Characterization of autophagy induced by linoleic acid

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorder that is slowly progressive and manifested by muscle rigidity, tremor, decreased mobility and postural instability. The disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The most prominent pathological features are the severe loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the presence of cytoplasmic protein inclusions called Lewy bodies, primarily composed of fibrillar α-synuclein and ubiquitinated proteins within some remaining nigral neurons. Autophagy is a catabolic process that maintain cellular homeostasis, through the selection of misfolded proteins, damaged organelles, and even pathogenic organisms to be degraded by lysosomes. Autophagy can mediate cytoprotection (for instance neuroprotection and cardioprotection in the context of ischemic preconditioning) and delay the pathogenic manifestations of aging. Dysregulation of autophagy has been observed in the brain tissues from Parkinson’s disease patients and animal models. In recent years, some reports have shown a new relationship between macroautophagy and lipid metabolism. In this work, we used the most consumed polyunsaturated fatty acid in our diet, linoleic acid, to evaluate if it induces autophagy and if there is a possible relationship between linoleic acid-induced autophagy and the neuroprotective/toxic mechanisms triggered by this compound. We found that linoleic acid induces autophagy at concentrations equal or higher than 200 μM, and we describe its activation pathway, using Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Our results suggest that linoleic acid-activated autophagy process is mammalian target of rapamycin-independent, class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Beclin1-independent and AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent. As for the neuroprotective capacity of linoleic acid, we observed that alone it shows some toxicity. However, if co-administered with an inducer of reactive oxygen species (such as paraquat), linoleic acid does not increase paraquat toxicity. On the other hand, when linoleic acid is co-administered with puromycin (protein aggregates generator) it has a neuroprotective effect

Establishing a Faculty-Driven, College-Wide Appreciative Education Committee

This article details the mission, vision, goals, and processes of establishing a college-wide Appreciative Education committee at a community college experiencing rapid growth and change. The drive stemmed from a need to unify the plethora of Appreciative Education initiatives being supported by the college along with the need to support faculty in the implementation of these strategies and techniques. It was imperative that the faculty initiating this committee work in unison with staff and administrators to link these meaningful activities to build an institutional culture of Appreciative Education that supports student success. Even though faculty have numerous opportunities to engage in various committees, establishing a grassroots Appreciative Education committee that was inclusive of all stakeholders and the various initiatives already in place required a strategic plan, holistic engagement, and positive relationships

How a Brazilian Firm is Sustainably Solving the Problems of Urban Slums, One Community at a Time

Terra Nova, a for-profit social enterprise, helps urban slum dwellers obtain legal title to the land they occupy irregularly. By managing all aspects of the land regularization process, Terra Nova helps community residents purchase the land they live on, formalizing an important asset and catalyzing economic growth. This enables the government to implement much needed infrastructure such as running water, sewer systems, electricity and paved roads. The process offers triple bottom line results (i.e., social, environmental and economic benefits) to these urban slums. It transforms dead asset into capital benefitting all stakeholders: 1) community residents purchase important assets, gain access to credit and are transitioned into the formal economy, 2) governments resolve complex, costly problems associated with urban slums and collect taxes and 3) land owners are compensated for their occupied property. Terra Nova's methodology for sustainable land regularization provides a dignified and empowering solution to formalizing property rights.Terra Nova, entreprise sociale à but lucratif, aide les habitants des bidonvilles urbains à obtenir les titres de propriété des terres qu’ils occupent illégalement. Terra Nova gère tous les aspects du processus de régularisation des terres et aide ainsi les résidents à acquérir la terre sur laquelle ils vivent, officialisant un bien important et catalysant la croissance économique. Le gouvernement peut ainsi mettre en œuvre de nombreuses infrastructures nécessaires comme l’eau courante, les réseaux d’assainissement, l’électricité et le revêtement des routes. Pour les bidonvilles urbains, ce processus génère des avantages de trois ordres : sociaux, environnementaux et économiques. Il transforme des biens improductifs en capital pour le bénéfice de l’ensemble des parties prenantes : 1) les résidents de la communauté achètent des biens importants, accèdent au crédit et intègrent l’économie formelle, 2) les gouvernements résolvent les problèmes complexes et onéreux associés aux bidonvilles urbains et collectent les impôts et 3) les propriétaires sont dédommagés pour les terres occupées. La stratégie de régularisation durable des terres mise en oeuvre par Terra Nova constitue ainsi une solution digne et stimulante d’officialisation des droits de propriété.Terra Nova, un emprendimiento social con fines de lucro, ayuda a los habitantes de favelas –asentamientos  urbanos marginales– a obtener el título de propiedad legal de la parcela que ocupan de manera irregular. Gracias a la gestión de todos los aspectos del proceso de regularización de la propiedad, Terra Nova habilita a los residentes de la comunidad a comprar la parcela en la que viven, formalizando un recurso importante y catalizando el crecimiento económico. Este proceso permite al gobierno implementar las infraestructuras indispensables como el agua corriente, sistemas de saneamiento, electricidad y pavimentación de calles. El proceso brinda un triple resultado (beneficios sociales, medioambientales y económicos) a estas favelas, transformando recursos muertos en capitales que benefician a todas las partes interesadas: 1) los residentes de la comunidad adquieren una propiedad, pueden acceder al crédito y dan el paso de transición para entrar a la economía formal; 2) los gobiernos resuelven los complejos y costosos problemas asociados con los asentamientos urbanos marginales y recaudan impuestos; y 3) los antiguos propietarios son compensados por la parcela que ha sido ocupada. La metodología de Terra Nova para lograr la regularización sostenible de la propiedad brinda una solución digna y motivadora a la formalización de los derechos de propiedad.A Terra Nova é uma empresa social, com fins lucrativos, que auxilia os moradores de assentamentos precários a obter o título de propriedade das áreas que foram ocupadas irregularmente. Ao gerenciar todos os aspectos do processo de regularização fundiária, a Terra Nova formaliza um importante ativo e catalisa o crescimento econômico destas comunidades, permitindo que o poder público implemente a infraestrutura necessária como abertura e asfaltamento de vias e regularização das ligações de água, esgoto e energia elétrica. O processo oferece resultados do Triple Bottom Line (ou seja, benefícios sociais, ambientais e econômicos) para essas áreas urbanas irregulares. Deste modo, a Terra Nova transforma um ativo considerado “morto” em capital, beneficiando todas as partes envolvidas: 1) os moradores da comunidade adquirem importantes ativos, acesso ao crédito e são encaminhados para a economia formal; 2) o governo resolve problemas complexos e caros, passando a arrecadar impostos; 3) os proprietários das áreas são indenizados pela posse da terra. Deste modo, a metodologia da Terra Nova fornece uma solução digna e capacita a formalização dos direitos de propriedade

A perceção de profissionais de Recrutamento e Seleção sobre o impacto da Comunicação Não Verbal na Entrevista de Seleção

Este estudo tem como objetivo conhecer a perceção sobre o impacto da comunicação não verbal na entrevista de seleção e a sua influência no momento da tomada de decisão para os profissionais de recrutamento e seleção.N/

Efectos de los cambios globales sobre la producción de hojarasca en bosques atlánticos semideciduos

Anais do V Encontro de Iniciação Científica e I Encontro Anual de Iniciação ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Inovação – EICTI 2016 - 05 e 07 de outubro de 2016 – Sessão BiológicasLos biomas forestales son las mayores reservas de carbono terrestre y componentes principales de la productividad primaria global (Malhi et al., 1999). El balance de carbono de los bosques es determinado por procesos que comprenden la adquisición y liberación de carbono y pequeños cambios en la magnitud de estos procesos pueden tener impactos en el ciclo del carbono del planeta (Schnitzer et al., 2014). La liberación de dióxido de carbono durante la descomposición de la hojarasca es la vía principal por la que la vegetación terrestre modifica el ambiente del suelo (Anderson & Swift, 1983) y uno de los mejores ejemplos de los efectos que las especies generan en procesos ecosistémicos (Díaz et al., 2004). La descomposición de la hojarasca es una de las etapas centrales en el ciclo del carbono a nivel mundial (Schlesinger, 1991), sin embargo, quedan preguntas referentes a cómo los cambios en la composición de especies, causadas por decisiones sobre el uso de la tierra, disturbios o el cambio climático, influyen sobre este proceso y se manifiestan a escala de ecosistemas (Santiago, 2010). En este escenario, simplificar la compleja influencia de numerosas especies en la descomposición de la hojarasca podría mejorar la habilidad de predecir los efectos de los cambios de la vegetación en procesos ecosistémicos y una simplificación en términos de clasificación funcional de las especies vegetales ha mostrado tener el potencial de mejorar la habilidad de predecir cómo la composición de especies afecta la descomposición y el ciclado de nutrientes (Cornwell et al., 2008)

Controle do odor de feridas com metronidazol: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVEVerifying the evidence of therapeutic efficacy in the topical application of metronidazole for controlling wound odor.METHODSA systematic literature review, according to the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations.RESULTS329 articles were identified in the Cochrane, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL and PubMed databases, with 14 of them being included in the final sample. Two of the studies were double-blind randomized clinical trial studies.CONCLUSIONThe actual effectiveness of metronidazole in controlling wound odor cannot yet be evidenced due to the absence of strong evidence from studies on the subject, despite clinical practice recommending its benefits.OBJETIVOVerificar as evidências da aplicação tópica de metronidazol na eficácia terapêutica para controle de odor de feridas. Método: Revisão sistemática de literatura, segundo as recomendações da Cochrane Collaboration .RESULTADOSIdentificaram-se 329 artigos nas bases de dados Cochrane, LILACS, ScIELO, Cinahl e PubMed, incluindo-se 14 deles na amostra final. Desses, dois estudos são do tipo ensaio clínico, randomizado e duplo-cego.CONCLUSÃODevido à ausência de estudos de forte evidência sobre a eficácia do metronidazol no controle de odor em feridas, ainda não se pode evidenciar a sua real eficácia para tal objetivo, apesar da prática clínica recomendar seus benefícios.OBJETIVOVerificar las evidencias de la aplicación tópica de metronidazol en la efectividad terapéutica para el control del olor de heridas.MÉTODORevisión sistemática de literatura, según las recomendaciones de la Cochrane Collaboration.RESULTADOSSe identificaron 329 artículos en las bases de datos Cochrane, LILACS, ScIELO, Cinahl y PubMed, incluyéndose 14 de ellos en la muestra final. De esos, dos estudios son del tipo ensayo clínico, randomizado y doble ciego.CONCLUSIÓNEn virtud de la ausencia de estudios de fuerte evidencia acerca de la efectividad del metronidazol en el control del olor en heridas, aún no se puede evidenciar su real efectividad para dicho fin, pese a que la práctica clínica recomiende sus beneficios

Atratividade da face e cefalometria em classe II

Tese de mestrado, Medicina Dentária, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, 2016Introdução: A essência da beleza e da atratividade tem sido uma busca do ser humano desde o início da sociedade civilizada, sendo o belo e atrativo bastante importantes para o Homem. O desejo de melhorar a estética facial parece ser a razão mais comum das pessoas que procuram tratamento ortodôntico considerando uma agradável estética dentária como um fator importante para o seu bem-estar psicossocial. Pretende-se com este estudo determinar a relação entre a atratividade da face vista de frente em repouso, de frente a sorrir, de perfil e no tripleto (as três perspetivas vistas em simultâneo) com as variáveis cefalométricas em indivíduos com classe I e II esquelética. Materiais e Métodos: A atratividade da face de 40 indivíduos com classe I e II esquelética de frente em repouso, a sorrir, de perfil e no tripleto foi avaliada por catorze leigos, através de uma Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), analisando-se as correlações com as medidas da análise cefalométrica. Resultados e Conclusão: A atratividade da face de frente em repouso em classes I e II esqueléticas correlacionou-se com o sulco do lábio superior, com o ângulo do plano mandibular e o ângulo ANB. Existiu também uma correlação significativa do tipo linear com a distância inter-labial. A atratividade da face a sorrir correlacionou-se significativamente com o ângulo do plano mandibular, com o SNA e SNB. A atratividade da face de perfil correlacionou-se com o ângulo do plano mandibular. No tripleto, a atratividade da face correlacionou-se com os ângulos do perfil facial, do plano mandibular, SNB e ANB.Introduction: The essence of beauty and attractiveness has been a search of the human being from the beginning of civilized society, and the beautiful and attractive are very important to humans. The desire to improve facial aesthetics seems to be the most common reason people seek orthodontic treatment considering a pleasant aesthetic dentistry as an important factor for their psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between attractiveness of the face at frontal resting, frontal smiling, in profile and triplet (three perspectives showed simultaneously) with cephalometric variables, in subjects with skeletal class I and II. Materials and Methods: Facial attractiveness of 40 individuals with skeletal class I and II in frontal resting, frontal smiling, profile and the triplet was evaluated by fourteen lay people through a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), analyzing correlations with measures of cephalometric analysis. Results and conclusions: The face attractiveness of frontal resting in skeletal classes I and II was correlated with the upper lip sulcus, mandibular plane angle and ANB. There was also a significant correlation of the linear type with inter-labial distance. The attractiveness of the face smiling was correlated significantly with the mandibular plane angle, SNA and SNB. The attractiveness of the profile was correlated only with the mandibular plane angle. In the triplet, facial attractiveness was correlated with facial profile angle, mandibular plane, SNB and ANB

The dialogic nature of regulation in collaborative digital argumentative writing practices

This article discusses the dialogic nature of regulating perspectives on a controversial topic during students’ argumentative writing in remote teaching. The emerging collaborative writing processes mediated by digital technology are importantly changed as responses to physical distancing in education, as demanded by the measures of biosecurity established by the national government to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Our analysis is framed in a sociocultural perspective, which contributes to our understanding of the concepts related to dialogism, regulation, positionings on a topic, collaborative writing, and digital technology as a tool for dialogic interaction. Our qualitative, idiographic study analyzes the argumentative utterances produced by a dyad of students enrolled in a Textual Production course at a Colombian public university who write a critical commentary over four (4) weeks using Google Docs application. The findings indicate that the participants discuss and negotiate decisions in the group writing situation and that during this dialogic interaction, the ideas are influenced by the thoughts of the other. When they communicate with each other, their discourses regulate their positionings on the social situation that is the subject of the dialogue. It is also possible to identify both the possibilities of the pedagogical mode and its potential limitations for dialogic interaction, which synchronously and asynchronously facilitate or restrict the performance of the joint writing activity. It can be concluded that within the framework of remote teaching, digital technology has become a flexible mode of pedagogical practice that supports dialogic interaction, enables regulation among peers for discussion, negotiation, and positioning on a topic, and facilitates the construction of collective knowledge that emerges in argumentative collaborative writing

Diatoms as a paleoproductivity proxy in the NW Iberian coastal upwelling system (NE Atlantic)

The objective of the current work is to improve our understanding of how water column diatom's abundance and assemblage composition is seasonally transferred from the photic zone to seafloor sediments. To address this, we used a dataset derived from water column, sediment trap and surface sediment samples recovered in the NW Iberian coastal upwelling system. Diatom fluxes (2.2 (+/- 5.6) 10(6) valves m(-2) d(-1)) represented the majority of the siliceous microorganisms sinking out from the photic zone during all studied years and showed seasonal variability. Contrasting results between water column and sediment trap diatom abundances were found during downwelling periods, as shown by the unexpectedly high diatom export signals when diatom- derived primary production achieved their minimum levels. They were principally related to surface sediment remobilization and intense Minho and Douro river discharge that constitute an additional source of particulate matter to the inner continental shelf. In fact, contributions of allochthonous particles to the sinking material were confirmed by the significant increase of both benthic and freshwater diatoms in the sediment trap assemblage. In contrast, we found that most of the living diatom species blooming during highly productive upwelling periods were dissolved during sinking, and only those resistant to dissolution and the Chaetoceros and Leptocylindrus spp. resting spores were susceptible to being exported and buried. Fur-thermore, Chaetoceros spp. dominate during spring-early summer, when persistent northerly winds lead to the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters on the shelf, while Leptocylindrus spp. appear associated with late-summer upwelling relaxation, characterized by water column stratification and nutrient depletion. These findings evidence that the contributions of these diatom genera to the sediment's total marine diatom assemblage should allow for the reconstruction of different past upwelling regimes.CAIBEX [CTM2007-66408-C02-01/MAR]; REIMAGE [CTM2011-30155-C03-03]; Spanish Government, EXCAPA project [10MDS402013PR]; Xunta de Galicia; EU FEDER [INTERREG 2009/2011-0313/RAIA/E]; RAIA. co [INTERREG2011/2013-052/RAIA.co/1E]; CALIBERIA project [PTDC/MAR/102045/2008]; Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT-Portugal) [COMPETE/FEDER-FCOMP01-0124-FEDER-010599]; Xunta de Galicia (Spain) [SFRH/BPD/111433/2015]; FCT (Portugal) [SFRH/BPD/111433/2015]; [SFRH/BD/88439/2012