On a conjecture about Dirac's delta representation using q-exponentials

A new representation of Dirac's delta-distribution, based on the so-called q-exponentials, has been recently conjectured. We prove here that this conjecture is indeed valid

Septic cardiomyopathy

Depression of left ventricular (LV) intrinsic contractility is constant in patients with septic shock. Because most parameters of cardiac function are strongly dependent on afterload, especially in this context, the cardiac performance evaluated at the bedside reflects intrinsic contractility, but also the degree of vasoplegia. Recent advances in echocardiography have allowed better characterization of septic cardiomyopathy. It is always reversible providing the patient's recovery. Unlike classic cardiomyopathy, it is not associated with high filling pressures, for two reasons: improvement in LV compliance and associated right ventricular dysfunction. Although, it is unclear to which extent it affects prognosis, a hyperkinetic state is indicative of a profound and persistent vasoplegia associated with a high mortality rate. Preliminary data suggest that the hemodynamic response to a dobutamine challenge has a prognostic value, but large studies are required to establish whether inotropic drugs should be used to treat this septic cardiac dysfunction

Seeds of Amazonian Fabaceae as a source of new lectins

Seeds from fifty native Amazonian Fabaceae species (representing subfamilies Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoideae and Faboideae) were screened for the presence of new lectins. Their crude protein extracts were assayed for hemagglutinating activity (HA). The protein fractions of Anadenanthera peregrina, Dimorphandra caudata, Ormosia lignivalvis and Swartzia laevicarpa exhibited HA, and this activity was inhibited by galactose or lactose but not by glucose or mannose. The crude extract of S. laevicarpa exhibited HA activity only after ion exchange chromatography, and its lectin was further purified by affinity chromatography on immobilized lactose. Despite the large number of lectins that have been reported in leguminous plants, this is the first description of lectins in the genera Anadenanthera, Dimorphandra and Ormosia. The study of lectins from these genera and from Swartzia will contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary relationships of legume lectins in terms of their protein processing properties and structures