The effect of low-level laser irradiation (In-Ga-Al-AsP-660 nm) on melanoma in vitro and in vivo

Background: It has been speculated that the biostimulatory effect of Low Level Laser Therapy could cause undesirable enhancement of tumor growth in neoplastic diseases. The aim of the present study is to analyze the behavior of melanoma cells (B16F10) in vitro and the in vivo development of melanoma in mice after laser irradiation. Methods: We performed a controlled in vitro study on B16F10 melanoma cells to investigate cell viability and cell cycle changes by the Tripan Blue, MTT and cell quest histogram tests at 24, 48 and 72 h post irradiation. The in vivo mouse model (male Balb C, n = 21) of melanoma was used to analyze tumor volume and histological characteristics. Laser irradiation was performed three times (once a day for three consecutive days) with a 660 nm 50 mW CW laser, beam spot size 2 mm(2), irradiance 2.5 W/cm(2) and irradiation times of 60s (dose 150 J/cm(2)) and 420s (dose 1050 J/cm(2)) respectively. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the in vitro groups, except for an increase in the hypodiploid melanoma cells (8.48 +/- 1.40% and 4.26 +/- 0.60%) at 72 h postirradiation. This cancer-protective effect was not reproduced in the in vivo experiment where outcome measures for the 150 J/cm(2) dose group were not significantly different from controls. For the 1050 J/cm(2) dose group, there were significant increases in tumor volume, blood vessels and cell abnormalities compared to the other groups. Conclusion: LLLT Irradiation should be avoided over melanomas as the combination of high irradiance (2.5 W/cm(2)) and high dose (1050 J/cm(2)) significantly increases melanoma tumor growth in vivo.

Efeitos do ágar no crescimento de explantes e na formação de calos em morfos pigmentares de Gracilaria domingensis (Kützing) Sonder ex Dickie (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Os efeitos da concentração de ágar no crescimento de explantes e na formação de calos foram avaliados em culturas axênicas de gametófitos femininos de morfos de coloração verde e vermelha de Gracilaria domingensis (Kützing) Sonder ex Dickie. Culturas unialgáceas foram mantidas em água do mar esterilizada (30-32 ups) enriquecida com 25% da solução de von Stosch (VSES 25%), 22 ± 2 °C, fotoperíodo de 14 h, irradiância de 50-80 µmol de fótons m-2 s-1. Para a obtenção de explantes axênicos, segmentos apicais e intercalares dos dois morfos foram cultivados por 48 h em meio VSES 25% com adição de uma solução antibiótica e antifúngica, e submetidos a uma lavagem com uma solução de água do mar esterilizada com 0,5% de hipoclorito de sódio e 200 µL L-1 de detergente por 20 segundos. Para avaliar os efeitos da concentração de ágar, os segmentos axênicos foram inoculados em meio ASP 12-NTA com concentrações distintas de ágar que variaram de zero a 1%. A adição de ágar no meio inibiu o crescimento dos segmentos apicais de ambos os morfos, bem como o crescimento de segmentos intercalares do morfo verde. Observou-se uma tendência geral no crescimento dos explantes, onde a taxa de crescimento foi inversamente proporcional à concentração de ágar. A adição de ágar no meio induziu a formação de três tipos de calo, denominados conforme a região do explante onde se originaram: calo apical, calo basal e calo intermediário. As concentrações de 0,5% e 0,7% de ágar foram as concentrações ótimas para indução de calos basais e calos intermediários no morfo verde, respectivamente. A presença de ágar foi essencial para a formação de calos intermediários e apicais. Os resultados indicam que o ágar apresenta um papel na regulação dos processos morfogenéticos em morfos pigmentares de G. domingensis.

Dipeptide synthesis in biphasic medium: evaluating the use of commercial porcine pancreatic lipase preparations and the involvement of contaminant proteases

Dipeptide syntheses starting from Ac-L-Tyr-OEt or Z-L-X-OMe (X: Asp, Tyr, Phe, Arg, Lys or Thr) and glycine amide in biphasic reaction media were achieved using two commercially available porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) preparations (crude (cPPL) and purified PPL (pPPL)). Under the mild conditions employed, α-chymotrypsin, a pancreatic protease that also presents esterase activity, catalyzed Ac-L-Tyr-Gly-NH2 synthesis with high productivity. Product hydrolysis also occurred in most of the syntheses studied. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, enzymatic assays employing specific chromogenic substrates and size-exclusion chromatography revealed that cPPL and pPPL contain contaminant proteases and, therefore, exhibit esterase and amidase activities. Overall, these data indicate that those contaminants may be the main catalysts of peptide bond synthesis when Nα-blocked-L-amino acid esters and the commercial PPL preparations are used. On the other hand, such data do not contest the possibility of using such enzyme preparations as an inexpensive source of catalysts for dipeptide synthesis under soft conditions.

Respiratory infection, exposure to mouse allergen and breastfeeding: role in recurrent wheezing in early life

Background: Environmental factors may influence the development of allergen sensitization and asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endotoxin and allergen exposure in early life as a risk factor for recurrent wheezing. Methods: One hundred and four infants from low-income families, at high risk of asthma, were enrolled at birth. Dust samples were collected from the bedding and bedroom floor within 6 months after birth. Recurrent wheezing was defined as 3 or more wheezing episodes in the past year. Endotoxin was determined by Limulus amebocyte lysate assay, and major indoor allergens were quantitated by ELISA in dust extracts. IgE antibodies were measured by ImmunoCAP at 30 months of age. Results: At 30 months, 51 of the 99 infants who completed the study (51.5 per cent) had recurrent wheezing. Respiratory infection was strongly associated with recurrent wheezing (OR 6.67, 95 per cent CI 1.96-22.72), whereas exclusive breastfeeding for at least 1 month was a protective factor (OR 0.09, 95 per cent CI 0.01-0.51). Exposure to high levels of mouse allergen was more frequent among non-recurrent wheezers, approaching significance (OR 0.12, 95 per cent CI 0.01-1.13; p = 0.064). None of the children were sensitized to mouse. Sensitization to mite was found in 26/90 (28.8 per cent) children, with no association with recurrent wheezing. Conclusion: Respiratory infection was strongly associated with recurrent wheezing in the first 30 months of life, in children at high risk of asthma, living in a socially deprived community in Brazil

Variação da qualidade de vida em pacientes tratadas com câncer de mama e submetidas a um programa de exercícios aeróbios

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito de um programa de exercícios na qualidade de vida em pacientes que tiveram câncer de mama. Metodologia: Foram diagnosticadas 29 mulheres com câncer de mama e tratadas com intuito de cura, sendo submetidas a dez semanas de exercícios aeróbios (caminhada ou corrida leve). Os exercícios foram realizados três vezes por semana. Para instrumentos no controle da intensidade dos exercícios se utilizou a escala de percepção de esforço de BORG e monitor de frequência cardíaca (POLAR FS-1). Para a avaliação dos estados de humor, utilizou-se o score POMS - Profile of Mood States no início da primeira semana e no final da décima semana do programa de exercícios. A qualidade de vida foi mensurada no início e no final do estudo através do score SF-36. Resultados: Com exceção da confusão mental (p= 0,123), todas as outras variáveis dos estados de humor do score POMS demonstraram melhoras significativas no final do trabalho (p< 0,05) e, também, as variáveis relacionadas aos aspectos físicos e psicológicos (p< 0,05). A capacidade aeróbia também aumentou significativamente (762,7m pré versus 1025,3m pós p< 0,05). O percentual de gordura corporal também sofreu influência positiva dos exercícios, indo de 30,9% no início do programa para 29,5% ao final (p< 0,05). Não foi detectada variação significativa no peso corporal das pacientes. Conclusão: De forma geral, os exercícios aeróbios demonstraram impactos positivos na melhora da qualidade de vida e nos estados de humor nas participantes deste estudo após dez semanas

Estratégia de capacitação em educação nutricional para professores de educação infantil

Foi avaliada estratégia de capacitação em educação nutricional para professores de um curso de educação infantil do Município de São Paulo. O estudo foi desenvolvido em três etapas de avaliação: (a) diagnóstica, em que se verificou o conhecimento dos educadores sobre temas relacionados à alimentação e nutrição; (b) impacto nos conhecimentos sobre nutrição; (c) repercussões da intervenção. A intervenção educativa constitui-se de um encontro com os professores, utilizando material de apoio didático. Verificou-se aumento no conhecimento sobre nutrição após capacitação e os professores informaram utilizar o material de apoio como base teórica para o desenvolvimento de atividades com as crianças. Além disso, depoimentos espontâneos dos pais bem como dos alunos, referiram mudanças positivas ocorridas no comportamento alimentar. Pôde-se notar que a capacitação do professor para a educação nutricional de crianças em idade pré-escolar pode beneficiar a comunidade escolar, sendo importante ressaltar a pertinência da continuidade dessas atividades

LOCAL HEAD LOSS OF NON-COAXIAL EMITTERS INSERTED IN POLYETHYLENE PIPE

The design of a lateral line for drip irrigation requires accurate evaluation of head losses in not only the pipe but in the emitters as well. A procedure was developed to determine localized head losses within the emitters by the formulation of a mathematical model that accounts for the obstruction caused by the insertion point. These localized losses can be significant when compared with tire total head losses within the system due to the large number of emitters typically installed along the lateral line. Air experiment was carried out by altering flow characteristics to create Reynolds numbers (R) from 7,480 to 32,597 to provide turbulent flow and a maximum velocity of 2.0 m s(-1). The geometry of the emitter was determined by an optical projector and sensor An equation was formulated to facilitate the localized head loss calculation using the geometric characteristics of the emitter (emitter length, obstruction ratio, and contraction coefficient). The mathematical model was tested using laboratory measurements on four emitters. The local head loss was accurately estimated for the Uniram (difference of +13.6%) and Drip Net (difference of +7.7%) emitters, while appreciable deviations were found for the Twin Plus (-21.8%) and Tiran (+50%) emitters. The head loss estimated by the model was sensitive to the variations in the obstruction area of the emitter However, the variations in the local head loss did not result in significant variations in the maximum length of the lateral lines. In general, for all the analyzed emitters, a 50% increase in the local head loss for the emitters resulted in less than an 8% reduction in the maximum lateral length.

ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURES IN FLORIDA DAIRY HOUSING

Environmental conditions in all air-conditioned barn and in evaporatively cooled sprinkler and fall and tunnel-ventilated barns are compared and recommendations for dairy barn design for hot, humid climates arc, given. Temperature Humidity Indexes (THI) observed in the air-conditioned barn were always below 72. Average THIs ill the evaporatively cooled barns during afternoon hours were seldom less than 75. The environmental conditions observed in these studies are typical for many, areas adjacent to the Gulf Coast of the United States and for tropical regions throughout the world. Providing comfortable environmental conditions for cows housed in area with hot, humid climates is difficult using only evaporative cooling and ventilation. Air-conditioning dairy housing is a possible alternative method, particularly for high value cows.

Plasma Kallikrein and Angiotensin I-converting enzyme N- and C-terminal domain activities are modulated by the insertion/deletion polymorphism

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is recognized as one of the main effector molecules involved in blood pressure regulation. In the last few years some polymorphisms of ACE such as the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism have been described, but their physiologic relevance is poorly understood. In addition, few studies investigated if the specific activity of ACE domain is related to the I/D polymorphism and if it can affect other systems. The aim of this study was to establish a biochemical and functional characterization of the I/D polymorphism and correlate this with the corresponding ACE activity. For this purpose, 119 male brazilian army recruits were genotyped and their ACE plasma activities evaluated from the C- and N-terminal catalytic domains using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptides, specific for the C-domain (Abz-LFK(Dnp)OH), N-domain (Abz-SDK(Dnp)P-OH) and both C- and N-domains (Abz-FRK(Dnp)P-OH). Plasma kallikrein activity was measured using Z-Phe-Arg-AMC as substrate and inhibited by selective plasma kallikrein inhibitor (PKSI). Some physiological parameters previously described related to the I/D polymorphism such as handgrip strength, blood pressure, heart rate and BMI were also evaluated. The genotype distribution was II n = 27, ID n = 64 and DD n = 28. Total plasma ACE activity of both domains in II individuals was significantly lower in comparison to ID and DD. This pattern was also observed for C- and N-domain activities. Difference between ID and DD subjects was observed only with the N-domain specific substrate. Blood pressure, heart rate, handgrip strength and BMI were similar among the genotypes. This polymorphism also affected the plasma kallikrein activity and DD group presents high activity level. Thus, our data demonstrate that the I/D ACE polymorphism affects differently both ACE domains without effects on handgrip strength. Moreover, this polymorphism influences the kallikrein-kinin system of normotensive individuals. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of 5 days of aspartate and asparagine supplementation on glucose transport activity in rat muscle

The consumption of protein supplements containing amino acids is increasing around the world Aspartate (Asp) and asparagine (Asn) are amino acids metabolized by skeletal muscle. This metabolism involves biochemical pathways that are involved in increasing Krebs cycle activity via anaplerotic reactions. resulting in higher glutamine concentrations. A connection between amino acid supplementation, glycogen concentration, and glucose uptake has been previously demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of asp and Asn Supplementation on glucose uptake in rats using three different glycogen concentrations The results indicate that Asp and Asn supplementation in rats with high glycogen concentrations (fed state) further increased the glycogen concentration in the muscle, and decreased in vitro 2-deoxyglucose (a glucose analog.) uptake by the muscle at maximal insulin concentrations When animals had a medium glycogen concentration (consumed lard for 3 days). glucose uptake was higher in the supplemented group at sub-maximal insulin concentrations. We conclude that supplementation of Asp and Asn reduced glucose transport in rat muscle only at higher levels of glycogen. The ingestion of lard for 3 days changed the responsiveness and sensitivity to insulin, and that group had higher levels of insulin sensivity with Asp and Asn supplementation. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF HIDROPONIC MUSKMELON

With the aim to study the water efficiency on the muskmelon hydroponics during a long cycle of crop and with different intervals between irrigation was carried out an experiment in two season from October 2003 to January 2004 (season I) and from January to April (season II). The experiment was carried out on the Fitotecnia Department on the Universidade Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS. Were determined the water consumptions on the growth of the plants to observe the water efficiency. The water efficiency was a maximum on the blossom phase (4.19g de FS m(-3)) on the season I and on the vegetative phase (8.22g de FS m(-3)) for season II, associated with an elevated growth rate and small water consumptions on these seasons.

Evidence of caspase-mediated apoptosis induced by L-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops atrox snake venom

The aim of this work was to investigate the involvement of caspases in apoptosis induced by L-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops atrox snake venom. The isolation of LAAO involved three chromatographic steps: molecular exclusion on a G-75 column; ion exchange column by HPLC and affinity chromatography on a Lentil Lectin column. SDS-PAGE was used to confirm the expected high purity level of BatroxLAA0. It is a glycoprotein with 12% sugar and an acidic character, as confirmed by its amino acid composition, rich in ""Asp and Glu"" residues. It displays high specificity toward hydrophobic L-amino acids. The N-terminal amino acid sequence and internal peptide sequences showed close structural homology to other snake venom LAAOs. This enzyme induces in vitro platelet aggregation, which may be due to H(2)O(2) production by LAAOs, since the addition of catalase completely inhibited the aggregation effect. It also showed cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines: HL60, Jurkat, B16F10 and PC12. The cytotoxicity activity was abolished by catalase. A fluorescence microscopy evaluation revealed a significant increase in the apoptotic index of these cells after BatroxLAAO treatment. This observation was confirmed by phosphatidyl serine exposure and activation of caspases. BatroxLAAO is a protein with various biological functions that can be involved in envenomation. Further investigations of its function will contribute to toxicology advances. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Characterization of lipopeptides from Paenibacillus sp (IIRAC30) suppressing Rhizoctonia solani

The main aim was to identify the active compound against Rhizoctonia solani produced by the cassava endophyte Paenibacillus sp. IIRAC-30. The compounds produced were extracted with ethyl acetate and purified by Sephadex column prior to analysis by Q-TOF mass spectrometry. A C(15)-lipopeptide with an estimated molecular weight of 1036 Da and homologues were identified. The lipopeptide had a cyclic structure, which was deduced by interpreting the ESI-MS/MS spectra of main protonated homologues containing 15:0 FA, and the amino acid composition was Glu-Leu-Leu-Val-Asp-Leu-Leu. Therefore, the lipopeptides produced by isolate IIRAC-30 was characterized as a surfactin series. Thus, the main mechanism used by Paenibacillus sp. IIRAC-30 to suppress R. solani was elucidated. Furthermore, because lipopeptides active against phytopathogens generally show low toxicity to humans and the environment, the positive findings presented here suggest that the isolate IIRAC-30 could be a possible candidate for biocontrol of R. solani.

Glu298Asp eNOS gene polymorphism causes attenuation in nonexercising muscle vasodilatation

Dias RG, Alves MJ, Pereira AC, Rondon MU, dos Santos MR, Krieger JE, Krieger MH, Negrao CE. Glu298Asp eNOS gene polymorphism causes attenuation in nonexercising muscle vasodilatation. Physiol Genomics 37: 99-107, 2009. First published January 21, 2009; doi:10.1152/physiolgenomics.90368.2008.-The influence of Glu298Asp endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphism in exercise-induced reflex muscle vasodilatation is unknown. We hypothesized that nonexercising forearm blood flow (FBF) responses during handgrip isometric exercise would be attenuated in individuals carrying the Asp298 allele. In addition, these responses would be mediated by reduced eNOS function and NO-mediated vasodilatation or sympathetic vasoconstriction. From 287 volunteers previously genotyped, we selected 33 healthy individuals to represent three genotypes: Glu/Glu [n = 15, age 43 +/- 3 yr, body mass index (BMI) 22.9 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2)], Glu/Asp (n = 9, age 41 +/- 3 yr, BMI 23.7 +/- 1.0 kg/m(2)), and Asp/Asp (n = 9, age 40 +/- 4 yr, BMI 23.5 +/- 0.9 kg/m(2)). Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP), and FBF (plethysmography) were recorded for 3 min at baseline and 3 min during isometric handgrip exercise. Baseline HR, MBP, FBF, and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) were similar among genotypes. FVC responses to exercise were significantly lower in Asp/Asp when compared with Glu/Asp and Glu/Glu (Delta = 0.07 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.20 and 0.57 +/- 0.09 units, respectively; P = 0.002). Further studies showed that intra-arterial infusion of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) did not change FVC responses to exercise in Asp/Asp, but significantly reduced FVC in Glu/Glu (Delta = 0.79 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.14 +/- 0.09 units). Thus the differences between Glu/Glu and Asp/Asp were no longer observed (P = 0.62). L-NMMA + phentolamine increased similarly FVC responses to exercise in Glu/Glu and Asp/Asp (P = 0.43). MBP and muscle sympathetic nerve activity increased significant and similarly throughout experimental protocols in Glu/Glu and Asp/Asp. Individuals who are homozygous for the Asp298 allele of the eNOS enzyme have attenuated nonexercising muscle vasodilatation in response to exercise. This genotype difference is due to reduced eNOS function and NO-mediated vasodilatation, but not sympathetic vasoconstriction.

Correlation of fungi and endotoxin with PM2.5 and meteorological parameters in atmosphere of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases. Studies that focus on the chemical composition of the material are frequent in the literature, but those that characterize the biological fraction are rare. The objectives of this study were to characterize samples collected in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the quantity of fungi and endotoxins associated with PM2.5, correlating with the mass of particulate matter, chemical composition and meteorological parameters. We did that by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regressions. The results have shown that fungi and endotoxins represent significant portion of PM2.5, reaching average concentrations of 772.23 spores mu g(-1) of PM2.5 (SD: 400.37) and 5.52 EU mg(-1) of PM2.5 (SD: 4.51 EU mg(-1)), respectively. Hyaline basidiospores, Cladosporium and total spore counts were correlated to factor Ba/Ca/Fe/Zn/K/Si of PM2.5 (p < 0.05). Genera Pen/Asp were correlated to the total mass of PM2.5 (p < 0.05) and colorless ascospores were correlated to humidity (p < 0.05). Endotoxin was positively correlated with the atmospheric temperature (p < 0.05). This study has shown that bioaerosol is present in considerable amounts in PM2.5 in the atmosphere of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Some fungi were correlated with soil particle resuspension and mass of particulate matter. Therefore, the relative contribution of bioaerosol in PM2.5 should be considered in future studies aimed at evaluating the clinical impact of exposure to air pollution. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.