Characterization of Adult Stem/Progenitor Cell Populations From Bone Marrow in a Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel Culture System.

Stem cell transplantation therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered a useful strategy. Although MSCs are commonly isolated by exploiting their plastic adherence, several studies have suggested that there are other populations of stem and/or osteoprogenitor cells which are removed from primary culture during media replacement. Therefore, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) culture system in which adherent and non-adherent stem cells are selected and expanded. Here, we described the characterization of 3D culture-derived cell populations in vitro and the capacity of these cells to differentiate into bone and/or cartilage tissue when placed inside of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) cylinders, implanted subcutaneously into the backs of rat for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Our results demonstrates that 3D culture cells were a heterogeneous population of uncommitted cells that express pluripotent, hematopoietic, mesenchymal and endothelial specific markers in vitro and can undergo osteogenic differentiation in vivo.

Use of active personal dosemeters in interventional radiology and cardiology: Tests in hospitals - ORAMED project

Although active personal dosemeters (APDs) are not used quite often in hospital environments, the possibility to assess the dose and/or dose rate in real time is particularly interesting in interventional radiology and cardiology (IR/IC) since operators can receive relatively high doses while standing close to the primary radiation field.A study concerning the optimization of the use of APDs in IR/IC was performed in the framework of the ORAMED project, a Collaborative Project (2008-2011) supported by the European Commission within its 7th Framework Program. This paper reports on tests performed with APDs on phantoms using an X-ray facility in a hospital environment and APDs worn by interventionalists during routine practice in different European hospitals.The behaviour of the APDs is more satisfactory in hospitals than in laboratories with respect to the influence of the tube peak high voltage and pulse width, because the APDs are tested in scattered fields with dose equivalent rates generally lower than 1 Sv.h(-1).

Serologic follow-up of IgG responses against recombinant mycobacterial proteins ML0405, ML2331 and LID-1 in a leprosy hyperendemic area in Venezuela

Leprosy is a slowly evolving disease that occurs mainly in adults. In this study, the Mamaría Village, state of Portuguesa was selected because it had one of the highest prevalence rates (13.25%) of leprosy cases in 1997. Between 1998-2004, 20.2% of the 89 cases registered in this village were less than 15 years old and 61.8% were males. Pau-cibacillary (PB) lesions were the predominant clinical forms identified, although also multibacillary (MB) forms were found. Additionally, 76% of the patients were bacteriologically negative. At the time of diagnosis, 75% of the patients presented with grade 0 disabilities, 23% with grade 1 and 2% with grade 2. Serum samples were collected from 18 PB and 15 MB patients, in addition to 14 family contacts, at the beginning and end of treatment. All the groups were re-evaluated during a three-year period (2008-2011). The proteins used for evaluation were ML0405, ML2331 and LID-1. These mycobacterial proteins were highly specific for Mycobacterium leprae and the IgG responses decreased in both MB and PB patients during multidrug treatment. Our results suggest that these antigens could be used as markers for successful treatment of non-reactional lepromatous patients.

Evidence of new risk genetic factor to systemic lupus erythematosus: the UBASH3A gene

The ubiquitin associated and Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain containing A (UBASH3a) is a suppressor of T-cell receptor signaling, underscoring antigen presentation to T-cells as a critical shared mechanism of diseases pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the UBASH3a gene influence the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Caucasian populations. We evaluated five UBASH3a polymorphisms (rs2277798, rs2277800, rs9976767, rs13048049 and rs17114930), using TaqMan® allelic discrimination assays, in a discovery cohort that included 906 SLE patients and 1165 healthy controls from Spain. The SNPs that exhibit statistical significance difference were evaluated in a German replication cohort of 360 SLE patients and 379 healthy controls. The case-control analysis in the Spanish population showed a significant association between the rs9976767 and SLE (Pc = 9.9E-03 OR = 1.21 95%CI = 1.07-1.37) and a trend of association for the rs2277798 analysis (P = 0.09 OR = 0.9 95%CI = 0.79-1.02). The replication in a German cohort and the meta-analysis confirmed that the rs9976767 (Pc = 0.02; Pc = 2.4E-04, for German cohort and meta-analysis, respectively) and rs2277798 (Pc = 0.013; Pc = 4.7E-03, for German cohort and meta-analysis, respectively) UBASH3a variants are susceptibility factors for SLE. Finally, a conditional regression analysis suggested that the most likely genetic variation responsible for the association was the rs9976767 polymorphism. Our results suggest that UBASH3a gene plays a role in the susceptibility to SLE. Moreover, our study indicates that UBASH3a can be considered as a common genetic factor in autoimmune diseases.

The first record of Lutzomyia longipalpis in the Argentine northwest

In 2004, the urban presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis was recorded for the first time in Formosa province. In 2006, the first autochthonous case of human urban visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was recorded in Misiones in the presence of the vector, along with some canine VL cases. After this first case, the vector began to spread primarily in northeast Argentina. Between 2008-2011, three human VL cases were reported in Salta province, but the presence of Lu. longipalpis was not recorded. Captures of Phlebotominae were made in Tartagal, Salta, in 2013, and the presence of Lu. longipalpis was first recorded in northwest Argentina at that time. Systematic sampling is recommended to observe the distribution and dispersion patterns of Lu. longipalpis and consider the risk of VL transmission in the region.

Influence of IFNL3/4 Polymorphisms on the Incidence of Cytomegalovirus Infection After Solid-Organ Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in IFNL3 and IFNL4, the genes encoding interferon λ3 and interferon λ4, respectively, have been associated with reduced hepatitis C virus clearance. We explored the role of such polymorphisms on the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid-organ transplant recipients. METHODS: White patients participating in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study in 2008-2011 were included. A novel functional TT/-G polymorphism (rs368234815) in the CpG region upstream of IFNL3 was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 840 solid-organ transplant recipients at risk for CMV infection were included, among whom 373 (44%) received antiviral prophylaxis. The 12-month cumulative incidence of CMV replication and disease were 0.44 and 0.08 cases, respectively. Patient homozygous for the minor rs368234815 allele (-G/-G) tended to have a higher cumulative incidence of CMV replication (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.30 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .97-1.74]; P = .07), compared with other patients (TT/TT or TT/-G). The association was significant among patients followed by a preemptive approach (SHR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.01-2.12]; P = .047), especially in patients receiving an organ from a seropositive donor (SHR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.30-2.85]; P = .001), but not among those who received antiviral prophylaxis (SHR, 1.13 [95% CI, .70-1.83]; P = .6). These associations remained significant in multivariate competing risk regression models. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in the IFNL3/4 region influence susceptibility to CMV replication in solid-organ transplant recipients, particularly in patients not receiving antiviral prophylaxis.

Evolução da dívida pública Cabo-verdiana no período 2002-2012

O tema que se apresenta insere dentro do contexto conjuntura actual onde vários países encontram-se mergulhados numa crise económica profunda, em particular caso de Cabo Verde que, por ser um país insular e com forte dependência do exterior não poderá estar aquém deste contexto. Com as constantes transformações, os Governos sentem-se cada vez mais uma maior necessidade aprofundar as suas intervenções. Dada a incapacidade financeira dos Governos em fazer face a tais necessidades, estes terão de recorrer a outros meios de financiamento, das quais sobressai o endividamento público. Para a argumentação deste trabalho foram desenvolvidas as principais teorias do endividamento público, bem como apresentação de conceitos e definições relacionadas com a dívida pública, e para analisar o comportamento das variáveis em estudo debruçou-se na análise gráfica, tabular e na análise de regressão através do método dos MQO. As receitas e despesas públicas nesses últimos anos tem evoluído acentuadamente, bem como os deficits públicos. Sendo assim torna-se imprescindível contrair dívidas para assegurarem o financiamento dessas actividades em prol do desenvolvimento e crescimento, onde devem assegurar a capacidade de retorno destes investimentos bem como promover o aumento das receitas de forma garantir a amortização das dívidas e ganhar a confiança nos seus credores. O rácio dívida pública/ rendimento permite-nos afirmar que a dívida pública tem tido um peso significativo em relação ao PIB. Em conclusão, sabe-se que em Cabo Verde as decisões sobre as políticas fiscais e orçamentais não fogem a regra e tem gerado muitas controvérsias. Alguns economistas alegam que o Estado tem recorrido em demasia a financiamento via crédito, enquanto outros defende que a saúde e o desempenho da economia são estáveis, apesar da crise financeira. Muito já se houve falar da gestão da dívida pública. Dai a necessidade de aperceber quão endividado encontra o Estado, verificando a evolução e a sustentabilidade da dívida, pois o efeito do endividamento impõe ónus às gerações futuras, bem como a redução na poupança nacional que por sua vez faz cair o investimento dado a aumento das taxas de juros.

CABO VERDE: DE UM “ESTADO INVIÁVEL” AO PRAGMATISMO NA POLÍTICA EXTERNA

O artigo procura compreender de forma sincrónica as linhas fundamentais da política externa de Cabo Verde e seus reflexos nas relações internacionais, abarcando o período, desde a independência à actualidade. A perspectiva central é a de que a independência em 1975 representou uma nova era para o Estado de Cabo Verde, embora se tenha propalado a ideia de um Estado inviável. A estratégia para ultrapassar esta situação passava por uma aposta activa nas relações internacionais, nomeadamente numa política externa pragmática que se ajustasse num quadro de concertação e interacção com outros Estados. Procuramos, através de uma abordagem interdisciplinar e interpretativa, analisar os fenómenos sociais-internacionais que se configuram na política externa cabo-verdiana, sabendo que estes se relacionam tanto no campo da história e da sociologia como no campo da ciência política e das relações internacionais. Propõe-se novos desafios para a política externa cabo-verdiana, numa conjuntura internacional abalada pela crise financeira, uma aposta para uma maior integração regional no continente africano, aproveitando de forma estratégica o continente como nova fronteira de desenvolvimento.

IMPACTO DA DIVIDA PUBLICA NA ECONOMIA CABO VERDIANA “ESTUDO DO CASO

O trabalho ora apresentado reflecte uma análise sobre a divida do GC de Cabo Verde, na perspectiva da sua sustentabilidade e o impacto dos projectos financiados no âmbito deste endividamento, no crescimento económico e do bem-estar da população. Foi desenvolvido com base nas práticas e método de análise de sustentabilidade utlizado pelo FMI e Banco Mundial para os países membros, da análise da participação dos investimentos e consume público no crescimento económico bem como pelo método de análise de impacto de projecto, comparando a situação antes e depois do projecto. A analise da divida foi feita num período 13 anos, a contar a partir de 2002, repartidos em dois períodos distintos: o período antes e depois da crise financeira.O objectivo foi de analisar as deferentes motivações que estiveram na base da dinâmica da divida. No primeiro período da analise conclui-se que os indicadores que influenciam directamente ou indirectamente a evolução da divida, entre os quais se destacam o crescimento económico, o défice orçamental, tinham boa performance, contribuindo para uma performance da divida no período.Contudo, no período após a crise, a dívida aumentou consideravelmente atingindo proporções preocupantes, considerando os riscos inerentes, tais como, perda espaço orçamental para politicas anti cíclicas, perda de credibilidade no mercado financeiro, com consequência no custo de financiamento, etc. A causa do aumento da divida identificadaé o incremento de despesa pública, impulsionado pelo aumento de investimento publico, em detrimento da diminuição da demanda do sector privado, que teve repercussão no crescimento económico. A conclusão da nossa análiseé que a divida, apesar do seu aumento, ela é ainda sustentável. Contudo, o GOVCV deve enveredar esforço para diminuir despesas públicas e rentabilizar os activos derivados dos investimentos realizados, para manter o equilíbrio entre as despesas e receitas e proporcionar a sustentabilidade da divida nos próximos anos. Conclui-se também, que os investimentos realizados no período em referência, contribuíram fortemente para melhorar o clima de negócio no país, para assegurar o crescimento económico durante o período da crise e para melhorar o nível de bem-estar dos cabo-verdianos.

Trophic dynamics in the northern Humboldt Current system: insights from stable isotopes and stomach content analyses

The northern Humboldt Current system (NHCS) off Peru is one of the most productive world marine regions. It represents less than 0.1% of the world ocean surface but presently sustains about 10% of the world fish catch, with the Peruvian anchovy or anchoveta Engraulis ringens as emblematic fish resource. Compared with other eastern boundary upwelling systems, the higher fish productivity of the NHCS cannot be explained by a corresponding higher primary productivity. On another hand, the NHCS is the region where El Niño, and climate variability in general, is most notable. Also, surface oxygenated waters overlie an intense and extremely shallow Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). In this context, the main objective of this study is to better understand the trophic flows in the NHCS using both stomach content and stable isotope analyses. The study focuses on a variety of organisms from low trophic levels such as zooplankton to top predators (seabirds and fur seals). The approach combines both long-term and specific studies on emblematic species such as anchoveta, and sardine Sardinops sagax and a more inclusive analysis considering the 'global' food web in the recent years (2008 – 2012) using stable isotope analysis. Revisiting anchovy and sardine we show that whereas phytoplankton largely dominated anchoveta and sardine diets in terms of numerical abundance, the carbon content of prey items indicated that zooplankton was by far the most important dietary component. Indeed for anchovy euphausiids contributed 67.5% of dietary carbon, followed by copepods (26.3%). Selecting the largest prey, the euphausiids, provide an energetic advantage for anchoveta in its ecosystem where oxygen depletion imposes strong metabolic constrain to pelagic fish. Sardine feed on smaller zooplankton than do anchoveta, with sardine diet consisting of smaller copepods and fewer euphausiids than anchoveta diet. Hence, trophic competition between sardine and anchovy in the northern Humboldt Current system is minimized by their partitioning of the zooplankton food resource based on prey size, as has been reported in other systems. These results suggest an ecological role for pelagic fish that challenges previous understanding of their position in the foodweb (zooplanktophagous instead of phytophagous), the functioning and the trophic models of the NHCS. Finally to obtain a more comprehensive vision of the relative trophic position of NHCS main components we used stable isotope analyses. For that purpose we analyzed the δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values of thirteen taxonomic categories collected off Peru from 2008 - 2011, i.e., zooplankton, fish, squids and air-breathing top predators. The δ15N isotope signature was strongly impacted by the species, the body length and the latitude. Along the Peruvian coast, the OMZ get more intense and shallow south of ~7.5ºS impacting the baseline nitrogen stable isotopes. Employing a linear mixed-effects modelling approach taking into account the latitudinal and body length effects, we provide a new vision of the relative trophic position of key ecosystem components. Also we confirm stomach content-based results on anchoveta Engraulis ringens and highlight the potential remarkable importance of an often neglected ecosystem component, the squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon. Indeed, our results support the hypothesis according to which this species forage to some extent on fish eggs and larvae and can thus predate on the first life stages of exploited species. However, the δ13C values of these two species suggest that anchoveta and squat lobster do not exactly share the same habitat. This would potentially reduce some direct competition and/or predation.

Recommendations to reduce hand exposure for standard nuclear medicine procedures

The optimization of the extremity dosimetry of medical staff in nuclear medicine was the aim of the Work Package 4 (WP4) of the ORAMED project, a Collaborative Project (2008-2011) supported by the European Commission within its 7th Framework Programme. Hand doses and dose distributions across the hands of medical staff working in nuclear medicine departments were evaluated through an extensive measurement program involving 32 hospitals in Europe and 139 monitored workers. The study included the most frequently used radionuclides, (99m)Tc- and (18)F-labelled radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and (90)Y-labelled Zevalin (R) and DOTATOC for therapy. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations were performed in different predefined scenarios to evaluate separately the efficacy of different radiation protection measures by comparing hand dose distributions according to various parameters. The present work gives recommendations based on results obtained with both measurements and simulations. This results in nine practical recommendations regarding the positioning of the dosemeters for an appropriate skin dose monitoring and the best protection means to reduce the personnel exposure.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: activity in Switzerland compared with surrounding European countries.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a highly specialised procedure used to treat malignancies of the lymphohaematopoietic system as well as some acquired and inherited disorders of the blood. This analysis by the Swiss Blood Stem Cell Transplantation Group, based on data from 2008-2011, describes, treatment rates in Switzerland for specific indications and compares this with data from Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, corrected for the size of the population. Differences in transplant rates, in rates for particular indications, and in the use of specific transplant technologies such as use of unrelated donors, use of cord blood or mismatched family donors are described. These data are put in correlation with donor availability from international registries and with number of transplant teams and number of procedures per team all corrected for population size.

Recommendations to reduce extremity and eye lens doses in interventional radiology and cardiology

The main aim of the Work Package 1 (WP1) of the ORAMED project, Collaborative Project (2008-2011), supported by the European Commission within its 7th Framework Programme, was to obtain a set of standardized data on extremity and eye lens doses for staff in interventional radiology and cardiology (IR/IC) workplaces and to recommend a series of guidelines on radiation protection in order to both guarantee and optimize staff protection. Within the project, coordinated measurements were performed in 34 hospitals in 6 European countries. Furthermore, simulations of the most representative workplaces in IR and IC were performed to determine the main parameters that influence the extremity and eye lens doses. The work presented in this paper shows the recommendations that were formulated by the results obtained from both measurements and simulations. The presented guidelines are directed to operators, assistant personnel, radiation protection officers and medical physics experts. They concern radiation protection issues, such as the use of room protective equipment, as well as the positioning of the extremity and eye lens dosemeters for routine monitoring.

¿Qué nos cuentan los jóvenes? Narraciones biográficas sobre las relaciones de los jóvenes con el saber en la escuela secundaria

[spa] El contenido de esta publicación se deriva de la investigación "Repensar el éxito y el fracaso escolar de la Educación Secundaria desde la relación de los jóvenes con el saber". Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. EDU2008-03287. 2008-2011. Las narraciones biográficas rescatan las experiencias escolares de estudiantes que durante su recorrido en la escuela secundaria se encontraron en una posición de éxito o fracaso escolar. La publicación da cuenta de relatos de situaciones, historias, conductas y discursos en torno a las experiencias de relación de un grupo de jóvenes con los saberes de la escuela secundaria y fuera de ella.

¿Qué nos cuentan los jóvenes? Narraciones biográficas sobre las relaciones de los jóvenes con el saber en la escuela secundaria

[spa] El contenido de esta publicación se deriva de la investigación "Repensar el éxito y el fracaso escolar de la Educación Secundaria desde la relación de los jóvenes con el saber". Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. EDU2008-03287. 2008-2011. Las narraciones biográficas rescatan las experiencias escolares de estudiantes que durante su recorrido en la escuela secundaria se encontraron en una posición de éxito o fracaso escolar. La publicación da cuenta de relatos de situaciones, historias, conductas y discursos en torno a las experiencias de relación de un grupo de jóvenes con los saberes de la escuela secundaria y fuera de ella.