Previously it was demonstrated that biliary excretion of a single dose of [14C]dieldrin or [3H]7, 12-dimethylbenz/alanthracene (DMBA) was stimulated up to 700% and 300%, respectively, in rainbow trout fed 0.3-0.4 mg dieldrin/kg/d for 9-12 wk. This was not explained by increased activities of hepatic microsomal xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes or increased amounts of any of six cytochrome P-450 isozymes quantitated by Western blots. It was hypothesized that stimulated excretion was explained by induction of (1) cytosolic binding proteins that facilitated intracellular trafficking of DMBA to sites of metabolism, or (2) ATP-dependent proteins that transport xenobiotic metabolites from liver to bile. Binding of 15 and 60 nmol [3H]DMBA/mg protein increased about 200% in hepatic cytosol from dieldrin-fed fish. A 50-fold molar excess of unlabeled DMBA reduced binding of 15 nmol [3H]DMBA/mg protein (nonspecific binding) by the same amount in cytosol from control and dieldrin-fed fish, indicating that dieldrin induced specific binding. Liver sections from control and dieldrin-fed fish were treated with multidrug resistance (MDR) protein monoclonal antibodies C494, C219, and JSB-1, and polyclonal antibody MDR Ab-1. There were no marked differences in optical densities of immunohistochemical staining near bile canaliculi of control and dieldrin-fed fish. Induction of xenobiotic binding capacity in cytosol of dieldrin-fed rainbow trout at least partially explained altered DMBA disposition in fish pretreated with this cyclodiene insecticide.

No / Infection is the major reason of GTR/GBR membrane failure in clinical application. In this work, we developed GTR/GBR nanofiber membranes with localized drug delivery function to prevent infection. Metronidazole (MNA), an antibiotic, was successfully incorporated into electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers at different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% polymer). To obtain the optimum anti-infection membrane, we systematically investigated the physical-chemical and mechanical properties of the nanofiber membranes with different drug contents. The interaction between PCL and MNA was identified by molecular dynamics simulation. MNA released in a controlled, sustained manner over 2 weeks and the antibacterial activity of the released MNA remained. The incorporation of MNA improved the hydrophilicity and in vitro biodegradation rate of PCL nanofibers. The nanofiber membranes allowed cells to adhere to and proliferate on them and showed excellent barrier function. The membrane loaded with 30% MNA had the best comprehensive properties. Analysis of subcutaneous implants demonstrated that MNA-loaded nanofibers evoked a less severe inflammatory response than pure PCL nanofibers. These results demonstrate the potential of MNA-loaded nanofiber membranes as GTR/GBR membrane with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory function for extensive biomedical applications.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

A buva (Conyza spp.) é uma planta daninha anual, comum em lavouras de soja da região Sul do Brasil, onde os herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate são os mais utilizados para o seu controle. No entanto, nas últimas safras de soja observou-se controle insatisfatório desta planta daninha com esses herbicidas. Esse fato gerou a suspeita de seleção de biótipos resistentes. Assim, o objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a ocorrência de resistência múltipla aos herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate em biótipos de buva. Na primeira etapa do trabalho, foram feitas coletas de sementes de buva em áreas com controle insatisfatório, totalizando 25 biótipos. Esses biótipos foram avaliados com relação à suscetibilidade e resistência ao chlorimuron e glyphosate, aplicando-se a máxima dose de registro desses herbicidas. Para segunda etapa do trabalho, foram selecionados 5 biótipos de buva com grau de suscetibilidade contrastante. Esses biótipos foram avaliados com curvas de dose-resposta e com 5 doses do herbicida chlorimuron-ethyl, aplicadas no estádio fenológico de 3 a 4 folhas. Na terceira etapa do trabalho, foi avaliada a resposta de 4 biótipos de buva aos herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl, glyphosate e associação de chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate. Os herbicidas foram empregados em oito doses: 0,0; 6,25; 12,5; 25; 50; 100; 200 e 400, representadas em porcentagem da dose de 20 g ha-1 chlorimuron-ethyl, e de 720 g e.a. ha-1 glyphosate, aplicadas em três estádios de desenvolvimento (altura 0,5 a 1 cm e/ou 3 a 4 folhas; altura 1 a 2 cm e/ou 6 a 7 folhas e; altura 10 a 12 cm e/ou 12 a 14 folhas) dos biótipos de buva. Na última etapa do trabalho, avaliaram-se 15 herbicidas para controle alternativo da buva no estádio de desenvolvimento de 5 a 7 cm de altura e/ou 7 a 8 folhas. O trabalho foi conduzido na casa de vegetação, da Estação Experimental da Embrapa Trigo, em Passo Fundo/RS. Os resultados evidenciam que todos os biótipos são controlados com a dose de 20 g ha-1 de chlorimuronethyl, no estádio de desenvolvimento de 3 a 4 folhas. Contudo, observou-se susceptibilidade diferencial entre os biótipos em doses menores que 20 g ha-1 indicando resistência de nível baixo. Também, ficou evidente que os estádios de desenvolvimento dos biótipos de buva afetam significativamente a resposta destes aos herbicidas, sendo que quanto mais avançado o estádio menor a sensibilidade. A exceção foi o biótipo 5 que demonstrou resistência ao glyphosate, independentemente do estádio de desenvolvimento. Por fim, os tratamentos alternativos 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1); amonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1); glyphosate (900 g e.a. ha- 1) + 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1); glyphosate (900 g e.a ha-1) + amonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1); paraquat (600 g ha-1) + diuron (300 g ha-1); tembotrione (84 g ha-1) e tembotrione (84 g ha-1) + atrazine (1.000 g ha-1) controlaram, eficientemente, os biótipos de buva avaliados. Como conclusão, indica-se a aplicação do herbicida chlorimuron-ethyl nas doses máximas registradas, em estádios de desenvolvimentos da buva inferiores a cinco folhas, e que a prática de rotação de mecanismos de ação seja usada no manejo químico dessas áreas. / The horseweed (Conyza spp.) is an annual weed, common in soybean crops in southern Brazil, where the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl and glyphosate are the most commonly used for its control. However, in recent soybean harvests it was observed unsatisfactory control of this weed with these herbicides. This fact originated suspicion of selection of resistant biotypes. The objective of the research was to evaluate the occurrence of multiple resistances to herbicides chlorimuron-ethyl and glyphosate in horseweed biotypes. In the first stage of the research, were collected horseweed seeds in areas with unsatisfactory control, totaling 25 biotypes. These biotypes were assessed for susceptibility and resistance to chlorimuron and glyphosate, applying the maximum dose of herbicide registration. In the second stage, were selected 5 horseweed biotypes with contrasting degree of susceptibility and evaluated dose-response curves, with 5 doses of the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl applied at growth stage 3 - 4 leaves. In the third stage, we evaluated the response of four biotypes of horseweed to the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl, glyphosate and association of chlorimuronethyl and glyphosate. Herbicides were applied in eight doses: 0.0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400, represented as a percentage of the dose of 20 g ha-1 chlorimuron-ethyl, and 720 g a.e. ha-1 glyphosate applied at three stages of development (height 0.5 - 1 cm and / or 3 - 4 leaves, height 1 - 2 cm, and / or 6 - 7 and leaves, height 10 - 12 cm and / or 12 - 14 leaves) biotypes of horseweed. In the last stage of the study, evaluated 15 alternative herbicides to control horseweed at stage 5 - 7 cm high and / or 7 - 8 leaves. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, at the Experimental Station of Embrapa Trigo, Passo Fundo / RS. The results show that all biotypes can be controlled with the dose of 20 g ha-1 chlorimuron-ethyl, at stage 3 - 4 leaves. However, it was observed differential susceptibility among biotypes at doses under than 20 g ha-1 indicating low resistance. It was also evident that the developmental stages of the biotypes of horseweed, significantly affect the response to these herbicides, whereas the more advanced the stage the lower sensitivity. The exception was the biotype 5 that show resistance to glyphosate, regardless of the stage of development. Finally, alternative treatments 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1); ammonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1), glyphosate (900 g a.e. ha- 1) + 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1), glyphosate (900 g a.e. ha-1) + ammonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1), paraquat (600 g ha-1) + diuron (300 g ha-1); tembotrione (84 g ha-1) and tembotrione (84 g ha- 1) + atrazine (1,000 g ha-1), effectively controlled the biotypes of horseweed evaluated. Conclusion indicates the application of herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl in maximum doses recorded in stadiums horseweed developments less than five leaves, and that the practice of rotating mechanisms of action are used in the chemical management of these areas.

Studienziel: Untersuchung der Dosis-Wirkung von inhalativem Stickstoffmonoxid (NO) bei Patienten mit schwerem akuten Lungenversagen (ARDS) und der diese Wirkung beeinflussenden Faktoren. Design: Prospektive, offene Beobachtungsstudie. Setting: Universitäts-Klinikum. Intensivstation. Patienten: 26 Intensivpatienten mit hohem pulmonal-vaskulärem Druck (PAP) bei zugrunde liegendem ARDS. Behandlung: Patienten mit ARDS wurden einer Therapie mit konventioneller Beatmung und Beimischung von inhalativem NO zugeführt. Das Protokoll sah die Applikation von NO in steigender Dosierung von 0,01 parts per million (ppm), 0,01 ppm, 1, 10 und 100 ppm vor. Zischen den Messungen wurden für 15 bis 20 Minuten Nullmessungen durchgeführt. Ein Anstieg des pulmonal-areriellen Sauerstoffdrucks (Pao2) um 20% wurde als "Responding" definiert. Messungen: Es wurden die Parameter des pulmonalen Gasaustausches wie PaO2, PaCo2 und CaO2 gemessen. Des Weiteren wurden die Werte für den mittleren systemischen Blutdruck (AP), den mittleren pulmonal-arteriellen Druck (PAP), den systemischen Widerstand (SVR), den pulmonalvaskulären Widerstand (PVR), die Herzfrequenz (HR), den Herzindex (CI), das Herz-Zeit-Volumen (HZV), den Wedgedruck (PCWP) und die venöse Beimischung registriert. Ergebnisse: NO verursachte einen dosisabhängigen Anstieg des Pao2 von 0,01 bis 10 ppm (p / STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the dose responsiveness to nitric oxide in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrom (ARDS), especially in those patients with pulmonary hypertension. To find factors influencing the response to NO. DESIGN: Prospective, open, nonblinded observation study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 26 ICU patients suffering from ARDS demonstrating pulmonary hypertension. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome received inhalation therapy with NO. Inhaled NO was sequentially titrated from 0,01 parts per million to 0,1 ppm, 1, 10, and 100 ppm at 15-minute intervals followed by a 15 to 20 min OFF interval. Changes in hemodynamics and gas exchange were monitored. An increase of at least 20 % in the oxygenation index was considered as a therapeutic response. MEASUREMENTS: Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac index,rigt to left shunting , venous admixture and right ventricular ejection fraction were monitored throughout the study, as well as the Pao2, Cao2 and PaCo2. RESULTS: 26 patients received inhaled NO. Nitric oxide induced a dose-dependent increase in Pao2 for inspiratory nitric oxide concentrations ranging between 0.01 and 10 ppm (p

A buva (Conyza spp.) é uma planta daninha anual, comum em lavouras de soja da região Sul do Brasil, onde os herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate são os mais utilizados para o seu controle. No entanto, nas últimas safras de soja observou-se controle insatisfatório desta planta daninha com esses herbicidas. Esse fato gerou a suspeita de seleção de biótipos resistentes. Assim, o objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a ocorrência de resistência múltipla aos herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate em biótipos de buva. Na primeira etapa do trabalho, foram feitas coletas de sementes de buva em áreas com controle insatisfatório, totalizando 25 biótipos. Esses biótipos foram avaliados com relação à suscetibilidade e resistência ao chlorimuron e glyphosate, aplicando-se a máxima dose de registro desses herbicidas. Para segunda etapa do trabalho, foram selecionados 5 biótipos de buva com grau de suscetibilidade contrastante. Esses biótipos foram avaliados com curvas de dose-resposta e com 5 doses do herbicida chlorimuron-ethyl, aplicadas no estádio fenológico de 3 a 4 folhas. Na terceira etapa do trabalho, foi avaliada a resposta de 4 biótipos de buva aos herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl, glyphosate e associação de chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate. Os herbicidas foram empregados em oito doses: 0,0; 6,25; 12,5; 25; 50; 100; 200 e 400, representadas em porcentagem da dose de 20 g ha-1 chlorimuron-ethyl, e de 720 g e.a. ha-1 glyphosate, aplicadas em três estádios de desenvolvimento (altura 0,5 a 1 cm e/ou 3 a 4 folhas; altura 1 a 2 cm e/ou 6 a 7 folhas e; altura 10 a 12 cm e/ou 12 a 14 folhas) dos biótipos de buva. Na última etapa do trabalho, avaliaram-se 15 herbicidas para controle alternativo da buva no estádio de desenvolvimento de 5 a 7 cm de altura e/ou 7 a 8 folhas. O trabalho foi conduzido na casa de vegetação, da Estação Experimental da Embrapa Trigo, em Passo Fundo/RS. Os resultados evidenciam que todos os biótipos são controlados com a dose de 20 g ha-1 de chlorimuronethyl, no estádio de desenvolvimento de 3 a 4 folhas. Contudo, observou-se susceptibilidade diferencial entre os biótipos em doses menores que 20 g ha-1 indicando resistência de nível baixo. Também, ficou evidente que os estádios de desenvolvimento dos biótipos de buva afetam significativamente a resposta destes aos herbicidas, sendo que quanto mais avançado o estádio menor a sensibilidade. A exceção foi o biótipo 5 que demonstrou resistência ao glyphosate, independentemente do estádio de desenvolvimento. Por fim, os tratamentos alternativos 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1); amonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1); glyphosate (900 g e.a. ha- 1) + 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1); glyphosate (900 g e.a ha-1) + amonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1); paraquat (600 g ha-1) + diuron (300 g ha-1); tembotrione (84 g ha-1) e tembotrione (84 g ha-1) + atrazine (1.000 g ha-1) controlaram, eficientemente, os biótipos de buva avaliados. Como conclusão, indica-se a aplicação do herbicida chlorimuron-ethyl nas doses máximas registradas, em estádios de desenvolvimentos da buva inferiores a cinco folhas, e que a prática de rotação de mecanismos de ação seja usada no manejo químico dessas áreas. / The horseweed (Conyza spp.) is an annual weed, common in soybean crops in southern Brazil, where the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl and glyphosate are the most commonly used for its control. However, in recent soybean harvests it was observed unsatisfactory control of this weed with these herbicides. This fact originated suspicion of selection of resistant biotypes. The objective of the research was to evaluate the occurrence of multiple resistances to herbicides chlorimuron-ethyl and glyphosate in horseweed biotypes. In the first stage of the research, were collected horseweed seeds in areas with unsatisfactory control, totaling 25 biotypes. These biotypes were assessed for susceptibility and resistance to chlorimuron and glyphosate, applying the maximum dose of herbicide registration. In the second stage, were selected 5 horseweed biotypes with contrasting degree of susceptibility and evaluated dose-response curves, with 5 doses of the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl applied at growth stage 3 - 4 leaves. In the third stage, we evaluated the response of four biotypes of horseweed to the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl, glyphosate and association of chlorimuronethyl and glyphosate. Herbicides were applied in eight doses: 0.0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400, represented as a percentage of the dose of 20 g ha-1 chlorimuron-ethyl, and 720 g a.e. ha-1 glyphosate applied at three stages of development (height 0.5 - 1 cm and / or 3 - 4 leaves, height 1 - 2 cm, and / or 6 - 7 and leaves, height 10 - 12 cm and / or 12 - 14 leaves) biotypes of horseweed. In the last stage of the study, evaluated 15 alternative herbicides to control horseweed at stage 5 - 7 cm high and / or 7 - 8 leaves. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, at the Experimental Station of Embrapa Trigo, Passo Fundo / RS. The results show that all biotypes can be controlled with the dose of 20 g ha-1 chlorimuron-ethyl, at stage 3 - 4 leaves. However, it was observed differential susceptibility among biotypes at doses under than 20 g ha-1 indicating low resistance. It was also evident that the developmental stages of the biotypes of horseweed, significantly affect the response to these herbicides, whereas the more advanced the stage the lower sensitivity. The exception was the biotype 5 that show resistance to glyphosate, regardless of the stage of development. Finally, alternative treatments 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1); ammonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1), glyphosate (900 g a.e. ha- 1) + 2,4-D (1.042 g ha-1), glyphosate (900 g a.e. ha-1) + ammonium glufosinate (400 g ha-1), paraquat (600 g ha-1) + diuron (300 g ha-1); tembotrione (84 g ha-1) and tembotrione (84 g ha- 1) + atrazine (1,000 g ha-1), effectively controlled the biotypes of horseweed evaluated. Conclusion indicates the application of herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl in maximum doses recorded in stadiums horseweed developments less than five leaves, and that the practice of rotating mechanisms of action are used in the chemical management of these areas.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Corticosteroid medication is the most effective currently available treatment. Complications of corticosteroid therapy are dose-dependent, however, the clinical efficacy of varying doses of inhaled corticosteroids has been studied with mixed results. A randomized, double-blind, parallel group study was used to evaluate the inhaled corticosteroid dose-response relationship for clinical endpoints and in vitro parameters of underlying airway inflammation and remodelling. The mannitol provocation test with Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) was used to derive potential dose-differentiating endpoints. In vitro inflammatory markers were measured in alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage. Basement membrane thickness was measured from bronchial biopsies. Eleven nonasthmatic subjects were enrolled for comparison. This thesis addresses the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in clinical and biological effects between low dose (200mcg/day, n=11) and high dose (1000mcg/day, n=11) treatment (for 6-7 weeks) with inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) for a range of clinical outcomes and in vitro markers of airway inflammation and remodelling. Significant changes after FP included increased FEV1, reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) (by FOT and FEV1), exhaled nitric oxide and Juniper symptom score. In addition, significant reductions occurred in expression of GM-CSF, TNF-alpha and IL-1ra in macrophages. A lower baseline FOT-derived respiratory system conductance was predictive of a greater degree of improvement in symptoms. No statistically significant differences in the changes after treatment between low and high dose FP were found in spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, symptom scores, AHR, alveolar macrophage cytokine levels (GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, IL-1ra, IL-10) and basement membrane thickness, although there were trends towards greater improvements in many of the parameters after high dose FP. Basement membrane thickness appeared to be reduced by high dose FP, although this reduction was not statistically significant. There was a weak, but statistically significant, negative correlation between basement membrane thickness and FOT-derived conductance (r2=0.135, p=0.042). With the recognition of the limitations in the interpretation of these data, the results suggest that, in previously steroid naïve mild to moderate asthmatics, there may be only minimal benefit derived from an additional 800µg/day of inhaled fluticasone above the low dose of 200µg/day.

Le benzo-a-pyrène (BaP) est un cancérogène reconnu pour l'homme, contaminant présent dans notre environnement. Il cause des dommages à l'ADN que nous avons mesurés dans les lymphocytes exposés à de faibles concentrations de BaP, provenant de 20 jeunes volontaires non fumeurs et en santé. Suite à l’exposition, la fréquence des micronoyaux (MN) augmente significativement et décrit une courbe dose-réponse non linéaire, suggérant le déclenchement du processus de détoxification et la réparation de l’ADN. Des différences entre les individus et entre les sexes sont présentes dans la réponse génotoxique produite par le BaP. Le test des aberrations chromosomiques montre que le pourcentage de chromosomes cassés augmente significativement dans les cellules exposées au BaP. Combinés avec l'augmentation de la fréquence des MN, nos résultats confirment l'effet clastogène du BaP déjà rapporté dans la littérature. L’hybridation in situ en fluorescence (FISH) des MN avec une sonde pancentromérique est aussi utilisée pour établir leur mécanisme de formation. La FISH révèle que la majorité des MN formés après une exposition au BaP contient un centromère et plus, ce qui est significativement différent de la condition non exposée. Plus précisément, dans nos conditions expérimentales, les MN induits par le BaP contiennent surtout trois centromères et plus, indiquant également la présence d'un effet aneugène. L'effet clastogène du BaP est relié à son rôle d'initiateur dans la cancérogenèse, alors que l'effet aneugène le relierait à l'étape de progression. Ces résultats sont importants puisque l'exposition aux composés de la classe du BaP est de longue durée (cigarette, air pollué). / Benzo-a-pyrene (BaP) is a known human carcinogen, contaminating all spheres of our environment. In human cells, BaP can induce various genotoxic effects on DNA, such as micronuclei (MNs) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs). MNs and CAs are measured in human lymphocytes in vitro exposed to low BaP concentrations, taken from 20 young healthy non-smoking subjects. Following BaP exposure, MN frequency increases significantly and shows a non-linear dose-response curve, suggesting the induction of detoxification process and/or DNA repair. Also, interindividual and sex differences in BaP-induced genotoxic damages are present. CA test shows that chromosome breaks increase significantly in cells exposed to BaP even at low concentrations. Combined to the observed MN frequency increase, our results confirm the clastogenic properties of BaP, as already reported in literature. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on MN using a pancentromeric probe is done to assess MN content. FISH reveals that most BaP-induced MNs contain centromeres, and specifically three or more centromeres. This difference is significant when compared to the unexposed condition, and suggest presence of an aneugenic effect. Clastogenic effect of BaP is associated with initiation step of carcinogenesis, while the aneugenic effect would link it with cancer progression. These results could be particularly important because exposure to BaP and other member of its chemical class usually last for decades (smoking, air pollution, etc.), and need to be confirm in future studies.