RESUMEN

Pairs of photons simultaneously entangled in their path and polarization degrees of freedom are used to measure the topological phase acquired by bipartite entangled states. Conditional phase local unitary operations having the polarization degree of freedom as the control variable are applied. Qudits of arbitrary dimensions are encoded on the photons transverse positions while polarization entanglement is used as an auxiliary resource for quantum interference measurements. With this scheme the fractional phases predicted for dimensions d = 2, 3 and 4 could be measured with visibilities for the interference curves beyond the limit allowed for classical sources, which is expected for a source of quantum correlated photons. The strategy of perform a quantum interferometry experiment with photons entangled in an auxiliary degree of freedom and apply unitary local operations conditioned to this auxiliary variable shows an increase to the signal to noise ratio, simplifies alignment and can be used in different applications. This offers an interesting perspective for the efficient implementation of phase gates in quantum computing with hyperentangled photon sources in polarization and path degrees of freedom. Furthermore, one can conjecture whether the measured phase can serve as a dimensionality identifier of the Hilbert space dimension for an unknown state preparation.

RESUMEN

In order to achieve deep insight into the multiferroic behavior and electronic properties of intrinsic oxygen vacancies in ATiO3 (A = Mn, Fe, Ni), first-principles calculations based on hybrid density functional theory were carried out for bulk and non-polar (110) surface models. We found that the formation of an oxygen vacancy is accompanied by structural and electronic disorders in the constituent clusters of [TiO6] and [AO6] in ATiO3, that become [TiO5] and [AO5], respectively. This perturbation contributes to the generation of intermediary energy levels in the band gap region, thus narrowing the required excitation energy. In addition, the remaining electrons are mainly trapped in the empty 3d orbitals of the Ti cations neighboring the oxygen vacancy, generating [TiO5]' (3d1) that mediates an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in MnTiO3 and FeTiO3 materials. In particular, MnTiO3 surfaces show exposed [TiO4]' species that are responsible for its half-metallic behavior. The present work provides compelling evidence that controlling oxygen vacancies can be a valuable strategy to tailor the multiferroic properties of ATiO3 materials.

RESUMEN

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar o ajuste dos modelos de Brody, Gompertz, Logístico e Von Bertalanffy aos dados de altura na cernelha de equinos Mangalarga Marchador, ponderando pelo inverso da variância, a fim de selecionar o melhor modelo e predizer sobre o crescimento e a maturidade dos animais dessa raça. Foram utilizados dados de 230 equinos dos seis aos 176 meses de idade, os quais foram divididos por sexo e em 16 classes de idade. Os modelos estudados foram comparados segundo os avaliadores de qualidade: coeficiente de determinação (R2); desvio padrão residual (DPR) e critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). A estimação dos parâmetros dos modelos foi realizada pelo método de mínimos quadrados ponderado no software R. Todos os modelos avaliados se mostraram adequados para descrever a curva de crescimento em ambos os sexos. Perante os avaliadores utilizados, o modelo Logístico foi o mais adequado para descrever as curvas de crescimento em altura na cernelha nos dois sexos da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Observou-se também um crescimento acelerado nos primeiros meses de idade. Os animais machos atingiram uma altura adulta maior, porém as fêmeas são mais precoces, pois apresentaram maior estimativa para o índice de maturidade.(AU)

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This work aimed to evaluate the fit of models Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy to height at the withers of Mangalarga Marchador horses, weighed by the inverse of variance, in order to select the best model and predict growth and maturity of this breed pf animals. We used data of 230 equines from 06 to 176 months of age who were divided by sex and 16 age classes. The models were compared according to the quality assessors: coefficient of determination (R2); residual standard deviation (RSD) and Akaike information criteria (AIC). The estimation of the parameters from models was performed by the weighted least squares method in Software R. All models evaluated were suitable to describe the growth curve in both sexes. In view of the evaluators used, the logistic model was the most suitable to describe the growth curves in withers height in both sexes for the race Mangalarga Marchador. A strong growth at first age was also observed. The males reached a greater adult height, but females did so sooner, because they presented higher estimates for the maturity index.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Caballos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Análisis de Varianza , Modelos Teóricos

RESUMEN

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar o ajuste dos modelos de Brody, Gompertz, Logístico e Von Bertalanffy aos dados de altura na cernelha de equinos Mangalarga Marchador, ponderando pelo inverso da variância, a fim de selecionar o melhor modelo e predizer sobre o crescimento e a maturidade dos animais dessa raça. Foram utilizados dados de 230 equinos dos seis aos 176 meses de idade, os quais foram divididos por sexo e em 16 classes de idade. Os modelos estudados foram comparados segundo os avaliadores de qualidade: coeficiente de determinação (R2); desvio padrão residual (DPR) e critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). A estimação dos parâmetros dos modelos foi realizada pelo método de mínimos quadrados ponderado no software R. Todos os modelos avaliados se mostraram adequados para descrever a curva de crescimento em ambos os sexos. Perante os avaliadores utilizados, o modelo Logístico foi o mais adequado para descrever as curvas de crescimento em altura na cernelha nos dois sexos da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Observou-se também um crescimento acelerado nos primeiros meses de idade. Os animais machos atingiram uma altura adulta maior, porém as fêmeas são mais precoces, pois apresentaram maior estimativa para o índice de maturidade.(AU)

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This work aimed to evaluate the fit of models Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy to height at the withers of Mangalarga Marchador horses, weighed by the inverse of variance, in order to select the best model and predict growth and maturity of this breed pf animals. We used data of 230 equines from 06 to 176 months of age who were divided by sex and 16 age classes. The models were compared according to the quality assessors: coefficient of determination (R2); residual standard deviation (RSD) and Akaike information criteria (AIC). The estimation of the parameters from models was performed by the weighted least squares method in Software R. All models evaluated were suitable to describe the growth curve in both sexes. In view of the evaluators used, the logistic model was the most suitable to describe the growth curves in withers height in both sexes for the race Mangalarga Marchador. A strong growth at first age was also observed. The males reached a greater adult height, but females did so sooner, because they presented higher estimates for the maturity index.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Análisis de Varianza , Caballos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Modelos Teóricos

RESUMEN

Modifications in life-style and/or pharmacotherapies contribute to weight loss and ameliorate the metabolic profile of diet-induced obese humans and rodents. Since these strategies fail to treat hypothalamic obesity, we have assessed the possible mechanisms by which duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB) surgery regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and the morphophysiology of pancreatic islets, in hypothalamic obese (HyO) rats. During the first 5 days of life, male Wistar rats received subcutaneous injections of monosodium glutamate (4 g/kg body weight, HyO group), or saline (CTL). At 90 days of age, HyO rats were randomly subjected to DJB (HyO DJB group) or sham surgery (HyO Sham group). HyO Sham rats were morbidly obese, insulin resistant, hypertriglyceridemic and displayed higher serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and hepatic triglyceride (TG). These effects were associated with higher expressions of the lipogenic genes and fatty acid synthase (FASN) protein content in the liver. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in ß-oxidation and TG export were down-regulated in HyO rats. In addition, these rats exhibited hyperinsulinemia, ß-cell hypersecretion, a higher percentage of islets and ß-cell area/pancreas section, and enhanced nuclear content of Ki67 protein in islet-cells. At 2 months after DJB surgery, serum concentrations of TG and NEFA, but not hepatic TG accumulation and gene and protein expressions, were normalized in HyO rats. Insulin release and Ki67 positive cells were also normalized in HyO DJB islets. In conclusion, DJB decreased islet-cell proliferation, normalized insulinemia, and ameliorated insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid profile, independently of changes in hepatic metabolism.

Asunto(s)

Duodeno/cirugía , Hígado Graso/metabolismo , Derivación Gástrica/métodos , Enfermedades Hipotalámicas/metabolismo , Islotes Pancreáticos/citología , Islotes Pancreáticos/metabolismo , Yeyuno/cirugía , Obesidad/metabolismo , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Glucemia/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular , Colesterol/sangre , Acido Graso Sintasa Tipo I/metabolismo , Ácidos Grasos/sangre , Hígado Graso/fisiopatología , Enfermedades Hipotalámicas/fisiopatología , Enfermedades Hipotalámicas/cirugía , Insulina/metabolismo , Resistencia a la Insulina , Secreción de Insulina , Islotes Pancreáticos/fisiopatología , Lipogénesis/genética , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Obesidad/cirugía , Páncreas/metabolismo , Páncreas/patología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas Wistar , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Factores de Tiempo , Triglicéridos/sangre

RESUMEN

ß-YbAlB4 has become one of the most studied heavy fermion systems since its discovery due to its remarkable physical properties. This system is the first reported Yb-based heavy-fermion superconductor (HFS) for which the low-T superconducting state emerges from a non-fermi-liquid (NFL) normal state associated with quantum criticality Nakatsuji et al 2008 Nature 4 603. Additionally, it presents a striking and unprecedented electron spin resonance (ESR) signal which behaves as a conduction electron spin resonance (CESR) at high temperatures and acquires features of the Yb(3+) local moment ESR at low temperatures. The latter, also named Kondo quasiparticles spin resonance (KQSR), has been defined as a 4f-ce strongly coupled ESR mode that behaves as a local probe of the Kondo quasiparticles in a quantum critical regime, Holanda et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 026402. Interestingly, ß-YbAlB4 possesses a previously known structural variant, namely the α-YbAlB4, phase which is a paramagnetic Fermi liquid (FL) at low temperatures Macaluso et al 2007 Chem. Mater. 19 1918. However, it has been recently suggested that the α-YbAlB4 phase may be tuned to NFL behavior and/or magnetic ordering as the compound is doped with Fe. Here we report ESR studies on the α-Yb1-xFexAlB4 (0 â©½ x â©½ 0.50) series as well as on the reference compound α-LuAlB4. For all measured samples, the observed ESR signal behaves as a CESR in the entire temperature range (10 K â‰² T â‰² 300 K) in clear contrast with what has been observed for ß-YbAlB4. This striking result indicates that the proximity to a quantum critical point is crucial to the occurrence of a KQSR signal.

RESUMEN

Apolipoprotein E (APOE=gene, apoE=protein) is a known factor regulating the inflammatory response that may have regenerative effects during tissue recovery from injury. We investigated whether apoE deficiency reduces the healing effect of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) treatment, a recognized gut-trophic nutrient, during tissue recovery after 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. APOE-knockout (APOE-/-) and wild-type (APOE+/+) C57BL6J male and female mice (N=86) were given either Ala-Gln (100 mM) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) by gavage 3 days before and 5 days after a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) challenge (450 mg/kg, via intraperitoneal injection). Mouse body weight was monitored daily. The 5-FU cytotoxic effect was evaluated by leukometry. Intestinal villus height, villus/crypt ratio, and villin expression were monitored to assess recovery of the intestinal absorptive surface area. Crypt length, mitotic, apoptotic, and necrotic crypt indexes, and quantitative real-time PCR for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) intestinal mRNA transcripts were used to evaluate intestinal epithelial cell turnover. 5-FU challenge caused significant weight loss and leukopenia (P<0.001) in both mouse strains, which was not improved by Ala-Gln. Villus blunting, crypt hyperplasia, and reduced villus/crypt ratio (P<0.05) were found in all 5-FU-challenged mice but not in PBS controls. Ala-Gln improved villus/crypt ratio, crypt length and mitotic index in all challenged mice, compared with PBS controls. Ala-Gln improved villus height only in APOE-/- mice. Crypt cell apoptosis and necrotic scores were increased in all mice challenged by 5-FU, compared with untreated controls. Those scores were significantly lower in Ala-Gln-treated APOE+/+ mice than in controls. Bcl-2 and IGF-1 mRNA transcripts were reduced only in the APOE-/--challenged mice. Altogether our findings suggest APOE-independent Ala-Gln regenerative effects after 5-FU challenge.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Antimetabolitos Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Apolipoproteínas E/deficiencia , Dipéptidos/farmacología , Fluorouracilo/efectos adversos , Mucosa Intestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Mucositis/tratamiento farmacológico , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Peso Corporal , Dipéptidos/uso terapéutico , Factor I del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/análisis , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Recuento de Leucocitos , Linfoma de Células B , Mitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Mucositis/inducido químicamente , Mucositis/patología , Distribución Aleatoria , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

Apolipoprotein E (APOE=gene, apoE=protein) is a known factor regulating the inflammatory response that may have regenerative effects during tissue recovery from injury. We investigated whether apoE deficiency reduces the healing effect of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) treatment, a recognized gut-trophic nutrient, during tissue recovery after 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. APOE-knockout (APOE-/-) and wild-type (APOE+/+) C57BL6J male and female mice (N=86) were given either Ala-Gln (100 mM) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) by gavage 3 days before and 5 days after a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) challenge (450 mg/kg, via intraperitoneal injection). Mouse body weight was monitored daily. The 5-FU cytotoxic effect was evaluated by leukometry. Intestinal villus height, villus/crypt ratio, and villin expression were monitored to assess recovery of the intestinal absorptive surface area. Crypt length, mitotic, apoptotic, and necrotic crypt indexes, and quantitative real-time PCR for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) intestinal mRNA transcripts were used to evaluate intestinal epithelial cell turnover. 5-FU challenge caused significant weight loss and leukopenia (P<0.001) in both mouse strains, which was not improved by Ala-Gln. Villus blunting, crypt hyperplasia, and reduced villus/crypt ratio (P<0.05) were found in all 5-FU-challenged mice but not in PBS controls. Ala-Gln improved villus/crypt ratio, crypt length and mitotic index in all challenged mice, compared with PBS controls. Ala-Gln improved villus height only in APOE-/- mice. Crypt cell apoptosis and necrotic scores were increased in all mice challenged by 5-FU, compared with untreated controls. Those scores were significantly lower in Ala-Gln-treated APOE+/+ mice than in controls. Bcl-2 and IGF-1 mRNA transcripts were reduced only in the APOE-/- -challenged mice. Altogether our findings suggest APOE-independent Ala-Gln regenerative effects after 5-FU challenge.

Asunto(s)

Antimetabolitos Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Apolipoproteínas E/deficiencia , Dipéptidos/farmacología , Fluorouracilo/efectos adversos , Mucosa Intestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Mucositis/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Peso Corporal , Dipéptidos/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Factor I del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/análisis , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Recuento de Leucocitos , Linfoma de Células B , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Mitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Mucositis/inducido químicamente , Mucositis/patología , Distribución Aleatoria , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

The parasympathetic nervous system is important for β-cell secretion and mass regulation. Here, we characterized involvement of the vagus nerve in pancreatic β-cell morphofunctional regulation and body nutrient homeostasis in 90-day-old monosodium glutamate (MSG)-obese rats. Male newborn Wistar rats received MSG (4 g/kg body weight) or saline [control (CTL) group] during the first 5 days of life. At 30 days of age, both groups of rats were submitted to sham-surgery (CTL and MSG groups) or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (Cvag and Mvag groups). The 90-day-old MSG rats presented obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hypertriglyceridemia. Their pancreatic islets hypersecreted insulin in response to glucose but did not increase insulin release upon carbachol (Cch) stimulus, despite a higher intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Furthermore, while the pancreas weight was 34% lower in MSG rats, no alteration in islet and β-cell mass was observed. However, in the MSG pancreas, increases of 51% and 55% were observed in the total islet and β-cell area/pancreas section, respectively. Also, the β-cell number per β-cell area was 19% higher in MSG rat pancreas than in CTL pancreas. Vagotomy prevented obesity, reducing 25% of body fat stores and ameliorated glucose homeostasis in Mvag rats. Mvag islets demonstrated partially reduced insulin secretion in response to 11.1 mM glucose and presented normalization of Cch-induced Ca2+ mobilization and insulin release. All morphometric parameters were similar among Mvag and CTL rat pancreases. Therefore, the higher insulin release in MSG rats was associated with greater β-cell/islet numbers and not due to hypertrophy. Vagotomy improved whole body nutrient homeostasis and endocrine pancreatic morphofunction in Mvag rats.

Asunto(s)

Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Cese del Hábito de Fumar/métodos , Fumar/prevención & control , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/rehabilitación , Atención Ambulatoria/métodos , Tratamiento de Sustitución de Opiáceos/métodos , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/rehabilitación , Autoinforme , Cese del Hábito de Fumar/psicología , Fumar/epidemiología , Fumar/psicología , Tabaquismo/rehabilitación

RESUMEN

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious chronic disease with a lethality rate of up to 10% in humans. In urban areas of Brazil, dogs are the main reservoirs of the etiological agent (Leishmania infantum) of VL, and the Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends the euthanasia of animals that are seropositive in both the immunochromatographic dual path platform rapid test (DPP(®); Bio-Manguinhos) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with an L. major-like antigen (Bio-Manguinhos). Vaccination is an additional tool in the control of canine VL, but the use of Leishmune(®) (Zoetis Indústria de Produtos Veterinários, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), which contains the fucose mannose ligand (FML) isolated from L. donovani, is not currently recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health because vaccinated animals may exhibit positive serology and there are reservations regarding the efficacy of the vaccine. The aims of the present study were: (i) to verify the abilities of the fast agglutination screening test (FAST), the direct agglutination test (DAT), the indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT), the DPP rapid test, and ELISA tests with L. major-like and FML antigens to differentiate between L. infantum-infected and Leishmune(®)-vaccinated dogs, and (ii) to analyze the sensitivities and specificities of the different methods. The reactivities to these tests of Leishmune(®)-vaccinated dogs (n = 71), asymptomatic (n = 20) and symptomatic (n = 20) naturally infected dogs, and unvaccinated healthy control dogs (n = 5) were compared. None of the Leishmune(®)-vaccinated dogs tested seropositive in FAST and DAT, although one dog was reactive to DPP and four dogs to ELISA/L. major-like and IFAT tests. While 69 (97%) of vaccinated dogs reacted to ELISA/FML, only one was seropositive in both ELISA/L. major-like and IFAT tests. Individually, all immunodiagnostic tests presented high specificities and positive likelihood ratios (LR+), and high specificity values were obtained when the tests were considered in pairs. However, sensitivity and LR- values were low for ELISA/L. major-like and IFAT tests individually, and for all pair combinations of tests except for FAST with DPP.

Asunto(s)

Técnicas y Procedimientos Diagnósticos/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Leishmaniasis Visceral/veterinaria , Pruebas de Aglutinación/normas , Pruebas de Aglutinación/veterinaria , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Antígenos de Protozoos/sangre , Brasil , Técnicas y Procedimientos Diagnósticos/normas , Perros , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/normas , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/normas , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/veterinaria , Leishmania infantum/inmunología , Leishmaniasis Visceral/diagnóstico , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Vacunación/veterinaria

RESUMEN

The parasympathetic nervous system is important for ß-cell secretion and mass regulation. Here, we characterized involvement of the vagus nerve in pancreatic ß-cell morphofunctional regulation and body nutrient homeostasis in 90-day-old monosodium glutamate (MSG)-obese rats. Male newborn Wistar rats received MSG (4 g/kg body weight) or saline [control (CTL) group] during the first 5 days of life. At 30 days of age, both groups of rats were submitted to sham-surgery (CTL and MSG groups) or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (Cvag and Mvag groups). The 90-day-old MSG rats presented obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hypertriglyceridemia. Their pancreatic islets hypersecreted insulin in response to glucose but did not increase insulin release upon carbachol (Cch) stimulus, despite a higher intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. Furthermore, while the pancreas weight was 34% lower in MSG rats, no alteration in islet and ß-cell mass was observed. However, in the MSG pancreas, increases of 51% and 55% were observed in the total islet and ß-cell area/pancreas section, respectively. Also, the ß-cell number per ß-cell area was 19% higher in MSG rat pancreas than in CTL pancreas. Vagotomy prevented obesity, reducing 25% of body fat stores and ameliorated glucose homeostasis in Mvag rats. Mvag islets demonstrated partially reduced insulin secretion in response to 11.1 mM glucose and presented normalization of Cch-induced Ca(2+) mobilization and insulin release. All morphometric parameters were similar among Mvag and CTL rat pancreases. Therefore, the higher insulin release in MSG rats was associated with greater ß-cell/islet numbers and not due to hypertrophy. Vagotomy improved whole body nutrient homeostasis and endocrine pancreatic morphofunction in Mvag rats.

Asunto(s)

Homeostasis/fisiología , Hiperinsulinismo/fisiopatología , Insulina/metabolismo , Islotes Pancreáticos , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Vagotomía , Animales , Carbacol/farmacología , Recuento de Células , Colesterol/análisis , Agonistas Colinérgicos/farmacología , Aromatizantes/farmacología , Glucosa/metabolismo , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Secreción de Insulina , Células Secretoras de Insulina/efectos de los fármacos , Células Secretoras de Insulina/metabolismo , Islotes Pancreáticos/inervación , Islotes Pancreáticos/metabolismo , Islotes Pancreáticos/fisiopatología , Masculino , Obesidad/inducido químicamente , Páncreas/patología , Ratas Wistar , Glutamato de Sodio/farmacología , Triglicéridos/análisis , Nervio Vago/fisiología

RESUMEN

Local tissue reactions provoked by Bothrops venoms are characterized by edema, hemorrhage, pain, and inflammation; however, the mechanisms of tissue damage vary depending upon the species of snake. Here, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the local inflammatory response induced by the Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjcuV). Female Swiss mice were injected with either saline, BjcuV (0.125-8 µg/paw) or loratadine (an H1 receptor antagonist), compound 48/80 (for mast cell depletion), capsaicin (for C-fiber desensitization), infliximab (an anti-TNF-α antibody), indomethacin (a non-specific COX inhibitor), celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) or fucoidan (a P- and L-selectins modulator) given before BjcuV injection. Paw edema was measured by plethysmography. In addition, paw tissues were collected for the measurement of myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α and IL-1 levels, and COX-2 immunoexpression. The direct chemotactic effect of BjcuV and the in vitro calcium dynamic in neutrophils were also investigated. BjcuV caused an edematogenic response with increased local production of TNF-α and IL-1ß as well as COX-2 expression. Both edema and neutrophil migration were prevented by pretreatment with indomethacin, celecoxib or fucoidan. Furthermore, BjcuV induced a direct in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis by increasing intracellular calcium. Therefore, BjcuV induces an early onset edema dependent upon prostanoid production and neutrophil migration.

Asunto(s)

Venenos de Crotálidos/farmacología , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Neutrófilos/efectos de los fármacos , Prostaglandinas/metabolismo , Animales , Bothrops , Quimiotaxis de Leucocito/efectos de los fármacos , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Humanos , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Ratones , Neutrófilos/inmunología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Interest in the electronic structure of the intermetallic compound YIn3 has been renewed with the recent discovery of superconductivity at T ∼ 1 K, which may be filamentary in nature. In this work we perform electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments on Gd(3+) doped YIn3 (Y1-xGdxIn3; 0.001 ⪅ x ⩽̸ 0.08), showing that the spin-lattice relaxation of the Gd(3+) ions, due to the exchange interaction between the Gd(3+) localized magnetic moment and the conduction electrons (ce), is processed via the presence of s-, p- and d-type ce at the YIn3 Fermi level. These findings are revealed by the Gd(3+) concentration dependence of the Korringa-like relaxation rate d(ΔH)/dT and g-shift (Δg = g - 1.993), that display bottleneck relaxation behavior for the s-electrons and unbottleneck behavior for the p- and d-electrons. The Korringa-like relaxation rates vary from 22(2) Oe/K for x ⪅ 0.001 to 8(2) Oe/K for x = 0.08 and the g-shift values change, respectively, from a positive Δg = +0.047(10) to a negative Δg = -0.008(4). Analysis in terms of a three-band ce model allows the extraction of the corresponding exchange interaction parameters Jfs, Jfp and Jfd.

Asunto(s)

Espectroscopía de Resonancia por Spin del Electrón/métodos , Gadolinio/química , Indio/química , Modelos Químicos , Itrio/química , Simulación por Computador , Conductividad Eléctrica , Transporte de Electrón , Electrones , Ensayo de Materiales , Marcadores de Spin

RESUMEN

Physical exercise represents an alternative way to prevent and/or ameliorate chronic metabolic diseases. Disruption of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity contributes to adiposity in obese subjects. Here, we verified the preventive effect of swimming training upon adiposity, adrenal catecholamine storage, and pancreatic islet function in obese monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated rats. Male neonatal Wistar rats received MSG (4 mg/g body weight) during the first 5 days of life and, at weaning, half of the rats were submitted to swimming training, 30 min/day, 3 days a week, until 90 days of age (exercised rats: MSGex). Half of the rats were used as controls (sedentary group, MSGsd). Exercise training (ET) decreased insulinemia and fat deposition in MSGex, and increased adrenal catecholamine content, compared with MSGsd rats. Insulinemia during the ivGTT was lower in MSGex rats, despite a lack of difference in glycemia. Swimming training enhanced insulin release in islets challenged by 2.8-8.3 mmol/l glucose, whereas, at supraphysiological glucose concentrations (11.1-16.7 mmol/l), MSGex islets secreted less insulin than MSGsd. No differences in insulin secretion were observed following l-arginine (Arg) or K(+) stimuli. In contrast, islets from MSGex rats secreted more insulin when exposed to carbachol (100 µmol/l), forskolin (10 µmol/l), or IBMX (1 mmol/l) at 8.3 mmol/l glucose. Additionally, MSGex islets presented a better epinephrine inhibition upon insulin release. These results demonstrate that ET prevented the onset of obesity in MSG rats, probably by enhancing adrenal catecholamine levels. ET ameliorates islet responsiveness to several compounds, as well as insulin peripheral action.

Asunto(s)

Terapia por Ejercicio , Glucosa/metabolismo , Islotes Pancreáticos/metabolismo , Obesidad/metabolismo , Obesidad/terapia , Glutamato de Sodio/efectos adversos , Animales , Ejercicio Físico , Humanos , Insulina/metabolismo , Secreción de Insulina , Masculino , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Glutamato de Sodio/metabolismo , Natación , Destete

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intestinal mucositis is a common side-effect of irinotecan-based cancer chemotherapy regimens. This mucositis is associated with cytokine activation and NO synthesis. Production of IL-18 is up-regulated in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, we have investigated the role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Wild type (WT), IL-18 or caspase-1 knockout mice were treated with either saline or irinotecan (60 mg·kg⁻¹ per 4 days, i.p.) or the IL-18 binding protein (IL-18bp, 10 mg·kg⁻¹) before irinotecan. On day 5, diarrhoea was monitored and proximal intestinal strips were obtained for histopathology, in vitro gut contractility, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible NOS (iNOS) activity, and detection of IL-18 expression. KEY RESULTS: Irinotecan induced severe diarrhoea accompanied by intestinal injury (villi shortening and increased crypt depth). Additionally, irinotecan treatment increased MPO and iNOS activity, iNOS immunostaining and IL-18 expression in WT mice compared with saline treatment. The IL-18 production was associated with macrophages. In vitro, intestinal smooth muscle strips were hyperresponsive to ACh after irinotecan treatment. Increases in MPO and iNOS activity, intestinal contractility and diarrhoea were prevented in caspase-1 knockout and IL-18 knockout mice, and in IL-18bp-treated WT mice. Furthermore, the Survival of irinotecan-treated mice was increased and iNOS immunoexpression and IL-18 production prevented in IL-18 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Targeting IL-18 function may be a promising therapeutic approach to decreasing the severity of intestinal mucositis during irinotecan treatment regimens.

Asunto(s)

Camptotecina/análogos & derivados , Sistemas de Liberación de Medicamentos/métodos , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intercelular/administración & dosificación , Interleucina-18/antagonistas & inhibidores , Mucosa Intestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Mucositis/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Camptotecina/toxicidad , Interleucina-18/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Irinotecán , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Mucositis/metabolismo , Técnicas de Cultivo de Órganos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Atorvastatin (ATV) has bone anabolic properties, and alendronate (ALD) is an important antiresorptive drug. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combination of ALD and ATV on ligature-induced alveolar bone loss in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontitis was induced by ligature in 78 Wistar rats. Groups of six rats prophylactically received 0.9% saline (SAL), ALD (0.01 or 0.25 mg/kg subcutaneously) or ATV (0.3 or 27 mg/kg by gavage). Then, groups of six rats received the combination of ALD+ATV (0.25 mg/kg + 27 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg or 0.01 mg/kg + 27 mg/kg) prophylactically. An extra group of six rats received therapeutic SAL or a lower-dose combination of ALD+ATV (0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) therapeutically. Three extra groups of six rats each received SAL or a lower-dose combination of ALD+ATV (0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) prophylactically or therapeutically for histometric and immunohistochemical analyses. The rats were killed on day 11 after ligature placement, and the maxillae were removed and processed for macroscopic, histomorphometric and TRAP immunohistochemical analyses. Gingival samples were collected to evaluate myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Blood samples were collected to measure serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and transaminase levels and for hematological studies. Rats were weighed daily. RESULTS: All combined therapies prevented alveolar bone loss when compared with SAL or low doses of monotherapy (ALD or ATV) (p < 0.05). The lower-dose combination of ALD+ATV (0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, respectively), administered either prophylactically (39.0%) or therapeutically (53.5%), prevented alveolar bone loss. Decreases in bone and cementum resorption, in leukocyte infiltration and in immunostaining for TRAP and MPO activity corroborated the morphometric findings. The lower-dose combination of ALD+ATV (0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) prevented BALP reduction (p < 0.05) and did not alter the level of serum transaminases. Moreover, the lower-dose combination of ALD+ATV (0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) also reduced neutrophilia and lymphomonocytosis and did not cause weight loss when compared with administration of SAL. CONCLUSION: The lower-dose combination of ALD+ATV (0.01 mg/kg + 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) demonstrated a protective effect on alveolar bone loss.

Asunto(s)

Alendronato/administración & dosificación , Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar/prevención & control , Conservadores de la Densidad Ósea/administración & dosificación , Ácidos Heptanoicos/administración & dosificación , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/administración & dosificación , Pirroles/administración & dosificación , Fosfatasa Ácida/análisis , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Animales , Aspartato Aminotransferasas/sangre , Atorvastatina , Peso Corporal , Cemento Dental/efectos de los fármacos , Encía/enzimología , Infusiones Parenterales , Inyecciones Subcutáneas , Isoenzimas/análisis , Trastornos Leucocíticos/prevención & control , Leucocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Leucocitosis/prevención & control , Masculino , Monocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Neutrófilos/efectos de los fármacos , Peroxidasa/análisis , Ratas Wistar , Resorción Radicular/prevención & control , Fosfatasa Ácida Tartratorresistente

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and preterm birth, but the mechanism of how this occurs remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether periodontal disease, defined according to two commonly used clinical definitions, is associated with preterm birth and to examine the association regarding oral health-related behaviors during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case-control study included women 18-40 years of age. Demographic and socio-economic data, information on current and previous pregnancies, and data on dental health-related behaviors and periodontal clinical parameters were collected within 48 h postpartum. Periodontal disease was assessed according to two definitions: four or more teeth with at least one site showing a probing depth of ≥ 4 mm and clinical attachment level of ≥ 3 mm (Definition 1); or at least one site with probing depth and clinical attachment level of ≥ 4 mm (Definition 2). The chi-square test was used to examine differences in the proportion of categorical variables. Bivariate analysis was performed to analyze the proportion of preterm births with respect to independent variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between periodontal disease and preterm birth. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 296 postpartum women met the inclusion criteria. The case group included 74 women who delivered a preterm neonate (< 37 wk of gestation) and the control group included 222 women with deliveries at term (≥ 37 wk). Periodontal disease according to Definition 1 was not associated with fewer weeks of gestation (adjusted OR (OR adjusted ) = 1.62; 95% CI = 0.80-3.29; p = 0.178). However, a significant association was found between periodontal disease, according to Definition 2, and preterm birth (OR adjusted = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.14-3.43; p = 0.015). Increased appetite and a low number of daily toothbrushings were associated with preterm birth, regardless of the definition of periodontal disease used. CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease defined according to Definition 2 and unfavorable oral health-related behavior were factors associated with preterm birth.

Asunto(s)

Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Salud Bucal , Enfermedades Periodontales/complicaciones , Nacimiento Prematuro , Adolescente , Adulto , Apetito/fisiología , Brasil , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Pérdida de la Inserción Periodontal/complicaciones , Índice Periodontal , Bolsa Periodontal/complicaciones , Embarazo , Estudios Retrospectivos , Cepillado Dental , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

A low-cost, high-sensitivity humidity sensor based on a low-loss dielectric thin film waveguide (WG) is presented. The guided mode is produced by coupling laser light into the film by optical tunneling through a solid gap deposited on the base of a semi-cylindrical lens. The light reflected from this optical system carries information about the refractive index of the medium neighboring the WG, and is detected by a low-cost CCD linear sensor and analyzed with a microcontroller or personal computer. The technique presents good sensitivity to relative humidity (RH) changes, especially below 10% RH, linear behavior between 20% and 80% RH, and a response time of a few seconds.

RESUMEN

This work reports on electron spin resonance experiments in oriented single crystals of the hexagonal AlB2 diboride compound (P6/mmm, D16h structure) which display conduction electron spin resonance. The X-band electron spin resonance spectra showed a metallic Dysonian resonance with g-value and intensity independent of temperature. The thermal broadening of the anisotropic electron spin resonance linewidth ΔH tracks the T-dependence of the electrical resistivity below T is approximately equal to 100 K. These results confirm the observation of a conduction electron spin resonance in AlB2 and are discussed in comparison with other boride compounds. Based on our main findings for AlB2 and the calculated electronic structure of similar layered honeycomb-like structures, we conclude that any array of covalent B-B layers potentially results in a conduction electron spin resonance signal. This observation may shed new light on the nature of the non-trivial conduction electron spin resonance-like signals of complex f-electron systems such as ß-YbAlB4.

RESUMEN

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is the causal agent of plant bean anthracnose, one of the most important diseases affecting the common bean. We investigated the structure and expression of the nit1 gene (nitrate reductase) of C. lindemuthianum. The nit1 gene open reading frame contains 2787 bp, interrupted by a single 69-bp intron. The predicted protein has 905 amino acids; it shows high identity with the nitrate reductase of C. higginsianum (79%) and C. graminicola (73%). Expression of nit1 in C. lindemuthianum was evaluated in mycelia grown on different nitrogen sources under conditions of activation and repression. The gene was expressed after 15 min of induction with nitrate, reaching maximum expression at 360 min. The transcription was repressed in mycelia grown in media enriched with ammonia, urea or glutamine. Twenty nit1⁻ mutants were obtained in a medium treated with chlorate. Ten of these mutants were characterized by DNA hybridization, which identified point mutations, a deletion and an insertion. These rearrangements in the nit1 gene in the different mutants may have occurred through activity of transposable elements.

Asunto(s)

Colletotrichum/genética , Nitrato-Reductasa/genética , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Secuencia de Bases , Intrones , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Mutación , Micelio/genética , Nitratos/metabolismo , Nitrógeno/metabolismo , Hibridación de Ácido Nucleico , Sistemas de Lectura Abierta , Filogenia