Abstract: The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of treated wastewater from the Salguero station (Valledupar, Colombia) on the yield and microbiological quality of hydroponic paprika (Capsicum annun L.). The design is completely randomized with two treatments: 1) ARCSN: Cesar River water with nutrient solution; 2) ARTSN: residual treated water with nutritive solution. Total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms are assessed on paprika fruits. The results show that the germination percentages for ARCSN and ARTSN are 78% and 82% respectively. The physicochemical and microbiological properties of the Cesar River wastewater and water comply with Colombian regulations. The levels of coliforms (<2 NMP/g) reported on paprika fruits are within the limits (<1000 NMP/g) allowed by the European Union. It is concluded that using urban wastewater for irrigating paprika is not a public health risk.

Resumen: El principal objetivo de este estudio es analizar el efecto del agua residual tratada de la estación Salguero (Valledupar, Colombia) sobre el rendimiento y la calidad microbiológica del pimentón (Capsicum annun L.) cultivado en hidroponía. El diseño es completamente al azar con dos tratamientos: 1) ARCSN: agua del Río Cesar con solución nutritiva; 2) ARTSN: agua residual tratada con solución nutritiva. Se evaluaron los coliformes totales y coliformes termotolerantes de la fruta del pimentón. Los resultados muestran que los porcentajes de germinación en ARCSN y ARTSN son 78% y 82% respectivamente. Los análisis microbiológicos realizados al agua residual y al agua del Río Cesar cumplen con lo establecido en la normativa Colombiana. Los niveles de coliformes (<2 NMP/g) reportados en los frutos de pimentón se encuentran dentro de los límites (<100 NMP/g) permitidos por la Unión Europea. Se concluye que el uso de aguas residuales urbanas en el riego de pimentón no representa un riesgo para la salud pública.

ABSTRACT One of the highlighted areas in the development of new materials is the generation of micro- and nanoparticles as drug carriers which allow the progress in formulations with the ability to release active agents in a controlled way. The proanthocyanidins (PAC) extracted from the bark of the Black Wattle have stood out for their biological activities. However, most polyflavonoids have some features which limit their application in the pharmaceutical field, such as light fastness, low bioavailability of active agents, and unpleasant taste. In this context, this study aims to present the synthesis and characterization of PAC-loaded lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles obtained by the multiple emulsion method. The incorporation of PAC into PLGA was successfully achieved with PAC encapsulation efficiency around 73%. Spherical microparticles were obtained with a size distribution in the range of 0.6 to 2.4 μm. The presence of PAC modified the thermal properties of the PLGA matrix. The results of in vitro assays with Vero and T24 lineage celss showed that PLGA/PAC microparticles did not promote any effect on cell proliferation by MTT assay after 24 h. The novel Acacia mearnsii proanthocyanidin-loaded PLGA microparticles have potential for application in biological systems.

Abstract We aimed to analyze the crustacean bycatch from the Xiphopenaeus kroyeri fishery in the Santa Catarina State and compare the bycatch’s biomass to that of the target species. Shrimp and environmental factors were sampled monthly from July 2010 through June 2011. For each crustacean species, we calculated the number of individuals, the relative abundance and the occurrence frequency. The relative abundance was classified as very abundant (Va), abundant (Ab) or low abundance (La), while the occurrence frequency was labeled continuous (Co), accessory (Ac) or accidental (Ad). We observed a total richness of 28 species, which is considered high for a subtropical region. Brachyura was the most frequent taxon (74%) followed by Penaeiodea (18%). Five species were considered Va (Arenaeus cribrarius, Callinectes danae, C. ornatus, Isochelis sawayai and Pleoticus muelleri), and eight species were considered Co (A. cribrarius, C. danae, C. ornatus, Farfantepenaeus paulensis, Hepatus pudibundus, Libinia spinosa, Litopenaeus schmitti and Sicyonia dorsalis), suggesting that the studied environment is heterogeneous and provides a variety of microhabitats, enabling many species to coexist. Therefore, the high species richness observed demonstrates the ecological importance of this region and thus the necessity of strategies aiming to minimize the impacts caused by trawling fisheries.

In this study an analytical method, based on gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, using a short column and response factor (GCSCRF), was validated for the quantification of fatty acid alkyl esters (methylic or ethylic). During the validation process, the proposed method was employed to analyze twenty samples of fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters. Biodiesel samples were produced from soybean oil and the validated method was found to be selective, being able to separate and identify every ester species present in the samples according to its carbon number. When the method was submitted to some variations in the sample preparation procedure, it remained robust. Limits of detection and quantification were 6.76 and 20.4 mg mL-1, respectively. The suggested method also showed great precision when successive analyses were carried out for different analysts, with standard deviation (SD) 0.6 for repeatibility and relative standard deviation (RSD) percentage 7.3% for intermediate precision, excellent accuracy when compared to other reference methods (EN 14103 and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet dection (HPLC-UV)) and recovery studies.

Resumo Dois estudos (N = 457) examinaram as propriedades psicométricas da versão reduzida do Questionário de Necessidade de Emoções (Need for Affect Questionnaire: NAQ-S) no contexto brasileiro. No primeiro estudo, uma análise de componentes principais indicou uma estrutura bifatorial, com cinco itens cada: aproximação (α = 0,70) e evitação (α = 0,75). Confirmou-se essa estrutura no segundo estudo (GFI = 0,92; CFI = 0,90), mostrando-se invariante quanto ao sexo. Para verificar os correlatos do NAQ-S, utilizou-se, nos dois estudos, medidas que visam avaliar os valores humanos, a solidão e a necessidade de pertença, além dos cinco fatores da personalidade no segundo estudo. Os resultados demonstraram que uma maior necessidade de emoção foi associada com maior extroversão, maiores escores em valores de experimentação e interativos, e escores mais baixos de solidão. Os estudos apresentam suporte de validade do NAQ-S no Brasil, mostrando sua utilidade para fins de pesquisa.

Abstract Two studies (N=457) examined the psychometric properties of the short version of the Need for Affect Questionnaire (NAQ-S) in the Brazilian context. In the first study, a principal components analysis indicated a two-factor structure, with five items each: approach (α= .70) and avoidance (α= .75). This structure was confirmed in the second study (GFI= .92; CFI= .90), and it was invariant across gender. To verify the correlates of NAQ-S, we used measures to evaluate the human values, loneliness and need to belong in both studies, besides the five personality factors in the second study. The results showed that higher need for affect was associated with higher extraversion, higher scores in excitement and interactive values, and with lower loneliness scores. The studies support the validity of the NAQ-S in Brazil, showing its usefulness for research purposes.

Resumen Dos estudios (N=457) examinaron las propriedades psicométricas de la versión reducida del Cuestionario de Necesidad de Emociones (Need for Affect Questionnaire; NAQ-S) en el contexto brasileño. En el primer estudio, un análisis de componentes principales indicó una estructura bifactorial, con cinco ítems cada una: aproximación (α = .70) y evitación (α = .75). Se confirmó esta estructura en el segundo estudio (GFI=.92; FCI=.90), mostrándose invariable con relación al sexo. Para verificar las correlaciones del NAQ-S, fue utilizado en ambos estudios medidas que tienden a evaluar los valores humanos, la soledad y la necesidad de pertenencia, además de evaluarse en el segundo estudio los cinco factores de personalidad. Los resultados mostraron que una mayor necesidad de emoción, fue asociada con mayor extraversión, con resultados mayores en valores de experimentación e interactivos, y resultados más bajos de soledad. Los estudios presentan apoyo de validez del NAQ-S en Brasil, mostrando su utilidad para fines de investigación.

Resumo Pseudoryzomys simplex é um roedor terrestre de pequeno a médio porte que ocorre em áreas abertas de planícies com fortes precipitações sazonais ao longo dos Chaco, Cerrado e Caatinga. Apesar de sua extensa distribuição, a espécie é difícil de ser capturada. No presente estudo, fornecemos o primeiro registro de P. simplex no Pantanal, onde três espécimes foram coletados em uma pastagem de capim exótico. Os espécimes são morfometricamente semelhantes à da população do Paraguai (Chaco). Neste sentido, o nosso relatório mostra quão interessante seria uma revisão taxonômica das espécies para melhor compreender o significado real da variação geográfica aqui observada.

Abstract Pseudoryzomys simplex is a small to medium sized terrestrial rodent confined to lowland open areas with strong seasonal rainfall throughout the Chaco, Cerrado and Caatinga. Despite its extensive range, the species is difficult to trap. In this report we provide the first record of P. simplex in the Pantanal, where three specimens were collected in a pasture of exotic grass. The specimens are morpometrically similar to the population from Paraguay (Chaco). In this sense, our report shows how interesting a taxonomic review of the species would be to better understand the real significance of the geographic variation herein observed.

RESUMO Introdução: Avanços no campo da biologia molecular têm proporcionado a diferenciação dos subtipos moleculares das neoplasias mamárias, fornecendo melhor prognóstico e ferramentas importantes para a terapêutica de pacientes com câncer de mama. Entre esses subtipos, as alterações ocorridas no gene receptor tipo 2 do fator de crescimento epidérmico humano (HER2/neu) amplificam o seu número de cópias e geram o aumento da proteína HER2. Estudos mostram que pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama HER2/neu amplificado tendem a ter recaída mais cedo e tempo de sobrevida menor, sendo o anticorpo monoclonal Trastuzumab a terapia indicada. A elegibilidade das pacientes para a terapia é feita inicialmente pela técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), que avalia o nível de expressão da proteína HER2. Após essa avaliação, os casos que apresentam diagnósticos equívocos (escore 2+) são encaminhados para uma técnica mais precisa, a hibridização cromógena in situ (CISH). Objetivo: Analisar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do anticorpo SP3, além de determinar o seu nível de concordância com a técnica de CISH. Material e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo no banco de dados de um laboratório anatomopatológico, em laudos de exames de CISH para HER2/neu. Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram que o clone SP3 apresentou 100% de especificidade e 92% de sensibilidade. A IHQ revela variabilidade em seus resultados, porém é sabido que a técnica é uma importante ferramenta na rotina diária dos laboratórios, contribuindo na triagem inicial das pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama, que, posteriormente, mostram resultados satisfatórios quando comparados com a técnica de CISH.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Advances in the field of molecular biology have provided the differentiation of molecular subtypes of breast tumors, providing better prognosis and important tools for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. Among these subtypes, the changes in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene (HER2/neu), increase its copy number and generating HER2 protein amplification. Studies show that patients with breast cancer HER2/neu amplified tend to relapse earlier and have shorter survival time, the monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab is the therapy indicated. The eligibility of patients for therapy is initially made by the immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique, which evaluates the expression level of the HER2 protein. After this evaluation, the cases with equivocal diagnosis (score 2+), are referred to a more accurate technique, the chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Objective: To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the antibody SP3, and determine their level of agreement with the CISH technique. Material and methods: Retrospective study in the database of the anatomy-pathology laboratory, in CISH tests reports for HER2/neu. Conclusion: The results revealed that clone SP3 showed 100% specificity and 92% sensitivity. IHC reveals variability in its results; however, it is known that the technique is an important tool in the daily routine of laboratories, contributing to the initial screening of patients with breast cancer, which later showed satisfactory results when compared with the CISH technique.

This work describes the design and optimization of a printed circuit board containing a rectangular half-loop coil designed to apply radio frequency signals on micrometric diamond crystals. The structure was optimized to maximize the magnetic field perpendicular to the coil at 2,87 GHz. In the optimization process we have used transmission line theory, circuit level and 3D electromagnetic simulations. The structure was implemented and measured. The adopted methodology was validated by the good agreement between theory and experiments.

This work deals with experimental and numerical studies of a 3-D transient free-surface two-phase flow in a bench-scale channel flow. The aim was to determine how well the homogeneous model can predict the fluid dynamics behavior and to validate the model. The model was validated with experimental data acquired for two hydrodynamic situations. The mathematical model was based on the mass conservation equations for liquid and gas phases and on the momentum conservation equation for the mixture, assuming interpenetrating, continuum and homogeneous hypotheses. Turbulence has been considered for the mixture through the standard k-ε model. The numerical methods were the finite volume method with pressure-velocity coupling and a numerical grid on a generalized Cartesian coordinate system. Good qualitative and quantitative agreements were found for both cases, making the prediction of the fluid dynamics behavior quite robust.

Abstract: A multistage adaptive fast multipole method is used to accelerate the matrix-vector products arising from the Burton-Miller boundary integral equations, which are formed in a boundary element method. The present study considers the scattering of acoustic waves, generated by localized sources from bodies with rigid surfaces. Details on the implementation of a multistage adaptive fast multipole method are described for two and three-dimensional formulations. The code is verified through the solution of well documented test cases. The fast multipole method is tested for acoustic scattering problems of single and multiple bodies, and a discussion is provided on the performance of the method. Results for engineering problems with complex geometries, such as a multi-element wing, are presented in order to assess the implemented capability.

The technique of experimental design is used on an ethylene polymerization process model in order to map the feasible optimal region as preliminary information for process optimization. Through the use of this statistical tool, together with a detailed deterministic model validated with industrial data, it is possible to identify the most relevant variables to be considered as degrees of freedom for the optimization and also to acquire significant process knowledge, which is valuable not only for future explicit optimization but also for current operational practice. The responses evaluated by the experimental design approach include the objective function and the constraints of the optimization, which also consider the polymer properties. A Plackett-Burman design with 16 trials is first carried out in order to identify the most important inlet variables. This reduces the number of decision variables, hence the complexity of the optimization model. In order to carry out a deeper investigation of the process, complete factorial designs are further implemented. They provide valuable process knowledge because interaction effects, including highly non-linear interactions between the variables, are treated methodically and are easily observed.

The use of biomass as raw-material for obtaining chemicals, polymers and fuels is emerging as a clever alternative solution for the increasing energy demand, environmental awareness and petroleum shortage. In this work, some attempts in order to develop catalytic systems suitable for triglyceride transformation into fuels, polymers and intermediates are reviewed.

In this paper, a novel approach for establishing the route for process intensification through the application of two developed softwares to characterize reactive mixtures is presented. A robust algorithm was developed to build up reactive phase diagrams and to predict the existence and the location of reactive azeotropes. The proposed algorithm does not depend on initial estimates and is able to compute all reactive azeotropes present in the mixture. It also allows verifying if there are no azeotropes, which are the major troubles in this kind of programming. An additional software was developed in order to calculate reactive residue curve maps. Results obtained with the developed program were compared with the published in the literature for several mixtures, showing the efficiency and robustness of the developed softwares.

Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by neurological and cutaneous symptoms. Fortunately, it can be treated and the symptoms prevented by oral administration of the vitamin biotin. Using dried blood-soaked filter paper cards, biotinidase activity was determined in the sera of 225,136 newborns in Brazil. Mutation analysis performed on DNA from 21 babies with low serum biotinidase activity confirmed that 3 had profound biotinidase deficiency (less than 10% of mean normal sera biotinidase activity), 10 had partial biotinidase deficiency (10 to 30% of mean normal serum activity), 1 was homozygous for partial biotinidase deficiency, 4 were heterozygous for either profound or partial deficiency, and 3 were normal. Variability in serum enzyme activities and discrepancies with mutation analyses were probably due to inappropriate handling and storage of samples sent to the laboratory. Obtaining an appropriate control serum at the same time as that of the suspected child will undoubtedly decrease the false-positive rate (0.09%). Mutation analysis can be used to confirm the genotype of these children. The estimated incidence of biotinidase deficiency in Brazil is about 1 in 9,000, higher than in most other countries. Screening and treatment of biotinidase deficiency are effective and warranted. These results strongly suggest that biotinidase deficiency should be included in the newborn mass screening program of Brazil.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar e comparar os registros eletrocardiográficos de cães clinicamente normais, obtidos pelos métodos convencional, computadorizado e pela leitura direta do registro computadorizado impresso, visando padronizar o método informatizado e confrontá-lo com o convencional. Concluiu-se que existem diferenças quanto a amplitude e duração da onda P e duração do complexo QRS entre diferentes métodos, especialmente em relação ao computadorizado, devendo-se sempre levar em consideração esse fato durante a interpretação dos exames.

The objective of this work was to analyze and to compare the electrocardiograms of normal dogs, obtained by conventional and computerized methods and by reading the computerized registration printed on paper. The obtained results showed that there are differences among the three methods on P wave and QRS complex.