Unraveling targetable systemic and cell-type-specific molecular phenotypes of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s brains with digital cytometry

Copyright © 2020 Bordone and Barbosa-Morais. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided theoriginal author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders worldwide, with age being their major risk factor. The increasing worldwide life expectancy, together with the scarcity of available treatment choices, makes it thus pressing to find the molecular basis of AD and PD so that the causing mechanisms can be targeted. To study these mechanisms, gene expression profiles have been compared between diseased and control brain tissues. However, this approach is limited by mRNA expression profiles derived for brain tissues highly reflecting their degeneration in cellular composition but not necessarily disease-related molecular states. We therefore propose to account for cell type composition when comparing transcriptomes of healthy and diseased brain samples, so that the loss of neurons can be decoupled from pathology-associated molecular effects. This approach allowed us to identify genes and pathways putatively altered systemically and in a cell-type-dependent manner in AD and PD brains. Moreover, using chemical perturbagen data, we computationally identified candidate small molecules for specifically targeting the profiled AD/PD-associated molecular alterations. Our approach therefore not only brings new insights into the disease-specific and common molecular etiologies of AD and PD but also, in these realms, foster the discovery of more specific targets for functional and therapeutic exploration.This work was supported by European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO Installation Grant 3057 to NB-M), Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT Investigator Starting Grant IF/00595/2014 and CEEC Individual Assistant Researcher contract CEECIND/00436/2018 to NB-M, Ph.D.Studentship PD/BD/105854/2014 to MB), and Genome PT project (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported by COMPETE 2020 – Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (POCI), Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa2020), Algarve Portugal Regional Operational Programme (CRESC Algarve2020),under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of carotenoid source and dietary lipid content on blood astaxanthin concentration in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Astaxanthin concentration in the blood of rainbow trout was studied in a feeding trial with two different astaxanthin sources: green algae Haematococcus pluvialis and commercial beadlets of 8% astaxanthin content (CAROPHYLL® Pink), and two different dietary lipid levels. The green algae contained 1.4% of carotenoids on a dry matter basis: free astaxanthin (<1%), astaxanthin monoester (24.3%); astaxanthin diester (70.2%) and lutein (4.8%). Algal biomass was mechanically ground to disrupt the cell wall before incorporation in the feed. Hydrolysis of astaxanthin esters from algae occurred during the pelletization even at a low process temperature (43°C). Rainbow trout with an initial mean body weight of 150 g were fed experimental diets supplemented at a rate of 100 mg pigment/kg diet combined with two different lipid levels (9 and 24%) during 5 days. Astaxanthin concentration in the serum ranged from 5.3 μg/ml (8.9 nmol/ml) to 9.0 μg/ml (15.1 nmol/ml). Astaxanthin concentration in the serum was higher for fish fed high lipid level diets, independently of the astaxanthin source. No differences in the astaxanthin serum concentration were found for fish fed diets supplemented with either natural or synthetic astaxanthin, respectively 9.0±1.9 and 8.4±2.4 μg astaxanthin/ml serum, when dietary lipid level was high (24%). On the other hand, there was a higher blood astaxanthin concentration in fish fed diets supplemented with algal biomass (7.0±2.4 μg astaxanthin/ml serum) compared to synthetic astaxanthin (5.3±2.0 μg astaxanthin/ml serum) when dietary lipid level was low (9%

The influence of kineanthropometrical profile in deep-water tethered running

The purpose of this study was to identify the kineanthropometrical parameters that best predict the maximal horizontal propulsive force during deep-water tethered running. 21 young and healthy males with large experience in aquatic exercises (24.3+/-2.7 years old, 191.9+/-82.6 minutes physical activity per week) performed 3 repetitions of maximal deep-water running for 10-s, using a flotation vest (Golfinho, H-906, Coimbra, Portugal). The subjects were connected to a strain gauge (Globus, Ergo Meter, Codigné, Italy) by a cable of steel with reduced elastic properties. The other end of the cable was fasted to a rubber band and this to a swimming starting block. Dynamometrical data was exported and processed with Matlab v. 6.0. It was evaluated the maximal propulsive force (Fx-max) and computed the maximal horizontal propulsive force through a trigonometric correction, as suggested by Taylor et al. (2003). Body mass (SECA, 884, Hamburg, Germany), height (SECA, 242, Hamburg, Germany), body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (BIA 101, RJL Systems, Florence, Italy) were also measured. Surface area (SA) was calculated according to the procedure of Du Bois and Du Bois (Shuter and Aslani, 2000). The forearms (Globus, Ergo Meter, Codigné, Italy) and hands (TSD 121C, Biopac Systems, California, USA) maximal isometric forces were also measured. Intra-cyclic variation of the Fx-max presented a tetra-modal profile. Computing a stepby- step regression equation, for prediction of the Fx-max, the kineanthropometrical variables that entered the model were the forearms maximal isometric force, the BMI, the body mass and the SA (r^2=0.57, p=0.01). The purpose of the study was achieved. Evidences revealed that some kineanthropometrical parameters related to buoyancy force (e.g., fat mass), to drag force (e.g., SA and height), to weight force (e.g., body mass) and to propulsive force (e.g., segmental forces) predicted the Fx-max. This means that, besides physical fitness and technical level, often described in the literature, kineanthropometrical characteristics of the runner also affect significantly his performance during a training session. The main conclusion is that tethered running is significantly associated to kineanthropometrical profile of the runner. So, instructors should pay attention to kineanthropometrical characteristics of runners and how it affects their performance

The influence of kineanthropometrical profile in deep-water tethered running

Aquatic jogging is a variant of head-out aquatic exercises characterised by the walking and/or running of a subject in aquatic environment. The main goal of this aquatic program is to promote an increase of physical fitness, specially the cardiorespiratory component

Influência da adubação verde e diferentes adubos orgânicos na produção de fitomassa aérea de atroveran.

Resumo: Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar o efeito de diferentes adubos orgânicos em associação ou não com adubo verde na produção de folhas de Ocimum selloi Benth., planta nativa do Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental da Embrapa Meio Ambiente (CNPMA), localizado no município de Jaguariúna, em duas áreas distintas, sendo uma delas submetidas anteriormente ao plantio e incorporação de adubo verde (Crotalaria juncea). Os tratamentos utilizados foram: T1 - testemunha (solo sem adubação), T2 - cama de aviário (5 kg/m2), T3 - hidrolisado de peixe (produto comercial Fishfértil - 5 mL/m2) e T4 - composto orgânico (4 kg/m2). A colheita foi realizada 180 dias após o plantio, em Janeiro de 2011, sendo colhidas as plantas úteis (quatro plantas por parcela). Avaliou-se o rendimento de fitomassa fresca e seca. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o esquema fatorial 2x4, com quatro repetições (blocos). As médias obtidas foram submetidas à análise de variância seguida de teste de médias (Tukey). Com base nos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que a cama de aviário apresentou resultados mais satisfatórios quanto à produção de folhas de Ocimum selloi quando comparados aos demais tratamentos orgânicos, não observando-se incremento nos resultados pela associação com o adubo verde Crotalaria juncea. Abstract: Influence of green manure and different organic manure on production of aereal phytomass of Ocimum selloi. The aim of this work was to avail the effect of different manures in association or nor with green manure on yield of leaves of Ocimum selloi Benth. The assay was accomplished on experimental area of Embrapa Environmental (Jaguariúna district), at two different spaces (with or without green manure Crotalaria juncea). The treatments used were: T1 - witness (no manure), T2 - chicken manure (5 kg/m2), T3 - commercial product Fishfértil - 5 mL/m2) and T4 - composting (4 kg/m2). The cut was realized on 180 days after the planting (January - 2011), and were collected four plants/ plot. The yield of dried and fresh Ocimum selloi phytomass was availed. The experimental design was factorial scheme (2x4), with four repetitions. The treatment with chicken manure showed best results on treatments, but did not was influence by using Crotalaria juncea

Leadership characteristics in recruitment and selection processes : a study developed in a consultancy firm specialised in human resources

O principal objetivo deste estudo consiste em procurar entender a importância das características de liderança, em processos de recrutamento e seleção, que são mais valorizados pelos clientes de uma empresa de recursos humanos – Pessoas e Sistemas (doravante PeS) - e refletir em que medida essas avaliações são semelhantes entre consultores e clientes da empresa. Para atingir esse objetivo, foi feita uma caracterização da empresa e uma descrição das suas práticas, além de uma revisão da literatura sobre perfis de liderança nos processos de recrutamento e seleção, que incluem as características e comportamentos dos líderes atuais e como eles podem contribuir positivamente para o desempenho das suas empresas. Este trabalho foi orientado por uma metodologia baseada em ferramentas de análise quantitativa, envolvendo um questionário, com 4 grupos diferentes, aplicado tanto aos clientes da Pessoas e Sistemas como aos consultores que trabalham na empresa. Os resultados obtidos de uma amostra de 40 participantes permitiram obter uma visão geral dos temas objeto de análise e estabelecer as diferenças e semelhanças entre a perspetiva dos clientes e a dos consultores. As principais limitações deste estudo também foram apresentadas. Em conclusão, foi possível concluir que a Pessoas e Sistemas enquanto organização, valoriza os perfis de liderança em contexto de recrutamento e seleção de forma semelhante aos seus clientes, com algumas ligeiras diferenças que serão aprofundadas neste estudo.The main goal of this study is to try to understand the importance of leadership characteristics and behaviours in a recruitment and selection process that are more valuable to the clients of a human resources company – Pessoas e Sistemas (hereafter, PeS) – and reflect on how similar are those valuations from those of the firm consultants. In order to reach this objective, the firm characterization and a description of the organization practices was made in addition to a literature review on leadership profiles in recruitment and selection processes, that include the characteristics and behaviours of leaders and how they can positively contribute for performance increases in their companies. This work was oriented by a methodology based on quantitative analysis tools, in which involved a questionnaire applied to both the PeS´clients and consultants with 4 different groups. The results obtained from a sample of 40 participants allowed to get an overview of the topics subject to analysis and to establish the differences and similarities between the perspective of the clients and the consultants. The main limitations of this study were also presented. In conclusion, it was possible to conclude that Pessoas e Sistemas, as an organization, values leadership profiles in the context of recruitment and selection in a similar way to their clients, with some slightly differences that will be deepened in this study

Comparison of young swimmer’s active drag coefficient using three methods to compute trunk transverse surface area.

The purpose of this study was to compare the active drag coefficient (CDa) of young swimmers using three different ways of measuring the trunk transverse surface area (TTSA). 23 young swimmers, including 12 boys and 11 girls were analyzed. The velocity perturbation method of Kolmogorov was used to compute CDa. The TTSA was calculated based on three methods: (i) measured by photogrammetric; (ii) estimated by the equation developed by Clarys and; (iii) estimated from the equations developed by Morais et al.. Three procedures were used in the comparison CDa values: (i) T-Student test; (ii) simple linear regression analysis and; (iii) Bland Altman plots. All paired samples showed significant differences (p <0.001) when comparing mean values. However, there were significant correlations (p <0.001) between the paired samples in the simple linear regression analysis, and the in the Bland Altman plots for all conditions studied. At least 80% of the plots were within the ± 1.96 standard deviation of the difference. As a conclusion, the mean values of CDa computed with TTSA estimated with the equations developed by Morais et al. were the ones with lower difference compared with TTSA measured directly. Those should be used by coaches and investigators in order to estimate TTSA for CDa computing

Uma faculdade à prucura de uma universidade

pp. 221-234Quando, em Janeiro de 1987, pouco depois de pela primeira vez haver sido eleito para as funções de Presidente do Conselho Científico, apresentei o meu projecto de «Programa de Actividade» (aprovado pelo plenário nesse mesmo mês), tinha perfeita consciência da dificuldade de pô-lo integralmente em prática. Em 1 de Julho, distribuí pelos Colegas o «Relatório Semestral do Presidente do Conselho Científico»; nos finais de 1987, fui reeleito para o cargo, no qual me mantenho por força da interpretação dada pela Reitoria ao n.° 2 do Art.° 33.° da «Lei de Autonomia das Universidades»