Inflammation-induced modulation of cellular galectin-1 and-3 expression in a model of rat peritonitis

Objective and design: To investigate the effect of galectin-1 (Gal-1) and -3 (Gal-3) on leukocyte migration and analyze the expression of both galectins in inflammatory cells using a model of rat peritonitis.Material or Subjects: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 4 per group).Treatment: Peritonitis was induced in animals through intraperitoneal injection of carrageenin (1.5 mg/kg) and rat mesenteries were analyzed at different time points (0, 4, 24 and 48h). For pharmacological treatment, rats received intravenous injection of Gal-1 or -3 (3 mu g/kg) followed by carrageenin.Methods: Western blotting and immunoelectron microscopy analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test.Results: Pharmacological treatment with Gal-1, but not Gal-3, inhibited (similar to 50%) leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity at 4h time-point. In this early phase, immunogold staining of mesenteries showed a diminished Gal-3 expression in degranulated mast cells and Gal-1 in transmigrated neutrophils (similar to 20% reduction compared to intravascular cells). In the later phases (24 and 48 h), leukocyte turnover was associated with augmented Gal-1 expression in neutrophils and macrophages and Gal-3 in mast cells and macrophages.Conclusions: These results point to a balanced expression of cell-associated-Gal-1/Gal-3 and might impact on the development of new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.

Coating residual stress effects on fatigue performance of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy

The tendency of the aircraft industry is to enhance customer value by improving performance and reducing environmental impact. In view of availability, aluminum alloys have a historically tendency to faster insertion due to their lower manufacturing and operated production infrastructure. In landing gear components, wear and corrosion control of many components is accomplished by surface treatments of chrome electroplating on steel or anodizing of aluminum. One of the most interesting environmentally safer and cleaner alternatives for the replacement of hard chrome plating or anodizing is tungsten carbide thermal spray coating, applied by the high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) process. However, it was observed that residual stresses originating from these coatings reduce the fatigue strength of a component.An effective process as shot peening treatment, considered to improve the fatigue strength, pushes the crack sources beneath the surface in most of medium and high cycle cases, due to the compressive residual stress field induced. The objective of this research is to evaluate a tungsten carbide cobalt (WC-Co) coating applied by the high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) process, used to replace anodizing. Anodic films were grown on 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy by sulfuric acid anodizing, chromic acid anodizing and hard anodizing. The influence on axial fatigue strength of anodic films grown on the aluminum alloy surface is to degrade the stress-life performance of the base material. Three groups of specimens were prepared and tested in axial fatigue to obtain S-N curves: base material, base material coated by HVOF and base material shot peened and coated.Experimental results revealed increase in the fatigue strength of Al 7050-T7451 alloy associated with the WC 17% Co coating. on the other hand, a reduction in fatigue life occurred in the shot peened and coated condition. Scanning electron microscopy technique and optical microscopy were used to observe crack origin sites, thickness and coating/substrate adhesion. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of low contents of a polyaniline derivative on the crystallization and electrical properties of blends with PVDF

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The N terminus of the human alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptor prevents cell surface expression

We previously reported that truncation of the N-terminal 79 amino acids of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors (Delta(1-79)alpha(1D)-ARs) greatly increases binding site density. In this study, we determined whether this effect was associated with changes in alpha(1D)-AR subcellular localization. Confocal imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged receptors and sucrose density gradient fractionation suggested that full-length alpha(1D)-ARs were found primarily in intracellular compartments, whereas Delta(1-79)alpha(1D)-ARs were translocated to the plasma membrane. This resulted in a 3- to 4-fold increase in intrinsic activity for stimulation of inositol phosphate formation by norepinephrine. We determined whether this effect was transplantable by creating N-terminal chimeras of alpha(1)-ARs containing the body of one subtype and the N terminus of another (alpha(1A) NT-D, alpha(1B) NT-D, alpha(1D) NT-A, and alpha(1D)NT-B). When expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, radioligand binding revealed that binding densities of alpha(1A)- or alpha(1B)-ARs containing the alpha(1D)-N terminus decreased by 86 to 93%, whereas substitution of alpha(1A)- or alpha(1B)-N termini increased alpha(1D)-AR binding site density by 2- to 3-fold. Confocal microscopy showed that GFP-tagged alpha(1D)NT-B-ARs were found only on the cell surface, whereas GFP-tagged alpha(1B)NT-D-ARs were completely intracellular. Radioligand binding and confocal imaging of GFP-tagged alpha(1D)- and Delta(1-79)alpha(1D)-ARs expressed in rat aortic smooth muscle cells produced similar results, suggesting these effects are generalizable to cell types that endogenously express alpha(1D)-ARs. These findings demonstrate that the N-terminal region of alpha(1D)-ARs contain a transplantable signal that is critical for regulating formation of functional bindings, through regulating cellular localization.

Phase separation in pyrex glass by hydrothermal treatment: evidence from micro-Raman spectroscopy

In this work, we investigated the formation of porous silica matrix obtained by hydrothermal treatment under saturated steam condition from Pyrex (R) glass. This investigation was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and Raman microscopy. We observed the presence of connected and homogeneously distributed pores in a non-crystalline silica phase and a detectable interface between silica and remnant glass phases resulting in a framework similar to asymmetric membranes. The results indicate that the process of phase separation takes place at lower temperature than that of glass-transition on the surface of the glass phase. Essential reaction between water and silica at supercritical condition together with the formation and leaching of soluble phase contribute to obtain porous silica matrix, (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetic aspects of ion exchange in KhFek[Fe(CN)(6)](l)center dot mH(2)O compounds: A combined electrical and mass transfer functions approach

The present paper quantifies and develops the kinetic aspects involved in the mechanism of interplay between electron and ions presented elsewhere(1) for KhFek[Fe(CN)(6)](l)center dot mH(2)O (Prussian Blue) host materials. Accordingly, there are three different electrochemical processes involved in the PB host materials: H3O+, K+, and H+ insertion/extraction mechanisms which here were fully kinetically studied by means of the use of combined electronic and mass transfer functions as a tool to separate all the processes. The use of combined electronic and mass transfer functions was very important to validate and confirm the proposed mechanism. This mechanism allows the electrochemical and chemical processes involved in the KhFek[Fe(CN)(6)](l)center dot mH(2)O host and Prussian Blue derivatives to be understood. In addition, a formalism was also developed to consider superficial oxygen reduction. From the analysis of the kinetic processes involved in the model, it was possible to demonstrate that the processes associated with K+ and H+ exchanges are reversible whereas the H3O+ insertion process was shown not to present a reversible pattern. This irreversible pattern is very peculiar and was shown to be related to the catalytic proton reduction reaction. Furthermore, from the model, it was possible to calculate the number density of available sites for each intercalation/deintercalation processes and infer that they are very similar for K+ and H+. Hence, the high prominence of the K+ exchange observed in the voltammetric responses has a kinetic origin and is not related to the amount of sites available for intercalation/deintercalation of the ions.

The Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp70 antigen is encoded by a putative member of the flavoproteins monooxygenase family

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reduced Insulin Secretion in Protein Malnourished Mice Is Associated with Multiple Changes in the beta-Cell Stimulus-Secretion Coupling

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Collagen fiber reorganization in the rat ventral prostate following androgen deprivation: A possible role for smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND. Stroma plays an essential role in glandular function in different systems. In the prostate, it is responsible for the development and maintenance of the differentiated state of the epithelium. The marked reduction in the epithelial compartment of the prostate gland following castration is followed by a similarly important reorganization of the stroma. In this work, we characterized the reorganization of collagen fibers in the ventral prostate of castrated rats. METHODS. Histochemical tests and immunohistochemistry for type I and III collagens plus confocal microscopy of triple-labeled (collagen III, actin, and DNA) tissue sections were employed. RESULTS. We showed that collagen fibers are composed of type I and type III collagens and that they are progressively concentrated around the epithelial structures (ducts and acini) and become increasingly undulated and folded. Double-labeling of collagen fibers and F-actin demonstrated that smooth muscle cells (SMC) are intimately associated with collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS. The results demonstrated a marked reorganization of the collagen fibers, and suggest an active role of the SMC in the reorganization of the fibrillar components of the stroma. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Encapsulação da rifampicina em matrizes poliméricas flutuantes obtidas por liofilização a partir de metilcelulose e ftalato de hidroxipropilmetilcelulose. Avaliação da liberação in vitro

Floating multiparticles for oral administration with different compositions were studied from a matricial polymeric system to obtain sustained release. The polymers used in the multiparticles constitution were methylceullose (MC) and hydroxypropylmethylcelullose phthalate (HPMCP) in several proportions. Spherical and isolated structures were obtained using HPMCP/MC in the range from 1:3 to 1: 13. The diameters of the floating multiparticles were in the range from 3 to 3.25 mm, while the non-floating particles were between 1.75 and 2.1 mm. The morphological analysis by confocal microscopy showed that the probable mechanism of drug release was the diffusion from the inner of particles to external media. The encapsulation of hydrophilic model substances (tartrazin and bordeaux S), showed that the maximum incorporation was about 38%, while for the lipophilic model substances (rifampicin) was 45%. The in vitro release of rifampicin in acid medium was dependent on the ratio HPMCP/MC. In alkaline medium the release followed a two-step profile, with slow release in the initial times and subsequent increase in the higher times The initial drug delivery profile was not dependent on the MC/HPMCP ratio and can be related with the release of the antibiotic from multiparticle inner caused by the swelling of polymers by the presence of water in the system. However, afterwards the release proceeds with typical profile of process involving hydrogels systems.

Phase transformations in the Cu-Al alloy with Ag addition

The effect of Ag addition on the phase transformations that occur in the Cu-10% Al alloy was studied using differential thermal analysis, scanning electron and optical microscopies and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The results indicated that Ag addition is responsible for the separation of the reverse martensitic transformation in two stages, and for the refinement of the α-phase grains. The relative amount of the β1 martensitic phase, retained on slow cooling (above 2 K min-1 of cooling rate), and the relative fraction of phase α2 are increased. The solubility limit of Ag in the matrix is close to 6 mass% and at this concentration the maximum stability of the β-phase is reached. © 2005 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.

Effects of acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid solutions in VX2 carcinoma cells. In vitro analysis

Purpose: To analyze, in vitro, the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and acetic acid solutions on VX2 carcinoma cells in suspension and to examine the correlation between these effects and neoplastic cell death. Methods: The VX2 tumor cells (107 cells/ml) were incubated in solutions containing differing concentrations (2.5% and 5%) of either acetylsalicylic acid or acetic acid, or in saline solution (controls). Every five minutes, cell viability was tested (using the trypan blue test) and analyzed under light microscopy. Results: Tumor cell viability (in %) decreased progressively and, by 30 minutes, neoplastic cell death had occurred in all solutions. Conclusion: Based on this experimental model and the methodology employed, we conclude that these solutions cause neoplastic cell death in vitro.

Production and heat treatment of cast graphitic steels with additions of niobium

The optimal combination of the mechanical characteristics of austempered spheroidal graphitic cast steel together with modern casting techniques yielded an economically promising product. The maximum potential of the usage of these steels is related to fabrication and characterization techniques, among which, one of the most important is the cooling diagram (TTT curve). In this work, 3 heats of graphitic steels with the following nominal compositions were cast: 1.0 % C, 2.3 % Si, 0.4 % Mn, and with niobium contents of. 0.0 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 %. TTT curves were determined by dilatometric testing and test specimens of these steels were austempered. The samples were then characterized by hardness testing and optical and SEM microscopy. Tensile, impact (no notch) and wear testing were also performed. The addition of niobium produced significant alterations in the TTT diagrams. Increasing niobium content moves the pearlite transformation nose to the right and the bainitic transformation nose to the left. Tensile strength of these alloys was high, in the range of 1700 MPa and impact values were around of 45 Joules for alloy with 1 % Nb, 49 Joules for alloy with 0.5 % Nb and fracture did not occur for the alloy without the addition of Nb.

Production and heat treatment of cast graphitic steels with additions of niobium

The optimal combination of the mechanical characteristics of austempered spheroidal graphitic cast steel together with modern casting techniques yielded an economically promising product. The maximum potentiality of the usage of these steels is related to fabrication and characterization techniques, among which, one of the most important is the cooling diagram (TTT curve). In this work, 3 heats of graphitic steels with the following nominal compositions were cast: 1.0%C, 2.3%Si, 0.4% Mn, and with niobium contents of 0.0%, 0.5% and 1.0%. TTT curves were determined by dilatometric testing and test specimens of these steels were austempered. The samples were then characterized by hardness testing and optical and SEM microscopy. Tensile, impact (no notch) and wear testing were also performed. The addition of niobium produced significant alterations in the TTT diagrams. Increasing niobium content moves the pearlite transformation nose to the right and the bainitic transformation nose to the left. Tensile strength of these alloys was high, in the range of 1700 MPa and impact values were around of 45 Joules for alloy with 1% Nb, 49 Joules for alloy with 0.5% Nb and fracture did not occur for the alloy without the addition of Nb.

Measurements of inclusive W and Z cross sections in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV The CMS collaboration

Measurements of inclusive W and Z boson production cross sections in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV are presented, based on 2.9 pb-1 of data recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC. The measurements, performed in the electron and muon decay channels, are combined to give σ(pp → WX) × B(W → l?) = 9.95 ± 0.07 (stat.) ± 0.28 (syst.) ± 1.09 (lumi.) nb and σ(pp → ZX) × B(Z → l +l-) = 0.931 ± 0.026 (stat.) ± 0.023 (syst.) ± 0.102 (lumi.) nb, where l stands for either e or μ. Theoretical predictions, calculated at the next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD using recent parton distribution functions, are in agreement with the measured cross sections. Ratios of cross sections, which incur an experimental systematic uncertainty of less than 4%, are also reported.