Direct effect of PGF2 alpha pulses on PRL pulses, based on inhibition of PRL or PGF2 alpha secretion in heifers

The relationships between PRL and PGF(2 alpha) and their effect on luteolysis were studied. Heifers were treated with a dopamine-receptor agonist (bromocriptine; Bc) and a Cox-1 and -2 inhibitor (flunixin meglumine [FM]) to inhibit PRL and PGF(2 alpha), respectively. The Bc was given (Hour 0) when ongoing luteolysis was indicated by a 12.5% reduction in CL area (cm(2)) from the area on Day 14 postovulation, and FM was given at Hours 0, 4, and 8. Blood samples were collected every 8-h beginning on Day 14 until Hour 48 and hourly for Hours 0 to 12. Three groups of heifers in ongoing luteolysis were used: control (n = 7), Bc (n = 7), and FM (n = 4). Treatment with Bc decreased (P < 0.003) the PRL concentrations averaged over Hours 1 to 12. During the greatest decrease in PRL (Hours 2-6), LH concentrations were increased. Progesterone concentrations averaged over hours were greater (P < 0.05) in the Bc group than in the controls. In the FM group, no PGFM pulses were detected, and PRL concentrations were reduced. Concentrations of PGFM were not reduced in the Bc group, despite the reduction in PRL. Results supported the hypothesis that a decrease (12.5%) in CL area (cm(2)) is more efficient in targeting ongoing luteolysis (63%) than using any day from Days 14 to >= 19 (efficiency/day, 10-24%). The hypothesis that PRL has a role in luteolysis was supported but was confounded by the known positive effect of LH on progesterone. The hypothesis was supported that the synchrony of PGFM and PRL pulses represents a positive effect of PGF(2 alpha), on PRL, rather than an effect of PRL on PGF(2 alpha). (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. leaves involves reduction of TNF-alpha

Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil., 'manaca', is a medicinal species used in Brazil, especially in central region, for the treatment of several diseases such as pain and inflammation. In this study, the methanol/aqueous phase of the ethanol extract of the leaves of 'manaca' (MAP), at the doses of 50, 150 and 500 mg/kg was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and/or antinociceptive effects and the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of MAP were assessed using formalin test, carrageenan-induced paw oedema. The myeloperoxidase activity, capillary permeability, leukocyte migration and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were evaluated in pleural exudate. The MAP reduced the licking time only in the later phase of formalin test, and showed anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the paw oedema, migration cell, myeloperoxidase activity, capillary permeability and TNF-alpha levels. In conclusion, we confirmed the inflammatory activity of MAP and affirm that this effect involves the reduction of TNF-alpha level.

Effect of surface area and air-drying distance on shear bond strength of etch-and-rinse adhesive

We evaluated the effects of air-drying distance and bond surface area on the shear bond strength of a 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesive. A total of 120 bovine anterior teeth were equally divided into 6 main groups based on bonding surface area. The main groups were divided into sub-groups (n = 5) according to air-drying distance. The shear strength was determined using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The averaged results were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Two-way ANOVA testing identified no significant cross-product interactions (p > 0.05), but the main factors of area (p < 0.0001) and air-drying distance (p < 0.00001) significantly affected the mean bond strength. Shorter air-drying distances improved bond strength, and increased surface area decreased the bond strength.

Ceramic Primer Heat-Treatment Effect on Resin Cement/Y-TZP Bond Strength

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different heat-treatment strategies for a ceramic primer on the shear bond strength of a 10-methacryloyloxydecyl-dihydrogen-phosphate (MDP)-based resin cement to a yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic. Specimens measuring 4.5 x 3.5 x 4.5 mm(3) were produced from Y-TZP presintered cubes and embedded in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Following finishing, the specimens were cleaned using an ultrasound device and distilled water and randomly divided into 10 experimental groups (n=14) according to the heat treatment of the ceramic primer and aging condition. The strategies used for the experimental groups were: GC (control), without primer; G20, primer application at ambient temperature (20 degrees C); G45, primer application + heat treatment at 45 degrees C; G79, primer application + heat treatment at 79 degrees C; and G100, primer application + heat treatment at 100 degrees C. The specimens from the aging groups were submitted to thermal cycling (6000 cycles, 5 degrees C/55 degrees C, 30 seconds per bath) after 24 hours. A cylinder of MDP-based resin cement (2.4 mm in diameter) was constructed on the ceramic surface of the specimens of each experimental group and stored for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. The specimens were submitted to a shear bond strength test (n=14). Thermal gravimetric analysis was performed on the ceramic primer. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (alpha=0.05). The experimental group G79 without aging (7.23 +/- 2.87 MPa) presented a significantly higher mean than the other experimental groups without aging (GC: 2.81 +/- 1.5 MPa; G20: 3.38 +/- 2.21 MPa; G100: 3.96 +/- 1.57 MPa), showing no difference from G45 only (G45: 6 +/- 3.63 MPa). All specimens of the aging groups debonded during thermocycling and were considered to present zero bond strength for the statistical analyses. In conclusion, heat treatment of the metal/zirconia primer improved bond strength under the initial condition but did not promote stable bonding under the aging condition.

Fiber Post Cementation Strategies: Effect of Mechanical Cycling on Push-out Bond Strength and Cement Polymerization Stress

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of mechanical cycling and cementation strategies on the push-out bond strength between fiber posts and root dentin and the polymerization stresses produced using three resin cements. Materials and Methods: Eighty bovine mandibular teeth were sectioned to a length of 16 mm, prepared to 12 mm, and embedded in self-curing acrylic resin. The specimens were then distributed into 8 groups (n = 10): Gr1 - Scotchbond Multi Purpose + RelyX ARC; Gr2 - Scotchbond Multi Purpose + RelyX ARC + mechanical cycling; Gr3 - AdheSE + Multilink Automix; Gr4 - AdheSE + Multilink Automix + mechanical cycling; Gr5 - phosphoric acid + RelyX U100 (self-adhesive cement); Gr6 - phosphoric acid+ RelyX U100 + mechanical cycling; Gr7 - RelyX U100; Gr8 - RelyX U100 + mechanical cycling. The values obtained from the push-out bond strength test were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p = 0.05), while the values obtained from the polymerization stress test were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Mechanical cycling did not affect the bond strength values (p = 0.236), while cementation strategies affected the push-out bond strength (p < 0.001). Luting with RelyX U100 and Scotch Bond Multi Purpose + RelyX ARC yielded higher push-out bond strength values. The polymerization stress results were affected by the factor "cement" (p = 0.0104): the self-adhesive cement RelyX U100 exhibited the lowest values, RelyX ARC resulted in the highest values, while Multi link Automix presented values statistically similar to the other two cements. Conclusion: The self-adhesive cement appears to be a good alternative for luting fiber posts due to the high push-out bond strengths and lower polymerization stress values.

Analysis of slow- and fast-alpha band asymmetry during performance of a saccadic eye movement task: Dissociation between memory- and attention-driven systems

This study aimed at analyzing the relationship between slow- and fast-alpha asymmetry within frontal cortex and the planning, execution and voluntary control of saccadic eye movements (SEM), and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) was recorded using a 20-channel EEG system in 12 healthy participants performing a fixed (i.e., memory-driven) and a random SEM (i.e., stimulus-driven) condition. We find main effects for SEM condition in slow- and fast-alpha asymmetry at electrodes F3-F4, which are located over premotor cortex, specifically a negative asymmetry between conditions. When analyzing electrodes F7-F8, which are located over prefrontal cortex, we found a main effect for condition in slow-alpha asymmetry, particularly a positive asymmetry between conditions. In conclusion, the present approach supports the association of slow- and fast-alpha bands with the planning and preparation of SEM, and the specific role of these sub-bands for both, the attention network and the coordination and integration of sensory information with a (oculo)-motor response. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kaurenoic Acid from Sphagneticola trilobata Inhibits Inflammatory Pain: Effect on Cytokine Production and Activation of the NO-Cyclic GMP-Protein Kinase G-ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Signaling Pathway

Kaurenoic acid [ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1)] is a diterpene present in several plants including Sphagneticola trilobata. The only documented evidence for its antinociceptive effect is that it inhibits the writhing response induced by acetic acid in mice. Therefore, the analgesic effect of 1 in different models of pain and its mechanisms in mice were investigated further. Intraperitoneal and oral treatment with 1 dose-dependently inhibited inflammatory nociception induced by acetic acid. Oral treatment with 1 also inhibited overt nociception-like behavior induced by phenyl-p-benzoquinone, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), and both phases of the formalin test. Compound 1 also inhibited acute carrageenin- and PGE(2)-induced and chronic CFA-induced inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia. Mechanistically, 1 inhibited the production of the hyperalgesic cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. Furthermore, the analgesic effect of 1 was inhibited by L-NAME, ODQ, KT5823, and glybenclamide treatment, demonstrating that such activity also depends on activation of the NO-cyclic GMP-protein kinase G-ATP-sensitive potassium channel signaling pathway, respectively. These results demonstrate that 1 exhibits an analgesic effect in a consistent manner and that its mechanisms involve the inhibition of cytokine production and activation of the NO-cyclic GMP-protein lcinase G-ATP-sensitive potassium channel signaling pathway.

Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation of Etched/Unetched Dentin Through an Uncured Two-step Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive and its Effect on Microtensile Bond Strength

Purpose: To evaluate whether Nd:YAG laser irradiation of etched and unetched dentin through an uncured adhesive affected the microtensile bond strength (pTBS). Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surfaces were created in 19 extracted human third molars. Adper Single Bond (SB) adhesive was applied over etched (groups 1 to 3) or unetched dentin (groups 4 to 6). The dentin was then irradiated with a Nd:YAG laser through the uncured adhesive, using 0.75 or 1 W power settings, except for the control groups (groups 1 and 4). The adhesive was light cured and composite crowns were built up. After 24 h, the teeth were sectioned into beams, with cross-sectional areas of 0.49 mm(2), and were stressed under tension. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 5%). Dentin surfaces of fractured specimens and the interfaces of untested beams were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Acid etching, laser irradiation, and their interaction significantly affected bonding (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation did not improve bonding of etched dentin to resin (p > 0.05). However, higher pTBS means were found on unetched lased dentin (groups 5 and 6), but only in comparison to group 4, where neither lasing nor etching was performed. Groups 4 to 6 showed the lowest pTBS means among all groups tested (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation did not change the characteristics of the hybrid layers created, while solidification globules were observed on lased dentin surfaces under SEM. Conclusion: Laser irradiation of dentin through the uncured adhesive did not significantly improve the pTBS in comparison to the suggested manufacturer's technique.

Thermal decomposition kinetics of Brazilian limestones: effect of CO2 partial pressure

The influence of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the thermal decomposition process of a calcite (CI) and a dolomite (DP) is investigated in this paper using a thermogravimetric analyser. The tests were non-isothermal at five different heating rates in dynamic atmosphere of air with 0% and 15% carbon dioxide (CO2). In the atmosphere without CO2, the average activation energies (E-alpha) were 197.4 kJ mol(-1) and 188.1 kJ mol(-1) for CI and DP, respectively. For the DP with 15% CO2, two decomposition steps were observed, indicating a change of mechanism. The values of E-alpha for 15% CO2 were 378.7 kJ mol(-1) for the CI, and 299.8 kJ mol(-1) (first decomposition) and 453.4 kJ mol(-1) (second decomposition) for the DP, showing that the determination of E-alpha for DP should in this case be considered separately in those two distinct regions. The results obtained in this study are relevant to understanding the behaviour changes in the thermal decomposition of limestones with CO2 partial pressure when applied to technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), in which carbon dioxide is present in high concentrations.

Effect of treatment delay on disease severity and need for resuscitation in porcine fecal peritonitis

Objective: Early treatment in sepsis may improve outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the delay in starting resuscitation influences the severity of sepsis and the treatment needed to achieve hemodynamic stability. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. Setting: Experimental laboratory in a university hospital. Subjects: Thirty-two anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs. Interventions: Pigs were randomly assigned (n = 8 per group) to a nonseptic control group or one of three groups in which fecal peritonitis (peritoneal instillation of 2 g/kg autologous feces) was induced, and a 48-hr period of protocolized resuscitation started 6 (Delta T-6 hrs), 12 (Delta T-12 hrs), or 24 (Delta T-24 hrs) hrs later. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of delays in resuscitation on disease severity, need for resuscitation, and the development of sepsis-associated organ and mitochondrial dysfunction. Measurements and Main Results: Any delay in starting resuscitation was associated with progressive signs of hypovolemia and increased plasma levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha prior to resuscitation. Delaying resuscitation increased cumulative net fluid balances (2.1 +/- 0.5 mL/kg/hr, 2.8 +/- 0.7 mL/kg/hr, and 3.2 +/- 1.5 mL/kg/hr, respectively, for groups.T-6 hrs, Delta T-12 hrs, and.T-24 hrs; p < .01) and norepinephrine requirements during the 48-hr resuscitation protocol (0.02 +/- 0.04 mu g/kg/min, 0.06 +/- 0.09 mu g/kg/min, and 0.13 +/- 0.15 mu g/kg/min; p = .059), decreased maximal brain mitochondrial complex II respiration (p = .048), and tended to increase mortality (p = .08). Muscle tissue adenosine triphosphate decreased in all groups (p < .01), with lowest values at the end in groups Delta T-12 hrs and.T-24 hrs. Conclusions: Increasing the delay between sepsis initiation and resuscitation increases disease severity, need for resuscitation, and sepsis-associated brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results support the concept of a critical window of opportunity in sepsis resuscitation. (Crit Care Med 2012; 40:2841-2849)

Effect of enzymatic treatment on the cross-flow microfiltration of acai pulp: Analysis of the fouling and recovery of phytochemicals

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pectinase enzyme treatment of acai pulp on cross-flow microfiltration (CFMF) performance and on phytochemical and functional characteristics of their compounds. Analyses of fouling mechanisms were carried out through resistance in series and blocking in law models. The enzymatic treatment was conducted using Ultrazym(R) AFPL (Novozymes A/S) at 500 mg kg(-1) of acai pulp for 30 min at 35 degrees C. Before microfiltrations, untreated and enzyme-treated acai pulps were previously diluted in distilled water (1:3; w/v). CFMFs were conducted using commercial alpha-alumina (alpha-Al2O3) ceramic membranes (Andritz AG, Austria) of 0.2 mu m and 0.8 mu m pore sizes, and 0.0047 m(2) of filtration area. The microfiltration unit was operated in batch mode for 120 min at 25 degrees C and the fluid-dynamic conditions were transmembrane pressure of Delta P = 100 kPa and cross-flow velocity of 3 m s(-1) in turbulent flow. The highest values of permeate flux and accumulated permeate volume were obtained using enzyme-treated pulp and 0.2 mu m pore size membranes with steady flux values exceeding 100 L h(-1) m(-2). For the 0.8 mu m pore size membrane, the estimated total resistance after the microfiltration of enzyme-treated acai pulp was 21% lower than the untreated pulp, and for the 0.2 mu m pore size membrane, it was 18%. Cake filtration was the dominant mechanism in the early stages of most of the CFMF processes. After approximately 20 min, however, intermediate pore blocking and complete pore blocking contributed to the overall fouling mechanisms. The reduction of the antioxidant capacity of the permeates obtained after microfiltration of the enzyme-treated pulp was higher (p < 0.01) than that obtained using untreated pulp. For total polyphenols, on the contrary, the permeates obtained after microfiltration of the enzyme-treated pulp showed a lower mean reduction (p < 0.01) than those from the untreated pulp. The results show that the enzymatic treatment had a positive effect on the CFMF process of acai pulp. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alpha-band power in the left frontal cortex discriminates the execution of fixed stimulus during saccadic eye movement

Introduction: The saccadic paradigm has been used to investigate specific cortical networks involving attention. The behavioral and electrophysiological investigations of the SEM contribute significantly to the understanding of attentive patterns presented of neurological and psychiatric disorders and sports performance. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate absolute alpha power changes in sensorimotor brain regions and the frontal eye fields during the execution of a saccadic task. Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers (mean age: 26.25; SD: +/- 4.13) performed a saccadic task while the electroencephalographic signal was simultaneously recorded for the cerebral cortex electrodes. The participants were instructed to follow the LEDs with their eyes, being submitted to two different task conditions: a fixed pattern versus a random pattern. Results: We found a moment main effect for the C3, C4, F3 and F4 electrodes and a condition main effect for the F3 electrode. We also found interaction between factor conditions and frontal electrodes. Conclusions: We conclude that absolute alpha power in the left frontal cortex discriminates the execution of the two stimulus presentation patterns during SEM. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of human TGF-beta on the gene expression profile of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms

Schistosoma mansoni is responsible for schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that affects 200 million people worldwide. Molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interaction are complex and involve a crosstalk between host signals and parasite receptors. TGF-beta signaling pathway has been shown to play an important role in S. mansoni development and embryogenesis. In particular human (h) TGF-beta has been shown to bind to a S. mansoni receptor, transduce a signal that regulates the expression of a schistosome target gene. Here we describe 381 parasite genes whose expression levels are affected by in vitro treatment with hTGF-beta. Among these differentially expressed genes we highlight genes related to morphology, development and cell cycle that could be players of cytokine effects on the parasite. We confirm by qPCR the expression changes detected with microarrays for 5 out of 7 selected genes. We also highlight a set of non-coding RNAs transcribed from the same loci of protein-coding genes that are differentially expressed upon hTCF-beta treatment. These datasets offer potential targets to be explored in order to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the possible role of hTGF-beta effects on parasite biology. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of natural antioxidant combinations on lipid oxidation in cooked chicken meat during refrigerated storage

The effect of combinations of sage, oregano and honey on lipid oxidation in cooked chicken meat during refrigeration at 4 degrees C for 96 h was determined. Chicken samples (thigh and breast) were then separated into five groups; control; butylated hydroxytoluene; oregano + sage; oregano + sage + 5%honey and oregano + sage + 10%honey. Quantitative measurements of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes, hexanal, fatty acids, cholesterol and cholesterol oxides were used as indicators of lipid oxidation. Acceptability and preference were also evaluated. The effectiveness of the natural antioxidants for reducing the velocity of lipid oxidation in cooked chicken thigh and breast was demonstrated after 48 and 96 h of refrigeration at 4 degrees C. The treatments that presented the lowest hexanal values after 96 h of refrigeration were oregano + sage + 5%honey and oregano + sage + 10%honey. Only traces of free cholesterol oxides were found (25-OH, 7-k, 7 alpha-OH and 7 beta-OH). The natural antioxidants protected cooked chicken meat from oxidation processes and resulted in great acceptability. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Byrsonima crassa and Phenolic Constituents on Helicobacter pylori-Induced Neutrophils Oxidative Burst

Byrsonima crassa Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae) is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of diseases related mainly to gastric ulcers. In a previous study, our group described the gastric protective effect of the methanolic extract from the leaves of B. crassa. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of methanolic extract and its phenolic compounds on the respiratory burst of neutrophils stimulated by H. pylori using a luminol-based chemiluminescence assay as well as their anti-H. pylori activity. The suppressive activity on oxidative burst of H. pylori-stimulated neutrophils was in the order of methyl gallate > (+)-catechin > methanol extract > quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside > quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside > amentoflavone. Methyl gallate, compound that induced the highest suppressive activity with IC50 value of 3.4 mu g/mL, did not show anti-H. pylori activity. B. crassa could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant in gastric ulcers by attenuating the effects on the damage to gastric mucosa caused by neutrophil generated reactive oxygen species, even when H. pylori displays its evasion mechanisms.