59 research outputs found
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF SIX DIFFERENT HEAT MOISTURE EXCHANGERS FOR SPONTANEOUSLY BREATHING TRACHEOSTOMIZED PATIENTS
No full textIL15 induces a potent antitumor activity in NK cells isolated from malignant pleural effusions and overcomes the inhibitory effect of pleural fluid
No full textNatural Killer (NK) cells are capable of recognizing and killing cancer cells and play an important role in tumor immunosurveillance. However, tumor-infiltrating NK cells are frequently impaired in their functional capability. A remarkable exception is represented by NK cells isolated from malignant pleural effusions (PE) that are not anergic and, upon IL2-induced activation, efficiently kill tumor cells. Although IL2 is used in various clinical trials, severe side effects may occur in treated patients. In this study, we investigated whether also other clinical-grade cytokines could induce strong cytotoxicity in NK cells isolated from pleural fluid of patients with primary or metastatic tumors of different origins. We show that PE-NK cells, cultured for short-time intervals with IL15, maintain the CD56brightphenotype, a high expression of the main activating receptors, produce cytokines and kill tumor cells in vitro similarly to those treated with IL2. Moreover, IL15-activated PE-NK cells could greatly reduce the growth of established tumors in mice. This in vivo antitumor effect correlated with the ability of IL15-activated PE-NK cells to traffic from periphery to the tumor site. Finally, we show that IL15 can counteract the inhibitory effect of the tumor pleural microenvironment. Our study suggests that IL15-activated NK cells isolated from pleural fluid (otherwise discarded after thoracentesis) may represent a suitable source of effector cells to be used in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer
In vitro evaluation of heat and moisture exchangers designed for spontaneously breathing tracheostomized patients
No full textBackground: Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) are commonly used in chronically tracheostomized spontaneously breathing patients, to condition inhaled air, maintain lower airway function, and minimize the viscosity of secretions. Supplemental oxygen (O2) can be added to most HMEs designed for spontaneously breathing tracheostomized patients. We tested the efficiency of 7 HMEs designed for spontaneously breathing tracheostomized patients, in a normothermic model, at different minute ventilations (VE) and supplemental O2 flows. Methods: HME efficiency was evaluated using an in vitro lung model at 2 VE (5 and 15 L/min) and 4 supplemental O2 flows (0, 3, 6, and 12 L/min). Wet and dry temperatures of the inspiratory flow were measured, and absolute humidity was calculated. In addition, HME efficiency at 0, 12, and 24 h use was evaluated, as well as resistance to flow at 0 and 24 h. Results: The progressive increase in O2 flow from 0 to 12 L/min was associated with a reduction in temperature and absolute humidity. Under the same conditions, this effect was greater at lower VE. The HME with the best performance provided an absolute humidity of 26 mg H2O/L and a temperature of 27.8°C. No significant changes in efficiency or resistance were detected during the 24 h evaluation. Conclusions: The efficiency of HMEs in terms of temperature and absolute humidity is significantly affected by O2 supplementation and VE
Ultra-low-dose sequential computed tomography for quantitative lung aeration assessment—a translational study
No full textBackground: Quantitative lung computed tomography (CT) provides fundamental information about lung aeration in critically ill patients. We tested a scanning protocol combining reduced number of CT slices and tube current, comparing quantitative analysis and radiation exposure to conventional CT. Methods: In pigs, CT scans were performed during breath hold in a model of lung injury with three different protocols: standard spiral with 180 mAs tube current-time product (Spiral180), sequential with 20-mm distance between slices and either 180 mAs (Sequential180) or 50 mAs (Sequential50). Spiral scans of critically ill patients were collected retrospectively, and subsets of equally spaced slices were extracted. The agreement between CT protocols was assessed with Bland–Altman analysis. Results: In 12 pigs, there was good concordance between the sequential protocols and the spiral scan (all biases ≤1.9%, agreements ≤±6.5%). In Spiral180, Sequential180 and Sequential50, estimated dose exposure was 2.3 (2.1–2.8), 0.21 (0.19–0.26), and 0.09 (0.07–0.10) mSv, respectively (p < 0.001 compared to Spiral180); number of acquired slices was 244 (227–252), 12 (11–13) and 12 (11–13); acquisition time was 7 (6–7), 23 (21–25) and 24 (22–26) s. In 32 critically ill patients, quantitative analysis extrapolated from 1-mm slices interleaved by 20 mm had a good concordance with the analysis performed on the entire spiral scan (all biases <1%, agreements ≤2.2%). Conclusions: In animal CT data, combining sequential scan and low tube current did not affect significantly the quantitative analysis, with a radiation exposure reduction of 97%, reaching a dose comparable to chest X-ray, but with longer acquisition time. In human CT data, lung aeration analysis could be extrapolated from a subset of thin equally spaced slices
Clinical Features and Treatment Outcome of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
No full textBackground: Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a problematic condition due to poor prognosis and difficulties in management. We evaluated the treatment and outcome of 378 mesothelioma patients referred to 6 Italian Oncology Departments. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected. Treatment was assessed in terms of chemotherapy (line of treatment, pemetrexed-based regimen, other therapies), surgery, and radiotherapy. Response to therapy, progression-free survival, and overall survival were evaluated. Results: 36 and 342 patients received best supportive care and active treatment, respectively; 86 patients underwent surgery, and 26 received trimodal therapy. Disease control after first-line chemotherapy was achieved in 74.2% of patients (75.7% in patients treated with pemetrexed combined with other drugs and 69% with pemetrexed as monotherapy). The disease control rate was 82.6% in pemetrexed re-challenged individuals. Median survival time was 11.6 months with supportive care, 16.2 months with chemotherapy only, 32.4 months with surgery plus chemotherapy, and 47.2 months with trimodal therapy. A more favorable prognosis was observed in responders to first-line therapy who were then actively treated with second-line (24.8 vs. 11.8 months in non-responders, p < 0.001) and third-line chemotherapy (28.9 vs. 17.8 months in non-responders, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Mesothelioma patients benefited from chemotherapy alone only when retreated in the second line after response to first-line therapy
Fique Fabric: A Promising Reinforcement for Polymer Composites
No full textA relatively unknown natural fiber extracted from the leaves of the fique plant, native of the South American Andes, has recently shown potential as reinforcement of polymer composites for engineering applications. Preliminary investigations indicated a promising substitute for synthetic fibers, competing with other well-known natural fibers. The fabric made from fique fibers have not yet been investigated as possible composite reinforcement. Therefore, in the present work a more thorough characterization of fique fabric as a reinforcement of composites with a polyester matrix was performed. Thermal mechanical properties of fique fabric composites were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The ballistic performance of plain woven fique fabric-reinforced polyester matrix composites was investigated as a second layer in a multilayered armor system (MAS). The results revealed a sensible improvement in thermal dynamic mechanical behavior. Both viscoelastic stiffness and glass transition temperature were increased with the amount of incorporated fique fabric. In terms of ballistic results, the fique fabric composites present a performance similar to that of the much stronger KevlarTM as an MAS second layer with the same thickness. A cost analysis indicated that armor vests with fique fabric composites as an MAS second layer would be 13 times less expensive than a similar creation made with Kevlar™
Effects of Periodic Incoming Wakes on the Aerodynamics of a High-Speed Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade
No full texteditorial reviewedThe influence of unsteady wakes incoming from the upstream stages is of high relevance in modern high-speed, low-pressure turbines (LPT) operating at transonic exit Mach numbers and low Reynolds numbers for their potential to trigger transition and influence the separation of the boundary layer on the blade suction side. The aim of this paper is the experimental characterization of the influence of incoming wakes on the 2D aerodynamics of a high-speed LPT cascade operating at a low Reynolds number and transonic exit Mach number. A detailed analysis of the status of the flow along the blade under investigation and its impact on the profile loss are presented for a range of Mach numbers from 0.70 to 0.95 and Reynolds numbers from 70k to 120k under steady and unsteady inflow conditions. Tests were conducted at on- and off-design engine realistic conditions in the VKI S-1/C wind tunnel on the SPLEEN C1 transonic cascade. The wakes incoming from an upstream blade row have been replicated using a set of rotating bars, which shed wakes at an engine-representative reduced frequency (f+=0.95) and flow coefficient (Φ=0.80). A set of densely instrumented traversable blades were used to sample the surface pressure distributions. The development of the boundary layers along the blade suction side is examined through quasi-wall shear stress obtained with surface-mounted hot-film sensors. Wake traverses were carried out downstream of the cascade with a miniaturized L-shaped five-hole probe to characterize the blade losses. The introduction of periodic incoming wakes promotes variations in the flow topology over the blade. The effect on the suction side separation bubble is shown to depend on the exit flow conditions. At low Mach numbers, the incoming wakes determine a reduction in the size of the bubble; in contrast, this effect is not registered as the exit Mach number increases. Consistently, a high dependence of the unsteady wake effect on the profile loss on the exit Reynolds and Mach numbers is demonstrated.Clean Sk
Avaliação dos efeitos de temperatura e nutrientes sobre a ecofisiologia de Laurencia catarinensis (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Fungos, Algas e Plantas, Florianópolis, 2015.Dentre as algas vermelhas os representantes com metabolismo secundário mais rico estão delimitados pelo gênero Laurencia (Ceramiales, Rhodomelaceae). Estes metabólitos apresentam importante papel ecológico e destacado potencial biotecnológico. Diversas espécies deste gênero possuem um metabolismo capaz de sintetizar substâncias de classes distintas, sendo os sesquiterpenos os mais abundantes e característicos do gênero. Estes papéis importantes nos ecossistemas marinhos são ameaçados, pelo aquecimento global e estressores locais uma vez que estas mudanças ambientais podem comprometer a aptidão fisiológica, empobrecendo o metabolismo secundário. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve com objetivo conhecer a fenologia reprodutiva de Laurencia catarinensis nos períodos de verão e inverno para então avaliar os impactos causados pelo aquecimento global e poluição antrópica sobre aspectos bioquímicos e fisiológicos da alga.Primeiramente, este trabalho avaliou a variação sazonal das concentrações dos pigmentos fotossintetizantes, Amido, compostos fenólicos totais, atividade antioxidante e no geral, pode-se observar que ocorreu aumento do conteúdo de clorofila a, Ficobiliproteínas e amido no perído de inverno e aumento das concentrações para os compostos fenólicos e carotenoides no período de verão, para praticamente todos os estádios reprodutivos.Dentro deste contexto, foi possível inferir, através do experimento realizado com a macroalga, que poderá ocorrer o aumento da sensibilidade de L. catarinensis a fatores como aquecimento global e poluição antrópica. Para a Taxa de crescimento relativo nas menores temperaturas com adição de nutrientes, o crescimento da macroalga foi maior variando entre (0,58 mg/gMF a 3,37 mg/gMF). Níveis altos de poluentes e o aumento da temperatura demonstraram toxicidade a macroalga podendo causar alterações bioquímicas e fisiológicas, diminuindo a produção de clorofila a nos tratamentos com concentrações altas de nutrientes (CAN) e temperatura de 28°C, em contrapartida o aumento das concentrações dos pigmentos acessóriosFicocianina e Ficoeritrina para aumento da captação de luz ao aparato fotossintético. Dessa forma, a análise do perfil dos carotenoides determinados por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) identificou a Luteína, Zeaxantina e a- caroteno. A Luteína foi o composto majoritário em todos os tratamentos. Com relação ao perfil de compostos fenolicos (determinados por CLAE) foram detectados os seguintes compostos: epicatequina, galocatequina, epigalocatequina, acido cafeico, 4,5 dicafeoilquinico, acido Cumárico e dois compostos ainda não identificados (Composto X-Rt 4,3 min e Composto Y-Rt 9,2 min), sendo o composto majoritário a Epicatequina. O conteúdo de carotenoides e compostos fenólicos pode ser associado ao aumento de temperatura e fotoproteção e ao estresse causado pelo incremento de nutrientes, sendo que o mesmo pode ser verificado pelo teste de atividade antioxidante que foi observado em maior porcentagem no tratamento a 28°C. Com relação aos conteúdos de açucares totais e amido, ocorreu diminuição do conteúdo destes compostos produzidos pelas algas na temperatura de 28°C e no tratamento CAN.Para os dados da fluorescencia da clorofila a analisados através do PAM, verificou-se decréscimo da irradiância de saturação (Ik) da alga L.catarinensis na temperatura de 28°C, o mesmo também foi observado nos parâmetros ?F/F´m, ETR e a ETR. Para os dados de Fv/Fm tanto os tratamentos CBN quanto CAN decresceram seus valores em temperaturas de 28°C.Abstract : Among the red algae, representatives with richest secondary metabolism are delimited by genus Laurencia (Ceramiales, Rhodomelaceae). These metabolites have important ecological role and highlighted biotechnological potential. Several species of this genus have a metabolism able to synthesize different classes of substances, sesquiterpenes being the most abundant and characteristic of the genus. These important roles in marine ecosystems are threatened by global warming and local stressors because these environmental changes can impair the physiological fitness, impoverishing the secondary metabolism. Thus, this study was carried out to know the reproductive phenology of L. catarinensis in the summer and winter seasons and then evaluate the impacts of global warming and anthropogenic pollution on biochemical and physiological aspects of seaweed.First, this study evaluated the seasonal variation of concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, Total sugars, starch, total phenolics, antioxidant activity and can be seen that there was an increase of chlorophyll content, Phycobiliproteins, total sugars and starch in the winter period prescribed and increasing concentrations for the phenolic compounds and carotenoids in the summer period, for practically all reproductive stages. Inside this context, it was possible to conclude, with this study, which could take the increased sensitivity of L. catarinensis to factors such as global warming and anthropogenic pollution. For the growth rate on the lower temperatures with the addition of nutrients, the growth of macroalgae was higher ranging from (0.58 mg / gDW to 3.37 mg / gDW). High levels of pollutants and increasing temperature to demonstrate toxicity seaweed causing biochemical and physiological changes, reducing the production of chlorophyll in treatments with high concentrations of nutrients (HNC) and of 28 °C, however increasing concentrations of pigments acessories Phycoerythrin and Phycocyanin and for increased light reception the photosynthetic apparatus. Thus, the profile analysis of carotenoids determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) identified Lutein, Zeaxanthin and a-carotene. Lutein was the major compound in all treatments. Regarding the profile of phenolic compounds (determined by HPLC) The following compounds were detected: epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, caffeic acid, 4,5 dicaffeoylquinic, coumaric acid and two as yet unidentified compounds (Compound X-Rt 4.3 min, compound Y-Rt 9.2 min), being the major compound epicatechin. The content of phenolic compounds and carotenoids was associated with increases in temperature and photoprotection and stress caused by the increase of nutrients, where it can be verified by the test that the antioxidant activity was observed in a greater percentage in the treatment at 28°C. Relative to those of total sugars and starch content, a decrease in the temperature of 28°C and HNC, these compounds produced by algae. For the chlorophyll a fluorescence , there was a decrease in saturation irradiance (Ik) of the algae L.catarinensis at 28°C, it was also observed in parameters ?F/ F'm parameters ETR and a ETR. For data Fv / Fm both treatments LNC and HNC decreased their values in temperatures of 28°C
Estudo dos problemas gerenciais, estruturais e conjunturais da Previdência Social do Brasil: 1985 a 1998
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção.A Previdência Social é tema de fundamental importância nas economias modernas. Estudar a Previdência Social do Brasil, constitui-se num desafio permanentemente renovado. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivo geral analisar o processo de gestão da Previdência Social no Brasil, visando identificar os principais problemas gerenciais, estruturais e conjunturais vivenciados por esta - especialmente no período de 1985 a 1998 - e que contribuíram, para sua falta de eficácia e conseqüente descrédito junto à população brasileira. A Previdência Social Pública tem por finalidade assegurar meios indispensáveis de manutenção a seus segurados e aos dependentes destes, em virtude da incapacidade, reclusão, morte, idade avançada e tempo de serviço. Todavia, ela freqüentemente se vê envolta em déficits estruturais. Constatou-se ao longo do estudo que a crise iminente do sistema previdenciário brasileiro, tem sua origem, em grande parte, em problemas conceituais, devido às funções que lhe acabam sendo atribuídas, incompatíveis com a sua forma de financiamento. Dentre os maiores problemas que assolam o sistema de Previdência Social do Brasil, está o declínio da proporção de ativo/inativo que vem ocorrendo nas últimas décadas, bem como, a má gestão administrativa
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