No description available.

none

Master of Science / Department of Entomology / Yoonseong Park / Neuropeptides are diffusible signal molecules mediating vital physiological processes. We have been interested in a group of neuropeptides and their receptors involved in osmoregulatory neuroendocrine system which has been suggested as a possible target for development of new biopesticides. Since the genome sequence of the T. castaneum has recently been completed, we were able to identify the respective genes encoding three peptide hormones from T. castaneum that were characterized for their diuretic activities in other insects: one calcitonin-like (CT-like DH31) and two corticotropin releasing factor-like (CRF-like DH37 and DH47, the numbers indicates the number of amino acid residues). This peptide is expressed at all developmental stages and in the central nervous system (CNS), Malpighian tubules (MT) and gut. The synthetic peptide TricaDH31 also has been show to be biologically active, inducing significant excretions in adults beetles. When Tcdh31 was silenced using RNAi, adults had deformed wings and abnormal body shape. Mortality in adults was high, the number of eggs laid was reduced as well as the hatchability of the eggs. The two biologically active CRF-like peptides in T. castaneum, are encoded by one gene which undergoes alternative splicing. When Tcdh47 was knocked down, high mortality occurred as well as low oviposition and egg hatchability. Similar effects were observed with silencing of both CRF-like genes. However, RNAi of Tcdh37 transcripts had similar, but less severe effects. Adults also had deformed wings when both CRF-like genes were silenced, but not when just one of them was knocked down. These results indicate that CRF-like genes could have additional biological functions to their roles in dieresis. We tested the in vivo activity of these peptides. TenmoDH47 induced high excretions in adults, whereas TenmoDH37 induces smaller excretions. We identified the respective genes encoding two putative receptors for TricaDH31 as Glean_13321 and Glean_02694 (Trica-ctr1 and Trica-ctr2, respectively) and two receptors for CRF-like peptide as Glean_12799 and Glean_07104 (Trica-crfr1 and Trica-crfr2, respectively). The CT-like receptors are expressed at all developmental stages, in the CNS and MT. RNAi of the receptors revealed that only Trica-ctr2 silencing caused significant mortality and reduction in the number of eggs laid. The CRF-like receptors are expressed at all developmental stages. Adults also had deformed wings and laid fewer eggs after RNAi of Trica-crfr1. RNAi of Trica-crf2 also caused significant mortality. These peptides and receptors seem to fine tune the beetle physiology and may have functions not yet known.

<p>The burden of hypertension and subsequent in Tibet is quite profound and disproportionate when compared to other Chinese populations. Thus, there has a recent impetus to focus on low-cost sustainable health interventions to ameliorate this tremendous burden. Factors of compliance of first-line low dose hypertensive medications are not known in semi-nomadic Tibetan herdsmen at high altitude.</p><p>A retrospective analysis of a de-identified database for a single blinded equal allocation randomized control trial for a dietary reduced sodium salt substitute completed in 2009 using STATA 11.2 (STATA INC. College Station, TX) and logistic regression was performed. Patients were recruited from two townships at 4300 m altitude and northwest of Lhasa, the regional capital. Eligibility criteria included: age 40 years and older, with hypertension (&#8805; 140mmHg / &#8805; 90 mmHg) , enrollment in salt substitute trial, and prescription of hypertensive medication. Primary outcome was compliance to medication at three and six months of follow-up. Factor variables included and adjusted for included: sex, age, blood pressure, township, class of medication, and trial arm assignment.</p><p>The overall rate of non-compliance was 33.0% (38/115) after three months and 12.9% (28/217) after six months. After three months follow-up patients with Stage I and Stage II hypertension were at an adjusted odds ratio of 0.03(95%CI: 0.002-0.70) and 0.13(95%CI: 0.012-1.37) times lower odds of non-compliance when compared patients with only isolated systolic hypertension, (p=0.028 and 0.089, respectively). Furthermore, at six months of follow-up patients prescribed combination pharmacologic therapy had an adjusted odds ratios of 0.20 (95%CI: 0.05-0.81) times lower odds than those patients on diuretic only, p =0.023.</p> / Thesis

In the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.), hemolymph-circulating diuretic hormones act upon the renal organs (Malpighian tubules) to regulate primary urine composition and secretion rate; however, the molecular endocrine mechanisms underlying rapid water elimination upon adult eclosion and blood feeding are not fully understood. Bioinformatic analysis of the current Aedes aegypti genome assembly reveals only a single predicted corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-like diuretic hormone 44 (DH44) gene, but two DH44 receptor genes. The tissue expression profiles of the DH44 receptor(s), and specifically the identity of the DH44 receptor(s) in the Malpighian tubule, are undetermined in any mosquito species. This dissertation shows that Vectorbase gene ID AAEL008292 encodes a DH44 receptor (AaegGPRdih1) transcribed in Malpighian tubules. Sequence analysis and transcript localization indicate that AaegGPRdih1 is the co-ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster DH44 receptor (CG12370-PA). The presence of conserved amino acid residues between AaegGPRdih1 and vertebrate CRF receptors suggests this mosquito receptor modulates multiple G protein-dependent intracellular signaling pathways. Quantitative PCR analysis of a time course of Malpighian tubule cDNA reveals AaegGPRdih1 abundance increases paralleling periods of observed urination. This suggests that target tissue receptor biology is linked to the known periods of release of diuretic hormones from the nervous system, pointing to a common up-stream regulatory mechanism. Higher relative abundance of AaegGPRdih1 transcript in female Malpighian tubules 24 hours after blood feeding suggests a role for AaegGPRdih1 in the excretion of nitrogen waste. RNA-mediated silencing to establish the significance of AaegGPRdih1 to mosquito Malpighian tubule physiology was inconclusive.

none

Background: In the United States, one-third of adults have hypertension (HTN). Among African American (AA) adults, 43% of men and 45.7% of women have HTN. HTN in the AA adult population is more severe and occurs earlier in life compared to Caucasian adults, putting them at increased risk for cardiovascular events and renal disease. The Eighth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 8) Guideline Recommendations 7 and 8 were developed to aid in appropriate treatment and management of hypertensive AA adults. Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve the care, management, and outcomes of hypertensive AA adults by identifying current JNC 8 guideline prescribing patterns among a sample of hospitalized patients. The first project aim was to determine provider-prescribing rates of thiazide diuretics (TDs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in newly diagnosed AA adults with HTN. The second project aim was to determine if AA adults previously diagnosed with HTN were currently prescribed TD and/or CCB medications. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of AA adult patients with a new HTN diagnosis or previously diagnosed with HTN was selected for this project. Participants were discharged from Medical City Dallas between 01/01/2017 and 03/31/2017. Results: In newly diagnosed participants with HTN, none were prescribed a TD (0%) and two were prescribed a CCB (40%). In previously diagnosed participants with HTN, 30 participants (16.3%) were prescribed a TD and/or CCB upon admission and 29 participants (15.76%) were prescribed a TD and/or CCB upon discharge. Among prescribing providers, beta blockers and other class hypertensive medications (i.e., furosemide, hydralazine, clonidine, and spironolactone) were most widely ordered for participants. Conclusions: The results of this DNP project display low provider compliance rates to guideline-recommended pharmacological therapy AA adults. This outcome highlights several potential reasons for the low adherence rates, including lack of provider documentation, lack of provider rationale for treatment selections, provider knowledge of HTN CPGs, and data analysis of prescribed medications. These factors present the opportunity for further research to identify the root cause of low compliance.

<p>DH31 and drosokinin are known promoters of fluid secretion in <em>Drosophila</em> Malpighian tubules, while the effect of allatostatin A on Malpighian tubule fluid secretion is unknown. The expression of these peptides and their receptors is widespread in the larval gut and central nervous system. The scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) was used to measure changes in epithelial K⁺ flux in the gut as a proxy for the flow of osmotically-obliged water between the gut lumen and the haemolymph. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effects of DH31 and drosokinin on the gut as an indicator of coordination of diuretic activity between this tissue and the Malpighian tubules. Such coordination, whereby Malpighian tubule fluid secretion is stimulated concomitantly with fluid uptake by the gut, would be physiologically essential for the maintenance of haemolymph volume and osmolarity. Secondarily, this study sought to characterize the function of allatostatin A with respect to its effect on gut K⁺ transport. DH31 stimulated K⁺ absorption across the anterior midgut epithelium and reduced K⁺ absorption in the middle midgut copper cell zone. Drosokinin increased K⁺ absorption across the anterior midgut epithelium and was also stimulatory in the posterior midgut neutral zone. Allatostatin A stimulated K⁺ absorption across the epithelia of the anterior midgut and middle midgut copper cell zone, but was inhibitory in the large flat cell zone. The larger surface area of the anterior midgut relative to the middle midgut means that all three peptides were likely net stimulators of K⁺ uptake. The reduction in K⁺ absorption in the middle midgut by DH31 and allatostatin A may relate to a redistribution of fluid uptake among the regions of the midgut to preserve lumenal pH. DH31 and drosokinin also independently increased the contraction frequency of the anterior midgut, while the contraction frequency of the pyloric sphincter was increased by combined application of both peptides. Stimulation of gut contractions has previously been attributed to these and other diuretic factors in insects. The findings of this investigation implicate DH31, drosokinin, and allatostatin A in the stimulation of midgut K⁺ absorption, which may suggest a role for these peptides in altering fluid transport across this epithelium in larval <em>Drosophila</em>.</p> / Master of Science (MSc)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T16:11:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_MarceloElias.pdf: 370936 bytes, checksum: 8b29677226e33293d61cb45f3639411f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-08-29 / Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K. Schum, known as douradinha or douradinha-docampo, is a plant of Cerrado in the form of sub-shrubs with yellow flowers, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Its leaves are used in preparations of home remedies in the form of teas, to treat kidney stones, inflammation / infection of the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and as a diuretic. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity in rats and mice, as well as the diuretic activity in rats of the crude aqueous extract of dried leaves Palicourea coriacea (EABLPC). The acute oral toxicity EABLPC was investigated according to OECD 423. To evaluate the diuretic activity three groups of rats received doses of EABLPC (80, 160 and 320 mg / kg), one group received only saline solution, and another received furosemide (20 mg / kg) administered by gavage for eight days, being made volume measurement and evaluation of urinary concentrations of electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-), creatinine and urea in urine and blood. The extract did not develop signs of toxicity or mortality in animals and found no pathological changes. In the evaluation of diuretic activity observed - an increase in urinary volume, water consumption and excretion of electrolytes, mice treated with EABLPC, compared to untreated, but not statistically significant differences were detected in blood samples. The results showed that the extract belongs to Class 5 (Substances with LD50 greater than 2000 mg / kg), being considered of low toxicity. The increase in urine volume, water consumption and excretion of electrolytes confirmed the diuretic activity of EABLPC. This study confirmed the use of ethnopharmacological EABLPC. / Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K. Schum, conhecida como douradinha ou douradinhado- campo, é uma planta do Cerrado, na forma de subarbustos com flores amarelas, pertencente à família Rubiaceae. Suas folhas são utilizadas em preparações de remédios caseiros na forma de chás, no tratamento de cálculos renais, inflamação/infecção de uretra, rins, bexiga e como diurético. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a toxicidade aguda em ratos e camundongos, bem como, a atividade diurética em ratos do extrato aquoso bruto liofilizado das folhas de Palicourea coriacea (EABLPC). A toxicidade aguda oral do EABLPC foi investigada de acordo com a OECD 423. Para avaliação da atividade diurética três grupos de ratos receberam doses de EALPC (80, 160 e 320 mg/kg), um grupo recebeu apenas solução salina e outro recebeu furosemida (20 mg/kg), administradas durante oito dias por gavagem, sendo feita a medição do volume urinário e a avaliação das concentrações de eletrólitos (Na+, K+ e Cl-), creatinina e uréia, na urina e no sangue. O extrato não desenvolveu sinais de toxicidade ou letalidade nos animais e não foram encontradas alterações histopatológicas. Na avaliação da atividade diurética observou - se um aumento do volume urinário, do consumo de água e da excreção dos eletrólitos, dos ratos tratados com EABLPC, em relação aos não tratados, mas não foram detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas amostras de sangue. Os resultados demonstraram que o extrato pertence à Classe 5 (substâncias com DL50 superior a 2000 mg/kg), sendo considerada de baixa toxicidade. O aumento do volume urinário, do consumo de água e da excreção de eletrólitos comprovou a atividade diurética do EABLPC. O presente estudo confirmou o uso etnofarmacológico do EABLPC.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T16:11:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Nadyla Z Goncalces.pdf: 1949817 bytes, checksum: ad0697f119aea837640d906e8fe5f64a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-08-30 / Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent is a species commonly known as cock-spur, in the Ulmaceae family and characterized as a shrub or small tree with branches long and very flexible. Is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney (kidney stones and pyelonephritis) and as a diuretic. Popular reports in the State of Goiás indicate the use of the spur cockscomb in the form of tea leaves. The aqueous extract of Celtis iguananea was tested in Wistar rats to assess single dose diuretic activity in observing the effect of same on urinary volume and products of metabolism (urea and creatinine) and assess the multiple-dose diuretic activity by observing the effect on the urinary volume and urinary excretion of electrolytes sodium (Na +) and potassium (K +), and also in Wistar rats and mice Swiss to test its acute oral toxicity following the Guide 423 (OECD), in which the animals were observed for 14 days after single administration of 2000mg/kg of extract, including this test the histopathological study of heart, lung, kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas and intestines. The aqueous extract of cock-spur in their three doses (70, 200 and 600 mg/kg) did not submit multiple dose diuretic activity and only because it has not increased the excretion of water, electrolytes and metabolites of neither. The extract was framed in the class 5 (substance with Ld50 more than 2000 mg/kg and less than 5000 mg/kg), being considered of low toxicity, but histopathological findings cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity suggested does not extract any acute oral toxicity test (2000mg/kg), with an increase of absolut weight from the kidney and heart of male rats and mices treated with the extract and microscopic examination of kidney of male rats showing marked presence of cylinder hialinos no glomerulus. / A Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent é uma espécie comumente conhecida por esporão-de-galo, pertencente à família Ulmaceae e caracterizada como arbusto ou pequena árvore, com ramos compridos e muito flexíveis. É utilizada para o tratamento de infecções urinárias, rins (cálculos renais e pielonefrite) e como diurética. Relatos populares no estado de Goiás indicam o uso do esporão-de-galo na forma de chá de suas folhas. O Extrato aquoso de C. iguananea foi testado em ratos Wistar para avaliar a atividade diurética em dose única observando o efeito do mesmo sobre o volume urinário e produtos do metabolismo (ureia e creatinina) e avaliar a atividade diurética em dose múltipla observando o efeito sobre o volume urinário e na excreção urinária de eletrólitos sódio (Na+) e potássio (K+), e também em ratos Wistar e camundongos Swiss para testar sua toxicidade oral aguda seguindo o Guia 423 (OECD), em que os animais foram observados durante 14 dias após administração única de 2000mg/kg do extrato, incluindo neste teste o estudo histopatológico do coração, pulmão, rins, fígado, baço, pâncreas e instestinos delgado e grosso. O Extrato aquoso de esporão- de- galo nas suas três doses (70, 200 e 600 mg/kg) não apresentou atividade diurética em doses múltipla e única, pois não aumentou a excreção de água, metabólitos e nem dos eletrólitos. O extrato foi enquadrado na Classe 5 (substância com DL50 superior a 2000 mg/kg e menor que 5000 mg/kg), sendo considerado de baixa toxicidade, mas achados histopatológicos sugeriram nefrotoxicidade e cardiotoxicidade do extrato no teste de toxicidade oral aguda (2000mg/kg), com aumento de peso absoluto dos rins e do coração de ratos e camundongos machos tratados com o extrato e exame microscópico de rins de ratos machos apresentando acentuada presença de cilindros hialinos no glomérulo.