Rising to the challenge? Inter-individual variation of the androgen response to social interactions in cichlid fish

The Challenge Hypothesis (Wingfield et al. Am. Nat. 136, 829-846) aims to explain the complex relationship between androgens and social interactions. Despite its well acceptance in the behavioral endocrinology literature, several studies have failed to found an androgen response to staged social interactions. Possible reasons for these inconsistencies are the use of single sampling points that may miss the response peak, and the occurrence of inter-individual variability in the androgen response to social interactions. In this study we addressed these two possible confounding factors by characterizing the temporal pattern of the androgen response to social interactions in the African cichlid, Oreochromis mossambicus, and relating it to inter-individual variation in terms of the individual scope for androgen response (i.e. the difference between baseline and maximum physiological levels for each fish) and behavioral types. We found that the androgen response to territorial intrusions varies between individuals and is related to their scope for response. Individuals that have a lower scope for androgen response did not increase androgens after a territorial intrusion but were more aggressive and exploratory. In contrast males with a higher scope for response had fewer aggressive and exploratory behaviors and exhibited two peaks of KT, an early response 2-15 min after the interaction and a late response at 60-90 min post-interaction. Given that the pharmacological challenge of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonad axis only elicits the late response, we suggest that these two peaks may be regulated by different physiological mechanisms, with the early response being mediated by direct brain-gonad neural pathways. In summary, we suggest that determining the temporal pattern of the androgen response to social interactions and considering inter-individual variation may be the key to understanding the contradictory results of the Challenge Hypothesis.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Interaction between vasotocin and gonadal hormones in the regulation of reproductive behavior in a cichlid fish

Vasotocin (VT) has been associated with the regulation of diferent aspects of social behavior (e.g., mating and aggression). Given the fact that androgens are also known to regulate reproductive behavior, we hypothesized that VT and androgens could be interacting, rather than acting independently, in the regulation of reproductive behavior. In the present study, we aimed to understand the efect of VT and its interaction with gonadal hormones (putatively androgens) on diferent aspects of reproductive behavior of a polygynous and territorial cichlid fsh, the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Using a within-subject design, we treated territorial males, that were previously castrated or sham-operated, with diferent dosages of VT as well as with a V1A receptor antagonist (Manning compound) and subsequently analyzed their behavior towards females and towards an intruder male. Our results showed that VT afected the behavior of territorial males towards females but not towards males. Specifcally, VT-treated males interacted less with females (i.e., spent less time touching the transparent partition that allowed visual contact with females) and were less aggressive towards females than salinetreated males. Moreover, in sham-operated males, blocking V1A receptors increased the frequency of bites towards females in comparison to saline-treated males, but not in castrated males. This result suggests that VT down-regulates aggressiveness towards females through the action of V1A receptors in the gonads (putatively decreasing androgen secretion), and that androgens up-regulate this behavior. In summary, our results suggest that VT may modulate social behavior, through an interaction with gonadal hormones.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Can epigenetic and inflammatory biomarkers identify clinically aggressive prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly prevalent malignancy and constitutes a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. It emerges through the acquisition of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA deregulation. These generate heritable transformations in the expression of genes but do not change the DNA sequence. Alterations in DNA methylation (hypo and hypermethylation) are the most characterized in PCa. They lead to genomic instability and inadequate gene expression. Major and minor-specific modifications in chromatin recasting are involved in PCa, with signs suggesting a dysfunction of enzymes modified by histones. MicroRNA deregulation also contributes to the initiation of PCa, including involvement in androgen receptor signalization and apoptosis. The influence of inflammation on prostate tumor carcinogenesis is currently much better known. Recent discoveries about microbial species resident in the urinary tract suggest that these are the initiators of chronic inflammation, promoting prostate inflammatory atrophy and eventually leading to PCa. Complete characterization of the relationship between the urinary microbiome and prostatic chronic inflammation will be crucial to develop plans for the prevention of PCa. The prevalent nature of epigenetic and inflammatory alterations may provide potential biomarkers for PCa diagnosis, treatment decisions, evaluation of prognosis and posttreatment surveillance.publishersversionpublishe

Assinatura de objectos em rádio frequência

Mestrado em Engenharia Eletrónica e TelecomunicaçõesThe RF signature can be consider as a fingerprint of an object when submitted to electromagnetic radiation. Based on this concept, the initial goal of this work was to elaborate a comparative analysis of the Radio Frequency signature of different materials. Through the design of a prototype based on an adapted Wi-Fi network was developed an innovative system capable of distinguishing materials with the analysis of their interference in the propagated channel. In order to refine this distinction was utilized a signal processing tool, the Wavelet Transform. This technique serve as support tool of the system for a better differentiation of the studied targets. The versatility of this concept was proved through the analysis of signatures of static targets like metal, wood and plastic, as well as moving targets, giving the example of a moving human. Due to the promising results obtained, the initial objective of the work was expanded being also presented in this document the concept of intruder detection through a Wi-Fi network by the analysis of the Wavelet coefficients.A Assinatura em Rádio Frequência pode ser considerada como a impressão digital que um objeto manifesta quando submetido a radiação eletromagnética. O objetivo inicial deste trabalho era a elaboração de uma análise comparativa das assinaturas em Rádio Frequência de diferentes materiais. Tendo por base uma rede Wi-Fi adaptada, foi desenvolvido um sistema inovador capaz de distinguir materiais pela análise da interferência dos mesmos no canal de propagação. Com vista a melhorar o desempenho do protótipo inicial, o sinal recebido foi processado através da Transformada de Wavelet. Esta técnica serviu como ferramenta de suporte do sistema para a obtenção de uma diferenciação mais clara dos alvos estudados. Demonstrando a versatilidade deste conceito foram avaliadas as assinaturas de alvos estáticos como o metal, madeira e plástico bem como de alvos móveis dando, como exemplo, uma pessoa em movimento. Devido aos resultados promissores obtidos, o objetivo inicial do sistema foi alargado estando também presente neste documento o conceito de deteção de intrusos através de uma rede Wi-Fi pela análise dos coeficientes de Wavelet

Disrupções tecnológicas e o poder dos Açores durante a Guerra Fria

Dissertação de Mestrado, Relações Internacionais: O Espaço Euro-Atlântico, 6 de abril de 2022, Universidade dos Açores.Com este trabalho demonstra-se que durante a Guerra Fria, os Açores contribuíram para a implementação de várias infraestruturas e sistemas de aplicação militar, que com recurso a tecnologias disruptivas, permitiram o reforço e a persecução das estratégicos de vários atores do sistema internacional. Em simultâneo comprova-se que estas infraestruturas reforçaram o valor estratégico do arquipélago, e proporcionaram poder adicional a Portugal, usado nas suas relações internacionais. A instalação de sistemas de luta antissubmarina na deteção e ataque a submarinos nucleares, de bases para testes de misseis balísticos intercontinentais, de equipamentos para a espionagem de telecomunicações, entre outras valências militares. Compensaram a relativa perda de valor estratégico no vetor da logística, que ocorre da diminuição de escalas técnicas, sobretudo de aviões, pelo aumento da autonomia de voo das aeronaves e do abastecimento em voo. A aplicação civil de algumas dessas tecnologias, como é o caso dos sistemas de ajuda ao posicionamento de barcos e aeronaves, através das estações LORAN, ou o trabalho de investigação em oceanografia, feito a partir do Polígono de Acústica Submarina, também são abordados neste trabalho.ABSTRACT: With this investigation, and using several case-study, it is demonstrated that during the Cold War, the Azores contributed to the implementation of various infrastructures and military networks, which, using disruptive technologies, allowed the reinforcement and pursuit of strategics for several actors in the international system. At the same time, it is proven that these infrastructures reinforced the archipelago's strategic value, and provided Portugal with additional power, used in international relations. The installation of anti-submarine warfare systems, for the detection and attack on nuclear submarines, sites for tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles, SigInt, among other military aspects, compensated for the relative loss of strategic value in the logistic vector, which occurs from the reduction of technical scales, especially for airplanes, by the increase in the aircraft's flight autonomy and in-flight refuelling. The civil application of some of these technologies, such as the help systems for the positioning of ships and aircraft, through LORAN stations, or the research work in oceanography, made from the Azores Fixed Acoustic Range, are also addressed in this work

Plano estratégico de desenvolvimento desportivo do Município de Vidigueira

- No concelho de Vidigueira, como em grande parte da planície alentejana, existe uma considerável distância entre localidades criando assim alguns obstáculos à relação social entre a globalidade dos munícipes; -Vidigueira é sede do Município e também a localidade com maior número de residentes; - Pedrógão situa-se na margem direita do rio Guadiana estendendo-se até à aldeia de Marmelar, a Barragem de Pedrógão é a segunda maior do empreendimento do Alqueva. - O clima é propício à prática de actividades ao ar livre, de exploração da natureza e radicais; - Os números do desemprego não são muito altos mas a população inactiva (excluídos estudantes) assume valores elevados; - Os meios de divulgação de informação (media local) são poucos e de acesso (rádio e internet) nem sempre fácil aos munícipes; - Ao nível da educação, a maioria dos estabelecimentos e alunos encontra-se na freguesia de Vidigueira; - Existe um curso de Desporto no IPB; - O vasto e rico património cultural pode ser promovido pelas actividades tisicas e vice-versa tanto a nível interno (munícipes) como externo (gente de fora); -A actividade turística junto aos planos de água naturais (albufeira de Pedrógão e Rio Guadiana) está em expansão (turismo de barragem e actividade náutica). Com o terminal civil do Aeroporto de Beja em funcionamento, a actividade turística pode aumentar; - Todos os alunos no concelho têm Actividade/Educação Física na escola, realçando que a Actividade Física Desportiva (1 o Ciclo) é a disciplina extra curricular com maior participação. Já a participação no Desporto Escolar é relativamente fraca; - 44% das associações/clubes encontram-se na freguesia de Vidigueira e são poucas as que mantêm actividade intensa. -A nível federado, o concelho conta com baixa oferta para o género feminino; - A actividade desportiva privada resume-se a um healt club; -Fora de Vidigueira existe muito pouca promoção de actividade física; - Apesar de existirem pelos menos duas instalações em cada localidade, algumas não são, ou são pouco utilizadas. - neste momento o IDP promove três programas/projectos de promoção de actividade física e registo nacional de instalações desportivas que podem e devem ter intervenção local

Forebrain transcriptional response to transient changes in circulating androgens in a cichlid fish

It has been hypothesized that androgens respond to the social interactions as a way to adjust the behavior of individuals to the challenges of the social environment in an adaptive manner. Therefore, it is expected that transient changes in circulating androgen levels within physiological scope should impact the state of the brain network that regulates social behavior, which should translate into adaptive behavioral changes. Here, we examined the effect that a transient peak in androgen circulating levels, which mimics socially driven changes in androgen levels, has on the forebrain state, which harbors most nuclei of the social decision-making network. For this purpose, we successfully induced transient changes in circulating androgen levels in an African cichlid fish (Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus) commonly used as a model in behavioral neuroendocrinology by injecting 11-ketotestosterone or testosterone, and compared the forebrain transcriptome of these individuals to control fish injected with vehicle. Forebrain samples were collected 30 min and 60 min after injection and analyzed using RNAseq. Our results showed that a transient peak in 11-ketotestosterone drives more accentuated changes in forebrain transcriptome than testosterone, and that transcriptomic impact was greater at the 30 min than at the 60 min post-androgen administration. Several genes involved in the regulation of translation, steroid metabolism, ion channel membrane receptors, and genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms were differentially expressed after 11-ketotestosterone or testosterone injection. In summary, this study identified specific candidate genes that may regulate socially driven changes in behavioral flexibility mediated by androgens.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Analysis of epigenetic alterations in homologous recombination dna repair genes in male breast cancer

Background: Male breast cancer (BC) is a distinct neoplasm with low but rising incidence, frequently diagnosed as advanced stage disease. Considering the relevance of altered homologous recombination repair (HRR) in male BC, we aimed to explore the biomarker potential of aberrant promoter methylation of ATM, BRCA1, PALB2, RAD51B, and XRCC3. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from 128 male BC patients, paired adjacent normal tissue and 19 gynecomastia cases were collected and assessed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). Non-parametric tests were used to compare methylation levels between tumor and non-tumor samples and to seek for associations with clinicopathological variables. Results: Only RAD51B and XRCC3 disclosed significant differences between tumor and gynecomastia (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.020, respectively). Assembled in a panel, RAD51B and XRCC3 promoter methylation discriminated male BC from gynecomastia with 91.5% sensitivity, 89.5% specificity, and 91.2% accuracy. Moreover, promoter methylation levels were lower in paired non-tumor tissues, comparing to tumor samples. No associations were found between epigenetic alterations and clinicopathological features, as well as with RAD51 and XRCC3 immunoexpression and methylation levels. Conclusion: Quantitative promoter methylation of RAD51B and XRCC3 constitutes a promising and accurate biomarker for male BC. Validation in larger series and in liquid biopsies is warranted to confirm its usefulness in detection and monitoring settings.publishersversionpublishe