Analysis of testosterone pulsatility in women with ovulatory menstrual cycles

Objetivo: Avaliar o padrão pulsátil da secreção da testosterona em mulheres normais. Métodos: Oito mulheres saudáveis com ciclos ovulatórios foram selecionadas. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas a cada dez minutos durante seis horas, começando entre 7 e 8 h da manhã, após dez horas de jejum, nas três fases do ciclo menstrual: folicular média (Dia 7), folicular tardia (Dia 12) e lútea (Dia 21). Foram mensurados: testosterona, LH e, no basal, também SHBG. Resultados: A frequência dos pulsos de testosterona, média da amplitude do pulso, porcentagem do incremento da amplitude, duração e intervalos dos pulsos foram similares nas três fases (p > 0,05). A pulsatilidade do LH foi estatisticamente diferente entre as três fases (p < 0,001), caracterizando padrão característico do ciclo ovulatório normal. Conclusões: Esses dados aumentam o conhecimento sobre o padrão de secreção da testosterona no ciclo menstrual humano e representam uma contribuição para a investigação clínica, tanto no hiperandrogenismo como na síndrome de insuficiência androgênica __________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the pattern of the pulsatile secretion of testosterone in normal menstrual cycle. Methods: Eight healthy women with ovulatory menstrual cycles were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at ten-minute intervals for six hours, starting between 7 and 8 am, after a ten-hour fasting, in three phases: mid-follicular (Day 7), late follicular (Day 12) and mid-luteal phase (Day 21). Samples were assayed for testosterone, LH and the baseline also for SHBG. Results: Testosterone pulse frequency, mean amplitude pulse, percentage of increment in pulse amplitude, mean duration of pulses and pulse interval were similar in the three phases. LH pulsatility was statistically different among the three phases (p < 0.001) representing normal ovulatory cycles. Conclusions: These data increase the knowledge about the testosterone secretion profile in the human menstrual cycle and can be used as a contribution to clinical investigation in both hyperandrogenism and androgen insufficiency syndrome

Estudo da permeação em membranas quitosana

This study proposes to do a study on the mathematical modeling of permeation of films based on chitosan. To conduct the study were obtained membranes with various compositions: a virtually pure membrane-based chitosan; one of chitosan associated with poly (ethylene oxide (PEO). The membranes of pure chitosan were treated with plasma in atmospheres of oxygen, argon and methane. The various types of films were characterized as to its permeation regarding sufamerazina sodium. In the process of mathematical modeling were compared the standard method of obtaining the coefficient of permeation recital straight down the slope of the plot obtained by extinction / time with a the integration process of numerical permeability rate will be calculated from the spectroscopy UV

Síntese hidrotérmica assistida por micro-ondas de tiO2, e aplicação em nanocompósito

In recent decades have seen a sharp growth in the study area of nanoscience and nanotechnology and is included in this area, the study of nanocomposites with self-cleaning properties. Since titanium dioxide (TiO2) has high photocatalytic activity and also antimicrobial, self-cleaning surfaces in your application has been explored. In this study a comparison was made between two synthesis routes to obtain TiO2 nanoparticles by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave. And after analysis of XRD and SEM was considered the best material for use in nanocomposites. It was deposited nanocomposite film of poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% by weight of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) by the spraying method. The nanocomposite was diluted with hexane and the suspension was deposited onto glass substrate, followed by curing in an oven with forced air circulation. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite impregnated with methylene blue was evaluated by UV- vis spectroscopy from the intensity variation of absorption main peak at 660nm with time of exposure to the UV chamber. Changes in the contact angle and microhardness were analyzed before and after UV aging test. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the chemical structure of the PDMS matrix was evaluated by spectrophotometry Fourier transform infrared (FTIR).The results indicated that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in the coating PDMS gave high photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methylene blue, an important characteristic for the development of self-cleaning coatings

Síntese enzimática de ésteres de açúcar: surfactantes e polímeros como novos materiais ambientalmente seguros

Sugar esters are substances which possess surfactant, antifungical and bactericidal actions and can be obtained through two renewable sources of raw materials: sugars and vegetable oils. Their excellent biodegradability, allied to lhe fact that they are non toxic, insipid, inodorous, biocompatible, no-ionic, digestible and because they can resist to adverse conditions of temperature, pH and salinity, explain lhe crescent use of these substances in several sections of lhe industry. The objective of this thesis was to synthesize and characterize surfactants and polymers containing sugar branched in their structures, through enzymatic transesterification of vinyl esters and sugars, using alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis as catalyst, in organic medium (DMF).Three types of sugars were used: L-arabinose, D-glucose and sucrose and two types of vinyl esters: vinyl laurate and vinyl adipate. Aiming to reach high conversions from substrates to products for a possible future large scale industrial production, a serie of variables was optimized, through Design of Experiments (DOE), using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).The investigated variables were: (1) enzyme concentration; (2) molar reason of substrates; (3) water/solvent rale; (4) temperature and (5) time. We obtained six distinct sugar esters: 5-0-lauroyl L-arabinose, 6-0-lauroyl D-glucose, 1'-O-lauroyl sucrose, 5-0-vinyladipoyl L-arabinose, 6-0-vinyladipoyl D-glucose and 1 '-O-vinyladipoyl sucrose, being lhe last three polymerizable. The progress of lhe reaction was monitored by HPLC analysis, through lhe decrease of sugar concentration in comparison to lhe blank. Qualitative analysis by TLC confirmed lhe formation of lhe products. In lhe purification step, two methodologies were adopted: (1) chromatographic column and (2) extraction with hot acetone. The acylation position and lhe chemical structure were determined by 13C-RMN. The polymerization of lhe three vinyl sugar esters was possible, through chemical catalysis, using H2O2 and K2S2O8 as initiators, at 60°C, for 24 hours. IR spectra of lhe monomers and respective polymers were compared revealing lhe disappearance of lhe vinyl group in lhe polymer spectra. The molar weights of lhe polymers were determined by GPC and presented lhe following results: poly (5-0-vinyladipoyl L-arabinose): Mw = 7.2 X 104; PD = 2.48; poly (6-0-vinyladipoyl D-glucose): Mw = 2.7 X 103; PD = 1.75 and poly (1'-O-vinyladipoyl sucrose): Mw = 4.2 X 104; PD = 6.57. The six sugar esters were submitted to superficial tension tests for determination of the critical micelle concentrations (CMC), which varied from 122 to 167 ppm. Finally, a study of applicability of these sugar esters, as lubricants for completion fluids of petroleum wells was' accomplished through comparative analysis of lhe efficiency of these sugar esters, in relation to three commercial lubricants. The products synthesized in this thesis presented equivalent or superior action to lhe tested commercial products

Sinterização de matrizes cerâmicas à base de alumina reforçadas por carbetos a partir de precursores poliméricos

Ceramic composites produced with polymerics precursors have been studied for many years, due to the facility of obtaining a complex shape, at low temperature and reduces cost. The main objective of this work is to study the process of sintering of composites of ceramic base consisting of Al2O3 and silicates, reinforced for NbC, through the technique of processing AFCOP, as well as the influence of the addition of LZSA, ICZ and Al as materials infiltration in the physical and mechanical properties of the ceramic composite. Were produced ceramic matrix composites based SiCxOy e Al2O3 reinforced with NbC, by hidrosilylation reaction between D4Vi and D1107 mixtured with Al2O3 as inert filler, Nb and Al as reactive filler. The specimens produced were pyrolised at 1200, 1250 and 1400°C and infiltred with Al, ICZ and LZSA, respectively. Density, porosity, flexural mechanical strength and fracture surface by scanning electron microscopy were evaluated. The microstructure of the composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction to identify the presence of crystalline phases. The composites presented apparent porosity varying of 31 up to 49% and mechanical flexural strength of 14 up to 34 MPa. The infiltration process improviment of the densification and reduction of the porosity, as well as increased the values of mechanical flexural strength. The obtained phases had been identified as being Al3Nb, NbSi2, Nb5S3, Nb3Si and NbC. The samples that were submitted the infiltration process presented a layer next surface with reduced pores number in relation to the total volume

Obtenção dos parâmetros-x de estruturas planares

Due to major progress of communication system in the last decades, need for more precise characterization of used components. The S-parameters modeling has been used to characterization, simulation and test of communication system. However, limitation of S-parameters to model nonlinear system has created new modeling systems that include the nonlinear characteristics. The polyharmonic distortion modeling is a characterizationg technique for nonlinear systems that has been growing up due to praticity and similarity with S-parameters. This work presents analysis the polyharmonic distortion modeling, the test bench development for simulation of planar structure and planar structure characterization with X-parameters

Desgaste de polímeros estruturais de engenharia em contato de deslizamento com cilindro metálico

Present work proposed to map and features the wear mechanisms of structural polymers of engineering derived of the sliding contact with a metallic cylindrical spindle submitted to eccentricity due to fluctuations in it is mass and geometric centers. For this it was projected and makes an experimental apparatus from balancing machine where the cylindrical counterbody was supported in two bearings and the polymeric coupon was situated in a holder with freedom of displacement along counterbody. Thus, the experimental tests were standardized using two position of the two bearings (Fixed or Free) and seven different positions along the counterbody, that permit print different conditions to the stiffness from system. Others parameters as applied normal load, sliding velocity and distance were fixed. In this investigation it was used as coupon two structural polymers of wide quotidian use, PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) and PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) and the AISI 4140 alloy steel as counterbody. Polymeric materials were characterized by thermal analysis (thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic-mechanical), hardness and rays-X diffractometry. While the metallic material was submitted at hardness, mechanical resistance tests and metallographic analysis. During the tribological tests were recorded the heating response with thermometers, yonder overall velocity vibration (VGV) and the acceleration using accelerometers. After tests the wear surface of the coupons were analyzed using a Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) to morphological analysis and spectroscopy EDS to microanalysis. Moreover the roughness of the counterbody was characterized before and after the tribological tests. It was observed that the tribological response of the polymers were different in function of their distinct molecular structure. It were identified the predominant wear mechanisms in each polymer. The VGV of the PTFE was smaller than PEEK, in the condition of minimum stiffness, in function of the higher loss coefficient of that polymer. Wear rate of the PTFE was more of a magnitude order higher than PEEK. With the results was possible developed a correlation between the wear rate and parameter (E/ρ)1/2 (Young modulus, E, density, ρ), proportional at longitudinal elastic wave velocity in the material.

Análise tribológica de um sistema de acionamento alternativo de pigs para a indústria do petróleo

It is analyzed through the concepts of tribology and mechanical contact and damage the suggestion of implementing a backup system for traction and passage of Pipeline Inspection Gauge (Pig) from the inside of pipelines. In order to verify the integrity of the pipelines, it is suggested the possibility of displacement of such equipment by pulling wires with steel wires. The physical and mechanical characteristics of this method were verified by accelerated tests in the laboratory in a tribological pair, wire versus a curve 90. It also considered the main mechanisms of wear of a sliding system with and without lubricant, in the absence and presence of contaminants. To try this, It was constructed a test bench able to reproduce a slip system, work on mode back-and-forth ("reciprocation"). It was used two kinds of wires, a galvanized steel and other stainless steel and the results achieved using the two kinds of steel cables were compared. For result comparative means, it was used steel cables with and without coating of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). The wires and the curves of the products were characterized using metallographic analysis, microhardness Vickers tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Refraction (XRF) and tensile tests. After the experiments were analyzed some parameters that have been measurable, it demonstrates to the impracticality of this proposed method, since the friction force and the concept of alternating request at the contact between the strands of wire and the inner curves that are part ducts caused severe wear. These types of wear are likely to cause possible failures in future products and cause fluid leaks

Obtenção de compósitos cerâmicos reforçados com carbetos refratários a partir de precursores poliméricos

In this work, were produced ceramic matrix composites based in SiCxOy e Al2O3 reinforced with NbC, by hydrosilylation reaction between D4Vi and poly(methylhydrosiloxane) mixtured with Al2O3 as inert filler, Nb and Al as reactive filler. After the mixture and compactation at 80ºC (warm pressing), the samples were pyrolised at 1200 and 1400ºC and infiltred with ICZ and LZSA respectively, and thermically, physical and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, density and porosity, flexural mechanical strength and fracture surface by scanning electron microscopy. The yield ceramic obtained after pyrolysis for studied composition at 1200ºC was 95%. The obtained phases had been identified as being Al3Nb, NbSi2 and NbC. The composite material presented apparent porosity varying of 15 up to 32% and mechanical flexural strenght of 32 up to 37,5MPa. After the fracture surface analysis, were observed a phases homogeneous dispersion, with some domains of amorphous and crystalline aspect. The samples that were submitted the infiltration cycle presented a layer next the surface with reduced pores number in relation to the total volume

Modificação superficial do tecido de malha de ácido polilatico (PLA) por tratamento plasma

Some fibrous materials, for having properties such as biocompatibility, strength and flexibility, are of great interest for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Among these materials, the fabric made from polylactic acid (PLA) has received special attention, and beside to present these features, is derived from biological source, antimicrobial and bioabsorbable. One of the limitations of PLA is its low wettability and capillarity. Due to this, it is necessary to perform surface modification of the knitted fabric, increasing its hydrophilicity. This work aims to realize the plasma treatment at low pressure in order to increase the surface energy of the polymer. The work was divided into three steps: i) Influence of the gas ratio (oxygen and nitrogen) in the surface modification of PLA fabric after the plasma treatment, ii) physical characterization and physicochemical surface tissue; iii) Evaluation of the effect from current and gas ratio in the capillary rise of tissues and iv) Study of capillarity in yarns and fabrics. The results showed that better gas ratios were the atmospheres: 100% oxygen; 100% nitrogen and 50% oxygen and 50% nitrogen. The surface characterization showed changes in topography and introduction of polar groups which increased the wettability of the fabric. In another part of this study, it was found that the atmosphere containing only nitrogen gas showed the most capillary rise to a current of 0.15 A. The results in capillary yarns and fabrics showed that the thread reached equilibrium in a time much less than the fabric to an atmosphere of 100% nitrogen and 0.15 A. Current Plasma technology was effective to increase the hydrophilicity of PLA fabric, providing surface characteristics favorable for future application in the biomedical field

Síntese e caracterização de látices acrílicos reticulados com (1,6-diacrilato propoxilato hexanodiol) via polimerização em emulsão

Latices based on acrylic acid and ethyl methacrylate, crosslinked with 1,6‐propoxylate‐hexanodiol diacrylate were synthesized via emulsion polymerization with different monomeric compositions. The resultant latices were thickened with different NaOH/(acrylic acid) molar ratios and were characterized by titrimetry, zeta potential measurements, turbidimetry, and capillary viscometry. Intrinsic viscosity was determined for an uncrosslinked copolymer, using toluene as solvent. All the latices were coagulated with NaCl and washed with water at 60°C analyzed by FTIR spectrophotometry, in order to characterize functional groups from the copolymer and crosslinking agent.

Caracterização de látices acrílicos em função da neutralização de seus grupos carboxilas

Latexes based on acrylic acid, acrylamide, ethyl methacrylate, and ethyl acrylate were synthesized via emulsion polymerization with different monomer compositions. The resultant latices were thickened with different molar ratios of NaOH to acrylic acid and were analyzed in terms of acid‐basis titrimetry, turbidimetry, rheology, and tensiometry. Titrimetry, turbidimetry, and rheometry were used to analyze factors such as carboxyl group availability and particle solubilization, tensiometry monitoring the influence of carboxyl neutralization on polymer‐surfactant interactions. For the acrylic acid content used in this work (20 wt%), the results indicated that as carboxyl groups distribution became more homogeneous, the process of latex thickening became more effective

Aplicação da tecnologia eletroquímica como alternativa para a remoção de corante têxteis em efluentes sintéticos e reais utilizando anodos de platina e diamante

In this work, electrochemical technology was used to treat synthetic wastewater containing Methyl Red (MR) and Blue Novacron (BN) by anodic oxidation using anodes platinum (Pt) and real samples of textile effluents using DDB anodes and platinum (Pt). The removal of color from the galvanostatic electrolysis of synthetic wastewater MR and BN, and the actual sample has been observed under different conditions (different current densities and temperature variation). The investigation of these parameters was performed in order to establish the best conditions for removal of color and chemical oxygen demand (BOD). According to the results obtained in this study, the electrochemical oxidation processes suitable for the degradation process of color and COD in wastewater containing such textile dyes, because the electrocatalytic properties of Pt and BDD anodes consumption energy during the electrochemical oxidation of synthetic solutions AN and MR and real sample, mainly depend on the operating parameters of operation, for example, the synthetic sample of MR, energy consumption rose from 42,00kWhm-3 in 40 mAcm-2 and 25 C to 17,50 kWhm-3 in 40mAcm-2 and 40 C, from the BN went 17,83 kWhm-3 in 40mAcm and 40°C to 14,04 kWhm- 3 in 40mAcm-2 and 40 C (data estimated by the volume of treated effluent). These results clearly indicate the applicability of electrochemical treatment for removing dyes from synthetic solutions and real industrial effluents

Obtenção e Caracterização Físico-Química do Sistema Compósito PEG-TiO2

Hybrid systems formed from polymers and transition metals have now their physical and chemical properties extensively investigated for use in electronic devices. In this work, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) from the precursor of titanium tetrabutoxide and the composite system Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Titanium Dioxide (TiO2-PEG) were synthesized by sol-gel method. The PEG as acquired and TiO2 and composites powders were analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Spectroscopy in the Infrared region with Fourier transform (IRFT), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). In the XRD analysis were observed in the TiO2 crystal faces of one of its polymorphs - anatase phase, crystal planes in Poly (Ethylene Glycol) with considerable intensity and in the composite systems the mixture of crystal faces of their precursors isolated and reduction of crystallinity. The TG / DTG suggested increasing the thermal instability of PEG in the composite powders as TiO2 is incorporated into the system. Spectral analysis presented in the infrared overlapping bands for the polymer and metal oxide, reducing the intensity of symmetric stretching of ligand groups in the main chain polymer and angular deformations; were observed using SEM micrographs of the morphological changes suffered by composite systems with the variation of the oxide concentration. Analyses by impedance spectroscopy indicated that the increased conductivity in composite occurs in line with the addition of the metal oxide concentration in the composite system

Membranas de quitosana micro e macroporosas : preparo, caracterização e estudos de permeabilidade

Two methodologies were proposed to obtain micro and macroporous chitosan membranes, using two different porogenic agents. The methodologies proved to be effective in control the porosity as well as the pore size. Thus, microporous membranes were obtained through the physical blend of chitosan and polyethylene oxide (PEO) on an 80:20 (m/m) ratio, respectively, followed by the partial PEO solubilization in water at 80 ◦C. Macroporous chitosan membranes with asymmetric morphology were obtained using SiO2 as the porogenic agent. In this case, chiotsan-silica ratios used were 1:1, 1:3 and 1:5 (m/m). Membranes characterization were carried out by SEM (scanning electronic microscopy), X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal analysis (TG, DTG , DSC and DMTA). Permeability studies were performed using two model drugs: sodium sulfamerazine and sulfametoxipyridazine. By transmission FTIR it was possible to confirm the complete removal of SiO2. The SEM images confirmed the porous formation for both micro and macroporous membranes and also determined their respective sizes. By thermal analysis it was possible to show differences related with water sorption capacity as well as thermal stability for both membranes. DTG and DSC allowed evidencing the PEO presence on microporous membranes. The absorbance x time curves obtained on permeability tests for micro and macroporous membranes showed a linear behavior for both drugs in all range of concentration used. It was also observed, through P versus C curves, an increase in permeability of macroporous membranes according to the increase in porosity and also a decrease on P with increase in drug concentration. The influences of the drug molecular structure, as well as test temperatures were also evaluated