Atividade insetistática do óleo essencial de Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. sobre Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae).

Os óleos essenciais podem afetar negativamente o crescimento, desenvolvimento e reprodução de vários insetos de produtos armazenados. Dessa forma, o objetivo neste trabalho foi detectar o efeito insetistático do óleo essencial de Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. para o controle de Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). Os testes para determinação da Concentração Letal (CL), teste de repelência e fumigação foram realizados. Os valores da CL50, obtidos para 24 horas e 48 horas, foram 0,21 e 0,12 μL/cm2, respectivamente. O óleo essencial foi mais eficaz nas 48 horas de avaliação do teste de toxicidade por contato. Houve efeito repelente sobre os insetos na CL5 (0,02μL/cm2), tanto na avaliação após uma hora, quanto na avaliação após 24 horas. Não houve efeito repelente na CL10 (0,03μL/cm2) e não foi possível identificar a CL50 para o controle por fumigação (pressão de vapor), podendo estar acima de 1,6 μL/cm3. O óleo essencial de P. umbellata apresenta potencial para o controle da praga de grãos armazenados como o R. dominic

imaging the kidney from light to super resolution microscopy

Abstract The important achievements in kidney physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms can largely be ascribed to progress in the technology of microscopy. Much of what we know about the architecture of the kidney is based on the fundamental descriptions of anatomic microscopists using light microscopy and later by ultrastructural analysis provided by electron microscopy. These two techniques were used for the first classification systems of kidney diseases and for their constant updates. More recently, a series of novel imaging techniques added the analysis in further dimensions of time and space. Confocal microscopy allowed us to sequentially visualize optical sections along the z-axis and the availability of specific analysis software provided a three-dimensional rendering of thicker tissue specimens. Multiphoton microscopy permitted us to simultaneously investigate kidney function and structure in real time. Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy allowed to study the spatial distribution of metabolites. Super-resolution microscopy increased sensitivity and resolution up to nanoscale levels. With cryo-electron microscopy, researchers could visualize the individual biomolecules at atomic levels directly in the tissues and understand their interaction at subcellular levels. Finally, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry permitted the measuring of hundreds of different molecules at the same time on tissue sections at high resolution. This review provides an overview of available kidney imaging strategies, with a focus on the possible impact of the most recent technical improvements

O impacto da formação de bacharéis em administração através do sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil: um estudo de caso nas cidades Polo do Paraná

Este trabalho objetiva analisar o impacto da formação de bacharéis em Administração pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina na modalidade a distância, nas cidades polo do estado do Paraná. Para tal, realizou-se um censo com os 32 alunos formados nas três cidades deste polo (Cidade Gaúcha, Paranaguá e Cruzeiro do Oeste), na primeira turma de Administração a distância da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina pelo Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil. Os questionários foram enviados por e-mail para os egressos, estes foram respondidos entre os meses de abril e maio de 2013. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados na sequência. Em complemento, pesquisas bibliográficas e documentais foram realizadas. Os principais resultados indicam que a conclusão do referido curso causou mudanças significativas na vida dos formados. Dentre as mudanças destacam-se a melhoria de renda, a abertura de empreendimentos, a mudança de emprego e a progressão na carreira. Com relação ao perfil dos egressos, observou-se que a idade média é de 39 anos e há uma predominância do gênero feminino da população estudada. Verificou-se também que 50% dos participantes haviam concluído apenas o ensino médio e que 25% já tinham concluído outra graduação antes de iniciar o curso de administração e 73% dos participantes estava há mais de 10 anos afastados dos bancos escolares. Com relação ao curso, os egressos o avaliaram como ótimo (66%) e bom (11%), indicando uma satisfação geral dos egressos.This paper aims to analyze the impact of formation students bachelors of Distance Education Business undergraduate course, offered by Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina from polo cities of Paraná state. To this end, we carried out a census of the 32 graduates in the three polo cities of Paraná (Cidade Gaúcha, Paranaguá, Cruzeiro do Oeste), in the first class of the Administration from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina by Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil . The questionnaires were sent by email to the graduates, these were completed between the months of April and May 2013. Data were tabulated and analyzed in sequence. In addition, literature searches were conducted and documented. The main results indicate that the conclusion of the course caused significant changes in the lives of students. Among the changes include the improvement of income, opening businesses, changing jobs and career. Regarding the profile of graduates, it was observed that the average age is 39 years and there is a predominance of females in the population studied. It was also found that 50% of participants had completed high school and 25% had only already completed another degree before starting the course directors and 73% of participants was more than 10 years away from school children. About the course, the graduates rated as excellent (66%) and good (11%), indicating a general satisfaction with graduates of the course.Universidade Aberta; Pavilhão do Conhecimento; LEA

Distal Upper Limb Tremor during Walking in Parkinson's Disease

Background: Distal upper limb tremor during walking (TW) is frequently observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) but its clinical features are unknown. Objective: To characterize the occurrence and the clinical features of TW in comparison to the other types of tremors in PD. Methods: Fifty-one PD patients with rest tremor were evaluated off- and on-treatment. Occurrence, body distribution, severity and latency of TW and of other tremor types were assessed. Results: TW was present in 78% of the PD patients examined. TW body distribution and severity were similar to those of rest and re-emergent tremor but different from the postural tremor presented by the same patients. TW latency, observed in 85% of patients, was on average 5.8 s. Dopaminergic treatment significantly improved TW, rest, and re-emergent tremor severity but left TW latency unaffected. Conclusions: TW is a frequent motor sign in PD and is likely a clinical variant of rest tremor

Motor Cortical Correlates of Paired Associative Stimulation Induced Plasticity: A TMS-EEG Study

Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates synaptic plasticity in the human motor cortex (M1). Since previous studies have primarily used motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) as outcome measure, cortical correlates of PAS-induced plasticity remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this observational study was to investigate cortical correlates of a standard PAS induced plasticity in the primary motor cortex by using a combined TMS-EEG approach in a cohort of eighteen healthy subjects. In addition to the expected long-lasting facilitatory modulation of MEPs amplitude, PAS intervention also induced a significant increase in transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked potentials (TEPs) P30 and P60 amplitude. No significant correlation between the magnitude of PAS-induced changes in TEP components and MEP amplitude were observed. However, the linear regression analysis revealed that the combined changes in P30 and P60 component amplitudes significantly predicted the MEP facilitation after PAS. The findings of our study offer novel insight into the neurophysiological changes associated with PAS-induced plasticity at M1 cortical level and suggest a complex relationship between TEPs and MEPs changes following PAS

Assistive and Adaptive Technology in Cerebral Palsy

Children who suffer from cerebral palsy (CP) face specific challenges, which arise due to motor dysfunction and communication disorders. In some cases, communication is only possible through eye movements and blink, as well as, low amplitude movements of the fingers and toes. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies can be used to promote communication in these complex cases. This chapter discusses our experience developing AAC computer’s solutions for children with motor and communication disorders. Software and hardware approaches are discussed. This chapter describes solutions developed for desktop computers and mobile devices. These solutions act as complements of therapist’s activities, helping disabled people to communicate, and promoting social inclusion

A genome search for primary vesicoureteral reflux shows further evidence for genetic heterogeneity

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common disease of the urinary tract in children. In order to identify gene(s) involved in this complex disorder, we performed a genome-wide search in a selected sample of 31 patients with primary VUR from eight families originating from southern Italy. Sixteen additional families with 41 patients were included in a second stage. Nonparametric, affected-only linkage analysis identified four genomic areas on chromosomes 1, 3, and 4 (p < 0.05); the best result corresponded to the D3S3681-D3S1569 interval on chromosome 3 (nonparametric linkage score, NPL = 2.75, p = 0.008). This region was then saturated with 26 additional markers, tested in the complete group of 72 patients from 24 families (NPL = 2.01, p = 0.01). We identified a genomic area on 3q22.2-23, where 26 patients from six multiplex families shared overlapping haplotypes. However, we did not find evidence for a common ancestral haplotype. The region on chromosome 1 was delimited to 1p36.2-34.3 (D1S228-D1S255, max. NPL = 1.70, p = 0.03), after additional fine typing. Furthermore, on chromosome 22q11.22-12.3, patients from a single family showed excess allele sharing (NPL = 3.35, p = 0.015). Only the chromosome 3q region has been previously reported in the single genome-wide screening available for primary VUR. Our results suggest the presence of several novel loci for primary VUR, giving further evidence for the genetic heterogeneity of this disorder

Mitochondrial humanin peptide acts as a cytoprotective factor in granulosa cell survival

Humanin (HN) is a short peptide involved in many biological processes such as apoptosis, cell survival, inflammatory response, and reaction to stressors like oxidative stress, between others. In the ovary, a correct balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic factors is crucial for folliculogenesis. In the follicular atresia, survival or death of granulosa cells is a critical process. The goal of this study was to evaluate the action of HN on granulosa cell fate. To explore endogenous HN function in the ovary, we used a recombinant baculovirus (BV) encoding a short-hairpin RNA targeted to silence HN (shHN). HN downregulation modified ovarian histoarchitecture and increased apoptosis of granulosa cells. HN was also detected in a granulosa tumor cell line (KGN). Transduction of KGN cells with BV-shHN resulted in HN downregulation and increased apoptosis. On the other hand, treatment of KGN cells with exogenous HN increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis. In summary, these findings indicate that HN is a cytoprotective factor in granulosa cells of antral follicles, suggesting that this peptide would be involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis. Also, this peptide is a cytoprotective factor in KGN cells, and therefore, it could be involved in granulosa tumor cell behavior.Fil: Marvaldi, Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Martin, Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Conte, Julia Gaetana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Gottardo, María Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes; ArgentinaFil: Pidre, Matias Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Imsen, Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Irizarri, Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Manuel, Sharron L.. Northwestern University; Estados UnidosFil: Duncan, Francesca E.. Northwestern University; Estados UnidosFil: Romanowski, Victor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Seilicovich, Adriana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Jaita, Gabriela Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Argentin