Femtosecond light distribution at skin and liver of rats: analysis for use in optical diagnostics

In this study we investigated the light distribution under femtosecond laser illumination and its correlation with the collected diffuse scattering at the surface of ex-vivo rat skin and liver. The reduced scattering coefficients mu`s for liver and skin due to different scatterers have been determined with Mie-scattering theory for each wavelength (800, 630, and 490 nm). Absorption coefficients mu(a) were determined by diffusion approximation equation in correlation with measured diffused reflectance experimentally for each wavelength (800, 630, and 490 nm). The total attenuation coefficient for each wavelength and type of tissue were determined by linearly fitting the log based normalized intensity. Both tissues are strongly scattering thick tissues. Our results may be relevant when considering the use of femtosecond laser illumination as an optical diagnostic tool. [GRAPHICS] A typical sample of skin exposed to 630 nm laser light (C) 2010 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Dentin hypersensitivity clinical study comparing LILT and LEDT keeping the same irradiation parameters

Dentin hypersensitivity is a common condition associated with high dental pain. A new LED-based (light emitting diode) light source has been used as an experimental tool in some studies. Purpose: The main objective was to compare these two light sources emitting in the same spectral band (red from 625 to 660 nm) to promote pain relief. Material and methods: A total of 6 sessions were accomplished, being three irradiation sessions and three follow-up sessions. This single-blind study compared a control group (Placebo) and two other groups with different equipments: low laser intensity treatment (LILT) and a light emitting diode system treatment (LEDT). Results: The results showed that there is no statistical difference between LILT and LEDT groups, however, both were better than control group (p=0.01) in terms of treatment efficiency; there is no difference between the second and the third sessions for both treatment, it means that the third session was not necessary; finally, the improvement at the end of the entire research (follow up care of 30 days) was very expressive in comparison to pre-treatment situation for all teeth (p=0.01). Conclusion: LILT and LEDT were equally effective to treat dentine hypersensitivity, a 3rd treatment session was not necessary/two sessions are enough.

Synthesis and Structural Analysis of New Palladium(II) Thiosaccharinates with Triphenylphosphane or Diphosphanes

A series of palladium(II) thiosaccharinates with triphenylphosphane (PPh(3)), bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane (dppm), and bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane (dppe) have been prepared and characterized. From mixtures of thiosaccharin, Htsac, and palladium(II) acetylacetonate, Pd(acac)(2), the palladium(II) thiosaccharinate, Pd(tsac)(2) (tsac: thiosaccharinate anion) (1) was prepared. The reaction of I with PPh(3), dppm, and dppe leads to the mononuclear species Pd(tsac)(2)(PPh(3))(2)center dot MeCN (2), [Pd(tsac)(2)(dppm)] (3), Pd(tsac)(2)(dppm)(2) (4), and [Pd(tsac)(2)(dppe)]center dot MeCN (5). Compounds 2, 4, and 5 have been prepared also by the reaction of Pd(acac)(2) with the corresponding phosphane and Htsac. All the new complexes have been characterized by chemical analysis, UV/Vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Some of them have been also characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The crystalline structures of complexes 3, and 5 have been studied by X-ray diffraction techniques. Complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 16.3537(2), b = 13.3981(3), c = 35.2277(7) angstrom, beta = 91.284(1)degrees, and Z = 8 molecules per unit cell, and complex 5 in P2(1)/n with a = 10.6445(8), b = 26.412(3), c = 15.781(2) angstrom, beta = 107.996(7)degrees, and Z = 4. In compounds 3 and 5, the palladium ions are in a distorted square planar environment. They are closely related, having two sulfur atoms of two thiosaccharinate anions, and two phosphorus atoms of one molecule of dppm or dppe, respectively, bonded to the Pd(II) atom. The molecular structure of complex 3 is the first reported for a mononuclear Pd(II)-dppm-thionate system.

Evaluation of dental pulp repair using low level laser therapy (688 nm and 785 nm) morphologic study in capuchin monkeys

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) 688 nm and 785 nm accelerate dentin barrier formation and repair process after traumatic pulp exposure. The sample consisted of 45 premolars of capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) with pulp exposure Class V cavities. All premolars were treated with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)), divided in groups of 15 teeth each, and analyzed on 7(th), 25(th), and 60(th) day. Group GI - only Ca(OH)(2), GIF- laser 688 nm, and GIII - laser 785 nm. Laser beam was used in single and punctual dose with the parameters: continuous, 688 nm and 785 nm wavelength, tip`s area of 0.00785 cm(2), power 50 mW, application time 20 s, dose 255 J/cm(2), energy 2 J. Teeth were capped with Ca(OH)(2), Ca(OH)(2) cement and restored with amalgam. All groups presented pulp repair. On 25(th) day the thickness of the formed dentin barrier was different between the groups GI and GII (p < 0.05) and between groups GI and GIII (p < 0.01). On 60(th) day there was difference between GI and GIII (p < 0.01). It may be concluded that, LLLT 688 nm and 785 nm accelerated dentin barrier formation and consequently pulp repair process, with best results using infrared laser 785 nm. (c) 2009 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WLLEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Effect of low-level laser irradiation on odontoblast-like cells

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also referred to as therapeutic laser, has been recommended for a wide array of clinical procedures, among which the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. However, the mechanism that guides this process remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of LLL irradiation on cell metabolism (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and total protein synthesis. The expression of genes that encode for collagen type-1 (Col-1) and fibronectin (FN) was analyzed by RT-PCR. For such purposes, oclontoblast-like cell line (MDPC-23) was previously cultured in Petri dishes (15000 cells/cm(2)) and submitted to stress conditions during 12 h. Thereafter, 6 applications with a monochromatic near infrared radiation (GaAlAs) set at predetermined parameters were performed at 12-h intervals. Non-irradiated cells served as a control group. Neither the MTT values nor the total protein levels of the irradiated group differed significantly from those of the control group (Mann-Whitney test; p > 0.05). On the other hand, the irradiated cells showed a decrease in ALP activity (Mann-Whitney test; p < 0.05). RT-PCR results demonstrated a trend to a specific reduction in gene expression after cell irradiation, though not significant statistically (Mann-Whitney test; p > 0.05). It may be concluded that, under the tested conditions, the LLLT parameters used in the present study did not influence cell metabolism, but reduced slightly the expression of some specific proteins.

A two-component system, an anti-sigma factor and two paralogous ECF sigma factors are involved in the control of general stress response in Caulobacter crescentus

The extracytoplasmic function sigma factor sigma(T) is the master regulator of general stress response in Caulobacter crescentus and controls the expression of its paralogue sigma(U). In this work we showed that PhyR and NepR act, respectively, as positive and negative regulators of sigma(T) expression and function. Biochemical data also demonstrated that NepR directly binds sigma(T) and the phosphorylated form of PhyR. We also described the essential role of the histidine kinase gene CC3474, here denominated phyK, for expression of sigma(T)-dependent genes and for resistance to stress conditions. Additionally, in vivo evidence of PhyK-dependent phosphorylation of PhyR is presented. This study also identified a conserved cysteine residue (C95) located in the periplasmic portion of PhyK that is crucial for the function of the protein. Furthermore, we showed that PhyK, PhyR and sigma(T) regulate the same set of genes and that sigma(T) apparently directly controls most of its regulon. In contrast, sigma(U) seems to have a very modest contribution to the expression of a subset of sigma(T)-dependent genes. In conclusion, this report describes the molecular mechanism involved in the control of general stress response in C. crescentus.

Ixolaris, a tissue factor inhibitor, blocks primary tumor growth and angiogenesis in a glioblastoma model

Background: The expression levels of the clotting initiator protein Tissue Factor (TF) correlate with vessel density and the histological malignancy grade of glioma patients. Increased procoagulant tonus in high grade tumors (glioblastomas) also indicates a potential role for TF in progression of this disease, and suggests that anticoagulants could be used as adjuvants for its treatment. Objectives: We hypothesized that blocking of TF activity with the tick anticoagulant Ixolaris might interfere with glioblastoma progression. Methods and results: TF was identified in U87-MG cells by flow-cytometric and functional assays (extrinsic tenase). In addition, flow-cytometric analysis demonstrated the exposure of phosphatidylserine in the surface of U87-MG cells, which supported the assembly of intrinsic tenase (FIXa/FVIIIa/FX) and prothrombinase (FVa/FXa/prothrombin) complexes, accounting for the production of FXa and thrombin, respectively. Ixolaris effectively blocked the in vitro TF-dependent procoagulant activity of the U87-MG human glioblastoma cell line and attenuated multimolecular coagulation complexes assembly. Notably, Ixolaris inhibited the in vivo tumorigenic potential of U87-MG cells in nude mice, without observable bleeding. This inhibitory effect of Ixolaris on tumor growth was associated with downregulation of VEGF and reduced tumor vascularization. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Ixolaris might be a promising agent for anti-tumor therapy in humans.

Antimicrobial Activity of Ethylenediaminedisuccinate Metal Complexes

It is shown that metal complexes of the biodegradable ligand ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (edds) present antimicrobial activity towards fungi and bacteria. [Cd(edds)], in particular, is more toxic than free Cd2+ to Aspergillus niger, behaving as a `Trojan Horse` in the facilitated delivery of the toxic metal into the fungus.

The importance of protoporphyrin IX efflux for ALA-PDT dosimetry

One of the major advances in PDT is the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to induce the production of an enclogenous photosensitizer inside the cells using intracellular enzymatic pathways. ALA is the first intermediate in heme biosynthesis and a precursor of the protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). When activated by light, this efficient photosensitizer accumulated in the target cells can produce cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to find the best conditions for cell killing using ALA to temporarily increase the concentration of PpIX in two cell lines. It was shown that a considerable efflux of synthesized PpIX occurs. Since this efflux is time-dependent, it is essential to know the optimum time for irradiation after ALA administration. So, the efflux of PpIX from the cells is an important parameter to be considered for ALA-PDT dosimetry.

A espetacularização do crime violento pela televisão : o caso do programa Linha Direta

Esta dissertação analisa a espetacularização da criminalidade violenta operada pela televisão, buscando compreender como o jornalismo televisivo representa e produz a questão da criminalidade violenta no Brasil, tendo como referencial empírico o programa Linha Direta da Rede Globo de Televisão. Para analisar textos e imagens em movimento foi utilizada uma combinação de técnicas de pesquisa apoiada nos recentes e poderosos recursos das metodologias informacionais aplicadas à pesquisa qualitativa, mais especificamente o software NVivo. A investigação de uma amostra de programas gravados, relativa aos seis primeiros meses de exibição, permitiu constatar que o Linha Direta leva às últimas conseqüências a tendência do campo jornalístico em misturar jornalismo e ficção, ou seja, recursos da reportagem tradicional e dramaturgia, a partir da reconstrução dos casos criminais com atores. Embora o discurso do programa aponte para uma atuação alinhada com a realização da justiça frente à situação da criminalidade violenta – pelo oferecimento de uma forma de participação do espectador na resolução dos casos –, os elementos narrativos disponibilizados nas reconstruções dos crimes proporcionam a reprodução simbólica do sentimento coletivo de insegurança e impunidade e o reforço da percepção sobre a ineficácia da polícia e da justiça. A partir da exploração dramática e espetacular de imagens de dor, o programa busca legitimação para agir, não apenas como um colaborador das agências formais de controle, mas como um reinventor cultural das práticas jurídicas e de controle social, relativizando, em proveito próprio, os papéis das delegacias e tribunais na sociedade.

A concepção do papel profissional do assistente social

Esta investigação teve como finalidade estudar a concepção que Professores, Alunos e Assistentes Sociais têm do papel do profissional Assistente Social. Os sujeitos pesquisados foram 14 professores, Assistentes Sociais, 56 alunos do VII nível do curso de Serviço Social da Pontíficia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul e 39 Assistentes Sociais formados pelo referido curso no período de 1972 a 1978. Os dados foram coletados através de dois instrumentos: o primeiro baseado na metodologia Q de Stenphenson, composto por setenta afirmações sobre o papel do Assistente Social e o segundo por um questionário para a identificação dos sujeitos. Para análise dos dados foram utilizaram-se os procedimentos preconizados pelo metodologia Q. Descreveu-se, primeiramente, a concepção que cada um dos grupos tinha do papel profissional do Assistente Social, em suas dimensões prescritivas e, em seguida, procedeu-se a comparação dos grupos entre si. Os resultados demonstram uma heterogeneidade entre as concepções dos três grupos, comparados entre si, e entre os sujeitos de cada um dos grupos. Quanto à semelhança de concepção do papel profissional do Assistente Social verificou-se maior proximidade entre Alunos e Assistentes Sociais, seguidos por Professores e Alunos e, em último lugar, Professores e Assistentes Sociais. São feitas sugestões para estudos posteriores e para a atuação no curso de Serviço Social.

Intervenções reabilitadoras do período renascentista italiano

A presente dissertação procura analisar e discutir as obras de reabilitação de edificações existentes no período do Renascimento Italiano, compreendido entre os séculos XV e XVI. Nosso estudo buscou este período histórico por se tratar dos primórdios deste tipo de intervenção praticadas de forma consciente e com conhecimento histórico, além do fato de o confronto entre a situação existente e as novas inserções constituírem um rico universo de estudo das transformações sociais e arquitetônicas do período. Através da análise de obras de três arquitetos (Leon Battista Alberti, Michelangelo Buonarroti e Andrea Palladio), procuramos: entender como se operavam tais intervenções, reconstituindo a situação existente e as novas inserções a partir da historiografia do projeto e do contexto histórico que o cerca; identificar as interpretações de uma determinada sociedade sobre seus edifícios em épocas distintas; e buscar posturas e exemplos de projetos para nosso presente.

Lições Albertianas : para a teoria e a prática da arquitetura contemporânea

Este trabalho se fundamenta na constatação da importância que os aspectos artísticos desempenham na produção e na apreciação da arquitetura, qualificando-a ao mesmo tempo em que problematizam seu ensino e sua avaliação. Considerando essa ambivalência como um traço distintivo que resiste há muito tempo à tentativa de objetivar a disciplina, o processo da subjetividade na arquitetura é aqui abordado a partir de um personagem do Renascimento, época em que efetivamente se estabelece e se consolida a crítica arquitetônica. Leon Battista Alberti, na condição de autor do primeiro tratado de arquitetura do período e de obras que contribuíram para as transformações estéticas de seu tempo, nos mostra, através da teoria e da prática profissional, a atualidade de uma postura que assume as incertezas que caracterizam a disciplina.