Optical Studies in Red/NIR Persistent Luminescent Cr‐Doped Zinc Gallogermanate (ZGGO:Cr)

Zn1+xGa2‐2xGexO4 (ZGGO:Cr)‐persistent phosphor, with a molar fraction, x, of x = 0.1, doped with a 0.5% molar of chromium, was synthesised via solid‐state reaction at 1350 °C for 36 h. X‐ray diffraction measurements and Raman spectroscopy evidence a single crystalline phase corresponding to the cubic spinel structure. Room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) and afterglow decay profiles were investigated using above and below bandgap excitation. In both cases, persistent PL was observed for almost 8 h, mainly originating from a Cr3+ defect, the so‐called N2 optical centre. RT PL excitation and diffuse reflectance allow identification of the best pathways of Cr3+ red/NIR emission, as well as estimation of the ZGGO bandgap energy at 4.82 eV. An in‐depth investigation of the observed luminescence at 15 K and temperature‐dependent PL under site‐selective excitation reveals the spectral complexity of the presence of several optically active Cr3+ centres in the ZGGO host that emit in almost the same spectral region. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the R‐lines’ intensity indicates the existence of thermal populating processes between the different optical centres. Such observations well account for a wide distribution of defect trap levels available for carrier capture/release, as measured by the persistent luminescence decay, from which the carriers are released preferentially to the N2 Cr3+‐related optical centre.publishersversionpublishe

REFLEXÕES SOBRE OS DESAFIOS EPISTEMOLÓGICOS PARA PROMOÇÃO DE SAÚDE NO CONTEXTO AFROBRASILEIRO: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

This article intends to analyze the characteristics related to the cult of the figure of Exu, a character typical of African culture, but which has been relevant for a long time in the religious framework of Brazilian lands. In this sense, we seek, through a scoping review, to outline the data provided by the literature relating to the chosen object so that we can understand the concepts of "good", "evil", "Devil", among others, which have been attributed to the character of cults in the texts of Umbanda authors in the 20th and 21st centuries, who seek to draw a standard line for Exu and his cult. Based on the above, the works of the main authors who influenced the concept in literature and, later, in practice, were analyzed, in addition to contrasting with subsequent analyzes by researchers on the topic.O presente artigo pretende analisar as características relacionadas ao culto da figura de Exu, personagem próprio da cultura africana, mas que tem sido relevante há muito tempo no quadro religioso das terras brasileiras. Nesse sentido, busca-se por meio de uma revisão de escopo traçar os dados fornecidos pela literatura relativa ao objeto escolhido de modo que se possa compreender os conceitos de "bem", "mal", "Diabo", entre outros, que vêm sendo atribuídos ao personagem dos cultos nos textos dos autores umbandistas nos séculos XX e XXI, os quais  procuram traçar uma linha de padrão para Exu e seu culto. Partindo do exposto, analisou-se as obras dos principais autores que influenciaram o conceito na literatura e, posteriormente, à prática, além de contrastar com as análises subsequentes de pesquisadores quanto ao tema

Alterações neurológicas associadas a SARS-CoV-2: uma revisão de literatura: Associated neurological changes the SARS-CoV-2: a literature review

Introdução. A doença comumente conhecida por COVID-19 é capaz de ser encontrada em todos os órgãos e sistemas. Contudo o SNC pode ser afetado de forma que cause danos significativos aos que foram acometidos pela mesma. Desta forma, este trabalho é uma revisão acerca dos achados e suas manifestações para que possamos no futuro triar, buscar e analisar fatores neurologicamente afetados. Objetivo. Analisar e revisar matérias que possam auxiliar no detalhamento acerca de alterações neurológicas oriundas da COVID-19. Método. A estratégia utilizada contou com estudos, tendo por base uma análise em plataformas como o Google Acadêmico, PubMed, SciELO, Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), nas quais cada fonte de dados contou com um estudo acerca dos títulos, assuntos e tipos específicos na língua portuguesa e inglesa. Resultados. Foi possível ao longo de 16 artigos analisados, observar que grande parte da população analisada teve alterações, sejam elas leves como mialgia, disfunções de olfato e paladar, podendo a ter alterações graves como o Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Além disso, foi possível observar que pacientes com morbidades como a DM e a HAS tiveram maiores propensões a doenças cerebrovasculares. Conclusão. Este estudo oferece uma nova forma de pensar e analisar as alterações causadas pela COVID-19, associado com as alterações neurológicas. Com isso, podemos ajudar a identificar e classificar as possíveis alterações, a fim de auxiliar no combate a alterações severas

Differential Expression and Enzymatic Activity of DPPIV/CD26 Affects Migration Ability of Cervical Carcinoma Cells

<div><p>Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that inactivates or degrades some bioactive peptides and chemokines. For this reason, it regulates cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, showing its role in cancer processes. This enzyme is found mainly anchored onto the cell membrane, although it also has a soluble form, an enzymatically active isoform. In the present study, we investigated DPPIV/CD26 activity and expression in cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa, HeLa and C33A) and non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells. The effect of the DPPIV/CD26 inhibitor (sitagliptin phosphate) on cell migration and adhesion was also evaluated. Cervical cancer cells and keratinocytes exhibited DPPIV/CD26 enzymatic activity both membrane-bound and in soluble form. DPPIV/CD26 expression was observed in HaCaT, SiHa and C33A, while in HeLa cells it was almost undetectable. We observed higher migratory capacity of HeLa, when compared to SiHa. But in the presence of sitagliptin SiHa showed an increase in migration, indicating that, at least in part, cell migration is regulated by DPPIV/CD26 activity. Furthermore, in the presence of sitagliptin phosphate, SiHa and HeLa cells exhibited a significant reduction in adhesion. However this mechanism seems to be mediated independent of DPPIV/CD26. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the activity and expression of DPPIV/CD26 in cervical cancer cells and the effect of sitagliptin phosphate on cell migration and adhesion.</p></div

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data