Green Hydrogen: Perspectives and Challenges in Using the Natural Gas Network in Ceará/Brazil

Climate change, mainly caused by the use of non-renewable fuels, has raised global concerns and led to the search for less polluting energy sources, making hydrogen a promising energy alternative with the potential to contribute to changes in the energy mix of various countries through the use of technologies that enable its production and use with low or zero carbon emissions. In this context, Brazil has aroused great interest from other countries in exploring its renewable resources for the production of hydrogen (green hydrogen). In this sense, the use of natural gas pipelines and the use of hydrogen in mixtures with natural gas have become the subject of studies due to their economically viable alternative for the immediate use of this energy vector. However, there are still technical and regulatory challenges regarding the integration of hydrogen into the existing natural gas pipeline network. In this context, the present study aims to address the effects of hydrogen interaction with the structure of natural gas pipeline steel and the regulatory barriers to the use of this network for the transportation of green hydrogen, particularly in the state of Ceará/Brazil. After extensive analysis of literature and regulatory documents, it was concluded that: 1) Ceará/Brazil has strong potential to meet the demand for green hydrogen through the use of solar and wind energy sources;2) there is feasibility for the adaptation or conversion of natural gas infrastructure for the transportation of green hydrogen;3) discussions regarding the regulatory competence of green hydrogen transportation and distribution through the natural gas network in Brazil are still incipient;4) the current regulation of the natural gas industry can serve as a subsidy for the regulation of green hydrogen and natural gas transportation.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Capacity of Nanoemulsions Loaded with Synthetic Chalcone Derivatives Di-Benzyl Cinnamaldehyde and Benzyl 4-Aminochalcone

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance,it has become necessary to explore alternative approaches for combating and preventing diseases.DB-cinnamaldehyde(CNM)and Benzyl4-amino(B4AM)are bioactive compounds derived from chalcones but with restricted solubility in aqueous media.Nanoemulsions can enhance the solubility of compounds and can be a promising alternative in the development of novel antimicrobials,with reduced side effects and prolonged release.The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions loaded with two distinct types of chalcones at two different dosages,to propose a stable formulation with antimicrobial properties.Results showed that nanoemulsions presented high encapsulation efficiency,low polydispersity index(PDI)and particle size below 200 nm,indicating that emulsification was a suitable method for nanoemulsion preparation.Nanoemulsions with higher dosages exhibited significant antimicrobial effects when compared to free chalcones and positive controls.Notably,B4AM nanoemulsions at higher dosages showed expressive activity against Salmonella minnesota,with a 420%greater inhibitory response compared to the free form and showing equivalence to the positive control.CNM nanoemulsions showed excellent inhibitory activity at the highest dosage,equivalent to the positive control against S.minnesota and Staphylococcus aureus.The greater number of conjugated bonds in CNM increased the antimicrobial activity in comparison with B4AM,and the formation of nanometric domains enhanced the bioavailability,being a promising alternative for antimicrobial applications.

Enterobacteria and Vibrio from Macrobrachium amazonicum prawn farming in Fortaleza,Ceará,Brazil

Objective:To investigate the isolation of enterobacteria associated with Macrobrachium amazonicum(M.amazonicum) farming and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Vibrio strains.Methods:Strains were isolated from female M.amazonicum prawns and environmental and hatchery water.Biochemical assays were used to identify bacterial genera and those belonging to the genus Vibrio were submitted to further analyses for species identification,through Vitek 2 automated system and scrotyping.Susceptibility test was performed according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute.Results:The following genera of enlerobacteria were recovered:Enterobacter(n=11),Citrobacter(n=10),Proteus(n=2),Serratia(n=2),Kluyvera(n=2),Providencia(n=2),Cedecea(n=1),Escherichia(n=1).Edwardsiella(n=1) and BulliauxeUa(n=1).As for Vibrio,three species were identified:Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139(n=4).Vibrio vulnificus(V.vulnificus)(n=1) and Vibrio mimicus(n=1).Vibrio spp.showed minimum inhibitory concentrations values within the susceptibility range established by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute for almost all antibiotics,except for V.vulnificus,which presented intermediate profile to ampicillin.Conclusions:Enterobacteria do not seem to be the most important pathogens associated with M.amazonicum farming,whereas the recovery of Vibrio spp.from larviculture,with emphasis on Vibrio cholerae and V.vulnificus,deserves special attention due to their role as potentially zoonotic aquaculture-associated pathogens.Furthermore,the intermediate susceptibility of V.vulnificus to ampicillin reflects the importance of monitoring drug use in prawn farming.

Chlamydoconidium-producing Trichophyton tonsurans: Atypical morphological features of strains causing tinea capitis in Ceará, Brazil

Objective: To report atypical morphological features of Trichophyton(T.) tonsurans strains associated with tinea capitis. Methods: Eighty-two T. tonsurans strains isolated in Ceará, Brazil, were analyzed regarding macro and micromorphological features and nutritional patterns. Results: Fifty-two samples presented abundant chlamydoconidia, which were produced in chains. Macroscopically, these strains developed small glabrous colonies that were firmly attached to the surface of the culture medium, with few or no aerial mycelia and intense rusty yellow pigmentation. Seven strains did not grow with stimulus from thiamine. Samples were heterogeneous regarding urease production and none presented in vitro hair perforation. Conclusions: The observation of T. tonsurans strains with distinct phenotypic features indicates the need to revise the taxonomic criteria for routine identification of this dermatophyte.

Biofilm analyses and exoproduct release by clinical and environmental isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Brazil

Objective:To characterize biofilm production by clinical(n=21)and environmental(n=11)isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei and evaluate the production of proteases,hemolysins and siderophores.Methods:Initially,the 32 strains were evaluated for biofilm production in Müller-Hinton broth-1%glucose(MH-1%glucose)and BHI broth-1%glucose,using the crystal violet staining technique.Subsequently,growing(48 h)and mature(72 h)biofilms were evaluated by confocal microscopy.Finally,the production of proteases,hemolysins and siderophores by planktonic aggregates,growing biofilms and mature biofilms was evaluated.Results:All isolates produced biofilms,but clinical isolates had significantly higher biomass in both MH-1%glucose(P<0.001)and BHI-glucose 1%(P=0.005).The structural analyses by confocal microscopy showed thick biofilms,composed of multiple layers of cells,homogeneously arranged,with mature biofilms of clinical isolates presenting higher biomass(P=0.019)and thickness of the entire area(P=0.029),and lower roughness coefficient(P=0.007)than those of environmental isolates.Protease production by growing biofilms was significantly greater than that of planktonic(P<0.001)and mature biofilms(P<0.001).Hemolysin release by planktonic aggregates was higher than that of biofilms(P<0.001).Regarding siderophores,mature biofilms presented higher production than growing biofilms(P<0.001)and planktonic aggregates(P<0.001).Conclusions:Clinical isolates have higher production of biofilms than their environmental counterparts;protease and siderophores seem important for growth and maintenance of Burkholderia pseu­domallei biofilms.

Research advances on the multiple uses of Moringa oleifera: a sustainable alternative for socially neglected population

Moringa oleifera Lam(Moringaceae) is a plant with high nutritional and medicinal value. Native to India, it is now widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its different parts are sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals and present different pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Moreover, M. oleifera seeds are widely used in water and effluent treatment, for their coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation properties, their ability of improving water quality, by reducing organic matter and microbial load, with special applicability in intensive animal production systems, such as aquaculture. In addition, due to its high nutritional value and several medicinal properties, this tree may act as a nutritional and medical alternative for socially neglected populations. In this context, this review gathers information on M. oleifera, emphasizing its chemical constituents, nutritional, pharmacological and antimicrobial properties, applications in the treatment of water effluents, and ecological and social aspects.

Chitosan and Carboxymethylchitosan as High Turbidity Water Biocoagulants

Biocoagulants emerges as a promising technology in water treatment,in order to exploit renewable and biodegradable materials.The present work aims to study the coagulant action of chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan on water with very high turbidity(above 300 NTU),contrasting the physicochemical results with those obtained for aluminum sulphate.Carboxymethylchitosan was produced by the Williamson’s ethers synthesis and characterized by potentiometric titration,FTIR and 1 H-NMR.The coagulant tests were performed using synthetic water in a Jar-test equipment,through the induction of high and low velocity gradients,followed by sedimentation.The results showed turbidity and color removal efficiencies above 99%for the biocoagulants,by applying dosages much lower than those used for aluminum sulphate;the volume of sedimentable solids obtained at the end of the water treatment process was much lower when chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan were used as coagulants(reduction of 25%when compared to aluminum sulphate).In summary,carboxymethylchitosan is a non-toxic,renewable,biodegradable material with high efficiency as a coagulant for waters with very high turbidity,showing promise for in natura applications.

Physical Accessibility for Disabled People: Analysis of Toilet Facilities in Primary Health Care Units

Background: Accessibility enables the effective participation of disabled persons in public and private areas and the use of urban equipment and street furniture. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the physical accessibility of toilet facilities in urban and rural primary health care units. Methods: It was a quantitative descriptive study conducted in 157 Primary Health Care Units of 16 municipalities in the Baturité Massif region, Ceará, Brazil. The study took place from August 2014 to May 2015, with a checklist type form, designed from the Technical Standard 9050 of the Brazilian National Standards Organization, specifying the ideal access conditions established by law to allow mobility of persons with physical disabilities. Data were processed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and organized into tables. Results: Toilets designed for physically disabled people were accessible as the location and signs (59.9%), identified with symbols for males and females (57.3%);however, the doorway width was smaller than needed to accommodate a wheelchair (77.7%). Inside the bathroom, only the forward approach was possible (59.9%). Grab bars positioned on the side and rear walls were inadequate or nonexistent (67.6%);toilet seats (91.1%) and toilet paper dispensers (96.2%) were mostly in inaccessible heights;flush controls in appropriate height (59.2%) and activated by light pressure (58%). Sinks without pedestal (51%), but higher than recommended (80.3%) and without single handle faucets (95.6%). It was verified that the toilets of basic health units located in urban areas had better accessibility conditions compared to those in rural areas. Conclusion: Results showed that the analyzed units presented physical inaccessibility in some toilet facilities, making it difficult or even impossible the accessibility for the disabled. The inclusion of accessibility features in health services for this clientele provides equal opportunities and social inclusion.

Clinical and environmental isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Brazil: Genotyping and detection of virulence gene

Objective: To evaluate the genetic diversity of clinical and environmental isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei(B.pseudomallei) recovered in Ceara, Brazil, and screen these isolates for the presence of type three secretion system virulence gene.Methods: Nineteen B.pseudomallei isolates(9 from clinical cases and 10 from soils)were analyzed.Random amplified polymorphic DNA was performed with primers OPQ-2, OPQ-4 and OPQ-16 to evaluate the genetic diversity, and type three secretion system gene was detected through polymerase chain reaction.Results: Random amplified polymorphic DNA showed a genetic relatedness of approximately 50% among the tested B.pseudomallei isolates, which were grouped into two clades, of which the biggest ones comprised 18/19 isolates for primer OPQ-2, and 17/19 isolates for primer OPQ-16.Primer OPQ-4 grouped the isolates into three clades comprising 1/19, 3/19 and 15/19 isolates.Additionally, type three secretion system gene was detected in all tested isolates.Conclusions: This is an effort to type B.pseudomallei strains from Ceara, which is important for better understanding this pathogen, contributing for the epidemiological surveillance of melioidosis in this endemic region.

Experiencing a traumatic spinal cord injury—Analysis on the view of the theory of Watson’s transpersonal caring

This is an inquiry that seeks to understand the meaning of experiencing a spinal cord injury for hospitalized Brazilian and Portuguese patients. A quailtative study was achieved in two care services to spinal cord injury in Fortaleza-Brazil and Lisboa-Portugal. The subjects were 30 patients with complete spinal cord injury. The findings were obtained through a semi-structured interview, which took place at different times and it was used the following guiding question: What does it mean for you to experience a spinal cord injury? The data were organized by Bardin technique and analysis based on the assumptions of the theory of Jean Watson’s care. The speeches of the patients show a diversity of meanings such as: to lose the freedom of going and coming, sexuality and to become dependent on others. It is concluded that this situation of loss overbalances the person’s existence, which is expressed by feelings of sadness, grief, discontent, isolation, anxiety, crying, pain and emotional suffering. These feelings were expressed by the two groups despite being from different cultures. The research enabled the description of multiple dimensions of the meaning of spinal cord injury. It fills the theoretical gap, not yet sufficiently addressed to the practice of caring people with spinal cord injury.

Proteome changes of porcine follicular fluid during follicle development

Background:Ovarian follicular fluid influences follicle and oocyte growth,but the fluctuation of its protein content during folliculogenesis has not been comprehensively analyzed.Here we used a shotgun approach and bioinformatics analyses to investigate and compare the proteomes of porcine follicular fluid(pFF)obtained from small(<4 mm),medium(4–6 mm)and large(>6–12 mm)follicles.Results:Follicular fluid samples containing highest estrogen levels were selected as non-atretic from small(SNA:26.1±15 ng/mL),medium(MNA:162±54 ng/mL),and large(LNA:290±37 ng/mL)follicles for proteomic analyses.We detected 1627,1699,and 1756 proteins in SNA,MNA,and LNA samples,respectively.Nearly 60–63%of total proteins were specific to each sample,11–13%were shared in pairwise comparisons,and 247 proteins were shared among all samples.Functional categorization indicated comparable gene ontology(GO)terms distribution per cellular component,molecular function,and biological process categories across samples;however,the ranking of highly significantly enriched GO terms per category revealed differences between samples.The patterns of proteinto-protein interactions varied throughout follicle development,and proteins such as serine protease inhibitor,clade E(SERPINE);plasminogen activator,urokinase(PLAU);and plasminogen activator,urokinase receptor(PLAUR)appeared stage-specific to SNA,MNA,and LNA,respectively.The“complement and coagulation cascades”was the common major pathway.Besides,properdin and fibulin-1 were abundant proteins that appeared absent in LNA samples.Conclusion:This study provides extensive and functional analyses of the pFF proteome changes during folliculogenesis and offers the potential for novel biomarker discovery in pFF for oocyte quality assessment.

Self-Care Practice of Patients with Mechanical Heart Valve Prosthesis Accompanied in Nursing Consultation

The objective was to evaluate the practice of self-care of patients with mechanical heart valve prosthesis. A descriptive, cross-sectional study developed in two outpatient valvopathies of teaching hospitals of Fortaleza/CE, from October 2013 to January 2014. The sample consisted of 127 patients with mechanical heart valve prosthesis. It was held an interview using instrument based on the Theory of Orem’s Self-Care and Brazilian Guidelines for Valvular Heart Diseases. The data were presented in tables and charts. Results: Universal self-care practices of larger adhesion: body hygiene (97.6% washed-haired, daily-bath 92.1%);oral hygiene (brushing teeth before sleeping, 87.4%);fluid intake (drinking-water 95.2%);food intake (salt intake ≤ 2 g/day, 92.1%, fruit and vegetable consumption 79.5%);intestinal eliminations (without blood or mucus—96%, non-parasitic 94.4%);urinary elimination (no blood nor pus-96.8%, urination 4 to 6 times a day, 96%). As self-care developmental requirements predominated: never used illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or stopped at the discovery of the disease (70%). As self-care health deviation requirements we have: making use of certain medication at the right dose (95.2%);attending medical appointments (cardiologist—92.1%;nursing—84.2%);INR control (identifies signs of bleeding— 85.8%). We conclude that patients did not perform all recommended self-care practices, being necessary to establish strategies to reduce the self-care deficit.

Educational Game about Drugs for Visually Impaired People: A Comparison between Brazil and Portugal

Objective: To validate the educational board game “Drugs: playing fair” for visually impaired people in Brazil and Portugal. Methods: Study of apparent validation carried out in two associations for visually impaired people in Fortaleza, Brazil, and in Porto, Portugal. Thirty-six visually impaired people, 18 from each country, participated in the study. An evaluation tool with 23 items on specifications, content and motivation of the game was applied. Results: The scores awarded in both countries were excellent, with means varying in Brazil from 9.0 to 9.6 and in Portugal, from 8.4 to 9.2. As for the categories and subcategories, the best means in Brazil were: content (9.5);theoretical and methodological consistency (9.6) and concepts/information (9.5). In Portugal, the best means were concepts/information (9.2) and curiosity (9.2). Only two items showed a significant difference: “it allows interaction” (p = 0.024) and “compatible degree of difficulty” (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The educational game on drugs was validated in Brazil and Portugal.

Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women: Integrative Review

Objective: To characterize the scientific production related to the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life of pregnant women. Method: An integrative review carried out from September 2014 to May 2015. The search was conducted in six databases, and a final sample of seventeen publications was presented. The data were presented in tables. Results: Incontinence related factors are: Being older, second pregnancy, multiparity, constipation, smoking, and obesity. Stress incontinence is the most occurring in pregnant women, causing an adverse impact on quality of life. Discussion: It is for health professionals who try to create effective coping strategies for minimizing consequences generated by the accidental loss of urine. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence affects the mother’s life, resulting in social, behavioral, physical and emotional harm, taking this woman to be excluded from society and feel insecure about their health.

Prenatal of Pregnant Adolescents Performed by Nurses in Primary Health Care

This study aims to identify the actions performed by nurses of the Family Health Strategy with the pregnancy cycle of adolescents and analyze if the actions developed by these nurses are focused on risk prevention in pregnancy and childbirth. It is a qualitative and exploratory research in basic health units with 12 nurses. A semi-structured interview technique was applied, and the speeches were analyzed using content analysis. In the analysis of the results, it was identified two thematic categories in which it was noted that nurses during the prenatal make the reception of pregnant adolescents differently and conduct guidelines on examination, signs and symptoms of possible complications during the pregnancy and still emphasize the importance of educational activities as groups of pregnant women to be a chance of coexistence and exchange of experiences, doubts, and anxieties among themselves. It is concluded that the care provided by nurses is fundamental for the pregnant adolescents having prenatal with more quality.

Immune response to inactivated bacterial vector carrying the recombinant K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum in mice

Objective:To evaluate the immunological response elicited by an inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum,and a purified antigen.Methods:Mice were subjected to the following treatments:(1)Purified recombinant K39(rK39)protein at a 20μg dose with complete Freund’s adjuvant;(2)Inactivated Escherichia coli(BL21 DE3)carrying the K39 protein at an equivalent total protein content of 200μg;(3)Inactivated bacteria lacking the K39 protein;(4)Non-immunized control animals.Serological monitoring was performed.All groups were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of 10^(7) Leishmania infantum promastigotes.After euthanasia,the liver and spleen were collected to analyze the levels of TNF,IFN-γ,IL-12,IL-4,and IL-10.Results:Mice immunized with purified rK39 or the inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum showed a long-lasting immune response with high levels of polyclonal antibodies specifically recognizing the recombinant proteins.The IgG1 subclass was the predominant immunoglobulin;however,the induction of IgG2a and the profile of cytokines produced were indicative of the induction of a mixed-type response.Conclusions:The inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen,as well as the purified antigen can induce a long-lasting immune response in immunized mice,predominantly favouring a Th2 profile response.

Analytic Results in the Position-Dependent Mass Schrdinger Problem

We investigate the Schro¨dinger equation for a particle with a nonuniform solitonic mass density. First, we discuss in extent the(nontrivial) position-dependent mass V(x) = 0 case whose solutions are hypergeometric functions in tanh2x. Then, we consider an external hyperbolic-tangent potential. We show that the efective quantum mechanical problem is given by a Heun class equation and find analytically an eigenbasis for the space of solutions. We also compute the eigenstates for a potential of the form V(x) = V0 sinh2x.