Study of the Technical Feasibility of the Use of Polypropylene Residue in Composites for Automotive Industry

Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in short-term use artifacts, rapidly discarded and should partially replace neat PP. In addition, it is one of the polymers most used in the automobile industry. This study shows the technical feasibility of partially substituting neat PP for a post-consumer counterpart (PPr), as well as adding ground glass (GP), used as filler in the polymer matrix. Mechanical and thermal properties of the recycled blends (PP/PPr) and composites (PP/PPr/GP) were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the blend with the highest PPr content obtained a statistically significant decline in elastic modulus, but adding 5 wt% of GP to this blend increased this property, achieving a similar value in relation to neat PP. The composite developed may be a promising tailor-made product with properties resembling those of the virgin plastic. Thus, the automotive industry seems to be a good option for the use of PPr and GP composites and blends, without increasing product requirements

pH-responsive phthalate cashew gum nanoparticles for improving drugs delivery and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi efficacy

Funding Information: The authors acknowledge Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco ( FACEPE ) for a scholarship. This study was supported by funding from the Spanish Group CTS-946 and project P18-RT-3786 . Publisher Copyright: © 2023 Elsevier B.V.Nanotechnology is a crucial technology in recent years has resulted in new and creative applications of nanomedicine. Polymeric nanoparticles have increasing demands in pharmaceutical applications and require high reproducibility, homogeneity, and control over their properties. Work explores the use of cashew phthalate gum (PCG) as a particle-forming polymer. PCG exhibited a pH-sensitive behavior due to the of acid groups on its chains, and control drug release. We report the development of nanoparticles carrying benznidazole. Formulations were characterized by DLS, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, FTIR, pH-responsive behavior, release, and in vitro kinetics. Interaction between polymer and drug was an evaluated by molecular dynamics. Morphology was observed by SEM, and in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Trypanocidal effect for epimastigote and trypomastigote forms was also evaluated. NPs responded to the slightly basic pH, triggering the release of BNZ. In acidic medium, they presented small size, spherical shape, and good stability. It was indicated NP with enhanced biological activity, reduced cytotoxicity, high anti T. cruzi performance, and pH-sensitive release. This work investigated properties related to the development and enhancement of nanoparticles. PCG has specific physicochemical properties that make it a promising alternative to drug delivery, however, there are still challenges to be overcome.publishersversionpublishe

pH-responsive phthalate cashew gum nanoparticles for improving drugs delivery and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi efficacy

Nanotechnology is a crucial technology in recent years has resulted in new and creative applications of nanomedicine. Polymeric nanoparticles have increasing demands in pharmaceutical applications and require high reproducibility, homogeneity, and control over their properties. Work explores the use of cashew phthalate gum (PCG) as a particle-forming polymer. PCG exhibited a pH-sensitive behavior due to the of acid groups on its chains, and control drug release. We report the development of nanoparticles carrying benznidazole. Formulations were characterized by DLS, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, FTIR, pH-responsive behavior, release, and in vitro kinetics. Interaction between polymer and drug was an evaluated by molecular dynamics. Morphology was observed by SEM, and in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Trypanocidal effect for epimastigote and trypomastigote forms was also evaluated. NPs responded to the slightly basic pH, triggering the release of BNZ. In acidic medium, they presented small size, spherical shape, and good stability. It was indicated NP with enhanced biological activity, reduced cytotoxicity, high anti T. cruzi performance, and pH-sensitive release. This work investigated properties related to the development and enhancement of nanoparticles. PCG has specific physicochemical properties that make it a promising alternative to drug delivery, however, there are still challenges to be overcome.The authors acknowledge Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (FACEPE) for a scholarship. This study was supported by funding from the Spanish Group CTS-946 and project P18-RT-3786

Recommendations of Neuroendocrinology Department from Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism for diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly in Brazil

A acromegalia é uma doença associada à elevada morbidade e à redução da expectativa de vida. Em virtude do seu caráter insidioso e do seu não reconhecimento, o diagnóstico é frequentemente realizado com atraso, o que, associado às complicações relacionadas ao excesso do GH/IGF-I, determina elevada morbimortalidade. No entanto, um diagnóstico precoce e um tratamento efetivo minimizam a morbidade e normalizam a taxa de mortalidade. Nesta publicação, o objetivo do Departamento de Neuroendocrinologia da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia é divulgar quando suspeitar clinicamente da acromegalia e como diagnosticá-la. Além disso, discute-se a maneira mais eficaz e segura de realizar o tratamento da acromegalia, enfatizando que este deve ser realizado em centros de referência. Assim, com base em dados publicados em periódicos de nível científico reconhecido e na experiência dos autores, são apresentadas as recomendações para o diagnóstico e tratamento da doença.Acromegaly is a disease associated with increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Because of its insidious character and its non-recognition, the diagnosis is often made with delay, which, along with the complications related to GH/IGF-I excess, determines high morbidity and mortality. However, an early diagnosis and an effective treatment reduce the morbidity and normalize the mortality rate. In this publication, the goal of Neuroendocrinology Department from Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism is to disclose which clinical set should arouse the suspicious of acromegaly and how to diagnose it. Furthermore, we discuss the most effective and safe approach to perform the treatment of acromegaly, emphasizing that it must be carried out in reference centers. Therefore, based on data published in journals with recognized scientific level and authors' experience, recommendations are presented for diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Reduced expression of the murine HLA-G homolog Qa-2 is associated with malignancy, epithelialmesenchymal transition and stemness in breast cancer cells.

Qa-2 is believed to mediate a protective immune response against cancer; however, little is known about the role of Qa-2 in tumorigenesis. Here, we used 4T1 breast cancer cells to study the involvement of Qa-2 in tumor progression in a syngeneic host. Qa-2 expression was reduced during in vivo tumor growth and in cell lines derived from 4T1-induced tumors. Tumor-derived cells elicited an epithelialmesenchymal transition associated with upregulation of Zeb1 and Twist1/2 and enhanced tumor initiating and invasive capacities. Furthermore, these cells showed increased stem characteristics, as demonstrated by upregulation of Hes1, Sox2 and Oct3/4, and enrichment of CD44high/CD24median/low cells. Remarkably, Qa-2 cell-surface expression was excluded from the CD44high/CD24median/low subpopulation. Tumor-derived cells showed increased Src activity, and treatment of these cells with the Src kinase inhibitor PP2 enhanced Qa-2 but reduced Sox2 and CD44high/CD24median/low expression levels, suggesting that Src signaling, while positively associated with stemness, negatively regulates Qa-2 expression in breast cancer. Finally, overexpression of the Qa-2 family member Q7 on the cell surface slowed down in vivo tumor growth and reduced the metastatic potential of 4T1 cells. These results suggest an anti-malignant role for Qa-2 in breast cancer development, which appears to be absent from cancer stem cells.post-print2122 K

A review of Cushing’s disease treatment by the Department of Neuroendocrinology of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

The treatment objectives for a patient with Cushing’s disease (CD) are remission of hypercortisolism, adequate management of co-morbidities, restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, preservation of fertility and pituitary function, and improvement of visual defects in cases of macroadenomas with suprasellar extension. Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is the main treatment option for the majority of cases, even in macroadenomas with low probability of remission. In cases of surgical failure, another subsequent pituitary surgery might be indicated in cases with persistent tumor imaging at post surgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or pathology analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormone-positive (ACTH+) positive pituitary adenoma in the first procedure. Medical treatment, radiotherapy and adrenalectomy are the other options when transsphenoidal pituitary surgery fails.There are several options of medical treatment, although cabergoline and ketoconazole are the most commonly used alone or in combination. Novel treatments are also addressed in this review. Different therapeutic approaches are frequently needed on an individual basis, both before and, particularly, after surgery, and they should be individualized. The objective of the present review is to provide the necessary information to achieve a more effective treatment for CD. It is recommended that patients with CD be followed at tertiary care centers with experience in treating this condition

Cartilha ilustrada como instrumento de educação ambiental

Trabalho apresentado no II Congresso Nacional do PROJETO RONDON, realizado em Florianópolis, SC, no período de 23 a 25 de setembro de 2015 - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.A urgência em preservar os recursos naturais cresce cada vez mais. Há a necessidade de se pensar globalmente e buscar agir localmente para que assim consigamos reduzir os impactos ambientais que nos atingem diretamente. Com esse pensamento em mente, surgiu a oportunidade de utilizar uma alternativa para atrair o interesse e incentivar a ação da população através de uma forma simples e atrativa, buscando a conscientização e educação ambiental como ferramentas para a redução de impactos antrópicos apenas com simples práticas domésticas. Colocando em foco a educação infantil, trabalhando o reaproveitamento e reciclagem de materiais, visando a preservação de matéria prima e informações sobre preservação e recuperação de áreas degradadas e matas ciliares, através do formato de história em quadrinhos e usando linguagem acessível. A cartilha ambiental foi elaborada em forma de revista em quadrinhos, buscando introduzir informalmente a cartilha à população da região São Bento do Tocantins. A distribuição do material ocorreu em palestras, escolas e encerramento da operação na cidade, através de abordagens. Os 2.000 exemplares foram produzidos e distribuídos, esperando alcançar um público aproximado de 5.000 pessoas. A cidade de São Bento do Tocantins não possui saneamento básico adequado, utilizam de lixão, boa parte da população relatou que não fazem separação dos resíduos, não utilizam de coleta seletiva e possuem fossa negra para disposição do esgoto doméstico. O Rio São Bento, que banha a cidade, encontra-se com sua margem degradada pela erosão e desmate da vegetação. Através da viagem precursora foi possível identificar tais situações para trabalhar com a população. Com depoimentos coletados, as cartilhas já foram trabalhadas em salas de aula da cidade. Tendo em mente que educação ambiental é um tema que deve ser abordado sempre e que seus resultados na maioria das vezes podem ser percebidos apenas a longo prazo, a resposta que obtivemos da população foi positiva, uma vez que recebemos depoimentos dos professores que utilizaram a cartilha em sala de aula indicando que o material foi muito bem recebido pelos alunos e de fácil abordagem