The Venoarteriolar Reflex Significantly Reduces Contralateral Perfusion as Part of the Lower Limb Circulatory Homeostasis in vivo

Perfusion at microvascular level involves the contribution of both local and central regulators, under a complex vascular signaling frame. The venoarteriolar reflex (VAR) is one of such regulatory responses, of particular relevance in the lower limb to prevent edema. Although known for quite some time, many of the complex interactions involving all of these regulatory mechanisms still need clarification. Our objective was to look deeper into VAR through modern photoplethymography (PPG). Twelve healthy subjects (both sexes, 26.0 ± 5.0 y.o.) were enrolled in this study after informed written consent. Subjects were submitted to a leg lowering maneuver while lying supine to evoke the VAR, involving three phases–10 min baseline register, both legs extended, 10 min challenge, with one randomly chosen leg (test) pending 50 cm below heart level, while the contralateral (control) remained in place, and 10 minutes recovery, resuming the initial position. PPG signals were collected from both feet and treated by the wavelet transform (WT) revealing six spectral bands in frequency intervals comprising the cardiac [1.6–0.7 Hz], respiratory [0.4–0.26 Hz], myogenic [0.26–0.1 Hz], neurogenic/sympathetic [0.1–0.045 Hz], endothelial NO-dependent (NOd) [0.045–0.015 Hz], and NO-independent (NOi) [0.015–0.007 Hz] activities. For the first time, this approach revealed that, with VAR, perfusion significantly decreased in both limbs, although the change was more pronounced in the test foot. Here, a significant decrease in myogenic, neurogenic and NOd, were noted, while the control foot recorded a decrease in neurogenic and an increase in NOd. These results confirm the utility of WT spectral analysis for flowmotion. Further, it strongly suggests that VAR results from a complex cooperation between local myogenic-endothelial responses, where a central neurogenic reflex might also be involved

A proteção dos dados pessoais na relação de trabalho

A tecnologia assume um papel determinante no mundo das relações jurídicas de trabalho que se inicia com recrutamento, particularmente ao nível da seleção do pessoal, mas, sobretudo, no desenvolvimento das próprias relações laborais. Esta dissertação, apresenta uma análise ao impacto do recém implementado Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados no domínio do direito do trabalho, tangenciando uma perspetiva de conjunto do sistema jurídico. A proteção de dados encontra as suas reminiscências históricas no movimento do direito à privacidade iniciado no século XIX, nos EUA, tendo as instituições e organizações governamentais iniciado estudos, envolvendo o conhecimento das comunidades tecnológica e jurídica para a positivação da proteção de dados consagrada em diversos instrumentos legislativos. No desenvolvimento da nossa dissertação laboramos com recurso a ferramentas de investigação de análise jurídica descritiva e hermenêutica, numa perspetiva holística do objeto de investigação selecionado. São apresentadas conclusões nominais, pontuadas por um balizamento temático em subtópicos ou variáveis de investigação, concluindo o autor pela necessidade de desenvolvimento de alguns institutos jurídicos, novos na ordem jurídica portuguesa, trazidos pelo Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados, por um lado e, noutro sentido, uma demonstrada inoperância da norma jurídica que, no caso português, não conhece a esta data uma norma interna, não de transposição (que descarece) mas que operacionalize o próprio Regulamento à realidade portuguesa. Desde logo na dotação da Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados de capacidade, meios e recursos que tornem o Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados um instrumento eficaz para proteção de dados pessoais nas relações de trabalho.The technology plays a decisive role in the world of labor legal relations that starts with recruitment, particularly at the level of staff selection, but, above all, in the development of own labor relations. This dissertation presents an analysis of the impact of newly implemented Regulations of data protection in the field of labor law, surfacing a perspective of legal system as a whole. Data protection finds its historical reminiscences on privacy rights movement started in the 19th century, in the USA, having the institutions and governmental organizations initiated studies, involving the communities knowledge and technological legal recognition of data protection enshrined in various pieces of legislation. For developing our dissertation works, we are using research tools of legal analysis descriptive and hermeneutics, a holistic perspective of the research object selected. Conclusions are presented, nominal, punctuated by a beacon in subtopics or research variables, completing the author by the necessity of development of some legal institutes, new in Portuguese law, brought by the General Data Protection Regulation, on the one hand and, in another sense, a demonstrated ineffectiveness of legal standard, in the Portuguese case, don't know this date an internal standard, not implementation, but that the regulation itself to execute Portuguese reality. Immediately on National Authority allocation of capacity, data protection means and resources that make the general regulation of data protection as an effective instrument for the protection of personal data in the employment in the labor law

FAAH rs324420 Polymorphism Is Associated with Performance in Elite Rink-Hockey Players

Funding Information: This research was supported by research found ICBAS-PDBiomedical Sciences-200203100 and Portuguese League Against Cancer—Northern Branch (LPCC-NRN).Genetic factors are among the major contributors to athletic performance. Although more than 150 genetic variants have been correlated with elite athlete status, genetic foundations of competition-facilitating behavior influencing elite performances are still scarce. This is the first study designed to examine the distribution of genetic determinants in the athletic performance of elite rink-hockey players. A total of 116 of the world’s top best rink-hockey players (28.2 ± 8.7 years old; more than 50% are cumulatively from the best four world teams and the best five Portuguese teams), who participated at the elite level in the National Rink-Hockey Championship in Portugal, were evaluated in anthropometric indicators/measurements, training conditions, sport experience and sport injuries history. Seven genetic polymorphisms were analyzed. Polymorphism genotyping was performed using the TaqMan® Allelic Discrimination Methodology. Rink-hockey players demonstrated significantly different characteristics according to sex, namely anthropometrics, training habits, sports injuries and genetic variants, such as Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) rs731236 (p < 0.05). The Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) rs324420 A allele was significantly associated with improved athletic performance (AA/AC vs. CC, OR = 2.80; 95% Cl, 1.23–6.35; p = 0.014; p = 0.008 after Bootstrap) and confirmed as an independent predictor among elite rink-hockey players (adjusted OR = 2.88; 95% Cl, 1.06–7.80; p = 0.038). Our results open an interesting link from FAAH-related biology to athletic performance.publishersversionpublishe

Comparing passive leg raising and suprasystolic ankle occlusion responses to quantify age-related microcirculatory status

The skin provides an easy accessible vascular network to assess microcirculation by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and transcutaneous (tc) gasometry, widely known techniques used for this purpose. the objective of this study was to assess and compare the microcirculation status of different age subjects, knowing that the ageing process progressively affects macro and microcirculatory vessels. We’ve chosen to compare dynamical responses to two provocation tests – passive leg raising (PLR) and ankle occlusion - in 59 healthy subjects, 35 young (22.1 ± 3.7 years old.) in Group 1, and 24 older (50.8 ± 7.6 years old.) in Group 2, selected after informed consent. Local blood flow, tcpO2 and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured in distal locations of the lower limb. PLR and ankle occlusion significantly reduced blood flow and tcpO2 in both groups, while no changes were found for TEWL. While the magnitude of the hyperemic response was found to be significantly reduced in group 2, no differences were found during ankle occlusion. tcpO2-dependent parameters were also significantly different between groups. These results seem to confirm the usefulness of these experimental models to distinguish the microcirculatory function of subjects with different ages, with PLR being more sensible in detecting age-related changes

Comparing the effects of human hind limb massage by analysis of Laser Doppler Flowmetry and Photoplethysmography signal components using the wavelet transform

Non-invasive optical techniques, such as LDF (laser Doppler flowmetry) and PPG (photoplethysmography) are leading technologies to assess the human microcirculation. New mathematical strategies for signal processing such as WT (wavelet transform) have been developed to enhance its quantification capabilities. We have dedicated some effort to better understand the impact of massage therapy, a non-conventional technique used to relieve symptoms of vascular failure and improve functions, using these instruments. A group of 24 young healthy volunteers (19.9 ± 1.7 years old), both sexes, was submitted to two massage protocols applied in one limb, the other serving as control. Each protocol included three phases - rest (I), massage (II), and recovery (III). LDF and PPG signals were obtained from both limbs and analyzed with the WT (p<0.05). A regional circulatory adaptation seems to take place during massage manoeuvres, affecting both test and control limbs detected with LDF and PPG. Some differences are noted regarding their oscillatory components, being clear that both sympathetic and myogenic components play a central role in the process. It is also clear that the simultaneous use of these two technologies seems to provide more detail and sensitivity in the analysis of the phenomena involved

Tissue Spectroscopy and Optical Clearing of Colorectal Mucosa in the Pursuit of New Cancer Diagnostic Approaches

In this paper we present three studies that demonstrate the applicability of spectroscopy methods and optical clearing treatments in pathology identification and monitoring. In the first study, by obtaining the absorption spectra of human healthy and pathological (adenocarcinoma) colorectal mucosa tissues, it was possible to identify a higher content of a pigment in the diseased tissues. This study also shows that machine learning methods can be used to reach the same differentiated results in vivo through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In the second study, the combination of collimated transmittance spectroscopy with optical clearing treatments allowed to obtain the diffusion coefficients of glucose in healthy and pathological colorectal mucosa as: Dglucose=5.8x10–7 cm2/s and Dglucose=4.4x10–7 cm2/s, respectively. This study also demonstrated that the diseased tissues contains about 5% more mobile water than the healthy tissues. The third study was performed to evaluate the protein dissociation mechanism of optical clearing. By treating both healthy and pathological colorectal mucosa tissues with 93%-glycerol, a protein dissociation rate of about 3 times higher was obtained for the pathological mucosa. All the discriminating parameters that result from these studies can be obtained in the in vivo situation through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and further studies to evaluate their values in different stages of cancer progression are of great importance to develop disease monitoring protocols.The authors of the article knew well and communicated with Ekaterina Borisova for many years, especially Valery Tuchin and in recent years Luís Oliveira. We had many joint plans to organize conferences and joint research projects, but COVID-19 mercilessly interrupted our communication. We have lost a great scientist and a person with a huge soul, sociable, but at the same time modest and kind. We will always remember our warm meetings and fruitful work with Ekaterina. This research was supported by the Portuguese grant FCT-UIDB/04730/2020. VVT was supported by grant under the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 220 of 09 April 2010 (Agreement No. 075-15-2021-615 of 04 June 2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Regulamentação das penalidades e valores de multas: a dosimetria da sanção aplicada ao transporte rodoviário de passageiros

Purpose ”“ To present a systematic way to establish the dosimetry of penalties and fines value measurement applied by regulatory entities. Methodology/approach/design ”“ The technique was developed through three theoretical-methodological approaches: the first one deals with criminal law, adapting the three-phase system theory to the reality of regulators; the second refers to administrative sanctioning law; and the third is based on the economic theory of law, which aims the social welfare. Findings ”“ The technique allowed the systematization of coercive and sanctioning regulatory activities, and presented as an important tool to substantiate the dosimetry of penalties. Practical implications ”“ The method was tested and presented suitable for the semi-urban interstate road passenger transportation services, which are under the responsibility of the brazilian National Land Transport Agency (ANTT). In turn, it is noted that the technique can be adapted to any regulatory affair that includes penalties or fines. Originality/value ”“ The study is relevant to assist public agents working in regulatory agencies or related areas, when drafting or editing coercive and sanctioning regulations.Purpose ”“ To present a systematic way to establish the dosimetry of penalties and fines value measurement applied by regulatory entities. Methodology/approach/design ”“ The technique was developed through three theoretical-methodological approaches: the first one deals with criminal law, adapting the three-phase system theory to the reality of regulators; the second refers to administrative sanctioning law; and the third is based on the economic theory of law, which aims the social welfare. Findings ”“ The technique allowed the systematization of coercive and sanctioning regulatory activities, and presented as an important tool to substantiate the dosimetry of penalties. Practical implications ”“ The method was tested and presented suitable for the semi-urban interstate road passenger transportation services, which are under the responsibility of the brazilian National Land Transport Agency (ANTT). In turn, it is noted that the technique can be adapted to any regulatory affair that includes penalties or fines. Originality/value ”“ The study is relevant to assist public agents working in regulatory agencies or related areas, when drafting or editing coercive and sanctioning regulations.Propósito ”“ Apresentar uma proposta sistemática de regulamentar a dosimetria das penalidades e os valores de multas aplicadas por entidades reguladoras. Metodologia/abordagem/design ”“ A técnica foi desenvolvida por meio de três abordagens teórico-metodológicas: a primeira se versa sobre o direito penal, na busca pela adequação do tradicional sistema trifásico à realidade dos reguladores; a segunda adentra no viés do direito administrativo sancionador; e a terceira se baseia na teoria econômica do direito, o qual visa o bem-estar social. Resultados ”“ A técnica permitiu a sistematização das atividades regulatórias coercitivas e sancionatórias, bem como se apresentou como uma importante ferramenta para fundamentar a dosimetria das penas. Implicações práticas ”“ O método foi testado, e se apresentou adequado para os serviços de transporte rodoviário interestadual semiurbano de passageiros, os quais estão sob responsabilidade da Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT). Por sua vez, destaca-se que a técnica pode ser adaptada a qualquer matéria regulatória que contemple penalidades e/ou multas. Originalidade/relevância do texto ”“ O trabalho é relevante para auxiliar os agentes públicos atuantes em agências reguladoras ou em áreas afins, quando da elaboração ou edição de normativos coercitivos e sancionadores

Characterizing Vascular Dysfunction in Genetically Modified Mice through the Hyperoxia Model

Modelling is essential for a better understanding of microcirculatory pathophysiology. In this study we tested our hyperoxia-mouse model with healthy and non-healthy mice. Animals (n = 41) were divided in groups—a control group, with 8 C57/BL6 non-transgenic male mice, a diabetic group (DB), with 8 C57BLKsJ-db/db obese diabetic mice and the corresponding internal controls of 8 age-matched C57BLKsJ-db/+ mice, and a cardiac hypertrophy group (CH), with 9 FVB/NJ cα-MHC-NHE-1 transgenic mice prone to develop cardiac failure and 8 age-matched internal controls. After anesthesia, perfusion data was collected by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) during rest (Phase 1), hyperoxia (Phase 2), and recovery (Phase 3) and compared. The LDF wavelet transform components analysis (WA) has shown that cardiorespiratory, myogenic, and endothelial components acted as main markers. In DB group, db/+ animals behave as the Control group, but WA already demonstrated significant differences for myogenic and endothelial components. Noteworthy was the increase of the sympathetic components in the db/db set, as in the cardiac overexpressing NHE1 transgenic animals, reported as a main component of these pathophysiological processes. Our model confirms that flow motion has a universal nature. The LDF component’s WA provides a deeper look into vascular pathophysiology reinforcing the model’s reproducibility, robustness, and discriminative capacities

Caracterização da biomassa residual da colheita de Eucalyptus saligna para processos de conversão térmica

Considering the increasing need for renewable products, the present work aims to evaluate the physical-chemical properties of the eucalyptus harvest residues and its constituent fractions individually (barks, leaves, and branches), through proximate, ultimate, energetic and thermal analyzes. The biomass studied was Eucalyptus saligna species, cultivated mainly for the production of pulp and paper. The proximate analysis of the residue resulted in the moisture content of 10.1%, ash content of 3.9%, volatile materials about 81.1%, and fixed carbon of 15.0%, showing similar values to the constituent fractions. The ultimate analysis of the residue resulted in 46.5% of carbon content, 5.8% of hydrogen, and 43.2% of oxygen. The high heating value (HHV) for the residue is 17.93 MJ/kg, comparable to other biomasses of importance, including eucalyptus wood, the noblest part of the forest cultivation. The thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were carried out and the resulting thermograms show three main ranges of biomass degradation. The first range, from 30 to 150 °C, corresponds to the drying of the material; in the range from 200 to 325 °C hemicelluloses degrade, with partial degradation of lignin and cellulose, and in the range from 325 to 380 °C, the majority of cellulose degradation takes place. The physical-chemical data demonstrate that the eucalyptus residue is an excellent source of biomass for thermal conversion processes. Obtaining products with higher added value from this residue contributes to the implementation of new technological practices that link economic development to environmental responsibility.Considerando a crescente necessidade de produtos renováveis, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas dos resíduos da colheita do eucalipto e suas frações constituintes individualmente (cascas, folhas e galhos), por meio de análises imediata, elementar, energética e térmica. A biomassa estudada foi a espécie Eucalyptus saligna, cultivada principalmente para a produção de celulose e papel. A análise imediata do resíduo resultou em teor de umidade de 10,1%, teor de cinzas de 3,9%, materiais voláteis em torno de 81,1% e carbono fixo de 15,0%, apresentando valores semelhantes entre as frações constituintes. A análise elementar do resíduo resultou em 46,5% de teor de carbono, 5,8% de hidrogênio e 43,2% de oxigênio. O poder calorífico superior do resíduo foi determinado em 17,93 MJ/kg, comparável a outras biomassas importantes, incluindo a madeira de eucalipto, a parte mais nobre do cultivo florestal. A análise termogravimétrica (TGA) e térmica diferencial (DTA) foram realizadas e os termogramas resultantes mostram três faixas principais de degradação da biomassa. A primeira faixa, de 30 a 150 °C, corresponde à secagem do material; na faixa de 200 a 325 °C as hemiceluloses degradam, com degradação parcial da lignina e celulose, e na faixa de 325 a 380 °C, ocorre a maior parte da degradação da celulose. Os dados físico-químicos demonstram que o resíduo do eucalipto é uma excelente fonte de biomassa para processos de conversão térmica. A obtenção de produtos de maior valor agregado a partir desse resíduo contribui para a implantação de novas práticas tecnológicas que vinculam o desenvolvimento econômico à responsabilidade ambiental.