Watershed-scale runoff routing and solute transport in a spatially aggregated hydrological framework

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies

Characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV seropositive and seronegative patients in a Northeastern region of Brazil

The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical, epidemiological and bacteriological features present in 60 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were also infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to compare these with 120 TB patients who were not infected with HIV. The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV coinfection were mostly male (p = 0.001), showed a higher frequency of weight loss >10 kilos (p <0.001), had a higher rate of non-reaction result to the tuberculin skin test (p <0.001), a higher frequency of negative sputum smear examination for acid-fast bacilli (p = 0.001) and negative sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (p = 0.001). Treatment failure was more common in those who were HIV positive (p <0.000). No higher frequency of resistance to antituberculosis drugs was found to be associated with TB/HIV coinfection (p = 0.407). Association between extrapulmonary and pulmonary tuberculosis was more frequent in those seropositive to HIV than those without HIV virus, 30% and 1.6% respectively. These findings showed a predominance of atypical clinical laboratory features in co-infected patients, and suggest that health care personnel should consider the possibility this diagnosis.

Staging the Scientist: The Representation of Science and its Processes in American and British Drama

Dissertação apresentada para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Estudos Ingleses e Norte Americanos

Molecular characterization of the hepatitis B virus in autochthonous and endogenous populations in the Western Brazilian Amazon

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health issue worldwide. Hepatitis B virus is classified into eight genotypes, varying from A to H, with distinct geographical distributions. In Brazil, the most frequent genotypes are A, D, and F. METHODS: This study aimed to characterize the HBV genotypes in cases of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infections in an endemic area in the Western Brazilian Amazon. We analyzed 86 serum samples reactive for HBsAg from indigenous and non-indigenous populations obtained from previous serological surveys. RESULTS: Of the 86 reactive serum samples, 39 were found to be HBV-DNA-positive by semi-nested PCR. The genotypes were established by sequencing the amplified S gene region. We obtained 20 sequences classified into three genotypes: A, D, and F. Genotype A was the most frequent (60%), followed by D (35%) and F (5%). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the HBV genotypes reflected the pattern of historical occupation of the region.

Absence of HTLV-1/2 infection and dermatological diseases in Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil

Introduction The prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) infection is heterogeneous across different populations. We tested the hypothesis that HTLV-1/2 infection occurs more often in dermatological patients. Methods A total of 1,091 patients from a tropical dermatology clinic were tested for HTLV-1/2. In parallel, 6865 first-time blood donors from the same geographic area were screened for HTLV-1/2; HTLV-1/2 positive blood donors underwent dermatological examinations. Results The prevalence of HTLV-1/2 in first-time blood donors was 0.14%. No co-occurrence of HTLV-1/2 infection and dermatological conditions was observed. Conclusions Our results challenge the hypothesis that HTLV-1/2 infection occurs more often in dermatological patients.

Emergent and re-emergent parasites in HIV-infected children: immunological and socio-environmental conditions that are involved in the transmission of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Emergent and re-emergent waterborne protozoans have become a worldwide public health problem, especially among vulnerable groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 17 HIV-infected children and their families. RESULTS: A high (76.5%) percentage of parasite-infected children was observed, even among children with CD4+ T-cell counts of >200 cells/mm3. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp. were observed in 41.2% of these children Low income, poor hygiene practices, and co-infection in domestic, peridomestic and scholastic environments were significant sources of these intestinal infections. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and socio-educational interventions may improve the health conditions of this vulnerable population.

Leaf micronutrient concentrations and potential photosynthesis in Ochroma pyramidale established in a degraded land

In the Brazilian Amazon, large areas of abandoned lands may revert to secondary forest. In the process, pioneer tree species have an important role to restore productivity in old fields and improve environmental conditions. To determine potential photosynthesis (Apot), stomatal conductance (g), transpiration (E), and leaf micronutrient concentrations in Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban a study was carried out in the Brazilian Amazon (01o 51' S; 60o 04' W). Photosynthetic parameters were measured at increasing [CO2], saturating light intensity (1 mmol (photons) m-2 s-1), and ambient temperature. The rate of electron-transport (J), Apot,and water-use efficiency (WUE) increased consistently at increasing internal CO2 concentration (Ci). Conversely, increasing [CO2] decreased gs, E, and photorespiration (Pr). At the CO2-saturated region of the CO2 response curve (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(air), J was 120 μmol (e-) m-2s-1 and Apot reached up to 24 μmol (CO2) m-2s-1. Likewise, at saturating C1 g and E were 30 and 1.4 mmol (H2O) m-2s-1, respectively, and P 2 r about 1.5 μmol (CO2) m-2s-1. Foliar nutrients were 185, 134, 50, and 10 μmol (element) m-2 (leaf area) for Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, respectively. It was concluded that [CO ] probably limits light saturated photosynthesis in this site. Furthermore, from a nutritional point of view, the low Fe to Cu ratio (15:1) may reflect nutritional imbalance in O. pyramidale at this site.

Algorithms and tools for in silico design of cell factories

PhD thesis in Bioengineering

Advances and future challenges in printed batteries

There is an increasing interest in thin and flexible energy storage devices to meet modern society needs for applications such as, radio frequency sensing, interactive packaging and other consumer products. Printed batteries comply these requirements and are an excellent alternative to conventional batteries for many applications. Flexible and micro-batteries are also included in the area of printed batteries whenever fabricated by printing technologies. The main characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, developments, and printing techniques of printed batteries are presented and discussed in this review. The state-of-art takes into account both the research and industrial levels. In the academic one, the research progress of printed batteries is summarized divided in lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), zinc-manganese dioxide (Zn-MnO2), and other battery types with emphasis on the different materials for anode, cathode and separator as well as in the battery design. With respect to the industrial state-of-art, materials, device formulations and manufacturing techniques are presented. Finally, the prospects and challenges of printed batteries are discussed.

Mechanical vs. electrical hysteresis of carbon nanotube/styrene-butadiene-styrene composites and their influence in the electromechanical response

The interesting properties of thermoplastics elastomers can be combined with carbon nanotubes (CNT) for the development of large strain piezoresistive composites for sensor applications. Piezoresistive properties of the composites depend on CNT content, with the gauge factor increasing for concentrations around the percolation threshold, mechanical and electrical hysteresis. The SBS copolymer composition (butadiene/styrene ratio) influences the mechanical and electrical hysteresis of composites and, therefore, the piezoresistive response. This work reports on the electrical and mechanical response of CNT/SBS composites with 4%wt nanofiller content, due to the larger electromechanical response. C401 and C540 SBS copolymers with 80% and 60% butadiene content, respectively have been selected. The copolymer with larger amount of soft phase (C401) shows a rubber-like mechanical behavior, with mechanical hysteresis increasing linearly with strain until 100% strain. The copolymer with the larger amount of hard phase (C540) just shows rubber-like behavior for low strains. The piezoresistive sensibility is similar for both composites for low strains, with a GF≈ 5 for 5% strain. The electrical hysteresis shows opposite behavior than the mechanical hysteresis, increasing with strain for both composites, but with higher increase for softer copolymer, C401. The GF increases with increasing strain, but this increase is larger for composites with lower amounts of soft phase due to the distinct initial modulus and deformation of the soft and hard phases of the copolymer. The soft phase shows larger strain under a given stress than the harder phase and the conductive pathway rearrangements in the composites are different for both phases, the harder copolymer (C540) showing higher piezoresistive sensibility, GF≈ 18, for 20% strain.

Piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) microstructure and poling state in active tissue engineering

Tissue engineering often rely on scaffolds for supporting cell differentiation and growth. Novel paradigms for tissue engineering include the need of active or smart scaffolds in order to properly regenerate specific tissues. In particular, as electrical and electromechanical clues are among the most relevant ones in determining tissue functionality in tissues such as muscle and bone, among others, electroactive materials and, in particular, piezoelectric ones, show strong potential for novel tissue engineering strategies, in particular taking also into account the existence of these phenomena within some specific tissues, indicating their requirement also during tissue regeneration. This referee reports on piezoelectric materials used for tissue engineering applications. The most used materials for tissue engineering strategies are reported together with the main achievements, challenges and future needs for research and actual therapies. This review provides thus a compilation of the most relevant results and strategies and a start point for novel research pathways in the most relevant and challenging open questions.

Discussing Chevalier’s data on the efficiency of tariffs for american and french canals in the 1830s

This article revisits Michel Chevalier’s work and discussions of tariffs. Chevalier shifted from Saint-Simonism to economic liberalism during his life in the 19th century. His influence was soon perceived in the political world and economic debates, mainly because of his discussion of tariffs as instruments of efficient transport policies. This work discusses Chevalier’s thoughts on tariffs by revisiting his masterpiece, Le Cours d’Économie Politique. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was conducted to test Chevalier’s hypothesis on the inefficiency of French tariffs. This work showed that Chevalier’s claims on French tariffs are not validated by DEA.

The cystic fibrosis microbiome in an ecological perspective and its impact in antibiotic therapy

The recent focus on the cystic fibrosis (CF) complex microbiome has led to the recognition that the microbes can interact between them and with the host immune system, affecting the disease progression and treatment routes. Although the main focus remains on the interactions between traditional pathogens, growing evidence supports the contribution and the role of emergent species. Understanding the mechanisms and the biological effects involved in polymicrobial interactions may be the key to improve effective therapies and also to define new strategies for disease control. This review focuses on the interactions between microbe-microbe and host-microbe, from an ecological point of view, discussing their impact on CF disease progression. There are increasing indications that these interactions impact the success of antimicrobial therapy. Consequently, a new approach where therapy is personalized to patients by taking into account their individual CF microbiome is suggested.

Resource partitioning and ecomorphological variation in two syntopic species of Lebiasinidae (Characiformes) in an Amazonian stream

ABSTRACTResource partitioning is important for species coexistence. Species with similar ecomorphology are potential competitors, especially when phylogenetically close, due to niche conservatism. The aim of this study was to investigate the resource partitioning among populations of two species of lebiasinids (Copella nigrofasciata and Pyrrhulina aff. brevis) that co-occur in a first-order Amazonian stream, analyzing the trophic ecology, feeding strategies and ecomorphological attributes related to the use of food and space by these species. Fish were captured in May and September 2010. The stomach contents of 60 individuals were analyzed and quantified volumetrically to characterize the feeding ecology of both species. Eleven morphological attributes were measured in 20 specimens and combined in nine ecomorphological indices. Both species had an omnivorous-invertivorous diet and consumed predominantly allochthonous items. Both showed a tendency to a generalist diet, but intrapopulational variation in resource use was also detected. Overall feeding niche overlap was high, but differed between seasons: low during the rainy season and high in the dry season. In the latter, the food niche overlap was asymmetric because C. nigrofasciata consumed several prey of P. aff. brevis, which reduced its food spectrum. The ecomorphological analysis suggests that C. nigrofasciatahas greater swimming capacity (greater relative length of caudal peduncle) than P. aff. brevis, which has greater maneuverability and tendency to inhabit lentic environments (greater relative depth of the body). Our results demonstrate that these species have similar trophic ecology and suggest a spatial segregation, given by morphological differences related to locomotion and occupation of habitat, favoring their coexistence.

Neurocognitive profile and cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease

Tese de Doutoramento em Psicologia (Especialidade de Psicologia Clínica)