Effects of dominant follicle aspiration and treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST) on ovarian follicular development in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers

Follicle ablation has been recognized as an efficient method of follicular wave synchronization. Treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST) has been shown to enhance follicular development in <(Bos taurus)under bar>. This experiment assessed the effects of these treatments in Nelore (<(B. indicus)under bar>) heifers. Eight cycling Nelore heifers were randomly assigned to 3 different treatments. on Day 2 of a synchronized cycle (Day 0 = day of ovulation), heifers assigned to Treatments 1 and 2 received 2 mL of saline, whereas heifers assigned to Treatment 3 received 320 mg of BST. on Day 5, the first-wave dominant follicle was ablated by ultrasoundguided transvaginal aspiration in heifers in Treatments 2 and 3, and all heifers received an injection of prostaglandin on Day 11. Aspiration of the dominant follicle advanced and synchronized (P < 0.05) the day of second-wave emergence (6.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 8.4 +/- 0.4) and the day of the pre-wave FSH peak (6.0 +/- 0.0 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.4), and increased FSH peak concentrations (381 +/- 21 vs. 292 +/- 30; pg/mL; P < 0.01). Recombinant bovine somatotropin treatment caused a two-fold increase in plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations (P < 0.001) and resulted in a 36% increase in the number of small follicles (<5 mm; P < 0.001) compared with saline-treated heifers. In summary, in agreement with previous reports on <(B. taurus)under bar>, dominant follicle aspiration synchronized ovarian follicular development, and BST treatment increased peripheral concentrations of IGF-I in Nelore heifers. Recombinant bovine somatotropin also increased the number of small follicles, but this response appeared to be inferior to that reported for <(B. taurus)under bar>. (C) 2000 by Elsevier B.V.

Study of the interaction between hydroxymethylnitrofurazone and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin

Chagas disease is a serious health problem in Latin America. Hidroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH) is a nitrofurazone prodrug more active than nitrofurazone against Trypanosoma cruzi. However, NFOH presents low aqueous solubility, high photodecomposition and high toxicity. The present work is focused on the characterization of an inclusion complex of NFOH in 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD). The complexation with HP-beta-CD was investigated using reversed-phase liquid chromatography, solubility isotherms and nuclear magnetic resonance. The retention behavior was analyzed on a reversed-phase C-18 column, using acetonitrile-water (20/80, v/v) as the mobile phase, in which HP-beta-CD was incorporated as a mobile phase additive. The decrease in the retention times with increasing concentrations of HP-beta-CD enables the determination of the apparent stability constant of the complex (K = 6.2 +/- 0.3 M-1) by HPLC. The solubility isotherm was studied and the value for the apparent stability constant (K = 7.9 +/- 0.2 M-1) was calculated. The application of continuous variation method indicated the presence of a complex with 1:1 NFOH:HP-beta-CD stoichiometry. The photostability study showed that the formation of an inclusion complex had a destabilizing effect on the photodecomposition of NFOH when compared to that of the "free" molecule in solution. The mobility investigation (by NMR longitudinal relaxation time) gives information about the complexation of NFOH with HP-beta-CD. In preliminary toxicity studies, cell viability tests revealed that inclusion complexes were able to decrease the toxic effect (p < 0.01) caused by NFOH. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of HLA-DRB-1 alleles on the production of antibody against CSP, MSP-1, AMA-1, and DBP in Brazilian individuals naturally infected with Plasmodium vivax

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

Synthesis, structure, and electronic and EPR spectra of copper(II) complexes containing the [CuBr4]2- anion and triphenylarsine oxide

The preparation and characterization of (Ph3AsOH)2[CuBr4] and [Cu(Ph3AsO)4][CuBr4] are reported (Ph3AsO = triphenylarsine oxide). Crystallographic analysis of the monoclinic crystals of (Ph3AsOH)2[CuBr4] (space group C2/c, a = 17.569 (3) Å, b = 13.090 (2) Å, c = 16.933 (2) Å, and β = 105.64 (2)°, R = 0.055 and Rw = 0.057) revealed the presence of compressed [CuBr4]2- tetrahedra of C2 symmetry with Cu-Br distances of 2.340 (1) and 2.437 (1) Å and trans-Br-Cu-Br angles of 139.2 (1) and 122.4 (1)°. The oxonium cations hydrogen bond to the bromine atoms involved in the longer Cu-Br bonds and the smaller trans-Br-Cu-Br angle. Single-crystal electronic and EPR spectra are interpreted in terms of the observed [CuBr4]2- geometry. Analysis of the electronic and EPR spectra of [Cu(Ph3AsO)4][CuBr4] led to the postulation of the presence of planar [Cu(Ph3AsO)4]2+ cations and distorted tetrahedral [CuBr4]2- anions. © 1992 American Chemical Society.

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of CuX2(pdmp)2 complexes (X = Br, Cl)

We report the synthesis and the structural and magnetic characterization of two new compounds: dibromobis-(pdmp)copper(II), CuBr2C22H24N4 (1), and dichlorobis(pdmp)copper(II), CuCl2C22H24N4 (2), where pdmp = 1-phenyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole. The structures were refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques to R1 = 0.0620 and 0.0777, respectively. Compound 1 belongs to the space group P21/n with a = 8.165(5) Å, b = 10.432(3) Å, c = 13.385(4) Å, β = 100.12(4)̊, and Z = 2. Compound 2 belongs to the space group P21/c with a = 8.379(2) Å, b = 22.630(2) Å, c = 12.256(2) Å, β= 98.43(3)°, and Z = 4. It has the same molecular formula as a compound reported previously but a different crystal structure. Detailed single-crystal EPR measurements were performed for single-crystal samples of 1 and 2 at 9 and 35 GHz and at room temperature. The positions and line widths of the EPR lines were measured as a function of the magnetic field orientation in three orthogonal planes. The data were used to study the electronic properties of the copper ions and to evaluate the exchange interactions between them. Our results are discussed in terms of the electronic pathways for superexchange between copper ions, which are provided by the stacking of pyrazole and phenyl rings of neighboring molecules and by hydrogen-halogen bonds. © 1999 American Chemical Society.

Photodegradation of dichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenol by ferrioxalate/H2O2 system

The photo-Fenton process using potassium ferrioxalate as a mediator in the photodegradation reaction of organochloride compounds in an aqueous medium was investigated. The influence of parameters such as hydrogen peroxide and ferrioxalate concentrations and initial pH, was evaluated using dichloroacetic acid (DCA) as a model compound under black-light lamp irradiation. An upflow annular photoreactor, operating in a single pass or recirculating mode was used during photodegradation experiments with artificial light. The extent of the release of chloride ions was used to evaluate the photodegradation reaction. The optimum pH range observed was 2.5-2.8. The efficiency of DCA dechlorination increased with increasing concentrations of H2O2 and potassium ferrioxalate, reaching a plateau after the addition of 6 and 1.5 mmol/L of those reagents, respectively. The total organic carbon (TOC) content in DCA and 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) solutions was compared with the chloride released after photodegradation. The influence of natural solar light intensity, measured at 365 nm, was evaluated for the dechlorination of DCA on typical summer's days showing a linear dependency. The photodegradation of DCA using black-light lamp and solar irradiation was compared.

A joint theoretical and kinetic investigation on the fragmentation of (N-halo)-2-amino cycloalkanecarboxylates

A combined theoretical and experimental study to elucidate the molecular mechanism for the Grob fragmentation of different (N-halo)-2-amino cyclocarboxylates with the nitrogen atom in exocyclic position: (N-Cl)-2-amino cyclopropanecarboxylate (1), (N-Cl)-2-amino cyclobutanecarboxylate (2), (N-Cl)-2-amino cyclopentanecarboxylate (3) and (N-Cl)-2-amino cyclohexanecarboxylate (4), and the corresponding acyclic compounds, (N-Cl)-2-amino isobutyric acid (A), (N-Cl)-2-amino butyric acid (B), has been carried out. The kinetics of decomposition for these compounds and related bromine derivatives were experimentally determined by conventional and stopped-flow UV spectrophotometry. The reaction products have been analyzed by GC and spectrophotometry. Theoretical analysis is based in the localization of stationary points (reactants and transition structures) on the potential energy surface. Calculations were carried out at B3LYP/6-31+G* and MP2/6-31+G* computing methods in the gas phase, while solvent effects have been included by means the self-consistent reaction field theory, PCM continuum model, at MP2/6-31+G* and MP4/6-31+G*//MP2/6-31+G* calculation levels. Based on both experimental and theoretical results, the different Grob fragmentation processes show a global synchronicity index close to 0.9, corresponding to a nearly concerted process. At the TSs, the N-Cl bond breaking is more advanced than the C-C cleavage process. An antiperiplanar configuration of these bonds is reached at the TSs, and this geometrical arrangement is the key factor governing the decomposition. In the case of 1 and 2 the ring strain prevents this spatial disposition, leading to a larger value of the activation barrier. Natural population analysis shows that the polarization of the N-Cl and C-C bonds along the bond-breaking process can be considered the driving force for the decomposition and that a negative charge flows from the carboxylate group to the chlorine atom to assist the reaction pathway. A comparison of theoretical and experimental results shows the relevance of calculation level and the inclusion of solvent effects for determining accurate unimolecular rate coefficients for the decomposition process. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Solar photodegradation of dichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenol using an enhanced photo-Fenton process

The photo-Fenton process using potassium ferrioxalate as a mediator was investigated for the photodegradation of dichloracetic acid (DCA) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) in aqueous medium using solar light as source of irradiation. The influence of the solution depth, the light intensity and the effect of stirring the solution during irradiation process were evaluated using DCA as a model compound. A negligible influence of stirring the solution was observed when the concentration of ferrioxalate (FeOx) was 0.8 mM and solution depth was 4.5 or 14 cm. The optimum FeOx concentration determined for solution depths between 4.5 and 14 cm was 0.8 mM considering total organic carbon (TOC) removal during DCA irradiation. The high efficiency of the photo-Fenton process was demonstrated on summer days, when only 10 min of exposition (around noon) were sufficient to completely destroy the organic carbon of a 1.0 mM DCA solution in the presence of 0.8 mM FeOx and 6.0 mM H2O2 using a solution depth of 4.5 cm. It was observed that the photodegradation efficiency increases linearly with the solar light intensity up to values around 15 Wm-2 but this linear relationship does not hold above this value showing a square root dependence. The photodegradation of a solution of DCP/FeOx showed a lower TOC removal rate than that observed for DCA/FeOx, achieving ∼90% after 35 min irradiation under 19 Wm-2, while under this light intensity, the same TOC removal of DCA/FeOx was achieved in only 10 min irradiation. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The β-chemokines MIP-1α and RANTES and lipoprotein metabolism in HIV-infected Brazilian patients

HIV patients are predisposed to the development of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia as a result of both viral infection and HIV infection therapy, especially the protease inhibitors. Chemokines and cytokines are present at sites of inflammation and can influence the nature of the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis. We investigated the correlation between biochemical variables and β-chemokines (MIP-1α and RANTES) and the apolipoprotein E genotype in HIV-infected individuals. The apolipoproteins were measured by nephelometry. Triglycerides and total cholesterol were determined by standard enzymatic procedures. The β-chemokines were detected by ELISA. The genetic category of CCR5 and apolipoprotein E were determined by PCR amplification and restriction enzymes. Immunological and virological profiles were assessed by TCD4 + and TCD8 + lymphocyte counts and viral load quantification. Positive correlations were found between apo E and CD8 + (p = 0.035), apo E and viral load (p = 0.018), MIP-1α and triglycerides (p = 0.039) and MIP-1α and VLDL (p = 0.040). Negative correlations were found between viral load and CD4 + (p = 0.05) and RANTES and CD4 + (p = 0.029). The β-chemokine levels may influence lipid metabolism in HIV-infected individuals. © 2005 by The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Contexto Publishing. All rights reserved.

Histological investigation of a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing on wound healing in rats.

AIM: Alveolitis is considered a disturbance of the alveolar healing process that is characterized by blood clot disintegration, alveolar wall infection and extreme pain. Several substances have been investigated to improve healing and guarantee postoperative comfort to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate, microscopically, in rats, the healing process in non-infected tooth sockets, after application of a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, using lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring. METHODS: Forty-five rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) had their right incisor extracted and were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=15): Group I (control): the sockets were filled with blood clot; Group II: application of adrenaline solution at 1:1 000 with an absorbent paper point during 1 min plus filling of the socket with a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, with lanolin as vehicle, and mint as flavoring; Group III: filling of the socket with the 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, with lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring. After 6, 15 and 28 days postoperatively, 5 animals per group were euthanized with an injectable anesthetic overdose. Histological and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that the 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing with lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring yielded similar response as that of the normal repair group and may be used to prevent the onset of alveolitis in those cases in which any predisposing factor is present. CONCLUSIONS: The use of this dressing has shown a good postoperative patient's comfort and does not cause a significant delay in the alveolar healing process.

Induction pegylated interferon Alfa-2a and high dose ribavirin do not increase SVR in heavy patients with HCV genotype 1 and high viral loads

Background & Aims Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, body weight <85 kg, and high baseline viral load respond poorly to standard doses of pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin. We evaluated intensified therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin. Methods This double-blind randomized trial included HCV genotype 1-infected outpatients from hepatology clinics with body weight <85 kg and HCV RNA titer <400,000 IU/mL. Patients were randomized to 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 48 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (standard of care) (group A, n = 191) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group B, n = 189). Additional groups included 360 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 12 weeks then 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 36 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (group C, n = 382) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group D, n = 383). Follow-up lasted 24 weeks after treatment. Results Sustained virologic response rates (HCV RNA level <15 IU/mL at end of follow-up) in groups A, B, C, and D were 38%, 43%, 44%, and 41%, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 4 groups or between pooled peginterferon alfa-2a regimens (A + B vs C + D: odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.831.39; P = .584) or pooled ribavirin regimens (A + C vs B + D: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.791.28; P = .974). Conclusions In patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who are difficult to treat (high viral load, body weight <85 kg), a 12-week induction regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a and/or higher-dose ribavirin is not more effective than the standard regimen. © 2010 AGA Institute.

Dielectric tunability in (1-x)[Pb(Mg 1/3Nb 2/3)O 3]-xPbTiO 3 ceramics for tunable devices application

The dielectric properties of the 0.65[Pb(Mg 1/3Nb 2/3)O 3]-0.35PbTiO 3 ferroelectric ceramic composition were investigated viewing the capability to be used for tunable microwave applications. The dielectric response has been studied for three selected temperatures (300 K, 370 K and 400 K), below the paraelectric- ferroelectric phase transition temperature, as a function of the applied 'bias' electric field. The obtained dielectric tunability was found to be around 60 %, under an electric field of 19 kV/cm, which makes the studied ceramic composition an excellent candidate for application in the electro-electronic industry, as tunable devices. © 2010 IEEE.

SFlt-1 and IP-10 in women with early-onset preeclampsia

Intense inflammatory response and an anti-angiogenic state have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Here, we investigated this hypothesis evaluating the serum concentrations of CXCL10/IP-10, sFlt-1, and PlGF in women with early-onset preeclampsia. CXCL10/IP-10 was measured by Cytometric Bead Array. sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured by automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The median serum concentration of CXCL10/IP-10 was 109.5 pg/mL in preeclamptic women, as compared with 52.28 pg/mL in the controls (P = 0.0028). The mean serum level of sFlt-1 was 13,636 pg/mL in preeclamptic women, as compared with 2020 pg/mL in the controls (P < 0.0001). PlGF levels were significantly lower in women with preeclampsia. © 2011 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The expression of aquaporins 1 and 9 in adult rat epididymis is perturbed by chronic exposure to ethanol

Aquaporins (AQPs), notably AQP-1 and AQP-9, may contribute to reabsorption of fluid and solute across the epididymis. Ethanol is related to be a toxicant affecting directly or indirectly the epididymis and the sperm motility. This study examined the expression of AQP-1 and AQP-9 in adult epididymis of the UChA and UChB 10% (v/v) ethanol-preferring rats, focusing the ethanol-induced hormonal disturbances upon the regulation of these AQPs. Chronic ethanol intake significantly decreased body weight, while UChA and UChB rats displayed a marked loss of epididymal weights. Both ethanol-consuming animals had a severe reduction of testosterone levels, whereas LH and 17β-estradiol were unchanged. Throughout the epididymis, a strong reaction to AQP-1 was observed in myoid and endothelial cells of the UChB ethanol-preferring rats, differently from a moderate intensity in the initial segment of the UChA rats. In addition, AQP-9 showed a strong immunoreaction in the apical membrane of principal cells at initial segment. In cauda epididymis, the level of AQP-9 was reduced along the microvillus projections in both UChA and UChB rats compared to controls. We conclude that chronic ethanol consumption modulates the androgen levels, thereby modifying the expression pattern of AQP-1 and 9 in the epididymis. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Fine needle aspirate cell blocks are reliable for detection of hormone receptors and HER-2 by immunohistochemistry in breast carcinoma

Aims: To evaluate the reliability of fine needle aspirate cell blocks in the assessment of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2/neu proteins by immunohistochemistry in comparison with surgical specimens. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of 62 cases of breast carcinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and confirmed using the surgical specimen. Immunohistochemical tests were performed to assess the presence of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2/neu proteins in cell blocks and the corresponding surgical specimens. The cell block method used alcohol prior to formalin fixation. Cases with 10% or more stained cells were considered positive for ER and PR. Positivity for HER-2/neu was assessed on a scale of 0-3+. The criterion for positivity was a score of 3+. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the cell blocks in the investigation of ER, PR and HER-2/neu protein (3+) were (%): ER, 92.7, 85.7, 92.7, 85.7 and 90.3; PR, 92.7, 94.7, 97.4, 87.0 and 93.5; HER-2/neu, 70.0, 100.0, 100.0, 94.5 and 95.2. Discrepancies were seen in cell blocks in the 1+ and 2+ HER-2/neu staining scores: two of 12 cases scoring 2+ and one case of 26 scoring 1+ on cell blocks scored 3+ on surgical specimens. The correlation index between cell block and corresponding surgical specimen varied from 90% to 94%. Conclusion: Cell blocks provide a useful method of assessing ER, PR and HER-2/neu, mainly for inoperable and recurrent cases, but consideration should be given to carrying out FISH analysis on 1+ as well as 2+ HER-2/neu results. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.