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Glut(s) expression PC-3 cell line-derived xenograft model.

Clinical localization of primary tumors and sites of metastasis by PET is based on the enhanced cellular uptake of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG). In prostate cancer, however, PET-FDG imaging has shown limited clinical applicability, suggesting that prostate cancer cells may utilize hexoses other than glucose, such as fructose, as the preferred energy source. Our previous studies suggested that prostate cancer cells overexpress fructose transporters, but not glucose transporters, compared with benign cells. Here, we focused on validating the functional expression of fructose transporters and determining whether fructose can modulate the biology of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Fructose transporters, Glut5 and Glut9, were significantly upregulated in clinical specimens of prostate cancer when compared with their benign counterparts. Fructose levels in the serum of patients with prostate cancer were significantly higher than healthy subjects. Functional expression of fructose transporters was confirmed in prostate cancer cell lines. A detailed kinetic characterization indicated that Glut5 represents the main functional contributor in mediating fructose transport in prostate cancer cells. Fructose stimulated proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells in vitro. In addition, dietary fructose increased the growth of prostate cancer cell line–derived xenograft tumors and promoted prostate cancer cell proliferation in patient-derived xenografts. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed that fructose stimulation enriched for proliferation-related pathways in prostate cancer cells. These results demonstrate that fructose promotes prostate cancer cell growth and aggressiveness in vitro and in vivo and may represent an alternative energy source for prostate cancer cells.Significance:This study identifies increased expression of fructose transporters in prostate cancer and demonstrates a role for fructose as a key metabolic substrate supporting prostate cancer cells, revealing potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Biological/clinical parameters (patient age, PSA levels, Gleason score) and glucose and fructose levels in benign and PCa patients.

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is an important ferroelectric material with a wide range of applications. In this work, the use of microwave radiation to improve the conditions of hydrothermal synthesis of pure nanocrystalline LiNbO3 was proposed. The structural characterization showed that nanoparticles of a pure LiNbO3 phase were synthesized. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed a high-quality nanoparticle with an average diameter of ca. 42 and 65 nm for 2 and 3 h of synthesis time, respectively. These results represent a time-saving using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method for LiNbO3 preparation, with excellent quality at the nanometer scale. The nanoparticles were employed as photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction through water splitting, reaching the rate of 10.5 µmol h−1 g−1. It had shown to be a potential candidate for water photolysis due to the small particle size and high crystallinity. Moreover, it also allows the direct and fast synthesis of LiNbO3 on carbon fiber, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and nanocellulose, which were used as supporting materials for the fabrication of novel nanocomposites.

The development of efficient advanced functional materials is highly dependent on properties such as morphology, crystallinity, and surface functionality. In this work, hierarchical flowerlike nanostructures of SrTiO3 have been synthesized by a simple template-free solvothermal method involving poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Molecular dynamics simulations supported by structural characterization have shown that PVP preferentially adsorbs on {110} facets, thereby promoting the {100} facet growth. This interaction results in the formation of hierarchical flowerlike nanostructures with assembled nanosheets. The petal morphology is strongly dependent on the presence of PVP, and the piling up of nanosheets, leading to nanocubes, is observed when PVP is removed at high temperatures. This work contributes to a better understanding of how to control the morphological properties of SrTiO3, which is fundamental to the synthesis of perovskite-type materials with tailored properties.

Pyroligneous liquor and chitosan are natural and biodegradable products from renewable sources. Both present antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and induce resistance in plants, making these products promising to be used as raw material for agricultural inputs. Chitosan, dissolved in distilled pyroligneous liquor (DPL) from Eucalyptus grandis, produces colloidal systems with high ultraviolet absorption and it could be proposed as plant protective coating, based on their intrinsic characteristics. Chitosan undergoes degradation in an acidic environment; therefore, it is necessary to understand the stability of colloidal systems. We evaluated the systems obtained from chitosan and DPL for their physicochemical properties and structural characteristics at storage times at room temperature (20 ± 5 °C) up to 30 months. The colloidal systems presented a Newtonian flow during the storage time evaluated. Posteriorly, the colloidal systems were destabilized and the precipitates (PPT) were analyzed. Phenolic compounds from DPL were attached to the chitosan chains; this result is supported by fluorescence spectroscopy performed with PPT dissolved in non-fluorescent buffer. The PPT were fluorescent with emission maxima changing to higher wavelengths with storage time. The amounts of total phenols attached to polymer chains increased over time. As a result, there is an increase in the absorption of ultraviolet radiation with storage time. The results show that colloidal systems composed by chitosan formed complexes with phenolic compounds from DPL, which are promising for application in agriculture.

Tissue engineering aims to regenerate and restore damaged human organs and tissues using scaffolds that can mimic the native tissues. The requirement for modern and efficient biomaterials that are capable of accelerating the healing process has been considerably increased. In this work, a novel electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoporous membrane incorporated with niobium pentoxide nanoparticles (Nb2 O5 ) for biomaterial applications was developed. Nb2 O5 nanoparticles were obtained by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, and different concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5% wt/wt) were tested. Chemical, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of membranes were evaluated. Cell viability results demonstrated that the membranes presented nontoxic effects. The incorporation of Nb2 O5 improved cell proliferation without impairing the wettability, porosity, and mechanical properties of membranes. Membranes containing Nb2 O5 nanoparticles presented biocompatible properties with suitable porosity, which facilitated cell attachment and proliferation while allowing diffusion of oxygen and nutrients. This study has demonstrated that Nb2 O5 nanoparticle-loaded electrospun PLA nanoporous membranes are potential candidates for drug delivery and wound dressing applications.

The fabrication of a flexible supercapacitor with state-of-the-art performance is described, based on a facile and low-cost fabrication method that encompasses aligned carbon nanotube arrays (ACNTA)-polyaniline/polydimethylsiloxane electrodes (ACNTA-PANI/PDMS). The ACNTA were partially embedded in PDMS to ensure excellent adhesion and integration whilst PANI was electrodeposited on its surface to improve energy storage properties. The supercapacitor structure and morphology were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The energy storage properties of the electrodes were evaluated in two and three-electrode configurations. The maximum value of specific capacitance was 408 mF cm

Algae have an extensive application to bioenergetics and commercial fields. They comprise several species with distinct physiological, chemical constitution and pigmentation. Given the toxicity of current fingerprint commercial developers, marine biomass could be an alternative material to enhance latent fingerprints. In this sense, the aim of this work was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of algal biomass (Chlorella sp., Desmarestia anceps, Laurencia dendroidea, Lessonia searlesiana and Spirulina sp.) as potential latent fingerprint developers. Results showed that algae were composed of majority biochemical constituents including carboxylic acids (1.52 ± 0.20% for D. anceps to 50.94 ± 0.83% for Chlorella sp.) and alcohols (28.39 ± 1.47% for Chlorella sp. to 83.74 ± 2.42% for L. searlesiana). Particle size of 50% of the distribution of algal biomass varied from 42.18 to 140.00 μm. Samples mostly had vibrations related to hydroxyl, carbonyl and carbon-nitrogen groups. Moreover, elementary composition showed that samples were mostly composed of metals including potassium (9.63–51.83%), calcium (5.98–40.62%) and iron (0.06–12.85%). They are known as essential mineral and have low toxicity in the human body. Regarding fingerprint enhancement, Spirulina sp. had superior results compared to other biomasses enabling satisfactory development of fingerprints.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T16:58:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-10-18 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) FAPERGS/PqG 2017 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Algae biomass is a raw material widely used by many industrial sectors, such as food production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fertilizers, biofuels, and many others. Its usage is mainly due to the phycocolloids content, such as alginates, carrageenans, agar, etc. One of the polysaccharides present in this biomass, and still little explored is cellulose, an important resource with several technological applications, for example: production of nanocellulose, ultralightweight structures, drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressings, among others. Thus, we used the Antarctic algae Cystosphaera jacquinottii as raw material for the production of a cellulosic material combining alkaline treatment, bleaching, and freeze-drying. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that the methodology employed was effective to obtain cellulose. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the material obtained had crystallinity above 70%. Scanning electron microscopy analyses showed a highly porous morphology, consisting of cellulose nanofibers with a diameter about 32 nm. [GRAPHICS] . Univ Fed Pelotas, CDTec, Grad Program Mat Sci & Engn, Rua Gomes Carneiro 1, BR-96010610 Pelotas, RS, Brazil Univ Fed Pelotas, Lab Lipid & Bioorgan, Av Eliseu Macieu Predio 31, BR-96010900 Capao Do Ledo, RS, Brazil Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Inst Chem, Av Bento Goncalves 9500, BR-91501970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Univ Magallanes, Lab Macroalgas Antarticas & Subantarticas, Av Pdte Manuel Bulnes 01890, Punta Arenas 6200000, Chile Univ Sao Paulo, Chem Inst, Biochem Dept, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 748, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Interdisciplinary Lab Ceram, IQ, Av Prof Francisco Degni 55, BR-14800060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Interdisciplinary Lab Ceram, IQ, Av Prof Francisco Degni 55, BR-14800060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001 FAPERGS/PqG 2017: 7/2551-0001 157-0 CAPES: PGCI-99999.002378/2015-09 CAPES: 88887.125421/2016-00 CNPq: 465450/2014-8

Al2O3/AlNbO4 powder was fabricated by a facile high-energy milling process. The precursor materials, Al2O3 and Nb2O5, are readily available and have very attractive properties. Moreover, the catalytic activity of the sample in the liquid phase oxidation of aniline (OA) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant was evaluated. The catalyst was found to be highly efficient and selective in the oxidation of aniline to azoxybenzene under mild conditions. When mixed with 28% AlNbO4 the alumina-based catalyst achieved high conversion and selectivity and very similar to the pure Nb2O5.

In this work, Ag-doped CeO2 samples containing 0.5 mol% Ag+ were successfully synthesized by the polymeric precursor method and then calcined at 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra indicated that the crystals have a fluorite-type structure without the presence of other phases. The size of the Ce0.95Ag0.05O1.9−δ crystals increased from 6.61 to 27.46 nm upon increasing the thermal treatment temperature. The decomposition of the samples was examined by differential thermal analysis to determine the most suitable calcination temperature to apply to the materials and indicate the steps involved in obtaining Ag-doped ceria. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed small crystallite sizes, the presence of oxygen vacancies, structural stability and homogeneity. The Ag-doped ceria have shown effective and efficient antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. However, pure CeO2 displayed no antibacterial activity. Therefore, the satisfactory antimicrobial activity reported here can be attributed to the partial substitution of cerium ions by silver ions.

Improvement of the performance of renewable electronic devices is a crucial point for the consolidation of this emerging technology. Herein, we develop a supercapacitor based on cellulose, carbon nanotubes, and ionic liquids. A conductive paper prepared by simple acid hydrolysis of cellulose and carboxylated carbon nanotubes was used as an electrode. A cellulose sponge impregnated with 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide was used as a separator/electrolyte. Electrochemical tests were performed in a two-electrode cell that presented a specific capacitance of 34.37 F/g when considered the active mass and 97.9% of capacitance retention after 5000 charge/discharge cycles.

The aim of the study was to synthesized organic-inorganic experimental nanocomposite materials via sol–gel dip coating and to characterized its biological response. The sols consist of an inorganic–organic matrix based on ZrO2, TiO2, Li+ and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The obtained hybrid-coated titanium samples have been characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM), Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). Biocompatibility of the hybrid coatings was evaluated by cytotoxicity tests. AFM analysis detailed that the obtained materials were rough nanostructured hybrids. SEM results presented covered surfaces and the presence of particles with different sizes and formats. The EDX data allowed to know the quantitative percentage of the elements present on the surface of the hybrid-coated titanium samples compatible with the sols composition. Cytotoxicity showed that all the hybrid-coated titanium samples had non-cytotoxic effect on target cells, having the groups that included Li+ in the surface higher cellular grown. The sol gel dipcoating method represents a viable alternative to include inorganic and organic elements on titanium and form stable hybrid layers. The modified surfaces of titanium with the experimental materials were rough, presented biocompatible elements and allowed high cellular grown.

The development of new materials and systems capable of storing energy efficiently with a fast power delivering has been the subject of several studies. Many techniques and instruments are used for the characterization of these systems. Some involve the use of electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, while others use instruments specially developed for this purpose. In this study, we provide a simple and functional supercapacitor characterization system using a programmable sourcemeter with an embedded scripting language. For the validation of the system, commercial capacitors and supercapacitors devices based on activated carbon and manganese dioxide were used. In a few steps, the system is capable of efficiently determine the main parameters used in the characterization of supercapacitors, for instance, specific capacitance, specific energy density, specific power density and equivalent series resistance. From the data collected, the system can also determine the stability and performance of supercapacitors, which are fundamental parameters used in the development of new electrodes for energy storage devices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v11i2.1374

Pereskia aculeata Mill., known as Ora-Pro-Nobis or Barbados gooseberry, arouse the interest of food and pharmaceutical industries due to its bioactive compounds and mucilage. We conducted a peer-reviewed survey using Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Science Direct, and Scifinder platforms, as well as patent bases for new products. We selected articles which highlighted composition of leaves and applications in the development of new products. Mucilage shows great potential in the development of complexes or microparticles to transport active molecules. Reports on anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of P. aculeata leaves open a research field to obtain pharmaceutical products. Emulsifying properties of mucilage have been explored in food processing. Another potential use is the development of films for functional and/or edible packaging. The polysaccharide chain, the main mucilage constituent, can interact with other biopolymers to be explored in colloidal chemistry for the production of biomaterials in the next years.

This study reports the fabrication of high mass loading (32 mg/cm2) electrodes of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a facile procedure. The as-obtained Nb2O5 nanoparticles by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis presented pseudohexagonal (TT) phase, and when exposed to the thermal treatment, the Nb2O5 nanoparticles changed to orthorhombic (T) phase. Distinct morphologies were obtained, which exhibited a specific surface area of 216 m2/g and 47 m2/g to pseudohexagonal and orthorhombic phases, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were performed in a three-electrode system using 1 M Li2SO4 as electrolyte with a potential window of 0–0.9 V (versus standard calomel electrode). Both materials showed capacitive behavior with a specific capacitance of 0.11 F/cm2 and 0.09 F/cm2 to nanocomposites CNT + TT-Nb2O5 and CNT + T-Nb2O5 at 2 mV/s, respectively. Thus, an efficient, simple, and promising process to produce electrodes for supercapacitors was demonstrated.

A simple and low-cost method is proposed to synthesize graphene oxide incorporated with silver nanoparticles. The inter-sheet distance was controlled by introducing hexylamine into the graphene oxide sheets. The materials were investigated by Raman, UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The increase in inter-sheet distance, due to the presence of hexylamine, favored the growth of the silver nanoparticles within the sheets. We demonstrate that silver nanoparticles increased the electrical conductivity and capacitive properties of the graphene oxide based electrode. The high concentration of well dispersed silver nanoparticles on the surface of the graphene sheets resulted in ca. 90 times higher specific capacitance than bare graphene oxide, in addition to improved electrochemical activity. The proposed method is promising for the development of hybrid materials with enhanced properties for applications mainly in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Electrodeposited ZnNi coatings are widely used to improve the corrosion resistance of steel substrates, but their tribological properties are also relevant for loaded contacts under relative motion. This work investigates the hypothesis of improving tribological properties of electrodeposited ZnNi coatings via dispersion of niobium pentoxide nanoparticles (1 g l−1) in the electrolytic bath. The niobium pentoxide nanoparticles were produced via hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwave. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the coatings were analysed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with x-ray dispersive energy, X-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The tribological performance of the coatings was assessed using dry reciprocating ball-on-flat tests at normal loads between 3 and 6 N. The use of niobium pentoxide nanoparticles resulted in significantly denser coatings, with some Nb incorporated in the coated surfaces. Under the lowest normal load, all coated specimens showed relatively low friction (∼0.2) and negligible damage. As the normal load increased, the coating produced using niobium pentoxide nanoparticles showed stronger adherence, while conventional ZnNi coating showed increased friction and spalling for the highest load. It is believed that the Nb2O5 nanoparticles increased the number of sites for heterogeneous nucleation, refining the microstructure, so that tougher and more adherent coatings were produced.

Introduction. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a tricalcium-based silicate, dicalcium silicate matrix. Despite its good biologic properties, some clinicians still claim to have difficulties in handling MTA after its preparation due to its sandy consistency. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of MTA Repair HP (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) compared with MTA Angelus (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil). Materials and Method. The properties assessed were particle size, setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, water solubility, compressive strength, and cytotoxicity. Statistical analysis was performed considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results. For radiopacity, water absorption and solubility MTA Repair HP were statistically similar to MTA Angelus. The MTA Angelus had statistically different film thickness values, higher than MTA Repair HP (p < 0.05). Besides, MTA Angelus showed a lower and statistically different compressive strength after 28 days than MTA Repair HP (p Conclusions. The MTA Repair HP presented similar cell viability, lower film thickness, higher flow, setting time, and compressive strength values after 28 days than MTA Angelus. In general, the MTA Repair HP presented physicochemical and biological properties similar to the MTA Angelus.

Activation of glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1) gene expression is a molecular feature of cancer cells that increases glucose uptake and metabolism. Increased glucose uptake is the basis for the clinical localization of primary tumors using positron emission tomography (PET) and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) as a radiotracer. However, previous studies have demonstrated that a considerable number of cancers, which include prostate cancer (CaP), express low to undetectable levels of Glut-1 and that FDG-PET has limited clinical applicability in CaP. This observation could be explained by a low metabolic activity of CaP cells that may be overcome using different hexoses, such as fructose, as the preferred energy source. However, these hypotheses have not been examined critically in CaP. This review article summarizes what is currently known about transport and metabolism of hexoses, and more specifically fructose, in CaP and provides experimental evidences indicating that CaP cells may have increased capacity to transport and metabolize fructose in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, this review highlights recent findings that allow better understanding of how metabolism of fructose may regulate cancer cell proliferation and how fructose uptake and metabolism, through the de novo lipogenesis pathway, may provide new opportunities for CaP early diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

These data and analyses support the research article “Production of cellulose nanoparticles from blue agave waste treated with environmentally friendly processes” Robles et al. [1]. The data and analyses presented here include fitted curves for selected carbons of the 13C CP-MAS NMR analysis; SEM images of the raw and bleached fibers, graphics with chemical composition and visual images of the fibers throughout the process.

Tequila elaboration leaves two main byproducts that are undervalued (bagasse and leaves). Organosolv pulping and Total Chlorine Free bleaching were integrated to obtain cellulose fibers from agricultural waste which consisted of blue agave bagasse and leaf fibers; together they represent a green process which valorizes biomass waste. The obtained celluloses were characterized by FT-IR, colorimetry, and SEM and their extraction yields were evaluated. These celluloses were used to produce cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibers. First, an acid hydrolysis was performed in a sonication bath to induce cavitation during the reaction to produce cellulose nanocrystals. Then a high-pressure homogenization was selected to produce cellulose nanofibers. These nanocelluloses were characterized by powder XRD, Nanosizer, zeta potential, NMR, and electronic microscopy. Results showed that cellulose from organosolv pulps bleached with TCF bleaching is suitable for nanocellulose production. Moreover, the use of a new step to separate cellulose nanocrystals resulted in yields almost doubling traditional yields, while the rest of the properties remained within the expected.

In this work, a feasible, fast, clean and efficient microwave-induced combustion method for direct synthesis of LiNbO3 in solid phase was developed. X-ray powder diffraction studies showed that quasi-pure Li–Nb–O phases, such as LiNbO3 and Li3NbO4, or mixtures of LiNbO3, Li3NbO4 and LiNb3O8, could be successfully synthesized. The resulting powders were efficiently applied as catalysts under ambient conditions in the oxidation process of aniline using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The proposed method was performed in a commercial system using high-pressure quartz vessels, which allowed safe control of the reactions–that usually occurs in less than 1 min. The results showed that the reaction conditions as well as the structural and morphological characteristics of the catalyst influenced the aniline oxidation process. Therefore, the present method for the preparation of LiNbO3 described herein, displayed many advantages when compared to conventional combustion methods, such as the physical characteristics o...

Composite of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate) along an organic, renewable, conductive, and flexible matrix have been developed. The conductive paper was obtained through the reaction between the cellulose extracted from banana stem and functionalized MWCNT. This reaction was made in the presence of hydrogen (from H2SO4), which reduced the size of the cellulose by acid hydrolysis and promotes the interaction between its hydroxyls and the carboxyl groups of nanotubes. Afterward, the PZT particles were synthesized and grown up on the conductive paper by microwaves-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MHS). The composite material was characterized by structure and morphology. Moreover, gas-sensing in the presence of methanol and electrical resistance as a function of temperature were also investigated. In this way, a simple, low-cost and successful synthesis was reported. Also, a promising flexible was obtained using a chemical transformation process from banana residue as source of cellulose.

In this study, composites based on carbon fiber and a modified epoxy resin were obtained. The modification on the polymeric matrix was performed by adding functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated with zinc sulphide particles (MWCNT-ZnS), synthetized by hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwave. For comparison, samples containing only functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTf) were also tested. The influences on chemical, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composites were evaluated. For the filler characterization, X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used. The modified polymeric matrix was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and the mechanical evaluation of the carbon fiber laminated composites was made by tensile and impact tests. The results showed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the composites increased with the presence of carbon nanofillers. The absorbed energy on impact had higher values for the composites modified with MWCNTf. It was verified that the samples containing MWCNTf-ZnS were more thermally stable, mainly due to the ZnS particles coating the MWCNTf surface.

Key points Extracellular ATP, in association with [Ca2+]i regulation, is required to maintain basal ciliary beat frequency. Increasing extracellular ATP levels increases ciliary beating in airway epithelial cells, maintaining a sustained response by inducing the release of additional ATP. Extracellular ATP levels in the millimolar range, previously associated with pathophysiological conditions of the airway epithelium, produce a transient arrest of ciliary activity. The regulation of ciliary beat frequency is dependent on ATP release by hemichannels (connexin/pannexin) and P2X receptor activation, the blockage of which may even stop ciliary movement. The force exerted by cilia, measured by atomic force microscopy, is reduced following extracellular ATP hydrolysis. This result complements the current understanding of the ciliary beating regulatory mechanism, with special relevance to inflammatory diseases of the airway epithelium that affect mucociliary clearance. Abstract Extracellular nucleotides, including ATP, are locally released by the airway epithelium and stimulate ciliary activity in a [Ca2+]i-dependent manner after mechanical stimulation of ciliated cells. However, it is unclear whether the ATP released is involved in regulating basal ciliary activity and mediating changes in ciliary activity in response to chemical stimulation. In the present study, we evaluated ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and ciliary beating forces in primary cultures from mouse tracheal epithelium, using videomicroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Extracellular ATP levels and [Ca2+]i were measured by luminometric and fluorimetric assays, respectively. Uptake of ethidium bromide was measured to evaluate hemichannel functionality. We show that hydrolysis of constitutive extracellular ATP levels with apyrase (50 U ml−1) reduced basal CBF by 45% and ciliary force by 67%. The apyrase effect on CBF was potentiated by carbenoxolone, a hemichannel inhibitor, and oxidized ATP, an antagonist used to block P2X7 receptors, which reduced basal CBF by 85%. Additionally, increasing extracellular ATP levels (0.1–100 μm) increased CBF, maintaining a sustained response that was suppressed in the presence of carbenoxolone. We also show that high levels of ATP (1 mm), associated with inflammatory conditions, lowered basal CBF by reducing [Ca2+]i and hemichannel functionality. In summary, we provide evidence indicating that airway epithelium ATP release is the molecular autocrine mechanism regulating basal ciliary activity and is also the mediator of the ciliary response to chemical stimulation.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:13:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-06-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul The aim of this work was to prepare a flexible nanocomposite from ultra-fine titanium oxide (TiO2) growth on carbon fibre via microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MHS) and to evaluate its photocatalytic properties. The TiO2 nanoparticles were directly grown on the carbon fibre (CF). Thus, a study comparing the conventional titania coating vs. the MHS were performed. The significant layer interaction as a function of the coating method on the visible and dark dye photodegradation performance was observed. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM)), Raman spectroscopy, among others were used aiming to characterize the different route samples. This study reports a reproducible and single method to manufacture of nanocomposites through the growth of TiO2 nanoparticle on CF by MHS that allow controlling the thickness layer. Similar procedure of synthesized nanocomposite could be applied in different chemical compositions to advanced applications, based on the electrochemical nanostructure. Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering CDTec Federal University of Pelotas, Gomes Carneiro 1 Materials Science Postgraduate Program (PGCIMAT) Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Department of Physical Chemistry Institute of Chemistry Paulista State University (UNESP) Department of Materials Engineering Technology Center Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Department of Physical Chemistry Institute of Chemistry Paulista State University (UNESP) CNPq: 482251/2013-1 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul: PQG 2013 002049-2551/13-2-1

A capacitive, conductive and methanol sensor composite have been prepared by a simple process of acid hydrolysis, using potential cellulose source extracted from a residue of banana stem. The material was hydrolyzed with sulphuric acid in the presence of carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to promoted chemical interaction among cellulose and carbon surface. With these material was prepared a paper film used to design an electrode. The cellulose/MWCNT composite was investigated using x-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and size measurement. The electrical properties were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, charge/discharge testing and simulation in an equivalent circuit. The gas sensor property was evaluated by an experimental apparatus, measuring the electric current front exposure the electrode to different concentrations of methanol in different temperatures. The cellulose/MWCNT electrode displays a strong dependence of a scan rate and potential range in capacitive properties. The chemical interaction archived between MWCNT and cellulose is relevant to develop a flexible cellulose composite, with specific capacitance of 3,08 mF/cm2 as functional nanotube integration. The flexible electrode developed in this study would be the ideal matrix to anchorage sensitive molecules and particles on specific applications like biosensor or electronic device.

El Centro Regional de Calibración Brewer para Europa (RBCC-E) en colaboración con el Área de Instrumentación e Investigación Atmosférica del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), con el apoyo del programa de Vigilancia de la Atmósfera Global (VAG) de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM) y la acción COST EUBREWNET ES1207 organizaron la 12.ª campaña europea de intercomparación. En esta campaña, el RBCC-E transfirió al resto de instrumentos participantes su propia calibración absoluta de aparatos de medición de ozono obtenida mediante el método Langley en el Observatorio de Izaña. En la intercomparación participaron un total de 20 espectrofotómetros Brewer de nueve países. Estas campañas de intercomparación, que cuentan con una gran cantidad de instrumentos participantes, ofrecen una visión general del estado actual de las mediciones de ozono realizadas por la red Brewer europea. Los instrumentos se compararon con la referencia del RBCC-E, el Brewer#185, para la medición de ozono y con el patrón de referencia europeo de la unidad QASUME del Centro Radiométrico Mundial (CRM) para la medición de radiación UV.

Fingerprints are unique to each individual, contributing to human identification in forensic cases. The powder technique being widely used is considered one of the most important in latent fingermarks analysis. In this sense, the present work aimed to synthesize 1-thiocarbamoyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles and apply them as powder agents to develop latent fingermarks. The compounds were prepared from an effective and green synthesis via the condensation of chalcones with thiosemicarbazide in ethanol under microwave irradiation. Pyrazoles were tested and compared with a standard white powder (Sirchie®) on glass surfaces using sebaceous and natural fingermarks so that molecule 2c has been shown to be more promising providing image clarity. The derivatives of pyrazoles were promising as an alternative latent fingermark, presenting high quality images for fingermarks, proving to be a great tool for forensic sciences.

Editado por Alberto Redondas y Stoyka Netcheva El Centro Regional de Calibración Brewer para Europa (RBCC-E) en colaboración con el Área de Instrumentación e Investigación Atmosférica del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), con el apoyo del programa de Vigilancia de la Atmósfera Global (VAG) de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM) y la acción COST EUBREWNET ES1207 organizaron la 12.ª campaña europea de intercomparación. En esta campaña, el RBCC-E transfirió al resto de instrumentos participantes su propia calibración absoluta de aparatos de medición de ozono obtenida mediante el método Langley en el Observatorio de Izaña. En la intercomparación participaron un total de 20 espectrofotómetros Brewer de nueve países. Estas campañas de intercomparación, que cuentan con una gran cantidad de instrumentos participantes, ofrecen una visión general del estado actual de las mediciones de ozono realizadas por la red Brewer europea. Los instrumentos se compararon con la referencia del RBCC-E, el Brewer#185, para la medición de ozono y con el patrón de referencia europeo de la unidad QASUME del Centro Radiométrico Mundial (CRM) para la medición de radiación UV.

Fingerprints are unique to each individual who contributes to human identification in forensic cases. In this sense, the present work aimed to synthesize 1H-pyrazol-1-yl-4-phenylthiazoles and apply them as powder agents to reveal latent finger marks as an alternative and low cost related to powders found on the market. The compounds were characterized by infrared; fluorescence; 1H NMR; 13C NMR; laser diffractometer and SEM. In addition, cytotoxicity was also evaluated in oral keratinocytes showing high cell viability. The result of the hemolytic assay revealed that compound 2a does not present red cell cytotoxicity. The prepared powders were applied to fingermarks deposited on different surfaces providing quality visualization at level three so that human identification is possible.

Latent fingerprints are important trace evidences found at crime scenes that assist forensic experts in human identification. Given this, development of novel development agents are crucial in order to obtain satisfactory latent fingerprint enhancement. Among potential development powders are bisamides, which are chemically obtained by the condensation reaction of esters and amines resulting in fluorescent molecules. In this sense, the aims of this work were to synthesize and characterize bisamide analogues and to evaluate these materials as potential fingerprint developers applied to porous and non-porous surfaces. Results showed that bisamide analogues could be synthesized in adequate yields (67 – 89%) exhibiting fluorescent properties in distinct wavelength emissions (350 – 714 nm). Evaluation of fingerprint development showed that bisamide 3a had promising results regarding the development of latent fingerprints. Therefore, bisamide analogues were satisfactory synthesized while fingerprint development evaluations showed that these materials could be promising tools for the enhancement of latent fingerprints.

The production of biodiesel generates high amounts of glycerol as a byproduct. Thus, alternatives to reuse this byproduct need to be investigated. In this study, we evaluated the valorization of glycerol through a catalytic process with nickel/vanadium supported on γ-Al2O3 in different compounds, followed by the electrochemical characterization for energy storage of carbon-based materials (coke) produced during the catalytic reaction. The structural, morphological and compositional properties of the catalysts and carbon-based materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction, N2-physisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The glycerol reaction generated acrolein, dihydroxyacetone and methanol as main products. The addition of nickel to the catalyst increased the selectivity for methanol by ca. 44% for the catalytic cracking; while for the vapor reforming is observed a higher H2 production. The use of the coke residues for energy storage was investigated through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A maximum specific capacitance of 7.3 F g−1 at 3.75 mA g−1 was achieved, attributed to the high surface area, ease of access of the electrolyte ions to the entire surface of the electrode. This research reveals a zero-waste approach for the glycerol valorization reaction.