Scattering and bound states of fermions in a mixed vector-scalar smooth step potential

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Stationary states of fermions in a sign potential with a mixed vector-scalar coupling

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Renal and vascular effects of the natriuretic peptide isolated from Crotalus durissus cascavella venom

Crotalus durissus cascavella is a snake that is usually found in the scrublands of northeast Brazil. The components of its venom may have effects on the vascular and renal systems. Recently, a new bradykinin inhibitory peptide has been identified in the venom of the Crotalinae family. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal and vascular effects of the natriuretic peptide isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus cascavella (NP2_Casca). The chromatographic profile showed the fractionation of substances identified as convulxin, gyroxin, crotoxin and crotamine, as well as fractions V and VI. The electrophoretic profile of fraction V consisted of several bands ranging from approximately 6 kDa to 13 kDa, while fraction VI showed only two main electrophoretic bands with molecular weights of approximately 6 and 14 kDa. Reverse-phase chromatography showed that NP2_Casca corresponds to about 18% of fraction VI and that this fraction is the main natriuretic peptide. NP2_Casca was compared to other natriuretic peptides from other sources of snake venom. All amino acid sequences that were compared showed a consensus region of XGCFGX, XLDRIX and XSGLGCX. The group treated with NP2-Casca showed an increase in perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow and glomerular filtration rate. The percent of total and proximal tubular transport of sodium was reduced significantly after administration of the peptide. The mean arterial pressure showed a dose-dependent decrease after infusion of NP2_Casca, and an increase in nitrite production. In the aortic ring assay, NP2_Casca caused a relaxant effect in endothelium-intact thoracic aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence and absence of isatin. NP2_Casca failed to relax the aortic rings precontracted with an isosmotic potassium Krebs-Henseleit solution. In conclusion, the natriuretic peptide isolated from Crotalus durissus cascavella venom produced renal and vascular effects. NP2_Casca reduced total and proximal sodium tubular transport, leading to an increase in sodium excretion, thereby demonstrating a diuretic action. A hypotensive effect was displayed in an arterial pressure assay, with an increase in nitrite production, suggesting a possible vasoactive action. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structure of myotoxin II, a monomeric Lys49-Phospholipase A(2) homologue isolated from the venom of Cerrophidion (Bothrops) godmani

Lys49-Phospholipase A(2) (Lys49-PLA(2)) homologues damage membranes by a Ca2+-independent mechanism which does not involve catalytic activity. With the aim of determining the structural basis for this novel activity, we have solved the crystal structure of myotoxin-II, a Lys49-PLA(2) isolated from the venom of Cerrophidion (Bothrops) godmani (godMT-II) at 2.8 Angstrom resolution by molecular replacement. The final model has been refined to a final crystallografic residual (R-factor) of 18.8% (R-free = 28.2%), with excellent stereochemistry. godMT-II is also monomeric in the crystalline state, and small-angle X-ray scattering results demonstrate that the protein is monomeric in solution under fisicochemical conditions similar to those used in the crystallographic studies. (C) 1999 Academic Press.

Cardioplegia using low volumic cardioplegic agents: morphological study in isolated rabbit hearts

INTRODUÇÃO: A solução cardioplégica farmacológica busca eliminar as conseqüências do dano isquêmico, que é o resultado do desbalanço entre a oferta e o consumo de energia durante a parada dos batimentos cardíacos, nas cirurgias cardíacas com circulação extracorpórea. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho avalia experimentalmente as alterações estruturais e ultra-estruturais em coração isolado de coelhos submetidos à parada protegida pela Solução para Cardioplegia de Baixo Volume (SCBV). MÉTODO: O estudo compreendeu um grupo controle e dois grupos experimentais. No grupo I, a parada cardíaca foi obtida pela infusão da SCBV por 2 horas. No grupo II, o experimento foi conduzido da mesma forma até a parada protegida pela SCBV por duas horas, imediatamente procedeu-se à reperfusão com solução oxigenada de Ringer Locke (RL) por uma hora. No grupo controle os corações foram perfundidos com solução oxigenada de RL por duas horas. Após os experimentos, oito amostras de parede lateral do ventrículo esquerdo foram fixadas em formaldeído 10% e glutaraldeído 2,5% para análises histológica e ultra-estrutural. RESULTADOS: As células do miocárdio, fibroblastos e células endoteliais, observadas nos grupos experimentais I e II, apresentaram marginalização da heterocromatina, compactação do nucléolo, alteração na forma das mitocôndrias, compactação das cristas e aumento da densidade da matriz mitocondrial, indicando que tanto a estrutura nuclear quanto a das organelas citoplasmáticas foram alteradas em relação às células do grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: As modificações estruturais foram decorrentes de uma adaptação fisiológica da célula, não sendo indicativas de oncose ou apoptose, sugerindo, portanto, que a solução cardioplégica utilizada foi eficiente para a preservação das células.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of Protac (R), a commercial protein C activator isolated from Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix venom

The protein C pathway plays an important role in the control and regulation of the blood coagulation cascade and prevents the propagation of the clotting process on the endothelium surface. In physiological systems, protein C activation is catalyzed by thrombin, which requires thrombomodulin as a cofactor. The protein C activator from Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix acts directly on the zymogen of protein C converting it into the active form, independently of thrombomodulin. Suitable crystals of the protein C activator from Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix were obtained from a solution containing 2 M ammonium sulfate as the precipitant and these crystals diffracted to 1.95 angstrom resolution at a synchrotron beamline. The crystalline array belongs to the monoclinic space group C2 with unit cell dimensions a=80.4, b = 63.3 and c = 48.2 angstrom, alpha = gamma = 90.0 degrees and beta = 90.8 degrees. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FUNCTIONAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF MYOCARDIAL PROTECTION PROVIDED BY INTERMITTENT CORONARY SINUS PERFUSION IN THE ISOLATED DOG HEART

1. The protection offered by intermittent perfusion of of cardioplegic solution through the coronary sinus was investigated in isovolumic blood-perfused dog heart preparations submitted to 60 min of ischemia and 45 min of reperfusion.2. The preparations were divided into three treatment groups: a) coronary sinus, consisting of preparations (N = 10) perfused through the coronary sinus under 40 cm water pressure; b) aortic, consisting of preparations (N = 10) perfused through the aortic stump under 100 mmHg pressure; c) control, consisting of hearts (N = 9) that were not perfused with cardioplegic solution.3. Properties of contractile capacity and relaxation were markedly impaired in the control group but were preserved to a comparable extent in the groups perfused with cardioplegic solution through the aorta and coronary sinus. Developed pressure decreased in the control group (before ischemia: 70 +/- 5.5 mmHg; after reperfusion: 35 +/- 12 mmHg; P < 0.05) and didn't vary in the aortic group (from 69 +/- 4 mmHg to 65 +/- 13 mmHg; P > 0.05) and coronary sinus group (from 69 +/- 4.6 mmHg to 60 +/- 10 mmHg; P > 0.05). Myocardial relaxation was evaluated by the +/- dp/dt ratio. In the control group there was impairment of myocardial relaxation as indicated by an increase of this index after reperfusion (from 1.05 +/- 0.05 to 1.46 +/- 0.23; P < 0.05), whereas in the aortic (from 1.10 +/- 0.13 to 1.15 +/- 0.20; P > 0.05) and the coronary sinus (from 1.03 +/- 0.14 to 1.08 +/- 0.16; P > 0.05) groups there was no variation. Ultrastructural changes in the myocardium were negligible in all three groups at the end of reperfusion.4. We conclude that intermittent perfusion of a hypothermic cardioplegic solution through the coronary sinus is effective for the protection of the myocardium during total ischemia.

Solid-state and solution structural study of acetylacetone-modified tin(IV) chloride used as a precursor of SnO2 nanoparticles prepared by a sol-gel route

The effect of addition of different amounts of acetylacetone (acacH) on the species formed at room temperature and after thermohydrolysis at 70 degreesC for 30 and 120 min of ethanolic SnCl4.5H(2)O solutions is followed by EXAFS spectroscopy at the Sn K-edge. We show that thermohydrolyzed solutions are a mixture of SnO2 nanoparticles and soluble tin polynuclear species. The complexation of the tin molecular precursors by acetylacetonate ligands is evidenced by H-1, C-13, and Sn-119 NMR spectroscopy and EXAFS for a acacH/Sn ratio higher than 2. Single crystals are isolated from solution and the structure, determined by X-ray diffraction, is built up from monomeric Cl-3(H2O)Sn(acac)-H2O units bridged together by hydrogen bonding. The acacH/Sn ratio in solution controls the polycondensation of the hydrolyzed species but not the crystallite size of the SnO2 nanoparticles (similar to2 nm). Because of the major presence of chelated tin mono- and dimeric complexes in solution for acacH/Sn > 2, the condensation is almost inhibited, meanwhile the decrease of amount of chelated complexes for the acacH/Sn < 2 gives rise to an increase of the number of nanoparticles.

Antagonism produced by hypertonic nutrient solutions on the depressive effect of carbofuran on isolated guinea pig atria

The action of hyperosmotic nutrient solutions on the depressive effects of carbofuran was studied on spontaneously contracting guinea pig atria. The force and frequency of contraction were recorded using an isotonic lever. Carbofuran 33.0 mu g ml(-1) produced a gradual depressive effect. The time for stabilization of the depressive effect was 6.0+/-2.3 min. After the depressive effect of carbofuran was established, NaCI, mannitol, or urea were introduced into the organ bath to increase the osmolarity of the nutrient solution to about 100 mosmol kg(-1) of water. This resulted in a reversal of the contraction force and frequency to the initial levels. The addition of the osmotic agents at the same concentrations before the addition of 33.0 mu g ml(-1) carbofuran avoided its depressive effect on guinea pig atria. (C) 1996 the Italian Pharmacological Society.

Comparative mechanical study of isolated papillary muscle from Wistar-Kyoto and Wistar rats

Isolated papillary muscles have often been used in myocardial mechanical function studies. The objective of the present study was to compare the mechanical function of papillary muscle isolated from left ventricle between Wistar (W) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of different ages (1, 3, 6 and 12 months), in order to examine whether there is a difference in intrinsic mechanical properties of muscle between the two rat strains. Muscles were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at 28°C and studied isometrically and isotonically at a stimulation rate of 0.2 Hz. The W and WKY showed statistically significant differences during both isometric and isotonic contractions. During isometric contraction? (l) the peak developed tension (DT) and + dT/dt were lower in WKY rats in the 1 mo groups, (2) the resting tension (RT) was greater in WKY at 3, 6 and 12 mo. (3) time to peak tension (TPT) was greater in WKY at 3 and 12 mo, (4) time for tension to fall from peak to 50% of peak tension (RT 1/2) was greater in WKY at 3 mo and (5) - dT/dt was lower in WKY at 1 and 3 mo. During isotonic contraction, (1) the peak shortening (PS) and -dL/dt were lower in WKY at 12 mo, (2) the time to peak shortening (TPS) was greater in WKY at 3 and 12 mo; (3) + dL/dt was lower in WKY at 3, 6, and 12 mo and (4) the relative variation of length (Lmax-PS)/Lmax was greater in WKY at 6 and 12 mo. These data showed a difference in mechanical behaviour of the papillary muscle between Wistar and Wistar-Kyoto rats of different age.

Action of anti-bothropic factor isolated from Didelphis marsupialis on renal effects of Bothrops erythromelas venom

Acute renal failure is the most common complication in the lethal cases caused by snakebites in Brazil. Among the Brazilian venom snakes, Bothrops erythromelas is responsible for the majority of accidents in Northeastern Brazil. Didelphis marsupialis serum could inhibit myonecrotic, hemorrhagic, edematogenic hyperalgesic and lethal effects of envenomation determined by ophidian bites. In the present study, we evaluated the action of the anti-bothropic factor isolated from D. marsupialis on the renal effects promoted by B. erythromelas venom without systemic interference. Isolated kidneys from Wistar rats were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6% bovine serum albumin. We analyzed renal perfusion pressure (PP), renal vascular resistance (RVR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary flow (UF), and the percentages of sodium and potassium tubular transport (%TNa +, %TK +). The B. erythromelas venom (10 μg mL -1) decreased the PP (ct=108.71±5.09 mmHg; BE=65.21±5.6 mmHg*) and RVR (ct=5.76±0.65 mmHg mL -1 g -1 min -1; BE=3.10±0.45 mmHg mL -1 g -1 min -1*) . On the other hand, the GFR decreased at 60 min (ct 60=0.76±0. 07 mL g -1 min -1; BE 60=0.42±0.12 mL g -1 min -1*) and increased at 120 min (ct 120=0.72±0.01 mL g -1 min -1; BE 120=1.24±0.26 mL g -1 min -1*). The UF increased significantly when compared with the control group (ct=0.14±0.01 mL g -1 min -1; BE=0.47±0.08 mL g -1 min -1*). The venom reduced the %TNa + (ct 90=79.18±0.88%; BE 90=58.35±4.86%*) and %TK + (ct 90=67.20±4.04%; BE 90=57. 32±5.26%*) The anti-bothropic factor from D. marsupialis (10 μg mL -1) incubated with B. erythromelas venom (10 μg mL -1) blocked the effects on PP, RVR, %TNa +, and %TK +, but was not able to reverse the effects in UF and GFR promoted by venom alone. However, the highest concentration of D. marsupialis serum (30 μg mL -1) reversed all the renal effects induced by the venom. In conclusion, B. erythromelas venom altered all the renal functional parameters evaluated and the anti-bothropic factor from D. marsupialis was able to inhibit the effects induced by the venom in isolated kidney. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of micronuclei frequency in Tradescantia pallida pollen mother cells treated with ethanolic extracts isolated from Cryptocarya mandioccana, Cryptocarya moschata and Pterogyne nitens

Although herbal extracts contain several classes of compounds with pharmacological activity, they also present toxic substances with mutagenic effects. The aim of the present study was to verify the mutagenicity of Cryptocarya moschata, Cryptocarya mandioccana and Pterogyne nitens using micronucleus assay in pollen mother cells (tetrads) in Tradescantia pallida (Trad-MCN). T. pallida inflorescences were treated with different concentrations of ethanolic extracts from the selected plant species. For C. mandioccana C. moschata and P. nitens, Trad-MCN assays were carried out simultaneoulsly, followed by positive control (formaldehyde 10000 ppm), negative control (Hoagland's solution), and vehicle control (Tween 20 20% or DMSO 3%). MCN present in tetrads were quantified in 300 tetrads/inflorescence and the mean (%) and standard error (SE) were established for at least 10 inflorescences per treatment. The extracts demonstrated dose response mutagenicity (clastogenic/aneugenic effects), respectively, C. mandioccana (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL) and P. nitens (1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL) However, no mutagenic effect was observed to C. moschata at the concentrations evaluated in the present study. We can conclude that the C. mandioccana and P. nitens extracts demonstrated clastogenic/aneugenic effects in highest concentrations whereas C. moschata extract did not demonstrate the same effect. © 2006 Sociedade Brasileira de Toxicologia.

Missing solution in a Cornell potential

Missing bound-state solutions for fermions in the background of a Cornell potential consisting of a mixed scalar-vector-pseudoscalar coupling is examined. Charge-conjugation operation, degeneracy and localization are discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Effect of divalent metal ions on the activity and stability of β-galactosidase isolated from Kluyveromyces lactis

In this study, it was demonstrated that β-galactosidase can be deactivated and reactivated with EDTA and divalent metal ions. The enzyme was deactivated after 20 minutes in EDTA solution. Maximal deactivation at the lowest EDTA concentration (10-3 mol.L-1) occurred in the presence of Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.0). The enzyme recovered 50% of its initial activity after 10 minutes at Mg2+concentrations higher than 0.1 mmol.L-1. Experimental concentrations of 0.1 mmol.L-1 Mn2+ and 1.0 mmol.L-1 Co2+ were sufficient to reactivate the enzyme to around 300% of the control activity for the Mn2+ ion and nearly 100% for the Co2+ ion. The enzyme gradually lost its activity when the Co2+ concentration was 10-2 mol.L-1. Ni2+ and Zn2+ were unable to restore the catalytic activity. Km app and Vmax app were 1.95 ± 0.05 mmol.L-1 and 5.40 ± 0.86x10-2 mmol.min-1.mg-1, with o-NPG as substrate. Optimal temperature and pH were 34oC and 7.5. The half-life (t1/2) at 30°C was 17.5 min for the holoenzyme and 11.0 min for the apoenzyme. With respect to pH variation, the apoenzyme proved to be more sensitive than the holoenzyme. Keywords: β-galactosidase. Divalent metallic ions. Enzyme activity. Stability. RESUMO Efeito de íons metálicos divalentes na atividade e estabilidade da β-galactosidase isolada de Kluyveromyces lactis Este estudo demonstra como a β-galactosidase pode ser desativada e reativada usando EDTA e íons metálicos divalentes. A enzima foi desativada após 20 minutos na presença de EDTA. Desativação máxima para a menor concentração de EDTA (10-3 mol.L-1) ocorreu na presença do tampão Tris-HCl. A enzima recuperou 50% de sua atividade inicial após 10 minutos na presença de Mg2+ em concentrações superiores a 0,1mmol.L-1. Concentrações de 10-4 e 10-3mol.L-1 de Mn2+ e Co2+ foram suficientes para reativar a enzima em 300% comparado ao controle de íons Mn2+ e aproximadamente 100% para íons Co2+. A enzima perdeu gradualmente a sua atividade quando a concentração foi de 10-2 mol.L-1. Ni2+ e Zn2+ foram incapazes de restabelecer a atividade catalítica. Km app e Vmax app foram 1,95 ± 0,05 mmol.L-1 e 5,40 ± 0,86 x 10-2 mmol.min-1.mg-1. A temperatura e pH ótimos foram 34ºC e 7,5. A meia vida da holoenzima foi de 17,5 min a 30ºC e para a apoenzima foi de 11,0 min a 30ºC. Quanto à variação de pH, a apoenzima provou ser mais sensível que a holoenzima. Palavras-chave: β-galactosidase. Íons metálicos divalentes. Atividade enzimática. Estabilidade.

Evaluation of the presence of microorganisms in solid-organ preservation solution

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of microorganism contamination in the preservation solution for transplant organs (kidney/pancreas). Method: Between August 2007 and March 2008, 136 samples of preservation solution were studied prior to graft implantation. Variables related to the donor and to the presence of microorganisms in the preservation solution of organs were evaluated, after which the contamination was evaluated in relation to the recipient culture variable. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The contamination rate of the preservation solution was 27.9%. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated microorganism. However, highly virulent agents, such as fungi and enterobacteria, were also isolated. In univariate analysis, the variable donor antibiotic use was significantly associated to the contamination of the preservation solution. on the other hand, multivariate analysis found statistical significance in donor antibiotic use and donor's infectious complications variables. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 27.9% of the preservation solutions of transplant organs were contaminated. Infectious diseases and non-use of antibiotics by the donor were significantly related to the presence of microorganisms in organ preservation solutions. Contamination in organ preservation solutions was not associated with infection in the recipient.