Steroid Biosynthesis within the Frog Brain : A Model of Neuroendocrine Regulation

Rego, Jean-Luc Do,Seong, Jae Young,Burel, Delphine,Luu-The, Van,Larhammar, Dan,Tsutsui, Kazuyoshi,Pelletier, Georges,Tonon, Marie-Christine,Vaudry, Hubert Wiley (Blackwell Publishing) 2009 Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Vol.1163 No.1

<P>There is now clear evidence that the brain, similar to the adrenal gland, gonads, and placenta, is a steroidogenic organ. Notably in the frog brain, the presence of various steroidogenic enzymes has been detected by immunohistochemistry in specific populations of neurons and/or glial cells. These steroidogenic enzymes are biologically active, as shown by the ability of brain tissue explants to convert [(3)H]pregnenolone into various radiolabeled steroids. The frog brain has also been extensively used as a model to study the mechanism of regulation of neurosteroidogenesis by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. It has been demonstrated that the biosynthesis of neurosteroids is inhibited by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acting through GABA(A) receptors, and neuropeptide Y, acting through Y1 receptors, and is stimulated by the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), acting through central-type benzodiazepine receptors, triakontatetraneuropeptide (TTN), acting through peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors, and vasotocin, acting through V1a-like receptors. These data indicate that some of the neurophysiological effects of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may be mediated through modulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis.</P>

Neurosteroid biosynthesis: Enzymatic pathways and neuroendocrine regulation by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides

Do Rego, Jean Luc,Seong, Jae Young,Burel, Delphine,Leprince, Jerô,me,Luu-The, Van,Tsutsui, Kazuyoshi,Tonon, Marie-Christine,Pelletier, Georges,Vaudry, Hubert Elsevier 2009 Frontiers in neuroendocrinology Vol.30 No.3

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Neuroactive steroids synthesized in neuronal tissue, referred to as neurosteroids, are implicated in proliferation, differentiation, activity and survival of nerve cells. Neurosteroids are also involved in the control of a number of behavioral, neuroendocrine and metabolic processes such as regulation of food intake, locomotor activity, sexual activity, aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, body temperature and blood pressure. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the existence, neuroanatomical distribution and biological activity of the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain of vertebrates, and we review the neuronal mechanisms that control the activity of these enzymes. The observation that the activity of key steroidogenic enzymes is finely tuned by various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides strongly suggests that some of the central effects of these neuromodulators may be mediated via the regulation of neurosteroid production.</P>

ICH and ‘Frugal Innovation’: a Contribution to Development through the Framework of the 2003 Convention

Julio Sa Rego,Ariane Agnes Corradi 국립민속박물관 2018 International Journal of Intangible Heritage Vol.13 No.-

This paper endeavours to emphasise one particular vector ofsustainable development from intangible cultural heritage:‘frugal innovations’. It discusses the potential of ICH to generatefrugal innovations, contributing to improving communities’quality of life and enhancing the safeguarding of intangiblecultural heritage. A type of innovation constrained by limitedresources, frugal innovation means the development ofprocesses, products or services reduced to core functionalitieswith optimised performance levels, addressing the needs of thebottom of the pyramid market. When implemented at communitylevel, it aims to create a novel solution from the scarce resourcesavailable to respond to the needs of the communities concerned. This paper presents two case studies - the Indian Mitticool, andthe Australian WALFA project - to illustrate the transformation ofspecific traditional knowledge into frugal innovations, and theirimpact on their respective communities. The analysis will buildon the conceptual framework proposed by Soni and Krishnan(2014) that defines the dimensions of frugal innovation in termsof mindset, process and product. This paper then analysesthe institutional framework provided by the 2003 Convention,especially its Chapter VI on ‘Sustainable Development’, tolegitimise and leverage ICH-related frugal innovations, as wellas to ensure that this transformation is fair and collectivelybeneficial.

Changes in Coagulation Study and Risk of Developing Cholesteatoma: Is There a Link?

Costa Joana Raquel,Rego Ângela Reis,Soares Teresa,Sousa Cecília Almeida e,Coutinho Miguel Bebiano 대한청각학회 2023 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.27 No.1

Background and Objectives: The etiopathogenesis of acquired pediatric cholesteatoma has not yet been fully clarified. Recent studies and modern technologies have led researchers to look for explanations at a molecular level. This study aims to understand if the origins of cholesteatoma could be related to dysfunctions in coagulation factors, thereby emphasizing its role in angiogenesis.Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study carried out at a tertiary hospital center between January 2010 and December 2020. The study included 92 children. The variables of the summary coagulation study (partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio) were compared among children with and without development of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma.Results: The cases and controls were comparable in terms of age, type, and number of times that ventilation tubes were placed. Partial thromboplastin times tended to be higher in children who developed cholesteatoma, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of normal and abnormal partial thromboplastin times (<i>p</i>=0.029).Conclusions: The results of this case control study indicate that slight extension of partial thromboplastin times in the coagulation study may not meet the criteria for diagnosis of certain hematological pathologies or clinical significance, but at a molecular level may already have implications for activation of angiogenesis and other growth factors involved in the onset, growth, and expansion of acquired pediatric cholesteatoma.

Difficulties of Portuguese Patients Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: Predictors of Readmissions and Unchanged Lifestyles

Sofia Nunes,Guilhermina Rego,Rui Nunes 한국간호과학회 2016 Asian Nursing Research Vol.10 No.2

Purpose: Myocardial infarction can occur due to known risk factors and lifestyle choices. The difficulties that patients experience after discharge can lead to readmission and nonadherence to lifestyle change. The purpose of this study was to analyze the difficulties experienced by patients after hospitalization due to myocardial infarction and to identify the predictors of readmission and unchanged lifestyles. Methods: The study used a mixed-methods design across 106 patients who had experienced a first episode of acute myocardial infarction. The data were collected from two patient interviews and the patients' medical records. A logistic regression was used to predict nchanged lifestyle and readmission. Results: In the first interview, 74.5% of the patients reported receiving information prior to discharge. Six months after discharge, 80.2% mentioned that they had changed their lifestyles, but only 59.4% reported that their health had improved, and 75.5% continued to have concerns regarding their health. Patients described difficulties with regard to psychological problems, family dynamics, professional issues, problems with managing cardiovascular symptoms, and complications associated with hospital interventions. A follow-up assessment revealed that 12.3% of patients had been readmitted for cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: The analysis revealed significant predictors of readmission amongst patients with hypertension and three-vessel disease. Specifically, the number of people in the household, per capita income, and a lack of information/education provided at discharge as well as problems related to mental health after discharge predicted unchanged lifestyle. An educational program might be advantageous to clarify doubts and involve patients in their own disease management.

Residual Stress Heterogeneity Induced By Powder Metallurgy Gear Manufacturing Chains

Lucas Robatto,Ronnie Rego,Victor Righetti,Gilmar Thim,Anderson Borille 한국정밀공학회 2022 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.9 No.2

Powder metallurgy represents an alternative to increase sustainability in the manufacturing of automotive gears, but its potential is hindered by a certain lack of knowledge on surface integrity properties that can impair the gear performance. This study explores the effects of the microstructural differences induced by this chain on the residual stress heterogeneity state of gears. X-ray diffraction methods of macro residual stress mapping and line profile analysis were applied for measurements of gear teeth after subsequent steps of the powder metallurgy and the conventional wrought steel chains. The powder metallurgy chain induced more pronounced heterogeneities than the conventional manufacturing, characterized by non-uniform residual stress distributions along the lead and the involute profiles of gear flanks. These non-uniformities observed after carburizing were traced back to the previous steps, surface densification, sintering and compaction. The residual stress distribution patterns of these steps were compatible with the plasticity dynamics of each manufacturing process. Such surface integrity heterogeneities result in a residual stress gradient along the gears functional surface, exposing particular regions to be more susceptible to fatigue effects.

Clinical outcomes after a new arthroscopic assisted fixation technique of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Pedro Amaro,Luís Pires,Paulo Rego,Raul Alonso 대한정형외과 스포츠의학회 2022 Arthroscopy and Orthopedic Sports Medicine Vol.9 No.2

Background: Multiple surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of unstable acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation injuries. However, consensus on the most adequate procedure is yet to be established. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a single cohort of patients treated with an arthroscopically assisted endobutton coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction and AC suture anchor-button internal brace technique. Methods: A total of 15 patients were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of two years. The clinical evaluation comprised a complete physical examination of both shoulders and an assessment of shoulder function scores. Bilateral anteroposterior stress views were obtained before and at the time of the last follow-up for radiological evaluation. Additionally, the CC distance and AC distance were measured on both sides. Results: On average, 94.8 points and 32.6 points were noted in the constant score and the University of California-Los Angeles shoulder scale, respectively. Regarding the constant score, the contralateral side averaged 96 points. This difference was not statistically significant. The average CC difference was reduced from 13 mm preoperatively to 2 mm postoperatively. The average AC difference was reduced from 16 mm preoperatively to 3.5 mm postoperatively. The mean time to return to sport was 3.6 months, and the mean time to return to professional competition was four months. Conclusion: An arthroscopically assisted endobutton CC reconstruction and AC suture anchor-button internal brace technique with excellent functional results and good radiological outcomes having a low complication rate has been reported by this study.

Extended left hepatectomy associated with resection of the vena cava and suprahepatic veins by in situ perfusion to treat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Caroline Celestino Girão Nobre,Raquel Lima Sampaio,Ana Clemilda Marques Ximenes,Gustavo Rego Coelho,José Huygens Parente Garcia 한국간담췌외과학회 2024 Annals of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery Vol.28 No.1

Cholangiocarcinoma is a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors that correspond to the second most common primary liver tumor. They can be classified according to their anatomical position concerning the biliary tree, and each subtype demonstrates different behavior and treatment. A 38-year-old male patient presenting solely right lumbar pain was diagnosed with a 7 cm hepatic tumor involving segments I, Iva, and VIII associated with involvement of the hepatic veins. He underwent a bloc resection of hepatic segments I, II, III, IV, partial V, partial VII, and VIII; right, middle, and left hepatic veins; and inferior vena cava segment, with perfusion of the remaining liver in situ with a preservation solution. As the patient had a large accessory inferior right hepatic vein draining the remaining liver, no reimplantation of hepatic veins was necessary. He remained clinically stable in outpatient follow-up, with excellent performance status—current survival of 2 years 6 months after surgical treatment.

Effects of Opuntia ficus-indica lectin on feeding, survival, and gut enzymes of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais

Souza, Carolina de Santana,Procopio, Thamara Figueiredo,Belmonte, Bernardo do Rego,Paiva, Patricia Maria Guedes,de Albuquerque, Lidiane Pereira,Pontual, Emmanuel Viana,Napoleao, Thiago Henrique The Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistr 2018 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.61 No.3

In this study, the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica lectin (OfiL) on the survival and nutritional parameters of Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil) adults were evaluated. OfiL was incorporated into the artificial diets at concentrations of 15, 60, and 95 mg/g (mg of lectin per g of wheat flour). Mortality was evaluated after 7 and 15 days, and the amount of food ingested and the weight of the insects were determined on the 7th day. In addition, the in vitro effects of OfiL on the gut enzymes of the insect were investigated. The ingestion of OfiL did not show any significant difference in the mortality rates compared to control. The relative consumption rate was also similar to that of the control, and no deterrent effect was detected. However, the values of the relative biomass variation and the efficiency of ingested food conversion were negative in the treatments at 60 and 95 mg/g, showing that lectin ingestion resulted in weight loss. OfiL exhibited a stimulatory effect on the protease activity from S. zeamais gut extract, which may cause uncontrolled hydrolysis of proteins in the digestive tract. This lectin did not promote significant alteration in the amylase activity. In conclusion, OfiL was able to exert anti-nutritional effects without causing a deterrent effect.

Pharmacological Treatment of Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy: A Review

Sousa Francisco Alves de,Alves Clara Serdoura,Pinto Ana Nóbrega,Meireles Luís,Rego Ângela Reis 대한청각학회 2024 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.28 No.1

There have been few investigations on the epidemiology, etiology, and medical management of acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUV). Short-term pharmaceutical resolutions include vestibular symptomatic suppressants, anti-emetics, and some cause-based therapies. Anticholinergics, phenothiazines, antihistamines, antidopaminergics, benzodiazepines, and calcium channel antagonists are examples of vestibular suppressants. Some of these medications may show their effects through multiple mechanisms. In contrast, N-acetyl-L-leucine, Ginkgo biloba, and betahistine improve central vestibular compensation. Currently, AUV pathophysiology is poorly understood. Diverse hypotheses have previously been identified which have brought about some causal treatments presently used. According to some publications, acute administration of anti-inflammatory medications may have a deleterious impact on both post-lesional functional recovery and endogenous adaptive plasticity processes. Thus, some authors do not recommend the use of corticosteroids in AUV. Antivirals are even more contentious in the context of AUV treatment. Although vascular theories have been presented, no verified investigations employing anti-clotting or vasodilator medications have been conducted. There are no standardized treatment protocols for AUV to date, and the pharmacological treatment of AUV is still questionable. This review addresses the most current developments and controversies in AUV medical treatment.