Approche autofictionnelle de l'homosexualite dans l'oeuvre romanesque de Conrad Detrez. Allusion, latence et chastete

Conrad Detrez does not write ―gay novels‖ as literary critique sees this expression nowadays. However, through self-fiction, Detrez´s novels present an allusive, latent and prudish approach of this topic, which is essential in the author and narrator‘s obsessions

Early physiological and biochemical responses of rice seedlings to low concentration of microcystin-LR

Microcystin-leucine and arginine (microcystin- LR) is a cyanotoxin produced by cyanobacteria like Microcystis aeruginosa, and it’s considered a threat to water quality, agriculture, and human health. Rice (Oryzasativa) is a plant of great importance in human food consumption and economy, with extensive use around the world. It is therefore important to assess the possible effects of using water contaminated with microcystin-LR to irrigate rice crops, in order to ensure a safe, high quality product to consumers. In this study, 12 and 20-day-old plants were exposed during 2 or 7 days to a M. aeruginosa extract containing environmentally relevant microcystin-LR concentrations, 0.26–78 lg/L. Fresh and dry weight of roots and leaves, chlorophyll fluorescence, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and protein identification by mass spectrometry through two-dimensional gel electrophoresis from root and leaf tissues, were evaluated in order to gauge the plant’s physiological condition and biochemical response after toxin exposure. Results obtained from plant biomass, chlorophyll fluorescence, and enzyme activity assays showed no significant differences between control and treatment groups. How- ever, proteomics data indicates that plants respond to M. aeruginosa extract containing environmentally relevant microcystin-LR concentrations by changing their metabolism, responding differently to different toxin concentrations. Biological processes most affected were related to protein folding and stress response, protein biosynthesis, cell signalling and gene expression regulation, and energy and carbohydrate metabolism which may denote a toxic effect induced by M. aeruginosa extract and microcystin- LR. Theimplications of the metabolic alterations in plant physiology and growth require further elucidation.

Methamphetamine promotes a-tubulin deacetylation in endothelial cells: The protective role of acetyl-L-carnitine

Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful psychostimulant drug used worldwide for its reinforcing properties. In addition to the classic long-lasting monoaminergic-disrupting effects extensively described in the literature, METH has been consistently reported to increase blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability, both in vivo and in vitro, as a result of tight junction and cytoskeleton disarrangement. Microtubules play a critical role in cell stability, which relies on post-translational modifications such as a-tubulin acetylation. As there is evidence that psychostimulants drugs modulate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs), we hypothesized that in endothelial cells METH-mediation of cytoplasmatic HDAC6 activity could affect tubulin acetylation and further contribute to BBB dysfunction. To validate our hypothesis, we exposed the bEnd.3 endothelial cells to increasing doses of METH and verified that itleads to an extensivea-tubulin deacetylation mediated by HDACs activation. Furthermore, since we recently reported that acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), a natural occurring compound, prevents BBB structural loss in a context of METH exposure, we reasoned that ALC could also preserve the acetylation of microtubules under METH action. The present results confirm that ALC is able to prevent METH-induced deacetylation providing effective protection on microtubule acetylation. Although further investigation is still needed, HDACs regulation may become a new therapeutic target for ALC.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Prevents Methamphetamine-Induced Structural Damage on Endothelial Cells via ILK-Related MMP-9 Activity

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant highly used worldwide. Recent studies evidenced the involvement of METH in the breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity leading to compromised function. The involvement of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the degradation of the neurovascular matrix components and tight junctions (TJs) is one of the most recent findings in METH-induced toxicity. As BBB dysfunction is a pathological feature of many neurological conditions, unveiling new protective agents in this field is of major relevance. AcetylL-carnitine (ALC) has been described to protect the BBB function in different paradigms, but the mechanisms underling its action remain mostly unknown. Here, the immortalized bEnd.3 cell line was used to evaluate the neuroprotective features of ALC in METH-induced damage. Cells were exposed to ranging concentrations of METH, and the protective effect of ALC 1 mM was assessed 24 h after treatment. F-actin rearrangement, TJ expression and distribution, and MMPs activity were evaluated. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) knockdown cells were used to assess role of ALC in ILK mediated METHtriggered MMPs’ activity. Our results show that METH led to disruption of the actin filaments concomitant with claudin-5 translocation to the cytoplasm. These events were mediated by MMP-9 activation in association with ILK overexpression. Pretreatment with ALC prevented METH-induced activation of MMP-9, preserving claudin-5 location and the structural arrangement of the actin filaments. The present results support the potential of ALC in preserving BBB integrity, highlighting ILK as a new target for the ALC therapeutic use.

Estudo da resistência de juntas adesivas em L entre alumínio e material compósito

As ligações adesivas são frequentemente utilizadas na fabricação de estruturas complexas que não poderiam ou não seriam tão fáceis de ser fabricadas numa só peça, a fim de proporcionar uma união estrutural que, teoricamente, deve ser pelo menos tão resistente como o material de base. As juntas adesivas têm vindo a substituir métodos como a soldadura, e ligações parafusadas e rebitadas, devido à facilidade de fabricação, menor custo, facilidade em unir materiais diferentes, melhor resistência, entre outras características. Os materiais compósitos reforçados com fibra de carbono são amplamente utilizados em muitas indústrias, tais como de construção de barcos, automóvel e aeronáutica, sendo usados em estruturas que requerem elevada resistência e rigidez específicas, o que reduz o peso dos componentes, mantendo a resistência e rigidez necessárias para suportar as diversas cargas aplicadas. Embora estes métodos de fabricação reduzam ao máximo as ligações através de técnicas de fabrico avançadas, estas ainda são necessárias devido ao tamanho dos componentes, limitações de projecto tecnológicas e logísticas. Em muitas estruturas, a combinação de compósitos com metais tais como alumínio ou titânio traz vantagens de projecto. Este trabalho tem como objectivo estudar, experimentalmente e por modelos de dano coesivo (MDC), juntas adesivas em L entre componentes de alumínio e compósito de carbono epóxido quando solicitados a forças de arrancamento, considerando diferentes configurações de junta e adesivos de ductilidade distinta. Os parâmetros geométricos abordados são a espessura do aderente de alumínio (tP2) e comprimento de sobreposição (LO). A análise numérica permitiu o estudo da distribuição das tensões, evolução do dano, resistência e modos de rotura. Os testes experimentais validam os resultados numéricos e fornecem mecanismos de projecto para juntas em L. Foi mostrado que a geometria do aderente em L (alumínio) e o tipo de adesivo têm uma influência directa na resistência de junta.

Eruca sativa: Benefits as antioxidants source versus risks of already banned pesticides

Eruca sativa (rocket salad) has been intensely consumed all over the world, insomuch as, this work was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant status and the environmental contamination (positive and negative nutritional contribution) of leaves and stems from this vegetable. Antioxidant capacity of rocket salad was assessed by mean of optical methods, such as the total phenolic content (TPC), reducing power assay and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extent of the environmental contamination was reached through the quantification of thirteen organochlorine pesticides (OCP) by using gas chromatography coupled with electron-capture detector (GC-ECD) and compound confirmations employing gas chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The OCP residues were extracted by using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) methodology.The extent of the environmental contamination was reached through the quantification of thirteen OCP by using gas chromatography coupled with electron-capture detector (GC-ECD) and compound confirmations employing GC-MS/MS. The OCP residues were extracted by using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) methodology. This demonstrated that leaves presented more antioxidant activity than stems, emphasizing that leaves contained six times more polyphenolic compounds than stems. In what concerns the OCP occurrence, the average recoveries obtained at the three levels tested (40, 60 and 80 µg kg−1) ranged from 55% to 149% with a relative standard deviation of 11%, (except hexachrorobenzene). Three vegetables samples were collected from supermarkets and analysed following this study. According to data, only one sample achieved 16.21 of β-hexachlorocyclohexane, confirmed by GC-MS/MS. About OCP quantification, the data indicated that only one sample achieved 16.21 µg kg−1 of β-hexachlorocyclohexane, confirmed by GC-MS/MS, being the QuEChERS a good choice for the of OCPs extraction. Furthermore, the leaves consumption guaranty higher levels of antioxidants than stems.

Characterization of an antioxidant surfactant-free topical formulation containing Castanea sativa leaf extract

Context: Inclusion of antioxidants in topical formulations can contribute to minimize oxidative stress in the skin, which has been associated with photoaging, several dermatosis and cancer. Objective: A Castanea sativa leaf extract with established antioxidant activity was incorporated into a semisolid surfactant-free formulation. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive characterization of this formulation. Materials and methods: Physical, microbiological and functional stability were evaluated during 6 months storage at 20 °C and 40 °C. Microstructure elucidation (cryo-SEM), in vitro release and in vivo moisturizing effect (Corneometer® CM 825) were also assessed. Results and discussion: Minor changes were observed in the textural and rheological properties of the formulation when stored at 20 °C for 6 months and the antioxidant activity of the plant extract remained constant throughout the storage period. Microbiological quality was confirmed at the end of the study. Under accelerated conditions, higher modifications of the evaluated parameters were observed. Cryo-SEM analysis revealed the presence of oil droplets dispersed into a gelified external phase. The release rate of the antioxidant compounds (610 ± 70 µgh−0.5) followed Higuchi model. A significant in vivo moisturizing effect was demonstrated, that lasted at least 4 h after product’s application. Conclusion: The physical, functional and microbiological stability of the antioxidant formulation was established. Specific storage conditions should be recommended considering the influence of temperature on the stability. A skin hydration effect and good skin tolerance were also found which suggests that this preparation can be useful in the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress-mediated dysfunctions.