Evaluation of the Potential of Araucaria angustifolia Seeds as Source of Oligosaccharides, Resistant Starch and Growth of Probiotic Bacteria

“Pinhão”, the seed of Araucaria angustifolia, is an important food, being part of the eating habits of Indigenous communities. In this study, we evaluated the oligosaccharide content, resistant starch and the growth of probiotic bacteria. GF4 (1-fructofuranosylnystose) was the main fructo-oligosaccharides found, in higher contents compared to other food sources. Maltooligosaccharides (MOS) represented the main part of the oligosaccharides profile of Brazilian pine seeds. In descending order of importance was maltoheptaose (G7), maltohexose (G6) and maltotriose (G3). The starches from the variety Sanct josephi presented the highest amount of resistant starch that could stimulate probiotic strains, mainly B. breve and L. plantarum, and may have a prebiotic effect, potentially promoting health benefits. This study advances the understanding of the chemical composition of the main portion of the “pinhão” enhancing awareness of its potential as a healthy food source, contributing to different uses and indirectly with the species preservation.

How the Organization of Milk Producers in a Network of Companies Improved the Productivity

The present study is the result of an investigation of the organization of milk producers in the region of Fartura, SP, relations between the various actors in this chain of milk, the benefits obtained from this relationship and classification of these properties in the dairy chain, allowing to measure productivity through the proposed indicators. Research has shown that dairy farmers in the region of Fartura had several benefits to organizing themselves as a Local Productive Arrangement or Social Networks, especially in relation to a better pay the price of a gallon of milk. To achieve these results, farmers had to invest to improve technological standards and production processes and thereby increase milk quality and productivity.

The Effects of Different Titanium Surfaces on the Behaviour of Osteoblast-Like Cells

This study investigated the influence of different titanium surfaces on the differentiation of rat osteoblast-like cells (osteo-1). Osteo-1 cells were cultured on the following titanium surfaces: 1) pretreated, smooth surface (PT);2) sandblasted and acid etched surface (SLA);and 3) sandblasted and acid-etched surface rinsed under nitrogen protection to prevent exposure to air and preserved in isotonic saline solution (modSLA). Cell metabolism, total protein content, collagen content and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and the formation of calcified nodules were analyzed. The titanium surface did not influence cell metabolism, total protein content and collagen content. The SLA surface influenced cell differentiation, with the observation of a significant reduction of AP activity and formation of calcified nodules after 21 days compared to the PT surface. No difference was observed between the PT and modSLA surfaces. All titanium surfaces tested permitted the full expression of the osteoblast phenotype by osteo-1 cells, including matrix mineralization.

Hematological reference values and animal welfare parameters of BALB/C-FMABC (Mus musculus) inoculated with Ehrlich tumor kept in the vivarium at ABC Medical School

Background:Biochemical and hematological parameters are important tools for assessing the physiological profile of vital organs,and can be recorded to create reference values used for clinical diagnosis of diseases.Many research laboratories lack the means to establish their own set of reference parameters for use in their research,and while there are articles in the literature that discuss laboratory parameters for healthy BALB/c mice,few studies address the evaluation of these parameters in pathological situations,such as in mice inoculated with Ehrlich tumor.Method:BALB/c-FMABC mice previously inoculated with Ehrlich tumor were maintained under appropriate conditions.Blood samples were taken for analysis of hematological parameters using automated and semi-automated equipment to create a set of the animal welfare parameters for evaluation.Result:Results were obtained for all the hematological parameters for all groups analyzed.These showed:statistically significant differences between the initial and final tumor weight;comparable initial tumour volume and weight;an increase in leukocytes in the 7-day group with a characteristic predominance of lymphocytes and neutrophils;statistically significant changes in RDW in the 21-day group and in the welfare parameters in the 28-day group.Conclusion:The study successfully defined and established reference values for hematological and welfare parameters for all groups analyzed.

Sustainability Assessment of Alternatives for Heat Generation and Transfer in Saunas

In the search for renewable energy sources, solar energy appears, among others, as a powerful alternative;mainly for those countries located at Earth’s equatorial region. This is the case of a Fresnel device that uses solar radiation to warm-up the air;for instance, within saunas. Authors coined the term sustainable technological innovation to refer to a technological innovation in accordance to the principles of sustainability. The object of this research was comparing the sustainability of a Fresnel Lens Solar Concentration (FLSC) against the sustainability of other twelve alternatives to generate heat. This article assesses the sustainability of fourteen technological options for heat generation and transfer to saunas in the northwest region of Mexico where temperatures often reach above 45 C and where there is a greater potential for exploiting solar energy. Emergy accounting, economic analysis, and global warming potential are the three indicators considered in quantifying sustainability. Results show that infrared ceramic photovoltaic, infrared carbon photovoltaic and infrared metal photovoltaic are the most sustainable systems. The Fresnel device reached the fourth and tenth position, using electricity from photovoltaic and from grid respectively, among all fourteen assessed devices, respectively. Although Fresnel equipment does not release any global warming gases into the atmosphere, or even it demands low amount of non-renewable resources, 1.40 and 4.47 E17 seJF/yr. it requires high economic investment, 20,800 and 79,600 USD/yr, for the implementation and operation phases, which decrease its sustainability performance compared to twelve other evaluated devices.

Analysis of Deformation in Ni-Cr Structures with New and Recast Alloys

The present study analyzed new and recast Ni-Cr alloys, regarding the relationship between the applied force and the deformation in cantilevered bar segments, with dimensions of 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.0 mm in thickness, 4.5 mm width and 15 mm length, on a universal testing machine “EMIC”. The bars in the tests were initially obtained acrylic resin by 4.8 mm wide × 4.3 mm thick × 4 cm long. We obtained 30 bars divided into two groups, with 15 to test new alloys and 15 with alloys recast. The alloy used was Tilite. For the application of the load, the bars were attached to “EMIC” where the active tip of 200 kgf load cell was at a specific point of the bar (15 mm) with a speed of 0.5 mm per minute. The data showed statistically significant differences in relation to alloys and thickness among the bars, and all thicknesses evaluated were different. Thus, it was concluded that there was statistically significant difference between the groups and their variables, and that the alloys recast could be reused at least 1 time, without loss of properties.

Metabolic Syndrome and Pregnancy, Its Prevalence, Obstetrical and Newborns Complications

Background: The metabolic syndrome affects more and more global people. Although it shows increasing prevalence in general population, the syndrome affects more women than men, what makes its risk of being developed during pregnancy period. Also, possible perinatal adverse effects are always lurking. Objective: the objective was demonstrated what’s new in literature on metabolic syndrome and pregnancy. Methods: A literature review was performed to extract the articles published on metabolic syndrome and pregnancy, its prevalence, obstetrical complications and its perinatal adverse effects. This review was conducted by online researching in PubMed, Lilacs, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Medscape, Libertas Academica and CINAHL database, Science database and also by researches in books. 27 selected articles on metabolic syndrome after this research were all published between 1988 and 2015. Results: Among those 27 articles and two books studied, SM rate in obstetric population ranged from 3% to 42% depending on the previously manifested components of the syndrome, age and region. Women with previously manifested components showed more adverse perinatal effects. Conclusion: Women with pregestational DM or SM and SM develop more during pregnancy, obstetric complications and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Healthcare Application:An Analysis of Reception Studies in Interactive Digital Television

This paper presents a healthcare application for Brazilian digital television,its main purposes and its reception tests with end users.This is an applied research for testing the scope of the Global ITV project funded by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq)and the European community which has developed a hybrid broadband and broadcasting platform.

Occurrence of Carabid Beetles in the Phenological Stages of Weedy Plants

In the current study, we investigated the relationship between the abundance of carabid species (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and the phenological stages of weedy plants growing in edge habitats. A survey of carabid beetles was conducted in edge habitats between forest fragments and soybean/corn crops or orange orchards in five sites located in northeastern S?o Paulo state, Brazil, from November 2005 to May 2008. Beetles were captured with pitfall traps, and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the carabid species that prevailed on each of the phenological stages of weeds. In total, 1115 individuals, representing 26 genera and 52 species, were captured. Selenophorus species, mainly Selenophorus seriatoporus Putzeys, Selenophorus sp.4, Helluomorphoides squiresi (Chaudoir), Tetragonoderus laevigatus Chaudoir, Athrostictus sp.1 were abundant during the reproductive phenological stages of weedy plants, which suggests that these carabid species might prefer to feed on the seeds of weedy plants.

Oral Manifestations, Gingival Index and Dental State of Vesiculobullous Diseases

Objective: To determine the occurrence of oral manifestations, gingival index, dental state and associated therapeutic aspects in patients with vesiculobullous diseases. Study design: Prospective and observational study conducted with 69 patients from May 2013 to May 2014 at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Clinical Hospital, University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil. Data were analyzed for frequency in absolute values, percentage and correlation using the Chi-square test. Results: 84.1% of the patients had oral manifestations of vesiculobullous diseases (p = 0.001);25% had gingival lesions;18.2% had lesions in the buccal mucosa, and 17.6% in the lips, with no correlation between the location and the type of disease (p = 0.990). Among all patients with bullous pemphigoid, linear IgA dermatosis, and mucous membrane pemphigoid, 59 (93.6%) patients had gingival inflammation of dental origin but without significant correlation (p = 0.42). There was correlation between pemphigus vulgaris and periodontal disease (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Gingival inflammation seems to interfere negatively with the clinical course of these diseases. Further studies should be conducted to better clarify the interrelations between dental and gingival state, and between vesiculobullous diseases and oral involvement.

Space and Memory in Children＇s Constitution： Approaches to School Cartography

In a globalized world, it is increasingly necessary to study the regional and local identities in order to promote their recovery and educating citizens active in all spatial scales. This study conducts a discussion where approaches to memory with spatial representations made by elementary school students in the city of Jaguariaiva, Paranfi, Brazil. Cultural identities are treated as meaning production instance about the living spaces. The relations between formal education, especially the curriculum selected by school geography, and the knowledge of lived experience, can contribute to the study of the references and spatial horizons of residents of urban and rural regions. This perspective is proposed as discussion that aims to contribute to the advancement of reflections on the relationship between school mapping and the production of sense of belonging to different locations.

Spontaneous Mammary Carcinomas in Female Dogs: Association between Immunohistochemical Degrees of Neoplasia Aggressiveness and Residual Pyrethroids

Of the tumors diagnosed in the female dogs have the highest mammary neoplasias incidence. These neoplasias can be influenced by environmental contaminants. Despite evidence of pyrethroid toxicity, carcinogenic potential has not yet been sufficiently elucidated, there is a need to investigate their involvement in mammary tumor. In previous studies, pyrethroid residues were detected in female dogs with mammary neoplasia, however was not investigate the influence of this insecticide in the genesis and aggressiveness of mammary cancer. This study aimed to investigate possible relations between pyrethroid residues and aggressiveness of mammary carcinoma in female dogs. Fifty selected female dogs were divided into five groups of 10 animals each: the Control group, female dogs without mammary neoplasia;the groups Luminal A, Luminal B, HER-2 Superexpression and Basal were constituted by female dogs that presented inguinal mammary carcinoma classified immunohistochemically. The aggressiveness of carcinomas was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (HER-2, p63, estrogen receptor). Residual concentrations of the pyrethroids from the mammary gland and fat tissue adjacent to it were determined by HPLC. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square test. Of the all animals, six presented residues of pyrethroids in mammary samples and 10 presented it in fat tissue samples. There was no statistical evidence that pyrethroids are involved in mammary carcinoma aggressiveness in female dogs.

Major Elements Geochemistry of Sedimentary Rocks from CorumbataíFormation, Santa Gertrudes Ceramic Pole, São Paulo, Brazil

We conducted a geochemical study of the major elements of 29 clay samples from 10 mining fronts, which are used for ceramic coatings at Santa Gertrudes Ceramic Pole, São Paulo, Brazil. This region is considered as the biggest ceramic pole in Latin America. The mines are located in Corumbataí Formation (Paraná Sedimentary Basin) and are mined in bench system. The samples were analyzed as a whole and along each profile to evaluate the variation of the concentration of major elements and weathering effects. The results show a differentiation into three groups: 1) carbonate clays;2) lower portion samples;3) upper portion samples, and properties that allow obtaining useful information about the use and selection of raw materials to the formulation of ceramic masses and for quality control of raw materials in order to achieve products of similar quality.

The Aging Bladder in Females Evaluated by Urodynamics

Aim: To determine whether bladder functions deteriorate with age. Methods: Data contained in electronic medical record (INFOMED?) were used in this institutional retrospective review. Analysis was done on the urodynamic studies in women over 18 years old conducted between May 2011 and November 2015. Patients with previous history of pelvic surgery or radiotherapy, neurological disease, vaginal prolapse greater than grade I, congenital urogenital malformations, urinary obstructive disease, diabetes, or the use of any medication that could interfere with bladder function were excluded from the analysis. The urodynamic parameters analyzed were the Maximum Cystometric Capacity (MCC), Voiding Volume (VV), Maximum Flow (Qmax), Bladder Compliance (BC), Detrusor Pressure at Maximum Flow (PdetQmax), Bladder Contractility Index (BCI), Bladder Voiding Efficiency (BVE) and Post-Void Residual Urine Volume (PVR). Patients were further stratified in five groups according to age (A—18 to 40;B—41 to 50;C—51 to 60;D—61 to 70;E—over 70 years old). Results: Out of 3103 urodynamic studies analyzed, 719 were eligible for the study. The average age of patients was 49.3 (+13.2) years old and in all evaluated parameters, statistically significant correlation between age and decline of bladder function was obtained (p Conclusions: This study showed a decline in bladder storage function (reduction in MCC and BC) and in bladder emptying function (reduction in Qmax, PdetQmax, VV, BCI and BVE with an increase in PVR) with age.

Assessment of Potentially Attractive Tasks to Collaborative Robotics Application:A Case Study Based on Electronics Industry

The use of robotics in the electronics industry has been of great importance to raise productivity and quality levels.When compared to the classic industrial robots,the collaborative ones present themselves as a trend,bringing greater flexibility,improving ergonomics,shortening implementation time and degree of configurability.However,the correct definition of their use,when compared to industrial robots,still needs more understanding and discussion so as not to become an intuitive process.The objective of this work is to present a methodology based on a time and motion study to define the tasks which have the greatest potential to be automated and to be implemented with simplicity.To validate this methodology,two consecutive stations of a packaging assembly line of smartphones were considered.The obtained results show feasibility and applicability in the tested solution,allowing it to be applied in other situations.

Reproductive Components of Safflower Genotypes Submitted of Bulk Density Levels in the Brazilian Cerrado

Nutrient absorption in crops can decline and their development can be hindered by increased bulk density. This study aimed at assessing the manner in which bulk density levels affect the reproductive structures of the safflower genotypes in the Brazilian Cerrado. The completely randomized design was adopted with four replications for the experiment, which was conducted in a greenhouse using Oxisol collected from 0.0 to 0.2 m depth from the region supporting Cerrado vegetation. The treatments included ten safflower genotypes (PI 237538, PI 248385, PI 250196, PI 301049, PI 305173, PI 305205, PI 306520, PI 306603, PI 560202 and PI 613366) and five bulk density levels (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 Mg·m-3). Evaluations were done at 90 days after emergence, in terms of the number, diameter and dry mass of the heads. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance. The means were grouped using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The diameter and dry mass of the chapters were influenced by the mean bulk density of 1.10 Mg·m-3. A notable interaction was evident between the safflower genotypes and bulk density levels for the diameter and dry mass of the head alone, revealing the high degree of genetic variability that environmental changes induce among the genotypes. The PI 250196, PI 301049, PI 305173 and PI 305205 genotypes exhibited greater stability to the bulk density variations compared with the others. Mean bulk density of 1.2 Mg·m-3 was found to impair the development of the reproductive components of the safflower genotypes.

Sexual Diversity and Homophobia in Health Care Services: Perceptions of Homosexual and Bisexual Population in the Cross-Cultural Theory

The provision of care by health professionals seems to be related to cultural patterns in which these workers are inserted. The relationship between culture and care becomes a challenge for the provision of health care to homosexual and bisexual population. Thus, this study aimed to identify the perception of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgenders in relation to the care received from health professionals, in the light of Cross-Cultural Theory. This is a qualitative, ethnographic study, conducted with 30 members of sexual minorities in Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil. The data analysis lead to the elaboration of five categories based on of the Theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality. The participants emphasized the constant violation of their rights to universal and equitable access to the National Health System, stating that they have suffered from prejudice and exclusion, as result of a heteronormative culture. They highlighted that homophobia and dehumanization of care have a strong relation to sexual orientation. The transvestites are the most prone to humiliation and pejorative attitudes of professionals and such condition is a barrier to accessing services.

Determination of the Bromine, Manganese and Antimony in Nicotiana tabacum Solanaceae by Using the Neutron Activation Analysis Technique

Tobacco addiction has been mentioned as a leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature disability. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and one of the factors that most contribute to the occurrence of heart diseases, among others. The herbaceous species Nicotiana tabacum is a plant of the solanaceae family used for tobacco production. Some authors have conducted research about heavy metals and the toxicity of tobacco. It is, frequently, found in low concentrations in the ground, and superficial and underground waters, even though they do not have environmental anthropogenic contributions. However, with the increase of industrial activities and mining together with the agrochemical use of contaminated organic and inorganic fertilizers, an alteration of the geochemical cycle occurs. As a consequence, the natural flow of these materials increases and is released into the biosphere, where they are often accumulated in the superior layer of the ground, accessible to the roots of the plants. During planting and plant development, fertilizers and insecticides, including organochlorines and organophosphates, are used;consequently, the smoke from cigarette smoking presents various toxic substances, such as bromine (Br), manganese (Mn) and antimony (Sb), elements studied in this work. The procedures for the preparation of the samples were carried out in our laboratories and submitted to irradiation with thermal neutrons at Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN-SP), in the Atomic Energy Institute IEA-R1 research reactor. The irradiated material was, then, analyzed by gamma spectrometry, using a high purity germanium detector (HPGe).

SnO_(2) Dense Ceramic Microwave Sintered with Low Resistivity

The Hall-Héroult process is used for alumina reduction by the use of graphite anodes even though it involves a high emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and several other organic compounds. Proposals have been made aiming at substituting graphite for a single-phase SnO2-based ceramic with low resistivity and chemical resistance to cryolite, which is characterized as an inconsumable anode, reducing pollutant emissions. To this end, a wide range of studies were carried out on SnO2-based ceramics modified with ZnO as a densification aid doped with the promoters of electrical conductivity such as Nb2O5, Al2O3 and Sb2O3 through a mixture of oxides and hybrid sintering in a microwave oven. The pressed pellets were sintered in a microwave oven up to 1050℃ under a constant heating rate of 10℃/min. After sintering, the density was determined by the Archimedes method, the phases were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, the microstructure and chemical composition resulting from the sintered SnO2-based ceramics were also investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the electrical properties were determined by the measurements of the electric field x current density. A single-phase ceramic was obtained with a relative density of above 90% and electrical resistivity of 6.1 Ω·cm at room temperature. The ceramics obtained in this study could be a potential candidate as an inconsumable anode to replace the current fused coke used in the reduction of alumina.

Effluent of a Polyculture System(Tilapias and Shrimps):Assessment by Mass Balance of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

From the estimation of the mass balance model, which can also be classified as “black box” model, it is possible to infer the impact of management on the system considered. This study aimed to evaluate water pollution generated by wastewater from a polyculture system of tilapia and shrimp and discuss the management employee and their relation to the quality of the effluent released. It used a pond measuring 1500 m2, average depth 1.6 meters, where 12 cages of 1 m3 populated with tilapia juveniles were installed 33 days after the shrimps’ population. The tilapia juveniles were distributed in densities from 200 to 400 fish per cubic meter, reaching the density of 2.4 fish per square meter within the total pond area. Shrimp post-larvae were released outside the cages within the pond area in a density of 3.3 organisms per square meter. Total density considering fish and shrimps was of 5.7 organisms per square meter in the pond area. Water samples were taken weekly in affluent and effluent of the pond (January-August/2009). The mass balance model was calculated from the difference between the estimated load for the output and input of the pond. The average flow rate was 4.46 L/s. The average loads nitrogen was 0.072 Kg/day (affluent) and 0.179 Kg/day (effluent) and phosphorus 0.0136 Kg/day (affluent) and 0.031 Kg/day (effluent). The mass balance resulted in mean values of 0.11 ± 0.06 Kg/day for total nitrogen and 0.017 ± 0.010 Kg/day for total phosphorus indicating that the system exported nutrients. The use of Best Management Practices (BMP) likes better feed and water management as a way to minimize nutrient export.