Dielectric response features and oxygen migration on rare earth modified lead titanate ferroelectric ceramics

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

Fatores envolvidos na migração das endopróteses em pacientes submetidos ao tratamento endovascular do aneurisma da aorta abdominal

A migração da endoprótese é complicação do tratamento endovascular definida como deslocamento da ancoragem inicial. Para avaliação da migração, verifica-se a posição da endoprótese em relação a determinada região anatômica. Considerando o aneurisma da aorta abdominal infrarrenal, a área proximal de referência consiste na origem da artéria renal mais baixa e, na região distal, situa-se nas artérias ilíacas internas. Os pacientes deverão ser monitorizados por longos períodos, a fim de serem identificadas migrações, visto que estas ocorrem normalmente após 2 anos de implante. Para evitar migrações, forças mecânicas que propiciam fixação, determinadas por características dos dispositivos e incorporação da endoprótese, devem predominar sobre forças gravitacionais e hemodinâmicas que tendem a arrastar a prótese no sentido caudal. Angulação, extensão e diâmetro do colo, além da medida transversa do saco aneurismático, são importantes aspectos morfológicos do aneurisma relacionados à migração. Com relação à técnica, não se recomenda implante de endopróteses com sobredimensionamento excessivo (> 30%), por provocar dilatação do colo do aneurisma, além de dobras e vazamentos proximais que também contribuem para a migração. Por outro lado, endopróteses com mecanismos adicionais de fixação (ganchos, farpas e fixação suprarrenal) parecem apresentar menos migrações. O processo de incorporação das endopróteses ocorre parcialmente e parece não ser suficiente para impedir migrações tardias. Nesse sentido, estudos experimentais com endopróteses de maior porosidade e uso de substâncias que permitam maior fibroplasia e aderência da prótese à artéria vêm sendo realizados e parecem ser promissores. Esses aspectos serão discutidos nesta revisão.

Proposta de critérios adicionais para definição de Área Prioritária para Conservação no Semiárido brasileiro

Environmental changes and their consequences on the global level have challenged the different fields of study to integrate towards effective solutions to minimize and /or equate the negative impacts of these changes in different types of environments. In this context, the Environmental Perception has been a widely used and relevant in studies that consider the relationship between the environment and human actions, by allowing analysis of perceptions, attitudes and values, key influencers of topophilia that resonates in conservation tool. Allied to Environmental Perception, Integrated Analysis of the Landscape is relevant because it allows to analyze in a systematic way the geographical space where all its elements are interrelated in a way that supports needed to understand the complex physical and human environment of a given environment. In this perspective, we have studied the João do Vale Serrano Complex, located in semiarid of Rio Grande do Norte state, which features a set of landscapes with different faces, which are being replaced by various economic activities and disordered population growth, with consequent exploitation the potential of natural resources. This thesis main goal was to combine the Environmental Perception of rural communities to the of Serrano Complex Landscape Analysis as additional criteria for the definition of Priority Areas for Conservation. The perception data were collected through direct observation, questioning, interviews and application forms to 240 people (100 % of occupied households in the mountain community) during the months of february and august 2011, with theoretical and methodological basis Environmental Perception. Integrated Landscape Analysis was performed by GTP (Geosystem - Territory - Landscape) method, using the Geographic Information System (GIS), using the technique of GIS for mapping the landscape. The results showed that respondents have a sense of topophilia by where they live, hold a vast knowledge of the natural resources in this Serrano Complex, and responded positively regarding the choice of an exclusive area for conservation. The Integrated Analysis of Landscape possible to identify the different forms of existing uses and occupations in Serrano Complex, have caused significant changes in space, especially on the plateau where vegetation was virtually replaced by human dwellings and cashew plantations. Through the maps of slope and environmental vulnerability was identified that areas with high slopes (gullies) are limiting factor for occupation by communities and therefore relevant and amenable to conservation, including by being Permanent Preservation Areas. These results, together, made possible to define a map of Priority Areas for Conservation in Serrano Complex, with three priority categories: low, medium and high. Therefore, the use of these additional criteria are relevant for the definition /designation of Priority Areas for Conservation

Single-embryo transfer reduces clinical pregnancy rates and live births in fresh IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles: a meta-analysis

Background: It has become an accepted procedure to transfer more than one embryo to the patient to achieve acceptable ongoing pregnancy rates. However, transfers of more than a single embryo increase the probability of establishing a multiple gestation. Single-embryo transfer can minimize twin pregnancies but may also lower live birth rates. This meta-analysis aimed to compare current data on single-embryo versus double-embryo transfer in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with respect to implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.Methods: Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1995 to 2008. Data management and analysis were conducted using the Stats Direct statistical software. The fixed-effect model was used for odds ratio (OR). Fixed-effect effectiveness was evaluated by the Mantel Haenszel method. Seven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: When pooling results under the fixed-effect model, the implantation rate was not significantly different between double-embryo transfer (34.5%) and single-embryo transfer group (34.7%) (P = 0.96; OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.78, 1.25). on the other hand, double-embryo transfer produced a statistically significantly higher ongoing clinical pregnancy rate (44.5%) than single-embryo transfer (28.3%) (P < 0.0001; OR: 2.06, 95% CI = 1.64,2.60). At the same time, pooling results presented a significantly higher live birth rate when double-embryo transfer (42.5%) (P < 0.001; OR: 1.87, 95% CI = 1.44,2.42) was compared with single-embryo transfer (28.4%).Conclusion: Meta-analysis with 95% confidence showed that, despite similar implantation rates, fresh double-embryo transfer had a 1.64 to 2.60 times greater ongoing pregnancy rate and 1.44 to 2.42 times greater live birth rate than single-embryo transfer in a population suitable for ART treatment.

Effect of plant trichomes on the vertical migration of Haemonchus contortus infective larvae on five tropical forages

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Prolonged interval between parturition of normal live pups in a bitch

On day 64 after artificial insemination, a six-year-old primiparous briard bitch whelped three live pups between 05.00 and 08.00. It was presented at 11.00 on the same day with failure to complete parturition. on ultrasound examination, a normal live fetus was observed and the bitch was treated with oxytocin three times during the day (1(.)0, 2(.)0 and 2(.)0 iu intramuscularly), with no effect. The following day, a higher dose of oxytocin (5(.)0 iu) was administered intramuscularly at 11.00, after a uterine ultrasound examination confirmed viability of the fetus. At 18.00 of the same day, the bitch whelped the fourth normal live pup, 37 hours after initiation of parturition and 34 hours after expulsion of the last fetus. Effectiveness of oxytocin and normal versus prolonged parturition due to uterine inertia are discussed.

Mechanism of calcium hydroxide-induced neutrophil migration into air-pouch cavity

The aim of this study was to investigate cellular migration induced by calcium hydroxide to air-pouch cavities in mice. The migration was more specific to neutrophil and was dose and time dependent (peaking 96 h after stimulation). This migration was inhibited by pretreatment with thalidomide, indomethacin, MK886, meloxicam, dexamethasone, MK886 associated with indomethacin, and MK886 associated with indomethacin and dexamethasone. The air-pouch exudate from animals stimulated with calcium hydroxide showed an increase of leukotriene-B4 (LTB4), interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) release. Pretreatment with 3% thioglycollate increased the macrophage population in the air pouch but did not change neutrophil migration. Depleting the resident mast cells through chronic pretreatment with compound 48/80 did not alter neutrophil migration in response to calcium hydroxide. It was possible to conclude that calcium hydroxide-induced neutrophil migration to the air-pouch cavity in mice is mediated by LTB4, TNF-alpha, KC, MIP-2, and prostaglandins, but it was not dependent on macrophages or mast cells.

Combined periodontal, orthodontic, and restorative treatment of pathologic migration of anterior teeth: A case report

Pathologic tooth migration related to periodontal disease is a common chief complaint of periodontal patients. This paper describes the treatment of a case of severe periodontal disease and disfiguring pathologic migration of maxillary central incisors, which required a multidisciplinary approach. After conventional pert. odontal treatment was performed, the anterior diastema was closed using a combination of orthodontic therapy and restorative treatment. A 6-month follow-up examination of this case revealed resolution of the anterior pathologic migration, with gains in clinical attachment levels and a successful esthetic and functional final result.

Implication of RNA-Binding Protein La in Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Lymph Node-Metastasized Hypopharyngeal SCC Cells

The 5-year survival rate for oral cavity cancer is poorer than for breast, colon or prostate cancer, and has improved only slightly in the last three decades. Hence, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Here we demonstrate by tissue micro array analysis for the first time that RNA-binding protein La is significantly overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Within this study we therefore addressed the question whether siRNA-mediated depletion of the La protein may interfere with known tumor-promoting characteristics of head and neck SCC cells. Our studies demonstrate that the La protein promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion of lymph node-metastasized hypopharyngeal SCC cells. We also reveal that La is required for the expression of beta-catenin as well as matrix metalloproteinase type 2 (MMP-2) within these cells. Taken together these data suggest a so far unknown function of the RNA-binding protein La in promoting tumor progression of head and neck SCC.

Loss of Expression and Function of SOCS3 Is an Early Event in HNSCC: Altered Subcellular Localization as a Possible Mechanism Involved in Proliferation, Migration and Invasion

Background: Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is an inducible endogenous negative regulator of signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Epigenetic silencing of SOCS3 has been shown in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which is associated with increased activation of STAT3. There is scarce information on the functional role of the reduction of SOCS3 expression and no information on altered subcellular localization of SOCS3 in HNSCC.Methodology/Principal Findings: We assessed endogenous SOCS3 expression in different HNSCC cell lines by RT-qPCR and western blot. Immunofluorescence and western blot were used to study the subcellular localization of endogenous SOCS3 induced by IL-6. Overexpression of SOCS3 by CMV-driven plasmids and siRNA-mediated inhibition of endogenous SOCS3 were used to verify the role of SOCS3 on tumor cell proliferation, viability, invasion and migration in vitro. In vivo relevance of SOCS3 expression in HNSCC was studied by quantitative immunohistochemistry of commercially-available tissue microarrays. Endogenous expression of SOCS3 was heterogeneous in four HNSCC cell lines and surprisingly preserved in most of these cell lines. Subcellular localization of endogenous SOCS3 in the HNSCC cell lines was predominantly nuclear as opposed to cytoplasmic in non-neoplasic epithelial cells. Overexpression of SOCS3 produced a relative increase of the protein in the cytoplasmic compartment and significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas inhibition of endogenous nuclear SOCS3 did not affect these events. Analysis of tissue microarrays indicated that loss of SOCS3 is an early event in HNSCC and was correlated with tumor size and histological grade of dysplasia, but a considerable proportion of cases presented detectable expression of SOCS3.Conclusion: Our data support a role for SOCS3 as a tumor suppressor gene in HNSCC with relevance on proliferation and invasion processes and suggests that abnormal subcellular localization impairs SOCS3 function in HNSCC cells.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Paraventricular Nucleus Plays a Major Role in the Sympathoexcitatory Response to Salt

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Stable carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) isotopes as natural indicators of live and dry food in Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) larval tissue

This study proposed the use of the stable isotope technique to track the type of food utilized by pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus larvae during their development, and to identify the moment when the larvae start using nutrients from the dry diet by retaining its carbon and nitrogen atoms in their body tissues. Five-day-old pacu larvae at the onset of exogenous feeding were fed Artemia nauplii or formulated diet exclusively; nauplii+formulated diet during the entire period; or were weaned from nauplii to a dry diet after 3, 6 or 12 days after the first feeding. delta(13)C and delta(15)N values for Artemia nauplii were -15.1 parts per thousand and 4.7 parts per thousand, respectively, and -25.0 parts per thousand and 7.4 parts per thousand for the dry diet. The initial isotopic composition of the larval tissue was -20.2 parts per thousand and 9.5 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and delta(15)N respectively. Later, at the end of a 42-day feeding period, larvae fed Artemia nauplii alone reached values of -12.7 parts per thousand and 7.0 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and delta(15)N respectively. Larvae that received the formulated diet alone showed values of -22.7 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and 9.6 parts per thousand for delta(15)N. The stable isotope technique was precise, and the time at which the larvae utilized Artemia nauplii, and later dry diet as a food source could be clearly defined.

Fish ladders select fish traits on migration - still a growing problem for natural fish populations

We investigated the potential selective effect of fish ladders on physiological and morphological profiles of the curimbata, Prochilodus lineatus, during reproductive migration in Brazil. We registered sex, body weight and length, plasma glucose, hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices (HSI and GSI, respectively), hematocrit, leucocrit, blood cell and nucleus areas, and the diameter of white and red muscle fibers in fish sampled at the bottom (downstream) and at the top (upstream) of a fish ladder at a hydroelectric dam. Males and females at the top of the ladder showed higher size (weight and length), white muscle fiber diameters, plasma glucose levels and lower hematocrit when compared with those at the bottom. These size and muscle traits assist fish to overcome the ladder barrier and bypass the dam, an effort that might be reflected in the glucose levels. Females also showed higher GSI at the top of the fish ladder, a trait possibly facilitating their reproduction upstream. These results indicate that a dam system favors fish with specific morphological-physiological profile. This may have a strong influence upon upstream fish populations over generations and implies the presence of artificial selective pressure.

Vertical migration of Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae on Brachiaria decumbens grass

The present study aimed at evaluating the vertical migration of Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae (1-3) on Brachiaria decumbens grass, as well as at verifying whether larval numbers on pasture varies over the day due to climatic conditions. Feces containing H. contortus L3 were deposited on the soil in the middle of herbage which was initially 30 cm high. Seven days later, samples of different herbage strata (0-10, 10-20 and >20 cm), remaining feces and a layer of approximately 1 cm soil were collected. Tests were carried out in four periods: September 2006, December 2006, March 2007, and June 2007. Samples were collected at sunrise, mid-day, sunset, and mid-night. The humidity and temperature conditions observed in different months influenced larval migration from the feces to the grass. In September, December and March, it rained after fecal deposition on pasture, which favored migration of larvae from the feces to the herbage. Conversely, in June 2007, when there was no rainfall after fecal deposition and temperatures were lower, L3 were mainly recovered from feces. As regards the vertical migration of larvae, the numbers of H. contortus L3 in the forage strata remained relatively constant over the day. This indicates there is not a determined period in which sheep on pasture are at higher risk of infection. Finally, in all collection periods a considerable amount of third stage larvae was observed on the herbage top, which is the first plant part consumed by sheep. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.