Galectin-3: a biomarker of metabolic progression of type 2 diabetes?

According to the International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) has affected more than 425 million people in 2017 worldwide]. Not only is it a disease responsible for more than 4 million deaths, but also a trigger for other non communicable diseases and a huge burden on national health systems. The most important clinical manifestation of T2DM is hyperglycemia and monitoring of blood glucose levels remains the only method of screening. However, when glucose levels are high, the disease is already in place. The large investment in DM2 research allowed the identification of biomarkers that could be used to describe the progression of diabetes and some were described as having a predictive potential value to differentiate between progressors / non-progressors. One of the biomarkers described is Galectin-3 (Gal3). Previous studies of our group have already demonstrated a correlation of Gal3 between diabetic and non-diabetic animals.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Glycated Albumin: A new biomarker for monitoring metabolic progression of diabetes

One of the consequences of the metabolic progression of diabetes is kidney disease, being also a main cause of diabetes related morbidity and mortality. Therefore, earlier adoption of methods to estimate chronic kidney disease risks along with a more accurate glycemic index for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly desirable. One of the widely used tubular injury markers is N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), a lysosomal enzyme of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. One study demonstrated that the association between glycated albumin (GA) and uNAG excretion and observed that GA was significantly associated with uNAG excretion independent of other confounding factors. Consequently, this study suggest that GA can be a strong independent predictor of early renal tubular damage, beyond its role as a surrogate marker of glucose control (Huh et al., 2018).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Assessment of biofilm formation by Campylobacter spp. isolates mimicking poultry slaughterhouse conditions

Research Areas: AgricultureThis research aimed to assess the biofilm formation ability of Campylobacter strains under temperature and oxygen stress conditions, similar to those found in the industrial environment, to explain the persistence of this pathogen on the poultry slaughter line. A collection of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates (n = 143) obtained from poultry samples (cecal content and neck skin), collected at slaughterhouse level, from diverse flocks, on different working days, was genotyped by flaA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing method. A clustering analysis resulted in the assignment of 10 main clusters, from which 15 strains with different flaA-RFLP genotypes were selected for the assessment of biofilm formation ability and antimicrobial susceptibility. Biofilm assays, performed by crystal violet staining method, were conducted with the goal of mimicking some conditions present at the slaughterhouse environment, based on temperature, atmosphere, and contamination levels. Results indicated that many C. jejuni strains with similar flaA-RFLP profiles were present at the slaughterhouse on different processing days. All the strains tested (n = 15) were multidrugresistant except for one. Biofilm formation ability was strain-dependent, and it appeared to have been affected by inoculum concentration, temperature, and tolerance to oxygen levels. At 10 degrees C, adherence levels were significantly lower than at 42 degrees C. Under microaerobic and aerobic atmospheres, at 42 degrees C, 3 strains (C. jejuni 46E, C. jejuni 61C, and C. coli 65B) stood out, exhibiting significant levels of biofilm formation. C. jejuni strains 46E and 61C were inserted in clusters with evidence of persistence at the slaughterhouse for a long period of time. This study demonstrated that Campylobacter strains from broilers are capable of forming biofilms under conditions resembling the slaughterhouse environment. These results should be seen as a cue to improve the programs of hygiene implemented, particularly in those zones that can promote biofilm formation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Losses Analysis of Induction Motors under Ambient and Cryogenic Conditions

Cryogenic induction machines have been re-emerging as a potential solution to increase the current power density for challenging specific power applications. Compared with an ambient temperature operation, cryogenic conditions allow higher power density and increased efficiency due to the decrease of electric resistivity of conducting materials and increased cooling capability. This work focuses on the losses analysis of induction machines immersed in liquid nitrogen. Under ambient and cryogenic conditions, experimental tests are performed and presented for two induction machines, a 90 W 40 V induction machine, and a 550 W 400 V induction machine, to evaluate the mechanical, iron and residual losses, and the change of their equivalent circuit parameters

A Case-by-Case Evolutionary Analysis of Four Imprinted Retrogenes

Retroposition is a widespread phenomenon resulting in the generation of new genes that are initially related to a parent gene via very high coding sequence similarity. We examine the evolutionary fate of four retrogenes generated by such an event; mouse Inpp5f_v2, Mcts2, Nap1l5, and U2af1-rs1. These genes are all subject to the epigenetic phenomenon of parental imprinting. We first provide new data on the age of these retrogene insertions. Using codon-based models of sequence evolution, we show these retrogenes have diverse evolutionary trajectories, including divergence from the parent coding sequence under positive selection pressure, purifying selection pressure maintaining parent-retrogene similarity, and neutral evolution. Examination of the expression pattern of retrogenes shows an atypical, broad pattern across multiple tissues. Protein 3D structure modeling reveals that a positively selected residue in U2af1-rs1, not shared by its parent, may influence protein conformation. Our case-by-case analysis of the evolution of four imprinted retrogenes reveals that this interesting class of imprinted genes, while similar in regulation and sequence characteristics, follow very varied evolutionary paths

Aerobic Swim Training Restores Aortic Endothelial Function by Decreasing Superoxide Levels in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether aerobic training decreases superoxide levels, increases nitric oxide levels, and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the aortas of spontaneously hypertensive rats. METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were distributed into 2 groups: sedentary (SHRsd and WKYsd, n=10 each) and swimming-trained (SHRtr, n=10 and WKYtr, n=10, respectively). The trained group participated in training sessions 5 days/week for 1 h/day with an additional work load of 4% of the animal’s body weight. After a 10-week sedentary or aerobic training period, the rats were euthanized. The thoracic aortas were removed to evaluate the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (10-10 to 10-4 M) with or without preincubation with L-NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 10-4 M) in vitro. The aortic tissue was also used to assess the levels of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase subunit isoforms 1 and 4 proteins, as well as the superoxide and nitrite contents. Blood pressure was measured using a computerized tail-cuff system. RESULTS: Aerobic training significantly increased the acetylcholine-induced maximum vasodilation observed in the SHRtr group compared with the SHRsd group (85.9±4.3 vs. 71.6±5.2%). Additionally, in the SHRtr group, superoxide levels were significantly decreased, nitric oxide bioavailability was improved, and the levels of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase subunit isoform 4 protein were decreased compared to the SHRsd group. Moreover, after training, the blood pressure of the SHRtr group decreased compared to the SHRsd group. Exercise training had no effect on the blood pressure of the WKYtr group. CONCLUSIONS: In SHR, aerobic swim training decreased vascular superoxide generation by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase subunit isoform 4 and increased nitric oxide bioavailability, thereby improving endothelial function

Experimental validation of a reduced-scale rail power conditioner based on modular multilevel converter for AC railway power grids

Rail power conditioner (RPC) has the ability to improve the power quality in AC railway power grids. This power conditioner can increase the loading capacity of traction substations, balance the active power between the feeder load sections, and compensate for reactive power and current harmonics. At present, there is increasing use of multilevel converter topologies, which provide scalability and robust performance under different conditions. In this framework, modular multilevel converter (MMC) is emerging as a prominent solution for medium-voltage applications. Serving that purpose, this paper focuses on the implementation, testing, and validation of a reduced-scale laboratory prototype of a proposed RPC based on an MMC. The developed laboratory prototype, designed to be compact, reliable, and adaptable to multipurpose applications, is presented, highlighting the main control and power circuit boards of the MMC. In addition, MMC parameter design of the filter inductor and submodule capacitor is also explained. Experimental analysis and validation of a reduced-scale prototype RPC based on MMC topology, are provided to verify the power quality improvement in electrified railway power grids. Thus, two experimental case studies are presented: (1) when both of the load sections are unequally loaded; (2) when only one load section is loaded. Experimental results confirm the RPC based on MMC is effective in reducing the harmonic contents, solving the problem of three-phase current imbalance and compensating reactive power.This work has been supported by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT), in Portuguese, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020. Mohamed Tanta was supported by FCT grant with a reference PD/BD/127815/2016. Jose Cunha is supported by FCT grant with a reference PB/BD/143005/2018. Luis A. M. Barros is supported by FCT grant with a reference PD/BD/143006/2018

Benefits Of Therapeutic Horticulture In Institutionalized Patients With Mental Health Disorders Within An Organic Environment

Therapeutic horticulture (TH) is a non-pharmacological approach to assist other psychiatric treatments and should be carried out according to organic principles for health reasons. The benefits of TH in individuals with mental health conditions can be found in the literature. However, it is scarce the information to understand if TH activities have advantages when compared to more conventional occupational therapies (OT), and this is the main objective of the present study. It was led in a psychiatric hospital in Portugal with 25 patients attending TH amongst other OT and 15 patients attending only OT. The instruments used were two questionnaires of sociodemographic and clinical data and patients’ preferences, and two evaluation instruments, the ‘Subjective Happiness Scale’ (SHS) and the short form of the ‘Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults’ (SELSA-S).The scores of the SHS and SELSA-S were generally similar for TH and OT groups, except the 'optimism about life' with a lower optimistic perception of life for the TH patients. It was found that the activities of TH were preferred to other OT by 48% of the patients in the TH group. The changes perceived by some of these TH patients included the perception of feeling more relaxed and happier. In this group, a greater number of days per week with activities provided lower loneliness and a greater happiness perspective compared to peers. For all patients, visits by family or friends also had a positive effect as revealed by the lower level of family emotional loneliness, compared to patients without visits. The findings and the benefits reported in the literature suggest that TH is an integrative treatment option, which merits further study and can be better tailored to maximize TH effectiveness

How do novel feed formulations affect growth performance, oxidative stress and immune response of atlantic salmon?

Trabajo presentado en la International Conference & Exposition Aquaculture Europe, celebrada en Funchal, Maderia (Portugal) del 04 al 07 de octubre de 2021.[Introduction]: The aquaculture industry continues to grow faster than any other sector of food production. The need to make aquaculture as sustainable and more environmentally conscious as possible is becoming clearer everyday (FAO, 2020). With this in mind, the replacement of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds has been studied in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (e.g., Bendiksen et al., 2011) with many products emerging as potential alternatives to conventional ones (e.g., Hodar et al., 2020). One of the main objectives of the EU project GAIN is to evaluate new ingredients that are already commercially available using different formulation concepts that consider all the fish nutritional needs. GAIN diets are based on circular economy principles and maximize resource efficiency, while contributing to zero waste in the agri-food value chain, being cost-effective feeds, and having good social acceptability. The present study aims to understand the actual effects of these novel feed formulations on growth performance, nutritional status, immunity and oxidative status.[Methods]: Quadruplicate groups of Atlantic salmon were fed ad libitum with three different diets. Two diets were developed to facilitate the eco-intensification of aquaculture through increased circularity and resource utilization (NOPAP - formula without processed animal protein - and PAP - formula with processed animal protein). The third diet was a commercial-like formulation that was used as a control. After a 96-day feeding trial, plasma samples were collected to evaluate humoral parameters (protease, anti-protease, bactericidal activity, and IgM). Liver and head kidney tissues (collected at day 45 and 96) were used for the simultaneous profiling by PCR array of a panel of 38 or 28 genes, respectively, as markers of growth performance, lipid and energy metabolism, and immune and antioxidant activities. Liver samples were also used to analyse lipid peroxidation. In addition, after 45 and 96 days, the lice count and fish welfare were also assessed by standard methods. The dorsal skin and foregut were collected at days 45 and 96 for mucosal mapping (mucous cell area, density, and barrier status).[Results]: Growth performance was adequate and comparable to commercial standards for the novel diets tested. Other parameters analysed, including those related to key performance indicators, intestinal and skin dorsal mucosal mapping, plasma innate immune defences, and lipid peroxidation in the liver did not significantly differ across diets. Regarding head kidney gene expression, at Day 45, 2 out of 28 genes in the array were differentially expressed (p<0.05). Gene expression of fish fed with novel feed formulations showed a pro-inflammatory profile evidenced by the up regulation of il-8, and a down regulation of il-10.At Day 96, the same genes continued to be differentially expressed, but gene clec1b (membrane protein) was also up-regulated. However, the rest of the analyses do not support this pro-inflammatory profile. A longer trial may bring light to some of the current results. In turn, the liver had a differential gene expression only at the second sampling point (Day96), where 4 out of 38 genes in the array were affected, including growth performance (igf2), lipid metabolism, elongases (elovl4), and energy metabolism (ucp2l and sirt1). These transcriptomic changes may be attributed to an initial response to the experimental diets. Cross-analysis of gene expression by time points and dietary treatment (two-way ANOVA) yielded only 2 out of 38 genes that had significantly different expression across treatments. The differentially expressed genes were related to growth performance (igf2) and lipid metabolism (elovl4).[Conclusions]: The novel feed formulations of the GAIN project for Atlantic Salmon seem to be viable options for the near future. In any case, all results are related to the formulation itself and cannot be attributed to a specific ingredient alteration. More studies are necessary to understand the cost-benefit of these new formulations and their market acceptability to optimize sustainability within the current/predictable European regulatory framework.This project was financed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 773330 (GAIN), with additional support from Nord University (Norway) and SPAROS Lda (Portugal)

A erradicaçao da síncope vasovagal maligna pela estimulaçao cardíaca artificial

Reaçoes vasovagais intensas podem ocorrer em indivíduos sadios expostos a emoçoes fortes e súbitas, como medo, dor e frustraçao. O objetivo do presente trabalho é o relato do caso de um paciente que após estímulos emocionais apresentou dois episódios de síncope e parada cardíaca, necessitando de massagem cardíaca externa. Um homem de 46 anos apresentou sintomas pré-sincopais em uma consulta médica de rotina, durante a medida de sua pressao arterial. Diante desse quadro, o paciente foi monitorizado, porém sua condiçao se deteriorou rapidamente, com aumento da ansiedade, sendo constatado um período de assistolia e síncope que necessitou de massagem cardíaca externa para sua reversao. Transferido para o hospital, foi mantido sob monitorizaçao contínua. Na realizaçao de punçao venosa para colheita de exames, apresentou nova assistolia e síncope, mais uma vez necessitando de massagem cardíaca externa. Na história pregressa, o paciente relatou outros episódios pré-sincopais em situaçoes de tensao emocional. O Holter de 24 horas, período no qual nao houve estímulo emocional importante, foi normal. O Ecocardiograma também nao apresentou anormalidades.