Exercise prevents the effects of experimental arthritis on the metabolism and function of immune cells

Active lymphocytes (LY) and macrophages (M Phi) are involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Due to its anti-inflammatory effect. physical exercise may be beneficial in RA by acting on the immune system (IS) Thus, female Wistar rats with type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were submitted to swimming training (6 weeks. 5 days/week. 60 min/day) and some biochemical and immune parameters, such as the metabolism of glucose and glutamine and function of LY and M. were evaluated In addition, plasma levels of some hormones and of interleukin-2 (IL-2) were also determined Results demonstrate that CIA increased lymphocyte proliferation (1.9- and 1 7-fold, respectively, in response to concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)), as well as macrophage H(2)O(2) production (1 6-fold), in comparison to control Exercise training prevented the activation of immune cells, induced by CIA. and established a pattern of substrate utilization similar to that described as normal for these cells. Exercise also promoted an elevation of plasma levels of corticosterone (22 2%), progesterone (1 7-fold) and IL-2 (2 6-fold) Our data suggest that chronic exercise is able to counterbalance the effects of CIA on cells of the IS. reinforcing the proposal that the benefits of exercise may not be restricted to aerobic capacity and/or strength improvement Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Crystallographic characterization of silicon nitride ceramics sintered with Y(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) or E(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) additions

Silicon nitride ceramics were sintered using Y(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) or E(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) (E(2)O(3) denotes a mixed oxide Of Y(2)O(3) and rare-earth oxides) as sintering additives. The intergranular phases formed after sintering was investigated using high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD). The use of synchrotron radiation enabled high angular resolution and a high signal to background ratio. Besides the appearance Of beta-Si(3)N(4) phase the intergranular phases Y(3)Al(5)O(12) (YAG) and Y(2)SiO(5) were identified in both samples. The refinement of the structural parameters by the Rietveld method indicated similar crystalline structure Of beta-Si(3)N(4) for both systems used as sintering additive. On the other hand, the intergranular phases Y(3)Al(5)O(12) and Y(2)SiO(5) shown a decrease of the lattice parameters, when E(2)O(3) was used as additive, indicating the formation of solid solutions of E(3)Al(5)O(12) and E(2)SiO(5), respectively. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Lack of magnetoacoustic emission in iron with 6.5% silicon

The phenomenon of magnetoacoustic emission (MAE) has been ascribed usually to one of two origins: either (1) motion of non-180 degrees domain walls or (2) creation or annihilation of domains. In this paper, we present strong evidence for the argument that the only origin for MAE is motion of non-180 degrees domain walls. The proof is evident as a result of measurements of zero MAE for a wide range of stress in the isotropic zero magnetostrictive polycrystalline alloy of iron with 6.5% silicon. We also explain why it was that the alternative origin was proposed and how the data in that same experiment can be reinterpreted to be consistent with the non-180 degrees wall motion origin. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recombinant rabies virus glycoprotein synthesis in bioreactor by transfected Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells carrying a constitutive or an inducible promoter

S2 cell populations (S2AcRVGP2K and S2MtRVGP-Hy) were selected after transfection of gene expression vectors carrying the cDNA encoding the rabies virus glycoprotein (RVGP) gene under the control of the constitutive (actin) or inductive (metallothionein) promoters. These cell populations were cultivated in a 1 L bioreactor mimicking a large scale bioprocess. Cell cultures were carried out at 90 rpm and monitored/controlled for temperature (28 degrees C) and dissolved oxygen (10 or 50% air saturation). Cell growth attained similar to 1.5-3 x 10(7) cells/mL after 3-4 clays of cultivation. The constitutive synthesis of RVGP in S2AcRVGP2K cells led to values of 0.76 mu g/10(7) cells at day 4 of culture. The RVGP synthesis in S2MtRVGP-Hy cell fraction increased upon CuSO(4) induction attaining specific productivities of 1.5-2 mu g/10(7) cells at clays 4-5. RVGP values in supernatant as a result of cell lysis were always very low (<0.2 mu g/mL) indicating good integrity of cells in culture. Overall the RVGP productivity was of 1.5-3 mg/L. Our data showed an important influence of dissolved oxygen on RVGP synthesis allowing a higher and sustained productivity by S2MtRVGP-Hy cells when cultivated with a DO of 10% air saturation. The RVGP productivity in bioreactors shown here mirrors those previously observed for T-flasks and shaker bottles and allow the preparation of the large RVGP quantities required for studies of structure and function. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single step process for particles surface modification or thin film composite production

Adsorbent materials and composites are quite useful for sensor development. Therefore, the aim of this work is the surface modification of particulates and/or composite formation. The material was produced by plasma polymerization of HMDS (hexamethyldisilazane) in a single step. SEM analysis shows good surface coverage of particulates with a plasma polymerized film formed by several clusters that might increase adsorption. Particles (starch. 5 5 mu m) recovered with HMDS films show good properties for retention of medium-size Organic molecules, such as dye. Thin films formed by a mixture of particles and plasma polymerized thin film HMDS species were obtained in a single step and can be used for retention of organic compounds, in liquid or gaseous phase. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Postharvest harpin or Bacillus thuringiensis treatments suppress citrus black spot in `Valencia` oranges

Citrus black spot (CBS) caused by Guignardia citricarpa represents an important threat to citriculture in Brazil. Limited information is available regarding potential biological control agents and new alternative compounds that may provide protection of orange fruits against the disease. In this study, the effects of commercial products based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt) bacterium, Bt pure isolates and Harpin protein (Messenger (R)) on the postharvest control of CBS, were evaluated in `Valencia` sweet orange fruits harvested for three consecutive years in a citrus grove. The fruits were sprayed with the following products: DiPel (R) WP (Bt, subspecies, kurstaki strain HD-1,16,000 International Units mg(-1), 32 g active ingredient kg(-1)) (1, 20 and 50 mg ml(-1)), Dimy Pel (R) WP (Bt, subspecies, kurstaki, strain HD-1, 17,600 IU mg(-1), 26 g active ingredient l(-1)) (2, 20 and 50 mg ml(-1)), Messenger (R) (3% harpin protein) (1 and 2 mg ml(-1)) and fungicide Tecto (R) Flowable SC (thiabendazole, 485 gl(-1)) (0.8g active ingredient l(-1)), besides the Bt isolates, Bt- HD-567, Bt- DiPel and Bt- Dimy (9 x 10(8) CFU ml(-1)). Ten days after treatment, the number of newly developed CBS lesions and pycnidia produced were evaluated using fifty fruits per treatment. The Dimy Pel (R) and Messenger (R) reduced the number of new developed CBS lesions on fruits in up to 67% and 62%, respectively. All applied treatments drastically decreased the number of pycnidia produced in the CBS lesions on orange fruits with 85% to 96% reductions compared to the untreated control. Volatile compounds produced by the isolates Bt- HD-567, Bt- Dimy and Bt- DiPel, reduced the number of lesions on treated fruits by 70%, 65% and 71% compared to the control, respectively. In addition, the survival of Bt isolates on orange fruit surfaces were evaluated by recovering and quantifying the number of CFU every seven days for up to 28 days. The declines in survival rates on orange fruit surfaces were drastic for the three strains of Bt in the first week. The CFU numbers of all applied isolates declined by 4 to 5 orders of magnitude after storage at room temperature for 28 days. In vitro assays revealed that the Bt isolates significantly reduced the mycelial growth of the pathogen, ranging from 32% to 51%, compared to the control, whereas no inhibitory effect was observed in the presence of Messenger (R). (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immunology of Dermatophytosis

The immune response to infection by dermatophytes ranges from a non-specific host mechanism to a humoral and cell-mediated immune response. The currently accepted view is that a cell-mediated immune response is responsible for the control of dermatophytosis. Indeed, some individuals develop a chronic or recurrent infection mediated by the suppression of a cell-mediated immune response. The immune response to Trichophyton is unusual in that this fungus can elicit both immediate hypersensitivity (IH) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in different individuals when they are submitted to a skin test reaction. Understanding the nature and function of the immune response to dermatophytes is an exciting challenge that might lead to novel approaches in the treatment and immunological prophylaxis of dermatophytosis.

Sensory evaluation of probiotic Minas fresh cheese with Lactobacillus acidophilus added solely or in co-culture with a thermophilic starter culture

Sensory acceptance of formulations of probiotic Minas fresh cheese was investigated. Cheeses were prepared and supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (T1 - probiotic), Lactobacillus acidophilus + Streptococcus thermophilus (T2 - probiotic + starter) or produced with no addition of cultures (T3 - control). Sensory acceptance tests were performed after 7 and 14 days of storage at 5 degrees C, using a 9-point hedonic scale (1 = dislike extremely; 9 = like extremely). After 7 days, no significant difference was detected among cheeses T1, T2 and T3 (P > 0.05). After 14 days, cheeses T1 and T2 presented higher acceptance and differed significantly from cheeses T3. Cheeses T3 presented significant difference between 7 and 14 days of storage (P < 0.05), whereas probiotic cheeses T1 and T2 were stable in the same period (P > 0.05). The addition of L. acidophilus, either solely or in co-culture with a thermophilic starter culture, resulted in good acceptance of Minas fresh cheese, improving sensory performance of the product during storage.

Synthesis of 2-Aryl- and 2,5-Diarylfurans and Thiophenes by Suzuki-Miyaura Reactions Using Potassium Trifluoroborate Salts and Heteroaryltellurides

The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of 2-(butyltellanyl) or 2,5-bis-(butyltellanyl)furans and thiophenes with potassium aryltrifluoroborate salts catalyzed by palladium afforded 2-aryl- or 2,5-diaryl-furans and thiophenes in moderate to good yields.

Alprazolam potentiates the antiaversive effect induced by the activation of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors in the rat dorsal periaqueductal gray

Rationale Serotonin in the dorsal periaqueductal gray (DPAG) through the activation of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors inhibits escape, a defensive behavior associated with panic attacks. Long-term treatment with antipanic drugs that nonselectively or selectively blocks the reuptake of serotonin (e.g., imipramine and fluoxetine, respectively) enhances the inhibitory effect on escape caused by intra-DPAG injection of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor agonists. It has been proposed that these compounds exert their effect on panic by facilitating 5-HT-mediated neurotransmission in the DPAG. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate whether facilitation of 5-HT neurotransmission in the DPAG is also observed after treatment with alprazolam, a pharmacologically distinct antipanic drug that acts primarily as a high potency benzodiazepine receptor agonist. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats, subchronically (3-6 days) or chronically (14-17 days) treated with alprazolam (2 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.) were intra-DPAG injected with (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT), (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl) piperazine dihydrochloride (DOI), and midazolam, respectively, 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A/2C), and benzodiazepine receptor agonists. The intensity of electrical current that needed to be applied to the DPAG to evoke escape behavior was measured before and after the microinjection of these agonists. Results Intra-DPAG injection of the 5-HT agonists and midazolam increased the escape threshold in all groups of animals tested, indicating a panicolytic-like effect. The inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT and DOI, but not midazolam, was significantly higher in animals receiving long-, but not short-term treatment with alprazolam. Conclusions Alprazolam as antidepressants compounds facilitates 5-HT(1A)- and 5-HT(2A)-receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the DPAG, implicating this effect in the mode of action of different classes of antipanic drugs.

Neuropharmacological effects in mice of Lychnophora species (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) and anticonvulsant activity of 4,5-di-O-[E]-caffeoylquinic acid isolated from the stem of L-rupestris and L-staavioides

Aiming at contributing with the search for neuroactive substances from natural sources, we report for the first time antinociceptive and anticonvulsant effects of some Lychnophora species. We verify the protective effects of polar extracts (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and methanolic fractions of L. staavioides and L. rupestris (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures on mice. Previously, a screening was accomplished, evaluating the antinociceptive central activity (hot plate test), with different extracts of L. rupestris, L. staavioides and L. diamantinana. It was possible to select the possible extracts of Lychnophora with central nervous system activity. Some of the active extracts were submitted to fractionation and purification process and the methanolic fractions of L. rupestris (stem) and L. staavioides (stem), with anticonvulsant properties (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), yielded 4,5-di-O-[E]-caffeoylquinic acid. This substance was injected intraperitoneally in mice and showed anticonvulsant effect against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. It has often been shown that seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole are involved in inhibition and/or attenuation of GABAergic neurotransmission. However, other systems of the central nervous system such as adenosinergic and glutamatergic could be involved in the caffeoylquinic acid effects. Further studies should be conducted to verify that the target receptor could be participating in this anticonvulsant property. Although other investigations have reported a series of biological activities from Lychnophora species, this is the first report of central analgesic and anticonvulsant activity in species of this genus.

The influence of positive or negative charges in the passive and iontophoretic skin penetration of porphyrins used in photodynamic therapy

Meso-tetra-(N-methylpiridinium-4-yl)-porphyrin (TMPyP) and meso-tetra-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin (TPPS(4)) are photosensitizing drugs (PS) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Based on the fact that these compounds present similar chemical structures but opposite charges at pH levels near physiological conditions, this work aims to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo influence of these electrical charges on the iontophoretic delivery of TMPyP and TPPS4, attempting to achieve maximum accumulation of PS in skin tissue. The iontophoretic transport of these drugs from a hydrophilic gel was investigated in vitro using porcine ear skin and vertical, flow-through diffusion cells. In vivo experiments using rats were also carried out, and the penetration of the PSs was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy to visualize the manner of how these compounds were distributed in the skin after a short period of iontophoresis application. In vitro, both passive and iontophoretic delivery of the positively charged TMPyP were much greater (20-fold and 67-fold, respectively) than those of the negatively charged TPPS(4). TPPS(4) iontophoresis in vivo increased the fluorescence of the skin only in the very superficial layers. On the other hand, iontophoresis of the positively charged drug expressively increased the rat epidermis and dermis fluorescence, indicating high amounts of this drug throughout the skin layers. Moreover, TMPyP was homogeneously distributed around and into the nuclei of the skin cells, suggesting its potential use in topical PDT. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel and facile solution-phase synthesis of 2,5-diketopiperazines and O-glycosylated analogs

This work describes the synthesis in Solution of a series of related diketopiperazines with potential biological activities: cyclo(L-Pro-L-Ser), cyclo(L-Phe-L-Ser), cyclo(D-Phe-L-Ser) and the corresponding glycosylated analogs of the latter, cyclo[D-Phe-L-Ser(alpha GlcNAc)] and cyclo[D-Phe-L-Ser(beta GlcNAc)]. The synthetic approach involved coupling reactions of -OH or O-glycosylated serine benzyl esters with NFmoc-protected amino acids (Pro or Phe), followed by one-pot deprotection-cyclization reaction in the presence of 20% piperidine in DMF. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of BSA-based nanospheres containing nanosized magnetic particles and/or photosensitizer

This study reports on the preparation, characterization and in vitro toxicity test of a new nano-drug delivery system (NDDS) based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanospheres which incorporates surface-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and/or the silicon(IV) phthalocyanine (NzPc). The new NDDS was engineered for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with hyperthermia (HPT) to address cancer treatment. The BSA-based nanospheres, hosting NzPc, MNP or both (NzPc and MNP), present spherical shape with hydrodynamic average diameter values ranging from 170 to 450 nm and zeta potential of around -23 mV. No difference on the fluorescence spectrum of the encapsulated NzPc was found regardless of the presence of MNP. Time-dependent fluorescence measurements of the encapsulated NzPc revealed a bi-exponential decay for samples incorporating only NzPc and NzPc plus MNP, in the time window ranging from 1.70 to 5.20 ns. The in vitro assay, using human fibroblasts, revealed no cytotoxic effect in all samples investigated, demonstrating the potential of the tested system as a synergistic NDDS. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.