Stellar Populations in type Ia supernova host galaxies at intermediate-high redshift: Star formation and metallicity enrichment histories

We present a summary of our project that studies galaxies hosting type Ia supernova (SN Ia) at different redshifts. We present Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) optical spectroscopy of six SN Ia host galaxies at redshift $z\sim 0.4-0.5$. They are joined to a set of SN Ia host galaxies at intermediate-high redshift, which include galaxies from surveys SDSS and COSMOS. The final sample, after a selection of galaxy spectra in terms of signal-to-noise and other characteristics, consists of 680 galaxies with redshift in the range $0.04 < z < 1$. We perform an inverse stellar population synthesis with the code {\sc fado} to estimate the star formation and enrichment histories of this set of galaxies, simultaneously obtaining their mean stellar age and metallicity and stellar mass. After analysing the correlations among these characteristics, we look for possible dependencies of the Hubble diagram residuals and supernova features (luminosity, color and strength parameter) on these stellar parameters. We find that the Hubble residuals show a clear dependence on the stellar metallicity weighted by mass with a slope of -0.061\,mag\,dex$^{-1}$, when represented in logarithmic scale, $\log{ \langle Z_{M}/Z_{\odot}\rangle }$. This result supports our previous findings obtained from gas oxygen abundances for local and SDSS-survey galaxies. Comparing with other works from the literature that also use the stellar metallicity, we find a similar value, but with more precision and a better significance (2.08 vs $\sim$ 1.1), due to the higher number of objects and wider range of redshift of our sample.Comment: 21 pages, 19 figures, accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Societ

Confecção de manual de cortes ovinos.

A comercialização da carne ovina, na maioria dos centros urbanos, ainda é realizada através de cortes básicos e/ou carcaças inteiras, o que dificulta a aquisição deste produto pelo consumidor

Cholinergic stimulation by pyridostigmine bromide before myocardial infarction prevent cardiac and autonomic dysfunction

Inflammatory processes and cardiovascular autonomic imbalance are very relevant characteristic of the enormous dynamic process that is a myocardial infarction (MI). In this sense, some studies are investigating pharmacological therapies using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine bromide (PYR), aiming to increase parasympathetic tone after MI. Here we hypothesized that the use of PYR before the MI might bring an additional positive effect to the autonomic function, and consequently, in the inflammatory response and cardiac function. The present study aimed to evaluate left ventricular function, baroreflex sensitivity, autonomic modulation, and inflammatory profile in PYR- treated rats previously to MI. Methods: Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were treated for 60 days with PYR. After treatment, they were submitted to the MI. After the MI, the autonomic and ventricular function were evaluated, as well as the systemic, left ventricle, and adipose tissue inflammatory profile. Results: PYR, performed before MI, prevented HR increase, systolic function impairment, baroreflex sensitivity drop, as well as pulse interval variance, RMSSD, blood pressure and parasympathetic modulation reduction in treated rats compared to untreated rats. Also, this positive functional changes may have been a result of the reduced inflammatory parameters in the left ventricle (IFN-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1 beta), as well as increased IL-10 expression and IL-10/TNF-alpha ratio in treated animals before MI. Conclusion: Prior treatment with PYR prevents impairment of the autonomic nervous system after MI, which may be associated with the attenuated expression of inflammatory factors and heart dysfunction9CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informação2013/14788-9; 2014/06669-

Learning and teaching histology: traditional and computational methods

The traditional methodology used in histology laboratory instruction of histology is based primarily on the use of photonic microscopes and histological slides, which did not allow the simultaneous observation by several people, prevents an interactive discussion, making the laboratory teaching-learning process less motivating and advantageous. The use of various computer-based technologies (including virtual microscopy and virtual slides), as well as video projection, using digital cameras attached to the microscope in histology laboratory instruction is an interesting alternative method to offset the disadvantages inherent to the conventional methodology. Advances in computer sciences allow us to play a considerable amount of images and transfer them to monitor students' computers, resulting in its comfortable and objective viewing, thus facilitating the recognition of tissues and structures and their histomorphometric study through computer programs. In addition), the use of platforms for distance learning (e.g. Moodle), also allows the study of histology to be undertaken outside the classroom. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of traditional methods of histological sections visualization in photonic microscope, and the use of computer resources in teaching animal histology

SPX1 is a phosphate-dependent inhibitor of PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1 in Arabidopsis

To cope with growth in low-phosphate (Pi) soils, plants have evolved adaptive responses that involve both developmental and metabolic changes. PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1 (PHR1) and related transcription factors play a central role in the control of Pi starvation responses (PSRs). How Pi levels control PHR1 activity, and thus PSRs, remains to be elucidated. Here, we identify a direct Pi-dependent inhibitor of PHR1 in Arabidopsis, SPX1, a nuclear protein that shares the SPX domain with yeast Pi sensors and with several Pi starvation signaling proteins from plants. Double mutation of SPX1 and of a related gene, SPX2, resulted in molecular and physiological changes indicative of increased PHR1 activity in plants grown in Pi-sufficient conditions or after Pi refeeding of Pi-starved plants but had only a limited effect on PHR1 activity in Pi-starved plants. These data indicate that SPX1 and SPX2 have a cellular Pi-dependent inhibitory effect on PHR1. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that the SPX1/PHR1 interaction in planta is highly Pi-dependent. DNA-binding and pull-down assays with bacterially expressed, affinity-purified tagged SPX1 and \u394PHR1 proteins showed that SPX1 is a competitive inhibitor of PHR1 binding to its recognition sequence, and that its efficiency is highly dependent on the presence of Pi or phosphite, a nonmetabolizable Pi analog that can repress PSRs. The relative strength of the SPX1/PHR1 interaction is thus directly influenced by Pi, providing a link between Pi perception and signaling

No effect of creatine supplementation on oxidative stress and cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background: Exacerbated oxidative stress is thought to be a mediator of arterial hypertension. It has been postulated that creatine (Cr) could act as an antioxidant agent preventing increased oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nine weeks of Cr or placebo supplementation on oxidative stress and cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Findings: Lipid hydroperoxidation, one important oxidative stress marker, remained unchanged in the coronary artery (Cr: 12.6 +/- 1.5 vs. Pl: 12.2 +/- 1.7 nmol.mg(-1); p = 0.87), heart (Cr: 11.5 +/- 1.8 vs. Pl: 14.6 +/- 1.1 nmol.mg(-1); p = 0.15), plasma (Cr: 67.7 +/- 9.1 vs. Pl: 56.0 +/- 3.2 nmol.mg(-1); p = 0.19), plantaris (Cr: 10.0 +/- 0.8 vs. Pl: 9.0 +/- 0.8 nmol.mg(-1); p = 0.40), and EDL muscle (Cr: 14.9 +/- 1.4 vs. Pl: 17.2 +/- 1.5 nmol.mg(-1); p = 0.30). Additionally, Cr supplementation affected neither arterial blood pressure nor heart structure in SHR (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Using a well-known experimental model of systemic arterial hypertension, this study did not confirm the possible therapeutic effects of Cr supplementation on oxidative stress and cardiovascular dysfunction associated with arterial hypertension.FAPES

Regulation of mammary gland branching morphogenesis by the extracellular matrix and its remodeling enzymes.

A considerable body of research indicates that mammary gland branching morphogenesis is dependent, in part, on the extracellular matrix (ECM), ECM-receptors, such as integrins and other ECM receptors, and ECM-degrading enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). There is some evidence that these ECM cues affect one or more of the following processes: cell survival, polarity, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. Both three-dimensional culture models and genetic manipulations of the mouse mammary gland have been used to study the signaling pathways that affect these processes. However, the precise mechanisms of ECM-directed mammary morphogenesis are not well understood. Mammary morphogenesis involves epithelial 'invasion' of adipose tissue, a process akin to invasion by breast cancer cells, although the former is a highly regulated developmental process. How these morphogenic pathways are integrated in the normal gland and how they become dysregulated and subverted in the progression of breast cancer also remain largely unanswered questions

Regular insulin added to total parenteral nutrition vs subcutaneous glargine in non-critically ill diabetic inpatients, a multicenter randomized clinical trial: INSUPAR trial

Background: There is no established insulin regimen in T2DM patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Aims: To compare the effectiveness (metabolic control) and safety of two insulin regimens in patients with diabetes receiving TPN. Design: Prospective, open-label, multicenter, clinical trial on adult inpatients with type 2 diabetes on a non-critical setting with indication for TPN. Patients were randomized on one of these two regimens: 100% of RI on TPN or 50% of Regular insulin added to TPN bag and 50% subcutaneous Gl. Data were analyzed according to intention-to-treat principle. Results: 81 patients were on RI and 80 on GI. No differences were observed in neither average total daily dose of insulin, programmed or correction, nor in capillary mean blood glucose during TPN infusion (165.3 +/- 35.4 in RI vs 172.5 +/- 43.6 mg/dL in GI; p = 0.25). Mean capillary glucose was significantly lower in the GI group within two days after TPN interruption (160.3 +/- 45.1 in RI vs 141.7 +/- 43.8 mg/dL in GI; p = 0.024). The percentage of capillary glucose above 180 mg/dL was similar in both groups. The rate of capillary glucose <= 70 mg/dL, the number of hypoglycemic episodes per 100 days of TPN, and the percentage of patients with non-severe hypoglycemia were significantly higher on GI group. No severe hypoglycemia was detected. No differences were observed in length of stay, infectious complications, or hospital mortality. Conclusion: Effectiveness of both regimens was similar. GI group achieved better metabolic control after TPN interruption but non-severe hypoglycemia rate was higher in the GI group. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd