Obesity is a worldwide health problem and is directly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The liver is an important organ for the control of healthy glycemic levels, since insulin ...resistance in this organ reduces phosphorylation of forkhead box protein 1 (FOXO1) protein, leading to higher hepatic glucose production (HGP) and fasting hyperglycemia. Aerobic physical training is known as an important strategy in increasing the insulin action in the liver by increasing FOXO1 phosphorylation and reducing gluconeogenesis. However, little is known about the effects of strength training in this context. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short‐term strength training on hepatic insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β) and FOXO1 phosphorylation in obese (OB) mice. To achieve this goal, OB Swiss mice performed the strength training protocol (one daily session for 15 days). Short‐term strength training increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B and GSK3β in the liver after insulin stimulus and improved the control of HGP during the pyruvate tolerance test. On the other hand, sedentary OB animals reduced FOXO1 phosphorylation and increased the levels of nuclear FOXO1 in the liver, increasing the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) content. The bioinformatics analysis also showed positive correlations between hepatic FOXO1 levels and gluconeogenic genes, reinforcing our findings. However, strength‐trained animals reverted to this scenario, regardless of body adiposity changes. In conclusion, short‐term strength training is an efficient strategy to enhance the insulin action in the liver of OB mice, contributing to glycemic control by reducing the activity of hepatic FOXO1 and lowering PEPCK and G6Pase contents.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The genus Acaulospora has undergone many updates since it was first described; however, there are some missing pieces in the phylogenetic relationships among Acaulospora species. The present review ...aimed to: (i) understand the evolutionary meaning of their different spore wall ornamentations; (ii) define the best molecular marker for phylogenetic inferences, (iii) address some specific issues concerning the polyphyletic nature of Acaulospora lacunosa and Acaulospora scrobiculata, and the inclusion of Kuklospora species; and (iv) update the global geographical distribution of Acaulospora species. As such, the wall ornamentation of previously described Acaulospora species was reviewed and phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS and SSU-ITS-LSU (nrDNA). Moreover, the already available type material of A. sporocarpia was inspected. According to the data obtained, temperate and tropical zones are the richest in Acaulospora species. We also confirmed that A. sporocarpia does not belong to Acaulospora. Furthermore, our phylogeny supported the monophyly of Acaulospora genus, including the Kuklospora species, K. colombiana and K. kentinensis. The nrDNA phylogeny presented the best resolution and revealed the homoplasic nature of many ornamentations in Acaulospora species, pointing out their unfeasible phylogenetic signal. This review reinforces the urgency of more molecular markers, in addition to the nrDNA sequences, for the definition of a multi-locus phylogeny.
One of the main issues in the processing sector of the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum is the removal and/or fragmentation of intermuscular bones (IBs), which negatively impacts its production chain. ...In this sense, we quantitatively examined the IB variation in farmed tambaqui (n = 127) by comparing the direct anatomical dissection with the high-resolution X-ray imaging method. The number of IBs from the anatomical dissection on the left side of the fish (27.3 ± 5.70 bones) was comparable to that of X-ray analysis (26.9 ± 6.03 bones) (p > 0.05). In addition, 76% of deviation in IB number between the two studied methods was one to three, indicating both methods are equally efficient for identifying and quantifying IBs. We found a strong positive correlation (R = 0.8, p < 0.001) between the X-ray and the dissection methods. Our predictive models indicated that more than 50% of variation in IB length can be explained by growth parameters. Our results demonstrated that the X-ray method can provide accurate phenotypic data (in vivo) for IB counting and length measurements by extrapolating from the standard length, body weight and trunk over axis area of tambaqui.
Neoleucinodes elegantalis is a serious pest for tomato producers that generates significant economic losses. Its occurrence depends on biotic factors involved in natural control. The influence of ...seasonal climate on N. elegantalis population density, taking into account mortality factors, has not been studied. The ecological life table is considered a comprehensive and reliable method to determine agroecosystem factors involved in insect pest population dynamics. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to identify the critical stages and key mortality factors for N. elegantalis during spring, summer, autumn and winter in open field tomato cultivation. The most important key mortality factor in the spring was the bird, Zonotrichia sp. In the summer, Trichogramma pretiosum and Solenopsis sp. had the most impact on mortality. During autumn, T. pretiosum and Zonotrichia sp. were deemed most important. During winter, the most important mortality factors were physiological disturbances, T. pretiosum, and predation by arthropods, including Solenopsis sp. The results of the study suggest that key mortality factors based on these findings may be useful during the decision‐making processes.
The objective of the present study was to identify the critical stages and key mortality factors for Neoleucinodes elegantalis during spring, summer, autumn and winter in open field tomato cultivation. The most important key mortality factor during spring was Zonotrichia sp. In summer, Trichogramma pretiosum and Solenopsis sp.; in autumn, T. pretiosum and Zonotrichia sp. During winter, physiological disturbances, T. pretiosum, and predation by arthropods, including Solenopsis sp. were the most important key mortality factors.
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The airflow restriction mask (ARM) is a practical and inexpensive device for respiratory muscle training. Wearing an ARM has recently been combined with high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE), but ...its effect on neuromuscular fatigue is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of ARM wearing on neuromuscular fatigue after an HIIE session. Fourteen healthy men performed two HIIE sessions (4 × 4 min at 90% HRmax, 3 min recovery at 70% HRmax) with or without an ARM. Neuromuscular fatigue was quantified via pre‐ to post‐HIIE changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA, central fatigue), and potentialized evoked twitch force at 100, 10, and 1 Hz (peripheral fatigue). Blood pH and lactate were measured before and after the HIIE session, while HR, SpO2, dyspnea, physical sensation of effort (P‐RPE), and Task Effort and Awareness (TEA) were recorded every bout. The exercise‐induced decrease in MVC was higher (p < 0.05) in the ARM (−28 ± 12%) than in the Control condition (−20 ± 11%). The VA decreased (p < 0.05) in the ARM (−11 ± 11%) but not in the control condition (−4 ± 5%, p > 0.05). Pre‐ to post‐HIIE declines in evoked twitch at 100, 10, and 1 Hz were similar (p > 0.05) between ARM and control conditions (ARM: −18 ± 10, −43 ± 11 and −38 ± 12%; Control: −18 ± 14, −43 ± 12 and −37 ± 17%). When compared with the control, the HIIE bout wearing ARM was marked by higher heart rate, plasma lactate concentration, dyspnea, P‐RPE and TEA, as well as lower SpO2 and blood pH. In conclusion, ARM increases perceptual and physiological stress during a HIIE, which may lead to a greater post‐exercise central fatigue.
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BFBNIB, FSPLJ, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Resumo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar parâmetros de processamento a laser para deposição de revestimentos de Stellite 6 livres de descontinuidades e com geometria adequada sobre ...aço inoxidável austenítico. Revestimentos foram depositados com uma fonte de laser de diodo, equipada com um cabeçote coaxial contínuo, utilizando diferentes potências do feixe e velocidades de varredura. A geometria (largura, altura, ondulação e diluição) dos revestimentos foi medida por meio de análise da secção transversal. Esses dados obtidos foram utilizados para a modelagem do processo (superfície de resposta) e para estimar parâmetros otimizados (função desejabilidade), que foram posteriormente verificados experimentalmente. A microestrutura dos revestimentos depositados com os parâmetros otimizados foi caracterizada por microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura. A seleção adequada dos parâmetros resultou em revestimentos com bom acabamento, livre de descontinuidades superficiais e baixa diluição. Os resultados mostram que a potência do laser teve efeito significativo sobre a diluição, enquanto a velocidade influenciou na altura da camada depositada. A microestrutura resultante do revestimento é composta por dendritas ricas em cobalto e a região interdendrítica com carbonetos de cromo. Os resultados de dureza estão de acordo com o previsto na literatura.
Abstract: The present work aimed to determine laser processing parameters for deposition of defect-free Stellite 6 coatings and with suitable geometry on austenitic stainless steel. Coatings were deposited with a diode laser source, equipped with a continuous coaxial head, using different beam powers and scanning speeds. The geometry (width, height, undulation and dilution) of the coatings was measured by analyzing the cross section. These obtained data were used to model the process (response surface) and to estimate optimized parameters (function desirability), which were later verified experimentally. The microstructure of the coatings deposited with the optimized parameters was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The proper selection of parameters resulted in coatings with good surface finish, free of superficial defects and low dilution. The results show that the laser power had a significant effect on the dilution, while the speed influenced the height of the deposited layer. The microstructure resulting from the coating is composed of dendrites rich in cobalt and interdendritic region with chromium carbides. The hardness results are in line with the predicted in the literature.
Wood quality results from the interaction between the genotype of trees and the silvicultural conditions to which they were subjected. Based on this interaction, research on the factors that add ...value to the woody raw material has an impact on the production of various forest products. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different planting spacings (3×1, 3×2, 3×3 and 3×4 m) on the wood properties of three 4-year-old Eucalyptus clones. The wood of each clone was evaluated based on basic density, dry mass, anatomy, structural chemical composition, ash content and higher heating value. For at least one of the three clones studied, the planting spacing explained the variations in the basic density, dry mass, diameter and frequency of vessels and wall thickness of the wood fibers. Regardless of the eucalyptus clone, the area of vessels, the length and fraction of the fiber wall, as well as the contents of extractives, lignin, ash and the higher heating value of the wood were not influenced by the planting spacing. In summary, the change in the useful area alters the properties of wood in eucalyptus genetic materials in different ways and intensities at 4 years old.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
•The EW projects to unexpected targets, including the central nucleus of the amygdala and the lateral hypothalamic area.•The EW projects fibers that putatively synapse with CRF- and MCH-expressing ...neurons at specific targets.•The EW connections may explain its participation in the stress response, feeding behavior, addiction and nociception.
The oculomotor accessory nucleus, often referred to as the Edinger–Westphal nucleus EW, was first identified in the 17th century. Although its most well known function is the control of pupil diameter, some controversy has arisen regarding the exact location of these preganglionic neurons. Currently, the EW is thought to consist of two different parts. The first part termed the preganglionic EW—EWpg, which controls lens accommodation, choroidal blood flow and pupillary constriction, primarily consists of cholinergic cells that project to the ciliary ganglion. The second part termed the centrally projecting EW—EWcp, which is involved in non-ocular functions such as feeding behavior, stress responses, addiction and pain, consists of peptidergic neurons that project to the brainstem, the spinal cord and prosencephalic regions. However, in the literature, we found few reports related to either ascending or descending projections from the EWcp that are compatible with its currently described functions. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to systematically investigate the ascending and descending projections of the EW in the rat brain. We injected the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into the EW or the retrograde tracer cholera toxin subunit B into multiple EW targets as controls. Additionally, we investigated the potential EW-mediated innervation of neuronal populations with known neurochemical signatures, such as melanin-concentrating hormone in the lateral hypothalamic area LHA and corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala CeM. We observed anterogradely labeled fibers in the LHA, the reuniens thalamic nucleus, the oval part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial part of the central nucleus of the amygdala, and the zona incerta. We confirmed our EW–LHA and EW–CeM connections using retrograde tracers. We also observed moderate EW-mediated innervation of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the posterior hypothalamus. Our findings provide anatomical bases for previously unrecognized roles of the EW in the modulation of several physiologic systems.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
An investigation was conducted to determine the extent to which the microstructure of NiCrSiBC alloy coatings influences micro-abrasive wear resistance. The wear performance of the complex ...microstructure in coatings is strongly dependent on nature of the strengthening particles. Processing conditions can be altered to manipulate these particles and therefore to design coatings to address specific service demands. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between microstructure and micro-abrasive wear performance of NiCrSiBC coatings. Differences in the microstructure of coatings were imposed by processing with Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) and High-Power Diode Laser (HPDL). The microstructures of NiCrSiBC coatings were evaluated using EDX, XRD, SEM techniques and hardness measurements. Wear performance was assessed by micro-abrasive wear tests in which normal load, sliding distance and ball sliding speed were varied. A suspension of alumina in water was used as the abradant. The features of the strengthening particles were observed to depend on the imposed solidification/cooling rate. A faster cooling rate, produced by HPDL processing, displayed block shape chromium borides (CrB) in finer structure coatings. This contrasted with PTA-processed coatings which exhibited floret-shape chromium borides (Cr5B3) in a coarser microstructure. Higher hardness coatings with finer microstructure exhibited lower abrasive wear resistance than the coatings with coarser microstructure.
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•Dilution and cooling rate are the key parameters determining the microstructure of coatings.•Borides type and size determine the wear performance of coatings.•In fine CrB coatings abrasive particles slide on the Ni matrix, like grooving.•In coatings with coarser particles abrasive particles roll on the Ni matrix.•Cr5B3 changed abrasive particles interaction from grooving to rolling.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Candida albicans is responsible for many of the infections affecting immunocompromised individuals. Although most C. albicans are susceptible to antifungal drugs, uncontrolled use of these drugs has ...promoted the development of resistance to current antifungals. The clinical implication of resistant strains has led to the search for safer and more effective drugs as well as alternative approaches, such as controlled drug release using liposomes and photodynamic inactivation (PDI), to eliminate pathogens by combining light and photosensitizers. In this study, we used layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly to immobilize triclosan and acridine orange encapsulated in liposomes and investigated the possibility of controlled release using light. Experiments were carried out to examine the susceptibility of C. albicans to PDI. The effects of laser irradiation were investigated by fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and release kinetics. Liposomes were successfully prepared and immobilized using the self-assembly LBL technique. Triclosan was released more quickly when the LBL film was irradiated. The release rate was approximately 40% higher in irradiated films (fluence of 15J/cm2) than in non-irradiated films. The results of the susceptibility experiments and surface morphological analysis indicated that C. albicans cell death is caused by photodynamic inactivation. Liposomes containing triclosan and acridine orange may be useful for inactivating C. albicans using light. Our results lay the foundation for the development of new clinical strategies to control resistant strains.
•We studied TCS incorporated into liposomes as simple systems for drug delivery.•For photodynamic inactivation of C. albicans the combination of TCS and AO was used.•Inactivation and cell death occur due to damage to the cell walls.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
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