Peloideterapia en adultos mayores con osteoartrosis de rodilla. Yaguaramas, 2021

Fundamento el incremento de la esperanza de vida viene aparejado con la necesidad del adulto mayor de desenvolverse en su medio y garantizar una longevidad plena. Objetivo determinar la efectividad de la peloideterapia en adultos mayores con osteoartrosis de rodilla. Métodos se realizó un estudio de intervención, cuasi experimental, en 30 pacientes con osteoartrosis de rodilla, seleccionados mediante aleatorización simple, quienes fueron atendidos en el área de salud de Yaguaramas (Abreus, Cienfuegos), en el período comprendido entre marzo y junio de 2021. Se realizó una encuesta general. La evolución del dolor se determinó mediante la escala de Likert, y la limitación articular se analizó mediante la medición del arco articular de la rodilla con el goniómetro. Resultados predominaron los pacientes del grupo de edades de 66-70 años y del sexo femenino; con tiempo de evolución entre 5-10 años (60 %); y con ambas rodillas afectadas (56,7%). Los principales signos y síntomas fueron el dolor (100 %) y la limitación del movimiento articular (93,3 %), los cuales disminuyeron tras el tratamiento. El 53,3 % refirió dolor ligero antes del tratamiento; después del tratamiento el 83,3 % describió ausencia de dolor. El 76,7 % de los pacientes manifestó limitación en la flexión de la rodilla, que después del tratamiento disminuyó a 13,3 %. Conclusiones la peloideterapia influye positivamente en los adultos mayores con osteoartrosis de rodilla, al mejorar su estado funcional e independencia personal, además de reducir las demandas de servicios médicos.

Background the increase in life expectancy is coupled with the elderly's need to function in its media and guarantee full longevity. Objective to determine the effectiveness of peloidtherapy in older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Method a quasi-experimental intervention study was carried out in 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, selected by simple randomization, who were treated in the health area of Yaguaramas (Abreus, Cienfuegos), between March and June of 2021. A general survey was carried out. The evolution of pain was determined using the Likert scale, and joint limitation was analyzed by measuring the knee joint arc with the goniometer. Results there was a predominance of patients in the age group of 66-70 years old and of the female sex; with evolution time between 5-10 years (60%); and with both knees affected (56.7%). The main signs and symptoms were pain (100%) and limitation of joint movement (93.3%), which decreased after treatment. 53.3% reported light pain before treatment; after treatment, 83.3% described absence of pain. 76.7% of the patients manifested limitation in knee flexion, which after treatment decreased to 13.3%. Conclusions peloidtherapy has a positive influence on older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, by improving their functional status and personal independence, as well as reducing the demands for medical services.

Solid-state properties of pink clay from Jequitinhonha Valley in Brazil for pre-formulation study

Abstract Clay minerals are still widely used in pharmaceutical products for human health and cosmetic purposes. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to identify solid-state properties of pink clay, a sample from Diamantina, Brazil. Among the solid properties to be analyzed, we have selected type identification, iron phases, crystallinity, powder flow characteristics, thermal behavior, and non-isothermal phase transition kinetics. The pink clay is composed of (1:1) clay type and kaolinite as the main component. The Mössbauer spectrum of pink clay shows Fe3+(α-Fe2O3) Clay minerals are still widely used in pharmaceutical products for human health and cosmetic purposes. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to identify solid-state properties of pink clay, a sample from Diamantina, Brazil. Among the solid properties to be analyzed, we have selected type identification, iron phases, crystallinity, powder flow characteristics, thermal behavior, and non-isothermal phase transition kinetics. The pink clay is composed of (1:1) clay type and kaolinite as the main component. The Mössbauer spectrum of pink clay shows Fe3+(α-Fe2O3) hematite, Fe2+, and Fe3+ with large Δ/2ξq of about 2.80 and 2.69 mm.s-1 respectively, related to iron silicates, most likely pyroxene, and a superparamagnetic Fe3+. Pink clay exhibits poor flow properties. The thermal behavior indicates a phase-transition between 400 - 600 ºC associated with the dehydroxylation of the pink clay system requiring ~300 kJ mol-1, being constant until the process reaches a conversion of ~50% when the energy is enhanced to ~530 kJ mol-1, concluding the whole dehydroxylation process (α=80%). Solid-state properties and characteristics found for the pink clay must be considered for the proper design of formulations. This type of clay shows unique pharmaceutical properties that can be favorably exploited by the cosmetic industry

Uso de argilas expansivas em camadas de impermeabilização de coberturas de aterros sanitários no Nordeste do Brasil / Use of expansive clays in waterproofing layers of landfill of the final cover in Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Os aterros sanitários são obras construídas para o confinamento seguro dos resíduos sólidos e, entre seus elementos de projeto, destaca-se a camada de impermeabilização da cobertura final, frequentemente construída com solo argiloso, que deve, entre outras funções, minimizar ao máximo a infiltração de águas pluviais para o interior do aterro e o fluxo de gases com o meio ambiente. As características físicas, químicas e mineralógicas dos materiais dessa camada devem ser analisadas para a avaliar seu potencial de utilização. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de argilas expansivas, sujeitas à variação de umidade, como material impermeabilizante de cobertura de aterros sanitários, sendo caracterizadas duas amostras por meio de ensaios geotécnicos. As características foram compatíveis com os requisitos exigidos nas normas consultadas. A parte superior de uma camada de argila compactada foi reproduzida com uma das amostras em um modelo experimental, sujeita à secagem, com observação da formação de trincas e medições do teor de umidade ao longo do tempo e profundidade. A formação de trincas na superfície se iniciou para teores de umidade acima do limite de plasticidade. A aplicação de uma carga hidráulica na superfície após a etapa de secagem resultou em um fechamento das trincas em razão da expansão da argila, indicando eficiência na restrição de entrada de águas pluviais. No entanto, o uso de material expansivo para esse fim deve ser investigado quanto ao seu desempenho em campo, tanto na fase de construção, durante a compactação, quanto de operação, quando estará sujeito às variações climáticas.

ABSTRACT Solid waste landfills are works built to contain solid urban waste, being the most used final disposal method in Brazil. One of the most important components of the project is the final cover, the low hydraulic conductivity layer, with clayey materials, which has the function of minimizing the infiltration of rainwater into the landfill and the entry and exit of gases. The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of clayey materials must be analyzed for potential use as a cover layer. The present work aimed to evaluate the use of clays, with expansive characteristics, subject to water content variations, as cover material in landfills, being characterized two clay samples through geotechnical tests. The characterization indicated samples with characteristics compatible with the requirements demanded by the consulted standards. One of them was used in a laboratory model and reproduced the upper part of a layer of compacted clay, subject to drying on the surface, with observation of the formation of cracks, and with measurements of the water content over time and depth. Cracks on the clay surface occurred during the drying process, starting for water contents above the limit of plasticity of the clay. The application of a hydraulic head on the surface, after the drying step, resulted in cracks closure, due to the expansion of the clay, indicating efficiency in the restriction of rainwater entry. However, the use of expansive material for this purpose should be investigated regarding its performance in the field, both in the construction phase, during compaction, and in operation, subject to climatic variations.

Do chão do pátio a um encontro possível: argila no tratamento de um paciente psiquiátrico / Desde el piso del patio a un posible encuentro: la arcilla en el tratamiento de un paciente psiquiátrico / From the courtyard to a possible encounter: clay on the treatment of a psychiatric patient

O presente texto tem como objetivo fazer um relato da experiência do atendimento psicológico realizado com um paciente residente em um hospital especializado em saúde mental. Ele apresentava sintomas de auto e heteroagressões, além de realizar um ritual de passar as próprias fezes nas paredes do hospital. Foi proposta uma intervenção com o uso da argila como recurso expressivo. Esse material foi apresentado ao paciente durante as sessões que ocorriam três vezes por semana durante o período de um ano. Ao longo do trabalho foi possível perceber a melhora dos sintomas agressivos e a remissão dos rituais com as fezes. A argila proporcionou uma despotencialização dos conteúdos agressivos da psiquê do cliente e serviu como objeto intermediário entre paciente e psicoterapeuta.

Este texto tiene como objetivo relatar la experiencia de la atención psicológica brindada a un paciente que reside en un hospital especializado en salud mental. Mostró síntomas de autoagresión y hetero agresión, además de realizar un ritual de pasar sus propias heces por las paredes del hospital. Se propuso una intervención con arcilla como recurso expresivo. Este material fue presentado al paciente durante las sesiones que se realizaron tres veces por semana durante el período de un año. A lo largo del trabajo se pudo notar la mejoría de los síntomas agresivos y la remisión de los rituales con las heces. La arcilla proporcionó un desempoderamiento de los contenidos agresivos de la psique del cliente y sirvió como un objeto intermediario entre el paciente y el psicoterapeuta.

This article aims to report the experience of psychological treatment offered to a patient who lived in a hospital specialized in mental health. He presented symptoms of self and hetero-aggressive outbursts, in addition to a ritual of spreading his own feces on the hospital walls. An intervention with the use of clay was proposed as an expressive resource. This material was shown to the patient during the sessions that occurred three times a week over one year. During the process, it was possible to see the improvement on the aggressive symptoms and the remission of the rituals with the feces. The clay provided the de-potentialization of the aggressive contents of the client's psyche and acted as an intermediary object between patient and therapist.

Efecto de la terapia de arte con arcilla como abordaje terapéutico no farmacológico en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson: una revisión integrativa / Effect of clay art therapy as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach in patients with Parkinson's disease: an integrative review

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es un trastorno neurodegenerativo que altera significativamente la capacidad motora, el estado de ánimo y la calidad de vida del individuo. La terapia farmacológica actual se centra en el manejo de la sintomatologia, por lo que la terapia de arte, destacando la arcilla, se ha propuesto recientemente como una terapia adyuvante no farmacológica para atenuar muchas de las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad. Por esta razón, se planteó como objetivo principal evaluar la evidencia científica reciente acerca del efecto de dicha terapia sobre las funciones motoras, afectivas y conductuales en los pacientes con EP. Para lograrlo, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO host, Scielo, Elsevier, Science Direct y Scholar Google, empleando como palabras clave "Parkinson's disease" y "clay art therapy" y el operador booleano "AND". Se consideraron los trabajos publicados entre enero del 2008 y diciembre del 2019 y, tras establecer los criterios de inclusión, cuatro estudios fueron elegibles. Esta revisión demuestra el efecto beneficioso de la terapia de arte con arcilla como un abordaje no farmacológico complementario para mejorar las funciones afectivas y conductuales (depresión, ansiedad, pensamientos obsesivo-compulsivos, fobia y angustia) de los pacientes con EP. Sin embargo, las escalas implementadas en los estudios seleccionados no son suficientes para evaluar un impacto significativo sobre el estado motor o destreza manual de los pacientes, así como su efecto sobre la sintomatologia según el estadio de la enfermedad. Por esto, es menester ampliar las investigaciones en este campo para poder establecer de manera más concluyente el efecto global que produce la intervención artística de manipulación de arcilla sobre esta patología.

SUMMARY Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that significantly alters the motor capacity, mood and quality of life of the individual. Current pharmacological therapy focuses on the management of symptoms, so art therapy, highlighting clay, has recently been proposed as a non-pharmacological adjuvant therapy to attenuate many of the clinical manifestations of the disease. For this reason, the main objective was to evaluate the recent scientific evidence on the effect of art therapy with clay on motor, affective and behavioral functions in patients with PD. To achieve this, a bibliographic search was carried out in the databases PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO host, Scielo, Elsevier, Science direct and Scholar Google, using as keywords "Parkinson's disease" and "clay art therapy" and the Boolean operator 'AND". Studies published between January 2008 and December 2019 were considered and, after establishing the inclusion criteria, 4 studies were eligible. This review demonstrates the beneficial effect of clay art therapy as a complementary non-pharmacological approach to improve affective and behavioral functions (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, phobia and distress) of people with PD. However, the scales implemented in the selected studies are not sufficient to assess a significant impact on the motor state or manual dexterity of the patients, as well as its effect on the symptoms according to the stage of the disease. For this reason, it is necessary to expand research in this field in order to establish more conclusively the global effect that the artistic intervention of clay manipulation produces on this pathology.

Inclusion of kaolin in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle / Caulim na alimentação de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo produtivo

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the inclusion of kaolin levels in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle. A completely randomized design involved the distribution of 288 brown egg layers into six treatments of eight replications, with six birds per replication. When the birds reached the age of 63 weeks, the feeding of the experimental diets began. Diets differed by the inclusion of increasing levels of kaolin: Control (no additive), and the inclusion of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% kaolin. The performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, and excreta moisture were evaluated. The inclusion of kaolin promoted improvement in the jejunum villus height, enabling less feed intake; however, there were no significant differences in egg quality. The excreta moisture decreased linearly as the kaolin level in the diet increased. The inclusion of 5% kaolin in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle improved intestinal morphometry and the quality of excreta through a reduction of moisture.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a inclusão de níveis de caulim na dieta de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo de produção. Foram utilizadas 288 galinhas semipesadas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos de oito repetições, contendo seis aves por repetição. Quando as aves atingiram a idade de 63 semanas, foi iniciada a alimentação com as dietas experimentais. As dietas diferiam entre si pela inclusão de níveis crescentes de caulim: controle (sem aditivo); e a inclusão de 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5% de caulim na dieta. Foram avaliados o desempenho, a qualidade dos ovos, a morfologia intestinal e a umidade das excretas. A inclusão de caulim promoveu melhora na altura das vilosidades do jejuno, possibilitando menor consumo de ração. Não houve diferenças significativas para a qualidade dos ovos. A umidade das excretas diminuiu com o aumento do nível de caulim na dieta, respondendo de forma linear. A inclusão de caulim ao nível de 5% nas rações de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo de produção melhorou a morfometria intestinal e a qualidade dos excrementos por meio da redução de sua umidade.

Carvacrol-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/montmorillonite clay nanocomposite (PVA/MONT/Carva) as an antimicrobial agent for wound dressing

Aims@#This research was conducted to develop and characterize polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/montmorillonite (MONT) clay incorporated with carvacrol (Carva) nanocomposite film as a potential material in wound dressing.@*Methodology and results@#Organophilic MONT clay, which was initially modified from commercial MONT clay by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), was used in the polymerization process using PVA. The synthesized nanocomposites were visualized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The developed film (PVA/MONT/Carva nanocomposite film) was characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The investigation on mechanical property and antimicrobial activity of the film was also performed. All nanocomposites are spherical, with a size of 92.8 ± 22.1 nm. The -OH stretch, C-H stretch, aromatic group, SiO stretch, and C-O from acetyl group were identified in the PVA/MONT/Carva nanocomposite films. During the chemical release test, carvacrol attained a plateau at 24 h, with a total release of 62.3%. This nanocomposite exhibited a severe detrimental influence on the growth of Gram-bacteria and yeasts, which represented a broad spectrum of antimicrobial agents. All test microorganisms showed approximately up to 82% reduction of microbial growth during the Hohenstein challenge test. Physically, the nanocomposite films were yellowish and apparent. The film was sturdy, flexible, elastic and consisted of excellent water holding capacity.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#PVA/MONT/Carva nanocomposite film may have a useful potential to be merged in the pharmaceutical application, especially in wound dressing production.

Status and application prospects of nano-clay laponite / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The development of nanomaterials provides a good guarantee for the development of biomedicine. Nano-clay Laponite is a synthetic nanomaterial with excellent properties. It is widely used in drug delivery, tissue regeneration, three-dimensional biological printing and other fields. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the latest application status and future research prospect of nano-clay Laponite. METHODS: With the key words of “nano-clay, clay, Laponite” in English and Chinese, we searched CNKI, Wanfang, China Biomedical Database and PubMed. We further screened and summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Laponite has unique rheological properties, electrical conductivity, antibacterial properties, organization, good biocompatibility and other excellent properties, has been widely used in the fields of chemical industry, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. It is a kind of nanomaterial with wide application prospect. Laponite-based nanocomposites are currently a hot research direction in the biomedical field. Self-assembly, porosity, good biocompatibility and physical properties provide a good guarantee for Laponite nano-biological scaffolds. More basic studies are needed to clarify its mechanism. Combining basic research with clinical application will help Laponite materials to be used safely in clinical practice.

Layered double hydroxides for controlled fluoride release

Abstract This study aims to develop a nano-sized fluoridated layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based release system via hydrothermal treatment for the controlled delivery of fluoride (F-) ions in the oral environment. The synthesis of conventional LDH-type (C-LDH) precursor nanomaterials was conducted using a co-precipitation method at constant pH, and the nanoparticulate-LDH (N-LDH) was synthesized by a hydrothermal procedure. Fluoride LDH (F-LDH) products were obtained through indirect synthesis using the precursor ion-exchange technique by varying the agitation time (2 and 24 h) and temperature (25 and 40 °C) to produce 12 material samples. The materials were characterized by energy dispersive x-ray, hexamethyldisilazane, digital radiography x-ray, Fourier-transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the F-release kinetic profile was evaluated for 21 d in neutral and acid media with mathematical model analysis. Products with varying F-quantities were obtained, revealing specific release profiles. In general, there was a higher F-release in the acid medium, with emphasis on F-LDH-8. Fluoride-LDH and controlled fluoride delivery was successfully obtained, proving the potential of these nanomaterials as alternative anti-caries agents.

Fractura de "clay shoveler" como consecuencia de un accidente de trabajo en un peón agrícola: reporte de un caso / Clay shoveler's fracture as a result of a work injury in a manual laborer: case report

Resumen La fractura de "clay shoveler" es una fractura poco frecuente de la apófisis espinosa de las vértebras cervicales o torácicas superiores, más comúnmente entre C6 y T6 producida de manera aguda o crónica por fuerzas rotacionales ejercidas a nivel cervical en la labor de "palear", aunque también se han reportado casos asociados a la práctica de algunos deportes. Se presenta el caso de un péon agrícola de 43 años de edad que consulta por cervicalgia y sensación de inmovilidad luego de un movimiento brusco durante un levantamiento de tierra con pala, siendo que el ente asegurador no establece relación de causalidad, por lo que demanda a nivel judicial para valoración médico legal, documentándose fractura de "clay shoveler" en C7 y T1 según estudios radiológicos. La valoración médico legal del caso, que se sustentó en la documentación médica y estudios radiológicos, permitió determinar que la lesión evidenciada era consecuencia del accidente laboral reportado, estableciéndose la relación causal.

Abstract Clay shoveler's fracture is an infrequent lesion of the spinous process of the cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae, mainly between C6 and T6, produced acutely or chronically because of rotational forces exerted at the cervical level during shoveling, but some cases have been reported as a result of the practice of sports. We present the case of a 43-year old manual laborer who consulted because of cervical pain and range of motion limitation after a sudden move performed during shoveling, diagnosed with a clay shoveler's fracture in C7 and T1, treated conservatively. The patient was discharged after finishing treatment, since the insurance company dismissed causality. The medico legal assessment of the case, based on medical documentation, radiological findings and an Orthopedics consult, helped stablish causality since it was determined that the fracture was a result of the accident reported.

Thermodynamics of clay-drug complex dispersions: Isothermal titration calorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography / 药物分析学报

An understanding of the thermodynamics of the complexation process utilized in sustaining drug release in clay matrices is of great importance. Several characterisation techniques as well as isothermal calo-rimetry were utilized in investigating the adsorption process of a model cationic drug (diltiazem hy-drochloride, DIL) onto a pharmaceutical clay system (magnesium aluminium silicate, MAS). X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and optical microscopy confirmed the successful formation of the DIL-MAS complexes. Drug quantification from the complexes demonstrated variable behaviour in the differing media used with DIL degrading to desacetyl diltiazem hydrochloride (DC-DIL) in the 2 M HCl media. Here also, the authors report for the first time two binding processes that occurred for DIL and MAS. A competitor binding model was thus proposed and the thermodynamics obtained suggested their binding processes to be enthalpy driven and entropically unfavourable. This information is of great importance for a formulator as care and consideration should be given with appropriate media selection as well as the nature of binding in complexes.

Phasa: todo sobre la arcilla comestible / Phasa: everything about edible clay

La phasa (conocida así entre los pobladores aymaras) es un tipo de arcilla comestible que se encuentra en los suelos, empleada como medicina tradicional en la mayoría de los continentes, principalmente para aliviar o tratar patologías gastrointestinales e infecciones cutáneas. Su consumo se remonta muchos siglos atrás; existe evidencia del uso de este elemento en las Placas de arcilla de Nippur en Mesopotamia (2500 años a. C.). Develar las propiedades bio-físico-químicas de las arcillas comestibles está permitiendo a la ciencia explicar las propiedades terapéuticas que posee y así confirmar los grandes avances en la medicina alternativa que tuvieron nuestros antepasados. El uso de la phasa no se limita a la medicina, sino también a muchas otras ramas de la ciencia. En los últimos 10 años se ha experimentado en la agricultura, veterinaria, incluso en el cuidado del medio ambiente dando resultados muy gratificantes y prometedores.

Phasa, an Aymara's language word, is a type of edible clay found in soils; which is used in traditional medicine worldwide mainly to relieve or treat gastrointestinal pathologies and skin infections. Its consumption dates back many centuries, even millennia ago; there is evidence of the use of this element in the clay plates of Nippur in Mesopotamia (2500 years BC). Revealing the bio-physical-chemical properties of edible clay has allowed science to explain their healing and therapeutic properties and confirms the great advances our ancestors got. The use of phasa is not limited to medicine, it is also used in many other sciences; in the last 10 years it has been used in agriculture and veterinary medicine, getting gratifying results.

Inclusion of kaolin in the feed of Japanese quails during the production phase / Inclusión de caolín en el alimento de codornices japonesas durante la fase de producción / Inclusão de caulim na alimentação de codornas japonesas durante a fase de produção

Abstract Background: Kaolin may improve quail performance by maintaining intestinal integrity and improving nutrient absorption. Objective: To evaluate the overall performance, egg quality, moisture, nitrogen and calcium content in the excreta, intestinal morphology and financial analysis of kaolin in Japanese quail feed during the production phase. Methods: A total of 192 Japanese quails, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six repetitions with eight birds each, were used. Kaolin levels added to the diet were 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%. Results: Kaolin reduced feed consumption. Additionally, egg production, feed conversion and viability increased. Moisture, nitrogen and calcium in the excreta decreased. Height and width of the intestinal villi increased with increasing levels of kaolin in the diet. Kaolin had no effect on egg quality. Inclusion level of 1.5% kaolin allowed for greater economic gains. Conclusion: Kaolin improved performance, intestinal morphology, and reduced the moisture, nitrogen and calcium contents in the excreta. Egg quality remained unchanged with the addition of kaolin, and the best economic response resulted with the addition 1.5% kaolin.

Resumen Antecedentes: El caolín puede mejorar el rendimiento de la codorniz al mantener la integridad intestinal y una mayor absorción de nutrientes. Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento general, calidad del huevo, humedad, contenido de nitrógeno y calcio en la excreta, morfología intestinal, y realizar un análisis financiero de la inclusion de caolín en el alimento de codorniz japonesa durante la fase de producción. Métodos: Se utilizaron un total de 192 codornices japonesas, distribuidas en un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos y seis repeticiones con ocho aves cada una. Los niveles de caolín agregado a la dieta fueron 0; 1,5; 3,0; y 4,5%. Resultados: El caolin redujo el consumo de alimento, hubo una mejora en el porcentaje de huevos producidos, la conversión del alimento y la viabilidad, Los niveles de humedad, nitrógeno y calcio en la excreta disminuyeron, la altura y el ancho de las vellosidades intestinales aumentaron con la inclusión de niveles crecientes de caolín. No hubo efecto sobre la calidad del huevo. Los niveles de inclusión de 1,5% de caolín permitieron mayores ganancias económicas. Conclusión: El caolín mejoró el rendimiento, la morfología intestinal y redujo los contenidos de humedad, nitrógeno y calcio en las excretas. La calidad de los huevos producidos se mantuvo sin cambios con la adición de diferentes niveles de caolín, y el mejor nivel de inclusion de caolín -según el análisis económico- fue de 1,5%.

Resumo Antecedentes: O caulim pode melhorar o desempenho de codornas mantendo a integridade intestinal e maior absorção de nutrientes. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho global, a qualidade do ovo, a umidade, o teor de nitrogênio e cálcio na excreta, a morfologia intestinal e a análise financeira do caulim em codornas japonesas durante a fase de produção. Métodos: Foram utilizadas 192 codornas japonesas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, com oito aves cada. Os níveis de caulim adicionados à dieta foram 0; 1,5; 3,0; 4,5%. Resultados: O consumo de ração foi reduzido, houve melhora na porcentagem de ovos produzidos, conversão alimentar e viabilidade, os níveis de umidade, nitrogênio e cálcio nas excretas diminuíram, a altura e a largura das vilosidades intestinais aumentaram com a inclusão de níveis crescentes de caulim. Não houve efeito na qualidade do ovo. Os níveis de inclusão de 1,5% de caulim permitiram maiores ganhos econômicos. Conclusão: O caulim melhorou o desempenho, a morfologia intestinal e reduziu os teores de umidade, nitrogênio e cálcio na excreta. A qualidade dos ovos produzidos permaneceu inalterada com a adição de diferentes níveis de caulim, e o melhor nível de caulim, de acordo com a análise econômica, foi de 1,5% como aditivo para as codornas japonesas.

Avaliação do uso de argilas montmorilonitas modificadas na adsorção de nitrato em meio aquoso / Evaluation of nitrate adsorption from aqueous medium using modified montmorillonites

RESUMO Este estudo investigou a eficiência da remoção de nitrato em meio aquoso usando adsorção em argilas montmorilonitas comerciais, comparativamente a uma resina aniônica comumente usada nessa operação. Algumas dessas argilas foram intercaladas como o íon hexadeciltrimetilamônio para avaliação. Áreas superficiais específicas, capacidades de troca catiônica e espectros de infravermelho médio foram obtidos para caracterização das argilas. Testes preliminares indicaram a nanoargila funcionalizada com aminopropiltrietoxisilano e octadecilamina como a mais eficiente na adsorção de nitrato, conquanto não tenha superado em eficiência a resina aniônica comercial também testada. Curvas cinéticas e isotermas de equilíbrio de adsorção de nitrato em fase aquosa na nanoargila e na resina comercial foram determinadas e modeladas para comparação, como também para seleção de modelos representativos e para estimativa de propriedades termodinâmicas dos sistemas estudados. Todos os ensaios foram realizados a 25°C e com pH neutro. Isotermas de equilíbrio também foram determinadas a 35 e 45°C. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o processo adsortivo estudado é físico, espontâneo e favorável tanto para a resina como para a nanoargila, as quais possuem muito boa afinidade com o nitrato. O modelo mais representativo para a cinética foi o de pseudossegunda ordem, enquanto para o equilíbrio foi a isoterma de Freundlich.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the efficiency of nitrate removal in aqueous medium using adsorption on commercial montmorillonites compared to an anionic resin widely used in this operation. Some of these clays were intercalated with hexadecyltrimethylammonium ion for this investigation. Specific surface areas, cation exchange capacities and mid-infrared spectra were determined for clays characterization. Preliminary tests indicated that the nanoclay functionalized with aminopropyltriethoxysilane and octadecylamine was the most efficient in nitrate adsorption, although it did not exceed anionic resin in efficiency. Adsorption kinetic and equilibrium of nitrate from aqueous phase on the nanoclay and anionic resin were determined and modeled for comparison, as well as for the selection of representative models and estimation of thermodynamic properties of the studied systems. All experiments were carried out at 25°C and at pH 7. Equilibrium isotherms were also determined at 35 and 45°C. The obtained results show that the adsorption processes studied are physical, spontaneous and favorable for both the resin and the nanoclay, which have very good affinity with nitrate. The most representative models for the systems were the pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Freundlich equilibrium isotherm.

Alendronate-Anionic Clay Nanohybrid for Enhanced Osteogenic Proliferation and Differentiation

BACKGROUND: Alendronate (AL), a drug for inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone-resorption, was intercalated into an inorganic drug delivery nanovehicle, layered double hydroxide (LDH), to form a new nanohybrid, AL-LDH, with 1:1 heterostructure along the crystallographic C-axis. Based on the intercalation reaction strategy, the present AL-LDH drug delivery system (DDS) was realized with an enhanced drug efficacy of AL, which was confirmed by the improved proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast-like cells (MG63). METHODS: The AL-LDH nanohybrid was synthesized by conventional ion-exchange reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Additionally, in vitro efficacy tests, such as cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, were analyzed. RESULTS: The AL was successfully intercalated into LDH via ion-exchange reaction, and thus prepared AL-LDH DDS was X-ray single phasic and chemically well defined. The accumulated AL content in MG63 cells treated with the AL-LDH DDS nanoparticles was determined to be 10.6-fold higher than that within those treated with the intact AL after incubation for 1 hour, suggesting that intercellular permeation of AL was facilitated thanks to the hybridization with drug delivery vehicle, LDH. Furthermore, both in vitro proliferation level and ALP activity of MG63 treated with the present hybrid drug, AL-LDH, were found to be much more enhanced than those treated with the intact AL. This is surely due to the fact that LDH could deliver AL drug very efficiently, although LDH itself does not show any effect on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MG63 cells. CONCLUSION: The present AL-LDH could be considered as a promising DDS for improving efficacy of AL.

The response of microbial community in aerobic rice rhizosphere that affected by various plant growth stages and soil types

Aims@#Aerobic rice is a potential crop introduced to encourage water conservation in rice planting. However, a decline of aerobic rice yield has been reported and thus this study was initiated with the aim to observe the response of microbial community in this environment which are exposed to various plant growth stage and soil types. @*Methodology and results@#To determine the effect of soil types such as peat and sandy clay loam on microbial community. A total of four growth stages were tested namely vegetative, reproductive, ripening and maturing. To determine the influence of growth stages and soil types towards microbial community in aerobic rice, Biolog Ecoplate™ technique was used to quantify the response of microbial community through microbial functional diversity and carbon source utilization. The abundance of culturable aerobic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing microorganism and phosphate-solubilizing microorganism were determined using five different selective media. Soil physical and chemical properties as well as total nitrogen in plant tissues were also determined. It was found that microbial functional diversity during plant growth (except for microbial evenness) varied between the soil types. Correlation analysis revealed different relationships between carbon source utilization and microbial functional diversity in both soil types. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Microbial community in rhizosphere responded according to plant development which is primarily determined by soil type. Therefore, it is concluded that soil type particularly the soil physical and chemical properties are important factors in shaping the microbial community by directly influencing the rhizosphere environment.

Recent advances in layered double hydroxides applied to photoprotection / Recentes avanços dos hidróxidos duplos lamelares aplicados à fotoproteção

ABSTRACT Layered double hydroxides have received more attention from researchers due to their range of applications, ease of synthesis and low cost of production. With broader knowledge about solar radiation effects on the body, the use of sunscreens has become even more important. The ability of some nanostructures, such as layered double hydroxides, to act as matrices has made it possible to obtain improvements in photoprotective formulations, with solutions to problems caused by radiation and sunscreens. This review article brings together the most recent advances of these clays, the layered double hydroxides, applied to photoprotection.

RESUMO Os hidróxidos duplos lamelares vêm ganhando maior atenção de pesquisadores, em decorrência da gama de aplicações, da facilidade de síntese e do baixo custo de produção. Com o crescente conhecimento sobre diversos efeitos da radiação solar sobre o organismo, a utilização de fotoprotetores tem se tornado indispensável. A capacidade de nanoestruturas, como os hidróxidos duplos lamelares, atuarem como matrizes possibilitou melhorias nas formulações fotoprotetoras, tendo em vista os problemas provocados pela radiação, bem como por alguns filtros solares. Este artigo de revisão reúne os avanços mais recentes destas argilas, os hidróxidos duplos lamelares, aplicados à fotoproteção.

Materiais alternativos como meio suporte de filtros anaeróbios para tratamento de esgoto sanitário sintético / Alternative materials as support medium of anaerobic filters for the treatment of synthetic sanitary sewage

RESUMO O tipo de material utilizado como recheio em filtros anaeróbios pode ser determinante na eficiência do tratamento, então a avaliação de novos materiais se torna importante. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o comportamento de três filtros anaeróbios de fluxo ascendente, operados de modo contínuo, preenchidos com carvão ativado, cerâmica de argila e borracha de pneu, no tratamento de água residuária sintética com glicose como substrato. Os filtros, em escala de bancada (1,3 L), foram operados com tempo de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de oito e quatro horas, em duas etapas. Seu desempenho, avaliado com o emprego dos parâmetros pH, alcalinidade total e bicarbonato e ácidos voláteis, foi estável nas duas etapas de operação. O filtro que obteve maior eficiência em termos de remoção de demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) foi o com carvão ativado, 94 e 81% nas etapas I e II, respectivamente, seguido do com borracha de pneu, 88 e 63%, e do com cerâmica de argila, 81 e 61%, ambos nas etapas I e II, respectivamente. As principais morfologias encontradas nos meios suportes foram bacilos, cocos, filamentos, Methanosaeta sp. e Methanosarcina sp. As diferenças obtidas entre os filtros podem ser relacionadas com as características distintas de cada material utilizado como meio suporte, e as diferenças entre as etapas ocorrem pelo aumento da carga hidráulica, que diminui o tempo de retenção celular, assim como eventuais diferenças de temperatura.

ABSTRACT The type of material used as packing in anaerobic filters may be a determinant factor in the treatment efficiency, so the evaluation of new materials is important. Thus, the objective of this study was to study the behavior of three upflow anaerobic filters, filled with charcoal, clay pottery and tire rubber, in the treatment of synthetic wastewater with glucose as substrate. The filter, in bench scale (1.3 L), was operated at a HRT of 8 and 4 hours, in two phases. The performance of the filters, in terms of pH, total alkalinity and bicarbonate and volatile acids was stable during the two operational phases. The best filter in terms of COD removal efficiency was the one with activated carbon, 94 and 81%, in Phases I and II, respectively, followed by tire rubber filter, 88 and 63%. The lowest efficiency obtained was the ceramic clay filter, with 81 and 61%, in Phases I and II, respectively. The main morphologies found were bacilli, cocci, filaments, Methanosaeta sp. and Methanosarcina sp. The differences obtained between filters are related to the different characteristics of each material, and the differences between phases are due to the hydraulic load increase and subsequent cellular retention time decrease, as well as an eventual temperature difference.

Microfiltración apical en conductos obturados con y sin pretratamiento dentinario: Estudio In vitro / Microfiltração apical em conductos selados com e sem pré-tratamento de dentina: estudo In vitro / Apical microfiltration in ducted tubes with and without dentinary pretreatment: In vitro Study

La microfiltración apical es uno de los causantes del fracaso en los tratamientos de endodoncia, misma que es debida a la adaptación deficiente de los materiales, a la solubilidad del cemento sellador, o a la contracción del relleno radicular. Ob-jetivo: Determinar la microfiltración apical en conductos obturados sin y con pretratamiento dentinario de EDTA y ácido cítrico. Materiales y métodos: 30 dientes premolares uniradiculares recientemente extraídos fueron instrumentados y divididos aleatoriamente en 3 grupos de 10 piezas cada uno, siendo: G1= dientes sin pretratamiento dentinario (grupo con-trol), G2= dientes con pretratamiento dentinario de EDTA al 17%, G3= dientes con pretratamiento de ácido cítrico al 10%. A continuación todos los grupos fueron irrigados con NaOCl al 5.25%, seguido por suero fisiológico y finalmente obtura-dos con cemento resinoso TopSeal (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany). Previa diafanización de los dientes se realizó la observación en un estereomicroscopio óptico y se midió la microfiltración lineal con un calibrador digital. Los datos fueron procesados y analizados a través del test de ANOVA y test de Tukey con nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Las medias fueron 1.61, 0.54, 0.12 para G1, G2 y G3 respectivamente. Existió diferencia significativa entre los grupos que recibieron pretratamiento dentinario con el grupo control (p<0.001). No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos que recibieron pretratamiento dentinario (p<0.364). Conclusión: Los dos tipos de pretratamiento dentinario disminuyeron de manera eficiente la microfiltración apical sin existir diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos.

The apical microfiltration is one of the causes of the failure in the endodontic treatments, which is due to the poor adapta-tion of the materials, to the solubility of the cement sealer, or to the contraction of the root filling. Objective: To determine apical microfiltration in sealed ducts without and with EDTA and citric acid pretreatment. Materials and methods: 30 recently extracted uniradicular premolar teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 pieces each, being: G1= teeth without dentin pretreatment (control group), G2= teeth with 17% EDTA dentin pretreatment, G3= teeth with 10% citric acid pretreatment. All the groups were then irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl, followed by physiological saline and finally sealed with TopSeal resinous cement (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany). After diaphanization of the teeth, observation was made in an optical stereomicroscope and the linear microfiltration was measured with a digital calibrator. The data were processed and analyzed through the ANOVA test and the Tukey test with a level of significance of 5%. Results: The means were 1.61, 0.54, 0.12 for G1, G2 and G3 respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups that received pretreatment dentin with the control group (p <0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups that received dentin pretreatment (p<0.364). Conclusion: The two types of dentin pretreatment efficiently decreased apical microfiltration without a statistically significant difference between the two.

A microfiltração apical é uma das causas da falha em endodontia, mesmo é devido à má adaptação dos materiais, a solubilidade do cimento de cimentação, o encolhimento ou o enchimento da raiz. Objetivo: Determinar a microfiltração apical em ductos selados sem e com pré-tratamento de dentina de EDTA e ácido cítrico. Materiais e métodos: 30 pré-molares recentemente uniradiculares extraídos foram instrumentados e aleatoriamente divididos em três grupos de 10 unidades cada, em que: G1 = dentes dentinários sem pré-tratamento de dentina (grupo controle), G2 = dentes con pré-tratamento de dentina 17% de EDTA , G3 = dentes com pré-tratamento de dentina con 10% de ácido cítrico. Todos os grupos foram então irrigados com NaOCl a 5,25%, seguido de soro fisiológico e finalmente selados com cimento resinoso TopSeal (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Alemanha). Após a diafanização dos dentes, a observação foi feita em estereomicroscópio óptico e a microfiltração linear foi medida com um calibrador digital. Os dados foram processados e analisados através do teste ANOVA e do teste de Tukey, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: As médias foram 1,61, 0,54, 0,12 para G1, G2 e G3, respectivamente. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos que receberam pré-tratamento de dentina com o grupo controle (p <0,001). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos que receberam pré-tratamento com dentina (p <0,364). Conclusão: Os dois tipos de pré-tratamento com dentina diminuíram eficientemente a microfiltração apical, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois.

Teores de cromo ligados aos óxidos de ferro em áreas de descarte de lodo de curtume / Chromium contents linked to iron oxide at areas with tannery sludge disposal

RESUMO O descarte de resíduos de lodo de curtume no solo tem sido um problema ambiental devido aos altos teores de cromo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica dos óxidos de ferro e os teores de cromo ligados a esses minerais em áreas de descarte de resíduos de curtume. Para isso, foram determinados os teores de ferro e cromo extraídos por oxalato de amônio dos óxidos de baixa cristalinidade e por ditionito-citrato-bicarbonato (DCB) dos óxidos cristalinos na fração argila do solo. Esses teores variaram entre 3,5 e 4,1 mg kg-1 nos tratamentos sem aplicação de lodo de curtume e entre 19,9 e 56,8 mg kg-1 nos com adição de lodo. Os teores de cromo extraídos dos óxidos cristalinos variaram entre 21,3 e 23,3 mg kg-1 nos tratamentos sem aplicação de lodo e entre 46,4 e 103,0 mg kg-1 nos com uso de lodo de curtume. A aplicação desse material proporcionou um aumento na relação do ferro extraído do óxido de ferro e o ferro extraído com o ditionito (Feo/Fed) dos óxidos da área de descarte, o que evidencia uma diminuição da cristalinidade dos óxidos. Foi encontrada uma redução na relação do ferro extraído com o ditionito e do cromo extraído com o ditionito (Fed/Crd), o que mostra a substituição do ferro pelo cromo nos óxidos, evidenciando uma troca isomórfica. Essa alteração pode ser uma alternativa para a retenção de cromo pelo solo com grande força.

ABSTRACT The tannery sludge disposal in the soil has been a serious environmental problem due to the high chromium concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron oxides dynamic and chromium concentrations linked to these minerals in areas of tannery sludge disposal. So, concentration of iron and chromium extracted with ammonium oxalate from oxides with low crystallinity and with dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate from the crystalline oxides in the clay fraction was evaluated. The concentration of chromium extracted from the iron oxides with low crystallinity varied between 3.5 and 4.1 mg kg-1 in the treatments without application of tannery, and between 19.9 and 56.8 mg kg-1 in the treatments with tannery application. The concentration of chromium extracted from the crystalline oxides varied between 21.3 and 23.3 mg kg-1 in the treatments without application of tannery sludge, and between 46.4 and 103.0 mg kg-1 in the treatments with tannery. The application of tannery promoted an increase in the relation between the iron extracted from the iron oxides and the iron extracted with dithionite (Feo/Fed) and the oxides from the disposal area, which is an evidence of the oxide crystallinity decrease. A reduction was found in the relation between the iron extracted with dithionite and the chromium extracted with dithionite (Fed/Crd), what shows the substitution of the iron by chromium in the oxides, emphasizing an isomorphic substitution. This isomorphic substitution can be an alternative to maintain the chromium in the soil with strong retention.