Pharmaceutical cocrystals are composed of a drug and a coformer and are currently gaining attention due to their possibility of improving drug solubility. Quantitative determination of cocrystals is usually carried out by liquid chromatography method, but an alternative for the same is derivative UV spectrophotometry. Cocrystals of lamotrigine (LAM) were formed with nicotinamide (NIC) in order to improve the solubility of LAM. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple, low-cost, environment friendly, first-order derivative spectrophotometric method for simultaneous determination of LAM and NIC in cocrystals. Determination of LAM and NIC was performed at 244.4 and 271.6 nm, respectively. The method was accurate with recovery values of 98.21-101.52%, and precise (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 1.88%). Robustness evaluated by Plackett-Burman design showed no significant influence of the factors (pH, scanning speed, and sonication time) on LAM and NIC assays. The developed method was compared with a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and applied to study the cocrystal stoichiometry and solubility. The results indicated a molar ratio of 1:1 and that the cocrystal is more soluble than the drug. This study demonstrated that the first-order derivative method is feasible for drug and coformer determination in cocrystals and is a suitable alternative to chromatographic methods.

Resumo O objetivo foi investigar, em escalas espacial e temporal, a abundância das comunidades de protozoários bem como os fatores intervenientes na estruturação das mesmas em um córrego urbano. Métodos: Amostras de água para análise de comunidades biológicas (amebas testáceas, ciliados e bactérias) e para análise de variáveis limnológicas foram tomadas no córrego Mandacaru localizado na Unidade de Conservação do Parque do Cinquentenário, na cidade de Maringá, Paraná State, Brasil, em dois períodos hidrológicos (seco e chuvoso). Calculamos o Índice de Qualidade de Água (IQA), o Índice de Estado Trófico (ETI) para fósforo e utilizamos uma Análise de Redundância (RDA) para verificar a influência de variáveis ambientais na comunidade de protozoários. Resultados: O IQA mostrou que a qualidade da água foi considerada boa em alguns pontos e considerada ruim em outros pontos, e o ETI para o fósforo classificou o córrego como mesotrófico na maioria dos locais amostrados (média entre 53,09 e 58,35). Foram identificados 19 táxons de amebas testáceas, pertencentes a seis famílias, sendo Difflugiidae, Centropyxidae e Arcellidae as mais especiosas, e 71 táxons de ciliados, distribuídos em 12 ordens, sendo Peniculida a ordem mais representativa, seguida por Euplotida. De acordo com a análise RDA, amostras do período seco foram caracterizadas por maiores valores de densidade bacteriana e concentrações de clorofila-a, fósforo total e nitrogênio total. As amebas testáceas e os ciliados apresentaram valores de abundância maiores em alguns dos meses caracterizados por maior precipitação e em condições de maior produtividade do sistema. Podemos concluir que o córrego Mandacaru, embora fortemente influenciado pela ação antrópica, ainda apresenta uma qualidade de água aceitável. Por fim, enfatizamos que a abundância de protistas foi fortemente influenciada pela produtividade do sistema. Isto foi evidenciado pelas elevadas densidades de protozoários onde houve maior produtividade primária e bacteriana. Assim, esses protistas devem ser considerados em estudos que visem à identificação de organismos que possam indicar impactos antrópicos e qualidade ambiental.

Abstract We aimed to investigate spatial and temporal scales, abundance, and factors that structure the communities of protozoans in a tropical urban stream. Methods: Samples of water for analysis of biological communities (testate amoebae, ciliates and bacteria) and limnological variables were taken in the Mandacaru stream located in the Conservation Unit of Parque do Cinquentenário, in the city of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil, in two hydrological periods (dry and rainy). We calculated the Water Quality Index (WQI) composed by nine parameters of water quality (dissolved oxygen, thermotolerant coliforms, pH, BOD, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, turbidity, and total solids), Trophic State Index (TSI) for phosphorous and we used a Redundancy Analysis (RDA) to verify the influence of environmental variables in the protozoan community. Results: The WQI showed that water quality was considered good in some points and considered bad in other points. The TSI for phosphorus classified the stream as mesotrophic in the majority of sampled sites points (mean between 53.09 and 58.35). We identified 19 taxa of testate amoebae, belonging to six families, being Difflugiidae, Centropyxidae, and Arcellidae those with more species and 71 infrageneric taxa of ciliates, distributed in 12 orders being Peniculida the most representative order, followed by Euplotida. According to RDA analysis, samples of the dry period were characterized by higher values of bacteria density and concentrations of chlorophyll-a, total phosphorous, and total nitrogen. Ciliates and testate amoebae presented higher abundance values in some of the months characterized by higher precipitation and in conditions of higher system productivity. Conclusion: we may conclude that the Mandacaru stream, although strongly influenced by anthropic action, still presents an acceptable water quality. Lastly, we emphasize that protists abundance was strongly influenced by system productivity. This was evidenced by elevated protozoan densities where there was higher primary and bacterial productivity. Thus, these organisms must be considered in studies that aim at the identification of organisms that may indicate anthropic impacts and environmental quality.

Resumo Em sua superfície externa, muitas plantas podem acumular água da chuva formando fitotelmata, ou seja, micro-habitat aquáticos colonizados por diversos organismos, entre eles, os flagelados protistas. Fez-se um inventário de flagelados heterotróficos associados ao fitotelmata da bromélia Aechmea distichantha Lem., encontrada em paredões rochosos em um trecho da bacia do alto rio Paraná. As bromélias foram retiradas manualmente de paredão rochoso e, em laboratório, a água foi retirada dos tanques de cada planta, e foram montadas culturas dos organismos em placas de Petri. Os flagelados heterotróficos foram, então, observados in vivo sob microscópio óptico Olympus BX51, com sistema de contraste de interferência diferencial (DIC) acoplado. Dezesseis espécies flagelados heterotróficos foram registradas, desenhadas e descritas, sendo uma espécie pertencente ao Domínio Amorpha e 15 espécies ao Domínio Diaphoretiches. Os grupos mais especiosos foram Euglenida e Kinetoplastea. A diversidade relativamente reduzida de flagelados heterotróficos, quando comparada ao plâncton de lagos e reservatórios, pode estar relacionada ao fato de os fitotelmata serem habitats limitados, com condições ambientais extremas, selecionando, assim, organismos tolerantes a esses ambientes.

Abstract Many plants may accumulate rainwater, forming phytotelmata, aquatic microhabitats inhabited by various organisms. The aim of this study was to conduct an inventory of heterotrophic flagellates associated with phytotelmata of the bromeliad Aechmea distichantha Lem., found in rocky cliffs on the Upper Paraná River. The bromeliads were removed manually from the rocky wall, the water was removed and cultures of organisms of each plant were mounted in Petri dishes. Sixteen species of heterotrophic flagellate were recorded, drawn and described, among them one species belonging to the Amorpha Domain and 15 species to the Diaphoretiches Domain. The groups with most species were Euglenida and Kinetoplastea. The low diversity of heterotrophic flagellates recorded in this study, compared to the plankton of lakes and reservoirs, is probably related to the fact that phytotelmata are habitats with extreme environmental conditions, thus selecting organisms tolerant to these environments.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os padrões de diversidade e abundância da comunidade de protozoários ciliados em três córregos urbanos tropicais, bem como verificar quais espécies podem ser consideradas bioindicadoras da qualidade da água. Em cada córrego foram amostradas três regiões (cabeceira, intermediária e foz) em dois anos, nas estações chuvosa e seca. Os fatores abióticos (oxigênio dissolvido, pH, temperatura, turbidez, largura, profundidade, fluxo e condutividade) e fatores bióticos (coliformes totais, bacterioplâncton, clorofila e flagelados) foram analisados por metodologia específica e os ciliados foram contados e identificados por meio de literatura especializada. Foram identificadas 84 espécies distribuídas em 24 ordens. Peniculida foi a ordem mais representativa, seguida por Prorodontida. Os escores da RDA mostraram uma diferença espacial entre os córregos. Por outro lado, em relação à variação temporal, não houve separação entre os dados amostrados. A análise Indval mostrou dez espécies indicadoras, como Coleps hirtus, Euplotes moebiusi e Tintinidium pusillum. A análise de Cluster realizada por riacho versus período evidenciou uma maior distinção dos córregos no período seco. Por outro lado, foi observada uma baixa similaridade entre os locais dentro do mesmo córrego. Em síntese, os resultados indicaram que os ciliados podem ser utilizados como ferramentas importantes como bioindicadores em ambientes lóticos afetados por diferentes graus de poluição, devido ao fato de apresentarem um curto ciclo de vida, permitindo a detecção de impactos em uma pequena escala de tempo, bem como por apresentarem respostas diretas às mudanças ambientais e alta sensibilidade a contaminantes.

Abstract The objective of this work was to investigate the patterns of diversity and abundance of ciliates protozoa community in three tropical urban streams and verify which species can be considered bioindicators of water quality. In each stream, three regions (headwater, middle and mouth) were sampled in two years, in the rainy and dry seasons. The abiotic factors (dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, width, depth, flow and conductivity) and biotic factors (total coliforms, bacterioplankton, chlorophyll and flagellates) were analyzed using appropriate methods and ciliates were identified and counted through specialized literature. We identified 84 species distributed into 24 orders. Peniculida was the most representative order followed by Prorodontida. The RDA scores showed a spatial difference between streams. On the other hand, regarding the temporal variation, there was no separation of the sampled data. The Indval analysis showed ten species indicators, such as Coleps hirtus, Euplotes moebiusi and Tintinidium pusillum. The Cluster analysis per stream versus period showed a greater distinction of the streams in the dry season. On the other hand, a low similarity was observed between sections within the same stream. In summary, the results indicated that the ciliates can be used as important tools as bioindicators in lotic environments affected by different degrees of pollution, due to the fact that they have short life cycle, allowing the detection of impacts on a small time scale, as well as by having direct answers to environmental changes and high sensitivity to contaminants.

Foram desenvolvidas formulações de pó à base de gesso e binder para aplicação em equipamento de prototipagem do tipo 3D Print. Na técnica de impressão tridimensional, impressoras denominadas 3D Print são baseadas em cabeçotes de impressão de impressoras comerciais a jato de tinta, que depositam um binder sobre camadas sucessivas de pó e, em cada fatia, o binder reage com o pó e consolida o formato bidimensional da seção, que somadas às fatias subsequentes, consolidam um modelo tridimensional. Embora este modelo de impressora tridimensional esteja se popularizando pelo baixo custo, ainda tem em seus insumos o pó e o binder o seu maior empecilho devido ao custo elevado. Neste projeto foram desenvolvidas formulações de pós, obtidos pela moagem do gesso em meio alcoólico com ligantes e aditivos, seguido de aglomeração das finas partículas de gesso, e formulações de binder baseadas na reação com o gesso. Foram avaliadas as condições do pó aglomerado para a uniformidade da deposição das camadas e os requisitos mínimos do binder para a operação do cabeçote de impressão. Corpos de prova no formato de barras foram produzidos em equipamento comercial e analisados com relação à resistência a flexão, densidade e metrologia. Foram obtidos corpos a partir de pó com adição de 5 vol.% de PVB e binder com 90 vol.% de água destilada e resistência de 290 kΩ, que apresentaram resistência média à flexão de 0,33 MPa, suficiente para o manuseio inicial dos prototipados, com manufatura simplificada e a um custo muito econômico.

Formulation of gypsum powder and binder for use in 3D print prototype was developed. The 3D printing technique consists of the three-dimensional deposition of binders on successive layers of powder slices; the binder reacts with the powder and consolidates the two-dimensional format of each printed section, which added to subsequent slices consolidates the three-dimensional model. Although this model of three-dimensional printer is becoming popular mainly for its low cost, powder and binder are the greater obstacles due to their high cost. In this project formulations of powders, obtained by grinding the gypsum in alcoholic medium with binders and additives followed by agglomeration of fine particles of gypsum were developed. Formulations of binders based on the reaction of gypsum, considering the binding affinity and the operation of the print head were proposed and tested. The conditions of the agglomerated powder to the uniformity of the deposition layers and the minimum requirement of the binder for the operation of the print head were evaluated. Bar shaped specimens were produced on commercial 3D printing equipment and analyzed with respect to flexural strength, density and dimensional shape. Specimens from the powder were obtained with addition of 5 vol.% PVB and binder with 90 vol.% of distilled water and resistivity of 290 kΩ that showed an average flexural strength of 0.33 MPa, which was enough for initial handling, with simplified manufacture and a very economical cost.

Este artigo apresenta uma investigação acerca dos aspectos constitutivos da construção de significados, no âmbito da brincadeira infantil. Tematizamos esta questão numa perspectiva histórico-cultural, a partir da qual oferecemos exemplos e critérios de análise da dinâmica própria à construção de significados. Sete aspectos interdependentes da dinâmica de construção de significados são propostos: (a) motivação exploratória; (b) materialidade; (c) narrabilidade; (d) dialogicidade; (e) orquestração; (f) abreviação; e (g) alter-regulação. Exemplos destes aspectos e considerações acerca de sua emergência em diferentes tipos de interação e circunstâncias são apresentados.

This article presents an investigation of the constitutive aspects of meaning making, with a focus on children's play. We conceptualized this question from a cultural-historical perspective, based on which we offer examples and criteria for analyzing the dynamics of meaning making. Seven interdependent aspects of the process of meaning making are discussed: (a) exploratory motivation; (b) materiality; (c) narrativity; (d) dialogicality; (e) orchestration; (f) abbreviation; and (g) alter-regulation. Examples of these aspects and considerations about their emergence in different circumstances and types of interaction are presented.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplantation. Disseminated toxoplasmosis after liver transplantation is a rare but fatal event. Serologic screening of the donor and the recipient is essential to prophylactic management, early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to minimize the consequences of these infections. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of CMV and Toxoplasma gondii (TG) in a Brazilian liver transplant waiting list (LTWL). Serological data were collected from 44 candidates on the LTWL between May 2003 and November 2004. Serological investigation of antibodies IgM and IgG against CMV (anti-CMV) and TG (anti-T. gondii) was performed using fluorometry commercial kits. IgG anti-CMV was positive in 37 patients (94.9%) out of 39 available results. There were not IgM anti-CMV positive results. Out of 36 analyzed patients, 22 (61.1%) presented positive IgG anti-T. gondii and none had positive IgM anti-T. gondii. The high CMV seroprevalence among our LTWL reinforces the need for appropriate protocols to avoid related complications, like reactivation and superinfection by CMV. Environmental and drug prophylactic strategies against primary infection and reactivation, as well as early diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis complications, are essential for the good outcome of transplant patients.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the immune reconstitution of HIV-1 patients subjected to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for two years or more according to CD45RA and CD45RO cell count; determination of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-alpha serum levels; CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte count; and plasma viral load (VL) determination. For this purpose, a cross sectional study was carried out in the Tropical Diseases Area, Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Between June 2001 and April 2002, 37 HIV-1 infected patients were evaluated, 13 with treatment indication but untreated (G1), 9 subjected to HAART for 5-7 months (G2), and 15 treated for two years or more (G3); both treated groups used medication regularly and without failure. Forty-nine normal individuals were studied as controls (GC-1 and GC-2). There was a tendency (p<0.10) for the predominance of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) associated with one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) regimen in G2; and two NRTI associated with a protease inhibitor (PI) in G3. Statistical differences between groups were seen for CD45RA (G1<[G3=GC-2]; p<0.05) and CD45RO (G1<GC-2<G3; p<0.01) cells, and CD4+ T lymphocyte count (G1<G3; G2-intermediate; p<0.05), VL determination (G1>[G2=G3]; p<0.001), TNF-alpha serum determination ([G1>G3; G2=intermediate]>GC-1; p<0.001), IL-2 (G1<[G2=G3=GC-1]; p<0.01), IFN-gamma ([G1=GC-1]<[GC-2=G3]; p<0.001), IL-4 and IL-10 ([G1=G2=G3]>GC-1; p<0.001), serum cytokine profiles, with a higher proportion of subtype 2 in G1 and mature subtype 0 in G2 and G3 (p<0.005). There was no statistical difference for CD8+ T lymphocyte counts (G1=G2=G3; p<0.50). Consistency was seen between positive correlations of profile 1 definer cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma), CD45RA and CD45RO cells, and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and between positive correlations of profile 2 definer cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) with TNF-alpha, and VL. The negative correlations were also consistent as they expressed the inverse of the positives. The variables with the highest number of correlations were IL-2, IFN-gamma, and VL, followed by CD45RA and CD45RO cells, and IL-10. The variables with the lowest number of correlations were CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes. The results express the partial but important immune reconstitution in HIV-1 infected individuals with the interference of HAART and the importance of cytokines especially IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and CD45RA and CD45RO cells as surrogate markers of this reconstitution.

Laboratory profile of young ovines was studied in order to evaluate and compare their antiserum production from natural and Cobalt-60 irradiated Crotalus durissus terrificus (C.d.t.) venoms. The parameters analyzed included complete blood count, and urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin and globulin serum measurements. Three groups of six animals each were used. Group 1 (G1) received natural C.d.t. venom; Group 2 (G2) received irradiated C.d.t. venom; and Group 3 (G3) was used as control and did not receive venom, only adjuvants, using seven venom inoculations. During the experimental period, animals were fortnightly weighed. According to clinical and weight evaluation, sheep in post-weaning phase showed no changes in their physiological profiles but had excellent weight gain. The parameters analyzed were not statistically different (p<5%) among the groups tested. The hyperimmunization process was successfully accomplished with the production of specific antibodies against Crotalus durissus terrificus venom. Results bring a new possibility of utilizing ovines in the commercial production of anticrotalic serum, which may be used to treat human and animal envenomation. Its production cost may be reduced by subsequent use of hyperimmunized sheep for human consumption.

ELISA was used to evaluate, accompany, and compare the humoral immune response of Swiss mice during hyperimmunization with native and Cobalt-60-irradiated (60Co) venoms of Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu and Bothrops moojeni. Potency and neutralization were evaluated by in vitro challenges. After hyperimmunization, immunity was observed by in vivo challenge, and the side effects were assessed. The animals immunization with one LD50 of each venom occurred on days 1, 15, 21, 30, and 45, when blood samples were collected; challenges happened on the 60th day. Results showed that ELISA was efficient in evaluating, accompanying and comparing mouse immune response during hyperimmunization. Serum titers produced with natural venom were similar to those produced with irradiated venom. Immunogenic capacity was maintained after 60Co-irradiation. The sera produced with native venom showed neutralizing potency and capacity similar to those of the sera produced with irradiated venom. All antibodies were able to neutralize five LD50 from these venoms. Clinical alterations were minimum during hyperimmunization with irradiated venom, however, necrosis and death occurred in animals inoculated with native venom.

ELISA was used to evaluate, follow, and compare the humoral immune response of Swiss mice during hyperimmunization with natural and Cobalt 60-irradiated (60Co) Crotalus durissus terrificus venom. Potency and neutralization were evaluated by in vitro challenges. After hyperimmunization, immunity was observed by "in vivo" challenge and the side effects were assessed. The animals immunization with one LD50 of the venom was on days one, 15, 21, 30, and 45, when blood samples were collected; the challenges occurred on the 60th day. Results showed that ELISA was efficient in evaluating, following, and comparing mouse immune response during hyperimmunization. Serum titers produced with natural venom were similar to those produced with irradiated venom. Immunogenic capacity was maintained after 60Co irradiation. Serum produced from Crotalus durissus terrificus irradiated venom showed higher potency and neutralization capacity than that from natural venom. All antibodies were able to neutralize five LD50 from these venoms. Clinical alterations were minimum during hyperimmunization with irradiated venom.

Recently the bond strength of composite resin to tooth has received attention from researchers of dental materials. Limitations imposed by the biological substrate, such as the size of the specimen, fostered the development of a tensile test with small dimensions. Due to the reduced size of the specimens, the test is called microtensile test. The specialized literature has not presented standards for the test parameters and the relatively large scatter of published bond strength data probably reflects the lack of standards for the test parameters. The objective of this study is to evaluate how specimen geometry and loading conditions affect the estimation of bond strength. A numerical simulation of the test using a Finite Element Model was performed to determine the associated variations on the stress field imposed by variations in the geometry of the specimen and loading conditions. The Finite Element pre-processing and post-processing was performed on Patran® and the Finite Element processing was performed on Marc®. Results from numerical simulations show that geometrical parameters and loading conditions have a significant influence on the stress field. Some suggestions of standards for the microtensile test considering the non-uniform stress field are presented.

Brontostoma doughertyae sp. nov. (Hemiptera-Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae), proveniente dos Estados do Espírito Santo e Bahia, Brasil, é descrita com base em exemplares machos. Apresenta-se uma análise comparativa entre as estruturas fálicas de Brontostoma rubrum (Amyot & Serville, 1843) e B. doughertyae sp. nov.. Observou-se que três estruturas se destacam como diagnósticos: o processo do gonoporo (PrG); o suporte do falosoma (SPh) e o falosoma (Ph). Uma chave para as espécies brasileiras de Brontostoma é apresentada.

Brontostoma doughertyae n. sp. (Hemiptera-Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae), from Espírito Santo and Bahia States, Brazil is described based on male specimens. A comparative analysis between the phallic structures of Brontostoma rubrum (Amyot & Serville, 1843) and B. doughertyae sp. nov. is presented. Three structures are important to distinguish them: the gonoporal process (PrG); support of the phallosoma (SPh) and the phallosoma (Ph). A key for the brazilian species of Brontostoma is presented.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir as perspectivas e desafios do processo de orientação vocacional (OV) frente ao século XXI. A OV, ao ajudar o indivíduo a encontrar uma identidade profissional, auxilia na estruturação de sua identidade pessoal, favorecendo a elaboração de um projeto de vida. O desenvolvimento da ciência e da tecnologia operacionaliza mudanças acentuadas no mercado de trabalho, fazendo com que este esteja sempre em uma contínua mudança. A nova realidade que vem se delineando no contexto brasileiro exige que a OV se adapte às mudanças sociais. Assim, alguns aspectos devem ser considerados e analisados com a finalidade de se alcançar a eficácia na OV, entre eles: o papel do profissional, que deve estar ciente da postura ética que deve assumir e a real finalidade da OV, que não deve apenas informar sobre as profissões, e sim, trabalhar o autoconhecimento e a questão da escolha em si.

This work has the objective of discussing the perspectives and challenges of the vocational orientation process (VO) towards the XXI century. The VO process, helping the individual to find a professional identity, aids on the structuring of his/her personal identity, favoring a life project elaboration. The science and technology development produces accentuated changes in the labor market, and causes its continuous change. The new reality, which is delineated in the Brazilian context, demands that the VO adapts itself to the social changes. Thus, some aspects should be considered and analyzed with the purpose of reaching the effectiveness in VO, among them: the professional’s role that should be aware of the ethical posture which he should assume and the real purpose of VO, that should not just inform about the professions, but it should work the self-knowledge and the question of the choice in itself.