Electrochemical immunosensing of low-density lipoprotein based on sol-gel encapsulation

Abstract Lipoprotein monitoring is desirable in the management of medical conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease, in which controlling the concentration of these chylomicrons is crucial. Current clinical methods are complex and present poor reproducibility between laboratories. For these reasons, recent guidelines discard the assessment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a routine analysis during lipid-lowering therapies. Concerning the importance of monitoring this parameter, the authors present an electrochemical immunosensor constructed from a simple and easy-to-reproduce platform that allows detecting and quantifying LDL nanoparticles directly from human serum samples. The performance of the biosensor was studied by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biosensing platform displays good stability and linearity between 30 mg dL-1 and 135 mg dL-1 with a detection limit of 20 mg dL-1. The proposed biosensor can be easily employed for monitoring LDL concentration in clinical treatments.

Electrólisis percutánea intratisular en el tratamiento del dolor / Percutaneous intratissue electrolysis in pain management

En los estudios de los últimos años, se ha propuesto el uso de una novedosa terapia denominada electrólisis percutánea intratisular (EPI), para el tratamiento del dolor en diversas enfermedades. La electrólisis percutánea guiada por ultrasonido, implica la transferencia de corriente galvánica dentro del tejido objetivo del tratamiento (fibrosis) a través de una aguja de 0,30 a 0,33 mm de diámetro. La corriente galvánica, en una solución salina, desarrolla instantáneamente el proceso de electrólisis, que a su vez induce la ablación electroquímica de la fibrosis. La aplicación de breves corrientes galvánicas en una estructura dañada, produce una respuesta inflamatoria local controlada, con la consiguiente mejora de la curación tisular y reducción del dolor(AU)

Síntese, caracterização e atividade antimicrobiana de nanofibras de policaprolactona - nistatina produzidas por eletrofiação / Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties of nanofibers polycaprolactane - nystatin produced by electrospinning

O objetivo desse estudo foi sintetizar um scaffold de nanofibras (NFs) de Policaprolactona (PCL) com adição de nistatina (NYS), caracterizar e avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana. NFs foram sintetizadas pela técnica da eletrofiação, utilizando-se solução de PCL puro e PCL adicionado de NYS. Para a síntese das NFs de PCL, o polímero foi dissolvido em Dimetilformamida (DMF) e 1,1,2,2 Tetracloroetano (TCE), logo após foram adicionadas três concentrações de NYS (Grupos A, B e C). As amostras foram analisadas em Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Espectroscopia por energia dispersiva (EDS), Análise de molhabilidade, Análise de Difratometria de Raios-X (DRX) e Espectroscopia de Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Após a análise em MEV foi realizada a média dos diâmetros das fibras com Software ImageJ. As atividades antimicrobianas foram avaliadas por meio dos testes de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração microbicida mímica (CMM). As NFs de PCL com NYS (A) apresentaram diâmetro de 0,99µm ±0,29, o padrão do grupo B apresentou uma média de diâmetro de 1,3µm ±0,56 e o grupo C 1,24µm ±0,48. O DRX e o EDS comprovaram a presença de PCL e de NYS nas amostras. A CIM e a CMM comprovaram a ação fungicida e fungistática das NFs A, B e C(AU)

The aim of this study was to synthesize a scaffold of policaprolactane (PCL) nanofibers (NFs) with addition of nystatin (NYS), to characterize and evaluate the antimicrobial activity. NFs were synthesized by the electro-spinning technique, using pure PCL and NYS and PCL solutions. For the synthesis of PCL NFs, the polymer was dissolved in Dimethylformamide (DMF) and 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane (TCE), after which three concentrations of NYS (Groups A, B and C) were added. The samples were analyzed in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dispersive Energy Spectroscopy (EDS), Goniometer, X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). After SEM analysis, the mean fiber diameter was performed with ImageJ Software. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated through the tests of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC).The NFs of PCL with NYS (A) had a diameter of 0.99 µm ± 0.29, the standard of group B presented a mean diameter of 1.3 µm ± 0.56 and group C 1.24 µm ± 0.48. The DRX and the EDS verified the presence of PCL and NYS in the samples. CIM and CMM proved the fungicidal and fungistatic action of NFs A, B and C(AU)

Efectos de la corriente eléctrica de baja intensidad en ratones sanos / Effects of low-intensity electric current on healthy mice

Introducción: El conocimiento de los efectos de la terapia electroquímica, en los organismos puede ser importante para el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades. Objetiv:o Evaluar los efectos de la corriente eléctrica directa de baja intensidad en ratones sanos. Métodos: 80 ratones C57BL/6/Cenp sanos (40 machos y 40 hembras) fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en ocho grupos experimentales (cuatro grupos controles y cuatro grupos tratados). La corriente eléctrica directa (10 mA durante 5 min) o tensión constante (10 V durante 5 min) fue aplicada a los ratones. Fueron realizadas observaciones clínicas, macroscópicas, microscópicas y mediciones de los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos de la sangre. Resultados: Se indujeron cambios reversibles en los parámetros hematológicos, bioquímicos de la sangre e histológicos estudiados en ratones C57BL/6/Cenp machos y hembras cuando se usó 10 mA o 10 V y diferentes arreglos de electrodos, siendo menos notable para el modo de tensión constante. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones inducidas en los ratones C57BL/6/Cenp sanos por la corriente eléctrica directa de baja intensidad son reversibles y el proceso inflamatorio sistémico es dominado por los linfocitos(AU)

Introduction: Knowledge about the effects of electrochemotherapy on organisms may be important for the treatment of various diseases. Objective: Evaluate the effects of low-intensity direct electric current on healthy mice. Methods: Eighty healthy C57BL/6/Cenp mice (40 male and 40 female) were randomly distributed in eight experimental groups (four control and four treated). Direct electric current (10 mA during 5 min) or constant voltage (10 V during 5 min) was applied to the mice. Clinical, macroscopic and microscopic observation was performed, and measurements were taken of hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood. Results: Reversible changes were induced in hematological, biochemical and histological parameters of the blood of male and female C57BL/6/Cenp mice when 10 mA or 10 V and various electrode arrays were used. These changes were less noticeable in the constant voltage mode. Conclusions: The alterations induced by low-intensity direct electric current in healthy C57BL/6/Cenp mice are reversible. The systemic inflammatory process is dominated by the lymphocytes(AU)

Titanium Dioxide and Polyethylmethacrylate electrospun nanofibers: assessing the technique parameters and morphological characterization / Nanofibras eletrofiadas de dióxido de titânio e polietilmetacrilato: avaliação dos parâmetros da técnica e caracterização morfológica

This work studied the synthetization and morphological characterization of Polyethylmethacrylate (PEMA) nanofibers (NFs) containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) produced by the electrospinning technique. The solution to produce the nanofibers was prepared by dissolving 2.5g PEMA in 6.75mL of 1.1.2.2- tetrachloroethane and 3.375mL of dimethylformamide (DMF), and 0.405g of TiO2 was added to the solution. The nanofiber production used different distances between the tip of the needle to the collector (10, 12 and 15 cm) and two flow rates (0.05 mLh-1 and 0.08 mLh-1) were employed, while the applied voltage was 17kV. The NF morphology was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Image J software. We used Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to evaluate the structural properties. All parameters were effective in the NF production, however it was shown that the distance of 12 cm produced the best NFs. The mean diameters showed no statistically significant difference between the samples. The FTIR analysis showed characteristic peaks of PEMA and TiO2 . It was concluded that the employed method was efficient for NF production containing PEMA and TiO2 , and the morphological characteristics of the NFs were influenced by the voltage and distance. (AU)

O presente trabalho estudou a sintetização e a caracterização morfologica de nanofibras (NFs) de polietilmetacrilato (PEMA) contendo dióxido de titânio (TiO2) produzidas pela técnica da eletrofiação. A solução para o preparo das nanofibras utilizou 2,5 g de PEMA dissolvidos em 6,75 mL de 1,1,2,2 - tetracloroetano (TCE) e 3,337 mL de dimetilformamida (DMF), em sequência foi adicionado 0, 405g de TiO2 à solução. Para eletrofiação, o equipamento foi constituído por uma fonte de alta tensão, uma seringa plástica com agulha de ponta reta e as NFs obtidas foram coletadas em anteparo metálico a 10, 12 e 15 cm de distância da ponta da agulha. A tensão aplicada foi de 17 kV e o fluxo de ejecção variou de 0.05 mLh-1 e 0.08 mLh1. O diâmetro e a morfologia das NFs foram avaliados por meio de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e pelo software Image J. A Espectroscopia por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e a Spectroscopia por energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS) avaliaram as propriedades estruturais. A análise morfológica das micrografias mostrou que a distância de 12cm da ponta da agulha até o coletor produziu as melhores NFs. O FTIR demonstrou picos característicos de PEMA e TiO2 . Diante dos resultados obtidos podemos concluir que o método empregado foi eficiente para a produção de NFs contendo PEMA e TiO2 e a variação da tensão e distancia influenciaram na morfologias das NFs.(AU)

Advances in enzyme bioelectrochemistry

ABSTRACT Bioelectrochemistry can be defined as a branch of Chemical Science concerned with electron-proton transfer and transport involving biomolecules, as well as electrode reactions of redox enzymes. The bioelectrochemical reactions and system have direct impact in biotechnological development, in medical devices designing, in the behavior of DNA-protein complexes, in green-energy and bioenergy concepts, and make it possible an understanding of metabolism of all living organisms (e.g. humans) where biomolecules are integral to health and proper functioning. In the last years, many researchers have dedicated itself to study different redox enzymes by using electrochemistry, aiming to understand their mechanisms and to develop promising bioanodes and biocathodes for biofuel cells as well as to develop biosensors and implantable bioelectronics devices. Inside this scope, this review try to introduce and contemplate some relevant topics for enzyme bioelectrochemistry, such as the immobilization of the enzymes at electrode surfaces, the electron transfer, the bioelectrocatalysis, and new techniques conjugated with electrochemistry vising understand the kinetics and thermodynamics of redox proteins. Furthermore, examples of recent approaches in designing biosensors and biofuel developed are presented.

The long and successful journey of electrochemically active amino acids. From fundamental adsorption studies to potential surface engineering tools

ABSTRACT Proteins have been the subject of electrochemical studies. It is possible to apply electrochemical techniques to obtain information about their structure due to the presence of five electroactive amino acids that can be oriented to the outside of the peptidic chain. These amino acids are L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), L-Tyrosine (L-Tyr), L-Histidine (L-His), L-Methionine (L-Met) and L-Cysteine (L-Cys); their electrochemical behavior being subject of extensive research, but it is still controversial. No spectroscopic investigations have been reported on L-Trp, and due to the short life time of the intermediates, ex situ techniques cannot be employed, leading to a never-ending discussion about possible intermediates. In the L-Tyr and L-His cases, spectroelectrochemical studies were performed and different intermediates were observed, suggesting that some intermediates may be observed under specific conditions, as proposed for L-Cys. This amino acid is the most interesting among the electroactive ones because of the presence of a thiol moiety at its side chain, leading to a wide range of oxidation states. It can adsorb onto surfaces of different crystallographic orientation in stereoselective conformation, modifying the surface for different applications.as a surface engineering tool since it plays the role of as an anchor for the growing of nanocrystals inside proteic templates.

Terapia electroquímica: relación del patrón espacial del daño tisular con la forma del arreglo de electrodos / Electrochemical therapy: relationship of the tissular damage space pattern with the form of electrodes repair

Se realizó una investigación en la Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de Ciudad de México, desde mayo hasta junio de 2016, con el objetivo de determinar cómo cambia el patrón espacial del daño tisular con la forma del arreglo de electrodos en piezas tridimensionales de papa (Solanum tuberosum L) bajo la acción de 10 mA durante 30 min para los arreglos de electrodos con formas colineal, circular, elíptica, parabólica e hiperbólica). Los resultados mostraron la estrecha relación entre el daño tisular y la forma del arreglo de electrodos, así como algunos hallazgos que se observan también en tumores, tales como: necrosis circular alrededor de todos los electrodos, daño tisular extensivo en espacio y en tiempo, burbujeo alrededor del cátodo, zona blanca alrededor del ánodo; igualmente, se observó que las regiones alejadas de los electrodos no se afectaron

An investigation in the Mechanical and Electric Engineering Higher School of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico City, was carried out from May to June, 2016, aimed at determining how the tissue damage space pattern changes with the electrodes position form in three-dimensional pieces of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under the 10 MA action during 30 minutes for electrodes position with cholineal, round, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic forms). The results showed a close relationship between the tissue damage and the electrodes position form, as well as some findings that are also observed in tumors, such as: circular necrosis around all the electrodes, extensive tissue damage in space and time, bubbling around the cathode, white area near the anode; likewise, it was observed that the regions far from the electrodes were not affected

Determinación electroquímica de plomo y cadmio en aguas superficiales / Electrochemical determination of lead and cadmium in surface water

El método voltametría de onda cuadrada (OSWV) fue validado para la cuantificación de Cd2+ y Pb2+ en aguas superficiales. El estudio fue realizado usando solución Britton-Robinson como electrolito de soporte a pH 4,8, carbón vítreo como electrodo de trabajo, Ag/AgCl como electrodo de referencia y platino como electrodo auxiliar. La técnica presenta un límite de detección 211 ug/L para Pb y 268 ug/L para Cd. La aplicación de la técnica voltamétrica OSWV fue realizada en aguas de la quebrada Las Torres del sector Parque Industrial en Sogamoso (Colombia), hallando una concentración de: Pb2+ 0,750±0,067 mg/L y Cd2+ 0,570±0,071 mg/L, los cuales sobrepasan los límites máximos establecidos por las normas nacionales (Decreto 4728/2010) e internacionales vigentes para aguas residuales. Los resultados fueron contrastados por el método de referencia espectrofotometría de absorción atómica aceptado como referencia, permitiendo deducir que el método electroquímico genera resultados con un nivel de confianza del 95%.

The square wave electrochemical voltammetry method (OSWV) to quantification of cadmium and lead in surface waters was validated. It used a Britton-Robinson buffer as solution supporting electrolyte to pH 4.8, working electrode glassy carbon, Ag/AgCl as reference electrode and platinum as counter electrode. The limit of detection determined was 211 ug/L for Pb and 268 ug/L for Cd. The application of voltammetric technique OSWV was performed in waters of the creek Towers Industrial Park Sector in Sogamoso (Colombia). The ions concentration in the samples analyzed was 0.750±0.067 mg/L for Pb2+ and 0.570±0.071 mg/L for Cd2+, exceeding the national and international standards limits for wastewater. The results obtained by voltammetry were compared with atomic absorption method spectrophotometer traditionally accepted, allowing deducing that the voltammetric method generates results with a confidence level of 95%.

Estudio voltamétrico de la inmovilización de anticuerpos anti-escherichia coli atcc 25922 en electrodos de oro desnudos y modificados con tiourea / Voltammetric study of antibody immobilization anti-escherichia coli atcc 25922 on naked gold electrodes and modified with thiourea

Se realizó el estudio voltamétrico de la inmovilización de anticuerpos anti-Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 en electrodos de oro desnudos y electrodos de oro modificados con tiourea. Las cepas de Escherichia coli fueron cultivadas durante 24 horas en medio tripticasa de soya, provenientes del Laboratorio de Microbiología del Agua de la Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis de la Universidad de Los Andes en Mérida-Venezuela. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que ocurre la inmovilización de los anticuerpos anti-E. coli tanto en la superficie de los electrodos de oro desnudos, así como en los modificados con tiourea, ya que en ambos casos ocurre la detección de Escherichia coli. Al comparar ambos resultados, podemos decir que en oro desnudo el potencial de pico anódico es menor que en oro modificado con tiourea, +0,158V y +0,251V respectivamente; igual comportamiento ocurre con las corrientes de pico anódicas, 0,127x10-4A y 0,156x10-4A respectivamente. Un mayor potencial implica que la presencia de la monocapa de tiourea en el electrodo, hace que se dificulte la transferencia de electrones desde el anticuerpo al electrodo. Así mismo, los resultados obtenidos permiten sugerir un método para la inmovilización de moléculas biológicas en superficies de oro modificadas. De igual forma, el método utilizado permitió demostrar la especificidad de la unión anticuerpo-antígeno (anticuerpo-E.coli), al agregar volúmenes de Klebsiella pneumoneae, demostrando que el inmunosensor tiene la capacidad de reconocer la presencia o ausencia de E. coli en un medio, así como conocer si un anticuerpo es específico o no para un determinado antígeno

The voltammetric study of immobilization of anti-Escherichia coli antibodies ATCC 25922 was carried out on naked gold electrodes and gold electrodes modified with thiourea. The strains of Escherichia coli were cultivated for 24 hours in trypticase soybean medium, from the Laboratory of Microbiology of Water of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis of the University of Los Andes in Merida-Venezuela. The results obtained show that the immobilization of the anti-E. coli antibodies occurs on both the surface of the naked gold electrodes as well as those modified with thiourea, since in both cases the detection of Escherichia coli occurs. When comparing both results, we can say that in naked gold the anodic peak potential is lower than in gold modified with thiourea, +0.158V and +0.251V respectively; similar behavior occurs with the anodic peak currents, 0.127x10-4A and 0.156x10-4A respectively. Higher potential implies that the presence of the thiourea monolayer in the electrode makes it difficult to transfer electrons from the antibody to the electrode. Likewise, the results obtained suggest a method for the immobilization of biological molecules on modified gold surfaces. Likewise, the method used demonstrated the specificity of antibody-antigen (antibody-E.coli) binding, by adding volumes of Klebsiella pneumoneae, demonstrating that the immunosensor has the ability to recognize the presence or absence of E. coli in a medium, as well as to know if an antibody is specific or not for a certain antigen

Enhancement of quantum efficiency of a dye-sensitized electrochemical cell by using triturated zinc oxide mixed with two organic dyes, azure C and rose bengal

For efficiently utilising solar energy, when suitable nanoparticles are being engineered, triturated zinc oxide an eco-friendly, easily available, low-cost material has been used as an agent for solar energy conversion. Two organic dyes Azure C and Rose bengal having absorption bands in two different spectral regions at 545 nm and 610 nm respectively, were chosen in order to overcome the band absorption limits of each dye and utilise the broad spectrum of solar radiation. The material was mixed with these two dyes in a specially devised electrochemical cell and photovoltage with significant efficiency was generated. The energy conversion efficiency of the cell using three different potencies 6C, 30C and 200C of triturated zinc oxide with the same concentration of two dyes (0.5x10-5 M) in all cases are 0.39%, 0.43% and 0.35% respectively. The efficiency is only 0.15% for the mixed dye under similar conditions.

Scaffold architecture for dental biomaterials: influence of process parameters on the structural morphology of chitosan electrospun fibers / Arquitetura de arcabouços para biomateriais: influência dos parâmetros do processo na morfologia estrutural de fibras de quitosana eletrofiadas

Objectives: The electrospinning is a widely adopted technique used to produce the polymeric fibers. The process depends on process parameters (voltage, flow rate and distance from capillary to the collector). The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of these parameters on chitosan fibers, a biopolymer used as scaffolds in dental and oral tissue engineering. Material and Methods: A solution of 7%(m/w) was prepared dissolving 0.7g of chitosan in 7 mL of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and 0.3mL of dichloromethane (DCM) (TFA/DCM - 70:30). After 12 hours, polymer solution (5 mL) was drawn into the syringe and pumped through needles of 0.4 mm internal diameter, at a rate of 0.8 mLh-1, different needle-tip-to-collector distances and voltages, for 10 min. Electrospun fibers micrographies were obtained using the Scanning Electron Microscope for morphological analysis. Results:All voltages showed significant difference (p < 0.0001) between them. At 15kV fibers showed higher concentration of beads. At 10 and 12 cm of distance there was no statistical significance (p > 0.0001) but at 15 cm beads formation increased significantly (p < 0.0001). At 12 cm fibers showed lowest fibers diameter in comparison to 10 and 15 cm (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between 10 and 12 cm (p > 0.0001) but in comparison to 15 cm both distances presented significantly difference (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that morphology, in chitosan electrospun fibers, is influenced by the voltage and distance and this could describe the mohphological control of these structures. (AU)

Objetivo: A eletrofiação é uma técnica amplamente adotada para produzir fibras poliméricas. O processo depende dos parâmetros do processo (tensão elétrica, razão de fluxo e distância do capilar ao coletor). O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência desses parâmetros sobre fibras de quitosana, um biopolímero utilizado como arcabouçosna engenharia de tecidos dentários and orais. Material e Métodos: Uma solução de 7% (m / w) foi preparada dissolvendo 0,7 g de quitosana em 7 mL de ácido trifluoroacético (TFA) e 0,3 mL de diclorometano (DCM) (TFA / DCM - 70:30). Após 12 horas, a solução (5 mL) foi colocada em uma seringa e bombeada através de agulhas de 0,4 mm de diâmetro, sob uma taxa de 0,8 mLh-1, diferentes distâncias e tensões, por 10 min. Micrografias de fibras eletrofiadas foram obtidas usando o Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura para análise morfológica. Resultados: Todas as tensões apresentaram diferença significativa (p 0,0001), mas sob 15 cm os grânulos aumentaram significativamente (p 0,0001), mas em comparação com 15 cm, ambas as distâncias apresentaram diferença significativa (p. <0,0001). Conclusão: Assim, podese concluir que a morfologia das fibras eletrofiadas de quitosana é influenciada pela tensão elétrica e distância, descrevendo o controle morfológico dessas estruturas. (AU)

Guarda responsável de animais de estimação na área urbana do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Responsible pet animal guardianship in the urban area of the municipality of Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

O presente estudo teve por objetivo estimar a presença de cães e gatos em domicílios da zona urbana do município e avaliar a guarda responsável e seus fatores associados. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, de base populacional com processo de amostragem em múltiplos estágios e com os setores censitários do censo demográfico do ano de 2010, realizado pelo IBGE, utilizados como conglomerados. A unidade em estudo foi o domicílio. O desfecho foi a guarda responsável, definida por um escore que levou em consideração as seguintes variáveis: esterilização, vacinação antirrábica, consulta médica veterinária, controle de endoparasitas, acesso dos animais às áreas públicas e o recolhimento das fezes nestes locais e controle de ectoparasitas. Entre os 1.558 domicílios investigados, 58,9% possuíam animais de estimação (cão e/ou gato). O estudo revela que o escore de posse responsável aumenta com a escolaridade do chefe da família e é maior entre os moradores de apartamento. A maioria dos domicílios investigados atendeu apenas a metade dos critérios. Os resultados deste estudo apontam para a necessidade de políticas públicas que orientem a população sobre a guarda responsável e que ofertem serviços de imunizações e esterilização para os animais.

The study sought to estimate the presence of cats and dogs in households in the urban area of the city and assess responsible guardianship and associated factors. A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using the multi-stage sampling process and the census sectors of the demographic census of the year 2010 carried out by IBGE were used as conglomerates. The unit under study was the household. The outcome was responsible guardianship, defined by a score that took into account the following variables: sterilization, anti-rabies vaccination, veterinary medical consultation, control of endoparasites, access of animals to public areas, control of ectoparasites and the collection of feces of animals in public areas. Of the 1,558 households investigated, 58.9% had pets (cat or dog). The study reveals that the score of responsible guardianship increases with the education level of the head of the household and is highest among apartment dwellers. The majority of the households investigated met only half of the criteria. The results of this study point to the need for public policies that instruct the population on responsible guardianship, and that offer immunizations and sterilization services for animals.

Análise da permeação de H2O2 amelodentinária através de métodos eletroquímicos / Analysis of enameldentin permeation of H2O2 by electrochemical methods

Existem muitas metodologias utilizadas para tentar analisar a permeação de peróxido de hidrogênio através das estruturas dentárias, porém não conseguem determinar o momento exato em que o peróxido começa a alcançar concentrações detectáveis dentro da câmara pulpar. OBJETIVO: Investigar a viabilidade de um modelo experimental de análise eletroquímica para detecção e mensuração da concentração de peróxido de hidrogênio proveniente de produtos utilizados em tratamento clareador e avaliar a cinética da difusão destes peróxidos através dos tecidos duros dentários. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 45 dentes incisivos bovinos permanentes mandibulares, cujo preparo envolveu a remoção da face lingual coronária, mantendo-se o esmalte e a dentina vestibulares intactos. Todos os dentes foram fixados em resina acrílica com auxílio de matriz elastomérica quadrangular e organizados segundo os testes: 1: análise eletroquímica e 2: análise espectrofotométrica. Para os testes foram utilizados clareadores à base de peróxido de hidrogênio (HP) e de peróxido de carbamida (CP) e seus respectivos placebos (PHP e PCP). Foram realizados três cronoamperogramas e três voltamogramas para cada uma das amostras. Utilizou-se a mesma cela no experimento eletroquímico e no teste espectrofotométrico, permitindo assim a comparação das metodologias. RESULTADOS: A análise eletroquímica mostrou na 1ª permeação de HP média de 1688,50 segundos quando comparada a 857,70s e a 457,70s da 2ª e da 3ª permeações, respectivamente. Desta forma observa-se que a 1ª permeação representa aproximadamente o dobro e o quadruplo dos valores sequenciais da 2ª e da 3ª permeações. Não foi detectado início de permeação para CP, PHP e PCP

Para o grupo HP há uma relação crescente nas concentrações de moléculas de peróxido de hidrogênio detectadas nas três permeações respectivamente. Entretanto, o crescimento entre a 1ª e 2ª permeação é discreto, quando comparado à 3ª permeação, onde foi detectada maior concentração de moléculas do peróxido de hidrogênio. No grupo CP observam-se médias de 2,96E-02 A na 1ª permeação, 3,11E-05 A na 2ª permeação e 1,37E-04 A na 3ª permeação, havendo diferença entre a 1ª e 3ª permeação (p = 0,00472). Todavia, não ocorreram diferenças entre os demais grupos (p > 0,05). Quando comparado o método eletroquímico e o método espectrofotométrico, o peróxido de hidrogênio (HP) não demonstrou diferença significativa entre as análises (p =0,0826); todavia o peróxido de carbamida mostrou diferenças entre as duas análises (p=0,0093). CONCLUSÕES: A metodologia eletroquímica é tão eficaz quanto à metodologia consolidada na literatura para a detecção da presença de peróxido de hidrogênio na câmara pulpar, nos testes com peróxido de hidrogênio 35%. O tempo necessário para que o peróxido de hidrogênio chegasse à câmara pulpar diminuiu a cada aplicação e a penetração do peróxido de hidrogênio aumentou a permeabilidade dos tecidos duros dentais.

There are many methods used to analyze the permeation of hydrogen peroxide through the tooth structure, but they cannot determine the exact moment when the peroxide begins to reach detectable concentrations within the pulp chamber. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of an experimental model of electrochemical analysis for detection and measurement of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide from products used in bleaching and evaluate the kinetics of diffusion of these peroxides through dental hard tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 45 bovine permanent mandibular incisors, whose preparation involved removing the lingual coronary hard tissues keeping intact the vestibular enamel and dentin. All teeth were fixed in acrylic resin with the aid of elastomeric matrix square and organized according to the tests: 1: electrochemical analysis and 2: spectrophotometric analysis. For tests were used based bleaching hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) and their respective placebos (PHP and PCP). Three cronoamperograms and three voltammograms were performed for each sample. We used the same cell to the spectrophotometric test, thus allowing comparison of methodologies. RESULTS: The analysis showed the 1st electrochemical permeation HP average of 1688.50 seconds when compared to 857.70s and 457.70s of the 2nd and 3rd permeations respectively.

Thus we observe that the 1st permeation is approximately double and quadruple sequential values of the 2nd and the 3rd permeations. Not detected early permeation for CP, PHP and PCP. For Group HP there is a ratio of molecules increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide detected in three permeations respectively. However, the growth between the 1st and 2nd permeation is understated when compared to 3rd permeation, where there has been a greater concentration of molecules of hydrogen peroxide. In the CP group were observed averages of 2.96 E-02A in the 1st permeation, 3.11 E-05 A in the 2nd permeation and 1.37 E-04 A in 3rd permeation, no difference between 1st and 3rd permeation (p = 0.00472) . However, there were no differences between the other groups (p> 0.05). When compared the electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods, hydrogen peroxide (HP) showed no significant difference between the analysis (p = 0.0826), yet the carbamide peroxide showed differences between the two analyzes (p = 0.0093). CONCLUSIONS: The electrochemical method is as effective as the consolidated methodology in the literature to detect the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the pulp chamber, in the tests with hydrogen peroxide 35%. The time required for the hydrogen peroxide to reach the pulp chamber decreased to each application and the penetration of hydrogen peroxide increased the permeability of dental hard tissues.

Avaliação da microestrutura, microdureza e resistência à corrosão de juntas soldadas de uma liga de Ni-Cr obtidas através de diferentes processos de soldagem / Evaluation of the microstructure, hardness and corrosion resistance of welded joints of a Ni-Cr alloy obtained by different welding processes

Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento eletroquímico do metal de base (MB) de uma liga a base de níquel-cromo em relação a juntas soldadas desta liga obtidas pelos processos de brasagem (BRA) e Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), imersos em saliva artificial com pH 2,5 e 5,5. Foram também realizados ensaios de microdureza e caracterização microestrutural, por meio de microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura e análise química semi-quantitativa por EDS, nos grupos MB, TIG, BRA e no cordão de solda a laser (LAS). O MB apresentou uma matriz rica em níquel e cromo, distribuída em um arranjo dendrítico típico, apresentando inclusões metálicas de silício e titânio, além de porosidades. As soldas TIG e LAS revelaram uma microestrutura mais refinada que o MB, mostrando, entretanto, uma mesma composição química e distribuição de seus elementos. A solda BRA apresentou diferenças marcantes em sua microestrutura, composição química e distribuição de seus elementos em relação ao MB. Os dados de microdureza Vickers (HV), potencial de corrosão (Ecorr) e densidade de corrente de corrosão (jcorr) foram analisados com ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Para determinação da influência do pH quanto a resistência à corrosão dos grupos MB, TIG e BRA, empregou-se o teste t de Student (p<0,05). O MB apresentou menor média de microdureza (256,13 ± 9,39 HV), seguido pelos grupos TIG (271,53 ± 8,07 HV), LAS (303,73 ± 13,93 HV) e BRA (551,99 ± 37,73 HV). Em pH 2,5 as médias do Ecorr (mV) para o MB, TIG e BRA foram, respectivamente, -67,9 ± 8,43, -52,78 ± 16,74, e -284,33 ± 19,04; e em pH 5,5, médias de -54,03 ± 21,15, -62,08 ± 20,16 e -278,8 ± 28,96. Os valores médios de jcorr (µA.cm-2) para o MB, TIG e BRA em pH 2,5 foram, respectivamente, 2,49 ± 0,95, 5,584 ± 1,64 e 27,45 ± 4,9; e em pH 5,5, médias de 1,929 ± 0,83, 4,267 ± 1,51 e 54,2 ± 11,96. Os grupos MB e TIG apresentaram boa resistência à corrosão, com maior módulo de impedância em relação ao grupo BRA. As diferenças no pH da ...

This study evaluated and compared the electrochemical behavior of the base metal (BM) of a nickel-chromium dental alloy with welded joints obtained by brazing processes (BRA) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), when immersed in artificial saliva at pH 2.5 and 5.5. Microhardness, microstructural characterization by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and semi-quantitative chemical analysis by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), were performed in the groups BM, TIG, BRA and in joints weld by laser (LAS). The BM showed a matrix rich in nickel and chromium, distributed in a typical dendritic arrangement, with inclusions of silicon and titanium, and porosities. LAS and TIG welds reveled a microstructure more refined than the BM, however, the same chemical composition and distribution of its elements. BRA showed marked differences in their microstructure, chemical composition and distribution of the elements in relation to BM. Vickers microhardness (HV), corrosion potential (Ecorr) and corrosion current density (jcorr) were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (p <0.05). In order to determine the influence of pH and corrosion resistance in groups BM, TIG and BRA, Student t test, with significance level of 95% was used. BM had the lowest average microhardness (HV 256.13 ± 9.39), followed by groups TIG (271.53 ± 8.07 HV), LAS (303.73 ± 13.93 HV) and BRA (551, HV 99 ± 37.73). At pH 2.5 the average Ecorr (mV) for the MB and TIG were respectively -67.9 ± 8.43 and -52.78 ± 16.74, and at pH 5.5, averaging -54, 03 ± 21.15 and -62.08 ± 20.16. LAS group showed averages of Ecorr (mV) at pH 2.5 and 5.5, respectively, -284.33 ± 19.04 and 28.96 ± -278.8. The average values of jcorr (ìA.cm-2) to BM and TIG at pH 2.5 were respectively 2.49 ± 0.95 and 5.584 ± 1.64, and at pH 5.5, 1.929 ± 0.83 and 4.267 ± 1.51. Average jcorr for LAS group (ìA.cm-2) at pH 2.5 and 5.5 were respectively 27.45 ± 4.9 and 11.96 ± 54.2. BM and TIG ...

Effects of chemical composition on the corrosion of dental alloys

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the oral environment on the corrosion of dental alloys with different compositions, using electrochemical methods. The corrosion rates were obtained from the current-potential curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effect of artificial saliva on the corrosion of dental alloys was dependent on alloy composition. Dissolution of the ions occurred in all tested dental alloys and the results were strongly dependent on the general alloy composition. Regarding the alloys containing nickel, the Ni-Cr and Ni-Cr-Ti alloys released 0.62 mg/L of Ni on average, while the Co-Cr dental alloy released ions between 0.01 and 0.03 mg/L of Co and Cr, respectively.The open-circuit potential stabilized at a higher level with lower deviation (standard deviation: Ni-Cr-6Ti = 32 mV/SCE and Co-Cr = 54 mV/SCE). The potenciodynamic curves of the dental alloys showed that the Ni-based dental alloy with >70 wt% of Ni had a similar curve and the Co-Cr dental alloy showed a low current density and hence a high resistance to corrosion compared with the Ni-based dental alloys. Some changes in microstructure were observed and this fact influenced the corrosion behavior for the alloys. The lower corrosion resistance also led to greater release of nickel ions to the medium. The quantity of Co ions released from the Co-Cr-Mo alloy was relatively small in the solutions. In addition, the quantity of Cr ions released into the artificial saliva from the Co-Cr alloy was lower than Cr release from the Ni-based dental alloys.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do ambiente bucal na corrosão de diferentes ligas odontológicas, utilizando métodos eletroquímicos. Os índices de corrosão foram obtidos por meio das curvas de corrente-potencial e impedância eletroquímica (EIS). O efeito de saliva artificial na corrosão de ligas odontológicas foi dependente da composição. A dissolução dos íons ocorreu em todas as amostras e os resultados foram dependentes da composição da liga. Algumas mudanças na microestrutura foram observadas durante o estudo e influenciou o comportamento corrosivo das ligas investigadas. As ligas de Ni-Cr e Ni-Cr-Ti libertaram quantidade de 0,62 mg/L de íons Ni enquanto a liga de Co-Cr liberou entre 0,01 e 0,03 mg/L. As curvas potenciodinâmicas das ligas odontológicas mostraram que as ligas a base >70 wt% de Ni obtiveram curvas similares e a liga de Co-Cr apresentou a menor densidade de corrente e em consequência uma resistência alta a corrosão quando comparada as ligas à base de Ni. A baixa resistência à corrosão também levou a maior libertação de íons de níquel para o meio e a quantidade de Co liberado pela liga de Co-Cr-Mo foi relativamente pequena nas soluções. As quantidades de Cr liberada na saliva artificial pela liga de Co-Cr foi menor que a libertação de Cr pela liga à base de Ni.

Viability of mesenchymal stem cells during electrospinning

Tissue engineering is a technique by which a live tissue can be re-constructed and one of its main goals is to associate cells with biomaterials. Electrospinning is a technique that facilitates the production of nanofibers and is commonly used to develop fibrous scaffolds to be used in tissue engineering. In the present study, a different approach for cell incorporation into fibrous scaffolds was tested. Mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the wall of the umbilical cord and mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood. Cells were re-suspended in a 10 percent polyvinyl alcohol solution and subjected to electrospinning for 30 min under a voltage of 21 kV. Cell viability was assessed before and after the procedure by exclusion of dead cells using trypan blue staining. Fiber diameter was observed by scanning electron microscopy and the presence of cells within the scaffolds was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. After electrospinning, the viability of mesenchymal stem cells was reduced from 88 to 19.6 percent and the viability of mononuclear cells from 99 to 8.38 percent. The loss of viability was possibly due to the high viscosity of the polymer solution, which reduced the access to nutrients associated with electric and mechanical stress during electrospinning. These results suggest that the incorporation of cells during fiber formation by electrospinning is a viable process that needs more investigation in order to find ways to protect cells from damage.

Aplicación de métodos electroquímicos en la remoción de materia orgánica en los jugos producto del beneficio del fique: alternativa biotecnológica para mitigar la contaminación en los afluentes hídricos / Application of electrochemical methods in the removal of organic matter in the juices of the benefit of sisal products: biotechnological alternative for mitigating water pollution in the tributaries

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito aplicar las tecnologías electroanalíticas, como la electrocoagulación, para la remoción de materia orgánica presente en los jugos del fique con el fin de reducir el impacto ambiental que genera una práctica milenaria y cultural como lo es la extracción de la fibra (cabuya) de la Fourcrea c. En el presente estudio, se evaluó el comportamiento de la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) a través del proceso electroquímico bajo diferentes parámetros de corriente eléctrica, voltaje y pH para evaluar los parámetros óptimos de operación en el tratamiento de estas aguas residuales, lo cual permitió modelar matemáticamente la respuesta de este proceso y plantear una alternativa para mitigar la contaminación generada en los cuerpos de agua.

Resúmenes XIII Simposio de Investigación de la Facultad de Salud de la Universidad del Valle Octubre 19-21, 2011. Cali, Colombia / Abstracts. XIII Research Simposium. Facultad de Salud. Universidad del Valle

Como evidencia de la fortaleza de las actividades deinvestigación en la Facultad de Salud de la Universidaddel Valle, se alcanzó en este año la XIII versión delSimposio de Investigación. Este largo recorrido hapermitido mostrar a la comunidad científica los trabajosrealizados por estudiantes de pregrado, de postgrado yprofesores de las diferentes Escuelas que constituyennuestra Facultad. Un análisis del número de ponenciaspresentados por las diferentes Escuelas: CienciasBásicas, Enfermería, Odontología, Laboratorio Clínico,Rehabilitación, Medicina, Salud Pública, muestraactividades de investigación en todas ellas, al mismotiempo que se evidencia con diferentes grados dedesarrollo, la consolidación de líneas de investigación yla participación conjunta de estudiantes de diferentesniveles de formación y sus profesores. En cuanto a lastemáticas se pueden reconocer la mayoría de losescenarios donde transcurre la investigación en salud,desde las moléculas y la genómica a la sociedad y laspolíticas en salud pública.

Avaliações biomecânicas e biológicas relacionadas às próteses implanto-suportadas e aos implantes osseointegrados / Biomechanical and biological evaluations of implant-supported prosthesis and osseointegrated implants

Objetivos: (1) Investigar o papel de diferentes níveis de pH da saliva artificial (3; 6,5 e 9) no comportamento corrosivo do titânio comercialmente puro (cp-Ti) e da liga Ti-6Al-4V (Capítulo 1); (2) Avaliar a influência do processo de corrosão na afinidade do lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) de Escherichia coli para o cp-Ti e o Ti-6Al-4V (Capítulo 2); (3) Investigar a natureza tribocorrosiva do titânio em saliva artificial em presença de LPS (Capítulo 3); (4) Comparar o efeito de diferentes designs de overdentures implanto-retidas e prótese total fixa implanto-suportada na distribuição de tensões em mandíbula edêntula pelo método de elementos finitos tridimensional (Capítulo 4). Materiais e métodos: Testes eletroquímicos como potencial de circuito aberto, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, e teste potenciodinâmico foram conduzidos. Para o teste de afinidade ao LPS, os espécimes foram tratados com LPS (1,5; 15 e 150 μg/ml) durante 24 horas para avaliar a aderência de LPS. Os discos foram transferidos a cada 24 horas para solução fresca de água livre de LPS até completar 72 horas, para investigar a liberação de LPS. No teste de tribocorrosão, o pH da saliva (6,5), a concentração de LPS (0, 0,15, 15 and 150 μg/ml), a duração do deslizamento (2000 ciclos), freqüência (1,2 Hz) e carga (20 N) foram usados para mimetizar o processo mastigatório. Finalmente, modelos tridimensionais de uma mandíbula edêntula foram construídos. No grupo OR a mandíbula foi restaurada com overdenture retida por implantes não esplitados com sistema de retenção O’ring; nos grupos BC-C e BC as mandíbulas foram restauradas com overdentures retidas por implantes esplintados com sistema de retenção barra-clipe associado ou não a cantilevers distais, respectivamente; no grupo FD a mandíbula foi restaurada com prótese total fixa suportada por implantes. As tensões de von Mises (σvM), máxima (σmax) e mínima (σmin) tensões principais foram obtidas. Resultados: A saliva ácida aumentou a taxa de...

Objectives: (1) To investigate the role of different levels of pH of artificial saliva (pHs 3, 6.5 and 9) under simulated oral environment on the corrosion behavior of commercially-pure titanium (cp-Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy (Chapter 1); (2) To assess the influence of corrosion process on Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affinity for cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy (Chapter 2); (3) To evaluate the tribocorrosive (corrosion/wear) nature of titanium in artificial saliva (pH 6.5) with LPS (Chapter 3); and (4) To compare the effect of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible by using a three-dimensional finite element analysis. Materials and methods: Standard electrochemical tests, such as open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic tests were conducted in a controlled environment. For LPS affinity test, specimens were treated with LPS (1.5, 15 and 150 μg/ml) for 24 hours to evaluated LPS adherence. Discs were then transferred every 24 hours to fresh LPS-free water, up to 72 hours, to investigate LPS elution. In the tribocorrosion test, the pH of saliva (6.5); LPS concentration (0, 0.15, 15 and 150 μg/ml), sliding duration (2000 cycles), frequency (1.2Hz) and load (20 N) parameters mimicked the mastication process. Finally, tridimensional models of an edentulous mandible were constructed. In the OR group, the mandible was restored with an overdenture retained by unsplinted implants with O’ring attachment; in the BC-C and BC groups, the mandibles were restored with overdentures retained by splinted implants with bar-clip anchor associated or not with distally placed cantilevers, respectively; in the FD group, the mandible was restored with a fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis. The von Mises stress (σvM), the maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses were obtained. Results: Acidic saliva increased the…