Blends of nitrophenylmaleimide isomers with carboxymethylcellulose for the preparation of supramolecular polymers.

Novel water-compatible supramolecular polymers (WCSP) based on the non-covalent interaction between carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and o, m, and p-nitrophenylmaleimide isomers are proposed. The non-covalent supramolecular polymer was obtained from high viscosity CMC with a degree of substitution 1.03 with o, m, and p-nitrophenylmaleimide molecules that were synthesized from maleic anhydride and its corresponding nitroaniline. Subsequently, blends were made at different nitrophenylmaleimide concentrations, stirring rate, and temperatures, with 1.5% CMC, to select the best conditions for each case and to evaluate the rheological properties. The selected blends were used to form films and analyze spectroscopic, physicochemical, and biological properties. Then, the interaction between a CMC monomer and each isomer of nitrophenylmaleimide was investigated using quantum chemistry computational calculations with the B3LYP/6-311 + G (d,p) method, providing a detailed explanation of their intermolecular interactions. The supramolecular polymers obtained exhibit an increase in viscosity of blends between 20% and 30% compared to CMC, a shift in the wavenumber of the OH infrared band by approximately 66 cm-1, and the first decomposition peak at the glass transition temperature occurring between 70 and 110 °C. These changes in properties are attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the species. However, the degree of substitution and the viscosity of the CMC affects the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the polymer obtained. The supramolecular polymers are biodegradable regardless of the type of blends made and are easily obtainable. Notably, the CMC with m-nitrophenylmaleimide yields the polymer with the best properties.

Modified celluloses improve the proofing performance and quality of bread made with a high content of resistant starch.

BACKGROUND: Adding resistant starch (RS) to bread formulations is a promising way of increasing fiber content of white bread. However, the partial replacement of wheat flour (WF) by RS can lead to a decrease in technological quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the performance of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose as improvers of wheat bread with a high level of replacement (30%) with maize RS. The levels of the modified celluloses were 1% and 1.5% (WF + RS basis), and a formulation without modified celluloses was used as control. Proofing time, loaf volume, crumb characteristics (porosity, texture), and bread staling parameters (hardness increase, moisture loss), among other attributes, were analyzed, and principal component analysis was applied to compare samples. RESULTS: The use of both modified celluloses was effective in improving the quality of breads. Specific volume and crumb porosity were enhanced, particularly at the 1.5% level. Breads with modified celluloses also allowed a higher retention of water and a better preservation of mechanical properties during storage. The principal component analysis projection graph for the first two principal components showed that samples with modified celluloses were clustered by the level of hydrocolloid addition rather than by the type of hydrocolloid used, although all the samples with modified celluloses were close to each other and distant from the control sample without hydrocolloids. CONCLUSION: The quality decrease resulting from the replacement of WF by a high level of RS can be greatly compensated by the use of structuring agents such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose wound dressings supplemented with biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles from the ligninolytic fungus Anamorphous Bjerkandera sp. R1.

Chitosan (CHI) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are naturally sourced materials with excellent physical, chemical, and biological properties, which make them a promising tool for the development of different medical devices. In this research, CHI-CMC wound dressings were manufactured, by using different colloidal suspensions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from the ligninolytic fungus Anamorphous Bjerkandera sp. R1, called CS and SN. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used to characterize AgNPs. The wound dressings were characterized, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and their mechanical, antimicrobial, and biological properties were evaluated. The results of the different characterizations revealed the formation of spherical AgNPs with a mean size between 10 and 70 nm for the different mixtures worked. The mechanical properties of CHI-CMS-AgNPs doped with CS and SN suspensions showed superior mechanical properties with respect to CHI-CMC wound dressings. Compared to the latter, CHI-CMC-AgNPs wound dressings yielded better antibacterial activity against the pathogen Escherichia coli. In biological assays, it was observed that manufactured CHI-CMC-AgNPs wound dressings were not toxic when in contact with human skin fibroblasts (Detroit). This study, then, suggests that this type of wound dressings with a chitosan matrix and carboxymethyl cellulose doped with biologically synthesized nanoparticles from the fungus Bjerkandera sp., may be an ideal alternative for the manufacture of new wound dressings.

Preoperative Opioid Use Results in Greater Postoperative Opioid Consumption After Thumb Basal Joint Arthroplasty.

Purpose: Thumb basal joint arthroplasty surgery is a common hand surgery after which patients often require opioids. To better understand safe opioid consumption patterns, this study sought to identify risk factors for filling a second prescription and/or prolonged opioid use (prescription over 6 months after the surgery). Preoperative opioid use was hypothesized to show an association with greater postoperative opioid use. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent primary thumb basal joint arthroplasty was conducted, yielding 110 patients for analysis. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Opioid prescription data were extracted from 6 months before the surgery to 9 months after the surgery using a state prescription drug monitoring program. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for filling a second opioid prescription or filling an opioid prescription over 6 months after the surgery. Results: All the patients filled their initial postoperative prescription. Of the 110 patients, 26.4% filled an opioid prescription before the surgery, 42% filled a second postoperative prescription, and 14.5% were still consuming opioids over 6 months after the surgery. Patients using preoperative opioids had 7-fold higher odds of filling a second opioid prescription and 37-fold higher odds of prolonged use. No other demographic or clinical factors, including the type of procedure or number of initial opioids prescribed, were associated with increased use of postoperative opioids. Of all the opioid prescriptions filled after the initial postoperative prescription, only 9.3% were prescribed by a surgeon's office. Conclusions: Patients who undergo thumb basal joint arthroplasty with preoperative opioid use have much greater odds of filling a second opioid prescription and prolonged use after the surgery. Low initial surgeon-provided opioid dosages did not correlate to filling a second prescription, indicating that lower initial doses are feasible. Finally, nearly all opioid-naïve patients who filled a second opioid prescription received them from providers other than a surgeon, indicating the need for greater communication with nonsurgical providers simultaneously caring for patients in the perioperative period. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

A comparative physicochemical and pharmacological evaluation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate mucoadhesive gels for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis in rats

Abstract The present study is aimed to formulate steroidal oral mucoadhesive gels of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate. Six gel formulations each of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate prepared using two different polymers carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, in variable proportions. All the formulations subjected for assessment of various physicochemical parameters and mechanical properties. The formulations BSP5 and DSP5, both containing 1.25 % carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, 1.25 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, exhibiting mucoadhesive strength of 12.300 ± 0.004 and 12.600 ± 0.01, adhesiveness of 28.04 ± 00 and 30.02 ± 00, cohesiveness of 28.04 ± 00 and 30.02 ± 00, drug release of 86.869 ± 0.380 % and 88.473 ± 0.457 % respectively were considered as promising ones and were further subjected for stability studies and in vivo study in male albino rats. Formulation DSP5 upon oral application for 4 months in arecoline induced oral submucous fibrosis rats, showed more than 80 % reduction in fibrosis as compared with BSP5 which showed nearly 50 % reduction. These results were concluded on the basis of histopathological profile and weight gain among the experimental animals during in vivo study. Hence, DSP5 by minimizing the painful injuries and morbidities justifies being suitable noninvasive model for OSMF treatment.

Dynamic Thumb Circumduction Measured With a Wearable Motion Sensor: A Prospective Comparison of Patients With Basal Joint Arthritis to Controls.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the active range of motion in patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis to healthy controls. A secondary objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using wearable motion sensors in a clinical setting. Methods: Asymptomatic controls and patients with radiographic and clinical evidence of thumb CMC joint arthritis were recruited. The experimental setup allowed participants to rest their forearm in neutral pronosupination with immobilization of the second through fifth CMC joints. An electromagnetic motion sensor was embedded into a thumb interphalangeal joint immobilizer, and participants were asked to complete continuous thumb circumduction movements. Data were continuously recorded, and circumduction curves were created based on degrees of motion. Peak thumb abduction and extension angles were also extracted from the data. Results: A total of 29 extremities with thumb CMC arthritis and 18 asymptomatic extremities were analyzed. Bilateral disease was present in 64% of patients. Patient age range was 35-83 years, and the control group age range was 26-83 years. The most affected extremities had Eaton stage 3 disease (38%, N = 11). The average maximum thumb abduction was 53.9° ± 19.6° in affected extremities and 70.8° ± 10.1° for controls. Average maximum thumb extension was 50.0° ± 15.2° in affected extremities and 58.4° ± 9.1° for controls. When comparing patients with Eaton stage 3 and 4 disease to controls, average maximum abduction and extension decreased with increasing disease stage (42.3°, 46.1°, and 70.8° for abduction, respectively, and 58.4°, 43.3°, and 41.3° for extension, respectively). Conclusions: We observed more severe motion limitations with increasing Eaton stage, and statistically significant differences were seen with stage 3 and 4 disease. A wearable motion sensor using a portable experimental setup was used to obtain measurements in a clinical setting. Type of study/level of evidence: Diagnostic II.

Small interfering RNA for cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in delivery.

In many ways, cancer cells are different from healthy cells. A lot of tactical nano-based drug delivery systems are based on the difference between cancer and healthy cells. Currently, nanotechnology-based delivery systems are the most promising tool to deliver DNA-based products to cancer cells. This review aims to highlight the latest development in the lipids and polymeric nanocarrier for siRNA delivery to the cancer cells. It also provides the necessary information about siRNA development and its mechanism of action. Overall, this review gives us a clear picture of lipid and polymer-based drug delivery systems, which in the future could form the base to translate the basic siRNA biology into siRNA-based cancer therapies.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode by Acinetobacter pittii and alcohol fermentation by Kluyveromyces marxianus: pH, temperature and microorganism effect.

In the present work the effect of three factors: pH, temperature and type of microorganism using a factorial design 32x2 was evaluated on: growth, total cellulases hydrolytic activity (FPases), endoglucanases hydrolytic activity (CMCases), free reducing sugars (FRS), glucose, sucrose, and alcohol production using a culture medium based on mineral salts added with cladodes flour of Opuntia ficus-indica at 20% as the unique carbon source. Two wild microorganisms were used, Acinetobacter pittii a bacteria isolated from decaying cladodes, and Kluyveromyces marxianus a yeast isolated from termite stomach. The maximum hydrolytic activities were obtained with Acinetobacter pittii at 37 °C and pH 6.5 for total cellulases (0.67 ±â€¯0.02 IU/ml) and for endoglucanases (0.23 ±â€¯0.02 IU/ml) at 24 and 4 h. The maximum production of alcohol was 12.98 ±â€¯0.06 g/L obtained with Kluyveromyces marxianus at 4 h with conditions of 40 °C and pH 5.5.

Elaboración de productos tipo tallarín libres de gluten y evaluación de sus propiedades fisicoquímicas / Elaboration of gluten free noodle products and evaluation of its physicochemical properties

RESUMEN La creciente demanda de productos libres de gluten ha dado lugar al estudio y desarrollo de alimentos que suplan las necesidades de los consumidores. El objetivo de esta investigación fue elaborar productos libres de gluten tipo tallarín y evaluar sus propiedades fisicoquímicas. Para ello, se empleó plátano o yuca como fuentes alternativas a la harina de trigo. Se determinaron sus propiedades fisicoquímicas. Se extrajeron harina y almidones y, a partir de ellas, se evaluaron sus propiedades térmicas, empleando calorimetría de barrido diferencial y termogravimetría. Se formularon y elaboraron productos similares a los tallarines empleando las harinas y se analizaron sus propiedades fisicoquímicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales, usando, como control, un producto comercial de trigo. La yuca presentó mayor humedad que el plátano, lo que está relacionado con su susceptibilidad a la degradación. En el análisis termogravimétrico, los productos de yuca mostraron mayor reducción de peso en la zona de alta volatilidad, asociado a la pérdida de humedad. Las harinas y los almidones de plátano presentaron temperaturas de gelatinización mayores que las registradas para los productos de yuca. La humedad y acidez de los tallarines elaborados presentaron valores dentro de la norma (NTC 1055-2014). En ambos casos, su contenido de cenizas fue superior al fideo comercial. Los tallarines elaborados, se pueden considerar inocuos, con buenos parámetros de aceptación sensorial. Estos resultados constituyen un punto de partida en el estudio y aplicación de fuentes de harinas y almidones no tradicionales, permitiendo la generación de valor agregado a cultivos de importancia en la región.

ABSTRACT The growing demand of free gluten products has shown the necessity to study and develop new products in order to supply the consumer request. The objective of this research was to elaborate gluten-free products similar to noodles and to evaluate their physicochemical properties. Plantain or cassava were employed to replace wheat flour. Physical and chemical properties were determined in plantain and cassava samples. Both, Plantain and Cassava Flour and their starches were extracted. Thermal characteristics of flour and starch were evaluated employing differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Products similar to noodle were formulated and elaborated employing plantain or cassava flour. Noodle physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics were analyzed, employing a commercial product as a control. Cassava presented higher humidity values than plantain, it is related to their susceptibility to degradation. In thermogravimetric analysis, cassava products shown upper weight reduction in high volatility zone associated to humidity lost. Plantain flours and starches presented gelatinization temperatures higher than registered for cassava products. Both plantain and cassava noodles presented humidity and acidity values according to the legal legislation (NTC 1055-2014). Developed products showed ash content higher than commercial noodles. According to microbiological and sensorial analyses, the plantain and cassava products could be considered innocuous with good consumer acceptation. These results could constitute a starting point in the study and application of different flours and starches from non-traditional sources, which allow to increase the value of crops in the region.

#meuprimeiroassédio: interações de mulheres violadas / #myfirstharassment: interactions of raped women

O rompimento da integridade física, psíquica, moral e sexual do indivíduo configura-se em um ato de violência. Mulheres de todas as idades frequentemente são vítimas de violência exercida pela "força-potência-dominação" empregada por homens e respaldada pela cultura patriarcal, que estabelece relações hierárquicas assimétricas entre os gêneros. Gênero é uma construção social que naturaliza condutas de ambos os sexos. Comumente utiliza-se a terminologia "violência de gênero" como sinônimo de violência contra a mulher. Além desse uso não evidenciar para qual dos lados, feminino ou masculino, o vetor da dominação aponta, ele também não denuncia como a dominação masculina ocorre e não analisa as relações homem-mulher resultantes deste controle. De forma a preencher essa lacuna, este trabalho utiliza o embasamento teórico-conceitual de violência patriarcal contra a mulher para problematizar as análises deste estudo, evitando dúvidas em relação a como se configura o vetor de força-potência-dominação. O assédio sexual pode ser definido como qualquer forma de violência de natureza sexual, seja por meio de agressão física ou verbal, seja por meio de outros tipos de agressão; o assédio é uma via de manifestação do poder masculino sobre o feminino. No entanto, pesquisas mostram que mulheres não reconhecem o assédio como uma violência sexual, tampouco identificam situações que configuram assédio. A partir de um episódio de assédio sexual realizado na internet contra uma criança, o projeto feminista Think Olga criou a mobilização #MeuPrimeiroAssédio buscando promover o debate para a desnaturalização de violência sexual contra a mulheres. Esta pesquisa busca identificar as identidades reveladas a partir dos papéis sociais esperados de homens e mulheres pela cultura patriarcal nas interações ocorridas via publicações de participantes da mobilização #MeuPrimeiroAssédio. É um estudo de análise de dados naturalísticos amparado na Comunicação Mediada por Computador e pelo recorte metodológico êmico da Análise de Categorizações de Pertença e de Análise da Conversa. A análise das interações revelou três categorizações de pertença: (a) Meninas: infância, socialização, percepções e culpa, evidenciando a "socialização de gênero das meninas", "como as meninas vêem o abusador" e "a culpa relatada pelas meninas", (b) Mulher Ideal, revelando as identidades de "mulher bela", "mãe ideal" e "mulher obrigada a perdoar" e (c) Mulheres corajosas, imunes e educadoras, apresentando as identidades "mulheres corajosas", "mulheres imunes" e "mulheres educadoras". Outras possíveis categorizações podem ser buscadas nas interações que fizeram parte deste estudo e, espera-se que estes achados possam contribuir para melhorar o entendimento acerca do assédio sexual que acontece em nossa sociedade.

The breaking of physical, psychological, moral and sexual integrity of the individual is an act of violence. Women of all ages are often victims of violence exercised by the "force-power-domination" employed by men and backed up by patriarchal culture, which establishes asymmetrical hierarchical relations between genders. Gender is a social construction that naturalizes conduct of both sexes. The term "gender violence" is commonly used as synonym for violence against women. Besides not evincing which side, either male or female, the vector of domination points to, this terminology also does not denounce how male domination occurs and does not analyze man-woman relations resulting from this control. In order to fill this gap, this work uses the theoretical-conceptual basis of patriarchal violence against women to discuss the analysis of this study, avoiding doubts regarding how the force-power-domination vector is configured. Sexual harassment can be defined as any form of sexual violence, whether through physical or verbal aggression or through other types of aggression; harassment is a way of manifestation of male power over the feminine. However, researches show that women do not recognize harassment as sexual violence, nor do they identify situations that constitute harassment. From an online sexual harassment episode against a child, the feminist project Think Olga created the #MeuPrimeiroAssédio (#MyFirstHarassment) mobilization to promote the debate on the denaturalization of sexual violence against women. This research aims to identify the identities revealed from the expected social roles of men and women by the patriarchal culture in the interactions that took place via the publications of participants of the mobilization #MeuPrimeiroAssédio. It is a study of naturalistic data analysis based on the Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) and the methodological cutoff of the Membership Categorization Analysis (MCA) and Conversation Analysis (CA). The analysis of the interactions revealed three Membership Categorizations: (a) Girls: childhood, socialization, perceptions and guilt, evidencing the "gender socialization of girls", "how girls see the abuse perpetrator" and "guilt reported by girls" (b) Ideal Woman, revealing the identities of "beautiful woman," "ideal mother" and "woman obligated to forgive," and (c) courageous, immune and educating women, presenting the identities "brave women", "immune women" and "Educating women". Other possible categorizations can be sought in the interactions that were part of this study, and it is hoped that these findings may contribute to improve the understanding about sexual harassment that happens in our society.

Colostrum proinflammatory cytokines as biomarkers of bovine immune response to bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

Bovine colostrum contains compounds, which provide passive immune protection from mother to newborn calves. Little is known about cytokine levels and their role in bovine colostrum. Moreover, the capacity of bovine colostrum cells to mount specific immune responses after natural exposure to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) antigens in dairy herds has not been studied, thus far. The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers for bTB infection measurable in bovine colostrum. The present study reveals that isolated-immune colostrum cells can mount a specific immune response against bTB antigens, by measuring the novo IFN-γ release in cell culture. We found that IFN-γ levels in the responders (Bov+) to bTB antigen were higher than in non-responders (Bov-). On the other hand, proinflammatory cytokines contained in colostrum's whey were tested in Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) reactor (TST+) and non-reactor (TST-) animals to assess their potential role as biomarker. We observed that IFN-γ levels were lower or undetectable, as opposed to IL4 levels were measurable, the TNF-α level was higher in TST- than TST+, while IL-6 levels showed the opposite reaction and with no statistical significance. Moreover, IL-1α mRNA expression levels were higher in colostrum mononuclear cells (CMC) in Bov+ cattle. Collectively, these data suggest that the differential expression of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines could have relevant value to diagnose bTB in cattle.

Characterization of Some Efficient Cellulase Producing Bacteria Isolated from Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Contaminated Soil

ABSTRACT The wide variety of bacteria in the environment permits screening for more efficient cellulases to help overcome current challenges in biofuels production. This study focuses on the isolation of efficient cellulase producing bacteria found in pulp and paper mill effluent contaminated soil which can be considered for use in large scale biorefining. Four different bacterial strains were isolated and screened for cellulase production by using CMC agar medium. All isolates showed cellulase activity these strains were further characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene analyses. These isolates were identified as two Bacillus subtilis sub sps, Bacillus mojavensis and Bacillus cereus.

Changes induced by UV radiation in the presence of sodium benzoate in films formulated with polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethyl cellulose.

This work was focused on: i) developing single and blend films based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) studying their properties, ii) analyzing the interactions between CMC and PVOH and their modifications UV-induced in the presence of sodium benzoate (SB), and iii) evaluating the antimicrobial capacity of blend films containing SB with and without UV treatment. Once the blend films with SB were exposed to UV radiation, they exhibited lower moisture content as well as a greater elongation at break and rougher surfaces compared to those without treatment. Considering oxygen barrier properties, the low values obtained would allow their application as packaging with selective oxygen permeability. Moreover, the characteristics of the amorphous phase of the matrix prevailed with a rearrangement of the structure of the polymer chain, causing a decrease of the crystallinity degree. These results were supported by X-rays and DSC analysis. FT-IR spectra reflected some degree of polymer-polymer interaction at a molecular level in the amorphous regions. The incorporation of sodium benzoate combined with UV treatment in blend films was positive from the microbial point of view because of the growth inhibition of a wide spectrum of microorganisms. From a physicochemical perspective, the UV treatment of films also changed their morphology rendering them more insoluble in water, turning the functionalized blend films into a potential material to be applied as food packaging.

Miltefosine and BODIPY-labeled alkylphosphocholine with leishmanicidal activity: Aggregation properties and interaction with model membranes.

Miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine, MT) afforded successful oral treatment against human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Knowledge of MT aggregation in aqueous solutions and of its interaction with lipid membranes is important to understand pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and antiparasitic effects. Methods based on surface tension and fluorescence spectroscopy gave the value of 50µM for critical micelle concentration (CMC) in buffered water solution, and the value is influenced by salt content. Interaction between MT and lipid vesicles was monitored by fluorescence and the drug promotes only minor changes in the surface of the vesicles. At MT concentration below CMC, modifications in probe fluorescence are due to disordering effects promoted by the drug in the bilayer. Above the CMC, MT promoted large modifications in the vesicles as a whole, resulting in mixed aggregates containing lipids, drug and probe. Effects are less evident above thermal phase transition when the bilayer is in less ordered state.

Deciphering the synergism of endogenous glycoside hydrolase families 1 and 9 from Coptotermes gestroi.

Termites can degrade up to 90% of the lignocellulose they ingest using a repertoire of endogenous and symbiotic degrading enzymes. Termites have been shown to secrete two main glycoside hydrolases, which are GH1 (EC 3.2.1.21) and GH9 (EC 3.2.1.4) members. However, the molecular mechanism for lignocellulose degradation by these enzymes remains poorly understood. The present study was conducted to understand the synergistic relationship between GH9 (CgEG1) and GH1 (CgBG1) from Coptotermes gestroi, which is considered the major urban pest of São Paulo State in Brazil. The goal of this work was to decipher the mode of operation of CgEG1 and CgBG1 through a comprehensive biochemical analysis and molecular docking studies. There was outstanding degree of synergy in degrading glucose polymers for the production of glucose as a result of the endo-ß-1,4-glucosidase and exo-ß-1,4-glucosidase degradation capability of CgEG1 in concert with the high catalytic performance of CgBG1, which rapidly converts the oligomers into glucose. Our data not only provide an increased comprehension regarding the synergistic mechanism of these two enzymes for cellulose saccharification but also give insight about the role of these two enzymes in termite biology, which can provide the foundation for the development of a number of important applied research topics, such as the control of termites as pests as well as the development of technologies for lignocellulose-to-bioproduct applications.

Hydroxypropylcellulose controlled release tablet matrix prepared by wet granulation: effect of powder properties and polymer composition

The aim of this study was to attain 100 percent drug release of caffeine after 24 h from hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) tablet matrices and to investigate the effect of co-excipient. Physical properties of the powders were evaluated and suggested for a wet granulation process. The tablet containing caffeine was formulated by different weight ratios of hydrophilic polymers. The results of polymer evaluation confirmed that the increase of HPC level with the same drug content significantly decreased the rate of drug release. The presence of co-polymer excipients carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the tablet matrix was also investigated. The release rate was also controlled by low levels of CMC (<10 percent) while PVP did not show any considerably effect. The best fit release rate 100 percent at 24 h was obtained when 10 percent of α-lactose monohydrate was added to the formulation.

O objetivo deste estudo é desenvolver a liberação 100 por cento da droga cafeína em 24 horas em comprimidos matrizes e investigar o uso de hidroxipropilcelulose (HPC) mais os efeitos de co-excipiente. As propriedades físicas dos pós foram avaliadas assim como seu uso no processo de granulação úmida. O comprimido contendo a cafeína foi formulado por diferentes relações de peso dos polímeros hidrofílicos. Os resultados da avaliação do polímero confirmaram que o aumento do nível de HPC com o mesmo índice da droga diminuiu significativamente a taxa de liberação da droga. A presença do co-polímero excipiente carboximetilcelulose (CMC) e do polivinilpirrolidona (PVP) na matriz do comprimido foi também investigado. A taxa de liberação foi controlada principalmente por baixos níveis de CMC (< 10 por cento) enquanto PVP não mostrou efeito diferente considerável. A melhor taxa de liberação de cafeína 100 por cento em 24 horas foi obtida quando 10 por cento da lactose monoidrato foi adicionado na formulação.

The "fascist" discourse in computer mediated communication: the "dual strategy" model of the Italian Extreme Right / O discurso "fascista" na comunicação mediada por computador: o modelo de "estratégia dupla" da Extrema Direita Italiana

The study is about the identity construction of Italian Extreme Right groups in different Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) environments. Rhetoric Psychology and Critical Discourse Analysis joint approaches are used to analyse two websites and two newsgroups of extreme right. The results confirm Billig's hypothesis that such groups play a dual communication strategy in Computer Mediated Communication, addressing in different ways to the outgroup and the ingroup. This communication strategy has two different functions. In self-presentation towards the outgroup, the emerging group identity fulfils the search for a wider social legitimation, consensus and recruiting. In the ingroup communication, the emerging identity construction answers to the need for preservation of group cohesion and positive self-image.

Este estudo é sobre a construção da identidade dos grupos Italianos de Extrema Direita em diferentes ambientes de Comunicação Mediada por Computador (CMC). As duas abordagens, Psicologia Retórica e Análise Crítica do Discurso são usadas para analisar dois websites e dois grupos de notícias de extrema direita. Os resultados confirmam a hipótese de Billig de que tais grupos desempenham um duplo papel na estratégia de comunicação na Comunicação Mediada por Computador, dirigindo-se de diferentes maneiras ao grupo externo e ao interno. Esta estratégia de comunicação tem duas funções distintas. Na auto-apresentação feita em direção ao grupo externo, a identidade emergente do grupo satisfaz a busca para uma legitimação social, consenso e recrutamento mais amplos. Na comunicação com o grupo interno, a construção da identidade emergente responde a necessidade de preservação da coesão do grupo e de uma auto-imagem positiva.