Expression of the homeobox proteins Dlx-5 and TLX1 during the development of cat testis / Expresión de las proteínas homeobox Dlx-5 y TLX1 durante el desarrollo del testículo de gato

SUMMARY: Recent studies have shown that homeobox proteins play an important role in the formation and development of tissues and organs in the embryonic period. In our study, the distribution of Dlx-5 and TLX proteins, which are members of the homeobox family, in the testis, epididymis and ductus deferens ducts of some cat breeds were investigated. For this purpose, in the study, 18 testes younger than six months (immature) and older than one year (mature) were examined under a light microscope using an immunohistochemical method (indirect streptavidin-biotin complex). While it was determined that Dlx-5 and TLX1 proteins were expressed at varying levels in cells in immature and mature cat testicles, epithelial cells of ductus epididymis and ductus deferens, and smooth muscle cells of ductus deferens, no differences were observed between cat breeds. Dlx-5 immunoreactivity was more intense in the testes, epididymis and deferens ducts of immature and mature compared to TLX1. These results suggested that both proteins play important roles in the development of male feline genital organs and in the secretion and differentiation of cells, and also further observation of Dlx-5 expression suggested that this protein may be more effective than TLX1 in testicular development and physiological processes.

RESUMEN: Estudios recientes han demostrado que las proteínas homeobox juegan un papel importante en la formación y desarrollo de tejidos y órganos en el período embrionario. En nuestro estudio, se investigó la distribución de las proteínas Dlx-5 y TLX, que son miembros de la familia homeobox, en los testículos, en el epidídimo y en los conductos deferentes de algunas razas de gatos. En el estudio fueron examinados, 18 testículos de animales menores de seis meses (inmaduros) y mayores de un año (maduros) bajo un microscopio óptico utilizando un método inmunohistoquímico (complejo indirecto de estreptavidina-biotina). Si bien se determinó que las proteínas Dlx-5 y TLX1 se expresaron en niveles variables en las células de los testículos de gatos inmaduros y maduros, las células epiteliales del epidídimo y del conducto deferente y las células del músculo liso del conducto deferente, no se observaron diferencias entre las razas de gatos. La inmunorreactividad de Dlx-5 fue más intensa en los testículos, epidídimo y conductos deferentes de gatos inmaduros y maduros en comparación con TLX1. Estos resultados sugieren que ambas proteínas tienen un rol importante en el desarrollo de los órganos genitales felinos masculinos y en la secreción y diferenciación de células, y también la observación de la expresión de Dlx-5 sugirió que esta proteína puede ser más efectiva que TLX1 en el desarrollo testicular y en los procesos fisiológicos.

Work Environment and Workload of Staff Nurses in Level 2 Hospitals at Cavite, Philippines

@#One of the greatest healthcare challenges for today's generation is the improvement of the nursing work environment. Despite the challenges brought by the unhealthy working environment and high workload demand, Filipino nurses stood up high in maintaining professionalism towards their work. The goal of this study is to determine the relationship between the work environment and the workload of staff nurses in level 2 hospitals in Cavite, Philippines. Quantitative non-experimental descriptive correlational design was used, and the standardized questionnaires namely: Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) were used to gather data from 70 respondents. Results showed that majority were female, belonging to Millennial age (23-38 years old), had baccalaureate degree in Nursing, with a gross monthly salary of Php 15,000.00- 19,999.00, being in the institution for more than 6 months to 5 years, and have an average nurse to patient ratio of 11.30. Their level of work environment was favorable in all subscales with a composite score of 3.13 (SD= 0.570). Their perceived workload was high, with a mean score of 71.24 (SD= 12.78). Likewise, nurse to patient ratio had a significant relationship with nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses (X2= 94.26, p= <.001) and staffing and resource adequacy (X2= 75.06, p= 0.002). Moreover, significant relationships among the variables of age and physical demand (p= .004), length of institutional experience and physical demand (p <0.001), educational attainment and performance (p= .018), educational attainment and effort (p= .005), and length of institutional experience and effort (p= .001). Last, there is no statistically significant correlation between the overall work environment and the overall workload of nurses (r= -.084, p= .491). These findings underscore the importance of measures aimed at enhancing the work environment and workload of staff nurses to prevent further challenges among them.

The Measurement Of Nurses’ Mental Workload Using Nasa-Tlx Method (A Case Study)

@#Nurse is a profession that has a quite high workload. It can be seen from how often they should encounter situations which compel them to undergo precisely right decision in saving patients’ lives. Various environmental conditions increase the frustration rate of the nurses, such as noise of the crowds and medical equipment, as well as smell of medicines and wounds at once. Moreover, demands from the patients’ family make it even tougher for them. Therefore, this study aims to measure the mental workload of the nurses at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency unit (IGD) in the Hospital ZA based on their years of service. The study was conducted using the method of NASA-TLX (National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Task Load Index). It measured the workload in six dimensions: Mental Demand (MD), Physical Demand (PD), Temporal Demand (TD), Own Performance (P), Effort (EF), and Frustration Rate (FR). The results of the study show that the average value of the nurses’ workload at ICU and IGD is in the category very high (respectively 80 and 83) for the nurses with 0-3 years of service, and the most contributing factor for both the primary groups is the effort (EF).

Suppression of MicroRNA let-7a Expression by Agmatine Regulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

PURPOSE: Neural stem cells (NSCs) effectively reverse some severe central nervous system (CNS) disorders, due to their ability to differentiate into neurons. Agmatine, a biogenic amine, has cellular protective effects and contributes to cellular proliferation and differentiation in the CNS. Recent studies have elucidated the function of microRNA let-7a (let-7a) as a regulator of cell differentiation with roles in regulating genes associated with CNS neurogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to investigate whether agmatine modulates the expression of crucial regulators of NSC differentiation including DCX, TLX, c-Myc, and ERK by controlling let-7a expression. RESULTS: Our data suggest that high levels of let-7a promoted the expression of TLX and c-Myc, as well as repressed DCX and ERK expression. In addition, agmatine attenuated expression of TLX and increased expression of ERK by negatively regulating let-7a. CONCLUSION: Our study therefore enhances the present understanding of the therapeutic potential of NSCs in CNS disorders.

Suppression of MicroRNA let-7a Expression by Agmatine Regulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

PURPOSE: Neural stem cells (NSCs) effectively reverse some severe central nervous system (CNS) disorders, due to their ability to differentiate into neurons. Agmatine, a biogenic amine, has cellular protective effects and contributes to cellular proliferation and differentiation in the CNS. Recent studies have elucidated the function of microRNA let-7a (let-7a) as a regulator of cell differentiation with roles in regulating genes associated with CNS neurogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to investigate whether agmatine modulates the expression of crucial regulators of NSC differentiation including DCX, TLX, c-Myc, and ERK by controlling let-7a expression. RESULTS: Our data suggest that high levels of let-7a promoted the expression of TLX and c-Myc, as well as repressed DCX and ERK expression. In addition, agmatine attenuated expression of TLX and increased expression of ERK by negatively regulating let-7a. CONCLUSION: Our study therefore enhances the present understanding of the therapeutic potential of NSCs in CNS disorders.

Estudios sobre burnout y carga mental en conductores del transporte público de Chile (Transantiago) / Studies on burnout and mental workload in drivers of public transportation in chile (Transantiago)

Objetivo: Conocer los niveles de Burnout y Carga mental en una muestra de conductores del transporte público de Chile (Transantiago), y la posible relación entre estas variables. Material y Métodos: La muestra del estudio la componen 112 conductores de transporte público de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el CESQT y el NASA-TLX (Task Load Index). Los análisis descriptivos y correlacionales se realizaron mediante el programa SPSS 22. Resultados: Confirmaron la hipótesis, Burnout se correlaciona con Carga mental, pues los niveles del síndrome se asociaron positiva y significativamente. Todas las subescalas presentaron valores de consistencia interna superiores a 0,70. La prevalencia del Burnout fue del 23,22% para el Perfil 1 y un 6,25% para el nivel clínico (Perfil 2) (Gil-Monte, 2005). Conclusiones: Los niveles de Burnout en la muestra recabada, de acuerdo a la literatura internacional, es alto, y se confirma la importancia de estos fenómenos en la salud mental de los conductores del transporte público de Santiago de Chile.

Objective: Knowing Burnout levels and mental workload in a sample of drivers of public transportation in Chile (Transantiago), and the possible relationship between these variables. Material and Methods: The study sample comprised 112 public transportation drivers in the city of Santiago de Chile. The instruments used were the CESQT and NASA TLX (Task Load Index). Descriptive and correlational analyzes were performed using the SPSS 22 program. Results: The results confirmed the hypothesis, Burnout correlates with mental workload, as levels of the syndrome were associated positively and significantly. All subscales had internal consistency values higher than 0,70. Burnout prevalence was 23,22% for Profile 1 and 6,25% for the clinical level (Profile 2) (Gil-Monte, 2005). Conclusions: Burnout levels in the sample collected, according to the international literature, are high, and the importance of these phenomena on the mental health of drivers of public transport is confirmed in Santiago, Chile.

The Effect of Agmatine on Expression of IL-1beta and TLX Which Promotes Neuronal Differentiation in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Neural Progenitors

Differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is important for protecting neural cells and brain tissue during inflammation. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) is the most common pro- inflammatory cytokine in brain inflammation, and increased IL-1beta levels can decrease the proliferation of NPCs. We aimed to investigate whether agmatine (Agm), a primary polyamine that protects neural cells, could trigger differentiation of NPCs by activating IL-1beta in vitro. The cortex of ICR mouse embryos (E14) was dissociated to culture NPCs. NPCs were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After 6 days, protein expression of stem cell markers and differentiation signal factors was confirmed by using western blot analysis. Also, immunocytochemistry was used to confirm the cell fate. Agm treatment activated NPC differentiation significantly more than in the control group, which was evident by the increased expression of a neuronal marker, MAP2, in the LPS-induced, Agm-treated group. Differentiation of LPS-induced, Agm-treated NPCs was regulated by the MAPK pathway and is thought to be related to IL-1beta activation and decreased expression of TLX, a transcription factor that regulates NPC differentiation. Our results reveal that Agm can promote NPC differentiation to neural stem cells by modulating IL-1beta expression under inflammatory condition, and they suggest that Agm may be a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Análise da carga de trabalho de analistas de sistemas e dos distúrbios osteomusculares / Analysis of the workload of systems analysts and musculoskeletal disorders

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar avaliação das condições ergonômicas de analistas de sistemas, com a finalidade de conhecer os fatores geradores de sobrecargas físicas e cognitivas, suas repercussões sobre os trabalhadores e propor melhorias para a diminuição dessas sobrecargas. Metodologia:Foram utilizados o método SHTM (sistema homem-tarefa-máquina) de avaliação ergonômica; o diagramade Corlett, para a avaliação do desconforto corporal; o questionário de avaliação do mobiliário; e o NASATLX,para a avaliação de carga mental de trabalho. Resultados: Foram encontradas as prevalências de dorna coluna lombar (71%) e na coluna cervical (64%) dos entrevistados. Após a avaliação da carga mental de trabalho, foi observado que a demanda mental foi a mais exigida entre os analistas de sistemas e a média da carga global foi de 13,23. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que a alta prevalência de dor musculoesquelética pode ser causada pela presença de mobiliário inadequado, pela adoção de posturas incorretas e pela alta exigência mental das atividades desenvolvidas.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to conduct assessment of ergonomic conditions of systems analysts in order to understand the factors causing physical and cognitive overload, its implications for workers and propose improvements to reduce these physical and cognitive overload.METHODOLOGY: The SHTM (human-machine-task) method was used for ergonomic evaluation, the Corlett diagram for evaluation of bodily discomfort, questionnaire evaluation of the furniture and the NASA-TLX to assess mental workload. RESULTS: It was found a prevalence of pain in the lumbar spine of 71% and 64% of respondents in the cervical spine. After evaluation of mental workload, it was observed that the mental demand was most required among systems analysts and the average loading rate was of 13.23. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain may be caused by the presence of inappropriate furniture, adoption of incorrect postures and high mental demand of the developed activities performed by systems analysts.

Análise ergonômica do trabalho em unidades de beneficiamento de produtos agrícolas: exigências laborais dos postos de seleção / Ergonomic work analysis in agricultural products packinghouses: job demands of the selection workplaces

O beneficiamento pós-colheita é uma atividade em grande expansão no Brasil. Neste estudo adotou-se a abordagem ergonômica para analisar as exigências laborais em unidades de beneficiamento de tomate de mesa (UB). Aplicou-se o método da Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho para identificar os postos de trabalho de maiores exigências laborais. Na pesquisa de campo envolvendo 61 operadores, foram utilizados o Método NASA TLX e o Questionário de Avaliação Visual. A exigência mental foi elevada nos postos de trabalho de bicas e seleção. A exigência visual foi elevada nas UB de baixos níveis de iluminância, e a exigência física foi alta nos postos de alimentação de todas UB e nas bicas das UB que não contavam com auxílio mecânico para movimentação de caixas.

The post harvest processing is an activity in large expansion in Brazil. In this research, the ergonomic approach was adopted to analyze the job demands in fresh tomato packinghouses. The Ergonomic Work Analysis Method was adopted to identify the workplaces with the leading job demands. In the field research involving 61 workers, it was applied the NASA TLX method and the Visual Assesment Questionnaire. The mental demand was high at the selection and outlet workplaces. It was detected high visual demand in packinghouses with low illuminance levels as well as the physical demand at the loading cells workplaces in all the packinghouses and at the outlet workplaces in the packinghouses without mechanical help for the moving of the boxes.