Interaction of RTD-1, a cyclic antimicrobial defensin from Rhesus macaque leukocytes, and its open chain analogue with membrane mimics

In contrast to other mammalian defensins, rhesus theta defensin-1 (RTD-1) is composed of just 18 amino acids with the backbone cyclized through peptide bonds. Antibacterial activities of both the native cyclic peptide and a linear form were examined, showing that the cyclic form was 3-fold more active than the open chain analogue, oRTD-1, although both peptides adopt very similar structures in water. It was suggested that the additional charges at the termini of oRTD-1 are the cause for its lower antimicrobial activity. Therefore, we studied the interaction of both peptides with membrane mimics composed of zwitterionic (PC) and negatively charged (PG) phospholipids, major lipid components of erythrocyte and bacterial cell membranes, respectively. Microcalorimetry showed that RTD-1 and oRTD-1 did not affect the phase behavior of PC liposomes, while in PG liposomes both peptides induced new phase transitions above the chain melting transition of the lipid. The shape and fraction differed between both peptides, depending also on their concentration, which will be discussed in terms of their antimicrobial activity.

Evaluation of the Importance of Attributes in Customer Satisfaction with Supermarkets in the Mid-Valley Region of the Itajai - SC

In a dynamic atmosphere of competitiveness, customer satisfaction is a key factor in the long term success of a business relationship. From this perspective, the objective of the article was to evaluate the importance of attributes and customer satisfaction with Supermarkets in the Mid-Valley region of the ltajai/SC. Research methodology is characterized as descriptive, of the survey type, with a quantitative, cross section approach. The research instrument used was a questionnaire structured with open and closed questions, according to Lickert`s scale. By means of this, the degree of importance of supermarket attributes and the level of customer satisfaction with them were verified. In regard to the importance of the attributes, cleaning, parking, safety and variety of products are the most important, while the attributes Of purchase through the internet and taste samples are the least significant ones. The results of satisfaction point to the fact that the Supermarkets Big and Angeloni presented a greater degree of satisfaction in relation to the general average in practically all of the attributes, while Bistek presented the smallest degree of satisfaction, only surpassing the average in regard to the attribute of store lighting.

Financial leverage and tangibility of assets of Brazilian companies of agribusiness in the post-real plan period

This paper aims to study the relationship between the debt level and the asset structure of Brazilian companies of the agribusiness sector, since it is considered a current and relevant discussion: to evaluate the mechanisms for fund-raising and guarantees. The methodology of Granger`s Causality test and Autoregressive Vectors was used to conduct a comparative analysis, applied to a financial database of companies with open capital of Brazilian agribusiness, in particular the agricultural sector and Fisheries and Food and Beverages in a period of 10 years (1997-2007) from quarterly series available in the database of Economatica(R). The results demonstrated that changes in leverage generate variations in the tangibility of the companies, a fact that can be explained by the large search of funding secured by fiduciary transfer of fixed assets, which facilitates access to credit by business of the Agribusiness sector, increasing the payment time and lowering interest rates.

Rare Earth Doped SnO(2) Nanoscaled Powders and Coatings: Enhanced Photoluminescence in Water and Waveguiding Properties

Luminescent Eu(3+) and Er(3+) doped SnO(2) powders have been prepared by Sn(4+) hydrolysis followed by a controlled growth reaction using a particle`s surface modifier in order to avoid particles aggregation. The powders so obtained doped with up to 2 mol% rare earth ions are fully redispersable in water at pH > 8 and present the cassiterite structure. Particles size range from 3 to 10 nm as determined by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy. Rare earth ions were found to be essentially incorporated into the cassiterite structure, substituting for Sn(4+), for doping concentration smaller than 0.05 mol%. For higher concentration they are also located at the particles surface. The presence of Eu(3+) ions at the surface of the particles hinder their growth and has therefore allowed the preparation of new materials consisting of water redispersable powders coated with Eu(3+)-beta dike-tonate complexes. Enhanced UV excited photoluminescence was observed in water. SnO(2) single layers with thickness up to 200 nm and multilayer coatings were spin coated on borosilicate glass substrates from the colloidal suspensions. Waveguiding properties were evaluated by the prism coupling technique. For a 0.3 mu m planar waveguide single propagating mode was observed with attenuation coefficient of 3.5 dB/cm at 632.8 nm.

Home blood pressure monitoring in blood pressure control among haemodialysis patients: an open randomized clinical trial

Background. It is not known if the adjustment of antihypertensive therapy based on home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) can improve blood pressure (BP) control among haemodialysis patients. Methods. This is an open randomized clinical trial. Hypertensive patients on haemodialysis were randomized to have the antihypertensive therapy adjusted based on predialysis BP measurements or HBPM. Before and after 6 months of follow-up, patients were submitted to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for 24 h, HBPM during 1 week and echocardiogram. Results. A total of 34 and 31 patients completed the study in the HBPM and predialysis BP groups, respectively. At the end of study, the systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure during the interdialytic period measured by ABPM were significantly lower in the HBPM group in relation to the predialysis BP group (mean 24-h BP: 135 +/- 12 mmHg/76 +/- 7 mmHg versus 147 +/- 15 mmHg/79 +/- 8 mmHg; P < 0.05). In the HBPM analysis, the HBPM group showed a significant reduction only in SBP compared to the predialysis BP group (weekly mean: 144 +/- 21 mmHg versus 154 +/- 22 mmHg; P < 0.05). There were no differences between the HBPM and predialysis BP groups in relation to the left ventricular mass index at the end of the study (108 +/- 35 g/m(2) versus 110 +/- 33 g/m(2); P > 0.05). Conclusions. Decision making based on HBPM among haemodialysis patients has led to a better BP control during the interdialytic period in comparison with predialysis BP measurements. HBPM may be a useful adjuvant instrument for blood pressure control among haemodialysis patients.

A comparison of methods to identify open-lung PEEP

Purpose: Many methods exist in the literature for identifying PEEP to set in ARDS patients following a lung recruitment maneuver (RM). We compared ten published parameters for setting PEEP following a RM. Methods: Lung injury was induced by bilateral lung lavage in 14 female Dorset sheep, yielding a PaO(2) 100-150 mmHg at F(I)O(2) 1.0 and PEEP 5 cmH(2)O. A quasi-static P-V curve was then performed using the supersyringe method; PEEP was set to 20 cmH(2)O and a RM performed with pressure control ventilation (inspiratory pressure set to 40-50 cmH(2)O), until PaO(2) + PaCO(2) > 400 mmHg. Following the RM, a decremental PEEP trial was performed. The PEEP was decreased in 1 cmH(2)O steps every 5 min until 15 cmH(2)O was reached. Parameters measured during the decremental PEEP trial were compared with parameters obtained from the P-V curve. Results: For setting PEEP, maximum dynamic tidal respiratory compliance, maximum PaO(2), maximum PaO(2) + PaCO(2), and minimum shunt calculated during the decremental PEEP trial, and the lower Pflex and point of maximal compliance increase on the inflation limb of the P-V curve (Pmci,i) were statistically indistinguishable. The PEEP value obtained using the deflation upper Pflex and the point of maximal compliance decrease on the deflation limb were significantly higher, and the true inflection point on the inflation limb and minimum PaCO(2) were significantly lower than the other variables. Conclusion: In this animal model of ARDS, dynamic tidal respiratory compliance, maximum PaO(2), maximum PaO(2) + PaCO(2), minimum shunt, inflation lower Pflex and Pmci,i yield similar values for PEEP following a recruitment maneuver.

Evaluate of the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment 0,03% to treat atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus ointment has been shown to be effective in treatment of atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment (Protopic(R)) in pediatric patients with mild, moderate and severe atopic dermatitis. METHODS.. Open, non-comparative, multicentric study carried out in Brazil. 174 patients (ages from two to 10) with mild to severe atopic dermatitis were included. Patients were instructed to apply Protopic(R) twice a day for six weeks. Primary efficacy criterion was clinical improvement >= 90% assessed by the pbysician (Clinical Response Global Evaluation Scale). Other efficacy criteria included reduction of the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), decrease of the affected body surface area (%BSA) and evaluation of the itching by the patients or their guardians (visual analogical scale). Safety was evaluated by adverse events reported by patients and/or guardians or by investigators. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of patients showed clinical improvement 90%. 45.5% of patients (1st week) decreased EASI and 61.8% (6th week) (p<0,001). %BSA decreased 30.4% and 55.5% in the first and sixth week. improvement was also significant when measured by itching (p<0, 001). Most frequent adverse effects were: burning and itching. CONCLUSION: 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is a safe and effective therapy for mild to severe atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients.

Mode of action of back-line application of spinosad, a non-systemic parasiticide, on sheep

Spinosad, applied as a jetting solution or dip is an efficacious, non-systemic treatment for the control of Bovicola ovis in sheep. This paper describes the effect of back-line treatment width and group housing of animals on the efficacy of spinosad for the control of lice. A 0.4 mg/kg liveweight dose was found to be the suboptimal dose of spinosad for the control of body lice in a dose titration study and was used to investigate application and housing effects in a second study. Lousy Merino sheep were treated with either a narrow 3-cm application of spinosad or with a wider 25-cm swathe. After treatment they were either kept alone or in groups of 6 sheep per pen. Lice were counted at day 0 and every 14 days to 70 days after treatment before estimation of the percentage of lice control and analysis of treatment effects. A much higher percentage of lice control was achieved with 0.4 mg/kg in the second study than in the first, possibly because of differences in formulation used. The wider application width gave significantly higher (P < 0.05) control of lice than the narrow application when sheep were either housed alone or in groups up to day 42 post-treatment. Greater control of lice was seen in group-housed sheep compared with sheep housed individually (P < 0.05) up to day 70. Using broader application widths combined with holding the animals together after treatment with pour-on formulations may optimise the delivery and efficacy of ectoparasiticides for livestock.

Impact of mild acute kidney injury (AKI) on outcome after open repair of aortic aneurysms

Recently, mild AKI has been considered as a risk factor for mortality in different scenarios. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the risk factors for two distinct definitions of AKI after elective repair of aortic aneurysms. Logistic regression was carried out to identify independent risk factors for AKI ( defined as >= 25% or >= 50% increase in baseline SCr within 48 h after surgery, AKI 25% and AKI 50%, respectively) and for mortality. Of 77 patients studied ( mean age 68 +/- 10, 83% male), 57% developed AKI 25% and 33.7% AKI 50%. There were no differences between AKI and control groups regarding comorbidities and diameter of aneurysms. However, AKI patients needed a supra-renal aortic cross-clamping more frequently and were more severely ill. Overall in-hospital mortality was 27.3%, which was markedly higher in those requiring a supra-renal aortic cross-clamping. The risk factors for AKI 25% were suprarenal aortic cross-clamping ( odds ratio 5.51, 95% CI 1.05-36.12, p = 0.04) and duration of operation for AKI 25% ( OR 6.67, 95% CI 2.23-19.9, p < 0.001). For AKI 50%, in addition to those factors, post-operative use of vasoactive drugs remained as an independent factor ( OR 6.13, 95% CI 1.64-22.8, p = 0.005). The risk factors associated with mortality were need of supra-renal aortic cross-clamping ( OR 9.6, 95% CI 1.37-67.88, p = 0.02), development of AKI 50% ( OR 8.84, 95% CI 1.31-59.39, p = 0.02), baseline GFR lower than 49 mL/min ( OR 17.07, 95% CI 2.00 145.23, p = 0.009), and serum glucose > 118 mg/dL in the post-operative period ( OR 19.99, 95% CI 2.32-172.28, p = 0.006). An increase of at least 50% in baseline SCr is a common event after surgical repair of aortic aneurysms, particularly when a supra-renal aortic cross-clamping is needed. Along with baseline moderate chronic renal failure, AKI is an independent factor contributing to the high mortality found in this scenario.

Phase waves in mode-locked superfluorescent lasers

We present results from both theoretical and experimental studies of the noise characteristics of mode-locked superfluorescent lasers. The results show that observed macroscopic broadband amplitude noise on the laser pulse train has its origin in quantum noise-initiated ''phase-wave'' fluctuations, and we find an associated phase transition in the noise characteristics as a function of laser cavity detuning.

Impact of Stent-Graft Oversizing on the Thoracic Aorta: Experimental Study in a Porcine Model

Purpose: To analyze in an experimental animal model the effect of 4 different levels of stents-graft oversizing on non-atherosclerotic aortas such as those found in young individuals who undergo stent-graft repair for traumatic aortic injuries. Methods: The diameter of the porcine thoracic aorta is similar to the aorta of young adults (18-20 mm), so 25 pigs were randomized into 5 groups: 1 control (without stent-graft) and 4 oversizing groups (A: 10%-19%, B: 20%-29%, C: 30%-39%, and D: >40%). Two types of biomechanical tests were performed on all aortas 4 weeks after endoprosthesis deployment. Results: The results of the detachment test, which analyzed the strength necessary to remove the stent-graft from the aorta, were similar in the 4 groups (A: 42 N, B: 41 N, C: 46 N, and D: 46 N). However, 2 aortas ruptured during the tests (groups C and D). The second test was performed in 3 aortic segments. Maximum shear strength, maximum stress, and maximum tension supported by the aortic wall had a negative and linear correlation with oversizing. There were significant differences in all 4 groups when compared with the control group. Strain, which reflects the elastic properties of the aortic wall, was very similar in all 4 groups, but a great difference was found when compared with the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The study showed an important subacute change in the biomechanical properties of the aortic wall after implantation of an oversized endoprosthesis. This weakness of the aortic wall was confirmed by 2 ruptures during the detachment test. These results partially explain the interaction of stent-grafts with non-atherosclerotic thoracic aortas and may serve as a basis for further studies and the development of specific material to be used in vascular trauma and young patients. J Endovasc Ther. 2011; 18: 576-584

Short-term specialized enteral diet fails to attenuate malnutrition impairment of experimental open wound acute healing

Objective: We assessed the effect of enteral refeeding on the morphology, gene expression, and contraction of acute open wounds in previously malnourished rats using two different enteral diets. Methods: Adult male isogenic Lewis rats divided into two groups (eutrophic, n = 30; and previously malnourished, 12-15% body weight loss, n = 27) were subjected to cutaneous dorsal wounds and gastrostomy. Control rats received a standard oral diet (AIN-93M chow) plus enteral saline solution. Subject rats received chow plus a standard enteral diet or an enteral diet enriched with arginine and antioxidants. On post-trauma days 7 and 14, wound granulation tissue samples were collected for morphologic analysis using hematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius stain or immunohistochemistry slides and real-time polymerase chain reaction for collagen I and III gene expression. Wound contraction was also evaluated by comparing wound images from days 0,7, and 14. Results: Malnourished control rats had increased intensity and duration of wound inflammation, impaired increase of fibroblast cells contingent on post-trauma days 7 to 14, decreased expression of collagen III, and less wound contraction compared with eutrophic control rats. A specialized enteral diet did not improve wound healing of malnourished rats but did promote wound contraction at post-trauma day 7 in eutrophic rats. Conclusion: Short-term enteral refeeding, even with a specialized diet, failed to protect previously wounded malnourished rats from a prolonged inflammatory phase and impaired healing. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.