This thesis adopts the methodology of systems theory to examine the limits of anti-discrimination law. The sociology of Niklas Luhmann, alongside extensions provided by Michel Foucault and Gilles Deleuze, is applied to construct a versatile re-description of anti-discrimination law. This is an innovative approach because it articulates the social basis for discrimination alongside a legal picture of anti-discrimination within the same theoretical framework. By considering each side of this discrimination/anti-discrimination equation the capacity of law to address discrimination is put into question. The difficulty of providing a philosophically sound explanation for discrimination involves a legitimate academic question, but it also indicates its limitation. This thesis argues that this difficultly reflects a genuine divergence between the social meaning of discrimination and the ability of moral philosophy to comprehend this phenomenon. Racism is analyzed as a confluence of moral, artistic, and mass mediated communications; it is communicated through inconsistency and complex repetition. This confluence is described by tracing societal differentiations and self-descriptions, as developed by Luhmann, with an emphasis on the history of manners as a precursor to modern racism. The legal picture of anti-discrimination presented here is divided into argumentation and decision. Firstly, the description of direct and indirect discrimination in terms of justice is questioned through an examination of argumentative limits, with legal liability being re-interpreted in the light of how concepts and interests inform argumentation. Secondly, the validity of a decision is analyzed as a separate problem for anti-discrimination law. The jurisprudence of the positivist Joseph Raz is criticized from the perspective of a Luhmannian theorization of law as symbolically valid decisions. This thesis constructs an explanatory framework that redraws the limitations of anti-discrimination law by revealing [1] how racism is a protean social phenomenon, and [2] that separation of the legal understanding of anti-discrimination law into discrete streams exposes the concrete limitations available for engaging issues of justiciability.

Orientador: Ariane Leite Rozza / Resumo: A hiperglicemia causada pelo diabetes prejudica o processo de cicatrização da ferida cutânea, promovendo uma resposta inflamatória crônica e aumento do estresse oxidativo. O mentol é um composto natural, encontrado no óleo essencial de folhas de plantas Mentha, que possui propriedades bactericida, fungicida, analgésica e anestésica descritas na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial efeito cicatrizante do creme à base de mentol em feridas cutâneas de ratos hiperglicêmicos e seus mecanismos de ação. A hiperglicemia foi induzida em ratos Wistar machos (n=10) através de dose única de estreptozotocina (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Após confirmação do estado diabético (≥ 250 mg glicose/dL), os ratos foram divididos em três grupos: veículo, creme de insulina (0.5 U/g), creme à base de mentol (0.5%). Os animais foram anestesiados com quetamina (80 mg/kg, i.p.) e xilazina (40 mg/kg, i.p.) e a ferida cutânea foi confeccionada no dorso dos animais com um punch de 2 cm de diâmetro. A área da ferida foi medida, fotografada e tratada com cremes uma vez ao dia durante 14 dias. No final do período, os ratos foram eutanasiados, a área da ferida foi destinada a ensaios de atividade anti-inflamatória e antioxidante e expressão quantitativa de mRNA. Os níveis de NO foram dosados no plasma sanguíneo. Após 14 dias de tratamento, o grupo tratado com mentol apresentou redução na área da ferida (94%) em comparação com o grupo veículo (88%). Além disso, o grupo tratado com mentol apresent... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Mestre

This dissertation analyzes the role of various kinds of boycotts and sanctions in the strategies and tactics of those active in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. What was unprecedented about the efforts of members of the global anti-apartheid movement was that they experimented with so many ways of severing so many forms of interaction with South Africa, and that boycotts ultimately came to be seen as such a central element of their struggle. But it was not inevitable that international boycotts would become indelibly associated with the struggle against apartheid. Calling for boycotts and sanctions was a political choice. In the years before 1959, most leading opponents of apartheid both inside and outside South Africa showed little interest in the idea of international boycotts of South Africa. This dissertation identifies the conjuncture of circumstances that caused this to change, and explains the subsequent shifts in the kinds of boycotts that opponents of apartheid prioritized. It shows that the various advocates of boycotts and sanctions expected them to contribute to ending apartheid by a range of different mechanisms, from bringing about an evolutionary change in white attitudes through promoting the desegregation of sport, to weakening the state’s ability to resist the efforts of the liberation movements to seize power through guerrilla warfare. But though the purpose of anti-apartheid boycotts continued to be contested, boycott had, by 1970, become established as the defining principle of the self-identified anti-apartheid movement.

Although scholars have explored the role of emotions, specifically White guilt and shame, in combating racism, there is a dearth of research available regarding differences between White guilt and shame, and measures available that independently assess these emotions in relation to White racism. The purpose of this study was to test a model of White Guilt and White shame as distinct forms of racial affect that serve to promote anti-racism (N=881). The White Guilt and White Shame model, tested using structural equation modeling, hypothesized that combined aspects of White guilt and White shame proneness, collective White guilt (e.g., group based culpability) and motivation processes to respond without racism (e.g., internal, external) would serve to challenge the development of colorblindness and fear of people of color, while fostering greater empathy and willingness to combat racism. Although the proposed hypotheses were moderately supported, and an overall acceptable model fit was found, two modifications were made to White Shame within the original proposed model in accordance with theory and empirical findings. Results from this study indicated that White guilt proneness, collective White guilt, and internal motivation to respond without racism loaded on the factor White Guilt, while White shame proneness, collective White guilt, and external motivation to respond without prejudice loaded on the factor White shame. Furthermore, results also provided sufficient evidence that White Guilt and White Shame have a positive effect on reducing colorblindness and promoting racial empathy, rather than fear. Limitations, clinical implications, and further directions of research are discussed.

by Grant Richardson Stenton. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 259-287). / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / Publications --- p.iv / Abbreviations --- p.v / Contents --- p.vii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1 1.1. --- Historical Background --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2. --- Origin and distribution of mast cells --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Mast cell heterogeneity --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4. --- Mast cell mediators --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4.1. --- Preformed mast cell mediators --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4.2. --- Newly synthesised mast cell mediators --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5. --- Mast cell activation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5.1. --- Antigenic pathway of mast cell activation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5.1.1. --- Antigen binding and receptor aggregation --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5.1.2. --- Early events following FcεRI aggregation --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.1.3. --- Antigenic induction of mast cell second messenger production --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5.1.4. --- Phospholipase C activation and mast cells --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.1.5. --- Phospholipase A2 activation and mast cells --- p.17 / Chapter 1.5.1.6. --- Intracellular calcium and mast cells --- p.18 / Chapter 1.5.1.7. --- Calcium and calmodulin --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.1.8. --- Adenylate cyclase activation and mast cells --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.2. --- Non-antigenic pathway of mast cell activation --- p.22 / Chapter 1.6. --- Aims of the study --- p.25 / Chapter 1.6.1. --- Diuretics --- p.26 / Chapter 1.6.2. --- Histamine receptor directed compounds --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.3. --- Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors --- p.28 / Chapter 1.6.4. --- Immunosuppressive compounds --- p.29 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1. --- Materials and methods --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Secretagogues --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Anti-allergic compounds --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.3. --- Diuretics --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.4. --- Immunosuppressants --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.5. --- Histamine agonists and antagonists --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.6. --- Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.7. --- Materials for buffers --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.8. --- Materials for rat sensitization --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.9. --- Materials for histamine assay --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.10. --- Materials for calcium measurement --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.11. --- Materials for prostaglandin D2 measurement --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.12. --- Materials for leukotriene C4 measurement --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.13. --- Materials for cyclic AMP measurement --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.14. --- Miscellaneous --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2. --- Buffers and stock solutions --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Buffer ingredients --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Stock solutions --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3. --- Animals and cell isolation --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.1. --- Animals --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.2. --- Sensitization of animals --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.3. --- Cell isolation --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.4. --- Cell washing and purification --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.5. --- Preparation of cells for counting --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.6. --- Cell counting on a haemocytometer --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4. --- General protocol for histamine release and histamine measurement --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.1. --- Histamine release --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.2. --- Spectroflurometric determination of histamine contents --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.3. --- Calculation of histamine levels --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5. --- Protocol for cellular calcium measurement --- p.47 / Chapter 2.5.1. --- 45Ca2+ influx measurement --- p.47 / Chapter 2.5.2. --- Calculation of 45Ca2+ influx --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5.3. --- Fura-2 fluorescence measurement of intracellular calcium --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5.4. --- Fura-2 cell loading --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5.5. --- Fura-2 fluorescence parameters --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5.6. --- Calculation of basal calcium levels --- p.50 / Chapter 2.6. --- Protocol for prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) measurement --- p.52 / Chapter 2.6.1. --- PGD2 production --- p.52 / Chapter 2.6.2. --- Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay (EIA) method of PGD2 measurement --- p.52 / Chapter 2.6.3. --- Calculation of (EIA) PGD2 production --- p.53 / Chapter 2.6.4. --- Radio Immunosorbent Assay (RIA) method of PGD2 measurement --- p.53 / Chapter 2.6.5. --- Calculation of (RIA) PGD2 concentration --- p.54 / Chapter 2.7. --- Protocol for leukotriene C4 (LTC4) measurement --- p.54 / Chapter 2.7.1. --- LTC4 production --- p.54 / Chapter 2.7.2. --- Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay (EIA) method of LTC4 measurement --- p.55 / Chapter 2.7.3. --- Calculation of (EIA) LTC4 concentration --- p.55 / Chapter 2.8. --- Protocol for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) measurement --- p.56 / Chapter 2.8.1. --- cAMP production --- p.56 / Chapter 2.8.2. --- Radio Immunosorbent Assay (RIA) method of cAMP measurement --- p.56 / Chapter 2.8.3. --- Calculation of cAMP concentration --- p.57 / Chapter 2.9. --- Statistical analysis --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- "Frusemide, Bumetanide and DSCG" --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1. --- Introduction --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- Frusemide and bumetanide as loop diuretics --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1.2. --- Effects of frusemide and bumetanide on the airways --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1.3. --- Effects of frusemide on mast cells --- p.60 / Chapter 3.1.4. --- Experimental aims --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3. --- Results --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- "Effects of frusemide, bumetanide and DSCG on immunologically induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- "Effects of frusemide, bumetanide and DSCG on compound 48/80 induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.64 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- "Effects of frusemide, bumetanide and DSCG on compound 48/80 induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells suspended in calcium free buffer" --- p.65 / Chapter 3.3.4. --- "Effects of frusemide, bumetanide and DSCG on ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.65 / Chapter 3.3.5. --- Cross-tachyphylaxis effects of frusemide and bumetanide --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3.6. --- Effects of DSCG on the inhibition of anaphylactic histamine release due to frusemide --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3.7. --- Effects of frusemide and DSCG on immunologically and non-immunologically induced 45Ca2+ uptake --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3.8. --- Effects of frusemide and DSCG on immunologically and non-immunologically induced changes in the free intracellular calcium concentration of rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3.9. --- Effects of frusemide and bumetanide on the spontaneous and secretagogue induced PGD2 production from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3.10. --- Effects of frusemide and DSCG on cellular cAMP levels --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4. --- Discussion --- p.101 / Chapter 3.5. --- Summary --- p.111 / Chapter 3.6. --- Conclusion --- p.114 / Chapter 3.7. --- Future studies --- p.114 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Histamine Receptor Directed Compounds --- p.115 / Chapter 4.1. --- Introduction --- p.116 / Chapter 4.1.1. --- Histamine receptor subtypes --- p.116 / Chapter 4.1.2. --- Histamine effects on the airways --- p.117 / Chapter 4.2. --- Signal transduction mechanisms --- p.118 / Chapter 4.2.1. --- H1-receptors --- p.118 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- H2-receptors --- p.119 / Chapter 4.2.3. --- H3-receptors --- p.120 / Chapter 4.3. --- Histamine receptors and mast cells --- p.120 / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Effects of histamine agonists and antagonists on mast cells --- p.120 / Chapter 4.3.2. --- Experimental aims --- p.122 / Chapter 4.3.3. --- Materials and methods --- p.123 / Chapter 4.4. --- Results --- p.123 / Chapter 4.4.1. --- Effects of the test compounds on the spontaneous histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.123 / Chapter 4.4.2. --- Effects of the test compounds on anti-IgE induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.125 / Chapter 4.4.3. --- Effects of the test compounds on compound 48/80 induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.126 / Chapter 4.4.4. --- Effects of the test compounds on anti-IgE and compound 48/80induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in calcium free buffer --- p.126 / Chapter 4.4.5. --- Effects of the test compounds on ionophore A23187 induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.127 / Chapter 4.4.6. --- "Effects of histamine antagonists on dimaprit, imetit and impromidine induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.128 / Chapter 4.4.7. --- "Effects of anti-IgE, dimaprit and imetit on PGD2 production from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.128 / Chapter 4.4.8. --- "Effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) on dimaprit, imetit, compound 48/80 and anti-IgE induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.129 / Chapter 4.4.9. --- "Effects of pertussis toxin on dimaprit, imetit, compound 48/80and anti-IgE induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.129 / Chapter 4.4.10. --- "Effects of dimaprit, imetit, compound 48/80 and anti-IgE on the free intracellular calcium concentration of rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.130 / Chapter 4.5. --- Discussion --- p.171 / Chapter 4.5.1. --- The possible existence of histamine receptors on rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.171 / Chapter 4.5.2. --- "Possible mechanism of action for the histamine releasing actions of dimaprit, imetit and impromidine on rat peritoneal mast cells" --- p.174 / Chapter 4.6. --- Conclusion --- p.181 / Chapter 4.7. --- Future studies --- p.182 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Cyclo-oxygenase Inhibitors --- p.184 / Chapter 5.1. --- Introduction --- p.185 / Chapter 5.1.1. --- Cyclo-oxygenase isozymes --- p.185 / Chapter 5.1.2. --- Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors and mast cells --- p.186 / Chapter 5.1.3. --- Experimental aims --- p.190 / Chapter 5.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.190 / Chapter 5.3. --- Results --- p.191 / Chapter 5.3.1. --- Effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on immunologically and non-immunologically induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells - --- p.191 / Chapter 5.3.2. --- Effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on immunologically and non-immunologically induced PGD2 production from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.192 / Chapter 5.3.3. --- Effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on immunologically and non-immunologically induced LTC4 production from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.192 / Chapter 5.3.4. --- Effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on immunologically and non-immunologically induced 45Ca uptake by rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.193 / Chapter 5.4. --- Discussion --- p.221 / Chapter 5.5. --- Summary and Conclusion --- p.225 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Immunosuppressive Drugs --- p.228 / Chapter 6.1. --- Introduction --- p.229 / Chapter 6.1.1. --- CsA and FK506 binding proteins --- p.230 / Chapter 6.1.2. --- Distribution of CyPA and FKBP12 --- p.231 / Chapter 6.1.3 --- Mechanism of immunosuppression --- p.232 / Chapter 6.1.4. --- The role of calcineurin in IL-2 promoter induction --- p.233 / Chapter 6.2. --- Immunosuppressive agents and mast cells --- p.234 / Chapter 6.2.1. --- Introduction --- p.234 / Chapter 6.2.2. --- CsA and FK506 inhibit mast cell cytokine production --- p.235 / Chapter 6.2.3. --- "CsA mediated inhibition of mediator release from, and calcium uptake by mast cells and basophils" --- p.236 / Chapter 6.2.4. --- Inhibition of mediator release from mast cells and basophils by FK506 --- p.239 / Chapter 6.2.5. --- Aim of this study --- p.240 / Chapter 6.2.6. --- Materials and methods --- p.241 / Chapter 6.3. --- Results --- p.241 / Chapter 6.3.1. --- Effects of CsA and FK506 on immunologically and non-immunologically induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.241 / Chapter 6.3.2. --- Effects of CsA and FK506 on immunologically and non-immunologically induced PGD2 production from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.242 / Chapter 6.3.3. --- Effects of CsA and FK506 on immunologically and non-immunologically induced 45Ca uptake by rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.243 / Chapter 6.4. --- Discussion --- p.254 / Chapter 6.4.1. --- "Effects of CsA on histamine release from, and 45Ca uptake by rat peritoneal mast cells, following immunological and non-immunological activation" --- p.254 / Chapter 6.4.2. --- Effects of CsA on PGD2 production from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.256 / Chapter 6.4.3. --- "Effects of FK506 on histamine release from, and 45Ca uptake by rat peritoneal mast cells, following immunological and non-immunological activation" --- p.256 / Chapter 6.4.4. --- Effects of FK506 on immunological PGD2 production from rat peritoneal mast cells --- p.257 / Chapter 6.5. --- Summary --- p.257' / Chapter 6.6. --- Future work --- p.258 / References

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-12-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:01:04Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 bannwart_cf_dr_botib.pdf: 1094046 bytes, checksum: 3e5c01fb3fd618a497a73f357427ec4d (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Silibinin is the major active component of silymarin (Silybum marianum), a polyphenolic plant flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects. The modulatory effect of silibinin on monocyte function against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb18) has not yet been demonstrated. The present study investigated whether the effect of silibinin on NF-kB pathways may affects the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as the fungicidal activity of human monocytes challenged in vitro with Pb18. Peripheral blood monocytes from healthy individuals were treated with or without 5 uM and 50 uM silibinin and challenged with Pb18 or were stimulated with lipopolissaccharide (LPS). After 18 h of culture TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-β1 and PGE2 were determined by ELISA, while NO release was quantified by the accumulation of nitrite in the supernatants using the standard Griess assay. Fungicidal activity of monocytes against Pb18 was assessed after cell incubation with interferon-gamma, culture with or without silibinin for 18 h and challenge with Pb18 for 4h. NF-kB activation in the cultures was evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA after monocyte stimulation with Pb18 or LPS for 30 min. Silibinin at 50uM concentration partially inhibited p65NF-kB activation as observed by reduction in the number of cells expressing this factor, that was confirmed by low concentration detection of p65NF-kB in the nucleus. This silibinin effects resulted in suppression of TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-β1 and PGE2 and NO production, but did not affect fungicidal activity of monocytes against Pb18. The modulatory effect of silibinin on the monocytes inflammatory response against P. brasiliensis might be important to establish an efficient and beneficial immune response of the host against the fungus

Orientador: Benedito Barravieira / Coorientador: Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior / Banca: Lucilene Delazari dos Santos / Banca: Jean-Philippe Chippaux / Banca: Debora de Mello Gonçalves Sant Ana / Banca: Daniel C. Pimenta / Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da melitina natural na infecção experimental por Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, bem como seu efeito sobre a produção de citocinas pró e antinflamatórias e metabólitos do oxigênio e do nitrogênio. O fracionamento do veneno foi realizado por meio de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC-RP) usando-se colunas C8 e C18. As frações foram identificadas por sequenciamento peptídico pela química degradativa de Edman e espectrometria de massas do tipo eletrospray. A determinação da atividade anti-leishmania, contra formas promastigotas foi realizada de forma seriada partindo-se de uma concentração inicial de melitina de 100 μg/mL observando-se o valor de CE50 de 28,29 μg/mL. Foi realizado estudo de citotoxicidade em macrófagos peritoniais isolados de camundongos BALB/c, obtendo-se um valor de CE50 de 5,73 μg/mL. A viabilidade celular de ambos os ensaios foi avaliada por meio do estudo da atividade oxidativa mitocondrial (MTT). Os estudos em formas amastigotas intracelulares demostraram um valor de CE50 de 1,47 μg/mL. Quanto a produção de citocinas por celulas desafiadas com o parasita e tratados com a melitina observou-se que houve tendência de aumento para as citocinas inflamatórias IL12 e TNF-α nas concentrações utilizadas e nos respectivos períodos de tempo. A melitina não interferiu na produção de IFN-γ e TGF-β, porém observamos diminuição significativa nos níveis de IL-10, fato semelhante observado na produção de H2O2 e NO. Conclui-se que a melitina demonstrou eficácia in vitro contra a espécie Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, podendo ter atuado de forma direta contra o parasita intracelular e/ou por meio da modulação da resposta imune levando a ativação de macrófagos, em que estes produziram outras substâncias que não NO e H2O2, proporcionando uma redução da carga parasitária dentro do macrófago, ... / Abstract: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of natural melittin extracted and purified from the venom of Apis mellifera over an in vitro infection with Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, well as their effects on the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory, and metabolites of oxygen and nitrogen. The fractionation of the venom was accomplished by high-performance liquid chromatography system (RP-HPLC) using C18 and C8 columns. These fractions were determined by peptide sequence using a combination of Edman degradation sequence analysis and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The ascertainment of anti-leishmania activity against promastigote forms was conducted in a seriate form, beginning with an initial melittin concentration of 100μg/mL, noting an EC50 value of 28.29 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity study was conducted in isolated peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice, obtaining an EC50 value of 5.73μg/mL. The cell viability of both trials was assessed by means of the study of mitochondrial oxidative activity (MTT). The studies demonstrated an EC50 value of 1.47μg/mL on intracellular amastigotes. As the cytokines production by cells challenged with parasite and treated with melittin, was observed that there was an increased tendency for inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and TNF-α at used concentrations and in the respective periods of time analyzed. The melittin did not interfered in the IFN-γ and TGF-β production, however were observed a significant decrease in the IL- 10 levels, which was similarly observed in the H2O2 and NO production. It is concluded that melittin has shown in vitro efficacy against Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi and may have a directly behavior against the intracellular parasite and/or by the immune response modulation, leading to an macrophages activation, and after, a production of other substances than NO and H2O2, providing a reduction in ... / Doutor

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Desidrodieugenol, conhecido como bis-eugenol, à um orto-dÃmero do eugenol que, similarmente ao eugenol, exibe atividades antiinflamatÃria e antioxidante. Eugenol, tambÃm, apresentou efeito antidepressivo, no entanto, as aÃÃes biolÃgicas do bis-eugenol em modelos experimentais para screening da atividade antidepressiva nÃo tem sido estudada. O presente estudo investigou a possÃvel atividade antidepressiva do bis-eugenol nos testes do nado forÃado e suspensÃo da cauda, em camundongos, e o envolvimento do sistema monoaminÃrgico neste efeito. A anÃlise neuroquÃmica das monoaminas no cÃrebro de camundongos submetidos ao tratamento agudo com bis-eugenol foi tambÃm realizado. AlÃm disso, os efeitos centrais do bis-eugenol foram avaliados em modelos animais de ansiedade tais como tempo de sono induzido por pentobarbital, teste da placa perfurada, labirinto em cruz elevado (plus maze), convulsÃes induzidas por pentilenotetrazol e teste do claro escuro. Bis-eugenol reduziu o tempo de imobilidade no teste do nado forÃado, o qual nÃo acompanhou as alteraÃÃes da ambulaÃÃo no teste do campo aberto na dose de 10 mg/kg, no entanto, a ambulaÃÃo foi induzida pelas doses de 25 e 50 mg/kg. O melhor efeito anti-imobilidade do bis-eugenol (50 mg/kg, i.p.) foi revertido pelo prÃ-tratamento dos camundongos com PCPA 100 mg/kg, i.p. (um inibidor da sÃntese de serotonina) por quatro dias consecutivos. Prazozin (1 mg/kg, i.p., antagonista α1-adrenoceptor), ioimbina (1 mg/kg, i.p., antagonista α2-adrenoceptor), SCH23390 (15 Âg/kg, s.c., antagonista do receptor D1) ou sulpirida (50 mg/kg, i.p., antagonista do receptor receptor D2). Bis-eugenol apresentou atividade ansiolÃtica no teste da placa perfurada, plus maze e claro/escuro que parece nÃo estar relacionado com o sistema gabaÃrgico, uma vez que o flumazenil, um antagonista dos benzodiazepÃnicos no sÃtio receptor gabaÃrgico, nÃo reverteu o efeito ansiolÃtico provocado pelo bis-eugenol no teste do plus maze. A anÃlise dos nÃveis de monoaminas e seus metabÃlitos, utilizando High Performace Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC), revelou um significativo aumento nos nÃveis de monoamÃnas (NA, DA e 5-HT) e seus metabÃlitos (DOPAC, HVA e 5-HIAA) no corpo estriado dos camundongos. O presente estudo sugere que o efeito anti-imobilidade observado com o tratamento agudo de biÂs-eugenol no teste do nado forÃado està relacionado ao sistema monoaminÃrgico, considerando o aumento dos nÃveis de monoaminas e seus metabÃlitos no cÃrebro. Foi observado um efeito ansiolÃtico do bis-eugenol que nÃo està relacionado com o sistema gabaÃrgico, uma vez que o flumazenil nÃo reverteu os efeitos do bis-eugenol no teste do plus maze. / Desidrodieugenol, known as bis-eugenol, is an ortho dimer that of similarly to eugenol was able to exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Bis-eugenol has also showed antidepressant effect, however, the biological actions of bis-eugenol on experimental models for screening of antidepressant activity are still unknown. The present study investigated the possible antidepressant-like activity of bis-eugenol in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST) in mice and the involvement of monoaminergic system in this effect. In addiction, the neurochemical analysis on brain monoamines of mice acutely treated with bis-eugenol was also conducted. Besides, the central effects of bis-eugenol were evaluated, also, animal models of anxiety such as barbiturate-induced sleeping time, hole board, elevated plus maze, pentilenotetrazole induced-convulsions and white/black test. Bis-eugenol drecreased the immobility time in the FST which accompanying changes in ambulation in the open-field test at 10 mg/kg, i.p., nevertheless, it induced ambulation at 25 and 50 mg/kg doses. The higher anti-immobility effect of bis-eugenol (50 mg/kg, i.p.,) was prevented by pre-treatment of mice with PCPA 100 mg/kg, i.p., ( inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, 4 consecutive days), prazozin (1 mg/kg, i.p., α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p., α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (15 Âg/kg, s.c., D1 receptor antagonist) or sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p., D2 receptor antagonist). Bis-eugenol showed anxiolytic activity in the hole board, elevated plus maze and white/black test and it seems there no performance of bis-eugenol on the gabaergic system, once flumazenil no reverted the anxiolytic effect of bis-eugenol in the plus maze test. Monoamines analysis using High Performace Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) reveled a significant increase in 5-HT, NE, DA levels in brain striatum, as well as the metabolites DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA were also increased. The present study suggests that the anti-immobility or antidepressant-like effect of bis-eugenol in the FST is related to the monoaminergic system, likely due to increase of brain monoamines. An anxiolytic effects was observed which no related of the gabaergic system, once flumazenil no reversed the anxiety effects of the bis-eugenol in the plus maze test.

Desde a entrada dos visigodos nas terras do Império Romano percebemos uma intenção clara da aristocracia dirigente de fixação do povo em um território e de normatização de um poder sistemático. Ao longo dos séculos IV ao VII esse processo esbarrou em diversos fatores, como as disputas entre as aristocracias pelo poder e a fragilidade da transmissão do poder entre os visigodos, que não possuíam o critério hereditário para isso. Dessa forma, a partir do governo de Leovigildo notamos uma tentativa de normatização política e de reforço da autoridade do rei e da monarquia por meio da unidade religiosa. Para conquistar essa unidade religiosa não alcançada por Leovigildo, seu filho Recaredo buscou o apoio legitimador da Igreja Católica. A partir desse episódio, os governantes que o sucederam também deram continuidade a essa política de unificação religiosa, o que contribuía para o fortalecimento do poder real e da monarquia enquanto instituição.Para buscar essa unidade religiosa os cânones conciliares da Península Ibérica passaram a sistematizar um vasto corpo de legislação antijudaica. Nesse sentido, questionamos se essas medidas contribuíam para o reforço da unidade religiosa e política na região, além de contribuir para o reforço da identidade entre a aristocracia católica, já que agora esses possuíam um inimigo em comum para combater, no caso os judeus. Essa união gerada para combater um inimigo compartilhado pode ter favorecido a governabilidade na região, já que o rei é quem liderava esse processo de combate àqueles que comprometiam a salvação do reino. / Since the entry of the Visigoths in the lands of the Roman Empire perceive a clear intention of the ruling aristocracy attachment of the people in a territory and standardization of a systematic power. Over the centuries IV to VII this process ran on several factors, such as disputes between the aristocracy and the fragility of the power transmission of power between the Visigoths, who had no hereditary criterion for this. Thus, from the government Leovigild noticed an attempt to standardize policy and strengthening the authority of the king and the monarchy through religious unity. To conquer this religious unity not achieved by Leovigild his son Reccared sought support legitimizing the Catholic Church. From this episode, the rulers who succeeded him also continued this policy of religious unity, which contributed to the strengthening of royal power and the monarchy as an institution. To get that religious unity conciliar canons of the Iberian Peninsula began to systematize a large body of anti-Jewish legislation. Accordingly, we question whether these measures contributed to strengthening the unity of religion and politics in the region and contribute to the strengthening of the identity of the Catholic aristocracy, now that these had a common enemy to fight, if the Jews. This union created to fight an enemy may have favored the shared governance in the region, as the king who is leading this process to combat those who committed the salvation of the kingdom.

Os parasitas nematóides afetam homens e animais, causando graves prejuízos à saúde pública e consideráveis perdas econômicas. A disponibilidade de anti-helmínticos de amplo espectro de ação tem auxiliado na redução de um grande número de perdas em decorrência das infestações parasitárias. Foram objetivos deste trabalho avaliar os efeitos do tratamento com moxidectina, na forma de longa-ação (LA), em sua dose terapêutica em touros, sobre a consistência e perímetro testicular, as características físicas (motilidade e vigor) e morfológicas do sêmen e o comportamento sexual. Foram utilizados 12 touros com idade de 48 ± 10 meses. Os animais foram alocados em 6 blocos com dois tratamentos. Os animais foram divididos nos grupos: controle (n=6), no qual cada animal recebeu 5 mL de solução fisiológica, via subcutânea, na orelha esquerda e grupo tratado (n=6), no qual cada animal recebeu 5 mL de moxidectina a 10% via subcutânea, na orelha esquerda. Os animais foram submetidos a exames andrológicos semanais, por um período de até 60 dias após o tratamento, sendo avaliadas as características testiculares (consistência e perímetro) e características seminais (motilidade, vigor e morfologia). Foram realizados testes de libido a cada 15 dias, num total de cinco testes. Os resultados obtidos indicam que não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) para a consistência testicular, perímetro testicular, motilidade progressiva, vigor espermático, morfologia espermática e libido entre os touros dos grupos controle e tratado. Esses resultados indicam que o tratamento com moxidectina a 10% não influencia negativamente as características reprodutivas de touros. / The helminths affect human beings and animals, causing serious damage to public health and considerable economic losses. The availability of anthelminthic of a broad-spectrum has helped reducing a large number of losses due to parasitic infestation. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of the treatment with moxidectin, in Long Action (LA) formulation, in therapeutic doses in bulls, on the testicular consistency and perimeter, physical characteristics (motility and strength) and morphological of the semen and sexual behaviour. Twelve bulls, age 48 ± 10 months used. These animals were put in six, 06 blocks with two treatments. The animals were divided in groups: Control group (n=6) each animal received 5 ml of physiological solution subcutaneously in the left ear, and Treated group (n=6) each animal received 5 ml of moxidectin at 10% subcutaneously in the right ear. The animals were submitted to andrological examinations weekly, within a period of 60 days after the treatment. The testicular characteristics (consistency and perimeter) and seminal characteristic (motility, strength and morphology) were evaluated. Libido tests were done every fortnight, in five tests all together. The results indicated that there were not significant differences. (P>0.05) for the testicular consistency, perimeter, progressive motility, spermatic strength, morphology and libido among bulls of the control and treated groups. These results indicated that the treatment with moxidectin at 10% does not influence negatively on the reproductive characteristics of the bulls.