Nonequilibrium stationary states of 3D self-gravitating systems

Three dimensional self-gravitating systems do not evolve to thermodynamic equilibrium, but become trapped in nonequilibrium quasistationary states. In this Letter we present a theory which allows us to a priori predict the particle distribution in a final quasistationary state to which a self-gravitating system will evolve from an initial condition which is isotropic in particle velocities and satisfies a virial constraint 2K=-U, where K is the total kinetic energy and U is the potential energy of the system

Anti-inflammatory diet and rheumatoid arthritis: overview on the current evidence

Trabalho Complementar apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciada em Ciências da NutriçãoRheumatoid arthritis (RA) being a chronic autoimmune disease, with symptoms that are characterized by inflammation of the joints, requires pharmacological treatment, however this is not enough to improve the symptoms related to RA, so nutritional intervention is necessary, as a complementary treatment, in order to achieve a significant improvement in symptoms. In order to understand which diet would bring more benefits to patients with RA, several approaches have been studied, one of them being the anti-inflammatory diet, being it is mainly made up of foods rich in antioxidants, may contribute in a significantly positive in controlling RA symptoms. Thus, the present study aimed to review the literature existent on the anti-inflammatory diet, in order to understand its applicability, benefits, as well as its limitations. The literature review was elaborated through a bibliographic search, in the PubMed database, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined according to what was intended for the realization of this review. Current scientific evidence has shown positive effects of the anti-inflammatory diet in RA patients, especially the reduction of joint pain, disease activity, tender and swollen joints and improved physical functioning. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory diet presents beneficial effects on symptoms and disease activity in RA patients. Notwithstanding this, further studies are needed to determine whether the benefits are clinically relevant.A artrite reumatoide (AR) sendo uma doença autoimune cronica, com sintomas que se caracterizam pela inflamação das articulações, necessita de tratamento farmacológico. No entanto o tratamento farmacológico não é suficiente para a melhoria dos sintomas referentes à AR. Deste modo, é necessária a intervenção nutricional, como um tratamento complementar, para assim alcançar uma melhora significativa dos sintomas. De modo a perceber qual a dieta mais indicada para os doentes com AR, diversas abordagens têm sido estudadas, entre uma das quais a dieta anti-inflamatória, que sendo constituída por alimentos ricos em antioxidantes, poderá contribuir de forma positiva no controlo dos sintomas da AR. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca da dieta anti-inflamatória, tendo em conta a aplicabilidade, benefícios, além das suas limitações. A revisão da literatura realizou-se através de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, na base de dados PubMed, tendo por base os critérios de inclusão e exclusão definidos de acordo com o pretendido para a realização desta revisão. A evidencia científica atual, tem demonstrado efeitos positivos da dieta anti-inflamatória em pacientes com AR, sobretudo a diminuição da dor nas articulações, da atividade da doença, das articulações sensíveis e inchadas e melhor funcionamento físico. Em conclusão, a dieta anti-inflamatória apresenta efeitos positivos nos sintomas e na atividade da doença, em pacientes com AR. Apesar disso, são necessários mais estudos para determinar se os benefícios são clinicamente relevantes.N/

Pegada Ecológica e Políticas Públicas : estudos de caso de três cidades brasileiras

Atualmente é consenso que aspectos econômicos, sociais e ambientais devem ser integrados no planejamento de políticas públicas. Nesse sentido, indicadores de sustentabilidade são cada vez mais necessários para acompanhar o desenvolvimento dessas políticas e orientar soluções adequadas. Dentre os métodos criados para mensurar a sustentabilidade, destaca-se a Pegada Ecológica. Contudo, existe um amplo debate a respeito da aplicabilidade desse instrumento para o planejamento de políticas públicas. Este artigo considera posições de especialistas sobre o tema e avalia o cálculo da pegada ecológica de três cidades brasileiras. Tendo em vista as limitações da pegada ecológica à dimensão ambiental, sua avaliação é realizada em conjunto com o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano e o Índice de Gini para distribuição de renda. Conclui-se que, a pegada ecológica é uma ferramenta de fácil compreensão e, apesar de suas limitações, seu uso em conjunto com outros indicadores pode ser um passo significativo para a avaliação de políticas alternativas rumo ao desenvolvimento sustentável.Nowadays the consensus is that economic, social and environmental aspects should be integrated into public policy planning. In this sense, sustainability indicators are increasingly required to monitor the development of these policies and to guide solutions. Among the methods designed to measure the sustainability, highlights the ecological footprint. However, there is wide debate about the applicability of this instrument for public policy planning. This article considers positions of experts about this subject and evaluates the calculation of the ecological footprint of three Brazilian cities. Given the limited ecope of the environmental footprint to environmental dimension, its evaluation is performed in conjunction with the Human Development Index and the Gini coefficient for income distribution. It is concluded that the ecological footprint is an easy to understand tool and, despite its limitations, its use in conjunction with other indicators can be a significant step for the evaluation of alternative policies towards sustainable development

Initiation Practices and Access to Higher Education for Deaf Students: The Interpreter as a Resource

The transition from secondary school to higher education institutions (HEIs) can be a very exciting experience, but it can also represent unique challenges, making this moment a crucial event in the academic path of all students. Academic initiation practices are a tradition that exists on several universities campuses with the purpose of promoting students\u27 integration into academic life during such an important transition. It is important to analyse the participation of deaf students in initiation practices to higher education and the sign language interpreters\u27 role in including them in this process. Sixteen deaf students of HEIs in the Porto region participated in this study and accepted the importance of initiation, although some interviewees were afraid they would not have enough time to dedicate to their studies, which influenced their decision not to take part in these activities. Deaf students who participated and experienced initiation rituals identified several constraints, which indicates that academic initiation practices are not adapted to the specific needs of deaf students, nor to the needs of the deaf community as a whole. HEIs are not fully aware of the need to adapt them, so that all students, regardless of their hearing ability, can fully participate and feel included at university. It is vital to provide conditions that allow the full inclusion of deaf students into the academic environment. Since Portuguese sign language is the language of these students, it is essential for them to have an interpreter who facilitates communication in both educational situations and extracurricular activities they wish to participate in, thus minimising discrimination and promoting full inclusion

Extracellular vesicles: structure, function, and potential clinical uses in renal diseases

Interest in the role of extracellular vesicles in various diseases including cancer has been increasing. Extracellular vesicles include microvesicles, exosomes, apoptotic bodies, and argosomes, and are classified by size, content, synthesis, and function. Currently, the best characterized are exosomes and microvesicles. Exosomes are small vesicles (40- 100 nm) involved in intercellular communication regardless of the distance between them. They are found in various biological fluids such as plasma, serum, and breast milk, and are formed from multivesicular bodies through the inward budding of the endosome membrane. Microvesicles are 100-1000 nm vesicles released from the cell by the outward budding of the plasma membrane. the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles is very broad, with applications including a route of drug delivery and as biomarkers for diagnosis. Extracellular vesicles extracted from stem cells may be used for treatment of many diseases including kidney diseases. This review highlights mechanisms of synthesis and function, and the potential uses of wellcharacterized extracellular vesicles, mainly exosomes, with a special focus on renal functions and diseases.Univ Fed Paulista, Dept Med, Div Nefrol, Escola Paulista Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Cruzeiro Sul, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Saude Ciencias Biol & S, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Paulista, Dept Med, Div Nefrol, Escola Paulista Med, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc