Impacts on the quality of surface water in a urban perimeter of the Rio Grande watershed, Brazilian Cerrado.

The aim of this study was to assess the spatiotemporal variation in water quality in the Grande River and the Ondas River, in the city of Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil. Water samples were collected at 11 points along the rivers, and eight physical-chemical parameters (electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, apparent and true color, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand) and three microbiological indicators (heterotrophic bacteria, total and thermotolerant coliforms) were analyzed. Spatiotemporal variation was assessed using the multivariate techniques of principal component analysis/factorial analysis (PCA/FA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The results of the PCA/FA highlighted eight of the eleven parameters as the main ones responsible for the variations in water quality, with the greatest increase in these parameters being observed in the rainy season, especially among the points influenced by sewage discharges and by the influence of the urban area. The CA grouped the results from 11 points into three main groups: group 1 corresponded to points influenced by sewage discharges; group 2 grouped points with mainly urban influences; and group 3 grouped points in rural areas. These groupings showed the negative influence of urbanization and also statistically significant variations between the groups and periods. The most degraded conditions were in group 1, and the least degraded conditions were in group 3. Assessment of the variations between the monitoring periods showed that rainfall had a significant impact on the increase or decrease in the parameters assessed, as a result of surface runoff linked to urbanization and increased river flow.

Photodynamic therapy with curcumin and near-infrared radiation as an antitumor strategy to glioblastoma cells.

Glioblastoma is a malignant neoplasm that develops in the central nervous system and is characterized by high rates of cell proliferation and invasion, presenting resistance to treatments and a poor prognosis. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality that can be applied in oncological cases and stands out for being less invasive. Photosensitizers (PS) of natural origin gained prominence in PDT. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound that has been used in PDT, considered a promising PS. In this work, we evaluated the effects of PDT-mediated CUR and near-infrared radiation (NIR) in glioblastoma cells. Through trypan blue exclusion analysis, we chose the concentration of 5 µM of CUR and the dose of 2 J/cm2 of NIR that showed better responses in reducing the viable cell number in the C6 cell line and did not show cytotoxic/cytostatic effects in the HaCat cell line. Our results show that there is a positive interaction between CUR and NIR as a PDT model since there was an increase in ROS levels, a decrease in cell proliferation, increase in cytotoxicity with cell death by autophagy and necrosis, in addition to the presence of oxidative damage to proteins. These results suggest that the use of CUR and NIR is a promising strategy for the antitumor application of PDT.

Effects of quercetin in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease: A systematic review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects dopaminergic neurons, thus impairing dopaminergic signalling. Quercetin (QUE) has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that are promising for the treatment of PD. This systematic review aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of QUE against PD in preclinical models. The systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. At the final screening stage, 26 articles were selected according to pre-established criteria. Selected studies used different methods for PD induction, as well as animal models. Most studies used rats (73.08%) and mice (23.08%), with 6-OHDA as the main strategy for PD induction (38.6%), followed by rotenone (30.8%). QUE was tested immersed in oil, nanosystems or in free formulations, in varied routes of administration and doses, ranging from 10 to 400 mg/kg and from 5 to 200 mg/kg in oral and intraperitoneal administrations, respectively. Overall, evidence from published data suggests a potential use of QUE as a treatment for PD, mainly through the inhibition of oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory response and apoptotic pathways.

Environmental microbial colistin resistance in an elderly south Brazilian long-term care facility.

Colistin resistance is a global health concern, with antibiotics being the last treatment for Gram-negative bacteria infections. We aimed to identify colistin-resistant enterobacteria on environmental surfaces of a long-term care facility (LTCF) for the elderly in southern Brazil. Samples were collected and screened on MacConkey agar plus colistin, followed by API20E identification and PCR. Two isolates were founded and identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Providencia stuartii harboring mcr-1 gene with MICs > 128 µg mL-1 for colistin. This is the first isolation of microorganisms resistant to colistin in the environment of a LTCF for the elderly in south Brazil, urging monitoring programs to reduce environmental contamination by multiresistant microorganisms.

Mechanical Power in Prone Position Intubated Patients with COVID-19-Related ARDS: A Cohort Study.

Background: Respiratory monitoring of mechanical ventilation (MV) is relevant and challenging in COVID-19. Mechanical power (MP) is a novel and promising monitoring tool in acute distress respiratory syndrome (ARDS), representing the amount of energy transferred from the ventilator to the patient. It encompasses several setting parameters and patient-dependent variables that could cause lung injury. MP can therefore be an additional tool in the assessment of these patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate respiratory monitoring through MP and its relationship with mortality in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS (CARDS) under mechanical ventilation (MV) and prone position (PP) strategies. Methods: Retrospective, unicentric, and cohort studies. We included patients with CARDS under invasive MV and PP strategies. Information regarding MP, ventilation, and gas exchange was collected at 3 moments: (1) prior to the first PP, (2) during the first PP, and (3) during the last PP. We tested the relationship between MP and VR with in-hospital mortality. Results: We included 91 patients. There was a statistically significant difference in MP measurements between survivors and nonsurvivors only in the last prone position (p < 0.001). This is due to the significant increase in MP measurements in nonsurvivors (difference from the baseline: 3.63 J/min; 95% CI: 0.31 to 6.94), which was not observed in the group that survived (difference from the baseline: 0.02 J/min; 95% CI: -2.66 to 2.70). In multivariate analysis, MP (p=0.009) was associated with hospital death when corrected for confounder variables (SAPS 3 score, mechanical ventilation time, age, and number of prone sessions). Conclusions: MP is an independent predictor of mortality in PP patients with CARDS.

Thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivative exhibits antitumoral effect and reverts behavioral and metabolic changes in a model of glioblastoma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-glioma activity of 3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (AV23) in a preclinical model of glioblastoma, as well as behavioral parameters and toxicological profile. The implantation of C6 cells in the left striatum of male Wistar rats was performed by stereotaxic surgery. After recovery, animals were treated with vehicle (canola oil) or AV23 (10 mg/kg/day) intragastrically for 15 days. It was found that AV23 reduced tumor volume by 90%. Serum biochemical parameters such as triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and total proteins were not changed; however, there was a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase. The compound AV23 reverted the hypoglycemia and the reduction in body weight caused by glioblastoma. Additionally, AV23 was able to revert the reduction of locomotion caused by the tumor implantation. Therefore, the compound AV23 can be considered a promising candidate in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Presença do acompanhante na perspectiva da mulher durante o trabalho de parto, parto e pós-parto / Presence of a companion from the perspective of the woman during labor, birth, and postpartum / Presencia del acompañante desde la perspectiva de la mujer durante el parto, el parto y el postparto

Objetivo: Compreender, na percepção da puérpera, o significado da presença do acompanhante durante o trabalho de parto, parto e pós-parto. Método: Estudo qualitativo, com a utilização da fenomenologia, realizado com oito puérperas. Resultados: Na percepção das puérperas, a presença do acompanhante gera segurança, apoio e divisão do momento com alguém; confiança, com apoio físico e emocional; fortalecimento da relação familiar; acolhida positiva e negativa do acompanhante pela equipe de saúde; busca de informações sobre o direito do acompanhante; despreparo para o parto. Considerações finais: A presença do acompanhante, na perspectiva da mulher, garante apoio físico e emocional e, ainda, fortalece a relação familiar. Os acompanhantes são acolhidos pela equipe de saúde, mas, em contrapartida, estes ainda não valorizam a importância da presença daqueles. É preciso refletir sobre o desafio de garantir a presença de acompanhante e a preparação da mulher grávida para o parto humanizado.(AU)

Objective: To understand, from the puerperal woman's perception, the meaning of the presence of a companion during labor, delivery, and postpartum. Method: A qualitative study was conducted with eight postpartum women using the phenomenology method. Results: From the puerperal women's perception, the presence of the companion generates security, support, and sharing the moment with someone; confidence, with physical and emotional support; strengthens the family relationship; generates positive and negative reception by the health team; leads to the search for information about the right to have a companion; and reveals unpreparedness for childbirth. Final considerations: The presence of a companion, from the woman's perspective, guarantees physical and emotional support and strengthens the family relationship. The health team welcomes the companions but, on the other hand, still does not value the importance of the companion's presence. It is necessary to reflect on the challenge of ensuring a companion's presence and the pregnant woman's preparation for a humanized delivery.(AU)

Objetivo: Comprender, desde la percepción de la puérpera, el significado de la presencia de un acompañante durante el trabajo de parto, parto y puerperio. Método: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con ocho puérperas utilizando el método fenomenológico. Resultados: Desde la percepción de las puérperas, la presencia del acompañante genera seguridad, apoyo y compartir el momento con alguien; confianza, con apoyo físico y emocional; fortalece la relación familiar; genera acogida positiva y negativa por parte del equipo de salud; conduce a la búsqueda de información sobre el derecho del acompañante; y revela falta de preparación para el parto. Consideraciones finales: La presencia de un acompañante, desde la perspectiva de la mujer, garantiza apoyo físico y emocional y fortalece la relación familiar. El equipo de salud acoge a los acompañantes, pero, por otro lado, todavía no valora la importancia de la presencia del acompañante. Es necesario reflexionar sobre el desafío de asegurar la presencia del acompañante y la preparación de la gestante para un parto humanizado.(AU)

Perfil de mulheres climatéricas em Estratégia de Saúde da Família no interior paulista / Health profile of climacteric women from the Family Health Strategy in the countryside of the state of São Paulo

Introdução: o climatério pode ser influenciado por mudanças psicossociais simultâneas, que associadas às alterações hormonais, como o hipoestrogenismo e a diminuição dos níveis de progesterona, podem intensificar os sintomas e agravos na mulher. Objetivo: identificar os perfis sociodemográficos, obstétricos, ginecológicos, de saúde e hábitos de vida das mulheres climatéricas atendidas na rede básica de saúde, por meio da aplicação de questionário, escalas de Hamilton de Ansiedade e Depressão, e Índice Menopausal de Kupperman e Blatt. Material e Método: estudo transversal descritivo exploratório de relato de experiência, desenvolvido por graduandas em Medicina e Enfermagem. As participantes apresentam idade entre 45 e 60 anos, atendidas em quatro unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Resultados: participaram 41 mulheres, com idade média de 52,3 anos. Prevaleceram brancas, casadas, com filhos, ensino médio completo, sem plano de saúde, escore de depressão leve, índice menopausal leve, ansiedade normal e uso regular de medicamentos. Conclusão: as mulheres climatéricas necessitam de um espaço para verbalizar seus sentimentos e dúvidas em relação ao climatério e ter acesso à escuta atenta por profissionais capacitados, visando o atendimento integral de saúde com resolutividade.

Introduction: climacteric can be influenced by simultaneous psychosocial changes, which associated with hormonal changes, such as hypoestrogenism and decreased progesterone levels, can intensify symptoms and health problems in women. Objective: to identify the health profile of climacteric women in primary care regarding their obstetrics, gynecological, social, and demographic aspects, and their lifestyle as well, through a questionnaire and the application of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Depression Scale, and the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. Materials and Methods: it is an exploratory-descriptive cross-sectional study presented as an experience report, developed by medical and nursing students. The participants had 45 to 60 years-old and visited four units of the Family Health Strategy. Results: 41 women participated in the research, with an average age of 52.3-year-old. The majority were white, married, high school graduates, with no health insurance; had children, normal anxiety levels, mild depression, mild menopausal index, and reported regular use of medication. Conclusion: the climacteric women need some time to verbalize their feelings and doubts about the climacteric to trained professionals, aiming for a resolutive and comprehensive health care.

Fever is associated with earlier antibiotic onset and reduced mortality in patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU.

To evaluate the association of body temperature with mortality in septic patients admitted to the ICU from the ward. In addition, we intend to investigate whether the timing of antibiotic administration was different between febrile and afebrile patients and whether this difference contributed to mortality. This is a retrospective cohort study that included sepsis patients admitted to the ICU from the ward between July 2017 and July 2019. Antibiotic administration was defined as the initiation of antimicrobial treatment or the expansion of the antimicrobial spectrum within 48 h prior to admission to the ICU. Regarding vital signs, the most altered vital sign in the 48 h prior to admission to the ICU was considered. Two hundred and eight patients were included in the final analysis. Antibiotic administration occurred earlier in patients with fever than in patients without fever. Antibiotic administration occurred before admission to the ICU in 27 (90.0%) patients with fever and in 101 (64.7%) patients without fever (p = 0.006). The mortality rate in the ICU was 88 in 176 (50.0%; 95% CI 42.5-57.5%) patients without fever and 7 in 32 (21.9%; 95% CI 6.7-37.0%) patients with fever (p = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, absence of fever significantly increased the risk of ICU mortality (OR 3.462; 95% CI 1.293-9.272). We found an inverse association between body temperature and mortality in patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU from the ward. Although antibiotic administration was earlier in patients with fever and precocity was associated with reduced mortality, the time of antibiotic administration did not fully explain the lower mortality in these patients.

What do patents tell us about microalgae in agriculture?

Microalgae have been used widely as a biological source for several industries, such as biofuel, pharmaceutical and food. Recently, the agricultural industry has also began using microalgae as an alternative source for sustainable products to replace agrochemicals. Due to the lack of scientific articles in this research area, the objective of this study was to search for applications of microalgae and to characterize its use in agriculture using the patent documents available in three patent databases, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), European Patent Office (EPO) and Brazilian Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The search was carried out using the keyword "microalgae" and applying the filter for International Patent Classification (IPC) code "A01N" which corresponds to patents related to agriculture and cultivation of microalgae. Our patent database search returned 669 documents and 132 patents were selected for the study based on their abstracts. The first patent was registered in 1982 and described the use of microalgae Chlorella extract as a plant growth promoter. After that, no patent was registered for 15 years. From 2005 to 2014, only seven patents were found. However, the scenario changed from 2015 when the number of patents increased mainly in the United States, China and Europe. The patent analysis showed several applications for microalgae in the agricultural sector, such as plant growth promotion, biofertilization, plant disease control, weed management, and post-harvest quality. This review confirmed the increasing interest in microalgae-derived products in agriculture and the value of using patent documents to assess innovative areas.

Protein supplementation to early lactation dairy cows grazing tropical grass: Performance and ruminal metabolism.

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of different concentrate crude protein (CP) concentration on performance, metabolism and efficiency of N utilization (ENU) on early-lactation dairy cows grazing intensively managed tropical grass. Thirty cows were used in a ten replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of three levels of concentrate CP: 7.9%, 15.4%, and 20.5% offered at a rate of 1 kg (as-fed basis)/3 kg of milk. The cows fed low and medium CP had negative balance of rumen degradable protein and metabolizable protein. Increasing CP tended to linearly increase DMI, 3.5% FCM and milk casein, and linearly increased the yields of milk fat and protein. Increasing CP linearly increased the intake of N, the concentration of rumen NH3 -N, and the losses of N in milk, urine, and feces. Increasing dietary CP linearly increased the molar proportion of butyrate but had no effect on the other rumen VFAs and no effect on microbial yield. In conclusion, feeding a concentrate with 20.5% of CP to early-lactation dairy cows grazing tropical grasses, leading to a 17.8% CP diet, tended to increase DMI, increased the yield of 3.5% FCM and the milk N excretion, and decreased ENU by 32%.

Influence of Mycosphaerella and Teratosphaeria leaf diseases on chemical composition of essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus and effect of these essential oils on ascospores germination.

In a first step, essential oils were extracted from Eucalyptus globulus leaves, healthy and with symptoms and signs of Mycosphaerella leaf disease (MLD) and Teratosphaeria leaf disease (TLD), in two leaf stages. Stage 1: sessile, oval leaves covered by a waxy layer of a bluish colour, with opposite phyllotaxis, inserted along stems of quadrangular section. Stage 2: narrow and sickle leaves with a greyish green surface, mainly on the abaxial surface, inserted in alternating pairs along rounded stems. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Chemical composition data and percentages of essential oil constituents were submitted to cluster analysis and principal component analysis. In a second step, under in vitro conditions, was evaluated the germination of Teratosphaeria nubilosa (one of the causal agents of TLD) ascospores in contact with the four types of essential oils extracted. The evaluations were performed at 24, 48 and 72 h after the experiments were assembled. The present study made it possible to distinguish and identify the chemical composition of essential oils from the eucalypt leaves used, and allowed 1,8-cineole to be identified as the major component for the essential oils investigated. The contact between essential oils and T. nubilosa spores allowed to prove the inhibition of the ascospores germination, being more efficient for the essential oils extracted from materials with the disease, which presented high amounts of 1,8-cineole.

Eosinophils increase macrophage ability to control intracellular Leishmania amazonensis infection via PGD2 paracrine activity in vitro.

Clinical and experimental studies have described eosinophil infiltration in Leishmania amazonensis infection sites, positioning eosinophils strategically adjacent to the protozoan-infected macrophages in cutaneous leishmaniasis. Here, by co-culturing mouse eosinophils with L. amazonensis-infected macrophages, we studied the impact of eosinophils on macrophage ability to regulate intracellular L. amazonensis infection. Eosinophils prevented the increase in amastigote numbers within macrophages by a mechanism dependent on a paracrine activity mediated by eosinophil-derived prostaglandin (PG) D2 acting on DP2 receptors. Exogenous PGD2 mimicked eosinophil-mediated effect on managing L. amazonensis intracellular infection by macrophages and therefore may function as a complementary tool for therapeutic intervention in L. amazonensis-driven cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Facial scanner accuracy with different superimposition methods - In vivo study.

PURPOSE: To compare trueness and precision between conventional and digital facial measurements and to evaluate the accuracy of different superimposition techniques for facial scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty volunteers were recruited. Predetermined facial landmarks were marked with a black pen, and the interlandmark distances were measured manually with a conventional caliper and digitally with Geomagic software. Two consecutive facial scans were performed and superimposed using as best-fit reference the full face, the face without the eyes, and the bone-supported areas (eg, forehead and zygomatic areas) in order to assess root mean square (RMS) differences. Trueness and precision were evaluated and compared between the conventional and digital techniques. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis post hoc tests were used. The significance level was established at α = .05. RESULTS: Trueness between conventional and digital measurements was 1,151.75 ± 1,265.52 µm (3.04% ± 4.82%), and precision was 322.31 ± 300.54 µm (0.93% ± 1.10%). Global mean RMS values for each superimposition technique were 334.15 ± 172.07 for the full face, 339.57 ± 173.13 for the face without the eyes, and 385.65 ± 182.29 for the bone-supported areas, with the latter presenting statistically significant differences compared to the other two. CONCLUSION: Although statistically significant differences were detected in facial measurements, they were below the clinically detectable threshold. Superimposition with the full face and the face without the eyes area presented smaller discrepancies than with the bone-supported areas, with higher discrepancies in the lower third of the face.

Interaction Between Near-Infrared Radiation and Temozolomide in a Glioblastoma Multiform Cell Line: A Treatment Strategy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential therapeutic modality against cancer, resulting from the interaction of a photosensitizer (PS) and radiation that generates damage to tumor cells. The use of near-infrared radiation (IR-A) is relevant because presents recognized biological effects, such as antioxidant, neuroprotective and antitumor effects. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm with high proliferation and tissue invasion capacity and is resistant to radio and chemotherapy. Here, we evaluated in vitro the possible interaction of temozolomide (TMZ) with IR-A in a glioblastoma cell line (C6) and in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCat) how non-tumor cell model, in an attempt to search for a new treatment strategy. The effects of TMZ, IR-A and the interaction between TMZ and IR-A was evaluated by viability exclusion with trypan blue. To perform the interaction experiments, we have chosen 10 µM TMZ and 4.5 J/cm2 of IR-A. From this, we evaluated cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (ROS), as well as the process of cell migration and the P-gp and MRP-1 activity. Cell death mainly due to apoptosis, followed by necrosis, decreased cell proliferation, increased ROS levels, decreased cell migration and decreased P-gp and MRP1 activity were observed only when there was interaction between TMZ and IR-A in the C6 cell line. The interaction between TMZ and IR-A was not able to affect cell proliferation in the HaCat non-tumor cell line. Our results suggest that this interaction could be a promising approach and that in the future may serve as an antitumor strategy for PDT application.

Adaptogenic effects of curcumin on depression induced by moderate and unpredictable chronic stress in mice.

Curcumin has been investigated for the prevention and treatment of diseases due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective actions. This current study evaluated the adaptogenic effects of a subchronic oral administration of curcumin to Swiss mice that were submitted to a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression. Four groups of mice (vehicle control, CO; curcumin control, COC; CUMS + vehicle, CUMS; CUMS + curcumin, CUMSC) were evaluated for the biochemical parameters. The CUMS model caused depressive-like and anxiety-like behavior in the animals when they were viewed in the Forced Swimming Test and in the Elevated Plus Maze Test. The treatments with curcumin prevented the depressive-like behavior in the Forced Swimming Test and they had anxiolytic effects on the non-stressed animals. This was confirmed by the Elevated Plus Maze Test. Curcumin showed antioxidant effects (IC50 of 38.86 ± 1.78 µg/mL) in the in vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrozole) test. The compound also showed antioxidant effects in vivo, increasing the catalase (CAT) levels in the brains of the stressed animals. The biochemical analyses did not reveal potential renal and hepatic damage. Together, these results have demonstrated the antidepressant and antioxidant effects of curcumin, highlighting in this mice model, the compound's novel adaptogenic potential.

"A gente fica até sem saber o que falar do nosso CREF". Atribuições e ações do sistema CONFEF/CREFs na perspectiva de docentes de graduação de Porto Velho, Rondônia / "We do not even know what to say about our CREF". Attributions and actions of the CONFEF/CREFs system from the perspective of undergraduete teachers in Porto Velho, Rondônia / "La gente se queda hasta no saber qué hablar de nuestro CREF". Atribuciones y acciones del sistema CONFEF/CREFs en perspectiva de docentes de graduación de Porto Velho, Rondônia

A regulamentação da profissão da Educação Física (EDF) deu-se pela Lei Federal nº 9.696/98, através da qual foi criado o Conselho Federal (CONFEF) e os Conselhos Regionais de Educação Física (CREFs). A presente pesquisa, caracterizada como exploratória e descritiva, teve como objetivo explorar e discutir as percepções de docentes de cursos de graduação em EDF de Porto Velho a respeito das atribuições e ações do sistema CONFEF/CREFs. Catorze docentes de cursos de graduação em EDF de duas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) privadas foram entrevistados. Conjuntamente, as análises revelam que os docentes são conhecedores de grande parte das atribuições e competências do sistema CONFEF/CREFs. Todavia, no que diz respeito ao cumprimento dessas, todos os docentes consideram que o sistema revela-se falho, especialmente na fiscalização dos profissionais, na divulgação de suas ações, bem como na valorização, representação e defesa da profissão perante a sociedade.

The regulation of the Physical Education (EDF) profession was given by Federal Law No. 9,696/98, through which the Federal Council (CONFEF) and the Regional Physical Education Councils (CREFs) were created. This research, characterized as exploratory and descriptive, aimed to explore and discuss the perceptions of college professors courses in EDF in Porto Velho regarding the attributions and actions of the CONFEF/CREFs system. Fourteen college professors courses in EDF in two Higher Education Institutions (IES) private were interviewed. Together, the analyzes reveal that teachers are familiar with most of the attributions and competencies of the CONFEF/CREFs system. However, with regard to the fulfillment of these, all college professors consider that the system proves to be flawed, especially in the inspection of professionals, in the disclosure of their actions, as well as in the valorization, representation and defense of the profession before society.

La regulación de la profesión de educación fisica en Brasil fue dada por la ley Federal 9696/98, a través de la cual se crearon el Consejo Federal (CONFEF) y los consejos Regionales de Educación Física (CREFs). La presente investigación, caracterizada como exploratoria y descriptiva, tuvo como objetivo explorar y discutir las percepciones de docentes de curso de graduación en Educación Física en la ciudad de Porto Velho con respecto a las atribuciones y acciones del sistema CONFEF/CREFs. Se entrevistó a catorce docentes de cursos de graduación en Educación Física de dos instituciones privadas de nivel superior en la ciudad mencionada. En conjunto, los análisis revelan que los docentes conocen la mayoría de las atribuciones y competencias del sistema CONFEF/ CREFs. Sin embargo, con respecto al cumplimiento de estos, todos los profesores consideran que el sistema tiene problemas, especialmente en la inspección de profesionales, en la divulgación de sus acciones, así como en la valorización, representación y defensa de la profesión ante la sociedad.

Effect of ytterbium amount on LaNbO4:Tm3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles for bio-labelling applications.

PURPOSE: This work investigates how Yb3+ concentration affects the luminescent properties of LaNbO4 nanoparticles for medical imaging applications. Due to the highly transparent optical window for organic tissues in the near infrared region (650-1000 nm), upconversion fluorescence allows near infrared wavelengths to penetrate deeply into tissues, which is useful in biomedical areas such as biodetection, activated phototherapy, and screening. MATERIALS/METHOD: Upconversion nanoparticles based on LaNbO4 doped with Tm3+ and Yb3+ were prepared by the one-step industrial process called Spray Pyrolysis. Samples with different Tm3+:Yb3+ molar ratios (1:4, 1:8 and 1:16) were obtained. RESULTS: The X-ray powder diffractograms of all the samples displayed the typical peaks of a crystalline material (tetragonal phase). Emission bands emerged in the blue, red, and near infrared regions, and they corresponded to the Tm3+1G4 → 3H6 (475 nm), 1G4 → 3F4 (650 nm), 3F2,3 â†’ 3H6 (690 nm), and 3H4 → 3H6 (803 nm) transitions, which indicated a two-photon absorption process. As for bio-labelling application, the results indicated that Yb3+ concentration was directly related to signal intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity of positive conversion emissions depends directly on Yb3+ concentration. The bio-labelling tests pointed to the potential application of these materials. The sample containing the highest amount of Yb3+ provided better results and was easier to detect than the standard sample.

Healing activity of hydrogel containing nanoemulsified ß-caryophyllene.

ß-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene present in the oil of many plant species, such as Copaifera sp., which has been shown to possesses potent anti-inflammatory action; however, its healing activity remains under study. The objectives of the present study were to produce a nanoemulsion containing ß-caryophyllene followed by a hydrogel containing nanoemulsified ß-caryophyllene, to evaluate the permeation profile in vitro, and to assess the in vivo healing activity, which is so far unexplored in the literature for pure ß-caryophyllene and in pharmaceutical formulation. The nanoemulsion was obtained through high-pressure homogenization and the hydrogel by direct dispersion with hydroxyethylcellulose. Both formulations were characterized according to droplet size, polydispersity index, volume-weighted mean diameters, particle distribution, droplets diameters tracking, zeta potential, viscosity and bioadhesion behavior. ß-caryophyllene content was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Both formulations presented a nanometric droplet size, negative zeta potential, high ß-caryophyllene content, and were stable for 60 days. In agreement with the viscosity results, the hydrogel containing the ß-caryophyllene nanoemulsion showed superior bioadhesiveness than the nanoemulsion. The skin permeation study in Franz cells demonstrated that isolated ß-caryophyllene was unable to cross the stratum corneum and that its nanoemulsification promoted its permeation. On the other hand, in the simulated deeply wounded skin (dermis), no significant differences were observed between the formulations and isolated ß-caryophyllene with respect to the amount of marker retention in the dermis, suggesting saturation of this skin layer. For the study of healing activity, the dorsal wound model was performed with an evaluation of the lesion size, anti-inflammatory markers, and antioxidant activity. The initial closure of the wound was achieved sooner in the group treated with the hydrogel containing the ß-caryophyllene nanoemulsion, indicating its anti-inflammatory effect. The histological analysis indicated that on day 12 day of the lesion, the hydrogel presented similar results to those of the positive control group (Dersani® oil), proving effectiveness in cutaneous tissue repair.