Effect of manganese supplementation on the membrane integrity and the mitochondrial potential of the sperm of grazing Nelore bulls

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

The effects of the C-terminal amidation of mastoparans on their biological actions and interactions with membrane-mimetic systems

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

Determination of mercury in river water by diffusive gradients in thin films using P81 membrane as binding layer

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

Alterations in the profile of blood neutrophil membrane receptors caused by in vivo adrenocorticotrophic hormone actions

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

Caracterização microestrutural de uma estrutura tubular aeronáutica submetida a sucessivos reparos de solda TIG

This work examines the possible effects of successive repair procedures on the microstructure of welded steel SAE 4130 by TIG welding process. Discussions and results were made about the metallographic analysis , non-metallic inclusions and microhardness tests , which were conducted on samples taken from the cradle engine component after the end of its life , a model airplane T-27 Tucano , made by EMBRAER and belonging were performed FAB . The choice of such component is due to the fact that this is critical to flight safety since it provides support for the aircraft engine . Thus regions of the weld metal , base metal and heat affected , with samples of the original weld bead , free of weld bead and also with four rework procedures for TIG welding zone were analyzed . It was found that after the fourth rework there is an increase in the amount of martensite , which may weaken the material with respect to resistance to fatigue. It was also found that the regions of the heat affected zone and weld metal have higher microhardness values when compared to those found in the base metal due to favoring the formation of ferritic and tempered martensite microstructures . Moreover, a welding process promotes a region with less non-metallic inclusions than metal base , which also explains the difference in the results obtained

Interaction of biologically-relevant peptides with membrane model systems

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

N-Terminal microdomain peptide from human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase: structure and model membrane interactions

The N-terminus of the human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (HsDHODH) has been described as important for the enzyme attachment in the inner mitochondrial membrane and possibly to regulate enzymatic activity. In this study, we synthesized the peptide acetyl-GDERFYAEHLMPTLQGLLDPESAHRL AVRFTSLGamide, comprising the residues 33-66 of HsDHODH N-terminal conserved microdomain. Langmuir monolayers and circular dichroism (CD) were employed to investigate the interactions between the peptide and membrane model, as micelles and monolayers of the lipids phosphatidylcholine (PC), 3-phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and cardiolipin (CL). These lipids represent the major constituents of inner mitochondrial membranes. According to CD data, the peptide adopted a random structure in water, whereas it acquired α-helical structures in the presence of micelles. The π–A isotherms and polarization- modulated infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy on monolayers showed that the peptide interacted with all lipids, but in different ways. In DPPC monolayers, the peptide penetrated into the hydrophobic region. The strongest initial interaction occurred with DPPE, but the peptide was expelled from this monolayer at high surface pressures. In CL, the peptide could induce a partial dissolution of the monolayer, leading to shorter areas at the monolayer collapse. These results corroborate the literature, where the HsDHODH microdomain is anchored into the inner mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, the existence of distinct conformations and interactions with the different membrane lipids indicates that the access to the enzyme active site may be controlled not only by conformational changes occurring at the microdomain of the protein, but also by some lipid-protein synergetic mechanism, where the HsDHODH peptide would be able to recognize lipid domains in the membrane. - See more at: http://www.eurekaselect.com/122062/article#sthash.1ZZbc7E0.dpuf

Evaluation of stryphnodendron sp. release using natural rubber latex membrane as carrier

Natural rubber latex from Hevea brasiliensis has interesting characteristics related to this work such as: it is easy to manipulate, low cost, can stimulate the natural angiogenesis, is a biocompatible material and presents high mechanical resistance. The aim of this study was to develop a novel sustained delivery system for Stryphnodendron sp. based on Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) membranes and to study the Stryphnodendron sp. delivery system behavior. Stryphnodendron sp., commonly known as barbatimao is extensively used in folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, gynaecological problems and for healing wounds. The stem bark of this species is mentioned in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia with a content of at least 20% of tannins. Previous studies showed significant cicatrizant properties, anti-inflammatory activity and gastric anti-ulcerogenic effects for the stem bark crude extract. One possible way to accelerate the tissue repair process, it was incorporated the Stryphnodendron sp. extract in NRL membranes. Stryphnodendron sp extract was incorporated into the NRL, by mixing it in solution for in vitro protein delivery experiments. Results show that the NRL membrane can release Stryphnodendron sp. for up to 49.89% of its Stryphnodendron sp. content for up 400 h. The kinetics of the extract release could be fitted with double exponential function, with two characteristic times of 0.78 and 133.22 h. In this study, we demonstrated that the induced angiogenesis provided by NRL membranes combined with a controlled release of extract is relevant for biomedical applications.

Cell membrane integrity of candida albicans after different protocols of microwave irradiation

To evaluate the ability of low time microwaveexposureto inactivate and damage cell membrane integrity of C. albicans. Materials and Methods: Two 200ml C. albicans suspensions were obtained. Sterile dentures were placed in a beaker containing Experimental (ES) or Control suspensions (CS). ES was microwaved at 650 W for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 min. Suspensions were optically counted using Methylene blue dye as indicative of membrane-damaged cells; spread on Agar Sabouraud dextrose (ASD) for viability assay; or spectrophotometrically measured at 550nm. Cell-free solutions were submitted to content analyses of protein (Bradford and Pyrogallol red methods); Ca++ (Cresolphthalein Complexone method); DNA (spectrophotometer measurements at 260nm) and K+ (selective electrode technique). Data were analyzed by Student-t test and linear regression (α=0.05). In addition, flowcytometry analysis of Candida cells in suspensionwas performed using propidium iodide. Results: All ES cells demonstrated cell membrane damage at 3, 4 and 5 min,viable cells were nonexistent at 3, 4 and 5 min ES ASD plates and optical density of ES and CS was not significantly differentfor all exposition times. ES cells released highcontents of protein, K+ , Ca++ and DNA after 2 min exposition when compared to that of the CSs. Similar results were observed with flow cytometry analysiswith regard to the periodsof microwave exposure. Conclusions: Microwave irradiation inactivated C. albicansafter 3min and damaged cell membrane integrity after 2 min exposition.

Improved embryonic cryosurvival observed after in vitro supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid is related to changes in the membrane lipid profile

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for 5-fluoruracil-induced oral mucositis in rats

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

Ultrastructure of the parotid and submandibular glands of the Old World marten (Carnivora; Mustelidae)

The morphology of the parotid and submandibular glands in the marten, a carnivore, were studied and analyzed under a transmission electron microscope. The nature of the granules in both glands, as well as in the acini and in the secretory tubules, is rather mucous. The structure of the secretory tubules is very characteristic, especially the striated ones. The myoepithelial cells are close to the acini and tubules and covered by the basement membrane separating them from the connective tissue, which enhances its epithelial origin. The cytoplasm of the basal parts of the acinar and tubular cells is abundant and separates the nucleus from the secretion granules. Although the morphology of the salivary glands of many carnivores is known, those of the parotid gland of the marten present peculiar characteristics, since they produce a rather mucous saliva and the granules, when forming, are far from the base as well as from the apex of the secretory cells. The submandibular gland contains granules of different densities, an aspect that in general resembles that of other animals.

Bladder augmentation in rabbits with anionic collagen membrane, with or without urotelial preservation. Cistometric and hystologic evaluation

The use of bowel segments to perform bladder augmentation is associated with several metabolic and surgical complications. A great variety of synthetic materials, biodegradable or not, have been tested. Collagen-based biomaterials have shown effectiveness for the regeneration and obtainment of a functional bladder. Assess the functional and histological response of the rabbit bladder to anionic collagen membrane (ACM), either when it is anastomosed to the bladder or it is placed onto bladder after vesicomyectomy. In 15 male rabbit a partial cystectomy was performed. After 4 weeks they were divided in 3 groups. Group 1 (G1) - bladder augmentation with ACM. Group 2 (G2) ACM is placed onto bladder after vesicomyectomy. Group 3 (G3) control group. Maximal bladder capacity (MBC) and weight were assessed with 4 (M1), 8 (M2) and 12 (M3) weeks after partial cystectomy. In M3 was performed the sacrifice and extraction of the bladder and kidneys for anatomopathologic study. There were neither bladder stones, nor implant extrusion in M3. There was a significant increase in MBC in G1 and G2 (p<0.05), but no statistical differences in G3 (p=0.35). There is no significant difference comparing G1 and G2. In M3, both groups have shown a bigger MBC than G3 (p<0.05). The microscopic assessment showed an inflammatory reaction in the bladder augmented, with urothelium preserved. The ACM was effective for the increase of MBC. The bladders with preservation of the urothelium have shown an extensive inflammatory process.