Spikes em espectrometria alfa para analise de amostras geologicas

The technique of isotope dilution has been extensively utilized for determining the content of trace elements in geological samples; it has been especially useful for the determination of 238U and 234U contents in crustal materials with measurements made by alpha spectrometry. 232U-228Th has usually been used as diluent (spike) during the application of this analytical technique. More recently, 236U and 229Th have been used. Some methodological problems concerning the utilization of these spikes are presented with examples of experimental data obtained in analyses of groundwater and borehole spoil samples from Morro do Ferro, Pocos de Caldas (MG). -from English summary

Hemoglobin as AS/alfa talassemia - Importância diagnóstica

Sickle Cell disease is a generic term for a group of genetic disorders characterized by the predominance of hemoglobin S. These disorders include Sickle Cell anemia, the Sickle Cell beta Thalassemia syndromes and Hemoglobinopathies in which hemoglobin S is in association with another abnormal hemoglobin, such as hemoglobin S/C. The Sickle Cell trait (hemoglobin AS) associated with Alpha Thalassemia presents alterations in the red blood cells morphology, usually absent in the heterozygous for this hemoglobin variant. The interaction between hemoglobin Sand alpha Thalassemia has been described as one of the factors responsible for the improvement in the clinical picture of homozygous of hemoglobin S (Sickle Cell Anemia), decreasing the number of episodes of pain. The genetic mechanisms of this influence are evaluated using molecular analyses of the human globin genes. With the objective of verifying the presence of alpha Thalassemia in heterozygous of hemoglobin S, with anemia, sent to the Laboratory of Hemoglobins, Department of Biology, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, we analyzed 1002 blood samples with Sickle Cell trait, in the period from 1990 to 1998. The samples were picked with EDTA 5% as anticoagulant, after previous authorization of the carriers. Appropriated counseling and management requires definitive diagnosis. For the laboratorial diagnosis the blood samples were submitted to electrophoretic procedures in alkaline and acid pH and cytological evaluation of hemoglobin H. The electrophoretic procedures confirmed the presence of hemoglobin AS. The cytological evaluation evidenced the presence of alpha Thalassemia. Of this total analyzed, 16(1,59%) blood samples presented the association between hemoglobin AS and alpha Thalassemia and two individuals belonged of the same family. Our results addressed us to suggest to the routine laboratories, that is important to accomplish the research of alpha Thalassemia among the Sickle Cell trait, with anemia, to verify the interaction with alpha Thalassemia, supplying to the carriers a important information on its hematological profile, genetic pattern of hemoglobinopathies and the appropriated counseling. Rev.bras.hematol.hemoter.,2000,22(3):388-394.

Dornase alfa improves the health-related quality of life among Brazilian patients with cystic fibrosis - A one-year prospective study

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements provide valuable information about the psychological and social impact of treatment on patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study evaluated the HRQOL of Brazilian patients with CF and assessed the changes in HRQOL domains over 1 year after dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) introduction. Patients and Methods: One hundred fifty-six stable patients with CF and 89 caregivers answered the Portuguese-validated version of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) at baseline (T 0), and at 3 (T 1), 6 (T 2), 9 (T 3), and 12 (T 4) months of follow-up. Eighteen patientswere excluded because they did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. The patients were analyzed in two groups: those aged 6-11 years and those aged 14 years and older. ANOVA for observed repeated results and the last observation carried forward (LOCF) method for missing data were used for the statistical analysis. Results: After 1 year of follow-up, there was significant improvement in respiratory symptoms (T 4-T 0=8.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=[2.1;14.0]; effect size (ES)=0.35; P<0.001), Emotional Functioning (T 4-T 0=5.6; 95% CI=[1.1;10.1]; ES=0.31; P<0.05), Social Functioning (T 4-T 0=6.0; 95% CI=[1.3;11.7]; ES=0.31; P<0.05), Body Image (T 4-T 0=11.9; 95% CI=[4.1;19.7]; ES=0.42; P<0.05), and Treatment Burden (T 4-T 0=5.3; 95% CI=[0.3;10.3]; ES=0.24; P<0.05) domains in the younger group. A significant improvement in Role Functioning (T 4-T 0=6.1; 95% CI=[1.1;11.1]; ES=0.40; P<0.05), Body Image (T 4-T 0=12.6; 95% CI=[3.5;21.7]; ES=0.46; P<0.05), and Weight (T 4-T 0=11.7; 95% CI=[1.8;21.6]; ES=0.40; P<0.05) was obtained in the older group. The caregivers' CFQ-R showed improvements in the Digestive Symptoms (T 4-T 0=5.5; 95% CI=[1.5;9.4]; ES=0.30; P<0.05), Respiratory Symptoms (T 4-T 0=7.6; 95% CI=[3.9;11.4]; ES=0.48; P<0.05), and Weight (T 4-T 0=10.1; 95% CI=[1.6;18.6]; ES=0.26; P<0.05) domains. Conclusion: The introduction of dornase alfa improved the HRQL of the patients with CF during the first year of treatment. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Induction pegylated interferon Alfa-2a and high dose ribavirin do not increase SVR in heavy patients with HCV genotype 1 and high viral loads

Background & Aims Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, body weight <85 kg, and high baseline viral load respond poorly to standard doses of pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin. We evaluated intensified therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin. Methods This double-blind randomized trial included HCV genotype 1-infected outpatients from hepatology clinics with body weight <85 kg and HCV RNA titer <400,000 IU/mL. Patients were randomized to 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 48 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (standard of care) (group A, n = 191) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group B, n = 189). Additional groups included 360 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 12 weeks then 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 36 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (group C, n = 382) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group D, n = 383). Follow-up lasted 24 weeks after treatment. Results Sustained virologic response rates (HCV RNA level <15 IU/mL at end of follow-up) in groups A, B, C, and D were 38%, 43%, 44%, and 41%, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 4 groups or between pooled peginterferon alfa-2a regimens (A + B vs C + D: odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.831.39; P = .584) or pooled ribavirin regimens (A + C vs B + D: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.791.28; P = .974). Conclusions In patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who are difficult to treat (high viral load, body weight <85 kg), a 12-week induction regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a and/or higher-dose ribavirin is not more effective than the standard regimen. © 2010 AGA Institute.

Descomposición del coeficiente de Gini por fuentes de ingreso: evidencia empírica para América Latina 1999-2005

Incluye Bibliografía

O papel das argininas alfa-92 e alfa-141 na regulação das propriedades funcionais de hemoglobinas por íons cloreto

The oxygenation of human Hb (HbA) demands a three state model: two deoxy states To and Tx, free and complexed with anions respectively, and an oxy R state. The regulation between these states is modulated by the presence of anions, such as chloride, that binds to T state. The b inding if chloride, however, remains controversial. The aim of this work is the study of arginines 92a (a1ß2 interface) and 141a (C-terminal) as chloride binding sites. To investigate that, we have studied 92 and 141 site directed mutant species: natural mutants Hb J-Cape-Town (R92Q), desArg (R141Δ), Chesapeake (R92L), and the constructed Chesapeake desArg (R92L,141Δ). We expressed Hbs in Escherichia coli and purified. Through oxygen binding curves we measured affinity and cooperativity, in function of water effect and Bohr effect in presence and absence of chloride. Structural features were obtained through 1H NMR spectroscopy Oxygen binding properties and Bohr effect measured indicated a higher affinity and lower cooperativity in absence and presence of chloride for all mutants. Structural changes represent functional aspects of mutant Hbs, such as a significant rise in affinity or a change in cooperativity. Water activity studies conducted as a function of chloride concentration showed that the only Hb desArg follows the thre state model. The other mutant Hbs do not exhibit the Tx state, a fact confirmed by the number of water molecules bound to each Hb during the deoxy-oxy transition. This behavior suggests that the Arginine 92 site could be responsible for chloride binding to Hb, since oxygenation of 92 mutant Hbs cannot be adjusted by the three state model. However, Bohr effect showed that all mutant Hbs released~1 proton in chloride presence, different from HbA that releases ~2, suggesting a role for 141 arginine in the tertiary and quaternary Bohr effect.

Participação da via alfa-2 adrenérgica no controle da secreção do hormônio do crescimento no período prépúbere em novilhas da raça Nelore

This study investigated GH secretion after clonidine (alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) treatment in pre-pubertal Nelore heifers. Clonidine (10 mg/kg, IV, 15 min samples for 4 h) was administrated in the same Nelore heifers at eight (n = 4), 12 (n = 5) and 15 (n = 4) months of age. The GH concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay (sensivity = 0.25 ng/mL, CV = 16%). At eight months, clonidine increased GH average concentration, total area of peaks, the total area of GH secretion and increased peak amplitude and reduced time to onset of peak (P < 0.05). At 15 months, the administration of clonidine increased the GH average concentration and at 12 months the increased occurred only in restricted intervals (P < 0.05). Clonidine injection stimulated GH secretion in prepubertal heifers and this effect was more evident in Nelore heifers at eight months compared to 12 and 15 months of age.

BI-ALFA, estrategias y aplicación de una propuesta para el desarrollo indígena

Incluye Bibliografía

Coeficiente de operación de un sistema formado por un refrigerador doméstico acoplado a un acumulador de agua caliente para la recuperación de energía

An experimental apparatus containing a domestic refrigerator coupled to a vertical hot water storage tank was used for energy recovery. The original condenser of the refrigerator was maintained, but modified with a concentric tubes heat exchanger with countercurrent water and refrigerating gas flows. The coefficient of performance for the heat pump is calculated by the ratio of energy in the heat storage and the electric power consumed by the domestic refrigerator compressor. The results show that the increasing of hydrostatic pressure in the storage tank increases the water flow rate and the coefficient of performance. The proposed device also reduces the heat dissipation to the surroundings. This is more important in small confinements found in low-cost houses.

Necessidade Hídrica E Coeficiente de Cultivo do Pimentão Fertirrigado

This study aimed to determine the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and crop coefficient (Kc) of fertigated sweet pepper, measured over time (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days after the transplant). The experiment was conducted on a battery of 40 drainage lysimeters, arranged in a 8 x 5 matrix, in the period October/2009 to January/2010, located in the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) Campus in Recife, in a completely randomized factorial scheme 5 x 2, with four replications, being five irrigation depths (80, 90, 100, 110 and 120% of ETc) and two levels of potassium (80 and 120 kg K2O ha-1) where the experimental plot was composed of three plants in each lysimeter. The Mauchly Sphericity Test indicated multivariate variance analysis for the studied variables ETc (mm d-1) and Kc, the variables presented adjustment under quadratic effect of variation on observation times, when the irrigation depths were fixed, and descending linear adjustments under the variation of irrigation depths effect, when the times of observation were fixed in each potassium dose.

Estudo do coeficiente de difusão no enovelamento de proteínas na rede

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Reação de trans-splicing in vitro utilizando extrato nuclear livre de células e sequencia parcial de alfa tubulina de Trypanosoma cruzi

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)