Effect of sonication on the particle size of montmorillonite clays

This paper reports on the effect of sonication on SAz-1 and SWy-1 montmorillonite suspensions. Changes in the size of the particles of these materials and modifications of their properties have been investigated. The variation of the particle size has been analyzed by DLS (dynamic light scattering). In all cases the clay particles show a bimodal distribution. Sonication resulted in a decrease of the larger modal diameter, as well as a reduction of its volume percentage. Simultaneously, the proportion of the smallest particles increases. After 60 min of sonication, SAz-1 presented a very broad particle size distribution with a modal diameter of 283 nm. On the other hand, the SWy-1 sonicated for 60 min presents a bimodal distribution of particles at 140 and 454 nm. Changes in the properties of the clay suspensions due to sonication were evaluated spectroscopically from dye-clay interactions, using Methylene Blue. The acidic sites present in the interlamellar region, which are responsible for dye protonation, disappeared after sonication of the clay. The changes in the size of the scattering particles and the lack of acidic sites after sonication suggest that sonication induces delamination of the clay particles. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulação da expressão da proteína XPA em resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno fotossensibilizado

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by aerobic metabolism and react with biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA. In high concentration, they lead to oxidative stress. Among ROS, singlet oxygen (1O2) is one of the main ROS involved in oxidative stress and is one of the most reactive forms of molecular oxygen. The exposure of some dyes, such as methylene blue (MB) to light (MB+VL), is able to generate 1O2 and it is the principle involved in photodynamic therapy (PDT). 1O2 e other ROS have caused toxic and carcinogenic effects and have been associated with ageing, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Oxidative DNA damage is mainly repaired by base excision repair (BER) pathway. However, recent studies have observed the involvement of nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors in the repair of this type of injury. One of these factors is the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Group A (XPA) protein, which acts with other proteins in DNA damage recognition and in the recruitment of other repair factors. Moreover, oxidative agents such as 1O2 can induce gene expression. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the response of XPA-deficient cells after treatment with photosensitized MB. For this purpose, we analyzed the cell viability and occurrence of oxidative DNA damage in cells lines proficient and deficient in XPA after treatment with MB+VL, and evaluated the expression of this enzyme in proficient and complemented cells. Our results indicate an increased resistance to treatment of complemented cells and a higher level of oxidative damage in the deficient cell lines. Furthermore, the treatment was able to modulate the XPA expression up to 24 hours later. These results indicate a direct evidence for the involvement of NER enzymes in the repair of oxidative damage. Besides, a better understanding of the effects of PDT on the induction of gene expression could be provided

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

Taking Advantage of Electrostatic Interactions To Grow Langmuir-Blodgett Films Containing Multilayers of the Phospholipid Dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into membrane mimetic systems composed by phospholipid layer-by-layer (LbL) films to achieve surface-enhanced Raman scattering as a tool in drug interaction studies

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Coupling Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering and Electronic Tongue as Characterization Tools to Investigate Biological Membrane Mimetic Systems

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Combining SERRS and electrochemistry to characterize sensors based on biomembrane mimetic models formed by phospholipids

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Sensor array made with nanostructured films to detect a phenothiazine compound

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Caracterização e aplicação de vermicultura natural e quimicamente modificada na adsorção de azul de metileno

Chemical modification of clays has been extremely studied in the search for improvements of their properties for use in various areas, such as in combating pollution by industrial effluents and dyes. In this work, the vermiculite was chemically modified in two ways, characterized and evaluated the adsorption of methylene blue dye. First was changed with the addition of a surfactant (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, BHTA) making it an organophilic clay and then by adding an acid (HCl) by acid activation. Some analyzes were performed as X-ray fluorescence (FRX), X-ray diffraction (DRX), adsorption isotherms of methylene blue dye, infrared (FTIR) , scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis and spectroscopy energy dispersive (EDS). Analysis by FRX of natural vermiculite indicates that addition of silicon and aluminum, clay presents in its structure the magnesium, calcium and potassium with 16 % organic matter cations. The DRX analyzes indicated that the organic vermiculite was an insertion of the surfactant in the space between the lamellae, vermiculite and acid partial destruction of the structure with loss of crystallinity. The adsorption isotherms of methylene blue showed that there was a significant improvement in the removal of dye to the vermiculite with the addition of cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and treatment with acid using HCl 2 mol/L. In acid vermiculites subsequently treated with surfactant, the adsorption capacity increased with respect to natural vermiculite, however was much lower compared vermiculite modified with acid and surfactant separately. Only the acidic vermiculite treated with surfactant adjusted to the Langmuir model. As in the infrared spectrometry proved the characteristics of natural vermiculite. In the organic vermiculite was observed the appearance of characteristic bands of CH3, CH2, and (CH3)4N. Already on acid vermiculite, it was realized a partial destruction with decreasing intensity of the characteristic band of vermiculite that is between 1074 and 952 cm-1. In the SEM analysis, it was observed that there was partial destruction to the acid treatment and a cluster is noted between the blades caused by the presence of the surfactant. The TG shows that the higher mass loss occurs at the beginning of the heating caused by the elimination of water absorbed on the surface between layers. In the organic vermiculite also observed a loss of mass between 150 and 300 °C caused decomposition of the alkylammonium molecules (surfactants)

Esophagectomy and substitution of the thoracic esophagus in dogs

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, em cadáveres de cães, uma técnica para remoção do esôfago torácico sem toracotomia e dois métodos de substituição do esôfago torácico. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 27 cadáveres de cães. Estes foram aleatoriamente divididos em três grupos de nove animais, em que se estudou: G1 - esofagectomia torácica total pelo método de invaginação retrógrada; G2 - esofagectomia torácica total com substituição esofágica pelo estômago inteiro; G3 - esofagectomia torácica total com substituição esofágica por um gastrotubo confeccionado de acordo com a técnica de Büchler de gastroplastia por rotação do fundo. Após a ressecção esofágica no grupo 1, a integridade da rota intratorácica foi avaliada por endoscopia e solução de azul de metileno a 1%. RESULTADOS: A ruptura da pleura visceral ocorreu em todos os animais, especialmente no terço caudal. Entretanto, a rota transtorácica mediastinal permitiu a elevação de ambos os substitutos esofágicos (G2 e G3) para a realização da anastomose com a extremidade caudal do esôfago cervical. CONCLUSÕES: A substituição por estômago inteiro apresentou menor tensão na anastomose, maior facilidade e rapidez comparada à técnica de gastroplastia por rotação do fundo. Os resultados em cadáveres suportam a realização de estudos clínicos para validação da técnica.

Avaliação da eficiência da técnica de obturação pela compressão hidrùlica vertical após instrumentação automatizada

The purpose of this study was to evaluate through radiographic and microscopic analysis the efficiency of the filling techniques by vertical hidraulic compression after the root canal mechanical instrumentation in vitro as well to evaluate the marginal apical leakage through macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Thirty human mandibular molars were used , they were divided on three groups, these were subdivided on six subgroups with five specimens each, come down to 106 root canals filled. Initially, the teeth were instrumented with Profile system series 29 and filled with two ways: single accessory cone or single cone associated with gutta-percha secundary cone, with Fill Canal sealer or Sealer 26. Completed the filling, the teeth were coated with araldit and finger -nail polish except for the apical 2 mm and dried for 3 hours, thep radiographs were taken of the teeth in orto and disto-radiai directions. Next, the coronal seal was carried out with composite resin photopolymerized and with their process of making impermeable. Teeth of positive controls were used without araldit and finger-nail polish whereas the negative controls were used with total coat of araldit and finger-nail polish. The specimens were placed in 2% Methylene Blue dye for 24 hours and thermocycled for 7 days. Afterwards, sections were made of each tooth at mesial and distal roat, after this the teeth were radiographed at buccolíngual direction for a macroscopic analysis and at buccolingual and mesiodistal directions for assessment of the marginal apical leakage. Cross sections were made 3 mm to 3mm since the tooth apice. The sections obtained for each group were observed with a stereomicroscope to evaluate the quality of the root canal filling and the marginal apical leakage. The results showed that: In the four techniques the marginal dye leakage was present in the apical third; in all groups the quality of the root canal filling in the radiography was better at mesial root canal and the single cone technique showed inefficient when only a single distal root canal was present. In the radiographic evaluation the best quality of the root canal filling was observed in the 1A group (single accessory cone + FiIl Canal), as in the mesial root as in the distal root wich Shcwed twe root canals: when the distaI root had only one canal. the best result was showed by 28 group (single accessory cone associated with secundary cone + Fill Canal) In the macroscopic analysis of longitudinal !eaKage (outside surface). less leakage was showed as In the mesial root as in the distal root in the negative control group (3) followed 2A group (single accessory cone + Sealer 26). When the microscopic analysis of tranversal leakage of both roots (inside surface) was carried out. the groups that showed less dye leakage were the negative control (38) followed the 28 group (single acessory cone associated with secundary cone + Sealer 26). The homogeneity o filling was best noted in the 1 A group (.single accessoty cone + Fill Canal). The groups that showed less dye penetration in the tranversal leakage (total area) were negative control (3B) and 2B

Aberrant crypt foci and colon cancer: comparison between a short- and medium-term bioassay for colon carcinogenesis using dimethylhydrazine in Wistar rats

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of carcinogen-treated rodents are considered to be the earliest hallmark of colon carcinogenesis. In the present study the relationship between a short-term (4 weeks) and medium-term (30 weeks) assay was assessed in a model of colon carcinogenesis induced by dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in the rat. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were given subcutaneous injections of DMH (40 mg/kg) twice a week for 2 weeks and killed at the end of the 4th or 30th week. ACF were scored for number, distribution pattern along the colon and crypt multiplicity in 0.1% methylene-blue whole-mount preparations. ACF were distinguished from normal crypts by their larger size and elliptical shape. The incidence, distribution and morphology of colon tumors were recorded. The majority of ACF were present in the middle and distal colon of DMH-treated rats and their number increased with time. By the 4th week, 91.5% ACF were composed of one or two crypts and 8.5% had three or more crypts, while by the 30th week 46.9% ACF had three or more crypts. Thus, a progression of ACF consisting of multiple crypts was observed from the 4th to the 30th week. Nine well-differentiated adenocarcinomas were found in 10 rats by the 30th week. Seven tumors were located in the distal colon and two in the middle colon. No tumor was found in the proximal colon. The present data indicate that induction of ACF by DMH in the short-term (4 weeks) assay was correlated with development of well-differentiated adenocarcinomas in the medium-term (30 weeks) assay.

Lack of chemoprevention of dietary Agaricus blazei against rat colonic aberrant crypt foci

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

In vivo effect of photodynamic therapy on periodontal bone loss in dental furcations

Background: The purpose of this study was to histometrically evaluate the influence of photodynamic therapy on bone loss in furcation areas in rats with experimentally induced periodontal disease.Methods: Ligatures were placed on the first mandibular molar in rats. Then the animals were divided into four groups: control group = no treatment; methylene blue group (MB) = treated topically with methylene blue (100 mu g/ml); laser group (LLLT) = treated with low-level laser therapy; and photodynamic therapy group (PDT) = treated topically with MB followed by LLLT (4.5 J/cm(2)). Rats from all groups were sacrificed at 7, 15, or 30 days postoperatively. The area of bone loss in the furcation region of the first molar was histometrically analyzed. Data were analyzed statistically (analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests; P<0.05).Results: The PDT group demonstrated less bone loss compared to the other groups at 7 days (1.986 +/- 0.417 mm(2)); at 15 days, the PDT (1.641 +/- 0.115 mm(2)) and MB groups (1.991 +/- 0.294 mm(2)) demonstrated less bone loss compared to the control (4.062 +/- 0.416 mm(2)) and LLLT (2.641 +/- 0.849 mm(2)) groups.Conclusion: Within the parameters used in this study, PDT may be an effective alternative for control of bone loss in furcation areas in periodontitis.

The antibacterial effect of photodynamic therapy in dental plaque-derived biofilms

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)