Effect of non-Newtonian fluid rheology on an arterial bypass graft: A numerical investigation guided by constructal design.

In post-operative scenarios of arterial graft surgeries to bypass coronary artery stenosis, fluid dynamics plays a crucial role. Problems such as intimal hyperplasia have been related to fluid dynamics and wall shear stresses near the graft junction. This study focused on the question of the use of Newtonian and non-Newtonian models to represent blood in this type of problem in order to capture important flow features, as well as an analysis of the performance of geometry from the view of Constructive Theory. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects rheology on the steady-state flow and on the performance of a system consisting of an idealized version of a partially obstructed coronary artery and bypass graft. The Constructal Design Method was employed with two degrees of freedom: the ratio between bypass and artery diameters and the junction angle at the bypass inlet. The flow problem was solved numerically using the Finite Volume Method with blood modeled employing the Carreau equation for viscosity. The Computational Fluid Dynamics model associated with the Sparse Grid method generated eighteen response surfaces, each representing a severe stenosis degree of 75% for specific combinations of rheological parameters, dimensionless viscosity ratio, Carreau number and flow index at two distinct Reynolds numbers of 150 and 250. There was a considerable dependence of the pressure drop on rheological parameters. For the two Reynolds numbers studied, the Newtonian case presented the lowest value of the dimensionless pressure drop, suggesting that the choice of applying Newtonian blood may underestimate the value of pressure drop in the system by about 12.4% (Re =150) and 7.8% (Re = 250). Even so, results demonstrated that non-Newtonian rheological parameters did not influence either the shape of the response surfaces or the optimum bypass geometry, which consisted of a diameter ratio of 1 and junction angle of 30°. However, the viscosity ratio and the flow index had the greatest impact on pressure drop, recirculation zones and wall shear stress. Rheological parameters also affected the recirculation zones downstream of stenosis, where intimal hyperplasia is more prevalent. Newtonian and most non-Newtonian results had similar wall shear stresses, except for the non-Newtonian case with high viscosity ratio. In the view of Constructal Design, the geometry of best performance was independent of the rheological model. However, rheology played an important role on pressure drop and flow dynamics, allowing the prediction of recirculation zones that were not captured by a Newtonian model.

The two faces of titanium dioxide nanoparticles bio-camouflage in 3D bone spheroids.

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in dental implants and hip-prostheses due to their excellent biocompatibility. Growing evidence support that surface degradation due to corrosion and wear processes, contribute to implant failure, since the release of metallic ions and wear particles generate local tissue reactions (peri-implant inflammatory reactions). The generated ions and wear debris (particles at the micron and nanoscale) stay, in a first moment, at the interface implant-bone. However, depending on their size, they can enter blood circulation possibly contributing to systemic reactions and toxicities. Most of the nanotoxicological studies with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) use conventional two-dimensional cell culture monolayers to explore macrophage and monocyte activation, where limited information regarding bone cells is available. Recently three-dimensional models have been gaining prominence since they present a greater anatomical and physiological relevance. Taking this into consideration, in this work we developed a human osteoblast-like spheroid model, which closely mimics bone cell-cell interactions, providing a more realistic scenario for nanotoxicological studies. The treatment of spheroids with different concentrations of TiO2 NPs during 72 h did not change their viability significantly. Though, higher concentrations of TiO2 NPs influenced osteoblast cell cycle without interfering in their ability to differentiate and mineralize. For higher concentration of TiO2 NPs, collagen deposition and pro-inflammatory cytokine, chemokine and growth factor secretion (involved in osteolysis and bone homeostasis) increased. These results raise the possible use of this model in nanotoxicological studies of osseointegrated devices and demonstrate a possible therapeutic potential of this TiO2 NPs to prevent or reverse bone resorption.

Microstructure and selected mechanical properties of aged Ti-15Zr-based alloys for biomedical applications.

In this study, Ti-15Zr-xMo (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) alloys were submitted to solution and aging treatments and their effects evaluated in terms of phase composition and selected mechanical properties (Vickers microhardness and Young's modulus) for use as biomedical implants. The solution treatment was performed at 1123 K for 2 h, while aging treatments were carried out at 698 K for 4, 8, and 12 h, followed by water quenching. Phase composition and microstructure were dependent of the heat treatments, with Ti-15Zr-5Mo (α +â€¯ß type) and Ti-15Zr-10Mo (metastable ß type) alloys exhibiting intense α phase precipitation. The α-phase precipitates were related to α″ → α and ß → α phase decompositions. The Ti-15Zr-10Mo alloy exhibited an intermediary isothermal ω-phase precipitation after aging for 4 h. Vickers microhardness and Young's modulus values changed gradually with the amount of α phase. Aged Ti-15Zr-15Mo and Ti-15Zr-20Mo alloys presented better combinations of hardness and Young's modulus than CP-Ti and Ti-64 ELI for biomedical applications.

Preparation and characterization of alloys of the Ti-15Mo-Nb system for biomedical applications.

In the development of new metallic biomaterials, the Ti-15Mo alloy has great prominence because of its excellent corrosion resistance and good combination of mechanical properties. In this study, the element niobium was added to the Ti-15Mo alloy, forming the Ti-15Mo-Nb system for the purpose of improving their properties and promoting its application as a biomaterial. These alloys are very promising to use as biomedical implants, because they integrate a new class of titanium alloys without the presence of aluminum and vanadium, which may cause cytotoxic effects. The alloys were produced by arc-melting and characterized by density, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness, elastic modulus, corrosion, and cytotoxicity assays. The developed alloys have ß phase predominance (with bcc crystalline structure). The addition of niobium decreases the microhardness and elastic modulus, with values around 80 GPa, which is well below that of the metallic alloys used commercially for this type of application. Very low passive current densities were found for all alloys studied showing that the passive film on these alloys is highly protective. In vitro cytotoxicity tests revealed that the introduction of niobium did not cause cytotoxic effects in the studied alloys. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 639-648, 2018.

The recent colonization of south Brazil by the Azores chromis Chromis limbata.

The damselfish Chromis limbata is native to the Macaronesian Archipelagos (Azores, Madeira and Canaries) and the western coast of Africa between Senegal and Angola. During the austral summers of 2008 and 2009 the species was recorded for the first time in the south-western Atlantic Ocean around Campeche and Xavier Islands, in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Here, the progression of C. limbata in southern Brazilian waters is described using visual counts and genetic surveys and changes in the density of the native congener Chromis multilineata were also investigated. Underwater visual censuses of both Chromis species were carried out from 2009 to 2014. Chromis limbata tissue samples were collected and the mtDNA control region was sequenced and compared with mtDNA haplotypes from the natural range to confirm species identity, compare genetic diversity and to infer connectivity between newly established Brazilian populations. The Brazilian population of C. limbata increased significantly over the past 5 years and the effect on C. multilineata is still an open question, longer time-series data will be necessary to clarify possible interactions. The molecular analyses confirmed species identity, revealed strong haplotype connectivity among Brazilian study sites and showed a low genetic diversity in Brazil when compared with the native populations, suggesting few individuals started the invasion. Four hypotheses could explain this colonizing event: C. limbata was released by aquarium fish keepers; larvae or juveniles were transported via ship ballast water; the species has rafted alongside oil rigs; they crossed the Atlantic Ocean through normal larval dispersal or naturally rafting alongside drifting objects. The rafting hypotheses are favoured, but all four possibilities are plausible and could have happened in combination.

Fish biodiversity and conservation in South America.

The freshwater and marine fish faunas of South America are the most diverse on Earth, with current species richness estimates standing above 9100 species. In addition, over the last decade at least 100 species were described every year. There are currently about 5160 freshwater fish species, and the estimate for the freshwater fish fauna alone points to a final diversity between 8000 and 9000 species. South America also has c. 4000 species of marine fishes. The mega-diverse fish faunas of South America evolved over a period of >100 million years, with most lineages tracing origins to Gondwana and the adjacent Tethys Sea. This high diversity was in part maintained by escaping the mass extinctions and biotic turnovers associated with Cenozoic climate cooling, the formation of boreal and temperate zones at high latitudes and aridification in many places at equatorial latitudes. The fresh waters of the continent are divided into 13 basin complexes, large basins consolidated as a single unit plus historically connected adjacent coastal drainages, and smaller coastal basins grouped together on the basis of biogeographic criteria. Species diversity, endemism, noteworthy groups and state of knowledge of each basin complex are described. Marine habitats around South America, both coastal and oceanic, are also described in terms of fish diversity, endemism and state of knowledge. Because of extensive land use changes, hydroelectric damming, water divergence for irrigation, urbanization, sedimentation and overfishing 4-10% of all fish species in South America face some degree of extinction risk, mainly due to habitat loss and degradation. These figures suggest that the conservation status of South American freshwater fish faunas is better than in most other regions of the world, but the marine fishes are as threatened as elsewhere. Conserving the remarkable aquatic habitats and fishes of South America is a growing challenge in face of the rapid anthropogenic changes of the 21st century, and deserves attention from conservationists and policy makers.

Mesophotic fishes of the Abrolhos Shelf, the largest reef ecosystem in the South Atlantic.

Fishes inhabiting rhodolith beds and reefs at mesophotic depths on the Abrolhos Shelf, which encompasses the largest and richest coral reef formation in the South Atlantic Ocean, were assessed through technical diving and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). A total of 74 fish species were recorded, including at least one new species, one new record for the south-western Atlantic and six new records for the Abrolhos region. Overfishing, mining and port activities are already threatening many endangered and commercially important species recorded on the mesophotic reefs of Abrolhos Shelf, and the establishment of marine protected areas and off-reserve fisheries regulations are urgently needed.

Trojan-Like Internalization of Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Human Osteoblast Cells.

Dentistry and orthopedics are undergoing a revolution in order to provide more reliable, comfortable and long-lasting implants to patients. Titanium (Ti) and titanium alloys have been used in dental implants and total hip arthroplasty due to their excellent biocompatibility. However, Ti-based implants in human body suffer surface degradation (corrosion and wear) resulting in the release of metallic ions and solid wear debris (mainly titanium dioxide) leading to peri-implant inflammatory reactions. Unfortunately, our current understanding of the biological interactions with titanium dioxide nanoparticles is still very limited. Taking this into consideration, this study focuses on the internalization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on primary bone cells, exploring the events occurring at the nano-bio interface. For the first time, we report the selective binding of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P) and proteins from cell culture medium to anatase nanoparticles that are extremely important for nanoparticle internalization and bone cells survival. In the intricate biological environment, anatase nanoparticles form bio-complexes (mixture of proteins and ions) which act as a kind of 'Trojan-horse' internalization by cells. Furthermore, anatase nanoparticles-induced modifications on cell behavior (viability and internalization) could be understand in detail. The results presented in this report can inspire new strategies for the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in several regeneration therapies.

Determination of the maximal lactate steady state in obese Zucker rats.

This study aims to identify the maximum lactate steady state (MLSS) in obese rats in order to provide a more effective tool in the exercise training prescription for this important animal model. To make such determination, obese (Zucker, n=5) (390.0±18.8 g) and lean (Wistar, n=5) (227.3±26.2 g) rats were studied. After adaptation of animals to treadmill, the MLSS was determined by using 3 different velocities (10 m.min⁻¹, 12.5 m.min⁻¹ and 15 m.min⁻¹ for Zucker and 15 m.min⁻¹, 20 m.min⁻¹ and 25 m.min⁻¹ for Wistar). The MLSS was defined as the highest blood lactate concentration that increased up to 1 mmol.L⁻¹ during constant exercise. In obese rats, the MLSS was found in a velocity considerably lower than in lean controls (12.5 m.min⁻¹ and 20 m.min⁻¹), respectively (p<0.05). Therefore, the identification of MLSS in obese Zucker rats is an important tool for exercise prescription and evaluation in obese rat models.

Non-leachable highly luminescent ordered mesoporous SiO2 spherical particles.

Ordered mesoporous highly luminescent SiO2 particles have been synthesized by spray pyrolysis from solutions containing tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and either cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or the block copolymer Pluronic F-68 as structure-directing agents. Rhodamine B (RhB)-containing samples were prepared by using a simple wet impregnation method followed by the growing of a second silica shell in order to prevent leaching of the dye. The obtained materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL). Powders with polydisperse spherical grains were obtained displaying an ordered hexagonal array of mesochannels. Luminescence results reveal that RhB molecules have been successfully encapsulated into the channels of mesoporous particles as monomeric species and that a well-defined silica coating hindered dye leaching.

Expression of secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor in the submandibular glands of AIDS patients.

OBJECTIVE: Secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is an endogenous proteinase inhibitor present in mucosal secretions. It also displays antimicrobial activity including anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity. This protease inhibitor is also expressed in submandibular glands (SMG), but there are few data on its expression in AIDS patients with infectious conditions. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of SLPI using immunohistochemistry in submandibular gland samples of 36 AIDS patients [10 with normal histology, 10 with chronic nonspecific sialadenitis, eight with mycobacteriosis, and eight with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection] and 10 HIV-negative controls. The proteinase inhibitor was quantified using image analysis and expressed as % of positively stained area. RESULTS: There was a higher expression of SLPI in AIDS patients with CMV infection (% of stained area, mean+/-SD: 37.37+/-14.45) when compared with all other groups (P=0.009). There were no significant differences between control subjects (22.70+/-9.42%) and AIDS patients without histologic alterations (18.10+/-7.58%), with chronic nonspecific sialadenitis (17.13+/-5.36%), or mycobacterial infection (21.09+/-4.66%). CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus infection increases SLPI expression in the SMG of AIDS patients. Our results reveal new insights into the pathogenic association between HIV and CMV in AIDS patients.

Evaluation of the role of severe hyperparathyroidism on coronary artery calcification in dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at a high risk of dying from a cardiovascular event, mainly due to coronary calcification. Among the various uremic and dialysis-specific risk factors for coronary calcification are mineral metabolism disorders. The role that secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) consequent to the altered calcium and phosphate metabolism plays in the pathogenesis of coronary calcification remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of coronary artery calcification in dialysis patients with severe SHPT submitted to multislice coronary tomography (MSCT) and to identify risk factors for coronary calcification. METHODS: This study involved 23 adult dialysis patients (age >18 years) with severe SHPT who were candidates for parathyroidectomy (PTX). All were submitted to MSCT and bone densitometry during the month preceding PTX. Fasting blood samples were collected immediately before surgery. Markers of mineral metabolism, including ionized calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, intact-parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand, were analyzed. Dyslipidemia was assessed by determination of LDL, HDL and VLDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Agatston units (AU) were used to calculate calcium scores. RESULTS: No coronary calcification was found in 30% of the patients. Moderate (calcium score > 100 AU) and severe (calcium score >400 AU) calcification was observed in 12 and 36% of the patients, respectively. In the univariate analysis, calcium volume correlated positively with VLDL-cholesterol (r = 0.44; p = 0.03) and, albeit less than significantly, with age (r = 0.35; p = 0.09), triglycerides (r = 0.39; p = 0.05) and Framingham risk index (r = 0.37; p = 0.07). We also found that OPG correlated negatively with bone mineral density at the L2-L4 lumbar vertebrae (r = -0.54; p = 0.007) and femoral neck (r = -0.43; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Although high levels of PTH should be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular death, the real role of severe SHPT on coronary calcification is to be clarified.

Comportamento térmico de alguns fármacos e medicamentos / Thermal studies of some pharmaceutical drugs

A técnica de análise térmica apresenta aplicações em diversos ramos da ciência, entre eles a indústria farmacêutica, a qual pode utilizá-la para caracterização e estudo das matérias primas e produtos finais. Os compostos farmacêuticos apresentam diferentes formas morfológicas ou estruturais,que afetam diretamente na sua estabilidade, ação e liberação. O desenvolvimento e fabricação de medicamentos requerem intenso cuidado devido a pureza, qualidade e estabilidade dos componentes. Um dos itens para se obter uma formulação estável e efetiva depende dos cuidados na escolha dos excipientes utilizados, onde uma de suas propriedades é a de interferir na biodisponibilidade e proteção do fármaco frente a degradação. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas técnicas de análise térmica (TG/DTG/DSC/DTA) e a espectroscopia Raman para estudar possíveis interações entre o fármaco e seus excipientes. Foram selecionados para o estudo os medicamentos Aspirina® e AAS®, comparados com o seu princípio ativo ácido acetil salicílico. As amostras não sofreram pré tratamento e foram analisadas como adquiridas no mercado. Os resultados obtidos através das técnicas de análise térmica evidenciaram uma possível interação entre os diferentes excipientes utilizados e o princípio ativo. Os espectros Raman corroboram com os resultados obtidos das análises térmicas dos medicamentos. Através dos resultados obtidos concluímos que as diferentes composições existentes na formulação dos medicamentos podem promover mudanças em suas propriedades físicas e consequentemente na sua atividade biológica.

Human gingival glycosaminoglycans in cyclosporin-induced overgrowth.

Glycosaminoglycans in normal and cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth were extracted by papain digestion and purified by Mono Q-FPLC chromatography. The purified glycosaminoglycans were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and by the pattern of degradation products formed by chondroitin lyases on HPLC chromatography. Our results on the glycosaminoglycan composition showed presence of chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate and hyaluronic acid in both normal gingiva and cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth. The total and relative amounts of glycosaminoglycans were similar between normal and overgrown gingiva. This suggests that the glycosaminoglycan composition is not changed in cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth. Our present biochemical results conflict with histochemical and biosynthetic data previously reported by other groups. Those studies suggested that the affected tissues contained higher levels of glycosaminoglycans and that cyclosporin induced comparably high levels of these compounds in in vitro cultures of gingival fibroblasts. Therefore, these discrepant results suggest that a cyclosporin-induced increase on gingival glycosaminoglycans still remains an open question. The implications of these conflicting results are discussed.

[Competitive behavior of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria tenagophila--laboratory studies]. / Estratégia competitiva entre Biomphalaria glabrata e Biomphalaria tenagophila--estudos de laboratório.

Observation about cohabitation among B. glabrata and B. tenagophila revealed a greater vulnerability of B. tenagophila population during the process of competition when its density was severely decreased in 12 trials, moderate in 2 trials. It was higher than B. glabrata in only one trial. Some snail water chemical parameters analysed such as pH, alkalinity, conductivity and oxygen dissolved, and the viability rate of batch of eggs didn't give subsidy to explain the competition mechanism. The newly-born survival, in the situation of cohabitation, was low for both species. This reveals the existence of intra and interspecific competitive interaction. The fertility rate reduction of B. tenagophila during the cohabitation was considered as a cause of its exclusion. One of the factors that seems to have influenced the fertility rate was a possible wrong crossing.

Population dynamics of aquatic snails in Pampulha reservoir.

An attempt was made to determine more accurately the density of molluskan populations in the Pampulha reservoir, using the quadrate method, intending to detect the fluctuation of the populations density, the habitat conditions and the possible competitive interactions among Biomphalaria tenagophila, Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea haustrum and Biomphalaria glabrata, through the analysis of populational parameters. Among the most significative facts observed in the reservoir it has to be mentioned: the almost disappearance of B. glabrata; the invasion, colonization, fixation and fast growing of M. tuberculata population until reaching about 11,000 individuals/m2; the density fluctuations of B. tenagophila, P. haustrum and M. tuberculata alives and deads; differences on the habitat preference of these three molluskan species at the edge (at the limit earth-water, at 0.70m and 1.40m from the shore line); monthly mortality rates and reproduction seasons of the species.

Population dynamics of aquatic snails in Pampulha reservoir

An attempt was made to determine more accurately the density of molluskan populations in the Pampulha reservoir, using the quadrate method, intending to detect the fluctuation of the populations density, the habitat conditions and the possible competitive interactions among Biomphalaria tenagophila, Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea haustrum and Biomphalaria glabrata, through the analysis of populational parameters. Among the most significative facts observed in the reservoir it has to be mentioned: the almost disappearance of B. glabrata; the invasion, colonization, fixation and fast growing of M. tuberculata population until reaching about 11,000 individuals/[square metre]; the density fluctuations of B. tenagophila, P. haustrum and M. tuberculata alives and deads; differences on the habitat preference of these three molluskan species at the edge (at the limit earth-water, at 0.70m and 1.40m from the shore line); monthly mortality rates and reproduction seasons of the species.