Antifibrotic activity of an inhibitor of group IIA secretory phospholipase A(2) in young spontaneously hypertensive rats

The development of fibrosis in the chronically hypertensive heart is associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells and cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, an inhibitor of the proinflammatory enzyme, group IIA human secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA), has been found to prevent collagen deposition as an important component of cardiovascular remodeling in a rat model of developing chronic hypertension. Daily treatment of young male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with an sPLA2-IIA inhibitor (KH064, 5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-4S-(phenyl-heptanoylamino)-pentanoic acid, 5 mg/kg/day p.o.) prevented increases in the content of perivascular,(SHR 20.6 +/- 0.9%, n = 5; SHR+KH064 14.0 +/- 1.2%, n = 5) and interstitial (SHR 7.9 +/- 0.3%, n = 6; SHR+KH064 5.4 +/- 0.7%, n = 6) collagen in the left ventricle of rat hearts, but did not affect numbers of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages, left ventricular hypertrophy (SHR 2.88 +/- 0.08, n = 12; SHR+KH064 3.09 +/- 0.08 mg/g body weight, n = 9), increased systolic blood pressure, or thoracic aortic responses. This selective antifibrotic activity suggests that sPLA2-IIA may have an important but specific role in cardiac fibrosis, and that its inhibitors could be useful in dissecting molecular pathways leading to fibrotic conditions.

Influence of environmental factors on zoospores of Saprolegnia diclina

The numbers of zoospores produced by a pathogenic strain of Saprolegnia diclina and their behaviour are markedly influenced by a variety of environmental variables including temperature, pH, oxygen tension and the presence of biocides. The use of the latter is not recommended, as fish readily succumb to equivalent concentrations of biocides. Analysis of the pattern of distribution of resulting zoospore cysts demonstrates that zoospores become dispersed by random movement even while in the proximity of the parent colony’s nutrient source. However, the presence of amino acids, in particular aspartic and glutamic acid, at concentrations which occur in fish tissue promotes the directed movement of zoospores towards the nutrient source thereby encouraging the colonization of fresh sites.

Local governance in Western Europe

Book review: Local governance in Western Europe Peter John Sage, 2001, 202 pp., £60.00 (hb), £18.99 (pb) ISBN: 0761956360 (hb) ISBN: 0761956379 (pb)

Age-related macular degeneration and modification of systemic complement factor H production through liver transplantation

Purpose: To investigate whether modification of liver complement factor H (CFH) production, by alteration of liver CFH Y402H genotype through liver transplantation (LT), influences the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design: Multicenter, cross-sectional study. Participants: We recruited 223 Western European patients ≥55 years old who had undergone LT ≥5 years previously. Methods: We determined AMD status using a standard grading system. Recipient CFH Y402H genotype was obtained from DNA extracted from recipient blood samples. Donor CFH Y402H genotype was inferred from recipient plasma CFH Y402H protein allotype, measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. This approach was verified by genotyping donor tissue from a subgroup of patients. Systemic complement activity was ascertained by measuring levels of plasma complement proteins using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, including substrates (C3, C4), activation products (C3a, C4a, and terminal complement complex), and regulators (total CFH, C1 inhibitor). Main Outcome Measures: We evaluated AMD status and recipient and donor CFH Y402H genotype. Results: In LT patients, AMD was associated with recipient CFH Y402H genotype (P = 0.036; odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.4) but not with donor CFH Y402H genotype (P = 0.626), after controlling for age, sex, smoking status, and body mass index. Recipient plasma CFH Y402H protein allotype predicted donor CFH Y402H genotype with 100% accuracy (n = 49). Plasma complement protein or activation product levels were similar in LT patients with and without AMD. Compared with previously reported prevalence figures (Rotterdam Study), LT patients demonstrated a high prevalence of both AMD (64.6% vs 37.1%; OR, 3.09; P<0.001) and the CFH Y402H sequence variation (41.9% vs 36.2%; OR, 1.27; P = 0.014). Conclusions: Presence of AMD is not associated with modification of hepatic CFH production. In addition, AMD is not associated with systemic complement activity in LT patients. These findings suggest that local intraocular complement activity is of greater importance in AMD pathogenesis. The high AMD prevalence observed in LT patients may be associated with the increased frequency of the CFH Y402H sequence variation. © 2013 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology Published by Elsevier Inc.

The development of a symptom questionnaire for assessing virtual reality viewing using a head-mounted display

ABSTRACT: Purpose. Virtual reality devices, including virtual reality head-mounted displays, are becoming increasingly accessible to the general public as technological advances lead to reduced costs. However, there are numerous reports that adverse effects such as ocular discomfort and headache are associated with these devices. To investigate these adverse effects, questionnaires that have been specifically designed for other purposes such as investigating motion sickness have often been used. The primary purpose of this study was to develop a standard questionnaire for use in investigating symptoms that result from virtual reality viewing. In addition, symptom duration and whether priming subjects elevates symptom ratings were also investigated. Methods. A list of the most frequently reported symptoms following virtual reality viewing was determined from previously published studies and used as the basis for a pilot questionnaire. The pilot questionnaire, which consisted of 12 nonocular and 11 ocular symptoms, was administered to two groups of eight subjects. One group was primed by having them complete the questionnaire before immersion; the other group completed the questionnaire postviewing only. Postviewing testing was carried out immediately after viewing and then at 2-min intervals for a further 10 min. Results. Priming subjects did not elevate symptom ratings; therefore, the data were pooled and 16 symptoms were found to increase significantly. The majority of symptoms dissipated rapidly, within 6 min after viewing. Frequency of endorsement data showed that approximately half of the symptoms on the pilot questionnaire could be discarded because <20% of subjects experienced them. Conclusions. Symptom questionnaires to investigate virtual reality viewing can be administered before viewing, without biasing the findings, allowing calculation of the amount of change from pre- to postviewing. However, symptoms dissipate rapidly and assessment of symptoms needs to occur in the first 5 min postviewing. Thirteen symptom questions, eight nonocular and five ocular, were determined to be useful for a questionnaire specifically related to virtual reality viewing using a head-mounted display.

Intragranular nucleation of austenite

The mechanism of intragranular nucleation of austenite in a duplex stainless steel (Fe-23.1 Cr-6.1 Ni-3.1 Mo-O.165 N-0.017 C, wt.%) weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ) has been examined. In the weld metal the acicular austenite is found to nucleate intragranularly on inclusions and subsequent plates form sympathetically resulting in a fine interlocked microstructure. Austenite plates adopt the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship with the ferrite matrix and grow with diffusion-controlled mechanism as evident from partitioning of substitutional alloying elements. At least one set of fine intrinsic dislocations on the austenite/ferrite interphase interfaces is observed suggesting that the boundaries are semi-coherent. The high cooling rates involved in the HAZ result in a supersaturated ferrite matrix where precipitation of intragranular austenite occurs as a result of reheating associated with subsequent passes. Austenite particles in the HAZ nucleate preferentially away from gain boundary austenite allotriomorphs indicating that intragranular precipitation is favoured by the supersaturated matrix.

Mode locking of semiconductor laser with curved waveguide and passive mode expander

Active mode locking is reported for a 1.55 μm semiconductor laser with a curved waveguide and passive mode expander, placed in a wavelength tunable external cavity. One facet with a very low reflectivity of 8×10−6 is achieved through a curved active region that tapers into an underlying passive waveguide, thus expanding the mode to give reduced divergence. 10 GHz pulses of 3.1 ps duration have been generated, with a linewidth of 0.81 nm.

Perfil antropométrico de futebolistas da segunda divisão gaúcha

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o perfil antropométrico e a composiçao corporal de jogadores de futebol da divisao de acesso profissional do Rio Grande do Sul. O perfil antropométrico apresenta informaçoes comparativas das características do grupo de jogadores e reflete, indiretamente, seu estado de treinamento. Foram avaliados 17 atletas, com idade média de 25,31 ± 6,26. Mediu-se 7 dobras para composiçao corporal e utilizou-se a Equaçao Jackson e Pollock (1978). Os valores médios obtidos foram: massa corporal 77,4 ± 9,52; altura 177,93 ± 6,88; percentual de gordura 9,69 ± 3,09; e densidade corporal 1,076853894 ± 0,007. Na literatura, os valores de percentuais de gordura em atletas de futebol da divisao de acesso, variam entre 6 a 12. No presente estudo, os valores encontram-se dentro da faixa relatada, nao havendo necessidade de controle dietético para a reduçao de gordura corporal ou treinamento específico para este fim. Este estudo tem a funçao de intervir e embasar o planejamento e a prática de treinamento

Perfil antropométrico de futebolistas da segunda divisão gaúcha

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o perfil antropométrico e a composiçao corporal de jogadores de futebol da divisao de acesso profissional do Rio Grande do Sul. O perfil antropométrico apresenta informaçoes comparativas das características do grupo de jogadores e reflete, indiretamente, seu estado de treinamento. Foram avaliados 17 atletas, com idade média de 25,31 ± 6,26. Mediu-se 7 dobras para composiçao corporal e utilizou-se a Equaçao Jackson e Pollock (1978). Os valores médios obtidos foram: massa corporal 77,4 ± 9,52; altura 177,93 ± 6,88; percentual de gordura 9,69 ± 3,09; e densidade corporal 1,076853894 ± 0,007. Na literatura, os valores de percentuais de gordura em atletas de futebol da divisao de acesso, variam entre 6 a 12. No presente estudo, os valores encontram-se dentro da faixa relatada, nao havendo necessidade de controle dietético para a reduçao de gordura corporal ou treinamento específico para este fim. Este estudo tem a funçao de intervir e embasar o planejamento e a prática de treinamento

Perfil antropométrico de futebolistas da segunda divisão gaúcha

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o perfil antropométrico e a composiçao corporal de jogadores de futebol da divisao de acesso profissional do Rio Grande do Sul. O perfil antropométrico apresenta informaçoes comparativas das características do grupo de jogadores e reflete, indiretamente, seu estado de treinamento. Foram avaliados 17 atletas, com idade média de 25,31 ± 6,26. Mediu-se 7 dobras para composiçao corporal e utilizou-se a Equaçao Jackson e Pollock (1978). Os valores médios obtidos foram: massa corporal 77,4 ± 9,52; altura 177,93 ± 6,88; percentual de gordura 9,69 ± 3,09; e densidade corporal 1,076853894 ± 0,007. Na literatura, os valores de percentuais de gordura em atletas de futebol da divisao de acesso, variam entre 6 a 12. No presente estudo, os valores encontram-se dentro da faixa relatada, nao havendo necessidade de controle dietético para a reduçao de gordura corporal ou treinamento específico para este fim. Este estudo tem a funçao de intervir e embasar o planejamento e a prática de treinamento

Efeito da radiação micro-ondas na sinterização em fases sólida e líquida de pós de aço inoxidável 3I6L

Tese submetida à Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia e aprovada em provas públicas para a obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Engenharia Mecânica (especialidade de Ciência dos Materiais)

Recuperação de carotenóides microbianos por diferentes técnicas de ruptura celular

O objetivo deste trabalho foi utilizar diferentes técnicas químicas (dimetilsulfóxido, ácido clorídrico, acético e lático), técnicas mecânicas (banho ultrassônico, abrasão com pérolas de vidro, maceração com terra diatomácea, ruptor ultrassônico e imersão em nitrogênio líquido) e técnica enzimática (preparado enzimático comercial Glucanex®) para a recuperação de carotenoides a partir da ruptura da parede celular das leveduras Sporidiobolus pararoseus e Rhodotorula mucilaginosa isoladas de amostras ambientais. Para isso a obtenção de biomassa foi realizada através de cultivos submersos no meio YM, a 25 °C, 180 rpm por 168 h. Para a ruptura celular, a operação de congelamento da biomassa (-18°C por 48 h) foi estudada. Os métodos de secagem convencional por ar forçado (35°C/48h) e liofilização (-80°C/48h, em ultrafreezer, seguido de liofilizador até alcançar 2% de umidade da amostra) também foram avaliados. Nas técnicas químicas aplicadas, o dimetilsulfóxido apresentou os melhores resultados para as duas leveduras, porém o seu uso é limitado devido a sua toxicidade. Para S. pararoseus, os maiores valores encontrados foram para o ácido clorídrico, seguido do acético e do lático, sendo detectada diferença entre eles quando aplicado o congelamento. Com R. mucilaginosa, os maiores valores foram encontrados para os ácidos acético e lático, seguido do ácido clorídrico, no qual o congelamento da biomassa também não influenciou a recuperação dos carotenoides. Dentre as técnicas mecânicas estudadas, para a levedura S. pararoseus, o banho ultrassônico e a abrasão com pérolas de vidro apresentaram os resultados mais promissores comparados ao DMSO (84,79±2,34 e 76,87±2,06 μg/g respectivamente), onde o processo de congelamento da biomassa não influenciou positivamente no percentual de extratibilidade e na concentração específica dos carotenoides quando utilizada estas técnicas. Com Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, o banho ultrassônico propiciou a recuperação da maior concentração específica de carotenoides (193,5±25,8 μg/g), sendo que o processo de congelamento também não influenciou positivamente no percentual de extratibilidade e na concentração específica dos carotenoides. Através do Delineamento Central Composto Rotacional (DCCR) 23 foi possível avaliar que a levedura S. pararoseus não demonstrou nenhum efeito sob as variáveis pH, temperatura e concentração de enzima. Assim, a melhor condição de trabalho escolhida foi pH 7,4, 30 ºC e concentração de enzima de 1,0 g/gcs, onde apresentou a concentração específica de 42,6 μg/g e volumétrica de 308 μg/L de carotenoides. Para R. mucilaginosa, a condição ótima foi definida como 1,0 g/gcs, pH 5,0 e temperatura de 30 ºC, onde foi encontrado 115,1±8,1 μg/g e 470,1±38,8 μg/L para a concentração específica e volumétrica de carotenoides, respectivamente. A utilização de técnicas combinadas empregando banho ultrassônico e lise enzimática não proporcionou melhorias nos resultados para ambas as leveduras. A liofilização provocou um ganho de 20% e 13,7% na concentração específica dos carotenoides das leveduras S. pararoseus e R. mucilaginosa, respectivamente, onde o congelamento da biomassa não influenciou significativamente (p<0,05) a recuperação de carotenoides provenientes das duas leveduras, podendo ser eliminada do processo. Assim, para S. pararoseus o banho ultrassônico e as pérolas de vidro apresentaram os melhores resultados na recuperação de carotenoides, e para R. mucilaginosa o melhor resultado foi alcançado com o banho ultrassônico.

Idiosyncratic psychological aspects in entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is having the courage to transform an idea in reality and with it achieve personal, nancial and recognition satisfaction. The psychological ability to handle failure has proven essential in success. We analysed the importance of idiosyncratic psychological aspects in the success of entrepreneurs through an observational study accompanying 20 entrepreneurs from the idea presentation phase to company incorporation. During the observation period 4 distinct psychological phases of the entrepreneurs were observed, being it possible to describe them as follows: absorption of information and knowledge; application of the gathered knowledge to their speci c cases; frustration generated by criticism, namely from investors who didn’t recognise the value of their projects; realism and implementation of the project. Having passed more than 6 months after the analysis period, one can verify that the entrepreneurs who have travelled the 4 phases are today developing their projects being that the remaining ones are in a similar situation as at the end of the initial two months. Conclusion: The ability to cope with frustration and rejection is a determinant factor in the success of the entrepreneur. The ability to learn from rejection, more than resilience help the entrepreneur to proceed.