Evaluation of water properties in HEA–HEMA hydrogels swollen in aqueous-PEG solutions using thermoanalytical techniques

Hydrogels are polymeric materials used in many pharmaceutical and biomedical applications due to their ability to form 3D hydrophilic polymeric networks, which can absorb large amounts of water. In the present work, polyethylene glycols (PEG) were introduced into the hydrogel liquid phase in order to improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels composed of 2-hydroxyethylacrylate and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEA–HEMA) synthesized with different co-monomer compositions and equilibrated in water or in 20 % water–PEG 400 and 600 solutions. The thermoanalytical techniques [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG)] were used to evaluate the amount and properties of free and bound water in HEA–HEMA hydrogels. The internal structure and the mechanical properties of hydrogels were studied using scanning electron microscopy and friability assay. TG “loss-on-drying” experiments were applied to study the water-retention properties of hydrogels, whereas the combination of TG and DSC allowed estimating the total amount of freezable and non-freezing water in hydrogels. The results show that the addition of viscous co-solvent (PEG) to the liquid medium results in significant improvement of the mechanical properties of HEA–HEMA hydrogels and also slightly retards the water loss from the hydrogels. A redistribution of free and bound water in the hydrogels equilibrated in mixed solutions containing 20 vol% of PEGs takes place.

Regionally coupled atmosphere-ocean-sea ice-marine biogeochemistry model ROM: 1. Description and validation

The general circulation models used to simulate global climate typically feature resolution too coarse to reproduce many smaller-scale processes, which are crucial to determining the regional responses to climate change. A novel approach to downscale climate change scenarios is presented which includes the interactions between the North Atlantic Ocean and the European shelves as well as their impact on the North Atlantic and European climate. The goal of this paper is to introduce the global ocean-regional atmosphere coupling concept and to show the potential benefits of this model system to simulate present-day climate. A global ocean-sea ice-marine biogeochemistry model (MPIOM/HAMOCC) with regionally high horizontal resolution is coupled to an atmospheric regional model (REMO) and global terrestrial hydrology model (HD) via the OASIS coupler. Moreover, results obtained with ROM using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis and ECHAM5/MPIOM CMIP3 historical simulations as boundary conditions are presented and discussed for the North Atlantic and North European region. The validation of all the model components, i.e., ocean, atmosphere, terrestrial hydrology, and ocean biogeochemistry is performed and discussed. The careful and detailed validation of ROM provides evidence that the proposed model system improves the simulation of many aspects of the regional climate, remarkably the ocean, even though some biases persist in other model components, thus leaving potential for future improvement. We conclude that ROM is a powerful tool to estimate possible impacts of climate change on the regional scale.

Climatology of polar lows over the Sea of Japan using the JRA-55 reanalysis

Polar lows are intense meso- a -scale cyclones that develop over the oceans poleward of the main baroclinic zone. A number of previous studies have reported polar low formation over the Sea of Japan within the East Asian winter monsoon. To understand the climatology of polar lows over the Sea of Japan, a tracking al- gorithm for polar lows is applied to the recent JRA-55 reanalysis. The polar low tracking is applied to 36 cold seasons (October–March) from October 1979 to March 2015. The polar lows over the Sea of Japan reach their maximum intensity on the southeastern side of the midline between the Japanese islands and the Asian continent. Consistent with previous case studies, composite analysis demonstrates that the polar low devel- opment is associated with the enhanced northerly flow on the western side of a synoptic-scale extratropical cyclone, with the cold trough in the midtroposphere and with increased heat fluxes from the sea surface. Furthermore, the present climatological study has revealed two dominant directions of motion of the polar lows: southward and eastward. Southward-moving polar lows are steered by a strong northerly flow in the lower troposphere, which is enhanced on the western side of synoptic-scale extratropical cyclones, while the eastward-moving polar lows occur within a planetary-scale westerly flow in the midlatitudes. Thus, the di- rection of polar low motion reflects the difference in planetary- and synoptic-scale conditions.

Impacts of parameterized orographic drag on the Northern Hemisphere winter circulation

A recent intercomparison exercise proposed by the Working Group for Numerical Experimentation (WGNE) revealed that the parameterized, or unresolved, surface stress in weather forecast models is highly model-dependent, especially over orography. Models of comparable resolution differ over land by as much as 20% in zonal mean total subgrid surface stress (Ttot). The way Ttot is partitioned between the different parameterizations is also model-dependent. In this study, we simulated in a particular model an increase in Ttot comparable with the spread found in the WGNE intercomparison. This increase was simulated in two ways, namely by increasing independently the contributions to Ttot of the turbulent orographic form drag scheme (TOFD) and of the orographic low-level blocking scheme (BLOCK). Increasing the parameterized orographic drag leads to significant changes in surface pressure, zonal wind and temperature in the Northern Hemisphere during winter both in 10 day weather forecasts and in seasonal integrations. However, the magnitude of these changes in circulation strongly depends on which scheme is modified. In 10 day forecasts, stronger changes are found when the TOFD stress is increased, while on seasonal time scales the effects are of comparable magnitude, although different in detail. At these time scales, the BLOCK scheme affects the lower stratosphere winds through changes in the resolved planetary waves which are associated with surface impacts, while the TOFD effects are mostly limited to the lower troposphere. The partitioning of Ttot between the two schemes appears to play an important role at all time scales.

Long-Term Culture of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Adherent Neurospheres and Functional Neurons

Innumerous protocols, using the mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells as model for in vitro study of neurons functional properties and features, have been developed. Most of these protocols are short lasting, which, therefore, does not allow a careful analysis of the neurons maturation, aging, and death processes. We describe here a novel and efficient long-lasting protocol for in vitro ES cells differentiation into neuronal cells. It consists of obtaining embryoid bodies, followed by induction of neuronal differentiation with retinoic acid of nonadherent embryoid bodies (three-dimensional model), which further allows their adherence and formation of adherent neurospheres (AN, bi-dimensional model). The AN can be maintained for at least 12 weeks in culture under repetitive mechanical splitting, providing a constant microenvironment (in vitro niche) for the neuronal progenitor cells avoiding mechanical dissociation of AN. The expression of neuron-specific proteins, such as nestin, sox1, beta III-tubulin, microtubule-associated protein 2, neurofilament medium protein, Tau, neuronal nuclei marker, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and 5-hydroxytryptamine, were confirmed in these cells maintained during 3 months under several splitting. Additionally, expression pattern of microtubule-associated proteins, such as lissencephaly (Lis1) and nuclear distribution element-like (Ndel1), which were shown to be essential for differentiation and migration of neurons during embryogenesis, was also studied. As expected, both proteins were expressed in undifferentiated ES cells, AN, and nonrosette neurons, although presenting different spatial distribution in AN. In contrast to previous studies, using cultured neuronal cells derived from embryonic and adult tissues, only Ndel1 expression was observed in the centrosome region of early neuroblasts from AN. Mature neurons, obtained from ES cells in this work, display ionic channels and oscillations of membrane electrical potential typical of electrically excitable cells, which is a characteristic feature of the functional central nervous system (CNS) neurons. Taken together, our study demonstrated that AN are a long-term culture of neuronal cells that can be used to analyze the process of neuronal differentiation dynamics. Thus, the protocol described here provides a new experimental model for studying neurological diseases associated with neuronal differentiation during early development, as well as it represents a novel source of functional cells that can be used as tools for testing the effects of toxins and/or drugs on neuronal cells.

Hematologically important mutations: X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (third update)

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an immunodeficiency disorder affecting about 1 in 250,000 individuals. The disease is caused by a lack of superoxide production by the leukocyte enzyme NADPH oxidase. Superoxide is used to kill phagocytosed micro-organisms in neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and macrophages. The leukocyte NADPH oxidase is composed of five subunits, of which the enzymatic component is gp91-phox, also called Nox2. This protein is encoded by the CYBB gene on the X chromosome. Mutations in this gene are found in about 70% of all CGD patients. This article lists all mutations identified in CYBB in the X-linked form of CGD. Moreover, apparently benign polymorphisms in CYBB are also given, which should facilitate the recognition of future disease-causing mutations. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ranking och dess påverkan på val av lärosäten i Sverige : En kvantitativ studie om gymnasieelevers syn på rankinglistor

Det är många av tredje årets gymnasieelever som står inför ett viktigt och stort beslut gällande vilken utbildning och vilket lärosäte de ska studera vid efter studenten. En del gymnasieelever har redan bestämt sig för var de ska studera, medan andra är väldigt osäkra. För att en gymnasieelev ska kunna fatta ett genomtänkt beslut krävs det kunskap om de olika alternativen som finns eftersom det kan påverka beslutets riktning. En typ av information är rankinglistor av olika högskolor/universitet. Rankinglistor finns till för att förenkla det stora utbudet av utbildningar och högskolor/universitet. Genom att ge den sökande jämförande möjligheter och låta denna agerar utifrån sina egna uppställda kriterier kan rankinglistor fungera som ett stödjande verktyg vid valet av lärosäte. Den här studien syftar till att undersöka gymnasieelevernas förhållande till rankinglistor, vilket gjordes genom en kvantitativ studie i form av en enkätundersökning där gymnasielever från Dalarna medverkade. Enkätundersökningen baserades på teorier samt hypoteser som vi har verifierat eller förkastat för att komma fram till ett resultat. Den slutsats som studien har lett fram till är att rankinglistors påverkan, gällande gymnasieelevers val av lärosäte, är mycket begränsad. Det betyder att rankinglistor får en viss relevans när det sökta alternativet finns bland de lägst placerade lärosätena på en rankinglista. Trots detta finns det andra faktorer som kan påverka gymnasieelevernas val av lärosäte, så som egen uppfattning och rykte.

Produção e purificação de β-1,3 glicanases em Metarhizium anisopliae

Metarhizium anisopliae é um fungo cosmopolita com capacidade de infectar uma grande variedade de hospedeiros, estando entre eles o carrapato Boophilus microplus. A penetração de M. anisopliae em seus hospedeiros ocorre de forma ativa onde a cutícula constitui a principal barreira. A penetração é um processo multifatorial, porém, o emprego de pressão mecânica e a secreção de enzimas hidrolíticas parecem ser fundamentais para o seu sucesso. M. anisopliae, quando cultivado em meios com fontes de carbono que mimetizam a cutícula de seus hospedeiros, secreta enzimas como proteases, quitinases e lipases. Atualmente, o emprego de técnicas que identificam genes diferencialmente expressos (RDA) mostrou o possível envolvimento de outras enzimas, como as β-glicanases, durante o processo de penetração. A descoberta da ocorrência de modificações morfológicas como espessamento e perda da definição da parede celular nas extremidades das hifas que penetram na cutícula do carrapato sustentam ainda mais o possível envolvimento de enzimas que degradam as β-glicanas nas etapas iniciais da infecção. Neste trabalho, foi investigada a produção de β-1,3- glicanases pela linhagem E6 de M. anisopliae como também, buscou-se purificar as enzimas produzidas. A síntese e secreção de β-1,3-glicanases foram verificadas em meio contendo diferentes fontes de carbono sendo a secreção diferenciada dependendo da condição testada. A utilização de glicose em determinadas concentrações pareceu inibir a secreção enzimática. Duas das condições testadas, N-acetilglicosamina (NAG) 0,5% e parede celular de Rizoctonia solani 0,5%, foram utilizadas para a produção enzimática em larga escala. O sobrenadante dos cultivos em fermentador foi submetido ao processo de purificação que constou de três etapas: concentração por ultrafiltração com membrana de celulose regenerada, aplicação em coluna de troca iônica QSepharose Fast Flow e aplicação em coluna de filtração em gel Superdex 75. O emprego deste protocolo permitiu a purificação parcial de uma β-1,3-glicanase com aproximadamente 95kDa, secretada durante a fermentação em presença de parede celular de Rizoctonia solani, e de outra, com aparentemente a mesma massa molecular secretada em fermentação utilizando NAG 0,5% como fonte de carbono. Durante este trabalho, também foi confirmada a presença de pelo menos um gene que codifica uma exo-β-1,3-glicanase no genoma da linhagem E6 de M. anisopliae. Por fim, o estudo das β-1,3 glicanases em M. anisopliae é justificado pela importância destas enzimas em variados aspectos do desenvolvimento do fungo bem como, pelo seu possível envolvimento na infecção de hospedeiros.

Microcrédito e empoderamento de mulheres de baixa renda: uma análise do projeto “elas”

O microcrédito tem sido uma ferramenta de combate à pobreza no mundo todo nas últimas décadas. A ampliação do acesso ao crédito àqueles que não podem recorrer ao sistema financeiro tradicional tem se constituído como uma via democrática de fomento à inclusão social através da geração de trabalho e renda. Os empréstimos realizados têm demonstrado efeitos benéficos sobre a comunidades de baixa renda, especialmente em relação às mulheres, pelo desencadeamento de um processo de empoderamento com efeitos em sua capacidade de auferir renda, melhorar sua autoestima e ampliar sua participação em espaços de tomada de decisão. No Brasil, as mulheres são a maioria dos tomadores de microcrédito e a justificativa para isso perpassa pelas dificuldades relativas ao mercado formal, a necessidade de complementação da renda familiar, o desejo de maior emancipação frente aos companheiros e a busca pela realização num pequeno empreendimento próprio. Em Fortaleza (CE), o Banco Palmas criou um projeto de empoderamento de gênero, focado em beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família, a partir da concessão de microcrédito. A presente dissertação teve como objetivo analisar as dimensões do processo de empoderamento alcançadas pelas mulheres participantes deste projeto, intitulado como projeto “ELAS”. A hipótese inicial era a de que a nova capacidade economicamente produtiva das entrevistadas modificaria sua realidade, colocando-as em um novo patamar frente a si mesmas e às suas famílias, proporcionando maior autonomia em suas decisões de consumo e independência financeira frente a seus maridos, além do aumento de seu bem-estar. Nesse caso, o microcrédito serviria como um fomentador do empoderamento individual feminino, hipótese comprovada neste estudo. Entretanto, notou-se que não houve um rompimento das relações de gênero no âmbito das famílias, fator perceptível principalmente pela não redistribuição das tarefas domiciliares, com impactos restritivos no empoderamento social dessas mulheres através da não participação em instâncias coletivas de tomada de decisão.

Scaling-Up of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Isolated from Multiple Niches

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

Chemotherapeutic Agents in Noncytotoxic Concentrations Increase Antigen Presentation by Dendritic Cells via an IL-12-Dependent Mechanism

Antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents may indirectly activate dendritic cells (DCs) by inducing the release of danger signals from dying tumor cells. Whereas the direct cytotoxic or inhibitory effect of conventional chemotherapy on DCs has been reported, modulation of DC function by chemotherapeutic agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations has not yet been investigated. We have tested the effects of different classes of antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents used in low noncytotoxic concentrations on the Ag-presenting function of DCs. We revealed that paclitaxel, doxorubicin, mitomycin C, and methotrexate up-regulated the ability of DCs to present Ags to Ag-specific T cells. Stimulation of DC function was associated with the up-regulation of expression of Ag-processing machinery components and costimulatory molecules on DCs, as well as increased IL-12p70 expression. However, the ability of DCs treated with paclitaxel, methotrexate, doxorubicin, and vinblastine to increase Ag presentation to Ag-specific T cells was abolished in DCs generated from IL-12 knockout mice, indicating that up-regulation of Ag presentation by DCs is IL-12-dependent and mediated by the autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. At the same time, IL-12 knockout and wild-type DCs demonstrated similar capacity to up-regulate OVA presentation after their pretreatment with low concentrations of mitomycin C and vincristine, suggesting that these agents do not utilize IL-12-mediated pathways in DCs for stimulating Ag presentation. These findings reveal a new mechanism of immunopotentiating activity of chemotherapeutic agents-a direct immunostimulatory effect on DCs (chemomodulation)-and thus provide a strong rationale for further assessment of low-dose chemotherapy given with DC vaccines for cancer treatment. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 183: 137-144.

Chemomodulation of human dendritic cell function by antineoplastic agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Medicinal plants used by "Passo da Ilha" rural community in the city of Pato Branco, southern Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi resgatar e documentar o conhecimento popular referente às plantas medicinais utilizadas na comunidade rural do Passo da Ilha, em Pato Branco-PR (26° 11' S, 52°36' W e 760 m de altitude). Optou-se por utilizar o modelo de entrevista estruturada com 16 informantes, os quais possuíam o conhecimento sobre o uso das plantas medicinais em suas famílias. O período da realização das entrevistas foi de outubro a dezembro de 2000. As plantas foram coletadas no campo, identificadas e vouchers foram depositados no Herbário Irina Delanova de Gemtchjnicov (BOTU) da Universidade Estadual Paulista, em Botucatu-SP. Foram identificadas 47 famílias botânicas e 114 espécies de plantas medicinais. Estas plantas foram indicadas para mais de 30 usos medicinais diferentes. A comunidade é composta na maioria por descendentes de europeus, justificando a presença de muitas plantas exóticas. O domínio do uso das plantas é feminino, porém o conhecimento é menor nas gerações mais novas, denotando um processo de erosão cultural.

Proxy-reported health-related quality of life of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Pediatric rheumatology international trials organization multinational quality of life cohort study

Objective. To investigate the proxy-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods. In this multinational, multicenter, cross-sectional study, HRQOL of patients with JIA was assessed through the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and was compared with that of healthy children of similar age from the same geographic area. of joint inflammation, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.Results. A total of 6,639 participants (3,324 with JIA and 3,315 healthy) were enrolled from 32 countries. The mean SD physical and psychosocial summary scores of the CHQ were significantly lower in patients with JIA than in healthy children (physical: 44.5 +/- 10.6 versus 54.6 +/- 4.0, P < 0.0001; psychosocial: 47.6 +/- 8.7 versus 51.9 +/- 7.59 P < 0.0001), with the physical well-being domain being most impaired. Patients with persistent oligoarthritis had better HRQOL compared with other subtypes, whereas HRQOL was similar across patients with systemic arthritis, polyarthritis, and extended oligoarthritis. A CHAQ score > 1 and a pain intensity rating > 3.4 cm on a 10-cm visual analog scale were the strongest determinants of poorer HRQOL in the physical and psychosocial domains, respectively.Conclusion. We found that patients with JIA have a significant impairment of their HRQOL compared with healthy peers, particularly in the physical domain. Physical well-being was mostly affected by the level of functional impairment, whereas the intensity of pain had the greatest influence on psychosocial health.