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A conservação ambiental das lagoas e reservatórios continentais assegura os usos múltiplos destes ecossistemas de água doce, o abastecimento de água, a educação, a pesquisa científica, a pesca e o lazer. Esta pesquisa almeja investigar a variabilidade da qualidade da água da Lagoa de Pituaçu (2014 a 2016), associada aos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica, no contexto ambiental do Parque Metropolitano de Salvador, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, com auxílio das análises geoquímica, microbiológicas e multivariada. Aplicou-se a análise de agrupamentos na análise da variabilidade das variáveis geoquímicas (pH, turbidez, STD, OD, DBO5, SO42-, Cl-), dos nutrientes (P Total, N-NH3-, N-NO3-) dos coliformes termotolerantes das amostras de água da Lagoa de Pituaçu. A análise multivariada permitiu a identificação de grupos ecológicos com base em variáveis geoquímicas e microbiológicas, onde a maior perda de qualidade da água foi obtida nas amostras do contato desta lagoa com o rio Pituaçu Pituaçu, identificando uma das fontes de poluição. Além disso, demonstrou-se as relações entre a perda da qualidade da água, os usos da terra e as falhas do saneamento básico na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio das Pedras-Pituaçu, Salvador, Bahia.

O manguezal oferece serviços ecossistêmicos basilares para a reprodução social da vida, dos modos de vida tradicionais e da biodiversidade nas áreas costeiras do Planeta. Esta pesquisa almejou investigar os níveis de metais-traço nas folhas da Laguncularia racemosa e nos sedimentos dos bosques de mangue da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) Tinharé-Boipeba, Baixo Sul da Bahia, Brasil. Coletou-se folhas da L. racemosa em 10 pontos amostrais e sedimentos em 40 pontos amostrais para as análises laboratoriais de metais-traço por Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica com Chama (FAAS). Foram realizadas, igualmente, as análises laboratoriais das variáveis integridade foliar e biometria foliar. Os níveis dos metais traço nas folhas da L. racemosa foram normais e não tóxicos (Zn> Cu > Pb > Cd) e os teores de metais traço nos sedimentos (Zn> Pb > Cu) desta APA não caracterizam uma área poluída, porém deve-se incentivar o monitoramento dos metais-traço nos sediementos, biota e nas águas. A análise multivariada sugeriu que a variação da área foliar poderia ser atribuída aos níveis do Cu e Zn, além de fatores geoecológicos distintos dos investigados.

Os bosques de mangue constituem o patrimônio natural, atrativos ao turismo e ofertam serviços ecossistêmicos para conservação ambiental e usos da natureza nas áreas costeiras do Litoral Sul da Bahia. Esta pesquisa investigou aspectos ecológicos e biogeoquímicos a partir da diagnose foliar, biometria e os teores de metais-traço (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) nas folhas de plantas de mangue na APA Tinharé-Boipeba, Cairu, Bahia, Brasil. Foram coletadas folhas da Rhizophora mangle L. e Laguncularia racemosa L. Gaertn em dez pontos amostrais e efetuadas análises biométricas, da integridade foliar e dos metais-traço (F-AAS). Foram adotados os teores de metais-traço dos sedimentos da Baía de Camamu obtidos por Oliveira et al. (2000). Os níveis dos metais mensurados nas folhas foram considerados não tóxicos (Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd) e inferiores aos bosques de mangue em áreas costeiras impactadas. Os valores do FC (< 1,0) indicaram que os metais-traço não estariam disponíveis para a translocação e que o acúmulo destes nas folhas não correspondeu aos teores no substrato. A análise multivariada desvelou que as variações na área e na integridade foliar devem representar uma resposta a estressor distinto dos investigados e discriminou os metais-traço conforme a mobilidade geoquímica. Infere-se o potencial do manguezal da APA Tinharé-Boipeba como área de referência ambiental, barreira biogeoquímica e aos usos da natureza e conservação.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)

The aggregation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and oil droplets in environments with specific hydrodynamic energy can lead to the formation of Oil-SPM Aggregates (OSA). A laboratory simulation was conducted in order to examine the possible toxic potential of OSA formation using three different concentrations of particulate material (50, 200, 300 mg/L) in a microscale experiment. The procedure was performed through toxicological testing of acute exposure to determine the LC 50 (lethal concentration 50%) using the microcrustacean Artemia salina as a test organism. Serial dilutions were made from surface and bottom samples in order to characterize different toxicity. The concentration that showed the highest potential toxicity was 200 mg/L, having the same values for surface and bottom (LC 50 7.91%), whereas the concentration with the least toxic potential was 300 mg/L (LC 50 31.5%) for surface samples. Negative correlation was found between redox potential and the hydrogenionic potential (only for samples with 200 mg/L of sediment), and positive correlation was found between toxicity factors (percent dilution and mortality) and the other monitored parameters.

As associações de foraminíferos, além de serem abundantes e apresentarem ampla distribuição geográfica, aproveitam as peculiaridades intrínsecas desses organismos de armazenarem em suas testas características dos locais onde viveram. Nesse contexto, as testas desses organismos foram relacionadas aos teores de metais-traço do sedimento do sistema estuarino do rio Jequitinhonha, litoral sul da Bahia, com o objetivo de avaliar se os níveis desses elementos estão afetando a microfauna. Foram obtidas, para a região do canal, 281 testas de foraminíferos na primeira campanha (4,98% dos espécimes foram coletados vivos; e nenhuma das testas estavam malformadas) pertencentes a 10 espécies, das quais destacam-se Trochammina inflata; Haplophragmoides wilberti e Ammonia beccarii como espécies principais. Na segunda amostragem, não houve registro de foraminíferos, devido as baixas salinidades, impossibilitando a sobrevivência até das espécies mais resistentes. Na zona de manguezal, na primeira campanha, foram obtidas 116 testas (5,1% de vivos; 0,0% de anômalos) de 10 espécies destacaram-se Haplophragmoides wilberti; Ammonia beccarii; Quinqueloculina fusca e Q. venusta. Na segunda campanha, foram registradas apenas 143 testas (0,70% de vivos; 0,0% de anomalias) de 10 espécies, destacaram-se 4 espécies a saber: H. wilberti; Trochammina inflata e Q. fusca, sendo que, o aumento do número de testas, deve-se ao aumento da salinidade. Além disso, foi observado, apenas na primeira campanha do canal do rio Pardo que somente o chumbo (pontos 2, 3, 4, 5 e 6) apresentou valores acima dos limites estabelecidos pelos órgãos de referência (CONAMA - Brasil, 2012) e Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME, 1998).

Metabolic pathways regulate immune responses and disrupted metabolism leads to immune dysfunction and disease. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is driven by imbalanced immune responses, yet the role of immunometabolism in COVID-19 pathogenesis remains unclear. By investigating 87 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 6 critically ill non���COVID-19 patients, and 47 uninfected controls, we found an immunometabolic dysregulation in patients with progressed COVID-19. Specifically, T cells, monocytes, and granulocytes exhibited increased mitochondrial mass, yet only T cells accumulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), were metabolically quiescent, and showed a disrupted mitochondrial architecture. During recovery, T cell ROS decreased to match the uninfected controls. Transcriptionally, T cells from severe/critical COVID-19 patients showed an induction of ROS-responsive genes as well as genes related to mitochondrial function and the basigin network. Basigin (CD147) ligands cyclophilin A and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein triggered ROS production in T cells in vitro. In line with this, only PCR-positive patients showed increased ROS levels. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a downregulation of ROS in vitro and T cells from dexamethasone-treated patients exhibited low ROS and basigin levels. This was reflected by changes in the transcriptional landscape. Our findings provide evidence of an immunometabolic dysregulation in COVID-19 that can be mitigated by dexamethasone treatment.

The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 is accepted as marker for a person’s vitamin D status but its role for the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is controversially discussed. The impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 on HSCT outcome, however, has never been studied. In a discovery cohort of 143 HSCT patients we repeatedly (day −16 to 100) measured 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 and in comparison the well-established marker for serum vitamin D status 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3. Only lower 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 levels around HSCT (day −2 to 7, peritransplant) were significantly associated with higher 1-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) risk (Mann–Whitney U test, P = 0.001). This was confirmed by Cox-model regression without and with adjustment for baseline risk factors and severe acute Graft-versus-Host disease (aGvHD; unadjusted P = 0.001, adjusted P = 0.005). The optimal threshold for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 to identify patients at high risk was 139.5 pM. Also in three replication cohorts consisting of altogether 365 patients 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 levels below 139.5 pM had a 3.3-fold increased risk of TRM independent of severe aGvHD compared to patients above 139.5 pM (Cox-model unadjusted P P = 0.001). Our data highlight peritransplant 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 levels but not the commonly monitored 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 levels as potent predictor of 1-year TRM and suggest to monitor both vitamin D metabolites in HSCT patients.

This study aims to characterize, in terms of physicochemical, bacteriological and metal concentration parameters, the water quality of public fountains in the city of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil), in order to identify its potential for current uses, contributing to the diagnosis of water quality on the public access. Therefore, campaigns were conducted in July and November of 2017 and 2018 in four fountains (Fonte Nova, Estica, Pedrinhas/Pedreiras and Express way), which were geo-referenced and analyzed physical-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and total dissolved solids, salinity, sulfate, nitrate, chloride and alkalinity), bacteriological (thermotolerant coliforms) and metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn). The fountains showed values in disagreement with the CONAMA Ordinances 396/2008, 357/2005, and 274/2000 mainly about the pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrate and Thermotolerant Coliforms parameters, indicating inadequacy for their intended uses. This information should support decision making and mitigation measures that minimize the environmental degradation of urban fountains in the city of Salvador (BA), from the adoption of recovery, revitalization and monitoring measures that enable the effective management of these water resources.

Among enhanced oil recovery chemical methods, the use of surfactants is cited in many field studies. Microemulsions are systems composed of surfactants that aim to decrease the interfacial tensions between water and oil facilitating their flow in the porous medium. This paper proposes the use of a new microemulsion formulation, based on glycerin as the polar phase for improved oil recovery. The aim is to evaluate if the microemulsion composed of glycerin in the polar phase is as efficient as the microemulsion containing water. The proposed microemulsion was composed of commercial surfactants (DBB-7107 and DBB-7191), isopropyl alcohol, pine oil, and glycerin in substitution of distilled water. The microemulsion was characterized and the recovery tests were conducted with samples of sandstone rock in a core holder. The results showed that the formulation generated a well-defined microemulsion region and presented characteristics typical of microemulsion systems of the water-in-oil type. Recovery tests have shown that microemulsions containing glycerin in the polar phase achieved a recovery factor up to 49% of the residual oil while microemulsions containing water recovered about 36% of the residual oil.

In an oil spill in mangrove areas, there is a great possibility of oil aggregation with suspended particulate matter, which may determine the bottom sediment as the final destination of OSA (Oil-Suspended Particulate Matter Aggregates), posing a great risk to Benthic organisms. Ecotoxicity tests with these organisms have been widely used as one of the most accurate forms of biological monitoring of the anthropogenic impacts on this ecosystem. The present work evaluates the ecotoxicity of the exposure to OSA in mangrove sediments, collected along the Pardo river estuary, Canavieiras, Bahia, through pilot scale (microscale) trials. The procedure was performed using acute exposure toxicological tests to determine LC50 (lethal concentration 50%) using the benthic copepod Nitokra sp. For the purpose of comparison, two scenarios were performed, the first considers the aqueous phase of the OSA simulation protocol in microscale, and the second, the elutriate from sediment and oil homogenized in different fractions. It was verified that the formation of the OSA has a much less toxic potential (LC50 70.71) in relation to elutriate formed from the percentages of homogenized sediment with crude oil (LC50 5.59) confirming its potential as an effective form of cleaning for oil treatment in water.

Indole is produced from l-tryptophan by commensal bacteria and further metabolized to indoxyl 3-sulfate (I3S) in the liver. Physiologic concentrations of I3S are related to a lower risk to develop graft versus host disease in allogeneic stem cell transplanted patients pointing towards an immunoregulatory function of I3S. Here we investigated the impact of I3S on the maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Even pathophysiologic concentrations of I3S did not affect viability of mature DCs, but I3S decreased the expression of co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 on mature DCs. Furthermore, I3S inhibited IL-12 and IL-6 secretion by mature DCs while IL-10 was significantly upregulated. Co-culture of I3S-treated mature DCs with allogeneic T cells revealed no alteration in T cell proliferation. However, interferon gamma and TNF production of T cells was suppressed. As I3S exerted no direct effect on T cells, the defect in T cell activation was mediated by I3S-treated mature DCs. Our study suggests an anti-inflammatory and tolerizing effect of I3S on human DCs.

Submitted by Ismael Souza (ismael.souza@ufba.br) on 2021-08-14T02:53:21Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Ana_Carina_-_TESE (3).pdf: 2145320 bytes, checksum: 58f903c5d97778741e2b30ca4687b875 (MD5) Ana Carina Matos Silva.pdf: 390470 bytes, checksum: 0651ee85cb7abd4ec20958699a4c69cf (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Solange Rocha (soluny@gmail.com) on 2021-08-25T18:45:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Ana_Carina_-_TESE (3).pdf: 2145320 bytes, checksum: 58f903c5d97778741e2b30ca4687b875 (MD5) Ana Carina Matos Silva.pdf: 390470 bytes, checksum: 0651ee85cb7abd4ec20958699a4c69cf (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-08-25T18:45:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Ana_Carina_-_TESE (3).pdf: 2145320 bytes, checksum: 58f903c5d97778741e2b30ca4687b875 (MD5) Ana Carina Matos Silva.pdf: 390470 bytes, checksum: 0651ee85cb7abd4ec20958699a4c69cf (MD5) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ); o Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações (MCTI) Neste estudo, analisou-se a qualidade química, física e biológica das águas superficiais de lagoas, e das águas subterrâneas que escoam em fontes de Salvador (Bahia), respaldando-se na premissa de que existe uma variação sazonal na deterioração na qualidade destas águas, derivadas de fatores decorrentes do processo de urbanização. O primeiro capítulo contextualiza o estudo e aborda as relações conceituais posteriormente utilizadas. Do segundo em diante, formaliza-se a divulgação dos dados em notas técnicas e dos resultados através da publicação de quatro artigos que objetivam (i) ilustrar a importância do Índice de Qualidade de Água (IQA) como ferramenta de gestão, e suas limitações, determinando a importância de cada parâmetro que o compõe (ii) descrever as condições físico-químicas e de contaminação de metais em lagoas e fontes, e (iii) compreender como esses parâmetros se relacionam entre si e como se modificam temporalmente e em função da sazonalidade. A maioria das variáveis avaliadas (pH, temperatura, turbidez, condutividade, sólidos totais dissolvidos, nitrato, sulfato, cloreto e coliformes termotolerantes) não demonstraram padrões de variação sazonal estatisticamente significantes, porém os resultados das análises geoquímicas e microbiológicas apontam a inadequação das fontes e lagoas estudadas para os usos a que se destinam. Nas lagoas os parâmetros físico-químicos (com exceção de variações pontuais no pH) estão dentro dos valores preconizados pela Resolução CONAMA 357 para águas doces de Classe 2, nas fontes também considerou-se a título de avaliação de qualidade as resoluções Conama 396/2008 (águas subterrâneas), e 274/2000 (balneabilidade), e, dentre os valores em desacordo, demandam atenção pH, oxigênio dissolvido, nitrato e coliformes termotolerantes. Para metais, a presença de Manganês nas quatro fontes (embora dentro dos limites de segurança) requer atenção, e nas lagoas a presença de Ferro, Chumbo, Manganês e Alumínio em níveis perigosamente acima dos limites representam um risco para a integridade e equilíbrio do ecossistema. Índices bióticos e de qualidade (IQA e IET) apontam a necessidade de atenção para o monitoramento e conservação da qualidade da água das lagoas avaliadas, onde os valores encontrados estão fortemente associados às fontes de lançamento de esgotos domésticos e resíduos, revelando a negligência da gestão e determinando um problema social e de saúde pública. O presente trabalho foi realizado com o apoio da CAPES - Código de financiamento 001. In this study, the chemical, physical and biological quality of the surface waters of lagoons was analyzed, and groundwater that drains from sources in Salvador (Bahia), supported by the premise that there is a seasonal variation in the deterioration in the quality of these waters, derived from factors resulting from the urbanization process. The first chapter contextualizes the study and addresses the conceptual relations later used. From the second onwards, the disclosure is formalized data in technical notes and results through the publication of four articles that aim to (i) illustrate the importance of the Water Quality Index (WQI) as a management tool, and its limitations, determining the importance of each parameter that composes it (ii) describe the physical-chemical and contamination conditions of metals in ponds and sources, and (iii) understand how these parameters relate to each other and how they change over time and depending on seasonality. Most of the variables evaluated (pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, sulfate, chloride and thermotolerant coliforms) did not show statistically significant patterns of seasonal variation, however the results of geochemical and microbiological analyzes indicate the inadequacy of sources and lagoons studied for their intended uses. In the lagoons, the physical-chemical parameters (with the variations in pH) are within the values recommended by the CONAMA Resolution 357 for Class 2 freshwater, in the sources, it was also considered as an evaluation of quality standards Conama resolutions 396/2008 (groundwater), and 274/2000 (bathing), and, among the values in disagreement, demand attention pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate and coliforms thermotolerant. For metals, the presence of manganese in the four sources (although within the safety limits) requires attention, and in the lagoons, the presence of Iron, Lead, Manganese and Aluminum at levels dangerously above the limits poses a risk to the integrity and ecosystem balance. Biotic and quality indices (WQI and TSI) point to the need of attention to the monitoring and conservation of the water quality of the evaluated lagoons, where the values found are strongly associated with sources of discharge of domestic sewage and waste, revealing the neglect of management and determining a social and health problem public. This work was carried out with the support of CAPES - Financing Code 001.

Submitted by Ismael Souza (ismael.souza@ufba.br) on 2021-08-14T02:53:21Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Ana_Carina_-_TESE (3).pdf: 2145320 bytes, checksum: 58f903c5d97778741e2b30ca4687b875 (MD5) Ana Carina Matos Silva.pdf: 390470 bytes, checksum: 0651ee85cb7abd4ec20958699a4c69cf (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Solange Rocha (soluny@gmail.com) on 2021-08-25T18:45:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Ana_Carina_-_TESE (3).pdf: 2145320 bytes, checksum: 58f903c5d97778741e2b30ca4687b875 (MD5) Ana Carina Matos Silva.pdf: 390470 bytes, checksum: 0651ee85cb7abd4ec20958699a4c69cf (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-08-25T18:45:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Ana_Carina_-_TESE (3).pdf: 2145320 bytes, checksum: 58f903c5d97778741e2b30ca4687b875 (MD5) Ana Carina Matos Silva.pdf: 390470 bytes, checksum: 0651ee85cb7abd4ec20958699a4c69cf (MD5) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ); o Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações (MCTI) Neste estudo, analisou-se a qualidade química, física e biológica das águas superficiais de lagoas, e das águas subterrâneas que escoam em fontes de Salvador (Bahia), respaldando-se na premissa de que existe uma variação sazonal na deterioração na qualidade destas águas, derivadas de fatores decorrentes do processo de urbanização. O primeiro capítulo contextualiza o estudo e aborda as relações conceituais posteriormente utilizadas. Do segundo em diante, formaliza-se a divulgação dos dados em notas técnicas e dos resultados através da publicação de quatro artigos que objetivam (i) ilustrar a importância do Índice de Qualidade de Água (IQA) como ferramenta de gestão, e suas limitações, determinando a importância de cada parâmetro que o compõe (ii) descrever as condições físico-químicas e de contaminação de metais em lagoas e fontes, e (iii) compreender como esses parâmetros se relacionam entre si e como se modificam temporalmente e em função da sazonalidade. A maioria das variáveis avaliadas (pH, temperatura, turbidez, condutividade, sólidos totais dissolvidos, nitrato, sulfato, cloreto e coliformes termotolerantes) não demonstraram padrões de variação sazonal estatisticamente significantes, porém os resultados das análises geoquímicas e microbiológicas apontam a inadequação das fontes e lagoas estudadas para os usos a que se destinam. Nas lagoas os parâmetros físico-químicos (com exceção de variações pontuais no pH) estão dentro dos valores preconizados pela Resolução CONAMA 357 para águas doces de Classe 2, nas fontes também considerou-se a título de avaliação de qualidade as resoluções Conama 396/2008 (águas subterrâneas), e 274/2000 (balneabilidade), e, dentre os valores em desacordo, demandam atenção pH, oxigênio dissolvido, nitrato e coliformes termotolerantes. Para metais, a presença de Manganês nas quatro fontes (embora dentro dos limites de segurança) requer atenção, e nas lagoas a presença de Ferro, Chumbo, Manganês e Alumínio em níveis perigosamente acima dos limites representam um risco para a integridade e equilíbrio do ecossistema. Índices bióticos e de qualidade (IQA e IET) apontam a necessidade de atenção para o monitoramento e conservação da qualidade da água das lagoas avaliadas, onde os valores encontrados estão fortemente associados às fontes de lançamento de esgotos domésticos e resíduos, revelando a negligência da gestão e determinando um problema social e de saúde pública. O presente trabalho foi realizado com o apoio da CAPES - Código de financiamento 001. In this study, the chemical, physical and biological quality of the surface waters of lagoons was analyzed, and groundwater that drains from sources in Salvador (Bahia), supported by the premise that there is a seasonal variation in the deterioration in the quality of these waters, derived from factors resulting from the urbanization process. The first chapter contextualizes the study and addresses the conceptual relations later used. From the second onwards, the disclosure is formalized data in technical notes and results through the publication of four articles that aim to (i) illustrate the importance of the Water Quality Index (WQI) as a management tool, and its limitations, determining the importance of each parameter that composes it (ii) describe the physical-chemical and contamination conditions of metals in ponds and sources, and (iii) understand how these parameters relate to each other and how they change over time and depending on seasonality. Most of the variables evaluated (pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, sulfate, chloride and thermotolerant coliforms) did not show statistically significant patterns of seasonal variation, however the results of geochemical and microbiological analyzes indicate the inadequacy of sources and lagoons studied for their intended uses. In the lagoons, the physical-chemical parameters (with the variations in pH) are within the values recommended by the CONAMA Resolution 357 for Class 2 freshwater, in the sources, it was also considered as an evaluation of quality standards Conama resolutions 396/2008 (groundwater), and 274/2000 (bathing), and, among the values in disagreement, demand attention pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate and coliforms thermotolerant. For metals, the presence of manganese in the four sources (although within the safety limits) requires attention, and in the lagoons, the presence of Iron, Lead, Manganese and Aluminum at levels dangerously above the limits poses a risk to the integrity and ecosystem balance. Biotic and quality indices (WQI and TSI) point to the need of attention to the monitoring and conservation of the water quality of the evaluated lagoons, where the values found are strongly associated with sources of discharge of domestic sewage and waste, revealing the neglect of management and determining a social and health problem public. This work was carried out with the support of CAPES - Financing Code 001.

Elevated lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression is associated with poor outcome in tumor patients. Here we show that LDHA-associated lactic acid accumulation in melanomas inhibits tumor surveillance by T and NK cells. In immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, tumors with reduced lactic acid production (Ldhalow) developed significantly slower than control tumors and showed increased infiltration with IFN-γ-producing T and NK cells. However, in Rag2-/-γc-/- mice, lacking lymphocytes and NK cells, and in Ifng-/- mice, Ldhalow and control cells formed tumors at similar rates. Pathophysiological concentrations of lactic acid prevented upregulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in T and NK cells, resulting in diminished IFN-γ production. Database analyses revealed negative correlations between LDHA expression and T cell activation markers in human melanoma patients. Our results demonstrate that lactic acid is a potent inhibitor of function and survival of T and NK cells leading to tumor immune escape.

The calcium substitution for magnesium on fluorapatite is attractive because this element is a natural substitute in biological apatites. There are several published stoichiometries for calcium substituted by magnesium fluorapatites and most works point out that the formation and fixation of biomimetic Ca-P coatings in Ringer’s solution were strongly related to Mg2+ content and furthermore the Mg replacement improves the bioactivity of apatite. In the present study, fluorapatite (FA) and fluorapatite substituted with 6% and 7% of magnesium were obtained by deposition via sol-gel coating on substrates of AISI 316L stainless steel to investigate the effect of magnesium substitution on fluorapatite with not yet investigated stoichiometry. Characterization of coating thickness, chemical composition and crystalline structure was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coating adhesion was evaluated using the pull-out test and the corrosion resistance was undertaken using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical results showed improvement in the corrosion resistance of magnesium-fluorapatite compared to fluorapatite coated on AISI 316L stainless steel substrates. The improvement corrosion protection and adhesion performance indicate that such magnesium fluorapatites coatings are very interesting candidates as bioactive coatings for implants.

Submitted by Gisele Mara Hadlich (gisele@ufba.br) on 2019-01-14T23:44:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 523-2227-1-PB.pdf: 459336 bytes, checksum: 5f04caabf13bad6e73fd5a489d31badc (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Rafael Nunes (rafaeln@ufba.br) on 2019-03-25T21:11:04Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 523-2227-1-PB.pdf: 459336 bytes, checksum: 5f04caabf13bad6e73fd5a489d31badc (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2019-03-25T21:11:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 523-2227-1-PB.pdf: 459336 bytes, checksum: 5f04caabf13bad6e73fd5a489d31badc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018 Em um derramamento de petróleo em zonas de manguezal existe grande possibilidade da agregação do óleo com o material particulado em suspensão, o que poderá determinar o sedimento de fundo como destino final do OSA (Agregado Óleo-Material Particulado em Suspensão) representando um grande risco aos organismos bentônicos. Testes de ecotoxicidade com esses organismos têm sido amplamente utilizados como uma das formas mais precisas de monitoramento biológico aos impactos antrópicos nesse ecossistema. O presente trabalho avalia a ecotoxicidade da exposição ao OSA em sedimentos de manguezal, coletados ao longo do estuário do rio Pardo, município de Canavieiras, Bahia, por meio de ensaios em escala piloto (microescala). O procedimento foi realizado através dos testes toxicológicos de exposição aguda para determinar a CL50 (concentração letal 50%) utilizando o copépode bentônico Nitokra sp. Para efeito de comparação, foram realizados dois cenários, o primeiro considera a fase aquosa do protocolo de simulação de formação do OSA em microescala, e o segundo, o elutriato a partir de sedimento e óleo homogeneizado em diferentes frações. Foi verificado que a formação do OSA tem potencial muito menos tóxico (CL50 70,71) em relação ao elutriato formado a partir dos percentuais de sedimento homogeneizado com óleo cru (CL50 5,59) confirmando seu potencial como efetiva forma de limpeza para tratamento de óleo na água. ABSTRACT- In an oil spill in mangrove areas, there is a great possibility of oil aggregation with suspended particulate matter, which may determine the bottom sediment as the final destination of OSA (Oil-Suspended Particulate Matter), posing a great risk to Benthic organisms. Ecotoxicity tests with these organisms have been widely used as one of the most accurate forms of biological monitoring of the anthropogenic impacts on this ecosystem. The present work evaluates the ecotoxicity of the exposure to OSA in mangrove sediments, collected along the Pardo river estuary, Canavieiras, Bahia, through pilot scale (microscale) trials. The procedure was performed using acute exposure toxicological tests to determine LC50 (lethal concentration 50%) using the benthic copepod Nitokra sp. For the purpose of comparison, two scenarios were performed, the first considers the aqueous phase of the OSA simulation protocol in microscale, and the second, the elutriate from sediment and oil homogenized in different fractions. It was verified that the formation of the OSA has a much less toxic potential (LC50 70.71) in relation to elutriate formed from the percentages of homogenized sediment with crude oil (LC50 5.59) confirming its potential as an effective form of cleaning for oil treatment in water. Rio de Janeiro

Dissertação submetida como requisito parcial para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciências Empresarias As empresas familiares ocupam um papel de extrema importância na economia mundial, uma vez que estima-se que de todas as empresas do mundo, 65% a 80% são familiares. No entanto verifica-se uma maior taxa de mortalidade precoce neste tipo de empresas quando comparadas a empresas não familiares, sendo fundamental aprofundar o conhecimento acerca das mesmas. Assim, este estudo pretende analisar os fatores que podem influenciar a sobrevivência das empresas familiares, no contexto de uma empresa do setor da construção. A pesquisa teve por base um enquadramento teórico do que se entende por empresa familiar, bem como as suas características genéricas, cultura organizacional, pontos fortes e vulnerabilidades, ciclo de vida, sucessão, mortalidade e modelo de gestão. Com base na revisão da literatura foi feito um quadro síntese dos fatores que podem contribuir para a sobrevivência ou para a mortalidade precoce das empresas familiares. Com um objetivo eminentemente exploratório, concretizado na forma de estudo de caso, recorreu-se à entrevista para recolha de dados. Foram realizadas entrevistas aos gestores de uma empresa familiar na segunda geração. Seguidamente procedeu-se à respetiva análise de conteúdo e à comparação das respostas dadas pelos diferentes entrevistados. As conclusões do estudo de caso permitirão contribuir para uma melhor clarificação dos fatores que podem contribuir para a sobrevivência das empresas familiares. Family businesses have a very important role in the world economy, because it ‘s estimated that 65% - 80% of all companies in the world are familiar. However, there is a higher rate of early mortality in this type of company when compared to non-family businesses, what makes it essential to deepen the knowledge about these companies. So, this study aims to examine the factors that can influence the survival of the family businesses, in the context of a company of the construction sector. The research was based on a theoretical framework of what is meant by family business, as well as it’s generic characteristics, organizational culture, strengths and weaknesses, life cycle, succession, mortality and management model. Based on the literature review, a summary table was made synthesizing the factors that may contribute to the survival or early mortality of family businesses. With an exploratory objective, materialized in the form of a case study, the interview was used to data collection. Interviews were conducted with the managers of a family business in the second generation. Subsequently, the respective content was analyzed and a comparison of the answers given by the different interviewees was conducted. The findings of the case study will contribute to a better clarification of the factors that may contribute to the survival of family businesses.

Knowledge on the concentration of metallic elements is important to certify the quality of ecosystems. Such behaviors in estuarine environments are dependent of factors such as rainfall and temperature of the water, interfering directly on the metal concentrations in biotic and abiotic components. This study observed the role that seasonality (dry and rainy) had on the bioavailability of metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Al) in surface water and sediment, and bioconcentration in oysters ( Cassostrea rhizophorae ) in the mangrove area of the Sao Paulo river estuary, Todos os Santos Bay. The metals concentration in three matrices analyzed varied between the periods studied. The values of physicochemical parameters also had significant variations. High levels of Zn and Cu were found in mollusks. The highest concentrations of metals analyzed were Al in waters, Fe in sediments and Zn in mollusks. These results showed that seasonality interferes directly in the physicochemical parameters analyzed (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and Eh), as well as on the bioavailability of metals in both water and sediment, influencing directly on the concentrations found in mollusks.

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is used in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is generally accepted that ATG mediates its immunosuppressive effect primarily via depletion of T cells. Here, we analyzed the impact of ATG-Fresenius (now Grafalon (R)) on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). ATG induced a semi-mature phenotype in DC with significantly reduced expression of CD14, increased expression of HLA-DR, and intermediate expression of CD54, CD80, CD83, and CD86. ATG-DC showed an increase in IL-10 secretion but no IL-12 production. In line with this tolerogenic phenotype, ATG caused a significant induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression and a concomitant increase in levels of tryptophan metabolites in the supernatants of DC. Further, ATG-DC did not induce the proliferation of allogeneic T cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction but actively suppressed the T cell proliferation induced by mature DC. These data suggest that besides its well-known effect on T cells, ATG modulates the phenotype of DC in a tolerogenic way, which might constitute an essential part of its immunosuppressive action in vivo.

Injection of microemulsion is a chemical technique of enhanced petroleum recovery. With the implementation of this technique, oil recovery is enhanced by increasing the viscosity of the microemulsion systems, and reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water in a porous medium. In this work, injection assays have been carried out with fluids comprising microemulsion-based commercial anionic surfactants, oil from the Quiambina Field (mature field in the Brazilian State of Bahia) and brine (2% KCl). The experiments basically consisted of the injection of fluids into cylindrical plug samples from the Botucatu formation by means of conventional (injection of water or brine) and enhanced (injection of microemulsion) recovery techniques. During water and microemulsion flooding, samples were collected as a function of time, after which the volume of oil recovered was obtained. Parameters like mobility ratio, volume of displaceable oil, volume of displaced oil and displacement efficiency have been obtained as results. It was verified that lower mobility ratios were acquired with the injection of microemulsion than with injection of water, thereby favoring oil recovery. The volume of oil displaced by the microemulsion corresponded to 75% of the total displaceable oil, which is a much higher yield than that observed in conventional recovery procedures. The results showed that, when microemulsion flooding is applied, the displacement efficiency is 21.5%, whereas with the conventional method the efficiency is 41%. It could be concluded that the use of microemulsion in enhanced oil recovery is efficient to provide higher levels of extraction due to the higher viscosity of the microemulsion and to the decrease in the interfacial tension between the fluids in the porous medium.

Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de citologia cervical (CC) atualizada em enfermeiras e médicas e verificar se existe associação entre a CC atualizada e outros fatores. Tipo de estudo: Observacional, analítico e transversal. Local: Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho (ULSAM). População: Enfermeiras e médicas da ULSAM com idades entre os 25 e os 60 anos. Métodos: Dados colhidos por questionário com 11 perguntas, anónimo, de autopreenchimento. Os resultados foram analisados através de estatística descritiva, teste de Qui-Quadrado para comparação de proporções e Teste-T para comparação de médias entre os grupos. Resultados: Obtiveram-se 397 questionários respondidos, o que correspondeu a uma taxa de resposta de 47%. Das profissionais que responderam ao questionário 80% eram enfermeiras; 68% exerciam funções no hospital; 53% tiveram consulta de vigilância no centro de saúde e 99% tinham a CC atualizada, sendo que em 68% destas a CC não foi realizada pelo médico de família. Verificou-se uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre a CC atualizada e a idade e entre a CC atualizada e a existência de consulta de vigilância no centro de saúde. Conclusões: A prevalência de CC atualizada supera a da população em geral, contrariando a tendência encontrada na literatura. A correlação entre a CC atualizada e uma idade mais jovem poderá ser explicada pelo facto de estas profissionais poderem estar mais alerta para as patologias do colo do útero ou de eventualmente se sentirem menos desconfortáveis na realização deste exame. A associação entre a CC atualizada e a existência de consulta de vigilância no centro de saúde pode dever-se ao facto de este grupo ser alertado pelo seu médico de família para a necessidade de realização de CC ou de ser, por si só, mais atento à prevenção da doença, efetuando consultas de vigilância, assim como o rastreio. Serão necessários mais estudos para confirmar os resultados. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of current cervical cytology (CC) among nurses and physicians and to investigate the association between the current CC and other factors. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Alto Minho Local Health Unit (ULSAM). Participants: Nurses and doctors from ULSAM between the ages of 25 and 60 years. Methods: Data collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire with 11 questions. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi squared tests to compare proportions, and t-tests to compare means between groups. Results: We obtained 397 replies for a response rate of 47%. Among the respondents, 80% were nurses, 68% worked in the hospital, 53% were followed in the Primary Health Care Centre, 99% had current CC, and among 68% of these, CC was not done by the family physician. There was a statistically significant association between younger age and current CC, and between current CC and follow-up at Primary Health Care Centre. Conclusions: The prevalence of current CC in this population is higher than that in the general public. The correlation between current CC and younger age maybe explained by the fact that these professionals are more alert to cervical pathology or feel less uncomfortable with this examination. The association between current CC and follow-up at Primary Health Care Centre maybe due to advice from the family doctor or perhaps they are more concerned with prevention of disease and screening. Further studies will be needed to confirm these results.

Submitted by Gisele Mara Hadlich (gisele@ufba.br) on 2018-06-26T14:19:21Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTA_ANA CARINA_01jun_revGisele_OK.pdf: 2154517 bytes, checksum: 89827d0ad19904d52d2c4825fd3d2c22 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-26T14:19:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTA_ANA CARINA_01jun_revGisele_OK.pdf: 2154517 bytes, checksum: 89827d0ad19904d52d2c4825fd3d2c22 (MD5) Em um derramamento de petróleo em zonas de manguezal existe grande possibilidade da agregação do óleo com o material particulado em suspensão, o que poderá determinar o sedimento de fundo como destino final do OSA (Agregado Óleo-Material Particulado em Suspensão). Essa formação, em muitos casos poderá representar um grande risco aos organismos bentônicos e nectônicos. Testes de ecotoxicidade com esses organismos têm sido amplamente utilizados como uma das formas mais precisas de monitoramento biológico aos impactos antrópicos em diferentes ecossistemas. O presente trabalho avalia a ecotoxicidadeda formação do OSA em simulações de manguezal, a partir de amostras de sedimento coletadas ao longo do estuário do Rio Pardo, município de Canavierias, Bahia, por meio de ensaios em escala piloto com unidades de simulação, realizados com óleo da bacia de Campos. O procedimento foi feitoatravés detestes toxicológicos de exposição aguda e crônica para determinar a CL50(concentração letal 50%) utilizando o copépodeNitokra sp.e o microcrustáceo Artemia salina. Com base nos testes de sensibilidade foram caracterizados efeitos toxicológicos exibidos nos bioensaiosonde foram analisados os níveis de mortalidade (sobrevivência). Foi verificado que, para Nitokra sp. o cenário onde se verificou a formação do OSA tem potencial menos tóxico (CL50 70,71) em relação ao elutriato (CL50 5,59) confirmando seu potencial como efetiva forma de limpeza para tratamento de óleo na água. Para Artemia salina, a concentração de sedimento em simulação de formação de OSA que apresentou maior potencial tóxico foi 200 mg/L apresentando valores iguais para superfície e fundo (CL50 7,91%), já a concentração com menor potencial tóxico foi a de 300 mg/L (CL50 31,5) para amostras de superfície.Com isso, o presente trabalho apresenta procedimentos inovadores para avaliação de ecotoxicidade da formação do OSA em ambientes simulados de manguezal, evidenciando a potencial adequação daNitokra sp.e da Artemia salina em testes laboratoriais.

Submitted by Ana Rebelo (amsr@isep.ipp.pt) on 2015-07-21T11:27:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DM_SoniaAbreu_2014_MEC.pdf: 16960235 bytes, checksum: 1c189a7a1a3f0b393470eb1596cfeb30 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rebelo (amsr@isep.ipp.pt) on 2015-07-21T12:49:45Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DM_SoniaAbreu_2014_MEC.pdf: 16960235 bytes, checksum: 1c189a7a1a3f0b393470eb1596cfeb30 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-21T12:49:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DM_SoniaAbreu_2014_MEC.pdf: 16960235 bytes, checksum: 1c189a7a1a3f0b393470eb1596cfeb30 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014

Submitted by Isabel Gomes (itg@lisboa.ucp.pt) on 2012-07-30T13:53:44Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Relatório final 2011_Liliana Vasconcelos.pdf: 15689337 bytes, checksum: 19fec93e27722c410f45407190e9c15a (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Isabel Gomes (itg@lisboa.ucp.pt) on 2012-07-30T13:54:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Relatório final 2011_Liliana Vasconcelos.pdf: 15689337 bytes, checksum: 19fec93e27722c410f45407190e9c15a (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2012-07-30T13:54:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Relatório final 2011_Liliana Vasconcelos.pdf: 15689337 bytes, checksum: 19fec93e27722c410f45407190e9c15a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-02