Oxidation of melatonin by taurine chloramine

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

Detection of antibody to Toxocara vitulorum perieneteric fluid antigens (Pe) in the colostrum and serum of buffalo calves and cows by Western blotting

Toxocara vitulorum, a nematode parasite in the small intestine of cattle and water buffaloes, causes high morbidity and mortality of 1-3 months old buffalo calves. This research evaluated the specific perieneteric antigens (Pe) reactivity of anti-T. vitulorum-Pe antibody (Tv-Pe-Ab) in both immune sera and colostrum from buffalo cows immediately post-partum from buffalo cows. The presence of Tv-Pe-Ab in sera of buffalo newborn calves was also examined at 1 day before and after suckling the colostrum as well as in sera from naturally infected calves at the beginning and peak of the maximum infection and then again during the period of rejection and post-rejection of the parasite. Pe antigens were characterized for Tv-Pe-Ab by SDS-PAGE and Western blot (WB). The SDS-PAGE showed that Pe contained nine protein bands (11, 14, 31, 38, 58, 76, 88,112 and 165 kDa). All Pe bands were recognized by Tv-Pe-Ab in sera and colostrum of buffalo cows. Only the serum antibodies of buffalo calves at 1 day of age after suckling the colostrum and during the beginning of T. vitulorum infection recognized Pe antigen's nine bands. In contrast, serum antibodies from 1-day-old buffalo calves, taken before suckling colostrum, did not react with any protein band. In suckling calves, which reached peak egg output, rejection and post-rejection stages of the infection, serum Tv-Pe-Ab reactivity with lower molecular weight protein bands (11-76 kDa) was lost and only reactivity with the Pe protein bands of higher molecular weight (88, 112 and 165 kDa) remained. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of excretory/secretory antigen from Toxocara vitulorum larvae

Toxocara vitulorum is a nematode parasite of the small intestine of cattle and water buffalo, particularly buffalo calves between one and three months of age, causing high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this research was to characterize the excretory/secretory (ES) antigens of T vitulorum larvae by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and Western blot (WB), using immune sera and colostrum of buffalo naturally infected by T vitulorum. The parasitological status of the buffalo calves was also evaluated using sequential fecal examinations. The results showed that the ES antigen revealed eight (190, 150, 110, 90, 64, 56, 48, and 19 kDa) protein bands by SDS-PAGE. The majority of these bands were recognized in the sera and colostrum of infected buffalo with T vitulorum when analyzed by WB. However, particularly fractions of high molecular weight (190, 150, 110, and 90 kDa) were represented in more prominent bands and persisted in the groups of buffalo calves at the peak of egg output, as well as during the period of rejection of T vitulorum by the feces of the calves. During the period of post-rejection of the worms (between the day 118 and 210 of age) the serum antibodies did not react with any protein bands. on the other hand, sera from buffalo calves at one day of age (after suckling the colostrum and at the beginning of infection) reacted with the same bands detected in the serum and colostrum of the buffalo cows.

Preparation, characterization and application of a nanostructured composite: Octakis(cyanopropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane

Octakis(cyanopropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane was prepared and characterized by C-13, Si-29 NMR (MAS), SEM, FF-IR, XRD and thermogravimetric techniques. The four groups alpha, beta, gamma, kappa (to the terminal silicon atom), associated with an acrylonitrile, were clearly seen in the C-13 NMR (alpha-CH2 at 17.9; P-CH2 at 31.3; gamma-CH, at 50.4; K-C N at 59.0 ppm). The Si-29 NMR spectrum of the final product, exhibits only Q type silicon signal, ascribed to Q(4) (-118.0 ppm). The presence of acrylonittile substituted for octameric cube confers a relative change phase and thermal stability to the material. With regard to the applications for this new material, it was intended, in this case, to react with Na-2[Fe(CN)(5)NH3] by chemical substitution. This composite was incorporated into a carbon paste electrode and the electrochemical studies were performed by cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammogram of the modified graphite paste electrode, showed one redox couples with formal potential (E-1/2(ox)) = 0.24 V versus SCE. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estudo da mobilidade molecular das blendas aPA/SAN/MMA-MA usando relaxação dielétrica

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Structure of copper(II) complexes adsorbed on functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

The 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-modified silsesquioxane nanoplatforms have been prepared and characterized. The silsesquioxane nanocages readily react with CuX(2) in aqueous solution to form copper complex-substituted silsesquioxanes. Adsorption isotherms of CuX(2) from aqueous solution were studied at 25 degrees C. The electronic and ESR spectral parameters indicated that the copper ion is in a distorted-tetragonal symmetry field. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clues to the presence of pathogenic fungi in certain environments

The presence of various pathogenic fungi in rather unsuspected hosts and environments has always attracted the attention of the scientific community. Reports on the putative role of animals in fungal infections of humans bear important consequences on public health as well as on the understanding of fungal ecology. Fungi are ubiquitous in nature and their great capacity for adaptation allows them to survive and indeed, to thrive, in plants, trees and other natural substrata. Nonetheless, we are just beginning to learn the significance that these diverse fungal habitats have on the increasing number of immunosuppressed individuals. The accidental or permanent presence of fungi in animals, plants, soils and watercourses should not be taken too lightly because they constitute the source where potential pathogens will be contracted. If those fungal habitats that carry the largest risks of exposure could be defined, if seasonal variations in the production of infectious propagules could be determined, and if their mode of transmission were to be assessed, it would be possible to develop protective measures in order to avoid human infection. Additionally, unsuspected avenues for the exploration of fungal survival strategies would be opened, thus enhancing our capacity to react properly to their advancing limits. This paper explores several ecological connections between human pathogenic fungi and certain animals, trees, waterways and degraded organic materials. The occurrence of such connections in highly endemic areas will hopefully furnish more precise clues to fungal habitats and allow the design of control programs aimed at avoiding human infection.

Cytochemical characterization of the endomembranous system during the oocyte primary growth in Serrasalmus spilopleura (Teleostei, Characiformes, Characidae)

The morphophysiological changes that occur during oocyte primary growth in Serrasalmus spilopleura were studied using ultrastructural cytochemical techniques. In the previtellogenic oocytes endoplasmic reticulum components, Golgi complex cisternae and vesicles, lysosomes, multivesicular bodies and some electron-dense vesicles react to acid phosphatase (AcPase) detection. The endoplasmic reticulum components, Golgi complex cisternae and vesicles also react to osmium tetroxide and potassium iodide impregnation (KI). These structures, except for the Golgi complex cisternae, are strongly contrasted by osmium tetroxide and zinc iodide impregnation (ZIO). Some electron-dense vesicles are ZIO-stained, while microvesicles in the multivesicular bodies and other large isolated cytoplasmic vesicles are contrasted by KI. At primary oocyte growth, the activity of the endomembranous system and the proliferation of membranous organelles are intense. The biosynthetic pathway of the lysosomal proteins such as acid phosphatase, involves the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, vesicles with inactive hydrolytic enzymes and, finally, the lysosomes. The oocyte endomembranous system have reduction capacity and are involved in the metabolism of rich in SH groups. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Preliminary Fusion Testing Between Whole Young Colonies of Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influência do dossel na atividade de morcegos (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em três fragmentos no estado de São Paulo

The moonlight's influence on bats activity patterns have been documented for some species. Usually, bats react to increased illumination by reducing the use of open spaces or restricting foraging activity. This study aimed to test lunar cycle influence on frequency of Phyllostomidae bats in three fragments, located in northwestern São Paulo State, analyze the capture rate in the different phases of the cycle and correlate the results with canopy structure of each remaining. This study was based on the on the assumption that the influence of light on the behavior of bats is lower in shaded areas. The decrease in species richness in relation to the moon phase was significant in the least shaded area. In environments with more closed canopy, the rate of capture of bats was homogeneous along the four phases of the moon. The results indicated that local wealth cannot be sampled effectively if the catches are restricted to any period of the lunar cycle for fruit and nectar, and in more shaded environments the effects of lunar phobia is apparently null.

Surface characterization of feldspathic ceramic using ATR FT-IR and ellipsometry after various silanization protocols

Objectives. This study characterized the feldspathic ceramic surfaces after various silanization protocols.Methods. Ceramic bars (2 mm x 4 mm x 10 mm) (N = 18) of feldpathic ceramic (VM7, VITA Zahnfabrik) were manufactured and finished. Before silane application, the specimens were ultrasonically cleaned in distilled water for 10 min. The ceramic specimens were randomly divided into nine groups (N = 2 per group) and were treated with different silane protocols. MPS silane (ESPE-Sil, 3M ESPE) was applied to all specimens and left to react at 20 degrees C for 2 min (G20). After drying, the specimens were subjected to heat treatment in an oven at 38 degrees C (G38), 79 degrees C (G79) or 100 degrees C (G100) for 1 min. Half of the specimens of each group were rinsed with water at 80 degrees C for 15 s (G20B, G38B, G79B, G100B). The control group (GC) received no silane. Attenuated total reflection infrared Fourier transform analysis (ATR FT-IR) was performed using a spectrometer. Thickness of silane layer was measured using a spectroscopic ellip-someter working in the lambda = 632.8 nm (He-Ne laser) at 70 degrees incidence angle. Surface roughness was evaluated using an optical profilometer. Specimens were further analyzed under the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe the topographic patterns.Results. ATR FT-IR analysis showed changes in Si-O peaks with enlarged bands around 940 cm(-1). Ellipsometry measurements showed that all post-heat treatment actions reduced the silane film thickness (30.8-33.5 nm) compared to G20 (40 nm). The groups submitted to rinsing in hot water (B groups) showed thinner silane films (9.8-14.4 nm) than those of their corresponding groups (without washing) (30.8-40 nm). Profilometer analysis showed that heat treatments (Ra approximate to 0.10-0.19 mu m; Rq approximate to 0.15-0.26 mu m) provided a smoother surface than the control group (Ra approximate to 0.48 mu m; Rq approximate to 0.65 mu m). Similar patterns were also observed in SEM images.Significance. Heat treatment after MPS silane application improved the silane layer network. Rinsing with boiling water eliminated the outmost unreacted regions of the silane yielding to thinner film thicknesses. (C) 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estudo da oxidação dos sulfetos sintéticos molibdenita (MoS2) e covelita (CuS) por Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans via respirometria celular

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Catalase activity of different Candida species after exposition to specific antiserum

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

Caracterização eletroforética e análise de subgrupo de rotavírus em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros do Estado de São Paulo

Foi realizado um estudo para determinar a ocorrência de infecção por rotavírus em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros. Foram analisadas 375 amostras de fezes de bezerros, na faixa etária 1 a 45 dias, provenientes de animais pertencentes a nove propriedades rurais, situadas em seis municípios da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo. Destas, 193 pertenciam a animais com diarréia e 182 foram obtidas de animais clinicamente sadios. As técnicas utilizadas para a detecção de rotavírus foram o ensaio imunoenzimático (EIE) e a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (EGPA). Por meio do EIE foram detectadas 11,2% (42/375) de amostras positivas, 15% delas (29/193) obtidas de animais com diarréia e 7,1% (13/182) colhidas de animais sem diarréia. A análise do perfil do genoma indicou a presença de seis eletroferótipos distintos, característicos de rotavírus do grupo A. Um único eletroferótipo foi detectado em três rebanhos, o qual permaneceu constante durante o período de amostragem. em dois rebanhos diferentes eletroferótipos foram detectados, embora com maior prevalência de um dado perfil. A caracterização das amostras positivas em subgrupos foi realizada por meio do EIE com duplo sanduíche, utilizando-se anticorpos monoclonais (MAb) específicos para antígenos de subgrupo (I e II). Foram caracterizadas como subgrupo I 52,4% (22/42) das amostras testadas, nenhuma reagiu com MAb de subgrupo II, enquanto as demais, 47,6% (20/42), não reagiram com nenhum dos dois subgrupos.

Effects of nitrous oxide on minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane in dogs

Estudaram-se os efeitos do óxido nitroso (N2O) sobre a concentração alveolar mínima (CAM) do desfluorano. Trinta cães foram distribuídos em dois grupos: desfluorano (GD) e N2O e desfluorano (GDN). Os do GD receberam propofol (8,9±1,65mg/kg) para intubação orotraqueal e após, 11,5V% de desfluorano em 100% de O2. Após 30 minutos, os animais receberam estímulo elétrico e não havendo reação do animal, reduziu-se a concentração em 1,5V%. Repetiu-se o protocolo a cada 15 minutos, cessando-se os estímulos quando observada reação voluntária. Os GDN foram submetidos ao mesmo protocolo, substituindo-se o fluxo diluente por 30% O2 e 70% N2O. Mensuraram-se freqüências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média (PAS, PAD e PAM), concentração de dióxido de carbono ao final da expiração (ETCO2), saturação de oxihemoglobina (SpO2), temperatura corpórea (TC) e a CAM do desfluorano. Observou-se aumento da FC, ETCO2 e SpO2, e redução da FR e da TC concomitantemente à administração da maior dose de desfluorano, além de redução da CAM do desfluorano. As pressões arteriais diminuíram em M30 aumentando posteriormente. Concluiu-se que o N2O associado ao desfluorano reduz em 16% a CAM do anestésico volátil. Além disso, essa associação promoveu aumento da FC e depressão respiratória.