298 research outputs found
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon fiber (ACF) from cotton woven waste
No full textIn this study, the activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were prepared using cotton woven waste as precursor. The cotton woven waste was first partly dissolved by 80% phosphoric acid and then was pre-soaked in 7.5% diammonium hydrogen phosphate solution. Finally, carbonization and activation were proceeded to get ACF. The optimum preparation conditions, including carbonization temperature, carbonization time, activation temperature and activation time, were chosen by orthogonal design. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption test was conducted to characterize the prepared ACF's pore structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) were employed to characterize its chemical properties and morphology. Adsorption of oilfield wastewater was used to evaluate its adsorption properties. The results show that the prepared ACF is in the form of fiber, with the sectional diameters of 11.7 x 2.6 mu m and the surface area of 789 m(2)/g. XPS results show that carbon concentration of the prepared ACF is higher than that of the commercial ACF. When the prepared ACF dosage is 6 g/L, over 80% of COD and over 70% of chrominance can be removed after 24 h of adsorption at 18 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Chemistry, PhysicalMaterials Science, Coatings & FilmsPhysics, AppliedPhysics, Condensed MatterSCI(E)[email protected]
Heme iron from meat and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and a review of the mechanisms involved
No full textRed meat and processed meat intake is associated with a risk of colorectal cancer, a major cause of death in affluent countries. Epidemiological and experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that heme iron present in meat promotes colorectal cancer. This meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of colon cancer reporting heme intake included 566,607 individuals and 4,734 cases of colon cancer. The summary relative risk of colon cancer was 1.18 [95%C.I.: 1.06-1.32] for subjects in the highest category of heme iron intake compared with those in the lowest category. Epidemiological data thus show a suggestive association between dietary heme and risk of colon cancer. The analysis of experimental studies in rats with chemically-induced colon cancer showed that dietary hemoglobin and red meat consistently promote aberrant crypt foci, a putative pre-cancer lesion. The mechanism is not known, but heme iron has a catalytic effect on (i) the endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds and (ii) the formation of cytotoxic and genotoxic aldehydes by lipoperoxidation. A review of evidence supporting these hypotheses suggests that both pathways are involved in heme iron toxicit
Plano de negócios: ACF Consultoria ME: consultoria de processos
No full textA ACF Consultoria é uma empresa de consultoria de processos B2B que tem como principal objetivo atuar junto aos gestores de empresas para melhorar, significativamente, seus resultados, apresentando ferramentas de gestão que, muitas vezes são ignoradas pelos pequenos empreendedores. A empresa terá início no ano de 2021, contando apenas com a atuação da sua fundadora Ana Clara Guimarães, e tem como missão a compreensão das reais necessidades dos clientes, com o intuito de oferecer serviços adequados às suas realidades, que possibilitem a potencialização de suas atividades e maximização dos seus resultados. O foco de atuação será na prestação do serviço de consultoria, que contará com 2 pacotes distintos e personalizáveis, mas o escritório também oferecerá capacitações em gestão, disponibilizará e-books e contará com um clube de benefícios. O clube de benefícios será gratuito, seu principal objetivo é favorecer comerciantes locais ao oferecer descontos e parcerias.49 f
SUL PROTOCOLLO D’INTESA TRA BANCA D’ITALIA E CONSOB E SUL RIPARTO DI “COMPETENZA” TRA ARBITRO BANCARIO FINANZIARIO (ABF) ED ARBITRO PER LE CONTROVERSIE FINANZIARIE (ACF): CASI E SISTEMA
No full textThe Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank of Italy and Consob on alternative dispute resolution, adopted in March 2020, is a tool for collaboration and coordination, aimed at preventing the onset of interpretative conflicts or operational uncertainties in the delimitation of the respective areas of competence of the ABF and the ACF. The author proposes, also with reference to concrete cases, a first systematic reconstruction of the division of competence" between the two ADR Bodies
Keywords: ADR, Financial Banking Arbitrator (ABF), Arbitrator for Financial Disputes (ACF), Competence, Division of competenc
Annona crassiflora mart. Fruit pulp effects on biochemical parameters and rat colon carcinogenesis
No full textA. crassiflora Mart. a Brazilian savannah fruit, is a source of phytochemical compounds that possess a wide array of biological activities, including free radical scavenging. This native fruit proved to potentialize the mutagenic process in previous in vivo investigations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of A. crassiflora Mart. pulp intake on colonic cell proliferation and on the development of Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) in male Wistar rats. The animals were fed with either a commercial diet or a diet supplemented with A. crassiflora Mart. pulp mixed in 1%, 10% or 20% (w/w) for 4 weeks or 20 weeks. The carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (4 doses, 40 mg kg-1 each) was used to induce colonic ACF. After euthanasia, the blood, liver and colon samples were collected for biochemical determinations, oxidative stress or ACF development analysis, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses of the colonic mucosa were performed using antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in normal-appearing colonic crypt and β-catenin in ACF. There was no ACF development in the colon from groups treated with A. crassiflora Mart. pulp. Also, the biochemical and oxidative stress analysis, PCNA labeling and ACF development (number, multiplicity or cellular localization of β-catenin) were unchanged as a result of marolo pulp intake. Thus, the present results suggest that A. crassiflora Mart. pulp intake did not exert any protective effect in the colon carcinogenesis induced by DMH in rats.Universidade Federal de Alfenas/UNIFAL Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, Alfenas - MGUniversidade Federal de Alfenas/UNIFAL Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Alfenas - MGUniversidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho'/UNESP Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Botucatu - SPUniversidade Federal de Alfenas/UNIFAL, Alfenas - MGUniversidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho'/UNESP Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Botucatu - S
Reductions in cod and acute toxicity of wastewater generated from refined cotton production using activated carbon fibre (ACF)
No full textActivated carbon fibre is investigated for adsorption of organic pollutants from wastewater generated from refined cotton production. UVVis spectroscopy and FTIR are used to evaluate the chemical changes. Results indicate that the main organic components of refined cotton production wastewater are guaiacyl (G-) and hydroxyphenyl (H-) lignin. It is found that 85% of COD can be removed at 40 degrees C with ACF dosage of 90gL1. The adsorption process is described by the RedlichPeterson isotherm model. The kinetic data follows a pseudo-second-order equation. Over 99% of acute toxicity for Refined Cotton Production (RCP) wastewater has been reduced after adsorption using ACF. (c) 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical EngineeringEngineering, ChemicalSCI(E)EI1ARTICLE61069-10769
Improving access to climate financing for the Pacific Islands
No full textExecutive summary
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commits developed countries to provide assistance to ‘developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting the costs of adaptation.’
Although recent commitments of ‘fast-start’ climate funding from partners like Australia, Japan and the European Union are welcome, Pacific Island countries face wider obstacles in accessing appropriate and timely levels of funding for adaptation and mitigation to manage the adverse effects that environmental challenges have on core areas for economic, social and human development.
The experience of Solomon Islands, the first Pacific country to obtain funding from the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund for a project on food security and agricultural production, offers some important lessons for the region.
Access to climate financing could be improved through seeking special access for small island states in financial mechanisms, establishing programs and structures that improve donor coordination and build the capacity of national institutions, developing national climate trust funds and a Pacific Regional Climate Change fund and, most importantly, implementing more targeted action on the ground to assist the most vulnerable communities with concrete adaptation programs
Crosstalk [7] channels AdaBoost INRIA DBN-Isol [22] HOG DeepNet INRIA DBN-Mut [25] HOG DeepNet INRIA/Caltech
No full textfeatures classifier training notes ACF [11] channels AdaBoost INRIA evolution of ChnFtrs [source code] ACF-Caltech [11] channels AdaBoost Caltech evolution of ChnFtrs [source code] ACF+SDt [28] channels AdaBoost Caltech SDt = Stabilized Dt (motion features) AFS [14] multiple linear SVM INRIA accelerated version of FeatSynth AFS+Geo [14] multiple linear SVM INRIA variant of AFS with geometry constraints ChnFtrs [10] channels AdaBoost INRIA updated (see addendum on author website) ConvNet [31] pixels DeepNet INRI
Investigation of the possible chemopreventive effect of concentrated grape juice in aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats
No full textIntrodução: A uva é uma fruta rica em fenólicos que tem múltiplos efeitos biológicos, tais como atividade antioxidante, anti-inflamatória
antimicrobiana e anticarcinogênica. Objetivo: Avaliar se o suco de uva administrado em diferentes concentrações por via oral possui efeito protetor em ratos tratados com azoximetano (AOM). Material e Método: Foram utilizados 40 ratos machos Wistar, divididos em 7 grupos: G1- SHAM; G2- administrado AOM; G3- suco de uva 1% iniciado antes do AOM + AOM; G4- AOM + suco de uva 1% iniciado após AOM; G5- suco de uva 2% antes do AOM+ AOM; G6- AOM + suco de uva 2% iniciado após AOM; G7- suco de uva 2%.
Os efeitos do suco de uva foram avaliados pela multiplicidade dos focos de criptas aberrantes, análise da expressão gênica do RNAm COX-2, expressão proteica da COX-2 por imuno- histoquímica, avaliação do dano ao DNA pela analise do teste do cometa. Resultados: Observou- se que o suco de uva na concentração de 1% e 2% reduziu a multiplicidade de FCA’s com focos ≥10 (p0,05). Conclusões: O suco de uva na concentração de 1% e 2% reduziu a multiplicidade de FCA’s, exercendo um efeito atenuante sobre a carcinogênese. No processo de
iniciação da carcinogênese o suco de uva apontou ser quimiopreventivo, diminuiu a expressão gênica do RNAm COX-2. Na fase de progressão o suco de uva não apresentou efeito protetor nas lesões induzidas por AOM. A administração do suco de uva não interferiu na genotoxicidade induzida pelo AOM, esses resultados sugerem que administração do suco de uva pode ser um quimiopreventivo na fase de iniciação da carcinogênese.Objective: To determine whether oral administration of different concentrations of grape juice exerts a protective effect in rats treated with azoxymethane (AOM). Material and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: G1: SHAM; G2, treated with AOM; G3: AOM+1% grape juice administered before AOM; G4: AOM + 1% grape juice administered after AOM; G5: AOM + 2% grape juice administered before AOM; G6: AOM + 2% grape juice administered after AOM; G7: 2% grape juice. The effects of grape juice were evaluated by analyzing the
multiplicity of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), COX-2 mRNA and protein expression, and DNA damage by the comet assay. Results: Grape juice at concentrations of 1% and 2% reduced the multiplicity of ACF (foci ≥ 10) (p0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest a chemoprotective effect of grape juice during the initiation phase of carcinogenesis.BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertaçõesDados abertos - Sucupira - Teses e dissertações (2013 a 2016)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP: 10/16024-
Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge [Relatório de estágio]
No full textTese de mestrado, Análises Clínicas, 2022, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia.A anemia de células falciformes (ACF) é uma anemia hereditária autossómica recessiva
caracterizada pela presença de hemoglobina S (HbS) em homozigotia, encontrando-se entre as
doenças genéticas mais comuns. Os dados da Iniciativa de Anemia Falciforme em Angola,
entre 2011 e 2018, indicam que das 323930 crianças submetidas à triagem neonatal da ACF,
7748 (2,39%) possuem a doença e 58043 (17,91%) são portadoras do traço falciforme.
Estima-se que surjam anualmente mais de quinze mil novos casos da doença em Angola 1. O
evento primário da patogénese da ACF é a polimerização da HbS que ocorre quando
desoxigenada, resultando na distorção do glóbulo vermelho (GV) e na diminuição da sua
flexibilidade. A sua fisiopatologia resulta direta ou indiretamente da obstrução vascular
devida à presença de células falciformes, com consequente enfarte tecidular. A hipoxia
tecidular causada pela vaso-oclusão na microcirculação e a consequente lesão multiorgânica,
constitui a principal causa de morbilidade e mortalidade nesta doença. Apesar de ser uma
doença monogénica, o seu fenótipo clínico é heterogéneo, variando de relativamente
moderado a muito grave. Alguns doentes apenas apresentam sintomas moderados associados
à anemia hemolítica crónica, enquanto que outros sofrem de crises dolorosas de repetição e
lesões graves multiorgânicas. Este facto deve-se à influência modificadora tanto de fatores
ambientais, como de fatores genéticos. Entre estes últimos salienta-se o nível de expressão da
hemoglobina fetal (HbF), não só por diminuir a concentração da HbS no interior do GV, mas
também pelo facto de inibir a sua polimerização. Na ACF a concentração da HbF varia entre
0,1% e 30%, com uma média de 8% 2. Os níveis de HbF aumentados conferem grandes
benefícios clínicos e encontram-se associados a uma progressão da doença mais suave e com
menos complicações clínicas. A hidroxiureia (HU) é um fármaco muito explorado em relação
ao seu efeito indutor da síntese da cadeia de γ-globina e consequente aumento dos níveis de
HbF, efeito este promissor para tratar a ACF. A resposta dos doentes à HU é altamente
variável e, aproximadamente 30% dos doentes com ACF não respondem ao tratamento 3.
Realizou-se um estudo exploratório com 36 crianças angolanas com ACF, 19 do género
feminino e 17 do género masculino, cuja média de idade foi de 7 anos. O presente trabalho
teve como objetivo avaliar os níveis de HbF antes e após 6 e 12 meses de tratamento com HU,
utilizando como amostra sangue hemolisado. As cadeias Gγ e Aγ pré-tratamento foram
também analisadas. Fez-se ainda uma avaliação da concordância entre os métodos
cromatográficos de troca iónica e fase reversa para a quantificação de HbF, através da análise
de Bland-Altman. A HbF pré-tratamento e após 6 e 12 meses de tratamento foi determinada
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pelo método de cromatografia líquida de troca iónica (IEX-HPLC) e as cadeias de globina Gγ
e Aγ pré-tratamento foram determinadas por cromatografia líquida de fase reversa (RPHPLC).
Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente. A média da HbF nas 36 crianças com ACF
avaliadas, no pré-tratamento foi de 6,3%, após 6 meses de tratamento foi de 14,7% e após 12
meses de tratamento foi de 12,9%. Em 2,8% dos doentes verificou-se um aumento mínimo
dos níveis de HbF após 6 meses de tratamento com HU. Os níveis de HbF após 6 meses de
tratamento duplicaram em 47,2% dos doentes, triplicaram em 27,8% dos doentes e 22,2% dos
doentes apresentaram níveis de HbF aumentados em quatro vezes ou mais. Após 6 meses de
tratamento, 50% dos doentes adquiriram um nível de HbF entre 10% e 20%, enquanto que
apenas 19,4% dos doentes apresentaram esses níveis de HbF na fase de pré-tratamento, e
22,2% dos doentes obtiveram níveis de HbF ≥20%. Em nenhum dos 36 doentes se detetou
níveis de HbF ≥20% no pré-tratamento. Após 12 meses de tratamento, a percentagem de
doentes que mantiveram e/ou alcançaram níveis de HbF entre 10% e 20% foi de 52,8% e, dos
que alcançaram níveis de HbF acima ou iguais a 20% foi de 11,1%. Os resultados
evidenciaram que a HU foi eficaz na elevação dos níveis de HbF logo após 6 meses de
tratamento. Após 12 meses de tratamento verificou-se uma estabilização ou ligeira diminuição
nos níveis de HbF. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no
aumento do nível de HbF, após tratamento com HU, entre os géneros feminino e masculino,
nem entre os grupos etários de 3 a 7 e 8 a 11 anos. Na fase de pré-tratamento nas 36 crianças,
obteve-se uma média da cadeia Gγ de 38,17% e da cadeia Aγ de 61,83%. A análise preliminar
das cadeias de globina mostrou em 4 amostras a relação Gγ/Aγ >1, enquanto 32 amostras
mostraram valor compatível com o padrão do adulto de relação <1. Relativamente à avaliação
dos dois métodos cromatográficos IEX-HPLC e RP-HPLC para quantificação da HbF, a
análise de Bland-Altman demonstrou que a média das diferenças entre os métodos é 0,3
unidades, o que significa que há concordância de resultados. Conclui-se, que a HU é um
fármaco eficaz na elevação dos níveis de HbF, logo nos 6 primeiros meses de tratamento e,
portanto, pode contribuir positivamente para o tratamento da ACF na população em estudo,
uma vez que a HbF é um dos principais moduladores da gravidade da doença. A avaliação da
concordância entre os métodos cromatográficos para a quantificação da HbF mostrou que
ambos são adequados para o fim pretendido.Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive hereditary anemia characterized by the
presence of hemoglobin S (HbS) in homozygosity, being among the most common genetic
diseases. Data from the Sickle Cell Anemia Initiative in Angola, between 2011 and 2018,
indicate that of the 323,930 children undergoing neonatal screening for SCD, 7,748 (2.39%)
have the disease and 58,043 (17.91%) are carriers of the sickle cell trait. It is estimated that
more than fifteen thousand new cases of the disease are born annually in Angola 1. The
primary event in the pathogenesis of SCD is the polymerization of HbS that occurs when
deoxygenated, resulting in red blood cell distortion (RBC) and decreased flexibility. Its
pathophysiology results directly or indirectly from vascular obstruction due to the presence of
sickle cells, with consequent tissue infarction. Tissue hypoxia caused by vaso-occlusion in the
microcirculation and the consequent multiorgan damage is the main cause of morbidity and
mortality in this disease. Despite being a monogenic disease, its clinical phenotype is
heterogeneous, ranging from relatively moderate to very severe. Some patients only have mild
symptoms associated with chronic hemolytic anemia, while others suffer from recurrent
painful attacks and severe multiorgan damage. This fact is due to the modifying influence of
both environmental and genetic factors. Among the latter, the expression level of fetal
hemoglobin (HbF) stands out, not only because it reduces the concentration of HbS inside the
RBC, but also because it inhibits its polymerization. In SCD the concentration of HbF varies
between 0.1% and 30%, with an average of 8% 2. The increased levels of HbF confer great
clinical benefits and are associated with a smoother progression of the disease and with fewer
clinical complications. Hydroxyurea (HU) is a drug widely explored in relation to its effect
inducing the synthesis of the γ-globin chain and consequently increasing the levels of HbF, an
effect that is promising to treat ACF. The response of patients to HU is highly variable and
approximately 30% of patients with SCD do not respond to treatment 3. An exploratory study
was carried out with 36 Angolan children with SCD, 19 female and 17 male, whose mean age
was 7 years. The present study aimed to evaluate HbF levels before and after 6 and 12 months
of treatment with HU, using hemolyzed blood as a sample. Pretreatment Gγ and Aγ chains
were also analyzed. An evaluation of the agreement between the ion exchange and reversedphase
chromatographic methods for the quantification of HbF was also carried out, using the
Bland-Altman analysis. HbF pre-treatment and after 6 and 12 months of treatment was
determined by ion exchange liquid chromatography (IEX-HPLC) method and pre-treatment
Gγ and Aγ globin chains were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP10
HPLC). Data were treated statistically. The mean HbF in the 36 children with SCD evaluated
was 6.3% before treatment, 14.7% after 6 months of treatment and 12.9% after 12 months of
treatment. In 2.8% of patients, there was a minimal increase in HbF levels after 6 months of
treatment with HU. HbF levels after 6 months of treatment doubled in 47.2% of patients,
tripled in 27.8% of patients, and 22.2% of patients had fourfold or greater HbF levels. After 6
months of treatment, 50% of patients acquired an HbF level between 10% and 20%, while
only 19.4% of patients had such HbF levels in the pre-treatment phase, and 22.2% of patients
obtained HbF levels ≥20%. None of the 36 patients had HbF levels ≥20% pre-treatment. After
12 months of treatment, the percentage of patients who maintained and/or reached HbF levels
between 10% and 20% was 52.8% and HbF levels above or equal to 20% was 11.1%. The
results showed that HU was effective in raising HbF levels after 6 months of treatment. After
12 months of treatment, there was a stabilization or slight decrease in HbF levels. No
statistically significant differences were found in the increase in the level of HbF, after
treatment with HU, between females and males, nor between ages 3 to 7 and 8 to 11 years. In
the pre-treatment phase in the 36 children, an average of the Gγ chain of 38.17% and of the Aγ
chain of 61.83% was obtained. Preliminary analysis of globin chains showed a Gγ/Aγ ratio>1
in 4 samples, while 32 samples showed a value compatible with the adult standard of ratio <1.
Regarding the evaluation of the two chromatographic methods IEX-HPLC and RP-HPLC for
HbF quantification, the Bland-Altman analysis showed that the average of the differences
between the methods is 0.3 units, which means that there is agreement of results. It is
concluded that HU is an effective drug in the elevation of HbF levels, in the first 6 months of
treatment and, therefore, can contribute positively to the treatment of SCD in the study
population, since HbF is one of the main modulators of disease severity. The evaluation of the
agreement between the chromatographic methods for the quantification of HbF showed that
both are suitable for the intended purpose.Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge
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