Survival outcome and EMT suppression mediated by a lectin domain interaction of Endo180 and CD147

Epithelial cell-cell contacts maintain normal glandular tissue homeostasis, and their breakage can trigger epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a fundamental step in the development of metastatic cancer. Despite the ability of C-type lectin domains (CTLD) to modulate cell-cell adhesion, it is not known if they modulate epithelial adhesion in EMT and tumor progression. Here, the multi-CTLD mannose receptor, Endo180 (MRC2/uPARAP), was shown using the Kaplan-Meier analysis to be predictive of survival outcome in men with early prostate cancer. A proteomic screen of novel interaction partners with the fourth CTLD (CTLD4) in Endo180 revealed that its complex with CD147 is indispensable for the stability of three-dimensional acini formed by nontransformed prostate epithelial cells (PEC). Mechanistic study using knockdown of Endo180 or CD147, and treatment with an Endo180 mAb targeting CTLD4 (clone 39.10), or a dominant-negative GST-CTLD4 chimeric protein, induced scattering of PECs associated with internalization of Endo180 into endosomes, loss of E-cadherin (CDH1/ECAD), and unzipping of cell-cell junctions. These findings are the first to demonstrate that a CTLD acts as a suppressor and regulatory switch for EMT; thus, positing that stabilization of Endo180-CD147 complex is a viable therapeutic strategy to improve rates of prostate cancer survival

Development of a solar photovoltaic backpack sprayer

Backpack solar photovoltaic sprayers have appeared in the market with the aim of improving spraying quality and reducing physical effort for the operator. Queries related to the duration and how to charge batteries are very common and in general they become a barrier for using this equipment in the field. With the objective to better such sprayers, this work has aimed to develop and evaluate a solar photovoltaic backpack sprayer. An electric backpack sprayer MTS brand, model Spritz 18, was used. An aluminum structure was designed and built for fixing two photovoltaic cells, Kyocera brand, model KS5. The evaluation of equipment was made for the instantaneous power generated by the photovoltaic panel with the operator in movement and with the sprayer in static, as well as the potential use of the system. At the end it was verified that the average of the instantaneous power generated was of 1.4 and 2.18 W, for in movement and in static respectively. It was observed that the developed system has wide applicability. It may be applied for field use; it may also optimize the duration of the battery up to 45% and make possible the use of backpack electric sprayers in remote or distant locations, where there is no electric supply system, once it makes possible charging the batteries just using solar energy

AGE-modified basement membrane cooperates with Endo180 to promote epithelial cell invasiveness and decrease prostate cancer survival

Biomechanical strain imposed by age-related thickening of the basal lamina and augmented tissue stiffness in the prostate gland coincides with increased cancer risk. Here we hypothesized that the structural alterations in the basal lamina associated with age can induce mechanotransduction pathways in prostate epithelial cells (PECs) to promote invasiveness and cancer progression. To demonstrate this, we developed a 3D model of PEC acini in which thickening and stiffening of basal lamina matrix was induced by advanced glycation end-product (AGE)-dependent non-enzymatic crosslinking of its major components, collagen IV and laminin. We used this model to demonstrate that antibody targeted blockade of CTLD2, the second of eight C-type lectin-like domains in Endo180 (CD280, CLEC13E, KIAA0709, MRC2, TEM9, uPARAP) that can recognize glycosylated collagens, reversed actinomyosin-based contractility [myosin-light chain-2 (MLC2) phosphorylation], loss of cell polarity, loss of cell–cell junctions, luminal infiltration and basal invasion induced by AGE-modified basal lamina matrix in PEC acini. Our in vitro results were concordant with luminal occlusion of acini in the prostate glands of adult Endo180ΔEx2–6/ΔEx2–6 mice, with constitutively exposed CTLD2 and decreased survival of men with early (non-invasive) prostate cancer with high epithelial Endo180 expression and levels of AGE. These findings indicate that AGE-dependent modification of the basal lamina induces invasive behaviour in non-transformed PECs via a molecular mechanism linked to cancer progression. This study provides a rationale for targeting CTLD2 in Endo180 in prostate cancer and other pathologies in which increased basal lamina thickness and tissue stiffness are driving factors

Eficiência da pulverização utilizando ponta hidráulica tipo cone vazio a partir da análise espectral das gotas

The goal of this study was to evaluate, through the droplet spectrum, the quality of the spray nozzle hollow cone JA-2. Working pressures ranged from 633 to 1477 kPa, as recommended by the manufacturer. The spraying was accomplished using a Yamaho pump, driven by an 1,5 kW electric motor. The nozzles volumetric distribution uniformity was determined according to the coefficient of variation of all operating pressures recommended by the manufacturer . For the realization of the study, five nozzles were randomly selected from a set of twenty. The analysis of droplets spectrum was performed using a laser particle analyzer. The coefficient of variation presented values varying from 13 to 22% for pressures ranging from 633 to 1477 kPa. The diameter of the volumetric median reduced from 151 to 109 μm with increase of pressure from 633 to 1477 kPa. The terminal velocity of droplets decreased from 0.77 to 0.37 m s-1 for the pressure of 633 kPa and 1477, respectively.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de la boquilla de pulverización de jato cónico vacío JA-2. Las presiones de trabajo oscilaron desde 633 hasta 1477 kPa, tal como recomendado por el fabricante. En la pulverización se usó una bomba Yamaho accionada por un motor eléctrico con una potencia de 1.5 kW. La uniformidad de distribución volumétrica de las boquillas fue determinada mediante la evaluación de los perfiles de los coeficientes de variación de distribución de líquido, teniendo en cuenta todas las presiones de trabajo recomendadas por el fabricante. Para este trabajo se eligió por sorteo cinco boquillas de un conjunto de veinte. La análisis del espectro de gota fue tomada utilizando un analizador de partículas por láser. El coeficiente de variación osciló entre 13 y 22% para las presiones de 633 a 1477 kPa. El diámetro mediano volumétrico se redujo desde 151 hasta 109 μm con el aumento de la presión de 633 a 1477 kPa. La velocidad terminal de las gotas disminuyó desde 0,77 hasta 0,37 m s-1considerando el rango de presiones estudiado.Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade da ponta de pulverização de jato cônico vazio JA-2. As pressões de trabalho variaram de 633 a 1477 kPa, conforme recomendação do fabricante. Na pulverização, foi utilizada uma bomba Yamaho acionada por um motor elétrico com potência de 1,5 kW. A uniformidade de distribuição volumétrica das pontas foi determinada avaliando-se o coeficiente de variação dos perfis de distribuições de líquidos, considerando-se todas as pressões de trabalho recomendadas pelo fabricante. Para a realização deste trabalho foram sorteadas cinco pontas de um conjunto de vinte. A análise do espectro de gotas foi realizada utilizando se um analisador de partículas a laser. O coeficiente de variação variou entre 13 e 22%, para as pressões de 633 e 1477 kPa. O diâmetro da mediana volumétrico reduziu de 151 para 109 μm com o aumento da pressão de 633 para 1477 kPa. A velocidade terminal das gotas reduziu de 0,77 para 0,37 m s-1 considerando o intervalo das pressões estudado

Automatic control of the droplet spectrum of a hydropneumatic sprayer according to the vapor pressure deficit in the air

The principle of fractionation and droplets size are crucial for the success of pest control. This study aimed at developing and evaluating an automated system to control the spraying droplet spectrum according to the vapor pressure deficit in the air. The automatic control system consisted of a temperature and relative humidity sensor, a microcontroller, a servomotor and a hydropneumatic sprayer. Spraying was performed on water sensitive paper labels arranged on wooden supports for different vapor pressure deficits in the air. After scanning and analysing the paper labels, three working pressures were selected (633 kPa, 844 kPa and 1,055 kPa) for use in the automated system. The results indicated that the controller efficiently maintained the droplets spectrum when spraying pesticides. Automation enabled the maintenance of the spray volume by altering the working pressure, according to the vapor pressure deficit in the air. Spraying with the automated system presented a droplet spectrum quality superior to the one obtained by using the manual system at the pressure of 633 kPa

Air and liquid volumetric distribution in vertical in a hydro-pneumatic sprayer

The objective of this research was to evaluate the air flow and spray vertical distribution produced by a hydro-pneumatic sprayer. The sprayer was attached to a John Deere tractor, model 5705. The rotation of the fan was set at 226.19 rad s-1 (2.160 rpm). The study was performed on both sides of the sprayer, with the intent of identifying possible asymmetries in the air flow distribution. Measurements of air speed were taken at three positions along the fan periphery. The uniformity of liquid vertical distribution was analyzed at pressures of 633, 844 and 1.055 kPa using a vertical collector placed two meters from the center of the fan impeller. The experiment was arranged in a randomized blocks design, with three replications. The air average speed, taken at the ventilation outlet was of 35.5 m s-1 and the average vertical speed taken at 0.5 meters from the bar was of 5.9 and 5.1 m s-1 to the left and right side, respectively. Variation coefficients for the vertical distribution volume were 136, 136 and 141% for the working pressures of 633, 844 and 1055 kPa, respectively.Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o fluxo de ar e a distribuição vertical da calda produzido por pulverizador hidropneumático. O pulverizador foi acoplado a um trator John Deere, modelo 5705. A rotação do rotor do ventilador foi de 226,19 rad s-1 (2.160 rpm). O estudo foi realizado objetivando determinar possíveis assimetrias na distribuição do vento. As medições da velocidade do ar foram feitas em três posições na borda do duto do ventilador axial. A uniformidade de distribuição de líquido na vertical foi analisada considerando as pressões de trabalho de 633, 844 e 1.055 kPa, utilizando um coletor vertical. O experimento foi montado no delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. A velocidade média do ar tomada na saída do ventilador foi de 35,5 m s-1 e a velocidade média de ar na vertical tomada a 0,5 metros da barra foi de 5,9 e 5,1 m s-1, para o lado esquerdo e direito, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de variação para a distribuição volumétrica vertical foram de 136, 136 e 141% para as pressões trabalho de 633, 844 e 1055 kPa, respectivamente

A Study of Platelet Inhibition, Using a 'Point of Care' Platelet Function Test, following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction [PINPOINT-PPCI].

BACKGROUND: Rapid coronary recanalization following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires effective anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic therapies. This study tested the impact of door to end of procedure ('door-to-end') time and baseline platelet activity on platelet inhibition within 24hours post-STEMI. METHODS AND FINDINGS: 108 patients, treated with prasugrel and procedural bivalirudin, underwent Multiplate® platelet function testing at baseline, 0, 1, 2 and 24hours post-procedure. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), bleeding and stent thrombosis (ST) were recorded. Baseline ADP activity was high (88.3U [71.8-109.0]), procedural time and consequently bivalirudin infusion duration were short (median door-to-end time 55minutes [40-70] and infusion duration 30minutes [20-42]). Baseline ADP was observed to influence all subsequent measurements of ADP activity, whereas door-to-end time only influenced ADP immediately post-procedure. High residual platelet reactivity (HRPR ADP>46.8U) was observed in 75% of patients immediately post-procedure and persisted in 24% of patients at 2hours. Five patients suffered in-hospital MACE (4.6%). Acute ST occurred in 4 patients, all were <120mins post-procedure and had HRPR. No significant bleeding was observed. In a post-hoc analysis, pre-procedural morphine use was associated with significantly higher ADP activity following intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline platelet function, time to STEMI treatment and opiate use all significantly influence immediate post-procedural platelet activity