IL-8 released constitutively by primary bronchial epithelial cells in culture forms an inactive complex with secretory component

The bronchial epithelium is a source of both α and β chemokines and, uniquely, of secretory component (SC), the extracellular ligand-binding domain of the polymeric IgA receptor. Ig superfamily relatives of SC, such as IgG and α2-macroglobulin, bind IL-8. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that SC binds IL-8, modifying its activity as a neutrophil chemoattractant. Primary bronchial epithelial cells were cultured under conditions to optimize SC synthesis. The chemokines IL-8, epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78, growth-related oncogene α, and RANTES were released constitutively by epithelial cells from both normal and asthmatic donors and detected in high m.w. complexes with SC. There were no qualitative differences in the production of SC-chemokine complexes by epithelial cells from normal or asthmatic donors, and in all cases this was the only form of chemokine detected. SC contains 15% N-linked carbohydrate, and complete deglycosylation with peptide N-glycosidase F abolished IL-8 binding. In micro-Boyden chamber assays, no IL-8-dependent neutrophil chemotactic responses to epithelial culture supernatants could be demonstrated. SC dose-dependently (IC50 ∼0.3 nM) inhibited the neutrophil chemotactic response to rIL-8 (10 nM) in micro-Boyden chamber assays and also inhibited IL-8-mediated neutrophil transendothelial migration. SC inhibited the binding of IL-8 to nonspecific binding sites on polycarbonate filters and endothelial cell monolayers, and therefore the formation of haptotactic gradients, without effects on IL-8 binding to specific receptors on neutrophils. The data indicate that in the airways IL-8 may be solubilized and inactivated by binding to SC

Investigating mushroom LMW compounds as potential Bcl-2 inhibitors: docking studies using AutoDock4

The B cell CLL/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family is functionally classified as either anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic, and the regulation of its interactions dictates survival or commitment to apoptosis. Bcl-2 family is also implicated in a wide range of diseases. In some types of cancers, including lymphomas and epithelial cancers, protein overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family, such as the Bcl-2 protein is indicative of cancer in an advanced stage, with a poor prognosis and resistant to chemotherapy [1]. Several reports indicate that mushrooms have the ability to promote apoptosis in tumour cell lines, but the mechanism of action is not fully understood. Inhibition of the interaction between Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) and proapoptotic proteins could be an important step in the mechanism of mushroom induced apoptosis. Therefore, the discovery of compounds with the capacity to inhibit Bcl-2 is an ongoing research topic on cancer therapy. In this work, docking studies were performed using a dataset of 40 low molecular weight (LMW) compounds present in mushrooms. The docking software AutoDock 4 was used and docking studies were performed using 5 selected Bcl-2 crystal structures as targets. Compounds with the lowest predicted binding energy (predΔG) are expected to be the more potent inhibitors. Among the tested compounds, steroids presented the lowest predΔG with several exhibiting values below -9 kcal/mol. The results are corroborated by several reports that state that steroids induce apoptosis in several tumor cells. It is thus feasible that they might act by preventing Bcl-2 from forming complexes with the respective proapoptotic protein interaction partners, namely Bak, Bax, and Bim. Moreover, previous studies on our research group demonstrated that 48 h treatment of MCF-7 cells (breast carcinoma) with Suillus collinitus methanolic extract caused a decrease in Bcl-2, highlighting the antitumor potential of this mushroom species [2]. In conclusion, the process of apoptosis promoted by mushroom extracts may be related to the inhibition of Bcl-2 by the steroid derivatives herein studied. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Copper Nanoparticles in Click Chemistry

Conspectus: The challenges of the 21st century demand scientific and technological achievements that must be developed under sustainable and environmentally benign practices. In this vein, click chemistry and green chemistry walk hand in hand on a pathway of rigorous principles that help to safeguard the health of our planet against negligent and uncontrolled production. Copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), the paradigm of a click reaction, is one of the most reliable and widespread synthetic transformations in organic chemistry, with multidisciplinary applications. Nanocatalysis is a green chemistry tool that can increase the inherent effectiveness of CuAAC because of the enhanced catalytic activity of nanostructured metals and their plausible reutilization capability as heterogeneous catalysts. This Account describes our contribution to click chemistry using unsupported and supported copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) as catalysts prepared by chemical reduction. Cu(0)NPs (3.0 ± 1.5 nm) in tetrahydrofuran were found to catalyze the reaction of terminal alkynes and organic azides in the presence of triethylamine at rates comparable to those achieved under microwave heating (10–30 min in most cases). Unfortunately, the CuNPs underwent dissolution under the reaction conditions and consequently could not be recovered. Compelling experimental evidence on the in situ generation of highly reactive copper(I) chloride and the participation of copper(I) acetylides was provided. The supported CuNPs were found to be more robust and efficient catalyst than the unsupported counterpart in the following terms: (a) the multicomponent variant of CuAAC could be applied; (b) the metal loading could be substantially decreased; (c) reactions could be conducted in neat water; and (d) the catalyst could be recovered easily and reutilized. In particular, the catalyst composed of oxidized CuNPs (Cu2O/CuO, 6.0 ± 2.0 nm) supported on carbon (CuNPs/C) was shown to be highly versatile and very effective in the multicomponent and regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in water from organic halides as azido precursors; magnetically recoverable CuNPs (3.0 ± 0.8 nm) supported on MagSilica could be alternatively used for the same purpose under similar conditions. Incorporation of an aromatic substituent at the 1-position of the triazole could be accomplished using the same CuNPs/C catalytic system starting from aryldiazonium salts or anilines as azido precursors. CuNPs/C in water also catalyzed the regioselective double-click synthesis of β-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazoles from epoxides. Furthermore, alkenes could be also used as azido precursors through a one-pot CuNPs/C-catalyzed azidosulfenylation–CuAAC sequential protocol, providing β-methylsulfanyl-1,2,3-triazoles in a stereo- and regioselective manner. In all types of reaction studied, CuNPs/C exhibited better behavior than some commercial copper catalysts with regard to the metal loading, reaction time, yield, and recyclability. Therefore, the results of this study also highlight the utility of nanosized copper in click chemistry compared with bulk copper sources.

Complexes cationiques POCOP de nickel : synthèse, caractérisation, réactivité et étude catalytique

Ce mémoire traite de la chimie des complexes pinceurs de nickel (II) cationiques ayant un ligand de type POCOP. Elle se divise en deux parties. La première traite de la synthèse, de la caractérisation et de la réactivité des complexes cationiques pinceurs de Ni(II) de type POCOP (POCOP = 1,3-bis(phosphinitobenzene), où C fait partie d’un cycle benzénique et est lié au métal, et P est un ligand phosphoré aussi lié au métal). Ces complexes ont un ligand acétonitrile coordonné au centre métallique et sont du type [(R-POCOPR’)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3], où R est un substituant du cycle benzénique et R’ est un substituant sur le ligand phosphoré (R’ = iPr: R = H (1), p-Me(2), p-OMe(3), p-CO2Me(4), p-Br(5), m,m-tBu2(6), m-OMe(7), m-CO2Me(8); R’ = t-Bu : R = H (9), p-CO2Me(10)). Les complexes cationiques sont préparés en faisant réagir le dérivé Ni(II) neutre correspondant R-(POCOPR’)Ni-Br avec Ag(OSO2CF3¬) dans l’acétonitrile à température ambiante. L’impact des groupements R et R’ du ligand POCOP sur la structure et sur les propriétées électroniques du complexe a été étudié par spectroscopies RMN, UV-VIS et IR, analyse électrochimique, et diffraction des rayons X. Les valeurs de fréquence du lien C≡N (ν(C≡N)) augmentent avec le caractère électroattracteur du complexe, dans l’ordre 7 < 3 ~ 2 ~ 6 < 1 < 5 ~ 8 < 4 et 9 < 10. Ces résultats sont en accord avec le fait qu’une augmentation du caractère électrophile du centre métallique devrait résulter en une augmentation de la donation σ MeCN→Ni. De plus, les complexes cationiques montrent tous un potentiel d’oxydation Ni(II)/Ni(III) plus élevé que leurs analogues neutres Ni-Br. Ensuite, une étude d’équilibre entre un complexe neutre (R-POCOPR’)NiBr et un complexe cationique [(R-POCOPR’)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3] démontre l’échange facile des ligands MeCN et Br. La deuxième partie de ce mémoire consiste en deux chapitres. Le premier (Chapitre 3) est une étude structurelle permettant une meilleure compréhension du mécanisme d’hydroamination des oléfines activées promue par les complexes présentés au chapitre 1, suivi de tentatives de synthèse de nouveaux composés POCOP cationiques comportant un ligand amine et nitrile, et de déplacement du groupement amine par un groupement nitrile. Le deuxième chapitre (4) décrit la réactivité et la cinétique de la réaction d’hydroamination et d’hydroalkoxylation d’oléfines activées, qui permet ainsi de mieux comprendre l’impact des différentes variables du système (groupements R et R’, température, substrats, solvent, etc.) sur la réactivité catalytique.

Complexes cationiques POCOP de nickel : synthèse, caractérisation, réactivité et étude catalytique

Ce mémoire traite de la chimie des complexes pinceurs de nickel (II) cationiques ayant un ligand de type POCOP. Elle se divise en deux parties. La première traite de la synthèse, de la caractérisation et de la réactivité des complexes cationiques pinceurs de Ni(II) de type POCOP (POCOP = 1,3-bis(phosphinitobenzene), où C fait partie d’un cycle benzénique et est lié au métal, et P est un ligand phosphoré aussi lié au métal). Ces complexes ont un ligand acétonitrile coordonné au centre métallique et sont du type [(R-POCOPR’)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3], où R est un substituant du cycle benzénique et R’ est un substituant sur le ligand phosphoré (R’ = iPr: R = H (1), p-Me(2), p-OMe(3), p-CO2Me(4), p-Br(5), m,m-tBu2(6), m-OMe(7), m-CO2Me(8); R’ = t-Bu : R = H (9), p-CO2Me(10)). Les complexes cationiques sont préparés en faisant réagir le dérivé Ni(II) neutre correspondant R-(POCOPR’)Ni-Br avec Ag(OSO2CF3¬) dans l’acétonitrile à température ambiante. L’impact des groupements R et R’ du ligand POCOP sur la structure et sur les propriétées électroniques du complexe a été étudié par spectroscopies RMN, UV-VIS et IR, analyse électrochimique, et diffraction des rayons X. Les valeurs de fréquence du lien C≡N (ν(C≡N)) augmentent avec le caractère électroattracteur du complexe, dans l’ordre 7 < 3 ~ 2 ~ 6 < 1 < 5 ~ 8 < 4 et 9 < 10. Ces résultats sont en accord avec le fait qu’une augmentation du caractère électrophile du centre métallique devrait résulter en une augmentation de la donation σ MeCN→Ni. De plus, les complexes cationiques montrent tous un potentiel d’oxydation Ni(II)/Ni(III) plus élevé que leurs analogues neutres Ni-Br. Ensuite, une étude d’équilibre entre un complexe neutre (R-POCOPR’)NiBr et un complexe cationique [(R-POCOPR’)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3] démontre l’échange facile des ligands MeCN et Br. La deuxième partie de ce mémoire consiste en deux chapitres. Le premier (Chapitre 3) est une étude structurelle permettant une meilleure compréhension du mécanisme d’hydroamination des oléfines activées promue par les complexes présentés au chapitre 1, suivi de tentatives de synthèse de nouveaux composés POCOP cationiques comportant un ligand amine et nitrile, et de déplacement du groupement amine par un groupement nitrile. Le deuxième chapitre (4) décrit la réactivité et la cinétique de la réaction d’hydroamination et d’hydroalkoxylation d’oléfines activées, qui permet ainsi de mieux comprendre l’impact des différentes variables du système (groupements R et R’, température, substrats, solvent, etc.) sur la réactivité catalytique.

Synthesis of manganese organometallic complexes

Il presente lavoro di tesi si inserisce in un progetto di ricerca volto alla sintesi di nuovi complessi di metalli di transizione per lo sviluppo di catalizzatori da impiegare in reazioni di catalisi omogenea. In particolare il mio progetto si è concentrato sulla sintesi di complessi organometallici di manganese con leganti carbenici N-eterociclici (NHC). La scelta dei leganti è stata effettuata in modo tale da poter avere leganti chelanti NHC di tipo MIC (mesoionic carbene) sintetizzati tramite cicloaddizione tra un alchino ed un azide catalizzata da rame (CuAAC) e N-alchilazione. Lo studio di questi complessi a base di manganese è ancora tutt’oggi agli albori, leganti NHC vengono molto utilizzati grazie alla possibilità di variarne le proprietà steriche ed elettroniche e alla possibilità di formare legami forti con quasi tutti i metalli. Il manganese è stato scelto poiché un elemento abbondante, poco tossico e poco costoso. The present thesis work is part of a research project aimed at the synthesis of new transition metal complexes to be used in homogeneous catalysis reactions. In particular my project focused on the synthesis of manganese organometallic complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHC). The choice of ligands was carried out to have NHC chelating ligands of the class of MIC (mesoionic carbene). These ligands are synthesized by cycloaddition between alkyl and azide with a copper-catalyzed reaction (CuAAC) and N-alkylation in order to obtain MIC after deprotonation. The study of these manganese-based complexes is still in its infancy today, NHC ligands are widely used thanks to the possibility of varying their steric and electronic properties and the possibility of forming strong bonds with almost all metals. The choice of manganese was made because is an abundant, low-toxic and inexpensive element.

Efficacy Of Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic Acid Associated With Chlorhexidine On Intracanal Medication Removal: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 17% ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) used alone or associated with 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) on intracanal medications (ICM) removal. Sixty single-rooted human teeth with fully formed apex were selected. The cervical and middle thirds of each canal were prepared with Gates Glidden drills and rotary files. The apical third was shaped with hand files. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups depending on the ICM used after instrumentation: calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)(2) +CHX or Ca(OH)(2) +sterile saline (SS). After seven days, each group was divided into subgroups according to the protocol used for ICM removal: instrumentation and irrigation either with EDTA, CHX+EDTA, or SS (control groups). All specimens were sectioned and processed for observation of the apical thirds by using scanning electron microscopy. Two calibrated evaluators attributed scores to each specimen. The differences between the protocols for ICM removal were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Friedman and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used for comparison between the score of debris obtained in each root canal third. Remains of Ca(OH)(2) were found in all specimens independently of the protocol and ICM used (P > 0.05). Seventeen percent EDTA showed the best results in removing ICM when used alone (P < 0.05), particularly in those associated with CHX. It was concluded that the chelating agent 17% EDTA significantly improved the removal of ICM when used alone. Furthermore, the type of the vehicle associated with Ca(OH)(2) also plays a role in the ICM removal.

Association Between Cationic Liposomes And Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid.

This work presents a study of the association between low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (16 kDa HA) and cationic liposomes composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP). The cationic liposome/HA complexes were evaluated to determine their mesoscopic structure, average size, zeta potential, and morphology as a function of the amount of HA in the system. Small angle X-ray scattering results revealed that neighboring cationic liposomes either stick together after a partial coating of low concentration HA or disperse completely in excess of HA, but they never assemble as multilamellar vesicles. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy images confirm the existence of unilamellar vesicles and large aggregates of unilamellar vesicles for HA fractions up to 80% (w/w). High concentrations of HA (> 20% w/w) proved to be efficient for coating extruded liposomes, leading to particle complexes with sizes in the nanoscale range and a negative zeta potential.

Comparison between the 1% and 2% ibopamine provocative test in primary open-angle glaucoma patients: sensitivity, specificity and tolerability

PURPOSE: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) rise in normal individuals and primary open-angle glaucoma patients and the safety and efficacy of ibopamine eye drops in different concentrations as a provocative test for glaucoma. METHODS: Glaucoma patients underwent (same eye) the ibopamine provocative test with two concentrations, 1% and 2%, in a random sequence at least 3 weeks apart, but not more than 3 months. The normal individuals were randomly submitted to one of the concentrations of ibopamine (1% and 2%). The test was considered positive if there was an IOP rise greater than 3 or 4 mmHg at 30 or 45 minutes to test which subset of the test has the best sensitivity (Se)/specificity (Sp). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in any of the IOP measurements, comparing 1% with 2% ibopamine. The IOP was significantly higher at 30 and 45 minutes with both concentrations (p<0.001). The best sensitivity/specificity ratio was achieved with the cutoff point set as greater than 3 mmHg at 45 minutes with 2% ibopamine (area under the ROC curve: 0.864, Se: 84.6%; Sp:73.3%). All patients described a slight burning after ibopamine's instillation. CONCLUSION: 2% ibopamine is recommended as a provocative test for glaucoma. Because both concentrations have similar ability to rise IOP, 1% ibopamine may be used to treat ocular hypotony.

Subcutaneous tissue response of isogenic mice to calcium hydroxide-based pastes with chlorhexidine

This study was evaluated the response of subcutaneous connective tissue of isogenic mice to calcium hydroxide-based pastes with chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). Seventy isogenic male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks and weighing 15-20 g were randomly assigned to 8 groups. The animals received polyethylene tube implants as follows: Groups I, II, and III (n=10) - Calen® paste mixed with 0.4% CHX (experimental paste; Calen/CHX) for 7, 21, and 63 days, respectively; Groups IV, V, and VI (n=10) - UltraCal™ paste mixed with 2% CHX (experimental paste supplied by Ultradent Products Inc.; Ultracal/CHX) for 7, 21, and 63 days, respectively; and Groups VII and VIII (n=5): empty tube for 7 and 21 days, respectively. At the end of the experimental periods, the implants were removed together with the surrounding tissues (skin and subcutaneous connective tissue). The biopsied tissues were subjected to routine processing for histological analysis. Using a descriptive analysis and a four-point (0-3) scoring system, the following criteria were considered for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the tissue around the implanted materials: collagen fiber formation, tissue thickness and inflammatory infiltrate. A quantitative analysis was performed by measuring the thickness (µm), area (µm²) and perimeter (µm) of the reactionary granulomatous tissue formed at the tube ends. Data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test (α=0.05). Calen/CHX showed biocompatibility with the subcutaneous and reactionary tissues, with areas of discrete fibrosis and normal conjunctive fibrous tissue, though without statistically significant difference (p>0.05) from the control groups. In Groups I to III, there was a predominance of score 1, while in Groups IV to VI scores 2 and 3 predominated for all analyzed parameters. UltraCal/CHX, on the other hand, induced the formation of an inflammatory infiltrate and abundant exudate, suggesting a persistent residual aggression from the material, even 63 days after implant placement. In conclusion, the Calen paste mixed with 0.4% CHX allowed an adequate tissue response, whereas the UltraCal paste mixed with 2% CHX showed unsatisfactory results.

Heavy metal concentrations in soils from a remote oceanic island, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This paper examines the role of parent rock, pedogenetic processes and airborne pollution in heavy metal accumulation in soils from a remote oceanic island, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. We studied five soil profiles developed from different volcanic rocks. Mineralogical composition and total concentrations of major and trace elements were determined in 43 samples. The obtained concentrations range for heavy metals were: Co: 26-261 ppm; Cu: 35-97 ppm; Cr: 350-1446 ppm; Ni: 114-691 ppm; Zn: 101-374 ppm; Hg: 2-150 ppb. The composition of soils is strongly affected by the geochemical character of the parent rock. Pedogenesis appears to be responsible for the accumulation of Zn, Co, and, to a lesser extent, of Ni and Cu, in the upper, Mn- and organic carbon-enriched horizons of the soil profiles. Pedogenic influence may also explain the relationship observed between Cr and the Fe. Hg is likely to have been added to the soil profile by long-range atmospheric transport. Its accumulation in the topsoil was further favoured by the formation of stable complexes with organic matter. Clay minerals do not appear to play an important role in the fixation of heavy metals.

Fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de zinco e cobre como melhoradores de desempenho em leitões desmamados

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos para avaliar fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de zinco e cobre nas dietas e seus efeitos no desempenho de leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Em cada experimento, foram utilizados 90 leitões em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco dietas, seis repetições e três animais por parcela. As dietas utilizadas nos experimentos 1 e 2 continham 120 ppm de zinco e 10 ppm de cobre na forma de sulfato. No experimento 1, foram suplementadas com 0, 300, 600 e 900 ppm de zinco na forma orgânica ou 2.400 ppm na forma de óxido (ZnO) e, no experimento 2, com 0, 50, 100 e 150 ppm de cobre na forma orgânica ou 240 ppm de cobre na forma de sulfato (CuSO4 H2O). No experimento 1, os níveis de zinco de fonte orgânica tiveram efeito linear no consumo de ração e no ganho de peso nos períodos de 0 a 15 dias e de 0 a 21 dias pós-desmame. O ganho de peso nas fases de 0 a 35 dias e de 0 a 42 dias pós-desmame e o consumo de ração dos leitões que receberam a dieta com 900 ppm de zinco de fonte orgânica não diferiram dos valores observados naqueles que receberam a dieta com 2.400 ppm de zinco na forma inorgânica. A suplementação da dieta com zinco na forma orgânica (900 ppm) ou inorgânica (2.400 ppm) aumentou o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de leitões nas primeiras três semanas após o desmame. A suplementação da dieta com 2.400 ppm de zinco na forma inorgânica reduziu a incidência de diarreia nas primeiras três semanas pós-desmame. No experimento 2, os níveis de cobre de fonte orgânica tiveram efeito quadrático no consumo de ração dos leitões nos períodos de 0 a 31 e de 0 a 40 dias pós-desmame. A suplementação da dieta com cobre, tanto de fonte orgânica (90 ppm) como inorgânica (240 ppm), aumenta o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de leitões nos primeiros 40 dias pós-desmame.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on metabolic and inflammatory markers in consecutive patients with metabolic syndrome

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is tightly linked to some components of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). However, most of the evidence evaluated individual components of the MetS or patients with a diagnosis of OSA that were referred for sleep studies due to sleep complaints. Therefore, it is not clear whether OSA exacerbates the metabolic abnormalities in a representative sample of patients with MetS. Methodology/Principal Findings: We studied 152 consecutive patients (age 48 +/- 9 years, body mass index 32.3 +/- 3.4 Kg/m(2)) newly diagnosed with MetS (Adult Treatment Panel III). All participants underwent standard polysomnography irrespective of sleep complaints, and laboratory measurements (glucose, lipid profile, uric acid and C-reactive protein). The prevalence of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index >= 15 events per hour of sleep) was 60.5%. Patients with OSA exhibited significantly higher levels of blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides/HDL ratio, uric acid and C-reactive protein than patients without OSA. OSA was independently associated with 2 MetS criteria: triglycerides: OR: 3.26 (1.47-7.21) and glucose: OR: 2.31 (1.12-4.80). OSA was also independently associated with increased cholesterol/HDL ratio: OR: 2.38 (1.08-5.24), uric acid: OR: 4.19 (1.70-10.35) and C-reactive protein: OR: 6.10 (2.64-14.11). Indices of sleep apnea severity, apnea-hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation, were independently associated with increased levels of triglycerides, glucose as well as cholesterol/HDL ratio, uric acid and C-reactive protein. Excessive daytime sleepiness had no effect on the metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Conclusions/Significance: Unrecognized OSA is common in consecutive patients with MetS. OSA may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and systemic inflammation in patients with MetS, regardless of symptoms of daytime sleepiness.

Electronic properties and hyperfine fields of nickel-related complexes in diamond

We carried out a first-principles investigation on the microscopic properties of nickel-related defect centers in diamond. Several configurations, involving substitutional and interstitial nickel impurities, have been considered either in isolated configurations or forming complexes with other defects, such as vacancies and boron and nitrogen dopants. The results, in terms of spin, symmetry, and hyperfine fields, were compared with the available experimental data on electrically active centers in synthetic diamond. Several microscopic models, previously proposed to explain those data, have been confirmed by this investigation, while some models could be discarded. We also provided insights into the microscopic structure of several of those centers.

Histometry of the sublingual gland in male and female mice (Mus musculus) infected with the RAL strain of the Chagas parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi. The aim of this work was to analyze histologically and histometrically the sublingual gland of mice infected with the RAL strain of T cruzi, according to the sex. Swiss mice (Mus musculus) were inoculated with 2 x 10(4) blood trypomastigotes of the RAL strain of T cruzi. In the peak of the parasitemia (12th day) the mice were sacrificed, and the sublingual glands were fixed in ALFAC. HE-stained histological sections were evaluated histometrically. The parasitemia was higher in females. Histopatologically, acini of the infected animals were smaller, with scanty production of secretion, and smaller striated ducts. The nuclei of the demilunes were smaller and showed amastigote nests in the cytoplasm. Karyometrically, nuclei of the acini, demilunes and striated ducts were smaller in the infected mice. Stereologically, it was observed that relative volumes of acini and ducts were smaller and, inversely, relative volumen were greater for the conjunctive tissue in the infected males. The surface densities of acini and ducts were bigger and the diameter and thickness of the wall were smaller in this group. On the other hand, relative volume of acini was smaller and those of the ducts and conjunctive tissue were bigger in the infected females. The diameter and thickness of the wall of acini were smaller, and those of the striated ducts were bigger in this group. The RAL strain of T cruzi caused general atrophy in the sublingual gland, with numerous nests of parasites in the glandular parenchyma.