Analgesic Activity of 5-Acetamido-2-Hydroxy Benzoic Acid Derivatives and an In-Vivo and In-Silico Analysis of Their Target Interactions.

The design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with better activity and lower side effects are big challenges today. In this work, two 5-acetamido-2-hydroxy benzoic acid derivatives were proposed, increasing the alkyl position (methyl) in an acetamide moiety, and synthesized, and their structural elucidation was performed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The changes in methyl in larger groups such as phenyl and benzyl aim to increase their selectivity over cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). These 5-acetamido-2-hydroxy benzoic acid derivatives were prepared using classic methods of acylation reactions with anhydride or acyl chloride. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological properties were predicted using computational tools, and their binding affinity (kcal/mol) with COX-2 receptors (Mus musculus and Homo sapiens) was analyzed using docking studies (PDB ID 4PH9, 5KIR, 1PXX and 5F1A). An in-silico study showed that 5-acetamido-2-hydroxy benzoic acid derivates have a better bioavailability and binding affinity with the COX-2 receptor, and in-vivo anti-nociceptive activity was investigated by means of a writhing test induced by acetic acid and a hot plate. PS3, at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg, reduced painful activity by 74% and 75%, respectively, when compared to the control group (20 mg/kg). Regarding the anti-nociceptive activity, the benzyl showed reductions in painful activity when compared to acetaminophen and 5-acetamido-2-hydroxy benzoic acid. However, the proposed derivatives are potentially more active than 5-acetamido-2-hydroxy benzoic acid and they support the design of novel and safer derivative candidates. Consequently, more studies need to be conducted to evaluate the different pharmacological actions, the toxicity of possible metabolites that can be generated, and their potential use in inflammation and pain therapy.

Experimental models of orthodontic tooth movement and their effects on periodontal tissues remodelling.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare two different models of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats by evaluating tooth movement efficiency and periodontal tissues remodelling. DESIGN: Fifteen animals were randomly distributed into 3 groups: control group (untreated); ligature appliance (LA) as experimental OTM using a closed coil spring fixed around maxillary first molar by steel ligature; occlusal appliance (OA) as experimental OTM using a closed coil spring attached on the occlusal surface of the maxillary first molar. After 15 days, all animals were euthanized, and the maxilla of each animal was collected for qPCR, micro-computed tomography, and histological analyses. RESULTS: Interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expressions were significantly upregulated in the animals of the LA group as compared to the other groups. No significant difference was observed in tooth displacement between both methods. The LA group presented higher linear bone loss and lower values of bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, trabecular number and increased values of trabecular separation compared to the other groups. The birefringent collagen content in the tension side of the periodontal ligament contained significantly lower collagen content in the LA group than in the control group. Furthermore, on the pressure side, the collagen content was significantly lower in the LA and OA groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The OA group presented little or no deleterious effect on periodontal tissues compared to the LA group, suggesting its use may be more reliable for OTM induction in rats for 15 days.

Differential development times of galls induced by Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) reveal differences in susceptibility between two Eucalyptus clones.

BACKGROUND: The significance of morphological responses of hosts on susceptibility against gall-inducing insects is relatively unknown, especially in planted forests. Here, we investigate the temporal morphological responses (gall development) induced by the invasive gall wasp Leptocybe invasa and the subsequent insect development in two Eucalyptus clones. RESULTS: Our results identified a novel stage of gall development, not previously reported, termed here 'brownish ring'. In both hosts similar gall development stages were observed. Although L. invasa oviposited in both clones, comparison of external morphological traits of galls over time revealed a differential response in the number of galls between clones. Comparison of the developmental time of each gall and insect stage between clones suggests that plant defense mechanisms against L. invasa are activated shortly after oviposition by the wasp, yet before gall formation. CONCLUSION: Gall number is an important parameter that should be used to measure host susceptibility among Eucalyptus clones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing differential morphological responses induced by a galling insect, even before gall formation, revealing differences in susceptibility between different plant hosts. These findings provide insight into the use of early stages of gall formation by L. invasa to prevent invasion and establishment of this pest.

Magnetic targeting increases mesenchymal stromal cell retention in lungs and enhances beneficial effects on pulmonary damage in experimental silicosis.

Silicosis is a pneumoconiosis caused by inhaled crystalline silica microparticles, which trigger inflammatory responses and granuloma formation in pulmonary parenchyma, thus affecting lung function. Although systemic administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) ameliorates lung inflammation and attenuates fibrosis in experimental silicosis, it does not reverse collagen deposition and granuloma formation. In an attempt to improve the beneficial effects of MSCs, magnetic targeting (MT) has arisen as a potential means of prolonging MSC retention in the lungs. In this study, MSCs were incubated with magnetic nanoparticles and magnets were used for in vitro guidance of these magnetized MSCs and to enhance their retention in the lungs in vivo. In vitro assays indicated that MT improved MSC transmigration and expression of chemokine receptors. In vivo, animals implanted with magnets for 48 hours had significantly more magnetized MSCs in the lungs, suggesting improved MSC retention. Seven days after magnet removal, silicotic animals treated with magnetized MSCs and magnets showed significant reductions in static lung elastance, resistive pressure, and granuloma area. In conclusion, MT is a viable technique to prolong MSC retention in the lungs, enhancing their beneficial effects on experimentally induced silicosis. MT may be a promising strategy for enhancing MSC therapies for chronic lung diseases.

Calcium chloride combined with dimethyl sulphoxide for the chemical sterilization of dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intratesticular injection of calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) combined with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as a chemical sterilization in dogs. Twelve dogs were divided into two groups: the treated group (n = 6), in which 15 mg/kg of a 7.5% CaCl2 solution combined with 0.5% DMSO was injected into each testicle (volume range 1.0-4.76 ml); and a control group (n = 6) that received the same volume/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (NaCl). Semen characteristics pre- and post-treatment were evaluated. Serum testosterone concentration was determined before the injection (D-1) and at 15 (D15), 30 (D30) and 60 (D60) days after intratesticular injection. Testicle sizes and local pain were evaluated for 7 consecutive days (D1 to D7) and at D15, D30 and D60 after injection. At D60, testicle histological evaluation was performed after orchiectomy. No pain was observed by testicular palpation, with the exception of one dog in the treated group; this dog then received analgesic therapy. An increase in testicular volume was evident within 24 hr after treatment, followed by gradual reduction for 3 weeks. Five of 6 dogs from the treated group presented azoospermia at D15; the remaining dog presented at D30. There was no significant difference in testosterone concentrations in the treated group during the experimental period. Histological evaluation showed testicular degenerative lesions, especially at the proximal and middle portions. The results indicated that one injection of 7.5% CaCl2 combined with 0.5% DMSO into each testis is a viable alternative for canine sterilization.

Effects of static magnetic fields on natural or magnetized mesenchymal stromal cells: Repercussions for magnetic targeting.

The magnetic targeting (MT) technique improves delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to target sites. However, the moderate-intensity static magnetic fields (SMF) used for MT may exert adverse effects on MSCs. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of SMF on MSCs in vitro. Cells were initially magnetized using citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticles. Then, control and magnetized MSCs were transferred to an in vitro MT system and exposed to 0.3-0.45 Tesla SMFs. MSC viability, morphology, ultrastructure, proliferation rates, differentiation, and immunomodulation were evaluated after 24 and 48 hours of exposure. MSCs temporarily lost viability and exhibited ultrastructural changes after exposure to SMFs, regardless of magnetization. Moreover, exposure to SMF reduced magnetized MSC proliferation rates. Nevertheless, MSCs remained functional (i.e., capable of differentiating, secreting repair mediators, and modulating alveolar macrophage phenotype). Thus, the experimental protocol tested in this experiment can be applied in future in vivo MT studies.

DNA methylation alterations induced by transient exposure of MCF-7 cells to maghemite nanoparticles.

AIM: To evaluate the DNA methylation profile of MCF-7 cells during and after the treatment with maghemite nanoparticles (MNP-CIT). MATERIALS & METHODS: Noncytotoxic MNP-CIT concentrations and cell morphology were evaluated by standard methods. DNA methylation was assessed by whole genome bisulfite sequencing. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 30 and 60 µgFeml-1 MNP-CIT accumulated in cytoplasm but did not present cytotoxic effects. The overall percentage of DNA methylation was not affected, but 58 gene-associated regions underwent DNA methylation reprogramming, including genes related to cancer onset. DNMT transcript levels were also modulated. CONCLUSION: Transient exposure to MNP-CIT promoted epigenomic changes and altered the DNMT genes regulation in MCF-7 cells. These events should be considered for biomedical applications.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de praticantes de ginástica laboral / Evaluation of quality of life of gymnastics practitioners

Introdução: A qualidade de vida (QV) de trabalhadores vem sendo alvo de pesquisas há algum tempo no Brasil. Sendo assim verifica-se a necessidade de avaliar QV e parâmetros antropométricos de participantes, funcionários e estagiários, de instituição de ensino que realizaram a prática da ginástica laboral com o objetivo de melhorar sua rotina diária de trabalho. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada ginástica laboral para os participantes e a versão brasileira do questionário SF-36 foi aplicada, além disto, foram avaliados peso e altura e calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Foram avaliados 21 indivíduos, sendo 19% masculinos e 81% femininos, com idade média de 35,47±12,90 anos. A amostra tinha média de peso de 63,26±5,80 gramas e média de 1,64±3,90 centímetros de altura e foi calculado o IMC, e obteve-se média de 23,25±2,90. Os aspectos motores, emocionais, além dos sociais e mentais têm determinantes no aspecto que influenciam a QV dos praticantes demonstrando que a realização de tal atividade, mesmo que em um período curto (três meses) parece trazer influências benéficas no cotidiano do praticante de tal atividade, pois a maioria dos entrevistados relatam boa saúde física e emocional, e sem prejuízos de suas atividades laborais. Conclusões: Os participantes estão satisfeitos e motivados com a liberdade de expressão, participações em decisões e satisfação com a QV no trabalho, sendo assim com o conhecimento do grau de satisfação dos trabalhadores, instituições podem ajuda a direcionar estratégias de prevenção, orientação e suporte dos seus trabalhadores, afim de proporcionar um ambiente saudável de trabalho. Observou-se que a prática de ginástica laboral contribui para estes resultados.(AU)

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) of workers has been the subject of research for some time in Brazil. Therefore, there is the need to assess QOL and anthropometric parameters of participants, employees and trainees, teaching institution that carried out the practice of gymnastics in order to improve their daily work routine. Methods: gymnastics was held for the participants and the Brazilian version of the SF-36 questionnaire was applied were assessed height and weight and calculated body mass index (BMI). Results: A total of 21 subjects, 19% male and 81% female, mean age 35.47 ± 12.90 years. The sample had an average weight of 63.26 ± 5.80 grams and average of 1.64 ± 3.90 cm in height and calculated BMI, and obtained an average of 23.25 ± 2.90. The engines, emotional aspects, as well as social and mental are determinants in the aspect that influence QOL of practitioners demonstrating that the performance of such activity, even in a short period (three months) seems to bring beneficial influences on practicing everyday in such activity because the majority of respondents reported good physical and emotional health, and without prejudice to their work activities. Conclusions: Participants are satisfied and motivated with freedom of expression, participation in decisions and satisfaction with QOL at work, so with knowledge of the degree of employee satisfaction, institutions can help to direct prevention strategies, guidance and support of its employees in order to provide a healthy working environment. It was found that practicing gymnastics contributes to these results.(AU)

Labeling mesenchymal cells with DMSA-coated gold and iron oxide nanoparticles: assessment of biocompatibility and potential applications.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles' unique features have been highly explored in cellular therapies. However, nanoparticles can be cytotoxic. The cytotoxicity can be overcome by coating the nanoparticles with an appropriated surface modification. Nanoparticle coating influences biocompatibility between nanoparticles and cells and may affect some cell properties. Here, we evaluated the biocompatibility of gold and maghemite nanoparticles functionalized with 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), Au-DMSA and γ-Fe2O3-DMSA respectively, with human mesenchymal stem cells. Also, we tested these nanoparticles as tracers for mesenchymal stem cells in vivo tracking by computed tomography and as agents for mesenchymal stem cells magnetic targeting. RESULTS: Significant cell death was not observed in MTT, Trypan Blue and light microscopy analyses. However, ultra-structural alterations as swollen and degenerated mitochondria, high amounts of myelin figures and structures similar to apoptotic bodies were detected in some mesenchymal stem cells. Au-DMSA and γ-Fe2O3-DMSA labeling did not affect mesenchymal stem cells adipogenesis and osteogenesis differentiation, proliferation rates or lymphocyte suppression capability. The uptake measurements indicated that both inorganic nanoparticles were well uptaken by mesenchymal stem cells. However, Au-DMSA could not be detected in microtomograph after being incorporated by mesenchymal stem cells. γ-Fe2O3-DMSA labeled cells were magnetically responsive in vitro and after infused in vivo in an experimental model of lung silicosis. CONCLUSION: In terms of biocompatibility, the use of γ-Fe2O3-DMSA and Au-DMSA as tracers for mesenchymal stem cells was assured. However, Au-DMSA shown to be not suitable for visualization and tracking of these cells in vivo by standard computed microtomography. Otherwise, γ-Fe2O3-DMSA shows to be a promising agent for mesenchymal stem cells magnetic targeting.

Sarcoma de Ewing/Pnet primário pré-sacral: relato de caso / Ewing Sarcoma/Pnet pre-sacral: case report

O sarcoma de Ewing é um tipo de tumor ósseo, de comportamento agressivo, que acomete principalmente indivíduos abaixo dos 30 anos e com predomínio no sexo masculino. A família de tumores de Ewing compreende um espectro de neoplasias de células neuroectodérmicas primitivas as quais são células embrionárias que migram da crista neural. Neste relato apresenta-se paciente do sexo masculino, 19 anos, admitido na emergência com quadro de lombalgia, fraqueza de membros inferiores, dificuldade de urinar e fratura de fêmur direito há um ano. Solicitada ressonância magnética da pelve e coluna lombosacra que evidenciaram lesão expansiva pré-sacral e lesões extramedulares e intradurais. Paciente submetido a exame anatomopatológico que evidenciou sarcoma de Ewing/Tumor Neuroectodérmico Primitivo. Realizado tratamento cirúrgico para descompressão medular e posterior radioterapia e quimioterapia...

Ewing’s sarcoma is a type of bone tumor that has aggressive behavior, which mainly affects individuals below 30 years and predominantly in males. The family of tumors includes Ewing a spectrum of neuroectodermal of primitive cells tumors which are embryonic cells migrating from the neural crest. In this report we present a male patient, 19 years, admitted to the emergency room with back pain, weakness of the lower limbs, difficulty urinating and right femur fracture a year ago. Requested magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis and lumbosacral spine showed a presacral mass lesion and extramedullary and intradurallesions. Patient has been subjected to the pathological examination that showed Ewing’s sarcoma / primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Surgery for spinal decompression and subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been conducted...

Exercise training improves cardiovascular autonomic activity and attenuates renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Experiments were performed to determine the influence of exercise training by swimming on cardiovascular autonomic control and renal morphology in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wystar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Sedentary normotensive (SN), trained normotensive (TN), sedentary hypertensive (SH), and trained hypertensive (TH) rats were included in this study. Arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), means of power spectral analysis of HR (HRV) and systolic AP variability (SAPV) were recorded in baseline conditions. Following, the HR baroreflex and autonomic tonus control were assessed. At the end, all animals were euthanized and their kidneys were excised to evaluate renal damage. Resting bradycardia was observed in TH and TN rats compared with their respective sedentary animals (p < 0.05). Exercise training attenuated AP in TH vs. SH (p < 0.001). The LF component of HRV and SAPV were lower in TH than SH (p < 0.05). The LF/HF relation was lower in TH than SH and SN (p < 0.05). TN and TH rats showed a sympathetic tonus reduction in comparison to SN and SH rats (p < 0.001). The TH presented an increased vagal tonus compared to SH (p < 0.05). Exercise training improved baroreflex control of HR in TH group versus SH (p < 0.05). The TH showed a lower number of sclerotic glomeruli compared to SH (p < 0.005). The exercise training decrease the glomerular indexes in TN and TH (p < 0.05). Further analysis showed a significant correlation between sympathetic nervous activity and AP levels (p < 0.05). A positive association was also found between sympathetic nervous activity and glomerular index (p < 0.05). Therefore, the exercise training reduces AP and attenuates renal damage. In addition, the attenuation of renal injury was associated with lower sympathetic activity. These findings strongly suggest that exercise training may be a therapeutic tool for improving structure and renal function in hypertensive individuals. Key pointsEndurance training.Decrease of the sympathetic activity.Attenuation of renal injury.Decrease of blood pressure in SHR.

Cytoskeleton structure, pattern of mitochondrial activity and ultrastructure of frozen or vitrified sheep embryos.

Even though sheep embryo cryopreservation is a commonly used procedure the survival and pregnancy outcomes can vary greatly. This study investigated whether cryopreservation was causing subtle changes in ultrastructure, mitochondrial activity or cytoskeletal integrity. Sheep embryos were either slow cooled in 1.5 M EG (n = 22), or vitrified in 20% EG + 20% DMSO with 0.5 M sucrose in Open Pulled Straws (OPS) (n = 24). One hour after warming the cryopreserved embryos differed from control embryos in that they had no mitochondrial activity combined with cytoskeletal disorganization and large vesicles. Vitrified embryos also showed many points of cytoskeleton disruption. Ultrastructural alterations resulting from actin filaments disorganization were observed in both cryopreserved groups. This includes areas presenting no cytoplasmic organelles, Golgi complex located far from the nucleus and a decrease of specialized intercellular junctions. Additionally, large vesicles were observed in vitrified morulae and early blastocysts. The alterations after cryopreservation were proportional to embryo quality as assessed using the stereomicroscope. Even in the absence of mitochondrial activity, grade I and II cryopreserved embryos contained mitochondria with normal ultrastructure. Embryos classified as grade I or II in the stereomicroscope revealed mild ultrastructural alterations, meaning that this tool is efficient to evaluate embryos after cryopreservation.

Avaliação funcional pré e pós-programa de exercício físico de pacientes em hemodiálise / Functional evaluation pre and post physical exercise program for patients in hemodialysis

Modelo do estudo: Estudo experimental. Introdução: A Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) refere-se a um diagnóstico sindrômico de perda progressiva e irreversível da função renal. O paciente submetido à hemodiálise pode apresentar limitações na capacidade funcional, função pulmonar e força muscular respiratória, com consequentes prejuízos na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercício físico sobre a função pulmonar, capacidade funcional, qualidade de vida e dor, em pacientes que realizam hemodiálise. Metodologia: Participaram do estudo 28 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 40 e 60 anos, em programa de hemodiálise no Instituto do Rim da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Presidente Prudente-SP. A força muscular respiratória foi avaliada pela manovacuometria, a capacidade funcional, pelo TC6', a qualidade de vida, pelo questionário KDQOLSF, a função pulmonar, pela espirometria e a dor, pela EVA. Após as avaliações, os pacientes iniciaram o programa de exercícios, que foi desenvolvido três vezes por semana, durante 40 minutos em hemodiálise, por oito semanas. Ao final do programa, os pacientes foram reavaliados. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa dos valores da CVF e VEF1 pré e pós-programa de exercícios, assim como do Índice de Tiffenau. O valor da PImax pós-programa foi significativamente maior que o obtido na avaliação pré-programa. Para a variável PEmax, não foi encontrada diferença significativa. As avaliações da capacidade funcional inicial e final não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p>0,05)...

Model Study: An experimental study Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to a syndromic diagnosis which leads to a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. A hemodialysis patient may have limitations in functional capacity, pulmonary function and respiratory musclular strength impacting in quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the effects of an exercise program on pulmonary function,functional capacity, quality of life and pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methodology: The study included 28 patients of both genders, women and men aged between 40 and 60 years undergoing dialysis at the Kidney Institute, Santa Casa de Misericordia in Presidente Prudente-SP. Primary outcomes included respiratory muscular strength measurements assessed by manovacuometry. The functional capacity was evaluated by a six minute walking test. A life quality questionnaire was applied to evaluate quality of life (SF36-KDQOL). Lung function was evaluated by spirometry. Pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale. The exercise program consisted of training 3 times a week for 40 minutes on hemodialysis during eight weeks. At the end of the program all patients were reassessed. Results: There was no significant difference in the values of FVC and FEV1 before and after the exercise programas well as the index Tiffenau. The value of post MIP was significantly higher than the value obtained in the pre program. For variable MEP no significant difference was found. Functional capacity evaluations showed that there were no significant differences (p> 0.05). The evaluation of quality of life, about the domains of specific areas of CKD showed statistical significance when comparing the list of symptoms and problems with overloading of renal disease and professional role. Indicators related to pain were significantly reduced after the program (P <0.05)...

Anti-CEA loaded maghemite nanoparticles as a theragnostic device for colorectal cancer.

Nanosized maghemite particles were synthesized, precoated (with dimercaptosuccinic acid) and surface-functionalized with anticarcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) and successfully used to target cell lines expressing the CEA, characteristic of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The as-developed nanosized material device, consisting of surface decorated maghemite nanoparticles suspended as a biocompatible magnetic fluid (MF) sample, labeled MF-anti-CEA, was characterized and tested against two cell lines: a high-CEA expressing cell line (LS174T) and a low-CEA expressing cell line (HCT116). Whereas X-ray diffraction was used to assess the average core size of the as-synthesized maghemite particles (average 8.3 nm in diameter), dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility measurements were used to obtain the average hydrodynamic diameter (550 nm) and the zeta-potential (-38 mV) of the as-prepared and maghemite-based nanosized device, respectively. Additionally, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to track the surface decoration of the nanosized maghemite particles from the very first precoating up to the attachment of the anti-CEA moiety. The Raman peak at 1655 cm(-1), absent in the free anti-CEA spectrum, is the signature of the anti-CEA binding onto the precoated magnetic nanoparticles. Whereas MTT assay was used to confirm the low cell toxicity of the MF-anti-CEA device, ELISA and Prussian blue iron staining tests performed with both cell lines (LS174T and HCT116) confirm that the as-prepared MF-anti- CEA is highly specific for CEA-expressing cells. Finally, transmission electron microscopy analyses show that the association with anti-CEA seems to increase the number of LS174T cells with internalized maghemite nanoparticles, whereas no such increase seems to occur in the HCT116 cell line. In conclusion, the MF-anti-CEA sample is a biocompatible device that can specifically target CEA, suggesting its potential use as a theragnostic tool for CEA-expressing tumors, micrometastasis, and cancer-circulating cells.

Interaction of chlorhexidine with biomembrane models on glass ionomer by using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique.

The antimicrobial property of chlorhexidine is believed to be associated with its interaction of bacterium membrane, which calls for research on the identification of membranes sites capable of drug binding. In this study, we investigated the interaction of chlorhexidine digluconate, a known agent with bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities employed in the treatment of periodontal diseases, with bacteria cell model systems by using Langmuir monolayers. The insertion of the drug caused the surface pressure-area isotherms for a mixed protein-lipid monolayer to be shifted to higher lipid molecular areas, which was the first indication of the action of chlorhexidine in the membrane model. Surface infrared spectroscopy pointed to intrinsic interactions of the drug with the hydrophobic part of the lipid, leading to a disruption of the lipid organization at the interface. Also, the secondary structure of the polypeptide model employed in this work has been changed, as a consequence of the drug interactions. Such change in the lipid-protein models could be confirmed when the membrane was transferred to glass ionomer cement as a solid support, which can be considered a model for dental surfaces. Therefore, chlorhexidine interacts with lipid and protein moieties supposed to be present in lipid membranes. This may have important implication in understanding how the drug acts on specific sites of the bacteria membrane.

Ultrastructural characterization of porcine oocytes and adjacent follicular cells during follicle development: lipid component evolution.

The objective of this study was to characterize the morphometry and ultrastructure of porcine preantral and antral follicles, especially the lipid component evolution. Ovarian tissue was processed for light microscopy. Ovarian tissue and dissected antral follicles (< 2, 2-4, and 4-6 mm) were also processed for transmission electron microscopy using routine methods and using an osmium-imidazole method for lipid detection. Primordial follicles (34 ± 5 µm in diameter, mean ± SD) had one layer of flattened-cuboidal granulosa cells around the oocyte, primary follicles (40 ± 7 µm) had a single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells around the oocyte, and secondary follicles (102 ± 58 µm) had two or more layers of cuboidal granulosa cells around the oocyte. Preantral follicle oocytes had many round mitochondria and both rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In oocytes of primordial and primary follicles, lipid droplets were abundant and were mostly located at the cell poles. In secondary and antral follicles, the zona pellucida completely surrounded the oocyte, whereas some microvilli and granulosa cells projected through it. Numerous electron-lucent vesicles and vacuoles were present in the oolemma of secondary and antral follicles. Based on osmium-imidazole staining, most of these structures were shown to be lipid droplets. As the follicle developed, the appearance of the lipid droplets changed from small and black to large and gray, dark or dark with light streaks, suggesting that their nature may change over time. In summary, although porcine follicles and oocytes had many similarities to those of other mammalian species, they were rich in lipids, with lipid droplets with varying morphological patterns as the follicle developed.

Mulheres cuidando de mulheres: um estudo sobre a Casa de Apoio Viva Maria, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Women caring for women: a study on the \"Viva Maria\" shelter, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Teve como objetivo obter dados a respeito de mulheres vitimizadas que säo atendidas em uma casa abrigo governamental denominada "Casa de Apoio Viva Maria", situada na cidade de Porto Alegre. Analisaram-se informaçöes referentes a 110 mulheres que estiveram albergadas na casa durante os últimos dois anos - janeiro de 1996 a junho de 1998. O perfil da clientela mostrou que as mulheres eram jovens - em média, 29 anos; todas de baixa renda; 12 por cento analfabetas, 21 por cento negras, 80 por cento delas com história de violência doméstica freqüente. Além disso, 10 por cento destas mulheres retornaram à relaçäo com o companheiro violento. Foram efetuadas visitas domiciliares a 34 ex-moradoras, convidando-as a participar de uma série de oficinas de avaliaçäo. Um total de 118 pessoas - mäes e crianças - integrou os três encontros de avaliaçäo. Durante estes, os pesquisadores estimularam as participantes a expressar suas opiniöes, percepçöes e sentimentos a respeito da experiência vivida na casa abrigo, assim como seus conceitos no tocante à violência. Finalmente, realizou-se um grupo focal com a equipe técnico-administrativa da casa. As trabalhadoras enfatizaram o quanto esse tipo de trabalho tem sido útil para seu desenvolvimento pessoal e auxiliou a modificar suas vidas.