Influence of Egr-1 in cardiac tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in response to glucose variations

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising cell population for cell therapy and regenerative medicine applications. However, how variations in glucose are perceived by MSC pool is still unclear. Since, glucose metabolism is cell type and tissue dependent, this must be considered when MSCs are derived from alternative sources such as the heart. The zinc finger transcription factor Egr-1 is an important early response gene, likely to play a key role in the glucose-induced response. Our aim was to investigate how short-term changes in in vitro glucose concentrations affect multipotent cardiac tissue-derived MSCs (cMSCs) in a mouse model of Egr-1 KO (Egr-1-/-). Results showed that loss of Egr-1 does not significantly influence cMSC proliferation. In contrast, responses to glucose variations were observed in wt but not in Egr-1 -/- cMSCs by clonogenic assay. Phenotype analysis by RT-PCR showed that cMSCs Egr-1-/- lost the ability to regulate the glucose transporters GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 and, as expected, the Egr-1 target genes VEGF, TGFβ-1, and p300. Acetylated protein levels of H3 histone were impaired in Egr-1-/- compared to wt cMSCs. We propose that Egr-1 acts as immediate glucose biological sensor in cMSCs after a short period of stimuli, likely inducing epigenetic modifications. © 2014 Daniela Bastianelli et al.

Amyloid β 1-42 induces hypometabolism in human stem cell-derived neuron and astrocyte networks

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 35 million people worldwide. Brain hypometabolism is a major feature of AD, appearing decades before cognitive decline and pathologic lesions. To date, the majority of studies on hypometabolism in AD have used transgenic animal models or imaging studies of the human brain. As it is almost impossible to validate these findings using human tissue, alternative models are required. In this study, we show that human stem cell-derived neuron and astrocyte cultures treated with oligomers of amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) also display a clear hypometabolism, particularly with regard to utilization of substrates such as glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and glutamate. In addition, a significant increase in the glycogen content of cells was also observed. These changes were accompanied by changes in NAD+ /NADH, ATP, and glutathione levels, suggesting a disruption in the energy-redox axis within these cultures. The high energy demands associated with neuronal functions such as memory formation and protection from oxidative stress put these cells at particular risk from Aβ-induced hypometabolism. Further research using this model may elucidate the mechanisms associated with Aβ-induced hypometabolism.

Regulation of Bone Marrow Stem Cells through Oscillatory Shear Stresses - A Heart Valve Tissue Engineering Perspective

Heart valve disease occurs in adults as well as in pediatric population due to age-related changes, rheumatic fever, infection or congenital condition. Current treatment options are limited to mechanical heart valve (MHV) or bio-prosthetic heart valve (BHV) replacements. Lifelong anti-coagulant medication in case of MHV and calcification, durability in case of BHV are major setbacks for both treatments. Lack of somatic growth of these implants require multiple surgical interventions in case of pediatric patients. Advent of stem cell research and regenerative therapy propose an alternative and potential tissue engineered heart valves (TEHV) treatment approach to treat this life threatening condition. TEHV has the potential to promote tissue growth by replacing and regenerating a functional native valve. Hemodynamics play a crucial role in heart valve tissue formation and sustained performance. The focus of this study was to understand the role of physiological shear stress and flexure effects on de novo HV tissue formation as well as resulting gene and protein expression. A bioreactor system was used to generate physiological shear stress and cyclic flexure. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell derived tissue constructs were exposed to native valve-like physiological condition. Responses of these tissue constructs to the valve-relevant stress states along with gene and protein expression were investigated after 22 days of tissue culture. We conclude that the combination of steady flow and cyclic flexure helps support engineered tissue formation by the co-existence of both OSS and appreciable shear stress magnitudes, and potentially augment valvular gene and protein expression when both parameters are in the physiological range.

Utilização do resíduo grosso do beneficiamento da scheelita em aplicações rodoviárias

Mining is an activity of great economic and social value, assisting in the development of the country. However, it can be extremely harmful to the environment if no proper waste management study exists as mitigation measure its effects. Sample some of these harmful effects are pollution: water, through the seepage of waste into the groundwater; soil; of fauna and flora; sound (due to the noise of machines); visual from the residue stored in the open, changing the local landscape; and air. One way to mitigate environmental impacts caused by mining is the proper management of their waste through their use on highways. To that end, this paper proposes to give an appropriate destination to grit coming from the beneficiation of scheelite, due to mining activity from mining group Tomaz Salustino in Brejuí mine, located in the city of Currais Novos in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This work was developed in four stages. The first comprised the chemical and mineralogical tests, DRX and FRX in which they sought to discover the composition of the material studied. The next step involved the physical characteristics of the waste by means of specific tests and grinding the solid mass, LL and LP. The third stage included the specific tests applied to the pavement, with the compaction test and test Index Support California. Finally, the fourth stage was the mechanical characterization, represented by direct shear tests, both in the flooded condition and not in flooded condition. The technical feasibility of using the modified energie compacted in layers of subbase power has been verified. In normal and intermediate energies is feasible to use less noble as layers as the subgrade. The incorporation of the waste in layers of road pavements provide an alternative to conventionally used in paving aggregates, providing a proper disposal of tailings from scheelite, as well as environmental preservation

Identificação das políticas de incentivo ao desenvolvimento da energia eólica no Rio Grande do Norte (RN)

Energy is a vital resource for social and economic development. In the present scenario, the search for alternative energy sources has become fundamental, especially after the oil crises between 1973 and 1979, the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The demand for the development of new alternative energy sources aims to complement existing forms allows to meet the demand for energy consumption with greater security. Brazil, with the guideline of not dirtying the energy matrix by the fossil fuels exploitation and the recent energy crisis caused by the lack of rains, directs energy policies for the development of other renewable energy sources, complementing the hydric. This country is one of the countries that stand out for power generation capacity from the winds in several areas, especially Rio Grande do Norte (RN), which is one of the states with highest installed power and great potential to be explored. In this context arises the purpose of this work to identify the incentive to develop policies of wind energy in Rio Grande do Norte. The study was conducted by a qualitative methodology of data analysis called content analysis, oriented for towards message characteristics, its informational value, the words, arguments and ideas expressed in it, constituting a thematic analysis. To collect the data interviews were conducted with managers of major organizations related to wind energy in Brazil and in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The identification of incentive policies was achieved in three stages: the first seeking incentives policies in national terms, which are applied to all states, the second with the questionnaire application and the third to research and data collection for the development of the installed power of the RN as compared to other states. At the end, the results demonstrated hat in Rio Grande do Norte state there is no incentive policy for the development of wind power set and consolidated, specific actions in order to optimize the bureaucratic issues related to wind farms, especially on environmental issues. The absence of this policy hinders the development of wind energy RN, considering result in reduced competitiveness and performance in recent energy auctions. Among the perceived obstacles include the lack of hand labor sufficient to achieve the reporting and analysis of environmental licenses, the lack of updating the wind Atlas of the state, a shortfall of tax incentives. Added to these difficulties excel barriers in infrastructure and logistics, with the lack of a suitable port for large loads and the need for reform, maintenance and duplication of roads and highways that are still loss-making. It is suggested as future work the relationship of the technology park of energy and the development of wind power in the state, the influence of the technology park to attract businesses and industries in the wind sector to settle in RN and a comparison of incentive policies to development of wind energy in the Brazilian states observing wind development in the same states under study.

Prospecção tecnológica de células fotovoltaicas para energia solar

Solar energy presents itself as an excellent alternative for the generation of clean, renewable energy. This work aims to identify technological trends of photovoltaic cells for solar energy. The research is characterized, in relation to nature, to be applied; regarding the approach is qualitative and quantitative; with respect to the objectives, it is exploratory and descriptive; concerning the methodological procedure is considered a bibliographic research with a case study in the case of solar photovoltaic sector. The development of this research began with a literature review on photovoltaic solar energy and technology foresight. Then it led to the technology mapping of photovoltaic solar cells through the analysis of articles and patents. It was later performed the technological prospecting of photovoltaic cells for solar energy through the Delphi method, as well as the construction of the current plan and future technology of photovoltaic cells for the current scenario, 2020 and 2025. The results of this research show that the considered mature technologies (silicon mono and multicrystalline) will continue to be commercially viable within the prospected period (2020-2025). Other technologies that are currently viable (amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and copper indium selenide / Copper indium gallium diselenide-), may not submit the same condition in 2025. Since the cells of silicon nanowires, dye-sensitized and based on carbon nanostructure, which nowadays are not commercially viable, may be part of the future map of photovoltaic technologies for solar energy.

Modelagem e análise dinâmica de um sistema de conversão de energia eólica dotado de gerador síncrono de imã permanente utilizando a plataforma ATP

Human development requires a broad balance between ecological, social and economic factors in order to ensure its own sustainability. In this sense, the search for new sources of energy generation, with low deployment and operation costs, which cause the least possible impact to the environment, has been the focus of attention of all society segments. To do so, the reduction in exploration of fossil fuels and the encouragement of using renewable energy resources for distributed generation have proved interesting alternatives to the expansion of the energy matrix of various countries in the world. In this sense, the wind energy has acquired an increasingly significant role, presenting increasing rates of power grid penetration and highlighting technological innovations such as the use of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG). In Brazil, this fact has also been noted and, as a result, the impact of the inclusion of this source in the distribution and sub-transmission power grid has been a major concern of utilities and agents connected to Brazilian electrical sector. Thus, it is relevant the development of appropriate computational tools that allow detailed predictive studies about the dynamic behavior of wind farms, either operating with isolated load, either connected to the main grid, taking also into account the implementation of control strategies for active/reactive power generation and the keeping of adequate levels of voltage and frequency. This work fits in this context since it comprises mathematical and computational developments of a complete wind energy conversion system (WECS) endowed with PMSG using time domain techniques of Alternative Transients Program (ATP), which prides itself a recognized reputation by scientific and academic communities as well as by electricity professionals in Brazil and elsewhere. The modeling procedures performed allowed the elaboration of blocks representing each of the elements of a real WECS, comprising the primary source (the wind), the wind turbine, the PMSG, the frequency converter, the step up transformer, the load composition and the power grid equivalent. Special attention is also given to the implementation of wind turbine control techniques, mainly the pitch control responsible for keeping the generator under the maximum power operation point, and the vector theory that aims at adjusting the active/reactive power flow between the wind turbine and the power grid. Several simulations are performed to investigate the dynamic behavior of the wind farm when subjected to different operating conditions and/or on the occurrence of wind intensity variations. The results have shown the effectiveness of both mathematical and computational modeling developed for the wind turbine and the associated controls.

O Ensino de ligações químicas por meio do conceito de energia: uma proposta didática para o ensino médio

This work presents discussions on the teaching of Chemical Bonds in high school and some implications of this approach in learning chemistry by students. In general, understanding how the chemicals combine to form substances and compounds, it is a key point for understanding the properties of substances and their structure. In this sense, the chemical bonds represent an extremely important issue, and their knowledge is essential for a better understanding of the changes occurring in our world. Despite these findings, it is observed that the way in which this concept is discussed in chemistry class has contributed, paradoxically, to the emergence of several alternative designs, making the understanding of the subject by students. It is believed that one of the explanations for these observations is the exclusive use of the "octet rule" as an explanatory model for the Chemical Bonds. The use of such a model over time eventually replace chemical principles that gave rise to it, transforming knowledge into a series of uninteresting rituals and even confusing for students. Based on these findings, it is deemed necessary a reformulation in the way to approach this content in the classroom, taking into account especially the fact that the explanations of the formation of substances should be based on the energy concept, which is fundamental to understanding how atoms combine. Thus, the main question of the survey and described here of the following question: Can the development of an explanatory model for the Chemical Bonds in high school based on the concept of energy and without the need to use the "octet rule"? Based on the concepts and methodologies of modeling activity, we sought the development of a teaching model was made through Teaching Units designed to give subsidies to high school teachers to address the chemical bonds through the concept of energy. Through this work it is intended to make the process of teaching and learning of Chemical Bonds content becomes more meaningful to students, developing models that contribute to the learning of this and hence other basic fundamentals of chemistry.

O Ensino de ligações químicas por meio do conceito de energia: uma proposta didática para o ensino médio

This work presents discussions on the teaching of Chemical Bonds in high school and some implications of this approach in learning chemistry by students. In general, understanding how the chemicals combine to form substances and compounds, it is a key point for understanding the properties of substances and their structure. In this sense, the chemical bonds represent an extremely important issue, and their knowledge is essential for a better understanding of the changes occurring in our world. Despite these findings, it is observed that the way in which this concept is discussed in chemistry class has contributed, paradoxically, to the emergence of several alternative designs, making the understanding of the subject by students. It is believed that one of the explanations for these observations is the exclusive use of the "octet rule" as an explanatory model for the Chemical Bonds. The use of such a model over time eventually replace chemical principles that gave rise to it, transforming knowledge into a series of uninteresting rituals and even confusing for students. Based on these findings, it is deemed necessary a reformulation in the way to approach this content in the classroom, taking into account especially the fact that the explanations of the formation of substances should be based on the energy concept, which is fundamental to understanding how atoms combine. Thus, the main question of the survey and described here of the following question: Can the development of an explanatory model for the Chemical Bonds in high school based on the concept of energy and without the need to use the "octet rule"? Based on the concepts and methodologies of modeling activity, we sought the development of a teaching model was made through Teaching Units designed to give subsidies to high school teachers to address the chemical bonds through the concept of energy. Through this work it is intended to make the process of teaching and learning of Chemical Bonds content becomes more meaningful to students, developing models that contribute to the learning of this and hence other basic fundamentals of chemistry.

Conversor de energia das ondas em energia elétrica com dispositivo de coluna de água oscilante: simulação numérica e estudo geométrico

Os oceanos representam um dos maiores recursos naturais, possuindo expressivo potencial energético, podendo suprir parte da demanda energética mundial. Nas últimas décadas, alguns dispositivos destinados à conversão da energia das ondas dos oceanos em energia elétrica têm sido estudados. No presente trabalho, o princípio de funcionamento do conversor do tipo Coluna de Água Oscilante, do inglês Oscillating Water Colum, (OWC) foi analisado numericamente. As ondas incidentes na câmara hidro-pneumática da OWC, causam um movimento alternado da coluna de água no interior da câmara, o qual produz um fluxo alternado de ar que passa pela chaminé. O ar passa e aciona uma turbina a qual transmite energia para um gerador elétrico. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influência de diferentes formas geométricas da câmara sobre o fluxo resultante de ar que passa pela turbina, que influencia no desempenho do dispositivo. Para isso, geometrias diferentes para o conversor foram analisadas empregando modelos computacionais 2D e 3D. Um modelo computacional desenvolvido nos softwares GAMBIT e FLUENT foi utilizado, em que o conversor OWC foi acoplado a um tanque de ondas. O método Volume of Fluid (VOF) e a teoria de 2ª ordem Stokes foram utilizados para gerar ondas regulares, permitindo uma interação mais realista entre o conversor, água, ar e OWC. O Método dos Volumes Finitos (MVF) foi utilizado para a discretização das equações governantes. Neste trabalho o Contructal Design (baseado na Teoria Constructal) foi aplicado pela primeira vez em estudos numéricos tridimensionais de OWC para fim de encontrar uma geometria que mais favorece o desempenho do dispositivo. A função objetivo foi a maximização da vazão mássica de ar que passa através da chaminé do dispositivo OWC, analisado através do método mínimos quadrados, do inglês Root Mean Square (RMS). Os resultados indicaram que a forma geométrica da câmara influencia na transformação da energia das ondas em energia elétrica. As geometrias das câmaras analisadas que apresentaram maior área da face de incidência das ondas (sendo altura constante), apresentaram também maior desempenho do conversor OWC. A melhor geometria, entre os casos desse estudo, ofereceu um ganho no desempenho do dispositivo em torno de 30% maior.

Produção de biogás a partir da co-digestão de resíduos da geração de energia

Aplicações de microalgas tem tornado esses micro-organismos importantes em pesquisas com fins tanto comerciais como energéticos. A biofixação de CO2 por microalgas é vista como uma forma economicamente viável e ambientalmente sustentável para mitigar as emissões de CO2 e geração de biomassa para obtenção de bioprodutos de alto valor agregado como os biocombustíveis. Na digestão anaeróbia da biomassa de microalgas a adição de um cosubstrato rico em carbono pode facilitar o processo de produção de biogás. O glicerol possui alta concentração de carbono orgânico e é solúvel em água. Neste sentido, a combinação de ambos os substratos pode solucionar um dos principais problemas para o processo de digestão, que reside no equilíbrio da razão (C/N). Co-digestão anaeróbia consiste na digestão anaeróbia de uma mistura de dois ou mais substratos com composições complementares. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a geração de biogás através da co-digestão anaeróbia de biomassa de Spirulina sp. LEB 18 e glicerol bruto. Para a realização do estudo foram construídos e operados sete biorreatores com volume útil de 1,5 L, alimentados com 5, 6, 10, 15 e 20 g.L -1 da mistura de biomassa de Spirulina e glicerol. A adição de diferentes quantidades de glicerol (5 e 10 g.L -1 ) foi utilizada como um suplemento na digestão anaeróbia em sistema de batelada. A razão C/N variou de 3,3×103 a 23,7. Os ensaios foram realizados a 35 °C, em reatores equipados com sistema de coleta de gás, alimentação e retirada do efluente líquido, operados em batelada sequencial. O efluente líquido dos reatores foi analisado quanto ao pH, nitrogênio amoniacal e alcalinidade. O volume de biogás produzido diariamente foi medido em gasômetro de frasco invertido. Em todos os ensaios, os valores médios de pH variaram de 7,0 a 7,3 e nitrogênio amoniacal de 62,02 a 1100,99 mg.L-1 . A alcalinidade do efluente variou entre 1133,37 e 3578,98 mg.L-1 CaCO3. Em todos os ensaios com adição de glicerol houve incremento na produção específica de biogás (0,16 – 0,24 d -1 ) quando comparado ao ensaio em que somente biomassa microalgal era alimentada no processo (0,03 L.d-1 ), demonstrando ser esta uma alternativa interessante para a produção de biocombustível e concomitante agregação de valor ao glicerol residual da produção de biodiesel.

Sistema de emulação de aerogeradores para aplicação em geração distribuída de energia elétrica

Power generation from alternative sources is at present the subject of numerous research and development in science and industry. Wind energy stands out in this scenario as one of the most prominent alternative in the generation of electricity, by its numerous advantages. In research works, computer reproduction and experimental behavior of a wind turbine are very suitable tools for the development and study of new technologies and the use of wind potential of a given region. These tools generally are desired to include simulation of mechanical and electrical parameters that directly affect the energy conversion. This work presents the energy conversion process in wind systems for power generation, in order to develop a tool for wind turbine emulation testing experimental, using LabVIEW® software. The purpose of this tool is to emulate the torque developed in an axis wind turbine. The physical setup consists of a three phase induction motor and a permanent magnet synchronous generator, which are evaluated under different wind speed conditions. This tool has the objective to be flexible to other laboratory arrangements, and can be used in other wind power generation structures in real time. A modeling of the wind power system is presented, from the turbine to the electrical generator. A simulation tool is developed using Matlab/Simulink® with the purpose to pre-validate the experiment setup. Finally, the design is implemented in a laboratory setup.

Investigation into various fungicides and alternative solutions for controlling postharvest diseases in papaya fruit

In Australia, Sportak® (a.i., prochloraz) has been registered since the early 1980's for the postharvest control of both anthracnose and stem-end rots in papaya fruit, despite the persistence of fruit breakdown due to disease during transit and at market destinations. Consequently, the Australian papaya industry has been concerned over the efficacy of prochloraz and whether substitute or alternative solutions were available for better disease control, particularly during times of peak disease pressure. This study therefore investigated the effects of various postharvest treatments for disease control in papaya. Fruit were harvested at colour break from coastal farms in Far North Queensland and treated with commercial rates of various fungicides, including prochloraz, imazalil, thiabendazole and fludioxonil. Additional solutions known to inhibit disease were examined, including chitosan and carnauba wax both with and without ammonium carbonate (AC). Following treatment, fruit were ripened and assessed for quality over their shelf life. Fludioxonil when applied as a hot dip was found to be a more efficacious treatment for control of disease in papaya than prochloraz. The other fungicides were moderately effective, as both thiabendazol and prochloraz exhibited an intermediate response and imazalil was the least effective. Disease severity was lowest in fruit treated with AC followed by chitosan, whilst chitosan delayed degreening. Overall, the study found that hot fludioxonil provided an effective replacement of the currently registered chemical prochloraz, and that alternate solutions such chitosan and AC may also be beneficial, particularly for low chemical input farming systems.

Establishment of a protocol for the cryopreservation of cell sheets of adipose tissue stem cells

Dissertação de Mestrado, Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, 2016