Durability, thermo-physical characteristics, and mechanical strength prediction of green Portland cement matrix incorporating recycled soda-lime glass and lead glass.

The current study is concerned with acid and calcination durability, thermal and thermo-physical properties, and mechanical strength prediction of mortars containing soda-lime glass (PVS) and lead glass (PVP). It demonstrates that up to 30% of PVP (PVP30) and PVS (PVS30) enhancements lessen the consequences of acid attack. In both cases, 20% additions show the best acid resistance at 2 days, but mortars with 10% addition resist better at 28 days. Furthermore, sulfuric acid damages the formed mortars more aggressively than hydrochloric acid. According to the thermal study, the loss of mass owing to calcination is reduced with increasing glass addition. It falls from 22% to -19.5% for PVS30 and -18% for PVP30. The flexural strengths of the calcined mortars significantly drop after firing, although the compressive strengths are higher at 400 °C than at ambient temperature. However, at 600 °C, a 20% glass addition retains the mortar's fire resistance. However, around 800 °C, all formulations mechanically deteriorate. PVP20 has the best fire behavior with relative variations of 48.6% at 400 °C, 18.5% at 600 °C, and -45.8% at 800 °C, while PVS20 has 45.4% at 400 °C, 24.8% at 600 °C, and -33.1% at 800 °C. The hydrates found in the calcined mortars emphasize autoclave reactions that improve mechanical characteristics between 400 and 600 °C, whereas at 800 °C, advanced dehydration of the matrix results in a generalized decrease in resistance. Furthermore, the gradual inclusion of glass reduces the thermal conductivity of mortars correspondingly. The inclusion of 30% PVS results in a reduction of -38.99%, while 30% PVP results in a reduction of -49.95%. The other thermophysical parameters are calculated as a function of these values. The models developed in the area of mechanical strength prediction using the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) method of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) allow for R2 correlation coefficients of 0.86-0.92 during training with the database and 0.77 to 0.90 during validation, with values of MAE ≤ 2.12 and RMSE ≤ 2.67 in all situations.

Comparison of the protocols for obtaining platelet-rich plasma in dogs: a cellular study / Comparação entre protocolos para obtenção de plasma rico em plaquetas em cães: estudo celular

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate two protocols (PA and PB) that are used to obtain canine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for cellularity. Twenty healthy dogs were used. Blood samples were collected and placed in two tubes of 3.2% sodium citrate. PA used double centrifugation at 210 x g, and 370 x g and PB used double centrifugation with 140 x g and 330 x g. The PRP samples from the protocols were examined in terms of their platelet, erythrocyte, and leukocyte count in the Neubauer chamber, differential leukocyte count and platelet morphological observation in blood smears. Data (mean and standard deviation) were analyzed with the 95% probability t-test (P <0.05) using Pearson's correlation to test the relationship between platelets and erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes, and the leukocyte count versus the erythrocytes. Very weak negative correlation between platelets and leukocytes (p= -0.03), weak negative correlation between platelets and erythrocytes (p= -0.3) and a strong positive correlation between leukocytes and erythrocytes (ρ = 0.75) were noted. Although, BP did not reach the desired mean of one million platelets (979300 ± 79631 cells / μL), both protocols, A and B (4.42 ± 1.61 and 3.85 ± 1.55 times more platelets than total blood, respectively) (p <0.05) were efficient in concentrating platelets. Platelet activation was present in 26.55 ± 6.72% of the PA platelets and 26.25 ± 7.03% in PB (p> 0.05). PA and PB presented low erythrocyte concentration (p> 0.05), and PA had more leukocytes (p <0.05) than PB, with higher concentrations of basophils that were segmented, and lymphocytes.

RESUMO: Foi proposto avaliar dois protocolos (PA e PB) para obtenção de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) canino quanto a celularidade. Foram utilizados 20 cães sadios e coletadas amostras sanguíneas, sendo acondicionados em dois tubos de citrato de sódio a 3,2%. O PA utilizando centrifugação dupla com 210 xG e 370 xG e PB utilizando centrifugação dupla com 140 xG e 330 xG. Amostras de PRP dos protocolos foram destinadas a contagem plaquetária, eritrocitária e leucocitária em câmara de Neubauer, contagem diferencial leucocitária e observação morfológica plaquetária em esfregaços sanguíneos. Analisou-se os dados (médias e desvios padrão) pelo Teste t com 95% de probabilidade (p<0,05) utilizando-se correlação de Pearson para testar a relação entre a contagem de plaquetas e eritrócitos, plaquetas e leucócitos e leucócitos em relação aos eritrócitos. Houve correlação negativa muito fraca entre plaquetas e leucócitos (ρ= -0,03), negativa fraca entre plaquetas e eritrócitos (ρ= -0,3) e correlação positiva forte entre leucócitos e eritrócitos (ρ=0,75). Embora o PB não tenha alcançando a média de um milhão de plaquetas desejado (979300 ± 79631 células/µL), ambos os protocolos, A e B (4,42 ± 1,61 e 3,85 ± 1,55 vezes mais plaquetas que o sangue total, respectivamente) (p<0,05), foram eficientes em concentrar plaquetas. A ativação plaquetária esteve presente em 26,55 ± 6,72 % das plaquetas do PA e 26,25 ± 7,03 % nas do PB (p>0,05). PA e PB apresentaram baixa concentração eritrocitária (p>0,05) e PA apresentou mais leucócitos (p<0,05) que PB, com maiores concentrações de basófilos, segmentados e linfócitos.

Reference values for laboratory tests of cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine of the Brazilian adult population. / Valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de colesterol, hemoglobina glicosilada e creatinina da população adulta brasileira.

INTRODUCTION: This article aims to estimate reference values for laboratory tests of cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine for the Brazilian adult population. METHODS: A descriptive study carried out with laboratory data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS). Samples of blood and urine were collected in a PNS subsample of 8,952 individuals aged 18 years old or older. To determine the reference values, exclusion criteria were applied: presence of previous diseases and outliers, defined by values outside the range estimated by the mean ± 1.96 × standard deviation. Subsequently, reference values were calculated according to gender, age group and race/skin color. RESULTS: Differences in reference values according to gender were observed. Women had higher values of total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c. Glycosylated hemoglobin showed similar values in relation to gender, and creatinine was higher among men. The mean reference values were higher in the elderly population, aged 60 years old or older. The mean, lower and upper limits of total cholesterol and fractions of non-white people were slightly lower. There was no difference according to race/skin color for glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine. CONCLUSION: The establishment of national reference parameters for laboratory tests, adapted to the sociodemographic and geographic characteristics, provides relevant information for evaluation of diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases in Brazil.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este artigo teve o objetivo de estimar valores de referência de exames laboratoriais de colesterol, hemoglobina glicosilada e creatinina para a população adulta brasileira. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo realizado com os dados laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS). Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e urina em subamostra da PNS constituída de 8.952 indivíduos de 18 anos ou mais. Para determinar os valores de referência, aplicaram-se critérios de exclusão, como a presença de doenças prévias e dos outliers, definidos pelos valores fora do intervalo estimado pela média ± 1,96 × desvio padrão. Posteriormente, foram calculados os valores de referência segundo sexo, faixa etária e raça/cor. RESULTADOS: Observaram-se diferenças nos valores de referência de acordo com o sexo. O colesterol total, a lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol (LDL-c) e a lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol (HDL-c) apresentaram valores mais elevados entre as mulheres. A hemoglobina glicosilada alcançou valores semelhantes segundo sexo, e a creatinina foi mais elevada entre os homens. Os valores médios de referência foram mais altos na população idosa, de 60 anos ou mais. A média e os limites inferiores e superiores do colesterol total e frações dos indivíduos não brancos foram ligeiramente mais baixos. Não houve diferença segundo raça/cor para hemoglobina glicosilada nem para creatinina. CONCLUSÃO: O estabelecimento de parâmetros nacionais de referência de exames laboratoriais, adaptados às características sociodemográficas e geográficas, fornece subsídios relevantes para a avaliação do diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças crônicas no Brasil.

Reference values for blood count laboratory tests in the Brazilian adult population, National Health Survey. / Valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de hemograma da população adulta brasileira: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To describe reference values for blood counts obtained from laboratory tests in the Brazilian adult population according to laboratory results from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS), by gender, age group and skin color. METHODS: The initial sample consisted of 8,952 adults. To determine the reference values, individuals with prior diseases and outliers were excluded. Mean values, standard deviation and limits were stratified by gender, age group and skin color. RESULTS: For red blood cells, men presented a mean value of 5.0 million per mm3 (limits: 4.3-5.8) and women, 4.5 million per mm3 (limits: 3.9-5.1). Hemoglobin levels were higher among men with a mean of 14.9 g/dL (13.0-16.9), and in women, 13.2 g/dL (11.5-14.9). The mean number of white blood cells among men was 6.142/mm3 (2.843-9.440) and 6.426/mm3 (2.883-9.969) for women. Other parameters showed close values between the genders. Regarding age groups and skin color, mean values, standard deviation and limits of the exams presented small variations. CONCLUSION: Hematological reference values based on the national survey allow for the establishment of specific reference limits for gender, age and skin color. The results presented here may contribute to the establishment of better evidence and criteria for the care, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

OBJETIVO: Descrever valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de hemograma da população adulta brasileira segundo os resultados laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) estratificados por sexo, faixa etária e cor da pele. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída inicialmente de 8.952 adultos. Para determinar os valores de referência, excluíram-se indivíduos com doenças prévias e os outliers. Valores médios, desvio padrão e limites foram estratificados por sexo, faixa etária e cor da pele. RESULTADOS: Para glóbulos vermelhos, os homens apresentaram valor médio de 5,0 milhões por mm3 (limites: 4,3-5,8) e as mulheres 4,5 milhões por mm3 (limites: 3,9-5,1). Valores de hemoglobina entre homens exibiram média de 14,9 g/dL (13,0-16,9) e entre mulheres de 13,2 g/dL (11,5-14,9). A média dos glóbulos brancos entre os homens foi de 6.142/mm3 (2.843-9.440) e entre as mulheres de 6.426/mm3 (2.883-9.969). Outros parâmetros mostraram valores próximos entre os sexos. Com relação a faixas etárias e cor da pele, valores médios, desvio padrão e limites dos exames apontaram pequenas variações. CONCLUSÃO: Os valores de referência hematológicos com base em inquérito nacional permitem a definição de limites de referência específicos por sexo, idade e cor da pele. Os resultados aqui expostos podem contribuir para o estabelecimento de melhores evidências e critérios para o cuidado, diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças.

Valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de hemograma da população adulta brasileira: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde / Reference values for blood count laboratory tests in the Brazilian adult population, National Health Survey

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de hemograma da população adulta brasileira segundo os resultados laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) estratificados por sexo, faixa etária e cor da pele. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída inicialmente de 8.952 adultos. Para determinar os valores de referência, excluíram-se indivíduos com doenças prévias e os outliers. Valores médios, desvio padrão e limites foram estratificados por sexo, faixa etária e cor da pele. Resultados: Para glóbulos vermelhos, os homens apresentaram valor médio de 5,0 milhões por mm3 (limites: 4,3-5,8) e as mulheres 4,5 milhões por mm3 (limites: 3,9-5,1). Valores de hemoglobina entre homens exibiram média de 14,9 g/dL (13,0-16,9) e entre mulheres de 13,2 g/dL (11,5-14,9). A média dos glóbulos brancos entre os homens foi de 6.142/mm3 (2.843-9.440) e entre as mulheres de 6.426/mm3 (2.883-9.969). Outros parâmetros mostraram valores próximos entre os sexos. Com relação a faixas etárias e cor da pele, valores médios, desvio padrão e limites dos exames apontaram pequenas variações. Conclusão: Os valores de referência hematológicos com base em inquérito nacional permitem a definição de limites de referência específicos por sexo, idade e cor da pele. Os resultados aqui expostos podem contribuir para o estabelecimento de melhores evidências e critérios para o cuidado, diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe reference values for blood counts obtained from laboratory tests in the Brazilian adult population according to laboratory results from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS), by gender, age group and skin color. Methods: The initial sample consisted of 8,952 adults. To determine the reference values, individuals with prior diseases and outliers were excluded. Mean values, standard deviation and limits were stratified by gender, age group and skin color. Results: For red blood cells, men presented a mean value of 5.0 million per mm3 (limits: 4.3-5.8) and women, 4.5 million per mm3 (limits: 3.9-5.1). Hemoglobin levels were higher among men with a mean of 14.9 g/dL (13.0-16.9), and in women, 13.2 g/dL (11.5-14.9). The mean number of white blood cells among men was 6.142/mm3 (2.843-9.440) and 6.426/mm3 (2.883-9.969) for women. Other parameters showed close values between the genders. Regarding age groups and skin color, mean values, standard deviation and limits of the exams presented small variations. Conclusion: Hematological reference values based on the national survey allow for the establishment of specific reference limits for gender, age and skin color. The results presented here may contribute to the establishment of better evidence and criteria for the care, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de colesterol, hemoglobina glicosilada e creatinina da população adulta brasileira / Reference values for laboratory tests of cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine of the Brazilian adult population

RESUMO: Introdução: Este artigo teve o objetivo de estimar valores de referência de exames laboratoriais de colesterol, hemoglobina glicosilada e creatinina para a população adulta brasileira. Métodos: Estudo descritivo realizado com os dados laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS). Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e urina em subamostra da PNS constituída de 8.952 indivíduos de 18 anos ou mais. Para determinar os valores de referência, aplicaram-se critérios de exclusão, como a presença de doenças prévias e dos outliers, definidos pelos valores fora do intervalo estimado pela média ± 1,96 × desvio padrão. Posteriormente, foram calculados os valores de referência segundo sexo, faixa etária e raça/cor. Resultados: Observaram-se diferenças nos valores de referência de acordo com o sexo. O colesterol total, a lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol (LDL-c) e a lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol (HDL-c) apresentaram valores mais elevados entre as mulheres. A hemoglobina glicosilada alcançou valores semelhantes segundo sexo, e a creatinina foi mais elevada entre os homens. Os valores médios de referência foram mais altos na população idosa, de 60 anos ou mais. A média e os limites inferiores e superiores do colesterol total e frações dos indivíduos não brancos foram ligeiramente mais baixos. Não houve diferença segundo raça/cor para hemoglobina glicosilada nem para creatinina. Conclusão: O estabelecimento de parâmetros nacionais de referência de exames laboratoriais, adaptados às características sociodemográficas e geográficas, fornece subsídios relevantes para a avaliação do diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças crônicas no Brasil.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This article aims to estimate reference values for laboratory tests of cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine for the Brazilian adult population. Methods: A descriptive study carried out with laboratory data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS). Samples of blood and urine were collected in a PNS subsample of 8,952 individuals aged 18 years old or older. To determine the reference values, exclusion criteria were applied: presence of previous diseases and outliers, defined by values outside the range estimated by the mean ± 1.96 × standard deviation. Subsequently, reference values were calculated according to gender, age group and race/skin color. Results: Differences in reference values according to gender were observed. Women had higher values of total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c. Glycosylated hemoglobin showed similar values in relation to gender, and creatinine was higher among men. The mean reference values were higher in the elderly population, aged 60 years old or older. The mean, lower and upper limits of total cholesterol and fractions of non-white people were slightly lower. There was no difference according to race/skin color for glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine. Conclusion: The establishment of national reference parameters for laboratory tests, adapted to the sociodemographic and geographic characteristics, provides relevant information for evaluation of diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases in Brazil.

National Information and Population Survey Systems: selected contributions from the Ministry of Health and the IBGE for analysis of Brazilian state capitals over the past 30 years. / Sistemas Nacionais de Informação e levantamentos populacionais: algumas contribuições do Ministério da Saúde e do IBGE para a análise das capitais brasileiras nos últimos 30 anos.

By the late 1980s, increased exchange between WHO regional offices and Health Ministers around the world raised the need for compatible methodologies and data collection tools to measure health status through population surveys, which could then complement the health records of the official statistics agencies in each country, and enabling comparison of National Information Systems. This article analyzes the main contributions of the Ministry of Health and the IBGE for the analysis of the health status of the Brazilian population. As a criterion for inclusion, only data sources in the public domain published periodically for at least the past 20 years, and those generating data at the municipal level were used. From this set, the capitals of Brazil were analyzed. The data shows that after the Unified Healthcare System (SUS) was created, the network of non-hospitalization healthcare experienced a rapid transformation. By 2009 85.5% of such units were under the municipal umbrella, compared to 40.7% when SUS was created. In Brazil, the RIPSA initiative has fulfilled the integrative role for the formation of a National Health Information System, recommended by Article 47 of Law 8.080 / 1990 that instituted the SUS, assigning major responsibility to1 the IBGE.

No final da década de 1980, um maior intercâmbio entre os escritórios regionais da OMS e ministros da saúde em todo o mundo fez surgir a necessidade de compatibilização das metodologias e instrumentos de coletas de dados para medir a situação de saúde, por intermédio de inquéritos populacionais, que pudessem complementar os registros de saúde pelos órgãos oficiais de estatística de cada País e tornar comparável os Sistemas Nacionais de Informação. Este artigo analisou as principais contribuições do Ministério da Saúde e do IBGE para a análise do estado de saúde da população brasileira. Delimitou-se como critério de inclusão, apenas as fontes de dados de domínio público, com periodicidade histórica, ao longo de pelo menos 20 anos e aqueles que geram dados municipais. Desse conjunto, foram analisadas as capitais do Brasil. Os dados demonstram a rápida transformação da rede pública de serviços de saúde sem internação, após a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), passando de 40,7% (em 1986) para 85,5% (2009) o total de unidades de saúde públicas municipais sem internação. No Brasil, a iniciativa da RIPSA vem cumprindo o papel integrador para a formação de um Sistema Nacional de Informações em Saúde, preconizado pelo artigo 47 da Lei 8.080/1990 que instituiu o SUS, com grande responsabilidade do IBGE.

Sistemas Nacionais de Informação e levantamentos populacionais: algumas contribuições do Ministério da Saúde e do IBGE para a análise das capitais brasileiras nos últimos 30 anos / National Information and Population Survey Systems: selected contributions from the Ministry of Health and the IBGE for analysis of Brazilian state capitals over the past 30 years

Resumo No final da década de 1980, um maior intercâmbio entre os escritórios regionais da OMS e ministros da saúde em todo o mundo fez surgir a necessidade de compatibilização das metodologias e instrumentos de coletas de dados para medir a situação de saúde, por intermédio de inquéritos populacionais, que pudessem complementar os registros de saúde pelos órgãos oficiais de estatística de cada País e tornar comparável os Sistemas Nacionais de Informação. Este artigo analisou as principais contribuições do Ministério da Saúde e do IBGE para a análise do estado de saúde da população brasileira. Delimitou-se como critério de inclusão, apenas as fontes de dados de domínio público, com periodicidade histórica, ao longo de pelo menos 20 anos e aqueles que geram dados municipais. Desse conjunto, foram analisadas as capitais do Brasil. Os dados demonstram a rápida transformação da rede pública de serviços de saúde sem internação, após a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), passando de 40,7% (em 1986) para 85,5% (2009) o total de unidades de saúde públicas municipais sem internação. No Brasil, a iniciativa da RIPSA vem cumprindo o papel integrador para a formação de um Sistema Nacional de Informações em Saúde, preconizado pelo artigo 47 da Lei 8.080/1990 que instituiu o SUS, com grande responsabilidade do IBGE.

Abstract By the late 1980s, increased exchange between WHO regional offices and Health Ministers around the world raised the need for compatible methodologies and data collection tools to measure health status through population surveys, which could then complement the health records of the official statistics agencies in each country, and enabling comparison of National Information Systems. This article analyzes the main contributions of the Ministry of Health and the IBGE for the analysis of the health status of the Brazilian population. As a criterion for inclusion, only data sources in the public domain published periodically for at least the past 20 years, and those generating data at the municipal level were used. From this set, the capitals of Brazil were analyzed. The data shows that after the Unified Healthcare System (SUS) was created, the network of non-hospitalization healthcare experienced a rapid transformation. By 2009 85.5% of such units were under the municipal umbrella, compared to 40.7% when SUS was created. In Brazil, the RIPSA initiative has fulfilled the integrative role for the formation of a National Health Information System, recommended by Article 47 of Law 8.080 / 1990 that instituted the SUS, assigning major responsibility to1 the IBGE.

Synchrotron Time-Lapse Imaging of Lignocellulosic Biomass Hydrolysis: Tracking Enzyme Localization by Protein Autofluorescence and Biochemical Modification of Cell Walls by Microfluidic Infrared Microspectroscopy.

Tracking enzyme localization and following the local biochemical modification of the substrate should help explain the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic plant cell walls to enzymatic degradation. Time-lapse studies using conventional imaging require enzyme labeling and following the biochemical modifications of biopolymers found in plant cell walls, which cannot be easily achieved. In the present work, synchrotron facilities have been used to image the enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass without labeling the enzyme or the cell walls. Multichannel autofluorescence imaging of the protein and phenolic compounds after excitation at 275 nm highlighted the presence or absence of enzymes on cell walls and made it possible to track them during the reaction. Image analysis was used to quantify the fluorescence intensity variations. Consistent variations in the enzyme concentration were found locally for cell cavities and their surrounding cell walls. Microfluidic FT-IR microspectroscopy allowed for time-lapse tracking of local changes in the polysaccharides in cell walls during degradation. Hemicellulose degradation was found to occur prior to cellulose degradation using a Celluclast® preparation. Combining the fluorescence and FT-IR information yielded the conclusion that enzymes did not bind to lignified cell walls, which were consequently not degraded. Fluorescence multiscale imaging and FT-IR microspectroscopy showed an unexpected variability both in the initial biochemical composition and the degradation pattern, highlighting micro-domains in the cell wall of a given cell. Fluorescence intensity quantification showed that the enzymes were not evenly distributed, and their amount increased progressively on degradable cell walls. During degradation, adjacent cells were separated and the cell wall fragmented until complete degradation.

Inclusions of R6/2 Mice Are Not Amyloid and Differ Structurally from Those of Huntington Disease Brain.

R6/2 mice contain an N-terminal fragment of human huntingtin with an expanded polyQ and develop a neurological disease resembling Huntington disease. Although the brain of R6/2 mice contains numerous inclusions, there is very little neuronal death. In that respect, R6/2 mice differ from patients with Huntington disease whose striatum and cerebral cortex develop inclusions associated with extensive neuronal loss. We have previously demonstrated using synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy that the striatum and the cortex of patients with Huntington disease contained inclusions specifically enriched in amyloid ß-sheets. We had concluded that the presence of an amyloid motif conferred toxicity to the inclusions. We demonstrate here by synchrotron based infrared microspectroscopy in transmission and attenuated total reflectance mode that the inclusions of R6/2 mice possess no detectable amyloid and are composed of proteins whose structure is not distinguishable from that of the surrounding soluble proteins. The difference in structure between the inclusions of patients affected by Huntington disease and those of R6/2 mice might explain why the former but not the latter cause neuronal death.

Identification of brain substrates of transglutaminase by functional proteomics supports its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

Transglutaminases are calcium-dependent enzymes that catalyze the formation of ε-(γ-glutamyl)lysine isopeptide bonds between specific glutamine and lysine residues. Some transglutaminase isoforms are present in the brain and are thought to participate in the protein aggregation characteristic of neurological diseases such as Huntington, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. We have developed a functional proteomics strategy in which biotinylated amine-donor and amine-acceptor probes were used to identify the transglutaminase substrates present in brain. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that most of the 166 brain substrates identified interacted with huntingtin, the amyloid precursor protein or α-synuclein and that neurological disease was the most significant canonical pathway associated with the substrates. The physiological relevance of the substrates identified by mass spectrometry was confirmed by the fact that three of them (actin, ß-tubulin and a neurofilament subunit) were polymerized in neuronal cells when cytosolic calcium concentration was raised. We also showed by in-situ immunolabeling that some of the substrates were part of the protein aggregates found in neurological diseases. These results strongly support the idea that the crosslinking activity of brain transglutaminase participates in the formation of the protein aggregates found in diseases of the central nervous system.

Structure of inclusions of Huntington's disease brain revealed by synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy: polymorphism and relevance to cytotoxicity.

Huntington's disease is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in huntingtin. Affected brain regions contain characteristic aggregates of the misfolded expanded protein. Studies in cells and animals show that aggregates are polymorphic and that the secondary structure of the aggregates is likely to condition their cytotoxicity. Therefore knowing the structure of aggregates is important as neurotoxic secondary structures may be specifically targeted during the search for prophylactic or therapeutic drugs. The structure of aggregates in the brain of patients is still unknown. Using synchrotron based infrared microspectroscopy we demonstrate that the brains of patients with Huntington disease contain putative oligomers and various kinds of microscopic aggregates (inclusions) that can be distinguished by their differential absorbance at 1627 cm(-1) (amyloid ß sheets) and 1639 cm(-1) (ß sheets/unordered). We also describe the parallel/antiparallel organization of the ß strands. As the inclusions enriched in both ß sheets and ß sheets/unordered structures are characteristic of severely affected brain regions, we conclude that this kind of amyloid inclusions is likely to be particularly toxic to neurons.

Design and implementation of a health data interoperability mediator.

The objective of this study is to design and implement a common-gateway oriented mediator to solve the health data interoperability problems that exist among heterogeneous health information systems. The proposed mediator has three main components: (1) a Synonym Dictionary (SD) that stores a set of global metadata and terminologies to serve as the mapping intermediary, (2) a Semantic Mapping Engine (SME) that can be used to map metadata and instance semantics, and (3) a DB-to-XML module that translates source health data stored in a database into XML format and back. A routine admission notification data exchange scenario is used to test the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed mediator. The study results show that the proposed mediator can make health information exchange more efficient.