Possíveis mecanismos de recuperação da função da retina com uso de terapia celular com células tronco derivadas da medula óssea

Bone marrow has been proposed as a potential source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. In the eye, degeneration of neural cells in the retina is a hallmark of such widespread ocular diseases as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. Bone marrow is an ideal tissue for studying stem cells mainly because of its accessibility. Furthermore, there are a number of well-defined mouse models and cell surface markers that allow effective study of hematopoiesis in healthy and injured mice. Because of these characteristics and the experience of bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of hematological disease such as leukemia, bone marrow-derived stem cells have also become a major tool in regenerative medicine. Those cells may be able to restore the retina function through different mechanisms: A) cellular differentiation, B) paracrine effect, and C) retinal pigment epithelium repair. In this review, we described these possible mechanisms of recovery of retinal function with the use of cell therapy with bone marrow-derived stem cells.As células tronco derivadas da medula óssea têm sido propostas como uma fonte em potencial de células para medicina regenerativa. No olho, a degeneração de células neurais da retina são a marca de doenças difusas, como a degeneração macular relacionada com a idade (DMRI) e a retinose pigmentar. A medula óssea é um tecido ideal para estudar as células tronco por causa da sua acessibilidade. Devido a estas características e a experiência do transplante de medula óssea no tratamento de doenças hematológicas, como as leucemias, as célulastronco derivadas da medula óssea têm se tornado a maior ferramenta na medicina regenerativa. Essas células podem ser capazes de restaurar a função da retina através dos seguintes mecanismos: A) diferenciação celular; B) efeito parácrino; C) reparo do epitélio pigmentado da retina. Nesta revisão nós descrevemos os possíveis mecanismos de recuperação da função da retina com uso de terapia celular com células tronco derivadas da medula óssea

PYRUVATE KINASE ISOENZYMES FROM SUBMAXILLARY AND SUBLINGUAL SALIVARY GLANDS OF RAT (Rattus rattus norvaegicus, Berkenhout). I PURIFICATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Piruvatoquinase de glândula salivar submaxilar e sublingual de rato (Rattus rattus norvaegicus, Berkenhout) foi purificada até homogeneidade por salting out por precipitação com sulfato de amônio seguida de cromatografia de coluna, primeiro com fosfocelulose e eluição com solução 0,5M de KCl e depois com Blue Sepharose CL-6B eluida com PEP 5mM e ADP 5mM. Obteve-se atividade específica final de 324,5 UI/mg com rendimento global de 20,1% para SM-PK e de 427,4 UI com rendimento global de 9,5% para SL-PK, com pesos moleculares de 60.500 e 50.000 Daltons determinado em eletroforese do tipo PAGE com e sem SDS, para SM-PK e de 242.000 e 200.000 para SL-PK, sugerindo, com isso que se tratam de homotetrâmeros. Por eletroforese em gel de acetato demonstrou-se que tanto SM-K como SL-K possuem somente uma forma isoenzimática com mobilidade eletroforética similar à PK tipo L de fígado de rato e do tipo M2 do rim de rato. verificou-se que o pH ótimo para ambas as enzimas é de 7,4. Abstract Pyruvate kinase from rat (Rattus rattus norvaegicus) submaxillary and sublingual salivary glands was purified to homogeneity by a 3-step process. One step involved salting out by ammonium sulfate precipitation and two steps, column chromatography, first with phosphocellulose and elution with 0.5M KCl and then with Blue Sepharose CL-6B eluted with 5mM PEP and 5 mM ADP. The final specific activity of SM-PK was 324.5 IU/mg with an overall yield of 20.1%. The values for SL-PK were 427. 4 IU/mg and a yield of 9.5%. The molecular weights of the native enzymes and their subunits, as determined by PAGE electrophoresis with or without SDS were 60.500 and 50.000 Daltons respectively, for SM-PK and 242.000 and 200.000 for SL-PK, suggesting that these enzymes were present as homotetramers. By means of cellulose acetate electrophoresis it has been demonstrated that both SM-PK and SL-PK possess only one isozymic form displaying eletrophoretic mobility similar to that of the L-type PK from rat liver and M2- type PK form rat kidney. Optimum pH for both SM-PK and SL-PK was found to be 7. 4 in Tris-HCl buffer

Estudo comparativo do tempo de piscadas entre adultos jovens e adultos usuários de monitor de microcomputador em ambiente climatizado

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the average blinking time in conversation and in Video Display Terminal use of young adults and adults in the presbyopic age group. METHODS: A transversal analytical study in a readily accessible sample consisting of Volkswagen do Brasil - Curitiba, Paraná employees was performed. The cohort group consisted of 108 subjects divided into two age groups: Group 1, the young adult group (age range 20-39): 77 employees, mean age of 30.09 ± 5.09; Group 2, the presbyopic adult group, (age range 40-53): 31 employees, mean age of 44.17 ± 3. Subjects under 18 years of age, with a history of ocular disorders, contact lens wearers and computer non-users were excluded. The subjects had their faces filmed for 10 minutes in conversation and VDT reading. Student's t-test was used and the statistical significance level was 95%. RESULTS: The average time between blinks in Group 1 for conversation and VDT reading was 5.16 ± 1.83 and 10.42 ± 7.78 seconds, respectively; in Group 2. 4,9 ± 1.49 and 10.46 ± 5.54 seconds. In both age groups, the time between blinks in VDT reading situations was higher (p<0.0001). There was no statistically meaningful difference for conversation and VDT reading situations when the two studied age groups were compared (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the blinking time between young adults and the presbyopic group in VDT use situations when compared with reading situations. The difference in the blinking frequency between young adults and the presbyopic group in VDT use and reading situations was not statistically significant.OBJETIVOS: Investigar o intervalo entre as piscadas em adultos jovens e em présbitas, durante conversação e leitura no monitor do computador. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal, analítico, em amostra prontamente acessível, composta por funcionários da Volkswagen do Brasil, em Curitiba (Paraná-Brasil). A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos de acordo com a idade: grupo 1 (20-39 anos); grupo 2 (40-53 anos). Foram excluídos menores de 18 anos, portadores de doenças oculares, usuários de lentes de contato e não usuários de computador. Os participantes tiveram suas faces filmadas por 10 minutos durante atividades de conversação e leitura no monitor do computador. Utilizou-se teste t de Student,com nível de significância de 95%. RESULTADOS: A amostra compôs-se de 108 indivíduos, sendo o grupo 1 com 77 indivíduos, com idade média 30,09 ± 5,09 anos e grupo 2 com 31 indivíduos, com idade média 44,17 ± 3 anos. O tempo médio entre as piscadas, no grupo 1, em conversação foi de 5,16 ± 1,83 e leitura no monitor de 10,42 ± 7,78 segundos; no grupo 2, em conversação foi de 4,9 ± 1,49 e leitura no monitor de 10,46 ± 5,54 segundos. Encontrou-se distância maior entre as piscadas, durante a leitura no monitor (p<0,0001) nos dois grupos etários. Conferindo os resultados encontrados nos dois grupos, nas situações de conversação e leitura no monitor, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Houve um aumento no intervalo entre as piscadas, em adultos jovens e em présbitas, durante a leitura em monitor quando comparada com situação de conversação. Não se evidenciou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os participantes dos dois grupos, nas situações de conversação e leitura no monitor

Trace elements in an adjacent channel of an anthropized area: a case study of Baixada Santista, Southeastern Brazil

In recent decades, due to intensive industrialization, the Baixada Santista has undergone an intense process of environmental degradation. The metals are toxic and persistent in varying concentrations and oxidation states and may be incorporated in sediments and biota. Thus, understanding the importance of this contamination is necessary for coastal planning. This study provides a basis for understanding the levels of metal and As contamination in the Bertioga Channel (SP). The levels of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sc, V and Zn in superficial sediment samples were determined by ICP-OES. The degree of sediment contamination was evaluated according to the sediment quality standards set by the Canadian environmental agency (ISQG and PEL) and by statistical tests. All values were below PEL, and most of the sample values were below ISQG, except for As, Cu and Pb. From a cluster analysis, it was possible to differentiate eastern and western parts of the channel due to their distinct hydrodynamic patterns. Furthermore, it was possible to separate the trace elements by geochemical behavior, in which Cu, Pb and Zn were linked to a small anthropogenic contribution. Thus, this study detected small anthropogenic contributions from an adjacent channel of an anthropized area, but most of the results were linked to natural geochemical processes

Worst-Case Communication Time Analysis for On-Chip Networks with Finite Buffers

Network-on-Chip (NoC) is the ideal interconnection architecture for many-core systems due to its superior scalability and performance. An NoC must deliver critical messages from a realtime application within specific deadlines. A violation of this requirement may compromise the entire system operation. Therefore, a series of experiments considering worst-case scenarios must be conducted to verify if deadlines can be satisfied. However, simulation-based experiments are time-consuming, and one alternative is schedulability analysis. In this context, this work proposes a schedulability analysis to accelerate design space exploration in real-time applications on NoC-based systems. The proposed worstcase analysis estimates the maximum latency of traffic flows assuming direct and indirect blocking. Besides, we consider the size of buffers to reduce the analysis’ pessimism. We also present an extension of the analysis, including self-blocking. We conduct a series of experiments to evaluate the proposed analysis using a cycle-accurate simulator. The experimental results show that the proposed solution presents tighter results and runs four orders of magnitude faster than the simulation.N/

Global report on preterm birth and stillbirth (4 of 7): delivery of interventions.

BACKGROUND: The efficacious interventions identified in the previous article of this report will fail unless they are delivered at high and equitable coverage. This article discusses critical delivery constraints and strategies. BARRIERS TO SCALING UP INTERVENTIONS: Achieving universal coverage entails addressing major barriers at many levels. An overarching constraint is the lack of political will, resulting from the dearth of preterm birth and stillbirth data and the lack of visibility. Other barriers exist at the household and community levels, such as insufficient demand for interventions or sociocultural barriers; at the health services level, such as a lack of resources and trained healthcare providers; and at the health sector policy and management level, such as poorly functioning, centralized systems. Additional constraints involve weak governance and accountability, political instability, and challenges in the physical environment. STRATEGIES AND EXAMPLES: Scaling up maternal, newborn and child health interventions requires strengthening health systems, but there is also a role for focused, targeted interventions. Choosing a strategy involves identifying appropriate channels for reaching high coverage, which depends on many factors such as access to and attendance at healthcare facilities. Delivery channels vary, and may include facility- and community-based healthcare providers, mass media campaigns, and community-based approaches and marketing strategies. Issues related to scaling up are discussed in the context of four interventions that may be given to mothers at different stages throughout pregnancy or to newborns: (1) detection and treatment of syphilis; (2) emergency Cesarean section; (3) newborn resuscitation; and (4) kangaroo mother care. Systematic reviews of the literature and large-scale implementation studies are analyzed for each intervention. CONCLUSION: Equitable and successful scale-up of preterm birth and stillbirth interventions will require addressing multiple barriers, and utilizing multiple delivery approaches and channels. Another important need is developing strategies to discontinue ineffective or harmful interventions. Preterm birth and stillbirth interventions must also be placed in the broader maternal, newborn and child health context to identify and prioritize those that will help improve several outcomes at the same time. The next article discusses advocacy challenges and opportunities

Immediate effect of bilateral talocrural joint manipulation on postural balance in healthy subjects

The aim of this study was to assess the immediate effect of bilateral talocrural joint manipulation on the postural balance of healthy subjects. Ninety healthy subjects (21 males and 69 females) were included in this study. The mean age, height and body weight of the subjects were 22.21 years, 165.1 cm and 62.58 Kg, respectively. Following collection of anthropometric data, the subjects were allocated randomly into an experimental group (receiving real talocrural joint manipulation), a placebo group and a control group. Before and after manipulation, the subjects performed two postural balance tasks, inquiet standing position (eyes open and eyes closed) on a force platform. The stabilometric data were recorded for 60 seconds in each condition. Sway area, medio-lateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) velocities and median frequency were calculated from the center of pressure (COP) displacements. The results showed that in the experimental group the COP sway velocity decreased in both directions of movement (AP and ML) and in both visual tasks (eyes open and eyes closed). In general, the placebo and control groups had similar postural balance across balance parameterss. Significant effect of the bilateral talocrural joint manipulation was found on main balance parameter like COP velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. These results have some much implications for manual therapy rehabilitation of individuals with ankle instability

Produção de frutos de cafeeiros (Coffea arabica L.) em diferentes posições e orientaçoes de ramos plagiotrópicos

This paper aimed at to evaluate the fruit production in different positions of coffee plagiotropic shoot (Coffea arabica L.), during eight months. Measurements started in October 21 taking five different regions of eight shoots located in the central region of a plant belonging to the cultivar of Rubi MG 1192; located at the Coffee Section from the Federal University of Lavras. The experimental design used was random blocks disposed in factorial scheme, 2x 4x 8, composed by two positions(upper third and lower third), four orientations (east sunrise, west sunset, north and south) and eight evaluations time (from October 2005 to May 2006), totalizing 64 treatments, containing 10 replicates and one plant per plot. There was a reduction in fruit number per shoot during the development and this fact was more proeminent in shoots located in the inferior part of the plant and in period from December to January. The orientations North, South, East and West did not influence the number of fruits during the development.&nbsp;Com o objetivo de avaliar a produção de frutos em diferentes posições de ramos plagiotrópicos em cafeeiros (Coffea arabica L.) levando em consideração os pontos cardeais, foram feitas oito avaliações mensais, iniciadas em 21 de outubro, de todos os componentes de cinco rosetas centrais em oito ramos em 10 plantas em uma lavoura da cultivar Rubi MG 1192, instalada no Setor de Cafeicultura no Campus da Universidade Federal de Lavras. O experimento foi instalado utilizando o delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 x 4 x 8 constituído de duas posições (terço superior e terço inferior), quatro orientações (leste, oeste, norte e sul) e oito épocas de avaliações (de outubro de 2005 a maio de 2006), totalizando 64 tratamentos, com 10 repetições e uma planta por parcela. Houve acentuada redução no número de frutos por roseta do cafeeiro durante o desenvolvimento da planta, sendo essa redução mais proeminente nos ramos inferiores e no período de dezembro a janeiro. As orientações Norte, Sul, Leste e Oeste não influenciam o número de frutos por roseta durante o desenvolvimento.