In the North of Brazil (Pará and Amazonas states) the leaves of the plant Talinum triangulare (popular: cariru) replace spinach as food. From a phytochemical point of view, they are rich in compounds ...of the group of pheophytins. These substances, related to chlorophyll, have photophysical properties that give them potential application in photodynamic therapy. Human serum albumin (HSA) is one of the main endogenous vehicles for biodistribution of molecules by blood plasma. Association constants and thermodynamic parameters for the interaction of HSA with pheophytin from Talinum triangulare were studied by UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence techniques, and molecular modeling (docking). Fluorescence quenching of the HSA's internal fluorophore (tryptophan) at temperatures 296 K, 303 K, and 310 K, resulted in values for the association constants of the order of 10⁴ L∙mol(-1), indicating a moderate interaction between the compound and the albumin. The negative values of ΔG° indicate a spontaneous process; ΔH° = 15.5 kJ∙mol(-1) indicates an endothermic process of association and ΔS° = 0.145 kJ∙mol(-1)∙K(-1) shows that the interaction between HSA and pheophytin occurs mainly by hydrophobic factors. The observed Trp fluorescence quenching is static: there is initial non-fluorescent association, in the ground state, HSA:Pheophytin. Possible solution obtained by a molecular docking study suggests that pheophytin is able to interact with HSA by means of hydrogen bonds with three lysine and one arginine residues, whereas the phytyl group is inserted in a hydrophobic pocket, close to Trp-214.
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•Pilot-scale microbial oil production from yeast with high productivity (0.44g/L.h).•Sugarcane juice as a powerful feedstock for biodiesel production (4172L/ha).•Excellent performance ...of microbial biodiesel in engine tests with lower pollutant emissions.•Competitive microbial biodiesel (US$ 0.76/L) compared to biodiesel from soybean oil.
A successful pilot-scale process for biodiesel production from microbial oil (Biooil) produced by Rhodosporidium toruloides DEBB 5533 is presented. Using fed-batch strategy (1000L working volume), a lipid productivity of 0.44g/L.h was obtained using a low-cost medium composed by sugarcane juice and urea. The microbial oil was used for biodiesel production and its performance was evaluated in diesel engine tests, showing very good performance, especially for the blend B20 SCO, when operating at 2500rpm with lower pollutant emissions (CO2 – 220% less; CO – 7-fold less; NOX 50% less and no detectable HC emissions (<0.11ppm)) when compared with the blends of standard biofuel from soybean oil. A preliminary analysis showed that microbial biodiesel is economically competitive (US$ 0.76/L) when compared to the vegetable biodiesel (US$ 0.81/L). Besides, the yield of biodiesel from microbial oil is higher (4172L/ha of cultivated sugarcane) that represents 6.3-fold the yield of standard biodiesel (661L/ha of cultivated soybean).
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite with an estimated 70 million people at risk. Traditionally, parasite presence in triatomine vectors is detected ...through optical microscopy which can be low in sensitivity or molecular techniques which can be costly in endemic countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a reagent-free technique, the Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid and non-invasive detection of T. cruzi in Triatoma infestans body parts and in wet/dry excreta samples of the insect. NIRS was 100% accurate for predicting the presence of T. cruzi infection Dm28c strain (TcI) in either the midgut or the rectum and models developed from either body part could predict infection in the other part. Models developed to predict infection in excreta samples were 100% accurate for predicting infection in both wet and dry samples. However, models developed using dry excreta could not predict infection in wet samples and vice versa. This is the first study to report on the potential application of NIRS for rapid and non-invasive detection of T. cruzi infection in T. infestans in the laboratory. Future work should demonstrate the capacity of NIRS to detect T. cruzi in triatomines originating from the field.
Whether fresh or salty, water is a unique resource, a continuum interlinked by the hydrological cycle. It forms a complex system connected to the landscape. When the landscape is altered, water flows ...and their benefits are impacted. Degraded land compromises water resources. The governance and management of landscape and water resources are handled in a fragmented manner and in separate contexts. The Source-to-Sea approach offers an integrative vision based on systems thinking that focuses its concerns on the interaction among parts, flows, and processes. It proposes a framework for the governance and management of freshwater and marine water but does not bring the landscape into the context of the approach. This research used an analytical-deductive method to explore the interactions and connections between the Source-to-sea approach, landscape concepts and approaches, and the guidelines of the European Landscape Convention. The main objective was to identify and assess the feasibility of integrating these elements. The integration resulted in a governance and management approach termed the S2S Landscape approach. It is grounded in systems thinking, practical learning, active participation, and adaptive governance and management, providing an integrated vision between landscape and water. The approach includes four essential steps (Comprehension, Involvement, Planning, and Execution and Monitoring) that address the complex connections that freshwater and marine water maintain in the landscape, considering physical, biological, socio-environmental, and economic aspects across all segments, from the land to the open sea. This S2S Landscape approach may be the path to address the challenges of governance and sustainable management of resources in an interconnected and constantly changing world.
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•It focuses on landscape-water interfaces through the lens of the hydrological cycle.•Source-to-Sea Landscape Approach unifies land-water and policy frameworks.•Scenarios in the S2S Landscape help anticipate changes and navigate uncertainties.•As S2S Landscape's learning increases, the scale expands, fostering a dynamic cycle.•It encompasses systems thinking, innovations, participation, and adaptive governance.
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•Neutrophils are an immunological and diffuse source of neurotransmitters.•Neutrophils regulate sensory neuron functions and vice-versa.•Neutrophils play a crucial role in ...inflammatory disorders in the central nervous system.
Neutrophils are peripheral immune cells that represent the first recruited innate immune defense against infections and tissue injury. However, these cells can also induce overzealous responses and cause tissue damage. Although the role of neutrophils activating the immune system is well established, only recently their critical implications in neuro-immune interactions are becoming more relevant. Here, we review several aspects of neutrophils in the bidirectional regulation between the nervous and immune systems. First, the role of neutrophils as a diffuse source of acetylcholine and catecholamines is controversial as well as the effects of these neurotransmitters in neutrophil’s functions. Second, neutrophils contribute for the activation and sensitization of sensory neurons, and thereby, in events of nociception and pain. In addition, nociceptor activation promotes an axon reflex triggering a local release of neural mediators and provoking neutrophil activation. Third, the recruitment of neutrophils in inflammatory responses in the nervous system suggests these immune cells as innovative targets in the treatment of central infectious, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Multidisciplinary studies involving immunologists and neuroscientists are required to define the role of the neurons-neutrophils communication in the pathophysiology of infectious, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
Metal nanoparticles are a promising approach for the development of new antimicrobial systems. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have a significant antibacterial activity through bacterial surface ...adsorption and oxidative stress induction, as indicated by recent observations. This research aimed to use endophytic fungi from the genus
Trichoderma
spp. isolated from the
Bertholletia excelsa
(Brazil-nut) seeds and the soil to biosynthesize AgNPs and also test their antibacterial activity. The use of these fungi for this purpose not only valorizes the Amazon biodiversity but it also uses cleaner and cheaper processes, being part of the Green Chemistry concept. The particles were analyzed through Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy and ZetaSizer and the band of absorption at 420 nm was analyzed through Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance. After characterization, the AgNP were tested for antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains, when it was observed that their antibacterial activity was superior in Gram-negative bacteria.
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Monteiro, R. and Ferreira, J.C., 2020. Green infrastructure planning as a climate change and risk adaptation tool in coastal urban areas. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues ...of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 889–893. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The green infrastructure of Setúbal is an environmental and land management planning tool that recognizes the territorial ecological systems and guides in a sustainable way the occupation and transformation of the territory, and it was developed based on three main elements – georeferenced-based information, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the territory, and technical meetings. The green infrastructure of Setúbal covers about 90% of the municipality – including urban areas –, 30% more than the land covered by other protected areas restrictions owned by the municipality – Arrábida Natural Park, Natural Reserve of Sado Estuary and Natura 2000 Network. As a climate change adaptation tool, this instrument promotes the development of measures that encourages citizens to adopt actions that contribute to the municipality's resilience.
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•Hybrid nanocomposites of SEBS/GnP/CNT were prepared by melt compounding.•The electrical conductivity was enhanced by 17 orders of magnitude.•The higher EMI-SE was 36.47 dB (99.98% ...attenuation) achieved in the SEBS/GnP/CNT.•Results confirm synergic effect between GnP and CNT regarding EMI-SE.
Hybrid nanocomposites of poly (styrene-b-ethylene-ran-butylene-b-styrene) (SEBS), graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), and carbon nanotubes (CNT) were successfully prepared by melt compounding for electromagnetic shielding applications. The morphologies of the carbon nanoadditives and nanocomposites were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, and rheological analysis. DC electrical conductivity was assessed by two-probe and four-probe techniques. Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, shielding mechanisms, and dielectric properties were conducted in the X-band microwave frequency range (8.2–12.4GHz). The results showed that CNT had a higher affinity with the matrix, and were better dispersed than GnP. SEBS/GnP/CNT nanocomposites induced an electrical conductivity increase of 17 orders of magnitude compared to the polymer matrix. The hybrid nanocomposites presented synergic effects on EMI-SE when compared to the single-component nanocomposites (SEBS/GnP and SEBS/CNT). The maximum EMI-SE of 36.47dB (reduction of 99.98% of the incident radiation) was achieved for the SEBS/GnP/CNT nanocomposite with 5/10wt.% of GnP/CNT, respectively. All the hybrid nanocomposites with CNT loadings equal to or higher than 8wt.% presented the required EMI-SE for commercial applications.
Green infrastructure planning has been receiving great attention since the end of the last century. Although green infrastructure has been known for its ability to respond to a wide range of ...environmental, social, and economic challenges, the concept and associated implementation measures are still being discussed among researchers, decision-makers, and practitioners. To help these discussions, several authors have identified green infrastructure planning principles to help these professional with planning procedures. However the perception of practitioners regarding these principles was never taken into consideration. Because of this, the purpose of this research is to learn about the priorities of urban planners regarding green infrastructure planning principles and their integration into spatial planning. To achieve this, an Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology was applied to urban planners working in the 17 municipalities of Lisbon Metropolitan Area, in order to prioritize the green infrastructure planning principles influencing GI design and development in urban areas. Experts were asked to prioritize eight primary green infrastructure planning principles: connectivity, multi-functionality, applicability, integration, diversity, multiscale, governance, and continuity. The results show that the most important green infrastructure planning principle for practitioners is connectivity, followed by multifunctionality and applicability. Both integration and multiscale principles were considered more important in municipalities with predominantly urban features.
Some studies have shown differences in specific cognitive ability domains between the sexes at 60 years‐of‐age. However is important to analyze whether the rate of cognitive decline is also similar ...between the sexes after this age. The present study examined previously published literature to investigate whether cognitive decline is distinct between men and women after the age of 60 years. A systematic review was carried out with the PubMed, LILACS and PsycINFO databases (2001–2011) using the following search terms: aging, aged, cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, mental health and cognition. We analyzed longitudinal research that used neuropsychological tests for evaluating cognitive function, showed results separated by sex and that excluded participants with dementia. Elderly women showed better performance in tests of episodic memory, whereas elderly men had a better visuospatial ability. Only one study detected distinct rates of cognitive decline in specific tests between the sexes. Despite differences observed in some domains, most of the studies showed that this rate is similar between the sexes until the age of 80 years. It is unclear whether sex influences the rate of cognitive decline after the age of 80 years. The present review observed that sex does not determine the rate of cognitive decline between 60 and 80 years‐of‐age. The contextual and cultural factors that involve men and women might determine a distinct decline between them, rather than sex alone. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 23–31.
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