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In this work, vapor–liquid and vapor–solid equilibrium pressure and enthalpies of amine hydrochlorides were determined using a thermogravimetric method. Ferrocene was used as the reference compound to determine the calibration constant k. Then, ammonium bromide, ammonium chloride and benzoic acid were used for testing the k-ferrocene. Experimental vapor–solid equilibrium pressure of methylamine hydrochloride obtained in this study showed good agreement with recent literature data. For the other substances investigated, ethanolamine hydrochloride, pyridine hydrochloride, and trimethylamine hydrochloride, no reliable equilibrium data is available in the open literature. Among these substances, ethanolamine hydrochloride was found to be the less volatile, followed by methylamine, trimethylamine, and pyridine hydrochloride. Regarding the equilibrium enthalpies found in this work, all salts have shown a similar value. This can be explained by the similar reaction (dissociation) that takes place for these substances.

Este trabalho teve como finalidade apresentar estudos mecanísticos dos principais Processos Oxidativos Avançados (POAs) e alguns resultados, demonstrando a eficiência da tecnologia no tratamento de águas residuárias. Os POAs são técnicas capazes de gerar o radical hidroxila in situ, o que atribui uma enorme eficácia na degradação de diversos compostos recalcitrantes aos métodos convencionais. Tal efeito vem em razão dessa espécie química possuir elevado potencial de oxidação, sendo capaz de degradar matérias orgânicas como compostos organonitrogenados, organohalogenados e oxidar metais tóxicos, possibilitando a remoção dessa classe de poluente por filtração ou precipitação. O estudo mostra alguns resultados do emprego dos processos fotocatalíticos, eletroquímicos e fotoeletroquímicos no tratamento de águas residuárias reconhecidamente resistentes às principais tecnologias de tratamentos convencionais, proporcionando excelentes resultados na descoloração de percolado de aterro sanitário, efluentes têxteis e efluente da primeira extração alcalina (E1) da produção de papel e celulose. Os POAs podem oferecer opções viáveis para remediar problemas ambientais, reduzindo consideravelmente a poluição, além da grande versatilidade de adaptação aos tratamentos de várias efluentes aquosos.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:11:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone that stimulates the growth and metabolism of plants, also acting as an abiotic elicitor. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SA on leaf production, leaf area and synthesis of secondary compounds in yarrow plants. The experiments were conducted under field conditions in two consecutive years and f-received SA foliar applications (T1-control; T2-1.0 mmol L−1 applications at 20, 60 and 100 days after planting (DAP) and T3-1.0 mmol L−1 applications at 100 DAP during 3 days). The exogenous application of SA resulted in increases in leaf area (total and specific), number of leaves and leaf mass ratio of yarrow plants, polyphenolic compounds, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase enzymes and the antioxidant activity of the plant extract. The HPLC–DAD–MS/MS analysis of phenolic compounds revealed increases in the amounts of quinic acid and rutin. The results of this research lead us to affirm that SA exerted both the hormonal effect on number of leaves and leaf area, and also acted as eliciting substance. Faculdades Gammon, Rua Prefeito Jayme Monteiro 791 CEVOP – Centro de Estudo em Ecofisiologia Vegetal do Oeste Paulista Universidade Do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Rodovia Raposo Tavares, km 572 Universidade Do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) Laboratory of Herbal Medicine and Natural Products Department of Biotechnology School of Sciences Humanities and Languages São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) Laboratory of Herbal Medicine and Natural Products Department of Biotechnology School of Sciences Humanities and Languages São Paulo State University (UNESP)

The emergency relief systems of pressure vessels often direct their discharge to containment vessels known as catch tanks or dump tanks, which are part of effluent handling systems. Although many models exists for vent sizing and critical flow calculation, there is less information about the impact of depressurization on the catch tank. This work addresses this topic by presenting experimental and simulation studies. We report experimental temperatures and pressures in the pressurized vessel and in the catch tank during the depressurization of air or helium from several initial conditions. A reproducibility study demonstrates the excellent agreement among the results of different experimental runs. On simulation, we present results of the depressurization of a vessel connected to a catch tank. To accomplish this, an existing dynamic simulator is extended by including a one-dimensional transient heat transfer model and by enabling the simulation of interconnected vessels. The experimental and calculated pressure profiles are generally in very good agreement. The agreement of the experimental and calculated temperature profiles is good but the calculated profiles tend to overestimate the temperature variations in each vessel during the depressurization process compared to the experimental data.

In this study, vapor–liquid equilibria (VLE) of binary, ternary, and quaternary systems containing fragrances were predicted using COSMO-SAC. A model variant including multiple energies for the description of different hydrogen bonds (alcohol–alcohol, alcohol–ketone, alcohol–ether) was used. Based on equilibrium vapor compositions, odor intensity, and character of fragrance mixtures were calculated using Stevens’ power law for olfaction intensity scale and stronger component model for quality perception. Very good agreement between predicted and measured data was obtained with COSMO-SAC. Model predictions were similar to UNIFAC outcomes, but without using any binary interaction parameter. Based on these results, this study also indicates the possibility to use COSMO-SAC to predict VLE in mixtures that contain fragrances with missing UNIFAC parameters.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos toxicos do glifosato (N-(fosfonometil)-glicina), um herbicida muito utilizado na agricultura brasileira, como agente estressor, atraves de uma metodologia de avaliacao de toxicidade cronica e aguda nas sementes de couve ( Brassica oleracea L. ) e rabanete ( Raphanus sativus L . ). A metodologia escolhida possibilitou a analise dos parâmetros CENO (Concentracao de Efeito Nao Observavel), CEO (Concentracao de Efeito Observavel) e CE 50 (Concentracao Efetiva) para cada uma das especies. Tratando-se do rabanete, foi observado que o CENO aparecia em 1 mg.L -1 de agente estressor, o CEO em 2 mg.L -1 e o CE 50 em aproximadamente 7 mg.L -1 . Para a couve, observou-se o aparecimento do CENO em 16 mg.L -1 , o CEO em 18 mg.L -1 e o CE 50 entre 14 e 15 mg.L -1 . Foi possivel ter, atraves do estudo, um alto controle do valor de pH (7,0 para o rabanete e 7,5 para a couve), elevada sensibilidade e baixo custo se comparado a outros testes de toxicidade.

A toxicidade do alumínio tem sido verificada somente em valores de pH abaixo de 5,5 devido a solubilidade dos íons Al3+ que ocorre em meio ácido. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar a toxicidade do alumínio em valores de pH 7,0 para a espécie Raphanus sativus L. (rabanete) e 7,5 para a Brassica oleracea L. (couve) com a finalidade de verificar se em tais valores de pH o alumínio não apresentava efeitos deletérios observáveis. Foi utilizada uma metodologia em que o meio de cultivo continha sementes como organismos testes e um rígido controle dos valores de pH. Os ensaios toxicológicos empregavam concentrações otimizadas de macro e micronutrientes necessários ao desenvolvimento das plântulas. Com o estudo foi possível verificar elevada Toxicidades Aguda e Crônica dos íons Al3+ em valores de pH 7,0 e 7,5 para as plantas estudadas, comprovando que os efeitos tóxicos do alumínio podem ser verificados também em meio de cultivo com valores de pH neutro e ligeiramente básico.

Background: The notion that the gut microbiota plays a role in neurodevelopment, behavior and outcome of neurodegenerative disorders is recently taking place. A number of studies have consistently reported a greater abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in Parkinson’s disease (PD) fecal samples. Nevertheless, a functional link between A. muciniphila and sporadic PD remained unexplored. Here, we investigated whether A.muciniphila conditioned medium could initiate the misfolding process of α-synuclein (αSyn) in enteroendocrine cells (EECs), which are part of the gut epithelium and possess many neuron-like properties. Results: We found that A. muciniphila conditioned medium is directly modulated by mucin, induces intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release, and causes increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in EECs, which in turn leads to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and αSyn aggregation. Indeed, oral administration of A. muciniphila cultivated in the absence of mucin to aged mice also led to αSyn aggregation in cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive enteroendocrine cells. Noteworthy, buffering mitochondrial Ca2+ reverted all the damaging effects observed. Conclusion: Thereby, these molecular insights provided here offer evidence that bacterial proteins are capable of inducing αSyn aggregation in enteroendocrine cells.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:07:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-06-01 This research aimed to evaluate the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PE-2) behavior in musts of sweet sorghum juice treated with amylolytic enzymes. The experiment was carried out through the 2013/2014 harvest, at 21° 14′ 05S and 48° 17′ 09′'W. The experimental design was completely randomized with sub-subdivided plots and four replications. The primary treatments were the sweet sorghum genotypes (CV147, CV198 and BRS508); the secondary treatments were the harvest (whole stalks and stalks without leaves and panicles); the tertiary treatments were the two sampling seasons (102 and 116 days after sowing—d.a.s.); and the quaternary treatments were the application of enzymes. The PE-2 yeast was inoculated to initialize the fermentation process; this evaluated the amount of living cells and shoots. The genotype did not affect the cell viability of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PE-2) yeast. Both the clarification process and the application of amylolytic enzymes improved the quality of the must. The harvest season affects the technological quality of the juice causing an effect on fermentation microbiota. UEMG Frutal UNESP ETEC UNESP

A ureia e amplamente utilizada como fertilizante no meio agricola. Contudo, em determinadas concentracoes ela pode apresentar significativa toxicidade. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento da ureia como agente estressor na germinacao de sementes de Raphanus sativus L. (rabanete) e Brassica oleracea L. (couve), encontrando o CENO (Concentracao de Efeito Nao Observavel), CEO (Concentracao de Efeito Observavel) e CE 50 (Concentracao Efetiva) para cada uma das especies. Os experimentos foram realizados atraves da preparacao de um meio de cultivo constituido de solucoes contendo macro e micronutrientes em concentracoes otimizadas e agar dissolvido, alem de diferentes concentracoes de ureia adicionadas. Para controlar os valores de pH do meio de cultivo, foram utilizados dois tipos de solucoes tampao: pH 7,0 para estudos com o rabanete e pH 7,5 para a couve. Em relacao ao rabanete, observou-se que o CENO aparecia em 20 mg.L -1 de agente estressor, o CEO em 30,0 mg.L -1 e o CE 50 em 183,0 mg.L -1 . Para a couve, observou-se o aparecimento do CENO em 1,0 mg.L -1 , o CEO em 2,0 mg.L -1 e o CE 50 em, aproximadamente, 418,0 mg.L -1 . Com esses dados, pode-se notar que a couve apresentou maior sensibilidade nas avaliacoes de toxicidade cronica (CENO/CEO) e o rabanete, maior sensibilidade nas avaliacoes de toxicidade aguda (CE 50 ).

In this work a new method for inclusion of pressure effects in COSMO-type activity coefficient models is proposed. The extension consists in the direct combination of COSMO-SAC and lattice-fluid ideas by the inclusion of free volume in form of holes. The effort when computing pressure (given temperature, volume, and mole numbers) with the proposed model is similar to the cost for computing activity coefficients with any COSMO-type implementation. For given pressure, computational cost increases since an iterative method is needed. This concept was tested for representative substances and mixtures, ranging from light gases to molecules with up to 10 carbons. The proposed model was able to correlate experimental data of saturation pressure and saturated liquid volume of pure substances with deviations of 1.16% and 1.59%, respectively. In mixture vapor-liquid equilibria predictions, the resulting model was superior to Soave-Redlich-Kwong with Mathias-Copeman α-function and the classic van der Waals mixing rule in almost all cases tested and similar to PSRK method, from low pressures to over 100 bar. Good predictions of liquid-liquid equilibrium were also observed, performing similarly to UNIFAC-LLE, with improved responses at high temperatures and pressures.

Bio-based products and processes were favored recently, because shifting towards a more sustainable economy might be a long-term solution for global challenges. Within this context, γ-valerolactone emerges as a sustainable alternative for industrially relevant solvents and as a potential additive for liquid fuels. Yet, few data have been published regarding the solubility behavior of binary mixtures containing this molecule, which is crucial for assessing its possible applications. Hence, this work determined the mutual solubility of γ-valerolactone and n-tetradecane, a representative molecule of diesel, using the cloud point method at temperatures between 288.15 K and 333.15 K, which guarantees compounds stability. This method was also employed to determine the lactone solubility in commercial diesel at selected temperatures. Results were correlated by the NRTL and UNIQUAC models, which succeeded in representing experimental data but could not predict the upper critical solution temperature.

Novel experimental liquid–liquid equilibrium measurements were performed for three ternary systems containing γ-valerolactone + n-tetradecane + (butanoic acid or hexanoic acid or methyl myristate) at T = 298.15 K. The quantification of the coexisting phases was performed using an indirect method which relies on the variation of physical properties (density) along the binodal curve. The experimental data were successfully correlated by the nonrandom two-liquid and the universal quasichemical models.

The development of Pickering emulsions as ecologically correct stabilized with bio-based material by substituting synthetic petroleum-derived tensoactives assumed a very attractive level, representing the current guideline of the global market for homecare industry, food and beverage applications. In this wor, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a hierarchically advanced biomaterial, were produced to stabilize innovative emulsions formulated with western soapberry Sapindus saponaria L. oil (SO). Besides, green surfactants (triterpene saponins extracted from S. saponaria L. pericarp; SAP) were also investigated to stabilize the oil/water interface. The synergistic combination between cellulose nanowhiskers and the bioactive glycosides has never been reported in the literature. Dynamic interfacial tensions of SAP and SO were firstly investigated, and their capacity to form a plastic membrane at oil/water interface was revealed. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to study the influence of the binary systems (CNC:SAP) on the stability of emulsified systems, such as size and zeta potential. In addition, a new calculation was proposed to determine the coverage of the oil droplets formed by the mixture of cellulose crystallites and natural surfactants. The optimal nanoemulsion composition was determined to be 60 w/w (%) of water, 23.905 w/w % of SO, 5 w/w % of CNC and 8.095 w/w% of SAP to produce of smallest droplet (165.1 nm) combined with higher zeta potential module (−46.7 mV). Results highlight the potential of Sapindus saponins and cellulose nanowhiskers for efficient producing label-friendly nanoemulsions applicable for drug, cosmeceutical or edible delivery systems.

The adoption of dicamba-tolerant soybean varieties has increased the concern and demand for new drift and volatility reduction technologies. Potential spray nozzles and adjuvants should be studied to determine its effects on drift and volatility of dicamba tank-mixtures. The objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical characteristics of spray solutions containing dicamba; to analyze droplet size effect with air induction nozzles; and to assess dicamba volatilization on soybean plants with a proposed methodology. Treatments included dicamba only and mixtures with herbicides and adjuvants. Dicamba mixed with lecithin + methyl soybean oil + ethoxylated alcohol adjuvant had the greatest efficacy potential among treatments considering tank-mixture pH, surface tension, contact angle and droplet size. The MUG11003 nozzle produced the coarsest droplet size and was better suited for drift management among nozzle types. The proposed volatilization methodology successfully indicated dicamba volatilization in exposed soybean plants and among the evaluated treatments, it showed greater volatilization for dicamba with glyphosate + lecithin + propionic acid adjuvant.

The notion that the gut microbiota play a role in neurodevelopment, behavior and outcome of neurodegenerative disorders is recently taking place. A number of studies have consistently reported a greater abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in Parkinson’s disease (PD) fecal samples. Nevertheless, a functional link between A.muciniphila and sporadic PD remained unexplored. Here, we investigated whether A.muciniphila secretome could initiate the misfolding process of α-synuclein (αSyn) in enteroendocrine cells (EECs), which are part of the gut epithelium and possess many neuron-like properties. We found that A.muciniphila secretome is directly modulated by mucin, induces intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release, and causes increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in EECs, which in turn leads to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and αSyn aggregation. However, these events were efficiently inhibited once we buffered mitochondrial Ca2+. Thereby, these molecular insights provided here offer evidence that bacterial secretome is capable of inducing αSyn aggregation in enteroendocrine cells.SYNOPSIS FIGURE DESCRIPTIONThe secretome isolated from the commensal gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila triggers intracellular Ca2+ signaling in enteroendocrine cells, leading to increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Mitochondrial Ca2+ overload leads to ROS generation culminating with αSyn phosphorylation and aggregation (left panel). All these events were inhibited once mitochondrial Ca2+ is buffered (right panel).Gram-negative gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila is consistently found more abundant in Parkinson’s disease patients.Akkermansia muciniphila protein secretome composition is directly modulated by mucin and induces an IP3-independent endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-calcium release in enteroendocrine cells.This Ca2+ release is triggered by direct activation of Ryanodine Receptors leading to increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake.Mitochondrial Ca2+ overload leads to ROS generation culminating with αSyn aggregation.Buffering mitochondrial Ca2+ efficiently inhibits A.muciniphila-induced αSyn aggregation in enteroendocrine cells.

Current studies estimate that 1-3% of females with unexplained Intellectual Disability (ID) present de novo splice site, nonsense, frameshift, or missense mutations in the DDX3X protein (DEAD-Box Helicase 3 X-Linked). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which DDX3X mutations impair brain development are not fully comprehended. Here, we show that the ID-linked missense mutation L556S renders DDX3X prone to aggregation. By using a combination of biophysical assays, in vitro and in vivo imaging approaches, we demonstrate that this mutant assemble solid-like condensates and amyloid-like fibrils. Although we observed greatly reduced expression of the mutant allele in the patient who exhibits skewed X inactivation, this appears to be enough to sequestrate healthy protein into solid-like ectopic granules, compromising cell function. Reduced viability of SH-SY5Y cells and impaired development of patient-derived brain organoids unfold with aberrant granules formation. Therefore, our data suggests ID-linked DDX3X L556S mutation as a disorder arising from protein misfolding and aggregation.

Analyses of germination of seeds under artificial stress conditions are tools for a better understanding of the survival and adaptation capacity of species under natural stress conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming on seed germination, on breaking of dormancy, and on the length of Urochloa brizantha seedlings under water restriction and salt stress conditions. A completely randomized experimental design was used with four replications in a 3 × 6 factorial arrangement consisting of 3 germination conditions (water, water restriction with PEG, and salinity with NaCl) and 6 treatments [five priming solutions (distilled water, potassium nitrate, spermidine, gibberellin, and sodium nitroprusside) and a control (unprimed seeds)]. The following determinations were made: seed moisture content after priming (before drying) and after drying the seeds, germination test at seven and twenty-one days after sowing, germination speed index, viability by the tetrazolium test of the seeds remaining from the germination test, and seedling length. Priming is effective in minimizing the negative effects of water restriction and salinity. Use of sodium nitroprusside as a priming solution results in a lower percentage of dormant seeds and greater germination, vigor, and plant development.

Carbon monoxide (CO) exerts various protective effects on the body. Drugs known as CORMs (CO-releasing molecules) can continuously release small doses of CO into diseased tissues and cells. Transition metals interact strongly with the carbonyl group, and coordination compounds bearing carbonyl groups are a promising class of CORMs. This study investigates the octahedral coordination of Fe2+ and Fe3+ compounds with carbonyl groups (to give Fen+[CO]6) and subsequent substitutions with Cl−, Br−, NH3, and H2O, to understand how these ligands interfere in the M-CO bond. The geometry optimization calculations were performed with the methods BP86 and B3LYP and the atomic basis set def2-TZVP. The molecular orbitals and the properties derived from the electronic density based on QTAIM were analyzed. Coordination with ligands increased the influence of the metal atomic basin on the Fe-C bond, especially for the Fe2+ compounds, and the Cl− and Br− ligands led to lower local ionization energies at the Fe-C bonds. Trans effects were also observed in the QTAIM real functions: Fe-C bond distances were shorter when C was in trans position to a ligand.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:15:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-01 The adoption of dicamba-tolerant soybean varieties has increased the concern and demand for new drift and volatility reduction technologies. Potential spray nozzles and adjuvants should be studied to determine its effects on drift and volatility of dicamba tank-mixtures. The objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical characteristics of spray solutions containing dicamba; to analyze droplet size effect with air induction nozzles; and to assess dicamba volatilization on soybean plants with a proposed methodology. Treatments included dicamba only and mixtures with herbicides and adjuvants. Dicamba mixed with lecithin + methyl soybean oil + ethoxylated alcohol adjuvant had the greatest efficacy potential among treatments considering tank-mixture pH, surface tension, contact angle and droplet size. The MUG11003 nozzle produced the coarsest droplet size and was better suited for drift management among nozzle types. The proposed volatilization methodology successfully indicated dicamba volatilization in exposed soybean plants and among the evaluated treatments, it showed greater volatilization for dicamba with glyphosate + lecithin + propionic acid adjuvant. Departamento de Ciências da Produção Agrícola UNESP Jaboticabal Campus Departamento de Ciências da Produção Agrícola UNESP Jaboticabal Campus

Pterodon pubescens, popularly known as "sucupira", it is traditionally used as anti-inflammatory agent. This work aimed to evaluate the in vivo antiarthritic properties of a P. pubescens oil nanoemulsion and the rheological behavior of the developed system. The viscoelastic properties, creep and recovery were evaluated by dynamic oscillatory tests. The antiarthritic activity of the nanoemulsion was evaluated by the zymozan-induced arthritis model, at three different doses (25, 50 and 125 mg/kg/day). P. pubescens oil nanoemulsion has been shown to decrease cell recruitment to a joint cavity and increased cartilaginous regeneration at the end of treatment of the dose of 50 mg/kg. The evaluation of the behaviour of deformation allowed to observe that the P. pubescens nanoemulsion presents predominantly elastic characteristic. These findings demonstrate the potential of P. pubescens and nanotechnology in the development of new antiarthritic drugs. Pterodon pubescens, conocido popularmente como "sucupira", se usa tradicionalmente como antiinflamatorio. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar las propiedades antiartríticas in vivo de una nanoemulsión que contiene lo aceite de P. pubescens y el comportamiento reológico del sistema desarrollado. Las propiedades viscoelásticas, fluencia y recuperación se evaluaron mediante ensayos oscilatorios dinámicos. La actividad antiartrítica de la nanoemulsión se evaluó mediante el modelo de artritis inducida por zimozan, en tres concentraciones diferentes (25, 50 y 125 mg/kg/día). Se ha demostrado que la nanoemulsión que contiene aceite de P. pubescens en la dosis de 50 mg/kg disminuye el reclutamiento de células a la cavidad articular y aumenta la regeneración del cartílago al final del tratamiento. La evaluación del comportamiento de deformación permitió observar que la nanoemulsión de P. pubescens tiene una característica predominantemente elástica. Estos hallazgos demuestran el potencial del uso de P. pubescens en nanotecnología para el desarrollo de nuevos fármacos antiartríticos. Pterodon pubescens, popularmente conhecido como "sucupira", é tradicionalmente utilizado como anti-inflamatório. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar as propriedades antiartríticas in vivo de uma nanoemulsão contendo o óleo de P. pubescens e o comportamento reológico do sistema desenvolvido. As propriedades viscoelásticas, fluência e recuperação foram avaliadas por testes oscilatórios dinâmicos. A atividade antiartrítica da nanoemulsão foi avaliada pelo modelo de artrite induzida por zimozan, em três diferentes concentrações (25, 50 e 125 mg/kg/dia). Demonstrou-se que a nanoemulsão contendo o óleo de P. pubescens na dose de 50 mg/kg diminui o recrutamento de células para uma cavidade articular e aumenta a regeneração cartilaginosa no final do tratamento. A avaliação do comportamento de deformação permitiu observar que a nanoemulsão de P. pubescens apresenta característica predominantemente elástica. Esses achados demonstram o potencial da aplicação de P. pubescens na nanotecnologia para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos antiartríticos.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:22:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-08-25 Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone that acts in different physiological plant processes and is considered an efficient elicitor in the production of secondary metabolites, including essential oils. The effects of SA on biomass production, primary metabolites contents and nutrients in leaves of Achillea millefolium L. plants were evaluated. Additionally, the effect of SA on the quantity and quality of essential oil was evaluated. The experiments were carried out under field conditions in two consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), with SA foliar applications at a dose of 1.0 mmol L-1 in different periods (20, 60 and 100 days after planting - DAP and at 100 DAP for three consecutive days) with water treated plants as control. Plants treated with SA showed higher dry weight values (leaf, root and total) and photosynthetic pigment contents. The positive effects of SA on the primary plant metabolism were evidenced by the higher concentrations of total sugars, proteins and amino acids in both application periods and years of cultivation. The levels of macronutrients in the leaves were also increased compared to the controls. SA applications resulted in higher content and yield of essential oil. The qualitative analysis of the essential oil showed the predominant presence of volatile compound chamazulene. Our results have demonstrated that the application of 1.0 mmol L-1 of SA at 100 DAP induced a series of coordinated metabolic changes that resulted in increases in yield and essential oil content in A. millefolium, which makes the aerial application of this elicitor a promising approach for its use in plants grown under field conditions. Faculdades Gammon Rua Prefeito Jayme Monteiro, 791 CEVOP – Centro de Estudo em Ecofisiologia Vegetal do Oeste Paulista Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Rodovia Raposo Tavares, km 572 Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE) São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Sciences Humanities and Languages Department of Biotechnology Laboratory of Herbal Medicine and Natural Products São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Sciences Humanities and Languages

Introduction Aberrant Crypt (AC) and Aberrant Crypt Focus (ACF) are considered pre-neoplasic lesions, ranging from hyperplasia to different degrees of dysplasia in the colon. This work aimed to evaluate and quantify the chemopreventive activity of Zingiber officinale essential oil in the colorectal region of Wistar rats. Materials and methods We extracted the essential oil from ginger rhizomes and carried out ACF induction, in rats, with 1.2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at a 20 mg/kg dose. The experimental groups were GI (negative control); GII (positive induction control); GIII (DMH + essential oil); GIV (DMH +5-Florouracil) and GV (essential oil). The histological techniques used were methylene blue, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) dyeing, and immunohistochemistry (IHQ). Results The major essential oil compounds were citral (17.25%), δ-citral (10.25%), camphene (9.55%), α-zingiberene (7.57%), nerol (6.37%) and plelandrene (6.83%). For the presence of AC or ACF, we did not observe them in GI and GV, while in GII and GIII, they were observed, in high values, in both regions, but only in the distal region, there was a significant difference between them. For GIV, for both regions, there were significant lower numbers of AC when compared to GIII. As observed, with HE, there were hyperplastic and dysplastic ACF in the proximal and distal portions of the colon. For IHQ analyses, there were positively PCNA antibody marked cells in all experimental groups. Yet, there was no significant correlation of mitotic index among them. Moreover, the results of GIII compared to GIV were very similar. Conclusion In this sense, the Zingiber officinale essential oil has good antioxidant potential because it presents a mixture of monoterpene and sesquiterpene compounds. Thus, it is able to develop a chemoprotective effect, as it presented similar results to the standard drug, showing cell proliferation control.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:44:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Background: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most commonly used irrigant in endodontics . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of NaOCl solution (2.5%) and gel (3%) with/without passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and their endotoxins, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Methods: 40 human lower premolars were contaminated with E. coli (ATCC 25922) for 28 days and E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) for 21 days. Specimens were randomly divided into four groups: (1) 2.5% NaOCl irrigating the canals without PUI activation; (2) 2.5% NaOCl with PUI; (3) 3% NaOCl gel irrigating the canals without PUI; and (4) 3% NaOCl gel with PUI. 40 mL of irrigant was used for each group. PUI activation was carried out using E1-Irrisonic stainless-steel tip at 10% frequency. After treatment, all specimens were filled with 3mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 3min and then washed with nonpyrogenic saline solution. Three samples were collected from the canals: S1, at baseline to confirm biofilm formation; S2 after treatment; and S3 after EDTA. Samples were assessed for E. coli and E. faecalis colony forming units, and LPS and LTA were assessed using chromogenic kinetic LAL assay and ELISA, respectively. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Friedmann and Dunn tests with α≤0.05. Results: All groups were effective in reducing the microbial load of E. coli and E. faecalis after treatment without a significant difference among the groups. NaOCl and NaOCl gel groups had no significant difference in reducing LPS and LTA. Statistically increased reduction was seen for NaOCL + PUI and NaOCl gel + PUI compared for groups without PUI. Conclusions: NaOCl gel has the same antimicrobial action of NaOCl solution and can partially detoxify endotoxins. PUI improves NaOCl (gel or solution) action over E. faecalis and E. coli and their endotoxins. Department of Restorative Dentistry Endodontic Division São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Science and Technology São José dos Campos Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos Department of Restorative Dentistry Endodontic Division São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Science and Technology São José dos Campos Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos

With the aim of predicting mixture behavior based on information of pure components only, COSMO-based models have emerged as a promising alternative. Several works in the literature are available attesting the good performance of COSMO-RS variants in several different applications. However, the extension of COSMO calculations for polymers and other macromolecules was not extensively explored. In this work, a new procedure to evaluate the parameters of the polymers repeating unit for COSMO-based models is proposed. The idea of a large polymer molecule consisting of many repeating units is employed, however, a more comprehensive analysis using oligomers of different sizes is suggested. The COSMO-SAC model with parameters from the literature was used to test the new methodology. Infinite dilution activity coefficient (IDAC) and vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) calculations with homopolymer and copolymer systems were performed to verify the predictive capability of the approach. The good results obtained showed the adequacy of the proposed methodology to represent IDAC and VLE data of solvent-polymer and -copylymer systems.

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has been considered an emerging concern. Diclofenac has the highest acute toxicity among the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and it has been frequently detected in surface waters and wastewater treatment plants. Adsorption has been widely used to remove emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical compounds from water sources and wastewaters. In this work, diclofenac adsorption was studied using activated carbon as adsorbent in batch process and fixed-bed column. Adsorption isotherms were determined through batch adsorption experiments, while fixed-bed adsorption was evaluated through a full factorial two-level experimental design involving three variables: initial pollutant concentration (20 – 100 mg L-1), weight of adsorbent (0.5 – 1.0 g) and volumetric feed flow rate (3 – 5 mL min−1). Adsorption equilibrium was investigated in different temperatures revealed that the Freundlich equation is suitable to describe the isotherms behavior in 298, 308 and 318 K. Thermodynamic analysis revealed negative ΔG0 and both positive ΔH0 and ΔS0, which indicated that diclofenac adsorption onto activated carbon is higher at higher temperatures and it is a spontaneous process. Breakthrough time, the time when 5% of initial concentration is detected in the effluent, was at higher initial concentration and lower flow rate. Fractional bed utilization increased with the increase of the initial concentration and flow rate, but decreased with higher amount of activated carbon. Breakthrough curves experimental data were fitted using Thomas, Bohart-Adams and Yan analytical models. Yan model showed the highest average of the determination coefficients (R² = 0.9842) of all experiments while the amounts adsorbed by the packed column were better predicted by Thomas equation.

The conventional methods used in the treatment of this residue lead to a discharge with intense coloration, high organic matter concentration, toxic metals and high toxicity. This work had as objective to study a system integrated for the remediation of the leachate originating from the sanitary landfill of Limeira-SP city The system consisted in a preliminary treatment by a system of slow sand filtration and the subsequent treatment through advanced oxidative processes, considering that the heterogeneous photocatalysis technique with TiO2/UV was experienced in remediation. The photocatalytic treatment was accomplished in a Pyrex glass reactor of approximately 1.7 L (100 mm of internal diameter, 145 mm of external diameter and total height of 300 mm). The experiments were carried out through water refrigeration and internal recirculation system of the leachate. To optimize the treatment process the best methodology it was evaluated to minimize the coloration of the leachate, one of the parameters of larger removal difficulty. The results were satisfactory with leachate coloration reduction in the order of: 66% in 180 min and 76% in 540 min of treatment with the heterogeneous fotocatálise, using 700 mg.L-1 of TiO2, 45°C temperature, 15 L.min-1 air flow and 400 Watts lamp.

In the present work, it was studied the treatment of sanitary landfill leachate seeking to evaluate it reuse potential in the agriculture. For the treatment, it was chosen the photochemical process based on the action of ultraviolet radiation (UV) on H2O2. The treatment was accomplished in a reactor of borosilicate glass with volume capacity of 2.5 liters, with temperature control through refrigeration to the water and internal system for control of leachate recirculation flow. The optimized experimental conditions happened to the temperature of 45°C, recirculation flow 400 mL min-1, H2O2 volume 40 mL, using a lamp of high pressure mercury of 400 W, without the external wrapper. The treatment was accomplished for 120 minutes and it presented color reduction of the order of 97%, of 50% in the turbidity and of 72% in the Chemical Oxygen Demand. In analysis of identification acute toxicity using the species: Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce); Solanum gilo (scarlet eggplant); Abelmoschus esculentus L. (okra), it was verified that the toxicidade could be due to the high alkalinity (5100 mgCaCO3L-1) persistent after the photochemical treatment. Because of this it was concluded that the leachate treated by photochemical process (H2O2/UV), in the employed conditions in this study, it shown great potential to be tested in small dosages in procedures of correction of the soil acidity. With a possible use of the high concentration of the ions carbonate and bicarbonate available, it is at the same time, possible the promotion of the economy of agricultural inputs in that the treatment eliminates the environmental impacts provoked by the leachate, besides making possible the use of some important minerals for the agriculture.

Glutamine (GLN) used as a dietary supplement is practically insoluble in water, which reduces its bioavailability after oral administration. Here, effervescent GLN (EBGLN) was prepared by comminution with an effervescent base (EB) that enhances its water solubility. EB (80 mg/mL) composed of citric acid, tartaric acid, and sodium bicarbonate was used in the ratio 1:2:3. This formulation was characterized in the liquid state (solubility studies, pH, effervescence time, GLN content) and solid-state (size analysis, residual moisture, flow properties studies, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, powder x-ray diffraction, and Fourier transformed infrared Raman spectroscopy). In vivo studies were performed with adult overnight fasted (15 h) rats. The rats were euthanized 30, 60, and 120 min after the oral administration (gavage) of water (vehicle of GLN), EB (vehicle of EBGLN), GLN (glutamine dissolved in water), or EBGLN (GLN dissolved in EB). Blood was collected and the plasma concentrations (nmol/mL) of GLN, glutamic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, histidine, serine, arginine, tyrosine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Physicochemical characterizations indicated that EBGLN was present as a physical mixture with lower crystallinity and higher solubility when compared with pure GLN. In vivo experiments demonstrated improved oral GLN bioavailability from EBGLN (500 mg/kg - 30 min and 60 min). Therefore, the solid effervescent system represents a new strategy for oral glutamine delivery with potential clinical relevance.

Superficial bacterial folicullitis is a common dermatologic disease that is caused mainly by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a pathogen from the dog skin microbiota. We retrospectively evaluated 1,817 cases of dogs with superficial bacterial folicullitis (primary or secondary) treated with sodium cefovecin (8 mg/kg, SQ) every 14 days, according to clinical need. 68.5% of dogs required a single dose of cefovecin (1,246/1,817); 28% of the animals (507/1.817) required two doses and 3.5% (64/1.817) demanded three doses. Overall, responses were considered satisfactory in 96% (1,744/1,817) of cases. Lack of efficacy was detected in 4% (73/1,817) of cases, and side effects were not observed in any treated dog. We concluded that cefovecin is an efficacious, safe and convenient treatment for superficial bacterial folicullitis in dogs.

The occurrence of emerging contaminants in water and wastewater and their inefficient removal on conventional treatment is the key issue in the reuse of water resources. Adsorption by fixed bed column is usually used to remove organic contaminants from aqueous phase. The adsorption of the widely used antibiotic amoxicillin onto activated carbon was studied. Batch adsorption experiments were developed in order to determine the equilibrium time and the best isotherm model. Pseudo first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models were applied to the experimental data to determine the adsorption kinetics. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the adsorption process with a R 2 approximately 0.99. Adsorption isotherm obtained was better fitted by Sips model compared to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The effects of inlet amoxicillin concentration (20–100 mg L −1 ), feed flow rate (3–5 mL min −1 ) and amount of activated carbon (0.5–1.0 g) on the fixed-bed adsorption were determined by two-level factorial experimental design. Breakthrough (C/C0 = 0.05) and saturation times (C/C0 = 0.95) were higher at higher adsorbent dosage and lower flow rates. The increase of amoxicillin initial concentration increased breakthrough but decreased saturation times. The volume of effluent treated per gram of activated carbon was higher at lower initial concentrations and adsorbent dosage. Fractional bed utilization (FBU) increased with higher flow rate and AMX concentration and lower amount of activated carbon. Yan model better fitted the experimental data of the breakthrough curves compared to Thomas and Bohart-Adams models with R 2 of 0.9840.

The use of biodegradable polymers has aroused academic and technological interest directed to the replacement of conventional polymers aiming at reducing the environmental impact caused by these materials. Vegetable fibres as reinforcement elements provide gains in mechanical, thermal and degradation properties to polymer composites. The buriti fibre (Mauritia flexuosa) is an abundant crop of easy cultivation in tropical countries and its use in composites with poly(lactic acid) (PLA), can provide the development of a material with specific features, combining good mechanical properties and excellent degradation potential to the obtained composites. In this research, PLA and buriti fibre composites were developed with the use of triacetin as coupling agent. For a 30% content by mass of fibre, the results showed that the mechanical properties of the composites were similar to those of neat PLA. This was attributed to the fibre/matrix interaction observed by the SEM analysis and to an increase in crystallinity assessed by thermal properties.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are natural toxins produced as secondary fungal metabolites. Common in diverse commodities, the consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foodstuffs has harmful effects on human health mainly due to their carcinogenic effects. There is considerable demand for the development of rapid, reliable and cost-effective screening tools, once regulatory authorities employ strict procedures for detection of aflatoxins. In this study, a sensitive and specific strip test assay was developed, based on a competitive format, for the detection of aflatoxins in soybean, a major Brazilian agricultural commodity. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was produced, named as 3B6, with high specificity to aflatoxins B1, M1, G1, G2 and B2. For the development of a strip test, colloidal gold particles were coated with 3B6 mAb and used as the detector reagent. An AFB1–BSA conjugate was sprayed at the test line of a nitrocellulose membrane to serve as a competitor reagent, with an anti-species-specific antibody used at the control line. The strip test developed was capable of detecting as little as 0.5 μg kg−1 of aflatoxin. To validate the strip test, soybean grains infected and non-infected with the aflatoxin-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus were employed. The applicability of the developed test was demonstrated by screening 12 foodstuff samples (soy protein and soy milk) collected from different local markets. The results indicated that the strip tests developed were capable of accurately qualitatively identified aflatoxin-contaminated samples in less than 10 min. This method offers a promising device for application in routine monitoring during storage, transport, processing and handling of agricultural commodities.

Sewage sludge refers to a nutrient-rich by-product and organic matter from treatment plants and has become a challenge for many research segments to find a rational and sustainable destination for this material. In this context, the carbonization of biomass (by the pyrolysis process) results in biochar, characterized by a very stable material with specific physical and chemical properties and can represent a very important tool for this challenge. Thus, the objective of the present work was to transform, bypyrolysis process, small portions of the biosolid generated in Rancharia ETE into biochar. In addition, both the biosolid and the generated bicarbons were subjected to physical, chemical and structural analyzes in order to proceed with their respective characterization. From the analysis, it was found that the treatment submitted to temperature of 550°C as the best option for possible applications.Keywords:biosolid; pyrolysis; biochar.

The UVA component of sunlight induces DNA damage, which are basically responsible for skin cancer formation. Xeroderma Pigmentosum Variant (XP-V) patients are defective in the DNA polymerase pol eta that promotes translesion synthesis after sunlight-induced DNA damage, implying in a clinical phenotype of increased frequency of skin cancer. However, the role of UVA-light in the carcinogenesis of these patients is not completely understood. The goal of this work was to characterize UVA-induced DNA damage and the consequences to XP-V cells, compared to complemented cells. DNA damage were induced in both cells by UVA, but lesion removal was particularly affected in XP-V cells, possibly due to the oxidation of DNA repair proteins, as indicated by the increase of carbonylated proteins. Moreover, UVA irradiation promoted replication fork stalling and cell cycle arrest in the S-phase for XP-V cells. Interestingly, when cells were treated with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, all these deleterious effects were consistently reverted, revealing the role of oxidative stress in these processes. Together, these results strongly indicate the crucial role of oxidative stress in UVA-induced cytotoxicity and are of interest for the protection of XP-V patients.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-12T17:28:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2018-11-12T17:36:26Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0101-20612018005020101.pdf: 1626995 bytes, checksum: 457c78220e0a8906f5c05f44892bcc31 (MD5) AbstractThis manuscript showed a new product that can be used in sugar and alcohol production to replace the acrylamide polymer, applied in the juice treatment. This new product is an organic extract obtained from moringa seeds, which present the flocculating protein 2S-Albumin. This biomolecule is added in the decanter together with the limed and heated juice, increasing the sedimentation speed of impurities that, if remain in the process, decrease the quality of the obtained sugar. This issue is of great importance because the acrylamide molecule has carcinogenic and neurotoxic action in humans and may be incorporated within the sugar crystal or the mud (filter-cake) used as a fertilizer. Furthermore, it should be noted that this manuscript presents the best technique to extract the S-Albumin protein from moringa seeds (using a CaCl2 solution 0.1 mol/L), the best dosage to apply in the sugarcane juice (1300 mg/L), and similary sugar quality achieved, compared with the process using the acrylamide polymer. Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Departamento de Tecnologia Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Departamento de Tecnologia

In this work, the COSMO-SAC-Phi equation of state [Fluid Phase Equilib. 488 (2019) 13–26] is refined by the introduction of a new equation to describe dispersive effects. The proposed modification is inspired by the well-known rules of consistency for α-functions, used in cubic equations of state. The results for 38 representative compounds have shown that the proposed modification is able to improve the correlation of pure compound experimental data of saturation pressures and saturated liquid volume, with average deviations of 0.96% and 0.73%, respectively. Densities of pure compounds under conditions beyond the saturation region were also well predicted. Vapor-liquid equilibrium predictions of binary mixtures demonstrated, for most cases, that the modified equation was superior to the original COSMO-SAC-Phi model, PSRK, and Soave-Redlich-Kwong with the classical van der Waals mixing rule. The modified model was also able to produce very good predictions for liquid-liquid equilibrium, being similar to UNIFAC-LLE at low temperatures, but exhibiting a much better performance at higher temperatures (and pressures).

There is growing interest in the use of topical delivery systems that can modify the permeation of drugs through the skin. Transdermal carriers containing hyaluronic acid have been investigated, and results indicate that nanoemulsions containing hyaluronic acid can be used successfully in delivery systems of lipophilic drugs. Pterodon pubescens oil be widely used due to its anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, leishmanicidal, and antiproliferative activities. In this study, the effect of the incorporation of hyaluronic acid on the physicochemical properties and physical stability of topical nanostructured systems containing P.pubescens fruit oil was investigated. Nanoemulsions were prepared using an Ultra-Turrax homogenizer. The droplet diameter varied from 16.33 ± 0.30 to 26.63 ± 0.21 nm. The zeta potential for nanoemulsions with hyaluronic acid indicated good physical stability. The thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that the nanoemulsions were able to protect the vegetable oil from thermal degradation. The nanoemulsions containing hyaluronic acid presented a pseudoplastic flow behavior, and a lower instability index than the formulations without hyaluronic acid in accelerated physical stability study. In conclusion, the incorporation of hyaluronic acid altered the physical characteristics of the evaluated systems, providing favorable properties for the use of these nanoemulsions as topical carriers.

Meloidogyne incognita is responsible for significant crop losses worldwide. The main strategy to control this phytopathogen is still based on synthetic nematicides that are harmful to human health and the environment. In this context, aqueous seed extracts of antagonistic plants were screened for molecules effective toward the infective stage (J2) of M. incognita. The aqueous crude extract of Canavalia ensiformis (ACECe) showed the highest nematicidal activity (87 ± 3% mortality). ACECe dialysis fractionation allowed the collection of an external dialysate (EDCe) containing molecules smaller than 3.5 kDa effective against J2 (96 ± 3.0% mortality); innocuous toward non targeted organisms as saprophytic nematodes, fungi, bacterium and insects larvae; active against J2 (96 ± 2% mortality) after heating (50 °C); no cytotoxic for bovine red blood cells; reduction of M. incognita eggs masses by 82.5% in tomato plants at green house conditions. Fractionation of the EDCe by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) separated five nematotoxic fractions. Analyses of those fractions based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) identified nine specific metabolites, follow-up testing of the individual authentic standards of each metabolite as the compounds: d-glucose, l-canavanine, xanthotoxin, cis-aconitic acid, trans-aconitic acid, malic acid, citric acid, palmitic acid and S-carboxymethylcysteine; all them confirmed to possess nematotoxic properties. However, some of those metabolites were not described previously demonstrating biological action against M. incognita. Keywords: Meloidogyne incognita, Canavalia ensiformis, Nematotoxic compounds

The knowledge about the solubility behavior of different biomolecules can be of interest to the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries. In this work, the designer solvents were evaluated as additives to aqueous media to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic biomolecules, namely: quercetin, curcumin, and gallic acid. The solubilities of these biomolecules were explored in terms of experimental data and COSMO-based models' prediction (COSMO-RS and COSMO-SAC). The following designer solvents were evaluated as additives: DES (composed of cholinium chloride and xylitol, 2:1 M fraction), cholinium chloride (HBA), xylitol (HBD) and the simple mixture of cholinium chloride and xylitol in the same molar ratio of the DES. For the more hydrophobic biomolecules, i.e., curcumin, and quercetin, these solvents promoted an increase of solubility. The quercetin solubility increased more than 1000-fold in the solution containing 70 wt% of cholinium chloride compared to the pure water. In the same conditions, the curcumin solubility increased around 700-fold. For the less hydrophobic biomolecule, gallic acid, a hydrotrope effect was observed when DES and the simple mixture of cholinium chloride and xylitol were used as an additive. Moreover, comparing the aqueous solutions containing DES with that one composed of the cholinium chloride and xylitol mixture is possible to observe the effect of the hydrogen bonds from DES at low water content solutions. Also, the COSMO models were able to predict the affinity behavior of biomolecules in different solvents, and the COSMO-SAC predicted the hydrotrope behavior of the aqueous solution of cholinium chloride when solubilizing gallic acid.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the production of biopolymers, including poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) P(3HB). However, finding compatible solvents for these new materials can be a challenging task. The infinite dilution activity coefficient (IDAC) is a thermodynamic property that indicates the level of interactions between two substances and can be determined from experiments of inverse gas chromatography (IGC). In this work, IGC was used to determine IDAC of 12 solvents in P(3HB). The substances studied were 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP), 1,2-dichloroethane, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, 2-butanone, 2-heptanone, benzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, isooctane and toluene. HFIP was found to be the most compatible solvent with P(3HB) with IDAC values smaller than 1. Isooctane presented the highest IDAC value, in agreement with the well known incompatibility between hydrocarbons and P(3HB). In addition, P(3HB) crystallinity was determined through IGC technique, enabling the calculation of the IDAC of amorphous phase only, where vapor-liquid equilibrium can be assumed. The degree of crystallinity obtained with HFIP analysis in P(3HB) was 68%, a value close to that previously reported in the literature.

In this study, Klebsiella pneumoniae BLh-1 was grown under exponential fed-batch mode in cultures using raw glycerol from biodiesel synthesis under anaerobiosis to produce value-added products. Specific growth rates of 0.035, 0.07, and 0.105 h-1 were tested and 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) and ethanol were produced in all cultures, whereas the formation of 2,3-butanediol was not observed. The highest concentrations of 1,3-PDO (38.5 g L-1) and ethanol (13.2 g L-1) were achieved under the specific growth rate of 0.105 h-1. Acetic and lactic acids were also produced at high concentrations (17.3 and 7.8 g L-1, respectively) under these conditions. The yields of 1,3-PDO and ethanol increased over time, reaching final values of 0.56 and 0.19 g g-1, respectively. Overall productivities were 1.43 g L-1 h-1 for 1,3-PDO and 0.49 g L-1 h-1 for ethanol. Compared to batch results, fed-batch operation favored K. pneumoniae metabolism towards the production of 1,3-PDO and ethanol, being an interesting process to add value to the ever-growing availability of raw glycerol from biodiesel industry.

Background A potential association between obesity and prostate cancer has been proposed. Metformin, an antidiabetes drug, has antiproliferative effects being proposed for cancer treatment. However, under intense proliferative stimulation conditions such as those found in obesity, its efficacy is still uncertain. Thus, we analyzed the effects of saturated fatty acid and/or insulin under high concentrations, with or without metformin, on the proliferation and migration of prostate cells. Methods Human prostate epithelial cell lines non-tumor (PNT1A) and tumor (PC3) were treated with control media (DMEM, C), palmitate (100 µM, HF), and/or insulin (50 µU, HI) with or without metformin (100 µM) for 24 or 48 h. Results Both PNT1A and PC3 cells had greater proliferation when treated with HF, while HI treatment stimulated only PNT1A. Metformin inhibited cell proliferation caused by HF in both cell lines, but it did not block the proliferative action of HI in PNT1A cells. PNT1A increased cell migration after all treatments, while only HF influenced PC3; metformin inhibited the migration stimulated by all obese microenvironments. Both HF and HI treatments in PNT1A and HF treatment in PC3 augmented vimentin expression, resulting in a higher epithelial-mesenchymal transition (which, in turn, could influence cell migration). Metformin inhibited vimentin expression in both normal and tumor cells. Although HF treatment had increased AMPK activation, it also increased the levels of activated ERK1/2, which could be responsible for high cell proliferation in both cell lines. In contrast, HI decreased AMPK activation in both cell lines, whereas it increased ERK1/2 levels in PNT1A and decreased them in PC3 (reflecting greater cell proliferation only in non-tumor cells). Metformin maintained high activation of AMPK and decreased ERK1/2 levels after HF in both cell lines and only after HI in PNT1A, which was able to decrease the cell proliferation triggered by these treatments. Conclusions Higher concentrations of palmitate on PC3 cells and palmitate and insulin on PNT1A cells stimulate cellular activities that could favor cancer progression. Metformin inhibited most of these stimuli, showing the efficacy of this drug for cancer adjuvant therapy in obese patients (a group at increased risk for the development of prostrate cancer).

In the literature there are several studies comparing the accuracy of various models in describing the PvT behavior of polymers. However, most of these studies do not provide information about the quality of the estimated parameters or the sensitivity of the prediction of thermodynamic properties to the parameters of the equations. Furthermore, there are few studies exploring the prediction of thermal expansion and compression coefficients. Based on these observations, the objective of this study is to deepen the analysis of Tait, HH (Hartmann-Haque), MCM (modified cell model) and SHT (simplified hole theory) equations of state in predicting the PvT behavior of polymers, for both molten and solid states. The results showed that all equations of state provide an adequate description of the PvT behavior in the molten state, with low standard deviations in the estimation of parameters, adequate sensitivity of their parameters and plausible prediction of specific volume, thermal expansion and isothermal compression coefficients. In the solid state the Tait equation exhibited similar performance to the molten state, while HH showed satisfactory results for amorphous polymers and difficulty in adjusting the PvT curve for semicrystalline polymers.

Extractive distillation processes with N-formylmorpholine (NFM) are used industrially to separate benzene from six carbon non-aromatics. In the process studied in this work, the stream of interest consists of nearly 20 different hydrocarbons. A new set of NRTL parameters was correlated based on literature experimental data. Both vapor-liquid equilibrium as well as infinite dilution activity coefficient data were taken into account; missing parameters were estimated with the UNIFAC group contribution model. The extractive distillation process was simulated using ASPEN Plus®. Very good agreement with plant data was obtained. The influences of the main operational parameters, solvent to feed ratio and solvent temperature, were studied. Theoretical optimum operating values were obtained and can be implemented to improve the industrial process. Extreme static sensitivity with respect to reboiler heat was observed, indicating that this can be the source of instabilities.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-28T16:56:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-01-28T17:02:30Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ISSN1684-5315-2015-14-06-519-524.pdf: 352553 bytes, checksum: 1a8f81f47fe4975955d414805d3d7e38 (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) The use of vegetable biomass as substrate for ethanol production could reduce the existing usage of fossil fuels, thereby minimizing negative environmental impacts. Due to mechanical harvesting of sugarcane, the amount of pointer and straw has increased in sugarcane fields, becoming inputs of great energy potential. This study aimed to analyze the use of hemicellulosic hydrolyzate produced by sugarcane pointers and leaves compared with that of sugarcane juice fermented by yeasts that unfold hexoses and pentoses in the production of second generation biofuel, ethanol. The substrates used for ethanol production composed of either sugarcane juice (hexoses) or hemicellulosic hydrolyzate from sugarcane leaves and pointers (pentoses and hexoses), and the mixture of these two musts. Fermentation was performed in a laboratory scale using the J10 and FT858 yeast strains using 500 ml Erlenmeyer flasks with 180 ml of must prepared by adjusting the Brix to 16±0.3°; pH 4.5±0.5; 30°C; 107 CFU/ml with constant stirring for 72 h, with four replications. Cell viability, budding, buds viability, and ethanol production were evaluated. Among the yeasts, the cell viability was greater for J10. The use of FT858+J10 was effective in producing ethanol. The hemicellulosic hydrolyzate had low efficiency in ethanol production compared with sugarcane juice. Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Departamento de Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias de Jaboticabal, Jaboticabal, VIA DE ACESSO PROF. PAULO DONATO CASTELLANE S/N, ZONA RURAL, CEP 14884-900, SP, Brasil Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Escola de Engenharia de Lorena, Lorena, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Departamento de Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias de Jaboticabal, Jaboticabal, VIA DE ACESSO PROF. PAULO DONATO CASTELLANE S/N, ZONA RURAL, CEP 14884-900, SP, Brasil

The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops has grown rapidly worldwide. This has led to regulatory authorities implementing strict procedures to monitor and verify the presence and abundance of GM varieties in agricultural crops. Immunochromatographic strip tests have been employed for the detection of transgenic proteins expressed in GM crops as rapid, reliable and cost-effective screening tools. In this study, we developed a novel and sensitive strip test assay, based on a sandwich format, for the identification of Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 transgenic proteins. We generated two monoclonal antibodies (mAb), namely 1B1 and 5H4, that bind with high specificity to Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 proteins. For the development of strip tests, colloidal gold particles were coated with 1B1 mAb and used as the detector reagent. The 5H4 mAb was sprayed at the test line of a nitrocellulose membrane to serve as a capture reagent and anti-species specific antibodies were used at the control line. The strip test developed was capable of detecting 0.06 μg of Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 proteins. For validation of the strip test, GM and non-GM cotton leaf samples were employed. The results indicated that the strip test was capable of distinguishing between GM and non-GM cotton samples, offering potential for use as a rapid and cost-effective screening tool for insect-resistant GM crops expressing Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 proteins to control lepidopterans and coleopteran pests, respectively.