Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.

Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects’ tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

The worldwide emergence of viral diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile and Yellow Fever urge the search for solutions to eliminate their common vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This paper describes the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and docking studies of a series of nine 3-(3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)propionic acids (AOPA), 1-9, previously published by our group. Additionally, three new 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, 10-12, have also been synthesized, characterized and studied. The QSAR and docking studies of all compounds, 1-12, clearly indicate that larger hydrophobic substituents such as biphenyl groups attached on position 3 in 1,2,4-oxadiazoles improve the larvicidal activity. It is worthwhile to mention that nanocapsulation of compounds 10-12 were necessary to help their dissolution in water and these three new 1,2,4-oxadiazoles also exhibited approximately equal or higher larvicidal activities compared to the former prototypes at stage L4.

Diethylene glycol is an extremely toxic substance to humans. Recently, cases of beer contamination in Brazil have raised awareness of the need for developing simple screening methods to evaluate this type of compound. This research developed a liquid-liquid extraction with low-temperature partitioning technique to determine diethylene glycol in beer via gas chromatography. Employing a flame-ionization detector simplifies the method, lowers its cost and therefore, it can be used as screening step to assess the possibility of contamination. A gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer would be used only for a confirmatory analysis. The optimized method was validated for the main figures of merit, and it proved to be adequate, with good values of recovery rate (94-106%), limit of detection (3.0 mg L-1), and quantification (10.0 mg L-1). Accuracy, in terms of repeatability and intermediate accuracy, showed variation coefficients lower than or equal to 20%. This method was applied to 28 samples of beers marketed in Brazil, and diethylene glycol was found above the limit of detection in three of them (10.7%). These results were confirmed by a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer, which showed the reliability of the screening method for determining diethylene glycol in beer samples.

Abstract Detrusor hypocontractility (DH) is a disease without a gold standard treatment in traditional medicine. Therefore, there is a need to develop innovative therapies. The present report presents the case of a patient with DH who was transplanted with 2 x 106 adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells twice and achieved significant improvements in their quality of life. The results showed that cell therapy reduced the voiding residue from 1,800 mL to 800 mL, the maximum cystometric capacity from 800 to 550 mL, and bladder compliance from 77 to 36.6 mL/cmH2O. Cell therapy also increased the maximum flow from 3 to 11 mL/s, the detrusor pressure from 08 to 35 cmH2O, the urine volume from 267 to 524 mL and the bladder contractility index (BCI) value from 23 to 90. The International Continence on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form score decreased from 17 to 8. Given the above, it is inferred that the transplantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells is an innovative and efficient therapeutic strategy for DH treatment and improves the quality of life of patients affected by this disease.

Resumo A Hipocontratilidade Detrusora (HD) é uma doença sem um tratamento padrão-ouro na medicina tradicional. Logo, há a necessidade de desenvolvimento de terapias inovadoras. O presente relato apresenta um caso de paciente com HD transplantado duas vezes com 2 x 106 células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas do tecido adiposo que obteve melhoras significativas em sua qualidade de vida. Os resultados demonstraram que a terapia celular reduziu o resíduo miccional de 1.800mL para 800mL; a Capacidade Cistométrica Máxima de 800 para 550mL; a complacência de 77 para 36,6mL/cmH2O. A terapia celular também aumentou o fluxo máximo de 3 para 11mL/s; a pressão detrusora de 08 para 35cmH2O; o volume urinado de 267 para 524mL e o índice de contratilidade vesical (BCI) de 23 para 90. O score do International Continence on Incontinence Questionare - Short Form passou de 17 para 8. Diante do exposto, infere-se que o transplante de células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas do tecido adiposo é uma estratégia terapêutica inovadora e eficiente para o tratamento da HD e para melhoria da qualidade de vida de pacientes acometidos por essa doença.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis transmitted by vectors, with dogs being the main domestic reservoirs. Brazil is one of the countries most affected by this disease, and it has been described in humans and dogs in every region in the country. In the northern region leishmaniasis cases in humans have been described in more than 100 municipalities in the State, including the capital, Belém. This study involves two cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in which the animals developed clinical signs compatible with the disease in urban areas in Belém, the Pará state capital. The diagnosis was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect SSUr-rDNA and kDNA of Leishmania sp. and Leishmania infantum, respectively. In one of the cases the animal died and in the other the animal underwent treatment with medicines prescribed for dogs. Through this treatment, parasitemia in the second animal has been kept under control and is being monitored through molecular tests. Previously, no canine cases had been notified from urban neighborhoods in the city of Belém, but only on the island of Cotijuba, at a distance of 29 kilometers from the city. Cases of canine and human leishmaniasis have been recorded close to the capital, Belém, which has areas of conserved vegetation and where the presence of disease vectors has been described. Thus, as has been done in several other Brazilian cities, this study uses clinical and laboratory findings to confirm the presence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Belém.

Resumo A leishmaniose é uma antropozoonose transmitida por vetores, sendo os cães os principais reservatórios domésticos. O Brasil é um dos países mais acometidos por esta doença, sendo descrita em humanos e cães em todas as regiões do país. Na região norte casos de leishmaniose em humanos foram descritos em mais de 100 municípios do Estado, incluindo a capital, Belém. Este estudo envolve dois casos de leishmaniose visceral canina em que os animais desenvolveram sinais clínicos compatíveis com a doença em áreas urbanas de Belém, capital do estado do Pará. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detectar o SSUr-rDNA e kDNA de Leishmania sp e Leishmania infantum, respectivamente. Em um dos casos o animal veio a óbito e no outro o animal foi submetido a tratamento com medicamentos prescritos para cães. Por meio desse tratamento, a parasitemia no segundo animal foi mantida sob controle e está sendo monitorada por meio de testes moleculares. Anteriormente, nenhum caso canino havia sido notificado em bairros urbanos da cidade de Belém, apenas na ilha de Cotijuba, distante 29 quilômetros da cidade. Casos de leishmaniose canina e humana foram registrados próximo à capital, Belém, que possui áreas de vegetação conservada e onde foi descrita a presença de vetores de doenças. Assim, como tem sido registrado em várias outras cidades brasileiras, este estudo utiliza achados clínicos e laboratoriais para confirmar a presença de casos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral canina na cidade de Belém.

Abstract Alumina is a polymorphic bioceramic that has been extensively investigated for application in bone regeneration. Dense α-alumina has been considered a suitable biomaterial for dental and orthopedic implants due to its superior mechanical properties. However, its use is limited due to its high inertia in a biological environment. Recent investigations have focused on its distinct phases and surface characteristics through the control of morphology, physical properties, and chemical composition to enhance bioactivity. This article presents a brief review of the developments in porous α-alumina and amorphous-γ-alumina transition. Most studies have shown that composites and alumina coated with bioactive materials, high surface area, and hydroxylated surface can significantly improve biological properties. Cellular responses such as fixation, growth, and proliferation, as well as biomineralization, are the main studies to validate improvements in bioactive properties.

Abstract This work produced glass foams from soda-lime glass bottles, bentonite, and alumina by the replica method. Compositions with different contents of bentonite (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were prepared and heat-treated at 800 °C. In the alumina-added compositions, 50 wt% of the bentonite was replaced by the alumina. The influences of the content of bentonite (binder) and alumina addition were evaluated through the physical-mechanical properties. The results showed that the alumina did not promote a significant effect on physical and mechanical properties in most glass foams; the exception was the sample with 20 wt% bentonite+alumina, which presented better physical properties (lower linear shrinkage and density and greater porosity) when compared to its equivalent sample (without alumina). Foams with 5% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed higher linear shrinkage indexes and high densification. Samples with 15% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed the best combination of properties: higher porosity (79.2% and 80.2%), water absorption (58.8% and 59.7%), lower shrinkage index (25.5% and 29.4%), and good flexural strength (0.69 and 0.45 MPa).

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has attracted interest for sensory applications due to its high surface area and the high density of active adsorption sites. This review shows the effect of the nanostructure, synthesis technique, operating temperature, target gas, and the impact of incorporating metallic elements on the detection properties of TiO2. The studies showed that the TiO2 gas detection process is closely related to surface reactions. Therefore, sensing properties, such as sensitivity, response time, and recovery, vary with factors that influence the surface reactions, such as chemical elements, morphology, microstructure of the depletion layer, and operating temperature.

Seventeen Schiff bases bearing 2-aminothiophene derivatives were designed and synthesized using molecular simplification. The resulting compounds (4a-4q) were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity against dermatophytes. Prediction of their druglikeness and pharmacokinetic properties, establishment of their structure-activity relationships (SAR), and cytotoxic evaluation of the most active compounds were performed. Using an eco-friendly procedure, microwave assisted synthesis resulted in compounds in good yields (35-85%). Compounds 4a-4q presented good druglikeness and pharmacokinetic profiles and no cytotoxicity for any cell line tested up to 100 µM. The compounds presenting the best antifungal profiles were 4e, 4f, 4g, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4o and 4p with more than one minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value occurring between 16-64 µg mL-1, thus, in some cases better than the reference drug (fluconazole). SAR testing indicated that the presence of halogens and nitro substituents increases antifungal activity. Taken together, the results demonstrate that 2-aminothiophene derivatives are promising lead compounds for the development of antifungal drugs.

Abstract In recent years there is a high interest in the freeze-casting process because it is a simple, economical, and environmentally friendly method for obtaining highly porous materials. Most of the materials obtained by this technique have directional pore structure and anisotropic properties. However, a wide range of pore size and morphology can be obtained by the control of processing parameters, such as solvent type, solids concentration, particle size, freezing rate, and types of additives. The varied morphologies permit the application of freeze-casted materials in various technological applications. However, despite the high amount of studies about freeze-casting of ceramic materials in the last years, review articles addressing the influence of processing parameters on the pore characteristics of obtained ceramics are still scanty. Therefore, this review addresses the influence of freeze-casting process parameters on the pore characteristics of the ceramic materials.

Abstract Wilson’s Plover, Charadrius wilsonia, is widely distributed in coastal areas of the Americas. This report presents the first record of breeding in this species on Coroa do Avião Island, on the coast of Pernambuco, and in the estuary of the Cardoso and Camurupim rivers, on the coast of Piauí, in northeastern Brazil, extending the known area of reproduction of this species in this region. One breeding pair was observed on October 29th 2014 on Coroa do Avião Island, and a second pair was recorded on April 6th 2016 in the Cardoso/Camurupim estuary on the Piauí coast. Both the male and the female contributed to the incubation of the eggs. The nest on Coroa do Avião island was camouflaged by the local vegetation, but despite this, the eggs were attacked by a predator. Possible predators observed on the island included Caracara plancus and domestic cats and dogs.

Resumo Charadrius wilsonia (Wilson’s Plover) está amplamente distribuído pela costa das Américas. Este é o primeiro registro de reprodução no litoral de Pernambuco, Coroa do Avião, e no estuário dos rios Cardoso e Camurupim, litoral do Piauí, Brasil, ampliando a área de reprodução no Nordeste do Brasil. Foi encontrado um casal em período reprodutivo em 23 de outubro de 2014 na ilha Coroa do Avião, litoral de Pernambuco e outro registro em 06 de abril de 2016 nos estuários Cardoso e Camurupim, litoral do Piauí. Foi observado que o macho e a fêmea contribuem na incubação dos ovos. A vegetação na ilha contribui para a camuflagem do ninho, bem como na proteção dos ovos pelos predadores. Apesar da proteção ocorreu a predação do ninho na ilha Coroa do Avião. Alguns possíveis predadores foram registrados na ilha, como Caracara plancus que diariamente frequentam a área e animais domésticos como cães e gatos.

ABSTRACT Excess weight caused by accumulation of body fat and increased waist circumference can cause health risks for young people, contributing to the development of early psychosocial problems and reduced quality of life of adolescents. In this context, self-concept is an important indicator of psychological well-being, especially in young age. Among the many factors that may contribute to the perception of self-concept is the body composition, which is constantly modified in this phase of life. In this sense, excessive accumulation of body fat and increased abdominal circumference may be associated with positive or negative self-concepts, favoring the development of psychosocial factors in the young population for healthy behaviors. Thus, this study sought to analyze the relationship of waist circumference, fat percentage and the physical and global self-concept of female adolescents. For that, a cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 101 female adolescents, students of the High School of a State Technical School of the city of São Paulo. The Harter self-perception scale for adolescents was validated for Brazilian adolescents, in the dimensions of physical and global self-concept, and anthropometric measures of body mass and height were checked for BMI (body mass index), skin folds for the percentage of fat and perimeters for waist circumference. A small inverse correlation was found between the variables physical self-concept and waist circumference corroborating with other studies that indicated similar results.

RESUMO O excesso de peso causado pelo acúmulo de gordura corporal e a circunferência de cintura aumentada podem ocasionar riscos à saúde dos jovens, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de problemas psicossociais precoces e redução da qualidade de vida do adolescente. Nesse contexto, o autoconceito é um importante indicador de bem-estar psicológico, principalmente na idade jovem. Dentre os inúmeros fatores que podem contribuir para a percepção do autoconceito está a composição corporal, que é constantemente modificada nessa fase da vida. Nesse sentido, o acúmulo excessivo de gordura corporal e o aumento da circunferência abdominal podem estar associadas a autoconceitos positivos ou negativos sobre si mesmo, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de fatores psicossociais da população jovem em prol de comportamentos saudáveis ou não. Assim, esse trabalho buscou analisar a relação da circunferência de cintura, o percentual de gordura e o autoconceito físico e global de adolescentes do sexo feminino. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo transversal com a participação de 101 adolescentes do sexo feminino, estudantes do Ensino Médio de uma Escola Técnica Estadual da cidade de São Paulo. Foi utilizada a escala de Autopercepção de Harter para Adolescentes validada para adolescentes Brasileiros, nas dimensões do autoconceito físico e global, e aferidas medidas antropométricas de massa corporal e estatura para a verificação do IMC (índice de massa corporal), pregas cutâneas para o percentual de gordura e perímetros para a circunferência de cintura. Foi encontrada uma correlação pequena e inversa entre as variáveis autoconceito físico e circunferência de cintura corroborando com outros estudos que apontaram resultados similares.

RESUMEN El exceso de peso causado por la acumulación de grasa corporal y la circunferencia de cintura aumentada pueden ocasionar riesgos para la salud de los jóvenes, contribuyendo al desarrollo de problemas psicosociales precoces y reducción de la calidad de vida del adolescente. En ese contexto, el autoconcepto es un importante indicador de bienestar psicológico, principalmente en la edad joven. Entre los innumerables factores que pueden contribuir a la percepción del autoconcepto está la composición corporal, que es constantemente modificada en esa fase de la vida. En este sentido, la acumulación excesiva de grasa corporal y el aumento de la circunferencia abdominal pueden estar asociadas a autoconceptos positivos o negativos sobre sí mismo, favoreciendo el desarrollo de factores psicosociales de la población joven en pro de comportamientos sanos o no. Así, ese trabajo buscó analizar la relación de la circunferencia de cintura, el porcentaje de grasa y el autoconcepto físico y global de adolescentes del sexo femenino. Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal con la participación de 101 adolescentes del sexo femenino, estudiantes de la Enseñanza Media de una Escuela Técnica Estadual de la ciudad de São Paulo. Se utilizó la escala de Autopercepción de Harter para Adolescentes validada para adolescentes brasileños, en las dimensiones del autoconcepto físico y global, y medidas medidas antropométricas de masa corporal y estatura para la verificación del IMC (índice de masa corporal), pliegues cutáneos para el porcentual de masa corporal grasa y perímetros para la circunferencia de cintura. Se encontró una correlación pequeña e inversa entre las variables autoconcepto físico y circunferencia de cintura corroborando con otros estudios que apuntar resultados similares.

Resumo As argilas são componentes fundamentais das massas para produção de materiais cerâmicos tradicionais, pois garantem plasticidade na etapa de conformação e resistência mecânica após a queima; também podem ser utilizadas nas formulações de cerâmicas refratárias devido ao desenvolvimento da fase mulita em temperaturas elevadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da composição, tempo de maturação e temperatura de queima em formulações à base de argilas para uso na fabricação de materiais refratários. As argilas foram caracterizadas por análise granulométrica, análise química, refratariedade, difração de raios X, análise térmica diferencial e termogravimétrica. As formulações contendo caulim mais ball clay e caulim mais esmectita foram submetidas à maturação por um período de 1 a 4 semanas. Em seguida, as massas foram conformadas por prensagem uniaxial obtendo-se corpos de prova, que foram submetidos a tratamento térmico em 1200, 1300 e 1400 °C, e, posteriormente, analisados quanto às propriedades: absorção de água, retração linear de queima e resistência à flexão em três pontos. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que as formulações em estudo apresentaram após queima fases de quartzo, cristobalita e mulita como fase majoritária. A temperatura de queima foi o parâmetro que apresentou maior influência nas propriedades avaliadas, com maior efeito da temperatura mais alta (1400 °C).

Abstract Clays are key components of mass for traditional ceramic materials production because they ensure plasticity in the shaping step and mechanical resistance after firing. They can also be used in refractory ceramic formulations due to the development of mullite phase at high temperatures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of composition, maturation time, and firing temperature on clay formulations for use in manufacturing refractory materials. The clays were characterized by particle size analysis, chemical analysis, refractoriness, X-ray diffraction, as well as differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses. Formulations containing kaolin with ball clay and kaolin with smectite were submitted to a maturation period of 1 to 4 weeks. Next, the masses were shaped by uniaxial pressing to obtain test specimens, which were then subjected to heat treatment at 1200, 1300 and 1400 °C, and the following properties were subsequently analyzed: water absorption, linear firing shrinkage, and three-point flexural strength. The results showed that after firing the samples had quartz, cristobalite and mullite phases, with the latter as the major phase. The firing temperature was the parameter that had the greatest influence on the evaluated properties, with the highest temperature (1400 °C) exerting the most influence.

Resumo As argilas bentoníticas são materiais constituídos por um ou mais argilominerais esmectíticos e alguns minerais acessórios, principalmente quartzo, cristobalita, micas, feldspatos e outros argilominerais, como a caulinita. Esses contaminantes presentes nas argilas apresentam larga distribuição de tamanhos de partículas que restringem em muito suas aplicações industriais, o que aponta como provável solução para sua redução o uso do hidrociclone. Este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar o tratamento de argilas esmectitícas do estado da Paraíba utilizando modelagem, otimização e simulação da variável diâmetro médio de partículas em relação a diversas variáveis de processo relativas ao hidrociclone. Neste estudo, o diâmetro médio das argilas esmectíticas foi avaliado em função dos fatores pressão, diâmetro do apex e diâmetro do vortex do hidrociclone. Foi utilizado o planejamento fatorial completo e adição nos pontos centrais para modelar o processo de hidrociclonagem. Os resultados evidenciaram redução do tamanho médio equivalente das partículas de aproximadamente 19,2%. Em relação às simulações, o ponto ótimo de menor valor foi para o diâmetro médio de 4,033 µm para pressão de 4,3 bar, abertura do apex de 5,3 mm, abertura do vortex de 6,3 mm para nível de confiança de 95%.

Abstract Bentonite clays are materials composed by one or more smectite clay minerals and some accessory minerals, mainly quartz, cristobalite, mica, feldspars and other clay minerals such as kaolinite. These contaminants present in clays have a large distribution of particle sizes which severely restrict their industrial applications, with the use of hydrocyclone as a likely solution for their reduction. This study aims to analyze the treatment of smectite clays from the state of Paraíba using modeling, simulation and optimization of the variable average particle diameter in relation to various process variables related to the hydrocyclone. In this study, the average diameter of smectite clays was evaluated as a function of the factors: pressure, apex diameter and vortex diameter of the hydrocyclone. Complete factorial design and addition in the central points were used to model the hydrocycloning process. The results evidenced reduction in equivalent average particle size of approximately 19.2%. Regarding the simulations, the optimum point with the lowest value was found for the average diameter of 4.033 µm, with a pressure of 4.3 bar, apex opening of 5.3 mm, and vortex opening of 6.3 mm, all at a 95% confidence level.