Synthesis and Characterization of Hyperbranched Polyethylenes Made with Nickel‐α‐Diimine Catalysts

The polymerization of ethylene in the presence of 1,4‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)acenaphthenediiminenickel(II) dichloride ( 1 ) and methylaluminoxane (MAO) gives hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE) in appropriate reaction conditions. The system 1 /MAO is active in solvents like toluene or hexane at temperatures as high as 80 °C and ethylene pressures ranging from 1 to 15 atm. The polyethylenes obtained show high molecular weights (up to 467 kg · mol^?1) and more than 218 branches per 1 000 backbone carbon atoms, qualifying these materials as hyperbranched. Dynamic‐mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) of these materials shows high β‐transitions, directly related to the branch content of these polyethylenes.

DMTA analysis of polyethylenes obtained with 1 /MAO at 0, 30, and 50 °C (corresponding to entries 1, 2 and 3).     

Dual role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis: endogenous IL-4 can induce protection or exacerbation of disease depending on the host genetic pattern

Resistance to paracoccidioidomycosis, the most important endemic mycosis in Latin America, is thought to be primarily mediated by cellular immunity and the production of gamma interferon. To assess the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4), a Th2 cytokine, pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in IL-4-depleted susceptible (B10.A) and intermediate (C57BL/6) mice was studied. Two different protocols were used to neutralize endogenous IL-4 in B10.A mice: 1 mg of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (MAb)/week and 8 mg 1 day before intratracheal infection with 10(6) Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells. Unexpectedly, both protocols enhanced pulmonary infection but did not alter the levels of pulmonary cytokines and specific antibodies. Since in a previous work it was verified that C57BL/6 mice genetically deficient in IL-4 were more resistant to P. brasiliensis infection, we also investigated the effect of IL-4 depletion in this mouse strain. Treatment with the MAb at 1 mg/week led to less severe pulmonary disease associated with impaired synthesis of Th2 cytokines in the lungs and liver of control C57BL/6 mice. Conversely, in IL-4-depleted C57BL/6 mice, increased levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-12 were found in the lungs and liver, respectively. In addition, higher levels of immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) and lower levels of IgG1 antibodies were produced by IL-4-depleted mice than by control mice. Lung pathologic findings were equivalent in IL-4-depleted and untreated B10.A mice. In IL-4-depleted C57BL/6 mice, however, smaller and well-organized granulomas replaced the more extensive lesions that developed in untreated mice. These results clearly showed that IL-4 can have a protective or a disease-promoting effect in pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis depending on the genetic background of the host.     

Are Anti-Beta2-Glycoprotein-I Antibodies Markers for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Lupus Anticoagulant/Anticardiolipin Seronegative Women?

Problem  Anti-beta₂-Glicoprotein-1 antibodies (anti-β₂GPI-ab) have been related to recurrent miscarriage (RM) with conflicting results. The aim was to evaluate the role of anti-β₂-GPI-ab as unique biological marker in RM related to antiphospholipid (aPL).
Method of study  A cohort study that included 59 cases, divided in two groups, was designed: group 1 comprised 43 pregnant women with 'obstetric' antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and group 2 included 16 cases with similar complaints but only having repeatedly anti-β₂-GPI-ab. Previous thrombosis and/or inherited thrombophilia were excluded. Lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies (aCA), anti-β₂-GPI-ab, and other autoantibodies were analyzed. Miscarriages, premature births, pre-eclampsia, live births, placental and systemic thromboses were studied.
Results  No differences in previous obstetric complications were detected ( P  =   1.00–0.164). After the treatment, differences in number of obstetric complications were not seen ( P  =   1.00). Live births were similar in two groups (88.4% and 93.7%; P  =   1.00). Placental thrombosis was equal in both groups, 93.3% versus 80% ( P  =   1.00).
Conclusion  These results suggest that anti-β₂-GPI-ab may be considered a biological marker for obstetric APS.     

Behavior of reticular,vestibular and prepositus neurons terminating in the abducens nucleus of the alert cat

Summary The activity of pontomedullary reticular, vestibular, and prepositus neurons has been recorded in the alert cat during spontaneous and vestibular-induced eye movements. Neurons were identified by their antidromic activation from the abducens nucleus. Spikes of these neurons were used to trigger the recording of field potentials in the abducens nucleus. The analysis by post-spike averaging of the field potentials showed the presence of a trifold system of reciprocal (excitatory and inhibitory) direct projections that originated in the above nuclei and terminated in the abducens nucleus with a distinctly graded effectiveness. This trifold afferent system is involved in the generation of fast eye movements, slow compensatory movements of vestibular origin, and eye fixation, respectively.     

Association between physical activity and patient-reported outcome measures in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Quality of Life Research - The aim of this systematic review was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as well as other...     

Predictors of health-related quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: the impact of overlap between health-related quality of life and clinical measures

Quality of Life Research - This study aimed to determine predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to explore their predictive value before and after...     

Associations between admissions factors and the need for remediation

Advances in Health Sciences Education - This study examines the way in which student characteristics and pre-admissions measures are statistically associated with the likelihood a student will...     

L-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Strength and Power of Knee Muscles and Improves Glycemia Control and Plasma Redox Balance in Exercising Elderly Women

We investigated the effects of oral L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation, associated or not with physical exercises, in control of glycemia, oxidative stress, and strength/power of knee muscles in elderly women. Physically active (n = 21) and sedentary (n = 23) elderly women aged 60 to 80 years were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of D-fructosamine, insulin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, iron, uric acid, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) (lipoperoxidation product), as well as knee extensor/flexor muscle torque peak and average power (isokinetic test), were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with Gln or placebo (30 days). Higher plasma D-fructosamine, insulin, and iron levels, and lower strength/power of knee muscles were found pre-supplementation in the NPE group than in the PE group. Post-supplementation, Gln subgroups showed higher levels of GSH, GSSG, and torque peak, besides lower D-fructosamine than pre-supplementation values. Higher muscle average power and plasma uric acid levels were reported in the PE + Gln group, whereas lower insulin levels were found in the NPE + Gln than pre-supplementation values. TBARs levels were diminished post-supplementation in all groups. Gln supplementation, mainly when associated with physical exercises, improves strength and power of knee muscles and glycemia control, besides boosting plasma antioxidant capacity of elderly women.     

Analytical Assessment and Nutritional Adequacy of School Lunches in Sintra’s Public Primary Schools

School meals present several cost benefits overtime at the short, medium, and long term for individuals and society. This cross-sectional study aims to analyse the nutritional composition and evaluate the adequacy of school lunches. One hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected and analysed from 10 primary schools in Sintra’s municipality, served during one week. On average, energy (27.7% daily energetic requirements) and carbohydrate (48.1%) contents did not reach the reference values, and the content of protein (19.5%) exceeded the reference value (p < 0.05). The mean total fat (28.8%) and saturated fatty acids (5.4%) content complied with the recommendations. The mean salt (1.7 g) and dietary fibre (8.3 g) content exceeded the reference value but did not differ significantly from the recommendations. Addressing school canteens is crucial, not only in a nutritional approach, but also as an opportunity to achieve healthier, sustainable, and accessible food systems, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We highlighted the importance of evaluating evidence-based practices and disseminated practice-based evidence regarding the adequacy of school lunches.     

Characterization of an Agarophyton chilense Oleoresin Containing PPARγ Natural Ligands with Insulin-Sensitizing Effects in a C57Bl/6J Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity and Antioxidant Activity in Caenorhabditis elegans

The biomedical potential of the edible red seaweed Agarophyton chilense (formerly Gracilaria chilensis) has not been explored. Red seaweeds are enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids and eicosanoids, which are known natural ligands of the PPARγ nuclear receptor. PPARγ is the molecular target of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), drugs used as insulin sensitizers to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Medical use of TZDs is limited due to undesired side effects, a problem that has triggered the search for selective PPARγ modulators (SPPARMs) without the TZD side effects. We produced Agarophyton chilense oleoresin (Gracilex^®), which induces PPARγ activation without inducing adipocyte differentiation, similar to SPPARMs. In a diet-induced obesity model of male mice, we showed that treatment with Gracilex^® improves insulin sensitivity by normalizing altered glucose and insulin parameters. Gracilex^® is enriched in palmitic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid, and lipophilic antioxidants such as tocopherols and β-carotene. Accordingly, Gracilex^® possesses antioxidant activity in vitro and increased antioxidant capacity in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans. These findings support the idea that Gracilex^® represents a good source of natural PPARγ ligands and antioxidants with the potential to mitigate metabolic disorders. Thus, its nutraceutical value in humans warrants further investigation.