Abstract Introduction Tendinopathy, a disease involving tendon inflammation and damage, results in considerable productivity and economic losses for the patient and the society. Currently available diagnosis/ treatment monitoring modalities are less efficacious and highly subjective, underlying the need for better tools. Previously, we have shown that Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has potential in tendinopathy diagnosis/ monitoring, when combined with multivariate statistical analysis. The current study explores the spectral range that gave the best results in statistical analysis, to discover protein secondary structures associated with tendon injury and recovery that can act as markers of disease. Methods Animals (n=60) underwent a surgery in which Achilles tendon were injured by dropping a 20g weight. Rats were divided into three groups (n=20) – control (C), Achilles tendon injury (I) and Achilles tendon injury treated with amniotic membrane fragment treated (T). FTIR spectra were obtained from each group 3, 7, 14, and 28 days post injury/ treatment. Results Triple helix, β-turn, and disordered structure levels differ between control, injured and treated tendons over the time period studied. Parallel β-sheets increase steadily over time in treated tendons compared to control and injured. Conclusion Combined analysis of Triple helix, β- sheets, β-turn, and disordered structure levels may be useful for tendinopathy diagnosis and treatment monitoring. However, further studies in this area are required to confirm the findings.

The radiopacity of CAC-based compositions containing additives (ZnO, Ag and Bi2O3) was evaluated by optical density measurements, cold crushing strength, apparent porosity, pore size distribution, in vitro apatite-formation ability (bioactivity) and cell viability. The bioactivity was assessed via pH and calcium concentration measurements in simulated body fluid (SBF) for samples previously treated or not with sodium silicate (SS) solution. The surface of the samples after treatment was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and confocal Raman spectroscopy. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Radiopacity results confirmed that compositions containing ZnO-Ag (25:1 wt%) and ZnO-Bi2O3 (15:10 wt%) presented suitable values of radiopacity (> 3 mmAl). The identification of calcium and mainly phosphorus by EDX, highlighted the generation of an apatite-like layer on the compositions' surface after immersion in SBF or SBF/SS. CAC-blend containing 25 wt% ZnO, ZnO-Ag and ZnO-Bi2O3 presented slightly lower cell viability compared to the positive control.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of human amniotic membrane (hAM) fragment on inflammatory response, proliferation of fibroblast and organization of collagen fibers in injured tendon. Methods: Sixty rats were divided into 3 groups: C - surgical procedures without tendon lesion and with simulation of hAM application; I - surgical procedures, tendon injury and simulation of hAM application; T - surgical procedures, tendon injury and hAM application. These groups were subdivided into four experimental times (3, 7, 14 and 28 days). The samples underwent histological analysis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Results: Histological analysis at 14 days, the T group showed collagen fibers with better alignment. At 28 days, the I group presented the characteristics described for the T group at 14 days, while this group presented aspects of a mature connective tissue. FT-IR analysis showed a clear distinction among the three groups at all experimental times and groups T and I presented more similarities to each other than to group C. Conclusion: Acute injury of tendon treated with human amniotic membrane fragment showed a faster healing process, reduction in inflammatory response, intense proliferation of fibroblasts and organization of collagen fibers.

Abstract Introduction Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is a technique with great potential for body fluids analyses. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of session training on cortisol concentrations in rugby players by means of infrared analysis of serum. Methods Blood collections were performed pre, post and 24 hours after of rugby training sessions. Serum cortisol was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy and chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results There was a significant difference between the integrated area, in the region of 1180-1102 cm-1, of the spectra for pre, post and post 24 h serums. The cortisol concentration obtained by chemiluminescent immunoassay showed no significant difference between pre, post and post 24 h. Positive correlations were obtained between the techniques (r = 0.75), post (r = 0.83) and post 24 h (r = 0.73). Conclusion The results showed no increase in cortisol levels of the players after the training sessions, as well as positive correlations indicating that FT-IR spectroscopy have produced promising results for the analysis of serum for diagnosis of stress.

AbstractIntroduction: The diagnosis based on salivary biomarkers provides information about the physiological condition. However, the clinical trials used to analyze these biomarkers are relatively expensive and laborious. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the physiological stress in players using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Methods Thirteen male rugby players were submitted to the treadmill fatigue test and saliva collections were performed before and immediately after test. The FT-IR spectra of saliva samples were analyzed by the second derivative and cluster analysis. Results From the results of cluster analysis were possible to discriminate the spectra of saliva before and after physical effort using the spectral region between 1490 to 1420 cm–1. Only the saliva spectra from two players were not discriminated in pre-exercise group and post-exercise group, which are in agreement with lowest value of heart rates. Conclusion The second derivative showed differences between the average spectra of saliva samples collected pre and post-test, which explain the spectra discrimination by the cluster analysis using a specific infrared region for the identification of physiological stress.

O artigo contextualiza a discussão sobre os Estudos de Usuários de Informação através de revisão bibliográfica crítica e da evolução histórica do conceito e mapeia os fundamentos da área bem como seu reflexo nas grades curriculares dos cursos de graduação em Biblioteconomia na Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) e Universidade de Brasília (UnB). Os dados obtidos permitem afirmar que os Estudos de Usuários devem ocupar uma posição relevante no processo de formação do Bibliotecário e na definição dos Serviços de Informação oferecidos pela Biblioteca.

The work discusses user’s information studies through bibliographical critical review and its conceptual historical evolution. It maps the foundations of the area, as well as its reflection in the curriculum of undergraduate courses in Library and Information Science at the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and University of Brasilia (UnB). The obtained data indicates that the user’s studies should be taken into account in the Librarian curriculum programs and in the definition of Information Services offered by the library.

El articulo contextualiza la discusión sobre los Estudios de Usuarios de Información a través de la revisión bibliográfica critica y de la evolución histórica del concepto y mapea los fundamentos del área así como su reflejo en los planes de estudios de los cursos de graduación en Biblioteconomía en la Universidad de São Paulo (USP), Universidad Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Universidad Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) y Universidad de Brasília (UnB). Los datos obtenidos permiten afirmar que los Estudios de Usuarios deben ocupar una posición relevante en el proceso de formación del Bibliotecario y en la definición de los Servicios de Información ofrecidos por la Biblioteca.

Introduction Saliva is the most promising biofluid to monitor the physiological state of athletes, because this method is not invasive and has low contamination risks. The characterization of saliva by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been studied as an alternative technique to the standard clinical analysis. However, methodological procedures for saliva analysis are not completely clear, especially in terms of influence of storage conditions and sample preparations for infrared analysis. Thawed saliva includes a precipitate, which may influence the infrared spectral analysis. Thus, the purpose of this study was to show the spectral differences of the precipitate, supernatant, and a combo, as well as the best way to classify the physiological state of the athletes by FT-IR. Methods The saliva collection was performed before, immediately after, and two hours after a handball match. After the storage of samples at –20 ○C, it was possible to identify two phases (precipitate and supernatant) and to determine the biochemical differences between the spectra of each phase, which were distinctly analyzed by the second derivative and deconvolution bands. Results The precipitate and supernatant results showed characteristic bands, especially in the protein regions. All FT-IR spectra were also statistically classified by linear discriminant analysis (LDA), using principal component analysis (PCA). The LDA precipitate and supernatant had lower value when compared to combo spectra (Combination of precipitate and supernatant) with 82%, showing that this combination is the best way to discriminate spectra of saliva samples collected before, immediately after, and 2 h after physical effort. Discussion The results showed that it is possible to differentiate biochemically the two salivary phases, as well as the importance of the homogenization process of saliva samples to classify the physiological status of athletes using FT-IR.

Introduction The colorectal cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Histology is considered the gold standard for differential diagnosis. However, it depends on the observer's experience, which can lead to discrepancies and poor results. Spectroscopic imaging by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is a technique that may be able to improve the diagnosis, because it is based on biochemical differences of the structural constituents of tissue. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to explore the use of FTIR imaging technique in normal colon tissue, colorectal adenoma, and adenocarcinoma in order to correlate their morphological structures with their biochemical imaging. Methods Samples were collected from normal (n = 4), adenoma (n = 4), and adenocarcinoma human colorectal tissue (n = 4) from patients undergoing colonoscopy or surgical resection of colon lesions. The samples were sectioned with a cryostat in sequential sections; the first slice was placed on CaF2 slide and the second slice was placed on glass slide for histological analysis (HE staining). The cluster analyses were performed by the software Cytospec (1.4.02)®. Results In normal samples, biochemical analysis classified six different structures, namely the lamina propria of mucous glands (epithelial cells and goblet cells), central lumen of the gland, mucin, and conjunctive tissue. In samples with adenoma and adenocarcinoma, altered regions could also be identified with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate the potential and viability of using infrared spectroscopy to identify and classify colorectal tissues.

INTRODUCTION: Skin health and skin care to reduce the effects of aging are the main interests of many researchers. The skin is very important because it protects the body from various effects of the external environment, and studies of the largest organ of the human body have been conducted since antiquity. In skin, aging effects are severe enough to promote changes in cell structure and biochemical composition. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the water content and natural moisturizing factor of human facial skin in vivo and in real time by confocal Raman spectroscopy. This non-invasive technique is capable of providing detailed information on the biochemical composition at different depth profiles in the skin. METHODS: We studied 10 volunteers, phototype II (40 and 50 years old), using a confocal Raman system to examine the skin surface down to 25 µm. Raman spectra were obtained before product use (T0), and after 30 days of continuous use of cosmetics (T30). RESULTS: The results show a significant increase of 6.4% in water content in the surface layer of the facial skin after the cosmetic use. The amounts of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) compounds were also increased. Urocanic acid underwent a greater change in relation to carboxylic acid pyrrolidone, with a 38.5% increase in the stratum corneum. CONCLUSION: Confocal Raman spectroscopy identified changes in the biochemical composition of the superficial layers of the epidermis, which suggests the anti-aging efficacy of the formulation.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit a delay in the lesion repair process. The active components of Cenostigma macrophyllum may represent a viable alternative to facilitate the recovery of these lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of emulsion oil-water Cenostigma macrophyllum in the repair process of lesions in rats with induced diabetes. METHODS: 63 male rats (Wistar, 200-250 g body weight, 30-40 days old) were distributed into the following groups: control (C), diabetic (D) and diabetic treated with Cenostigma macrophyllum (P), subdivided based on the experimental times, days 7, 14 and 28, with 21 animals per main group. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg via penile vein and 12-h fasting) and confirmed at day 21 (glycemic index > 240 mg/dL). In the animals of group P, 0.5 ml of the oil-water emulsion obtained from the plant seed was used. The samples were removed and hemisectioned, and one portion was used for the quantitative histological analysis of collagen using Masson's trichrome staining, while another portion was analyzed by FT-Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: A higher percentage area of the volume of collagen fibers was observed for the experimental time Day 14 in group P compared with group D (p < 0.001). Regarding the ratio of areas of the amides I (1700‑1600 cm-1) and III (1245-1345 cm-1), the groups D and P show the opposite behavior. CONCLUSION: Cenostigma macrophyllum accelerated the repair process in skin of diabetic ratsfor14 days.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic diseases are considered public health problems affecting millions of people worldwide resulting in high and rising health-care costs. In this work, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy associated to Partial Least Square regression (PLS) analysis was used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from human serum. METHODS: The sera of 94 individuals were collected, which included 47 from rheumatic patients and 47 from healthy individuals. The results from PLS analysis were compared to standard clinical trials such as anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies, C- Reactive protein, and Rheumatoid factor. RESULTS: For clinical diagnosis, the anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies of second generation proved to be the most specific to diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis even after long periods of drug therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative PLS analysis has shown higher values of IgM of RA group, but the difference was very small. The RA patients were under medication, which interfered with the IgM concentration.

O envelhecimento cutâneo caracteriza-se por alterações celulares e moleculares. Neste contexto, a espectroscopia Raman Confocal foi utilizada para medir estas alterações bioquímicas em função da profundidade da pele in vivo. Neste estudo houve a tentativa de correlacionar os modos vibracionais dos aminoácidos puros com os espectros da pele de voluntárias de diferentes faixas etárias. Foram coletados espectros in vivo de 32 voluntárias, sendo 11 para o Grupo A (20-23 anos), 11 para o Grupo B (39-42 anos) e 10 para o Grupo C (59-62 anos). Para cada grupo, os espectros Raman foram medidos na superfície (0 µm), 30 ± 3 µm e 60 ± 3 µm. Os resultados das comparações intergrupos mostraram que o grupo de maior idade teve prevalência da banda da tirosina, mas também apresentou um decréscimo da banda do ácido pirrolidônico, centrada em 875 cm-1. A banda da amida I, centrada em 1637 cm-1, atribuída à presença de colágeno, como também outras proteínas e lipídeos, apresentou uma menor intensidade no Grupo C, o que pode ser justificado pelo decréscimo na concentração de colágeno em função da idade.

Skin aging is characterized by cellular and molecular alterations. In this context, Confocal Raman spectroscopy was used in vivo to measure these biochemical changes as function of the skin depth. In this study we have tried to correlate spectra from pure amino acids to in vivo spectra from volunteers with different ages. This study was performed on 32 volunteers: 11 from Group A (20-23 years), 11 from Group B (39-42 years) and 10 from Group C (59-62 years). For each group, the Raman spectra were measured on the surface (0 µm), 30 ± 3 µm and 60 ± 3 µm below the surface. The results from intergroup comparisons showed that the oldest group had a prevalence of the tyrosine band, but it also presented a decrease in the band centered at 875 cm-1 of pyrrolidone acid. The amide I band centered at 1637 cm-1 that is attributed to collagen, as well as other proteins and lipid, showed a smaller amount of these biomolecules for Group C, which can be explained by the decrease in collagen concentration as a function of age.

OBJETIVO: Trabalhos experimentais demonstram que as defesas do hospedeiro frente ao Pneumocystis carinii incluem interações complexas entre as células imunes, principalmente linfócitos TCD4+ e macrófagos alveolares. Sendo esse um agente importante associado às imunodeficiências, nosso objetivo foi caracterizar a resposta inflamatória em pulmão de necrópsias de pacientes com AIDS. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 25 necrópsias com diagnóstico de pneumonia por Pneumocystis carinii para pesquisa imuno-histoquímica de linfócitos TCD4+, TCD8+, macrófagos CD68+, células NK CD57+ e células com expressão de TNF-alfa. As células imunomarcadas foram quantificadas e analisadas estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Todos os espécimes evidenciaram elevado parasitismo na luz dos alvéolos. Observou-se espessamento septal com infiltrado inflamatório constituído predominantemente por linfócitos e macrófagos. Houve diminuição no número de linfócitos TCD4+ e aumento de linfócitos TCD8+, macrófagos e células NK. No septo alveolar freqüentemente observaram-se células expressando TNF-alfa. CONCLUSÕES: A imunossupressão relacionada à AIDS induz a diminuição de linfócitos TCD4+ e favorece a permanência de elevado parasitismo. Os componentes celulares que caracterizam o infiltrado inflamatório contribuem para os danos irreversíveis no pulmão desses pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: It has been experimentally demonstrated that host defense against Pneumocystis carinii depends on complex interactions within host immune response, mainly CD4 lymphocytes and alveolar macrophages. Since this is an important agent related to immunodeficiency, our purpose was to characterize the inflammatory immune response in lung from necropsy of AIDS patients. PROCEDURES: Twenty-five necropsies with diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were selected for immunohistochemical investigation of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes, macrophages (CD68+), NK cells (CD57+) and cells expressing TNF-alpha. The immunostained cells were quantified and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All specimens presented a great number of cysts of Pneumocystis carinii in alveoli, as well as septal enlargement with inflammatory infiltrate constituted predominantly by lymphocytes and macrophages. CD4+ T cells were decreased in number, and CD8+ T cells, NK cells and macrophages predominated. Cells expressing TNF-alpha were frequently observed in septal inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: The immunosupression related to AIDS induces a reduction in the number of CD4+ T cells and influences high-level parasitism. The cell components that characterize the inflammatory infiltrate contribute to the severe lung injury of those patients.

Este artigo procurar mostrar o programa do Laboratório de Criação Visual do Departamento de Física da Universidade Estadual de Maringá na produção e divulgação de filmes educativos de física em curta-metragem.

This article intend to show the program of the Laboratory of Visual Creation of the Department of Physics of the State University of Maringá in the production and popularization of short-duration educational lms of physics.