We discuss the preparation of Polypyrrole and Polylactic Polyacid (PPy/PLA) based blends and the subsequent investigation of their antibacterial properties. After being molded through injection processing, the blends were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Impedance Spectroscopy (IS), contact angle, thermogravimetry (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of PPy chains and the IS results indicated that the blends prepared with a 50% mass fraction of PPy have a conductive character. While the SEM images reveal the presence of small cracks on the surface of the samples, DMA analyses show that a decrease in their mechanical strength occurs in the 50°C-60°C range, with the blend with a 50% PPy load exhibiting the greater resistance and being able to withstand temperatures of the order of 120°C. The TGA degradation profile varies according to the amount of polypyrrole present in the blends, with those containing 50% PPy being able to retain about 32% of the polypyrrole mass at 600°C. The antibacterial activity tests done with the injected blends reveal that while no inhibition halo was formed for the Escherichia coli bacterium, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus is inhibited in the 50% PPy blend.

RESUMEN Introducción: La hipertensión pulmonar (HP) abarca un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades que genera discapacidad y aumento de la morbimortalidad. La rehabilitación cardiorrespiratoria (RC) es un recurso terapéutico subutilizado en esta condición. Objetivo: Estimar los efectos de un programa de RC en una prueba de caminata de campo y en la calidad de vida de pacientes con diagnóstico de HP de los grupos I y IV. Materiales y Métodos: Los pacientes fueron evaluados antes y después de la intervención mediante la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (PC6M) y el Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). El programa de RC consistió en 8 semanas de ejercicios supervisados con modalidad institucional. Resultados: Se incluyeron 19 pacientes con diagnóstico de HP precapilar por cateterismo cardíaco derecho, 18 mujeres (94,7%) con una media de edad de 45,5 ± 14,3 años. Trece (68,4%) presentaron HP del grupo I, y 6 (31,6%) HP del grupo IV. Se observaron cambios estadísticamente significativos en la PC6M (diferencia de medias -DM- 31 ± 27,3 metros; p <0,001), y en el SGRQ (DM 8,2 ± 10,2; p<0,01). No se reportaron eventos adversos graves durante el programa. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio sugiere que un programa de RC supervisado en pacientes con HP podría mejorar la distancia caminada y la calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting in disability and increased morbidity and mortality. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) is a therapeutic resource not widely used in this condition. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CR program on a walking test and on the quality of life in patients with group 1 and group 4 PH Methods: Patients were evaluated before and after the intervention with the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The program consisted of 8 weeks of supervised exercises within the institution. Results: Nineteen patients with precapillary PH diagnosed by right heart catheterization were included; 18 were women (94.7%) with a mean age of 45.5±14.3 years. Thirteen (68.4%) patients had group 1 PH and 6 (31.6%) had group 4 PH. There were statistically significant changes in the 6MWT [mean difference (MD) 31±27.3 m; p<0.001], and in the SGRQ (MD 8.2±10.2; p<0.01). No adverse events were reported during the program. Conclusions: Our study suggests that a supervised CR program in patients with PH could improve the distance walked and the quality of life.

SUMMARY: In 2004, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, one of major species in commercial fisheries in Brazil was included in the list of brazilian overfished species and, in 2006, two cryptic species were identified in the Atlantic Ocean by molecular approaches: Xiphopenaeus sp. I and II. In 2019, Carvalho-Batista et al. described both Xiphopenaeus sp. I and Xiphopenaeus sp. II and these species were named X. kroyeri and X. dincao, respectively. This study aimed at performing morphometric analysis in order to identify potential fishing stocks of X. kroyeri sensu strictum along Brazilian coast. The results obtained separate Caravelas, Atafona and Balneário Camboriú from all the other populations studied and showed three groups: Ubatuba, Nova Almeida; Ubatuba, Cananéia; Ubatuba, Santos. These results indicate that the maritime limits practiced in closed seasons along Brazil are embracing the detected morphometric stock boundaries observed for Xiphopenaeus kroyeris.s.

RESUMEN: En 2004, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, una de las principales especies de la pesca comercial en Brasil, fue incluida en la lista de especies brasileñas sobre explotadas y, en 2006, se identificaron dos especies crípticas en el Océano Atlántico mediante enfoques moleculares: Xiphopenaeus sp. I y II. En 2019, Carvalho-Batista et al. describieron tanto Xiphopenaeus sp. I y Xiphopenaeus sp. II y a estas especies denominaron X. kroyeri y X. dincao, respectivamente. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar un análisis morfométrico con el fin de identificar posibles poblaciones de pesca de X. kroyeri sensu strictum a lo largo de la costa brasileña. Los resultados obtenidos en Caravelas, Atafona y Balneário Camboriú se separaron de todas las demás poblaciones estudiadas y mostraron tres grupos: Ubatuba, Nova Almeida; Ubatuba, Cananéia; Ubatuba, Santos. Estos resultados indican que los límites marítimos practicados en temporadas de veda a lo largo de Brasil están abarcando los límites de stock morfométricos observados para Xiphopenaeus kroyeris.s.

Abstract The attention to nuclear clustering has been renewed due to the study of weakly bound nuclei at the drip lines. In particular, clustering structural properties in medium-mass systems have been studied by looking at the competition between the evaporation and pre-equilibrium particle emission in central collisions. Although for light nuclei at an excitation energy close to the particle separation value there are experimental evidence of such structure effects, this is still not the case for heavier systems since the determination of pre-formed clusters within nuclear matter is less obvious. Two systems, leading to the same 81Rb* compound nucleus, have been studied at the same beam velocity 16 AMeV: 16O + 65Cu and 19F + 62Ni. The experiment has been performed using the GARFIELD + RCo detection system installed at the Legnaro National Laboratories.Light charged particles energy distributions and multiplicities have been compared with different statistical and dynamical model calculations. From the first comparison between the two systems a difference in the fast α-decay channel has been evidenced, which can be related to the difference in the projectile structure. Recent data analysis results and comparisons with model calculations are presented in this contribution.

Resumen La atención a la agrupación nuclear se ha renovado debido al estudio de núcleos débilmente unidos en las líneas de goteo. En particular, se han estudiado las propiedades estructurales del agrupamiento en sistemas de masa media al observar la competencia entre la evaporación y la emisión de partículas de preequilibrio en colisiones centrales. Aunque para núcleos ligeros a una energía de excitación cercana al valor de separación de la partícula hay evidencia experimental de tales efectos de estructura, este no es el caso para sistemas más pesados ya que la determinación de agrupamientos preformados dentro de la materia nuclear es menos obvia. Se han estudiado dos sistemas, que conducen al mismo núcleo compuesto 81Rb *, a la misma velocidad de haz 16 AMeV: 16O + 65Cu y 19F + 62Ni. El experimento se ha realizado utilizando el sistema de detección GARFIELD + RCo instalado en los Laboratorios Nacionales Legnaro. Las distribuciones de energía y las multiplicidades de partículas de carga ligera se han comparado con diferentes cálculos de modelos estadísticos y dinámicos. Desde la primera comparación entre los dos sistemas, se ha evidenciado una diferencia en el canal de desintegración α rápida, que se puede relacionar con la diferencia en la estructura del proyectil. En esta contribución se presentan los resultados del análisis de datos recientes y las comparaciones con los cálculos del modelo.

RESUMO Introdução: Helicobacter pylori é uma bactéria encontrada nas células epiteliais do trato gastrointestinal humano. Sua infecção relaciona-se com diferentes patologias, como gastrite crônica, úlcera péptica, linfoma gástrico e adenocarcinoma. A infecção por Helicobacter pylori está presente em mais da metade da população mundial. Objetivos: Detectar a presença de H. pylori e comparar os métodos diagnósticos do teste rápido de urease (TRU) e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Materiais e métodos: No estudo, realizado entre abril e julho de 2015, três biópsias foram coletadas de cada paciente. Duas foram usadas para realizar PCR e uma, para TRU. Resultados: Oitenta e cinco amostras foram coletadas dos pacientes por meio de endoscopia, sendo 56 (65,88%) mulheres e 29 (34,11%) homens. Do total dos indivíduos sujeitos ao TRU, 15 (17,64%) foram positivos e 70 (82,35%), negativos. Na PCR, na detecção do gene 16S ácido ribonucleico ribossômico (rRNA) de H. pylori, 66 (77,64%) apresentaram resultados positivos e 19 (22,35%), negativos. Para a análise da presença do gene UreA em todas as amostras, resultados positivos foram encontrados em 70 (82,35%) e negativos em 15 (17,64%). De acordo com os resultados, o TRU e o teste molecular apresentaram diferenças estatísticas. Conclusão: A PCR é um método útil na rotina laboratorial para detectar H. pylori em tecido de estômago devido à sua alta sensibilidade e especificidade, mas é necessária maior atenção na análise e na padronização.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium found in human epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Its infection is related to different diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. The infection by H. pylori is present in more than a half of the world population. Objectives: To detect H. pylori and to compare the diagnostic methods of the rapid urease test (RUT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and methods: The study was conducted between April and July, 2015. For such, three biopsies were collected from each patient. Two were used for PCR and one for RUT. Results: A total of 85 samples were collected from patients undergoing endoscopy, with 56 (65.88%) females and 29 (34.11%) males. From the total samples subjected to RUT, 15 (17.64%) were positive and 70 (82.35%), negative. In PCR for detection of gene 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) of H. pylori, 66 (77.64%) presented positive results and 19 (22.35%), negative results. For the analysis of the presence of UreA gene in all samples, positive results were found in 70 (82.35%), and negative in 15 (17.64%). According to the results, RUT and the molecular test presented statistical difference. Conclusion: PCR is a useful method in the laboratorial routine to detect the presence of H. pylori in the stomach tissue, due to high sensitivity and specificity, but it requires a more careful analysis and standardization.

Abstract Pollutants have adverse effects on human health and on other organisms that inhabit or use water resources. The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental quality of three watercourses in Monte Carmelo, MG, Brazil, using the micronucleus test on Tradescantia. For each treatment, 15 plants were exposed to water samples for 24 h. The control group was exposed to formaldehyde (0.2%) and the negative control to Hoagland solution. Subsequently the plants were placed in Hoagland solution for 24 h to recover. Cells were stained with 2% acetic carmine and examined by light microscopy. Three hundred tetrads were analyzed per slide. The frequency of genotoxic alterations was expressed as the number of micronuclei per 100 tetrads, and the groups were compared by ANOVA. At all sample sites for each watercourse significant genotoxicity indices were observed. The results suggest that in the Mumbuca creek, the current situation of effluent discharge should be reconsidered by the municipal environmental authorities. The increase in micronucleus frequency denoted for water samples of the Mumbuca creek, Lambari river and Perdizes river emphasizes the need to adopt environmental vigilance strategies, such as biological monitoring.

O cromito de lantânio (LaCrO3) é um material cerâmico sintético, que apresenta como principais características boa condutividade elétrica em altas temperaturas (> 800 °C), estabilidade química e física em atmosferas oxidantes e redutoras e, significativa atividade catalítica quando na forma de pós. Estas características o tornam atrativo para diversas aplicações de interesse tecnológico, como catalisadores, resistências para fornos de alta temperatura e geração de energia elétrica, sendo que nesse campo é potencialmente o material mais adequado para utilização como interconector em células a combustível de óxido sólido (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell - SOFC). As características intrínsecas, propriedades e técnicas de processamento do cromito de lantânio são consideradas neste trabalho por meio de uma revisão dos principais estudos relatados ao longo dos últimos 40 anos.

The lanthanum chromite (LaCrO3) is a synthetic ceramic material, which has as main characteristics of good electrical conductivity at high temperatures (> 800 °C), physical and chemical stability in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, and a significant catalytic activity when used as powder. These features make it attractive for various technological applications such as catalysts, resistance to high temperature furnaces and electric power generation, and this field is potentially the most appropriate material for use as interconnector in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). The intrinsic characteristics, properties and processing of lanthanum chromite are detailed in this paper through a review of major studies reported over the past 40 years.

O porcelanato se destaca no mercado atual de revestimentos cerâmicos por apresentar excelentes características técnicas e estéticas. No presente trabalho foram selecionadas matérias-primas cerâmicas tradicionais e adotada uma formulação padrão, convencionalmente reportada na literatura, visando a substituição do componente fundente (feldspato) por uma matéria-prima formadora de fase líquida em alta temperatura, e a substituição da fração argilosa por um argilito de menor refratariedade. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a utilização destas matérias-primas como alternativas técnicas e de menor custo, uma vez que, em uma massa de porcelanato, a quantidade de fundente é muito grande (representa aproximadamente 50% do total das matérias-primas utilizadas). A nefelina sienito foi à matéria-prima natural substituta ao feldspato escolhida por pertencer à família dos feldspatóides e por possuir características físico-químicas semelhantes, sobretudo, elevada fundência. Para a substituição da fração argilosa foi escolhido um argilito de ocorrência natural, abundante na região de Santa Gertrudes, SP. As substituições ao feldspato e à fração argilosa ocorreram de maneira total e/ou parcial, por meio de combinações entre os fundentes e argilitos. As massas foram processadas a partir da mistura de pós, moagem a úmido, secagem, desaglomeração, compactação e queima. Além das curvas de gresificação, técnicas como dilatometria, medidas de porosidade aparente, ensaio de resistência mecânica à flexão a três pontos, microscopia eletrônica e difração de raios X foram utilizadas para a caracterização dos materiais após queima em diversas temperaturas. Os principais resultados mostraram que, a princípio, é possível a combinação das matérias-primas nefelina e argilito como material alternativo ao feldspato potássico e à argila S. Simão, pois elas proporcionam a gresificação em temperaturas mais baixas. Composições com ambas as matérias-primas apresentaram baixos valores de absorção de água (<0,1%) e elevada resistência mecânica (> 45 MPa), apesar de maior deformação piroplástica a 1150 ºC.

The porcelain tile is distinguished in the current market for ceramic tiles, with excellent technical and esthetic characteristics. In the present study traditional ceramic raw materials were selected and a standard formulation conventionally reported in the literature was adopted aiming to replace the melting phase (feldspar) of the composition for a raw material that forms liquid phase at high temperature, and replacement of the clay fraction by a mudstone of lower refractoriness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of these materials as alternative techniques and lower cost, since, in a mass of porcelain tile, the amount of flux is very large (representing approximately 50% of total raw materials used). The nepheline syenite was the natural raw material selected to replace the feldspar due to the fact that it belongs to the family of feldspathoids, and has similar physicochemical characteristics, therefore, a high fluxing efficiency. To replace the clay fraction was chosen a mudstone naturally occurring, abundant in the region of Santa Gertrudes, SP. Substitutions to the feldspar and clay fraction were completely and/or partially by means of combinations between the flux and mudstones. The masses were processed from the mixing of powders, wet milling, drying, disagglomeration, compaction and firing. In addition to the vitrification curves, techniques such as dilatometry, measurements of porosity, flexure strength test, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the material after firing at various temperatures. The results showed that, in principle, it is possible the combination of raw materials such as nepheline and mudstone to replace potassium feldspar and S. Simão clay, as they provide the vitrification at lower temperatures. Compositions with both materials showed lower values of water absorption (<0.1%) and high mechanical strength (> 45 MPa), despite higher pyroplastic strain at 1150 ºC.

A produção de substratos cerâmicos por laminação, ou conformação viscoplástica, é interessante, pois minimiza problemas inerentes ao processamento como a aglomeração dos pós. Quando a preparação das massas a serem conformadas por esta técnica é realizada a partir de suspensões estáveis, estes problemas quase inexistem, possibilitando a obtenção de produtos íntegros com microestrutura homogênea. Neste trabalho é apresentado o comportamento reológico das suspensões concentradas e das massas de alumina contendo diferentes teores do espessante/plastificante hidroxipropil metilcelulose (HPMC) e também o estudo das variáveis de processo envolvidas na conformação por calandragem. Como resultado deste estudo foi possível obter substratos de alumina calandrados densos, utilizando-se uma suspensão concentrada (60% vol.), estabilizada com 0,02% de Viscocrete 20HE e com adição de 1,5%m. de HPMC.

The ceramic substrates production by calendering, or viscous plastic processing, is interesting because inherent problems as a powder agglomeration is minimized. When the ceramic pastes shaping for this technique are produced from stabilized suspensions these problems almost inexist. This work presents the concentrate suspensions and pastes with different hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) thickener content rheological behaviors. The variables involved in calendering shaping were studied, too. The production of dense alumina substrates shaped by calendaring from concentrate suspensions (60 vol.%), stabilized with 0.02 wt.% Viscocrete 20HE and 1.5 wt.% HPMC is possible.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited diseases in the world and the patients present notorious clinical heterogeneity. It is known that patients with SCD present activation of the blood coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, especially during vaso-occlusive crises, but also during the steady state of the disease. We determined if the presence of the factor V gene G1691A mutation (factor V Leiden), the prothrombin gene G20210A variant, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism may be risk factors for vascular complications in individuals with SCD. We studied 53 patients with SCD (60% being women), 29 with SS (sickle cell anemia; 28 years, range: 13-52 years) and 24 with SC (sickle-hemoglobin C disease; 38.5 years, range: 17-72 years) hemoglobinopathy. Factor V Leiden, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, and prothrombin G20210A variant were identified by PCR followed by further digestion of the PCR product with specific endonucleases. The following vascular complications were recorded: stroke, retinopathy, acute thoracic syndrome, and X-ray-documented avascular necrosis. Only one patient was heterozygous for factor V Leiden (1.8%) and there was no prothrombin G20210A variant. MTHFR 677TT polymorphism was detected in 1 patient (1.8%) and the heterozygous form 677TC was observed in 18 patients (34%, 9 with SS and 9 with SC disease), a prevalence similar to that reported by others. No association was detected between the presence of the MTHFR 677T allele and other genetic modulation factors, such as alpha-thalassemia, ß-globin gene haplotype and fetal hemoglobin. The presence of the MTHFR 677T allele was associated with the occurrence of vascular complications in SCD, although this association was not significant when each complication was considered separately. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T polymorphism might be a risk factor for vascular complications in SCD.

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo da síntese por reação de combustão e sinterização de pós nanométricos de ferritas Ni-Zn. O efeito da concentração de Zn2+ no sistema Ni1-xZn xFe2O4 foi investigado. Os pós resultantes da combustão foram caracterizados por DRX, BET, MEV, picnometria de hélio e sedimentação (Horiba). Em seguida foram prensados uniaxialmente e sinterizados com taxa constante de aquecimento (TCA) de 5,0 ºC/min de 600 ºC até a temperatura de 1200 ºC, em um dilatômetro horizontal. Os compactos foram caracterizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados mostram que foi possível obter pós de ferritas Ni-Zn com tamanho de partícula entre 18 - 27 nm usando a síntese por reação de combustão. Durante sinterização dos pós nanométricos observou-se três estágios distintos, os quais foram identificados através da Teoria de Bannister. A adição do Zn2+ não modificou o mecanismo de sinterização nos três estágios. Para os estágios inicial e final o mecanismo predominante foi por fluxo viscoso, atribuído ao rearranjo estrutural das nanopartículas e para o estágio intermediário foi difusão volumétrica.

This work presents the study of the synthesis for combustion reaction and sintering of Ni-Zn nanometric ferrite powders. The effect of the concentration of Zn2+ in the system Ni1-xZn xFe2O4 was investigated. The resulting powders of the combustion were characterized by DRX, BET, MEV, picnometry of helium and sedimentation (Horiba). Uniaxially pressed samples were sintered with constant heating rate (TCA) of 5.0 ºC/min from 600 ºC to the temperature of 1200 ºC, in a horizontal dilatometer. The compact ones were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that was possible to obtain Ni-Zn ferrite powders with particle size among 18 - 27 nm using combustion reaction synthesis. During sintering of the nanometric powders it was observed three different stages, which were identified through the Theory of Bannister. The addition of Zn2+ didn't modify the sintering mechanism in the three stages. For the initial and final stages the predominant mechanism was for viscous flow, attributed to the structural rearrangement of the nanoparticles and for the intermediate stage the mechanism was volumetric diffusion.

Pós nanométricos de ferritas Ni-Zn-Sm foram sintetizados por reação de combustão usando a uréia como combustível. O efeito da substituição dos íons de Fe3+ por Sm3+ na microestrutura e parâmetros magnéticos do sistema Ni0,5Zn0,5Fe2-xSm xO4 com x = 0,0; 0,05; 0,075 e 0,1 mol % de Sm3+ foi investigado. Os pós foram compactados uniaxialmente e sinterizados a 1200 °C/2 h com taxa de aquecimento de 5 °C/min. As amostras foram caracterizadas por medidas de densidade aparente, densidade relativa, difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e medidas magnéticas B-H. Os resultados evidenciam que a substituição dos íons Fe3+ por Sm3+ aumentou a densidade relativa de 95,4% para 100,0% da densidade teórica, reduziu o tamanho de grão de 2,87 para 0,62 mm e resultou em propriedades magnéticas adequadas para magnetos intermediários, atuando com bons absorvedores de radiação eletromagnética na faixa de microondas.

Nanosize powders of Ni-Zn-Sm ferrites were synthesized by combustion reaction using urea as fuel. The influence of the addition of the rare-earth ion samarium on the, microstructure, relative density and magnetic properties of the Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2-xSm xO4 ferrite with x = 0.0; 0.05; 0.075 and 0.1% mol of Sm3+ was studied. The samples were uniaxially compacted by dry pressing and sintered at 1200 ºC for 2 h with heating rate of 5 ºC/min. Apparent density, relative density, XRD, SEM and magnetic hysteresis loop tracer were used for analyzing the samples. The addition of Sm3+ altered the characteristics of the powders in an advantageous way and increased the relative density and decrease grain size of the of the samples after sintering at 1200 ºC/2h. It was found that the samples have sintered density to about 95.4 - 100% of the corresponding theoretical density, microstructure with grain size to range of the 0.62 to 2.87 mm, flux density maximum in the range of the 0.28 to 0.35 T, field coercivity in the range of the 92.73 to 480.06 A/m, and loss hysteresis 41.67 to 87.54 W/kg. The Ni-Zn-Sm ferrites resulted with magnetic properties adequate to news applications like intermediary, actuate as good absorbers of electromagnetic energy.

As linhas de pesquisa do grupo de cerâmicas eletrônicas do DEMa-UFSCar e sua estrutura de apoio são apresentadas juntamente com as teses e dissertações concluídas e os principais resultados obtidos nos últimos anos. Um pequeno resumo dos trabalhos em andamento também é apresentado.

The research lines of the group on electronic ceramics of DEMa-UFSCar and research facilities are presented together with theses, dissertations and the main research results that was done in the last years. A short summary of the nature of the work in progress is also presented.