Efeito do ácido glutárico sobre parâmetros do sistema glutamatérgico em cérebro de ratos ao longo do desenvolvimento

A acidemia glutárica do tipo I (AG I) é um erro inato do metabolismo causado pela deficiência da glutaril-CoA desidrogenase (GCDH), uma enzima responsável pelo catabolismo da lisina, hidroxilisina e triptofano. A deficiência da atividade da GCDH leva ao acúmulo nos fluidos corporais e no cérebro predominantemente de ácido glutárico (AG) e em menor grau do ácido 3- hidroxiglutárico e do ácido glutacônico. Clinicamente, os pacientes apresentam macrocefalia ao nascimento e uma hipomielinização ou desmielinização progressiva do córtex cerebral. Crises de descompensação metabólica ocorrem usualmente entre 6 e 24 meses de vida, resultando numa destruição irreversível de regiões cerebrais suscetíveis, em particular o estriado, e subseqüentemente alterações severas dos movimentos, como distonia e discinesia. Apesar dos sintomas neurológicos severos e alterações neuropatológicas cerebrais importantes (atrofia cerebral), os mecanismos que levam ao dano cerebral na AG I são pouco conhecidos. No presente estudo, investigamos o efeito in vitro do AG sobre vários parâmetros do sistema glutamatérgico, tais como a união de glutamato a membranas plasmáticas sinápticas na presença e ausência de sódio, a captação de glutamato por fatias cerebrais e a liberação de glutamato induzida por potássio por preparações sinaptossomais de córtex cerebral e estriado ou cérebro médio de ratos ao longo do desenvolvimento. Primeiro, observamos que o AG diminui a união de glutamato Na+-independente a membranas sinápticas de córtex cerebral e cérebro médio de ratos de 7 e 15 dias de vida, evidenciando uma possível competição entre o glutamato e o AG por sítios de receptores glutamatérgicos. Visto que uma diminuição da união de glutamato Na+- independente pode representar uma interação do AG com receptores glutamatérgicos, investigamos se AG interage com receptores glutamatérgicos pela adição de antagonistas de receptores NMDA e não-NMDA. Verificamos que, em córtex cerebral de ratos de 15 dias de vida, o AG e o CNQX (antagonista de receptores não-NMDA) diminuem a união de glutamato em 20 e 40 %, respectivamente, e que a co-incubação desses compostos não provoca um efeito aditivo, sugerindo que a união do AG e do CNQX ao receptor não-NMDA ocorre provavelmente através do mesmo sítio. Resultados semelhantes foram encontrados em cérebro médio de ratos de 15 dias de vida. Por outro lado, o AG não alterou a união de glutamato na presença de sódio tanto em córtex cerebral como em cérebro médio e/ou estriado, sugerindo que o AG não compete pelos transportadores de glutamato. Também observamos que o AG diminui a captação de glutamato por fatias de córtex cerebral de ratos de 7 dias de vida, o que pode provavelmente resultar num excesso de glutamato na fenda sináptica levando à excitotoxicidade, o que pode ser relacionado com o dano cerebral característico dos pacientes com AG I. A inibição da captação de glutamato por fatias não foi prevenida pela pré-incubação com creatina e N-acetilcisteína, sugerindo que essa ação do AG provavelmente não se deva a um efeito indireto reduzindo o metabolismo energético ou aumentando a produção de radicais livres. Finalmente, verificamos que o AG não alterou a liberação de glutamato estimulada por potássio por sinaptossomas. Assim, concluímos que o AG pode alterar o sistema glutamatérgico durante o desenvolvimento cerebral, resultando em possíveis ações deletérias sobre o SNC que podem explicar ao menos em parte a neuropatogenia da AG I.

Technologies that motivates healthy toothbrushing: practices through social translucence

Fifty percent of the European Union’s population suffers from an oral disease. Studies have repeatedly shown that while acquiring healthy toothbrushing practices early on in one’s life is of significance, children and adults often fail to adhere to those. In this thesis we attempt to design and prototype interactive technologies that motivate healthy tooth brushing habits on individuals. Rather than focusing on the technologies’ persuasive power over individuals, we tap on the social mechanisms employed by families. In this sense, we think of these technologies as social translucent rather than persuasive, whose goal is to raise awareness within the family on each other’s habits and that aim at leveraging families’ existing social mechanisms for behavior change, rather than replacing them. More specifically, we aim to gain insights with respect to the following questions: a) What are the drivers and barriers towards adhering to healthy tooth brushing behaviors? b) Can we effectively measure toothbrushing behaviors? c) How can technologies leverage family communication practices in motivating proper toothbrushing behaviors? First, we present two studies about children and adults’ tooth brushing behaviors and how these are influenced by social interactions within the family. Secondly, we present the design and prototyping of two systems that sense toothbrushing practices and provide feedback, using the Social Translucence Framework as a design lens. We conclude with an overview of lessons learnt from the prototyping of these systems supported by an analysis of the strengths and pitfalls of the developed technologies.

O Uso das Redes Socais no Âmbito das Bibliotecas Universitárias Federais Brasileiras

Aborda a questão das Redes Sociais Virtuais como ferramenta na comunicação e no repasse de informações nas Bibliotecas Universitárias Federais brasileiras. Objetiva analisar o uso das Redes Sociais como recurso estratégico na comunicação e na melhoria de produtos e serviços no ambiente de bibliotecas universitárias brasileiras, observando suas vantagens e dificuldades de manutenção na visão dos profissionais bibliotecários. A metodologia empregada foi a da pesquisa bibliográfica e estudo de caso, utilizando como universo de pesquisa as Bibliotecas Universitárias Federais do Brasil, com observações e aplicação de questionário como instrumento para coleta de dados. Ressalta ao final que o uso das Redes Sociais torna-se relevante na atual sociedade, como também nas Bibliotecas Universitárias, por possibilitar um repasse de informação mais eficiente e uma comunicação mais ativa e participativa em seus ambientes.

Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1→3)-β-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing

Water-insoluble glucan was isolated from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast cells were treated with alkali and the residue then with acid. Chemical and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses showed that a linear (1→3)-β-glucan was purified that was not contaminated with other carbohydrates, proteins or phenolic compounds. The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing

Síndrome de Cogan: achados oculares em um caso da forma atípica

A síndrome de Cogan é entidade multissistêmica rara caracterizada por ceratite intersticial associada à disfunção áudio-vestibular e possível surdez irreversível classificada em duas formas clínicas: típica e atípica. Há discordância na literatura quanto à presença de acometimento corneano na forma atípica. Uma paciente de 32 anos queixando-se de hiperemia e dor ocular, fotofobia e baixa da acuidade visual no olho direito, associada à perda súbita de audição à esquerda, vômitos, diarréia, oligúria, dor na orofaringe e febre. História prévia de semelhante acometimento do olho esquerdo e audição direita. Havia intensa hiperemia conjuntival, esclerite nodular, episclerite e infiltrados circulares no estroma corneano. A paciente recebeu pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona e ciclofosfamida. Evoluiu com grande melhora ocular, porém com resposta auditiva pobre. O caso reportado pode constituir forma típica da síndrome de Cogan (de acordo com autores que defendem o nãoacometimento corneano na forma atípica) com alguns achados característicos da forma atípica ou um caso da forma atípica da síndrome de Cogan (para aqueles que defendem o acometimento corneano na forma atípica). O diagnóstico diferencial também é discutido

Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1→3)-β-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing

Water-insoluble glucan was isolated from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast cells were treated with alkali and the residue then with acid. Chemical and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses showed that a linear (1→3)-β-glucan was purified that was not contaminated with other carbohydrates, proteins or phenolic compounds. The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing

Modelando xamãs:o caso da tenda do suor

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Atividade antioxidante e antiproliferativa de extratos de folhas de Plukenetia volubilis L. (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Processo biotecnológico voltado a produção de estoques poliploides do camarão-branco litopenaeus vannamei (decapoda, penaeidae)

without practical results so far. Protocols used in biotechnological cultured aquatic organisms aimed at increasing growth rates and disease resistance, have been studied and perfected. Among the available techniques, the application of chromosomal manipulation, although still nascent, is presented as a tool aimed at mitigating ecological and economical issues in shrimp farming. The polyploidization artificial method already employed in fish and shellfish, has been widely researched for use in farmed shrimp. Some limitations of this method of expansion in shrimp refer to a better knowledge of cytogenetic aspects, the level of sexual dimorphism and performance in growing conditions. To contribute on some of these issues, the present study aimed to characterize cytogenetic species Litopenaeus vannamei (Decapoda) and Artemia franciscana (Anostraca), analyze the effectiveness of methods for detection of ploidy, through the use of flow cytometry in processes of induction polyploidy cold thermal shock at different stages of development of newly fertilized eggs. Additionally, aimed also the qualitative and quantitative comparison of larval development between diploid and polyploid organisms, besides the identification of sexual dimorphism in L. vannamei, through geometric morphometrics. The results provide information relevant to the improvement and widespread use of biotechnological methods applied toward national productivity in shrimp farming

Desenvolvimento de membranas porosas de alumina para fins de tratamento de efluente industrial têxtil

Textile production has been considered as an activity of high environmental impact due to the generation of large volumes of waste water with high load of organic compounds and strongly colored effluents, toxic and difficult biodegradability. This thesis deals with obtaining porous alumina ceramic membranes for filtration of textile effluent in the removal of contaminants, mainly color and turbidity. Two types of alumina with different particle sizes as a basis for the preparation of formulation for mass production of ceramic samples and membranes. The technological properties of the samples were evaluated after using sintering conditions: 1,350ºC-2H, 1,450ºC-30M, 1,450ºC-2H, 1,475ºC-30M and 1,475ºC-2H. The sintered samples were characterized by XRD, XRF, AG, TG, DSC, DL, AA, MEA, RL, MRF-3P, SEM and Intrusion Porosimetry by Mercury. After the characterization, a standard membrane was selected with their respective sintering condition for the filterability tests. The effluent was provided by a local Textile Industry and characterized at the entry and exit of the treatment plant. A statistical analysis was used to study the effluent using the following parameters: pH, temperature, EC, SS, SD, oil and grease, turbidity, COD, DO, total phosphorus, chlorides, phenols, metals and fecal coliform. The filtered effluent was evaluated by using the same parameters. These results demonstrate that the feasibility of the use of porous alumina ceramic membranes for removing contaminants from textile effluent with improved average pore size of 0.4 micrometre (distribution range varying from 0,025 to 2.0 micrometre), with total porosity of 29.66%, and average percentages of color removal efficiency of 89.02%, 92.49% of SS, turbidity of 94.55%, metals 2.70% (manganese) to 71.52% (iron) according to each metal and COD removal of 72.80%

Avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias de manipuladores de alimentos e utensílios de mesa de escolas públicas municipais de Natal, RN

In Brazil school food is constitutionally guaranteed to public school students at the preschool and elementary level. This food must be nutritious, hygienic and sanitary. The aim of the present study was to assess the hygienic/sanitary conditions of food and table utensil handlers in municipal public schools in Natal, Brazil. In total, 27 public schools were assessed, using a checklist and microbiological analysis of the hands and table utensils. For the microbiological analyses of the hands, coliforms were analyzed at 45ºC and for the utensils aerobic mesophilic bacteria, using methods recognized by AOAC, 2002 and APHA, 1992, respectively. Most of the schools studied did not exhibit good food and utensil handling practice procedures in any of the variables analyzed. It was shown that 74.1% of the handlers received no periodic training, 51.9% did not undergo annual health examinations and 100% did not practice proper hand hygiene, which reflected significantly (p < 0.05) in hand contamination, where fecal coliforms were detected on 55.6% of the hands analyzed. With respect to the utensils, it was found that 100% of the schools studied did not follow correct hygiene practices and most were classified as very bad ; that is, aerobic mesophilic bacteria values above the limits established by PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), with schools in the north and south districts recording the highest percentages. The results show that the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the food and utensil handlers in the schools studied were inadequate, demonstrating the need for implanting good handling practices aimed at protecting the health of children that take part in the program and offering safer foods. Researchers from the areas of food microbiology, nutrition, public health and statistics participated in this study, a decisive factor for characterizing it as multidisciplinary

Distribuição regional da ventilação pulmonar em indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca crônica após serem submetidos a um programa de treinamento da musculatura inspiratória e sua correlação com dados funcionais

Introduction: Chagas Disease is a serious public health problem, with 5 million infected individuals in Brazil. Of these, approximately 30% develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), where the main symptoms are fatigue and dyspnea. Objective: To correlate maximal exercise capacity with pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength and quality of life in patients with CCC. Methodology: Twelve individuals suffering from CCC were evaluated (7 men), with a mean age of 54.91± 8.60 years and the following inclusion criteria: functional class II and III according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA); left ventricle ejection fraction below 45%; clinical stability (> 3 months); symptom duration > 1 year, body mass index (BMI) < 35Kg/m2 and non-smokers or ex-smokers with a history of smoking <10 packs/day. All subjects were submitted to spirometry, manometer testing, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and a quality of life questionnaire (Minnesota). Results: A negative correlation was observed between VO2máx and MLHFQ scores (r=-0.626; p=0.03) and a positive association with MIP (r=0.713; p=0.009). Positive correlations were also recorded between MIP and spirometric variables [FEV1(r=0.825;p=0.001 ), FVC(r=0.66;p=0.01 and FEF25-75%(r=0.639;p=0.02)]. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that in patients with CCC: VO2MAX is directly related to inspiratory muscle strength and quality of life, while deteriorating lung function is directly associated with respiratory muscle weakness

Structural features of the epididymal region of the domestic duck (Anas plathyrynchos)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Characterization and polymorphism screening of IGF-I and prolactin genes in Nelore heifers

Insulin growth factor I (IGF-I) and prolactin (PRL) are peptide hormones that exert complementary effects on reproductive traits by acting on folliculogenesis. In view of the lack of information about the IGF-I and PRL genes in Bos indicus, the objective of this study was to partially characterize the promoter regions of these genes and to screen animals of different ages at first pregnancy for the presence of polymorphisms in these regions. In addition, we determined whether polymorphisms influence the regulation of the two hormone genes, evaluating their association with sexual precocity.The animals were divided into three groups according to age at first pregnancy: 1) 100 heifers considered to be sexually precocious that became pregnant at 15-16 months of age, 2) 100 heifers that became pregnant during the normal breeding season at 24 months of age, and 3) 100 heifers that did not become pregnant until 24 months of age. For the IGF-I gene, PCR-RFLP-SnaBI analysis showed the presence of genotypes AB and BB at frequencies of 0.02 and 0.98, respectively. Sequencing of the IGF-I gene fragment revealed a single nitrogen base change from cytosine to thymine, corresponding to the restriction site of SnaBI. The polymorphisms identified in the 5'-flanking region of the IGF-I gene may serve as a basis for future studies of molecular markers in cattle. For the PRL gene, PCR-RFLP-HaeIII analysis showed the presence of only one migration pattern, a finding characterizing the region studied as monomorphic. The study of other regions in the IGF-I and PRL genes might provide molecular data that can be used in the future for the selection of sexually precocious animals.

Processo de desidratação da alga Gracilaria birdiae beneficiada em laboratório e artesanalmente: análise da atividade antioxidante e composição centesimal

The main aim of this study was to compare the procedure for dehydration of Gracilaria birdiae prepared handmade and laboratory, collected in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was collected in the Rio do Fogo beach in march 2009. The sample collected followed by two processing, the first the material prepared in laboratory was air-dried at 50°C for 24 hours in air-flow oven. The second the handmade sample was air-dried on the sun during three days. The extract was prepared in three different solvents: ethanol, hydroethanol and water, resulting in ethanol, hidroethanol and aqueous extracts from handmade and laboratory sample. In according with results only the ethanol extract was fractionated yielding the fractions hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The different process to obtain Gracilaria birdiae resulted in the samples with different shades. The soluble solids content was higher in the laboratory sample. The chemical composition the both samples were characterized by presenting a considerable amounts of carbohydrates, with amior percentage protein and ash, respectively, in the handmade and laboratory sample. In two samples showed a low content of lipids and the lipid profile showed a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, with the absence polyunsaturated handmade sample. The phytochemical screening by chemical reactions showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins the laboratory sample, presenting a greater diversity of bioactive compounds. Through of the analysis by thin layer chromatography was possible to identify the phytosterols β-sitosterol and stigmasterol the both samples, also suggest the presence of β-carotene and chlorophyll α the laboratory sample. The levels of total phenolics and flavonoids were more significant in the ethanol extract of the laboratory sample. The in vitro lethality showed that extracts of the laboratory sample and handmade from 125 to 500 μg/ mL, respectively, were highly lethal. In the evaluation of antioxidant capacity by the system β-carotene/ácido linoleic method and by DPPH radical scavernging assay, the ethanol extract from the laboratory process showed significantly greater activity than the other extracts, being and the first and second methods, respectively, lower and equivalent to the synthetic antioxidant BHT. The handmade ethanol extract has not demonstrated skill in deactivating free radicals, but showed activity in inhibiting lipid peroxidation, although the values were significantly lower than the laboratory sample. We conclude that the dehydration process in the laboratory is the most efficient technique to maintenance of the chemical composition present in the seaweed, providing beneficial properties such as antioxidant capacity. We emphasize that this property can be explored with the objective of adding commercial value to the final product, which will promote the expansion of production of this seaweed in the community of Rio do Fogo