Expression of TLR-4 and -2 in peripheral mononuclear cells in renal transplant patients with TLR-4 gene polymorphism

Introduction: TLR-4 has also been identified as a receptor for endogenous alarmins, which are increased post transplantation. TLR-4 has also been associated with a polymorphism that could impact graft outcome. Objective: To assess the expression of TLR-4 in kidney transplant patients carrying or not a polymorphism. Methods: TLR-4 polymorphism (A299G/T399I) was studied in 200 renal transplant patients. Healthy volunteers were also enrolled as control group. The polymorphism analysis was performed using restriction enzymes technique (RFLP). Functionality of TLR-4 polymorphism was assessed in samples from controls by quantification of TNF-alpha after LPS stimulus. TLR-4 and -2 expressions were also analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: TLR-4 polymorphism was present in 8.5% of renal transplant patients. This polymorphism was associated with impairment in TNF-alpha secretion. In general, in renal transplant patients, TLR-4 expression in monocytes and in neutrophils was lower than in health volunteers. TLR-2 and TLR-4 expressions in healthy volunteers with A299G/T399I TLR-4 polymorphism was higher than in wild-type genotype healthy volunteers (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), and also higher than A299G/T399I TLR-4 polymorphism renal transplant patients (p<0.05). TLR-2 expression on neutrophils in wild-type genotype renal transplant patients was higher compared to wild-type genotype healthy volunteers, and was also higher in relation to A299G/T399I kidney transplanted patients (p<0.01). Conclusion: Stable renal transplant patients with TLR-4 polymorphism have a lower expression of TLR-4 and TLR-2 receptors in peripheral mononuclear cells, which ultimately indicate a less responsiveness for alarmins. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

4-Fluoro-2-methoxyphenol, an apocynin analog with enhanced inhibitory effect on leukocyte oxidant production and phagocytosis

Apocynin, a methoxy-substituted catechol (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone), originally extracted from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa, has been extensively used as a non-toxic inhibitor of the multienzymatic complex NADPH oxidase. We discovered that the analogous methoxy-substituted catechol, 4-Fluoro-2-methoxyphenol (F-apocynin), in which the acetyl group present in apocynin was changed to a fluorine atom, was significantly more potent as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) chlorinating activity and phagocytosis of microorganisms by neutrophils; it was also as potent as apocynin in inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We attribute the increased potency of F-apocynin to its increased lipophilicity, which could facilitate the passage of the drug through the cell membrane. The inhibition of MPO chlorination activity, phagocytosis and TNF alpha release shows that apocynin and F-apocynin actions are not restricted to reactive oxygen species inhibition, but further studies are needed to clarify if these mechanisms are related. Like apocynin, F-apocynin did not show cell toxicity, and is a strong candidate for use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel manganese (III) porphyrin containing peripheral [RuCl(dppb)(X-bipy)](+) cations [dppb=1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino) butane and X = -CH3, -OMe, -Cl]. X-ray structure of the cis-[RuCl(dppb)(bipy)(4-Mepy)]PF6 complex

New tetraruthenated manganese (III) porphyrins were synthesized and characterized (P-31 NMR, cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis). This new system presents four units of cationic ``[RuCl(dppb)(X-bipy)](+)``. The electrochemical and catalytic properties of the central manganese (III) show dependence on the characteristics of the peripheral ruthenium complexes as evidenced by the Mn-(III)/Mn-(II) reduction potential. The catalytic oxidation reactions of olefins, cyclohexene and cyclohexane, were carried out in the presence of tetrapyridyl manganese (III) porphyrins containing cationic ruthenium complex and using iodosylbenzene as oxygen donor. The performance of these new tetraruthenated porphyrins systems were evaluated and compared with the manganese porphyrin. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functionalized organozincates and organocuprates derived from gamma-hydroxytellurides in the preparation of 1,4-hydroxyketones

A C-O-dianionic zincate was generated by a Te/Li exchange reaction of an alkyltelluride, followed by Li/Zn transmetallation and reaction with methyllithium. The reaction between the enantiomerically pure (99% ee) (R)-dianionic zincate and benzoyl chloride led to 3-hydroxy-1-phenyl pentanone with total retention of the carbon configuration (99% ee). Similar results were obtained using the corresponding Lipshutz cyanocuprates. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Persistent luminescence of Eu(2+) and Dy(3+) doped barium aluminate (BaAl(2)O(4):Eu(2+),Dy(3+)) materials

Polycrystalline Eu(2+) and Dy(3+) doped barium aluminate materials, BaAl(2)O(4):Eu(2+),Dy(3+), were prepared with solid state reactions at temperatures between 700 and 1500 degrees C. The influence of the thermal treatments on the stability, homogeneity and structure as well as to the UV-excited and persistent luminescence of the materials was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, SEM imaging and infrared spectroscopies as well as by steady state luminescence spectroscopy and persistent luminescence decay curves, respectively. The IR spectra of the materials prepared at 250, 700, and 1500 degrees C follow the formation of BaAl(2)O(4) composition whereas the X-ray powder diffraction of compounds revealed how the hexagonal structure was obtained. The morphology of the materials at high temperatures indicated important aggregation due to sintering. The luminescence decay of the quite narrow Eu(2+) band at ca. 500 nm shows the presence of persistent luminescence after UV irradiation. The dopant (Eu(2+)) and co-clopant (Dy(3+)) concentrations affect the crystallinity and luminescence properties of the materials. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetic and mechanistic investigation of the ozonolysis of 2,4-xylidine (2,4-dimethyl-aniline) in acidic aqueous solution

The ozonolysis of 2,4-xylidine (2,4-dimethyl-aniline) in acidic aqueous solution was investigated by determining the major reaction products and their evolution as a function of the reaction time and their dependence on the pH of the reaction system. 2,4-Dimethyl-nitrobenzene and 2,4-dimethyl-phenol were found to be primary reaction products; their formation might be explained by electron transfer and substitution reactions. 2,4-Dimethyl-phenol was further oxidized yielding 2,4-dimethyl- and/or 4,6-dimethyl-resorcinol by electrophilic addition of HO(center dot) radicals. The best fitting phenomenological kinetic model and the good convergence of calculated and experimentally determined rate constants imply two additional competitive pathways of substrate oxidation: (i) electrophilic addition of HO(center dot) radicals and fast subsequent substitution would also yield the resorcinol derivatives. (ii) Substrate and isolated products are thought to be oxidized by hydrogen abstraction at the benzylic sites, but the corresponding products (alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids) could not be identified. Fe(II) was added to probe for the presence of H(2)O(2), but had no or only a minor effect on the kinetics of the ozonolysis. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Self-reinforced composites obtained by the partial oxypropylation of cellulose fibers. 2. Effect of catalyst on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties

This work describes the partial oxypropylation of filter paper cellulose fibers, employing two different basic catalyst, viz., potassium hydroxide and 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane, to activate the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide and thus provide the anionic initiation sites for the ""grafting-from"" polymerization of propylene oxide. The success of this chemical modification was assessed by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements. The study of the role of the catalyst employed on the extent of the modification and on the mechanical properties of the ensuing composites, after hot pressing, showed that both the Bronsted and the Lewis base gave satisfactory results, without any marked difference.

July 2008, Volume 4, Number 2

http://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/retrospect/1010/thumbnail.jpg

Expressão das lodotironinas desiodases tipo 1 e tipo 2 nas neoplasias de tireóide

Resumo não disponível.

Monitoramento morfológico do xerogel híbrido 3-(1,4-fenilenodiamina)propil/silica obtido sob diferentes condições de síntese

Neste trabalho, foi obtido o xerogel híbrido 3-(1,4-fenilenodiamina) propil/sílica, usando-se o método sol-gel de síntese, variando-se as condições experimentais de síntese. Foram usados como reagentes precursores o tetraetilortosilicato (TEOS) e o 3-[(1,4-fenilenodiamina)propil]trimetoxisilano (FDAPS) sintetizado em nosso laboratório. As condições experimentais de síntese variadas foram: a concentração de precursor orgânico (FDAPS), a temperatura de gelificação, o tipo de solvente e o pH do meio reacional. O trabalho foi dividido em duas etapas: na primeira, foram obtidas duas séries de materiais onde se variou a temperatura de gelificação (5, 25, 50 e 70 °C), além da quantidade de precursor orgânico (FDAPS), adicionado à síntese (1,5 e 5,0 mmol). Na segunda etapa variou-se o pH do meio reacional (4, 7 e 10) além do tipo de solvente (etanol, butanol e octanol), mantendo-se a quantidade de precursor orgânico adicionado e a temperatura de gelificação constantes em 5,0 mmol e 25 oC, respectivamente. Em ambas etapas utilizou-se HF como catalisador e manteve-se o sistema fechado, porém não vedado, durante a gelificação. Na caracterização dos xerogéis híbridos foram usadas as seguintes técnicas: a) termoanálise no infravermelho, para estimar a estabilidade térmica do componente orgânico além da fração de orgânicos dispersos na superfície; b) isotermas de adsorção e dessorção de nitrogênio, para determinação da área superficial específica, do volume e da distribuição de tamanho de poros; c) análise elementar para estimar a fração de componente orgânico presente no xerogel e d) microscopia eletrônica de varredura onde foi possível observar textura, compactação e presença de partículas primárias nos xerogéis. A partir dos resultados de caracterização foi possível avaliar a influência dos parâmetros experimentais de síntese nas características dos xerogéis híbridos obtidos. Xerogéis híbridos com maior teor de orgânicos foram mais influenciados pela variação da temperatura de gelificação. Um aumento na temperatura de gelificação produz xerogéis com menor porosidade, entretanto, com maior estabilidade térmica do componente orgânico. Considerando-se estabilidade térmica e porosidade, as amostras gelificadas a 25 oC apresentaram os melhores resultados. Em relação à variação de pH e solvente, as amostras gelificadas em pH ácido foram as que apresentaram maior porosidade, enquanto que a maior estabilidade térmica foi alcançada usando-se etanol como solvente.

Psicologia e educação: contribuições da psicologia para a melhoria do ensino de 1. à 4. série

Este trabalho tem por objetivo mostrar a contribuição da Psicologia na Educação. Até a década de 50, a Psicologia ocupou um lugar privi- legiado no cenário educacional brasileiro. Contudo, a relação e~ tre a Psicologia e a Pedagogia tem passado por sérios questiona- mentos. A Psicologia caiu em desprestígio, desde que se consta tou o modo reducionista de sua atuação na Educação e também a i- nadequação de algumas teorias psicológicas tomadas como ponto de referência exclusivo para os educadores. Por isto, surgiram di- versas tentativas de melhoria do ensino no Brasil, alternando-se a predominãncia de um ou de outro fator determinante do processo educativo. A partir da década de 60, os condicionantes sociais da educação começaram a superar os procedimentos psico-pedagógicos, na expectativa de serem conseguidas grandes mudanças na escola brasileira. Não obstante o empenho de pedagogos, a substituição da Psicologia da Educação por outros fatores ou campos do conhe- cimento não tem conseguido equacionar os problemas educacionais do Brasil. A complexidade da prática educacional requer a articu lação transdisciplinar das diversas áreas do conhecimento que a constituem. A conclusão recolhe alguns depoimentos de membros da co munidade educativa da Instituição pesquisada, comprovando o êxi- to da experiência. Destaco também algumas considerações sobre o significado de uma relação harmônica entre Psicologia e Pedag~ gia, no conjunto transdisciplinar que envolve diversas areas do conhecimento que são decisivas na dinãmica do processo educativo.

Technology and innovation at university libraries: IE Library as a case (part 1 and part 2)

Trabalho apresentado na conferência Os Desafios das Bibliotecas Digitais realizado na Fundação Getulio Vargas em agosto 2014

A transição escolar do 1º para o 2º Ciclo: implicações a nível do rendimento académico

Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia

Síntese e caracterização do líquido iônico tetrafluoroborato de 1-metil-3-(2,6-(S)-dimetiloct-2-eno)-imidazol como eletrólito para produção de hidrogênio via eletrólise da água

Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic compounds liquid at room temperature, good electrical conductors, with the potential to form as a means for electrolyte on electrolysis of water, in which the electrodes would not be subjected to such extreme conditions demanding chemistry [1]. This paper describes the synthesis, characterization and study of the feasibility of ionic liquid ionic liquid 1-methyl-3(2,6-(S)-dimethyloct-2-ene)-imidazole tetrafluoroborate (MDI-BF4) as electrolyte to produce hydrogen through electrolysis of water. The MDI-BF4 synthesized was characterized by thermal methods of analysis (Thermogravimetric Analysis - TG and Differential Scanning Calorimetry - DSC), mid-infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform by method of attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hydrogen (NMR 1H) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Where thermal methods were used to calculate the yield of the synthesis of MDI-BF4 which was 88.84%, characterized infrared spectroscopy functional groups of the compound and the binding B-F 1053 cm-1; the NMR 1H analyzed and compared with literature data defines the structure of MDI-BF4 and the current density achieved by MDI-BF4 in the voltammogram shows that the LI can conduct electrical current indicating that the MDI-BF4 is a good electrolyte, and that their behavior does not change with the increasing concentration of water