Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial activity and neuroprotective capacity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tarenaya spinosa(T.spinosa)as well as to determine and quantify some of its polyphenols by high pe...Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial activity and neuroprotective capacity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tarenaya spinosa(T.spinosa)as well as to determine and quantify some of its polyphenols by high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection(HPLC-DAD).Methods:The bacterial Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains,grown in Heart Agar Infusion,were tested.The drugs gentamicin,norfloxacin and imipenem were used to evaluate the modulating or antagonistic capacity of the T.spinosa extracts.The extract was analysed by HPLC-DAD to determine the main phenolic compounds.For the cell viability tests,individual heads of the Nauphoeta cinerea arthropod model were removed,homogenized in Trifluoromethyl ketone and centrifuged afterwards.Subsequently,20μL of NaN O_(2) were added to the biological material,except in the control group,to evaluate the protection capacity of the extracts.The homogenate of the insect heads was incubated for 2 h in tubes containing tetrazolium bromide.Results:HPLC-DAD demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of T.spinosa presented caffeic acid as the major compound.The ethanolic extract also showed neuroprotective effects at concentrations≥10μg/mL,while aqueous extract was shown to have a protective effect only at the concentration of 100μg/mL.The aqueous extract demonstrated a clinically relevant antibacterial activity against the Staphylococcus aureus multidrug resistant strain-MDR,with MIC 512μg/m L.However,when the extracts were associated with gentamicin and imipenem,a synergism was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli MDR strains.Conclusions:Although it does not present an antibacterial action,the extracts of T.spinosa can be used in the pharmaceutical industries since its extracts show modulating action of drugs.Besides,these natural products have neuroprotective capacity.展开更多
Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = ...Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = 30), aged 13 weeks and weighing(378.5 ± 5.0) g, were housed in a vivarium under controlled environmental conditions [photoperiod of 12 h light/dark,temperature of(23 ± 1)C] and were fed standard rations ad libitum. The experiment ran for 12 days, wherein animals were divided into three groups: negative control(n = 6)received water, positive control(n = 12) with finasteride at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg;and a test group(n = 12) submitted to aqueous extract. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to analyses.Results: The morphological results of the testes showed that the aqueous extract induced significant changes in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules as well as the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the extract was able to abruptly decrease testosterone concentrations by about 81.88% in the treated group when compared with the negative control,(47.0 ± 4.8) ng/d L and(255.0 ± 2.0) ng/d L,respectively, and 76.8%,(211.0 ± 8.7) ng/d L, when compared with finasteride. However,the extract causes neither liver damage nor impairment of renal function.Conclusions: These results suggest that the high amounts of flavonoids shown to be in the extract may be responsible for its hepato-protective effects and suggest a possible decrease in the libido and reproduction of rats.展开更多
Abiotic parameters and phytoplankton were collected during 2010 and 2011 with the purpose of describing the phytoplankton distribution and the environmental characteristics. The diatoms were the most representative gr...Abiotic parameters and phytoplankton were collected during 2010 and 2011 with the purpose of describing the phytoplankton distribution and the environmental characteristics. The diatoms were the most representative group in terms of species richness;in terms of density, the Cyanobacteria were more representative. Diversity and equitability were generally low in the estuary due to the dominance of Microcystis aeruginosa, an opportunistic and potentially toxic species of Cyanobacteria. The estuarine region is strongly impacted by high pollutant loads, especially nitrogen and phosphate compounds. Historical series of Apparent Oxygen Utilization (AOU) showed negative trends associated with changes in the estuarine system. The main biological components changed through 1999-2011 period. The dominance of the species changed from the Bacillariophyta in previous studies to the Cyanobacteria in our study. The species Microcystis aeruginosa, through its high density, dominance and frequency of occurrence, was the key species in the area.展开更多
Objective: The study aims to evaluate the use of a teaching method proposed by Paulo Freire, Culture Circles, in the education of teenagers multipliers on leprosy awareness. Methods: It is an action-research study wit...Objective: The study aims to evaluate the use of a teaching method proposed by Paulo Freire, Culture Circles, in the education of teenagers multipliers on leprosy awareness. Methods: It is an action-research study with a qualitative approach developed in a public school in Pernambuco, Brazil. Five Culture Circles were conducted involving the participation of 26 teenagers. The followings were used as data collection tools: observation, field notes, photography and filming. Results: The educational intervention on health addressed the following topics: 1) Definition and transmission of leprosy;2) Characteristics and diagnosis of leprosy;3) Treatment of leprosy;4) Aesthetics, prejudice and mental health related to leprosy;and 5) Planning of educational activities for teenagers as health multipliers on leprosy awareness. The educational action on health provided this age group to perceive themselves, act as political subjects in the development of Culture Circles, and act as protagonists in the dissemination of knowledge on leprosy. Conclusions: This study highlights that the application of active methodologies, such as Culture Circles, is able to encourage the engagement of young people in community empowerment and bring together health professionals and the school community in an intersectoral work in order to develop action strategies involving the promotion of health in the context of neglected diseases such as leprosy.展开更多
The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature about the use of the operating microscope in endodontics. It used sources of bibliographic cataloging electronically identified by MEDLINE via Pu...The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature about the use of the operating microscope in endodontics. It used sources of bibliographic cataloging electronically identified by MEDLINE via PubMed, LILACS, BBO and Scopus, using as descriptors: Endodontics, anatomy and microscopy. The selected articles were identified from the titles and abstracts, taking into consideration the following criteria: publications ranging from January 2001 to November 2012, case reports, published in an indexed journal, and publications in English language. The search showed 167 articles related to this topic, and these 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. These indicated that a higher magnification helps coronary access and the location of channels to identify and interpret the complexities of the anatomy of root canals, the removal of nuclei and intracoronary fractured instruments, to minimize trauma of surgeries in soft and hard tissues, and detect fractures and microfractures. It was found that its use has provided Endodontics with a significant improvement in vision of the operative field, offering better quality jobs and a higher success rate.展开更多
The transformation of quantitative variables into categories is a common practice in both experimental and observational studies. The typical procedure is to create groups by splitting the original variable distributi...The transformation of quantitative variables into categories is a common practice in both experimental and observational studies. The typical procedure is to create groups by splitting the original variable distribution at some cut point on the scale of measurement (e.g. mean, median, mode). Allegedly, dichotomization improves causal inference by simplifying statistical analyses. In this article, we address some of the adverse consequences of recoding quantitative variables into categories. In particular, we provide evidence that categorization usually leads to inefficient and biased estimates. We believe that considerable progress in our understanding of data analysis can occur if scholars follow the recommendations presented in this article. The recodification of quantitative variables as categorical is a poor methodological strategy, and scientists must stay away from it.展开更多
As changes in hard or soft oral tissues normally have a microbiological component,it is important to develop diagnostic techniques that support clinical evaluation,without destroying microbio-logical formation.The opt...As changes in hard or soft oral tissues normally have a microbiological component,it is important to develop diagnostic techniques that support clinical evaluation,without destroying microbio-logical formation.The optical coherence tomography(OCT)represents an alternative to analyze tissues and microorganisms without the need for processing.This imaging technique could be defined as a fast,real-time,in situ,and non-destructive method.Thus,this study proposed the use of the OCT to visualize biofilm by Candida albicans in reline resins for removable prostheses.Three reline resins(Silagum-Comfort,Coe Comfort,and Soft-Confort),with distinct char-acteristics related to wa ter sorption and fungal inhibition were used.A total of 30 samples(10 for each resin group)were subjected to OCT scanning before and 96 h after inoculation with Candida albicans(URM 6547).The biofilm analysis was carried out through a 2D optical Callisto SD-OCT(930 nm)operated in the spectral domain.Then,the images were preprocessed using a3×3 Gaussian filter to remove the noise,and then Otsu binarization,allowing segmentation and pixel counting.The layer's biofilm formed was clearly defined and,indeed,its visualization is modified by water sorption of each material.Silagum-Comfort and Soft.Confort showed some similarities in the scattering of light between the clean and inoculated samples,in which,the latter samples presented higher values of light signal intensity.Coe-Comfort samples were the only ones that showed no di®erences between the clean or inoculated images.Therefore,the results of this study suggest that OCT is a viable technique to visualize the biolm in reline materials.Becausendings in the literature are still scarcely using the OCT technique to visualize biolm in reline resins,further studies are encouraged.It should not contain any references or displayed equations.展开更多
Crataeva tapia bark lectin was evaluated for its antitumor activity against sarcoma 180 in Swiss albino mice.The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated in models of inflammation and nociception.T...Crataeva tapia bark lectin was evaluated for its antitumor activity against sarcoma 180 in Swiss albino mice.The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated in models of inflammation and nociception.The anti-inflammatory assay was induced by carrageenan induced peritonitis and the analgesic activity was induced by acetic acid-induced writhing response.The lectin presents low toxicity with a LD50 of 2,500 mg/kg body weight and significant antitumor activity causing inhibition of tumor growth.The lectin also promoted significant reduction(35.4%)in the number of neutrophil migration induced by carrageenan.Concerning its analgesic property,the lectin inhibits abdominal contractions induced by acetic acid.The current results revealed a lectin with significant antitumoral,anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.Further investigations to unveil the exact mechanisms are needed.展开更多
Mayaro virus is an emergent alphavirus that infects humans,leading to Mayaro fever.Approximately fifty percent of infected patients develop arthritis symptoms in the recovery phase,a phase that can last up to a year.T...Mayaro virus is an emergent alphavirus that infects humans,leading to Mayaro fever.Approximately fifty percent of infected patients develop arthritis symptoms in the recovery phase,a phase that can last up to a year.The literature about Mayaro virus infection and its immune response is scarce,which may hamper the development of treatment strategies.We summarize changes in cytokines and chemokines in the acute and recovery phase in Mayaro virus infected patients,and relate this molecular characterization with the immune response.VEGF and IL-12/p70 show pronounced changes in patients in the acute phase,suggesting the development of cellular immunity and Th1 response.IL-6,IL-7,CXCL8/IL-8,IL-13,IL-17,and IFN-γare elevated in patients with arthritis symptoms in the long-term recovery phase,which may be related to the continuous inflammatory process,a possible Th2 inhibiting and promoting Th17 process.Although few studies discuss the issue,with a small number of patients and different backgrounds,inflammatory and immune response and manifestations seem to be closely linked.This information may help to develop the appropriate treatment strategies in Mayaro virus infection.Therefore,we analyzed and summarized data available in literature.展开更多
Aim: To determine whether bladder functions deteriorate with age. Methods: Data contained in electronic medical record (INFOMED?) were used in this institutional retrospective review. Analysis was done on the urodynam...Aim: To determine whether bladder functions deteriorate with age. Methods: Data contained in electronic medical record (INFOMED?) were used in this institutional retrospective review. Analysis was done on the urodynamic studies in women over 18 years old conducted between May 2011 and November 2015. Patients with previous history of pelvic surgery or radiotherapy, neurological disease, vaginal prolapse greater than grade I, congenital urogenital malformations, urinary obstructive disease, diabetes, or the use of any medication that could interfere with bladder function were excluded from the analysis. The urodynamic parameters analyzed were the Maximum Cystometric Capacity (MCC), Voiding Volume (VV), Maximum Flow (Qmax), Bladder Compliance (BC), Detrusor Pressure at Maximum Flow (PdetQmax), Bladder Contractility Index (BCI), Bladder Voiding Efficiency (BVE) and Post-Void Residual Urine Volume (PVR). Patients were further stratified in five groups according to age (A—18 to 40;B—41 to 50;C—51 to 60;D—61 to 70;E—over 70 years old). Results: Out of 3103 urodynamic studies analyzed, 719 were eligible for the study. The average age of patients was 49.3 (+13.2) years old and in all evaluated parameters, statistically significant correlation between age and decline of bladder function was obtained (p Conclusions: This study showed a decline in bladder storage function (reduction in MCC and BC) and in bladder emptying function (reduction in Qmax, PdetQmax, VV, BCI and BVE with an increase in PVR) with age.展开更多
The use of educational technology focused on child health promotion requires theoretical-methodological foundations to support aspects related to the growth and psychomotor development stage, articulating knowledge an...The use of educational technology focused on child health promotion requires theoretical-methodological foundations to support aspects related to the growth and psychomotor development stage, articulating knowledge and healthy habits as early as possible. This article is an integrative review to investigate the educational technologies used in health education actions to promote child health. The databases LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF, PUBMED, CINAHL, and in the Virtual library Cochrane Library and SciELO were consulted. Thirteen articles were analyzed. The educational technologies have been employed to promote child health promotion actions and have contributed to the achievement of long-lasting results. The actions happen predominantly in the school context and light, light-hard and hard technologies are used. The association between light and hard technology obtained better results.展开更多
This paper presents an overview of the state of the art about the late effects of ionizing radiation on skeletal muscle, helping new research and showing unexplored areas. For this, it was evaluated the interest repor...This paper presents an overview of the state of the art about the late effects of ionizing radiation on skeletal muscle, helping new research and showing unexplored areas. For this, it was evaluated the interest reported by the scientific literature regarding the late effects in skeletal muscle resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Original and experimental papers mainly containing the key expressions “ionizing radiation” and “effects on skeletal muscle” were searched in computerized databases, and published in any language. Only 33 papers matched the search criteria. Analyzing the investigated radioinduced biological effects in those contributions, four topics were identified as being of major interest: 1) alterations in cellular metabolism and protein degradation;2) repercussions on satellite cells;3) formation of fibrosis and muscle atrophy;4) tissue regeneration. It was verified that no study evaluated possible late effects related to either morphology or properties of skeletal muscles after an exposure to ionizing radiation. Several aspects do not make possible a successful replication;all experiments of eligible group of articles are discussed, such as, lack of raw data, use of no sound methodology and inappropriate statistical technique. Briefly, the subject of this review is an open field of research.展开更多
Several studies argue that an ideal biomaterial for urinary catheters is utopian. Based in literature review it seems to be true. However, research advances: the biomaterial itself, new designs, new coatings, associat...Several studies argue that an ideal biomaterial for urinary catheters is utopian. Based in literature review it seems to be true. However, research advances: the biomaterial itself, new designs, new coatings, associated drugs, etc. Once implanted and interacting with urine, two old problems persist: encrustation and bacterial colonization. In this context, an extracellular product from bacterial synthesis on sugarcane molasses biomaterial has been studied in several experimental and clinical studies. Based on its high biocompatibility, the aim of this study is to evaluate its performance in an in vivo model as an endourologic prosthesis implanted in the bladder of Wistar rats. We evaluate physical, chemical and biological phenomena in comparison to an already established biomaterial, polyurethane. Even though it is not a finished product, the sugarcane biopolymer presented similar performance compared to polyurethane in several analyzed parameters and has an important characteristic: low cost.展开更多
The optimum efficiency and net work of the regenerative cycle with turbine extractions, using steam as the working fluid, have been simulated and analyzed. The cycle is simulated with until five feed water heaters in ...The optimum efficiency and net work of the regenerative cycle with turbine extractions, using steam as the working fluid, have been simulated and analyzed. The cycle is simulated with until five feed water heaters in a numeric method and can be easily used in solar power plants. The general expression for each component is realized through the balance of energy, collectors, turbine, condenser, pumps and feed water heaters. One analytical method is developed considering constants of the difference of enthalpy through feed water heaters as also between them. The results show that the analytical method is unsatisfactory because the optimum efficiency depends on some parameters such as evaporating temperature and superheating temperature showing in numeric method. The increase of optimum efficiency increases when the number of feed water is increased as well as evaporating and superheating temperature, for the net work presents a maximum value along evaporating temperature, decreasing with number of feed water heaters and increasing when the superheating temperature is increased. The pressure of extraction of turbine is also analyzed, varying about 5% along of evaporation temperature. This analysis is important to motivate the use in solar plants that it is considerate in this paper, just analyzing the cycle.展开更多
This study reports the protease production from Aspergillus tamarii using agroindustrial residues as substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF) and biochemical characterization. The highest protease production was o...This study reports the protease production from Aspergillus tamarii using agroindustrial residues as substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF) and biochemical characterization. The highest protease production was obtained using wheat bran as substrate at 72 h fermentation with maximum proteolytic activity of 401.42 U/mL, collagenase of 243.0 U/mL and keratinase of 19.1 U/mL. The protease exhibited K<sub>M</sub> = 18.7 mg/mL and Vmax = 28.5 mg/mL/min. The optimal pH was 8.0 and stable in a wide pH range (5.0 - 11.0) during 24 h. The optimum temperature was 40°C. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by Cu<sup>2+</sup> (33.98%) and Hg<sup>2+</sup> (22.69%). The enzyme was also inhibited by PMSF (65.11%), indicating that is a Serine Protease. These properties suggest that alkaline protease from A. tamarii URM4634 is suitable for application in food industries and leather processing. Additionally, the present findings opened new vistas in the utilization of wheat bran and other effective agroindustrial wastes as substrates for SSF.展开更多
The identity of paramedic professions is bound to develop in order to adapt to the changes of the world of health. Careproviders＇ identity is based on the interpersonal dimension, yet French massage-physiotherapy bas...The identity of paramedic professions is bound to develop in order to adapt to the changes of the world of health. Careproviders＇ identity is based on the interpersonal dimension, yet French massage-physiotherapy bases this interpersonal competence on touch. This is why many practitioners try to develop this aspect of their practice through continuing professional education. Danis Bois Method （MOthode Danis Bois： MDB） of fasciatherapy, characterized by its relational and sensitive approach to care and touch, stands in this field. This paper will present the impacts of this manual therapy on the professional identity of 446 masseurs-physiotherapists who took part in a self-assessment survey. The results show that, in spite of the few difficulties they meet within their duties, practicing fasciatherapy integrates perfectly well into the framework of massage-physiotherapy. It largely reinforces the feeling of therapeutical efficacy and the capacity to meet the evolution in health needs （chronic diseases, mental suffering, and patients＇ quality of life）. It also restores meaning and value to the profession and boosts motivation as well as it fosters the congruence of both considered as an added value to masso-physiotherapy, a means to accom professional identity pets plish onal and professional identities. It is thus oneself and an essential component of展开更多
In elastic networking,the WDM fixed frequency grid is replaced by a more flexible structure,in which the spectrum is organized in frequency slots,and each traffic flow is assigned to an appropriate set of contiguous s...In elastic networking,the WDM fixed frequency grid is replaced by a more flexible structure,in which the spectrum is organized in frequency slots,and each traffic flow is assigned to an appropriate set of contiguous slots.The classical RWA(routing and wavelength assignment)problem is then replaced by the RSA(routing and spectrum assignment)problem.In this paper,we discuss the SA(spectrum assignment)problem in a single link,where it is not coupled to the routing problem,thus allowing for a better understanding of its dynamics.The best SA algorithm,taken as anyone who minimizes the average time it takes to provide total exhaustion of the initial available spectrum under incremental traffic,is shown to be a function of the traffic profile.It is shown that the greedy algorithm,which is unaware of the traffic profile,may impose severe performance penalties if the request rates increase with the number of requested slots.However,no penalty is incurred by more friendly profiles,like the uniform one.展开更多
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the productive capacity of the phytoplankton community and other environmental variables in the estuarine area of Suape;while considering the constant morphological, sedime...The aim of the current study was to evaluate the productive capacity of the phytoplankton community and other environmental variables in the estuarine area of Suape;while considering the constant morphological, sedimentological and hydrological changes, the site has been facing due to the implementation and expansion of an industrial and port complex. The study comprised 6 campaigns: 3 in the dry season and 3 in the rainy season. Water samples were collected from the surface layer of the internal and external portions of the estuarine bay during low spring tides. The salinity ranged from 32.20 to 37.10, the water temperature ranged from 26.60°C to 29.40°C, and the oxygen saturation rate ranged from 58.5% to 114.5%. There was significant seasonal variation. The nitrite concentration was higher during the rainy season, whereas the ammonia concentration was higher during the dry season;the higher ammonia concentration helped increase chlorophyll-a levels and rates of primary productivity, which ranged from 0.02 - 2.45 mg·m−3 and from 0.34 to 4.32 mg·C·m−3·h−1, respectively. Chlorophyll-a a-containing biomass, and this reflected the low nutrient content in the water and indicated that the area was free from eutrophication processes. The decrease of rainfall during the sampling months and the anthropogenic changes in the environment led to reduced continental contributions, increased marine interference, nutrient dilution and loss of phytoplankton production capacity in Suape Bay, which severely damaged other trophic links in the ecosystem.展开更多
Freshwater environments are the main ecosystems subjected to various anthropogenic impacts, which have caused the waterborne transmission of diseases caused mainly by bacteria. The main objective of this work was to c...Freshwater environments are the main ecosystems subjected to various anthropogenic impacts, which have caused the waterborne transmission of diseases caused mainly by bacteria. The main objective of this work was to carry out a systematic analysis through the literature on the main microorganisms found in impacted aquatic environments and to relate the data with the risks to public health. This review was planned, conducted and reported following the PRISMA protocol, which was used the PECO strategy. There performed searches for studies using the electronic databases PubMed, Medline and LILACS in September 2021, using the controlled search strategy: “Bacteria” and “Ecosystem” and “Environment” and “Aquatic” and “Impacted. The studies that met the eligibility criteria were considered eligible, with the participation of two independent reviewers. There found 1058 studies, of which were chosen only 31 to compose the results of this systematic review. Because of the results, there observed that the predominant bacterial genera in freshwater are: Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Escherichia, with the Asian continent presenting more varieties of bacterial species detected. These microorganisms are responsible for causing diseases that can lead to death, which shows the importance of constantly monitoring these ecosystems.展开更多
基金financially supported by the Brazilian and Cearáresearch agencies CAPESFUNCAP
文摘Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial activity and neuroprotective capacity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tarenaya spinosa(T.spinosa)as well as to determine and quantify some of its polyphenols by high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection(HPLC-DAD).Methods:The bacterial Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains,grown in Heart Agar Infusion,were tested.The drugs gentamicin,norfloxacin and imipenem were used to evaluate the modulating or antagonistic capacity of the T.spinosa extracts.The extract was analysed by HPLC-DAD to determine the main phenolic compounds.For the cell viability tests,individual heads of the Nauphoeta cinerea arthropod model were removed,homogenized in Trifluoromethyl ketone and centrifuged afterwards.Subsequently,20μL of NaN O_(2) were added to the biological material,except in the control group,to evaluate the protection capacity of the extracts.The homogenate of the insect heads was incubated for 2 h in tubes containing tetrazolium bromide.Results:HPLC-DAD demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of T.spinosa presented caffeic acid as the major compound.The ethanolic extract also showed neuroprotective effects at concentrations≥10μg/mL,while aqueous extract was shown to have a protective effect only at the concentration of 100μg/mL.The aqueous extract demonstrated a clinically relevant antibacterial activity against the Staphylococcus aureus multidrug resistant strain-MDR,with MIC 512μg/m L.However,when the extracts were associated with gentamicin and imipenem,a synergism was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli MDR strains.Conclusions:Although it does not present an antibacterial action,the extracts of T.spinosa can be used in the pharmaceutical industries since its extracts show modulating action of drugs.Besides,these natural products have neuroprotective capacity.
基金Supported by the National Research Council(CNPq)Foundation for Science and Technology of the State of Pernambuco(FACEPE)Personnel Improvement Coordination-CAPES/PROCAD/NF/no 1415/2007,Brazil
文摘Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = 30), aged 13 weeks and weighing(378.5 ± 5.0) g, were housed in a vivarium under controlled environmental conditions [photoperiod of 12 h light/dark,temperature of(23 ± 1)C] and were fed standard rations ad libitum. The experiment ran for 12 days, wherein animals were divided into three groups: negative control(n = 6)received water, positive control(n = 12) with finasteride at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg;and a test group(n = 12) submitted to aqueous extract. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to analyses.Results: The morphological results of the testes showed that the aqueous extract induced significant changes in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules as well as the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the extract was able to abruptly decrease testosterone concentrations by about 81.88% in the treated group when compared with the negative control,(47.0 ± 4.8) ng/d L and(255.0 ± 2.0) ng/d L,respectively, and 76.8%,(211.0 ± 8.7) ng/d L, when compared with finasteride. However,the extract causes neither liver damage nor impairment of renal function.Conclusions: These results suggest that the high amounts of flavonoids shown to be in the extract may be responsible for its hepato-protective effects and suggest a possible decrease in the libido and reproduction of rats.
文摘Abiotic parameters and phytoplankton were collected during 2010 and 2011 with the purpose of describing the phytoplankton distribution and the environmental characteristics. The diatoms were the most representative group in terms of species richness;in terms of density, the Cyanobacteria were more representative. Diversity and equitability were generally low in the estuary due to the dominance of Microcystis aeruginosa, an opportunistic and potentially toxic species of Cyanobacteria. The estuarine region is strongly impacted by high pollutant loads, especially nitrogen and phosphate compounds. Historical series of Apparent Oxygen Utilization (AOU) showed negative trends associated with changes in the estuarine system. The main biological components changed through 1999-2011 period. The dominance of the species changed from the Bacillariophyta in previous studies to the Cyanobacteria in our study. The species Microcystis aeruginosa, through its high density, dominance and frequency of occurrence, was the key species in the area.
文摘Objective: The study aims to evaluate the use of a teaching method proposed by Paulo Freire, Culture Circles, in the education of teenagers multipliers on leprosy awareness. Methods: It is an action-research study with a qualitative approach developed in a public school in Pernambuco, Brazil. Five Culture Circles were conducted involving the participation of 26 teenagers. The followings were used as data collection tools: observation, field notes, photography and filming. Results: The educational intervention on health addressed the following topics: 1) Definition and transmission of leprosy;2) Characteristics and diagnosis of leprosy;3) Treatment of leprosy;4) Aesthetics, prejudice and mental health related to leprosy;and 5) Planning of educational activities for teenagers as health multipliers on leprosy awareness. The educational action on health provided this age group to perceive themselves, act as political subjects in the development of Culture Circles, and act as protagonists in the dissemination of knowledge on leprosy. Conclusions: This study highlights that the application of active methodologies, such as Culture Circles, is able to encourage the engagement of young people in community empowerment and bring together health professionals and the school community in an intersectoral work in order to develop action strategies involving the promotion of health in the context of neglected diseases such as leprosy.
文摘The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature about the use of the operating microscope in endodontics. It used sources of bibliographic cataloging electronically identified by MEDLINE via PubMed, LILACS, BBO and Scopus, using as descriptors: Endodontics, anatomy and microscopy. The selected articles were identified from the titles and abstracts, taking into consideration the following criteria: publications ranging from January 2001 to November 2012, case reports, published in an indexed journal, and publications in English language. The search showed 167 articles related to this topic, and these 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. These indicated that a higher magnification helps coronary access and the location of channels to identify and interpret the complexities of the anatomy of root canals, the removal of nuclei and intracoronary fractured instruments, to minimize trauma of surgeries in soft and hard tissues, and detect fractures and microfractures. It was found that its use has provided Endodontics with a significant improvement in vision of the operative field, offering better quality jobs and a higher success rate.
文摘The transformation of quantitative variables into categories is a common practice in both experimental and observational studies. The typical procedure is to create groups by splitting the original variable distribution at some cut point on the scale of measurement (e.g. mean, median, mode). Allegedly, dichotomization improves causal inference by simplifying statistical analyses. In this article, we address some of the adverse consequences of recoding quantitative variables into categories. In particular, we provide evidence that categorization usually leads to inefficient and biased estimates. We believe that considerable progress in our understanding of data analysis can occur if scholars follow the recommendations presented in this article. The recodification of quantitative variables as categorical is a poor methodological strategy, and scientists must stay away from it.
基金This study is a palrt of the INCT/INFO(National Institutes of Science and Technology,Photonics National Institute-465.763/2014-6)is sup-ported by the CNPq/MCTI(National Council of Technological and Scientific Development and Ministry of Science Technology and Innov ation)+1 种基金the PRONEX program(Center of Excellence on Biophotonics and Nanophotonics-APQ-0504-1.05/14)sponsored by FACEPE/CNPq(Founda-tion for Science and Technology of Pernambuco State and National Council of Technological and Scientific Development).
文摘As changes in hard or soft oral tissues normally have a microbiological component,it is important to develop diagnostic techniques that support clinical evaluation,without destroying microbio-logical formation.The optical coherence tomography(OCT)represents an alternative to analyze tissues and microorganisms without the need for processing.This imaging technique could be defined as a fast,real-time,in situ,and non-destructive method.Thus,this study proposed the use of the OCT to visualize biofilm by Candida albicans in reline resins for removable prostheses.Three reline resins(Silagum-Comfort,Coe Comfort,and Soft-Confort),with distinct char-acteristics related to wa ter sorption and fungal inhibition were used.A total of 30 samples(10 for each resin group)were subjected to OCT scanning before and 96 h after inoculation with Candida albicans(URM 6547).The biofilm analysis was carried out through a 2D optical Callisto SD-OCT(930 nm)operated in the spectral domain.Then,the images were preprocessed using a3×3 Gaussian filter to remove the noise,and then Otsu binarization,allowing segmentation and pixel counting.The layer's biofilm formed was clearly defined and,indeed,its visualization is modified by water sorption of each material.Silagum-Comfort and Soft.Confort showed some similarities in the scattering of light between the clean and inoculated samples,in which,the latter samples presented higher values of light signal intensity.Coe-Comfort samples were the only ones that showed no di®erences between the clean or inoculated images.Therefore,the results of this study suggest that OCT is a viable technique to visualize the biolm in reline materials.Becausendings in the literature are still scarcely using the OCT technique to visualize biolm in reline resins,further studies are encouraged.It should not contain any references or displayed equations.
基金This work was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq)The authors also wish to thank Ronaldo Celerino da Silva and Sílvia Rafaelli Ramos for their valuable technical assistance.
文摘Crataeva tapia bark lectin was evaluated for its antitumor activity against sarcoma 180 in Swiss albino mice.The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated in models of inflammation and nociception.The anti-inflammatory assay was induced by carrageenan induced peritonitis and the analgesic activity was induced by acetic acid-induced writhing response.The lectin presents low toxicity with a LD50 of 2,500 mg/kg body weight and significant antitumor activity causing inhibition of tumor growth.The lectin also promoted significant reduction(35.4%)in the number of neutrophil migration induced by carrageenan.Concerning its analgesic property,the lectin inhibits abdominal contractions induced by acetic acid.The current results revealed a lectin with significant antitumoral,anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.Further investigations to unveil the exact mechanisms are needed.
基金supported by grants from Fundacao de Amparo a Ciencia e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco(FACEPE)(grant 09/2017).
文摘Mayaro virus is an emergent alphavirus that infects humans,leading to Mayaro fever.Approximately fifty percent of infected patients develop arthritis symptoms in the recovery phase,a phase that can last up to a year.The literature about Mayaro virus infection and its immune response is scarce,which may hamper the development of treatment strategies.We summarize changes in cytokines and chemokines in the acute and recovery phase in Mayaro virus infected patients,and relate this molecular characterization with the immune response.VEGF and IL-12/p70 show pronounced changes in patients in the acute phase,suggesting the development of cellular immunity and Th1 response.IL-6,IL-7,CXCL8/IL-8,IL-13,IL-17,and IFN-γare elevated in patients with arthritis symptoms in the long-term recovery phase,which may be related to the continuous inflammatory process,a possible Th2 inhibiting and promoting Th17 process.Although few studies discuss the issue,with a small number of patients and different backgrounds,inflammatory and immune response and manifestations seem to be closely linked.This information may help to develop the appropriate treatment strategies in Mayaro virus infection.Therefore,we analyzed and summarized data available in literature.
文摘Aim: To determine whether bladder functions deteriorate with age. Methods: Data contained in electronic medical record (INFOMED?) were used in this institutional retrospective review. Analysis was done on the urodynamic studies in women over 18 years old conducted between May 2011 and November 2015. Patients with previous history of pelvic surgery or radiotherapy, neurological disease, vaginal prolapse greater than grade I, congenital urogenital malformations, urinary obstructive disease, diabetes, or the use of any medication that could interfere with bladder function were excluded from the analysis. The urodynamic parameters analyzed were the Maximum Cystometric Capacity (MCC), Voiding Volume (VV), Maximum Flow (Qmax), Bladder Compliance (BC), Detrusor Pressure at Maximum Flow (PdetQmax), Bladder Contractility Index (BCI), Bladder Voiding Efficiency (BVE) and Post-Void Residual Urine Volume (PVR). Patients were further stratified in five groups according to age (A—18 to 40;B—41 to 50;C—51 to 60;D—61 to 70;E—over 70 years old). Results: Out of 3103 urodynamic studies analyzed, 719 were eligible for the study. The average age of patients was 49.3 (+13.2) years old and in all evaluated parameters, statistically significant correlation between age and decline of bladder function was obtained (p Conclusions: This study showed a decline in bladder storage function (reduction in MCC and BC) and in bladder emptying function (reduction in Qmax, PdetQmax, VV, BCI and BVE with an increase in PVR) with age.
文摘The use of educational technology focused on child health promotion requires theoretical-methodological foundations to support aspects related to the growth and psychomotor development stage, articulating knowledge and healthy habits as early as possible. This article is an integrative review to investigate the educational technologies used in health education actions to promote child health. The databases LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF, PUBMED, CINAHL, and in the Virtual library Cochrane Library and SciELO were consulted. Thirteen articles were analyzed. The educational technologies have been employed to promote child health promotion actions and have contributed to the achievement of long-lasting results. The actions happen predominantly in the school context and light, light-hard and hard technologies are used. The association between light and hard technology obtained better results.
文摘This paper presents an overview of the state of the art about the late effects of ionizing radiation on skeletal muscle, helping new research and showing unexplored areas. For this, it was evaluated the interest reported by the scientific literature regarding the late effects in skeletal muscle resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Original and experimental papers mainly containing the key expressions “ionizing radiation” and “effects on skeletal muscle” were searched in computerized databases, and published in any language. Only 33 papers matched the search criteria. Analyzing the investigated radioinduced biological effects in those contributions, four topics were identified as being of major interest: 1) alterations in cellular metabolism and protein degradation;2) repercussions on satellite cells;3) formation of fibrosis and muscle atrophy;4) tissue regeneration. It was verified that no study evaluated possible late effects related to either morphology or properties of skeletal muscles after an exposure to ionizing radiation. Several aspects do not make possible a successful replication;all experiments of eligible group of articles are discussed, such as, lack of raw data, use of no sound methodology and inappropriate statistical technique. Briefly, the subject of this review is an open field of research.
文摘Several studies argue that an ideal biomaterial for urinary catheters is utopian. Based in literature review it seems to be true. However, research advances: the biomaterial itself, new designs, new coatings, associated drugs, etc. Once implanted and interacting with urine, two old problems persist: encrustation and bacterial colonization. In this context, an extracellular product from bacterial synthesis on sugarcane molasses biomaterial has been studied in several experimental and clinical studies. Based on its high biocompatibility, the aim of this study is to evaluate its performance in an in vivo model as an endourologic prosthesis implanted in the bladder of Wistar rats. We evaluate physical, chemical and biological phenomena in comparison to an already established biomaterial, polyurethane. Even though it is not a finished product, the sugarcane biopolymer presented similar performance compared to polyurethane in several analyzed parameters and has an important characteristic: low cost.
文摘The optimum efficiency and net work of the regenerative cycle with turbine extractions, using steam as the working fluid, have been simulated and analyzed. The cycle is simulated with until five feed water heaters in a numeric method and can be easily used in solar power plants. The general expression for each component is realized through the balance of energy, collectors, turbine, condenser, pumps and feed water heaters. One analytical method is developed considering constants of the difference of enthalpy through feed water heaters as also between them. The results show that the analytical method is unsatisfactory because the optimum efficiency depends on some parameters such as evaporating temperature and superheating temperature showing in numeric method. The increase of optimum efficiency increases when the number of feed water is increased as well as evaporating and superheating temperature, for the net work presents a maximum value along evaporating temperature, decreasing with number of feed water heaters and increasing when the superheating temperature is increased. The pressure of extraction of turbine is also analyzed, varying about 5% along of evaporation temperature. This analysis is important to motivate the use in solar plants that it is considerate in this paper, just analyzing the cycle.
文摘This study reports the protease production from Aspergillus tamarii using agroindustrial residues as substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF) and biochemical characterization. The highest protease production was obtained using wheat bran as substrate at 72 h fermentation with maximum proteolytic activity of 401.42 U/mL, collagenase of 243.0 U/mL and keratinase of 19.1 U/mL. The protease exhibited K<sub>M</sub> = 18.7 mg/mL and Vmax = 28.5 mg/mL/min. The optimal pH was 8.0 and stable in a wide pH range (5.0 - 11.0) during 24 h. The optimum temperature was 40°C. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by Cu<sup>2+</sup> (33.98%) and Hg<sup>2+</sup> (22.69%). The enzyme was also inhibited by PMSF (65.11%), indicating that is a Serine Protease. These properties suggest that alkaline protease from A. tamarii URM4634 is suitable for application in food industries and leather processing. Additionally, the present findings opened new vistas in the utilization of wheat bran and other effective agroindustrial wastes as substrates for SSF.
文摘The identity of paramedic professions is bound to develop in order to adapt to the changes of the world of health. Careproviders＇ identity is based on the interpersonal dimension, yet French massage-physiotherapy bases this interpersonal competence on touch. This is why many practitioners try to develop this aspect of their practice through continuing professional education. Danis Bois Method （MOthode Danis Bois： MDB） of fasciatherapy, characterized by its relational and sensitive approach to care and touch, stands in this field. This paper will present the impacts of this manual therapy on the professional identity of 446 masseurs-physiotherapists who took part in a self-assessment survey. The results show that, in spite of the few difficulties they meet within their duties, practicing fasciatherapy integrates perfectly well into the framework of massage-physiotherapy. It largely reinforces the feeling of therapeutical efficacy and the capacity to meet the evolution in health needs （chronic diseases, mental suffering, and patients＇ quality of life）. It also restores meaning and value to the profession and boosts motivation as well as it fosters the congruence of both considered as an added value to masso-physiotherapy, a means to accom professional identity pets plish onal and professional identities. It is thus oneself and an essential component of
文摘In elastic networking,the WDM fixed frequency grid is replaced by a more flexible structure,in which the spectrum is organized in frequency slots,and each traffic flow is assigned to an appropriate set of contiguous slots.The classical RWA(routing and wavelength assignment)problem is then replaced by the RSA(routing and spectrum assignment)problem.In this paper,we discuss the SA(spectrum assignment)problem in a single link,where it is not coupled to the routing problem,thus allowing for a better understanding of its dynamics.The best SA algorithm,taken as anyone who minimizes the average time it takes to provide total exhaustion of the initial available spectrum under incremental traffic,is shown to be a function of the traffic profile.It is shown that the greedy algorithm,which is unaware of the traffic profile,may impose severe performance penalties if the request rates increase with the number of requested slots.However,no penalty is incurred by more friendly profiles,like the uniform one.
基金the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq)for financial support for the project(No.465634/2014-1,INCT-AmbiTropic,Process No.370821/2019-0)part of a larger project entitled“Studies on Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Cycle in Northeastern and Coastal Areas in Brazil and its Relation to Ocean Acidification Processes(DICAM)”funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel(CAPES).
文摘The aim of the current study was to evaluate the productive capacity of the phytoplankton community and other environmental variables in the estuarine area of Suape;while considering the constant morphological, sedimentological and hydrological changes, the site has been facing due to the implementation and expansion of an industrial and port complex. The study comprised 6 campaigns: 3 in the dry season and 3 in the rainy season. Water samples were collected from the surface layer of the internal and external portions of the estuarine bay during low spring tides. The salinity ranged from 32.20 to 37.10, the water temperature ranged from 26.60°C to 29.40°C, and the oxygen saturation rate ranged from 58.5% to 114.5%. There was significant seasonal variation. The nitrite concentration was higher during the rainy season, whereas the ammonia concentration was higher during the dry season;the higher ammonia concentration helped increase chlorophyll-a levels and rates of primary productivity, which ranged from 0.02 - 2.45 mg·m−3 and from 0.34 to 4.32 mg·C·m−3·h−1, respectively. Chlorophyll-a a-containing biomass, and this reflected the low nutrient content in the water and indicated that the area was free from eutrophication processes. The decrease of rainfall during the sampling months and the anthropogenic changes in the environment led to reduced continental contributions, increased marine interference, nutrient dilution and loss of phytoplankton production capacity in Suape Bay, which severely damaged other trophic links in the ecosystem.
文摘Freshwater environments are the main ecosystems subjected to various anthropogenic impacts, which have caused the waterborne transmission of diseases caused mainly by bacteria. The main objective of this work was to carry out a systematic analysis through the literature on the main microorganisms found in impacted aquatic environments and to relate the data with the risks to public health. This review was planned, conducted and reported following the PRISMA protocol, which was used the PECO strategy. There performed searches for studies using the electronic databases PubMed, Medline and LILACS in September 2021, using the controlled search strategy: “Bacteria” and “Ecosystem” and “Environment” and “Aquatic” and “Impacted. The studies that met the eligibility criteria were considered eligible, with the participation of two independent reviewers. There found 1058 studies, of which were chosen only 31 to compose the results of this systematic review. Because of the results, there observed that the predominant bacterial genera in freshwater are: Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Escherichia, with the Asian continent presenting more varieties of bacterial species detected. These microorganisms are responsible for causing diseases that can lead to death, which shows the importance of constantly monitoring these ecosystems.
