Selectivity of the cyclic carbonate formation by fixation of carbon dioxide into epoxides catalyzed by Lewis bases

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

Changes in sodium, potassium-ATPase induced by repeated fencamfamine: the roles of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway

Fencamfamine (FCF) is an indirect dopamine agent with effects similar to amphetamine and cocaine. In the present study, we investigate changes in Na,K-ATPase, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and cyclic GMP levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and striatum (ST) of animals acutely or repeatedly treated with FCF (3.5 mg/kg). Na,K-ATPase had a similar activity in control and repeatedly treated animals, but was reduced in the NAc of the acute group. This enzyme was reduced in the ST in acute and repeatedly treated animals, compared to the control group. Expression of the alpha(1,2,3)-Na,K-ATPase isoforms in the NAc and the ST was not altered in all groups studied. Acute FCF induced a significant increase in PKA activity in both the ST and the NAc. Repeatedly treated animals showed a higher increase in PKA activity in the NAc, but not in the ST, when compared to the acute group. There was also an increase in both NOS activity and cyclic GMP levels only in the NAc of FCF repeatedly treated animals compared to the acute and control groups. We suggest that chronic FCF treatment is linked to a modification in Na,K-ATPase activity through the PKA and NO-cyclic GMP pathway. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repeated predictable or unpredictable stress: effects on cocaine-induced locomotion and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity

Stressful experiences appear to have a strong influence on susceptibility to drug taking behavior. Cross-sensitization between stress and drug-induced locomotor response has been found. Locomotor response to novelty or cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity in the nucleus accumbens and basal corticosterone levels were evaluated in male adult rats exposed to acute and chronic predictable or unpredictable stress. Rats exposed to a 14-day predictable stress showed increased locomotor response to novelty and to cocaine, whereas rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress demonstrated increased cyclic AMP-dependent PKA activity in the nucleus accumbens. Both predictable and unpredictable stress increased basal corticosterone plasma levels. These experiments demonstrated that stress-induced early cocaine sensitization depends on the stress regime and is apparently dissociated from stress-induced changes in cyclic AMP-dependent PKA activity and corticosterone levels. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Caffeine Determination at a Carbon Fiber Ultramicroelectrodes by Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

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

Determination of N-Acetylcysteine by Cyclic Voltammetry Using Modified Carbon Paste Electrode with Copper Nitroprusside Adsorbed on the 3-Aminopropylsilica

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

Strategies to improve the ovarian response to equine pituitary extract in cyclic mares

Equine pituitary extract (EPE) has been reported to induce heightened follicular development in mares, but the response is inconsistent and lower than results obtained in ruminants undergoing standard superovulatory protocols. Three separate experiments were conducted to improve the ovarian response to EPE by evaluating: (1) effect of increasing the frequency or dose of EPE treatment; (2) use of a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) prior to EPE stimulation (3) administration of EPE twice daily in successively decreasing doses. In the first experiment. 50 mares were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Mares received (1) 25 mg EPE once daily; (2) 50 mg EPE once daily (3) 12.5 mg EPE twice daily; or (4) 25 mg EPE twice daily. All mares began EPE treatment 5 days after detection of ovulation and received a single dose of cloprostenol sodium 7 days postovulation. EPE was discontinued once half of a cohort of follicles reached a diameter of greater than or equal to35 mm and hCG was administered. Mares receiving 50 mg of EPE once daily developed a greater number (P = 0.008) of preovulatory follicles than the remaining groups of EPE-treated mares, and more (P = 0.06) ovulations were detected for mares receiving 25 mg EPE twice daily compared to those receiving either 25 mg EPE once daily and 12.5 mg EPE twice daily. Embryo recovery per mare was greater (P = 0.05) in the mares that received 12.5 mg EPE twice daily than those that received 25 mg EPE once daily. In Experiment 2, 20 randomly selected mares received either 25 mg EPE twice daily beginning 5 days after a spontaneous ovulation. or two doses of a GnRH-a agonist upon detection of a follicle greater than or equal to35 mm and 25 mg EPE twice daily beginning 5 days after ovulation. Twenty-four hours after administration of hCG, oocytes were recovered by transvaginal aspiration from all follicles greater than or equal to35 mm. No differences were observed between groups in the numbers of preovulatory follicles generated (P = 0.54) and oocytes recovered (P = 0.40) per mare. In Experiment 3, 18 mares were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Then, 6-11 days after ovulation, mares were administered a dose of PGF(2gamma) and concomitantly began twice-daily treatments with EPE given in successively declining doses, or a dose of PGF(2alpha), but no EPE treatment. Mares administered EPE developed a higher (P = 0.0004) number of follicles :35 mm, experienced more (P = 0.02) ovulations, and yielded a greater (P = 0.0006) number of embryos than untreated mares. In summary, doubling the dose of EPE generated a greater ovarian response, while increasing the frequency of treatment, but not necessarily the dose. improved embryo collection. Additionally, pretreatment with a GnRH-a prior to ovarian stimulation did not enhance the response to EPE or oocyte recovery rates. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Histological Characterization and Immunohistochemical Localization of Ki-67 and VEGF Factors in Bitches' Corpus Luteum at Cyclic and Early and Late Gestational Diestrous

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

Effect of relining, water storage and cyclic loading on the flexural strength of a denture base acrylic resin

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of relining, water storage and cyclic loading on the ultimate flexural strength (FSU) and on the flexural strength at the proportional limit (FSPl) of a denture base acrylic resin (Lucitone 550-L).Methods: Rectangular bars of L were made (64 mm x 10 mm x 2 mm) and relined (1.3 mm) with four relining resins (Kooliner-K, Ufi Gel Hard-UGH, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR and New Truliner-NT). In addition, specimens relined with L and intact L specimens were made (64 mm x 10 mm x 3.3 mm). A three-point flexural test was applied on the specimens (n = 10) after (1) polymerization; (2) water storage (30 days); (3) cyclic loading (10,000 cycles at 5 Hz) and (4) water storage (30 days) + cyclic loading. Data (MPa) were analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests (alpha = 0.05). To test for a possible correlation between FSU and FSPl, a linear regression coefficient 'r' was calculated.Results: After water storage, L-UGH and L-TR demonstrated an increased FSU (41.4950.64 MPa and 49.95-57.36 MPa, respectively) (P < 0.05). Only L-TR demonstrated an increased FSPl (20.58-24.21 MPa) after water storage (P < 0.05). L-L had the highest FSU (between 78.57 and 85.09 MPa) and FSPl (between 31.30 and 34.17 MPa) (P < 0.05). The cyclic loading decreased the FSU and FSPl of all materials (P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed a strong linear correlation between the two variables (r = 0.941).Conclusions: Water storage improved the FSU of L-UGH and L-TR and the FSPl of L-TR. L-L produced the highest FSU and FSPl. The FSU and FSPl of all materials were detrimentally influenced by cyclic loading.

Effectiveness of Screw Surface Coating on the Stability of Zirconia Abutments After Cyclic Loading

Purpose: Different surface treatments have been developed in attempts to prevent the loosening of abutment screws. The aim of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of titanium alloy screws with tungsten-doped diamond-like carbon (W-DLC) coating and uncoated screws in providing stability to zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic abutments after cyclic loading. Materials and Methods: Twenty prefabricated ZrO2 ceramic abutments on their respective external-hex implants were divided into two groups of equal size according to the type of screw used: uncoated titanium alloy screw (Ti) or titanium alloy screw with W-DLC coating (W-DLC/Ti). The removal torque value (preload) of the abutment screw was measured before and after loading. Cyclic loading between 11 and 211 N was applied at an angle of 30 degrees to the long axis of the implants at a frequency of 15 Hz. A target of 0.5 x 10(6) cycles was defined. Group means were calculated and compared using analysis of variance and the F test (alpha=.05). Results: Before cyclic loading, the preload for Ti screws was significantly higher than that for W-DLC/Ti screws (P=.021). After cyclic loading, there was no significant difference between them (P=.499). Conclusions: Under the studied conditions, it can be concluded that, after cyclic loading, both abutment screws presented a significant reduction in the mean retained preload and similar effectiveness in maintaining preload. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2012;27:1061-1067

Cyclic-loading of the human gracilis and semitendinosus muscle tendons: Study of young adult cadavers

During knee ligament reconstruction, the tendon graft is tensioned to prevent the occurrence of excessive graft elongation during the postoperative period. Tensioning may be achieved by applying a cyclic or static load to the graft during fixation. Although this procedure is part of the surgery, there is no consensus in international literature regarding ideal tension levels to be used in this procedure. This study was conducted on 10 tendons of the human gracilis muscle and 10 tendons of semitendinosus muscle removed from five male cadavers whose mean age was 20.8 years. These tendons underwent 10 in vitro strain cycles at three levels of deformation (2.5, 3, and 4%) and the value of the deforming load used for each cycle was recorded. The statistical analysis demonstrated that in order to attain the same level of deformation during the 10 cycles there was a reduction in the value of strain applied to the graft, observed at the three levels of deformation. It was concluded that the semitendinosus tendon presents a more uniform mechanical behavior and that there is a need for new graft tensioning protocols that consider the force associated with deformation.

Performance and egg quality of Japanese quails submitted to cyclic heat stress

Aiming at evaluating the influence of cyclic temperatures on the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails an experiment was carried out with 480 birds after egg production peak. Birds were housed in a bioclimatic chamber with automatic temperature control that contained two rooms, one maintained at thermoneutral temperature (21 ºC) and the other adjusted for the tested cyclic temperatures (24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 ºC at a time). Each room had a battery of five floors and ten cages, with a capacity of 24 birds per cage, totaling 240 birds per battery. Birds were fed iso-nutritious and iso-caloric diets. Data obtained under the tested cyclic temperatures were compared with those obtained under thermoneutral temperature. At the end of each experimental period (14 days) performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated. A completely randomized experimental design with two treatments (thermoneutral temperature and tested temperature) and ten replicates of 24 birds each. Cyclic increases of 27 ºC and higher in environmental temperature negatively affected bird performance, with reduced feed intake and consequent reductions in egg weight and mass. A cyclic increase of the environmental temperature to 36 ºC reduced the percentage of saleable eggs and egg production.

Crystal structure of the platelet activator convulxin, a disulfide-linked alpha(4)beta(4) cyclic tetramer from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus

Convulxin (CVX), a C-type lectin, isolated from the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, causes cardiovascular and respiratory disturbances and is a potent platelet activator which hinds to platelet glycoprotein GPVI. The structure of CVX has been solved at 2.4 Angstrom resolution to a crystallographic residual of 18.6% (R-free =26.4%). CVX is a disulfide linked heterodimer consisting of homologous alpha and beta chains. The heterodimers are additionally linked by disulfide bridges to form cyclic alpha(4)beta(4)heterotetramers. These domains exhibit significant homology to the carbohydrate-binding domains of C-type lectins, to the factor IX-binding protein (IX-bp), and to flavocetin-A (Fl-A) but sequence and Structural differences are observed in both the domains in the putative Ca2+ and carbohydrate binding regions. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CYCLIC CODES THROUGH B[X], B[X; 1/kp Z(0)] and B[X; 1/p(k) Z(0)]: A COMPARISON

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

Effect of Static and Cyclic Loading on Ceramic Laminate Veneers Adhered to Teeth with and Without Aged Composite Restorations

Purpose: Existing composite restorations on teeth are often remade prior to the cementation of fixed dental prostheses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of static and cyclic loading on ceramic laminate veneers adhered to aged resin composite restorations.Materials and Methods: Eighty sound maxillary incisors were collected and randomly divided into four groups: group 1: control group, no restorations; group 2: two Class III restorations; group 3: two Class IV restorations; group 4: complete composite substrate. Standard composite restorations were made using a microhybrid resin composite (Anterior Shine). Restored teeth were subjected to thermocycling (6000 cycles). Window preparations were made on the labial surface of the teeth for ceramic laminate fabrication (Empress II). Teeth were conditioned using an etch-and-rinse system. Existing composite restorations representing the aged composites were silica coated (CoJet) and silanized (ESPE-Sil). Ceramic laminates were cemented using a bis-GMA-based cement (Variolink Veneer). The specimens were randomly divided into two groups and were subjected to either static (groups 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a) or cyclic loading (groups 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b). Failure type and location after loading were classified. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test.Results: Significantly higher fracture strength was obtained in group 4 (330 +/- 81 N) compared to the controls in group 1 (179 +/- 120 N) (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). Group lb survived a lower mean number of cyclic loads (672,820 cycles) than teeth of groups 2b to 4b (846x10(3) to 873x10(3) cycles). Failure type evaluation after the fracture test showed predominantly adhesive failures between dentin and cement, but after cyclic loading, more cohesive fractures in the ceramic were seen.Conclusion: Ceramic laminate veneers bonded to conditioned aged composite restorations provided favorable results. Surface conditioning of existing restorations may eliminate the necessity of removing aged composite restorations.

Labaditin, a cyclic peptide with rich biotechnological potential: preliminary toxicological studies and structural changes in water and lipid membrane environment

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)