Saturated polyesters as emulsifiers for emulsion copolymerization of unsaturated polyester resins with styrene

Intramolecularly crosslinked macromolecules (ICM) from unsaturated polyesters (UP) and styrene, respectively from technical divinylbenzene (t-DVB), were prepared by emulsion copolymerization (ECP). Saturated polyesters of different compositions and molar masses between 1200 and 2400 were used as emulsifiers (ESP). The influence of molar mass and structure at various concentrations of the ESP on yield, number and diameter of the ICM and their composition was studied. For comparison, also sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as emulsifier.     

Signal transduction underlying carbachol-induced PGE2 generation and cox-1 mRNA expression of rat brain

In this paper we have determined the different signal pathways involved in M(1) and M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) dependent stimulation of cyclo-oxygenase 1 (cox-1) mRNA gene expression and PGE(2) production on rat cerebral frontal cortex. Carbachol stimulation of M(1) and M(3) mAChR exerts an increase in cox-1 mRNA gene expression without affecting cox-2 mRNA expression and increased PGE(2) generation. Besides, increased phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and stimulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) production. Inhibitors of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), COX and phospholipase C (PLC), calcium/calmodulin (CaM), NOS and soluble guanylate cyclase prevent the carbachol effect. These results suggest that carbachol-activation of M(1) and M(3) mAChR increased PGE(2) release associated with an increased expression of cox-1 and NO-cGMP production. The mechanism appears to occur directly to PLC stimulation and indirectly to PLA(2) activation. These results may contribute to understand the effects and side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with cerebral degenerative diseases.     

Quality of life from the perspective of persons with chronic respiratory diseases: the contribution of a social group

This convergent care research was carried out in a social group of persons with chronic respiratory diseases and aimed to identify the elements affecting the quality of life of persons with chronic respiratory problems, and to understand how the educative practice in a social group has contributed to the quality of life of persons with a chronic health condition. Data were collected at group meetings, during which the statements of eleven subjects and two family members were tape-recorded. Data analysis showed that controlling conflicting feelings, continuing to fight for a better life, overcoming one's limitations brought about by disease and treatment and getting family support are factors that affect the quality of life of persons with chronic respiratory problems. The study also made evident that health education acquired through social groups brings effective outcomes in promoting quality of life among the study participants.     

Toxicity Induced by Prasiola crispa to Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster and Cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea: Evidence for Bioinsecticide Action

The adverse effects of the alga Prasiola crispa extract (PcE) were investigated in a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and cockroach (Nauphoeta cinerea) model. In flies, toxicity was assessed as mortality and biochemical alterations including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress markers. The cardiotoxic action of PcE was also examined in a model of semi-isolated cockroach heart. The administration of PcE (2 mg/ml) to flies for 24 h resulted in a marked increase in mortality rate (7.6-fold rise compared to control). AChE activity, glutathione (GSH) levels, and hydroperoxide formation remained unchanged. Fly glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activity were significantly altered after PcE treatment. Fraction III (ethyl acetate) of PcE was significantly more toxic to flies compared to fractions I (methanol) and II (ethanol). A significant decrease was noted in cockroach semi-isolated heart function. The addition of 5,5’-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB), an oxidizing agent, concomitant with the extract significantly blocked this effect, suggesting that reduced compounds may be involved in the cardiotoxic action produced by PcE. Our results show for the first time the adverse effects of PcE in two insect models, Drosophila melanogaster and Nauphoetacinerea. The insecticidal properties of PcE may be related to changes in important antioxidant/detoxifying systems, as well as to changes in insect cardiac function.