Developmental programming of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): prenatal androgens establish pancreatic islet α/β cell ratio and subsequent insulin secretion

Exogenous androgenic steroids applied to pregnant sheep programmes a PCOS-like phenotype in female offspring. Via ultrasound guidance we applied steroids directly to ovine fetuses at d62 and d82 of gestation, and examined fetal (day 90 gestation) and postnatal (11 months old) pancreatic structure and function. Of three classes of steroid agonists applied (androgen - Testosterone propionate (TP), estrogen - Diethystilbesterol (DES) and glucocorticoid - Dexamethasone (DEX)), only androgens (TP) caused altered pancreatic development. Beta cell numbers were significantly elevated in prenatally androgenised female fetuses (P=0.03) (to approximately the higher numbers found in male fetuses), whereas alpha cell counts were unaffected, precipitating decreased alpha:beta cell ratios in the developing fetal pancreas (P=0.001), sustained into adolescence (P=0.0004). In adolescence basal insulin secretion was significantly higher in female offspring from androgen-excess pregnancies (P=0.045), and an exaggerated, hyperinsulinaemic response to glucose challenge (P=0.0007) observed, whereas prenatal DES or DEX treatment had no effects upon insulin secretion. Postnatal insulin secretion correlated with beta cell numbers (P=0.03). We conclude that the pancreas is a primary locus of androgenic stimulation during development, giving rise to postnatal offspring whose pancreas secreted excess insulin due to excess beta cells in the presence of a normal number of alpha cells.

Visual programming in a heterogeneous multi-core environment

É do conhecimento geral de que, hoje em dia, a tecnologia evolui rapidamente. São criadas novas arquitecturas para resolver determinadas limitações ou problemas. Por vezes, essa evolução é pacífica e não requer necessidade de adaptação e, por outras, essa evolução pode Implicar mudanças. As linguagens de programação são, desde sempre, o principal elo de comunicação entre o programador e o computador. Novas linguagens continuam a aparecer e outras estão sempre em desenvolvimento para se adaptarem a novos conceitos e paradigmas. Isto requer um esforço extra para o programador, que tem de estar sempre atento a estas mudanças. A Programação Visual pode ser uma solução para este problema. Exprimir funções como módulos que recebem determinado Input e retomam determinado output poderá ajudar os programadores espalhados pelo mundo, através da possibilidade de lhes dar uma margem para se abstraírem de pormenores de baixo nível relacionados com uma arquitectura específica. Esta tese não só mostra como combinar as capacidades do CeII/B.E. (que tem uma arquitectura multi­processador heterogénea) com o OpenDX (que tem um ambiente de programação visual), como também demonstra que tal pode ser feito sem grande perda de performance. ABSTRACT; lt is known that nowadays technology develops really fast. New architectures are created ln order to provide new solutions for different technology limitations and problems. Sometimes, this evolution is pacific and there is no need to adapt to new technologies, but things also may require a change every once ln a while. Programming languages have always been the communication bridge between the programmer and the computer. New ones keep coming and other ones keep improving ln order to adapt to new concepts and paradigms. This requires an extra-effort for the programmer, who always needs to be aware of these changes. Visual Programming may be a solution to this problem. Expressing functions as module boxes which receive determined Input and return determined output may help programmers across the world by giving them the possibility to abstract from specific low-level hardware issues. This thesis not only shows how the CeII/B.E. (which has a heterogeneous multi-core architecture) capabilities can be combined with OpenDX (which has a visual programming environment), but also demonstrates that lt can be done without losing much performance.

Ontogeny and nutritional programming of mitochondrial proteins in the ovine kidney, liver and lung

This study investigated the developmental and nutritional programming of two important mitochondrial proteins, namely voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) and cytochrome c in the sheep kidney, liver and lung. The effect of maternal nutrient restriction between early to mid gestation (i.e. 28 to 80 days gestation, the period of maximal placental growth) on the abundance of these proteins was also examined in fetal and juvenile offspring. Fetuses were sampled at 80 and 140 days gestation (term ~147 days), and postnatal animals at 1 and 30 days and 6 months of age. The abundance of VDAC peaked at 140 days gestation in the lung, compared with 1 day after birth in the kidney and liver, whereas cytochrome c abundance was greatest at 140 days gestation in the liver, 1 day after birth in the kidney and 6 months of age in lungs. This differential ontogeny in mitochondrial protein abundance between tissues was accompanied with very different tissue specific responses to changes in maternal food intake. In the liver, maternal nutrient restriction only increased mitochondrial protein abundance at 80 days gestation, compared with no effect in the kidney. In contrast, in the lung mitochondrial protein abundance was raised near to term, whereas VDAC abundance was decreased by 6 months of age. These findings demonstrate the tissue specific nature of mitochondrial protein development that reflects differences in functional adaptation after birth. The divergence in mitochondrial response between tissues to maternal nutrient restriction early in pregnancy further reflects these differential ontogeny’s.

Biased Random-key Genetic Algorithms For The Winner Determination Problem In Combinatorial Auctions.

Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of picking a subset of bids in a general combinatorial auction so as to maximize the overall profit using the first-price model. This winner determination problem assumes that a single bidding round is held to determine both the winners and prices to be paid. We introduce six variants of biased random-key genetic algorithms for this problem. Three of them use a novel initialization technique that makes use of solutions of intermediate linear programming relaxations of an exact mixed integer-linear programming model as initial chromosomes of the population. An experimental evaluation compares the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms with the standard mixed linear integer programming formulation, a specialized exact algorithm, and the best-performing heuristics proposed for this problem. The proposed algorithms are competitive and offer strong results, mainly for large-scale auctions.

Avoiding Pitfalls Of Intraoperative Peripheral Endovascular Surgery With The Aid Of Osirix: Expanding The Use Of Virtual Fluoroscopy.

We have shown how the analysis of the angiotomography reconstruction through OsiriX program has assisted in endovascular perioperative programming. We presented its application in situations when an unexpected existence of metallic overlapping artifact (orthopedic osteosynthesis) compromised the adequate visualization of the arterial lesion during the procedure. Through manipulation upon OsiriX software, with assistance of preview under virtual fluoroscopy, it was possible to obtain the angles that would avoid this juxtaposition. These angles were reproduced in the C-arm, allowing visualization of the occluded segment, reducing the need for repeated image acquisitions and contrast overload, allowing the continuation of the procedure.

Frequency Of The Allelic Variant C.1150t > C In Exon 10 Of The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (fgfr3) Gene Is Not Increased In Patients With Pathogenic Mutations And Related Chondrodysplasia Phenotypes.

Mutations in the FGFR3 gene cause the phenotypic spectrum of FGFR3 chondrodysplasias ranging from lethal forms to the milder phenotype seen in hypochondroplasia (Hch). The p.N540K mutation in the FGFR3 gene occurs in ∼70% of individuals with Hch, and nearly 30% of individuals with the Hch phenotype have no mutations in the FGFR3, which suggests genetic heterogeneity. The identification of a severe case of Hch associated with the typical mutation c.1620C > A and the occurrence of a c.1150T > C change that resulted in a p.F384L in exon 10, together with the suspicion that this second change could be a modulator of the phenotype, prompted us to investigate this hypothesis in a cohort of patients. An analysis of 48 patients with FGFR3 chondrodysplasia phenotypes and 330 healthy (control) individuals revealed no significant difference in the frequency of the C allele at the c.1150 position (p = 0.34). One patient carrying the combination `pathogenic mutation plus the allelic variant c.1150T > C' had a typical achondroplasia (Ach) phenotype. In addition, three other patients with atypical phenotypes showed no association with the allelic variant. Together, these results do not support the hypothesis of a modulatory role for the c.1150T > C change in the FGFR3 gene.

The C-terminal Region Of The Human P23 Chaperone Modulates Its Structure And Function.

The p23 protein is a chaperone widely involved in protein homeostasis, well known as an Hsp90 co-chaperone since it also controls the Hsp90 chaperone cycle. Human p23 includes a β-sheet domain, responsible for interacting with Hsp90; and a charged C-terminal region whose function is not clear, but seems to be natively unfolded. p23 can undergo caspase-dependent proteolytic cleavage to form p19 (p231-142), which is involved in apoptosis, while p23 has anti-apoptotic activity. To better elucidate the function of the human p23 C-terminal region, we studied comparatively the full-length human p23 and three C-terminal truncation mutants: p23₁₋₁₁₇; p23₁₋₁₃₁ and p23₁₋₁₄₂. Our data indicate that p23 and p19 have distinct characteristics, whereas the other two truncations behave similarly, with some differences to p23 and p19. We found that part of the C-terminal region can fold in an α-helix conformation and slightly contributes to p23 thermal-stability, suggesting that the C-terminal interacts with the β-sheet domain. As a whole, our results suggest that the C-terminal region of p23 is critical for its structure-function relationship. A mechanism where the human p23 C-terminal region behaves as an activation/inhibition module for different p23 activities is proposed.

Avaliação do teor e da estabilidade de vitaminas do complexo B e vitamina C em bebidas isotônicas e energéticas

Vitamin C stability and concentration was evaluated in isotonic beverages and B group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6) in power beverages. The amount of vitamins was found to be above of that declared on the labels, even after the shelf life had been exceeded. A small decrease in the amount of B group vitamins was observed during the shelf life of the products. In the case of vitamin C this decrease was slightly higher. The present research shows the need of increased quality control and inspection.

Caracterização físico-química de filmes comestíveis de amido adicionado de acerola (Malphigia emarginata D.C.)

Edibles films are an alternative to synthetic materials used for packing food products. Barbados cherry is rich in vitamin C and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to characterize and develop films by casting from cassava starch, lyophilized Barbados cherry pulp and glycerol. The films were characterized with respect to thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility, vitamin C, carotene and mechanical properties. The interaction of pulp and glycerol reduced film thickness. An increase in pulp concentration up to 60% increased WVP but beyond this concentration reduced both WVP and solubility leading to an increased level of vitamin C and β carotene in the films.

O uso da mitomicina C em cirurgia combinada

Purpose: To analyze the efficacy and safety of intraope-rative mitomycin C (MMC) in combined procedures (extra-capsular cataract extraction + trabeculectomy). Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomized to either MMC (0.5 mg/ml) (n = 14) or saline solution (n = 10) for 3 minutes during the combined procedure. Results: Twelve months after surgery, mean IOP in the MMC group (13.2 ± 2.9 mmHg) was significantly lower than in the control group (16.3 ± 3.9 mmHg) (p = 0.02). The mean number of medications used during the 12-month follow-up in the control group (1.33 ± 0.5) was significantly higher than in the MMC-treated group (0.5 ± 0.5) (p = 0.005). Life table analysis showed a significantly higher probability of IOP control in the MMC group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Intraoperative MMC is safe and effective in pro-moting a better IOP control and reducing the need for postoperative antiglaucoma medications. We suggest intraope-rative MMC to be routinely employed in combined procedures.

Central retinal vein thrombosis as an initial manifestation of heterozygous protein C deficiency: case report

The purpose of this paper is to report a case of central retinal vein thrombosis associated with isolated heterozygous protein C deficiency. Acute occlusion of the central retinal vein presents as one of the most dramatic pictures in ophthalmology. It is often a result of both local and systemic causes. A rare systemic cause is heterozygous protein C deficiency, and it usually occurs in combination with other thrombophilic conditions. This case highlights that isolated heterozygous protein C deficiency may be the cause of central retinal vein thrombosis and underscores the importance of its screening in young patients with this ophthalmologic disease.

O papel do trabalho na transformação do homem em macaco : estudo sobre a disciplina no trabalho do jogador profissional do Sertãozinho F. C

Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Educação Física

Atividade fisica e a relação com a qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressão em pessoas com sequelas de acidente vascular cerebral isquemico (AVCI)/ c Alberto Martins da Costa

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Estabilidade oxidativa e microbiológica em carne de galinha mecanicamente separada e adicionada de antioxidantes durante período de armazenamento a -18 °C

Com o objetivo de acompanhar a estabilidade físico-química e microbiológica da carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de diferentes origens e estocada durante 99 dias a -18 °C, foi realizada prévia mistura de conservante (nitrito de sódio) e antioxidante (eritorbato de sódio) em CMS obtida de duas linhagens de aves: galinhas matrizes de corte e galinhas poedeiras comerciais brancas. Na CMS de cada linhagem foram realizados três diferentes tratamentos: 1) controle (sem aditivos); 2) adição de 150 ppm de nitrito; e 3) adição de 150 ppm de nitrito e 500 ppm de eritorbato. Os resultados encontrados demonstraram que a adição de nitrito isoladamente não impediu a oxidação lipídica, avaliada através do índice de TBARS, nem a alteração na cor, avaliada em colorímetro. Por outro lado, a adição de nitrito juntamente com eritorbato foi efetiva na redução dos problemas de oxidação lipídica na CMS de galinhas matrizes, e em menor grau, na CMS de poedeiras. A adição de nitrito e eritorbato na CMS também melhorou a preservação da cor vermelha desejável (a*) ao longo do tempo. A avaliação da estabilidade microbiológica da CMS, realizada no primeiro e último dia de estocagem congelada, para microrganismos mesófilos, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens e Pseudomonas spp., e quinzenalmente para microrganismos psicrotróficos, indicou que não houve uma variação significativa nas contagens em função do tratamento utilizado (diferentes aditivos adicionados). Não foi detectada Salmonella spp. em nenhuma das amostras analisadas. Em função da melhoria da estabilidade oxidativa, recomenda-se a adição de nitrito (150 ppm) e eritorbato (500 ppm) em CMS de galinhas matrizes a ser estocada congelada por um período prolongado.