Resumo Mormodica charantia (Curcubitaceae) é uma planta com grande potencial medicinal, sendo também uma alternativa no controle de mosquitos conforme demonstrado por estudos prévios. Avaliou-se a atividade larvicida dos extratos brutos de acetato de etila, metanólico e hexânico das folhas, flores e frutos de M. charantia no Aedes aegypti (Culicidae). Folhas, flores e frutos foram macerados em metanol, acetato de etila e hexano. Os bioensaios foram realizados com aplicação dos extratos nas concentrações finais de 1-200 µg/mL no meio de criação das larvas de terceiro estádio de A. aegypti (L3). Os resultados obtidos apontaram alta toxicidade para os extratos de acetato de etila das flores e frutos nas concentrações de 200 µg/mL e 100 µg/mL com mortalidade em L3 de 96,7% e 87%, respectivamente. Baixa toxicidade para o extrato hexânico e o extrato metanólico apresentou mortalidade de 78% larval. Os dados sugerem que os extratos de acetato de etila das flores e frutos de M. charantia podem contribuir efetivamente para atividade larvicida no controle da população de A. aegypti.

Abstract Mormodica charantia (Curcubitaceae) is a plant with great medicinal potential, also used as an alternative of mosquitoes control as demonstrated by previous studies. We evaluated the larvicidal activity of crude extracts of ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane from flowers and fruits of M. charantia against Aedes aegypti (Culicidae). Flowers and fruits were macerated in methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane. Bioassays were performed with application of the extracts at final concentrations of 1 - 200 µg/mL in the middle of the third instar larvae of A. aegypti (L3). The results showed high toxicity to ethyl acetate extracts from flowers and fruits at concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, with 97% and 87% of larvae mortality (L3), respectively. Hexane extract demonstrated low toxicity, while methanol extract exhibited 78% larval mortality. The data suggested that the ethyl acetate extracts of flowers and fruits of M. charantia can effectively contribute to larvicidal activity. In addition, purification of M. charantia extracts may lead to a promising larvicidal activity to control the A. aegypti population.

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of aeration (constant aeration, intermittent aeration and a lack of aeration) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) (2, 3 and 4 days) on a continuous process with cell recycling, using chitosan as a natural coagulant for the sedimentation of a C1 mixed culture. This culture was used for the biodegradation of hydrocarbons present in the effluent contaminated with diesel oil and gasoline. The responses monitored included the turbidity removal (TR), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal and volatile suspended solids (VSS). Constant aeration and an HRT of 4 days produced the best results for the continuous process, resulting in the highest TPH removals (94% and 75% reductions in the supernatant and reaction tank, respectively) and TR (95%).

Objective: To compare the effects of school-�based exercise program of posture (SPP) and global postural reeducation (GPR) on pain levels and range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain. Method: The sample was divided into three groups of 10 subjects: group treated by SPP (age: 46.30 ± 8.50 years) group subjected to treatment by GPR (age: 43.60 ± 10.93 years) and control group (age: 44.30 ± 10.68 years). The interventions were performed in 10 sessions. For assessment of pain was used pain subjective scale CR10-�Borg. For the analysis of range of motion, we used the protocol to goniometry LABIFIE in the movements of hip extension (HE) and flexion of the lumbar spine (FLS). Results: The Wilcoxon test showed a reduction in levels of pain scores in groups SPP and GPR (p < 0.0001) of pre to post-�treatment. Comparisons between groups by the Kruskal-�Wallis test showed decreased levels of pain for SPP (p < 0.0001) and GPR (p < 0.0001) when compared to CG post-�treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed an increase in range of motion for the SPP (HE: p = 0.006; FLS: p = 0.002) and GPR (HE: p = 0.034; FLS: p = 0.011) of pre to post-�treatment. Comparisons between groups showed greater range of motion for the SPP (HE: p = 0.006; FLS: p = 0.018) and GPR (HE: p = 0.019; FLS: p = 0.020) when compared to CG post-�treatment. There were no significant differences between the SPP and GPR. Conclusions: SPP and GPR treatments were effective for reducing chronic low back pain.

Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos do programa escola de postura (PEP) e reeducação postural global (RPG) sobre níveis de dor e amplitude de movimento em pacientes com lombalgia crônica. Método: A amostra foi dividida em 3 grupos de 10 sujeitos: grupo submetido ao tratamento através do PEP (idade: 46.30 ± 8.50 anos); grupo submetido ao tratamento através da RPG (idade: 43.60 ± 10.93 anos) e grupo controle (idade: 44.30 ± 10.68 anos). As intervenções foram realizadas em 10 sessões. Para avaliação do quadro álgico foi utilizada a escala subjetiva de dor CR10 de Borg. Para a análise da amplitude de movimento empregou-�se o protocolo de goniometria LABIFIE para os movimentos de extensão coxofemoral (ECF) e flexão da coluna lombar (FCL). Resultados: O teste de Wilcoxon mostrou uma redução nos escores dos níveis de dor nos grupos PEP e RPG (p < 0.0001) do pré para o pós-�tratamento. As comparações intergrupos, através do teste de Kruskal-�Wallis, apresentaram diminuição dos níveis de dor para o PEP (p < 0.0001) e o RPG (p < 0.0001) quando comparados ao CG no pós-�tratamento. A ANOVA com medidas repetidas revelou um aumento na amplitude do movimento para o PEP (ECF: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.002) e RPG (ECF: p = 0.034; FCL: p = 0.011) do pré para o pós-�tratamento. As comparações intergrupos apresentaram maiores amplitudes de movimento para o PEP (ECF: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.018) e RPG (EQ: p = 0.019; FCL: p = 0.020) quando comparados ao CG no pós-�tratamento. Não houve diferenças significativas entre o PEP e RPG. Conclusão: Os tratamentos PEP e RPG se mostraram eficientes para redução da lombalgia crônica.

Objetivo: Comparar los efectos de un programa de escuela de postura (PEP) y reeducación postural global (RPG) individual sobre niveles de dolor y rango de movimiento en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico. Método: La muestra se dividió en 3 grupos de 10 sujetos: grupo tratado por PEP (edad: 46.30 ± 8.50 años), grupo tratado por RPG (edad: 43.60 ± 10.93 años) y grupo control (edad: 44.30 ± 10.68 años). Las intervenciones se llevaron a cabo en 10 sesiones. Para la evaluación del dolor se utilizó la escala subjetiva del dolor CR10 Borg. Para el análisis de rango de movimiento, se utilizó el protocolo de goniometría en los movimientos de extensión de la cadera (EC) y flexión de la columna lumbar (FCL). Resultados: La prueba de Wilcoxon mostró una reducción en los niveles de dolor en los grupos de PEP y RPG (p < 0.0001). Las comparaciones entre los grupos mediante el test de Kruskal-�Wallis mostró disminución de los niveles de dolor para el PEP (p < 0.0001) y RPG (p < 0.0001) en comparación con CG después del tratamiento. El ANOVA con medidas repetidas reveló un aumento en rango de movimiento para el PEP (EC: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.002) y RPG (EC: p = 0.034; FCL: p = 0.011). Las comparaciones entre los grupos mostraron un mayor rango de movimiento para el PEP (EC: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.018) y RPG (EC: p = 0.019; FCL: p = 0.020) en comparación con el GC después del tratamiento. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el PEP y RPG. Conclusión: Los tratamientos de PEP y RPG fueron eficaces para reducir el dolor lumbar crônico.

This paper presents an analysis on the effect of support springs in an ends circular hollow sections welded into a YT joint. The overall behavior and failure of the joint were characterized under axial compression of the lap brace. Two joint failure modes were identified: chord wall plastification (Mode A) and cross-sectional chord buckling (Mode F) in the region below the lap brace. The system was modeled with and without support springs using the numerical finite element program Ansys. Model results were compared with experimental data in terms of principal stress in the joint intersection. The finite element model without support springs proved to be more accurate than that with support springs.

Foi desenvolvida uma nova técnica de medição de tensões residuais, baseada em técnicas de seccionamento, remoção de camadas e na técnica do furo-cego. Trata-se de uma técnica destrutiva, proposta para uso em medições de tensões geradas por processos de fabricação. A técnica consiste na colagem de sensores de deformação na peça, seguida da usinagem de cortes longos próximos dos sensores. Os cortes aliviam as tensões existentes no material retirado e provocam variações nas deformações existentes em suas vizinhanças. Tais variações de deformações são medidas por extensômetros de resistência elétrica (strain gages). Para a formulação matemática da técnica, os cortes foram tratados como elipses, o que permitiu o uso das equações de Inglis para descrever os campos de tensão em sua vizinhança. Para avaliar e validar o equacionamento foram realizadas medições com esta técnica em dois espécimes tubulares API 5L X60 e X46 UOE-SAW. Nas medições, foram avaliados parâmetros como profundidade e comprimento dos cortes, e distância dos cortes para os strain gages, buscando estabelecer um procedimento experimental consistente. Os resultados destas medições foram comparados aos de medições realizadas com a técnica do furo-cego, já normalizada e consolidada. Os resultados das comparações foram satisfatórios, sustentando a validade das hipóteses assumidas para a modelagem analítica e a qualidade do procedimento experimental estabelecido para a nova técnica.

It was developed a new technique for residual stress measurement, based on sectioning techniques, removing layers and on the blind-hole technique. This is a destructive technique, proposed for use on measurements of stresses generated by manufacturing processes. The technique consists in bonding strain gages in the sample, followed by the machining of long cuts next to the sensors. The cuts relieve stresses in due to the material removed and cause variations in the strain distribution existing in their vicinity. These changes in the strain fields are measured by the strain gages. For the mathematical formulation of the technique, the cuts were treated as ellipses, which allowed the use of equations described by Inglis to stress fields in the vicinity of the cuts. To evaluate and validate the equations and the proposed methodology experimental tests were applied to two tubular specimens made of steel pipes API 5L X60 and X46 UOE-SAW. Seeking to establish a consistent experimental procedure, the measurement results helped to analyze the influence of process variables such as the depth and the length of the cuts, distance of the cuts from the strain gages. Measurement results were compared against results determined with the application of the blind-hole technique, which is an already normalized and consolidated experimental technique to measure residual stresses. The results of the comparisons were satisfactory, supporting the validity of the assumptions for the analytical modeling and the quality of the experimental procedure established for the new technique.

A leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) é reconhecida pelas características clínicas da doença e é altamente letal. A infecção, entretanto, pode ser totalmente assintomática em alguns cães soropositivos, o que tem levantado questão polêmica sobre a possibilidade desses animais, serem ou não uma fonte importante da infecção para o flebotomíneo, Lutzomyia longipalpis, o principal vetor da leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA). Neste estudo foram examinados 51 cães com LVC aguda, provenientes de área endêmica de LVA no Estado do Pará, Brasil, e a carga parasitária, formas amastigotas de Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, na pele, linfonodo poplíteo e vísceras (fígado e baço) foi comparada com a de nove cães assintomáticos soropositivos (IFAT-IgG). Fragmentos de biópsia desses tecidos obtidos post-mortem foram processados para análise através de imunohistoquímica, usando um anticorpo policlonal contra Leishmania sp. Os testes do Qui-quadrado (X²) e Mann Whitney foram usados para avaliar as médias da densidade de macrófagos infectados (p < 0,05). Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença (p > 0,05) na densidade de macrófagos infectados da pele (10,7/mm² x 15,5/mm²) e do linfonodo (6,3/mm² x 8,3/mm²) entre cães assintomáticos e sintomáticos. Entretanto, a densidade de macrófagos infectados da víscera de cães sintomáticos (5,3/mm²) foi maior (p < 0,05) que a de cães assintomáticos (1,4/mm²). Estes resultados sugerem, fortemente, que cães naturalmente infectados por L. (L.) i. chagasi, assintomáticos ou sintomáticos, podem servir como fonte de infecção, principalmente, considerando-se que a densidade de macrófagos infectados da pele (10,7/mm² x 15,5/mm²), local onde o flebotomíneo vetor Lu. longipalpis realiza a hematofagia, foi maior (p < 0,05) que as do linfonodo (6,3/mm² x 8.3/mm²) e vísceras (1,4/mm²x 5,3/mm²).

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is recognizable by characteristic signs of disease and is highly lethal. The infection, however, may be quite inapparent in some seropositive dogs, and this has raised the polemic question as to whether or not such animals can be a source of infection for Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). In this study we have examined 51 dogs with acute CVL from an AVL area in Pará State, northern Brazil, and compared the parasite density, amastigotes of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, in the skin, lymph node and viscera of symptomatic with that of nine asymptomatic but seropositive dogs (IFAT-IgG). Post-mortem biopsy fragments of these tissues were processed by immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody against Leishmania sp. The X² and Mann Whitney tests were used to evaluate the means of infected macrophage density (p < 0.05). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the skin (10.7/mm² x 15.5/mm²) and lymph node (6.3/mm² x 8.3/mm²), between asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs, respectively. It was higher (p < 0.05), however, in the viscera of symptomatic (5.3/mm²) than it was in asymptomatic (1.4/mm²) dogs. These results strongly suggest that asymptomatic or symptomatic L. (L.) i. chagasi-infected dogs can serve as a source of infection, principally considering the highest (p < 0.05) parasite density from skin (10.7/mm² x 15.5/mm²), the place where the vetor L. longipalpis takes its blood meal, compared with those from lymph node (6.3/mm² x 8.3/mm²) and viscera (1.4/mm²x 5.3/mm²).

A região amazônica, pela sua formação geológica, não dispõe de rochas de fácil acesso para uso na construção civil; devido a isto, o seixo rolado é obtido da dragagem do leito dos rios, sendo o agregado graúdo comercialmente mais utilizado para a produção de concreto. Neste trabalho é apresentado um estudo das características e propriedades tecnológicas de duas massas cerâmicas utilizadas para produção de tijolo, oriundas das cidades de Iranduba e Manacapuru, AM, com a finalidade de se fabricar agregado sintético de argila calcinada para uso em concreto. As massas cerâmicas foram submetidas a ensaios de difração de raios X, determinação de composição química e de distribuição do tamanho das partículas, e plasticidade. Foram confeccionados corpos-de-prova por prensagem uniaxial a 20 MPa para a queima nas temperaturas de 850, 950, 1050, 1150 ºC, sendo as propriedades tecnológicas após queima avaliadas por retração linear, absorção de água, massa específica aparente, massa unitária e temperatura de gresificação. A massa cerâmica que apresentou menor massa específica aparente e o menor percentual de umidade de moldagem foi escolhida como matéria-prima para a fabricação do agregado sintético de argila calcinada. Esse agregado foi usado em substituição ao agregado natural da região amazônica, o seixo rolado, em concreto estrutural.

The amazonic region is geologically mainly composed by sedimentary rocks; by consequence, it is difficult to obtain igneous rocks to use in concrete. Hence, the natural gravel produced by the weathering action of running water on the beds and banks of streams is largely used. Nowadays, the substitution of natural gravel by an aggregate whose production minimizes the environmental impact has been a theme of research. This work presents a study of the characteristics and technological properties of two ceramic pastes from Iranduba and Manacapuru. AM, with the purpose of manufacturing synthetic aggregate of calcined clay for use in concrete. The ceramic pastes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, evaluation of chemical composition, particle size distribution and plasticity. The samples were prepared by uniaxial pressing at 20 MPa and calcined at 850, 950, 1050 and 1150 ºC. The technological properties evaluated were: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent specific mass and vitrification temperature. The ceramic paste that presented the smallest apparent specific mass and smallest percentile of molding humidity was chosen for synthetic aggregate. The results obtained for the concrete produced with the synthetic aggregate of calcined clay show its potential as a substitute of the natural aggregate of the Amazonic region, the natural gravel.

The relationship between preeclampsia and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is poorly understood. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key RAS component and plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis by generating angiotensin II (Ang II) and inactivating the vasodilator angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)). ACE (I/D) polymorphism is characterized by the insertion (I) or deletion (D) of a 287-bp fragment, leading to changes in ACE activity. In the present study, ACE (I/D) polymorphism was correlated with plasma Ang-(1-7) levels and several RAS components in both preeclamptic (N = 20) and normotensive pregnant women (N = 20). The percentage of the ACE DD genotype (60%) in the preeclamptic group was higher than that for the control group (35%); however, this percentage was not statistically significant (Fisher exact test = 2.86, d.f. = 2, P = 0.260). The highest plasma ACE activity was observed in the ACE DD preeclamptic women (58.1 ± 5.06 vs 27.6 ± 3.25 nmol Hip-His Leu-1 min-1 mL-1 in DD control patients; P = 0.0005). Plasma renin activity was markedly reduced in preeclampsia (0.81 ± 0.2 vs 3.43 ± 0.8 ng Ang I mL plasma-1 h-1 in DD normotensive patients; P = 0.0012). A reduced plasma level of Ang-(1-7) was also observed in preeclamptic women (15.6 ± 1.3 vs 22.7 ± 2.5 pg/mL in the DD control group; P = 0.0146). In contrast, plasma Ang II levels were unchanged in preeclamptic patients. The selective changes in the RAS described in the present study suggest that the ACE DD genotype may be used as a marker for susceptibility to preeclampsia.

The dynamic modeling of batch distillation columns frequently leads to a mixed system of differential and algebraic equations (DAEs) with differential index greater than one, and this particular feature has many implications on the resolution strategy adopted. As the number of stages and components can be arbitrarily high, those mathematical models can be large scale systems, and the analysis of the system prior to numerical resolution can be cumbersome. Additionally, the consistent initialization step can pose a nontrivial numerical task. For the numerical resolution of this model it is employed the computational code under development at PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ and DEQUI/UFRGS. This code employs Automatic Differentiation (AD) tools to perform index reduction and consistent initialization with minimum interference of the user. The resulting consistency system is solved and the numerical integration of the final index-one DAE is accomplished by means of the integration code DASSLC.

We evaluated the effects of the neuroleptic agent propericiazine on animal models of anxiety and memory. Adult male Wistar rats (250 to 350 g) received intraperitoneal injections of propericiazine (0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), saline, or diazepam vehicle (20% propylene glycol and 80% saline) 30 min prior to the experimental procedure. Animals (10-15 for each task) were tested for step-down inhibitory avoidance (0.3-mA footshock) and habituation to an open-field for memory assessment, and submitted to the elevated plus-maze to evaluate the effects of propericiazine in a model of anxiety. Animals treated with 0.075 mg/kg propericiazine showed a reduction in anxiety measures (P<0.05) similar to that observed in those treated with diazepam. Propericiazine at the doses of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg had no significant anxiolytic effects (P>0.05) in the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety. Memory was not affected by propericiazine in any of the tests, but was impaired by diazepam. The results indicate a dose-related, inverse U-shaped effect of propericiazine in an anxiety model, but not on memory tasks, perhaps reflecting involvement of the dopaminergic system in the mechanisms of anxiety.

Folhas completamente desenvolvidas de Cryptochloa capillata (Swallen) Soderstrom, Raddia brasilienses Bertol e Pharus lappulaceus Aublet (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) foram coletadas na Restinga de Jacarepiá, Área de Proteção Ambiental de Massambaba, município do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, e estudadas ao microscópio de luz. Aspectos anatômicos são descritos, visando contribuir para o melhor conhecimento da família Poaceae. Pôde-se concluir que os caracteres observados nas três espécies, tais como nervura com complexo sistema vascular, mesofilo formado por células tabulares, lobulados clorofilados e células fusóides, feixes vasculares com dupla bainha, epiderme constituída por células longas, células curtas, micropêlos, prickles e corpos silicosos, correspondem ao tipo bambusóide de anatomia foliar descrito por diversos autores.

Fully developed leaves of Cryptochloa capillata (Swallen) Soderstrom, Raddia brasilienses Bertol and Pharus lappulaceus Aublet (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) were collected at Restinga de Jacarepiá, Environment Proctection Area of Massambaba, county of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and studied by optical microscope. Leaf anatomy is described in order to contribute to the Poaceae family study. Anatomic features observed in the three studied species such as: midrib with complex vascular system, mesophyll consisting of tabular lobed chlorophyllous elements and fusoid cells, vascular bundles with double sheath, epidermis made up of long cells, short cells, micro-hairs, prickles and silica bodies correspond to the "bambusoid type" of leaf anatomy.

The aim of this work was to prepare tungsten oxycarbides by Temperature Programmed Reaction (TPR), starting with previously molded macroporous tungsten oxide (WO3). The tungsten oxycarbides were prepared by one of two different methods: direct carburization with CH4/H2 to obtain WC or preliminary formation of nitrides with NH3 to obtain W2N, followed by carburization to W2C and WC with CH4/H2. Results suggested that the carburization of the W2N was incomplete, resulting in an oxycarbonitride, or did not occur at all, with the end material being W2N. From among the materials prepared, two catalysts were selected as a function of their mechanical properties, and their performances were compared with a 2 N microthruster using the Shell 405 commercial catalyst in the reaction of hydrazine decomposition.