Bacterial cellulose-silica organic-inorganic hybrids

Bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrated membranes present nanometric reticulated structure that can be used as a template in the preparation of new organic-inorganic hybrids. BC-silica hybrids were prepared from BC membranes and tetraethoxysilane, (TEOS) at neutral pH conditions at room temperature. Macroscopically homogeneous membranes were obtained containing up to 66 wt.% of silica spheres, 20-30 nm diameter. Scanning electron micrographs clearly show the silica spheres attached to cellulose microfibrils. By removing the cellulose, the silica spheres can be easily recovered. The new hybrids are stable up to 300 degrees C and display a broad emission band under UV excitation assigned to oxygen-related defects at the silica particles surface. Emission color can be tuned by changing the excitation wavelength.

Estudo de materiais mesoporosos funcionalizados com diferentes aminas para captura do dióxido de carbono através do processo de adsorção

Intensive use of machinery and engines burning fuel dumps into the atmosphere huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), causing the intensification of the greenhouse effect. Climate changes that are occurring in the world are directly related to emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, gases, mainly due to the excessive use of fossil fuels. The search for new technologies to minimize the environmental impacts of this phenomenon has been investigated. Sequestration of CO2 is one of the alternatives that can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The CO2 can be captured by the post-combustion technology, by adsorption using adsorbents selective for this purpose. With this objective, were synthesized by hydrothermal method at 100 °C, the type mesoporous materials MCM - 41 and SBA-15. After the synthesis, the materials were submitted to a calcination step and subsequently functionalized with different amines (APTES, MEA, DEA and PEI) through reflux method. The samples functionalized with amines were tested for adsorption of CO2 in order to evaluate their adsorption capacities as well, were subjected to various analyzes of characterization in order to assess the efficiency of the method used for functionalization with amines. The physic-chemical techniques were used: X- ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption and desorption (BET/BJH), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), CNH Analysis, Thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and photoelectron spectroscopy X-ray (XPS). The CO2 adsorption experiments were carried out under the following conditions: 100 mg of adsorbent, at 25 °C under a flow of 100 ml/min of CO2, atmospheric pressure and the adsorption variation in time 10-210 min. The X-ray diffraction with the transmission electron micrographs for the samples synthesized and functionalized, MCM-41 and SBA-15 showed characteristic peaks of hexagonal mesoporous structure formation, showing the structure thereof was obtained. The method used was efficient reflux according to XPS and elemental analysis, which showed the presence of amines in the starting materials. The functionalized SBA -15 samples were those that had potential as best adsorbent for CO2 capture when compared with samples of MCM-41, obtaining the maximum adsorption capacity for SBA-15-P sample

Pancreas Transplantation Prevents Morphologic and Ultrastructural Changes in Pulmonary Parenchyma of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pancreas transplantation (PT) is a suitable method for controlling histopathologic changes in lungs of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Methods. Sixty inbred male Lewis rats were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups: NC, 20 nondiabetic control rats; DC, 20 untreated diabetic control rats; and PT, 20 diabetic rats that received syngeneic PT from normal donor Lewis rats. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups of 10 rats each, which were killed after 4 and 12 weeks of follow-up. Clinical and laboratory parameters, fresh and fixed lung weights, and fixed lung volumes were recorded for all rats. Total number of alveoli, alveolar perimeter, alveolar surface area, and alveolar epithelial (AE) and endothelial capillary (EC) basal laminae thickening were randomly measured in 5 rats from each subgroup by using an image analyzer. For light microscopy, 250 alveoli were analyzed in each subgroup. For electron microscopy, 50 electron micrographs were examined for each subgroup.Results. The DC rats showed elevated blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, with insulin blood levels significantly lower than the NC rats (P < .001). Fresh and fixed lung weights and fixed volumes were significantly reduced in these rats, although their proportions to body weight were increased at 12 weeks (P < .01). The total number of alveoli in diabetic rats was higher than in control rats, whereas alveolar perimeter and surface area were significantly diminished (P < .01). AE and EC basal laminae were significantly thicker in DC than in NC (P < .01). Successful PT corrected all clinical and metabolic changes in diabetic rats, with sustained normoglycemia throughout the study. Morphologic and morphometric changes observed in diabetic lungs were completely prevented in PT rats from 4 weeks after transplant.Conclusion. We conclude that PT can control morphologic and ultrastructural changes in pulmonary parenchyma, suggesting a promising perspective for preventing other chronic diabetic lesions.

Evaluation of enamel surface after bracket debonding and polishing

INTRODUÇÃO: a preservação da estrutura de esmalte após a remoção dos acessórios ortodônticos é obrigação do clínico. Portanto, procura-se um protocolo de descolagem com bases científicas. OBJETIVO: objetivou-se avaliar por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) a influência de quatro protocolos de remoção de braquetes e polimento da superfície do esmalte e propor um protocolo que minimize os danosà superfície do esmalte. MÉTODOS: doze incisivos permanentes bovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com os instrumentos utilizados para a descolagem dos braquetes e remoção do remanescente adesivo. Os braquetes foram descolados com o alicate de descolagem reto (Ormco Corp.) nos grupos 1 e 2, e com o instrumento de descolagem Lift-Off (3M Unitek) nos grupos 3 e 4. Os remanescentes adesivos dos grupos 1 e 3 foram removidos com o alicate removedor de resina longo (Ormco Corp.) e dos grupos 2 e 4 com broca de carboneto de tungstênio (Beavers Dental) em alta-rotação. As superfícies, após cada etapa da descolagem e polimento, foram avaliadas em réplicas de resina epóxica e foram obtidas eletromicrografias com aumento de 50 e 200X. RESULTADOS: os quatro protocolos de remoção de acessórios ortodônticos e polimento ocasionaram irregularidades no esmalte. Conclusão: a remoção do braquete com o alicate de descolagem reto, seguido da remoção do remanescente adesivo com broca de carboneto de tungstênio e polimento final com pasta de pedra-pomes foi o procedimento que ocasionou menores danos ao esmalte, sendo o protocolo sugerido para a remoção dos acessórios ortodônticos.

Tergal glands in termite soldiers of the subfamily Syntermitinae (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Structural and morphological changes in Poly(caprolactone)/poly(vinyl chloride) blends caused by UV irradiation

Films made from a blend of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PCL/PVC) retained high crystallinity in a segregated PCL phase. Structural and morphological changes produced when the films were exposed to high potency ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for 10 h were measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). They were different to those observed with homopolymer PCL and PVC films treated under the same conditions. The FTIR spectra of the PCL/PVC blend suggest that blending decreased the susceptibility of the PCL to crystallize when irradiated. Similarly, although scanning electron micrographs of PCL showed evidence of growth of crystalline domains, particularly after UV irradiation, the images of PCL/PVC were fairly featureless. It is apparent that the degradation behavior is strongly influenced by the interaction of the two polymers in the amorphous phase.

Differential distribution of some extracellular matrix fibers in an experimentally denervated rat megaileum

Absence of enteric neurons is associated with thickening of the intestinal muscularis externa in Chagas' disease. The thickening is due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the smooth muscle cells and increased extracellular matrix components. The influence of the nervous system on the structure of the smooth muscle cells and its associated matrix has been poorly investigated. An experimental model of denervation of the ileum in rats was performed by application of the surfactant agent benzalkonium chloride that selectively destroys the myenteric plexus. Three months later, ileal tissue samples were obtained and studied by histochemistry and transmission electron microsocopy. Sham operated rats were used as controls. The diameter of collagen fibrils was evaluated in electron micrographs. The histopathological analysis showed thickening of the muscular layer. The thin and weakly arranged collagen and reticulin fibers surrounding the smooth muscle cells, observed in control cases by Picrosirius polarization (PSP) stain method, corresponded to a population of loosely packed thin collagen fibrils of uniform diameters (mean = 29.16 nm) at the ultrastructural level. In contrast, the thick and strongly birefringent fibers around the muscle cells, observed in the treated group, stained by PSP, corresponded to densely packed thicker fibrils with large variation in diameter (mean = 39.41 nm). Comparison of the data demonstrated statistically significant difference between the groups suggesting that the replacement of loosely arranged reticulin fibers by fibrous tissue (with typical collagen fiber), may alter the biomechanical function resulting in impairment of muscular contraction. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of acid-methanol treatment on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of cassava and maize starches

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

Morphology of trichomes in Tibouchina sect. Pleroma (D-Don) Cogn. (Melastomataceae)

The Melastomataceae display greater trichome diversity. Dr. Wurdack, in his Atlas of hairs, recognized 46 types of trichomes for the Neotropical Melastomataceae through the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and referred 17 of them to the genus Tibouchina. The trichome morphology has been extensively used in the delimitation of the taxa in Melastomataceae, as well as in previous studies by Cogniaux, the monograph of Brazilian Melastomataceae published in 1885. The morphology of the trichomes was essential for the delimitation of several species in Tibouchina section Pleroma. The use of SEM provided the best characterization of the 15 different types of trichomes recognized among the 41 species examined. These were described based on the morphological appearance, both optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and illustrated by scanning electron micrographs and photomicrographs.

Morfologia dos tricomas em Tibouchina sect. Pleroma (D. Don) cogn. (melastomataceae)

Melastomataceae é a família que apresenta a maior diversidade de tricomas. Dr. Wurdack em seu Atlas of hairs reconheceu 46 tipos de tricomas para as Melastomataceae neotropicais com o uso de MEV, e referiu 17 destes para o gênero Tibouchina. em Melastomataceae a morfologia dos tricomas tem sido extensivamente usada na delimitação dos táxons, assim como em estudos que antecederam ao trabalho de Cogniaux, a monografia das Melastomataceae brasileiras publicada em 1885. em Tibouchina sect. Pleroma a morfologia dos tricomas foi substancial para a circunscrição de várias espécies. O uso da MEV permitiu uma caracterização dos 15 tipos diferentes de tricomas observados nas 41 espécies examinadas. Os diferentes tipos são descritos com base no aspecto morfológico tanto em MO como em MEV e ilustrados através de eletromicrografias de varredura e fotomicrografias.

Estudo de alguns esfeitos na precipitação de partículas esféricas de sílica via microemulsão inversa

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

Development of biosensors based on hexacyanoferrates

Ferric and copper hexacyanoferrates (PB and CuHCF, respectively) were electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrodes providing a suitable catalytic surface for the amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. Additionally glucose oxidase was immobilized on top of these electrodes to form glucose biosensors. The biosensors were made by casting glucose oxidase-Nafion layers onto the surface of the modified electrodes. The operational stability of the films and the biosensors were evaluated by injecting a standard solution (5 mu M H2O2 for PB, 5 mM H2O2 for CuHCF and 1.5 mM glucose for both) over 5-10 h in a now-injection system with the electrodes polarized at - 50 (PB) and -200 mV (CuHCF) versus Ag/AgCl, respectively. The glucose biosensors demonstrated suitability for glucose determination: 0.0-2.5 mM (R-2 = 0.9977) for PB and 0.0-10 mM (R-2 = 0.9927) for CuHCF, respectively. The visualization of the redox catalyst modifiers (PB and CuHCF films) was presented by scanning electron micrographs. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of cutting patterns produced in primary teeth by an air-abrasion system

Objective: the aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of tip diameter, nozzle distance, and application time of an air-abrasion system for cavity preparation on the enamel of primary teeth. Method and materials: Forty exfoliated primary teeth were air abraded with a microabrasion machine used with a handpiece with an 80-degree-angle nozzle, 50-mum abrasive particle size, and 80-psi air pressure. The effects of 0.38- or 0.48-mm inner tip diameter, 2- or 5-mm distance from tip to tooth surface, and 15 or 30 seconds of application time on cutting efficiency were evaluated. Cutting width and depth were analyzed and measured from scanning electron micrographs. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the width of the cuts was significantly greater when the tip distance was increased. Significantly deeper cavities were produced by a tip with a 0.48-mm inner diameter. The application time did not influence the cuts. Conclusion: the cutting patterns found in this study suggest that precise removal of enamel in primary teeth is best accomplished when a tip with a 0.38-mm inner diameter is used at a 2-mm distance.

Effect of handpiece tip design on the cutting efficiency of an air abrasion system

Purpose : the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nozzle angle and tip diameter on the cutting efficiency of an air abrasion system. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six extracted human third molars were air-abraded with the PrepStar microabrasion machine using a handpiece with either 80degrees or 45degrees nozzle angles with 0.38 or 0.48 nun tip orifice diameters. The following parameters were held constant: abrasive particle size (27 mum), air pressure (80 psi), distance (2 mm.) and duration (15 seconds). The cutting efficiency was compared using enamel, dentin and cementum substrates. Width and depth of the cutting patterns were analyzed and measured using scanning electron micrographs. Results: Statistical analysis using three-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test revealed that the width of the cuts was significantly greater when the cavities were prepared using the 45degrees nozzle angle. Significantly deeper cavities were produced with the 80degrees nozzle angle. The tip orifice of the nozzle influenced the cutting efficiency in softer substrates, dentin and cementum. Precise removal of hard tissue is best accomplished using the 80degrees angle nozzle tips for all types of tooth surfaces, enamel, dentin and cementum.

Study of KCl + x% in and KCl + y% TlCl thin films

The present work reports the study of KCl thin films doped with In+ or Tl+. Both systems show optical absorption bands similar to single crystals. As the impurity concentration increases, so does the absorption as also the half band width, unlike in KCl: Cu+ films. Further experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X-ray observations were used and comparative analysis with KCl : Cu+ films reveals new conditions for better crystallinity of the samples.