Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina published in 1991"
663 citations
TL;DR: The authors suggest that the human infections resulted from oral contamination probably originating from naturally infected marsupials in the area or crushed infected bugs.
Abstract: In October, 1986, 7 to 22 days after a meeting at a farm in Paraiba state, 26 individuals presented with a febrile illness associated with bilateral eyelid and lower limb edema, mild hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and, occasionally a skin rash. A 11-year-old boy exhibited atrial premature complexes and a 74-year-old patient developed acute heart failure. In two patients hospitalized in Sao Paulo city, acute Chagas' disease was diagnosed by the demonstration of circulating Trypanosoma cruzi. At autopsy in a fatal case, acute Chagas' cardiomyopathy was demonstrated. Xenodiagnosis were positive in 9 out of 14 tested patients. A specific IgG immune response was found in all patients and specific IgM antibodies were identified in 20 out of 22 tested patients. A epidemiological survey showed the existence of Triatoma brasiliensis in the outbuildings of this farm, but none in the house where most of the guests stayed. A high rate of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi was found in opossums. These observations together with those related to the food consumed by the patients, lead the authors to suggest that the human infections resulted from oral contamination probably originating from naturally infected marsupials in the area or crushed infected bugs.
156 citations
TL;DR: It may be suggested that the DPAG is a site of the anxiolytic action of NMDA antagonists reported following systemic administration, after microinjection of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid into the dorsal periaqueductal grey of rats exposed to the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety.
Abstract: In order to localise the often reported anxiolytic action of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7) was injected into the dorsal periaqueductal grey (DPAG) of rats exposed to the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety. Doses of 0.2, 2 and 20 nmol AP7 caused a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of open arm entries, the effect of the last two doses being significantly different from control. A non-significant tendency to increase the percentage of time spent on the open arms of the maze was also noticed. In contrast, the total number of entries into either the open or enclosed arms was not affected. Injections of AP7 localized outside the DPAG were ineffective. Therefore, microinjection of AP7 into the DPAG caused a selective anxiolytic effect in the elevated plusmaze. It may be suggested that the DPAG is a site of the anxiolytic action of NMDA antagonists reported following systemic administration.
151 citations
TL;DR: Female rats consistently show a pattern of differences in defensive behaviors compared to males which parallel the effects of exposure to a nonpainful threat stimulus (cat or cat odor) in the same tests and measures, which indicate that sex effects must be considered in studies of the pharmacological control of defensive behaviors.
138 citations
10 Mar 1991
TL;DR: In this article, an offline switching power supply with multiple isolated outputs and unity power factor with the use of only one power processing stage, based on the DC-DC SEPIC (single ended primary inductance converter) modulated by variable hysteresis current control is presented.
Abstract: The authors present an offline switching power supply with multiple isolated outputs and unity power factor with the use of only one power processing stage, based on the DC-DC SEPIC (single ended primary inductance converter) modulated by variable hysteresis current control. The principle of operation, the theoretical analysis, the design procedure, an example, and simulation results are presented. A laboratory prototype, rated at 160 W, operating at a maximum switching frequency of 100 kHz, with isolated outputs rated at +5 V/15 A, -5 V/1 A, +12 V/6 A and -12 V/1 A, has been built given an input power factor near unity. >
91 citations
TL;DR: Such lipase-containing MBGs prove to be novel solid-phase catalysts for use in apolar organic solvents such as n-heptane and were found to be effective esterification catalysts at temperatures as low as -20 degrees C.
84 citations
TL;DR: A trypanosome strain isolated from a sylvatic rodent from Santa Catarina Island was characterized by the following methods, leading to the identification of the isolate as T. rangeli in southern Brazil, increasing the geographical distribution of this parasite.
Abstract: A trypanosome strain isolated from a sylvatic rodent (Echimys dasythrix) from Santa Catarina Island (Santa Catarina State, Brazil) was characterized by the following methods: experimental transmission and development in invertebrate hosts, morphometry, cross protection, complement sensitivity, lectin agglutination and isoenzyme profiles. Comparasions were made with standard Trypanosoma cruzi and T. rangeli strains. All methods except isoenzyne analysis led to the identification of the isolate as T. rangeli. The isoenzyme differences found could be explained on the basis of polymorphism. Therefore this is the first report of T. rangeli in southern Brazil, increasing the geographical distribution of this parasite.
66 citations
TL;DR: CRS and SS can each, simultaneously, exert anticonvulsant and proconvulsant influences on responsiveness to PTZ and electroshock, respectively and also activate an opioid system modulating the onset of PTZ-induced seizures, which is distinct from that controlling nociception.
Abstract: The influence of two stressogenic conditions, restraint at 4°C for 30 min (cold-restraint stress; CRS) or swimming at 20°C for 3 min (swim stress; SS), on nociception and on convulsions trigerred by different agents was assessed in mice. In saline-pretreated mice CRS and SS caused analgesia (hot-plate test, 56°C), delayed the onset of convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 100 mg/kg, IP) and aggravated convulsions elicited by maximal transcorneal electroshock (150 mA pulses at 60 Hz for 0.2 s). Pretreatment with naloxone (10 mg/kg, SC, 30 min prior to testing), which did not affect the responsiveness of nonstressed mice to the hot plate or to the convulsant treatments, attenuated the development of analgesia following CRS, but not SS, and further prolonged the latency to onset of PTZ-induced convulsions in both stressed groups. Thus the extent to which CRS and SS can each delay the onset of PTZ-triggered convulsion appears to be limited by activation of a proconvulsant opioid system. In contrast, naloxone pretreatment did not modify the effects of CRS or SS on the severity of electroshock-induced seizures. In conclusion, CRS and SS can each, simultaneously, exert anticonvulsant and proconvulsant influences on responsiveness to PTZ and electroshock, respectively. Also, both forms of stress can activate an opioid system modulating the onset of PTZ-induced seizures, which is distinct from that controlling nociception. These findings, together with those of other of studies, reveal a complex relationship between stress, convulsions and opioid systems, which depends on the characteristics of the stressogenic condition, species, convulsant agent and parameter considered.
55 citations
TL;DR: Both phenotypes can be produced from different mutations, some involving the SRY gene and others not, as shown in the case of the XX males and true hermaphrodites.
Abstract: Three XX males, two XX true hermaphrodites, and an XY female were studied for possible deletions using probes for the recently characterised SRY gene and the pseudoautosomal boundary. The XX males and true hermaphrodites were negative for all three probes, while the XY female was positive. One XX male and one XX true hermaphrodite were sibs. A previous sib pair of an XX male and an XX true hermaphrodite have been shown to be positive for Y chromosomal material near the pseudoautosomal boundary. Thus, both phenotypes can be produced from different mutations, some involving the SRY gene and others not.
37 citations
TL;DR: Joint and conditional unified (r, s)-entropy are defined for bivariate distributions and some properties of these generalized entropies are studied.
30 citations
TL;DR: The simultaneous determination of chromium, nickel, manganese, silicon and iron in stainless steels was achieved by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) after on-line electrodissolution using an improved flow-through electrolytic cell as mentioned in this paper.
15 Jun 1991
TL;DR: In this article, the mechanical behavior of the 7050 aluminum alloy with partially recrystallized (PR, R, and UR) microstructures was investigated, and it was shown that the higher fracture toughness was associated with a transgranular fracture mode and larger blunting of the crack tip.
Abstract: The mechanical behavior of the 7050 aluminum alloy with partially recrystallized (PR), recrystallized (R) and unrecrystallized (UR) microstructures was investigated. The UR and R microstructures were produced by thermomechanical treatment. The monotonic tensile properties showed no significant difference between the microstructures, but the fracture toughness of the UR microstructures showed a significant improvement over that of the PR and R microstructures. The higher fracture toughness was associated with a transgranular fracture mode and larger blunting of the crack tip. In situ deformation studies by transmission electron microscopy showed that the fracture process was due to a stress concentration effect at the crack tip.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: After 3 years, the tooth showed optimal fragment rehydration, presence of pulpal vitality, absence of sensitivity, and a discrete color alteration in the line between the fragment and the dental remnant.
Abstract: Esthetics and function were restored to a fractured maxillary central incisor by reattaching the tooth fragment with the "sandwich" technique (glass-ionomer cement and composite resin). After 3 years, the tooth showed optimal fragment rehydration, presence of pulpal vitality, absence of sensitivity, and a discrete color alteration in the line between the fragment and the dental remnant.
TL;DR: A small collection of mammals, including 34 individuals from Santa Catarina State, was examined for ectoparasites and new host records are given for two species of Acari, one of louse, and one of flea.
Abstract: A small collection of mammals, including 34 individuals from Santa Catarina State, was examined for ectoparasites. One species of tick, eight species of mites, one species of sucking louse, one species of biting louse, and one species of flea are recorded for the first time from Santa Catarina. New host records are given for two species of Acari, one of louse, and one of flea. Species that occurred in single or multiple infestations are recorded.
TL;DR: In this article, the transverse random-field Ising model with a trimodal distribution is studied within mean field and mean-field renormalization-group approaches, and the phase diagram is obtained and all the transition lines are second order.
01 Jan 1991
TL;DR: In this article, the seed is light sensitive, and in a range of 1 to 12 hours of light, Red, far red and blue light are able to promote germination, red light being the most effective.
Abstract: Germination is higher in larger and heavier seeds. The seed is light sensitive, and in a range of 1 to 12 hours of light. The germination is strongly related to the increasing light period Red, far red and blue light are able to promote germination, red light being the most effective. In a range of temperatures between 15°C and 35°C, germination is higher at 25° C and 30°C, being completly inhibited at 15°C and 35°C. Germination at alternating temperatures of 25°C-15°C, 25°C-30°C and 25°C-35°C is similar to germination occured at constant temperature of l5°C, 20°C, 30°C and 35°C. Application of gibberellic acid (GA3) lO-3M, indolacetic acid (IAA) lO-3M and indolbutiryc acid (IAB) lO-3M inhibit germination. 240ppm ethylene, kinetin lO-3M and 1% potassium nitrate don't affect ermination.
TL;DR: The fecundity of Macrobrachium potiuna was determined and its relations with the spawn's weight, the total length and the total weight of ovigerous females were established.
Abstract: Researches under field conditions were done on the breeding cycle of Macrobrachium potiuna (Muller, 1880), a freshwater shrimp from southern Brazil. It was possible to determine the fecundity and establish its relations with the spawn's weight, the total length and the total weight of ovigerous females.
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TL;DR: Endothelins 1, 2 and 3 caused long-lasting concentration-dependent tonic contractions of uterine strips from non-pregnant rats, and strips from 21-day pregnant rats were 2- to 3-fold more sensitive to ET-1, AII, OT and PGF2 alpha and 200-foldMore sensitive to Bay K 8644 than non-Pregnant preparations.
TL;DR: In this paper, an interpretation of the role of the Comunidades Eclesiais de Base (CEBs) in Brazil's democratization, inspired by Habermas's theory of communicative action, is presented.
Abstract: This article is an interpretation of the role of the Comunidades Eclesiais de Base (CEBs) - church base communities - in Brazil's democratization, inspired by Habermas's theory of “communicative action.” The basic point is that CEB influence is focused on motivational effects rather than on a direct politicization. These effects may have a crucial importance for the process of democratization, when they relate to local changes in the political culture. They may help popular groups to overcome submissiveness to authoritarian traditions and to work out new values and strategies for social action and political participation. The formation and development of democratic institutions and ideologies depends, nevertheless, on other historical conditions beyond the influence of the CEBs. The first part of the article examines the influence of the CEBs on urban neighborhood associations of low income groups in two different cities, presenting data on local changes in political culture. The second part looks at the ...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The mechanisms underlying the biphasic response of the circular muscle of the guinea pig ileum (CMGPI) to bradykinin have been examined and it is suggested that a cyclo-oxygenase-derived eicosanoid mediates relaxation and limits contraction.
Abstract: The mechanisms underlying the biphasic response (BR) of the circular muscle of the guinea pig ileum (CMGPI) to bradykinin (BK) have been examined. Both BK and lysyl-BK (1 nM to 1 microM) caused graded contractions followed by relaxations of the CMGPI, yielding EC50 of 21 and 92 nM for contraction and of 10 and 27 nM for relaxation, respectively. The selective B1 receptor agonist Des-Arg9-BK was without effect up to 3 microM. The potencies of BK and lysyl-BK to evoke BR were markedly increased by enalapril (3 microM) and decreased by raising the preparation tone with the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2-mimetic U46619 (30 ng/ml). The BR of CMGPI to BK was unaffected by atropine, yohimbine, pyrilamine, propranolol, prazosin, phorbol ester, des-Arg9-[leu8]-BK (1 microM, each), tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM), [3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid-8-(diethylamino) octyl ester (10 microM), [N-6-(aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenosulfonamide (10 microM), glibenclamide (0.3 microM), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (50 microM), phenidone (30 microM) or dexamethasone (0.1 microM). However, indomethacin (3 microM), ibuprofen (30 microM) and 3-amino, 1-(m-[trifluoromethyl] phenyl)2-pyrazoline (10 microM) each abolished the relaxant and increased the contractile response to BK, suggesting that a cyclo-oxygenase-derived eicosanoid mediates relaxation and limits contraction. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 (up to 100 nM) caused only graded relaxations, PGF2 alpha (up to 3 microM) and 9,11-dideoxy-9 alpha,11 alpha-methanoepoxy prostaglandin F2 alpha (up to 300 ng/ml) caused only contractions and the PGI2 analog iloprost was without effect up to 1 micrograms/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: In this article, the second-order rate constant for alkaline hydrolysis in CTAB micelles (k 2m ) was calculated using a pseudo-phase ion exchange model.
TL;DR: The anti-BK action of the CE of M. illustris was not selective to kinin action, since in the same range concentration the CE also affected uterine contractile responses induced by Ot, Ach, AII and BaCl2.
Abstract: 1. 1. The crude aqueous/alcoholic extract (CE) of Mandevilla illustris (Apocynaceae) rhizomes was analysed against contractile response elicited by bradykinin (BK), lysyl-bradykinin (L-BK), oxytocin(Ot), acetylcholine (Ach), angiotensin II (AII) and barium chloride (BaCl 2 ) in the isolated uterus of the rat. 2. 2. The CE of this plant (0.5–2.0 mg/ml) caused a parallel and concentration-related rightward displacement of BK and L-BK contractile responses. Schild plot revealed a linear relationship ( r close to one) and yielded nominal PA 2 values of 3.6 and 3.2 respectively, but the slopes were significantly different from unity. 3. 3. However, the anti-BK action of the CE of M. illustris was not selective to kinin action, since in the same range concentration the CE also affected uterine contractile responses induced by Ot, Ach, AII and BaCl 2 .
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that the CE fromM.
Abstract: This study reports the oral anti-inflammatory profile of the crude extract (CE) ofMandevilla velutina, a plant which has been previously demonstrated to selectively antagonize bradykinin response of the isolated tissues on rat paw oedema and pleurisy caused by different phlogistic agents. The CE (50 to 200 mg/kg), given 60 min before, inhibited in a dose-dependent manner bradykinin (BK) and cellulose sulphate-induced paw oedema, maximal inhibition of 59% and 65%, respectively. In the same range dose the CE also significantly antagonized pleural exudate and cell infiltration caused by these substances, maximal inhibition of 34% and 46%, respectively. In addition, the CE (100 and 200 mg/kg) also inhibited paw oedema induced by serotinin, PAF-acether and zymozan, maximal inhibition of 55%, 38% and 46%, respectively, but enhanced histamine oedema. However, the CE revealed only partial or no inhibition in pleural exudate caused by these agents. The CE (100 and 200 mg/kg) also inhibited in a dose and time-dependent manner carrageenan-induced paw oedema with a maximal inhibition of 44%, but only partially affected carrageenan-induced pleural exudate. The CE also partially inhibited dextran oedema, but even at a higher dose (400 mg/kg) it failed to interfere withBothrops Jaracaca-induced paw oedema. The CE inhibited BK and to a lesser extent cellulose sulphate-induced cell migration, but failed to interfer with the differential leukocyte migration in the pleural cavity. These findings provide evidence that the CE fromM. velutina, besides antagonizing kinin action, exhibit an oral anti-oedematogenic activity against a variety of phologistic agents, but it was more effective in inhibiting those models where kinins are more involved.
TL;DR: It is indicated that carbaryl can induce an age-related impairment on some behavioral and autonomic functions in rats correlated to the inhibition of cholinesterase activity.
TL;DR: The development of a new series of peptide BK antagonists has made an important contribution to the understanding of the pharmacological, physiological and pathophysiological role of BK, and this is certain to provide a firm basis for developing new drugs to relieve pain and inflammation.
Abstract: Bradykinin (BK) a nonapeptide generated in plasma during tissue injury, is involved in many physiological and pathological states. Kinin actions are mediated by specific membrane receptors and involve a complex signal transducer and also second messenger mechanisms. Due to its inequivocal relevance, an intensive effort has been focused in recent years to develop selective and competitive BK antagonists. Thus, the development of a new series of peptide BK antagonists has made an important contribution to the understanding of the pharmacological, physiological and pathophysiological role of BK, and this is certain to provide a firm basis for developing new drugs to relieve pain and inflammation. However, BK antagonists derived from peptide origin reported to date have limited clinical use due to their poor oral absorbtion and short duration of effect. Thus, considerable effort has also been made in developing stable nonpeptide BK antagonists. Up to now, most nonpeptide compounds reported to exhibit BK antagonistic activity have been derived from plants, including many flavonoids, terpenes, and also synthetic substances with various molecular structures. Amongst them, the pregnane glycoside compounds isolated from the plant Mandevilla velutina are the most promising. These compounds are effective in antagonizing BK responses in a variety of preparations, and they also exhibit potent and long-lasting analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The exact mechanism underlying their action however, is not yet completely understood.
TL;DR: This study investigated the shear bond strength of a new 4-META adhesive cement to dentin and Ni-Cr-Be alloy (Rexillium III) by grinding away the enamel on a water-cooled abrasive wheel to a 600 grit.
Abstract: This study investigated the shear bond strength of a new 4-META adhesive cement (C & B-Metabond) to dentin and Ni-Cr-Be alloy (Rexillium III). Fifteen human molar teeth had dentin bonding sites prepared by grinding away the enamel on a water-cooled abrasive wheel to a 600 grit. Fifteen metal alloy specimens were cast, ground to a 600 grit, and air abraded with 50 micron alumina. The 4-META cement was applied to the dentin and metal in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. After 24 hours in water at 37 degrees C, the shear bond strengths were recorded. The mean bond strength to dentin and the metal alloy was 20.1 megapascals.