We have investigated, using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, the high temperature molecular organization of the linear oligothiophene α-sexithienyl (T6), well known for its organic electronics applications. We have found a smectic and a nematic liquid crystalline phase in the same temperature range where they had been experimentally reported but not fully characterized. We have microsc...

A comparative light and electron microscopy study was done on cauda epididymal spermatozoa obtained from correspondingly-aged sterile t6/tw32, and fertile T/tw32, T/t6 and BALB/c, mice. The results show that all of the males, regardless of age, contained defective gametes and that all contained the same types of aberrant gametes. The oldest males of each genotype contained more abnormal gametes...

BACKGROUND Anti-inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB pathways in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is one therapeutic approach to hepatic fibrosis. Tanshinone IIA (C19H18O3, Tan IIA) is a lipophilic diterpene isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, with reported anti-inflammatory activity. We tested whether Tan IIA could inhibit HSC activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cell line of rat hepatic ...

BACKGROUND Venous ulcers have a significant impact on patient quality of life, and constitute a worldwide public health problem. Treatment is complex, with high failure rates. OBJECTIVES To identify clinical and therapeutic factors that influence healing of venous ulcers. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of patients with venous ulcers. Ulcer area was measured at the first visit (T0) and a...

Quality of life (QoL) is one of the most important factors for cancer patients related to survival. Literature supports the role of physical exercise as therapy for improving QoL in this category. This study aims to verify the impact of an unsupervised physical activity program at moderate intensity in this field. Fourteen breast and colon cancer patients, aged 63 ± 15, were prescribed a progra...

A study of the immunological properties of phage strains derived from T2 x T6 crosses revealed that the majority of the progeny differ serologically from the parental viruses. Some hybrids were found to contain head membranes having the serological specificity of both T2 and T6 phages, while others contained tail sheaths of the former and the tail fibers of the latter. Since the immunological p...