Protein modification and maintenance systems as biomarkers of ageing

Changes in the abundance and post-translational modification of proteins and accumulation of some covalently modified proteins have been proposed to represent hallmarks of biological ageing. Within the frame of the Mark-Age project, the workpackage dedicated to "markers based on proteins and their modifications" has been firstly focused on enzymatic and non-enzymatic post-translational modifications of serum proteins by carbohydrates. The second focus of the workpackage has been directed towards protein maintenance systems that are involved either in protein quality control (ApoJ/Clusterin) or in the removal of oxidatively damaged proteins through degradation and repair (proteasome and methionine sulfoxide reductase systems). This review describes the most relevant features of these protein modifications and maintenance systems, their fate during ageing and/or their implication in ageing and longevity

Maternal Diabetes Leads to Unphysiological High Lipid Accumulation in Rabbit Preimplantation Embryos

According to the "developmental origin of health and disease" hypothesis, the metabolic set points of glucose and lipid metabolism are determined prenatally. In the case of a diabetic pregnancy, the embryo is exposed to higher glucose and lipid concentrations as early as during preimplantation development. We used the rabbit to study the effect of maternal diabetes type 1 on lipid accumulation and expression of lipogenic markers in preimplantation blastocysts. Accompanied by elevated triglyceride and glucose levels in the maternal blood, embryos from diabetic rabbits showed a massive intracellular lipid accumulation and increased expression of fatty acid transporter 4, fatty acid-binding protein 4, perilipin/adipophilin, and maturation of sterol-regulated element binding protein. However, expression of fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme for de novo synthesis of fatty acids, was not altered in vivo. During a short time in vitro culture of rabbit blastocysts, the accumulation of lipid droplets and expression of lipogenic markers were directly correlated with increasing glucose concentration, indicating that hyperglycemia leads to increased lipogenesis in the preimplantation embryo. Our study shows the decisive effect of glucose as the determining factor for fatty acid metabolism and intracellular lipid accumulation in preimplantation embryos

Astronomy below the survey threshold in the SKA era

Astronomy at or below the 'survey threshold' has expanded significantly since the publication of the original 'Science with the Square Kilometer Array' in 1999 and its update in 2004. The techniques in this regime may be broadly (but far from exclusively) defined as 'confusion' or 'P(D)' analyses (analyses of one-point statistics), and 'stacking', accounting for the flux-density distribution of noise-limited images co-added at the positions of objects detected/isolated in a different waveband. Here we discuss the relevant issues, present some examples of recent analyses, and consider some of the consequences for the design and use of surveys with the SKA and its pathfinders

Identificación inmunohistoquímica de las células productoras de somatostatina y polipéptido pancreático en páncreas de alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate gamma (PP) and delta cells in alpaca pancreas by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Samples were obtained from 30 alpacas from the southern highlands of Peru (crías, juveniles and adults). Histological sections of 5 μm thickness (3 per lobe and 2 of the body) were used. A commercial kit of IHC and polyclonal antibodies (anti-PP and anti-SSTR3) were used to identify PP and delta cells. Rat pancreas samples were used as positive controls. The intensity of the marking was qualitatively classified between 0 (no marking) and 3 (strong marking). PP cells were present in all age groups, mainly in the body and right lobe of the pancreas, being observed mainly in the periphery and intermediate zone of the islets with a medium and strong marking. Delta cells were present in both lobes until 4 months of age, without being observed in juveniles or adults. Delta cells were observed mainly on the periphery of the islets with a light marking.El estudio tuvo por finalidad identificar y evaluar las células gamma (PP) y delta en páncreas de alpacas mediante inmunohistoquímica (IHQ). Las muestras se obtuvieron de 30 alpacas de la sierra sur del Perú (crías, jóvenes y adultas). Se utilizaron cortes histológicos de 5 μm de espesor (3 por lóbulo y 2 del cuerpo). Se usó un kit comercial de IHQ y anticuerpos policlonales (anti-PP y anti-SSTR3) para identificar las células PP y delta, así como muestras de páncreas de rata como controles positivos. La intensidad de la marcación se clasificó cualitativamente entre 0 (sin marcación) hasta 3 (marcación fuerte). Las células PP estaban presentes en todos los grupos etarios, principalmente en el cuerpo y lóbulo derecho del páncreas, observándose principalmente en la periferia y zona intermedia de los islotes con una marcación media y fuerte. Las células delta estaban presentes en ambos lóbulos hasta los 4 meses de edad, sin observarse en juveniles ni en adultos. Las células delta se observaron principalmente en la periferia de los islotes con una marcación leve

Morphological characterization of the pancreas in newborns and foetuses of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in the last third of gestation

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar y describir las características macroscópicas y microscópicas de la anatomía del páncreas de la alpaca, tanto en fetos del último tercio de gestación como en neonatos (0-30 días). Se estudiaron los páncreas de tres fetos del último tercio de gestación, y de crías de alpaca recién nacidas (n=3), de 0 días (n=5), 7 días (n=5), 15 días (n=5) y 30 días (n=5). En el estudio macroscópico se observó el páncreas in situ, sus conductos y su relación con otros órganos, tomándose medidas biométricas (longitud corporal, altura a la cruz, perímetro torácico y perímetro abdominal) y el peso de los individuos. Macroscópicamente, el páncreas es similar al de las alpacas adultas. Microscópicamente, el páncreas presenta una citoarquitectura celular definida, formada por acinos tubulares de citoplasma acidófilo, elongado, de núcleos basales e islotes irregulares (en cuanto a tamaño y forma), además de grupos celulares no diferenciados. Esta citoarquitectura varía en la primera semana de edad, donde la conformación de los acinos e islotes es irregular, presentando una alta tasa de división celular y gran cantidad de células precursoras distribuidas por todo el campo. La actividad celular disminuye con la edad, encontrándose en los animales de 30 días de nacidas una citoarquitectura bastante similar al de las alpacas adultas.The objective of this study was to identify and describe the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the anatomy of the pancreas of alpacas, both in the last third of the gestation and in the neonate (0-30 days). The study included three foetuses and 18 alpaca crias (0 days [3], 7 days [5], 15 days [5], and 30 days [5]). In the macroscopic analysis, the pancreas was observed in situ, including its ducts and its relationship with other organs, taking biometric measures (body length, height at withers, thoracic perimeter, and abdominal perimeter), as well as the weight of the individuals. Macroscopically, the pancreas is alike to that of adult alpacas. Microscopically, the pancreas presents a definite cellular cytoarchitecture, formed by tubular acinar of acidophilic cytoplasm, elongated of basal nuclei and irregular islets (in size and shape), as well as undifferentiated cell groups. This cytoarchitecture varies in the first week of age, where the conformation of acini and islets is irregular, presenting a high rate of cell division and a great number of precursor cells distributed throughout the field. The cellular activity diminishes with the age, being found in the animals of 30 days a cytoarchitecture quite alike to the one of the adult alpacas

Morphologic study of the pancreas of young and adults alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una caracterización morfológica del páncreas de alpacas jóvenes (n=9) y adultas (n=5). Para el estudio macroscópico se observó el páncreas in situ reconociendo su forma y relación con otros órganos. Para el estudio microscópico se realizaron cortes histológicos de 5 μm de espesor tiñendo las láminas con hematoxilina de Mayer-Eosina y tricrómico de Masson. El páncreas se divide en tres secciones: cuerpo, lóbulo derecho y lóbulo izquierdo. El lóbulo izquierdo se extiende hacia el plano izquierdo llegando a colindar con el bazo y en mayor proporción al colon descendente. El conducto hepatopancreático presentó dos orígenes: uno donde el conducto hepático se introduce en el parénquima pancreático y lo abandona por el lóbulo derecho como conducto hepatopancreático, y otro donde el conducto pancreático se une con el hepático al emerger del lóbulo derecho para formar el conducto hepatopancreático. En la microscopía se apreció que el parénquima pancreático se encuentra rodeado por una fina capa de tejido conectivo formada en su mayoría por fibras colágenas, que se invaginan dentro del parénquima formando lóbulos y pseudolóbulos, así como células con forma piramidal acomodadas en forma de acinos. Dentro del parénquima se observaron los islotes de Langerhans distribuidos al azar. Los conductos intralobulares e interlobulares se encuentran conformados por epitelio cubico simple, y el conducto hepatopancreático está conformado por una extensa mucosa irregular tapizada de epitelio columnar con microvellosidades. Se concluye que el páncreas de la alpaca muestra diferencias morfológicas con otras especies como rumiantes, herbívoros y carnívoros domésticos.The aim of this study was to morphologically characterize the pancreas of young (n=9) and adult (n=5) alpacas. In the macroscopic study, the pancreas was observed in situ to determine the shape and its relationship with other organs. In the microscopic study, routine histologic procedures were applied and histological sections of 5 μm thick were stained with Mayer-Eosin hematoxylin and Masson trichrome. The pancreas is divided in three sections: body, right lobe and left lobe which extend to the left plane, bordering the spleen and in greater proportion to the descendant colon. The hepatopancreatic duct presented two origins; one where the hepatic duct enters the pancreatic parenchyma and it leaves by the right lobe as the hepatopancreatic duct and another where the pancreatic duct joins with the hepatic duct as it emerges from the right lobe to form the hepatopancreatic duct. In the microscopic evaluation was observed that the pancreatic parenchyma is surrounded by a thin layer of connective tissue formed mostly by collagen fibers, which invaginate within the parenchyma forming lobes and pseudolobules, as well as cells with pyramidal shape accommodated in the form of acini. In the parenchyma was observed the islets of Langerhans randomly distributed. The intralobular and interlobular ducts were formed by simple cubic epithelium, and the hepatopancreatic duct was formed by an extensive irregular mucosa covered with columnar epithelium with microvilli. It is concluded that the alpaca pancreas shows morphological differences with other species such as ruminants, herbivores and domestic carnivores

Estudio anatómico e histológico de las arterias que irrigan el páncreas e intestino delgado de la alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

This study describes the arteries that irrigate the pancreas and small intestine of the alpaca by dissection, angiography, vascular repletion and histology. Six alpacas were used, of which four were older than two years and two were four months old. Macroscopically, the pancreas was mainly irrigated by the pancreatic duodenal cranial and caudal arteries; in addition, branches from the hepatic artery, splenic artery and the branch of the first jejunal artery. These arteries and branches entered the pancreas (left, right and body portions) forming anastomosis in the form of nets, inside the parenchyma. Histological techniques showed that alpaca arteries have two layers, compact and spongy, forming the adventitia tunic of the duodenal cranial and caudal pancreatic arteries, celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries. The caudal duodenal pancreatic artery had the thickest compact adventitial layer, this artery supplying the right pancreatic lobe, part of the left lobe and the duodenum.Este estudio describe las arterias que irrigan el páncreas e intestino delgado de la alpaca mediante disección, angiografía, repleción vascular e histología. Se emplearon seis alpacas, de las cuales cuatro fueron mayores de dos años y dos de cuatro meses. Macroscópicamente, el páncreas estuvo irrigado principalmente por las arterias pancreática duodenal craneal y caudal; además, ramas provenientes de la arteria hepática, arteria esplénica y la rama de la primera arteria yeyunal. Estas arterias y ramas ingresaron al páncreas (porción izquierda, derecha y cuerpo) formando anastomosis en forma de redes, en el interior del parénquima. Las técnicas histológicas evidenciaron que las capas de las arterias de la alpaca presentan dos capas, compacta y esponjosa, conformando la túnica adventicia de las arterias pancreática duodenal craneal y caudal, celíaca y mesentérica craneal. La arteria pancreática duodenal caudal tuvo la capa adventicia compacta más gruesa, siendo esta arteria la que irriga el lóbulo derecho pancreático, parte del lóbulo izquierdo y el duodeno

Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Quality in the Brazilian Population During Social Isolation Due to the New Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic: the DEGAS-CoV Study/ Avaliação da Depressão, Ansiedade e Qualidade do Sono na População Brasileira Durante o Isolamento Social Devido à Nova Pandemia do Coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2): o Estudo DEGAS-CoV

Introduction: The new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has caused distress and repercussions in mental and physical health of individuals. Depression, anxiety and worsening of sleep quality have been reported in several recent articles that surveyed populations all over the globe. Our work meant to access, through a cross-sectional study, these disorders in the Brazilian population, through the application of an online questionnaire conducted on the second trimester of 2020. Materials and Methods: We applied an online questionnaire, filled with questions regarding social, economic, financial, educational and health status, as well as questions from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), and from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).Results: We collected 2,695 valid answers, from April 24th to May 31st, 2020. Age ranged from 18 to 79 years, mean of 31.3. Women were 76.3%, men 23.7%. Symptoms of Anxiety were found in 56.5%, of depression in 46.1%, and of bad sleep in 49.2%. Some groups were more prone than others to one or more of those conditions, such as: younger people, women, mestizos, people with lesser years of education, of lower income or whose income dropped significantly during the pandemic, caregivers, students, sedentary or people practicing less physical activity, people who followed more hours of news of COVID-19 and those less engaged in social and instrumental activities.Conclusion: anxiety, depression and bad sleep quality were significantly high in our survey. Mental and sleep health is heterogeneously affected among individuals, depending on social, economic, financial, educational and health status

Performance of the CMS Cathode Strip Chambers with Cosmic Rays

The Cathode Strip Chambers (CSCs) constitute the primary muon tracking device in the CMS endcaps. Their performance has been evaluated using data taken during a cosmic ray run in fall 2008. Measured noise levels are low, with the number of noisy channels well below 1%. Coordinate resolution was measured for all types of chambers, and fall in the range 47 microns to 243 microns. The efficiencies for local charged track triggers, for hit and for segments reconstruction were measured, and are above 99%. The timing resolution per layer is approximately 5 ns