Kinin B1 Receptor Enhances the Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Insulin Resistance: Outcome in Hypertension, Allodynia and Metabolic Complications

BACKGROUND: Kinin B(1) receptor (B(1)R) is induced by the oxidative stress in models of diabetes mellitus. This study aims at determining whether B(1)R activation could perpetuate the oxidative stress which leads to diabetic complications. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Young Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with 10% D-Glucose or tap water (controls) for 8-12 weeks. A selective B(1)R antagonist (SSR240612) was administered acutely (3-30 mg/kg) or daily for a period of 7 days (10 mg/kg) and the impact was measured on systolic blood pressure, allodynia, protein and/or mRNA B(1)R expression, aortic superoxide anion (O(2)(*-)) production and expression of superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase. SSR240612 reduced dose-dependently (3-30 mg/kg) high blood pressure in 12-week glucose-fed rats, but had no effect in controls. Eight-week glucose-fed rats exhibited insulin resistance (HOMA index), hypertension, tactile and cold allodynia and significant increases of plasma levels of glucose and insulin. This was associated with higher aortic levels of O(2)(*-), NADPH oxidase activity, MnSOD and catalase expression. All these abnormalities including B(1)R overexpression (spinal cord, aorta, liver and gastrocnemius muscle) were normalized by the prolonged treatment with SSR240612. The production of O(2)(*-) in the aorta of glucose-fed rats was also measured in the presence and absence of inhibitors (10-100 microM) of NADPH oxidase (apocynin), xanthine oxidase (allopurinol) or nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME) with and without Sar[D-Phe(8)]des-Arg(9)-BK (20 microM; B(1)R agonist). Data show that the greater aortic O(2)(*-) production induced by the B(1)R agonist was blocked only by apocynin. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of kinin B(1)R increased O(2)(*-) through the activation of NADPH oxidase in the vasculature. Prolonged blockade of B(1)R restored cardiovascular, sensory and metabolic abnormalities by reducing oxidative stress and B(1)R gene expression in this model

Traversing modernist memory - Investigating, documenting and representing cultural heritage values and public memory of Uganda National Cultural Centre and Theatre

Since the 1950s the theories of Modern architecture have been widely applied as a tool to reform collective public memory from colonial to post-colonial experience and to build the new republics of Africa. Peatfield and Bodgener’s Uganda National Cultural Centre and Theatre (UNCC) built in 1959 is an outstanding example of what is often referred as “Architecture of Independence”. This European-style theatre and proscenium arch, built on Modernist principles of functionality and materiality, would seem to be an aesthetic paradox in the East African context. The building would be perceived as an alien if it was not for the distinctive culture of public memory surrounding it, supported by embedded stories of transition, non-violent resistance and peace-building in the post-colonial period. Although the UNCC embodies freedom of expression for generations of local artists and theatre scholars, this narrative has been overlooked by those who manage the building today. The threat of demolition and high rise redevelopment is the recent story of UNCC and most well-known for the Modern Movement enthusiasts. The international alert issued by Docomomo discussed the importance of keeping the building, but little has been said about of what the structure represents culturally. Simultaneously, the group of local artists have been protesting, trying to emphasize the importance of UNCC as a carrier of a strong historical meaning. This thesis based on the collection of stories and personal archives of theatre practitioners, academics, architects and users draws attention to UNCC as a transitional space of peace-building and expression. It investigates both tangible and intangible cultural heritage values of UNCC. Accordingly, it argues that the building with almost sixty years of history, emerging together with independent Uganda can not be perceived as just an architectural monument but a living organism of a public memory. Following the research findings, the final part of this thesis is dedicated to the preservation of UNCC. With the support of cautious spatial interventions the intangible cultural values are given form through the practice of revitalization. In this manner, alternative design with focus on cultural significance of UNCC is produced to challenge the current profit driven redevelopment plans of the area

Chordodes colchis (Nematomorpha, Gordiida), a new species from Georgia

A new species, Chordodes colchis, is described from several locations in Georgia. The species resembles some other Chorodes species, especially C. anthophorus, which has also been described from Georgia, but differs in conspicuous details. The new species possesses prominent thorn areoles, which were not described in C. anthophorus. The new species is the seventh species known from Georgia