Study of chemical properties and evaluation of collagen in mantle, epidermal connective tissue and tentacle of Indian Squid, Loligo duvauceli Orbigny

The chemical composition and evaluation of Indian squid (Loligo duvauceli) mantle, epidermal connective tissue and tentacle is investigated in this current study. It is observed that squid mantle contains 22.2% total protein; 63.5% of the total protein is myofibrillar protein. The unique property of squid myofibrillar protein is its water solubility. Squid mantle contains 12.0% total collagen. Epidermal connective tissue has highest amounts of total collagen (17.8%). SDS-PAGE of total collagen identified high molecular weight α-, β- and γ- sub-chains. Amino acid profile analysis indicates that mantle and tentacle contain essential amino acids. Arginine forms a major portion of mantle collagen (272.5 g/100 g N). Isoleucine, glutamic acid and lysine are other amino acids that are found in significantly high amounts in the mantle. Sulphur containing cystine is deficit in mantle collagen. Papain digest of mantle and epidermal connective tissue is rich in uronic acid, while papain digest, collagenase digest and urea digest of epidermal connective tissue has significant amounts of sialic acid (25.2, 33.2 and 99.8 μmol /100 g, respectively). PAS staining of papain digest, collagenase digest and urea digest also identify the association of hexoses with low molecular weight collagen fragments. Histochemical sectioning also emphasized the localized distribution of collagen in epidermal and dermal region and very sparse fibres traverse the myotome bundles

Sedimentology and Geochemistry of core sediments from the Ashtamudi estuary and the adjoining coastal plain,central Kerala,India

The evolution of coast through geological time scale is dependent on the transgression-regression event subsequent to the rise or fall of sea level. This event is accounted by investigation of the vertical sediment deposition patterns and their interrelationship for paleo-enviornmental reconstruction. Different methods like sedimentological (grain size and micro-morphological) and geochemical (elemental relationship) analyses as well as radiocarbon dating are generally used to decipher the sea level changes and paleoclimatic conditions of the Quaternary sediment sequence. For the Indian coast with a coastline length of about 7500 km, studies on geological and geomorphological signatures of sea level changes during the Quaternary were reported in general by researchers during the last two decades. However, for the southwest coast of India particularily Kerala which is famous for its coastal landforms comprising of estuaries, lagoons, backwaters, coastal plains, cliffs and barrier beaches, studies pertaining to the marine transgression-regression events in the southern region are limited. The Neendakara-Kayamkulam coastal stretch in central Kerala where the coast is manifested with shore parallel Kayamkulam Lagoon on one side and shore perpendicular Ashtamudi Estuary on the other side indicating existence of an uplifted prograded coastal margin followed by barrier beaches, backwater channels, ridge and runnel topography is an ideal site for studying such events. Hence the present study has been taken up in this context to address the gap area. The location for collection of core samples representing coastal plain, estuarylagoon and offshore regions have been identified based on published literature and available sedimentary records. The objectives of the research work are:  To study the lithological variations and depositional environments of sediment cores along the coastal plain, estuary-lagoon and offshore regions between Kollam and Kayamkulam in the central Kerala coast  To study the transportation and diagenetic history of sediments in the area  To investigate the geochemical characterization of sediments and to elucidate the source-sink relationship  To understand the marine transgression-regression events and to propose a conceptual model for the region The thesis comprises of 8 chapters. The first chapter embodies the preamble for the selection and significance of this research work. The study area is introduced with details on its physiographical, geological, geomorphological, rainfall and climate information. A review of literature, compiling the research on different aspects such as physico-chemical, geomorphological, tectonics, transgression-regression events are presented in the second chapter and they are broadly classified into three viz:- International, National and Kerala. The field data collection and laboratory analyses adopted in the research work are discussed in the third chapter. For collection of sediment core samples from the coastal plains, rotary drilling method was employed whereas for the estuary-lagoon and offshore locations the gravity/piston corer method was adopted. The collected subsurficial samples were analysed for texture, surface micro-texture, elemental analysis, XRD and radiocarbon dating techniques for age determination. The fourth chapter deals with the textural analysis of the core samples collected from various predefined locations of the study area. The result reveals that the Ashtamudi Estuary is composed of silty clay to clayey type of sediments whereas offshore cores are carpeted with silty clay to relict sand. Investigation of the source of sediments deposited in the coastal plain located on either side of the estuary indicates the dominance of terrigenous to marine origin in the southern region whereas it is predominantly of marine origin towards the north. Further the hydrodynamic conditions as well as the depositional enviornment of the sediment cores are elucidated based on statistical parameters that decipher the deposition pattern at various locations viz., coastal plain (open to closed basin), Ashtamudi Estuary (partially open to restricted estuary to closed basin) and offshore (open channel). The intensity of clay minerals is also discussed. From the results of radiocarbon dating the sediment depositional environments were deciphered.The results of the microtextural study of sediment samples (quartz grains) using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) are presented in the fifth chapter. These results throw light on the processes of transport and diagenetic history of the detrital sediments. Based on the lithological variations, selected quartz grains of different environments were also analysed. The study indicates that the southern coastal plain sediments were transported and deposited mechanically under fluvial environment followed by diagenesis under prolonged marine incursion. But in the case of the northern coastal plain, the sediments were transported and deposited under littoral environment indicating the dominance of marine incursion through mechanical as well as chemical processes. The quartz grains of the Ashtamudi Estuary indicate fluvial origin. The surface texture features of the offshore sediments suggest that the quartz grains are of littoral origin and represent the relict beach deposits. The geochemical characterisation of sediment cores based on geochemical classification, sediment maturity, palaeo-weathering and provenance in different environments are discussed in the sixth chapter. In the seventh chapter the integration of multiproxies data along with radiocarbon dates are presented and finally evolution and depositional history based on transgression–regression events is deciphered. The eighth chapter summarizes the major findings and conclusions of the study with recommendation for future work.

Iodide Transport Defect: Functional Characterization of a Novel Mutation in the Na(+)/I(-) Symporter 5 `-Untranslated Region in a Patient with Congenital Hypothyroidism

Context: Iodide transport defect (ITD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by impaired Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS)-mediated active iodide accumulation into thyroid follicular cells. Clinical manifestations comprise a variable degree of congenital hypothyroidism and goiter, and low to absent radioiodide uptake, as determined by thyroid scintigraphy. Hereditary molecular defects in NIS have been shown to cause ITD. Objective: Our objective was to perform molecular studies on NIS in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism presenting a clinical ITD phenotype. Design: The genomic DNA encoding NIS was sequenced, and an in vitro functional study of a newly identified NIS mutation was performed. Results: The analysis revealed the presence of an undescribed homozygous C to T transition at nucleotide -54 (-54C>T) located in the 5`-untranslated region in the NIS sequence. Functional studies in vitro demonstrated that the mutation was associated with a substantial decrease in iodide uptake when transfected into Cos-7 cells. The mutation severely impaired NIS protein expression, although NIS mRNA levels remained similar to those in cells transfected with wild-type NIS, suggesting a translational deficiency elicited by the mutation. Polysome profile analysis demonstrated reduced levels of polyribosomes-associated mutant NIS mRNA, consistent with reduced translation efficiency. Conclusions: We described a novel mutation in the 5`-untranslated region of the NIS gene in a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism bearing a clinical ITD phenotype. Functional evaluation of the molecular mechanism responsible for impaired NIS-mediated iodide concentration in thyroid cells indicated that the identified mutation reduces NIS translation efficiency with a subsequent decrease in protein expression and function. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96: E1100-E1107, 2011)

Metodologias estatísticas aplicadas a dados de análises químicas da água produzida em um campo maduro de petróleo

Produced water is characterized as one of the most common wastes generated during exploration and production of oil. This work aims to develop methodologies based on comparative statistical processes of hydrogeochemical analysis of production zones in order to minimize types of high-cost interventions to perform identification test fluids - TIF. For the study, 27 samples were collected from five different production zones were measured a total of 50 chemical species. After the chemical analysis was applied the statistical data, using the R Statistical Software, version 2.11.1. Statistical analysis was performed in three steps. In the first stage, the objective was to investigate the behavior of chemical species under study in each area of production through the descriptive graphical analysis. The second step was to identify a function that classify production zones from each sample, using discriminant analysis. In the training stage, the rate of correct classification function of discriminant analysis was 85.19%. The next stage of processing of the data used for Principal Component Analysis, by reducing the number of variables obtained from the linear combination of chemical species, try to improve the discriminant function obtained in the second stage and increase the discrimination power of the data, but the result was not satisfactory. In Profile Analysis curves were obtained for each production area, based on the characteristics of the chemical species present in each zone. With this study it was possible to develop a method using hydrochemistry and statistical analysis that can be used to distinguish the water produced in mature fields of oil, so that it is possible to identify the zone of production that is contributing to the excessive elevation of the water volume.

Hemogasometria e variáveis cardiopulmonares após administração do butorfanol em cães anestesiados pelo desfluorano sob ventilação espontânea

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

Coordenador gestor, coordenador pedagógico ou coordenador empreendedor: análise do perfil de coordenadores de curso em IES privada

This dissertation aims to identify the profile of the course coordinators of the Estacio/Natal Group Units , toward an understanding of the factors that can improve the relationship of this person within the HEIs surveyed , with students , teachers , directors . Seeks to understand the entrepreneurial and strategic actions in offering quality higher education . At first , a literature search , with the purpose of collecting issues related to theme , focusing on the concepts and landscapes through which they come to higher education was conducted , the course coordinator and entrepreneur profile. The research approach is quantitative . As for goals is descriptive exploratory , by providing greater understanding of the phenomenon investigated and understand the relationships among the concepts involved in the issue studied . A survey of data was done through personal interview , since this method allows the study of questions based on organizational and managerial field. The object of investigation are all the course coordinators of the four units of Estacio / Natal Group . The research instrument consisted of 13 closed questions to identify the profile of the engineer, 17 questions with Likert scale of 5 points for identifying the entrepreneurial profile , 42 questions with Likert scale of 5 points which measured the dimensions of the activity coordinator , 4 open and optional questions that measured the difficulties and opportunities that impact the development of entrepreneurship in the management of courses . Was used as statistical method ( analysis) and descriptive statistics. We conclude that the information collected and knowledge gained can contribute to the HEIs surveyed overcome challenges , foster strategic innovation management courses focusing on the implementation of a new vision of the course coordinator , as a professional who balances skills management and pedagogical skills , and innovation through entrepreneurial skills

eIF5A has a function in the elongation step of translation in yeast

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The effects of atropine and methotrimeprazine on the epinephrine-induced arrhythmias in halothane-anesthetized dogs

The effects of atropine and methotrimeprazine on epinephrine-induced ventricular arrhythmias were evaluated in halothane-anesthetized dogs. Ten mixed-breed dogs were assigned to 3 treatments (saline, atropine, and methotrimeprazine) in a randomized complete block design. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration) in oxygen. Controlled ventilation was used throughout to maintain eucapnia. Saline, atropine (0.05 mg/kg, IV) or methotrimeprazine (0.5 mg/kg, IV) were administered and, 5 minutes later the arrhythmogenic dose of epinephrine (ADE) was measured by IV infusion of progressively increasing infusion rates of epinephrine, until the ventricular arrhythmia criterion was met (at least 4 ectopic ventricular contractions (EVCs) during a 15-second period). Data were analyzed using a student's t-test for ADE values and multivariate profile analysis for heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (ABP), and rate pressure product (RPP). The ADE increased in atropine- and methotrimeprazine-treated groups, whereas 1 and 4 animals from these groups did not develop any ventricular arrhythmia, respectively. Epinephrine induced multiform premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in the atropine group, whereas ventricular escape beats were observed in the control and methotrimeprazine groups. Heart rate and RPP decreased, and ABP increased at the time of ADE observation in the control group. Epinephrine infusion in the atropine group caused marked increases in HR, ABP, and RPP, which were associated with pulsus alternans in 2 animals. It was concluded that 1) the presence of cholinergic blockade influences the type of ventricular arrhythmia induced by epinephrine; 2) increased ADE values recorded following atropine administration must be cautiously interpreted, since in this situation the PVCs were associated with signs of increased myocardial work and ventricular failure; and 3) the use of a broader arrhythmia criterion (EVCs instead of PVCs) may not allow a direct comparison between ADE values, since it includes ventricular arrhythmias mediated by different mechanisms.

Influência da medicação pré-anestésica com midazolam e clonidina no nível de hipnose após indução anestésica com propofol e alfentanil em crianças: monitorização pelo índice bispectral

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A medicação pré-anestésica (MPA) é adjuvante da anestesia e diminui tanto a necessidade de concentrações elevadas de anestésicos como a ansiedade perioperatória, produzindo amnésia e contribuindo para estabilidade hemodinâmica. Dentre as drogas administradas na MPA de crianças, encontram-se o midazolam e a clonidina. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar se a MPA com midazolam e clonidina exerce influência no nível de hipnose, avaliado pelo BIS, em crianças após indução anestésica com propofol e alfentanil. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 30 pacientes, com idades entre 2 e 12 anos, estado físico ASA I, submetidos a cirurgias eletivas, que foram distribuídos em 3 grupos: G1 - sem MPA, G2 - midazolam (0,5 mg.kg-1) e G3 - clonidina (4 µg.kg-1), por via oral, 60 minutos antes da cirurgia. Todos os pacientes receberam alfentanil (30 µg.kg-1), propofol (3 mg.kg-1) e atracúrio (0,5 mg.kg-1). Avaliou-se o valor derivado do BIS antes da indução da anestesia (M1) e após a intubação (M2). O método estatístico utilizado foi a análise de variância para idade, peso e altura, e análise de perfil para o BIS, sendo o valor de p < 0,05 considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Quando se comparou o mesmo momento (M1 ou M2) entre os três grupos, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Quando se compararam os dois momentos de um mesmo grupo, M1 foi maior que M2 nos três grupos. CONCLUSÕES: A medicação pré-anestésica com midazolam e clonidina não influenciou o nível de hipnose em crianças induzidas com propofol e alfentanil.

Influência da massa corporal sobre a aptidão física em adolescentes: estudo a partir de escolares do ensino fundamental e médio de Sorocaba/SP

Reconhecendo a exposição a riscos à saúde a que adolescentes obesos estão submetidos e a necessidade da produção de estudos, os quais relacionem excesso de peso corporal e capacidade física durante a puberdade, configura-se como objetivo da presente comunicação explorar as relações entre o sobrepeso e a aptidão física dos alunos de ensino fundamental e médio de escola particular paulista. Trata-se de estudo de coorte, considerando como variável independente o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e como dependentes a resistência muscular localizada (RML) abdominal, força de membros inferiores (MMII), flexibilidade e agilidade. Os dados de interesse foram colhidos em duas oportunidades (no início de dois anos letivos subseqüentes), segundo testes específicos. Foi realizada análise multivariada dos perfis médios, complementada com a construção dos intervalos de confiança simultâneos, ao nível de 5% de significância. Constatou-se prevalência de 21,42% de sobrepeso e associação deste com: i) em meninos, menores RML abdominal e força de MMII e não evolução nas médias de agilidade; ii) em meninas, menor RML abdominal e agilidade, no início do período considerado. Ao se compararem os resultados entre os dois momentos de avaliação, notou-se que: i) a agilidade, das meninas com peso corporal adequado diminuiu significantemente; ii) a RML abdominal, mesmo do grupo masculino com sobrepeso, aumentou; e iii) a agilidade, somente em meninos com IMC inferior, melhorou. Verificaram-se, também entre o sexo masculino, médias de RML abdominal, força de MMII e agilidade significantemente maiores que as do grupo feminino. Nesse sentido, revela-se que a prescrição da atividade física para adolescentes deve realmente ser específica segundo composição corporal e sexo.

Effect of melatonin on the oxidative metabolism of colostrum phagocytes of diabetic women

Aim: the aim of this study was verified the ability of melatonin hormone to modulate the oxidative metabolism of colostral phagocytes from diabetic mothers. Methods: based on 100g-OGTT and glucose profile analysis subjects were allocated into two groups: Non-diabetic (ND-10) and Diabetic (DM-8). Cells were separated by a Ficoll-Paque gradient and the oxidative metabolism was available thought superoxide release by colostrum phagocytes using the cytochrome C method. Results: melatonin hormone increased superoxide release by colostrum phagocytes of ND and decreased these release in colostrum phagocytes of DM mothers. Conclusion: the results suggest that the melatonin hormone can modulate the oxidative metabolism of phagocytes and an existence of relationship between control of glucose metabolism and melatonin action in colostrum phagocytes.

Perfil bioquímico das galinhas poedeiras na região de Araçatuba-SP

The establishment of reference values is extremely important for successful diagnosis and treatament. Considering that in most species the serum chemistry profile is influenced by race, climate and management, we decided to determine the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), phosphatase alkaline (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total protein (TP) and albumin of Dekalb hens in the region of Aracatuba - SP. All samples were processed soon after harvesting in an automatic biochemical analyzer calibrated and monitored with control serum levels I and II. The following confidence intervals were obtained: 44-65,5 U / L (AST); 18,4-21,2 U / L (ALT), 2.1-2.5 mg / dL (uric acid); 1.7 to 5.7 U / L (CK); CI 1.2-2.2 mg / dL (creatinine), 1276-1506 U / L (FA); 18-23,4 U / L (GGT); 27.12 to 29 g / L (PT), from 11.4 to 12.16 g / L (albumin).

Geoprocessamento para identificar padrões do perfil de nascimentos na região do Vale do Paraíba

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

Sevoflurano e desflurano sobre o ritmo cardíaco de cães tratados com infusão contínua de doses crescentes de adrenalina

Os anestésicos inalatórios sensibilizam o miocárdio ou seu sistema de condução à ação das catecolaminas endógenas e/ou exógenas, predispondo o animal às arritmias cardíacas. Dentre os anestésicos voláteis, o sevoflurano e o desflurano são fármacos relativamente recentes e, embora sejam dotados de características relacionadas a não sensibilização do miocárdio às catecolaminas, desconhecem-se estudos que comparem suas eventuais propriedades antiarritmogênicas. Com o objetivo de estudar, comparativamente, o comportamento do ritmo cardíaco e observar eventuais bloqueios atrioventriculares em cães anestesiados pelo sevoflurano e desflurano e submetidos à infusão contínua de adrenalina, foram utilizados 20 animais adultos, os quais foram separados em dois grupos de igual número (G1 e G2). Aos cães do G1, foi administrado propofol, na dose média de 10mmg.kg-1; em seguida os animais receberam sevoflurano, a 1,5CAM. Decorridos 30 minutos do início da administração do anestésico volátil, iniciou-se a infusão de adrenalina na dose de 1mmg.kg-1.min-1. A cada 10 minutos, a dose da catecolamina foi acrescida em uma unidade, cessando-se a administração em 6mmg.kg-1.min-1. Para o G2, empregou-se a mesma metodologia, substituindo-se o sevoflurano pelo desflurano, administrado a 1,5CAM. A cada dose de adrenalina, foi feita contagem de batimentos ventriculares ectópicos, bem como a observação de bloqueios atrioventriculares. Os achados foram tratados pelos métodos estatísticos de Análise de Perfil e Kruskall-Wallis. Os resultados permitiram concluir que o desflurano minimiza de maneira mais eficiente a arritmia induzida pela adrenalina, além de reduzir a incidência de bloqueios atrioventriculares.

Avaliação da buprenorfina pelas vias intravenosa ou intramuscular em cães anestesiados pelo desfluorano

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