Resistance to amoebic gill disease (AGD) is characterised by the transcriptional dysregulation of immune and cell cycle pathways

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a parasite-mediated proliferative gill disease capable of affecting a range of teleost hosts. While a moderate heritability for AGD resistance in Atlantic salmon has been reported previously, the mechanisms by which individuals resist the proliferative effects remain poorly understood. To gain more knowledge of this commercially important trait, we compared gill transcriptomes of two groups of Atlantic salmon, one designated putatively resistant, and one designated putatively susceptible to AGD. Utilising a 17k Atlantic salmon cDNA microarray we identified 196 transcripts that were differentially expressed between the two groups. Expression of 11 transcripts were further examined with real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) in the AGD-resistant and AGD-susceptible animals, as well as non-infected naïve fish. Gene expression determined by qPCR was in strong agreement with the microarray analysis. A large number of differentially expressed genes were involved in immune and cell cycle responses. Resistant individuals displayed significantly higher expression of genes involved in adaptive immunity and negative regulation of the cell cycle. In contrast, AGD-susceptible individuals showed higher expression of acute phase proteins and positive regulators of the cell cycle. Combined with the gill histopathology, our results suggest AGD resistance is acquired rather than innately present, and that this resistance is for the most part associated with the dysregulation of immune and cell cycle pathways. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Submission to the Attorney-General's Department consultation on "Marrakesh Treaty options for implementation" discussion paper

It is extremely important to ensure that people with disabilities can access information and cultural works on an equal basis with others. Access is fundamentally important to enable people with disabilities to fully participate in economic, social, and political life. This is both a pressing moral imperative and a legal requirement in international law. Australia should take clear steps to affirmatively redress the fundamental inequalities of access that people with disabilities face. This requires a fundamental shift in the way that we think about copyright and disability rights: the mechanisms for enabling access should not be a limited exception to normal distribution, but should instead be strong positive rights that are able to be routinely and practically exercised.

Transcriptome analyses of amoebic gill disease-affected atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) tissues reveal localized host gene suppression

The transcriptome response of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) displaying advanced stages of amoebic gill disease (AGD) was investigated. Naïve smolt were challenged with AGD for 19 days, at which time all fish were euthanized and their severity of infection quantified through histopathological scoring. Gene expression profiles were compared between heavily infected and naïve individuals using a 17 K Atlantic salmon cDNA microarray with real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) verification. Expression profiles were examined in the gill, anterior kidney, and liver. Twenty-seven transcripts were significantly differentially expressed within the gill; 20 of these transcripts were down-regulated in the AGD-affected individuals compared with naïve individuals. In contrast, only nine transcripts were significantly differentially expressed within the anterior kidney and five within the liver. Again the majority of these transcripts were down-regulated within the diseased individuals. A down-regulation of transcripts involved in apoptosis (procathepsin L, cathepsin H precursor, and cystatin B) was observed in AGD-affected Atlantic salmon. Four transcripts encoding genes with antioxidant properties also were down-regulated in AGD-affected gill tissue according to qPCR analysis. The most up-regulated transcript within the gill was an unknown expressed sequence tag (EST) whose expression was 218-fold (± SE 66) higher within the AGD affected gill tissue. Our results suggest that Atlantic salmon experiencing advanced stages of AGD demonstrate general down-regulation of gene expression, which is most pronounced within the gill. We propose that this general gene suppression is parasite-mediated, thus allowing the parasite to withstand or ameliorate the host response. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

La transformación de rotación en el espacio: diseño curricular e integración en el aula del ambiente de geometría dinámica Cabri 3D

Se busca generar una discusión sobre el proceso de diseño y sistematización de una experiencia de aula en la cual se integra el Ambiente de Geometría Dinámica (AGD) Cabri 3D en el aprendizaje de la transformación de rotación en el espacio. En nuestra propuesta, encontramos investigaciones importantes en didáctica de las matemáticas que han puesto en evidencia las dificultades que los estudiantes presentan comúnmente en la exploración de propiedades de los objetos geométricos en el espacio, e incluso la representación de los mismos en él. Por lo cual, la comunicación se apoya en una aproximación instrumental que busca dar cuenta del papel mediador de Cabri 3D como un instrumento construido por el sujeto en el contexto de aprendizaje de la geometría. La propuesta se basa en el diseño de una situación didáctica en la que se integra el AGD Cabri 3D; hemos introducido una categoría que caracteriza el objeto matemático a movilizar en la secuencia de situaciones didácticas, esta categoría es la transformación de rotación en el espacio. La primera caracterización debe darse desde el reconocimiento de la Geometría transformacional como una alternativa para que los estudiantes construyan conocimiento del espacio a partir de la exploración y actuación sobre el mismo, así en la propuesta de la secuencia didáctica se tomara en consideración que la transformación de rotación posibilita la exploración de aspectos complejos tales como el sentido, la magnitud angular y la invarianza de propiedades. Esta última (la invarianza de propiedades) es uno de los aspectos más importante que se deberán distinguir en el diseño de la secuencia didáctica; en la composición de rotaciones por ejemplo, se reconoce como importante que los estudiantes tengan la capacidad de poder determinar cuáles objetos geométricos, puestos en juego en la transformación, conservan sus propiedades, así como poder determinar dentro de la rotación qué se conserva invariante. La segunda caracterización es el reconocimiento de la visualización como medio para que el estudiante interprete la información gráfica de conceptos matemáticos que se le presentan, con el fin de resolver un problema y realizar conjeturas acerca de la noción matemática que está trabajando. La pregunta central para animar la discusión en torno a nuestra comunicación es la siguiente: ¿Cómo influye el uso de Cabri 3D en el estudio del espacio y la exploración de la noción de transformación de rotación en el espacio?, ¿En la organización de la clase y los dispositivos que se deben implementar en la misma?

Aprendizagem da geometria em ambientes computacionais dinâmicos: um estudo no 9º ano de escolaridade

Dissertação de mestrado em Ciências da Educação: área de Educação e Desenvolvimento

Promover a inclusão através de uma pedagogia diferenciada centrada na cooperação

Este relatório é o resultado de um projecto de investigação – acção, desenvolvido no contexto da sala de aula de uma escola do primeiro ciclo, que teve início em Fevereiro e terminou em Junho de dois mil e dez. Tivemos como objecto substantivo actuar e reflectir sobre o ambiente global dentro da sala de aula, as estratégias de diferenciação centradas no currículo e as formas de cooperação entre professores. O relatório que se apresenta, alicerçado na parceria entre professor do ensino regular de uma turma do 1º ano e a professora de educação especial, teve como ponto de partida as necessidades educativas de um aluno com Atraso Global de Desenvolvimento - AGD. Em termos de metodologia utilizámos técnicas qualitativas de recolha de informação. Desenvolvemos pesquisa documental, com consulta de documentos estruturantes da orientação pedagógica do Agrupamento e do processo de um aluno, considerado com Necessidades Educativas Especiais - NEE. Aplicámos dois testes sociométricos ao grupo/turma, fizemos duas entrevistas formais e uma informal à professora titular de turma e duas observações naturalistas à turma em período de aula. Para a caracterização inicial e avaliação da evolução do aluno, relativamente às áreas de desenvolvimento, aplicámos a lista de comportamentos Portage, no início e no fim da intervenção, e recolhemos informação relevante junto da sua tutora. O tratamento dos dados permitiu-nos objectivar a situação problemática ao nível das práticas de inclusão: - as estratégias de apoio utilizadas na modalidade de Educação Especial que consistem em retirar da classe por determinados períodos os alunos a atender; - o clima de sala de aula, onde é utilizado o ensino tradicional, centrado no professor e no método expositivo, que afasta das interacções e das aprendizagens, os alunos considerados com Necessidades Educativas Especiais. Este projecto de investigação – acção, através de uma dinâmica em espiral de planificação, acção, avaliação, reflexão e acção, promoveu uma dinâmica de parceria entre o professor de educação especial e o professor do ensino regular, a diferenciação pedagógica inclusiva na sala de aula e aproximou as práticas da educação especial do terreno da inclusão, activando as aprendizagens e as relações entre alunos.

Amoebic gill disease and natriuretic peptide receptors in the gills of Atlantic salmon

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a problem in the farming of Atlantic salmon, and may compromise osmoregulatory, cardiovascular and respiratory functions. We examined the effects of AGD on atrial and C-type natriuretic peptide (ANP and CNP) stimulated branchial cyclic GMP formation, since natriuretic peptides (NPs) are involved in cardiovascular function and osmoregulation. NPs act via guanylyl cyclase receptors (NPR), which stimulate cGMP formation. NPR activity was measured by ANP and CNP stimulation of branchial cGMP formation, and compared between diseased and healthy salmon over an 11 day AGD infection. We also measured plasma osmolality. Osmolality increased in AGD infected salmon from an initial 355 mmol.kg-1 to 411 mmol.kg-1 at 11 days. There was no evidence that branchial cGMP formation changed in response to AGD. In all groups, CNP stimulation of guanylyl cyclase was 190% of basal rate, whereas ANP was 150% of basal. After 11 days, all groups were given a 4 h freshwater bath, the usual treatment for AGD. Another group was given a seawater to seawater transfer, to control for handling. In this group, plasma osmolality at 11 days was the same as in AGD fish. This elevation may be due to these fish experiencing disturbance for the first time in 11 days. ANP and CNP branchial NPR activity at the conclusion of the 4 h transfers was elevated in all groups compared to that at 11 days. The increased cGMP formation in the handling control suggests a NPR response to the transfer/handling stress. AGD fish demonstrated the greatest elevation in ANP and CNP guanylyl cyclase activity immediately following the bath; these values were greater than in the control groups. The AGD infected salmon, therefore, responded more emphatically to the freshwater treatment, suggesting that the NP system is involved in some aspects of AGD.

The AIFS evaluation of the 2006 family law reforms : a summary

In 2006, the Australian Government, through the Attorney- General's Department (AGD) and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to undertake an evaluation of the impact of the 2006 changes to the family law system: Evaluation of the 2006 Family Law Reforms (Kaspiew et al., 2009) (the Evaluation). This article provides a summary of the key findings of the Evaluation.

Estudo da recuperação de óleo por drenagem gravitacional assistida por injeção de vapor

Steam assisted gravity drainage process (SAGD) involves two parallel horizontal wells located in a same vertical plane, where the top well is used as steam injector and the bottom well as producer. The dominant force in this process is gravitational. This improved oil recovery method has been demonstrated to be economically viable in commercial projects of oil recovery for heavy and extra heavy oil, but it is not yet implemented in Brazil. The study of this technology in reservoirs with characteristics of regional basins is necessary in order to analyze if this process can be used, minimizing the steam rate demand and improving the process profitability. In this study, a homogeneous reservoir was modeled with characteristics of Brazilian Northeast reservoirs. Simulations were accomplished with STARS , a commercial software from Computer Modelling Group, which is used to simulate improved oil recovery process in oil reservoirs. In this work, a steam optimization was accomplished in reservoirs with different physical characteristics and in different cases, through a technical-economic analysis. It was also studied a semi-continuous steam injection or with injection stops. Results showed that it is possible to use a simplified equation of the net present value, which incorporates earnings and expenses on oil production and expenses in steam requirement, in order to optimize steam rate and obtaining a higher net present value in the process. It was observed that SAGD process can be or not profitable depending on reservoirs characteristics. It was also obtained that steam demand can still be reduced injecting in a non continuous form, alternating steam injection with stops at several time intervals. The optimization of these intervals allowed to minimize heat losses and to improve oil recovery

Net requirements of protein and energy for maintenance of wool and hair lambs in a tropical region

The objective of this work was to evaluate the total endogenous N losses, and protein and energy net requirements for maintenance in growing lambs. Thirty-four castrated lambs, 17 F1 Ideal X Ile de France wool and 17 Santa Inas hair lambs, averaging 20 +/- 0.14 kg BW, were used in the experiment. Five animals from each genotype were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment and taken as controls. Diets (D) were composed of concentrate mix (C) and Cynodon sp. c.v. Tifton 85 hay (R), combined in three different ratios: D1 = 60C:40R; D2 = 40C:60R and D3 = 20C:80R. Animals of each group of three lambs, that showed BW of 20 kg at the beginning of the dietary regimen, were slaughtered when one of them reached 35 kg, what always happened to be the one fed with D1. Total endogenous N losses estimated for wool lambs were 250 mg N/kg BW0.75. For hair lambs, total endogenous N losses reached 324 mg N/kg BW0.75 . Hair lambs showed higher (P < 0.01) (29.9%) net requirements of protein for maintenance than wool lambs. In contrast, net energy (NE) requirement for maintenance was similar (P > 0.05) for both genotypes (74.27 kcal/kg BW0.75 per day), the average of the antilog of the two intercept values obtained from the estimated regression equations of heat production for zero metabolizable energy (ME) consumption. Further studies should be done to check if this trend is also true for metabolizable energy and protein in animals exhibiting BW gains in tropical region. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Prenatal testosterone supplementation alters puberty onset, aggressive behavior, and partner preference in adult male rats

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeitos Ambientais sobre Ganho de Peso no Período do Nascimento ao Desmame em Bovinos da Raça Nelore

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Implications of intrauterine protein malnutrition on prostate growth, maturation and aging

Aims Maternal malnutrition by low protein diet is associated with an increased incidence of metabolic disorders and decreased male fertility in adult life. This study aimed to assess the impact of maternal protein malnutrition (MPM) on prostate growth, tissue organization and lesion incidence with aging. Main methods Wistar rat dams were distributed into two groups, which were control (NP; fed a normal diet containing 17% protein) or a restricted protein diet (RP, fed a diet containing 6% protein) during gestation. After delivery all mothers and offspring received a normal diet. Biometrical parameters, hormonal levels and prostates were harvested at post-natal days (PND) 30, 120 and 360. Key findings MPM promoted low birth weight, decreased ano-genital distance (AGD) and reduced androgen plasma levels of male pups. Prostatic lobes from RP groups presented reduced glandular weight, epithelial cell height and alveolar diameter. The epithelial cell proliferation and collagen deposition were increased in RP group. Incidences of epithelial dysplasia and prostatitis were higher in the RP offspring than in the NP offspring at PND360. Significance Our findings show that MPM delays prostate development, growth and maturation until adulthood, probably as a result of low testosterone stimuli. The higher incidence of cellular dysplasia and prostatitis suggests that MPM increases prostate susceptibility to diseases with aging. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Mammografia digitale: confronto tra qualità immagine in relazione alle curve di acquisizione dosimetriche

Il presente lavoro è stato svolto presso il Servizio di Fisica Sanitaria dell’Azienda USL della Romagna, Presidio Ospedaliero di Ravenna e consiste nella validazione del dato dosimetrico visualizzato su due apparecchiature per mammografia digitale e nel confronto tra qualità immagine di diverse curve di acquisizione in funzione della dose e della post-elaborazione. Presupposto per l’acquisizione delle immagini è stata la validazione del dato dosimetrico visualizzato sui mammografi, tramite misura diretta della dose in ingresso con strumentazione idonea, secondo protocolli standard e linee guida europee. A seguire, sono state effettuate prove di acquisizione delle immagini radiografiche su due diversi fantocci, contenenti inserti a diverso contrasto e risoluzione, ottenute in corrispondenza di tre curve dosimetriche e in funzione dei due livelli di post-elaborazione delle immagini grezze. Una volta verificati i vari passaggi si è proceduto con l’analisi qualitativa e quantitativa sulle immagini prodotte: la prima valutazione è stata eseguita su monitor di refertazione mammografica, mentre la seconda è stata effettuata calcolando il contrasto in relazione alla dose ghiandolare media. In particolare è stato studiato l’andamento del contrasto cambiando le modalità del software Premium View e lo spessore interposto tra la sorgente di raggi X ed il fantoccio, in modo da simulare mammelle con grandezze differenti.