In a zebrafish biomedical model of human Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome impaired MTH signaling leads to decreased neural cell diversity

Maternally derived thyroid hormone (T3) is a fundamental factor for vertebrate neurodevelopment. In humans, mutations on the thyroid hormones (TH) exclusive transporter monocarboxylic acid transporter 8 (MCT8) lead to the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS). Patients with AHDS present severe underdevelopment of the central nervous system, with profound cognitive and locomotor consequences. Functional impairment of zebrafish T3 exclusive membrane transporter Mct8 phenocopies many symptoms observed in patients with AHDS, thus providing an outstanding animal model to study this human condition. In addition, it was previously shown in the zebrafish mct8 KD model that maternal T3 (MTH) acts as an integrator of different key developmental pathways during zebrafish development. MethodsUsing a zebrafish Mct8 knockdown model, with consequent inhibition of maternal thyroid hormones (MTH) uptake to the target cells, we analyzed genes modulated by MTH by qPCR in a temporal series from the start of segmentation through hatching. Survival (TUNEL) and proliferation (PH3) of neural progenitor cells (dla, her2) were determined, and the cellular distribution of neural MTH-target genes in the spinal cord during development was characterized. In addition, in-vivo live imaging was performed to access NOTCH overexpression action on cell division in this AHDS model. We determined the developmental time window when MTH is required for appropriate CNS development in the zebrafish; MTH is not involved in neuroectoderm specification but is fundamental in the early stages of neurogenesis by promoting the maintenance of specific neural progenitor populations. MTH signaling is required for developing different neural cell types and maintaining spinal cord cytoarchitecture, and modulation of NOTCH signaling in a non-autonomous cell manner is involved in this process. DiscussionThe findings show that MTH allows the enrichment of neural progenitor pools, regulating the cell diversity output observed by the end of embryogenesis and that Mct8 impairment restricts CNS development. This work contributes to the understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying human AHDS.ALG-01-0145-FEDER-022121; ABC-RI CRESC Algarve 2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Introduction to Phytochemicals: Secondary Metabolites from Plants with Active Principles for Pharmacological Importance

Phytochemicals are substances produced mainly by plants, and these substances have biological activity. In the pharmaceutical industry, plants represent the main source to obtain various active ingredients. They exhibit pharmacological effects applicable to the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections and also chronic-degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cancer. However, the next step in science is to find new ways to obtain it. In this chapter, we discuss about the main groups of phytochemicals, in addition to presenting two case studies. One of the most important secondary metabolites is currently Taxol, which is a natural compound of the taxoid family and is also known for its antitumor activity against cancer located in breasts, lungs, and prostate and is also effective with Kaposi’s sarcoma. Our case studies will be about Taxol, extracted from an unexplored plant species, and the production of Taxol by its endophytic fungi

Expression patterns of MLC isoforms during halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) metamorphosis

Atlantic halibut is an important commercial fish in the countries of the North Atlantic and is emerging as a promising species for marine cold-water aquaculture. The axial musculature of the developing larvae is the largest and most rapidly growing tissue and during the transition from larval to adult muscle fibre types significant changes in fibre morphology and gene transcription occur. In fact the change in myotome height correlates well with different larval halibut stages. In the present study the spatial and temporal expression of myosin light chain 1 (MLC1), 2 (MLC2) and 3 (MLC3) was studied in metamorphosing halibut by in situ hybridization. As a first step to establishing a role for the thyroid axis in halibut muscle development whole body thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations were also determined. In first feeding larvae MLC1, MLC2A and MLC3 transcripts had a similar distribution and were confined to the muscle fibres of the germinal zones. In pre-metamorphic larvae transcripts were highly expressed throughout the epaxial and hypaxial musculature and expression levels reached a maximum in larvae starting metamorphosis, this change coincided with a significant increase in the concentration of thyroid hormones. By the time larvae reached the metamorphic climax, MLC1, MLC2A and MLC3 expression was still high throughout the musculature but expression was confined to fibres adjacent to the myosepts and to small cells scattered in the musculature, possibly satellite cells. MLC2A was also expressed in the red muscle fibres; no transition between larval and adult MLC isoforms was detected.This work was funded by European Union project CT 96-1442, ARRDE-Q5Rs-2002-01192 and Portuguese Ministry of Science and Technology – Pluriannual funding to CCMAR. We thank Heiddis Smáradóttir, (Fiskey, Iceland) for providing the animal samples

Morphologic and molecular responses of developing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to dietary minerals

Dissertação mest., Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, 2009Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) play a critical role in diverse biological processes, and their regulation is essential for organism health. In the present study, the adaptive response to Ca and P dietary availability in trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was evaluated taking an integrative approach. The impact of dietary restriction in Ca and P on skeletal ontogeny, morphology and density was assessed. The expression of previously known Pi responsive genes, along with calciotropic hormones STC, CT and extracellular matrix proteins (osteonectin and osteopontin) was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The activity of the ultimobrachial gland and corpuscles of Stannius was determined by morphometry after immunohistochemistry for calcitonin (CT) and stanniocalcin (STC) respectively. P restricted individuals showed decreased whole body P and Ca content throughout the experiment. The restriction of dietary P led to delayed skeletal ontogeny which affected the mineralization level of both endochondral and dermal bones, and was associated with an increase in the incidence of skeletal malformation. Low Ca and increased P in the diet also delayed skeletal development at D11 but this effect was transient. High dietary P caused increased plasma levels of P by D11 and a cumulative mortality rate of 90% by the end of the experiment. These individuals had denser bones and a lower incidence of malformations, possibly due to the effect of “survival of the fittest”. Of the previously identified molecular markers of P deficiency in trout S10011A was found to be significantly downregulated in P deficient trout fry, while INaPiIIb was dowregulated in trout fry on low Ca and high P diets. The calciotropic hormone STC was upregulated in trout fry on low P diets and CT was downregulated in trout fry on high P and low Ca diets. OSN expression was also downregulated in the high P group. The study indicates that modifications in the dietary Ca and P during development significantly modify the ontogeny and density of the skeleton. The availability of Ca and P also led to modification in endocrine factors presumably to ensure maintenance of mineral homeostasis. It seems likely that changes in hormone production may be responsible for changes in transcript abundance of specific transporters/binding proteins of Ca and P although in the present study it was not possible to test this hypothesis

Expression of the myosin light chains 1 and 2 in the developing fast muscle of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Myosin, the major component of striated muscle, is a complex molecule of heavy and light chains, which undergo continuous replacement to meet developmental and environmental demands. A range of myosin isoforms are expressed in early developmental stages and are of special interest as they offer information about muscle formation and function early in life. In addition, they can act as markers for the study of prenatal events with an effect on postnatal growth performance. In this study, the spatial and temporal expression of embryonic myosin light chains 1 (MLC1) and 2 (MLC2) was studied in sea bream larvae post-hatch by in situ hybridization using riboprobes

Pengembangan Estetika Melalui Kegiatan Cooking Class di RA As-Shofa Ciparay

This study examines how cooking class plays a role in the development of aesthetic attitudes in early childhood with the aim of this study is to improve and develop aesthetic attitudes of early childhood. The data collection process was carried out by interviewing related teachers through Whatsapp media accounts and analyzing learning videos. The type of research used is descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The subject in this study is the child of RA As-Shofa class b. Interviews were conducted with educators about the cooking class learning model and how the learning was carried out. The development of aesthetics through cooking class activities at RA As-Shofa for grade b children makes children feel more confident in showing their aesthetic attitudes

Comparative evaluation of the effects of epidural morphine and 0.9% sodium chloride on cardiorespiratory function and anesthetic recovery in ponies

Epidural analgesia is an effective technique to treat acute and chronic pain as well as to provide preemptive, intraoperative, and postoperative analgesia. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of epidurally injected morphine and a control group that received 0.9% sodium chloride. Eighteen healthy male adult ponies were studied. Two groups of 9 were formed. Group M (morphine) received 0.1mg/kg morphine diluted up to 5ml in sterile water, injected at the first intercoccygeal intervertebral space. Group S (saline) received 5ml of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. All animals received 1mg/kg xylazine IV for sedation, were induced with 5% guaifenesin at 55mg/kg and 5% thiopental sodium at 4mg/kg IV, and maintained with halothane. Orthopedic surgeries on the thoracic limb (desmotomy) and on the pelvic limb (total ostectomy of the metatarsal II bone) were performed. After anesthesia induction, heart rate, respiratory rate, and arterial blood pressure recorded at 15 minutes intervals, for 90 minutes. Recovery times were recorded beginning when the administration of halothane was interrupted. Recovery quality was graded and compared between groups. Data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test, and ANOVA on ranks. Results demonstrated that recovery time was significantly shorter for the saline group, although the recovery quality was better for the morphine group. Epidural morphine does not produce surgical analgesia for the thoracic limbs in ponies. However it does produce for the pelvic limbs. Epidural morphine in ponies produces superior recovery quality when halothane is used as an inhalant anesthetic

Serviço de referência e tecnologia da informação : construindo múltiplas interfaces

Analyzes and reflects the reference service in academic libraries considering the consequences that the use of information technology provides this kind of service, without ignoring traditional methods proposed by the reference interview . To achieve what is being proposed, we resorted to a literature on the subject, as well as the observation of the work process that is performed by librarians in a university library, and the Central Library of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, as research area . Through this research it was possible to confirm a priori that although the reference face still prevails, efforts already being engaged in the consolidation of hybrid spaces, given the fullness of the needs required.Analisa e discute o serviço de referência em bibliotecas universitárias, considerando os reflexos que a utilização da tecnologia de informação proporciona a esse tipo de serviço, sem desconsiderar os métodos tradicionais propostos pela entrevista de referência. Para alcançar aquilo que está sendo proposto, recorreu-se a um levantamento bibliográfico sobre o assunto, bem como ao processo de observação do trabalho que é realizado pelos bibliotecários em uma biblioteca universitária, tendo a Biblioteca Central da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo como espaço de investigação. Por meio deste estudo foi possível confirmar, a priori, que, embora a referência presencial ainda prevaleça, esforços já vêm sendo empenhados na consolidação de espaços híbridos, atendendo a plenitude das necessidades demandadas