção primária à saúde

OBJETIVO Analisar o padrão de atividade física de gestantes de baixo risco e os fatores associados. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com 256 gestantes adultas no segundo trimestre gestacional, sorteadas dentre as assistidas pelas unidades de atenção primária à saúde do município de Botucatu, SP, em 2010. As atividades físicas foram investigadas por meio do “pregnancy physical activity questionnaire”, verificando-se tempo e intensidade de atividades ocupacionais, de deslocamento, domésticas e de lazer, expressos em equivalentes metabólicos dia. As gestantes foram classificadas segundo nível de atividade e em relação a atingir 150 min/semana de atividades físicas de lazer, variáveis dependentes do estudo. A associação entre essas variáveis e as socioeconômicas, características maternas, fatores comportamentais e modelo de atenção da unidade de saúde foi avaliada mediante modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, adotando-se modelo hierárquico. RESULTADOS A maior parte das gestantes era insuficientemente ativa (77,7%), 12,5% moderadamente ativa e 9,8% vigorosamente ativa. Os maiores gastos diários de energia foram com atividades domésticas, seguidas pelas atividades de locomoção; 10,2% atingiram a recomendação de 150 min semanais de atividades físicas de lazer. Trabalho fora de casa reduziu a chance de atingir essa recomendação (RP = 0,39, IC95% 0,16;0,93). Ter tido pelo menos um parto anterior (RP = 0,87, IC95% 0,77;0,99) e excesso ponderal pré-gestacional (RP = 0,85, IC95% 0,731;0,99) reduziram a chance de ser insuficientemente ativa, enquanto consumir menos alimentos saudáveis teve aumento discreto (RP = 1,18, IC95% 1,02;1,36). CONCLUSÕES Gestantes assistidas na atenção primária à saúde são insuficientemente ativas. Ter tido pelo menos um parto e apresentar sobrepeso pré-gestacional foram identificados como fatores protetores contra tal situação, enquanto consumo menos frequente de alimentos saudáveis foi fator de risco, sugerindo aglomeração de fatores de risco à saúde.

A Spatial and Temporal Prediction Model of Corn Grain Yield as a Function of Soil Attributes

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Chitosan/(ureasil-PEO hybrid) blend for drug delivery

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Mucoadhesive beads of gellan gum/pectin intended to controlled delivery of drugs

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Therapeutic Delivery of miR-200c Enhances Radiosensitivity in Lung Cancer

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Organization model for mobile wireless sensor networks inspired in artificial bee colony

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Yang-Lee zeros of the two- and three-state Potts model defined on π3 Feynman diagrams

We present both analytical and numerical results on the position of partition function zeros on the complex magnetic field plane of the q=2 state (Ising) and the q=3 state Potts model defined on phi(3) Feynman diagrams (thin random graphs). Our analytic results are based on the ideas of destructive interference of coexisting phases and low temperature expansions. For the case of the Ising model, an argument based on a symmetry of the saddle point equations leads us to a nonperturbative proof that the Yang-Lee zeros are located on the unit circle, although no circle theorem is known in this case of random graphs. For the q=3 state Potts model, our perturbative results indicate that the Yang-Lee zeros lie outside the unit circle. Both analytic results are confirmed by finite lattice numerical calculations.

Stress distribution in bone simulation model with pre-angled implants

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)