Pure and Nanocomposite Thin Films Based on TiO2 Prepared by Sol-Gel Process: Characterization and Applications

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films have innumerable applications, and the preparation of nanocomposites based on TiO2 favors the coupling of different structures that can lead to additional or enhanced properties. The aim of this chapter is to show the preparation and characterization of TiO2 thin films and some nanocomposites based on anatase-TiO2, prepared by sol-gel process using the dip-coating technique. TiO2 thin films were prepared by sol-gel process onto borosilicate glass, steel, magnet, and silicon substrates from alcoholic starting solutions containing titanium isopropoxide, isopropyl alcohol, and acids to the control of the velocity of gelation. The doped thin films, such as SiO2/TiO2, Ag/TiO2, and Nb/TiO2, were prepared adding the dopants in a form of salts or alkoxides in starting solution. The morphological, structural, and textural characterization of the films was made using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) detector, atomic force microscopy/nanoindentation, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Photoelectrical, mechanical, biological, optical, and surface properties were evaluated

RESPOSTAS CARDIOVASCULARES AGUDAS APÓS UMA, DUAS E TRÊS SÉRIES EM EXERCÍCIO RESISTIDO

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a frequência cardíaca (FC), a pressão arterial (PA) e o duplo produto (DP) após uma, duas e três séries de um exercício do treinamento resistido e, ainda, estimar o número de séries necessárias para se atingir o DPrisco. Treze indivíduos fisicamente ativos (25 ± 3 anos; 80,2 ± 12,9 kg; 177,0 ± 6,0 cm), experientes em treinamento resistido, realizaram 3 séries de 10 repetições com 75% de 1RM no leg press 45º. O intervalo entre as séries foi de 1 minuto. As medidas de FC e PA foram aferidas antes do exercício e ao final de cada série. A pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), a FC e o DP apresentaram valores mais elevados que os observados no repouso, bem como, diferenças significativas interséries. A pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) não se alterou ao longo das séries do exercício. A FC mostrou um maior aumento percentual (96, 109 e 115% a cada série, respectivamente) comparado a PAS (32, 39 e 43% a cada série, respectivamente). Como o DP combina as respostas da FC e PAS, ficaram evidentes maiores aumentos percentuais (158, 190 e 210% a cada série, respectivamente). O DP de repouso foi de 7886 mmHg.bpm, logo para atingir o DPrisco seriam necessárias 7 séries para que fosse ultrapassado (31543 mmHg.bpm)

Cirurgia endoscópica intrarrenal combinada (ECIRS) em posição galdakao-valdívia modificada: um relato de caso / Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in galdakao modified supine valdivia position: a case report

Introdução: A nefrolitíase é uma patologia de alta prevalência. Possui importante morbidade por complicações agudas, relacionadas a obstrução de vias urinárias e quadros de insuficiência renal, bem como quadros infecciosos que podem evoluir à sepsis. Classicamente seu tratamento é cirúrgico e tem-se a nefrolitotomia percutânea (NPC) como padrão ouro para cálculos renais maiores que 2 cm.  Relato de caso: Paciente masculino, 48 anos, com repetidos quadros de infecção urinária. A investigação foi realizada com exames laboratoriais e de imagem. Possui sobrepeso, hipertensão leve, sem outras comorbidades. Apresentando cálculo coraliforme, complexo à esquerda, foi submetido a abordagem endoscópica combinada, ureteroscópica e percutânea em posição supina modificada, com completa extirpação de cálculos, com alta no segundo dia de pós-operatório, retornando em 45 dias para retirada de duplo jota, com boa evolução

Produção de itens de ensaio de proficiência contendo bactérias em matriz frango utilizando a técnica de liofilização

Introduction: Participation in proficiency testing (PT) is used to evaluate the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Objective: To evaluate the viability of the freeze-drying technique to produce six lots of PT items containing two Escherichia coli, two containing Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus concomitantly, and two containing  Salmonella Enteritidis in baked shredded chicken matrix. Method: Homogeneity according to harmonized protocol and long and short-term stability testing according to ISO GUIDE 35  were carried out. Results: All lots produced were sufficiently homogeneous. In the long-term stability study, all lots were sufficiently stable at temperatures of -80 ± 10°C and  -20 ± 4°C, except for the lot containing B. cereus and S. aureus. The other lots presented stability for at least 126 days at -80 ± 10°C and 84 days at -20 ± 4°C. The short-term stability was carried out only with the lots sufficiently stable in the long-term stability study. The lots were sufficiently stable at temperatures of 5 ± 3°C and at 35 ± 2°C, except for the lot containing Salmonella Enteritidis at 35 ± 2°C due to the significant decrease in cell concentration. Conclusions: The freeze-drying technique was satisfactory for the production of test items containing E. coli e Salmonella Enteritidis in the chicken matrix viable to use in a PT, but the lot containing Salmonella Enteritidis must be transported to the laboratories at the temperature ≤ 8°C for up to four days. Lots containing S. aureus e B. cereus simultaneously  presented insufficient stability, indicating that the production of individual lots containing each bacteria individually is necessary.  Introdução: A participação em ensaios de proficiência (EP) é utilizada para avaliar a competência de laboratórios de ensaio e calibração. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade da   técnica de liofilização na produção de seis lotes de itens de EP, dois contendo Escherichia   coli, dois contendo Bacillus cereus e Staphylococcus aureus concomitantemente, e dois contendo Salmonella Enteritidis em matriz frango desfiado cozido. Método: Foram realizados testes de homogeneidade segundo o protocolo harmonizado e de estabilidade em longo prazo pelo modelo clássico e curto prazo pelo modelo isócrono segundo a ISO Guide 35. Resultados: Todos os lotes produzidos foram considerados suficientemente homogêneos. No estudo de estabilidade em longo prazo, todos os lotes se apresentaram suficientemente estáveis nas temperaturas de -80 ± 10ºC e -20 ± 4ºC, exceto o lote contendo B. cereus e S. aureus. Os outros lotes apresentaram estabilidade por pelo menos 126 dias a -80 ± 10ºC e 84 dias a -20 ± 4ºC. Na avaliação da estabilidade em curto prazo, foram analisados apenas os lotes suficientemente estáveis no estudo em longo prazo. Os lotes foram suficientemente estáveis nas temperaturas de 5 ± 3ºC e 35 ± 2ºC, com exceção do lote contendo Salmonella Enteritidis a 35 ± 2ºC, devido ao decréscimo significativo da concentração celular. Conclusões: A técnica de liofilização foi satisfatória para produção de itens de ensaio contendo E. coli e Salmonella Enteritidis em matriz  frango viáveis para utilização em um EP, sendo que o lote contendo Salmonella Enteritidis deve ser transportado aos laboratórios participantes em temperatura ≤ 8ºC por até quatro dias. Lotes contendo S. aureus e B. cereus, simultaneamente, apresentaram estabilidade insuficiente, indicando que a produção de lotes individuais contendo cada bactéria individualmente é necessária

SDRE APPLIED TO POSITION AND VIBRATION CONTROL OF A ROBOT MANIPULATOR WITH A FLEXIBLE LINK

This paper presents position and vibration control of a flexible robot composed of two rigid and one flexible links. Position is controlled by the current applied to the DC motor armature. To control vibrations of the flexible structure, Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are used. Due to phase transformations, the SMA can change its stiffness through temperature variation, considering and taking advantage of this characteristic the vibration control is done. Control is achieved via the State Dependent Ricatti Equations (SDRE) technique, which uses suboptimal control and system local stability search. The simulation results show the feasibility of the proposed control for the considered system

Produção de mudas de melancieira sob diferentes telas de cobertura

A melancieira pertence à família das cucurbitáceas e é cultivada em praticamente todo o território brasileiro, sendo as épocas de temperaturas elevadas as mais indicadas para o cultivo. Na região Norte do Brasil, seu cultivo ocorre principalmente na época da vazante dos rios, sendo cultivadas às margens dos principais recursos hídricos existentes. Com este trabalho objetivou-se avaliar o uso de diferentes telas de cobertura como barreira de proteção ao crescimento e desenvolvimento de mudas de melancieira. Este experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, sendo avaliadas 50 plantas por repetição. Os tratamentos avaliados foram três tipos de telas de cobertura (T1 ? Tela de cor verde com poros de 0,5 mm; T2 ? Tela de cor branca com poros de 0,5 mm; T3 ? Tela de cor branca com poros de 0,1 mm) e a testemunha (T4 ? Sem tela de proteção). Para a caracterização do desenvolvimento das mudas, cinco plântulas de cada tratamento dentro de cada repetição, foram coletadas aleatoriamente aos 20, 30, 40 e 50 dias após a semeadura (DAS), sendo as seguintes características avaliadas: número de folhas por planta, comprimento da parte aérea, massa fresca da parte aérea, massa seca da parte aérea, comprimento do sistema radicular, massa fresca do sistema radicular, massa seca do sistema radicular e aspecto das plantas. Baseado nos dados obtidos, conclui-se que o uso de telas de proteção não interfere nas características de desenvolvimento das plantas de melancia aos 50 DAS. O uso de tela branca, com perfurações de 0,1 mm foi eficiente na produção de mudas com melhor aspecto visual e sem danos aparentes às folhas

Development, economic viability and attributes of lamb carcass from confined animals fed on different amounts of crude glycerin

<p>The current study aims to assess the effect from crude glycerin inclusion (0, 7, 14, and 21% dry matter) in the diet of slaughtered lamb on their development, nutrient consumption, biometrical measures, diet economic viability and carcass features. Thirty two (32) non-castrated male Texel lambs were used in the study, they presented mean initial weight 15.9 ± 4.1 kilos and were distributed in casual outlining. They were fed with four treatments, with 8 repetitions. Animals were slaughtered when they reached approximately 35 kilos. The mean total weight gain was 20.72 kilos and mean daily weight gain was 260 grams. No changes resulted from glycerin use. The carcass performance was similar among treatments (P&gt;0.05) and the cold carcass performance (CCP) was 44.68%. There were no effects (P&gt;0.05) on the loin eye area (LEA) and on fat thickness (FT); they showed averages of 13.66 cm2 and 0.84 mm, respectively. Nutrition cost per animal during the whole confinement period varied between R$82.60 (eighty-two Reais and forty-eight cents) to R$92.48. The smallest nutrition amount consisted of 21% crude glycerin. The gross profit ranged from R$30.75 to R$ 34.01 per animal, for feed without glycerin and 21% glycerin, respectively. Animal development was not impacted by glycerin introduction, even with decrease on dry and organic mass consumption. The result showed that crude glycerin inclusion might be used in lambs’ diet. Whenever there are big amounts of feed involved in the process, the 21% crude glycerin addition may be an interesting cost reduction. Seventy eight percent (78%) glycerol crude glycerin to replace corn-based feed in confined lambs’ diet appeared to be nutritionally and economically viable.</p><p><strong> </strong></p

Genome-wide diversity and differentiation in New World populations of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax.

BACKGROUND: The Americas were the last continent colonized by humans carrying malaria parasites. Plasmodium falciparum from the New World shows very little genetic diversity and greater linkage disequilibrium, compared with its African counterparts, and is clearly subdivided into local, highly divergent populations. However, limited available data have revealed extensive genetic diversity in American populations of another major human malaria parasite, P. vivax. METHODS: We used an improved sample preparation strategy and next-generation sequencing to characterize 9 high-quality P. vivax genome sequences from northwestern Brazil. These new data were compared with publicly available sequences from recently sampled clinical P. vivax isolates from Brazil (BRA, total n = 11 sequences), Peru (PER, n = 23), Colombia (COL, n = 31), and Mexico (MEX, n = 19). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: We found that New World populations of P. vivax are as diverse (nucleotide diversity π between 5.2 × 10-4 and 6.2 × 10-4) as P. vivax populations from Southeast Asia, where malaria transmission is substantially more intense. They display several non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions (some of them previously undescribed) in genes known or suspected to be involved in antimalarial drug resistance, such as dhfr, dhps, mdr1, mrp1, and mrp-2, but not in the chloroquine resistance transporter ortholog (crt-o) gene. Moreover, P. vivax in the Americas is much less geographically substructured than local P. falciparum populations, with relatively little between-population genome-wide differentiation (pairwise FST values ranging between 0.025 and 0.092). Finally, P. vivax populations show a rapid decline in linkage disequilibrium with increasing distance between pairs of polymorphic sites, consistent with very frequent outcrossing. We hypothesize that the high diversity of present-day P. vivax lineages in the Americas originated from successive migratory waves and subsequent admixture between parasite lineages from geographically diverse sites. Further genome-wide analyses are required to test the demographic scenario suggested by our data

Quantum Biochemistry Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of Leishmania Metalloproteinase Inhibitors

Funding Information: Global Health and Tropical Medicine funded this research: Grant number IHMT-UID/multi/04413/2013 and Grant number PTDC/CVT-CVT/28908/2017, FCT-Portugal. Funding Information: We would like to thank to CNPq/Brazil, CAPES/Brazil and FCT/Portugal for grants and fellowships. C.J.G.M., J.W.d.F.O., T.K.d.B.P., F.L.d.S.J. and B.A.-C. thank the financial support (PhD and Post-doctoral fellowships) provided by Capes/Brazil. M.S.S. and H.A.O.R. thank CNPq/Brazil for the Research Grant (Bolsa de Produtividade em Pesquisa). We also would like to thank the Department of Materials Engineering at UFRN for allowing the use of their scanning electron microscope, and the Department of Biochemistry at UFRN for allowing the use of their flow cytometer. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.Leishmanolysin, also known as major promastigote protease (PSP) or gp63, is the most abundant surface glycoprotein of Leishmania spp., and has been extensively studied and recognized as the main parasite virulence factor. Characterized as a metalloprotease, gp63 can be powerfully inactivated in the presence of a metal chelator. In this study, we first used the structural parameters of a 7-hydroxycoumarin derivative, L1 compound, to evaluate the theoretical–computational experiments against gp63, comparing it with an available metal chelator already described. The methodology followed was (i) analysis of the three-dimensional structure of gp63 as well as its active site, and searching the literature and molecular databases for possible inhibitors; (ii) molecular docking simulations and investigation of the interactions in the generated protein–ligand complexes; and (iii) the individual energy of the gp63 amino acids that interacted most with the ligands of interest was quantified by ab initio calculations using Molecular Fraction with Conjugated Caps (MFCC). MFCC still allowed the final quantum balance calculations of the protein interaction to be obtained with each inhibitor candidate binder. L1 obtained the best energy quantum balance result with −2 eV, followed by DETC (−1.4 eV), doxycycline (−1.3 eV), and 4-terpineol (−0.6 eV), and showed evidence of covalent binding in the enzyme active site. In vitro experiments confirmed L1 as highly effective against L. amazonensis parasites. The compound also exhibited a low cytotoxicity profile against mammalian RAW and 3T3 cells lines, presenting a selective index of 149.19 and 380.64 µM, respectively. L1 induced promastigote forms’ death by necrosis and the ultrastructural analysis revealed disruption in membrane integrity. Furthermore, leakage of the contents and destruction of the parasite were confirmed by Spectroscopy Dispersion analysis. These results together suggested L1 has a potential effect against L. amazonensis, the etiologic agent of diffuse leishmaniasis, and the only one that currently does not have a satisfactory treatment.publishersversionpublishe