Screening for C3 Deficiency in Newborns Using Microarrays

BACKGROUND: Dried blood spot samples (DBSS) from newborns are widely used in neonatal screening for selected metabolic diseases and diagnostic possibilities for additional disorders are continuously being evaluated. Primary immunodeficiency disorders comprise a group of more than one hundred diseases, several of which are fatal early in life. Yet, a majority of the patients are not diagnosed due to lack of high-throughput screening methods. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We have previously developed a system using reverse phase protein microarrays for analysis of IgA levels in serum samples. In this study, we extended the applicability of the method to include determination of complement component C3 levels in eluates from DBSS collected at birth. Normal levels of C3 were readily detected in 269 DBSS from healthy newborns, while no C3 was detected in sera and DBSS from C3 deficient patients. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that patients with deficiencies of specific serum proteins can be identified by analysis of DBSS using reverse phase protein microarrays.QC 20120213</p

Influence of PLLA/PCL/HA scaffold fiber orientation on mechanical properties and osteoblast behavior

Scaffolds based on aligned and non-aligned poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers obtained by electrospinning, associated to electrosprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) for tissue engineering applications were developed and their performance was compared in terms of their morphology and biological and mechanical behaviors. The morphological results assessed by scanning electron microscopy showed a mesh of PLLA/PCL fibers (random and perfectly aligned) associated with aggregates of nanophased HA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the homogeneity in the blends and the presence of nanoHA in the scaffold. As a result of fiber alignment a 15-fold increase in Young's Modulus and an 8-fold increase in tensile strength were observed when compared to non-aligned fibers. In PLLA/PCL/HA scaffolds, the introduction of nanoHA caused a remarkable improvement of the mechanical strength of this material acting as a reinforcement, enhancing the response of these constructs to tensile stress. In vitro testing was evaluated using osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells. The results showed that both fibrous scaffolds were able to support osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation and that fiber alignment induced increased cellular metabolic activity. In addition, the adhesion and proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated and a lower number of colony forming units (CFUs) was obtained in the scaffolds with aligned fibers.Project UID/BIM/04293/2019 by FCT/MCTES through Portuguese Funds

Nishimori point in random-bond Ising and Potts models in 2D

We study the universality class of the fixed points of the 2D random bond q-state Potts model by means of numerical transfer matrix methods. In particular, we determine the critical exponents associated with the fixed point on the Nishimori line. Precise measurements show that the universality class of this fixed point is inconsistent with percolation on Potts clusters for q=2, corresponding to the Ising model, and q=3Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Statistical Field Theories, Como 18-23 June 200

Metaplastic breast carcinomas exhibit EGFR, but not HER2, gene amplification and overexpression: immunohistochemical and chromogenic in situ hybridization analysis

INTRODUCTION: Metaplastic breast carcinomas constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, accounting for less than 1% of all invasive mammary carcinomas. Approximately 70–80% of metaplastic breast carcinomas overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 and EGFR have attracted much attention in the medical literature over the past few years owing to the fact that humanized monoclonal antibodies against HER2 and therapies directed against the extracellular ligand-binding domain or the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR have proven successful in treating certain types of human cancer. We investigated whether HER2 and EGFR overexpression was present and evaluated gene amplification in a series of metaplastic breast carcinomas. METHOD: Twenty-five metaplastic breast carcinomas were immunohistochemically analyzed using a monoclonal antibody (31G7) for EGFR and two antibodies for HER2 (Herceptest and CB11) and scored using the Herceptest scoring system. Gene amplification was evaluated by chromogenic in situ hybridization using Zymed Spot-Light EGFR and HER2 amplification probe. The results were evaluated by bright field microscopy under 40× and 63× objective lenses. RESULTS: Nineteen (76%) metaplastic breast carcinomas exhibited EGFR ovexpression, and among these EGFR amplification (defined either by large gene clusters or >5 signals/nucleus in >50% of neoplastic cells) was detected in seven cases (37%): three carcinomas with squamous differentiation and four spindle cell carcinomas. One case exhibited HER2 overexpression of grade 2+ (>10% of cells with weak to moderate complete membrane staining), but HER2 gene amplification was not detected. CONCLUSION: Metaplastic breast carcinomas frequently overexpressed EGFR, which was associated with EGFR gene amplification in one-third of cases. Our findings suggest that some patients with metaplastic breast carcinomas might benefit from novel therapies targeting EGFR. Because most metaplastic breast carcinomas overexpress EGFR without gene amplification, further studies to evaluate EGFR activating mutations are warranted

In vitro and in vivo performance of methacrylated gellan gum hydrogel formulations for cartilage repair

Methacrylated gellan gum (GGMA) formulation is proposed as a second‐generation hydrogel for controlled delivery of cartilage‐forming cells into focal chondral lesions, allowing immediate in situ retention of cells and 3D filling of lesion volume, such approach deemed compatible with an arthroscopic procedure. Formulation optimization was carried out in vitro using chondrocytes and adipose mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (ASCs). A proof‐of‐concept in vivo study was conducted using a rabbit model with induced chondral lesions. Outcomes were compared with microfracture or non‐treated control. Three grading scores were used to evaluate tissue repair after 8 weeks by macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Intense collagen type II and low collagen type I gene and protein expression were achieved in vitro by the ASC + GGMA formulation, in light with development of healthy chondral tissue. In vivo, this formulation promoted significantly superior de novo cartilage formation compared with the non‐treated group. Maintenance of chondral height and integration with native tissue was further accomplished. The physicochemical properties of the proposed GGMA hydrogel exhibited highly favorable characteristics and biological performance both in vitro and in vivo, positioning itself as an attractive xeno‐free biomaterial to be used with chondrogenic cells for a cost‐effective treatment of focal chondral lesions

Activation of Type 1 Cannabinoid Receptor (CB1R) promotes neurogenesis in murine subventricular zone cell cultures

The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the modulation of adult neurogenesis. Here, we describe the effect of type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) activation on self-renewal, proliferation and neuronal differentiation in mouse neonatal subventricular zone (SVZ) stem/progenitor cell cultures. Expression of CB1R was detected in SVZ-derived immature cells (Nestin-positive), neurons and astrocytes. Stimulation of the CB1R by (R)-(+)-Methanandamide (R-m-AEA) increased self-renewal of SVZ cells, as assessed by counting the number of secondary neurospheres and the number of Sox2+/+ cell pairs, an effect blocked by Notch pathway inhibition. Moreover, R-m-AEA treatment for 48 h, increased proliferation as assessed by BrdU incorporation assay, an effect mediated by activation of MAPK-ERK and AKT pathways. Surprisingly, stimulation of CB1R by R-m-AEA also promoted neuronal differentiation (without affecting glial differentiation), at 7 days, as shown by counting the number of NeuN-positive neurons in the cultures. Moreover, by monitoring intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+](i)) in single cells following KCl and histamine stimuli, a method that allows the functional evaluation of neuronal differentiation, we observed an increase in neuronal-like cells. This proneurogenic effect was blocked when SVZ cells were co-incubated with R-m-AEA and the CB1R antagonist AM 251, for 7 days, thus indicating that this effect involves CB1R activation. In accordance with an effect on neuronal differentiation and maturation, R-m-AEA also increased neurite growth, as evaluated by quantifying and measuring the number of MAP2-positive processes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CB1R activation induces proliferation, self-renewal and neuronal differentiation from mouse neonatal SVZ cell cultures.Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia - Portugal [POCTI/SAU-NEU/68465/2006, PTDC/SAU-NEU/104415/2008, PTDC/SAU-NEU/101783/2008, POCTI/SAU-NEU/110838/2009]; Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian [96542]; Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologiainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Silicon-hydroxyapatite bioactive coatings (Si-HA) from diatomaceous earth and silica. Study of adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells

The aim of this study consisted on investigating the influence of silicon substituted hydroxyapatite (Si–HA) coatings over the human osteoblast-like cell line (SaOS-2) behaviour. Diatomaceous earth and silica, together with commercial hydroxyapatite were respectively the silicon and HA sources used to produce the Si–HA coatings. HA coatings with 0 wt% of silicon were used as control of the experiment. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was the selected technique to deposit the coatings. The Si–HA thin films were characterized by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrating the efficient transfer of Si to the HA structure. The in vitro cell culture was established to assess the cell attachment, proliferation and osteoblastic activity respectively by, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), DNA and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) quantification. The SEM analysis demonstrated a similar adhesion behaviour of the cells on the tested materials and the maintenance of the typical osteoblastic morphology along the time of culture. The Si–HA coatings did not evidence any type of cytotoxic behaviour when compared with HA coatings. Moreover, both the proliferation rate and osteoblastic activity results showed a slightly better performance on the Si–HA coatings from diatoms than on the Si–HA from silica.This work was supported by the UE-Interreg IIIA (SP1.P151/03) Proteus project and Xunta de Galicia ( Projects: 2006/12 and PGIDITO5PXIC30301PN)

Prevalência de insatisfação corporal em praticantes de atividade física

Introduction: The practice of physical exercise has been used by individuals dissatisfied with their body image, for gain or loss of weight. However, a negative body image may, paradoxically, reduce the motivation to practice physical activities or increase engagement in exercise programs. Objective: This article aims to carry out a literature search about the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among physical activity practitioners. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review. To search for and select the studies, the following databases were used: Scielo and Ebscohost and the Google academic search engine, allowing the selection of 9 articles, which were published between 2017 and 2019, articles published in Portuguese and English. Results and discussion: In all studies analyzed it was possible to verify that there is a great dissatisfaction with the body image among physical activity practitioners, a fact that can be due to the high social collection of friends, family and the strong influence of the media in the search and idealization of the perfect stipulated body. Conclusion: It is necessary to carry out more studies, which approach the subject, in order to understand the self perception of body image among physical activity practitioners, body dissatisfaction can cause future problems due to this search for an ideal body.Introdução: A prática de exercício físico tem sido utilizada por indivíduos insatisfeitos com sua imagem corporal, para ganho ou perda de peso. Contudo, uma imagem corporal negativa pode, paradoxalmente, reduzir a motivação para a prática de atividades físicas ou aumentar o engajamento em programas de exercícios. Objetivo:  O presente artigo tem por finalidade realizar uma busca bibliográfica sobre a prevalência de insatisfação corporal entre praticantes de atividade física. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura do tipo integrativa. Para busca e seleção dos estudos utilizou-se as bases de dados: Scielo e Ebscohost e o buscador Google acadêmico, permitindo a seleção de 9 artigos, os quais foram publicados entre os anos de 2017 a 2019, pesquisou-se artigos publicados em português e inglês. Resultados e discussão: Em todos os estudos analisados foi possível verificar que há grande insatisfação com a imagem corporal, entre os praticantes de atividade física, fato este, que pode ser decorrente da elevada cobrança social de amigos, familiares e a forte influência da mídia pela busca e idealização do corpo estipulado perfeito. Conclusão: É necessário a realização de mais estudos, que abordem a temática, no intuito de compreender a auto percepção da imagem corporal entre praticantes de atividade física, a insatisfação corporal pode provocar problemas futuros, devido a essa busca por um corpo ideal

Direito Comercial ou Direito Empresarial?: uma análise da adequabilidade dos designativos à luz da evolução histórica do "Ius Mercatorum"

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo refletir sobre qual o designativo mais apropriado para o ramo do direito privado que não o direito comum (civil), isto é, se Direito Comercial ou se Direito Empresarial. Para tanto, lançou-se mão do método histórico, onde se buscou passear pela História do Comércio e do Direito Comercial (e Empresarial), de modo a justificar o melhor e mais apropriado uso. Ademais, a pesquisa bibliográfica foi importante recurso metodológico, como modo de verificar a visão dos jus-empresarialistas (doutrina) a respeito do tema em comento; como também o foi a pesquisa pautada na análise das grades curriculares dos cursos jurídicos, sob o recorte daqueles detentores do “Selo da OAB Recomenda” (análise objetiva). A conclusão, assim, buscou se respaldar tanto em aspecto quantitativo, da tabulação auferida na pesquisa objetiva; quanto em aspecto qualitativo, oriundo de posição doutrinária mais consistente. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Direito Comercial e Empresarial. Designativos. Adequabilidade. Grades Curriculares. Jus-Empresarialistas. COMMERCIAL LAW OR BUSINESS LAW?: AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUITABILITY OF DESIGNATORS THE LIGHT OF HISTORICAL EVOLUTION IUS MERCATORUM ABSTRACT This paper aims to reflect on the most appropriate designation for the branch of private law other than the common law (civil), that is, if Commercial Law or Business Law. Therefore, it employed the historical method, which sought touring the History of Trade and Commercial Law (and Company), in order to justify the best and most appropriate use. Furthermore, the literature was important methodological resource, as a way to verify the vision of justice-empresarialistas (doctrine) on the subject under discussion; as well as the research was guided by the analysis of the curricula of legal courses, under the focus of those holders of "Seal of OAB recommended" (objective analysis). The conclusion, therefore, sought to back up both quantitative aspect, the earned tab on objective research; as in qualitative aspect, come from more consistent doctrinal position. KEYWORDS: Commercial and Corporate Law. Designators. Suitability. Curriculum grids. Jus-Empresarialistas. Data da submissão: 07/07/2015 Data da aceitação: 05/08/201