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The relationship between culture, as a set of norms that structure human social practice, and agency, as the human capacity to act, has been debated for decades. Achieving clarity in how these constructs intersect has been hampered by difficulty in measuring either one, and theory has not suggested how a model linking culture and agency might be specified. We present a model in which culture is measured as cultural consonance, or the degree to which individuals actually incorporate prototypes for behavior encoded in cultural models into their own behavior. This measurement is then integrated with a measure of individuals’ sense of personal agency. In a previous study in urban Brazil, we found that personal agency was associated with higher cultural consonance, which in turn was associated with lower psychological distress; however, those data were from a cross-sectional survey, thus limiting the causal inference. Here we present the results of a follow-up study in which a subset of respondents was re-interviewed on average four years later. These data are consistent with a model in which cultural consonance is the proximate causal influence on psychological distress, while personal agency is a distal or exogenous influence. The implications of these results for the relative roles of culture and agency as influences on subjective well-being are discussed.

É demonstrado que a administração de glicose provoca a diminuição da atividade da tirosina transaminase em fígado de rato. Este efeito “repressor” se apresenta em animais normais ou diabéticos por aloxanização, nos quais foi induzida por corticóides, ou, nos quais a enzima foi induzida por corticóides, ou, ainda, sôbre níveis basais da enzima. A administração de florindizina, não impedindo a indução, evita, contudo, o efeito repressor da glicose. É sugerido que a glicose ou metabolito à ela relacionado seja o controlador da atividade de TT, pois toda interferência no metabolismo glicose - glicogênio - glicose seja por efeito hormonal, por modificação da dieta, por florindizina etc..., determina significante variação dos níveis de TT no fígado.

A Aspartato Transcarbamilase foi estudada em fígado de rato em regeneração. Sua atividade sofre um aumento em função do tempo de regeneração, com aumento de até 47% sobre sua atividade basal na décima segunda hora após a hepatectomia.

A extração de histona de fígado normal de rato e de células ascíticas de Ehrlich, por CM-Celulose, evidenciou variações nítidas nas percentagens das frações fx, f2 e f3. A fração fx, não histona, apresentou maior percentagem nas células tumorais, enquanto nestas mesmas células houve uma diminuição da percentagem das frações f2 e f3. São discutidas as implicações destas diferenças no mecanismo de controle da divisão celular.

Antonio Ianniciello,1 Emilio Attena,2 Gerardo Carpinella,3 Ambra Uccello,4 Ciro Mauro,3 Vincenzo Russo1 1Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy; 2Cardiology Unit, Monaldi and Cotugno Hospital, Naples, Italy; 3Cardiology Unit, Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy; 4Cardiology Unit, Marcianise Hospital, Caserta Health Authority, Caserta, ItalyCorrespondence: Vincenzo Russo, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale E. Ruggieri, Naples, 80131, Italy, Email vincenzo.russo@unicampania.itAbstract: We described the case of a 68-year-old COVID-19 patient with hypertension and dyslipidemia who discontinued the cardiovascular medications during hospitalization and experienced a late onset occurrence of concomitant ST-elevation myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke at resolution of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.Keywords: COVID-19, stroke, myocardial infarction, thrombotic events, discontinuation, cardiovascular therapies

IntroductionGeneral anesthesia is associated with the development of atelectasis, which may affect lung ventilation. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive imaging tool that allows monitoring in real time the topographical changes in aeration and ventilation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the pattern of distribution of pulmonary ventilation through EIT before and after anesthesia induction in pediatric patients without lung disease undergoing nonthoracic surgery.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study including healthy children younger than 5 years who underwent nonthoracic surgery. Monitoring was performed continuously before and throughout the surgical period. Data analysis was divided into 5 periods: induction (spontaneous breathing, SB), ventilation-5min, ventilation-30min, ventilation-late and recovery-SB. In addition to demographic data, mechanical ventilation parameters were also collected. Ventilation impedance (Delta Z) and pulmonary ventilation distribution were analyzed cycle by cycle at the 5 periods.ResultsTwenty patients were included, and redistribution of ventilation from the posterior to the anterior region was observed with the beginning of mechanical ventilation: on average, the percentage ventilation distribution in the dorsal region decreased from 54%(IC95%:49-60%) to 49%(IC95%:44-54%). With the restoration of spontaneous breathing, ventilation in the posterior region was restored.ConclusionThere were significant pulmonary changes observed during anesthesia and controlled mechanical ventilation in children younger than 5 years, mirroring the findings previously described adults. Monitoring these changes may contribute to guiding the individualized settings of the mechanical ventilator with the goal to prevent postoperative complications.

Abstract Sensory neurons have recently emerged as components of the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, whether sensory neuronal activity is important for tumor progression remains unknown. Here we used Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by a Designer Drug (DREADD) technology to inhibit or activate sensory neurons’ firing within the melanoma tumor. Melanoma growth and angiogenesis were accelerated following inhibition of sensory neurons’ activity and were reduced following overstimulation of these neurons. Sensory neuron-specific overactivation also induced a boost in the immune surveillance by increasing tumor-infiltrating anti-tumor lymphocytes, while reducing immune-suppressor cells. In humans, a retrospective in silico analysis of melanoma biopsies revealed that increased expression of sensory neurons-related genes within melanoma was associated with improved survival. These findings suggest that sensory innervations regulate melanoma progression, indicating that manipulation of sensory neurons’ activity may provide a valuable tool to improve melanoma patients’ outcomes.

In this contribution, we examine the effect of the promoter´s ionic charge and valence orbital energy on the catalytic activity of Fe-based catalysts, based on in situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXRPD), temperature-programmed-based techniques (TPR, TPD, CO-TP carburization), and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalytic testing studies. We compared the promoting effects of K (a known promoter for longer-chained products) with Ba, which has a similar ionic radius but has double the ionic charge. Despite being partially “buried” in a crystalline BaCO3 phase, the carburization of the Ba-promoted catalyst was more effective than that of K; this was primarily due to its higher (2+) ionic charge. With Ba2+, higher selectivity to methane and lighter products were obtained compared to the K-promoted catalysts; this is likely due to Ba´s lesser capability of suppressing H adsorption on the catalyst surface. An explanation is provided in terms of a more limited mixing between electron-filled Ba2+ 5p and partially filled Fe 3d orbitals, which are expected to be important for the chemical promotion, as they are further apart in energy compared to the K+ 3p and Fe 3d orbitals.

Importance: Large language models being approved in medical boarding examinations highlights problems and challenges for healthcare education, improving tests, and deployment of chatbots. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT-3.5 in answering the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology Board Examination. Material and Methods: Two independent ophthalmologists inputted all questions to ChatGPT-3.5 and evaluated the responses for correctness, adjudicating in disagreements. We compared the performance of the ChatGPT across tests, ophthalmological themes, and mathematical questions. The included test was the 2022 Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology Board Examination which consists of theoretical test I, II, and theoretical–practical. Results: ChatGPT-3.5 answered 68 (41.46%) questions correctly, 88 (53.66%) wrongly, and 8 (4.88%) undetermined. In questions involving mathematical concepts, artificial intelligence correctly answered 23.8% of questions. In theoretical examinations I and II, correctly answered 43.18% and 40.83%, respectively. There was no statistical difference (odds ratio 1.101, 95% confidence interval 0.548–2.215, P = 0.787) comparing correct answers between tests and comparing within the test themes (P = 0.646) for correct answers. Conclusion and Relevance: Our study shows that ChatGPT would not succeed in the Brazilian ophthalmological board examination, a specialist-level test, and struggle with mathematical questions. Poor performance of ChatGPT can be explained by a lack of adequate clinical data in training and problems in question formulation, with caution recommended in deploying chatbots for ophthalmology.

Brazil is a powerhouse in terms of water resources, which are instrumental to the country’s transition to sustainability. However, to realize this potential, substantial management and conservation hurdles must first be overcome. We propose a novel strategy for the use, management, and conservation of Brazilian water resources. Our approach recognizes the spatial heterogeneity of water abundance and is based on a multisectoral perspective, including energy, food, sanitation, and environmental conservation. The main recommendations are to adopt low-cost local and subnational solutions and to design policy mixes, both based on the logic of the nexus water-food-energy-ecosystem. We offer as examples programs that 1) increase cistern infrastructure in drylands, 2) use constructed wetlands to improve sewage treatment in small cities and vulnerable areas, 3) turn the focus of conservation to aquatic ecosystems, 4) stimulate the adoption of small hydrokinetic turbines for energy generation in sparsely populated river-abundant regions, such as the Amazon Region, 5) diversify the matrix of renewable energy sources by combining hydropower with biomass and wind energy generation, and 6) mixes policies by integrating multiple sectors to improve regulation, use and management of water resources, such as the Brazilian “Water for All” Program. By following these recommendations, Brazil would align itself with the goals established in international agreements and would turn its abundance of water resources into development opportunities.

Two polymerizable ionic liquids (or monomeric ionic liquids, mILs) namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium and choline acrylates ([C4mim]A and ChA, respectively) were synthesized using the modified Fukumoto method from corresponding chlorides. The chemical structure of the prepared mILs was confirmed with FTIR and NMR study. Investigation of the thermal properties with DSC demonstrates that both mILs have a Tg temperature of about 180 K and a melting point around 310 K. It was shown that the temperature dependence of FTIR confirm the Tg to be below 200. Both mILs exhibited non-Newtonian shear thinning rheological behavior at shear rates >4 s−1. It was shown that [C4mim]A is able to dissolve bacterial cellulose (BC) leading to a decrease in its degree of polymerization and recrystallisation upon regeneration with water; although in the ChA, the crystalline structure and nanofibrous morphology of BC was preserved. It was demonstrated that the thixotropic and rheological properties of cellulose dispersion in ChA at room temperature makes this system a prospective ink for 3D printing with subsequent UV-curing. The 3D printed filaments based on ChA, containing 2 wt% of BC, and 1% of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide after radical polymerization induced with 1% 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone, demonstrated Young’s modulus 7.1 ± 1.0 MPa with 1.2 ± 0.1 MPa and 40 ± 5% of strength and ultimate elongation, respectively.

This study aimed to develop a mobile application (App) for the Latin American Group for the Development of the Elderly (GDLAM) protocol of functional autonomy in the Android environment and check its reproducibility. This study was divided into two stages: 1) creation and development of the GDLAM App, Android Studio software, and JAVA as a programming language; 2) evaluation of 63 volunteers for the GDLAM protocol using the traditional method and the App. The significance level was set at p

After about 120 days of circulation in the blood stream, erythrocytes are cleared by macrophages in the spleen and the liver. The “eat me” signal of this event is thought to be the translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer membrane leaflet due to activation of the scramblase, while the flippase is inactivated. Both processes are triggered by an increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Although this is not the only mechanism involved in erythrocyte clearance, in this minireview, we focus on the following questions: Is the intracellular-free Ca2+ concentration and hence phosphatidylserine exposure dependent on the erythrocyte age, i.e. is the Ca2+ concentration, progressively raising during the erythrocyte aging in vivo? Can putative differences in intracellular Ca2+ and exposure of phosphatidylserine to the outer membrane leaflet be measured in age separated cell populations? Literature research revealed less than dozen of such publications with vastly contradicting results for the Ca2+ concentrations but consistency for a lack of change for the phosphatidylserine exposure. Additionally, we performed reanalysis of published data resulting in an ostensive illustration of the situation described above. Relating these results to erythrocyte physiology and biochemistry, we can conclude that the variation of the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration is limited with 10 μM as the upper level of the concentration. Furthermore, we propose the hypothesis that variations in measured Ca2+ concentrations may to a large extent depend on the experimental conditions applied but reflect a putatively changed Ca2+ susceptibility of erythrocytes in dependence of in vivo cell age.

Cyanobacteria stand out among phytoplankton when they form massive blooms and produce toxins. Because cyanotoxin genes date to the origin of metazoans, the hypothesis that cyanotoxins function as a defense against herbivory is still debated. Although their primary cellular function might vary, these metabolites could have evolved as an anti-predator response. Here we evaluated the physiological and molecular responses of a saxitoxin-producing Raphidiopsis raciborskii to infochemicals released by the grazer Daphnia gessneri. Induced chemical defenses were evidenced in R. raciborskii as a significant increase in the transcription level of sxt genes, followed by an increase in saxitoxin content when exposed to predator cues. Moreover, cyanobacterial growth decreased, and no significant effects on photosynthesis or morphology were observed. Overall, the induced defense response was accompanied by a trade-off between toxin production and growth. These results shed light on the mechanisms underlying zooplankton–cyanobacteria interactions in aquatic food webs. The widespread occurrence of the cyanobacterium R. raciborskii in freshwater bodies has been attributed to its phenotypic plasticity. Assessing the potential of this species to thrive over interaction filters such as zooplankton grazing pressure can enhance our understanding of its adaptive success.

A baía de Sepetiba é uma laguna costeira, sendo separada do oceano por uma ilha barreira. Localiza-se a 60 km da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, no mais im-portante entorno geoeconômico do Brasil. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição espacial da contaminação dos metais Cu, Pb, V, Cr, Cd, Co e Ni, nos sedimentos da baía. O mapa das concentrações permitiu caracterizar anomalias ao entorno da foz do rio Guandu, rio Saco do Engenho, na área da Coroa Gran-de, do Porto de Itaguaí, da ilha do Martins, e anomalias ao longo de faixa com direção NW-SE. Esses resultados apontam para duas fontes principais de metais: o rio Guandu e atividades portuárias. As comparações com trabalhos anteriores indicaram uma diminuição das concentrações desses metais no decorrer do tempo com transporte dos sedimentos por correntes de maré.

The multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) available are often able to restore visual function and allow spectacle independence after their implantation with great levels of patient satisfaction. The factors associated with the postoperatory success include the careful selection of the patient, the knowledge about the IOLs' design, and their visual performance added to the proper surgical technique and management of possible complications as demonstrated by the evidence available.

Few studies have explored how schools respond to competition in socially embedded education quasi-markets. This study focuses on how state-subsidized privately-run low-fee schools (S-LFPSs) compete with free public schools in some of the poorest neighborhoods of the City of Buenos Aires. In particular, we explore how S-LFPSs follow different logics of action to attract (and shape) enrollment profiting from their extended autonomy and some regulatory gaps. We applied discourse analysis on data from eight months of ethnographic case study research in nine S-LFPSs. Student selection and operational changes (e.g., increasing the student/teacher ratio) prevail over academic and curricular changes. Selection is operated by means of aptitude tests and screening interviews, and other symbolic artifacts aimed at signaling differences with state-run schools and the potential fit between schools and families. We present a heuristic typology of the different logics of action systematizing the schools’ responses as their leading orientations toward the competitive environment. We suggest that policy inconsistencies and deficient governmental oversight tilt the field against state-run schools. Rather than ensuring equality of educational opportunity, the policy contributes to shape and deepen a highly segregated and inequitable educational landscape.

Background/Aims: In previous publications we were able to demonstrate the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer membrane leaflet after activation of red blood cells (RBCs) by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), phorbol-12 myristate-13acetate (PMA), or 4-bromo-A23187 (A23187). It has been concluded that three different mechanisms are responsible for the PS exposure in human RBCs: (i) Ca2+-stimulated scramblase activation (and flippase inhibition) by A23187, LPA, and PMA; (ii) PKCα activation by LPA and PMA; and (iii) enhanced lipid flip flop caused by LPA. Further studies aimed to elucidate interconnections between the increased Ca2+ content, scramblase- and PKCα-activation. In addition, the role of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel (Gardos channel) activity in the process of PS exposure needs to be investigated. Methods: The intracellular Ca2+ content and the PS exposure of RBCs have been investigated after treatment with LPA (2.5 µM), PMA (6 µM), or A23187 (2 µM). Fluo-4 and annexin V-FITC has been used to detect intracellular Ca2+ content and PS exposure, respectively. Both parameters (Ca2+ content, PS exposure) were studied using flow cytometry. Inhibitors of the scramblase, the PKCα, and the Gardos channel have been applied. Results: The percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure after activation with LPA, PMA, or A23187 is significantly reduced after inhibition of the scramblase using the specific inhibitor R5421 as well as after the inhibition of the PKCα using chelerythrine chloride or calphostin C. The inhibitory effect is more pronounced when the scramblase and the PKCα are inhibited simultaneously. Additionally, the inhibition of the Gardos channel using charybdotoxin resulted in a significant reduction of the percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure under all conditions measured. Similar results were obtained when the Gardos channel activity was suppressed by increased extracellular K+ content. Conclusion: PS exposure is mediated by the Ca2+-dependent scramblase but also by PKCα activated by LPA and PMA in a Ca2+-dependent and a Ca2+-independent manner. Furthermore, we hypothesize that a hyperpolarisation of RBCs caused by the opening of the Gardos channel is essential for the scramblase activity as well as for a fraction of the LPA-induced Ca2+ entry.

Background/Aims: The increase of the intracellular Ca2+ content as well as the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the outer cell membrane surface after activation of red blood cells (RBCs) by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been investigated by a variety of research groups. Carrying out experiments, which we described in several previous publications, we observed some discrepancies when comparing data obtained by different investigators within our research group and also between batches of LPA. In addition, we found differences comparing the results of double and single labelling experiments (for Ca2+ and PS). Furthermore, the results of PS exposure depended on the fluorescent dye used (annexin V-FITC versus annexin V alexa fluor® 647). Therefore, it seems necessary to investigate these methodological approaches in more detail to be able to quantify results and to compare data obtained by different research groups. Methods: The intracellular Ca2+ content and the PS exposure of RBCs separated from whole blood have been investigated after treatment with LPA (2.5 µM) obtained from three different companies (Sigma-Aldrich, Cayman Chemical Company, and Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.). Fluo-4 and x-rhod-1 have been used to detect intracellular Ca2+ content, annexin V alexa fluor® 647 and annexin V-FITC have been used for PS exposure measurements. Both parameters (Ca2+ content, PS exposure) were studied using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The percentage of RBCs showing increased intracellular Ca2+ content as well as PS exposure changes significantly between different LPA manufacturers as well as on the condition of mixing of LPA with the RBC suspension. Furthermore, the percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure is reduced in double labelling compared to single labelling experiments and depends also on the fluorescent dye used. Finally, data on Ca2+ content are slightly affected whereas PS exposure data are not affected significantly by the measuring method (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy). Conclusion: The LPA batch used and the mixing procedure of LPA and the RBC suspension has to be taken into consideration when comparing results of intracellular Ca2+ content and PS exposure of RBCs after LPA activation. In addition, one should consider that the results of single and double labelling experiments might be different depending on the fluorescent dyes used.

Background/Aims: The exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the outer membrane leaflet of red blood cells (RBCs) serves as a signal for suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, which may be of importance for cell clearance from blood circulation. PS externalisation is realised by the scramblase activated by an increase of intracellular Ca2+ content. It has been described in literature that RBCs show an increased intracellular Ca2+ content as well as PS exposure when becoming aged up to 120 days (which is their life span). However, these investigations were carried out after incubation of the RBCs for 48 h. The aim of this study was to investigate this effect after short-time incubation using a variety of stimulating substances for Ca2+ uptake and PS exposure. Methods: We separated RBCs by age in five different fractions by centrifugation using Percoll density gradient. The intracellular Ca2+ content and the PS exposure of RBCs with different age has been investigated after treatment with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as well as after activation of protein kinase C (PKC) using phorbol-12 myristate-13 acetate (PMA). For positive control RBCs were treated with 4-bromo-A23187. Measurement techniques included flow cytometry and live cell imaging (fluorescence microscopy). Results: The percentage of RBCs showing increased Ca2+ content as well as the PS exposure did not change significantly in dependence on cell age after short-time incubation in control experiments (without stimulating substances) or using LPA or PMA. However, we confirm findings reported that Ca2+ content and the PS exposure of RBCs increased after 48 h incubation. Conclusion: No significant differences of intracellular Ca2+ content and PS exposure can be seen for RBCs of different age in resting state or after stimulation of Ca2+ uptake at short-time incubation.

Contemporary educational reforms emphasise school autonomy, performance-based management, and accountability as necessary policies for attaining improvement goals. Despite their widespread adoption, the configuration and enactment of these policies are discretionary and contingent, deeply influenced by the interaction of local contexts, organisational features, and teachers' beliefs about policy and pedagogy. Apart from these challenges, schools serving disadvantaged students, often targeted for educational improvement, also struggle with significant organisational constraints and policy overload. This study explores how disadvantaged urban schools make sense of their policy environment and engage with the school improvement mandate through different logics and practices. The analytical framework stresses the policy filtering and adaptation processes that school actors undergo when tasked with multiple implementation demands, and how these interact with school contexts to produce diverse responses. This research is conducted in Catalonia, Spain, and adopts a sequential mixed-methods strategy, relying on interviews with principals and teachers, as well as survey and administrative data. The findings are organised in four ideal types of school responses to the improvement mandate, showing the diverging ways schools engage with policy. Disadvantaged schools exhibit diverse improvement approaches despite sharing structural characteristics, explained by the interaction of contextual factors and organisational characteristics. Each ideal type prioritises different aspects, such as performance, innovation, or inclusive practices. The heterogeneity of school responses highlights the necessity for targeted, context-sensitive support to ensure equitable educational practices.

Narratives on innovation in education are spreading fast and both national and local educational administrations have been recently promoting innovation policies and programmes in many different European contexts. Academic literature analysing the potential benefits of innovation in education has expanded accordingly, with some international organizations increasingly commissioning research aiming to study the impacts of educational innovation, especially on learning outcomes. Interestingly, less attention has been given to analysing how these policies and programmes are translated into different practices at the school level. Drawing on a policy enactment framework, this paper aims to analyse the ways in which schools interpret top-down policy text and prescription on innovation and enact innovation in education. To do so, we focus on the case of "Xarxes per al Canvi" (XC), an educational innovation programme launched by the educational administration of the city of Barcelona in 2017 that aims to create school networks in order to stimulate knowledge sharing and innovation. Findings show how schools make sense of the innovation policy diversely. Policy enactment outcomes appear to be context-sensitive, with schools enacting its precepts in different ways, especially to serve their needs in increasingly competitive local education markets.

Zinc therapy is normally utilized for treatment of Wilson disease (WD), an inherited condition that is characterized by increased levels of non-ceruloplasmin bound (‘free’) copper in serum and urine. A subset of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or its prodromal form, known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), fail to maintain a normal copper metabolic balance and exhibit higher than normal values of non-ceruloplasmin copper. Zinc’s action mechanism involves the induction of intestinal cell metallothionein, which blocks copper absorption from the intestinal tract, thus restoring physiological levels of non-ceruloplasmin copper in the body. On this basis, it is employed in WD. Zinc therapy has shown potential beneficial effects in preliminary AD clinical trials, even though the studies have missed their primary endpoints, since they have study design and other important weaknesses. Nevertheless, in the studied AD patients, zinc effectively decreased non-ceruloplasmin copper levels and showed potential for improved cognitive performances with no major side effects. This review discusses zinc therapy safety and the potential therapeutic effects that might be expected on a subset of individuals showing both cognitive complaints and signs of copper imbalance.

Copper is an essential nutrient for plants, animals, and humans because it is an indispensable component of several essential proteins and either lack or excess are harmful to human health. Recent studies revealed that the breakdown of the regulation of copper homeostasis could be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. Copper accumulation occurs in human aging and is thought to increase the risk of AD for individuals with a susceptibility to copper exposure. This review reports that one of the leading causes of copper accumulation in the environment and the human food chain is its use in agriculture as a plant protection product against numerous diseases, especially in organic production. In the past two decades, some countries and the EU have invested in research to reduce the reliance on copper. However, no single alternative able to replace copper has been identified. We suggest that agroecological approaches are urgently needed to design crop protection strategies based on the complementary actions of the wide variety of crop protection tools for disease control.

Describing the link between culture (as a phenomenon pertaining to social aggregates) and the beliefs and behaviors of individuals has eluded satisfactory resolution; however, contemporary cognitive culture theory offers hope. In this theory, culture is conceptualized as cognitive models describing specific domains of life that are shared by members of a social group. It is sharing that gives culture its aggregate properties. There are two aspects to these cultural models at the level of the individual. Persons have their own representations of the world that correspond incompletely to the shared model—this is their ‘cultural competence.’ Persons are also variable in the degree to which they can put cultural models into practice in their own lives—this is their ‘cultural consonance.’ Low cultural consonance is a stressful experience and has been linked to higher psychological distress. The relationship of cultural competence per se and psychological distress is less clear. In the research reported here, cultural competence and cultural consonance are measured on the same sample and their associations with psychological distress are examined using multiple regression analysis. Results indicate that, with respect to psychological distress, while it is good to know the cultural model, it is better to put it into practice.

A finalidade deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro algumas propriedades dos cimentos Rely X U100 (3M ESPE), Rely X Luting (3M ESPE) e All Cem (FGM), como a sorção e solubilidade em água destilada e numa solução de álcool 75%, por períodos de 7 e 15 dias. Foram confeccionados 60 corpos-de-prova, divididos em três grupos (n = 20), de acordo com o cimento escolhido. Eles foram então divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com os fatores avaliados, tipo de solução e período de avaliação. Os espécimes foram padronizados com 8 mm de diâmetro e 1 mm de espessura, sendo polimerizados sobre lâminas de microscopia e matriz de poliéster e os excessos foram removidos com lâmina de bisturi. As amostras foram transferidas para uma estufa a 37 °C até atingir a massa constante, denominada M1. Na sequência, foram imersas em suas respectivas soluções e permaneceram armazenadas por 7 e 15 dias. Decorrido este período, os espécimes foram pesados novamente, obtendo-se a M2. Para obter a nova massa constante, denominada M3, os mesmos retornaram à estufa a 37 °C. Para o cálculo da sorção e da solubilidade, foram utilizadas equações, sendo (M2-M3)/V e (M1-M3)/V, respectivamente. Os resultados foram submetidos à ANOVA de dois fatores.The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro some properties of the resin cement Rely X U100 (3M ESPE), such as the sorption and solubility in water and a solution of alcohol 75% for periods of 7 and 15 days. The 60 samples were divided into three groups according to the cement used, and then divided into four groups according to the factors evaluated, type of solution and evaluation period. The samples were standardized with 8 mm diameter and 1 mm in thickness and light cured in polyester matrix, with the excess being removed with a scalpel blade. The samples were transferred to a greenhouse at 37 °C until reaching constant mass, referred to as M1. The samples were then immersed in solutions and stored for 7 and 15 days, after which they were weighed to get the mass M2. To reach a new constant mass, referred to as M3, the samples were again treated at 37 °C. The sorption and solubility were calculated using the equations (M2-M3)/V and (M1-M3)/V, respectively. The results were subjected to a two-way ANOVA procedure.

The oxygen reduction reaction was studied in alkaline media using manganese oxides obtained from spent batteries as electrocatalysts. Three processes were used to recover manganese oxides from spent batteries. The particles obtained were in the range from 8 to 11 nm. The electrochemical experiments indicated a good electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction using the different samples and showing approximately a direct transference of 4 electrons during the process. Even though all the processes were efficient, the best result was observed for the prepared sample using reactants of low cost.

O PHB (Poli-3-hidroxibutirato) é um termoplástico biodegradável sintetizado por fermentação submersa a partir de matérias-primas renováveis. A utilização de fibras naturais tem sido pesquisada visando melhorar as propriedades e reduzir o custo do PHB. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o estudo das propriedades mecânicas (resistência à tração), térmicas (Análise termogravimétrica,TGA, e Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial, DSC) e reológicas (torque em câmera de mistura e Índice de Fluidez) do PHB e de compósitos de PHB/pó de madeira processados e irradiados. Foram preparados compósitos com concentrações de PHB/pó de madeira de 90/10, 80/20 e 70/30 (m/m). Os materiais foram processados através das seguintes etapas de processamento: calandragem, fragmentação, extrusão, granulação, secagem e moldagem por injeção para confecção dos corpos de prova. A incorporação do pó de madeira aumentou o grau de cristalinidade e a temperatura de cristalização do polímero, e nos compósitos PHB/pó de madeira 80/20 e 70/30 a rigidez do material aumentou. A irradiação após o processamento (dose de 30 kGy) provocou aumento da rigidez do PHB puro e dos compósitos PHB/pó de madeira 90/10 e 80/20, embora outras propriedades tenham decrescido. O compósito PHB/pó de madeira 70/30 apresentou os melhores resultados em termos econômicos e de processamento.PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic synthesized by submerse fermentation of renewable raw materials. The use of natural fibers has been largely researched to improve PHB properties, as well as reducing its cost. The purpose of this work was the study of the mechanical, thermal properties and rheological analyses (torque in mixer camera and melt flow index) of processed and irradiated PHB, as well as PHB/wood flour composites. PHB/wood flour composites were prepared with PHB/wood relation of 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30 (w/w). Both pure PHB and composites were processed through the following steps: calendering, milling, extrusion, second milling, drying and injection molding to make test specimens. Mechanical properties (strength resistance) and thermo analyses (Thermogravimetric Analysis, TGA and Differential Scanning Calorimeter, DSC) tests were carried out. The introduction of the wood flour increased both polymer crystallinity and crystallization temperature. The material stiffness increased in PHB/wood flour composites (80/20 and 70/30). The irradiation after processing in 30 kGy doses led to increased stiffness of pure PHB and PHB/wood flour composites (90/10 and 80/20) while other properties have decreased. The PHB/wood flour composite 70/30 showed the best results in terms of economy and processing.

Computational methods for the calculation of dynamical properties of fluids might consider the system as a continuum or as an assembly of molecules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation includes molecular resolution, whereas computational fluid dynamics (CFD) considers the fluid as a continuum. This work provides a review of hybrid methods MD/CFD recently proposed in the literature. Theoretical foundations, basic approaches of computational methods, and dynamical properties typically calculated by MD and CFD are first presented in order to appreciate the similarities and differences between these two methods. Then, methods for coupling MD and CFD, and applications of hybrid simulations MD/CFD, are presented.

The importance of chitosan has grown significantly over the last two decades due to its renewable and biodegradable source, and also because of the recent increase in the knowledge of its functionality in the technological and biomedical applications. The present article reviews the biopolymer chitosan and its derivatives as versatile biomaterials for potential drug delivery systems, as well as tissue engineering applications, analgesia and treatment of arthritis.

This article sums up a group of Education professors' concern about teacher education in Brazilian Universities in recent years, as the Universities were forced to implement the National Curriculum Guidelines for Teacher Education. Grounding the discussion in the conception of teachers as intellectuals, in the compromise between school education and knowledge to put interpretation on individuals and the world, and in the University-School partnership, the article points up proposals for a new teacher education curriculum, including graduate student selection, practicum strategies, disciplines, workshops and projects. The put forward proposals presuppose changes of the University working conditions, by creating new institutional instances such as Teacher Education Boards, Practicum Centers, and Instructional Laboratories. Moreover, the professionalization of University-School relations should also be taken seriously to improve teacher education programs.

Case summary A 6-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented with frequent food regurgitation and dysphagia. Plain thoracic radiographs revealed a calcified mass overlying the topography of the mediastinum, as well as dilation of the cervical portion of the esophagus due to an accumulation of food. Endoscopic examination showed a severe extraluminal esophageal stricture at the mediastinum entrance. Surgery and a gastric tube were declined by the cat’s owner, with palliative support preferred. However, 1 year later, the cat presented with severe cachexia, dysphagia, salivation, dehydration and inspiratory dyspnea. Thoracic computed tomography was performed to evaluate the possibility of surgical resection. A mass of bone density originating in the second left rib was observed. The mass did not appear to have invaded adjacent structures but marked compression of the mediastinal structures was observed. Surgical resection was performed and a prosthetic mesh was used to reconstruct the thoracic wall. Transient Horner’s syndrome developed in the left eye postoperatively, and was resolved within 4 weeks. Histopathology revealed a benign osteoma. Thirty-two months after surgery, the cat was well and free of disease. Relevance and novel information Rib tumors should be included in a differential diagnosis in cats with extraluminal esophageal stricture. CT should be performed for treatment planning. Surgical treatment was curative in this case.

The role played by electron correlation and vibrational correction on the polarizability of the LiH molecule is demonstrated. We present results for the dipole moment, polarizability and first hyperpolarizability of the LiH molecule obtained through many-body perturbation-theory, coupled-cluster and quadratic configuration interaction methods. Our best result for the dipole polarizability, obtained using the QCISD(T) scheme, indicates that the vibrational contribution is appreciable, amounting to ca. 10% of the total polarizability. Regarding the first hyperpolarizability, the vibrational contribution is even more important and has opposite sign in comparison with the electronic contribution.

The aim of this study was to impregnate the chelating agent 3,3-bis-N,N,bis-(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl-o-cresolsulfonephthalein in chitosan and to investigate the adsorption of Cu(II) ions. The chemical modification was confirmed by FTIR spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The adsorption studies were carried out with Cu(II) ions in a batch process and were shown to be dependent on pH. The adsorption kinetics was tested using three models: pseudo first-order, pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion. The experimental kinetics data were best fitted with the pseudo second-order model (R² = 0.999), which provided a rate constant, k2, of 1.21 x 10-3 g mg-1 min-1. The adsorption rate depended on the concentration of Cu(II) ions on the adsorbent surface and on the quantity of Cu(II) ions adsorbed at equilibrium. The Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit for the equilibrium data in the concentration range investigated, with the maximum adsorption capacity being 81.0 mg of Cu(II) per gram of adsorbent, as obtained from the linear equation of the isotherm. Desorption tests revealed that around 90% of the adsorbed metal was removed, using EDTA solution as the eluent. This result suggests that the polymeric matrix can be reused.

O sal quaternário de quitosana foi sintetizado com cloreto de glicidil trimetil amônio. A modificação química foi caracterizada por espectrometria no IV, RMN de 13C e ¹H, e mmol/g de grupos quaternários presentes na matriz polimérica por condutimetria. A remoção de Cr (VI), Mo (VI) e Se (VI), em meio aquoso, foi investigada em processo de batelada. A adsorção mostrou ser dependente do pH para o Cr (VI) e Se (VI), com um pH ótimo de adsorção, entre 4,0 a 6,0. Para o Mo (VI) a adsorção manteve-se quase constante no intervalo de pH entre 4,0 e 11,5. O modelo de isoterma de Langmuir descreveu melhor os dados de equilíbrio na faixa de concentração investigada. No presente estudo, um grama do sal quaternário de quitosana reticulado com glutaraldeído adsorveu 68,3 mg de Cr, 63,4 mg de Mo e 90,0 mg de Se. A velocidade de adsorção, no processo, segue a equação cinética de pseudo segunda-ordem, sendo que o equilíbrio para os três íons foi alcançado próximo aos 200 minutos. A análise dispersiva de raios-X para o Cr (VI) mostrou que o principal mecanismo de adsorção é a troca iônica entre os íons Cl- da superfície do polímero pelos oxiânions. O trocador aniônico apresentou a seguinte ordem de seletividade: Cr (VI) > Mo (VI) > Se (VI).Quaternary chitosan salt was synthesized in the presence of glycidyl trimetyl ammonium chloride. The polymer was characterized by spectroscopic techniques: infrared, 13C and ¹H NMR, while the amount of quaternary ammonium groups was obtained by condutimetry. The removal of Cr (VI), Mo (VI) and Se (VI) from aqueous solutions was carried out in batch adsorption processes. The process seemed to be pH dependent for Cr (VI) and Se (VI) with an optimum pH ranging from 4.0 to 6.0; while for Mo (VI) the adsorption remained almost constant within the range between 4.0 and 11.5. The Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit of the equilibrium data over the whole concentration investigated. In the experiment one gram of cross-linked quaternary chitosan salt adsorbed 68.3 mg of chromium, 63.4 mg of molybdenum and 90.0 mg of selenium. The adsorption process followed a pseudo second-order kinetic rate equation and the equilibrium regarding the three ions was reached after 200 minutes. The studies from X-ray dispersive energy showed that the main adsorption mechanism is ionic exchange among Cl- groups on the polymer surface by oxyanions from solution and the anionic exchanger showed the following selectivity order: Cr (VI) > Mo (VI) > Se (VI).

In this work chitosan microspheres were prepared by the simple coacervation method and crosslinked using epichlorhydrin or glutaraldehyde for the controlled release of diclofenac sodium. The effects of the crosslinking agents on chitosan microspheres over a 12-hour period were assessed with regard to swelling, hydrolysis, porosity, crosslinking, impregnation of diclofenac sodium (DS), and consequently to the release of DS in buffer solutions, simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The degree of swelling varied with the pH for glutaraldehyde chitosan microspheres (GCM) and epichlorhydrin chitosan microspheres (ECM). Partial acid and basic hydrolysis affected the swelling behavior of the GCM matrix. Release kinetics of diclofenac sodium from these matrices were investigated at pH 1.2, 6.8 and 9.0, simulating the gastrointestinal tract conditions. The results indicated that the release mechanism deviated slightly from Fickian transport.

Bioceramic composites were obtained from chitosan and hydroxyapatite pastes synthesized at physiological temperature according to two different syntheses approaches. Usual analytical techniques (X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis, Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray dispersive energy analysis and Porosimetry) were employed to characterize the resulting material. The aim of this investigation was to study the bioceramic properties of the pastes with non-decaying behavior from chitosan-hydroxyapatite composites. Chitosan, which also forms a water-insoluble gel in the presence of calcium ions, and has been reported to have pharmacologically beneficial effects on osteoconductivity, was added to the solid phase of the hydroxyapatite powder. The properties exhibited by the chitosan-hydroxyapatite composites were characteristic of bioceramics applied as bone substitutes. Hydroxyapatite contents ranging from 85 to 98% (w/w) resulted in suitable bioceramic composites for bone regeneration, since they showed a non-decaying behavior, good mechanical properties and suitable pore sizes.Compósitos biocerâmicos foram obtidos a partir de pastas de quitosana e hidroxiapatita, preparadas a temperatura fisiológica seguindo dois métodos diferentes de síntese. As técnicas analíticas usuais (Análise de difração de raios-X, Espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier, Análise termogravimétrica, Microscopia eletrônica de varredura, Análise por energia dispersiva de raios-X, e Porosimetria) foram empregadas para caracterizar o material resultante. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as propriedades biocerâmicas das pastas relativas ao comportamento de não-desintegração dos compósitos de quitosana-hidroxiapatita. A quitosana, que também forma um gel insolúvel em água na presença de íons cálcio, e tem mostrado possuir efeitos farmacologicamente benéficos na condutividade óssea, foi adicionada à fase sólida do pó de hidroxiapatita. As propriedades exibidas pelos compósitos de quitosana-hidroxiapatita apresentaram características de biocerâmicas empregadas como substitutos de osso. O conteúdo de hidroxiapatita na faixa entre 85 a 98% em peso resultou em compósitos biocerâmicos adequados para regeneração óssea, visto que apresentaram um comportamento de não-desintegração, boas propriedades mecânicas e tamanhos de poros apropriados.

Microesferas de quitosana com grau de desacetilação médio de 85,6% foram enxertadas com poli(ácido acrílico) para aplicação como sistemas de liberação controlada de fármacos. O corante eosina impregnado nas microesferas de quitosana modificada foi utilizado como marcador para estudo in vitro de liberação de fármacos. As microesferas de quitosana foram obtidas pelo método de inversão de fases com NaOH, seguidas de reticulação com glutaraldeído, redução com cianoboroidreto de sódio e enxertia com poli(ácido acrílico) na presença de uma solução de nitrato de cério (IV) amoniacal como iniciador redox. Os estudos in vitro de liberação da eosina a partir de microesferas de quitosana, mostraram que o corante foi liberado em função do tempo a pH 6,8 e 9,8 que simulam as condições fisiológicas do trato gastrointestinal, enquanto que nenhuma eosina foi liberada a pH 1,2.

Calcium phosphate compounds such as Hydroxyapatite (HAp) were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis with phycogenic CaCO3 as starting material. Material obtained was characterised by usual methods (XRD, FTIR, TG, N2-adsorption, SEM and EDX) in order to study its physical-chemical characteristics. The prepared HAp showed that it may be suitable for use as a biomaterial.