Macroautophagic process was differentially modulated by long-term moderate exercise in rat brain and peripheral tissues

The autophagic process is a lysosomal degradation pathway, which is activated during stress conditions, such as starvation or exercise. Regular exercise has beneficial effects on human health, including neuroprotection. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying these effects are incompletely understood. Endurance and a single bout of exercise induce autophagy not only in brain but also in peripheral tissues. However, little is known whether autophagy could be modulated in brain and peripheral tissues by long-term moderate exercise. Here, we examined the effects on macroautophagy process of long-term moderate treadmill training (36 weeks) in adult rats both in brain (hippocampus and cerebral cortex) and peripheral tissues (skeletal muscle, liver and heart). We assessed mTOR activation and the autophagic proteins Beclin 1, p62, LC3B (LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio) and the lysosomal protein LAMP1, as well as the ubiquitinated proteins. Our results showed in the cortex of exercised rats an inactivation of mTOR, greater autophagy flux (increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and reduced p62) besides increased LAMP1. Related with these effects a reduction in the ubiquitinated proteins was observed. No significant changes in the autophagic pathway were found either in hippocampus or in skeletal and cardiac muscle by exercise. Only in the liver of exercised rats mTOR phosphorylation and p62 levels increased, which could be related with beneficial metabolic effects in this organ induced by exercise. Thus, our findings suggest that long-term moderate exercise induces autophagy specifically in the cortex

Macroautophagic process was differentially modulated by long-term moderate exercise in rat brain and peripheral tissues

The autophagic process is a lysosomal degradation pathway, which is activated during stress conditions, such as starvation or exercise. Regular exercise has beneficial effects on human health, including neuroprotection. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying these effects are incompletely understood. Endurance and a single bout of exercise induce autophagy not only in brain but also in peripheral tissues. However, little is known whether autophagy could be modulated in brain and peripheral tissues by long-term moderate exercise. Here, we examined the effects on macroautophagy process of long-term moderate treadmill training (36 weeks) in adult rats both in brain (hippocampus and cerebral cortex) and peripheral tissues (skeletal muscle, liver and heart). We assessed mTOR activation and the autophagic proteins Beclin 1, p62, LC3B (LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio) and the lysosomal protein LAMP1, as well as the ubiquitinated proteins. Our results showed in the cortex of exercised rats an inactivation of mTOR, greater autophagy flux (increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and reduced p62) besides increased LAMP1. Related with these effects a reduction in the ubiquitinated proteins was observed. No significant changes in the autophagic pathway were found either in hippocampus or in skeletal and cardiac muscle by exercise. Only in the liver of exercised rats mTOR phosphorylation and p62 levels increased, which could be related with beneficial metabolic effects in this organ induced by exercise. Thus, our findings suggest that long-term moderate exercise induces autophagy specifically in the cortex

El primer plor

«Ja el nàixer és un gran plor», ens canta Raimon. Hi ha dos moments crucials que fiten tota vida humana: el naixement i la mort.

Desenvolupament d'interfícies d'usuari i visualització d'imatge mèdica en dispositius mòbils Android

Aquest treball tracta sobre la realització d’una aplicació per a dispositius Android que permeti visualitzar imatges mèdiques. Amb la col·laboració del parc Taulí de Sabadell s’han realitzat tasques de recerca de requeriments com l’elaboració d’una entrevista o la realització d’una maqueta de paper que s’ha sotmès a una avaluació heurística en un procés iteratiu. Finalment, s’ha implementat una aplicació on es poden visualitzar imatges mèdiques, fer accions sobre elles com canviar el color o fer zoom i accedir a informació del pacient.

HIV-1 immune activation induces siglec-1 expression and enhances viral trans-infection in blood and tissue myeloid cells

Background: Myeloid cells are key players in the recognition and response of the host against invading viruses. Paradoxically, upon HIV-1 infection, myeloid cells might also promote viral pathogenesis through trans-infection, a mechanism that promotes HIV-1 transmission to target cells via viral capture and storage. The receptor Siglec-1 (CD169) potently enhances HIV-1 trans-infection and is regulated by immune activating signals present throughout the course of HIV-1 infection, such as interferon α (IFNα). Results: Here we show that IFNα-activated dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages have an enhanced ability to capture and trans-infect HIV-1 via Siglec-1 recognition of viral membrane gangliosides. Monocytes from untreated HIV-1-infected individuals trans-infect HIV-1 via Siglec-1, but this capacity diminishes after effective antiretroviral treatment. Furthermore, Siglec-1 is expressed on myeloid cells residing in lymphoid tissues, where it can mediate viral trans-infection. Conclusions: Siglec-1 on myeloid cells could fuel novel CD4+ T-cell infections and contribute to HIV-1 dissemination in vivo.

Introducción de la simulación de alta fidelidad en el Grado de Enfermería U.B.

Simulación es la creación de una situación donde experimentar un evento con el fin de practicar, evaluar o adquirir conocimientos de sistemas o actuaciones humanas.La simulación de alta fidelidad se introduce en el curso 2012-2013 como proyecto piloto en el grado de Enfermería de la UB, está dirigida a alumnos de 4º de grado de Enfermería, pretende reforzar contenidos de la asignatura “Pràcticum” en el entorno del aula de alta simulación, potenciando la toma de decisiones en equipo ante situaciones de riesgo vital. La experiencia permite analizar, evaluar y reflexionar sobre la práctica, posibilita la mejora o replanteamiento del aprendizaje sin riesgo para el paciente. Durante la observación, alumnos y docentes cumplimentan la plantilla del caso: reflexiones y chequeo de la práctica simulada. Terminada la simulación, la reflexión final o "debriefing" pone en común aspectos emocionales, de interrelación y formativos, susceptibles de mejorar. La metodología permite evaluar competencias básicas y específicas, utilizando un marco de valoración.

Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy and chemometric techniques for the determination of adulteration in petrodiesel/biodiesel blends

We propose an analytical method based on fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy to detect the adulteration of petrodiesel and petrodiesel/palm biodiesel blends with African crude palm oil. The infrared spectral fingerprints from the sample analysis were used to perform principal components analysis (PCA) and to construct a prediction model using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The PCA results separated the samples into three groups, allowing identification of those subjected to adulteration with palm oil. The obtained model shows a good predictive capacity for determining the concentration of palm oil in petrodiesel/biodiesel blends. Advantages of the proposed method include cost-effectiveness and speed; it is also environmentally friendly.

Advances in ethanol reforming for the production of hydrogen

Catalytic steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) is a promising route for the production of renewable hydrogen (H2). This article reviews the influence of doping supported-catalysts used in SRE on the conversion of ethanol, selectivity for H2, and stability during long reaction periods. In addition, promising new technologies such as membrane reactors and electrochemical reforming for performing SRE are presented.

Efeito da adubação nitrogenada na produção de mudas de sete-cascas (Samanea inopinata (Harms) Ducke)

O entendimento da nutrição das mudas e o uso de substratos de cultivo apropriados são essenciais para definição da recomendação adequada de fertilização. Devido à dificuldade de se fazerem recomendações de fertilização específicas, testou-se o efeito da adubação nitrogenada no crescimento e qualidade das mudas de sete-cascas (Samanea inopinata). Foram estudados nove tratamentos com três repetições cada e parcelas com seis sacolas plásticas, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso. A fonte de nitrogênio utilizada foi o sulfato de amônio aplicado sob diferentes dosagens (0, 0,7; 1,4; 2,1; e 2,8 g/muda) a cada 14 ou 28 dias. O experimento foi acompanhado por 12 meses, sendo, então, colhido. Avaliaram-se a altura (H), diâmetro do coleto (D) e matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA) e da raiz (MSR), calculando-se a matéria seca total (MST) e os índices de qualidade de mudas: H/D, H/MSPA, MSPA/MSR e o IQD. Procedeu-se à análise estatística por análise fatorial e de regressão. Todos os parâmetros morfológicos avaliados foram afetados significativamente, com exceção dos índices MSPA/MSR e H/D. Devido à importância da altura e do diâmetro, recomenda-se aplicar 0,91 g de sulfato de amônio por muda a cada 14 dias, quando cultivadas em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo combinado com composto orgânico.

TOLERANCIA AL FUEGO EN Quercus magnoliifolia1

RESUMENCon el objetivo de conocer la respuesta de Quercus magnoliifolia al fuego en mortalidad y rebrotación, se aplicó una quema prescrita intensa, en fajas a favor de viento y pendiente, a una parcela de 0.5 ha en el estado de Guerrero, México, en abril de 2009. La quema inició a las 10:20 y duró 1 h 26 min. Se midieron las variables meteorológicas temperatura (25-28 °C), humedad relativa (33-24%), y velocidad del viento (7-25 km/h); y de comportamiento del fuego (largo de llama, de 0.5 a 3 m).Seis meses después se midieron variables de la estructura del arbolado y de severidad de la quema. El análisis de datos involucró regresión logarítmica y regresión logística. Los valores estructurales medios fueron: altura (11.2 m), diámetro normal (12. 2 cm) y altura de copas (6.8 m). Se halló relación logarítmica directa entre el largo de llama y la velocidad del viento (R2=0.65). No hubo mortalidad producto de la quema, pero 33 % de los árboles rebrotaron. Las variables explicativas de la probabilidad de rebrotación fueron: altura (p=0.0159), diámetro normal (p=0.0394)y altura a la base de copas (p=0.0487). La cicatriz sobre el tronco alcanzó 2.6 m y el chamuscado de copas 62 %, en promedio. La especie muestra resistencia a fuego poco severo, gracias a su corteza, y tolerancia a fuego más severo. Las quemas prescritas contribuirían a reducir impactos negativos de incendios en el arbolado.

Holstein white coat color and performance: phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations

Correlations of measures of percentages of white coat color, five measures of production and two measures of reproduction were obtained from 4293 first lactation Holsteins from eight Florida dairy farms. Percentages of white coat color were analyzed as recorded and transformed by an extension of Box-Cox procedures. Statistical analyses were by derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (DFREML) with an animal model. Phenotypic and genetic correlations of white percentage (not transformed) were with milk yield, 0.047 and 0.097; fat yield, 0.002 and 0.004; fat percentage, -0.047 and -0.090; protein yield, 0.024 and 0.048; protein percentage, -0.070 and -0.116; days open, -0.012 and -0.065; and calving interval, -0.007 and -0.029. Changes in magnitude of correlations were very small for all variables except days open. Genetic and phenotypic correlations of transformed values with days open were -0.027 and -0.140. Modest positive correlated responses would be expected for white coat color percentage following direct selection for milk, fat, and protein yields, but selection for fat and protein percentages, days open, or calving interval would lead to small decreases.

Promoter region sequence differences in the A and G gamma globin genes of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF), encoded by the HBG2 and HBG1 genes, is the best-known genetic modulator of sickle cell anemia, varying dramatically in concentration in the blood of these patients. This variation is partially associated with polymorphisms located in the promoter region of the HBG2 and HBG1 genes. In order to explore known and unknown polymorphisms in these genes, the sequences of their promoter regions were screened in sickle cell anemia patients and correlated with both their HbF levels and their βS-globin haplotypes. Additionally, the sequences were compared with genes from 2 healthy groups, a reference one (N = 104) and an Afro-descendant one (N = 98), to identify polymorphisms linked to the ethnic background.The reference group was composed by healthy individuals from the general population. Four polymorphisms were identified in the promoter region of HBG2 and 8 in the promoter region of HBG1 among the studied groups. Four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located at positions -324, -317, -309 and -307 were identified in the reference group. A deletion located between -396 and -391 in the HBG2 promoter region and the SNP -271 C→T in the HBG1 promoter region were associated with the Central African Republic βS-globin haplotype. In contrast, the -369 C→G and 309 A→G SNPs in the HBG2 promoter region were correlated to the Benin haplotype. The polymorphisms -396_-391 del HBG2, -369 SNP HBG2 and -271 SNP HBG1 correlated with HbF levels. Hence, we suggest an important role of HBG2 and HBG1 gene polymorphisms on the HbF synthesis.

Evaluation of thermotolerant capacity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from commercial sausages and the effects of their addition on the quality of cooked sausages

The thermotolerant capacity of several lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from cooked commercial sausages was determined. Four strains were positively identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus curvatus, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pediococcus acidilacti, after surviving thermal treatment (70 °C during 60 minutes). Thermotolerant strains were inoculated in sausage batters before cooking in order to determine their effect on color, texture, acceptance and inhibition of Enterobacteria during 12 days at 8 °C. No significant effect of the inoculated strains was detected on color parameters. Textural profile parameters, cohesiveness and resilience, were not affected by the inoculation of thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria, but L. curvatus sausages resulted softer than the rest of the treatments. Samples inoculated with L. curvatus also obtained the lowest scores for the sensory attributes evaluated, with the remaining treatments causing no unfavorable effects on sausage acceptance. There was a reduction in enterobacterial counts after 12 days of cold storage in inoculated samples. The performance of inoculated lactic acid bacteria strains can be explained in a similar way as that of starter cultures in dry-fermented sausages, where the growth in nests impairs other pathogenic microorganisms present in the rest of the sausage, since environmental conditions and the early inoculation of these thermotolerant strains favor them to become the dominant flora.

Caracterización fisicoquímica de almidones de tubérculos cultivados en Yucatán, México

Se realizó la evaluación de las propiedades fisicoquímicas y funcionales de almidones de tubérculos: makal (Xanthosoma yucatanensis), camote (Ipomea batata), yuca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) y sagú (Marantha arundinacea). El tamaño promedio de los gránulos de almidón varió de 10,6 a 16,5 µm. La amilosa fue de 23,6, 19,6, 17,0 y 22,7%, para el makal, camote, yuca y sagú. Las temperaturas de gelatinización fueron de 78,4, 61,3, 65,2 y 74,9 °C, respectivamente. El almidón de yuca fue el que presentó mayor poder de hinchamiento y solubilidad. La viscosidad máxima fue para el almidón de yuca. El almidón de camote presentó la mayor claridad de gel (51,8%) y el de makal, la menor (10,9%). El almidón de yuca fue el más elástico (36,2%). Los almidones de makal y de sagú pueden ser utilizados en productos que requieren altas temperaturas de procesamiento. Los almidones de camote y de yuca pueden ser incluidos en sistemas alimenticios como espesantes, estabilizantes y gelificantes en alimentos refrigerados y congelados.