Paraventricular nucleus administration of DuP753 or PD123319 inhibits the effects of angiotensin on water and sodium intake

We determined the effects of DuP753 and PD123319 (both nonpeptides and selective antagonists of the AT(1) and AT(2) angiotensin receptors, respectively), and [Sar(1), Ala(8)]ANG II (a non-selective peptide antagonist of angiotensin receptors) on water and 3%NaCl intake induced by administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of sodium-depleted Holtzman rats weighing 250-300 g. Twenty hours before the experiments, the rats were depleted of sodium using furosemide (10 ng/rat, sc). The volume of drug solution injected was 0.5 mu l over a period of 10-15 sec. Water and sodium intake were measured at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 h. Pre-treatment with DuP753 (14 rats) at a dose of 60 ng completely abolished the water intake induced by injection of 12 ng of ANG II (15 rats) (6.4 +/- 0.6 vs 1.4 +/- 0.3 ml/2 h), where [Sar(1), Ala(8)]ANG II (12 rats) and PD123319 (10 rats) at the doses of 60 ng partially blocked water intake (6.4 +/- 0.6 vs 2.9 +/- 0.5 and 2.7 +/- 0.2 ml/2 h, respectively). In the same animals, [Sar(1), Ala(8)]ANG II, DuP753, and PD123319 blocked the sodium intake induced by ANG II (9.2 +/- 1.6 vs 3.3 +/- 0.6, 1.8 +/- 0.3, and 1.4 +/- 0.2 ml/2 h, respectively). These results indicate that both DuP753 and PD123319, administered into the PVN, blocked the water and sodium intake induced by administration of ANG II into the same site.

Myxedema ascites with elevated serum CA 125 concentration

We report a case of myxedema ascites and markedly elevated serum CA 125 concentration. The cause of ascites and elevated tumor markers in hypothyroidism remains unknown. Diagnosis was characterized by no evidence of malignancy seen by transvaginal ultrasonography or abdominal computed tomography and ascites resolution with serum CA 125 normalization after adequate hormonal treatment. Our data suggest that hypothyroidism should be considered in patients with ascites and elevated serum CA 125.

Multi-wavelength holography in Bi12TiO20 crystals: Applications in refractometry

We present a recent development in holography with multimode, large free-spectral range (FSR) diode lasers in photorefractive sillenite crystals. A novel refractometry method based on this type of holographic recording in Bi12TiO20 (BTO) crystals is proposed. The holographic image of a prism-shaped transparent sample appears covered of interference fringes, and as the sample is properly translated, the fringes run along the holographic image. An expression providing the refractive index of the medium as a function of the sample displacement and the correspondent number of running fringes was derived. The refractive indexes of optical (BK7) glass, ethanol, hexan, cumene and aqueous solution of NaCl with different concentrations were measured in order to test the method. The obtained results are in good agreement with the ones reported in literature or measured by us using a commercial Abbe refractometre. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetic of thermal decomposition of residues from different kinds of composting

Non-isothermal kinetic parameters regarding to the thermal decomposition of the ligninocellulosic fraction present in compost from urban solid residues (USR) obtained through stack covered (SC) with composted material, comes from the usine in composing of Araraquara city, São Paulo state, Brazil, and from stack containing academic restaurant organic solid residues (SAR). The samples were periodically revolved round 132 days of composting.Results from TG, DTG and DSC curves obtained on inert atmosphere indicated that the lignocellulosic fraction present, despite the slow degradation during the composting process, is thermally less stable than other substances originated during that process. The lignocellulosic fraction decomposition, between 200 and 400degreesC, were kinetically evaluated through non-isothermal methods of analysis.By using the Flynn-Wall and Ozawa isoconversional method, the medium activation energy, E-a, and pre-exponential factor, IgA, were 283.0+/-4.6, 257.6+/-1.3 U mol(-1) and 25.4+/-0.8, 23.2+/-0.2 min(-1),to the SC and SAR, respectively, at 95% confidence level.From E-a, and IgA values and DSC curves, Malek procedure could be applied, Suggesting that the SB (Sestik-Berggren) kinetic model is suitable for the first thermal decomposition step.

Advances in phase-stepping real-time holography using photorefractive sillenite crystals

This work presents a review of recent developments in phase-stepping real-time holographic interferometry with photorefractive sillenite crystals. Quantitative results are shown in micro-rotation, micro-displacement, and micro-deformation measurements, and in wave-optics and surface analysis as well. The phase stepping was carried out in a four-frame process and the resulting phase map was unwrapped by applying a sin/cos filter. The experimental results are in good agreement with the ones obtained through other means, showing the promising potentialities of phase-stepping real-time holographic interferometry for in situ visualisation, monitoring and analysis in non-destructive testing.

beta-carotene and other carotenoids as antioxidants

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. There are several dozen carotenoids in the foods that we eat, and most of these carotenoids have antioxidant activity. beta-carotene has been best studied since, in most countries it is the most common carotenoid in fruits and vegetables. However, in the U.S., lycopene from tomatoes now is consumed in approximately the same amount as beta-carotene. Antioxidants (including carotenoids) have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease, beta-carotene and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties in vitro and in animal models. Mixtures of carotenoids or associations with others antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) can increase their activity against free radicals. The use of animals models for studying carotenoids is limited since most of the animals do not absorb or metabolize carotenoids similarly to humans.Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relationship between presence of various cancers and dietary carotenoids or blood carotenoid levels. However, three out of four intervention trials using high dose beta-carotene supplements did not show protective effects against cancer or cardiovascular disease. Rather, the high risk population (smokers and asbestos workers) in these intervention trials showed an increase in cancer and angina cases. It appears that carotenoids (including beta-carotene) can promote health when taken at dietary levels, but may have adverse effects when taken in high dose by subjects who smoke or who have been exposed to asbestos. It will be the task of ongoing and future studies to define the populations that can benefit from carotenoids and to define the proper doses, lengths of treatment, and whether mixtures, lather than single carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene) are more advantageous.

Plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane: Discharge and film studies

Films were grown in hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)-argon mixtures in a diode sputtering system with a gold cathode. Quantitative optical emission spectroscopy (OES)-actinometry revealed that the electron density or mean electron energy (or both) increased with increasing Ar concentrations in the gas feed. Increasing concentrations of Ar produced greater sputtering of the cathode and hence greater plasma A u concentrations. Fragmentation of the HMDS molecule resulted in species such as CH, Fl, and Si which were detected by OES. Film deposition rate, as determined by optical interferometry, was found to be increased by the inclusion of Ar in the gas feed. Transmission electron microscopy revealed particles, probably of Au, embedded in the polymer films. Actinometric measurements of Au in the discharge and electron probe microscopy of the deposited material showed that film Au concentrations increase with increasing concentrations of Au in the plasma. A relatively low fragmentation of HMDS molecules in the de plasma was revealed by the very small Si-HIR absorption band which is usually prominent in spectra of plasma polymerized HMDS films.

FLUORINATED POLYMER-FILMS FROM RF PLASMAS CONTAINING BENZENE AND SULFUR HEXAFLUORINE

Mixtures of C6H6 and SF6 were polymerized in an r.f. discharge. Actinometry (quantitative optical emission spectroscopy) was used to determine trends in the plasma concentrations of the species F, H and CH as a function of the proportion of SF6 in the feed. Infrared spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis were employed to characterize the deposited material. Increasing proportions of SF, in the feed produced increased fragmentation of the benzene molecules and greater fluorination of the deposited material. The deposition rate, as determined by optical interferometry, was found to be enhanced about 4 times by the presence of 10-20% SF6 in the feed. At 50% SF6 in the feed, deposition rates were greater than in pure C6H6 plasmas despite the (probably large) etching effect of atomic fluorine from the discharge. Relationships between the plasma composition, electron density and temperature, film composition and growth rate are discussed.

Oscillating holograms recorded in photorefractive crystals by a frequency detuned feedback loop

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

Simple and versatile heterodyne whole-field interferometer for phase optics characterization

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)