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• We examined how a variety of different early-life stressors affect disease biology and health. • We also investigated the extent to which these associations differed for males vs. females. • Different classes of early-life adversity had varying associations with biomarkers and health outcomes; these associations also differed by sex. • The effects of early-life adversity on disease-relevant biomarkers and adulthood health outcomes appear to be both sex- and stressor-specific. Although early adversity is now recognized as a major public health concern, it remains unclear if the effects of early-life stressors on disease biology and health differ by sex or stressor type. Because childhood stressors often covary, examining whether such stressors typically occur together (e.g., cumulative adversity) or in distinct multivariate patterns is needed to determine if and how different life stressors uniquely affect disease biology and health. To investigate, we conducted latent class analyses (LCA) to identify clusters of adults experiencing multiple childhood stressors (N = 2,111, M age = 53.04, 54.8% female) in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study. We then tested how latent stressor exposure groups, and individual stressors, related to 25 biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism, and stress, and 20 major health conditions. Multivariate effect sizes were estimated using Mahalanobis's D. Optimal LCA models yielded three female (Low-, Moderate-, and High-Stress) and two male (Low- and High-Stress) stressor exposure classes. The High-Stress classes had greater inflammation (male: D = 0.43; female: D = 0.59) and poorer metabolic health (male: D = 0.32–0.33; female: D = 0.32–0.47). They also had more cardiovascular (male: HR = 1.56 [1.17, 2.07]; female: HR = 1.97 [1.50, 2.58]), cancer (male: HR = 2.41 [1.52, 3.84]; female: HR = 2.51 [1.45, 4.35]), metabolic (male: HR = 1.54 [1.16, 2.03]; female: HR = 2.01 [1.43, 2.83]), thyroid (male: HR = 3.65 [1.87, 7.12]; female: HR = 2.25 [1.36, 3.74]), arthritis (male: HR = 1.81 [1.30, 2.54]; female: HR = 1.97 [1.41, 2.74]), and mental/behavioral health problems (male: HR = 2.62 [1.90, 3.62]; female; HR = 3.67 [2.72, 4.94]). Moreover, stressors were related to these outcomes in a sex- and stressor-specific manner. Childhood adversity portends worse biological health and elevated risk for many major health problems in a sex- and stressor-specific manner. These findings advance stress theory, and may help inform precision interventions for managing stress and enhancing resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Objective: Baylor University established a surveillance system to assess the needs of students and faculty in isolation from SARS-CoV-2 as well as any longer-term symptoms. Participants: Overall, there were 309 responses between March 20 and May 19, 2021. Methods: A survey covering experience in isolation, symptoms, vaccination, and demographic characteristics was emailed to individuals on Day 7 of isolation; a follow-up health survey was sent 30 days later. Results: Only 9.6% of respondents reported needing assistance while in isolation. Nearly 75% of respondents experienced COVID-19 symptoms in isolation, and 31.9% had remaining symptoms after isolation. Older age, being male, and more severe symptoms were associated with longer symptom duration. Those vaccinated had lower odds of developing symptoms and having symptoms remaining post-isolation. Conclusions: The present study adds to our understanding of long-COVID in young adult populations, while providing a framework for similar institutions to sustain operations during a global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Sea surface salinity may serve as a tracer for freshwater fluxes because it is linked to evaporation and precipitation that force the freshwater balance of the ocean's surface. The relationship between freshwater fluxes and salinity anomalies in the upper few centimeters remains widely unknown. In a mechanistic approach, we investigated how these anomalies develop by conducting experiments with artificial rain over a large basin. We measured conductivity and temperature at different depths and rain characteristics (intensity, rain temperature, droplet sizes, and velocities). In the absence of turbulence, the rain causes a strong salinity change of up to 6.02 g kg - 1 in 0–4 cm depth. At the highest rain intensity of 56 mm h - 1 , salinity changed thrice as fast as at an intensity of 18 mm h - 1 . At the sea surface microlayer (first millimeter of the surface) the anomalies are always highest and reached a maximum of 14.18 g kg - 1 . With mechanical mixing, salinity changes were less pronounced (maximum SML salinity anomaly: 6.17 g kg - 1 ), and freshwater was mixed fast with the existing seawater body. In general, our study shows that freshwater remains in the upper few centimeters, and even with induced turbulence, are not mixed below 16 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Long-term organ transplant survival remains suboptimal, and life-long immunosuppression predisposes transplant recipients to an increased risk of infection, malignancy, and kidney toxicity. Promoting the regulatory arm of the immune system by expanding Tregs may allow immunosuppression minimization and improve long-term graft outcomes. While low-dose IL-2 treatment can expand Tregs, it has a short half-life and off-target expansion of NK and effector T cells, limiting its clinical applicability. Here, we designed a humanized mutein IL-2 with high Treg selectivity and a prolonged half-life due to the fusion of an Fc domain, which we termed mIL-2. We showed selective and sustainable Treg expansion by mIL-2 in 2 murine models of skin transplantation. This expansion led to donor-specific tolerance through robust increases in polyclonal and antigenspecific Tregs, along with enhanced Treg-suppressive function. We also showed that Treg expansion by mIL-2 could overcome the failure of calcineurin inhibitors or costimulation blockade to prolong the survival of major-mismatched skin grafts. Validating its translational potential, mIL-2 induced a selective and sustainable in vivo Treg expansion in cynomolgus monkeys and showed selectivity for human Tregs in vitro and in a humanized mouse model. This work demonstrated that mIL-2 can enhance immune regulation and promote long-term allograft survival, potentially minimizing immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Despite decades of stress research, there still exist substantial gaps in our understanding of how social, environmental, and biological factors interact and combine with developmental stressor exposures, cognitive appraisals of stressors, and psychosocial coping processes to shape individuals' stress reactivity, health, and disease risk. Relatively new biological profiling approaches, called multi-omics, are helping address these issues by enabling researchers to quantify thousands of molecules from a single blood or tissue sample, thus providing a panoramic snapshot of the molecular processes occurring in an organism from a systems perspective. In this review, we summarize two types of research designs for which multi-omics approaches are best suited, and describe how these approaches can help advance our understanding of stress processes and the development, prevention, and treatment of stress-related pathologies. We first discuss incorporating multi-omics approaches into theory-rich, intensive longitudinal study designs to characterize, in high-resolution, the transition to stress-related multisystem dysfunction and disease throughout development. Next, we discuss how multi-omics approaches should be incorporated into intervention research to better understand the transition from stress-related dysfunction back to health, which can help inform novel precision medicine approaches to managing stress and fostering biopsychosocial resilience. Throughout, we provide concrete recommendations for types of studies that will help advance stress research, and translate multi-omics data into better health and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

• We investigated how hormonal contraceptive (HC) use affects acute stress reactivity. • HC users had greater subjective stress responses to an acute social stressor (TSST) • Cortisol increases in HC users were accompanied by increased TNF-α levels. • Cortisol increases in naturally cycling women were accompanied by increased IL-6. • These HC-associated differences in stress reactivity may affect women's health. Women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) exhibit numerous signs of chronic inflammation, including elevated C-reactive protein levels and greater risk of developing mood and autoimmune disorders. However, users and non-users of HCs often have similar circulating proinflammatory cytokine levels, making the mechanism of association unclear. One possible explanation for this paradox is that HC users exhibit differences in their inflammatory responses to psychosocial stress that, over time, could contribute to chronic inflammation and its pathologies. Here, we tested this possibility by examining women's glucocorticoid, inflammatory, and psychological responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in 67 naturally cycling (NC) and 60 oral HC-using women (M age = 19.31, SD age = 1.95). As hypothesized, HC users and NC women exhibited different glucocorticoid and proinflammatory cytokine responses to the TSST. For NC women, TSST-induced increases in glucocorticoids were uncommon, and increases in glucocorticoids were accompanied by elevations in IL-6. In contrast, for women using HCs, increases in glucocorticoids in response to the TSST were common, and increases in glucocorticoids were accompanied by increases in TNF-α. HC users and NC women also differed in their psychological responses to the TSST, with HC users reporting elevated stress levels compared to NC women. Together, these results suggest that HC use impacts women's glucocorticoid, inflammatory, and psychological responses to psychosocial stress, potentially contributing to observed differences in these women's mental and physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose: To determine: (1) the smallest change in function patients would need to see following a self-management intervention for low back pain (LBP) to consider it worthwhile; (2) the association between patient-related factors and the magnitude of the smallest worthwhile change. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 212 participants of the TEXT4myBACK randomised trial was conducted. At baseline, participants nominated the smallest change in function (0–30 scale) following a self-management program they would need to reach to consider it worthwhile. A multivariate regression model estimated the effects of demographic, comorbidities, lifestyle and LBP-related factors on the smallest worthwhile change estimates. Results: On average, people with LBP need to experience an improvement of at least 9.4 points (SD: 5.7) in function to consider a self-management intervention worthwhile. Only baseline function severity was significantly associated with the smallest worthwhile estimate (−0.60; 95%CI − 0.76, − 0.44). Conclusion: On average, an improvement of 9.4 points (or 31%) in function is considered by people with LBP as the smallest change that makes self-management worthwhile. Those with lower levels of function needed to experience greater improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Objectives: The selection pressures exerted by pathogens have played important roles in shaping the biology and behavior of animals, including humans. Immune systems recognize and respond to cues of infection or damage by coordinating cellular, humoral, and metabolic shifts that promote recovery. Moreover, animals also possess a repertoire of behavioral tools to help combat the threat of pathogens, often referred to as the behavioral immune system. Recently, researchers have begun to examine how cognitive, affective, and behavioral disease avoidance mechanisms interact with the biological immune system. Methods: The present study explored relationships among individual differences in behavioral immune system activity (e.g., pathogen disgust), shifts in SARS-CoV-2 infection risk (i.e., 7-day case averages), and immune function in a community cohort from McLennan County, Texas, USA (n = 387). Results: Levels of disease concern were not consistently associated with immune markers. However, serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-8, as well as serum killing ability of Escherichia coli, each varied with case counts. Additional analyses found that case counts also predicted changes in stress physiology, but not subjective measures of distress. However, follow-up mediation models did not provide evidence that relationships between case counts and immunological outcomes were mediated through levels of stress. Conclusions: The present project provides initial evidence that markers of immune function may be sensitive to changes in infection risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. This adds to the growing body of research finding relationships among behavioral and biological pathogen management mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In early-2020, the epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was still in discovery and initial reports about the role of asymptomatic individuals were developing. The Waco COVID Survey was implemented in mid-2020 with targeted serological surveillance to assess relationships among risk factors and asymptomatic transmission in McLennan County, Texas, USA. Because large-scale random sampling of the population was not feasible, a targeted and repeated sampling of specific clustered groups of asymptomatic individuals was employed. This included four waves (initial intake [n = 495], two follow-ups separated by a month [n = 348; n = 287], and a final follow-up one year later [n = 313]) of sampling participants in different risk categories: (a) healthcare workers (e.g., physicians, nurses, etc.) and first responders, (b) essential service employees (e.g., convenience and grocery stores, restaurants focused on delivery and carry-out), (c) employees whose businesses began reopening on May 1 (e.g., dine-in restaurants, churches, etc.) including church attendees, and (d) individuals that practiced intensive isolation. The survey collected information on demographics, compliance with public health recommendations, satisfaction with government responses, health history, attitudes regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease, health behaviors, personality, stress, and general affect. Results illustrate pandemic fatigue over time, the influence of political leniency on opinions and behaviors, the importance of face coverings in preventing infection, and the positive impact of vaccination in the community. This project remains one of the largest longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence surveys in the US, and details for successful implementation and community involvement are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Disgust is reasoned to operate in conjunction with the immune system to help protect the body from illness. However, less is known about the factors that impact the degree to which individuals invest in pathogen avoidance (disgust) versus pathogen management (prophylactic immunological activity). Here, we examine the role that one's control over pathogen contact plays in resolving such investment trade-offs, predicting that (a) those from low control environments will invest less in pathogen-avoidance strategies and (b) investment in each of these two strategies will occur in a compensatory fashion (i.e. they will be traded off with one other). Across four studies, we found support for these predictions, using a variety of manipulations and measures. By providing novel insights into how one's control over pathogen exposure influences disgust sensitivity and immune system activity, the current research poses an important contribution to the literature on disgust, pathogen avoidance, and the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

It has long been hypothesized that attractiveness provides a cue to a target's health and immunocompetence. However, much of the research testing this hypothesis has relied on a small number of indirect proxies of immune function, and the results of this research have been mixed. Here, we build on this past research, examining the relationship between target attractiveness and (i) self-reported health, (ii) in vivo measures of inflammation and white blood cell count/composition, and (iii) in vitro tests of targets' immune function, including (c1) leucocyte proliferation in response to immunological stimulants, (c2) phagocytosis of Escherichia coli bioparticles, (c3) NK cellmediated lysis of target tumour cells, and (c4) Staphylococcus aureus growth in isolated plasma. Results revealed multiple, sometimes sex-differentiated, relationships between targets' immune function and others' perceptions of their attractiveness. Together, this work suggests complex, often sex-differentiated relationships between immune function, health, and attractiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

• Dynamic structural equation modeling was used to examine body temperature fluctuations over six days of quarantine during an experimental respiratory virus challenge. • Infection resulted in higher, less consistent temperatures, mostly in the afebrile range. • Higher levels of nasal proinflammatory cytokines were associated with lower temperatures with particularly strong diurnal effects across the study period. • Higher levels of salivary cortisol across the first day of quarantine predicted higher, less stable temperatures across the study; higher levels of urinary catecholamines predicted the opposite pattern with large amounts of residual variance. Thermoregulation is a complex, dynamic process involving coordination between multiple autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral mechanisms. In the context of infection, this intricate machinery generates fever, a process believed to serve vital functions in the body's defense against pathogens. In addition to increasing core temperature, infection can lead to changes in the dynamic fluctuations in body temperature over time. The patterns of these deviations may convey information about the health of the body and the course of illness. Here, we utilized dynamic structural equation modeling to explore patterns of body temperature change following an experimental respiratory virus challenge in an aggregated, archival dataset of human participants (N = 1,412). We also examined whether temperature dynamics during infection were related to symptom severity, as well as individual differences in biomarkers of inflammation and stress. We found that individuals meeting the criteria for infection exhibited higher but less stable body temperatures over time compared to those not meeting criteria of infection. While temperature parameters did not reliably predict symptom severity, higher levels of nasal proinflammatory cytokines were associated with lower, more consistent temperatures during the study period. Further, levels of salivary cortisol and urinary catecholamines measured at the beginning of the study appeared to have disparate effects on temperature change. In sum, this research highlights the utility of dynamic time series modeling as a framework for studying body temperature change and lends novel insights into how stress may interact with infection to influence patterns of thermoregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose: This study analyzes the influence of the perception of self-efficacy on the commitment, entrenchment, and consent bonds that the individual will establish with the employing organization. Design/methodology/approach: This is a longitudinal panel-type survey composed of two data collections: one applied before the individual joined the organization, and the other applied nine months after joining the contracting company. Findings: The main results show the commitment established by individuals, with the contracting organization, can be predicted by the perceived self-efficacy of the individual measured before joining the organization. This suggested that the organization gives preference, at the time of hiring, to individuals with greater self-efficacy, as they will tend to develop higher commitment bond when compared to workers with lower self-efficacy. Besides the dispositional factors, other aspects arising from the individual/organization relationship will be involved in the development of the bond, and will be up to the company's people management team to ensure adequate conditions for the building of a strong affective bond. Research limitations/implications: To better understand future linkage, other variables need to be tested to verify what are the main antecedents of the future linkage of the individual. A gap left here is the absence of data collection through interviews, which would enrich quantitative data, as well the addition of new variables not tested. Originality/value: Inserted in the efforts to predict how the new individual's future relationship with the employing institution will be, this study relates self-efficacy to future commitment, entrenchment, and consent, something that does not exist in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

What is the clinical outcome of the first attempt at conception between two embryo selection methods, blastocyst morphology and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A), chosen at the initial physician IVF consultation? In this prospective analysis, a clinical decision regarding embryo selection, blastocyst morphology (group A) or PGT-A (group B) was made during initial physician IVF consultation. Female infertility patients were matched based on maternal age (mean 32.6 ± 3.6 years; range 25–43 years) and a similar time frame of oocyte retrieval. The primary outcome was live birth rate from the initial consultation to the first conception attempt for all female patients and for a subset analysis of patients aged <35 years. The inclusion of PGT-A (group B) for embryo selection during the initial physician IVF consultation resulted in 23 additional women out of the total 100 achieving a healthy live birth following the first conception attempt in this maternally age-matched infertile population (group B = 72.0% versus group A = 49.0%; P = 0.0014). This same benefit was observed for age-matched, younger infertility patients (<35 years), with live birth rates from the initial consultation being significantly higher when the upfront clinical decision included PGT-A for embryo selection (group B = 76.7% versus group A = 53.4%; P = 0.0052). Interestingly, 17 women from group B would have received an aneuploid embryo transfer if selection had been determined by blastocyst morphology alone, as their best-grade embryo was aneuploid. This prospective analysis from the initial physician IVF consultation revealed that euploid embryo selection significantly improved live birth potential with the first conception attempt, even for younger women with infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Early life stress increases one's risk for health problems later in life, and many studies find that these effects are sex-differentiated. Here, we examined relationships between multiple sources of early life stress and adult immune function in humans across several functional assays. Adult participants provided retrospective information about their childhood (a) socioeconomic status, (b) household unpredictability, and (c) exposure to adverse experiences. Participants' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then isolated for use in functional assays of immune performance: (a) tumor cell lysis by natural killer cells, (b) phagocytosis of Escherichia coli bioparticles, and (c) mitogen-induced leukocyte proliferation and cytokine release. In men, lower childhood socioeconomic status predicted decrements in immunological performance across functional assays, along with greater spontaneous cytokine release from PBMCs. These changes co-occurred with elevations in plasma testosterone levels. Similar effects were not observed for other sources of stress, nor were they found in women (with the exception of spontaneous cytokine release). These findings provide evidence that low childhood socioeconomic status has a lasting negative impact on multiple aspects of immune function, particularly in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a major burden on healthcare and economic systems across the globe. Even though a majority of the population develops only minor symptoms upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, a significant number are hospitalized at intensive care units (ICU) requiring critical care. While insights into the early stages of the disease are rapidly expanding, the dynamic immunological processes occurring in critically ill patients throughout their recovery at ICU are far less understood. Here, we have analysed whole blood samples serially collected from 40 surviving COVID-19 patients throughout their recovery in ICU using high-dimensional cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) and cytokine multiplexing. Based on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), we defined four sequential immunotypes during recovery that correlated to various clinical parameters, including the level of respiratory support at concomitant sampling times. We identified classical monocytes as the first immune cell type to recover by restoration of HLA-DR-positivity and the reduction of immunosuppressive CD163 + monocytes, followed by the recovery of CD8 + and CD4 + T cell and non-classical monocyte populations. The identified immunotypes also correlated to aberrant cytokine and acute-phase reactant levels. Finally, integrative analysis of cytokines and immune cell profiles showed a shift from an initially dysregulated immune response to a more coordinated immunogenic interplay, highlighting the importance of longitudinal sampling to understand the pathophysiology underlying recovery from severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children under 1 year. RSV vaccines are currently unavailable, and children suffering from multiple reinfections by the same viral strain fail to develop protective responses. Although RSV‐specific antibodies can be detected upon infection, these have limited neutralizing capacity. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are specialized in providing signals to B cells and help the production and affinity maturation of antibodies, mainly via interleukin (IL) 21 secretion. In this study, we evaluated whether RSV could inhibit Tfh responses. We observed that Tfh cells fail to upregulate IL‐21 production upon RSV infection. In the lungs, RSV infection downregulated the expression of IL‐21/interleukin‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) in Tfh cells and upregulated programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in dendritic cells (DCs) and B cells. PD‐L1 blockade during infection recovered IL‐21R expression in Tfh cells and increased the secretion of IL‐21 in a DC‐dependent manner. IL‐21 treatment decreased RSV viral load and lung inflammation, inducing the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs in the lung. It also decreased regulatory follicular T cells, and increased Tfh cells, B cells, antibody avidity and neutralization capacity, leading to an overall improved anti‐RSV humoral response in infected mice. Passive immunization with purified immunoglobulin G from IL‐21‐treated RSV‐infected mice protected against RSV infection. Our results unveil a pathway by which RSV affects Tfh cells by increasing PD‐L1 expression on antigen‐presenting cells, highlighting the importance of an IL‐21–PD‐L1 axis for the generation of protective responses to RSV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose - This research aimed to analyze the influence of Support for Transfer of Training on the links of Organizational Commitment and Organizational Entrenchment. Design/methodology/approach - A descriptive research of a quantitative nature was carried out. Participated in the survey 392 civil servants from a Public Higher Education Institution. Findings - The results showed that a greater perception of Support for the Transfer of Training by workers increases their levels of Affective Commitment, which results in a series of behaviors favorable to better organizational performance. The relationship between Training Transfer Support and Organizational Entrenchment has not been demonstrated. This fact shows that when analyzing the Support for Transfer of Training, the worker, even associating such benefit with an exchange reasoning (of losses and gains) does not change his Entrenchment link. Originality/value - The evidence demonstrates that investments in Training Transfer Support by organizations produce a desire for permanence and affection centered on the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Self-efficacy is a person's belief in their own ability to organize and perform actions, influencing positive human experiences. It is essential to have instruments capable of adequately measuring this construct. This study aimed to adapt and validate the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE) for the Brazilian context, through two independent cross-sectional studies. In both studies, the sample consisted of adults from 18 to 66 years of age, with varying levels of education, who responded to the scale after the translation and adaptation of the original instrument items. The best solution found through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated the maintenance of 6 of the 8 original scale items in a single-factor structure. The final model presented satisfactory fit indices (X2/gl=2.98; GFI=0.97; CFI=0.97; TLI=0.94; RMSEA=0.08), as well as adequate levels of internal consistency (a=0.83), indicating that this measure can be used in new national studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Stimulation of seed germination may be due to acceleration of germination as well as due to seedling growth-promotion during early development. Plant hydrolysate can be applied as a stimulant. Thus, we aimed to verify the influence of the hydrolysates, obtained by alkaline or acid treatment, from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) crop residues (root and stem) on the seed germination process. Seed germination was studied with Oryza sativa (rice) and Zea mays (corn). Sixteen germination experiments of 50 seeds each were undertaken, with 4 replicates, soaked with hydrolysates diluted at 20 and 80%, in 2 and 3 mL of hydration volumes for 48 h. Germinated seeds were counted, at which point radicular protrusions were observed. Rootlets and aerial parts were collected, dried and weighed. The hydrolysates presented seedling nutrition potential to the corn, with ~50% more mass compared to the results with water at the same conditions, and the germination acceleration was not significant. For the tested rice seeds, the results were reversed, and the germination acceleration was significant with rates up to 94% after 48 h of incubation. Better results of germination were obtained with hydrolysate from acid treatment, and root or stem tobacco can be used for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Age and sex impact prevalence and clinical features of thyroid disease. Thyroid dysfunction occurs with a higher frequency in elderly patients and females. Moreover, age alters clinical presentation of hyper- and hypothyroidism and onset of thyroid hormone (TH) related co-morbidities leading to increased risk for underdiagnosis and maltreatment in the elderly. Rodent models allow further insights into mechanisms of age- and sex-dependent TH action in target tissues. In this review, we summarize findings from mouse studies showing distinct effects of age and sex on systemic versus organ-specific TH action and discuss their wider implication for clinical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

BACKGROUND: Initiating and maintaining physical activity is particularly difficult for at-risk groups such as those with chronic low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between perceived social support (e.g., emotional and physical support) in individuals recently discharged from treatment for chronic LBP and the number of exercise sessions and total amount of exercise they perform over a 6-month period. This study also aimed to investigate a possible mediation effect of exercise self-efficacy on the relationship between perceived social support and exercise adherence (number of exercise sessions and total amount of exercise). METHODS: This prognostic study employed a secondary analysis of data collected for The Buddy Study; Data was collected through online weekly diaries over a 6-month period. Poisson regression analyses were used to quantify the relationship between social support at baseline and total number of exercise sessions, and total amount of exercise performed (frequency and duration) in the 6-month follow-up period. Where a relationship was observed, the Stata SEM command was used for the mediation analysis. RESULTS: A positive relationship was found between participants' perceived levels of social support at baseline and the total number of exercise sessions they performed (IRR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.18 to 2.06) and the total amount of exercise they performed (IRR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.05 to 2.35) during the 6-month follow-up period. No mediating relationship was found between exercise self-efficacy at 3-months and the total number of exercise sessions performed (β 3.96, 95% CI: - 4.91 to 12.84), or the total amount of exercise performed (β 243.96, 95% CI: - 258.08 to 746.01). CONCLUSION: Social support is potentially an important aspect of exercise adherence, following discharge from treatment, for those with chronic LBP. People's self-efficacy to exercise does not appear to mediate this relationship. Harnessing social support following physiotherapy treatment may increase exercise adherence and may therefore improve long term outcomes for those with chronic LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Many women experience sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, when taking hormonal contraceptives (HCs). However, little is known about the extent to which libido recovers after discontinuing HCs, nor about the timeframe in which recovery is expected to occur. Given that HCs suppress the activities of multiple endogenous hormones that regulate both the ovulatory cycle and women's sexual function, resumption of cycles should predict libido recovery. Here, using a combination of repeated and retrospective measures, we examined changes in sexual desire and partner attraction (among partnered women) across a three-month period in a sample of Natural Cycles users (Survey 1: n = 1596; Survey 2: n = 550) who recently discontinued HCs. We also tested whether changes in these outcomes coincided with resumption of the ovulatory cycle and whether they were associated with additional factors related to HC use (e.g., duration of HC use) or relationship characteristics (e.g., relationship length). Results revealed that both sexual desire and partner attraction, on average, increased across three months after beginning to use Natural Cycles. While the prediction that changes in sexual desire would co-occur with cycle resumption was supported, there was also evidence that libido continued to increase even after cycles resumed. Together, these results offer new insights into relationships between HC discontinuation and women's sexual psychology and lay the groundwork for future research exploring the mechanisms underlying these effects. • Women's sexual desire increased after discontinuing hormonal contraception. • These changes in sexual desire occurred alongside resumption of menstrual cycles. • Most women resumed cycling within three months of discontinuing contraception. • Attraction to romantic partners also increased after discontinuing contraceptives. • Partner attraction was not related to the return of menstrual cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

• We found seasonal changes in multiple measures of human immune function. • Specifically, shorter photoperiods predicted more robust immune responses. • In men, these changes were accompanied by decreased levels of total testosterone. • These results have key practical implications for researchers and clinicians. Winter is characterized by stressful conditions which compromise health and render animals more vulnerable to infection and illness than during other times of the year. Organisms are hypothesized to adapt to these seasonal stressors by increasing investment in immune function in response to diminished photoperiod duration. Here, we examined this hypothesis in a sample of healthy human participants. Using several functional immune assays in vitro, as well as by utilizing measures of in vivo proinflammatory cytokine levels, we predicted that shorter day length would be associated with greater investment in immunological function. Results revealed that shorter days predicted significant upregulation of several facets of immune function, including natural killer cell cytotoxicity, peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation (in response to, and in the absence of stimulation), and plasma levels of interleukin-6, as well as lower rates of Staphylococcus aureus growth in serum ex vivo. Further, consistent with the hypothesis that these trade-offs would be offset by decreased investment in mating effort, shorter day length also predicted lower levels of total testosterone in men. These results suggest that ambient photoperiod may be a powerful regulator of human immunological activity, providing some of the first evidence of seasonal changes in multiple facets of human immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Muscle fatigue is a potential risk factor for hamstring strain injuries in soccer players. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the hamstrings' muscle fatigue of soccer players during a simulated match. Twelve male amateur soccer players (~ 25 years) participated in this randomized, crossover, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The volunteers were evaluated in two sessions, with a minimum 7-day interval. At each session, volunteers received either PBMT (300 J per thigh) or placebo treatment on the hamstrings prior to the simulated soccer match. Muscle strength and functional capacity were evaluated through isokinetic dynamometry and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, respectively, before and immediately after the simulated soccer match. Players had lower reductions on hamstring eccentric peak torque [4.85% (ES = 0.31) vs. 8.72% (ES = 0.50)], hamstring-to-quadriceps torque ratio [3.60% (ES = 0.24) vs. 7.75% (ES = 0.50)], and CMJ height [1.77% (ES = 0.09) vs. 5.47% (ES = 0.32)] when treated with PBMT compared to placebo. Magnitude-based inference supports that PBMT promoted 75%, 69%, and 53% chances for beneficial effects on hamstring eccentric peak torque, hamstring-to-quadriceps torque ratio, and CMJ height, respectively, compared to placebo treatment. In conclusion, PBMT applied before a simulated soccer match proved to be effective in attenuating the hamstrings' muscle fatigue. These findings support PBMT as a promising tool to prevent hamstring strain injury in soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Here, we present a mechanistically grounded theory detailing a novel function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), the psychological system that prompts pathogen avoidance behaviors. We propose that BIS activity allows the body to downregulate basal inflammation, preventing resultant oxidative damage to DNA and promoting longevity. Study 1 investigated the relationship between a trait measure of pathogen avoidance motivation and in vitro and in vivo proinflammatory cytokine production. Study 2 examined the relationship between this same predictor and DNA damage often associated with prolonged inflammation. Results revealed that greater trait pathogen avoidance motivation predicts a) lower levels of spontaneous (but not stimulated) proinflammatory cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), b) lower plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), and c) lower levels of oxidative DNA damage. Thus, the BIS may promote health by protecting the body from the deleterious effects of inflammation and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common etiologic agent in severe infections of the lower respiratory tract in children with a high mortality rate. However, there are still no licensed vaccines for RSV. In this study, we investigated a putative vaccine based on M 209-223 peptide. Mice vaccinated with M 209-223 peptide expanded M 209-223 -specific effector CD4 + T cells upon infection. Vaccination resulted in increased numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg) and Th1 cells, and decreased numbers of Th2 cells. In addition, vaccination with M 209-223 peptide, protected mice from infection and prevented lung inflammation, leading to increase in IL-10 and IFN-γ production by lung CD4 + T cells. Treg depletion with anti-CTLA4 antibodies abrogated protection induced by peptide vaccination. Our results support vaccination with M 209-223 peptide as an important strategy to generate protection, both systemic and local, by memory RSV-specific CD4 + T cells in mice. Contrarily to inactivated RSV particles, M 209-223 peptide vaccination is capable of not only promoting viral clearance, but also reducing inflammatory processes in lungs upon infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Tumors of various histological origins show abundant infiltration of myeloid cells from early stages of disease progression. These cells have a profound impact on antitumor immunity and influence fundamental processes that underlie malignancy, including neoangiogenesis, sustained cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and therapy resistance. For these reasons, development of therapeutic approaches to deplete or reprogram myeloid cells in cancer is an emerging field of interest. However, knowledge about the heterogeneity of myeloid cells in tumors and their variability between patients and disease stages is still limited. In this review, we summarize the most recent advances in our understanding about how the phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and dendritic cells is dictated by their ontogeny, activation status and localization. We also outline major open questions that will only be resolved by applying high-dimensional single-cell technologies and systems biology approaches in the analysis of the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the response to an acute stressor may provide novel insights into successful stress-coping strategies. Acute behavioral stress-effects may be restricted to a specific time window early after stress-induction. However, existing behavioral test batteries typically span multiple days or even weeks, limiting the feasibility for a broad behavioral analysis following acute stress. Here, we designed a novel comprehensive behavioral test battery in male mice that assesses multiple behavioral dimensions within a sufficiently brief time window to capture acute stress-effects and its temporal profile. Using this battery, we investigated the behavioral impact of acute social defeat stress (ASD) early thereafter (ASD-early, ∼4 h), when circulating corticosterone levels were elevated, and late after stress-induction (ASD-late, ∼8 h), when corticosterone were returned to timed control levels. ASD-early, but not ASD-late, displayed hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairments in the Y-maze and in the spatial object recognition test. The actin-binding protein (ABP) Tumor suppressor down-regulated in renal cell carcinoma 1 (DRR1) has been described as resilience-promoting factor but the potential of DRR1 to curb stress-effects has not been investigated. Hippocampal DRR1 mRNA-expression was increased in ASD-early and ASD-late whereas DRR1-protein levels were increased only in ASD-late. We hypothesized that the absence of hippocampal DRR1 protein-upregulation in ASD-early caused the associated cognitive impairments. Hence, virus-mediated hippocampal DRR1-overexpression was induced as putative treatment, but cognitive deficits in ASD-early were not improved. We conclude that hippocampal DRR1-overexpression is insufficient to protect from the detrimental cognitive effects following acute social stress where perhaps a more global response in local actin dynamics, involving multiple stress-responsive ABPs that act synergistically, was warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Hydrochemical solute concentrations in the shallow subsurface can be spatially highly variable within small scales, particularly at interfaces. However, most monitoring systems fail to capture these small scale variations. Within this study, we developed a high resolution multilevel well (HR-MLW) with which we monitored water across the interface of the unsaturated and saturated zone with a vertical resolution of 0.05-0.5 m. We installed three of these 4 m deep HR-MLWs in the riparian zone of a third-order river and analyzed for hydrochemical parameters and stable water isotopes. The results showed three distinct vertical zones (unsaturated zone, upper saturated zone, lower saturated zone) within the alluvial aquifer. A 2 m thick layer influenced by river water (upper saturated zone) was not captured by existing monitoring wells with higher screen length. Hydrochemical data (isotopes, total ions) were consistent in all HR-MLWs and showed similar variation over time emphasizing the reliability of the installed monitoring system. Further, the depths zones were also reflected in the NO3-N concentrations; with high spatial variabilities between the three wells. The zonation was constant over time, with seasonal variability in the upper saturated zone due to the influence of river water. This study highlights the use of high resolution monitoring for identifying the spatial and temporal variability of hydrochemical parameters present in many aquifer systems. Possible applications range from riparian zones, agricultural field sites to contaminated site studies, wherever an improved understanding of biogeochemical turnover processes is necessary. Keywords: Multilevel well, capillary fringe, groundwater, riparian zone, nitrogen, heterogeneity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Among the chaperones and co-chaperones regulating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), FK506 binding protein (FKBP) 51 is the most intensely investigated across different disciplines. This review provides an update on the role of the different co-chaperones of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the regulation of GR function. The development leading to the focus on FKBP51 is outlined. Further, a survey of the vast literature on the mechanism and function of FKBP51 is provided. This includes its structure and biochemical function, its regulation on different levels--transcription, post-transcription, and post-translation--and its function in signaling pathways. The evidence portraying FKBP51 as a scaffolding protein organizing protein complexes rather than a chaperone contributing to the folding of individual proteins is collated. Finally, FKBP51's involvement in physiology and disease is outlined, and the promising efforts in developing drugs targeting FKBP51 are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article aims to identify the influence of organizational commitment and entrenchment, as well as support for the transfer of training on the impact of on-the-job training. For this, a sample of 392 servers from a public institution of higher education who responded to a questionnaire prepared from previously validated self-assessment models was used. After quantitatively analyzing the data, the results showed positive correlations between affective commitment, the impact of training and support to transfer at work; and negative correlations between the training impact at work and the dimensions of entrenchment (limitations of alternatives and bureaucratic arrangements). It was concluded, therefore, that the nature of the individual's link with the organization differently affects the transfer of the learning obtained in the trainings, which can subsidize strategies for the strengthening of the training impact at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Karst aquifers in semi-arid regions are particularly threatened by surface contamination, especially during winter seasons when extremely variable rainfall of high intensities prevails. An additional challenge is posed when managed recharge of storm water is applied, since karst aquifers display a high spatial variability of hydraulic properties. In these cases, adapted protection concepts are required to address the interaction of surface water and groundwater. In this study a combined protection approach for the surface catchment of the managed aquifer recharge site at the Wala reservoir in Jordan and the downstream Hidan wellfield, which are both subject to frequent bacteriological contamination, is developed. The variability of groundwater quality was evaluated by correlating contamination events to rainfall, and to recharge from the reservoir. Both trigger increased wadi flow downstream of the reservoir by surface runoff generation and groundwater seepage, respectively. A tracer test verified the major pathway of the surface flow into the underground by infiltrating from pools along Wadi Wala. An intrinsic karst vulnerability and risk map was adapted to the regional characteristics and developed to account for the catchment separation by the Wala Dam and the interaction of surface water and groundwater. Implementation of the proposed protection zones for the wellfield and the reservoir is highly recommended, since the results suggest an extreme contamination risk resulting from livestock farming, arable agriculture and human occupation along the wadi. The applied methods can be transferred to other managed aquifer recharge sites in similar karstic environments of semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The bond that the individual has with the organization is fundamental to the understanding of a series of behaviors favorable to business performance. Understanding this connection impacts directly in management processes as committed employees collaborate with increased productivity, with the quality of production, they also reduce costs, reduce absenteeism and turnover rates, produce best results, increase motivation and pro-activity (BASTOS e AGUIAR, 2015). To expand the knowledge concerning the scientific production related to organizational commitment, this study aimed to examine the characteristics of publications about organizational commitment in Web of Science data base, from 2000 to 2014, and to identify which topics studied together are the most relevant (hot topics). This work is characterized as exploratory and descriptive, with a bibliometric character. As the most relevant results of 619 analyzed publications, it was found that the scientific production related to the theme gradually increased until the year 2012, which represent the year with the biggest production. The publications are mainly related to two issue areas: "Business Economics" and "Psychology". The United States leads the ranking of countries that publish on the theme, followed by China. It was verified that commitment has a great interest from the international scientific community, being the combination of Organizational commitment and satisfaction the most researched link (hot topic). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Sugarcane is an inexpensive drink and pleasant flavor, due to its high acceptance by the consumer. However, most vendors who sells that food doesn't have adequate sanitary conditions to guarantee a good quality product, making it a potential source of disease transmission. Keeping this in view, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of sugarcane juice samples commercialized in the city of Cascavel-PR. To this aim, there was the determination of total coliforms and fecal coliforms of 30 sugarcane samples from vendors located in various parts of the city. Of these, 20 (66.6%) had bacterial growth (presence of thermotolerant coliform) above the statutory standards for the marketing of the drink. In conclusion, sugarcane juice sold by most traders operating in Cascavel-PR can be considered inappropriate for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Resveratrol (Rsv) is widely reported to possess anticarcinogenic properties in a plethora of cellular and animal models having limited toxicity toward normal cells. In the molecular level, Rsv can act as a suppressive agent for several impaired signaling pathways on cancer cells. However, Fukuhara and Miyata have shown a non-proteic reaction of Rsv, which can act as a prooxidant agent in the presence of copper (Cu), causing cellular oxidative stress accompanied of DNA damage. After this discovery, the complex Rsv-Cu was broadly explored as an antitumor mechanism in multiples tumor cell lines. The aim of the study is to explore the anticarcinogenic behavior of resveratrol–Cu(II) complex in MCF-7 cell line. Selectivity of Rsv binding to Cu ions was analyzed by HPLC and UV–VIS. The cells were enriched with concentrations of 10 and 50 µM CuSO 4 solution and treated with 25 µM of Rsv. Copper uptake after enrichment of cells, as its intracellular distribution in MCF-7 line, was scanned by ICP-MS and TEM-EDS. Cell death and intracellular ROS production were determined by flow cytometry. Different from the extracellular model, no relationship of synergy between Rsv–Cu(II) and reactive oxidative species (ROS) production was detected in vitro. ICP-MS revealed intracellular copper accumulation to both chosen concentrations (0.33 ± 0.09 and 1.18 ± 0.13 ppb) but there is no promotion of cell death by Rsv–Cu(II) complex. In addition, significant attenuation of ROS production was detected when cells were exposed to CuSO 4 after Rsv treatment, falling from 7.54% of ROS production when treated only with Rsv to 3.07 and 2.72% with CuSO 4 . Based on these findings antitumor activity of resveratrol when in copper ions presence, is not mediated by Rsv-Cu complex formation in MCF-7 human cell line, suggesting that the antitumoral reaction is dependent of a cancer cellular model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Thin films of ferromagnet F e 2 Ge were grown via molecular beam epitaxy, and their electrical and magneto-transport properties were measured for the first time. X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry measurements confirmed the crystalline ferromagnetic F e 2 Ge phase. The observed high-temperature maximum in the longitudinal resistivity, as well as the observed suppression of electron–magnon scattering at low temperatures, points to the presence of strong spin polarization in this material. Measurements of the Hall resistivity, ρ x y , show contributions from both the ordinary Hall effect and the anomalous Hall effect, ρ x y A H , from which we determined the charge carrier concentration and mobility. Measurements also show a small negative magnetoresistance in both the longitudinal and transverse geometries. F e 2 Ge holds promise as a useful spintronic material, especially for its semiconductor compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Life stress has been associated with accelerated cellular aging and increased risk for developing aging-related diseases; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. A highly relevant process that may underlie this association is epigenetic regulation. In this review, we build upon existing evidence to propose a model whereby exposure to life stress, in part via its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the glucocorticoid signaling system, may alter the epigenetic landscape across the lifespan and, consequently, influence genomic regulation and function in ways that are conducive to the development of aging-related diseases. This model is supported by recent studies showing that life stressors and stress-related phenotypes can accelerate epigenetic aging, a measure that is based on DNA methylation prediction of chronological age and has been associated with several aging-related disease phenotypes. We discuss the implications of this model for the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases, as well as the challenges and limitations of this line of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) subserves complex cognition and is impaired by stress. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), through CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1), constitutes a key element of the stress response. However, its contribution to the effects of stress in the mPFC remains unclear. Methods Mice were exposed to acute social defeat stress and subsequently to either the temporal order memory ( n = 11–12) or reversal learning ( n = 9–11) behavioral test. Changes in mPFC Crhr1 messenger RNA levels were measured in acutely stressed mice ( n = 12). Crhr1 loxP/loxP mice received either intra-mPFC adeno-associated virus-Cre or empty microinjections ( n = 17–20) and then were submitted to acute stress and later to the behavioral tests. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect activation of the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in the mPFC of acutely stressed mice ( n = 8) or intra-mPFC CRF injected mice ( n = 7). Finally, mice received intra-mPFC CRF ( n = 11) and/or Rp-isomer cyclic adenosine 3′,5′ monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS) ( n = 12) microinjections and underwent behavioral testing. Results We report acute stress-induced effects on mPFC-mediated cognition, identify CRF–CRFR1-containing microcircuits within the mPFC, and demonstrate stress-induced changes in Crhr1 messenger RNA expression. Importantly, intra-mPFC CRFR1 deletion abolishes acute stress-induced executive dysfunction, whereas intra-mPFC CRF mimics acute stress-induced mPFC dysfunction. Acute stress and intra-mPFC CRF activate the PKA signaling pathway in the mPFC, leading to cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation in intra-mPFC CRFR1-expressing neurons. Finally, PKA blockade reverses the intra-mPFC CRF-induced executive dysfunction. Conclusions Taken together, these results unravel a molecular mechanism linking acute stress to executive dysfunction via CRFR1. This will aid in the development of novel therapeutic targets for stress-induced cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The macrolide rapamycin inhibits mTOR (mechanist target of rapamycin) function and has been broadly used to unveil the role of mTOR in immune responses. Inhibition of mTOR on dendritic cells (DC) can influence cellular immune response and the survival of DC. RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants and is a high priority candidate to vaccine development. In this study we showed that rapamycin treatment on RSV-infected murine bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) decreases the frequency of CD8 + CD44 high T cells. However, inhibition of mTOR on RSV-infected BMDC did not modify the activation phenotype of these cells. RSV-RNA levels increase when infected BMDC were treated with rapamycin. Moreover, we observed that rapamycin diminishes apoptosis cell death of RSV-infected BMDC co-culture with T cells and this effect was abolished when the cells were co-cultured in a transwell system that prevents cell-to-cell contact or migration. Taken together, these data indicate that rapamycin treatment present a toxic effect on RSV-infected BMDC increasing RSV-RNA levels, affecting partially CD8 T cell differentiation and also increasing BMDC survival in a mechanism dependent on T cell contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

We present a case study of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, a rare idiopathic disease, that is characterized by painful ophthalmoplegia of strong intensity, generally affecting the third cranial nerve, and, less frequently, the fourth or the sixth cranial nerves. Usually, there is no visual impairment. The treatment is based on corticosteroids with satisfactory results in most cases although recurrences can occur at intervals from months to years. In our case, the patient presented sudden pain periorbital associated with cranial nerves involvement, which have an excellent outcome after treatment with corticosteroids, with no relapses until today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Interleukin (IL)-21 has been intensively studied for use in therapy of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and chronic viruses due to its immunomodulatory properties, especially on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The objective of this study was to produce an optimized form of IL-21 with improved stability. Plasmids encoding the murine IL-21 alone (pIL-21) or IL-21 genetically fused to portions from mouse IgG3 ( pIL-21/Ig) were constructed, and the efficiency of expression, protein kinetics, biodisponibility, and function were analyzed. The genetic constructions of pIL-21 and pIL-21/Ig were transfected into HEK 293 cells, and significant levels of functional IL-21 were obtained. The amino acid of murine IL-21 and IgG3 cloned showed 100% identity with correspondent published sequences. At 24 h of incubation, increased levels of IL-21 were detected in the supernatants of pIL-21. At 72 h of culture, the levels of IL-21 in the supernatant of cells transfected with pIL-21/Ig were significantly higher than those secreted by pIL-21-transfected cells. Furthermore, the data showed that our chimeric IL-21/Ig present improved systemic disponibility in BALB/c mice and conserved the intrinsic ability to increase the frequency of CD4+ T cells, NKT cells, and CD8+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Febrile seizures are the most prevalent type of seizures among children up to 5 years of age (2–4% of Western-European children). Complex febrile seizures are associated with an increased risk to develop temporal lobe epilepsy. To investigate short- and long-term effects of experimental febrile seizures (eFS), we induced eFS in highly febrile convulsion-susceptible C57BL/6J mice at post-natal day 10 by exposure to hyperthermia (HT) and compared them to normotherm-exposed (NT) mice. We detected structural re-organization in the hippocampus 14 days after eFS. To identify molecular candidates, which entrain this structural re-organization, we investigated temporal changes in mRNA expression profiles eFS 1 hour to 56 days after eFS. We identified 931 regulated genes and profiled several candidates using in situ hybridization and histology at 3 and 14 days after eFS. This is the first study to report genome-wide transcriptome analysis after eFS in mice. We identify temporal regulation of multiple processes, such as stress-, immune- and inflammatory responses, glia activation, glutamate-glutamine cycle and myelination. Identification of the short- and long-term changes after eFS is important to elucidate the mechanisms contributing to epileptogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The role of union status, or whether people are married, cohabiting or single, is seldom considered in welfare state research. This perspective, however, is important, since many welfare state policies focus on marriage and do not apply to unmarried cohabitants. This lack of legal regulation may render cohabitants vulnerable in moments when state support is needed. Since cohabitation levels are increasing across Europe, understanding the role of union status in welfare state policies is increasingly important. By analysing data from the European Social Survey and a self-constructed policy database, we answer three questions: (1) How many couples live in cohabitation across 12 European countries today? (2) Which rights do they have in different policy areas? and (3) How many couples, therefore, are covered or fall outside the scope of policies in their country? We find that cohabitation is often, but not always, more strongly regulated in countries with high cohabitation levels, leaving more cohabitants legally unprotected in some countries than in others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study aimed to verify the entrepreneurial profile of students in management, economics and accounting sciences from a Higher Education Institution, based on factors that define the entrepreneurial characteristics in terms of behavior. To achieve this goal, we carried out a survey, with a quantitative character. Participated in the survey a sample of 167 students. The questionnaire used for data collection was structured from Fandiño and Maciel (2008), Hartman (2006), Dolabela (2002), McClelland (1961), Dornelas (2001) and Timonns (1994). For processing and data analysis, we used the software "Windows Excel ®" and "SPSS 19.0." Descriptive statistical tests were performed, indicator of internal consistency Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis to define the characteristics of entrepreneurial students in terms of behavior. It was found that the most important feature for students is the search results and opportunities, this is justified because of the needs that the competitiveness of the market imposes on students demanding that the entrepreneur has the ability to pursue new opportunities. With the results we can see that students have a pro-active character, but since they can develop the skills to build their own destiny seeking information and defining what the moment to advance and learn with their mistakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study aimed to examine the relationships between the bases of the constructs Organizational Commitment and Organizational Entrenchment. For this, we carried out a survey of a quantitative character with 392 servers administrative staff of a Federal University, to which a questionnaire containing validated scales for the Brazilian context was applied. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis to verify the relationship between the constitutive dimensions of the two constructs. The main results showed a moderate correlation of instrumental and normative bases of commitment revealing the ambiguity surrounding the definition of these bases proposed by Meyer and Allen (1991) model. The bases instrumental and affective showed low correlation reinforcing the idea that it should not be treated as two dimensions of the same construct. Moreover, affective commitment was not correlated with the entrenchment, showing that they are separate bond. These results support the proposal that the commitment must be treated as a unidimensional construct (restricted to affective base), while the instrumental or continuing base shall be considered a separate construct called organizational entrenchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study aims to discuss the balance between professional and personal life of young heir executives. We interviewed fifteen young executives from Minas Gerais, Brazil, heirs of medium and big firms. The research showed sources of (in) satisfaction related to the meaning and the work process of these young executives. We discussed how they feel towards the possibilities of career advancing relating the professional obligations and the activities dedicated to personal life and leisure. It was discussed also the contents of the role of the executive to diagnosticate the basic dimensions of the tasks executed related to autonomy, identity of the task and significance of work. The results indicate that the young heir executives are satisfied with the distribution of both time and energy dedicated to work and non-working time. These executives are under a domination system rationally legitimated by parent expectations, a fundamental element in the process of continuity and survival of the firm because they occupy a specific space previously delimitated: they are the "owner children". Prisoners of their predecessor life work and condemned to win through the continuity of their fathers' work, the young heir executives take the burden of the heritage to fulfill the role expected since very young. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

: Theo Rein and colleagues examine the role of FKBP51 in the actions of antidepressants, with a particular focus on pathways of autophagy. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...