Identification of the nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-kB) in cortical of mice Wistar using Technovit 7200 VCR (R)

Objective: this study aimed to develop a nondecalcified bone sample processing technique enabling immunohistochemical labeling of proteins by kappa-beta nuclear factor (NF-kB) utilizing the Technovit 7200 VCR (R) in adult male Wistar rats. Study Method: A 1.8 mm diameter defect was performed 0.5mm from the femur proximal joint by means of a round bur. Experimental groups were divided according to fixing solution prior to histologic processing: Group 1- ethanol 70%; Group 2-10% buffered formalin; and Group 3- Glycerol diluted in 70% ethanol at a 70/30 ratio + 10% buffered formalin. The post-surgical periods ranged from 01 to 24 hours. Control groups included a nonsurgical procedure group (NSPG) and surgical procedures where bone exposure was performed (SPBE) without drilling. Prostate carcinoma was the positive control (PC) and samples subjected to incomplete immunohistochemistry protocol were the negative control (NC). Following euthanization, all samples were kept at 4 degrees C for 7 days, and were dehydrated in a series of alcohols at -20 degrees C. The polymer embedding procedure was performed at ethanol/polymer ratios of 70%-30%, 50%-50%, 30%-70%, 100%, and 100% for 72 hours at -20 degrees C. Polymerization followed the manufacturer`s recommendation. The samples were grounded and polished to 10-15 mu m thickness, and were deacrylated. The sections were rehydrated and were submitted to the primary polyclonal antibody anti-NF-kB on a 1:75 dilution for 12 hours at room temperature. Results: Microscopy showed that the Group 2 presented positive reaction to NF-kB, diffuse reactions for NSPG and SPBE, and no reaction for the NC group. Conclusion: The results obtained support the feasibility of the developed immunohistochemistry technique.

Na+-glucose transporter-2 messenger ribonucleic acid expression in kidney of diabetic rats correlates with glycemic levels: Involvement of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha expression and activity

Mutations in Na+-glucose transporters (SGLT)-2 and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 alpha genes have been related to renal glycosuria and maturity-onset diabetes of the young 3, respectively. However, the expression of these genes have not been investigated in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here in kidney of diabetic rats, we tested the hypotheses that SGLT2 mRNA expression is altered; HNF-1 alpha is involved in this regulation; and glycemic homeostasis is a related mechanism. The in vivo binding of HNF-1 alpha into the SGLT2 promoter region in renal cortex was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. SGLT2 and HNF-1 alpha mRNA expression (by Northern and RT-PCR analysis) and HNF-1 binding activity of nuclear proteins (by EMSA) were investigated in diabetic rats and treated or not with insulin or phlorizin (an inhibitor of SGLT2). Results showed that diabetes increases SGLT2 and HNF-1 alpha mRNA expression (similar to 50%) and binding of nuclear proteins to a HNF-1 consensus motif (similar to 100%). Six days of insulin or phlorizin treatment restores these parameters to nondiabetic-rat levels. Moreover, both treatments similarly reduced glycemia, despite the differences in plasma insulin and urinary glucose concentrations, highlighting the plasma glucose levels as involved in the observed modulations. This study shows that SGLT2 mRNA expression and HNF-1 alpha expression and activity correlate positively in kidney of diabetic rats. It also shows that diabetes-induced changes are reversed by lowering glycemia, independently of insulinemia. Our demonstration that HNF-1 alpha binds DNA that encodes SGLT2 supports the hypothesis that HNF-1 alpha, as a modulator of SGLT2 expression, may be involved in diabetic kidney disease.

Transepithelial transport of glucose and mRNA of glucose transporters in the small intestine of rats with iron-deficiency anemia

Objective: To evaluate the transepithelial transport of sodium, glucose, potassium, and water and the mRNA level of the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) and the facilitated sugar transporter (GLUT2) in the small intestine of iron-deficient rats. Methods: After 6 wk of receiving diets with low or normal iron content, rats (Wistar-EPM) were subjected to two experiments: 1) evaluation of the transepithelial transport of sodium, glucose, potassium, and water by an ""in vivo"" experimental model of intestinal perfusion and 2) determination of relative SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA levels in the proximal, intermediate, and distal portions of the small intestine by the northern blotting technique. Results: Hemoglobin and hepatic iron levels were statistically lower in the anemic rats. The mean transepithelial transports of sodium (-33.0 mu Eq . min(-1) . cm(-1)), glucose (426.0 mu M . min(-1) . cm(-1)), and water (0.4 mu L . min(-1) . cm(-1)) in the small intestine of the anemic rats were significantly lower than in the control group (349.1 mu Eq . min(-1) cm(-1), 842.6 mu M . min(-1) . cm(-1), and 4.3 mu l . min(-1) cm(-1), respectively, P < 0.05). The transepithelial transport of potassium was similar for both groups. The relative SGLT1 mRNA levels of the anemic rats in the intermediate (1.796 +/- 0.659 AU) and distal (1.901 +/- 0.766 AU) segments were significantly higher than the values for the control rats (intermediate 1.262 +/- 0.450 AU, distal 1.244 +/- 0.407 AU). No significant difference was observed for the relative SLGT1 mRNA levels in the proximal segment or for the GLUT2 mRNA levels in all segments. Conclusion: Iron deficiency decreases the absorption of glucose, sodium, and water and increases SGLT1 mRNA in the intermediate and distal segments of the small intestine of rats. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acid-base transport by the renal distal nephron

The functional versatility of the distal nephron is mainly due to the large cytological heterogeneity of the segment. Part of Na(+) uptake by distal tubules is dependent on Na(+)/H(+). exchanger 2 (NHE2), implicating a role of distal convoluted cells also in acid-base homeostasis. In addition, intercalated (IC) cells expressed in distal convoluted tubules, connecting tubules and collecting ducts are involved in the final regulation of acid-base excretion. IC cells regulate acid-base handling by 2 main transport proteins, a V-type H(+)-ATPase and a Cl/HCO(3)(-) exchanger, localized at different membrane domains. Type A IC cells are characterized by a luminal H(+)-ATPase in series with a basolateral Cl/HCO(3)(-) exchanger, the anion exchanger AE1. Type B IC cells mediate HCO(3)(-) secretion through the apical Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger pendrin in series with a H(+)-ATPase at the basolateral membrane. Alternatively, H(+)/K(+)-ATPases have also been found in several distal tubule cells, particularly in type A and B IC cells. All of these mechanisms are finely regulated, and mutations of 1 or more proteins ultimately lead to expressive disorders of acid-base balance.

Immunocytochemical identification of adenohypophyseal cells in the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), an Amazonian basal teleost

The adenohypophysis (AH) of juvenile pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), a representative species of the Osteoglossomorpha (bonytongue fishes, one of the oldest living groups of the teleosts), was studied using histochemical and immunocytochemical methods. The AH is comprised of the pars distalis (PD), without a clear distinction between rostral pars distalis (RPD) and proximal pars distalis (PPD), and the pars intermedia (PI). The neurohypophysis (NH) is positioned on top of the PD and penetrates and branches into the PI. In the most rostral dorsal portion of the PD, adrenocorticotropic cells and fusiform gonadotropic cells were found. In the central PD, scarce prolactin-producing cells and growth-hormone-producing cells were located mainly in the dorsal part, whereas round gonadotropic cells were abundant in the ventral portion of this region. Human thyrotropin immunoreactive cells were not found in the entire AH. In the PI, melanotropic, some adrenocorticotropic, and somatolactin-producing cells were located intermingled surrounding the neurohypophyseal branches. Our results showed that the A. gigas pituitary has some basal characteristics between the ancient Actinopterygii and the more derived teleosts.

Modified abbreviated transcavernous approach to basilar artery aneurysms-Case report

Background: Endovascular procedures and direct surgical clipping, are the main therapeutic modalities for managing of BAAs. Furthermore, giant or wide-necked aneurysms and those that involve the PCA or perforators at its neck usually are not embolized. Case Description: A 55-year-old man presented to the emergency room complaining Of Sudden and intense headache. Neurological examination evidenced meningismus. Computed tomography disclosed a subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher grade III). Arteriograms revealed BAA, whose neck was partially obseured by the PCP. A standard pterional craniotomy was performed, followed. by extensive drilling of the greater sphenoid wing. The neck was partially hidden by the PCP, and no proximal control was obtained without drilling the PCP and opening the CS (modified TcA). Drilling of the PCP was begun by cutting the overlying dura and extended caudally as much as possible. Next. opening, of the roof of the CS was performed by incising the dura in the oculomotor trigone medical and parallel 10 the oculomotor nerve and lateral to ICA: the incision progressed posteriorly toward the dorsum sellae. Further resection of the dorsum sellac and clivus was carried out. After performing these steps, proximal control was obtained, aneurysm was deflated, perforators were saved. and aneurysm was clipped. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the clinical Usefulness of and abbreviated form of the TcA, which led the ""modified TcA."" in approaching complex low-lying, BAA. It provides additional surgical room by removing the PCP and partially, opening the CS, which permits further bone removal and improves exposure. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bone growth around silicon nitride implants - An evaluation by scanning electron microscopy

Silicon nitride has demonstrated to be a potential candidate for clinical applications because it is a non-cytotoxic material and has satisfactory fracture toughness, high wear resistance and low friction coefficient. In this paper, samples of silicon nitride, which were kept into rabbits` tibias for 8 weeks, and the adjacentbone tissue were analysed by scanning electron microscopy in order to verify the bone growth around the implants and the interaction between the implant and the bone. Bone growth occurred mainly in the cortical areas, although it has been observed that the newly bone tends to grow toward the marrow cavity. Differences were observed between the implants installed into distal and proximal regions. In the first region, where the distance between the implant and the cortical bone is greater than in the proximal region, the osteoconduction process was evidenced by the presence of a bridge bone formation toward the implant surface. The results showed that silicon nitride can be used as biomaterial since the newly bone grew around the implants. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Notch signaling controls the balance of ciliated and secretory cell fates in developing airways

Although there is accumulated evidence of a role for Notch in the developing lung, it is still unclear how disruption of Notch signaling affects lung progenitor cell fate and differentiation events in the airway epithelium. To address this issue, we inactivated Notch signaling conditionally in the endoderm using a Shh-Cre deleter mouse line and mice carrying floxed alleles of the Pofut1 gene, which encodes an O-fucosyltransferase essential for Notch-ligand binding. We also took the same conditional approach to inactivate expression of Rbpjk, which encodes the transcriptional effector of canonical Notch signaling. Strikingly, these mutants showed an almost identical lung phenotype characterized by an absence of secretory Clara cells without evidence of cell death, and showed airways populated essentially by ciliated cells, with an increase in neuroendocrine cells. This phenotype could be further replicated in cultured wild-type lungs by disrupting Notch signaling with a gamma-secretase inhibitor. Our data suggest that Notch acts when commitment to a ciliated or non-ciliated cell fate occurs in proximal progenitors, silencing the ciliated program in the cells that will continue to expand and differentiate into secretory cells. This mechanism may be crucial to define the balance of differentiated cell profiles in different generations of the developing airways. It might also be relevant to mediate the metaplastic changes in the respiratory epithelium that occur in pathological conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

SLC2A2 gene expression in kidney of diabetic rats is regulated by HNF-1 alpha and HNF-3 beta

We hypothesize that, in kidney of diabetic rats, hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF-1 alpha. and HNF-3 beta) play a critical role in the overexpression of solute carrier 2A2 (SLC2A2) gene. Diabetic rats submitted or not to rapid (up to 12 h) and short-term (1, 4 and 6 days) insulin treatment were investigated. Twofold increase in GLUT2 mRNA was observed in diabetic, accompanied by significant increases in HNF-1 alpha and HNF-3 beta expression and binding activity. Additional 2-fold increase in GLUT2 mRNA and HNF-3 beta expression/activity was observed in 12-h insulin-treated rats. Six-day insulin treatment decreased GLUT2 mRNA and HNF-1 alpha expression and activity to levels of non-diabetic rats, whereas HNF-3 beta decreased to levels of non-insulin-treated diabetic rats. Our results provide evidence for a link between the overexpression of SLC2A2 gene and the transcriptional activity of HNF-1 alpha and HNF-3 beta in kidney of diabetic rats. Furthermore, recovery of SLC2A2 gene after 6-day insulin treatment also involves HNF-1 alpha and HNF-3 beta activity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Itajai foreland basin: a tectono-sedimentary record of the Ediacaran period, Southern Brazil

The Itajai Basin located in the southern border of the Luis Alves Microplate is considered as a peripheral foreland basin related to the Dom Feliciano Belt. It presents an excellent record of the Ediacaran period, and its upper parts display the best Brazilian example of Precambrian turbiditic deposits. The basal succession of Itajai Group is represented by sandstones and conglomerates (BaA(0) Formation) deposited in alluvial and deltaic-fan systems. The marine upper sequences correspond to the Ribeiro Carvalho (channelized and non-channelized proximal silty-argillaceous rhythmic turbidites), Ribeiro Neisse (arkosic sandstones and siltites), and Ribeiro do Bode (distal silty turbidites) formations. The ApiA(0)na Formation felsic volcanic rocks crosscut the sedimentary succession. The Cambrian Subida leucosyenogranite represents the last felsic magmatic activity to affect the Itajai Basin. The Brusque Group and the Florianpolis Batholith are proposed as source areas for the sediments of the upper sequence. For the lower continental units the source areas are the Santa Catarina, So Miguel and CamboriA(0) complexes. The lack of any oceanic crust in the Itajai Basin suggests that the marine units were deposited in a restricted, internal sea. The sedimentation started around 600 Ma and ended before 560 Ma as indicated by the emplacement of rhyolitic domes. The Itajai Basin is temporally and tectonically correlated with the Camaqu Basin in Rio Grande do Sul and the Arroyo del Soldado/Piriapolis Basin in Uruguay. It also has several tectono-sedimentary characteristics in common with the African-equivalent Nama Basin.

Lycopodiopsis derbyi Renault from the Corumbatai Formation in the state of Sao Paulo (Guadalupian of Parana Basin, Southern Brazil): New data from compressed silicified stems

Lycopodiopsis derbyi Renault was analyzed on the basis of compressed silicified stems from four Guadalupian outcrops of the Parana Basin (Corumbatai Formation) in the State of Sao Paulo, Southern Brazil. Dichotomous stems have been recorded, and three different branch regions related to apoxogenesis are described. The most proximal region has larger, clearly rhomboidal leaf cushions, with protruding upper edges; the intermediate transitional region also has rhombic leaf cushions, but they are smaller and less elongated than the lower in the same axis; finally, the most distal region reveals only incipient cushions, with inconspicuous infrafoliar bladders; interspersed microphylls were still attached. A well preserved branch representative of this most distal region was sectioned; it has a siphonostelic cylinder similar to that previously described for L derbyi. The cortex, however, shows new traits, such as a short portion of elongated cells between the periderm and the external cortex (or leaf cushion tissue). The stems were apparently silicified prior to their final burial but were probably not transported for long distances. Their final burial may have taken place during storm events, which were common during the deposition of the Corumbatai Formation. These stems are commonly deformed due to compression, mainly because the internal cortical portions rapidly decayed prior to silicification due to their thin-walled tissue, and are therefore not preserved. The common alkalinity of a shallow marine environment such as that in which the Corumbatai Formation was deposited, should mobilize the silica and favors petrifaction. Based on the new data, an emended diagnosis is proposed and a modification of the identification key published by Thomas and Meyen in 1984 for Upper Paleozoic Lycopsida is suggested. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphometric analysis of the urethra of castrated female rats treated with tamoxifen

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tamoxifen on the weight and thickness of the urethral epithelium of castrated female rats. Methods: Forty castrated adult female Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (n = 20) in which the animals received only the vehicle (propylene glycol) and Group 11 (n = 20) in which the rats received tamoxifen 250 mu g/day by gavage. After 30 days of treatment, all animals were sacrificed and the urethra was immediately removed for weighing. Next, the urethra was divided into the proximal and distal segments, which were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and submitted to routine histological techniques for morphometric study. The data were analyzed using the weighted minimum mean-square error method and Student`s t-test for two independent samples (p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant increase in the mean weight of the urethra in the rats of Group 11 compared to the control group, 32.0 +/- 2.0 mg and 22.0 +/- 1.6 mg, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean thickness of the distal urethral epithelium of the animals treated with tamoxifen was significantly greater than that of the control group, 42.8 +/- 2.0 mu m and 36.6 +/- 1.5 mu m, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to the epithelial thickness of the proximal urethra (p = 0.514). Conclusion: Treating castrated adult rats with 250 mu g/day of tamoxifen for 30 days may increase the weight of the urethra and the thickness of the distal urethral epithelium. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

English as the target language : A literature study on teachers’ and L2 learners’ language use in the upper elementary classroom

Even though English is a subject where Swedish pupils do well compared to pupils in other countries, research indicates that pupils are not always motivated to learn in the English classroom. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find research relating to the use of the target language in classrooms for pupils at the upper elementary level, particularly language learners in Sweden. The focus of this thesis is to find out what benefits and challenges accompany the use of the target language during English lessons, as well as what pupils’ opinions are on the consistent use of the target language in the classroom. This literature review of five research articles shows that it is beneficial for pupils’ language development to have lessons where mainly the target language is used. It is for example beneficial for pupils’ ability to speak, their pronunciation, vocabulary and ability to use language strategies. The results show that there are challenges as well, especially for the teachers, since use of the target language presumes that the teacher has good language skills and is capable of scaffolding each pupil at their individual level and in their zone of proximal development. Furthermore, there are challenges like differences in pupils’ skill level, creating tasks that both motivate and stimulate, and creating a safe learning environment. Even though the results in this thesis are limited, it is still obvious that it is an important area, where more research is necessary in order to assist teachers in how to teach English as effectively as possible.

När det inte blir som man har tänkt sig : - En fallstudie av undervisningssituationer med elever med behov av särskilt stöd

Fallstudien beskriver och diskuterar några lektioner med elever som har specifika inlärnings-svårigheter, utifrån skolverkets Allmänna råd, och belyser vilka pedagogiskt svårhanterliga problem och dilemman som kan uppstå när det inte blir som läraren har planerat. Teorin om den proximala utvecklingszonen åskådliggörs. Aktivitetens betydelse för inlärning belyses. Komplexiteten kring lärarskap och ledarskap illustreras. Skolverkets teori om kunskap genom progression, enligt givna årskurser med givet innehåll, stämmer inte alltid med erfarenheterna hos några av verklighetens elever. Samspelet mellan lärare och elever belyses i studien. Be-skrivningar av utvecklingsrelaterade funktionsnedsättningar och psykiskt sårbara barn visar ytterligare hur elevers individuella förutsättningar kan ge konsekvenser för inlärning.

Elevers läsvanor : En kvalitativ studie av fyra fordonselevers läsvanor

The following study was conducted at an upper secondary school in Sweden and attempts to explore the question of what influences male pupils’ reading habits. Many quantitative international studies, including PISA, PIRLS and IEA Reading Literacy, have sought to answer this question, but only partially succeeded due to the limitations of their methods. Therefore, this study seeks to explore this question in more depth using qualitative methods, including interviews and classroom observations, but also minor tests. Two facts which the previously mentioned international studies have found is that boys and particularly immigrant boys tend to have worse reading results than their counterparts. It is therefore the aim of this study to study four male students in upper secondary school; of which two are native Swedes and the other two are unaccompanied refugee children; one from Afghanistan and the other from Morocco. The findings of this study are as follows. Firstly, necessity was found to be the single most important factor for the reading habits of these four pupils; especially the two refugees. Both refugees learnt to read under harsh circumstances in madrassas in their respective home countries. Moreover, the Moroccan pupil learnt to speak and read Spanish fluently during his seven years as a homeless child. Furthermore, in the absence of necessity, interest was found to be decisive in determining the pupils’ reading habits. In addition to this, the study theorizes that an interest in reading generally arises before the ability to read and not vice versa. However, teachers can in fact affect their pupils’ reading habits even in upper secondary school.