SYNTHESIS OF N-15-ENRICHED UREA (CO((NH2)-N-15)(2)) FROM (NH3)-N-15, CO, AND S IN A DISCONTINUOUS PROCESS

CO((NH2)-N-15)(2) enriched with the stable isotope N-15 was synthesized based on a reaction involving CO, (NH3)-N-15, and S in the presence of CH3OH. The method differs from the industrial method; a stainless steel reactor internally lined with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was used in a discontinuous process under low pressure and temperature. The yield of the synthesis was evaluated as a function of the parameters: the amount of reagents, reaction time, addition of H2S, liquid solution and reaction temperature. The results showed that under optimum conditions (1.36, 4.01, and 4.48 g of (NH3)-N-15, CO, and S, respectively, 40 ml CH3OH, 40 mg H2S, 100 degrees C and 120 min of reaction) 1.82 g (yield 76.5%) of the compound was obtained per batch. The synthesized CO((NH2)-N-15)(2) contained 46.2% N, 0.55% biuret, melting point of 132.55 degrees C and did not exhibit isotopic fractionation. The production cost of CO((NH2)-N-15)(2) with 90.0 at. % N-15 was US$ 238.60 per gram.

Exploring the Role of Soluble Factors Associated with Immune Regulatory Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized as multipotent stromal cells with the capacity for both self-renewal and differentiation into mesodermal cell lineages. MSCs also have a fibroblast-like phenotype and can be isolated from several tissues. In recent years, researchers have found that MSCs secrete several soluble factors that exert immunosuppressive effects by modulating both innate (macrophages, dendritic and NK cells) and adaptive (B cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) immune responses. This review summarizes the principal trophic factors that are related to immune regulation and secreted by MSCs under both autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. The understanding of mechanisms that regulate immunity in MSCs field is important for their future use as a novel cellular-based immunotherapy with clinical applications in several diseases.

Drug-targeting in combined cancer chemotherapy: tumor growth inhibition in mice by association of paclitaxel and etoposide with a cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion

Lipid nanoemulsions (LDE) may be used as carriers of paclitaxel (PTX) and etoposide (ETP) to decrease toxicity and increase the therapeutic action of those drugs. The current study investigates the combined chemotherapy with PTX and ETP associated with LDE. Four groups of 10-20 B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice were treated with LDE-PTX and LDE-ETP in combination (LDE-PTX + ETP), commercial PTX and ETP in combination (PTX + ETP), single LDE-PTX, and single LDE-ETP. PTX and ETX doses were 9 mu mol/kg administered in three intraperitoneal injections on three alternate days. In two control groups mice were treated with saline solution or LDE alone. Tumor growth, metastasis presence, cell-cycle distribution, blood cell counts and histological data were analyzed. Toxicity of all treatments was evaluated in mice without tumors. Tumor growth inhibition was similarly strong in all treatment groups. However, there was a greater reduction in the number of animals bearing metastases in the LDE-PTX + ETP group (30 %) in comparison to the PTX + ETP group (82 %, p < 0.05). Reduction of cellular density, blood vessels and increase of collagen fibers in tumor tissues were observed in the LDE-PTX + ETP group but not in the PTX + ETP group, and in both groups reduced melanoma-related anemia and thrombocytosis were observed. Flow cytometric analysis suggested that LDE-PTX + ETP exhibited greater selectivity to neoplastic cells than PTX-ETP, showing arrest (65 %) in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle (p < 0.001). Toxicity manifested by weight loss and myelosuppression was markedly milder in the LDE-PTX + ETP than in the PTX + ETP group. LDE-PTX + ETP combined drug-targeting therapy showed markedly superior anti-cancer properties and reduced toxicity compared to PTX + ETP.

Deformation of Implant Abutments After Framework Connection Using Strain Gauges

When a cylinder is connected to an abutment it is expected that abutment and cylinder will be subjected to compression forces throughout their periphery because of the clamping force exerted by the screw. The deformation resultant of this compression should be measurable and uniform along the periphery of the abutment. Considering that multiple retainers connected to each other can affect the fit of a framework, as well as the use of different alloys, it is expected that the abutments will present different levels of deformation as a result of framework connection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deformation of implant abutments after frameworks, cast either in cobalt-chromium (CoCr) or silver-palladium (AgPd) alloys, were connected. Samples (n = 5) simulating a typical mandibular cantilevered implant-supported prosthesis framework were fabricated in cobalt-chromium and silver-palladium alloys and screwed onto standard abutments positioned on a master-cast containing 5 implant replicas. Two linear strain gauges were fixed on the mesial and distal aspects of each abutment to capture deformation as the retention screws were tightened. A combination of compressive and tensile forces was observed on the abutments for both CoCr and AgPd frameworks. There was no evidence of significant differences in median abutment deformation levels for 9 of the 10 abutment aspects. Visually well-fit frameworks do not necessarily transmit load uniformly to abutments. The use of CoCr alloy for implant-supported prostheses frameworks may be as clinically acceptable as AgPd alloy.

Reducing Water and Chloride Penetration Through Silicate Treatments for Concrete as a Mean to Control Corrosion Kinetics

There are currently many types of protective materials for reinforced concrete structures and the influence of these materials in the chloride diffusion coefficient and water penetration still needs more research. The aim of this work is to analyze the contributions regarding the typical three surface concrete protection systems (coatings, linings and pore blockers) and discusses the results of three pore blockers (sodium silicate) tested in this work. To this end, certain tests were used: one involving permeability mechanism (low pressure-immersion absorption), one involving capillary water absorption, and the last, a migration test used to estimate the effective chloride diffusion coefficient in saturated condition. Results indicated reduction in chloride diffusion coefficients and capillary water absorption, therefore, restrictions to water penetration from external environmental. As a consequence, a reduction of the corrosion kinetics and a control of the chloride ingress are expected.

Neurogenic neuroprotection: Future perspectives

Neurogenic neuroprotection elicited by deep brain stimulation is emerging as a promising approach for treating patients with ischemic brain lesions. In rats, stimulation of the fastigial nucleus, but not dentate nucleus, has been shown to reduce the volume of focal infarction. Protection of neural tissue is a rapid intervention that has a relatively long-lasting effect, rendering fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) a potentially valuable method for clinical application. We review some of the main findings of animal experimental research from a clinical perspective. Results: Although the complete mechanisms of neuroprotection induced by FNS remain unclear, important data has been presented in the last two decades. The acute effect of electrical stimulation of the fastigial nucleus is likely mediated by a prolonged opening of potassium channels, and the sustained effect appears to be linked to inhibition of the apoptotic cascade. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurogenic neuroprotection by stimulation of deep brain nuclei, with special attention to the fastigial nucleus, can contribute toward improving neurological outcomes in ischemic brain insults.

Gonadal function in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective: To assess reproductive function in male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: Twenty AS patients were compared to 24 healthy male subjects with regard to demographic data, urological examination, testicular ultrasound (US), semen analysis, anti-sperm antibodies, and hormone profile. Exclusion criteria were present use of sulfasalazine or methotrexate, and ever use of biological/cytotoxic agents. Disease activity of AS was evaluated by clinical and laboratory assessments. Results: Demographic data were similar in AS and controls (p = 0.175). Varicocele was found significantly more frequently in AS patients than in controls (40% vs. 8%, p = 0.027). Semen analysis revealed no significant differences in sperm quality between AS patients and controls (p > 0.05). By contrast, the median of normal sperm forms was significantly lower in AS patients with vs. those without varicocele [13.5 (range 2-27) vs. 22 (range 10-32.5)%, p = 0.049] whereas no difference in sperm morphology was observed comparing AS patients and controls without varicocele (p = 0.670). Comparison of AS patients with and without varicocele showed that anti-sperm antibodies, hormones, inflammatory markers, and disease activity scores did not contribute to the impaired sperm morphology observed in AS patients with varicocele. Conclusions: An increased frequency of varicocele was found in AS patients associated with sperm abnormalities but independent of therapy, anti-sperm antibodies, hormonal alterations, or disease parameters. Investigation for varicocele should be routine in AS patients with fertility problems.

Drospirenone and levonorgestrel in combination with either 30 or 20 mcg ethinylestradiol reduce soluble adhesion molecules in Brazilian women; cross-sectional study

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three contraceptive pills containing ethinylestradiol (EE) (20 or 30 mcg) in combination with drospirenone (DRSP) and levonorgestrel (LNG) on plasma concentration of adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule -1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 participants (18-30 years old) distributed into three groups that used oral contraceptives containing EE 20 or 30 mcg combined with DRSP 3 mg or EE 30 mcg/LNG 150 mcg for at least 6 months. The control group was comprised of nonusers of contraceptives. Soluble VCAM-1, soluble ICAM-1 and soluble E-selectin were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared to the control group, a significant decrease was found in VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 concentrations with use of DRSP/20 EE and LNG/30 EE. Conclusions: DRSP/20 EE and LNG/30 EE induce favorable changes in endothelial function. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reliability of radiographic parameters in adenoid evaluation

The assessment of adenoids by x-ray imaging has been the topic of heated debate, but few studies have looked into the reliability of most existing radiographic parameters. Objective: This study aims to verify the intra-examiner and inter-examiner reproducibility of the adenoid radiographic assessment methods. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional case series study. Forty children of both genders aged between 4 and 14 were enrolled. They were selected based on complaints of nasal obstruction or mouth breathing and suspicion of pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy. Cavum x-rays and orthodontic teleradiographs were assessed by two examiners in quantitative and categorical terms. Results: All quantitative parameters in both x-ray modes showed excellent intra and inter-examiner reproducibility. Relatively better performance was observed in categorical parameters used in cavum x-ray assessment by C-Kurien, C-Wang, C-Fujioka, and C-Elwany over C-Cohen and C-Ysunza. As for orthodontic teleradiograph grading systems, C-McNamara has been proven to be more reliable than C-Holmberg. Conclusion: Most instruments showed adequate reproducibility levels. However, more research is needed to properly determine the accuracy and viability of each method.

Assessment of Stent Strut Endothelialization in Iliac Arteries of Rabbits

Background: Fast post-implantation stent endothelialization is desirable for theoretically reducing the possibility of stent thrombosis. Objective: To evaluate the extent of sirolimus-eluting stent strut endothelialization (delivered from the luminal and abluminal aspects or abluminal aspect only) in the iliac arteries of rabbits. Methods: The iliac arteries of 10 rabbits were implanted with four sirolimus-eluting stents in the luminal and abluminal aspects, three sirolimus-eluting stents in the abluminal aspect, six polymer-coated stents, and four uncoated stents. After four weeks, the rabbits were euthanized and scanning electron microscopy was performed to quantify the area of exposed stent strut as well as the percentage of endothelialization. Results: The area (mean +/- SD) (mm(2)) of exposed uncoated stent struts, polymer-coated stents, sirulimus-eluting stent in the abluminal and luminal aspects and sirolimus-eluting stent in the abluminal aspect was 0.12 +/- 0.08, 0.09 +/- 0.12, 0.60 +/- 0.67 and 0.05 +/- 0.04, respectively (p = 0.120). The percentage of endothelialization (mean +/- SD) (%) of uncoated stents, polymer-coated stents, sirolimus-eluting stents in the luminal and abluminal aspects and sirolimus-eluting stents in the abluminal aspect was 99 +/- 01, 99 +/- 0. 97 +/- 03 and 99 +/- 0, respectively (p = 0.133). Conclusion: After four weeks of implantation in the iliac arteries of rabbits, both the sirolimus-eluting stents in the luminal plus abluminal aspects and those in the abluminal aspect only showed stent strut endothelialization rates similar to those of the other types of non-drug eluting stents. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2012;99(6):1123-1128)

Hematological alterations during experimental canine infection by Trypanosoma cruzi

To confirm that Beagle dogs are a good experimental model for Chagas disease, we evaluated hematological alterations during the acute and chronic phases in Beagle dogs infected with the Y, Berenice-78 (Be-78) and ABC strains of Trypanosoma cruzi, correlating clinical signs with the parasitemia curve. We demonstrate that the acute phase of infection was marked by lethargy and loss of appetite. Simultaneously, we observed anemia, leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Also,we describe hematological alterations and clinical signs that were positively correlated with the parasitemia during the experimental infection with the three strains of T cruzi, and demonstrate that experimental infection of Beagle is a trustworthy model for Chagas disease.

Morphological aspects of the ovaries of turtle Kinosternon scorpioides raised in captivity

Chaves E.P., Oliveira S.C.R., Araujo L.P.F., Oliveira A.S., Miglino M.A., Abreu-Silva A.L., Melo F.A. & Sousa A.L. 2012. Morphological aspects of the ovaries of turtle Kinosternon scorpioides raised in captivity. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(7):667-671. Departamento das Clinicas, Curso de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Estadual do Maranhao, Cidade Universitaria Paulo VI, Tirirical, Sao Luis, MA 65050-150, Brazil. E-mail: alana@elo.com.br The swear turtle "jurara" (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a mud turtle of the Amazon region exposed to disordering capture in the rural areas of Maranhao, Brazil. Despite its popularity in these areas, little meaningful information regarding the reproductive morphology is currently available, fact that impedes the adoption of policies for preservation of the species. To obtain more information, we studied the ovarian morphology adult jurara females kept in captivity by morphological and morphometric analysis in the dry and rainy season. The results revealed that all females were sexually mature and were in a vitellogenic period. The ovaries are two irregular structures composed by follicles in different stages of development (primary, secondary and tertiary) scattered in a stroma of loose connective highly vascularized tissue. The ovary weight was 6.25+/-4.23g and 2.27+/-1.42g, for the right and left one respectively. The gonadosomatic indexes were 2.06% for the dry season and 1.79% for the rainy season. The average of the follicles was 29.83 units per ovary. Microscopically, the mature ovaries revealed a basal layer composed by four cellular layers: the inner and outer theca, stratum granulosum with perivitelline membrane and zona radiata with vitelline membrane. No significant differences were observed in the ovaries either in the dry or wet period.

Prediction of retail beef yield, trim fat and proportion of high-valued cuts in Nellore cattle using ultrasound live measurements

The objective of this study was to develop equations to predict retail product and fat trim (weights and percentages) for Nellore (Bos indicus) cattle. Live ultrasound measurements of the longissimus muscle area, backfat thickness at the 12th rib and rump fat depth and shrunk body weight were obtained from 218 Nellore steers to predict weights and percentages of carcass retail product, pistola retail product and fat trimmings. After slaughter, carcasses were deboned and weighed and percentages of retail cuts were obtained directly. Measurements taken directly in the carcasses explained 97% and 36% of variation in carcass retail product weight and percentage, and 94% and 36% of variation in pistola retail weight and percentage, respectively. Live measurements explained 93% of carcass retail product weight and 39% of carcass retail product percentage. Lower accuracies were observed for pistola retail product weight (R-2=0.87) and percentage (R-2=0.33). Accuracies for fat trimmings weight and percentage were 79% and 55%, respectively. Ultrasound rump fat thickness showed greater correlations with retail product and fat trimmings (weights and percentages) when compared with ultrasound backfat thickness. The weight and percentage of retail products and of trimmable fat can be estimated in Nellore steers from live animal measurements, with similar accuracy to equations developed based on carcass measurements obtained at slaughter.

Comparison of lung preservation solutions in human lungs using an ex vivo lung perfusion experimental model

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies on lung preservation have always been performed using animal models. We present ex vivo lung perfusion as a new model for the study of lung preservation. Using human lungs instead of animal models may bring the results of experimental studies closer to what could be expected in clinical practice. METHOD: Brain-dead donors whose lungs had been declined by transplantation teams were used. The cases were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, Perfadex (R) was used for pulmonary preservation, and in Group 2, LPDnac, a solution manufactured in Brazil, was used. An ex vivo lung perfusion system was used, and the lungs were ventilated and perfused after 10 hours of cold ischemia. The extent of ischemic-reperfusion injury was measured using functional and histological parameters. RESULTS: After reperfusion, the mean oxygenation capacity was 405.3 mmHg in Group 1 and 406.0 mmHg in Group 2 (p=0.98). The mean pulmonary vascular resistance values were 697.6 and 378.3 dyn.s.cm(-5), respectively (p=0.035). The mean pulmonary compliance was 46.8 cm H2O in Group 1 and 49.3 ml/cm H2O in Group 2 (p=0.816). The mean wet/dry weight ratios were 2.06 and 2.02, respectively (p=0.87). The mean Lung Injury Scores for the biopsy performed after reperfusion were 4.37 and 4.37 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=1.0), and the apoptotic cell counts were 118.75/mm(2) and 137.50/mm(2), respectively (p=0.71). CONCLUSION: The locally produced preservation solution proved to be as good as Perfadex (R). The clinical use of LPDnac may reduce costs in our centers. Therefore, it is important to develop new models to study lung preservation.

Factors associated with overweight in children living in the neighbourhoods of an urban area of Brazil

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the individual and family determinants of being overweight among children younger than 10 years of age. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Direct data on children's age, food intake, physical activity, type of transportation used and anthropometric measurements, as well as the education level of the mothers, were collected by trained interviewers. Setting: Population-based study in the city of Santos, Brazil. Subjects: A total of 531 children under 10 years of age (302 aged <6 years, >= 6 aged years), living in the city of Santos. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI-for-age Z-score >1) was 35.4% for children under 6 years and 38.9% for children aged 6-10 years. The socio-economic status of the family was associated with being overweight for both age groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that the lower the socio-economic status, the higher the likelihood of being overweight, among both younger children (OR = 7.73; P = 0.02) and older children (OR = 1.98; P = 0.04). The use of active transportation was associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight, but only among younger children (OR = 1.70; P = 0.05). Conclusions: Socio-economic status seems to be an important individual-level determinant of overweight in children. Public policies should consider promoting the use of active transportation, as the results showed it to have a positive effect on reducing overweight issues. The high prevalence of overweight in younger children suggests that this age group should be a priority in health-promoting interventions.