Peptaibolin analogues by incorporation of α,α-dialkylglycines: synthesis and study of their membrane permeating ability

Analogues of Peptaibolin, a peptaibol with antibiotic activity, incorporating α,α-dialkylglycines (Deg, Dpg, and Ac6c) at selected positions were synthesised by MW-SPPS and fully characterized. A control analogue incorporating L-alanine was also prepared. The native peptide and the analogues were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy for their membrane permeating activity. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) of egg phosphatidylcholine/ cholesterol (70:30) containing an encapsulated fluorescence probe (6-carboxyfluorescein) were used as membrane models. The assays of carboxyfluorescein release from SUVs upon peptide addition showed that Peptaibolin-Dpg and Peptaibolin-Ac6c are the most active peptides. These results indicate that the structure of the ��,��-dialkylglycines is crucial for the membrane permeating ability of these Peptaibolin analogues.

Organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gelcoatings for metal corrosion protection: a review of recent progress

This paper is a review of the most recent and relevant achievements (from 2001 to 2013) on the development of organic–inorganic hybrid (OIH) coatings produced by sol��gel-derivedmethods to improve resistance to oxidation/corrosion of different metallic substrates and their alloys. This review is focused on the research of OIH coatings based on siloxanes using the sol��gel process conducted at an academic level and aims to summarize the materials developed and identify perspectives for further research. The fundamentals of sol���gel are described, including OIH classification, the interaction with the substrate, their advantages, and limitations. The main precursors used in the synthesis ofOIHsol–gel coatings for corrosion protection are also discussed, according to the metallic substrate used. Finally, a multilayer system to improve the resistance to corrosion is proposed, based on OIH coatings produced by the sol–gel process, and the future research challenges are debated.

Hot-dip galvanized steel dip-coatedwith ureasilicate hybrid in simulated concrete pore solution: Assessment of coating morphology and corrosion protection efficiency

The barrier effect and the performance of an organic��inorganic hybrid (OIH) sol–gel coating are highlydependent on the coating deposition method as well as processing conditions. In this work, studies onthe influence of experimental parameters using the dip coating method were performed. Factors suchas residence time (Rt), a curing step between each dip step and the number of layers of sol–gel OIHfilms deposited on HDGS to prevent corrosion in highly alkaline environments were studied. These OIHcoatings were obtained using a functionalized siloxane, 3-isociantepropyltriethoxysilane that reactedwith a diamino-functionalized oligopolymer (Jeffamine®D-230). The barrier efficiency of OIH coatings insimulated concrete pore solutions (SCPS) was assessed in the first moments of contact, by electrochemicalimpedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic methods. The durability and stability of the OIH coatings inSCPS was monitored during eight days by macrocell current density. The morphological characterizationof the surface was performed by scanning electronic microscopy before and after exposure to SCPS.Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy was used to obtain quantitative composition profiles toinvestigate the thickness of the OIH coatings as a function of the number of layers deposited and theinfluence of the Rt in the coating thickness.

Ureasilicate hybrid coatings for corrosion protection of galvanized steel in chloride-contaminated simulated concrete pore solution

Organic-inorganic hybrid (OIH) sol-gel coatings based on ureasilicates (U(X)) have promising properties for use as eco-friendly coatings on hot dip galvanized steel (HDGS) and may be considered potential substitutes for pre-treatment systems containing Cr(VI). These OIH coatings reduce corrosion activity during the initial stages of contact of the HDGS samples with highly alkaline environments (cementitious media) and allow the mitigation of harmful effects of an initial excessive reaction between cement pastes and the zinc layer. However, the behavior of HDGS coated with U(X) in the presence of chloride ions has never been reported. In this paper, the performance of HDGS coated with five different U(X) coatings was assessed by electrochemical measurements in chloride-contaminated simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS). U(X) sol-gel coatings were produced and deposited on HDGS by a dip coating method. The coatings performance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization curves measurements, macrocell current density and polarization resistance in contact with chloride-contaminated SCPS. The SEM/EDS analyses of the coatings before and after the tests were also performed. The results showed that the HDGS samples coated with the OIH coatings exhibited enhanced corrosion resistance to chloride ions when compared to uncoated galvanized steel.

Depressão no climat��rio: indicadores biopsicossociais

OBJETIVO: Identificar a presença de sintomas depressivos em mulheres no climatério, analisando os indicadores biopsicossociais relacionados. MÉTODOS: Aplicaram-se o Question��rio de Identificaç��o e Contexto da Mulher no Climatério (ICMC) e o invent��rio de Beck a 30 mulheres em primeiro atendimento no Ambulatório Multidisciplinar do Climatério do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCRP/FMRP/USP). Os dados foram estatisticamente trabalhados por an��lise bivariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Observa-se que, de acordo com o inventário de Beck, foi identificada depress��o em 14 das 30 mulheres atendidas no ambulatório no período de novembro de 2003 a dezembro de 2004. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostraram que os sintomas depressivos estavam aumentados em mulheres na faixa dos 40 aos 49 anos, n��o-brancas, que tinham companheiro pertencente ao grupo biol��gico B ou C, que tinham problemas com o cônjuge, que vivenciaram hábito de beber, situaç��o de óbito recentemente e/ou desemprego na família.

Avaliaç��o hemodinâmica e evoluç��o cl��nica de crian��as portadoras de cardiomiopatia dilatada grave candidatas a transplante card��aco

OBJETIVO: Estudar o perfil dos parâmetros hemodin��micos e a evolução clínica de crianças candidatas a transplante cardíaco, portadoras de cardiomiopatia grave. MÉTODOS: Foram 24 crian��as, com idade entre 4 meses e 10 anos e 8 meses (média de 3,7±2,5 anos), no período de fevereiro/92 a maio/96, submetidas a estudo hemodinâmico e medidos os seguintes parâmetros: d��bito cardíaco, pressão média de artéria pulmonar (PMAP) e press��o capilar pulmonar. Foram calculados o índice de resistência vascular pulmonar (IRVP) e gradiente de pressão transpulmonar (GPT). RESULTADOS: Do ponto de vista evolutivo, 10 (41,6%) crian��as foram transplantadas (grupo A), 5 (20,8%) aguardam o transplante (grupo B) e 9 (37,6%) faleceram (grupo C). Observou-se que a m��dia das idades dos pacientes do grupo B foi significativamente menor que do grupo C. Dos dados hemodinâmicos, a PMAP, GTP e IRVP apresentaram médias significativamente menores no grupo A em relação ao grupo C. CONCLUS��O: O perfil hemodin��mico de crian��as candidatas ao transplante cardíaco mostrou-se compatível ao quadro clínico de insuficiência card��aca grave. A idade foi o ��nico fator que diferenciou o grupo B e C (p= 0,036). O IRVP, PMAP e o GTP foram fatores que diferenciaram de modo significativo o grupo A e o grupo C (p=0,010; p=0,044 e p=0,023, respectivamente). Quanto maior a idade no momento da indicação do transplante na criança, pior foi seu progn��stico.

Filamentous fungi occurrence in free water and biofilms from drinking water storage tanks

In some regions of Brazil, especially where the water is scarce, drinking water is stored in water storage tanks. This practice gives the consumer the guarantee of available water. The water storage conditions such as the exposure to hot weather when the tanks are on rooftops allow the development of microorganisms and microbial biofilms which can deteriorate the water quality and increase the risk to human health [1,2]. This study describes the filamentous fungi (FF) detected in free water and biofilms in drinking water storage tanks in Recife - Pernambuco, Brazil. Five sampling times in triplicate were performed at two distinct points. Colony-forming units (CFU) of FF fungi were determined with 0.45 μm filtration membranes using peptone glucose rose Bengal agar (PGRBA). From the 30 samples analysed a total of 1136 CFU were obtained. The water biofilms were collected from samplers consisting of polyethylene coupons, previously installed in the reservoirs. These coupons were transferred to PGRBA plates and incubated using with the same conditions described for free FF. For the in situ detection of FF in biofilms the Calcofluor White staining technique was used. This procedure demonstrated FF forming biofilms on the surfaces of the coupons. Brazilian legislation does not define limits for FF in drinking water. However considering the potential risk of fungal contamination, the data obtained in this study will contribute to developing future quantitative and qualitative parameters for the presence of fungi in drinking water distribution systems in Brazil.

Infants�� behavioral and physiological profile and mother��infant interaction

This study aims to (a) identify and profile groups of infants according to their behavioral and physiological characteristics, considering their neurobehavioral organization, social withdrawal behavior, and endocrine reactivity to stress, and to (b) analyze group differences in the quality of mother��infant interaction. Ninety seven 8-week-old infants were examined using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and the Alarm Distress Baby Scale. Cortisol levels were measured both before and after routine inoculation between 8 and 12 weeks. At 12 to 16 weeks mother���infant interaction was assessed using the Global Rating Scales of Mother���Infant Interaction. Three groups of infants were identified: (a) ����withdrawn����; (b) ����extroverted’’; (c) ‘‘underaroused.���� Differences between them were found regarding both infant and mother behaviors in the interaction and the overall quality of mother–infant interaction. The identification of behavioral and physiological profiles in infants is an important step in the study of developmental pathways.

O uso de Charges como instrumento para identificação de concepções individuais e representa��ões sociais sobre a Dengue

A dengue é hoje uma das doen��as com maior incidência no Brasil, com especial frequência no município de F��nix ���Paraná. No presente estudo pretendeu-se analisar as concepções que as crian��as t��m sobre a dengue, identificando os componentes do modelo KVP, bem como conhecer as representaç��es sociais deste grupo. Para o efeito optou-se pela utilizaç��o de charges com alunos do 5�� ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola localizada no município de F��nix, cujos textos foram analisados para identificaç��o de categorias e dos componentes do modelo KVP (conhecimentos, valores e pr��ticas) a elas associadas. Foram identificadas quatro categorias de respostas sobre a interpretaç��o da charge relativa à dengue: (i) prevenção da dengue, (ii) perigoso que pode levar �� morte, (iii) problema de saúde pública e (iv) combater a dengue. Verificou-se que a ��prevenção da dengue�� foi a categoria em que se identificaram os tr��s domínios K, V e P implicados na construção das concep��ões, enquanto as duas categorias ���perigoso que pode levar �� morte�� e ��problema de saúde pública�� apresentaram apenas os domínios K e V, e a categoria ���combater a dengue�� apenas evidenciou o domínio V. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que os alunos j�� veem a dengue como um problema com consequências sérias e que todos têm sua responsabilidade no controle da doen��a. Percebe-se, portanto, que todo o trabalho que vem sendo realizado pela secretaria de sa��de, pelas escolas ou campanhas publicitárias esta surtindo efeito, uma vez que no ano de 2014 houve uma redu��ão do número de casos no município foco da pesquisa.

Mildly symptomatic chronic mitral regurgitation. Analysis of left ventricular systolic function and mitral regurgitant fraction under pharmacological influence: echocardiographic study

OBJECTIVE: To study echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular systolic function and valvar regurgitation under pharmacological influence in mildly symptomatic patients with chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: We carried out a double-blind placebo controlled study in 12 patients with MR, mean aged 12.5 years old, who were randomized in 4 phases: A) digoxin; B) enalapril; C) digoxin + enalapril; D) placebo. The medication was administered for 30 days in each phase, and the following variables were analyzed: shortening and ejection fractions, wall stress index of left ventricle, left ventricular meridional end-systolic wall stress, Doppler-derived mean rate of left ventricular pressure rise (mean dP/dt), stroke volume and MR jet area. The clinical variables analysed were heart rate and systemic arterial pressure. RESULTS: No significant variation was observed in the clinical variables analysed. The shortening and ejection fraction, the mean dP/dt and stroke volume significantly increased and the wall stress index of left ventricle, the meridional left ventricular end systolic wall stress and the mitral regurgitation jet area decreased in the phases with medication as compared with that in the placebo phase. CONCLUSION: The parameters of left ventricular systolic function improved significantly and the degree of MR decreased with the isolated administration of digoxin or enalapril in mildly symptomatic patients with chronic MR. The combination of the drugs, however, did not show better results.

Female alcoholics: electrocardiographic changes and associated metabolic and electrolytic disorders

OBJECTIVE: To identify the electrocardiographic changes and their associations with metabolic and electrolytic changes in female alcoholics. METHODS: The study comprised 44 female alcoholics with no apparent physical disorder. They underwent the following examinations: conventional electrocardiography; serologic tests for syphilis, Chagas' disease, and hepatitis B and C viruses; urinary pregnancy testing; hematimetric analysis; biochemical measurements of albumin, fibrinogen, fasting and postprandial glycemias, lipids, hepatic enzymes, and markers for tissue necrosis and inflammation. RESULTS: Some type of electrocardiographic change was identified in 33 (75%) patients. In 17 (38.6%) patients, more than one of the following changes were present: prolonged QTc interval in 24 (54.5%), change in ventricular repolarization in 11(25%), left ventricular hypertrophy in 6 (13.6%), sinus bradycardia in 4 (9.1%), sinus tachycardia in 3 (6.8%), and conduction disorder in 3 (6.8%). The patients had elevated mean serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferases, and gamma glutamyl transferase, as well as hypocalcemia and low levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The patients with altered electrocardiograms had a more elevated age, a lower alcohol consumption, hypopotassemia, and significantly elevated levels of triglycerides, postprandial glucose, sodium and gamma glutamyl transferase than those with normal electrocardiograms. The opposite occurred with fasting glycemia, magnesium, and alanine aminotransferase. CONCLUSION: The electrocardiographic changes found were prolonged QTc interval, change in ventricular repolarization, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Patients with normal and abnormal electrocardiograms had different metabolic and electrolytic changes.

Lípidos nutricionales y hematología en oncología experimental y epidemiológica

Las investigaciones en curso son continuación de trabajos que están en desarrollo, algunas de ellas, desde hace más de 15 años en el laboratorio del Director solicitante, cuyos prop��sitos son los siguientes: Subtema 1. Determinar en ratones alimentados con dietas con 5 o 20 por ciento de aceites de diversa composición en ��cidos grasos poliinsaturados de semillas de a: Zizyphus mistoli>; b: maíz; c: <i> Oenothera i> (primavera); d: Oleína; e: H��gado de bacalao, diversos par��metros de crecimiento tumoral de variantes de adenocarcinomas murinos de diversa capacidad metast��sica. Subtema 2. Determinar si la suplementación dietaria de todo trans-retinoico per se o combinada con aceites de diversa composici��n en ácidos grasos, retarda o inhibe el crecimiento de carcinomas murinos de diversa capacidad metastásica. Subtema 3. Determinar si la acci��n promotora/antipromotora de los l��pidos dietarios es debida a la composici��n particular de ��cidos grasos o se relaciona con la población celular que ha sufrido la transformación maligna, iniciada por la irradiación. Subtema 4. 4.1.Determinar si la carencia en ��cidos grasos esenciales en combinación con un agente cancerígeno (bena-pyrene) opera como una situación co-promotora del desarrollo tumorigénico en el epitelio malpighiano del es��fago-preestómago. 4.2. Establecer si el arsénico per os, en combinaci��n con los lípidos de la dieta opera como un agente co-carcin��geno en esos epitelios malpighianos. Subtema 5. 5.1. Establecer, por medio de estudios de epidemiología Oncológica Nutricional, si hay correlación entre consumo de ciertos nutrientes, especialmente los lípidos, y los h��bitos alimentarios con el riesgo de desarrollar c��ncer de colon, en la población cordobesa. 5.2. Determinar en áreas de la provincia de Córdoba donde hay hidroarsenicismo crónico regional end��mico (HACRE) la correlaci��n entre el riesgo de desarrollar c��ncer de es��fago, nutrientes, especialmente lípidos, y hábitos alimentarios. Subtema 6. 6.1. Determinar el comportamiento agregatorio de plaquetas sanguíneas isólogas y heterol��gas frente a células neoplásicas de diferente capacidad metast��sica. 6.2. Establecer y caracterizar la capacidad procoagulante de las mencionadas c��lulas y también estudiar estos par��metros en células provenientes de cánceres humanos, correlacionándolos con la evoluci��n cl��nica. Subtema 7. Obtener en forma transplantable en ratones diversos cánceres, caracteriz��ndolos biológica, morfol��gica y ultraestructuralmente, a fin de constituir un banco de tumores experimentales en nuestro medio.

Diseño y construcci��n de un vehículo autoguiado

Este proyecto tiene por objetivo desarrollar y construir un vehículo inteligente capaz de transportar y conferir movilidad a un brazo manipulador. El conjunto será capaz de, entre otras prestaciones, efectuar transferencia de piezas y partes entre celdas de un sistema de producci��n flexible o entre diversas secciones en una planta industrial, realizar tareas en zonas agresivas, peligrosas o contaminadas en forma autónoma o telecomandada, etc. Se pretende además que el vehículo conforme un banco de ensayos móvil donde se demuestren y desarrollen tecnologías relacionadas con los procesos autom��ticos de manufactura. (...) Se prevén las siguientes etapas: a.- Construcci��n de la plataforma base (estructural) con sus sistemas asociados (guiado, potencia, control y frenado). b.- Desarrollo de un sistema de navegación inercial en el plano. b.1.- Plataforma inercial: construcción de sus transductores, montaje, integraci��n, ensayo. b.2.- Desarrollo del software para navegación inercial. c.- Desarrollo de un sistema de navegación por reconocimiento del entorno. c.1.- Desarrollo de los algoritmos de reconocimiento de imágenes y correlaci��n de las mismas (en colaboración con la Facultad Regional Mendoza). c.2.- Desarrollo de los algoritmos de navegación por medio de reconocimiento del entorno. d.- Desarrollo de un sistema de guiado básico destinado a servir de soporte a los sistemas anteriores. La secuencia de tareas es: Año 1: Tareas a) y d). Comienzo de b) y c). Año 2: Prosecuci��n de tareas b) y c). Año 3: Conclusión. Documentaci��n final.

Perfil de uso dos stents farmacológicos no Brasil: dados da Central Nacional de Interven��ões Cardiovasculares (CENIC)

FUNDAMENTO: Os stents farmacológicos (SF) foram um grande avanço no tratamento da cardiopatia isquêmica, mas críticas têm sido feitas à extrapolação dos resultados favoráveis de ensaios cl��nicos para a prática clínica diária. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso dos stents farmacol��gicos (SF) no Brasil, entre os anos de 2000 e 2005. M��TODOS: Por meio do banco de dados da Central Nacional de Intervenç��es Cardiovasculares (CENIC), da Sociedade Brasileira de Hemodinâmica e Cardiologia Intervencionista, foram analisados todos os procedimentos com uso de SF entre os anos de 2000-2005. Os grupos foram divididos nos biênios (2000-2001(A), 2002-2003 (B) e 2004-2005(C)), e as características clínicas, angiográficas e os desfechos foram comparados. An��lise estat��stica foi realizada com teste quiquadrado ou ANOVA, sendo significativo p<0,05. RESULTADOS: No período estudado foram avaliados 154.406 procedimentos, e os SF foram utilizados em 10.426 intervenções (7% do total). Observou-se progressivo e estatisticamente significativo aumento uso dos SF no per��odo analisado: 0,14% em 2000-2001, 5% em 2002-2003, e 14% em 2004-2005 (p<0,0001). Ap��s 2001, observou-se aumento dos índices de sucesso (96,58% em 2000-2001 (A), 99,69% em 2002-2003 (B) e 99,56 em 2004-2005 (C), A x B com p<0,001; B x C com p=0,015) e redu��ão nas taxas de óbito hospitalar (1,59% no grupo A, 0,38% no grupo B, 0,66% no grupo C, p=0,59 para A x B; e p<0,0001 para B x C). CONCLUS��O: O uso dos SF no Brasil cresceu significativamente nos últimos anos, com melhora dos ��ndices de sucesso e diminuição do óbito hospitalar.