The composites of poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) / poly (lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) blend and montmorillonites functionalized using imidazole-derived ionic liquids with different carbon chain sizes (butyl, octyl, and dodecyl) proved to be a promising alternative for improving the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer blend. Functionalization of montmorillonites by ionic liquids was confirmed by increasing the basal spacing, and spectroscopical and thermal analysis evidence. The composite synthesis was carried out by casting technique generating homogeneous polymeric films. X-ray diffraction analyses suggested that montmorillonite functionalization with the ionic liquid of the butyl carbon chain fostered exfoliation and incorporation of the clay into the polymer. Furthermore, an increase in the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the material was observed. The other composites formed between the PBAT/PLA blend and the montmorillonite functionalized by ionic liquids of higher carbonic chain showed micro composites formation. Thus, their thermal and mechanical properties had no significant improvements. butylene coterephthalate co terephthalate co-terephthalate lactic acid PBATPLA PBAT PLA (PBAT/PLA imidazolederived imidazole derived butyl, (butyl octyl dodecyl spacing evidence films Xray X ray Furthermore observed formation Thus improvements

RESUMO: O efeito do ultrassom sob a maciez do músculo Biceps femoris foi avaliado usando um Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR) 22 com triplicatas no ponto central. As variáveis independentes estudadas foram a intensidade do ultrassom que variou de 11,30 a 33,90 W cm-2 e o tempo de exposição de 35 e 205 s. A frequência do banho de ultrassom (80 kHz) e a temperatura (10 ºC) foram fixas. Para validar o modelo, a carne foi tratada na condição otimizada do DCCR (80 kHz, 22,60 W cm-2, 120 s, 10 ºC), avaliada e comparada à amostra controle (não tratada). Uma redução de 22% na força de cisalhamento foi observada em comparação à amostra controle após 144 h e armazenada a 5 ºC. Além disso, um aumento da concentração de cálcio sarcoplasmático foi observado para o músculo tratado com ultrassom, o que provavelmente ativou o sistema enzimático da calpaína. Em contraste, o tratamento com ultrassom nas condições otimizadas não influenciou significativamente (P > 0,05) o pH, cor, oxidação lipídica, capacidade de retenção de água e perda de gotejamento. Portanto, a aplicação do ultrassom é promissora e adequada para melhorar a maciez do músculo sem perder a qualidade da carne. Este estudo destacou o efeito do ultrassom na maciez de um músculo pouco estudado (Biceps femoris) ao combinar exposição curta ao ultrassom (120 s) e uma frequência de 80 kHz. RESUMO (DCCR 2 central 1130 11 30 11,3 3390 33 90 33,9 cm2 cm cm- 3 20 s (8 kHz (1 ºC fixas modelo 2260 60 22,6 cm2, 2, 12 1 ºC, , tratada. . tratada) 14 disso calpaína contraste P 0,05 005 0 05 pH cor lipídica gotejamento Portanto (12 8 113 11, 339 9 33, ( 226 6 22, 0,0 00 0,

ABSTRACT: The effect of ultrasound on Biceps femoris muscle tenderness was investigated using a 22 Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) with triplicates at the central point. We evaluated the following independent variables: ultrasound intensity ranging from 11.30 to 33.90 W cm-2 and exposure time between 35 and 205 s. The ultrasound bath’s frequency (80 kHz) and temperature (10 ºC) were the fixed ones. To validate the model, the muscle was treated at the CCRD’s optimized condition (80 kHz, 22.60 W cm-2, 120 s, 10 ºC) evaluated, and compared with the muscle control sample (non-treated). A 22% shear force reduction was observed compared to the control sample (no ultrasound treatment) after 144 h, and stored at 5 ºC. Moreover, a sarcoplasmic calcium concentration increase was noted for ultrasound-treated muscle, probably activating the calpain enzyme system. In contrast, no significant influence (P > 0.05) was observed for pH, color index, lipid oxidation, water holding capacity, and drip loss by ultrasound treatment at the optimized conditions. Therefore, ultrasound application is promising and suitable for improving muscle tenderness without losing meat quality. This study highlighted the ultrasound effect on the tenderness of a less studied muscle (Biceps femoris) by combining short ultrasound exposure (120 s) and an 80 kHz frequency. ABSTRACT 2 CCRD (CCRD point variables 1130 11 30 11.3 3390 33 90 33.9 cm2 cm cm- 3 20 s baths bath (8 (1 ºC ones model CCRDs 2260 60 22.6 cm2, 2, 12 1 nontreated. nontreated non . (non-treated) 14 h Moreover ultrasoundtreated system contrast P 0.05 005 0 05 pH index oxidation capacity conditions Therefore quality (12 8 113 11. 339 9 33. ( 226 6 22. (non-treated 0.0 00 0.

Abstract Previous studies have investigated the preparation of heterogeneous biocatalysts based on the immobilization of lipases on distinct types of supports. However, few works have investigated the influence of the textural properties of these supports on the immobilization parameters. Thus, the present article reports the preparation of copolymers based on divinylbenzene by aqueous suspension polymerizations, using different amounts of porogenic agents to prepare particles with distinct textural properties. The particles were used for immobilization of lipase from Candida antarctica fraction B and the performance of the biocatalysts was evaluated in hydrolysis reactions, using p-nitrophenyl laurate as substrate. The use of Sty/DVB particles resulted in higher immobilization yields (89.5% and 99.2%) and higher hydrolytic activities, when compared to the Sty/VBC/DVB particles. Particularly, the increase of the pore diameters of the particles resulted in higher immobilization yields. Also, the hydrolytic activities depended simultaneously on the average pore diameter, porosity, and specific area (the most influential variable) of the supports. Thus, it was observed that the distinct morphological features of the polymer support can exert significant and conflicting effects on the final biocatalyst performance, since the specific surface area is normally expected to decrease with the increase of the average pore size.

ABSTRACT Background Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a hematophagous insect and the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In the present study, the authors investigated whether a serine protease activity from the saliva of T. infestans has a role in vasomotor modulation, and in the insect-blood feeding by cleaving and activating protease-activated receptors (PARs). Methods T. infestans saliva was chromatographed as previously reported for purification of triapsin, a serine protease. The cleavage activity of triapsin on PAR peptides was investigated based on FRET technology. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze the sites of PAR-2 peptide cleaved by triapsin. NO measurements were performed using the DAN assay (2,3-diaminonapthalene). The vasorelaxant activity of triapsin was measured in vessels with or without functional endothelium pre-contracted with phenylephrine (3 µM). Intravital microscopy was used to assess the effect of triapsin on mouse skin microcirculation. Results Triapsin was able to induce hydrolysis of PAR peptides and showed a higher preference for cleavage of the PAR-2 peptide. Analysis by mass spectrometry confirmed a single cleavage site, which corresponds to the activation site of the PAR-2 receptor. Triapsin induced dose-dependent NO release in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), reaching a maximum effect at 17.58 nM. Triapsin purified by gel-filtration chromatography (10-16 to 10-9 M) was applied cumulatively to mouse mesenteric artery rings and showed a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect (EC30 = 10-12 M). Nitric oxide seems to be partially responsible for this vasodilator effect because L-NAME (L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester 300 µM), a nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor, did not abrogate the vasodilation activated by triapsin. Anti-PAR-2 antibody completely inhibited vasodilation observed in the presence of triapsin activity. Triapsin activity also induced an increase in the mouse ear venular diameter. Conclusion Data from this study suggest a plausible association between triapsin activity mediated PAR-2 activation and vasodilation caused by T. infestans saliva.

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil and palm olein are oils that are widely used in the food industry. Continuous contact with air may cause changes of the triglycerides chemical structure, to eventually produce substances of lower molar masses that may be toxic to mammals. This study aimed to determine the kinetic parameters for the thermal oxidation of these oils and of their residual used oils from the pre-frying industrial step on preparing breaded chicken meat. The main reactions were followed by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); the formation of the produced substances was monitored by gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These analyses indicated different chemical pathways, according to the type of unsaturation and changes in the molecular structures of the fatty acids in the oils. From the thermal analysis, more than one decomposition event was observed during the thermal oxidation process. As the soybean oil has a lower oxidation onset temperature than palm olein, it has lower rate of mass loss, with a higher activation energy value.

Abstract Copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) are considered attractive as sorbents because the epoxy groups can be easily converted into other groups. Studies involving the influence of the synthesis parameters on the morphological characteristics of these copolymers are scarce. This work investigates the synthesis of copolymers of poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) with different porosity degrees obtained by varying the synthesis parameters. GMA-EGDMA copolymers were synthesized by suspension polymerization employing varied conditions and characterized by measuring apparent density, surface area and pore volume distribution, optical and scanning electron microcopies, FT-IR, thermogravimetry and titration of epoxide rings. The copolymer with highest surface area and pore volume (260.4 m2/g and 0.5 cm3/g) was prepared employing cyclohexane as diluent, 80% EGDMA in monomeric composition and 100% of dilution degree. There was a relation between the epoxide content of the copolymers determined by titration and the residue content formed in the first decomposition stage.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar, por meio do método morfométrico, o perímetro e o comprimento da língua, as fibras de colágeno, o perímetro dos vasos sanguíneos, em idades gestacionais e de acordo com o peso fetal. Materiais e métodos: Línguas (n = 55) de natimortos autopsiados com 23-40 semanas de idade gestacional foram analisadas macroscopicamente, medidas em comprimento e perímetro; 55 fragmentos das línguas foram coletados por meio de uma secção longitudinal na região que acompanha o sulco lingual médio e processados histologicamente. As lâminas foram coloridas com picrosirius e imunomarcadas com o anticorpo CD31. A quantificação foi feita em fibras de colágeno examinadas com microscópio de luz polarizada e o perímetro dos vasos com o CD31. Resultados: Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva e significativa da idade gestacional com o perímetro e o comprimento da língua. Houve uma correlação positiva e significativa entre as fibras de colágeno e a idade gestacional; bem como entre a idade gestacional e o perímetro dos vasos sanguíneos; e houve um aumento positivo e significativo entre as fibras de colágeno e o peso fetal. No que diz respeito à correlação entre o perímetro dos vasos sanguíneos e o peso fetal, houve um aumento. Conclusão: Conforme a idade gestacional avança, há um aumento no perímetro e no comprimento da língua, um aumento no percentual de fibras de colágeno e um aumento no perímetro vascular, demonstra que a formação da língua está diretamente relacionada ao crescimento e ao desenvolvimento da língua.

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to analyze, through the morphometric method, the perimeter and length of the tongue, the collagen fibers, and the perimeter of blood vessels at different gestational ages and fetal weights. Material and methods: Tongues (n = 55) of stillborns autopsied at 23-40 weeks of gestational age were macroscopically analyzed, and their length and perimeter were measured. Fifty-five tongue fragments were collected through a longitudinal section in the region that accompanies the median lingual sulcus and histologically processed. Slides were stained with picrosirius and immunolabeled with CD31 antibody. Quantification was performed on collagen fibers under polarized light, and on the perimeter of vessels with the CD31. Results: A positive and significant correlation of gestational age with tongue perimeter and length was found. There was a positive and significant correlation between collagen fibers and gestational age, as well as between gestational age and the perimeter of blood vessels. Between collagen fibers and fetal weight, a positive and significant increase was observed. Regarding the correlation between the perimeter of blood vessels and the fetal weight, an increase was observed. Conclusion: As gestational age advances, there is an increase in tongue perimeter and length, in the percentage of collagen fibers, and in vascular perimeter, demonstrating that tongue formation is directly related to tongue growth and development.

Resumo Um material que se destaca para uso em várias aplicações é o dióxido de titânio (TiO2), devido principalmente às suas propriedades de estabilidade térmica e química e as suas excelentes propriedades ópticas. Porém, estas propriedades são dependentes do tipo de fase e da característica morfológica, o que está diretamente relacionado com o método de processamento do TiO2. Desta forma, este trabalho propôs sintetizar nanopartículas de TiO2 pelo método Pechini com diferentes fases e avaliar a influência dessas fases nas propriedades fotoluminescentes do TiO2. Para este fim, as proporções estequiométricas molares entre ácido cítrico:cátions metálicos de 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 e 5:1 foram investigadas. As nanopartículas foram caracterizadas por difração de raios X (DRX), espectroscopia de infravermelho, análise de textura, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectroscopia de excitação e emissão e determinação da banda proibida (band gap) por espectroscopia de refletância difusa. Foi confirmada a presença de duas fases, anatásio e rutilo, por DRX em diversas proporções para cada amostra; por MEV observou-se que os tamanhos de aglomerados aumentaram com a relação entre ácido cítrico:cátions metálicos. Com relação à fotoluminescência, observou-se que a intensidade máxima no espectro de emissão ocorreu no comprimento de onda de 533 nm para a amostra 3:1 e a intensidade máxima no espectro de excitação ocorreu na amostra 2:1 em comprimento de onda de 451 nm.

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) stands out for use in various applications mainly due to its properties of thermal and chemical stability and its excellent optical properties. However, these properties are dependent on the type and phase morphology, which is related to the TiO2 processing method. Thus, this paper proposed to synthesize TiO2 nanoparticles by polymeric precursor method with different polymorphs, and evaluate the influence of these phases in the photoluminescent properties. For this, the stoichiometric molar proportions of citric acid:metallic cations of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 were investigated. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, textural analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), excitation and emission spectroscopy and determination of the band gap by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The presence of anatase and rutile was confirmed by XRD in different proportions for each sample. The agglomerate size increased with the citric acid/metal cations ratio as observed by SEM. Concerning photoluminescence, the maximum intensity in the emission spectrum occurred at the wavelength of 533 nm for the 3:1 sample and the maximum intensity in the excitation spectrum occurred for the 2:1 sample at the wavelength of 451 nm.

A doença celíaca é definida como a intolerância às proteínas do glúten presente em certos cereais usados na produção de alimentos. Três formulações de biscoitos sem glúten, contendo Linum usitatissimum L. e diferentes concentrações de Chenopodium quinoa BRS Piabiru, foram desenvolvidos e avaliados em relação as caracterísiticas fisico-químicas, nutricionais e sensoriais. Não foi detectado glúten nos biscoitos formulados. O conteúdo de proteína bruta e lipídios totais variaram 85,58 a 97,55 e 121,69 a 166,19 g por kg de amostra, respectivamente. A variação da razão entre os ácidos graxos n-6:n-3 e poliinsaturados/saturados foi de 0.85:1 a 0.92:1 e 3.08:1 a 4.38:1, respectivamente. A Formulação C apresentou melhores teores de ácido alfa-linolênico, índices nutricionais da fração lipídica e conteúdo mineral por porção, com excelentes características sensoriais. A análise multivariada destacou o efeito da concentração de quinoa nas qualidades nutricionais e sensoriais do produto.

Celiac disease is defined as intolerance to the gluten proteins present in certain cereals used to prepare foodstuffs. We developed and performed physico-chemical, sensory, and nutritional assessments of three formulations of gluten-free cookies containing Linum usitatissimum L. and different levels of whole Chenopodium quinoa BRS Piabiru flour. No gluten was detected in the prepared cookie formulations. The crude protein and total lipid contents ranged from 85.58 to 97.55 and 121.69 to 166.19 g per kg of sample, respectively. The polyunsaturated/saturated and n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios ranged from 0.85:1 to 0.92:1 and 3.08:1 to 4.38:1, respectively. Formulation C had the best alpha-linolenic acid content, lipid fraction nutritional indices and mineral content per portion, with excellent sensory characteristics. Multivariate analysis highlighted the effect of the concentration of quinoa on the nutritional and sensory qualities of the product.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e validar modelo de estimativa de potássio na solução do solo, como função da condutividade elétrica aparente (CEa), da umidade do solo (q) e da condutividade elétrica da solução do solo (CEss). Os tratamentos consistiram no uso de três concentrações de cloreto de potássio da solução de injeção (1,0, 2,5 e 4,0 g L-1) aplicadas por microaspersão e por gotejamento, durante o primeiro ciclo da cultura da bananeira cultivar Terra Maranhão. Os resultados mostraram que é viável estimar a concentração de K+ na solução do solo a partir de dados de q e CEa, obtidos por meio da técnica da reflectometria no domínio do tempo (TDR) para condições de campo, com uso de equação resultante da combinação de um modelo linear e um potencial. Os valores de K+ estimados se aproximaram dos medidos ao longo do ciclo da cultura da bananeira "Terra" nas condições de campo, com desvio normalizado médio de 10%, desvio máximo e mínimo de 5,0 e 13,0%, respectivamente.

The objective of this work was to evaluate and to validate models for estimating potassium in the soil solution as a function of bulk electrical conductivity (ECw), soil water content (q) and a soil solution electrical conductivity (ECss). Treatments consisted of using three concentrations of injecting solution of potassium chloride (1.0, 2.5 and 4.0 g L-1) which were applied by two trickle irrigation systems (microsprinkler and drip) during the first cycle of the banana crop cv. Terra Maranhão. Results showed that it is feasible to estimate potassium concentration in the soil solution from data of ECss and q obtained by time domain reflectometry (TDR) using an equation that combined a linear and a potential model. The estimated values of potassium concentration were close to the ones measured along the crop cycle under field conditions, with a mean normalized deviation of 10.0%, maximum and minimum deviation of 5.0 and 13.0%, respectively.

A microestrutura e as propriedades magnéticas das ferritas Ni0,5-xCu xZn0,5Fe2O4 com x = 0,1/0,2/0,3/0,4 mol de cobre, preparadas a partir de pós obtidos por reação de combustão com tamanho de partícula na faixa de 23 a 29 nm, foram avaliadas. Os pós obtidos foram prensados uniaxialmente e sinterizadas a 1000 ºC/2 h. As amostras foram caracterizadas por medidas de densidade e porosidade aparente, difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e medidas magnéticas M-H. Os difratogramas de raios X mostram a presença da fase majoritária cristalina do espinélio inverso em todos os sistemas, e traços da fase secundária Fe2O3 nas amostras com x = 0,1 e 0,4. O aumento do teor de cobre causou um pequeno aumento no tamanho médio de grão (0,65 para 0,68 µm), uma redução da porosidade aparente (33,7% para 6,6%) e redução da magnetização de saturação de 69 para 54 emu/g.

An evaluation was made of the microstructure and magnetic properties of Ni0.5-xCu xZn0,5Fe2O4 ferrites with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 prepared by combustion reaction with particle sizes 23 to 29 nm. The resulting powders were uniaxially compacted at 385 MPa into pellets and sintered at 1000 ºC/2 h. The samples were characterized by apparent density and porosity measurements, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and M-H magnetic measurements. The X-ray diffraction revealed crystalline inverse spinel as the major phase in all the specimens and a small amount of hematite (a-Fe2O3) as the secondary phase in the x = 0.1 and 0.4 samples. An increase in the amount of copper caused a slight increase in grain size (0.65 to 0.68 µm), a decrease in the apparent porosity (33.7% to 6.6%) and a reduction in saturation magnetization from 69 to 54 emu/g.

Um método simples foi desenvolvido para se estudar a forma geométrica do Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus múltiplo, BmMNPV, para microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O vírus, pertencente à Família Baculoviridae, foi obtido do filtrado, do inóculo e da hemolinfa de lagartas de Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) infectadas. O material foi colocado diretamente sobre o suporte de varredura, onde previamente foi aderida uma fita de cobre. Após secagem e metalização com carbono e ouro, o vírus foi analisado ao microscópio de varredura. Os poliedros apresentaram-se com as faces lisas, perfeitamente definidas, possibilitando a análise matemática que o identificou como um octaedro truncado. A forma do poliedro pode apresentar valor taxonômico, uma vez que ela é específica para cada linhagem viral.

A simplified methodology was developed to study the geometric form of multiple Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus by scanning electron microscopy. The virus belongs to Baculoviridae family and was isolated from the silkworm Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). The polyhedra of Nucleopolyhedrovirus were obtained from the filtrate, inoculum and hemolymph of the silkworm experimentally infected with nuclear polyhedra. This material was placed on stubs, where a copper tape was previously adhered. After dry at room temperature the virus was covered with carbon and gold. Scanning electron microscopy analysis reveled a well defined morphology for the polyhedra of multiple Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus, making possible the mathematical study that identified it as a truncated octahedron. The form of the polyhedron can present taxonomic value, once it is specific for each viral lineage.