Synthesis of Nanocomposites of Polypropylene with Graphite Nanosheets by In Situ Polymerization Using a Fourth Generation Ziegler-Natta Catalyst.

Polypropylene nanocomposites with expanded graphite nanosheets (xGN) were synthesized by In Situ polymerization employing a Ziegler-Natta catalyst supported on particles of MgCl2 containing xGN (mass ratio 1:1) and internal electron donor to control isotacticity, and their properties were compared with those of neat polypropylene obtained using a prepared standard Ziegler-Natta catalyst. SEM micrographs showed an alteration in the morphology of the catalyst with nanoparticles when compared with the standard one. It was noted that the catalyst containing xGN was more reactive for propylene polymerization than the standard one. By thermogravimetric analyses, it was detected that the PP/xGN nanocomposites showed higher thermal stability than PP. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the nanocomposites presented higher crystallinity degree, indicating that the nanofillers acted as nucleating agent. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies showed that the nanofillers were well dispersed into the PP matrix. By dynamic-mechanical analyses (DMA) it was observed an increase in glass transition temperature and the nanocomposites moduli.

Correlation between therapy and lipid profile of leprosy patients: is there a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases after treatment?

BACKGROUND: The impact of leprosy reduces health-related quality of life of affected patients, interfering with different factors such as nutrition. This study investigated the lipid profile, nutritional status, and risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients who underwent leprosy treatment in Brazil. METHODS: Eighty-four adult patients of both genders ranging in age from 20 to 60 years and diagnosed with paucibacillary (PB) or multibacillary (MB) leprosy were selected after undergoing multidrug treatment. The following data were collected: sociodemographic and clinical data; food intake; anthropometric measures (weight, height, and waist circumference); and lipid profile components (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], and triglycerides). RESULTS: Among the study population, there was a predominance of males (65.48%) aged 50 to 60 years, patients with an income of 248-496 American dollars (63.10%), patients who completed elementary school (65.48%), inactive patients (76.19%), non-smokers (46.43%), and non-drinking patients (69.05%). The levels (mean ± standard deviation) of total cholesterol were 193.8 ± 29.4 mg/dL in the PB form and 203.5 ± 41.7 mg/dL in the MB form. The mean LDL-c was 116.9 ± 22.7 mg/dL in PB patients and 121 ± 31.3 mg/dL in MB patients. Mean triglyceride levels were 123.4 ± 45.2 mg/dL in the PB form and 147.4 ± 88.9 mg/dL in the MB form. The evaluation of nutritional status showed that 41.67% of the patients were eutrophic, while 55.96% had excess weight. Food intake was significantly associated with HDL-c in male patients (P = 0.0264) and with triglycerides in patients above the ideal weight (P = 0.0049). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of acquiring CVDs was observed to be high due to patients' excess weight and increased waist circumference. This study will guide clinicians in the adequate treatment of patients with leprosy in order to avoid adverse cardiovascular events.

Analysis of microvasculature phenotype and endothelial activation markers in skin lesions of lacaziosis (Lobomycosis).

Jorge Lobo's disease is a rare mycosis characterized by chronic inflammation, which causes skin lesions in the absence of visceral dissemination. The disease occurs mainly in hot and humid climates and most cases have been registered in the Brazilian Amazon region. This study investigated possible microvascular alterations in skin lesions caused by infection with Lacazia loboi which may interfere with the clinical progression of the disease. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the density of blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as expression of the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin. The results showed a reduced number of blood (62.66 ± 20.30 vessels/mm(2)) and lymphatic vessels (3.55 ± 5.84 vessels/mm(2)) in Jorge Lobo's disease when compared to control skin (169.66 ± 66.38 blood vessels/mm(2) and 8 ± 2.17 lymphatic vessels/mm(2)). There were a larger number of vessels expressing ICAM-1 (27.58 ± 15.32 vessels/mm(2)) and VCAM-1 (7.55 ± 6.2 vessels/mm(2)). No difference was observed in the expression of E-selectin (4.66 ± 11 vessels/mm(2)). Taken together, the results indicate changes in the local microvasculature which may interfere with the development of an efficient cell-mediated immune response and may explain restriction of the fungus to the site of injury.