Morphological Aspects And Cox-2 Expression After Exposure To 780-nm Laser Therapy In Injured Skeletal Muscle: An In Vivo Study.

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in muscle regeneration is still not well known. To investigate the effects of laser irradiation during muscle healing. For this purpose, 63 rats were distributed to 3 groups: non-irradiated control group (CG); group irradiated at 10 J/cm(2) (G10); and group irradiated at 50 J/cm(2) (G50). Each group was divided into 3 different subgroups (n=7), and on days 7, 14 and 21 post-injury the rats were sacrificed. Seven days post-surgery, the CG showed destroyed zones and extensive myofibrillar degeneration. For both treated groups, the necrosis area was smaller compared to the CG. On day 14 post-injury, treated groups demonstrated better tissue organization, with newly formed muscle fibers compared to the CG. On the 21(st) day, the irradiated groups showed similar patterns of tissue repair, with improved muscle structure at the site of the injury, resembling uninjured muscle tissue organization. Regarding collagen deposition, the G10 showed an increase in collagen synthesis. In the last period evaluated, both treated groups showed statistically higher values in comparison with the CG. Furthermore, laser irradiation at 10 J/cm(2) produced a down-regulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) immunoexpression on day 7 post-injury. Moreover, Cox-2 immunoexpression was decreased in both treated groups on day 14. Laser therapy at both fluencies stimulated muscle repair through the formation of new muscle fiber, increase in collagen synthesis, and down-regulation of Cox-2 expression.18395-40

Effects of pesticides and metals on penaeid shrimps in Maputo Bay, Mozambique – A field study

Estuaries are important nursery areas for many species and these habitats are often affected by anthropogenic activities. We investigate possible negative effects of pesticides and metals on penaeid shrimps in Maputo Bay, Mozambique. Shrimps and water samples were collected in three estuaries and one coastal area for biomarker and chemical analysis. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S transferase activities were analysed as biomarkers for pollutants. 37 different pesticides were analysed in water samples and shrimp muscle tissue was analysed for 10 metals. Risk assessment showed that the environmental thresholds were exceeded for several herbicides in three of four of the assessed nursery areas. Lower AChE activities were detected in shrimps captured close to an agriculture area and this location had the lowest shrimp densities. Metal analysis in shrimp showed low levels. Despite localized effects, results highlight the need to improve the regulation of pollutants in the Esp\uedrito Santo estuary in Maputo bay

Synthesis of novel 1-Aryl-3-[2-,3- Or 4-(Thieno[3,2-b]Pyridin-7-Ylthio)Phenyl]Ureas and evaluation as VEGFR2 Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) tyrosine kinase is involved in cancer and in angiogenesis. Herein, we report the synthesis of novel1-aryl-3-[2-, 3- or 4-{thieno[3,2-b ]pyridin-7-ylthio) phenyl]ureas as VEGFR2 inhibitors by promoting the regioselective attack of the thiol group of the 4-aminothiophenol in the chlorine nucleophilic displacement on 7-chlorothieno[3,2-b]pyridine 1, obtaining the aminated compounds Za- c. These were reacted with arylisocyanates to give the corresponding 1,3-diarylureas 3a-c, 4a-c and Sa-c (see scheme).Foundation for the Science and Technology (FCT–Portugal) for financial support through the NMR Portuguese network (Bruker 400 Avance III-Univ Minho). FCT and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE/QREN/EU for financial support through the research unities PEst-C/QUI/UI686/2011 and PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011, the research project PTDC/QUI- QUI/111060/2009 and the post-Doctoral grant attributed to R.C.C. (SFRH/BPD/68344/2010

Thieno[3,2-b]pyridine arylethers: synthesis and growth inhibitory activity on human tumor cell lines

Thienopyridine skeleton has been reported as havi ng inte resting biological activity, namely antitumorlll and antiangiogenic121 activities. Herein, we describe the synth esis of thienopyridine arylethers la-f in moderate to good yields by a copper-cata lyzed C- 0 coupling, using N,N-dimethylglycine as a ligand, of the 7-bromothieno[3,2-b]pyridine, also prepared with substituted phenols (see scheme)

Influência do envelhecimento acelerado no vigor de sementes de Anadenanthera colubrina (Vellozo) Brenan – Mimosaceae.

Anadenanthera colubrina (Vellozo) Brenan is a Mimosaceae tree used for pasture afforestation and its wood produces good quality parquet blocks, slats, packing, charcoal and firewood. This work aimed to study the species seed influence under accelerated aging treatments in order to evaluate seed vigour through germination test. The aging camera method was adopted with temperatures of 40 ± 2oC and humidity around 95%, with stay time zero (T1); 24 (T2); 48(T3); 72 (T4) and 96 hours (T5). Statistic design used was completely random, with four replicate and 25 seeds per treatment.  Germination test was carried out under 30oC temperature and continuous light with paper filter moistened as substrate. First counting was conducted on the fifth day and the last on the ninth day after trial establishment. Fresh seed germination was 98% and water content was 8,1%. It was observed that control treatment (T1), after 14 months of storge showed 75% germination and the others treatments showed germination between 32 and 21%. Accelerated aging caused loss of viability on the observed seeds, low percentage of normal plants and high percentage of deteriorated seeds. Accelerated aging decreased the seed germination speed.A espécie Anadenanthera colubrina (Vellozo) Brenan é uma Mimosaceae, de porte arbóreo, utilizada na arborização de pastos bem como a madeira é empregada na confecção de tacos, ripas, embalagens, lenha e carvão de boa qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a influência do teste de envelhecimento acelerado no vigor de sementes dessa espécie. O ensaio foi conduzido utilizando o método da câmara de envelhecimento, com temperatura de 40 2oC e umidade relativa de 95%, com tempo de permanência zero (T1); 24 (T2); 48 (T3); 72 (T4) e 96 horas (T5). O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 25 sementes, por tratamento. O teste de germinação foi realizado à temperatura de 30oC, com luz constante, tendo como substrato rolo de papel. A primeira contagem foi efetuada no quinto dia e a última no nono dia da instalação. A germinação das sementes frescas foi de 98% e o teor de água de 8,1%. Observou-se que a testemunha (T1), após 14 meses de armazenamento, apresentou germinação de 75% e os demais tratamentos (T2, T3, T4, T5) apresentaram percentuais variando entre 32 e 21%. O envelhecimento acelerado provocou a perda da viabilidade das sementes estudadas. Registrou-se baixa percentagem de plântulas normais e alta de sementes deterioradas. O envelhecimento acelerado provocou um declínio na velocidade de germinação das sementes da espécie

O exercício de força muscular é eficiente para melhorar o desempenho no teste \ud de caminhada de 6 minutos em mulheres pós-menopausais?

Background: Walking speed seems to be related to aerobic capacity, lower limb strength, and functional mobility, however it is not clear whether there is a direct relationship between improvement in muscle strength and gait performance in early postmenopausal women. Objective: To evaluate the effect of muscle strengthening exercises on the performance of the 6-minute walk test in women within 5 years of menopause. Methods: The women were randomized into control group (n=31), which performed no exercise, and exercise group (n=27), which performed muscle strengthening exercises. The exercises were performed twice a week for 3 months. The exercise protocol consisted of warm-up, stretching, and strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstring, calf, tibialis anterior, gluteus maximus, and abdominal muscles, followed by relaxation. Muscular strength training started with 60% of 1MR (2 series of 10-15 repetitions), reaching 85% until the end of the 3-month period (4 series of 6 repetitions each). Results: The between-group comparisons pre- and post-intervention did not show any difference in distance walked, heart rate or blood pressure (p>0.05), but showed differences in muscle strength post-intervention, with the exercise group showing greater strength (p<0.05). In the within-group comparison, there were differences in final heart rate and quadriceps and hamstring strength pre- and post-intervention in the exercise group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that muscle strengthening of the lower limbs did not improve performance in the 6-minute walk test in this population of postmenopausal women. Trial registration ACTRN12609001053213.Bioengineering Unit of the School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, USPBioengineering Unit of the School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, USPFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP), Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil [2007/54596-0, 2007/07606-0]Financiador de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP), Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil [1230/2005]Financiador de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP), Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazi

Multifunctional magnetoelectric sensing and bending actuator response of polymer-based hybrid materials with magnetic ionic liquids

With the evolution of the digital society, the demand for miniaturized multifunctional devices has been increasing, particularly for sensors and actuators. These technological translators allow successful interaction between the physical and digital worlds. In particular, the development of smart materials with magnetoelectric (ME) properties, capable of wirelessly generating electrical signals in response to external magnetic fields, represents a suitable approach for the development of magnetic field sensors and actuators due to their ME coupling, flexibility, robustness and easy fabrication, compatible with additive manufacturing technologies. This work demonstrates the suitability of magnetoelectric (ME) responsive materials based on the magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate ([Bmim][FeCl4]) and the polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE) for magnetic sensing and actuation device development. The developed sensor works in the AC magnetic field and has frequency-dependent sensitivity. The materials show voltage responses in the mV range, suitable for the development of magnetic field sensors with a highest sensitivity (s) of 76 mV·Oe−1. The high ME response (maximum ME voltage coefficient of 15 V·cm−1·Oe−1) and magnetic bending actuation (2.1 mm) capability are explained by the magnetoionic (MI) interaction and the morphology of the composites.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2020, UID/QUI/00686/2020, LA/P/0008/2020, UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020. The authors are grateful for funds through FCT under the projects 2022.05932.PTDC, PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017 and PTDC/EMD-EMD/28159/2017 and grant SFRH/BD/145345/2019 (L.C.F). D.M.C. and P.M. thank FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia for the contract under the Stimulus of Scientific Employment, Individual Support 2020.02915.CEECIND and CEECIND/03975/2017, respectively. This study forms part of the Advanced Materials programme and was supported by MCIN with funding from European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1) and by the Basque Government under the IKUR program. Funding from the Basque Government Industry Departments under the ELKARTEK program is also acknowledged. Technical and human support provided by IZO-SGI, SGIker (UPV/EHU, MICINN, GV/EJ, ERDF and ESF) is gratefully acknowledged

Arouca Geopark: a new project towards the sustainable development based on the conservation and promotion of the geological heritage

A figura de Geoparque surgiu, na Europa, nos finais dos anos noventa. Actualmente, a maior parte dos Geoparques entretanto criados encontra-se neste continente, apesar do desafio da UNESCO para o estabelecimento de Geoparques em todo o mundo. Neste trabalho apresenta-se, de modo breve, um projecto em curso que dará origem à candidatura do “Geoparque Arouca” (Distrito de Aveiro) à Rede Europeia de Geoparques.The Geopark concept emerged during the nineties. Presently, the majority of the Geoparks are located in Europe in spite of the recent UNESCO challenge towards the implementation of new Geoparks in other continents. This work outlines a new project under development created to prepare a submission of the future “Arouca Geopark” (Aveiro District) to the European Geoparks Network