Differential expression of follistatin and FLRG in human breast proliferative disorders

Abstract Background Activins are growth factors acting on cell growth and differentiation. Activins are expressed in high grade breast tumors and they display an antiproliferative effect inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cell lines. Follistatin and follistatin- related gene (FLRG) bind and neutralize activins. In order to establish if these activin binding proteins are involved in breast tumor progression, the present study evaluated follistatin and FLRG pattern of mRNA and protein expression in normal human breast tissue and in different breast proliferative diseases. Methods Paraffin embedded specimens of normal breast (NB - n = 8); florid hyperplasia without atypia (FH - n = 17); fibroadenoma (FIB - n = 17); ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS - n = 10) and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC - n = 15) were processed for follistatin and FLRG immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The area and intensity of chromogen epithelial and stromal staining were analyzed semi-quantitatively. Results Follistatin and FLRG were expressed both in normal tissue and in all the breast diseases investigated. Follistatin staining was detected in the epithelial cytoplasm and nucleus in normal, benign and malignant breast tissue, with a stronger staining intensity in the peri-alveolar stromal cells of FIB at both mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, FLRG area and intensity of mRNA and protein staining were higher both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of IDC epithelial cells when compared to NB, while no significant changes in the stromal intensity were observed in all the proliferative diseases analyzed. Conclusion The present findings suggest a role for follistatin in breast benign disease, particularly in FIB, where its expression was increased in stromal cells. The up regulation of FLRG in IDC suggests a role for this protein in the progression of breast malignancy. As activin displays an anti-proliferative effect in human mammary cells, the present findings indicate that an increased FST and FLRG expression in breast proliferative diseases might counteract the anti-proliferative effects of activin in human breast cancer.</p

Annotated checklist of Echinoderms from Araçá Bay, Southeastern Brazil

We present a species list of echinoderms from Araçá Bay, state of São Paulo. Altogether, 863 specimens belonging to 25 species, 19 genera, and 13 families were exhaustively collected during three years in consolidated and non-consolidated substrate. Ophiuroidea was the most representative taxon with 16 species, follow by Asteroidea with four species, Echinoidea with three, and Holothuroidea with two species. The brittle stars Amphiura kinbergi and Ophiothela cf. mirabilis are new records for Araçá Bay. We confirm that Araçá Bay is one of the best known area of echinoderm diversity in Brazil considering that the perimeter (3 km) of the bay corresponds to only 0.03% of the Brazilian coastline (8500 km). This work complements the knowledge of Araçá Bay biodiversity and supports future interventions, management and maintaining the diversity of this wonderful group of marine animals

Taxonomy of Ophiuroidea (Echinonermata) from the continental shelf and slope of the southern and southeastern Brazilian coast

This study focuses on the ophiuroids collected during the Programme of Evaluation of the Living Resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone for the Brazilian coast (REVIZEE), South Score/Benthos, in the states of Rio de Janeiro (Ilha Grande Bay), São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul (Tramandaí) (24° 07,113' S and 29° 48,500' S; and 43° 46,759' W and 49° 06,800' W). Samples were collected on the continental shelf and slope (60-810 m) using the following equipment: van Veen, box corer and a rectangular dredge. Individuals were identified, measured and photo-graphed under a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Growth series of the species that contributed with more than 10 individuals were analysed. A total of 5044 individuals were collected and were represented by 29 species, which belonged to seven families. The most abundant species were Ophiura ljungmani and Ophiomisidium pulchellum, which represented 79.7% of the total number of individuals. The analyses and description of species as well as the organization of the growth series allowed the verification that some characteristics of morphological structures used for the identification of the group remain unaltered throughout the life of the organism, whilst others undergo alterations. We recorded two new occurrences for the Brazilian coast: Ophiostriatus striatus and Amphilimna mirabilis. The ophiuroid fauna is composed of species with wide distribution along the Brazilian coast, such as Ophiothrix angulata and Amphipholis squamata, species with occurrence restricted to certain areas, such as Ophioleptoplax brasiliana and Nudamphiura carvalhoi. Most species were collected within the bathymetry limits previously described for them.Este estudo foca os ofiuróides coletados durante o Programa de Avaliação do Potencial Sustentável dos Recursos Vivos da Zona Econômica Exclusiva (REVIZEE), Score Sul/Bentos, nos estados de Rio de Janeiro (Baía de Ilha Grande), São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul (Tramandaí) (24° 07.113' S e 29° 48.500' S; e 43° 46.759' W e 49° 06.800' W). As amostras foram coletadas na plataforma e talude continental (60-810 m de profundidade) usando os seguintes equipamentos: van Veen, box corer e uma draga retangular. Os indivíduos foram identificados, medidos e fotografados em um estereomicroscópio e um microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Séries de crescimento das espécies com mais de 10 exemplares foram analisadas. Do total de 5044 indivíduos, foram identificadas e descritas 29 espécies pertencentes a sete famílias, sendo que as mais abundantes foram Ophiura ljungmani e Ophiomisidium pulchellum, representando 79,7 % do total amostrado. A análise e descrição das espécies assim como a organização das séries de crescimento, permitiram constatar que algumas estruturas morfológicas utilizadas para a identificação do grupo permanecem inalteradas durante toda vida do organismo, enquanto outras passam por alterações. Foram registradas duas ocorrências novas para a costa brasileira: Ophiostriatus striatus e Amphilimna mirabilis. A fauna de ofiuróides está constituída tanto por espécies com ampla distribuição na costa brasileira, como Ophiothrix angulata e Amphipholis squamata, quanto por aquelas com ocorrência restrita a determinadas regiões, como Ophioleptoplax brasiliana e Nudamphiura carvalhoi. A maioria das espécies foi amostrada dentro dos limites batimétricos já registrados para cada uma delas.169Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Structure-based optimization of coumarin hA3 adenosine receptor antagonists

Adenosine receptors participate in many physiological functions. Molecules that may selectively interact with one of the receptors are favorable multifunctional chemical entities to treat or decelerate the evolution of different diseases. 3-Arylcoumarins have already been studied as neuroprotective agents by our group. Here, differently 8-substituted 3-arylcoumarins are complementarily studied as ligands of adenosine receptors, performing radioligand binding assays. Among the synthesized compounds, selective A3 receptor antagonists were found. 3-(4-Bromophenyl)-8-hydroxycoumarin (compound 4) displayed the highest potency and selectivity as A3 receptor antagonist (Ki = 258 nM). An analysis of its X-ray diffraction provided detailed information on its structure. Further evaluation of a selected series of compounds indicated that it is the nature and position of the substituents that determine their activity and selectivity. Theoretical modeling calculations corroborate and explain the experimental data, suggesting this novel scaffold can be involved in the generation of candidates as multitarget drugs

Atlantic west ophiothrix spp. in the scope of integrative taxonomy: confirming the existence of ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970

We re-describe and confirm the validity of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970 (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea). This is a native species from Brazil, however it lacked a type series deposited in scientific collections. The recognition of O. trindadensis was made possible using integrative taxonomy applied to many specimens from the type locality (Trindade Island) as well as from different locations along the Brazilian coast (Araca Bay and Estuarine Complex of Paranagua). Initially, 835 specimens were studied and divided into four candidate species (CS) inferred from external morphological characters. Afterwards, the CSs were compared using integrative taxonomy based on external morphology, arm microstructures morphology (arm ossicle), morphometry, and molecular studies (fragments of the mitochondrial genes 16S and COI). Analyses indicated CS1 and CS2 as O. trindadensis, and CS3 as O. angulata, both valid species. CS4 remains O. cf. angulata as more data, including their ecology and physiology, are needed to be definitively clarified. Our integrative investigation using specimens from the type locality overcame the lack of type specimens and increased the reliable identification of O. trindadensis and O. angulata141CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP403940/2012-5; 303122/2016-1PDSE-88881.131940/2016-012011/50317-5; 2011/50724-0; 2016/06877-0; 2016/08869-

A Lei 10.639 e as licenciaturas da UFG/RC: uma análise a partir dos Projetos Pedagógicos de Curso

The law 10.639, promulgated in 2003, turned mandatory the teach the history and culture of the Afro-Brazilian population in the basic education schools. However, the law did not foresee how it shoud bethe training to the future teachers. Thinking about this, this article aims to analyze how the graduationcourses of the UFG/Regional Catalão are contemplating in their Pedagogical Projects of Course (PPC)the racial issues. The script of this article started as a workshop with the theme &amp;quot;Education for theethnic-racial relationships: 15 years of Law 10.639/03&amp;quot;, held during the IV Congress of Research,Education and Extension (CONPEEX/UFG/RC), in 2018. In order to prepare the workshop and laterthe discussions of this article, was made a search in the PPCs of the degrees offered in the regional,that were available in the institutional site, trying to identify how these documents are addressing thequestions of the Law 10.639/03. The results were discussed at the workshop and, posterioly,sistematized more reflexively at this article.A Lei 10.639, aprovada em 2003, tornou obrigatório o ensino da história e da cultura da populaçãoafro-brasileira nas escolares brasileiras de educação básica. No entanto, a Lei não previu como seria aformação, nas licenciaturas, de modo que os professores sejam formados nessa perspectiva. Pensandonisso este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar como as licenciaturas da UFG/Regional Catalão estãocontemplando em seus Projetos Pedagógicos de Curso (PPC) as questões raciais. O trabalho tevecomo ponto de partida uma oficina com a temática “A educação para as relações étnico raciais: 15anos da Lei 10.639/03”, realizada durante o IV Congresso de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão(CONPEEX/UFG/RC) ocorrido no ano de 2018. Para preparar a oficina e posteriormente asdiscussões deste artigo, foi feito um breve levantamento nos PPCs das licenciaturas ofertadas naRegional e que estavam disponíveis no site institucional, buscando identificar como esses documentosestão abordando na formação inicial de professores as questões das quais tratam a Lei 10.639/03. Osresultados foram discutidos na oficina e, posteriormente, sistematizados de modo mais reflexivos nesteartigo

A IDENTIDADE DA EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR SOB O OLHAR DOS ALUNOS DO 5ª ANO DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL I

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar a visão e a participação dos alunos do 5º ano do ensino fundamental I nas aulas de Edu­cação Física. Participaram deste estudo 342 alunos estudantes de escolas públicas e particulares da Região Metropolitana de Campinas. Os resultados em relação às questões abordadas mostram que a Educação Física é a disciplina preferida dos alunos, comprovando assim que o professor tem o importante papel como verdadeiro facilitador da aprendizagem do aluno, contribuindo na formação de uma visão positiva da Educação Física, motivando à participação nas aulas, auxiliando no processo da construção do conhecimento e na transformação da cultura em que está inserido.

A Patient Perception as a Nursing Care in Emergency Sector

The work process by nurses in the emergency sector is comprised of two complementary dimensions, managing and caring. Therefore,the aim of this study was Know the perception of patients to the support of the nursing assistance in Emergency sector. This is a field research, exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach. The survey was conducted in Dr. Luiz Milton Arêa Leão Hospital - Satélite, located in the city of Teresina - PI, Brazil, which caters exclusively by the Unified Health System, and reference in its coverage area.We interviewed thirteen (13) patients who remained in observation in the emergency sector in that hospital. For this study was used as a criterion for inclusion of service users who entered the emergency sector in the periodMarch-April 2014 and who remained in the sector at the time of the interview.  A pilot test was conducted with the instrument to validate and suitability for the target audience, which is excluded from the sample. Ethical aspects were respected, as provided for in Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council, Brazil (2013). In this sense, we observed through the reports of the participants carrying out a qualified nursing care, where it identified a good conduct of professionals to provide the necessary assistance. A nursing care and systematic termination  during the stay of patients in hospital was evidenced. It is perceived  that there is a satisfaction from patients and the care of thenursing team, which is performed through actions inherent to these professionals, such as goodwill, the act of providing a welcoming atmosphere, with technical scientific background, and ability in dealing with conflict situations and ethical

Genetic diversity in the modern horse illustrated from genome-wide SNP data

Horses were domesticated from the Eurasian steppes 5,000-6,000 years ago. Since then, the use of horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture, as well as selection for desired traits and fitness, has resulted in diverse populations distributed across the world, many of which have become or are in the process of becoming formally organized into closed, breeding populations (breeds). This report describes the use of a genome-wide set of autosomal SNPs and 814 horses from 36 breeds to provide the first detailed description of equine breed diversity. F(ST) calculations, parsimony, and distance analysis demonstrated relationships among the breeds that largely reflect geographic origins and known breed histories. Low levels of population divergence were observed between breeds that are relatively early on in the process of breed development, and between those with high levels of within-breed diversity, whether due to large population size, ongoing outcrossing, or large within-breed phenotypic diversity. Populations with low within-breed diversity included those which have experienced population bottlenecks, have been under intense selective pressure, or are closed populations with long breed histories. These results provide new insights into the relationships among and the diversity within breeds of horses. In addition these results will facilitate future genome-wide association studies and investigations into genomic targets of selection

Genetic Diversity in the Modern Horse Illustrated from Genome-Wide SNP Data

Horses were domesticated from the Eurasian steppes 5,000–6,000 years ago. Since then, the use of horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture, as well as selection for desired traits and fitness, has resulted in diverse populations distributed across the world, many of which have become or are in the process of becoming formally organized into closed, breeding populations (breeds). This report describes the use of a genome-wide set of autosomal SNPs and 814 horses from 36 breeds to provide the first detailed description of equine breed diversity. FST calculations, parsimony, and distance analysis demonstrated relationships among the breeds that largely reflect geographic origins and known breed histories. Low levels of population divergence were observed between breeds that are relatively early on in the process of breed development, and between those with high levels of within-breed diversity, whether due to large population size, ongoing outcrossing, or large within-breed phenotypic diversity. Populations with low within-breed diversity included those which have experienced population bottlenecks, have been under intense selective pressure, or are closed populations with long breed histories. These results provide new insights into the relationships among and the diversity within breeds of horses. In addition these results will facilitate future genome-wide association studies and investigations into genomic targets of selection