New sol-gel-derived magnetic bioactive glass-ceramics containing superparamagnetic hematite nanocrystals for hyperthermia application

Although the three main phases of iron oxide – hematite, maghemite, and magnetite – exhibit superparamagnetic properties at the nanoscale, only maghemite and magnetite phases have been explored in magnetic bioactive glass-ceramics aimed at applications in cancer treatment by hyperthermia. In this work, it is reported for the first time the superparamagnetic properties of hematite nanocrystals grown in a 58S bioactive glass matrix derived from sol-gel synthesis. The glass-ceramics are based on the (100-x)(58SiO2-33CaO-9P2O5)-xFe2O3 system (x = 10, 20 and 30 wt%). A thermal treatment leads to the growth of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanocrystals, conferring superparamagnetic properties to the glass-ceramics, which is enough to produce heat under an external alternating magnetic field. Besides, the crystallization does not inhibit materials bioactivity, evidenced by the formation of calcium phosphate onto the glass-ceramic surface upon soaking in simulated body fluid. Moreover, their cytotoxicity is similar to other magnetic bioactive glass-ceramics reported in the literature. Finally, these results suggest that hematite nanocrystals' superparamagnetic properties may be explored in multifunctional glass-ceramics applied in bone cancer treatment by hyperthermia allied to bone regeneration

Ab initio atomistic description of temperature-induced phase changes: The cases of zirconia and Ti-Y-co-doped zirconia

Zirconium dioxide, or zirconia, is a common and useful ceramic with a wide range of applications, from fuel cells to odontology. Its phase diagram is simple and well understood, having a structure which is monoclinic at temperatures up to 1500 K, tetragonal up to 2700 K and cubic up to 3000 K. Zirconia is rarely used in its pure form, being typically doped with Y2O3, MgO or TiO2, and in this regime its phase diagram becomes much more complex. In this context, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) can provide a detailed atomistic description of the phase diagram of this system, accurately describing its stable phases and transition regions. In this work, 3 mol-% Y2O3 (3YSZ) crystals doped with different Ti contents were studied at the density-functional level. For Ti contents varying from 0 to 30 at%, a global search algorithm was first used to explore the 0 K potential-energy surface and determine the most stable sites for the added Ti atoms. It was found that, at low Ti compositions XTi, small TiO2 clusters form, followed by TiO2 channels and infinite TiO2 planes at larger XTi values, and that the highest stability is achieved at 9% Ti. AIMD simulations within the isothermal-isobaric NPT ensemble were then performed to characterize the temperature-dependent phase changes as a function of the Ti content, where it was found that the Ti-doped structures presented considerably smaller volume changes near the phase-change critical temperatures. These findings suggest that YSZ materials doped with a small amount of Ti are both energetically and kinetically more stable than the undoped counterparts, in the ideal proportion of 3% TiO2 for every 1% Y2O3 doping.Fil: Negreiros Ribeiro, Fábio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Ribeiro Ricci Lazar, Dolores. Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear. Centro de Lasers e Aplicacoes. Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares; BrasilFil: Ussui, Valter. Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear. Centro de Lasers e Aplicacoes. Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares; BrasilFil: De Lima, Nelson Batista. Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear. Centro de Lasers e Aplicacoes. Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares; BrasilFil: Marchi, Juliana. Universidad Federal do Abc; BrasilFil: Dalpian, Gustavo Martini. Universidad Federal do Abc; Brasi

Strategies for cancer treatment based on photonic nanomedicine

Traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are still the most effective clinical practice options. However, these treatments may display moderate to severe side effects caused by their low temporal or spatial resolution. In this sense, photonic nanomedicine therapies have been arising as an alternative to traditional cancer treatments since they display more control of temporal and spatial resolution, thereby yielding fewer side effects. In this work, we reviewed the challenge of current cancer treatments, using the PubMed and Web of Science database, focusing on the advances of three prominent therapies approached by photonic nanomedicine: (i) photothermal therapy; (ii) photodynamic therapy; (iii) photoresponsive drug delivery systems. These photonic nanomedicines act on the cancer cells through different mechanisms, such as hyperthermic effect and delivery of chemotherapeutics and species that cause oxidative stress. Furthermore, we covered the recent advances in materials science applied in photonic nanomedicine, highlighting the main classes of materials used in each therapy, their applications in the context of cancer treatment, as well as their advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Finally, although some photonic nanomedicines are undergoing clinical trials, their effectiveness in cancer treatment have already been highlighted by pre-clinical studies

Sagui Lab: um experimento educacional híbrido. Um espaço de abertura, trabalho colaborativo, cocriação e Open Design

O projeto Sagui Lab é um projeto de extensão universitária da FAAC pela iniciativa do departamento de design sob a coordenação geral do Prof. Dr. Dorival Rossi que Inicia suas atividades em outubro de 2013, para promover práticas de criação colaborativa, a multidisciplinaridade, o uso de espaço compartilhado, técnicas de fabricação digital e analógicas e o desenvolvimento de projetos inovadores em multiplataforma digital. É a primeira iniciativa universitária híbrida entre Makerspaces/Fab Labs e Hackerspaces e a academia, que divulga o “Open Design” (metodologia aberta para a produção de objetos e forma em design) e métodos colaborativos para o desenvolvimento de projetos dentro do Campus da Unesp Bauru, num âmbito regional e global. Pensar globalmente e atuar localmente. Palavra

Innovation in root consumption in Brazil: A study for the development of chutney based on beet / Inovação no consumo de raízes no Brasil: Um estudo para o desenvolvimento de chutney à base de beterraba

Considering the limitation of nutrients found in human food in recent times, caused by the low consumption of products of plant origin, there is a need to encourage the food market for the development of new products, based on popular ingredients, easily accessible and rich in nutrients, such as roots. That said, the present work aimed to develop a new product that uses the roots and expresses the versatility that certain roots present. Thus, the preparation of a chutney was conceived, a product of Indian origin that is not widespread among the Brazilian population. For its adaptation by using roots as ingredient base, 3 tests were carried out to achieve the texture and flavor that referred to the original preparation, that is, bittersweet and aromatic. Therefore, when adapted to local ingredients such as beet and cassava, the root chutney resulted in a versatile and low-cost product that can take on several roles in the gastronomic world

Effectiveness and safety of iodopovidone in an experimental pleurodesis model

OBJECTIVES: Chemical pleurodesis is an important therapeutic tool to control recurrent malignant pleural effusion. Among the various sclerosing agents, iodopovidone is considered effective and safe. However, in a recent study, ocular changes were described after iodopovidone was used in recurrent pneumothorax. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of iodopovidone pleurodesis in an experimental model. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were submitted to intrapleural injection of iodopovidone at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 10%. Biochemical (lactic dehydrogenase, proteins, triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, urea and creatinine) and immunological (Interleukin-8 [IL-8], VEGF and TGFβ) parameters were measured in the pleural fluid and blood. After 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days, groups of animals were euthanized, and macro- (pleura) and microscopic (pleura and retina) analyses were performed. RESULTS: An early pleural inflammatory response with low systemic repercussion was observed without corresponding changes in thyroid or renal function. The higher concentrations (4% and 10%) correlated with greater initial exudation, and maximum pleural thickening was observed after 28 days. No changes were observed in the retinal pigment epithelium of the rabbits. CONCLUSION: Iodopovidone is considered to be an effective and safe sclerosing agent in this animal model. However, its efficacy, tolerance and safety in humans should be further evaluated

NOTES ON THE SPORT SOCIOLOGY FIELD: THE DILLEMMA BETWEEN THE BRAZILIAN SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION BETWEEN THE HUMAN SCIENCES AND THE HEALTH SCIENCES

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os critérios de avaliação vigentes no ano de 2010 para a produção e divulgação científica na área da Educação Física e da Sociologia discutindo as lógicas que afetam os pesquisadores da Sociologia do Esporte. Quando consideramos uma disciplina de fronteira, como é o caso da Sociologia do Esporte, percebemos que os objetos de estudo se encontram entre as Ciências Sociais e da Saúde, acarretando o enfretamento de duas situações: a dificuldade de inserção de trabalhos nos periódicos da Sociologia e os baixos escores da linha de pesquisa nas revistas da Educação Física.El objetivo del trabajo es presentar los criterios de evaluación para la producción científica e para la divulgación de dicha producción en el área de Educación Física y Ciencias Sociales, discutiendo las lógicas que afectan a los investigadores de la Sociología del Deporte. Cuando se considera esta disciplina de frontera, percibimos que los objetos de estudio se encuentran entre las Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud, causando el enfrentamiento de estas dos situaciones: la dificultad de inserción de los artículos en revistas científicas de Sociología y las puntuaciones bajas en la línea de investigación en las revistas de Educación Física.The aim of this paper is to present the evaluation criteria to the scientific production and the divulgation of this production in the Physical Education area and the Social Science area, discussing the logics that affect the Sport Sociology researchers. When we consider a boarder discipline, such as Sport Sociology, we noticed that the study objects are located between the Social and Health sciences, leading to two situations: the difficulty publish papers in Sociology journals and the low scores of this research area in the Physical Education journals

Crack-cocaine users have less family cohesion than alcohol users

Objective: Many studies correlate characteristics of family functioning and the development of drug addiction. This study sought to evaluate and compare the family environment styles of two groups of psychoactive substance users: 1) alcohol-only users and 2) crack-cocaine users. Methods: Three hundred and sixty-four users of alcohol, crack-cocaine, and other drugs, recruited from research centers in four Brazilian capitals participated in this study. Subjects were evaluated through the Family Environment Scale and the Addiction Severity Index, 6th version (ASI-6). ASI-6 t-scores were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests. A final model was obtained using a logistic regression analysis. All analyses were adjusted for partner, age, and psychiatric t-score. Results: We found a significant difference between groups in the cohesion subscale (p = 0.044). The post-hoc test revealed a difference of 1.06 points (95% CI 0.11-2.01) between groups 1 (6.45 +/- 0.28) and 2 (5.38 +/- 0.20). No significant between-group differences were observed in the other subscales. However, categorical analyses of variables regarding family dynamic showed that crack users more often reported that sometimes people in their family hit each other (30.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.007) and that people in their family frequently compared each other regarding work and/or school achievement (57.2% vs. 42.6%, p = 0.041). Conclusion: These results suggest that families of crack-cocaine users are less cohesive than families of alcohol users. This type of family environment may affect treatment outcome, and should thus be adequately approached.SENADNational Institutes of Health/National Institute on Drug AbuseUniv Fed Rio do Grande UFRGS, HCPA, CPAD, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilHCPA, Unidade Bioestat, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Lab Biossinais Fenomenol & Cognicao, Inst Psicol, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Psicobiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro UFRJ, Inst Psiquiatria, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Psicobiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilSENAD: TC 005/2005Web of Scienc

PERCEPÇÕES DE PROFESSORES E COORDENADORES PEDAGÓGICOS SOBRE INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE NO ENSINO MÉDIO POLITÉCNICO

O Ensino Médio Politécnico é uma política pública na qual o currículo é concebido como o conjunto das relações desafiadoras das capacidades dos estudantes e ressalta a necessidade de um ensino contextualizado de base interdisciplinar. Este estudo tem como objetivo compreender as concepções de interdisciplinaridade de professores e coordenadores pedagógicos de uma escola de Ensino Médio Politécnico do Vale do Taquari, RS. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa, os dados foram coletados utilizando entrevista semi-estruturada e submetidos à análise textual discursiva. Os resultados evidenciam dificuldades na compreensão do termo interdisciplinaridade, desafios em romper práticas disciplinares e a presente tendência à fragmentação do conhecimento, que podem ser fatores dificultadores da interdisciplinaridade enquanto referencial para a organização do currículo escolar

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients colonized or infected by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: is resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim a problem?

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen in the last decade. Increased resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) has been reported in S. maltophilia strains in the past few years, leading to few therapeutic options. We conducted a prospective multicenter study at two Brazilian teaching hospitals that identified S. maltophilia isolates and evaluated their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, SMX/TMP resistance genes and their clonality profile. A total of 106 non-repeated clinical samples of S. maltophilia were evaluated. Resistance to SMX/TMP was identified in 21.6% of the samples, and previous use of SMX/TMP occurred in 19 (82.6%). PCR detected the sul1 gene in 14 of 106 strains (13.2%). Of these isolates, nine displayed resistance to SMX/TMP. The resistant strains presented a polyclonal profile. This opportunistic pathogen has emerged in immunocompromised hosts, with few therapeutic options, which is aggravated by the description of emerging resistance mechanisms, although with a polyclonal distribution profile