3,141 research outputs found

    Amino acid transport in schistosomes: Characterization of the permeaseheavy chain SPRM1hc

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    Schistosomes are human parasitic flatworms that constitute an important public health problem globally. Adult parasites live in the bloodstream where they import nutrients such as amino acids across their body surface (the tegument). One amino acid transporter, Schistosome Permease 1 light chain, SPRM1lc, a member of the glycoprotein-associated family of transporters (gpaAT), has been characterized in schistosomes. Only a single member of the SLC3 family of glycoproteins that associate with gpaATs is found following extensive searching of the genomes of Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum. In this report, we characterize this schistosome permease heavy chain (SPRM1hc) gene and protein. The 72-kDa gene product is predicted to possess a single transmembrane domain, a (betaalpha)(8) (TIM barrel) conformation and a catalytic triad. Xenopus oocytes functionally expressing SPRM1hc with SPRM1lc import phenylalanine, arginine, lysine, alanine, glutamine, histidine, tryptophan, and leucine. Biochemical characterization demonstrates that in Xenopus extracts and in schistosome extracts SPRM1hc is associated into a high molecular weight complex with SPRM1lc that is disrupted by reducing agents. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western analysis demonstrate that SPRM1hc is expressed in each schistosome life stage examined (eggs, cercariae, schistosomula, adult males and females). SPRM1hc is widely distributed throughout adult male and female worms as determined by immunolocalization. Consistent with the hypothesis that SPRM1hc functions to facilitate nutrient uptake from host blood, immunogold electron microscopy confirms that the protein is distributed on the host-interactive tegumental membranes. We propose that surface-exposed, host-interactive, nutrient-transporting proteins like the SPRM1 heterodimer are promising vaccine candidates

    Mechanical properties of phormium tenax reinforced natural rubber composites

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    The introduction of natural fibers as a filler in a natural rubber (NR) matrix can be of relevance for their eco-friendly and sustainable nature as the substitute for carbon-based fillers. In this work, short Phormium tenax fibers were introduced in random orientation into a NR matrix in different lengths (6, 10, and 14 mm) and various amounts (10, 20, and 30%, taking 100 as the NR weight). The composite was fabricated using a two-roll mill according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3184-11 standard. Several properties were determined, namely tensile and tear characteristics, hardness, and abrasion resistance. The results suggest that the shortest fiber length used, 6 mm, offered the best combination between loss of mechanical (tensile and tear) properties and hardness and the most acceptable resistance to abrasion, with the properties increasing with the amount of fibers present in NR. As a consequence, it is indicated that a higher amount of fibers could be possibly introduced, especially to achieve harder composites, though this would require a more controlled mixing process not excessively reducing tensile elongation at break

    Patient preferences for emergency department-initiated tobacco interventions: a multicenter cross-sectional study of current smokers

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    BACKGROUND: The emergency department (ED) visit provides a great opportunity to initiate interventions for smoking cessation. However, little is known about ED patient preferences for receiving smoking cessation interventions or correlates of interest in tobacco counseling. METHODS: ED patients at 10 US medical centers were surveyed about preferences for hypothetical smoking cessation interventions and specific counseling styles. Multivariable linear regression determined correlates of receptivity to bedside counseling. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-five patients were enrolled; 46% smoked at least one pack of cigarettes per day, and 11% had a smoking-related diagnosis. Most participants (75%) reported interest in at least one intervention. Medications were the most popular (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy, 54%), followed by linkages to hotlines or other outpatient counseling (33-42%), then counseling during the ED visit (33%). Counseling styles rated most favorably involved individualized feedback (54%), avoidance skill-building (53%), and emphasis on autonomy (53%). In univariable analysis, age (r = 0.09), gender (average Likert score = 2.75 for men, 2.42 for women), education (average Likert score = 2.92 for non-high school graduates, 2.44 for high school graduates), and presence of smoking-related symptoms (r = 0.10) were significant at the p \u3c 0.10 level and thus were retained for the final model. In multivariable linear regression, male gender, lower education, and smoking-related symptoms were independent correlates of increased receptivity to ED-based smoking counseling. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter study, smokers reported receptivity to ED-initiated interventions. However, there was variability in individual preferences for intervention type and counseling styles. To be effective in reducing smoking among its patients, the ED should offer a range of tobacco intervention options

    Produção de biomassa, teor e rendimento de extrato de Piper peltata em função de arranjos espaciais.

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    Piper peltata (Piperaceae) ocorre na Amazônia. É conhecida como caapeba-do-Norte e pariparoba. A raiz produz 4-nerolidilcatecol (4-NC), substancia de comprovada ação anti-inflamatória e antimalárica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência de arranjos espaciais na produção de biomassa, teor e rendimento de extratos nas condições de Manaus, AM

    Estabelecimento de espécies frutíferas e nativas em um sistema agroflorestal biodiverso.

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    Resumo: Um sistema agroflorestal (SAF) biodiverso foi desenhado a partir de princípios agroecológicos e da experiência de técnicos, pesquisadores e agricultores, visando à recuperação ecológica e econômica de uma área degradada em Jaguariúna (SP). Em novembro de 2009, agricultores de assentamentos da região de Ribeirão Preto (SP) e Itapeva (SP), participaram de um Dia de Campo, que incluiu uma capacitação em SAF, a troca de saberes e a implantação, em mutirão, de parte do sistema. Através do monitoramento de parâmetros ambientais e econômicos, pretende-se, ao longo do tempo, avaliar a eficiência ecológica e produtiva do sistema e definir indicadores de sustentabilidade que possam ser aplicados pelos agricultores. Este trabalho apresenta uma avaliação preliminar do estabelecimento de espécies frutíferas e nativas três anos após a implantação do SAF. Pretende-se assim contribuir para um melhor entendimento de sistemas biodiversos e de seu potencial para uma produção sustentável. Abstract: A biodiverse agroforestry system (SAF) was designed using agroecological principles and the expertise of technicians, reseachers and farmers to achieve ecological and economic recovery of a degraded area in Jaguariúna (SP). In November 2009, farmers in settlements in the region of Ribeirão Preto (SP) and Itapeva (SP), participated in a Field Day, which included a SAF training, knowledge exchange and implementation of a part of the system through a task force. By monitoring environmental and economic parameters, it is intended, over time, to evaluate the ecological and productive efficiency of the system and define sustainability indicators that can be applied by farmers. This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the establishment of native species and fruit three years after the implementation of the SAF. Thus the aim is contributing to a better understanding of biodiverse systems and its potential for sustainable production
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