900 resultados para biological systems
Resumo:
Data variability analysis has been the focus of a number of studies seeking to capture differences of patterns generated by biological systems. Although several studies related to gait employ the analysis of variability in their observations, we noticed a lack of such information for subjects with unilateral coxarthrosis undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). To tackle this deficiency of information, we conducted a study of the gait on a treadmill with10 healthy subjects (30.7 ± 6.75 years old) from G1 and 24 subjects (65 ± 8.5 years old) with unilateral THA from G2. Thus, by means of two inertial measurement units (IMUs) positioned in the pelvis, we have developed a detection method of the step and stride for calculating these intervals and extract the signal characteristics. The variability analysis (coefficient of variation) was performed, taking into consideration the extracted features and the step and stride times. The average and the 95% confidence interval estimate for the average of the step and stride times to each group were in agreement with literature. The mean coefficient of variation for the step and stride times was calculated and compared among groups by the Kruskal-Wallis test with 95% confidence interval. Each component X, Y and Z of the two IMUs (accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope) corresponded to a variable. The resultants of each sensor, the linear velocity (accelerometers) and the instantaneous angular displacement (gyroscopes) completed the set of variables. The characteristics were extracted from the signals of these variables to check the variability in the G1 and G2 groups . There were significant differences (p <0.05) between G1 and G2 for the average of the step and stride times. The variability of the step and stride, as well as the variability of all other evaluated characteristics were higher for the group G2 (p <0.05). The method proposed in this study proved to be suitable for the measuring of variability of biomechanical parameters related to the extracted features. All the extracted features categorized the groups. The G2 group showed greater variability, so it is possible that the age and the pathological condition of the hip both contributed to this result.
Resumo:
Emergence of coherent structures and patterns at the nonlinear stage of modulation instability of a uniform state is an inherent feature of many biological, physical and engineering systems. There are several well-studied classical modulation instabilities, such as Benjamin-Feir, Turing and Faraday instability, which play a critical role in the self-organization of energy and matter in non-equilibrium physical, chemical and biological systems. Here we experimentally demonstrate the dissipative Faraday instability induced by spatially periodic zig-zag modulation of a dissipative parameter of the system - spectrally dependent losses - achieving generation of temporal patterns and high-harmonic mode-locking in a fibre laser. We demonstrate features of this instability that distinguish it from both the Benjamin-Feir and the purely dispersive Faraday instability. Our results open the possibilities for new designs of mode-locked lasers and can be extended to other fields of physics and engineering.
Resumo:
Molecular oxygen (O2) is an essential component for survival and development. Variation in O2 levels leads to changes in molecular signaling and ultimately affects the physiological functions of many organisms. Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are two gaseous cellular signaling molecules that play key roles in several physiological functions involved in maintaining vascular homeostasis including vasodilation, anti-inflammation, and vascular growth. Apart from the aforementioned functions, NO and H2S are believed to mediate hypoxic responses and serve as O2 chemosensors in biological systems. In this literature review, we briefly discuss NO and H2S and their roles during hypoxia.
Resumo:
Biological macromolecules can rearrange interdomain orientations when binding to various partners. Interdomain dynamics serve as a molecular mechanism to guide the transitions between orientations. However, our understanding of interdomain dynamics is limited because a useful description of interdomain motions requires an estimate of the probabilities of interdomain conformations, increasing complexity of the problem.
Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) has five tandem protein-binding domains and four interdomain linkers. The domains enable Staphylococcus aureus to evade the host immune system by binding to multiple host proteins including antibodies. Here, I present a study of the interdomain motions of two adjacent domains in SpA. NMR spin relaxation experiments identified a 6-residue flexible interdomain linker and interdomain motions. To quantify the anisotropy of the distribution of interdomain orientations, we measured residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) from the two domains with multiple alignments. The N-terminal domain was directly aligned by a lanthanide ion and not influenced by interdomain motions, so it acted as a reference frame to achieve motional decoupling. We also applied {\it de novo} methods to extract spatial dynamic information from RDCs and represent interdomain motions as a continuous distribution on the 3D rotational space. Significant anisotropy was observed in the distribution, indicating the motion populates some interdomain orientations more than others. Statistical thermodynamic analysis of the observed orientational distribution suggests that it is among the energetically most favorable orientational distributions for binding to antibodies. Thus, the affinity is enhanced by a pre-posed distribution of interdomain orientations while maintaining the flexibility required for function.
The protocol described above can be applied to other biological systems in general. Protein molecule calmodulin and RNA molecule trans-activation response element (TAR) also have intensive interdomain motions with relative small intradomain dynamics. Their interdomain motions were studied using our method based on published RDC data. Our results were consistent with literature results in general. The differences could be due to previous studies' use of physical models, which contain assumptions about potential energy and thus introduced non-experimental information into the interpretations.
Resumo:
Free radicals have been implicated in various pathological conditions such as, stroke, aging and ischemic heart disease (IHD), as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. The role of antioxidants in protection from the harmful effects of free radicals has long been recognized. Trapping extremely reactive free radicals and eliminating them from circulation has been shown to be effective in animal models. Nitrone-based free radical traps have been extensively explored in biological systems. Examples include nitrones such as PBN, NXY-059, MDL-101,002, DMPO and EMPO. However, these nitrones have extremely high oxidation potentials as compared to natural antioxidants such as Vitamin E (á-tocopherol), and glutathione. Becker et al. (1995) synthesized novel azulenyl nitrones, which were shown to have oxidation potentials much lower than that of any of the previously reported nitrone based spin traps. Another azulenyl nitrone derivative, stilbazulenyl nitrone (STAZN), was shown to have an even lower oxidation potential within the range of natural antioxidants. STAZN, a second generation free radical trap, was found to be markedly superior than the two most studied nitrones, PBN and NXY-059, in animal models of cerebral ischemia and in an in vitro assay of lipid peroxidation. In this study, a third generation azulenyl nitrone was synthesized with an electron donating group on the previously synthesized STAZN derivative with the aim to lower the oxidation potential even more. Pseudoazulenes, because of the presence of an annular heteroatom, have been reported to possess even lower oxidation potential than that of the azulenyl counterpart. Therefore, pseudoazulenyl nitrones were synthesized for the first time by extracting and elaborating valtrate from the roots of Centranthus ruber (Red valerian or Jupiter’s beard). Several pseudoazulenyl nitrones were synthesized by using a facile experimental protocol. The physical and biological properties of these pseudoazulenyl nitrones can be easily modified by simply changing the substituent on the heteroatom. Cyclic voltammetry experiments have shown that these pseudoazulenyl nitrones do indeed have low oxidation potentials. The oxidation potential of these nitrones was lowered even more by preparing derivatives bearing an electron donating group at the 3-position of the five membered ring of the pseudoazulenyl nitrone.
Resumo:
Genetic and environmental factors interact to influence vulnerability for internalizing psychopathology, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The mechanisms that account for how environmental stress can alter biological systems are not yet well understood yet are critical to develop more accurate models of vulnerability and targeted interventions. Epigenetic influences, and more specifically, DNA methylation, may provide a mechanism by which stress could program gene expression, thereby altering key systems implicated in depression, such as frontal-limbic circuitry and its critical role in emotion regulation. This thesis investigated the role of environmental factors from infancy and throughout the lifespan affecting the serotonergic (5-HT) system in the vulnerability to and treatment of depression and anxiety and potential underlying DNA methylation processes. First, we investigated the contributions of additive genetic vs. environmental factors on an early trait phenotype for depression (negative emotionality) in infants and their stability over time in the first 2 years of life. We provided evidence of the substantial contributions of both genetic and shared environmental factors to this trait, as well as genetically- and environmentally- mediated stability and innovation. Second, we studied how childhood environmental stress is associated with peripheral DNA methylation of the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4, as well as long-term trajectories of internalizing behaviours. There was a relationship between childhood psychosocial adversity and SLC6A4 methylation in males, as well as between SLC6A4 methylation and internalizing trajectory in both sexes. Third, we investigated changes in emotion processing and epigenetic modification of the SLC6A4 gene in depressed adolescents before and after Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). The alterations from pre- to post-treatment in connectivity between the ACC and other network regions and SLC6A4 methylation suggested that MBCT may work to optimize the connectivity of brain networks involved in cognitive control of emotion as well as also normalize the relationship between SLC6A4 methylation and activation patterns in frontal-limbic circuitry. Our results from these three studies strengthen the theory that environmental influences are critical in establishing early vulnerability factors for MDD, driving epigenetic processes, and altering brain processes as an individual undergoes treatment, or experiences relapse.
Resumo:
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have been observed around the world and are expected to increase in intensity and frequency under anthropogenic climate change. A variety of impacts have been associated with these anomalous events, including shifts in species ranges, local extinctions and economic impacts on seafood industries through declines in important fishery species and impacts on aquaculture. Extreme temperatures are increasingly seen as important influences on biological systems, yet a consistent definition of MHWs does not exist. A clear definition will facilitate retrospective comparisons between MHWs, enabling the synthesis and a mechanistic understanding of the role of MHWs in marine ecosystems. Building on research into atmospheric heatwaves, we propose both a general and specific definition for MHWs, based on a hierarchy of metrics that allow for different data sets to be used in identifying MHWs. We generally define a MHW as a prolonged discrete anomalously warm water event that can be described by its duration, intensity, rate of evolution, and spatial extent. Specifically, we consider an anomalously warm event to be a MHW if it lasts for five or more days, with temperatures warmer than the 90th percentile based on a 30-year historical baseline period. This structure provides flexibility with regard to the description of MHWs and transparency in communicating MHWs to a general audience. The use of these metrics is illustrated for three 21st century MHWs; the northern Mediterranean event in 2003, the Western Australia ‘Ningaloo Niño’ in 2011, and the northwest Atlantic event in 2012. We recommend a specific quantitative definition for MHWs to facilitate global comparisons and to advance our understanding of these phenomena.
Resumo:
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have been observed around the world and are expected to increase in intensity and frequency under anthropogenic climate change. A variety of impacts have been associated with these anomalous events, including shifts in species ranges, local extinctions and economic impacts on seafood industries through declines in important fishery species and impacts on aquaculture. Extreme temperatures are increasingly seen as important influences on biological systems, yet a consistent definition of MHWs does not exist. A clear definition will facilitate retrospective comparisons between MHWs, enabling the synthesis and a mechanistic understanding of the role of MHWs in marine ecosystems. Building on research into atmospheric heatwaves, we propose both a general and specific definition for MHWs, based on a hierarchy of metrics that allow for different data sets to be used in identifying MHWs. We generally define a MHW as a prolonged discrete anomalously warm water event that can be described by its duration, intensity, rate of evolution, and spatial extent. Specifically, we consider an anomalously warm event to be a MHW if it lasts for five or more days, with temperatures warmer than the 90th percentile based on a 30-year historical baseline period. This structure provides flexibility with regard to the description of MHWs and transparency in communicating MHWs to a general audience. The use of these metrics is illustrated for three 21st century MHWs; the northern Mediterranean event in 2003, the Western Australia ‘Ningaloo Niño’ in 2011, and the northwest Atlantic event in 2012. We recommend a specific quantitative definition for MHWs to facilitate global comparisons and to advance our understanding of these phenomena.
Resumo:
The work embodied in this thesis was carried out by the author in the Department of Applied Chemistry, CUSAT, Kochi, during the period 2009-2012. The thesis is an introduction to our attempts to evaluate the coordination behavior of some compounds of our interest. The biological activities of semicarbazones and their metal complexes have been an active area of research during the past years because of their significant role in naturally occurring biological systems. Tridentate NNO and ONO semicarbazone systems formed from heterocyclic and aromatic carbonyl compounds and their transition metal complexes are wellauthenticated compounds in this field and their synthesis, crystal structures and spectral studies are well desirable. Hence, we decided to develop a research program aimed at the syntheses, crystal structures and spectral studies of new N4- phenylsemicarbazones derived from 2-formylpyridine and 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde and their transition metal complexes and new transition metal complexes of 2- benzoylpyridine-N4-phenylsemicarbazone. In addition to various physicochemical methods of analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were also used for the characterization of the complexes.
Resumo:
Depuis ces dernières décennies, le domaine des biomatériaux a connu un essor considérable, évoluant de simples prothèses aux dispositifs les plus complexes pouvant détenir une bioactivité spécifique. Outre, le progrès en science des matériaux et une meilleure compréhension des systèmes biologiques a offert la possibilité de créer des matériaux synthétiques pouvant moduler et stimuler une réponse biologique déterminée, tout en améliorant considérablement la performance clinique des biomatériaux. En ce qui concerne les dispositifs cardiovasculaires, divers recouvrements ont été développés et étudiés dans le but de modifier les propriétés de surface et d’améliorer l’efficacité clinique des tuteurs. En effet, lorsqu’un dispositif médical est implanté dans le corps humain, son succès clinique est fortement influencé par les premières interactions que sa surface établit avec les tissus et les fluides biologiques environnants. Le recouvrement à la surface de biomatériaux par diverses molécules ayant des propriétés complémentaires constitue une approche intéressante pour atteindre différentes cibles biologiques et orienter la réponse de l’hôte. De ce fait, l’élucidation de l’interaction entre les différentes molécules composant les recouvrements est pertinente pour prédire la conservation de leurs propriétés biologiques spécifiques. Dans ce travail, des recouvrements pour des applications cardiovasculaires ont été créés, composés de deux molécules ayant des propriétés biologiques complémentaires : la fibronectine (FN) afin de promouvoir l’endothélialisation et la phosphorylcholine (PRC) pour favoriser l’hémocompatibilité. Des techniques d’adsorption et de greffage ont été appliquées pour créer différents recouvrements de ces deux biomolécules sur un polymère fluorocarboné déposé par traitement plasma sur un substrat en acier inoxydable. Dans un premier temps, des films de polytétrafluoroéthylène (PTFE) ont été utilisés en tant que surface modèle afin d’explorer l’interaction de la PRC et de la FN avec les surfaces fluorocarbonées ainsi qu’avec des cellules endothéliales et du sang. La stabilité des recouvrements de FN sur l’acier inoxydable a été étudiée par déformation, mais également par des essais statiques et dynamiques sous-flux. Les recouvrements ont été caractérisés par Spectroscopie Photoéléctronique par Rayons X, immunomarquage, angle de contact, Microscopie Électronique de Balayage, Microscopie de Force Atomique et Spectrométrie de Masse à Ionisation Secondaire à Temps de Vol (imagerie et profilage en profondeur). Des tests d’hémocompatibilité ont été effectués et l’interaction des cellules endothéliales avec les recouvrements a également été évaluée. La FN greffée a présenté des recouvrements plus denses et homogènes alors que la PRC quant à elle, a montré une meilleure homogénéité lorsqu’elle était adsorbée. La caractérisation de la surface des échantillons contenant FN/PRC a été corrélée aux propriétés biologiques et les recouvrements pour lesquels la FN a été greffée suivie de l’adsorption de la PRC ont présenté les meilleurs résultats pour des applications cardiovasculaires : la promotion de l’endothélialisation et des propriétés d’hémocompatibilité. Concernant les tests de stabilité, les recouvrements de FN greffée ont présenté une plus grande stabilité et densité que dans le cas de l’adsorption. En effet, la pertinence de présenter des investigations des essais sous-flux versus des essais statiques ainsi que la comparaison des différentes stratégies pour créer des recouvrements a été mis en évidence. D’autres expériences sont nécessaires pour étudier la stabilité des recouvrements de PRC et de mieux prédire son interaction avec des tissus in vivo.
Resumo:
The phenomenon of patterned distribution of pH near the cell membrane of the algae Chara corallina upon illumination is well-known. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model, based on the detailed kinetic analysis of proton fluxes across the cell membrane, to explain this phenomenon. The model yields two coupled nonlinear partial differential equations which describe the spatial dynamics of proton concentration changes and transmembrane potential generation. The experimental observation of pH pattern formation, its period and amplitude of oscillation, and also its hysteresis in response to changing illumination, are all reproduced by our model. A comparison of experimental results and predictions of our theory is made. Finally, a mechanism for pattern formation in Chara corallina is proposed.
Resumo:
Alliance formation is a critical dimension of social intelligence in political, social and biological systems. As some allies may provide greater ‘leverage’ than others during social conflict, the cognitive architecture that supports alliance formation in humans may be shaped by recent experience, for example in light of the outcomes of violent or non-violent forms intrasexual competition. Here we used experimental priming techniques to explore this issue. Consistent with our predictions, while men’s preference for dominant allies strengthened following losses (compared to victories) in violent intrasexual contests, women’s preferences for dominant allies weakened following losses (compared to victories) in violent intrasexual contests. Our findings suggest that while men may prefer dominant (i.e. masculine) allies following losses in violent confrontation in order to facilitate successful resource competition, women may ‘tend and befriend’ following this scenario and seek support from prosocial (i.e. feminine) allies and/or avoid the potential costs of dominant allies as long-term social partners. Moreover, they demonstrate facultative responses to signals related to dominance in allies, which may shape sex differences in sociality in light of recent experience and suggest that intrasexual selection has shaped social intelligence in humans.
Resumo:
There is increasing evidence of a causal link between airborne particles and ill health and this study monitored the exposure to both airborne particles and the gas phase contaminants of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in a nightclub. The present study followed a number of pilot studies in which the human exposure to airborne particles in a nightclub was assessed and the spatio-temporal distribution of gas phase pollutants was evaluated in restaurants and pubs. The work reported here re-examined the nightclub environment and utilized concurrent and continuous monitoring using optical scattering samplers to measure particulates (PM10) together with multi-gas analysers. The analysis illustrated the highly episodic nature of both gaseous and particulate concentrations in both the dance floor and in the bar area but levels were well below the maximum recommended exposure levels. Short-term exposure to high concentrations may however be relevant when considering the possible toxic effects on biological systems. The results give an indication of the problems associated with achieving acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) in a complex space and identified some of the problems inherent in the design and operation of ventilation systems for such spaces.
Resumo:
In this dissertation, there are developed different analytical strategies to discover and characterize mammalian brain peptides using small amount of tissues. The magnocellular neurons of rat supraoptic nucleus in tissue and cell culture served as the main model to study neuropeptides, in addition to hippocampal neurons and mouse embryonic pituitaries. The neuropeptidomcis studies described here use different extraction methods on tissue or cell culture combined with mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). These strategies lead to the identification of multiple peptides from the rat/mouse brain in tissue and cell cultures, including novel compounds One of the goals in this dissertation was to optimize sample preparations on samples isolated from well-defined brain regions for mass spectrometric analysis. Here, the neuropeptidomics study of the SON resulted in the identification of 85 peptides, including 20 unique peptides from known prohormones. This study includes mass spectrometric analysis even from individually isolated magnocellular neuroendocrine cells, where vasopressin and several other peptides are detected. At the same time, it was shown that the same approach could be applied to analyze peptides isolated from a similar hypothalamic region, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Although there were some overlaps regarding the detection of the peptides in the two brain nuclei, different peptides were detected specific to each nucleus. Among other peptides, provasopressin fragments were specifically detected in the SON while angiotensin I, somatostatin-14, neurokinin B, galanin, and vasoactive-intestinal peptide (VIP) were detected in the SCN only. Lists of peptides were generated from both brain regions for comparison of the peptidome of SON and SCN nuclei. Moving from analysis of magnocellular neurons in tissue to cell culture, the direct peptidomics of the magnocellular and hippocampal neurons led to the detection of 10 peaks that were assigned to previously characterized peptides and 17 peaks that remain unassigned. Peptides from the vasopressin prohormone and secretogranin-2 are attributed to magnocellular neurons, whereas neurokinin A, peptide J, and neurokinin B are attributed to cultured hippocampal neurons. This approach enabled the elucidation of cell-specific prohormone processing and the discovery of cell-cell signaling peptides. The peptides with roles in the development of the pituitary were analyzed using transgenic mice. Hes1 KO is a genetically modified mouse that lives only e18.5 (embryonic days). Anterior pituitaries of Hes1 null mice exhibit hypoplasia due to increased cell death and reduced proliferation and in the intermediate lobe, the cells differentiate abnormally into somatotropes instead of melanotropes. These previous findings demonstrate that Hes1 has multiple roles in pituitary development, cell differentiation, and cell fate. AVP was detected in all samples. Interestingly, somatostatin [92-100] and provasopressin [151-168] were detected in the mutant but not in the wild type or heterozygous pituitaries while somatostatin-14 was detected only in the heterozygous pituitary. In addition, the putative peptide corresponding to m/z 1330.2 and POMC [205-222] are detected in the mutant and heterozygous pituitaries, but not in the wild type. These results indicate that Hes1 influences the processing of different prohormones having possible roles during development and opens new directions for further developmental studies. This research demonstrates the robust capabilities of MS, which ensures the unbiased direct analysis of peptides extracted from complex biological systems and allows addressing important questions to understand cell-cell signaling in the brain.
Resumo:
Dengue fever is one of the most important mosquito-borne diseases worldwide and is caused by infection with dengue virus (DENV). The disease is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions and has increased remarkably in the last few decades. At present, there is no antiviral or approved vaccine against the virus. Treatment of dengue patients is usually supportive, through oral or intravenous rehydration, or by blood transfusion for more severe dengue cases. Infection of DENV in humans and mosquitoes involves a complex interplay between the virus and host factors. This results in regulation of numerous intracellular processes, such as signal transduction and gene transcription which leads to progression of disease. To understand the mechanisms underlying the disease, the study of virus and host factors is therefore essential and could lead to the identification of human proteins modulating an essential step in the virus life cycle. Knowledge of these human proteins could lead to the discovery of potential new drug targets and disease control strategies in the future. Recent advances of high throughput screening technologies have provided researchers with molecular tools to carry out investigations on a large scale. Several studies have focused on determination of the host factors during DENV infection in human and mosquito cells. For instance, a genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen has identified host factors that potentially play an important role in both DENV and West Nile virus replication (Krishnan et al. 2008). In the present study, a high-throughput yeast two-hybrid screen has been utilised in order to identify human factors interacting with DENV non-structural proteins. From the screen, 94 potential human interactors were identified. These include proteins involved in immune signalling regulation, potassium voltage-gated channels, transcriptional regulators, protein transporters and endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins. Validation of fifteen of these human interactions revealed twelve of them strongly interacted with DENV proteins. Two proteins of particular interest were selected for further investigations of functional biological systems at the molecular level. These proteins, including a nuclear-associated protein BANP and a voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3, both have been identified through interaction with the DENV NS2A. BANP is known to be involved in NF-kB immune signalling pathway, whereas, Kv1.3 is known to play an important role in regulating passive flow of potassium ions upon changes in the cell transmembrane potential. This study also initiated a construction of an Aedes aegypti cDNA library for use with DENV proteins in Y2H screen. However, several issues were encountered during the study which made the library unsuitable for protein interaction analysis. In parallel, innate immune signalling was also optimised for downstream analysis. Overall, the work presented in this thesis, in particular the Y2H screen provides a number of human factors potentially targeted by DENV during infection. Nonetheless, more work is required to be done in order to validate these proteins and determine their functional properties, as well as testing them with infectious DENV to establish a biological significance. In the long term, data from this study will be useful for investigating potential human factors for development of antiviral strategies against dengue.