Zeolites: A Theoretical and Practical Approach with Uses in (Bio)Chemical Processes

This review provides a state-of-the-art summary of distributed zeolite technology, as well as identifying strategies to further promote the absorption of these materials in various areas of study. Zeolites are materials that can be synthesized or found in natural rock deposits a with a basic composition consisting in Al, Si, and O. Zeolite’s consideration as a future material is due to many facile synthesis methods to obtain different structures with variations in pore size, surface area, pore volume and physical properties. These methods are developed using the control of relevant synthesis parameters that influences structure formation, such as crystallization temperature, time of aging and/or crystallization, stoichiometric relationships between components of synthesis gel, pH of the medium, and in some cases the type of structure-directing agent. Each method will lead to geometric changes in the framework formation, making possible the formation of typical chemical bonds that are the fingerprint of any zeolitic structure (O-Si-O and Al-O-Si), forming typical acid sites that give specificity in zeolite and allows it to act as a nanoreactor. The specificity is a characteristic that in some cases depends on selectivity, a fundamental property derived of the porosity, mostly in processes that occur inside the zeolite. In processes outside the structure, the surface area is the main factor influencing this property. Moreover, there are many natural sources with adequate chemical composition to be used as precursors. Some of these sources are waste, minimizing the deposition of potential hazardous materials that can be recalcitrant pollutants depending on the environment. Besides its uses as a catalyst, zeolite serves as a support for many bioprocesses; therefore, this review aims to explain relevant aspects in chemical nature, physical properties, main methods of synthesis, main precursors used for synthesis, and relevant applications of zeolites in chemical catalysis and biological processes

Comparison Of Liposomal And 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin-lidocaine On Cell Viability And Inflammatory Response In Human Keratinocytes And Gingival Fibroblasts

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Objectives The aim of this study was to observe the effect multilamellar liposomes (MLV) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) in the in-vitro effects of lidocaine in cell viability, pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E-2 release of both human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cells. Methods HaCaT and HGF cells were exposed to lidocaine 100-1 mu M in plain, MLV and HP-beta-CD formulations for 6 h or 24 h. The formulation effects in cell viability were measured by XTT assay and by fluorescent labelling. Cytokines (IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) and PGE(2) release were quantified by ELISA. Key findings MLV and HP-beta-CD formulations did not affect the HaCaT viability, which was significantly decreased by plain lidocaine after 24 h of exposure. Both drug carriers increased all cytokines released by HGF after 24-h exposure, and none of the carriers was able to reduce the PGE(2) release induced by lidocaine. Conclusion The effect of drug carrier in the lidocaine effects was dependent on the cell type, concentration and time of exposure. MLV and HP-beta-CD showed benefits in improving cell viability; however, both of them showed a tendency to increase cytokine release when compared to the plain solution.68791802FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo) [2011/12666-8, 2012/07310-2]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Proposal of protocols using D-glutamine to optimize the 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenly)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assay for indirect estimation of microbial loads in biofilms of medical importance

Due to technical problems, biofilm biomasses are difficult to be precisely determined. One reliable strategy is based on the colorimetry of formazan compounds derived from tetrazolium salt reduction. XTT presents some desirable properties that make the biofilm measurements easier. However, cells entrapped within the extracellular matrixes normally do not metabolize the tetrazolium equally, leading to underestimation of cell contents. This study evaluated the effectiveness of D-glutamine, a plerotic substrate of tricarboxilic acid cycle (TAC), as inducer of KIT reduction. The metabolic activities of aerobic and anaerobic 48 h-old monospecific biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC (R) 27853 (TM). Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC (R) 13883 (TM). Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC (R) 12228 (TM). Streptococcus mutans ATCC (R) 25175 (TM), and Candida albicans SC5314 were evaluated. Results showed that D-glutamine 50 mM (for P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and S. epidermidis) and 25 mM (for S. mutans and C albicans) may enhance the detection of soluble formazan in a significant manner, what becomes the XTT reduction assay more robust. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.84229930

Time-related Increase of Staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae and Yeasts in the Oral Cavities of Comatose Patients

Background/Purpose: The composition of oral microbiota in comatose patients remains uncertain. Some pulmonary pathogens may be found in dental biofilms or as part of the saliva microbiota. It is supposed that some pneumopathogenic microorganisms may overgrow in the mouths of comatose patients and spread to their lungs. Methods: The oral colonization dynamics of staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts in nine comatose patients (group 1), and in 12 conscious patients that brushed their teeth at least twice a day (group 2) was evaluated. Both groups were followed up for 7 days after hospitalization. Daily samples of saliva were obtained, dispersed and plated on selective culture media and colony forming units of each microbial group were obtained. Results: For patients in group 1, the counts of total viable bacteria, staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts progressively increased in a time-dependant manner. For the conscious patients of group 2, there was no increase. Conclusion: It would appear that concomitant consciousness and brushing teeth are determinants in controlling the selected pneumopathogen counts in resting saliva. The increase in microbial counts in comatose patients is understandable because these microorganisms could spread to the lungs. © 2010 Taiwan Society of Microbiology.link_to_OA_fulltex

Effect of diazepam on temporomandibular joints in rats with increased occlusal vertical dimension

Anxiolytic agents, mainly benzodiazepines, have been used to treat symptomatic disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Our aim was to evaluate the effect of diazepam on the TMJ of rats with increased occlusal vertical dimension (iOVD). Forty male rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control rats were given sham iOVD plus saline solution daily for 7 days. The first experimental group was given sham iOVD plus diazepam 2.5 mg/kg/intramuscularly daily for 7 days (diazepam alone group); the second had iOVD induced in molars for 7 days plus saline daily for 7 days (iOVD alone group); and the third had iOVD induced in molars for 7 days plus diazepam 2.5 mg/kg/intramuscularly daily for 7 days (iOVD plus diazepam group). At the end of each experiment the animals were killed and their bilateral TMJs were removed, randomly stained with haematoxylin and eosin and sirius-red, and immunoassayed. The thickness of condylar cartilage and of fibrous, proliferating, mature, and hypertrophic layers, number of collagen fibres, and the articular area were measured. Proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNE)-alpha) were also measured. ANOVA and Tukey's tests or the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare data among groups (alpha = 5%). Condylar cartilage was thicker in the control group than in the other groups, the diazepam alone group being thicker than the other 2 experimental groups. There were fewer collagen fibres in the 2 groups given diazepam than in the other 2 groups, and there were no significant differences in the area of cartilage among groups. The controls had lower concentrations of all cytokines (p<0.05) than the 3 experimental groups, except for IL-6. Both iOVD groups had higher concentrations of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 than the diazepam alone group. Diazepam alone was associated with increased concentrations of all cytokines except IL-6. We conclude that both iOVD and diazepam induced significant changes in rats' articular cartilage. (C) 2014 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.52543844

An?lise dos conte?dos da capacidade de jogo dentro de um programa esportivo.

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o quantitativo dos conte?dos no desenvolvimento da capacidade de jogo do ensino dos jogos esportivos coletivos. Para tal, foram filmadas 12 aulas de duas turmas na faixa et?ria de 9 a 12 anos. Para an?lise dos v?deos, foi desenvolvida uma planilha contendo os conte?dos da Aprendizagem T?tica (AT) e Aprendizagem Motora (AM). Os resultados da an?lise indicaram que a AM foi desenvolvida de forma adequada e a AT n?o atingiu valores pr?ximos da metodologia proposta. As habilidades motoras relacionadas ?s m?os tiveram preval?ncia sobre as habilidades motoras com os p?s e com raquete. Considera-se poss?vel verificar o quantitativo dos conte?dos desenvolvidos, por apresentarem rela??o com o planejamento proposto pela teoria que sustenta o programa

Subclinical Pulmonary Hypertension in Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Minor Disease Manifestations

The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 852 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. This was a large multicenter study conducted in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology Services of So Paulo state, Brazil. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 35 mmHg and/or measurement of the mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure > 15 mmHg by transthoracic echocardiogram. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity score (SLEDAI-2K), disease damage score (SLICC/ACR-DI) and treatments were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction (p 0.002). Normal transthoracic echocardiography was evidenced in 9/17 (53%), with median cSLE duration of 17.5 months (1-40) after PH standard treatment. PH was a rare manifestation of cSLE occurring in the first two years of disease. The majority of patients were asymptomatic with mild lupus manifestations. The underlying mechanism seemed not to be related to pulmonary thromboembolism and/or antiphospholipid syndrome.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Federico FoundationNucleo de Apoio a Pesquisa "Saude da Crianc, a e do Adolescente'' da USP (NAP-CriAd)Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Childrens Inst, Pediat Rheumatol Unit, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Div Rheumatol, Ave Dr Arnaldo 455,3 Andar, BR-05403010 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Childrens Inst, Pediat Echocardiog Unit, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Pediat Rheumatol Unit, Sao Paulo, BrazilSao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Fac Med Botucatu, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Estadual Campinas, Campinas, SP, BrazilIrmandade Santa Casa Misericordia Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Sao Paulo, BrazilHosp Menino Jesus, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Pediat Rheumatol Unit, Sao Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 301805/2013-0CNPq: 303752/2015-7CNPq: 301479/2015-1CNPq: 305068/2014-8CNPq: 303422/2015-7Web of Scienc

Subclinical pulmonary hypertension in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus associated with minor disease manifestations

The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 852 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. This was a large multicenter study conducted in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology Services of So Paulo state, Brazil. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 35 mmHg and/or measurement of the mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure > 15 mmHg by transthoracic echocardiogram. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity score (SLEDAI-2K), disease damage score (SLICC/ACR-DI) and treatments were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction (p 0.002). Normal transthoracic echocardiography was evidenced in 9/17 (53%), with median cSLE duration of 17.5 months (1-40) after PH standard treatment. PH was a rare manifestation of cSLE occurring in the first two years of disease. The majority of patients were asymptomatic with mild lupus manifestations. The underlying mechanism seemed not to be related to pulmonary thromboembolism and/or antiphospholipid syndrome382234239CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ301805/2013-0; 303752/2015-7; 301479/2015-1; 305068/2014-8; 303422/2015-