Structural characterization of a sulfated polysaccharide from Gracilariadomingensis and potential anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.

Seaweeds are natural sources of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs), biopolymers with remarkable pharmacological properties, including biological actions capable of attenuating components of the inflammatory process such as edema, cytokines, cell migration and pain. Our results confirm that SPs obtained from Gracilaria domingensis (SP-GD) are agarans, primarily composed of residues of β-d-galactopyranose 6-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-α-l-galactopyranose. Specifically, SP-GD at a dose of 10 mg/kg was effective in significantly reducing paw edema induced by carrageenan or histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, 48/80 and prostaglandin E2.

Effects of maternal preconception high-fat diet on the fertility of dams and on the somatic parameters and reflex ontogeny of their male offspring.

Background: Female consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) may cause fertility issues and affects offspring development.

Objective: Evaluate the acute maternal preconception intake of a HFD on the fertility and reproduction parameters of breeding females; and on the somatic parameters and reflex ontogeny of male offspring.

Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomized into control (PC; n=12) and high-fat diet group (PHF; n=12) that consumed their respective diets during the 23-day preconception period.

Phase-transition of hydrophobic dipeptide l-phenylalanyl-l-alanine under high pressure via Raman spectroscopy.

The study conducted on l-Phenylalanyl-l-Alanine (CHNO) dehydrated crystals under high-pressure conditions up to 7.0 GPa using Raman spectroscopy revealed significant modifications in both lattice and internal modes. Particularly, alterations were observed in modes associated with carbonyl and NH functionalities around 1600 cm.

In silico analysis of aptamer-RNA conjugate interactions with human transferrin receptor.

The human transmembrane protein Transferrin Receptor-1 is regarded as a promising target for the systemic delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as short double stranded RNAs. This ubiquitous receptor is involved in cellular iron uptake, keeping intracellular homeostasis. It is overexpressed in multiple cancer cell types and is internalized via clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Hydrodynamic Evaluation of a Filtering Hydrocyclone for Solid Particle/Water Separation.

A conventional hydrocyclones is a versatile equipment with a high processing capacity and low maintenance cost. Currently, several studies aim to alter the typical structure of the conventional hydrocyclone in order to modify its performance and purpose. For this, filtering hydrocyclones have emerged, where a porous membrane replaces the conic or cylindrical wall.