Glutamine: biochemical, metabolic, molecular aspects and supplementation

A glutamina é o aminoácido livre mais abundante no plasma e no tecido muscular. Nutricionalmente é classificada como um aminoácido não essencial, uma vez que pode ser sintetizada pelo organismo a partir de outros aminoácidos. A glutamina está envolvida em diferentes funções, tais como a proliferação e desenvolvimento de células, o balanço acidobásico, o transporte da amônia entre os tecidos, a doação de esqueletos de carbono para a gliconeogênese, a participação no sistema antioxidante e outras. Por meio de técnicas de biologia molecular, estudos demonstram que a glutamina pode também influenciar diversas vias de sinalização celular, em especial a expressão de proteínas de choque térmico (HSPs). As HSPs contribuem para a manutenção da homeostasia da célula na presença de agentes estressores, tais como as espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO). Em situações de elevado catabolismo muscular, como após exercícios físicos intensos e prolongados, a concentração de glutamina pode tornar-se reduzida. A menor disponibilidade desse aminoácido pode diminuir a resistência da célula a lesões, levando a processos de apoptose celular. Por essas razões, a suplementação com L-glutamina, tanto na forma livre, quanto como dipeptídeo, tem sido investigada. Alguns aspectos bioquímicos, metabólicos e mecanismos moleculares da glutamina, bem como os efeitos de sua suplementação, são abordados no presente trabalho.Glutamine is the most frequent free amino acid in the serum and muscular tissue. Nutritionally, it is classified as a non-essential amino acid, once it can be synthesized by the body from other amino acids. Glutamine is involved in different functions, such as cell proliferation and development, basic acid balance, ammonia transportation between tissues, carbon skeleton donation to the gluconeogenesis, participation in the antioxidant system, among others. Molecular biology techniques show that it may also influence several cell signaling ways, especially the expression of heat shock proteins (HSP). The HSPs contribute to the maintenance of the cellular homeostasis in the presence of stress agents such as oxygen reactive species (ORE). In situations of high cellular catabolism, as after intense and prolonged physical exercises, the glutamine concentration may become reduced. Lower availability of this amino acid may decrease the cell resistance to injuries, leading to cellular apoptosis processes. Therefore, L-glutamine supplementation either in free form or as dipeptide has been investigated. Some biochemical and metabolic aspects, molecular mechanism of glutamine, as well as the effects of its supplementation are approached in the present article.Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Tingkat Pengetahuan Penderita Hipertensi tentang Kepatuhan Berobat

This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of hypertensive patients about medication adherence. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a cross-sectional approach. The results showed that most of the 37 research samples were aged 51-65 years (59.4%), women (54.1%), a high education level (14%), self-employed (35.1%) stage two hypertension at the time of visit (86 .48%), many sufferers have a lack of knowledge (56.8%), and patients are not compliant in treatment (74.1%). In conclusion, most hypertension sufferers who seek treatment at the Internal Medicine Outpatient Unit at the Guido Valadares Nacional Hospital Dili Timor Leste have a poor level of knowledge, and most are also disobedient to their hypertension treatment. Keywords: Hypertension, Compliance, Level of Knowledg

Manufacturing of miniature fluidic modules for lab-on-a-chip using UA photoresin from flexographic platemaking process

A new technique of fabrication of miniaturized fluidic devices was developed using a photoresin based on urethane and acrylate (UA) oligomers used to platemaking for flexographic printers on graphic industry. Fluidic mixers and reactors modules measuring 10×10 mm² were manufactured, with channels width in the 0.25 to 1.00 mm range and 0.75 mm depth. Top covers 4.00 mm thick, with 1.26 mm diameter inlet and outlet holes were used to seal the channels. The sealed channel structures were formed using a film of photoresin as adhesive. Interconnections of 1.20 mm diameter and 10 mm long steel tubes were fixed into inlet and outlet holes. All fluidic modules were manufactured by photolithography of UA, sealed by ultraviolet cure of an UA adhesion layer, package in an UA container and successfully tested for leakage under 2×10(5) Pascal air pressure.Uma nova técnica de fabricação de dispositivos fluídicos miniaturizados foi desenvolvida, usando-se uma foto-resina baseada nos oligômeros uretana e acrilato (UA), usados na indústria gráfica para a confecção de clichês de impressoras flexográficas. Foram fabricados módulos de misturadores e reatores fluídicos medindo 10×10 mm², providos de canais com largura variando de 0,25 a 1,00 mm por 0,75 mm de profundidade. Tampas de 4,00 mm de espessura, contendo orifícios de 1,26 mm de diâmetro para a entrada e saída do fluido, foram usadas para selar os canais empregando-se um filme de foto-resina como adesivo. Interconexões de tubos de aço foram fixadas aos orifícios de entrada e saída do fluido. Todos os módulos fluídicos foram fabricados por fotolitografia, selados por cura no ultravioleta (UV) de uma camada de adesão de UA, empacotados usando a foto-resina, e suportaram, sem vazamentos, uma pressão de ar de 2×10(5) Pascal.643647Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Inibiçao simultânea de interleucina-1B, interleucina-6, fator de necrose tumoral-a, prostaglandina E2 e estromelisina

Resumo: Citocinas pro-inflamatorias e a prostag landi na E, tem uma funcao importante na fisiopatologia da osteolise e na soltura das proteses totais de quadril. A interleucina-lB (IL- 16), interleucina-6 (IL-6) e o fator de necrose tumoral-a (TNF-a) sao moduladores potentes de enzimas proteoliticas como as metaloproteinases e o oxido nitroso. Isso causa a remocao da matriz osteoide e expoe a superficie a seabsorcao osteoclastica do osso e a subsequente osteolise. O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar os niveis de citocinas et de PGE2 em resposta a agentes farmacologicos em explantes da membrana da interface osso-protese em proteses totais do quadril soltas. Membranas retiradas quando da revisao de proteses totais do quadril foram colocadas em cultura (n=20).as quais acrescentou-se separadamente o medicamento experimental tenidap em quatro concentracoes diferentes (0, 5, 20 ou 50 Hg/ml), ou o anti-inflamatorio diclofenaco a uma concentracao de 125|xg/mi. Os niveis de IL- 18, IL-6 , TNF-a e PGE2 foram medidos no meio de cultura usando tecnicas de ELISA. A atividade enzimatica da colagenase-1 foi medida usando-se a tecnica da digestao do colageno marcado com o MC. A atividade enzimatica da estromelisina foi medida usando-se a tecnica de digestao do substrato Azocoll. O oxido nitroso foi medido usando-se a reacao de Greis. A analise estatistica foi feita usando-se o teste u de Mann-Whitney. O tenidap induziu uma diminuicao significativa na sintese de IL-16 a 71,3% (p<0,05) a concentracoes de 20^g/ml e de 79,3% (p<0,02) a concentracoes de 50ug/ml. O diclofenaco (125g/ml) nao teve qualquer efeito inibidor da sintese de IL-16. Uma reducao de 90,4% nos niveis de IL-6 usando-se tenidap a 20|ig/ml (p<0,005) e de 96% usando-se tenidap a 50|.ig/ml (p<0,05) foi observada. O nivel de IL-6 nos explantes tratados com diclofenaco nao foi diferente dos explantes nao tratados que serviram como controle. Em presenca do tenidap a 20ng/ml e a 50j.ig/ml, a reducao da sintese de TNF-a foi de 66,9% (p<0,05) e de 77,4%, respectivamente. Os explantes tratados com diclofenaco nao apresentaram diferenca se comparados aos controles. O tenidap inibiu de maneira extremamente significativa (acima de 90% , p<0,0001) a sintese de PGE2 nas tres concentracoes testadas. De maneira semelhante, o diclofenaco inibiu em 95% (p<0,0001) a producao de PGE2 pela membrana da interface.. NO nao foi inibido nem pelo tenidap ne pelo diclofenaco. A atividade da estromelisina foi reduzida em 57.1% (p<0.07) e 76.6% (pcO.Ol)pelo tenidap a 20 ug/ml e 50 ug/ml. respectivamente. A osteolise e a soltura aseptica das proteses totais de quadril tornaram-se um dos problemas dominantes na sobrevida das reconstrucoes articulares. A inibicao simultanea de diversas citocinas e prostaglandinas por um mesmo medicamento pode ter implicacoes importantes na prevencao e no tratamento futuro da soltura de proteses totais do quadril

Analysis of the relationships between Patagonian squid (Doryteuthis gahi)

Doryteuthis (Loligo) gahi is the second most important cephalopod species in the SW Atlantic from a fisheries point of view. This species and hence, the fisheries profitability and sustainability, are subject to large inter-annual variability in recruitment strength, mainly due to interannual and seasonal variations of the Falkland/Malvinas Current. In this working document we analyse the environmental, geographical, temporal and physical factors affecting the distribution (abundance) of D. gahi in two areas where its abundance is highest, using geographic information systems tools. We found a slight positive correlation between CPUE and longitude, as well as between CPUE and depth in the northern area, but no correlations could be found between SST and the other explanatory variables. Regarding the southern area in summer-autumn, we found that CPUE increases with longitude as we go to the east, and with latitude. We also found positive correlations between SST and CPUE, as well as with depth. In winter spring our study revealed a slight relationship between CPUE and location, and with depth

Analysis of the relationship between Argentine short-finned squid (Illex argentinus) abundance and environmental parameters in the SW Atlantic Ocean using GIS tools

The Argentine short-finned squid Illex argentinus is the main cephalopod species which occurs in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. It is the most highly fished species in terms of catches and is the major target of large-scale directed fishing carried out by “jiggers”, and to a lesser extent, by trawlers. The variability of main current systems in the region (Brazil and Falkland/Malvinas Currents) has been suggested to influence the abundance and distribution of I. argentinus, thus largely affecting profitability and sustainability of the fisheries. In this working document we analyse the environmental, geographical, temporal and physical factors affecting the distribution (abundance) of I. argentinus in two areas of highest distribution, using geographic information systems tools. Strong correlation was found between Illex abundance and the season of the year, as well as with latitude, confirming our knowledge of the fishery and the literature on this specie

Generating Requirements Views: A Transformation-Driven Approach

This paper reports the use of transformations based on XML to generate requirements views. A strategy to generate views is defined and scenarios and class diagrams are automatically created from a goal oriented model; the V-graph

Effect of wet-dry cycles on the bond behaviour of concrete elements strengthened with NSM CFRP laminate strips

The near-surface mounted (NSM) strengthening technique is capable of effectively increase the bearing capacity of structural concrete elements. This technique which basically consists of placing FRP reinforcements inside small grooves cut in the concrete cover, has been widely investigated in terms of structural performance and ability to improve the flexural and shear behaviour of reinforced concrete beams and columns. However, little research has been carried out concerning to the NSM long-term performance and durability. Motivated by the need of increasing the knowledge on the expected durability of the NSM technique using CFRP laminates, this paper presents an experimental program in which direct pull-out tests are carried out for evaluating the bond behaviour of specimens aged through wet-dry cycles. A total of 30 specimens are tested, analysing the effect of the bond length, the groove width, the groove depth and the aging effect on the bond behaviour. Digital image correlation method is also used to identify the bond resistant mechanism developed in an element strengthened using NSM technique. Finally, using the experimental results, an analytical–numerical strategy is applied to establish the local bond stress–slip relationship.This work was supported by FEDER funds through the Operational Program for Competitiveness Factors - COMPETE and National Funds through FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the project CutInDur PTDC/ECM/112396/2009. The third author acknowledge the grant SFRH/BD/80338/2011 provided by FCT. Finally, the authors also like to thank all the companies that have been involved supporting and contributing for the development of this study, mainly S&P Clever Reinforcement Iberica Lda. and SECIL

Efficient Feedback Collection for Pay-as-you-go Source Selection

Article No. 1International audienceTechnical developments, such as the web of data and web data extraction, combined with policy developments such as those relating to open government or open science, are leading to the availability of increasing numbers of data sources. Indeed, given these physical sources, it is then also possible to create further virtual sources that integrate, aggregate or summarise the data from the original sources. As a result, there is a plethora of data sources, from which a small subset may be able to provide the information required to support a task. The number and rate of change in the available sources is likely to make manual source selection and curation by experts impractical for many applications, leading to the need to pursue a pay-as-you-go approach, in which crowds or data consumers annotate results based on their correctness or suitability, with the resulting annotations used to inform, e.g., source selection algorithms. However, for pay-as-you-go feedback collection to be cost-effective, it may be necessary to select judiciously the data items on which feedback is to be obtained. This paper describes OLBP (Ordering and Labelling By Precision), a heuristics-based approach to the targeting of data items for feedback to support mapping and source selection tasks, where users express their preferences in terms of the trade-off between precision and recall. The proposed approach is then evaluated on two different scenarios, mapping selection with synthetic data, and source selection with real data produced by web data extraction. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in the amount of feedback required to reach user-provided objectives when using OLBP