74 research outputs found
Antimicrobial thin films based on ayurvedic plants extracts embedded in a bioactive glass matrix
No full textAyurvedic medicine is one of the oldest medical systems. It is an example of a coherent traditional system which has a time-tested and precise algorithm for medicinal plant selection, based on several ethnopharmacophore descriptors which knowledge endows the user to adequately choose the optimal plant for the treatment of certain pathology. This work aims for linking traditional knowledge with biomedical science by using traditional ayurvedic plants extracts with antimicrobial effect in form of thin films for implant protection. We report on the transfer of novel composites from bioactive glass mixed with antimicrobial plants extracts and polymer by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation into uniform thin layers onto stainless steel implant-like surfaces. The comprehensive characterization of the deposited films was performed by complementary analyses: Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and antimicrobial tests. The results emphasize upon the multifunctionality of these coatings which allow to halt the leakage of metal and metal oxides into the biological fluids and eventually to inner organs (by polymer use), to speed up the osseointegration (due to the bioactive glass use), to exert antimicrobial effects (by ayurvedic plants extracts use) and to decrease the implant price (by cheaper stainless steel use)
Analysis of the linear spectral mixture model applied to MODIS images for the mapping of irrigated rice culture in Rio Grande do Sul
No full textO monitoramento e a previsão de safras agrícolas são fundamentais para a economia de um país ou região, pois a partir dos dados gerados é possível obter informações a respeito da oferta de produtos no mercado, sendo estas informações necessárias, tanto na definição de preços, quanto nas políticas públicas de estoque. Com base na necessidade de fornecer dados objetivos, complementando os dados divulgados pelos órgãos oficiais responsáveis, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o uso das imagens fração geradas a partir da aplicação do modelo linear de mistura espectral para classificação automática da área cultivada com arroz irrigado no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, levando em conta o comportamento temporal desta cultura. A área utilizada para a realização deste estudo compreende a região orizícola do Estado. Para isso, foram utilizadas imagens do sensor EOS-MODIS, produto MOD13, índice de vegetação (NDVI – Normalized Difference Vegetation Índex), com resolução espacial de 250 m, e correspondente ao período do ciclo da cultura de arroz irrigado no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, (de novembro de 2005 a abril de 2006). Estas imagens foram integradas a um banco de dados georreferenciados utilizando o aplicativo Spring versão 4.3.3. Para isto, foi necessária a utilização do aplicativo ConvGeotiff, para a conversão da imagem MODIS que é disponibilizada em 16 bits, para 8 bits, Após, foi feita a segmentação da imagem e classificação, adotando o algorítimo ISODATA, para o cálculo da área cultivada com arroz irrigado. Para implementar o modelo linear de mistura espectral e gerar as imagens fração foram utilizadas as bandas do vermelho, do infravermelho próximo e do infravermelho médio, contidas no produto MOD13. A avaliação da qualidade dos resultados da classificação das áreas cultivadas com arroz irrigado no Estado e a eliminação das confusões com áreas úmidas não relacionadas ao cultivo de arroz geradas pelo algoritimo de classificação automática, foi feita através da comparação com o mapeamento feito com imagens Landsat, para o mesmo ano safra 2005/2006. Dada a natureza do produto MODIS, problemas com a nebulosidade não constituíram limitação à geração de um mapa para todo o Estado. Verificou-se que a melhor data para a classificação automática das áreas de arroz irrigado é o momento de entrada de água na lavoura. A área estimada com arroz irrigado no Rio Grande do Sul, através das imagens MODIS aproxima-se dos dados oficiais, sendo, portanto, possível a adoção desta metodologia como mais uma ferramenta para auxiliar em programas de previsão e monitoramento de safras agrícolas, complementando os métodos convencionais utilizados atualmente na previsão de safras no Brasil. O método proposto é rápido, de fácil implementação e tanto as imagens adotadas quanto o software utilizado são gratuitos, resultando em custo reduzido.Monitoring and forecasting crops is fundamental for the economy of a country or region, since having such data enables the obtaining of information on the offer of products in the market. Such information is necessary for the definition of prices, as well as for the definition of stockpiling public policies. Based on the necessity of supplying objective data which may complement the data published by the official departments in charge of this task, this works aims at evaluating the use of fraction images generated by the application of linear spectral mixture model for the automatic classification of the cultivated area of irrigated rice in Rio Grande do Sul State, taking into account the temporal behavior of such culture. The area in which this study was performed comprises the riziculture region of the State. To achieve the data, the images used were captured by the sensor EOS-MODIS, product MOD13, vegetation index (NDVI – Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) with spatial resolution of 250m, corresponding to the period of the irrigated rice culture cycle in Rio Grande do Sul (from November, 2005 to April, 2006). These images were integrated to a georeferenced database using the software Spring, version 4.3.3. It was necessary to use the software ConvGeottif to convert the MODIS image, which is available at 16 bits, to 8 bits. After this, the image was segmented and classified, using the ISODATA algorithm for the calculation of the irrigated rice cultivated area. In order to implement the linear spectral mixture model and to generate the fraction images, the bands of red, near-infrared and mid-wavelength infrared from the MOD13 product were used. The quality of the classification results for the irrigated rice cultivated areas in the State and the elimination of the confusion with humid areas not related to rice cultivation generated by the automatic classification algorithm were carried out by means of a comparison of the mapping carried out with Landsat images for the same crop year 2005/2006. Due to the nature of MODIS, problems with nebulosity did not constitute a limitation for the generation of a map for the whole state. It was noticed that the best date for the automatic classification of irrigated rice areas is the beginning of water entrance in the fields. The estimated area of irrigated rice in Rio Grande do Sul obtained by the MODIS images is close to the official data, thus being possible to adopt such methodology as an additional tool to help programs for monitoring and forecasting crops, complementing the conventional methods used nowadays to forecast crops in Brazil. The method proposed is fast, easily implemented and the images used, as well as the software, are free, resulting in low costs for the work
Health-Care Providers' Preparedness for H1N1/09 Influenza Prevention and Treatment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
No full text\ud
In Tanzania, the first case of H1N1/09 influenza was reported in September 2009. By March 2010, the reported number of cases was 770 with one death. Due to shortage of qualified human resources, essential medicines and laboratory supplies in health facilities, it was not known how well health-care providers in the country were prepared to deal with the pandemic. The study was conducted from December 2009 to May 2010 in public hospitals and private community pharmacies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Fifty-three prescribers and 200 dispensers were interviewed to assess their knowledge on the prevention and treatment of H1N1/09 influenza, and dissemination of correct information to the public regarding the pandemic. Most participants had inadequate knowledge on the transmission, prevention and management of H1N1/09 influenza. The majority of prescribers knew neither the antiviral drugs recommended for the treatment of H1N1 influenza (64%) nor their adverse effects (92.5%). The drug dispensers' knowledge was also inadequate regarding the transmission, prevention and treatment of H1N1/09 influenza. Forty-one (20.5%) salespersons without formal training in pharmaceutical or medical sciences were found dispensing and supervising the pharmacies. Most participants had misconceptions on how H1N1/09 virus was transmitted. The results of the study revealed gaps in the knowledge of the health-care providers on the prevention and treatment of H1N1/09 influenza infection. This indicates the need for strengthening of health-care systems and provision of continuing education and professional development for health-care providers on new and re-emerging diseases in the community.\u
Estresse no trabalho em enfermagem: uma aproximação a literatura
No full textTCC(especialização) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro de Ciências da Saúde. Programa de Pós-graduação em Enfermagem. Linhas de Cuidado em Atenção PsicossocialTrata - se de uma aproximação a literatura sobre o estresse e o trabalho do enfermeiro de APH. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar estudos que aborda m o estresse da equipe de enfermagem para estabelecer meios de enfrentamento à equipe do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência do município de Santa Rita de Cássia, Bahia. Constitui - se como método uma tecnolo gia de concepção onde o produto é o próprio projeto. Ao realizar a busca na literatura identificou - se um alto nível de estresse dos profissionais de enfermagem, o que pode acarretar danos a saúde dos mesmos. Portanto, do presente estudo como um todo, ficou claro a necessidade que o estresse ainda necessita ter maior importância em pesquisas de campo, pois percebemos que são poucos em vista do amplo aspecto de abrangência que existe sobre essa temática. A partir dessas informações, acreditamos que a equipe d e enfermagem possa refletir sobre a sua realidade, procurando alternativas para lidar com o estresse e , paralelamente com a intervenção da instituição de promover programas de prevenção e manutenção da qualidade de vida dos profissionais de saúde e sensibi lizar a mesma que, é imprescindível um ambiente participativo e com infraestrutura adaptada para que haja um ambiente saudável
An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda
No full textWithania somnifera (Ashawagandha) is very revered herb of the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as a Rasayana (tonic). It is used for various kinds of disease processes and specially as a nervine tonic. Considering these facts many scientific studies were carried out and its adaptogenic / anti-stress activities were studied in detail. In experimental models it increases the stamina of rats during swimming endurance test and prevented adrenal gland changes of ascorbic acid and cortisol content produce by swimming stress. Pretreatment with Withania somnifera (WS) showed significance protection against stress induced gastric ulcers. WS have anti-tumor effect on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell carcinoma. It was also found effective against urethane induced lung-adenoma in mice. In some cases of uterine fibroids, dermatosarcoma, long term treatment with WS controlled the condition. It has a Cognition Promoting Effect and was useful in children with memory deficit and in old age people loss of memory. It was also found useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzeimer’s diseases. It has GABA mimetic effect and was shown to promote formation of dendrites. It has anxiolytic effect and improves energy levels and mitochondrial health. It is an anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic agent and was found useful in clinical cases of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. Large scale studies are needed toprove its clinical efficacy in stress related disorders, neuronal disorders and cancers.Key words: Withania somnifera, rejuvenator, adaptogen / anti-stress, anti-tumor, neuroregenerative, anti-arthritic.doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.
Nanoparticles from softwood kraft lignin as bio-derived fillers in polymer-based nanocomposites
No full textLignin is a naturally occurring aromatic polymer found in the wall of cellular plants. The large availability of lignin on Earth, second only to cellulose and hemicellulose, makes it particularly interesting as valuable renewable source of aromatics for the development of high performance and environmentally friendly polymer-based materials.1-3 Despite such great potential, lignin is still enormously underutilized at industrial scale, as its fate is typically to be burnt as low-cost fuel for energy generation. In this context, the large number of functional groups present in lignin (e.g., aliphatic and aromatic hydroxyls, carbonyls, carboxyls) makes this material particularly attractive as reinforcing filler for the preparation of polymer-based composites, due to the potentially favourable covalent and non-covalent interactions that may arise between such highly-functional filler and the polymeric matrix. To this purpose, different attempts have been made involving the incorporation of lignin particles (generally in the 10-100 μm range) into plastics and rubbers. Typically, it was shown that straightforward addition of lignin into the target matrix yielded little or no effect on the mechanical response of the so-obtained composite. An alternative strategy to achieve enhanced dispersion level of the lignin filler within the polymer matrix is the preparation and use of lignin-based nanoparticles (LNP). Indeed, LNP are expected to provide a more efficient interaction with the polymer matrix compared with the micrometer-sized counterpart owing to their larger surface-to-volume ratio thus ultimately resulting in improved mechanical response of the LNP-based polymer composite material.4-6
In this work, LNP were prepared by ultrasonic treatment of technical softwood kraft lignin to obtain lignin-water dispersions with excellent colloidal stability. A thorough chemical, physical and morphological characterization was carried out on the LNP system and a comparison with the parent untreated material was performed. Such LNP were incorporated into a waterborne thermoplastic polyurethane matrix at different concentrations to yield bio-based nanocomposite materials. The effect bio-filler type (LNP vs. untreated lignin) and concentration on the chemical-physical, thermal and morphological characteristics of the resulting nanocomposites was investigated and the reinforcing effect was discussed based on mechanical tests. The results of this study give a direct demonstration of a viable environmentally friendly approach to obtain waterborne polyurethane-based nanocomposites reinforced with LNP in a straightforward and accessible way and provide clear evidence of the potential of LNP as fully bio-derived fillers for advanced nanocomposite applications.
Acknowledgements
This work has been performed as part of the ValorPlus Project that has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no FP7-KBBE-2013-7-613802.
References
[1] Laurichesse, S.; Avérous, L. Prog. Polym. Sci. 2014, 39, 1266.
[2] Griffini, G.; Passoni, V.; Suriano, R.; Levi, M.; Turri, S. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2015, 3, 1145.
[3] Passoni, V.; Scarica, C.; Levi, M.; Turri, S.; Griffini, G. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2016, 4, 2232.
[4] Thakur, V.K.; Thakur, M.K.; Raghavan, P.; Kessler, M.R. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2014, 2, 1072.
[5] Nair, S.S.; Sharma, S.; Pu, Y.; Sun, Q.; Pan, S.; Zhu, J.Y.; Deng, Y.; Ragauskas, A.J. ChemSusChem 2014, 7, 3513.
[6] Gilca, I.A.; Popa, V.I.; Crestini, C. Ultrason. Sonochem. 2015, 23, 369
Estimating the Yin-Yang Nature of Western Herbs: A Potential Tool Based on Antioxidation- Oxidation Theory
No full textBackground : One of the biggest obstacles to progress in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) development in Western countries is the difficulty of applying the traditional concepts to the Western medicinal plants, which are not traditionally described in ancient literature. During recent years, new advances in the field of understanding Yin/Yang aspects from a modern bioscientific point of view have led to the conclusion that antioxidationoxidation concepts might mirror a Yin-Yang relationship.Methods: This study was intended to integrate the Yin-Yang theory of the traditional Chinese medicine with modern antioxidation-oxidation theory, and to propose a biochemical tool based on redox parameters (e.g. antioxidant capacity, chemiluminescence-CL signal inducing capacity), usable for the classification of Western medicinal plants from Yin/Yang perspective. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of six vegetal aqueous extracts (Symphitum officinalae (radix)- SYM, Inula helenium (radix)- INU, Calendula officinalis (flores)- CAL, Angelica arhanghelica (folium)- ANG(F), Angelica arhanghelica (radix)- ANG(R), Ecbalium Elaterium (fruits)- ECB) and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of PMNL on addition of these vegetal extracts were measured. Percentages from the maximal or minimal values obtained were calculated for each extract (TEAC%, PMNL stimulation%, PMNL inhibition%, relative speed of action% (RSA%%)), specific Yin-Yang significance was assigned to each relative parameter. In the end, an integration of all the relative values was done, in order to find a global ”Yin” or a ”Yang” trait of each vegetal extract.Results: TEAC decreased in the following order: SYM > INU > CAL >ANG(F) > ANG(R > ECB. Three vegetal extracts (SYM > INU > ECB) decreased the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of PMNL, two (ANG(R) > ANG(F)) increased it, while one (CAL) had a dual effect. After the integration of the percentages, CAL was found to have a global ”Yang” trait, while the rest of the plants had a global ”Yin” trait.Conclusions: TEAC% and PMNL inhibition% appears to correlate with the Yin properties of herbs, while PMNL stimulation% and RSA% might correlate with Yang aspects within the formal TCM classification system, and may be useful criteria in describing the Western herbs from a TCM point of view.Key words: antioxidant, TEAC, herbs, chemiluminescence, Yin, Yang, TC
Tapera, Pau Grande e Barbeiro: uma geohistória de resistência de comunidades tradicionais, no Litoral Norte da Bahia
No full textA presente pesquisa buscou compreender o modelo de posse e uso da terra e o processo de ocupação e transformação forjada antes e após as intervenções feitas por agentes externos no espaço das comunidades Tapera, Pau Grande e Barreiro, Município de Mata de São João, no Litoral Norte da Bahia. O conflito existente no espaço, nos últimos trinta anos, entre as comunidades tradicionais, os projetos da Fundação Garcia D’Ávila e da Imobiliária Açu da Torre, pelo mesmo espaço, ― as “reservas particulares” Sapiranga e Camurujipe e a cercania da Lagoa Aruá ―, no qual as comunidades enfrentam processo de expropriação e resistem às diversas estratégias usadas por esses agentes. Todavia, o projeto de reservas particulares é recente e contraditório porque nesse mesmo espaço estão
localizadas as comunidades tradicionais há mais de dois séculos. Para entender este
conflito usou-se como referência teórica as abordagens da valorização do espaço de Santos
e Morais que analisam a partir da qualidade, quantidade e variedade dos recursos naturais
ainda disponíveis no espaço e a de Martins que explicita os dois regimes de propriedades, terra de negócio e terra de trabalho. A análise ressalta as conseqüências desse modelo implantado nessas comunidades. Tais procedimentos ajudaram a compreender as relações entre os agentes externos, suas estratégias para expropriar as comunidades de suas terras e visualizar a resistência histórica dessas comunidades no cotidiano e em audiências públicas. Além disso, analisam-se os conteúdos das políticas ambientais na gestão do
espaço buscando entender como essas políticas acentuaram a invisibilidade dessas
comunidades tradicionais. Neste sentido, levou-se em consideração os depoimentos dos
moradores e a situação de exclusão em que vivem.RESUMÉ
Ce travail de recherche a pour but la comprehension d’un modèle de possession et d’usage
de la terre et le processus de l’occupation et de transformation avant et après les
interventions réalisées par les agents externes dans l’éspace dans l’espace des hameaux de
Tapera, Pau Grande e Barreiro municipe de Mata de S. João dans le Litoral Norte da
Bahia. Les conflits qu’existent depuis trente ans entre, d’une part les hameaux traditionnels
et d’autre part la F. G. d’A. et a I. A. da T. au sujet du même espace – les réserves
particulières S. et C. et les environs de la L. A – subirent un processus d’expropriation et
résistent aux divers stratégies de ces agents. Pourtant, le projet de reserves particulières est
contracditoire parce que dans cet espace y sont les hameaux traditionneles depuis de deux
siècles. Pour mieux comprendre les conflits sont utilisés comme téorie tant les abordages
de valorisation de l’espace de S. et de M. qui etudient les divers resources naturels encore
existentent du point de vue de la qualité et de la quantité bien que M. qu’explique les
regimes des proprietès soit terre d’affaire soit terre de travail. L’analyse met en valeur les
consequences de ce modèle qu’existe dans les hameaux. Tout ce a aidé à comprendre les
rapports entre les agents externes, ses stratégies pour expulser la population des hameaux
et mieux rendre visible la résistence historique de ces populations pas seulement jour apres
jour comme dans les aspects juriques. L’étude analyse, également, les politiques
d’environnement dans la gestion de l’éspace pour comprendre la façon pour laquelle ces
politiques rendent ces populations traditionnels presque invisible. C’est pour célà qui on a
mis en valeur l’opinion de la population qui vit en exclusion dans l’espace étudié.
Mots-Clés: populations traditionnelles, résistence historique, conflit
View Point - The oxidative hypothesis of senescence
No full textThe oxidative hypothesis of senescence, since its origin in 1956, has
garnered significant evidence and growing support among scientists for
the notion that free radicals play an important role in ageing, either
as "damaging" molecules or as signaling molecules. Age-increasing
oxidative injuries induced by free radicals, higher susceptibility to
oxidative stress in short-lived organisms, genetic manipulations that
alter both oxidative resistance and longevity and the anti-ageing
effect of caloric restriction and intermittent fasting are a few
examples of accepted scientific facts that support the oxidative theory
of senescence. Though not completely understood due to the complex
"network" of redox regulatory systems, the implication of oxidative
stress in the ageing process is now well documented. Moreover, it is
compatible with other current ageing theories (e.g., those implicating
the mitochondrial damage/mitochondrial-lysosomal axis, stress-induced
premature senescence, biological "garbage" accumulation, etc). This
review is intended to summarize and critically discuss the redox
mechanisms involved during the ageing process: sources of oxidant
agents in ageing (mitochondrial -electron transport chain, nitric oxide
synthase reaction- and non-mitochondrial- Fenton reaction, microsomal
cytochrome P450 enzymes, peroxisomal β -oxidation and respiratory
burst of phagocytic cells), antioxidant changes in ageing (enzymatic-
superoxide dismutase, glutathione-reductase, glutathion peroxidase,
catalase- and non-enzymatic glutathione, ascorbate, urate, bilirubine,
melatonin, tocopherols, carotenoids, ubiquinol), alteration of
oxidative damage repairing mechanisms and the role of free radicals as
signaling molecules in ageing
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