Using the natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes to identify cattle with greater efficiency in protein-limiting diets.

The difficulty in selecting cattle for higher feed and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is an important factor contributing to poor growth and reproductive performance in dry-tropics rangelands. Therefore, the objectives were to examine the cattle variation in retaining nitrogen in a protein-deficient diet and the natural abundance of stable isotopes in body tissues as a practical alternative for the detection of more efficient cattle. In experiment 1, feed efficiency parameters were determined in 89 Brahman steers fed a protein-limiting diet for 70 days, followed by 7 days in metabolism crates for total collection of urine and faeces and calculation of nitrogen retention and NUE. The diet-animal fractionation of nitrogen isotopes (Δ15N) was quantified in tail hair and plasma proteins using isotope-ratio MS. There was a large variation in growth performance, feed efficiency and nitrogen losses among steers. Quantifying Δ15N in tail hair (Δ15Ntail hair) resulted in stronger correlations with feed efficiency and nitrogen metabolism parameters than when quantified in plasma proteins. Δ15Ntail hair was positively correlated with nitrogen losses in urine (r = 0.31, P < 0.01) and faeces (r = 0.25, P = 0.04), leading to a negative correlation with NUE (r = -0.40, P < 0.01). The group of steers with lower Δ15Ntail hair had greater feed efficiency, lower nitrogen losses, and greater NUE. In experiment 2, for evaluation of isotope fraction as a predictor of reproductive performance, 630 Brahman-crossed cows were classified for reproductive performance for 2 years. From this group, 25 cows with poor reproductive performance and 25 cows with good reproductive performance were selected. Tail hair representing 7 months of growth were segmented and analysed for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope enrichment. Reproductive performance was not associated with diet selection, as there was no difference in tail hair δ13C between groups. However, more productive cows had lower (P < 0.05) tail hair δ15N during the dry season, indicating differences in N metabolism and possibly lower N losses. In addition, cows with better reproductive performance and, therefore, greater nutrient demands, had similar body condition scores and a tendency (P = 0.09) for higher live weight at the end of the trial. In conclusion, the findings of the present study confirm that nitrogen isotope fractionation in tail hair can be used as a predictor of nitrogen losses, NUE, and reproductive performance of Brahman cattle on low-protein diets.

COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS in a cohort study in Sao Paulo, Brazil: outcomes and disparities by race and schooling.

Studies describing characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 among people living with HIV are currently limited, lacking detailed evaluation of the interplay among demographics, HIV-related variables, and comorbidities on COVID-19 outcomes. This retrospective cohort study describes mortality rates overall and according to demographic characteristics and explores predictors of admission to intensive care unit and death among 255 persons living with HIV with severe acute respiratory syndrome and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We found that the overall mortality rate was 4.1/1,000 person-days, with a case-fatality of 34%. Higher rates occurred among older adults, Black/Mixed skin color/race patients, and those with lower schooling. In a multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, CD4 count, viral load and number of comorbidities, skin color/race, and schooling remained significantly associated with higher mortality. Although tenofovir use was more frequent among survivors in the univariable analysis, we failed to find a statistically significant association between tenofovir use and survival in the multivariable analysis. Our findings suggest that social vulnerabilities related to both HIV and COVID-19 significantly impact the risk of death, overtaking traditional risk factors such as age, sex, CD4 count, and comorbidities.

Benthic estuarine communities' contribution to bioturbation under the experimental effect of marine heatwaves.

Marine heatwaves are increasing worldwide, with several negative impacts on biological communities and ecosystems. This 24-day study tested heatwaves' effect with distinct duration and recovery periods on benthic estuarine communities' diversity and contribution to ecosystem functioning experimentally. The communities were obtained from a temperate estuary, usually subjected to high daily thermal amplitudes. Our goal was to understand the communities' response to the thermal change, including the community descriptors and behavioural changes expected during heat extremes. We measured community composition and structural changes and the bioturbation process and nutrient release as ecosystem functioning measurements. Overall, our findings highlight the potential tolerance of studied estuarine species to the temperature ranges tested in the study, as community composition and structure were similar, independently of the warming effect. We detected a slight trend for bioturbation and nutrient release increase in the communities under warming, yet these responses were not consistent with the heatwaves exposure duration. Overall, we conclude on the complexity of estuarine communities' contribution to functioning under warming, and the importance of scalable experiments with benthic organisms' responses to climate variability, accommodating longer time scales and replication. Such an approach would set more efficient expectations towards climate change mitigation or adaptation in temperate estuarine ecosystems.

Evaluation of cell damage and modulation of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in macrophages exposed to PpIX-mediated photodynamic therapy / Avaliação do dano celular e da modulação das citocinas TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-10 em macrófagos expostos à terapia fotodinâmica mediada pela PpIX

Abstract Little is known regarding whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced cell death can substantially compromise macrophages (MΦ), which are important cells in PDT-induced immune responses. Here, parameters of PDT-mediated MΦ cytotoxicity and cytokine production in response to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were evaluated. Peritoneal MΦ from BALB/c mice were stimulated in vitro with PDT, light, PpIX, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After that, cell viability, lipid peroxidation, Nitric Oxide (NO), DNA damage, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated. Short PDT exposure reduced cell viability by 10-30%. There was a two-fold increase in NO and DNA degradation, despite the non-increase in lipoperoxidation. PDT increased TNF-α and IL-10, particularly in the presence of LPS, and decreased the production of IL-6 to 10-fold. PDT causes cellular stress, induces NO radicals and leads to DNA degradation, generating a cytotoxic microenvironment. Furthermore, PDT modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MΦ.

Resumo Pouco se sabe se a morte celular induzida pela terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) compromete os macrófagos (MΦ), envolvidos nas respostas imunes induzidas pela PDT. Neste estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros de citotoxicidade dos MΦ mediada pela PDT e a produção de citocinas, frente à protoporfirina IX (PpIX). MΦ peritoneais de camundongos BALB/c foram estimulados in vitro com PDT, luz, PpIX ou lipopolissacarídeo (LPS). Após isto, a viabilidade celular (VC), a lipoperoxidação, os níveis de óxido nítrico (NO), de DNA degradado, de TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-10 foram avaliados. A exposição curta à PDT reduziu a VC em 10-30%. Os níveis de NO e de DNA degradado duplicaram, sem aumento da lipoperoxidação. Houve aumento de TNF-α e IL-10, sendo maior na presença de LPS. Já a produção de IL-6 reduziu em dez vezes. A PDT induz estresse celular, gera radicais NO e causa dano ao DNA, tornando o microambiente citotóxico. Ainda, modula citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias em MΦ.

Evaluation of cell damage and modulation of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in macrophages exposed to PpIX-mediated photodynamic therapy.

Little is known regarding whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced cell death can substantially compromise macrophages (MΦ), which are important cells in PDT-induced immune responses. Here, parameters of PDT-mediated MΦ cytotoxicity and cytokine production in response to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were evaluated. Peritoneal MΦ from BALB/c mice were stimulated in vitro with PDT, light, PpIX, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After that, cell viability, lipid peroxidation, Nitric Oxide (NO), DNA damage, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated. Short PDT exposure reduced cell viability by 10-30%. There was a two-fold increase in NO and DNA degradation, despite the non-increase in lipoperoxidation. PDT increased TNF-α and IL-10, particularly in the presence of LPS, and decreased the production of IL-6 to 10-fold. PDT causes cellular stress, induces NO radicals and leads to DNA degradation, generating a cytotoxic microenvironment. Furthermore, PDT modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MΦ.

Mortality from Homicides in Slums in the City of Belo Horizonte, Brazil: An Evaluation of the Impact of a Re-Urbanization Project.

Background: Homicide rates in Brazil are among the highest worldwide. Although not exclusive to large Brazilian cities, homicides find their most important determinants in cities' slums. In the last decade, an urban renewal process has been initiated in the city of Belo Horizonte, in Brazil. Named Vila Viva project, it includes structuring urban interventions such as urban renewal, social development actions and land regularization in the slums of the city. This study evaluates the project's effect on homicide rates according to time and interventions. Methods: Homicide rates were analyzed comparing five slums with interventions (S1⁻S5) to five grouped non-intervened slums (S0), with similar socioeconomic characteristics from 2002 to 2012. Poisson regression model estimates the effect of time of observation and the effect of time of exposure (in years) to a completed intervention, besides the overall risk ratio (RR). Results: Using the time of observation in years, homicide rates decreased in the studied period and even more if considered cumulative time of exposure to a completed intervention for S1, S2, S3 and S4, but not for S5. Conclusions: Although the results of the effect of the interventions are not repeated in all slums, a downward trend in homicide rates has been found, which is connected to the interventions. New approaches could be necessary in order to verify the nexus between slum renewal projects and the reduction of homicide rates.

Lagged Population Growth in a Termite Host Colony: Cause or Consequence of Inquilinism?

The presence of foreign organisms in the colonies of social insects could affect energy allocation to growth and reproduction of these hosts. Highly specialized invaders of such long-lived hosts, however, can be selected to be less harmful. After all, it pays for these symbionts to keep their host's good health thereby prolonging cohabitation in the homeostatic environment of the termite colony. Here, we investigated such a hypothesis, focusing on populational parameters of a termite host sharing its nest with an obligatory termite inquiline. To this end, 19 natural colonies of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) were sampled and the (i) number of individuals, (ii) proportion of soldier/workers in the colonies, and (iii) presence/absence of obligatory inquiline Inquilinitermes microcerus (Silvestri, 1901) (Termitidae: Termitinae) were measured. Results revealed a negative correlation between the number of individuals and the proportion of soldier/workers in the host colonies with the presence of I. microcerus colonies. In search of causal mechanisms for such a correlation, we inspected life history traits of both, inquilines and hosts, hypothesizing that such a result could indicate either (i) a dampening effect of the inquiline upon its host population or (ii) the coincidence of the moment of inquiline infiltration with the natural reduction of C. cyphergaster populational growth at the onset of its reproductive phase.

The impact of edge effect on termite community (Blattodea: Isoptera) in fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest / O impacto do efeito de borda na comunidade de cupins (Blattodea: Isoptera) em fragmentos de florestas da Mata Atlântica

Abstract Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the biggest threats to tropical ecosystem functioning. In this region, termites perform an important ecological role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers. In the present study, we tested whether termite community is negatively affected by edge effects on three fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Termite abundance and vegetation structure were sampled in 10 transects (15 × 2 m), while termite richness, activity, and soil litter biomass were measured in 16 quadrants (5 × 2 m) at forest edge and interior of each fragment. Habitat structure (i.e. number of tree, diameter at breast height and soil litter biomass) did not differ between forest edge and interior of fragments. Termite richness, abundance and activity were not affected by edge effect. However, differences were observed in the β diversity between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled. The β diversity partitioning indicates that species turnover is the determinant process of termite community composition under edge effect. Our results suggest that conservation strategies should be based on the selection of several distinct sites instead of few rich sites (e.g. nesting).

Resumo A fragmentação do habitat é considerada uma das maiores ameaças para o funcionamento do ecossistema tropical. Nesta região, os cupins desempenham um papel ecológico importante como decompositores e engenheiros do ecossistema. No presente estudo, testamos se comunidades de cupins são negativamente afetadas pelo efeito de borda em três fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Para isso, foram amostrados a abundância de cupins e a estrutura da vegetação em 10 transectos (15 × 2 m), enquanto a riqueza, abundância de cupins e biomassa da serrapilheira foram amostrados em 16 parcelas (5 × 2 m) na borda e no interior de cada um dos três fragmentos. A estrutura do habitat (número de árvores, diâmetro à altura do peito e biomassa da serrapilheira) não diferiu entre a borda e o interior dos fragmentos. A riqueza, abundância e atividade dos cupins também não foram afetados pelo efeito de borda. No entanto, foram observadas diferenças na diversidade β entre borda e interior dos fragmentos, bem como nos fragmentos amostrados. O particionamento da diversidade β indicou que a substituição de espécies ("turnover") é o processo determinante da composição da comunidade de cupins sob efeito de borda. Nossos resultados sugerem que as estratégias de conservação devem ser baseadas na seleção de locais distintos em vez de poucos locais (via processo de aninhamento - "nesting").

The impact of edge effect on termite community (Blattodea: Isoptera) in fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.

Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the biggest threats to tropical ecosystem functioning. In this region, termites perform an important ecological role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers. In the present study, we tested whether termite community is negatively affected by edge effects on three fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Termite abundance and vegetation structure were sampled in 10 transects (15 × 2 m), while termite richness, activity, and soil litter biomass were measured in 16 quadrants (5 × 2 m) at forest edge and interior of each fragment. Habitat structure (i.e. number of tree, diameter at breast height and soil litter biomass) did not differ between forest edge and interior of fragments. Termite richness, abundance and activity were not affected by edge effect. However, differences were observed in the ß diversity between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled. The ß diversity partitioning indicates that species turnover is the determinant process of termite community composition under edge effect. Our results suggest that conservation strategies should be based on the selection of several distinct sites instead of few rich sites (e.g. nesting).

Evaluation of cell damage and modulation of cytokines TNF-, IL-6 and IL-10 in macrophages exposed to PpIX-mediated photodynamic therapy

Abstract Little is known regarding whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced cell death can substantially compromise macrophages (M), which are important cells in PDT-induced immune responses. Here, parameters of PDT-mediated M cytotoxicity and cytokine production in response to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were evaluated. Peritoneal M from BALB/c mice were stimulated in vitro with PDT, light, PpIX, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After that, cell viability, lipid peroxidation, Nitric Oxide (NO), DNA damage, TNF-, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated. Short PDT exposure reduced cell viability by 1030%. There was a two-fold increase in NO and DNA degradation, despite the non-increase in lipoperoxidation. PDT increased TNF- and IL-10, particularly in the presence of LPS, and decreased the production of IL-6 to 10-fold. PDT causes cellular stress, induces NO radicals and leads to DNA degradation, generating a cytotoxic microenvironment. Furthermore, PDT modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in M.

Resumo Pouco se sabe se a morte celular induzida pela terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) compromete os macrófagos (M), envolvidos nas respostas imunes induzidas pela PDT. Neste estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros de citotoxicidade dos M mediada pela PDT e a produção de citocinas, frente à protoporfirina IX (PpIX). M peritoneais de camundongos BALB/c foram estimulados in vitro com PDT, luz, PpIX ou lipopolissacarídeo (LPS). Após isto, a viabilidade celular (VC), a lipoperoxidação, os níveis de óxido nítrico (NO), de DNA degradado, de TNF-, IL-6 e IL-10 foram avaliados. A exposição curta à PDT reduziu a VC em 10-30%. Os níveis de NO e de DNA degradado duplicaram, sem aumento da lipoperoxidação. Houve aumento de TNF- e IL-10, sendo maior na presença de LPS. Já a produção de IL-6 reduziu em dez vezes. A PDT induz estresse celular, gera radicais NO e causa dano ao DNA, tornando o microambiente citotóxico. Ainda, modula citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias em M.

Analgesia pós-operatória com metadona em gatos: administração epidural e intramuscular / Postoperative analgesia of methadone in cats: epidural and intramuscular administration

Compararam-se os efeitos analgésico, sedativo e neuroendócrino decorrentes da administração epidural e intramuscular da metadona em gatas submetidas à ovariossalpingoisterectomia (OSH). Todos os animais foram tranquilizados com acepromazina, 0,1mg kg-1 IM, seguindo-se a indução e manutenção anestésica com tiopental sódico, 12mg kg-1 IV, e halotano, respectivamente. Após a estabilização anestésica, os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos, com oito animais cada, tratados com metadona pela via epidural (EP) ou intramuscular (IM) 0,2mg kg-1, respectivamente, ou com solução salina (S) 0,2mL kg-1. Foram avaliados: graus de analgesia e de sedação, necessidade de analgesia de resgate, efeitos adversos e concentração sérica de cortisol. Os graus de analgesia e de sedação e o cortisol não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Analgesia de resgate foi administrada quatro, nove e 11 vezes nos tratamentos EP, IM e S, respectivamente. Nos tratamentos IM e S, a suplementação analgésica foi necessária a partir da primeira hora pós-cirúrgica, enquanto no tratamento EP, somente a partir da terceira hora após a OSH. Conclui-se que a administração de metadona pela via epidural resulta em menor quantidade do analgésico pós-operatório, e que a analgesia é mais prolongada quando comparada à obtida pela via intramuscular, em gatas submetidas à OSH.

The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic, sedative and neuroendocrine effects of epidural (EP) and intramuscular (IM) methadone in cats submitted to ovariohysterectomy. The pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.1mg kg-1, IM) followed by induction of anesthesia with intravenous thiopental, 12mg kg-1, and anesthesia maintenance with halothane. After anesthesia stabilization the cats were randomly assigned to three groups of eight animals each and received EP or IM methadone, 0.2mg kg-1 diluted with saline to 0.2mL kg-1, EP and IM, respectively, or a saline placebo (S), 0.2mL kg-1. Pain measurements, degree of sedation, rescue analgesia requirements, adverse effects and serum cortisol concentration were recorded. Cortisol, pain and sedation scores did not differ among the groups. Rescue analgesia was administered 4, 9 and 11 times in the EP, IM and S treatment, respectively. In the IM and S rescue analgesia treatments were required early (first hour postoperative), whereas in the EP treatment, additional analgesics were required after the third hour postoperative. In conclusion, methadone epidural reduced the postoperative analgesic requirements and produced longer analgesia when compared to intramuscular administration in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Antinociceptive effect of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae) in models of acute pain in rodents.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae) is locally known as "mamica de cadela", and its bark is popularly used for toothache and earache. The objective of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive effect of the ethanolic extract from this species' stem bark (EtOH), its fractions of partition (hexane-HEX, ethyl acetate-AcOEt, aqueous-AQ) and lupeol (a triterpene obtained from HEX) in models of acute pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male and female Swiss mice (25-35 g, n=6-12 animals/group) were used to assess acute toxicity and nociception (Animal Ethics Committee/UFPI, No. 09/2008). Acute toxicity was studied up to 2 g/kg p.o. of EtOH. In the formalin test (2%, 20 microL/paw), the licking time of the stimulated paw was quantified during the first 5 min (first phase) and at 15-30 min (second phase), 1h after oral treatment with EtOH, HEX, AcOEt or saline, and 30 min after use of morphine-MOR (5 mg/kg i.p.). The same response evoked by capsaicin (2 microg/20 microL/paw) was quantified during 5 min, after administration of EtOH, HEX, AcOEt, AQ, saline and MOR. The licking time of the paw that was stimulated with glutamate (10 micromol/20 microL) was measured (15 min) after treatment with EtOH, HEX, AcOEt, AQ, lupeol, saline or MK801 (0.03 mg/kg, i.p.). Mice were submitted to the rota-rod task and open-field test in order to assess any non-specific muscle-relaxant or sedative effects of EtOH (250 mg/kg p.o.) and HEX (500 mg/kg p.o.). RESULTS: The animals did not exhibit any acute toxicity to EtOH (up to 2 g/kg p.o.), so it was not possible to calculate the LD50. EtOH, HEX and AcOEt (62.5-250 mg/kg) produced a significant antinociceptive effect in the formalin and capsaicin tests. However, AQ was ineffective. EtOH, HEX, AcOEt and lupeol reduced the glutamate-evoked nociceptive response, but AQ had no effect. EtOH and HEX did not alter the locomotion of animals in the open-field or rota-rod tests, which suggest a lack of a central depressant effect. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the popular use of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium as an analgesic, and contribute to the pharmacological knowledge of this species because it was shown that EtOH and its less polar partition fractions (HEX, AcOEt) have an antinociceptive effect in models of chemical nociception, and that lupeol appears to be one of the constituents responsible for this effect.

Flavonóides glicosilados de Herissantia tiubae (K. Schum) Brizicky (Malvaceae) e testes farmacológicos preliminares do canferol 3,7-di-O-a-L-ramnopiranosídeo / Glycosyl flavonoids from Herissantia tiubae (K. Schum) Brizicky (Malvaceae) and preliminary tests of kaempferol 3,7-di-O-a-L-rhamnopyranoside

Das partes aéreas de Herissantia tiubae (K. Schum.) Brizicky foram isolados, através de métodos cromatográficos, dois flavonóides glicosilados, canferol 3,7-di-O-a-L-ramnopiranosídeo e canferol 3-b-O-D-(6’’-E-p-cumaroil) glicosídeo. As estruturas foram identificadas com o uso de técnicas espectroscópicas de IV, RMN ¹H e 13C incluindo métodos bidimensionais, além de comparações com dados da literatura. O canferol 3,7-di-O-a-L-ramnopiranosídeo foi submetido a testes farmacológicos preliminares com a finalidade de avaliar o seu efeito sobre o sistema cardiovascular.

From the aerial parts of Herissantia tiubae (K. Schum.) Brizicky two flavonol glycosides were isolated by means of chromatographic methods, kaempferol 3,7-di-O-a-L-rhamnopyranoside and kaempferol 3-O-b-D-(6’’-E-p-coumaroyl) glucoside. Their structural identification was made by IV, ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including two dimensional techniques, together with comparison with literatura data. Preliminary tests were carried out with kaempferol 3,7-di-O-a-L-rhamnopyranoside in order to study its possible cardiovascular effect.

Aspectos clínicos e de laboratório de cães soropositivos para leishmaniose / Clinical and laboratorial aspects of seropositive dogs to leishmaniosis

Leihsmaniasis is a protozoal disease transmitted by dipteran insects. The dog is an important domestic host of both visceral and cutaneous forms of the disease. These forms affects humans in many countries, and it is considered a serious risk for human health. This study reports clinical and laboratorial data from 18 dogs. Nine dogs were positive by indirect immunofluorescence technique and the other nine were negative. The dogs were clinically monitored for 30 days and laboratorial changes were assessed. Three blood samples were collected for hemogram and serum biochemistry at 0, 15, and 30 days. The clinical signs of positive dogs were compatible with the disease, including lymphadenopathy, cutaneous ulcers, hyperthermia, apathy, cachexia and ulcerated mucosa. Marked differences were observed in the blood cell counts and blood biochemistry between positive and negative dogs. In conclusion, blood and biochemistry analyses of positive dogs were not sufficient to diagnose the disease within the period studied. The serologic test associated with the clinical signs are important to confirm the diagnosis.

Spectroscopy of UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) in basic aluminum chloride-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.

The optical absorption, emission, FT Raman, one-photon excitation, two-photon excitation, and luminescence lifetime measurements are reported for UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) in 40:60 AlCl(3)-EMIC (where EMIC identical with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride), a room-temperature ionic liquid. Comparison of the spectra with previous results from single crystals containing UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) allowed the characterization of four ground-state vibrational frequencies, two excited-state vibrational frequencies, and the location of eight electronic excited-state energy levels. The vibrational frequencies and electronic energy levels are found to be consistent with the UO(2)Cl(4)(2)(-) ion. Comparison of the one-photon and two-photon excitation spectra, and the relative intensities of the transitions in the emission spectrum indicate that the center of symmetry is perturbed by an interaction with the solvent.