Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-granules: ultrastructure, morphometry and function

The atrial granules containing the peptide hormone, Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are present in the four regions of the atrial-auricular complex (two atria and two auricles). ANP-immunoreactivity was detected in all granules from the four regions. Ultrastructurally, atrial myocytes show the presence of very electron dense granules, with sparsely granular and homogeneous content, coated with a double membrane. The number of granules is greatest in the right atrium followed by the left atrium and left auricle and right auricle, in thisorder. The diameter of granules in the cardiocytes is significantly largest in the right atrium and reduced via the left auricle to the left atrium and right auricle. These data lead to suppose that the right atrium is the one that most synthesizes and stores the ANP. The number of ANP-granules is influenced by several physiological conditions: temperature, dehydration and nutritional condition. The main physiological stimulus for increased ANP release is the atrial muscle stretch, which normally occurs when extra cellular fluid volume or blood volume is elevated. The ANP is eliminated through the atrial myocytes, via exocytosis. Granule content is released into the extra-cellular space (extrusion). The ANP causes diuresis, natriuresis,vasodilatation and depression of blood pressure. It is also involved in the modification of the waterelectrolyte balance

Correlation between the heterosis of maize hybrids and genetic divergence among lines

The objective of this work was to evaluate grain yield of maize single cross hybrids obtained from diallel crosses among contrasting lines, to estimate the combining ability of the lines, and finally to confirm if the genetic diversity among those lines assessed by molecular markers is correlated with single cross hybrids heterosis. The 36 single cross hybrids resulting from partial diallel and 12 parental lines were evaluated in Campinas in randomized block design, with three replicates and two control lines checks. General combining ability of the lines was estimated according to Griffing model 4. Correlations among matrices were estimated through Mantel statistics, considering heterosis, yield and specific combining ability with genetic divergence assessed by AFLP and SSR. The hybrids PM518 x L111 exhibited an outstanding yield and the lines PM518, IP4035 and L111 showed positive general combining ability. The estimate heterosis ranged from 927 to 6,698 kg ha(-1). A positive and significant correlation was observed in parental lines between heterosis and genetic diversity assessed by AFLP and SSR. The genetic divergence, however, was not enough to determine the specific combining ability and the hybrids yield.42681181

Partitioning optimization of proteins from Zea mays malt in ATPS PEG 6000/CaCl2

This work aimed to establish the relationship between the compositions and pH of ATPS PEG 6000/CaCl2 and the proteins partition from maize malt and also to simplify the process optimization in ATPS for a statistical model, established by response surface methodology (RSM). Results showed that these were no influence of pH on the phase diagrams and on the composition of tie line length of PEG 6000/CaCl2 ATPS. SRM analyses showed that elevated pH and larger tie line length were the best conditions for recovering of maize malt proteins. The maximum partition coefficient by PEG 6000/CaCl2 ATPS was about 4.2 and was achieved in ATPS in a single purification step. The theoretical maximum partition coefficient was between 4.1-4.3. The process was very suitable for continuous aqueous two phase purification due to the stability of proteins (e.g. alpha and beta-amylases) and could increase their content into middle.50355756

Dermatological remedies in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Vulture-Alto Bradano, inland southern Italy

Dermatological remedies make up at least one-third of the traditional pharmacopoeia in southern Italy. The identification of folk remedies for the skin is important both for the preservation of traditional medical knowledge and in the search for novel antimicrobial agents in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). Our goal is to document traditional remedies from botanical, animal, mineral and industrial sources for the topical treatment of skin ailments. In addition to SSTI remedies for humans, we also discuss certain ethnoveterinary applications. Field research was conducted in ten communities in the Vulture-Alto Bradano area of the Basilicata province, southern Italy. We randomly sampled 112 interviewees, stratified by age and gender. After obtaining prior informed consent, we collected data through semi-structured interviews, participant-observation, and small focus groups techniques. Voucher specimens of all cited botanic species were deposited at FTG and HLUC herbaria located in the US and Italy. We report the preparation and topical application of 116 remedies derived from 38 plant species. Remedies are used to treat laceration, burn wound, wart, inflammation, rash, dental abscess, furuncle, dermatitis, and other conditions. The pharmacopoeia also includes 49 animal remedies derived from sources such as pigs, slugs, and humans. Ethnoveterinary medicine, which incorporates both animal and plant derived remedies, is addressed. We also examine the recent decline in knowledge regarding the dermatological pharmacopoeia. The traditional dermatological pharmacopoeia of Vulture-Alto Bradano is based on a dynamic folk medical construct of natural and spiritual illness and healing. Remedies are used to treat more than 45 skin and soft tissue conditions of both humans and animals. Of the total 165 remedies reported, 110 have never before been published in the mainland southern Italian ethnomedical literature