High resolution study of 104Pd(d,t)103Pd

Information collected in the present high resolution study of 104Pd(d,t)103Pd is interpreted within the systematics of the A ~ 100 region. The paper complements data previously presented by the S.Paulo Group, which were taken with the Pelletron-Enge-Spectrograph facility. A one-to-one correspondence to gamma ray results for 103Pd, collected by the Nuclear Data Sheets (NDS), was achieved and at least four open questions were settled. More reliable spectroscopic strengths were extracted in the present study.

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency increases lower limb muscle strength in institutionalized older people independently of regular physical activity: a randomized double-blind controlled trial

Aims: To investigate the effects of a 6-month supplementation with calcium and cholecalciferol on biochemical parameters and muscle strength of institutionalized elderly. Methods: This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial included Brazilian institutionalized people 6 60 years of age receiving a 6-month supplementation ( December to May) of daily calcium plus monthly placebo (calcium/placebo group) or daily calcium plus oral cholecalciferol (150,000 IU once a month during the first 2 months, followed by 90,000 IU once a month for the last 4 months; calcium/vitamin D group). Fasting blood samples for 25-(OH) D, PTH and calcium determination were collected (n = 56) and muscle tests were performed ( n = 46) to measure the strength of hip flexors (SHF) and knee extensors (SKE) before ( baseline) and after the 6-month intervention ( 6 months). Results: Due to seasonal variations, serum 25( OH) D significantly enhanced in both groups after treatment, but the calcium/vitamin D group had significantly higher 25-(OH) D levels than the calcium/placebo group (84 vs. 33%, respectively; p < 0.0001). No cases of hypercalcemia were observed. While the calcium/placebo group showed no improvement in SHF and SKE at 6 months (p = 0.93 and p = 0.61, respectively), SHF was increased in the calcium/vitamin D group by 16.4% (p = 0.0001) and SKE by 24.6% (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: The suggested cholecalciferol supplementation was safe and efficient in enhancing 25(OH)D levels and lower limb muscle strength in the elderly, in the absence of any regular physical exercise practice. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

A geometrical approach of 3-D FEA for educational purposes applied to electrostatic fields

A geometrical approach of the finite-element analysis applied to electrostatic fields is presented. This approach is particularly well adapted to teaching Finite Elements in Electrical Engineering courses at undergraduate level. The procedure leads to the same system of algebraic equations as that derived by classical approaches, such as variational principle or weighted residuals for nodal elements with plane symmetry. It is shown that the extension of the original procedure to three dimensions is straightforward, provided the domain be meshed in first-order tetrahedral elements. The element matrices are derived by applying Maxwell`s equations in integral form to suitably chosen surfaces in the finite-element mesh.

Chemical-mineralogical characterization of C&D waste recycled aggregates from Sao Paulo, Brazil

This study presents a methodology for the characterization of construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycled aggregates based on a combination of analytical techniques (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), soluble ions, semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TCA-DTG) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) selective dissolution). These combined analytical techniques allow for the estimation of the amount of cement paste, its most important hydrated and carbonated phases, as well as the amount of clay and micas. Details of the methodology are presented here and the results of three representative C&D samples taken from the Sao Paulo region in Brazil are discussed. Chemical compositions of mixed C&D aggregate samples have mostly been influenced by particle size rather than the visual classification of C&D into red or grey and geographical origin. The amount of measured soluble salts in C&D aggregates (0.15-25.4 mm) is lower than the usual limits for mortar and concrete production. The content of porous cement paste in the C&D aggregates is around 19.3% (w/w). However, this content is significantly lower than the 43% detected for the C&D powders (< 0.15 min). The clay content of the powders was also high, potentially resulting from soil intermixed with the C&D waste, as well as poorly burnt red ceramic. Since only about 50% of the measured CaO is combined with CO(2), the powders have potential use as raw materials for the cement industry. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Haplotypes of vitamin D receptor modulate the circulating levels of lead in exposed subjects

Genetic factors influence whole blood lead (Pb-B) concentrations in lead exposed subjects. This study aimed at examining the combined effects (haplotype analysis) of three polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI and FokI) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene on Pb-B and on the concentrations of lead in plasma (Pb-P), which is more relevant to lead toxicity, in 150 environmentally exposed subjects. Genotypes were determined by RFLP, and Pb-P and Pb-B were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Subjects with the bb (BsmI polymorphism) or ff (FokI polymorphism) genotypes have lower B-Pb than subjects in the other genotype groups. Subjects with the aa (ApaI polymorphism) or ff genotypes have lower P-Pb than subjects in the other genotype groups. Lower Pb-P, Pb-B, and %Pb-P/Pb-B levels were found in subjects with the haplotype combining the a, b, and f alleles for the ApaI, BsmI, and FokI polymorphisms, respectively, compared with the other haplotype groups, thus suggesting that VDR haplotypes modulate the circulating levels of lead in exposed subjects.

Human breast tumor slices: A model for identification of vitamin D regulated genes in the tumor microenvironment

While many studies have addressed the direct effects of 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on breast cancer (BC) cells, stromal-epithelial interactions, which are important for the tumor development, have been largely ignored. In addition, high concentrations of the hormone, which cannot be attained in vivo, have been used. Our aim was to establish a more physiological breast cancer model, represented by BC tissue slices, which maintain epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, cultured with a relatively low 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentration, in order to evaluate the vitamin D pathway. Freshly excised human BC samples were sliced and cultured in complete culture media containing vehicle, 0.5 nM or 100 nM 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) for 24 h. BC slices remained viable for at least 24 h, as evaluated by preserved tissue morphology in hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained sections and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation by 10% of tumor cells. VDR mRNA expression was detected in all samples and CYP24A1 mRNA expression was induced by 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in both concentrations (but mainly with 100 nM). Our results indicate that the vitamin D signaling pathway is functional in BC slices, a model which preserves stromal-epithelial interactions and mimics in vivo conditions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expression of vitamin D receptor mRNA in the hippocampal formation of rats submitted to a model of temporal lobe epilepsy induced by pilocarpine

Vitamin D (VD), is a steroid hormone with multiple functions in the central nervous system (CNS), producing numerous physiological effects mediated by its receptor (VDR). Clinical and experimental studies have shown a link between VD dysfunction and epilepsy. Along these lines, the purpose of our work was to analyze the relative expression of VDR mRNA in the hippocampal formation of rats during the three periods of pilocarpine-induced epilepsy. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) control group; rats that received saline 0.9%, i.p. and were killed 7 days after its administration (CTRL, n = 8), (2) SE group; rats that received pilocarpine and were killed 4 h after SE (SE, n = 8), (3) Silent group-7 days; rats that received pilocarpine and were killed 7 days after SE (SIL 7d, n = 8), (4) Silent group-14 days; rats that received pilocarpine and were killed 14 days after SE (SIL 14d, n = 8), (5) Chronic group; rats that received pilocarpine and were killed 60 days after the first spontaneous seizure, (chronic, n = 8). The relative expression of VDR mRNA was determined by real-time PCR. Our results showed an increase of the relative expression of VDR mRNA in the SIL 7 days, SIL 14 days and Chronic groups, respectively (0.060 +/- 0.024; 0.052 +/- 0.035; 0.085 +/- 0.055) when compared with the CTRL and SE groups (0.019 +/- 0.017; 0.019 +/- 0.025). These data suggest the VDR as a possible candidate participating in the epileptogenesis process of the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of Hepatitis D (delta) virus genotype 3 in the Amazon region of South America

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is widely distributed and associated with fulminant hepatitis epidemics in areas with high prevalence of HBV. Several studies performed in the 1980s showed data on HDV infection in South America, but there are no studies on the viral dynamics of this virus. The aim of this study was to conduct an evolutionary analysis of hepatitis delta genotype 3 (HDV/3) prevalent in South America: estimate its nucleotide substitution rate, determine the time of most recent ancestor (TMRCA) and characterize the epidemic history and evolutionary dynamics. Furthermore, we characterized the presence of HBV/HDV infection in seven samples collected from patients who died due to fulminant hepatitis from Amazon region in Colombia and included them in the evolutionary analysis. This is the first study reporting HBV and HDV sequences from the Amazon region of Colombia. Of the seven Colombian patients, five were positive for HBV-DNA and HDV-RNA. Of them, two samples were successfully sequenced for HBV (subgenotypes F3 and Fib) and the five samples HDV positive were classified as HDV/3. By using all HDV/3 available reference sequences with sampling dates (n = 36), we estimated the HDV/3 substitution rate in 1.07 x 10(-3) substitutions per site per year (s/s/y), which resulted in a time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of 85 years. Also, it was determined that HDV/3 spread exponentially from early 1950s to the 1970s in South America. This work discusses for the first time the viral dynamics for the HDV/3 circulating in South America. We suggest that the measures implemented to control HBV transmission resulted in the control of HDV/3 spreading in South America, especially after the important raise in this infection associated with a huge mortality during the 1950s up to the 1970s. The differences found among HDV/3 and the other HDV genotypes concerning its diversity raises the hypothesis of a different origin and/or a different transmission route. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Is a lower dose of vitamin D supplementation enough to increase 25(OH)D status in a sunny country?

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for bone metabolism Vitamin D can either be obtained from dietary sources or cutaneous synthesis. The study was conducted in subtropic weather; therefore, some might believe that the levels of solar radiation would be sufficient in this area. To evaluate calcium and vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis living in a sunny country. A 3-month controlled clinical trial with 64 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, mean age 62 +/- A 8 years. They were randomly assigned to either the supplement group, who received 1,200 mg of calcium carbonate and 400 IU (10 mu g) of vitamin D(3,) or the control group. Dietary intake assessment was performed, bone mineral density and body composition were measured, and biochemical markers of bone metabolism were analyzed. Considering all participants at baseline, serum vitamin D was under 75 nmol/l in 91.4% of the participants. The concentration of serum 25(OH)D increased significantly (p = 0.023) after 3 months of supplementation from 46.67 +/- A 13.97 to 59.47 +/- A 17.50 nmol/l. However, the dose given was limited in effect, and 86.2% of the supplement group did not reach optimal levels of 25(OH)D. Parathyroid hormone was elevated in 22.4% of the study group. After the intervention period, mean parathyroid hormone tended to decrease in the supplement group (p = 0.063). The dose given (400 IU/day) was not enough to achieve 25(OH)D concentration, considered optimal for bone health.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Brazilian Adolescents

Background/Aims: Cutaneous sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake are important determinants of vitamin D status. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the vitamin D status of a group of healthy adolescent students living in Brazil. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six adolescents, 64 boys and 72 girls, aged 16-20 years old, living in a rural town in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. Results: The mean dietary vitamin D intake was 140 (120-156) IU/day [3.5 (3.0-3.9) mu g/day]. Only 14.9% of the students met the daily adequate intake recommendation of vitamin D. Only 27.9% practice physical activity outdoors and 17.6% of the adolescents apply sunscreen daily. The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 73.0 (22.0) nmol/l [29.2 (8.8) ng/ml]. Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 60% of adolescents. Conclusions: The present study suggests that even in a sunny climate like Brazil the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in adolescents is high. Most likely this is due to low intakes of vitamin D in this group. Due to the limited extent of natural dietary sources of vitamin D, a policy of vitamin D food fortification should be considered in the future, and in the meantime greater use of vitamin D supplements in this population group should be encouraged to provide the increased amounts of this essential nutrient for optimal health. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Localization of Cathepsins D and B at the Maternal-Fetal Interface and the Invasiveness of the Trophoblast during the Postimplantation Period in the Mouse

A survey of existing data suggests that trophoblast cells produce factors involved in extracellular matrix degradation. In this study, we correlated the expression of cathepsins D and B in the murine ectoplacental cone with the ultrastructural progress of decidual invasion by trophoblast cells. Both proteases were immunolocalized at implantation sites in lysosome-endosome-like compartments of trophoblast giant cells. Cathepsin D, but not cathepsin B, was also detected ultrastructurally in extracellular compartments surrounded by processes of the invading trophoblast containing extracellular matrix components and endometrial cell debris. The expression of cathepsins D and B by trophoblast cells was confirmed by RT-PCR in ectoplacental cones isolated from implantation chambers at gestation day 7.5. Our data addressed a positive relationship between the expression and presence of cathepsin D at the extracellular compartment of the maternal-fetal interface and the invasiveness of the trophoblast during the postimplantation period, suggesting a participation of invading trophoblast cells in the cathepsin D release. Such findings indicate that mouse trophoblast cells might exhibit a proteolytic ability to partake in the decidual invasion process at the maternal-fetal interface. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Projectile breakup dynamics for (6)Li+(59)Co: Kinematical analysis of alpha-d coincidences

A study of the kinematics of the alpha-d coincidences in the (6)Li + (59)Co system at a bombarding energy of E(lab) = 29.6MeV is presented. With exclusive measurements performed over different angular intervals it is possible to identify the respective contributions of the sequential and direct projectile breakup components. The angular distributions of both breakup components are fairly well described by the Continuum-Discretized Coupled-Channels framework (CDCC). Furthermore, a careful analysis of these processes using a semiclassical approach provides information on both their lifetime and their distance of occurrence with respect to the target. Breakup to the low-lying (near-threshold) continuum is delayed, and happens at large internuclear distances. This suggests that the influence of the projectile breakup on the complete fusion process can be related essentially to the direct breakup to the (6)Li high-lying continuum spectrum.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tambjamine D, an alkaloid isolated from the nudibranch Tambja eliora, on Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts

Marine organisms have been shown to be potential sources of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical applications. Previous chemical investigation of the nudibranch Tambja eliora led to the isolation of the alkaloid tambjamine D. Tambjamines have been isolated from marine sources and belong to the family of 4-methoxypyrrolic-derived natural products, which display promising immunosuppressive and cytotoxic properties. Their ability to intercalate DNA and their pro-oxidant activity may be related to some of the biological effects of the 4-methoxypyrrolic alkaloids. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the cytotoxic, pro-oxidant and genotoxic properties of tambjamine D in V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells. Tambjamine D displayed a potent cytotoxic effect in V79 cells (IC50 1.2 mu g/mL) evaluated by the MTT assay. Based on the MTT result, V79 cells were treated with different concentrations of tambjamine D (0.6. 1.2. 2.4 and 4.8 mu g/mL). After 24 h, tambjamine D reduced the number of viable cells in a concentration-dependent way at all concentrations tested. assessed by the trypan blue dye exclusion test. The hemolytic assay showed that the cytotoxic activity of tambjamine D was not related to membrane disruption (EC50 > 100 mu g/mL). Tambjamine D increased the number of apoptotic cells in a concentration-dependent manner at all concentrations tested according to acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, showing that the alkaloid cytotoxic effect was related to the induction of apoptosis. MTT reduction was stimulated by tambjamine D, which may indicate the generation of reactive oxygen species. Accordingly, treatment of cells with tambjamine D increased nitrite/nitrate at all concentrations and TBARS production starting at the concentration corresponding to the IC50. Tambjamine D, also, induced DNA strand breaks and increased the micronucleus cell frequency as evaluated by comet and micronucleus tests, respectively, at all concentrations evaluated. showing a genotoxic risk induced by tambjamine D. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabólitos séricos da vitamina D não se correlacionam com pressão arterial em adolescentes

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre o estado nutricional da vitamina D, a adiposidade e a pressão arterial (PA) em adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada avaliação antropométrica, da composição corporal, da ingestão alimentar, de medidas bioquímicas e aferição da PA de 205 adolescentes, com média de idade de 18,2 anos. RESULTADOS: Destes, 12,19% apresentaram PA elevada. O nível sérico médio da 25OHD foi 29,2(0,8) ng/mL, e 62% dos adolescentes apresentaram insuficiência de vitamina D. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre a PAS e a PAD com a 25OHD e a 1,25(OH)2D. Houve correlação negativa entre a PAD com os níveis séricos de adiponectina, e tanto a PAS quanto a PAD apresentaram correlação positiva com a circunferência da cintura em ambos os sexos. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve relação entre os níveis séricos de vitamina D e a PA. Porém, a gordura visceral apresenta risco potencial para elevação da PA em adolescentes.

Measurement of D* mesons in jets from p plus p collisions at root s=200 GeV

We report the measurement of charged D* mesons in inclusive jets produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy root s = 200 GeV with the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. For D* mesons with fractional momenta 0.2< z< 0.5 in inclusive jets with 11.5 GeV mean transverse energy, the production rate is found to be N(D*(+) + D*(-))/N(jet) = 0.015 +/- 0.008(stat) +/- 0.007(sys). This rate is consistent with perturbative QCD evaluation of gluon splitting into a pair of charm quarks and subsequent hadronization.