On codimensions k immersions of m-manifolds for k=1 and k=m-2

Let us consider M a closed smooth connected m-manifold, N a smooth ( 2m-2)-manifold and f: M -> N a continuous map, with m equivalent to 1( 4). We prove that if f*: H(1)(M; Z(2)) -> H(1)(f(M); Z(2)) is injective, then f is homotopic to an immersion. Also we give conditions to a map between manifolds of codimension one to be homotopic to an immersion. This work complements some results of Biasi et al. (Manu. Math. 104, 97-110, 2001; Koschorke in The singularity method and immersions of m-manifolds into manifolds of dimensions 2m-2, 2m-3 and 2m-4. Lecture Notes in Mathematics, vol. 1350. Springer, Heidelberg, 1988; Li and Li in Math. Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 112, 281-285, 1992).

A 4.2 kDa synthetic peptide as a potential probe to evaluate the antibacterial activity of coumarin drugs

The coumarin antibiotics are potent inhibitors of DNA replication whose target is the enzyme DNA gyrase, an ATP-dependent bacterial type II topoisomerase. The coumarin drugs inhibit gyrase action by competitive binding to the ATP-binding site of DNA gyrase B protein. The production of new biologically active products has stimulated additional studies on coumarin-gyrase interactions. In this regard, a 4.2 kDa peptide mimic of DNA gyrase B protein from Escherichia coli has been designed and synthesized. The peptide sequence includes the natural fragment 131-146 (coumarin resistance-determining region) and a segment containing the gyrase-DNA interaction region (positions 753-770). The peptide mimic binds to novobiocin (K-a = 1.4 +/- 0.3 x 10(5) m(-1)), plasmid (K-a = 1.6 +/- 0.5 x 10(6) m(-1)) and ATP (K-a = 1.9 f 0.4 x 10(3) m(-1)), results previously found with the intact B protein. on the other hand, the binding to novobiocin was reduced when a mutation of Arg-136 to Leu-136 was introduced, a change previously found in the DNA gyrase B protein from several coumarin-resistant clinical isolates of Escherichia coLi. In contrast, the binding to plasmid and to ATP was not altered. These results suggest that synthetic peptides designed in a similar way to that described here could be used as mimics of DNA gyrase in studies which seek a better understanding of the ATP, as well as coumarin, binding to the gyrase and also the mechanism of action of this class of antibacterial drugs. Copyright (C) 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley Sons, Ltd.

Characterization of PLGA microparticles as a drug carrier for 3-ethoxycarbonyl-2H-benzofuro[3,2-f]-1-benzopyran-2-one. Ultrastructural study of cellular uptake and intracellular distribution

Here we describe the application of microparticles (MPs) for the delivery and release of the drug a benzopsoralen. We also evaluated the intracellular distribution and cellular uptake of the drug by using an encapsulation technique for therapeutic optimization. MPs containing the compound 3-ethoxycarbonyl-2H-benzofuro[3,2-f]-1-benzopyran-2-one (psoralen A) were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique, and parameters such as particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency, effect of the encapsulation process on the drug's photochemistry, zeta potential, external morphology, and < i > in vitro release behavior were evaluated. The intracellular distribution of MPs as well as their uptake by tissues were monitored. Size distribution studies using dynamic ligh scattering and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MPs are spherical in shape with a diameter of 1.4 mu m. They present low tendency toward aggregation, as confirmed by their zeta potential (+10.6 mV). The loading efficiency obtained was 75%. As a consequence of the extremely low diffusivity of the drug in aqueous medium, the drug release profile of the MPs in saline phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) was much slower than that obtained in the biological environment. Among the population of peritoneal phagocytic cells, only macrophages were able to phagocytose poly-d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) MP. The use of psoralen A in association with ultraviolet light (360 nm) revealed morphological characteristics of cell damage such as cytoplasmic vesiculation, mitochondria condensation, and swelling of both the granular endoplasmatic reticulum and the nuclear membrane. These results indicate that PLGA MP could be a promising delivery system for psoralen in connection with ultraviolet irradiation therapy (PUVA).

Effective action for QED in 2+1 dimensions at finite temperature

Both the parity-breaking and parity-invariant parts of the effective action for the gauge field in QED 3 with massive fermions at finite temperature are obtained exactly. This is feasible because we use a particular configuration of the background gauge field, namely a constant magnetic field and a time-dependent time component of the background gauge field. Our results allow us to compute exactly physically interesting quantities such as the induced charge density and fermion condensate whose dependence on the temperature, fermion mass and gauge field is discussed. ©1999 The American Physical Society.

Avaliação de diferentes híbridos suínos submetidos à insensibilização elétrica e gasosa (CO 2). Parte 1 - Mensuração de indicadores sanguíneos de estresse

Pigs of three genetics lineages A, B and C marketed in Brazil, with alive weight from 100 to 120 kg were submitted to the manual electric stunning (Karl Schermer 220-230/250 volts, 45-60 Hz and 1.4 -1.5 A) and to the collective gaseous system (COMBI-BUTINA 90% CO 2). Blood samples, for levels determination of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate and cortisol, as well as samples of the semimembranosus muscle (10 g) for the determination of the gene halothane, were collected. Being compared the electric and gaseous stunning systems, the electric stunning did demonstrate to be more stressful providing larger plasmatic concentrations of cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) and lactate (p ≤ 0.001) for the genetic lineages A and C, in the studied conditions. However it didn't observe significant differences beween the sanguine indicators and stunning systems in subject when the lineage B was considered. Significant differences among the genetic lineages A, B and C were obtained being compared the plasmatic values of creatine phosphokinase (p ≤ 0.001), lactate (p ≤ 0.001) and cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) when stunned with the gaseous system, however when the electric system was used only the cortisol values presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.001). The presence of the gene halothane (Nn) was only observed in the lineage B.

Biomimetic sensor based on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)-21H,23H- porphyrin iron (III) chloride and MWCNT for selective detection of 2,4-D

Exploitation of the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes for the development of voltammetric and amperometric sensors to monitor analytes of environmental relevance has increased in recent years. This work reports the development of a biomimetic sensor based on a carbon paste modified with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)-21H,23H-porphyrin iron (III) chloride (a biomimetic catalyst of the P450 enzyme) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), for the sensitive and selective detection of the herbicide 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The sensor was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, for electrochemical characterization and quantification purposes, respectively. Amperometric analyses were carried out at -100 mV vs. Ag/AgCl(KClsat), using a 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.0 as the support electrolyte. Under these optimized analytical conditions, the sensor showed a linear response between 9.9 × 10-6 and 1.4 × 10-4 mol L-1, a sensitivity of 1.8 × 104 (±429) μA L mol -1, and limits of detection and quantification of 2.1 × 10 -6 and 6.8 × 10-6 mol L-1, respectively. The incorporation of functionalized MWCNT in the carbon paste resulted in a 10-fold increase in the response, compared to that of the biomimetic sensor without MWCNT. In addition, the low applied potential (-100 mV) used to obtain high sensitivity also contributed to the excellent selectivity of the proposed sensor. The viability of the application of this sensor for analysis of soil samples was confirmed by satisfactory recovery values, with a mean of 96% and RSD of 2.1% (n = 3). © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

In vivo embryo production in cows superovulated 1 or 2 days after ovum pick-up

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

Study of K beta X-ray emission spectroscopy applied to Mn((2-x))V((1+x))O4 (x=0 and 1/3) oxyspinel and comparison with XANES

Oxidation state and coordination of transition metal cations seems to be hard to assess when considering multiple cations, each one with different possible oxidation states. In fact, this is the case of the spineltype double oxides family. High resolution K beta X-ray fluorescence spectra were measured in Mn(2-x)V(1+4)O4 (x=0 and 1/3) spinels-type double oxides in order to determine the oxidation state and coordination of V and Mn cations. The relative intensity of radiative Auger effect KM2,3M4,5 to the total intensity and the integral absolute difference value were used as reference parameters for the characterization of Mn oxidation states. The coordination of Mn ions was inferred by the intensity of the K beta(5) line. In the case of V compounds, it was used as the intensity of the line K beta' relative to the total area of K beta region. The obtained results were further compared with X-ray absorption spectra analysis, showing good agreements regarding the oxidation state characterization. However, there were found some discrepancies in coordination, due to customary oversimplifications in the K beta(5) line origin. The obtained results might represent valuable and useful data for chemical scopes of characterizing spineltype oxides family. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and antitubercular evaluation of new 1,2,3-triazole derivatives of carbohydrates

Coordenação de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Design, synthesis and the effect of 1,2,3-triazole sialylmimetic neoglycoconjugates on Trypanosoma cruzi and its cell surface trans-sialidase

This work describes the synthesis of a series of sialylmimetic neoglycoconjugates represented by 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole-sialic acid derivatives containing galactose modified at either C-1 or C-6 positions, glucose or gulose at C-3 position, and by the amino acid derivative 1,2,3-triazole fused threonine-3-O-galactose as potential TcTS inhibitors and anti-trypanosomal agents. This series was obtained by Cu(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction ('click chemistry') between the azido-functionalized sugars 1-N(3)-Gal (commercial), 6-N(3)-Gal, 3-N(3)-Glc and 3-N(3)-Gul with the corresponding alkyne-based 2-propynyl-sialic acid, as well as by click chemistry reaction between the amino acid N(3)-ThrOBn with 3-O-propynyl-GalOMe. The 1,2,3-triazole linked sialic acid-6-O-galactose and the sialic acid-galactopyranoside showed high Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase (TcTS) inhibitory activity at 1.0 mM (approx. 90%), whilst only the former displayed relevant trypanocidal activity (IC(50) 260 mu M). These results highlight the 1,2,3-triazole linked sialic acid-6-O-galactose as a prototype for further design of new neoglycoconjugates against Chagas' disease. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical mechanism of controlled nitric oxide release from trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))NO](PF6)(2) as a vasorelaxant agent

The nitrosyl ruthenium complex, trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))NO](PF6)(2), ([15]aneN(4) = 1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclopentadecane), exhibits vasorelaxation characteristics attributed to its nitric oxide release properties. The observed in vitro and in vivo vasodilation is dependent on noradrenaline concentration. We report here the chemical mechanism of the reaction between noradrenaline and trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))NO](PF6)(2) in aqueous phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.40. NO measurement by NO-sensor electrode, cyclic voltammetry, (PNMR)-P-31 and HPLC analysis were used to investigate the reduction process as the fundamental step for NO release characteristic of trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))NO](PF6)(2). A supramolecular species containing HPO4 (2-) as a bridging group between noradrenaline and trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))NO](PF6)(2) is suggested as an intermediate prior to the reduction of the nitrosyl ruthenium complex.

A negative screen for mutations in calstabin 1 and 2 genes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Background Calstabins 1 and 2 bind to Ryanodine receptors regulating muscle excitation-contraction coupling. Mutations in Ryanodine receptors affecting their interaction with calstabins lead to different cardiac pathologies. Animal studies suggest the involvement of calstabins with dilated cardiomyopathy. Results We tested the hypothesis that calstabins mutations may cause dilated cardiomyopathy in humans screening 186 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy for genetic alterations in calstabins 1 and 2 genes (FKBP12 and FKBP12.6). No missense variant was found. Five no-coding variations were found but not related to the disease. Conclusions These data corroborate other studies suggesting that mutations in FKBP12 and FKBP12.6 genes are not commonly related to cardiac diseases.

Selektive und duale COX-1-, COX-2-Inhibitoren aus der Reihe der Methanone

Zusammenfassung: Prostaglandine (PG) sind wichtige biologische Entzündungsmediatoren, die aus der Arachidonsäure (AA) durch das Enzym Cyclooxygenase (COX) entstehen. Trotz einiger unerwünschter Wirkungen, sind Cyclooxygenase-Hemmer Mittel der Wahl zur Unterdrückung entzündlicher Prozesse. Von der Cyclooxygenase existieren zwei Isoenzyme: COX-1 und COX-2. Eine selektive Hemmung der COX-2 bzw. eine duale Hemmung der COX-1 und COX-2 wird als erfolgversprechendes Prinzip zur Behandlung von entzündlichen Erkrankungen diskutiert.Ziel der Arbeit war die Synthese und in vitro Testung sowie die Erstellung von Struktur-Wirkungs-Beziehungen selektiver bzw. dualer Hemmstoffe der COX-1/-2. Zusätzlich wurden die Substanzen auf inhibitorische Aktivität gegenüber der 5- und 12-Lipoxygenase untersucht.Ausgehend von der Struktur selektiver Hemmstoffe der COX-2 bzw. von dualen COX-1/ COX-2-Inhibitoren sowie von marktüblichen nichtsteroidalen Antirheumatika (NSAR), wurde das Diarylmethanon-Element als Basis gewählt. An diesem Strukturelement wurden Modifikationen vorgenommen, um selektive Hemmstoffe der COX-2 bzw. duale COX-1/ COX-2-Hemmstoffe zu erhalten.Die synthetisierten Verbindungen lassen sich in [4-(Methylsulfanyl)phenyl]- und [4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl](aryl)methanone, N-(Aroylphenyl)sulfonamide und -amide sowie (Hydroxyphenyl)(2-thienyl)methanone unterteilen.In der Reihe der [4-(Methylsulfanyl)phenyl](aryl)methanone sind potente Hemmstoffe sowohl der COX-1 als auch der COX-2 erhalten worden. Im Gegensatz dazu zeigen die [4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl](aryl)methanone gegenüber COX-1 und COX-2 keine inhibitorische Aktivität. Mit dem 2-Thienylderivat wurde ein potenter, dualer Hemmstoff beider Cyclooxygenase-Isoenzyme identifiziert, dessen Wirkstärke (bezüglich der COX-2) auf den Austausch von Phenyl gegen 2-Thienyl zurückzuführen ist.Die N-(Aroylphenyl)sulfonamide und -amide bilden die umfangreichste Gruppe bei den durchgeführten Untersuchungen, wobei besonders die regioisomeren N-(2-Aroylphenyl)sulfonamide und -amide eingehender studiert wurden. Auf der Basis der (2-Aroylphenyl)sulfonamide läßt sich für die Hemmung der COX-1 eine Struktur-Wirkungs-Beziehungen formulieren, die anhand Hilfe geeigneter Verbindungen überprüft wurde. Die Untersuchungen wurden zum Teil auch auf die 3- und 4-Regioisomeren ausgedehnt, wobei sich die erhaltenen Struktur-Wirkungs-Beziehungen bestätigten. Die Arylsulfonamide inhibieren bevorzugt die COX-1. Auch (4-Aroylphenyl)sulfonamide wurden auf mögliche inhibitorische Aktivität untersucht. Die Einbindung des Amidstickstoffs in ein Indolin- bzw. Tetrahydrochinolin-Ringsystem oder des Sulfonamids in ein 1,3-Propansultam führte in jedem Falle zu wenig aktiven Verbindungen gegenüber der COX-1. N-(2-Aroylphenyl)amide zeigten in Übereinstimmung mit der Hypothese an der COX-1 eine gute inhibitorische Aktivität.Aus der Reihe der (Hydroxyphenyl)(2-thienyl)methanone wurden die freien Alkohole, die Methylether und verschiedene Ester dargestellt und auf COX-1-Aktivität untersucht. Acetate, aber auch Phenole sind die potentesten Inhibitoren der COX-1. Als günstigte Positionen für die 2-Thienylcarbonyl-Einheit am Hydroxyphenylrest erweist sich die ortho- bzw. para-Position.

Präparation, Charakterisierung und elektronische Eigenschaften von dünnen Schichten des Hochtemperatursupraleiters HgReBa 2 Ca n-1 Cu n O y

Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Pr"{a}paration, Charakterisierung und Untersuchung der elektronischen Eigenschaften von d"{u}nnen Schichten des Hochtemperatursupraleiters HgReBa$_{2}$Ca$_{n-1}$Cu$_{n}$O$_{y}$, die mittels gepulster Laser-Deposition hergestellt wurden. Die HgRe1212-Filme zeigen in der AC-Suszeptibilit"{a}t einen scharfen "{U}bergang in die supraleitende Phase bei 124 K mit einer "{U}bergangsbreite von 2 K. Die resistiven "{U}berg"{a}nge der Proben wurden mit zunehmender St"{a}rke des externen Magnetfeldes breiter. Aus der Steigung der Arrheniusplots konnte die Aktivierungsenergie f"{u}r verschiedene Feldst"{a}rken bestimmt werden. Weiterhin wurde die Winkelabh"{a}ngigkeit des Depinning-Feldes $B_{dp}(theta)$ der Filme gemessen. Hieraus wurde ein Anisotropiewert von $gamma$ = 7.7 bei 105 K ermittelt. Dies ist relevant, um den f"{u}r Anwendungen wichtigen Bereich im $T$-$B$-$theta$-Phasenraum des Materials absch"{a}tzen zu k"{o}nnen. Die kritische Stromdichte $J_{c}$ der d"{u}nnen Filme aus HgRe-1212 wurde mit Hilfe eines SQUID-Magnetometers gemessen. Die entsprechenden $M$-$H$ Kurven bzw. das magnetische Moment dieser Filme wurde f"{u}r einen weiten Temperatur- und Feldbereich mit einem magnetischen Feld senkrecht zum Film aufgenommen. F"{u}r einen HgRe-1212-Film konnte bei 5 K eine kritische Stromdichte von 1.2 x 10$^{7}$ A/cm$^{2}$ und etwa 2 x 10$^{6}$ A/cm$^{2}$ bei 77 K ermittelt werden. Es wurde die Magnetfeld- und die Temperaturabh"{a}ngigkeit des Hall-Effekts im normalleitenden und im Mischzustand in Magnetfeldern senkrecht zur $ab$-Ebene bis zu 12 T gemessen. Oberhalb der kritischen Temperatur $T_{c}$ steigt der longitudinale spezifische Widerstand $rho_{xx}$ linear mit der Temperatur, w"{a}hrend der spezifische Hall-Widerstand $rho_{yx}$ sich umgekehrt proportional zur Temperatur "{a}ndert. In der N"{a}he von $T_{c}$ und in Feldern kleiner als 3 T wurde eine doppelte Vorzeichen"{a}nderung des spezifischen Hall-Widerstandes beobachtet. Der Hall-Winkel im Normalzustand, cot $theta_{H}= alpha T^{2} + beta$, folgt einer universellen $textit{T }^{2}$-Abh"{a}ngigkeit in allen magnetischen Feldern. In der N"{a}he des Nullwiderstand-Zustandes h"{a}ngt der spezifische Hall-Widerstand $rho_{yx}$ "{u}ber ein Potenzgesetz mit dem longitudinalen Widerstand $rho_{xx}$ zusammen. Das Skalenverhalten zwischen $rho_{yx}$ und $rho_{xx}$ weist eine starke Feld-Abh"{a}ngigkeit auf. Der Skalenexponent $beta$ in der Gleichung $rho_{yx}$ =A $rho_{xx}^{beta}$ steigt von 1.0 bis 1.7, w"{a}hrend das Feld von 1.0 bis 12 T zunimmt.