2024 - OTTOBONI, K.A.; CRUZ, P.V.D. da; FARIA, R.N.

A fractional order model for supercapacitors and a method for obtaining its parameters were proposed based in the association between a simplified model of one integer order capacitor (RC) with a fractional order parallel RLC impedance. Like all parallel RLC impedances, the fractional order parallel RLC impedance has a resonance frequency, however its response depends substantially on the fractional order, making it an important parameter for fitting the model to experimental data. Through the analysis of experimental galvanostatic charge and discharge curve and the application of a heuristic optimization algorithm, the parameters of the proposed model were obtained, pursuing to remove the main frequency component of the error between the data and the RC simplified model. The results demonstrated that the model obtained actually minimized the dominant frequency of the error and also resulted in a decrease in components at other frequencies, highlighting the advantage of the fractional order applied in the RLC proposed model.

2024 - SIMONSEN, MARCELO; LOPEZ, ROSSANA V.M.; MAISTRO, SIMONE; IKEOKA, LUCAS T.; PEREIRA, GLAUCIA F. de L.; LUGAO, ADEMAR B.; SADALLA, JOSE C.; KATAYAMA, MARIA L.H.; FOLGUEIRA, MARIA A.A.K.

Introduction: Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer treatment has controversial benefits as most methodologies are associated with significant morbidity. We carried out a systematic review to compare tumor response, measured by tumor weight and volume, between intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivered via drug delivery systems (DDSs) and free intraperitoneal chemotherapy in animal models of ovarian cancer. The secondary aim was to assess the toxicity of DDS-delivered chemotherapy, based on changes in animal body weight. Methods: Based on PRISMA and SYRCLE guidelines, we identified 38 studies for review, of which 20, were used in the meta-analysis. We evaluated outcome, through tumor volume and tumor weight and, toxicity, through animal weight. Analysis was based on drugs employed and treatment duration. Results: Most studies were performed on mice. Ovarian cancer cell lines most commonly used to induce xenografts were SKOV3 (19 studies) and A2780 (6 studies). Intraperitoneal device, also known as drug delivery systems (DDS), consisted in nanoparticles, hydrogels, lipid polymer and others. The most commonly used drugs were paclitaxel and cisplatin. Most studies used as the control treatment the same chemotherapy applied free intraperitoneally and tumor response/animal weight were evaluated weekly. There was a small benefit in overall tumor reduction in animals treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy applied through the slow release device compared with animals treated with intraperitoneal free chemotherapy, as evaluated through tumor weight - results in standardized mean difference. (-1.06; 95% CI: -1.34, -0.78) and tumor volume (-3.72; 95% CI: -4.47, -2.97), a benefit that was seen in most weekly evaluations and for most chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin (tumor weight: -5.60; 95% CI: -7.83, -3.37), paclitaxel (tumor weight: -1.18; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.83), and cisplatin (tumor volume: -2.85; 95% CI: -3.66, -2.04) carboplatin (tumor volume: -12.71; 95% CI: -17.35, -8.07); cisplatin (tumor volume: -7.76; 95% CI: -9.88, -5.65); paclitaxel (tumor volume: -2.85; 95% CI: -3.66, -2.04). Regarding animal weight, there was no weight reduction in animals treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy applied through the slow-release device compared with animals treated with intraperitoneal free chemotherapy. However, significant heterogeneity was observed in some comparisons. Conclusion: slow-release devices are overall safe and effective in animal models of ovarian cancer. It was not possible to evaluate which one is the most promising device to treat ovarian cancer, because many different types were used to apply chemotherapy intraperitoneally.

2024 - MENEZES, FILIPE; PALMEIRA, JULYS da F.; OLIVEIRA, JULIANA dos S.; ARGANARAZ, GUSTAVO A.; SOARES, CARLOS R.J.; NOBREGA, OTAVIO T.; RIBEIRO, BERGMANN M.; ARGANARAZ, ENRIQUE R.

The persistence or emergence of long-term symptoms following resolution of primary SARS-CoV-2 infection is referred to as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). PASC predominantly affects the cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and immune systems. Among these, the central nervous system (CNS) is significantly impacted, leading to a spectrum of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, brain fog, cognitive impairment, anosmia, hypogeusia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and peripheral neuropathy (neuro-PASC). However, the risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms responsible for neuro-PASC remain unclear. This review hypothesis discusses the leading hypotheses regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in long COVID/PASC, focusing on neuro-PASC. We propose vascular dysfunction mediated by activation of astrocytes and pericytes followed by blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption as underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological manifestations. Additionally, we provide insights into the role of spike protein at the blood–brain interface. Finally, we explore the potential pathogenic mechanisms initiated by the interaction between the spike protein and cellular receptors at the brain endothelial and tissue levels.

2024 - RUSIN, TIAGO; VILLAVICENCIO, ANNA L.C.H.; ARAUJO, WILMA M.C.; FAIAD, CRISTIANE

Food irradiation is a process used for various purposes, the main function of which is food safety. Although food irradiation has been used to ensure food safety, most consumers are unaware of the basic concepts of irradiation, misinterpreting information and showing a negative perception towards food treated with ionizing radiation. This research aimed to develop the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Awareness Scale on Consumption of Irradiated Foods (ASCIF) for the Argentine population and culture. The scale included 31 items covering 4 factors: safety of irradiated foods (S), concepts (C), labeling (L), and awareness (A), which were able to assess the Argentine population’s knowledge of irradiated foods. The total number of respondents was 500 and the data were collected by means of an electronic survey. Statistical tests were carried out which met the validity assumptions and confirmed the validity and consistency of the psychometric scale by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM). Analysis of the results showed that the majority of consumers are unaware of the benefits of irradiated foods. It was found that the scale met the criteria for evidence of validity and consistency, proving to be an efficient tool for assessing potential challenges and opportunities in the Argentinian market for irradiated foods. The process was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of Brazil and Argentina and followed the adaptation methodologies of the International Test Commission (ITC) with processes of translations and retranslations and application of the scale in Argentina.