Superpulsed low-level laser therapy protects skeletal muscle of mdx mice against damage, inflammation and morphological changes delaying dystrophy progression.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of preventive treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on progression of dystrophy in mdx mice. Methods: Ten animals were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups treated with superpulsed LLLT (904 nm, 15 mW, 700 Hz, 1 J) or placebo-LLLT at one point overlying the tibialis anterior muscle (bilaterally) 5 times per week for 14 weeks (from 6th to 20th week of age). Morphological changes, creatine kinase (CK) activity and mRNA gene expression were assessed in animals at 20th week of age. Results: Animals treated with LLLT showed very few morphological changes in skeletal muscle, with less atrophy and fibrosis than animals treated with placebo-LLLT. CK was significantly lower (p = 0.0203) in animals treated with LLLT (864.70 U.l−1, SEM 226.10) than placebo (1708.00 U.l−1, SEM 184.60). mRNA gene expression of inflammatory markers was significantly decreased by treatment with LLLT (p<0.05): TNF-α (placebo-control = 0.51 µg/µl [SEM 0.12], - LLLT = 0.048 µg/µl [SEM 0.01]), IL-1β (placebo-control = 2.292 µg/µl [SEM 0.74], - LLLT = 0.12 µg/µl [SEM 0.03]), IL-6 (placebo-control = 3.946 µg/µl [SEM 0.98], - LLLT = 0.854 µg/µl [SEM 0.33]), IL-10 (placebo-control = 1.116 µg/µl [SEM 0.22], - LLLT = 0.352 µg/µl [SEM 0.15]), and COX-2 (placebo-control = 4.984 µg/µl [SEM 1.18], LLLT = 1.470 µg/µl [SEM 0.73]). Conclusion: Irradiation of superpulsed LLLT on successive days five times per week for 14 weeks decreased morphological changes, skeletal muscle damage and inflammation in mdx mice. This indicates that LLLT has potential to decrease progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Improving research labs’ performance through project management guidelines: a case study analysis

© 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: The article aims to critically analyze the project management developed by research laboratories of a Brazilian university in order to enhance their performance. For this, a critical analysis was performed to identify existing opportunities about the management of schedules and resources. Additionally, a software was developed to enable performance improvement. Design/methodology/approach: The methodological procedures used were literature review, for a theoretical foundation, and case study conducted with semi-structured interviews, documentary research and on-site visits. Through a detailed critical analysis of the laboratories' management, it was possible to understand the activities developed and map the main difficulties observed. Findings: A total of five plausible points of improvement were identified, namely reduced teams and accumulation of activities; team seasonality; centralized management; deviations from projects and schedule control. Based on the theoretical foundation, it has been proposed adjustments to minimize the mentioned difficulties that can greatly contribute for better management efficiency of multiple research projects. In addition, a software was structured based on the proposed improvements. The laboratories' performance was monitored for a month and significant improvements were observed. Practical implications: The information presented here may be of great value to other researchers interested in enhancing research laboratory performance. Originality/value: The academic literature presents several examples of project management guidelines application in different organizations; however, there are few studies about the application of them in research laboratories and how to improve their performance

Comparação entre o consumo de água nos bebedouros de nível e chupeta, para suínos em crescimento e terminação.

Tendo como objetivo determinar o consumo de água que ocorre nos bebedouros, realizou-se um experimento no CNPSA-EMBRAPA, nos abril (época quente) e julho a setembro (época fria), 1989

Metodologia de caracterização físico-química de lignina kraft.

A presente Metodologia descreve a aplicação otimizada das técnicas analíticas ATG, BET, 13C-RMN, DSC, FTIR, MEV-EDS, Py-GC-MS e SEC -ELSD na caracterização físico-química de uma amostra de lignina kraft, obtida de híbrido nacional de E. grandis x E. urophylla. Por meio de tais técnicas, foi possível observar as várias propriedades físico-químicas da lignina, de modo a poder avaliar a utilização da mesma como suporte de liberação lenta ou controlada de moléculas bioativas de interesse agrícola. The present Methodology describes the optimized application of the analytical techniques TGA, BET, 13C-NMR, DSC, FTIR, SEM -EDS, Py-GC-MS and SEC-ELSD in the physicochemical characterization of a kraft lignin sample obtained from E. grandis x E. urophylla hybrid plant. By means these techniques it was possible to observe the various physicochemical properties of lignin in order to be able to evaluate the use of kraft lignin as a carrier for controlled release of bioactive molecules of agricultural interest.bitstream/item/214471/1/Boletim-de-Pesquisa-e-Desenvolvimento-Metodologia-de-Caracterizac807a771o-Fi769sico-Qui769mica-de-Lignina-Kraft-2020.pd