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Cobalt tungstate nanoparticles (CoWO4 NPs) affect the photosynthetic performance of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata
No full textInnovative applications of cobalt tungstate nanoparticles (CoWO4 NPs) are directly linked to their increased production and consumption, which can consequently increase their release into aquatic ecosystems and the exposure of organisms. Microalgae are autotrophic organisms that contribute directly to global primary productivity and provide oxygen for maintaining many organisms on Earth. In this paper, we assessed the toxicity of CoWO4 NPs when in contact with the freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (Chlorophyceae). To this end, we assessed algal growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and photosynthetic performance. Our results show that the NPs inhibited the growth of algal cells from 42.37 mg L−1, significantly induced ROS production in the first hours of exposure (1 h) at all concentrations and directly compromised the photosynthetic activity, reinforcing that the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) is one of the main targets of NPs and that the light curve parameters were the most sensitive endpoints. We observed reductions in the maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) of around 53% and decreases in the saturating irradiance (Ek) of around 40%, which demonstrated that the NPs not only compromised the photosynthetic activity, but also decreased the ability of algal cells to tolerate high light intensities. Our results also highlight that Co was mostly particulate and that the dissolved fraction represented only ∼8% at the lowest concentration and ∼0.70% at the highest concentration of CoWO4 NPs, suggesting that the toxicity observed was caused by the NPs. CoWO4 NPs exhibited a high negative surface charge of −33mV in L.C. Oligo medium. The polydispersity index (PdI) varied from 0.22 to 0.45, while the hydrodynamic size ranged from 217.8 ± 11.36 to 503.43 ± 32.78 nm, indicating greater aggregation in this medium. This study elucidates how the CoWO4 NPs interact with R. subcapitata, resulting in changes mainly in its photosynthetic performance.Center for the Development of Functional Materials (CDMF) Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Washington Luís Road, Km 235, SPDepartment of Chemical Engineering Higher Technical School of Chemical Engineering University of Rovira i Virgili, 26 Països Catalans Av.Department of Hydrobiology Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Washington Luís Road, Km 235, SPBiomaterials and Bioengineering Lab Translational Research Centre San Alberto Magno Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir (UCV)Institute of Chemistry Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), 700 Gabriel Monteiro da Silva Street, MGInstitute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP), SPNanomedicine and Nanotoxicology Group Physics Institute of Sao Carlos University of São Paulo, SPInstitute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP), S
Impacts of quarantine and / or social isolation on the routine of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families during the Covid-19
No full textDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, families around the world were faced with major impacts in relation to social interaction and new hygienic, family, therapeutic and professional habits, in addition to others that are present in their routines. Specifically, families responsible for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), individuals who need extra support for their development and interaction. The objective of this research was to analyze parental perceptions about the impacts of quarantine and/or social isolation on the routine of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Family members of 30 children of both genders participated in this study, ranging in age from 2 to 9 years and 11 months of age, who received a multidisciplinary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to DSM-5 criteria. For data collection, the Informed Consent Form, the DASS-21 Questionnaire together with its preform, and the Tracking Questionnaire for Research on the Impacts of Quarantine and/or Social Isolation on the Routine of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder were used. , and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic, a questionnaire designed especially for this research. Results: After statistical analysis of the data from the applied protocols, a negative impact on the present results was observed according to the parents' perception. Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic, according to parents' perception, had negative impacts on the routine of children with ASD and their respective families, caused mainly by social isolation and its consequences.Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazi
Zein-Based Nanocarrier of the Insecticide Cyantraniliprole for the Control of Bemisia tabaciMEAM1 (Whitefly)
No full textBemisia tabaci, also known as whitefly, is a sap-sucking polyphagous insect that severely affects important crops worldwide. The growing demand for environmentally friendly and effective pest control measures necessitates new approaches to reduce the volume and frequency of insecticide application to crops while maintaining the efficiency. This study aimed at developing and evaluating a biodegradable zein protein nanocarrier with the active ingredient (a.i.) cyantraniliprole (CNAP) for the control of B. tabaci in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Synthesis of the nanoformulation (ZeinCNAP) resulted in spherical structures with an average hydrodynamic size of 143.06 ± 1.03 nm and a surface charge of 40.36 ± 0.7 mV remaining stable over 56 days. When plants were treated with three doses of ZeinCNAP (1/10, 1/2, and full) and commercial CNAP, followed by the release of adult whiteflies, the insect mortality by ZeinCNAP full dose (30 ± 0.9%) did not differ significantly from the commercial CNAP (42 ± 0.8%) 48 h after spraying. However, 72 h after spraying, the ZeinCNAP dose of 1/10, insect mortality (32 ± 1.1%) remained statistically equivalent to the commercial CNAP at full dose (49 ± 0.6%). When the plants were treated with commercial CNAP, ZeinCNAP, or water, aspects of fresh mass, photosynthetic parameters, and oxidative stress were analyzed at 24, 168, or 360 h after application, and no significant negative effects were noted in the analyzed parameters. The developed nanoinsecticide based on the zein platform and the active ingredient CNAP has significant potential for controlling on B. tabaci MEAM1 at reduced doses and can be considered safe for tomato plants. This work adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the potential of nanoscale carriers to significantly reduce the environmental burden associated with agrochemical use while still maintaining equivalent efficacy to conventional strategies.Department of Plant Pathology and Nematology Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz Universidade de São PauloDepartment of Analytical Chemistry The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment StationCenter of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture Universidade de São PauloDepartment of Plant Pathology and Ecology The Connecticut Agricultural ExperimentInstitute of Science and Technology São Paulo State UniversityInstitute of Science and Technology São Paulo State Universit
Case study: development of an application for a CIP cleaning system using the Siemens HMI platform
No full textEm conjunto com a empresa colaboradora, foi desenvolvido um projeto para um sistema de limpeza do tipo CIP. Este projeto foi dividido em duas equipes, uma para o desenvolvimento do código do PLC e outra para o desenvolvimento das telas de visualização e controle da máquina. Na segunda equipe foi utilizando uma HMI e os softwares TIA Portal, para o desenvolvimento das animações; e o PAINT.NET para a criação das imagens dos equipamentos. Com estas ferramentas foi desenvolvido todas as telas principais de operação do projeto e através da metodologia de parametrização vetorial de equipamentos, além de criar uma biblioteca de objetos de animação para representação e controle do sistema de limpeza. Todo o progresso das telas de animação, foi de acordo com as memórias disponíveis pela equipe do PLC. O texto produzido neste documento, procura explicar todos os passos decorridos ao longo do projeto, além de detalhar como foi desenvolvido e parametrizado estes objetos de animação. Este projeto conta também com receitas de produção, que estavam no desenvolvimento da equipe do PLC, mas terá sua animação de passo a passo criada pela equipe da HMI.In conjunction with the collaborating company, a project for a CIP cleaning system was developed. This project was divided into two teams, one for the development of the PLC code and the other for the development of the machine's visualization and control screens. The second team used an HMI and TIA Portal software to develop the animations; and PAINT.NET to create the equipment images. With these tools, all the project's main operation screens were developed using the equipment vector parameterization methodology, in addition to creating a library of animation objects for representing and controlling the cleaning system. All the progress of the animation screens was in accordance with the memories available to the PLC team. The text produced in this document seeks to explain all the steps taken throughout the project, in addition to detailing how these animation objects were developed and parameterized. This project also includes production recipes, which were developed by the PLC team, but will have their step-by-step animation created by the HMI team
The Utility of PRAME and Ki-67 as Prognostic Markers for Cutaneous Melanoma
No full textCutaneous melanoma can lead to metastasis, and it is associated with high mortality. Currently, there are no widely accepted immunohistochemistry markers for melanoma prognosis in routine staging. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a possible biomarker for prognosis in several non-cutaneous neoplasms. Ki-67 is a cell proliferation marker correlated with poor outcomes in many cancers. This study assessed PRAME and Ki-67 as potential prognostic markers for sentinel lymph node outcomes and survival among melanoma patients. This is a retrospective study analyzing cutaneous melanoma cases from a Brazilian cancer center (2005–2021). All cases were tested using immunohistochemistry to evaluate PRAME expression and Ki-67 index. Descriptive analysis, Spearman correlations, means comparison, Kaplan–Meier analysis, x2, and Cox models were performed. In univariate analysis of 123 cutaneous melanoma cases, high extent (P = 0.0267) and elevated intensity (P = 0.043) of PRAME were associated with decreased overall survival. The Ki-67 index was associated with overall survival (P = 0.05) and sentinel lymph node status (P = 0.0403), with a positive correlation between the markers (P = 0.0004) and between Ki-67 and Breslow thickness (P = 0.0001). However, in multivariate analysis, only Breslow thickness significantly influenced overall survival (P = 0.0003). Then, the present results can suggest that elevated PRAME and Ki-67 expression are associated with poor overall survival in cutaneous melanoma; however, in multivariate analysis, only the Breslow thickness had a significant influence. These findings highlight the potential of PRAME and Ki-67 as prognostic markers, opening frontiers that could improve strategies for treating cutaneous melanoma.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)University Research Committee, University of Hong KongSchool of Medicine The Federal University of Mato Grosso do SulSchool of Medicine São Paulo State University, SPAmaral Carvalho Hospital, SPDepartment of Dermatology University of California Davis School of MedicineSchool of Medicine Centro Universitário Unisalesiano Auxilium, SPPathology Institute of Araçatuba, SPSchool of Medicine São Paulo State University, SPFAPESP: 2021/09431-0University Research Committee, University of Hong Kong: 52618721.0.1001.541
Coconut oil reduces steroidogenic enzymes and imbalances estrogen receptors in the adrenal cortex of Mongolian gerbils
No full textThis study aims to verify the effects of prolonged ingestion of coconut oil on the adrenal glands of Mongolian gerbils. Mongolian gerbils were used as an experimental model due to the morphological similarity of the adrenal glands to those of primates. Male Mongolian gerbils, 3 months of age, were divided into three experimental groups (n = 12): an intact control group, which received no treatment, a gavage control group, which received 0.1 ml of water daily by gavage, and a coconut oil-treated group, which received 0.1 ml of coconut oil daily for 12 months. The results showed that prolonged consumption of coconut oil caused an increase in cell area and thickness of the zona reticularis and the accumulation of lipid droplets, as well as reducing the amount of steroidogenic enzymes, such as CYP17, 3BHSD, and 17BHSD. It was also observed that the oil increased the expression of estrogen receptor alpha and their isoforms. These alterations allow us to conclude that changes in the lipid diet can cause alterations in the morphophysiology of the adrenal gland and, consequently, impact its functionality.Department of Biological Sciences Institute of Biosciences Humanities and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SPDepartment of Biological Sciences Institute of Biosciences Humanities and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP
The dynamics of debris-flow events in Southeast Brazil
No full textDebris flows are a significant threat in mountain areas in Southeast Brazil. Understanding their dynamics and how a catchment morphology influences an event's magnitude and associated negative impacts is, therefore, relevant. Our goal is to compare the dynamics of debris-flow events (e.g., initiation mechanism, kinematic parameters) in four catchments located in the Southeastern portion of the Serra do Mar Mountain range, highlighting their similarities and differences. We also aim at establishing a general relationship between catchment morphometry and magnitude, based on a Spearman rank correlation analysis. Field campaigns were conducted to investigate the catchments, which were further supported by the acquisition of cartographic and remote sensing data, numerical simulation using RAMMS and rainfall analysis. Our results show that the debris-flow events are characterized by an association between debris flows, debris floods and flash floods, which is directly related to the morphology of the catchments and rainfall intensity. Considering the magnitude of the debris-flow events, Relief ratio is interpreted have a more significant impact among the morphometric parameters, according to the Spearman rank correlation analysis. Moreover, the rainfall accumulated in 48 h prior to an event showed a very strong correlation with the overall magnitude, highlighting the main role that rainfall has in debris-flow initiation and associated damage. Our study highlights the main geodynamic processes that can occur in catchments at Serra do Mar and how both morphometry and rain intensity are directly related to their occurrence.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Center of Applied Natural Sciences (UNESPetro) Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University – UNESP, Av. 24A, 1555, São PauloDepartment of Environmental Engineering (DEA) Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University – UNESP, Av. 24A, 1555, São PauloGeo- und Umweltforschungszentrum (GUZ) University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94 – 96Center of Applied Natural Sciences (UNESPetro) Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University – UNESP, Av. 24A, 1555, São PauloDepartment of Environmental Engineering (DEA) Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University – UNESP, Av. 24A, 1555, São Paul
Effects of silicon on the induction of resistance to Bremia lactucae in lettuce seedlings
No full textA alface é considerada a principal hortaliça folhosa consumida no Brasil, sendo cultivada o ano todo, durante o período do inverno a principal doença que acomete a cultura é o míldio (Bremia lactucae), podendo levar a perdas superiores a 80% (TÖFOLi & DOMINGUES, 2017). Uma alternativa pouco utilizada para prevenção da doença é a adubação silicatada. Visto isso, esse projeto objetivou verificar o uso da adubação silicatada na indução de resistência ao mídio em mudas de alface. O trabalho foi realizado no Departamento de Produção Vegetal (UNESP- FCAV). Foi utilizado um inóculo da raça SPBl:01, do código sexteto 31-09-00, de Bremia lactucae e a cultivar Solaris do tipo crespa. Foi usado o esquema fatorial 2x2, sendo o primeiro fator a inoculação com patógeno (ausência- 0 mmol L-1/ presença- 1,0 x 105 esporângios por mL-1) e o segundo fator o fornecimento de Si (-Si - 0 mmol L-1/ + Si- 2,0 mmol L-1). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 8 repetições. Foram avaliados a severidade da doença, ocorrência da doença, índice de extravasamento eletrolítico, obtenção da massa úmida e massa seca. Foi realizada análise de variância pelo teste F (p≤0,05), e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Student (LSD) (p≤0,05). Verificou-se que o Si mitiga danos causados pelo míldio (Bremia lactucae), acelera a reação do sistema de estresse antioxidante, reduzindo a intensidade da doença. Além de assegurar melhor desempenho fisiológico, resultando em mudas com desenvolvimento vegetal mais rápido e transplante precoce.Lettuce is considered the main leafy vegetable consumed in Brazil, your production occurs all year, during the winter period the main disease that affects the crop is downy mildew (Bremia lactucae), which can lead to losses of more than 80% (TÖFOLi & DOMINGUES, 2017). An unusual alternative to prevent the disease is to use silicate fertilizer. Given this, this project aimed to verify the use of silicate fertilizer in inducing resistance against downy mildew in lettuce seedlings. The work was carried out at the Department Plant Production (UNESP-FCAV). An inoculum of the Bremia lactucae breed SPBl:01, from the sextet code 31-09-00 and the curly type Solaris cultivar was used. A 2x2 factorial scheme was used, with the first factor being inoculation with pathogen (absence - 0 mmol L-1/ presence - 1.0 x 105 sporangia per mL-1) and the second factor being the supply of Si (-Si - 0 mmol L-1/ + Si- 2.0 mmol L-1). The experimental design was completely randomized, with 8 replications. The severity of the disease, occurrence of the disease, electrolyte leakage index, wet mass and dry mass were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed using the F test (p≤0.05), and the averages compared using the Student test (LSD) (p≤0.05). It was found that Si mitigates damage caused by downy mildew (Bremia lactucae), accelerates the reaction of the antioxidant stress system, reducing the intensity of the disease. In addition to ensuring better physiological performance, resulting in seedlings with faster plant development and earlier transplantation.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq
Influence of animal temperament on body and reproductive development of beef bulls
No full textSeveral studies have related reactive temperament to poorer productive and reproductive performance in cattle. However, no studies have aimed to investigate the effect of temperament on sexual development and precocity of male cattle. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that reactive animals exhibit delayed sexual development and poorer reproductive performance. For the study, 40 crossbred male cattle (Nellore x Santa Gertrudis) at 12 months were selected. The animals underwent behavioral evaluation and were divided into two groups: calm (CA; n = 24) and reactive (RE; n = 16). All steers were weighed to monitor weight gain, and blood samples were collected to measure cortisol and testosterone concentrations. Semen collections by electroejaculation were performed to determine the onset of puberty and assess sperm quality. Cryopreservation tests were conducted, and the samples were evaluated for kinetics and plasma membrane integrity. Ultrasound examinations assessed testicular development. Additionally, testicular biopsies were performed to evaluate spermatid and spermatozoa ratios. There was a trend toward higher cortisol production (P = 0.07) in RE animals. Higher total (P = 0.03), average (P = 0.07), and daily (P = 0.06) weight gains were observed for CA animals. RE steers produced a higher proportion of cells with minor sperm defects (P = 0.06). Greater vesicular glands development was observed in CA animals (P = 0.01). No effect of temperament was observed on sexual precocity, cryotolerance, or testosterone production. It was concluded that although temperament does not influence age at puberty, reactive bulls exhibit poorer performance in body development, vesicular glands development, and fresh semen quality compared to calm bulls.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Department of Animal Reproduction São Paulo University (USP) São PauloSão Paulo State University (UNESP) Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São PauloDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São PauloInstitute of Animal Science of São José do Rio Preto, São PauloSanto Amaro University (UNISA) São Paulo São PauloCentral Bela Vista (CRV® Group), São PauloSão Paulo State University (UNESP) Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São PauloFAPESP: 2019/06456–
Gasification model for bubbling fluidized bed gasifier: use of sugarcane bagasse and air
No full textThe objective of this study is to develop a gasification model for the bubbling fluidized bed gasifier that makes the estimates of the carbon conversion efficiency and gas composition. These estimates are determined for all reaction zones of the gasifier: (1) drying zone, (2) pyrolysis zone, (3) combustion zone and (4) gasification zone. Sugarcane bagasse and air are used as biomass and gasifying agent, respectively. The model is validated using seventeen experimental producer gas compositions. The model is utilized to simulate a set of operational conditions defined by the ranges of the air equivalence ratio and gasification temperature which are [0.10, 0.50] and [700, 900 °C], respectively. For energy purposes of sugarcane bagasse gasification using air, an average producer gas composition is chosen, which is obtained by using the air equivalence ratio and gasification temperature of 0.30 and 800 °C, respectively. For these operational conditions, the producer gas is composed of 7.77% hydrogen, 15.54% carbon monoxide, 15.05% carbon dioxide, 5.64% methane and 55.99% nitrogen. The gasification carbon conversion efficiency, cold gas efficiency and lower heating value of producer gas are 75.58%, 53.43% and 4.820 MJ/Nm3, respectively.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Center of Engineering Modelling and Social Sciences (CECS) Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados 5001, SPEngineering School Chemistry and Energy Department São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus of Guaratinguetá, SPEngineering School Chemistry and Energy Department São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus of Guaratinguetá, SPCNPq: 150461/2022-