Antiulcerogenic activity of some sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Artemisia annua

Artemisinin 1, dihydro-epideoxyarteannuin B 2 and deoxyartemisinin 3 were isolated from the sequiterpene lactone-enriched fraction obtained from the crude ethanolic extract of Artemisia annua L. These compounds were tested on ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models. Compound 1 did not afford cytoprotection under the experimental models tested. Only compounds 2 and 3 decreased the ulcerative lesion index produced by ethanol and indomethacin in rats. These compounds did not demonstrate antiulcerogenic activity when tested on the ethanol-induced ulcer model, with previous administration of indomethacin, suggesting that the antiulcerogenic activity is a consequence of prostaglandin synthesis increase.68651551

Factors associated with seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in pregnant women of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between seropositivity for IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and socio-economic and environmental variables in pregnant women of Londrina, state of Paraná, Brazil. We interviewed 492 pregnant women, each of whom answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and collected blood samples for measurement of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies by chemiluminescence. A confirmatory diagnosis of acute infection was made by an IgG avidity test. Titres of specific IgG anti-T. gondii were obtained by IFAT. Seropositivity for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was observed in 242 women (49.2%) and, of these, six pregnant women (1.2%) showed seropositivity for IgM. Age group, level of education, per capita income, presence of a cat in the house and a habit of eating green vegetables were all factors associated with a greater chance of infection with T. gondii. This study showed that 250 (50.8%) pregnant women were susceptible to T. gondii and considered to be at high risk for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Based on the results obtained, is critical to establish a program of health surveillance for toxoplasmosis, in order to contribute to diagnosis and early treatment during the prenatal period. It is also necessary to introduce measures to prevent the Toxoplasma infection in seronegative pregnant women

Results of an international comparison for the activity measurement of 177Lu

An international Key Comparison of 177Lu has recently been carried out. A total of twelve laboratories performed assays for radioactivity content on aliquots of a common master solution of 177Lu, leading to eleven results submitted for entry into the Key Comparison Database or the Mutual Recognition Arrangement. A proposed Comparison Reference Value (CRV) was calculated to be 3.288(5) MBq·g-1 using all eleven results. Degrees of equivalence (DOE) and their associated uncertainties were calculated for each reporting laboratory based on the CRV. Most of the values reported by the participating laboratories were within 0.6 % of the CRV.JRC.D.4-Standards for Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguard

The green ocean amazon experiment (GOAMAZON2014/5) observes pollution affecting gases, aerosols, clouds, and rainfall over the rain forest

The susceptibility of air quality, weather, terrestrial ecosystems, and climate to human activities was investigated in a tropical environment