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Not without contradiction, the poetry of Alberto Caeiro, of Greco-Pagan aesthetics, which defends the sensitive world as the only reality and insists on the use of the five senses as the only possible way of acquiring knowledge, can only be better understood when read against the backdrop of a Christian worldview. Based on a reading of the Christian myth of the Fall of man, the article analyses the fundamental contradictions of Caeiro's poetic project, categorically contesting his "bucolic naivety". Through reflections on human self-consciousness and the naturalness or artificiality of "(not) to think", together with a look at the ontology of language, we argue that, according to Caeiro, the human condition is essentially a contradiction, and that the apology of the "sensations" in his poetry does not stem from a naïve hedonism, but can be considered an alternative way to rescue man from the prosaic world, restoring him to an Edenic vision.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a carga física do trabalho na cafeicultura do sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Doze trabalhadores foram filmados e sua frequência cardíaca foi monitorada durante uma hora na execução de cinco diferentes tarefas, ambas em condições de terreno plano e em declive. Foram avaliadas as combinações posturais adotadas através do software “Captiv”. Buscou-se correlacionar os resultados das avaliações e interpretá-los à luz da observação das atividades dos trabalhadores. As cargas cardiovasculares mais elevadas ocorreram nas subtarefas de adubação foliar e adubação a lanço, classificando-as como trabalho moderado. A colheita e a desbrota foram as subtarefas que apresentaram maior variabilidade de combinações posturais: a colheita devido a variedade de ações operacionais; a desbrota, apesar de uma única ação operacional relevante, por conta da própria natureza da tarefa. Tanto os indicadores cardiovasculares como os biomecânicos não revelaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as subtarefas desenvolvidas pelos trabalhadores em condições de terreno plano e em declive.

O crescimento populacional acompanhado de um processo de urbanização acelerado gera inúmeros impactos ambientais, ressaltando-se a crescente produção de resíduos sólidos. O reaproveitamento destes resíduos é fundamental, pois reduz a necessidade de extração de novos recursos naturais, aumenta a vida útil de aterros, minimiza impactos ambientais e traz ganhos econômicos, contribuindo para a sustentabilidade do setor industrial. Com objetivo de reduzir os impactos provenientes do descarte inadequado de resíduos industriais e avaliar o reaproveitamento dos mesmos, no presente trabalho foi realizado um estudo comparativo entre um coagulante convencional e um resíduo de aluminato de sódio, através de ensaios de Jar Test. Os resultados mostram que a adição de 50,0 ppm do resíduo de aluminato à água residuária promove a remoção de aproximadamente 92,0% das partículas em suspensão no efluente. Além disso, foi observado que o custo do resíduo de aluminato é muito inferior quando comparado com o cloreto férrico convencional. Desta forma, o presente estudo revelou a possibilidade de readmitir um resíduo, potencialmente perigoso, na cadeia produtiva, economizando matéria prima e também proporcionando uma melhor destinação final para este resíduo.

No meio acadêmico é comum a utilização de alguns reagentes com o prazo de validade fora do indicado pelo fabricante. Neste trabalho foram analisados reagentes no prazo de validade e após o prazo de validade coletados em laboratórios químicos, com intuito da criação de dados que comprovem a degradação gradativa dos mesmos após o vencimento da data prevista pelo fabricante, e quantificar a perda de pureza do reagente. Foi utilizada a técnica de espectroscopia no infravermelho FTIR-UATR e calculado as áreas de uma banda de referência para obtenção da porcentagem de degradação. Apesar do comportamento variado de cada reagente, as análises comprovaram que, numa visão geram, o uso de reagentes vencidos no meio acadêmico não representa grandes alterações nos produtos obtidos em reações químicas, pelo contrário pode representar uma economia financeira substancial.

A biotina, também conhecida como vitamina H, é uma vitamina importante aos organismos vivos, necessária no metabolismo das proteínas e dos carboidratos, ela age diretamente na formação da pele. É uma vitamina hidrossolúvel. As principais fontes alimentares de biotina são frutas, nozes, ovos, carnes, leite e levedura. A carência de biotina no homem apesar de rara pode causar dermatite esfoliativa, conjuntivite, descoloração da pele e mucosas, furunculose, seborreia do couro cabeludo e dores musculares. O presente trabalho se propõe a analisar qualitativamente, por espectroscopia no infravermelho, amostras de vitaminas comerciais e manipulada que contenham a biotina. Nas amostras avaliadas foram verificadas que a espectroscopia no infravermelho é viável mesmo para amostras com uma concentração pequena de biotina.

O elevado volume de resíduos sólidos gerados atualmente suscita uma busca pelo reaproveitamento desses materiais a fim de minimizar os impactos socioambientais a que estão vinculados. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a reciclagem de embalagens plásticas metalizadas, advindas do resíduo sólido, através da extração de alumínio (porção metálica) dessas embalagens, possibilitando o reaproveitamento das suas partes metálicas e poliméricas. A extração foi realizada imergindo-se as embalagens em soluções de hidróxido de sódio, cuja concentração da solução e a massa de plástico foram variadas. Foi estudada uma relação para otimizar o tempo de extração do alumínio em solução. Obteve-se a partir do processo de extração soluções de aluminato de sódio, que podem ser reutilizadas como coagulante para tratar águas residuárias de origem industrial. E o polímero resultante pode ser reutilizado como matéria prima na fabricação de novos produtos. Dessa forma, torna-se possível o reaproveitamento integral dessas embalagens, inserindo-as novamente ao ciclo produtivo.

Na presente pesquisa, investigou-se a eficiência dos filmes de Polipirrol (PPy), eletrodepositados potenciostaticamente em meio aquoso contendo Ácido p-Tolueno Sulfônico (pTS), para proteção da liga de alumínio 2024 contra a corrosão. Ensaios de Polarização Potenciodinâmica e de Voltametria Cíclica em meio corrosivo de cloreto mostraram que as superfícies recobertas com filmes de PPy/pTS, depositados a 1,2V, promoveram maior proteção da superfície metálica, quando comparado aos filmes de PPy/pTS, formados a 1,4V. A morfologia dos filmes foi investigada por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), e as micrografias indicaram que os filmes de PPy eletrodepositados a 1,2V são mais homogêneos e uniformes, enquanto que os filmes formados a 1,4V apresentaram maior porosidade, o que favorece a adsorção de íons Cl-, que ocasionam a dissolução anódica das superfícies de alumínio.

Estudou-se em Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil, no período de 1º de junho de 1978 a 31 de maio de 1979, 98% do universo de nascidos vivos, totalizando 8878 crianças nascidas de parto único, sendo 6750 procedentes de Ribeirão Preto. Observou-se um aumento da proporção de mães adolescentes em Ribeirão Preto (14,1%) quando comparada com estudo realizado 10 anos antes (11,7%). A idade materna menor de 20 anos esteve associada com os indicadores mais desfavoráveis para a saúde perinatal, no que diz respeito à atenção médica à gestação e ao parto. Essa situação ficou mais evidente entre as mães adolescentes de classes sociais menos favorecidas, revelando que o grupo de mães adolescentes não é homogêneo, mas apresenta diferentes proporções de risco para a saúde perinatal de acordo com as frações de classe social que existem no seu interior.Ninety-eight percent of all live births occuring in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo (Brazil), from June 1, 1978 to May 30, 1979 were studied, for a total of 8,878 single-delivery infants, 6,750 of whom were from this town. An increase in the proportion of teenage mothers in Ribeirão Preto (14.1%) was observed in relation to a study carried out ten years before (11.7%). Maternal age of less than 20 years was associated with more unfavorable perinatal health indicators with respect to medical care and delivery. This situation was more evident among teenage mothers from underprivileged social classes, showing that the group of teenage mothers is not homogeneous but presents different risk rates for perinatal health according to the social strata of which the group is composed.

Introduction and Objectives: The development of cardiac fibrosis (CF) and hypertrophy (CH) can lead to heart failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promise in treating cardiac diseases. However, the relationship between MSCs and splicing factor arginine/serine rich-3 (SFRS3) remains unclear. In this study, our objectives are to investigate the effect of MSCs on SFRS3 expression, and their impact on CF and CH. Additionally, we aim to explore the function of the overexpression of SFRS3 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated cardiac fibroblasts (CFBs) and cardiac myocytes (CMCs)., Methods: Rat cardiac fibroblasts (rCFBs) or rat cardiac myocytes (rCMCs) were co-cultured with rat MSCs (rMSCs). The function of SFRS3 in Ang II-induced rCFBs and rCMCs was studied by overexpressing SFRS3 in these cells, both with and without the presence of rMSCs. We assessed the expression of SFRS3 and evaluated the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of rCFBs and rCMCs. We also measured the levels of interleukin (IL)-β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and assessed the degree of fibrosis in rCFBs and hypertrophy in rCMCs., Results: rMSCs induced SFRS3 expression and promoted cell cycle, proliferation, while reducing apoptosis of Ang II-treated rCFBs and rCMCs. Co-culture of rMSCs with these cells also repressed cytokine production and mitigated the fibrosis of rCFBs, as well as hypertrophy of rCMCs triggered by Ang II. Overexpression of SFRS3 in the rCFBs and rCMCs yielded identical effects to rMSC co-culture., Conclusion: MSCs may alleviate Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by increasing SFRS3 expression in vitro., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: The anthracycline chemotherapeutic antibiotic doxorubicin (DOX) can induce cumulative cardiotoxicity and lead to cardiac dysfunction. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as important regulators in DOX-induced myocardial injury., Objective: This study aims to investigate the functional role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA OXCT1 antisense RNA 1 (OXCT1-AS1) in DOX-induced myocardial cell injury in vitro., Methods: Human cardiomyocytes (AC16) were stimulated with DOX to induce a myocardial cell injury model. OXCT1-AS1, miR-874-3p, and BDH1 expression in AC16 cells were determined by RT-qPCR. AC16 cell viability was measured by XTT assay. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the apoptosis of AC16 cells. Western blotting was used to evaluate protein levels of apoptosis-related markers. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the binding ability between miR-874-3p and OXCT1-AS1 and between miR-874-3p and BDH1. The value of p<0.05 indicated statistical significance., Results: OXCT1-AS1 expression was decreased in DOX-treated AC16 cells. Overexpression of OXCT1-AS1 reversed the reduction of cell viability and promotion of cell apoptosis caused by DOX. OXCT1-AS1 is competitively bound to miR-874-3p to upregulate BDH1. BDH1 overexpression restored AC16 cell viability and suppressed cell apoptosis under DOX stimulation. Knocking down BDH1 reversed OXCT1-AS1-mediated attenuation of AC16 cell apoptosis under DOX treatment., Conclusion: LncRNA OXCT1-AS1 protects human myocardial cells AC16 from DOX-induced apoptosis via the miR-874-3p/BDH1 axis.

Objective: To determine the absolute number of serum T lymphocytes and cytokine levels and the characteristics of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess their effect on the immune status of these patients and their diagnostic and predictive value for tuberculosis., Methods: We included 1,069 patients with active tuberculosis, 51 patients with latent tuberculosis infection, and 600 health individuals. Absolute serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels were quantified., Results: T lymphocytes were significantly reduced in patients with active tuberculosis when compared with healthy individuals. The immune function of patients gradually decreased with age and was stronger in female patients than in males. Th1 cells expressed higher levels of cytokines than did Th2 cells. Logistic regression analysis showed that reduced CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cell counts, as well as reduced IL-4 and IFN-g expression, were independent influencing factors for active tuberculosis. ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of absolute CD3+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and combined factors were significantly higher than were those of IL-4 and IFN-g for diagnosing active tuberculosis., Conclusions: Serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels can assess the immune status of tuberculosis patients; they are also useful biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing tuberculosis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of preterm infants with different severities of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and disclose the high-risk factors of exacerbating BPD., Methods: Collection of clinical data of 91 preterm infants admitted to the NICU and diagnosed with BPD, categorized in groups according to the disease severity: 41 mild cases,, 24 moderate cases, and 26 severe cases. Comparison and analysis of perinatal risk factors, treatment, complications and prognosis of the infants with different severity degrees., Results: The severe group had a higher proportion of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) higher than the moderate group (P < 0.05), and a higher ratio of pneumonia and mechanical ventilation (MV) ≥ seven days than the mild group (P < 0.05). The severe group also presented higher reintubation incidence than both the mild and moderate groups (P < 0.05). The groups presented different (P < 0.05) incidence rates of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) . Ridit analysis suggested that the premature infants (PIs) with hsPDA, multiple microbial pulmonary infections, or Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia had more severe illness., Conclusion: CHD, hsPDA, MV ≥ seven days, reintubation, pneumonia, especially multiple microbial pulmonary infections, and Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia are correlated with the severity of BPD and can be used as BPD progression predictor.

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the cornerstone treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)., Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of triple antiplatelet therapy (TAPT) in elderly female patients with diabetes and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods: We designed a randomized, single-blind study. Control group A (97 elderly male patients with diabetes and STEMI, whose CRUSADE scores were < 30) received aspirin, ticagrelor, and tirofiban. A total of 162 elderly female patients with diabetes and STEMI were randomly divided into two groups according to CRUSADE score. Group B (69 patients with CRUSADE score > 31) received aspirin and ticagrelor. Group C (93 patients with CRUSADE score < 30) received aspirin, ticagrelor and tirofiban. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: Compared to the findings in group A, post-PCI Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 blood flow and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 were significantly less prevalent in group B (p < 0.05). When compared to groups A and C, the incidence of major adverse complications was significantly higher in group B (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: TAPT could effectively reduce the incidence of major complications in elderly female patients with diabetes and STEMI. However, close attention should be paid to hemorrhage in patients receiving TAPT. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Objective: This study aimed to determine the serum levels of NACHT, Leucine-rich repeat (LRR), and Pyrin (PYD) domains-containing Protein 3 (NLRP3) and cathelicidin LL-37, and investigate their prognostic significance in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)., Methods: The sample of this prospective study was composed of 76 consecutive patients with CAP. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected. Serum levels of NLRP3 and LL-37 were determined by ELISA. Spearman's analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between NLRP3 and LL-37. Association of NLRP3 and LL-37 with 30-day survival and mortality rates was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier curve and logistic regression analysis., Results: Serum NLRP3 significantly increased whereas serum LL-37 significantly decreased in patients with severe CAP. Significant correlation was observed between serum NLRP3 and LL-37 in CAP patients. Patients with higher levels of NLRP3 and lower levels of LL-37 showed lower 30-day survival rate and higher mortality compared with those with lower NLRP3 and higher LL-37 levels., Conclusion: Severe CAP patients tend to present higher serum NLRP3 and lower serum LL-37, which might serve as potential biomarkers for CAP prognosis.

Background: Restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary heart disease remains an unsolved problem. Clusterin (CLU) (or Apolipoprotein [Apo] J) levels have been reported to be elevated during the progression of postangioplasty restenosis and atherosclerosis. However, its role in neointimal hyperplasia is still controversial., Objective: To elucidate the role Apo J in neointimal hyperplasia in a rat carotid artery model in vivo with or without rosuvastatin administration., Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (n = 20), the model group (n = 20) and the statin intervention group (n = 32). The rats in the intervention group were given 10mg /kg dose of rosuvastatin. A 2F Fogarty catheter was introduced to induce vascular injury. Neointima formation was analyzed 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after balloon injury. The level of Apo J was measured by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting., Results: Intimal/medial area ratio (intimal/medial, I/M) was increased after balloon-injury and reached the maximum value at 4weeks in the model group; I/M was slightly increased at 2 weeks and stopped increasing after rosuvastatin administration. The mRNA and protein levels of Apo J in carotid arteries were significantly upregulated after rosuvastatin administration as compared with the model group, and reached maximum values at 2 weeks, which was earlier than in the model group (3 weeks)., Conclusion: Apo J served as an acute phase reactant after balloon injury in rat carotid arteries. Rosuvastatin may reduce the neointima formation through up-regulation of Apo J. Our results suggest that Apo J exerts a protective role in the restenosis after balloon-injury in rats.

Background and Objectives: Local anesthetics are used broadly to prevent or reverse acute pain and treat symptoms of chronic pain. Local anesthetic-induced cardiotoxic reaction has been considered the accidental event without currently effective therapeutic drugs except for recently reported intralipid infusion whose possible mechanism of action is not well known., Contents: Cardiolipin, an anionic phospholipid, plays a key role in determining mitochondrial respiratory reaction, fatty acid metabolism and cellular apoptosis. Mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction is suggested as associated with local anesthetic cardiotoxicity, from an in vitro study report that the local anesthetic cardiotoxicity may be due to the strong electrostatic interaction of local anesthetics and cardiolipin in the mitochondria membrane, although there is a lack for experimental evidence. Herein we hypothesized that local anesthetic-cardiolipin interactions were the major determinant of local anesthetic-associated cardiotoxic reaction, established by means of theoretic and structural biological methods. This interacting model would give an insight on the underlying mechanism of local anesthetic cardiotoxicity and provide clues for further in depth research on designing preventive drugs for such inadvertent accidence in routine clinical practice., Conclusions: The interaction between local anesthetic and mitochondrial cardiolipin may be the underlying mechanism for cardiotoxicity affecting its energy metabolism and electrostatic status., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)