1,021 research outputs found
A buck-boost converter with extended duty-cycle range in the buck voltage region for renewable energy sources
Buck-boost DC-DC converters are useful as DC grid interfaces for renewable energy resources. In the classical buck-boost converter, output voltages smaller than the input voltage (the buck region) are observed for duty cycles between 0 and 0.5. Several recent buck-boost converters have been designed to present higher voltage gains. Nevertheless, those topologies show a reduced duty-cycle range, leading to output voltages in the buck region, and thus require the use of very low duty cycles to achieve the lower range of buck output voltages. In this work, we propose a new buck-boost DC-DC converter that privileges the buck region through the extension of the duty-cycle range, enabling buck operation. In fact, the converter proposed here allows output voltages below the input voltage even with duty cycles higher than 0.6. We present the analysis, design, and testing of the extended buck-boost DC-DC converter. Several tests were conducted to illustrate the characteristics of the extended buck-boost DC-DC converter. Test results were obtained using both simulation software and a laboratory prototype.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The obestatin receptor (GPR39) is expressed in human adipose tissue and is down-regulated in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus
The G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) has recently been identified
as the receptor for obestatin, a peptidic hormone involved in energy homeostasis.
However, the expression levels of this receptor in human adipose tissue in
obesity and obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain unknown.
Therefore, we evaluated the actual presence of GPR39 mRNA in human adipose tissue
and whether GPR39 expression levels are altered in obesity and obesity-associated
T2DM. DESIGN: Omental adipose tissue biopsies obtained from 15 women were used in
the study. Patients were classified as lean (body mass index 20.8 +/- 1.0
kg/m(2)), obese normoglycaemic (body mass index 48.4 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2)) and obese
T2DM patients (body mass index 52.6 +/- 4.9 kg/m(2)). Anthropometric measurements
and biochemical profiles were assessed for each subject. Real-time RT-PCR
analyses were performed to quantify transcript levels of GPR39 and adiponectin.
RESULTS: Obese T2DM patients exhibited significantly lower GPR39 expression
levels compared to lean (P = 0.016) and obese normoglycaemic subjects (P =
0.008), while no differences between lean and obese normoglycaemic patients were
observed. The mRNA expression levels of GPR39 were negatively correlated to
fasting glucose concentrations (r = -0.581, P = 0.023), while exhibiting a
positive correlation to adiponectin mRNA expression levels (r = 0.674, P =
0.006). CONCLUSION: GPR39 is expressed in human adipose tissue. The reduced
expression levels of GPR39 in omental adipose tissue observed in obese patients
with T2DM suggest an involvement of obestatin signalling in glucose homeostasis
and T2DM development
Expression of caveolin-1 in human adipose tissue is upregulated in obesity and obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus and related to inflammation
Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) plays important roles in many aspects of cellular
biology, including vesicular transport, cholesterol homeostasis and signal
transduction. The aim of the present study was to explore gene expression levels
of CAV-1 in human adipose tissue in obesity and obesity-associated type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to analyse its potential implication in the
inflammatory state associated with obesity. DESIGN AND METHODS: Visceral adipose
tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) obtained from 15 females were
used in the study. Patients were classified as lean (BMI 20.8 +/- 1.0 kg/m(2)) or
obese (BMI 50.5 +/- 2.6 kg/m(2)). The obese group was further subclassified as
normoglycaemic (NG) or patients with T2DM. Anthropometric measurements as well as
circulating metabolites, hormones and adipokines were determined. Real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to quantify transcript
levels of CAV-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1). RESULTS: The
presence of CAV-1 protein was detected in VAT and SAT by immunohistochemistry.
Both obese NG and with T2DM patients exhibited significantly higher CAV-1
expression levels in VAT and SAT compared with lean subjects (P < 0.05). No
differences between obese NG and T2DM patients were observed in VAT. However,
obese T2DM patients were found to have higher CAV-1 expression levels in SAT (P <
0.05) compared with obese NG patients. A significant correlation was found
between CAV-1 mRNA expression levels in VAT and different circulating
inflammatory markers such as sialic acid (SA) (P < 0.001) and fibrinogen (P <
0.001) as well as with MCP1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings
show for the first time the upregulation of mRNA CAV-1 expression levels in VAT
and SAT of obese NG and obese T2DM patients compared with lean controls,
suggesting a role for CAV-1 in obesity and T2DM development. The association with
different inflammatory markers further suggests an implication of CAV-1 in the
low-grade inflammation accompanying obesity
Growth variability and demographic structure of northeast Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) in southern European Atlantic waters
The Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) is one of the main fishing resources for the fisheries targeting small pelagics in NW African waters. This species is expanding its geographical distribution through higher latitudes in southern European Atlantic waters, and it has become an important fishing resource in Iberian Atlantic waters during the last decades. The present study addresses the growth variability of S. colias in the Iberian waters, from southern Bay of Biscay up to Gulf of Cadiz. Age estimates based on otoliths and growth parameters were obtained from specimens collected within the study area during one decade (from both commercial landings and scientific-acoustic surveys), and sexual growth variation was analysed. A common pattern of abundant cohorts was observed in various areas. However, differences in the demographic structure of the catches were observed among the different areas, with the southernmost area studied (Portuguese and Spanish waters off Gulf of Cadiz) standing out with younger individuals. These new findings are of interest for the stock assessment of S. colias, which has not been addressed in ICES waters so far
Increased circulating and visceral adipose tissue expression levels of YKL-40 in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes are related to inflammation: impact of conventional weight loss and gastric bypass
Context: Plasma YKL-40 is elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes. The potential role of visceral
adipose tissue (VAT) as a significant source of YKL-40 is unknown.
Objective: In the study circulating and expression levels of YKL-40 were examined in VAT analyzing
the contribution of adipocytes and stromovascular fraction cells (SVFCs).Wealso explored YKL-40âs
implication in insulin resistance and inflammation and the effect of weight loss on plasma YKL-40
concentrations.
PatientsandMethods: Samples obtained from 53 subjects were used in the study.Geneandprotein
expression levels of YKL-40 were analyzed in VAT as well as in both adipocytes and SVFCs. In
addition, circulating YKL-40 concentrations were measured before and after weight loss achieved
either by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n 26) or after a conventional dietetic program (n 20).
Results: Circulating concentrations and VAT expression of YKL-40 were increased in obese patients
with type 2 diabetes (P 0.01) as well as associated with variables of insulin resistance and inflammation.
No differences in YKL-40 expression levels between adipocytes and SVFCs were detected.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and homeostasis model assessment emerged (P
0.01) as independent factors predicting circulating YKL-40. Elevated levels of YKL-40 in obese
patients decreased after weight loss following a conventional hypocaloric diet (P 0.05) but not
via a surgery-induced negative energy balance mediated by the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Conclusions: The association of increased YKL-40 mRNA and protein levels in VAT with its circulating
concentrations indicates an important contribution of VAT in YKL-40 regulation. Furthermore,
our data suggest a relevant role of glucose metabolism and inflammation on YKL-40
regulation
INIBIĂĂO DA INFECĂĂO in vitro DE MACRĂFAGOS POR Leishmania amazonensis POR EXTRATO E FRAĂĂES DE Chenopodium ambrosioides L.
A utilização de espĂ©cies vegetais, como Chenopodium ambrosioides L., para o tratamento da leishmaniose na terapĂȘutica tradicional tem despertado interesse na busca de novos compostos mais eficazes e menos tĂłxicos. Nosso grupo demonstrou as atividades imunoestimuladora e anti-Leishmania in vivo do extrato bruto hidroalcoĂłlico (EBH) de C. ambrosioides e efeito anti-promastigota in vitro do EBH e das suas fraçÔes. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a atividade anti-Leishmania do EBH e suas fraçÔes acetato de etila (FAc) e clorofĂłrmica (FCHCl3) em macrĂłfagos infectados in vitro por Leishmania amazonensis. Foram realizados dois modelos: âproflĂĄticoâ e âterapĂȘuticoâ. No primeiro, macrĂłfagos peritoneais de camundongos Swiss foram tratados com EBH, FAc ou FCHCl3 nas concentraçÔes de 62,5”g/mL, 125”g/mL e 250”g/mL e, apĂłs 4 horas, infectados com formas promastigotas do parasito na razĂŁo de 1:10 por 24 horas. No segundo, os macrĂłfagos foram infectados com promastigotas (1:10) e, apĂłs 4 horas, tratados com EBH, FAc ou FCHCl3 por 24 horas. Foram entĂŁo realizados a quantifcação das amastigotas fagocitadas e o cĂĄlculo das taxas de infecção. No modelo âproflĂĄticoâ, apenas os macrĂłfagos expostos ao EBH nas maiores concentraçÔes apresentaram taxas de infecção inferiores ao controle negativo. Entretanto, no modelo âterapĂȘuticoâ, as trĂȘs concentraçÔes de EBH e tambĂ©m da FAc reduziram a infecção de macrĂłfagos em relação ao controle negativo, sendo a maior concentração do EBH mais efetiva inclusive que o controle positivo. Em conclusĂŁo, o EBH de folhas de C. ambrosioides e a sua FAc possuem efeito terapĂȘutico anti-Leishmania na infecção in vitro de macrĂłfagos.Descritores: Leishmaniose; Leishmania amazonensis; Chenopodium ambrosioides.AbstractInhibit of in vitro macrophage infection by Leishmania amazonensis by extract and fractions from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. The use of plant species such as Chenopodium ambrosioides L. for the treatment of leishmaniasis in traditional medicine has aroused interest in fnding new, more effective and less toxic compounds. Our group demonstrated the immunostimulatory and in vivo anti-Leishmania activities of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (HCE) from C. ambrosioides L. and the in vitro anti-promastigote effect of the HCE and its fractions. In this study, we evaluated the anti-Leishmania activity of the HCE and its fractions ethyl acetate (FAc) and chloroform (FCHCl3) in macrophages infected in vitro with Leishmania amazonensis. Two models, âprophylacticâ and âtherapeuticâ, were performed. In the frst, Swiss mice peritoneal macrophages were treated with CHE, FAc or FCHCl3 in concentrations of 62,5ÎŒg/mL, 125ÎŒg/mL and 250ÎŒg/mL and, after 4 hours, infected with promastigote forms in the ratio of 1:10 for 24 hours. In the second model, the macrophages were infected with promastigotes (1:10) and, after 4 hours, treated with HCE, FAc or FCHCl3 for 24 hours. Quantifcation of phagocytosed amastigotes and calculation of infection rates were then perfomed. In the âprophylacticâ model, only macrophages exposed to the highest concentrations of HCE presented infection rates lower than the negative control. However, in the âtherapeuticâ model, the three concentrations of both the HCE and FAc reduced the infection of macrophages compared to the negative control, with the highest concentration of HCE being even more effective than the positive control. In conclusion, the HCE from leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides and its FAc have an anti-Leishmania therapeutic effect on the in vitro macrophages infection.Descriptors: Leishmaniasis. Leishmania amazonensis. Chenopodium ambrosioides
Plasma osteopontin levels and expression in adipose tissue are increased in obesity
Obesity acts as a cardiovascular risk factor by mechanisms that are not
fully understood. Osteopontin (OPN) is a proinflammatory mediator involved in
tissue remodeling that plays a role in atherosclerosis and diabetes. OBJECTIVE:
The aim of the present study was to compare the circulating concentrations of OPN
and its mRNA expression in omental adipose tissue of lean, overweight, and obese
individuals and to analyze the effect of weight loss. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
Plasma concentrations of OPN were measured in 77 volunteers. OPN mRNA expression
in omental adipose tissue obtained from 12 women was quantified by real-time PCR.
In addition, the concentrations of OPN in 12 obese men were measured before and
after weight loss following a dietetic program. SETTING: The study was conducted
at a University Hospital. RESULTS: Obese and overweight patients exhibited
significantly increased circulating OPN concentrations as compared with lean
subjects (obese 72.6 +/- 28.5, overweight 68.2 +/- 20.8, lean 42.7 +/- 27.9
ng/ml; P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between OPN
levels and body fat (r = 0.45; P < 0.0001). Obese individuals showed
significantly increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of OPN in omental adipose
tissue as compared with lean volunteers, which was further increased in obese
diabetic patients. Diet-induced weight loss significantly decreased OPN
concentrations from 64.7 +/- 22.1 to 36.6 +/- 20.1 ng/ml (P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings represent the first observation that plasma OPN and
mRNA expression of OPN in omental adipose tissue are increased in
overweight/obese patients with the latter being further elevated in
obesity-associated diabetes. Moreover, weight loss reduces OPN concentrations,
which may contribute to the beneficial effects accompanying weight reduction.
Measurement of OPN might be useful for evaluating the outcomes of various
clinical interventions for obesity-related cardiovascular disease
Increased tenascin C and Toll-like receptor 4 levels in visceral adipose tissue as a link between inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in obesity
CONTEXT:
Obesity is associated with an altered inflammatory and extracellular matrix (ECM) profile. Tenascin C (TNC) is an ECM glycoprotein with proinflammatory effects.
OBJECTIVE:
We aimed to explore the expression levels of TNC in adipose tissue analyzing the contribution of adipocytes and stromovascular fraction cells (SVFC) as well as its impact on inflammation and ECM regulation. We also analyzed the effect of the stimulation with TNF-α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on both SVFC and adipocytes.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Samples obtained from 75 subjects were used in the study. Expression levels of TNC, TLR4, MMP2, and MMP9 were analyzed in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as well as in both adipocytes and SVFC. In addition, Tnc expression was measured in two mice models of obesity.
RESULTS:
We show, for the first time, that VAT expression levels of TNC are increased in normoglycemic and type 2 diabetic obese patients (P<0.01) as well as in obese patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (P<0.01). Furthermore, expression levels of Tnc in epididymal adipose tissue from two different mice models of obesity were significantly increased (P<0.01). TNC and TLR4 were mainly expressed by SVFC, and its expression was significantly enhanced (P<0.01) by TNF-α treatment. LPS treatment also increased mRNA levels of TNC. Moreover, the addition of exogenous TNC induced (P<0.05) TLR4 and CCL2 mRNA expression in human adipocyte cultures.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings indicate that TNC is involved in the etiopathology of obesity via visceral adipose tissue inflammation representing a link with ECM remodeling
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