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This study evaluated the parameters of oxidative stress and energy metabolism after the acute and long-term administration of gold nanoparticles (GNPs, 10 and 30 nm in diameter) in different organs of rats. Adult male Wistar rats received a single intraperitoneal injection or repeated injections (once daily for 28 days) of saline solution, GNPs-10 or GNPs-30. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the animals were killed, and the liver, kidney, and heart were isolated for biochemical analysis. We demonstrated that acute administration of GNPs-30 increased the TBARS levels, and that GNPs-10 increased the carbonyl protein levels. The long-term administration of GNPs-10 increased the TBARS levels, and the carbonyl protein levels were increased by GNPs-30. Acute administration of GNPs-10 and GNPs-30 increased SOD activity. Long-term administration of GNPs-30 increased SOD activity. Acute administration of GNPs-10 decreased the activity of CAT, whereas long-term administration of GNP-10 and GNP-30 altered CAT activity randomly. Our results also demonstrated that acute GNPs-30 administration decreased energy metabolism, especially in the liver and heart. Long-term GNPs-10 administration increased energy metabolism in the liver and decreased energy metabolism in the kidney and heart, whereas long-term GNPs-30 administration increased energy metabolism in the heart. The results of our study are consistent with other studies conducted in our research group and reinforce the fact that GNPs can lead to oxidative damage, which is responsible for DNA damage and alterations in energy metabolism.

Tendinitis is a painful condition that occurs in tendons in response to repetitive use or direct trauma. The therapeutic approaches commonly employed to modulate inflammation have not achieved complete success in chronic cases of tendinitis. In this scenario, considering the anti-inflammatory properties of pulsed therapeutic ultrasound and gold nanoparticles (GNPs), this study assesses the possible therapeutic effects of phonophoresis in association with diclophenac diethylammonium and GNPs by measuring the inflammatory parameters interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha in acute tendinous injury. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups and were treated with phonophoresis and diclophenac diethylammonium, GNP gel, and a combination thereof. A significant decrease in interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha occurred in tendons treated with phonophoresis+diclophenac+GNPs. The content of both cytokines were similar after combined treatment with phonophoresis+diclophenac+GNPs. Apart from the anti-inflammatory effect, GNPs transported and enhanced drug action when used with phonophoresis.

RESUMO Este trabalho investigou o efeito da adição de resíduo de vidro para fabricação de cerâmica de alvenaria. Foram conformados corpos-de-prova cilíndricos de 27 mm de diâmetro por 45 mm de altura, a partir da massa padrão de uma indústria de cerâmica vermelha e outras 3 formulações (5, 10 e 20%) com incorporação de vidro, baseado em estudos apresentados na literatura. O tratamento térmico foi realizado em forno mufla em 3 temperaturas (800, 900 e 1000 °C). As propriedades tecnológicas avaliadas foram: retração de secagem e de queima, absorção de água, perda ao fogo e resistência mecânica à compressão. Foi possível observar que a retração de secagem baixou de 7,9 para 5,9% com o aumento do teor de vidro adicionado. A adição de resíduo de vidro à massa cerâmica não interferiu significativamente na retração de queima a 800 e 900 °C, mas aumentou significativamente a 1000 °C, assim como a absorção de água foi reduzida consideravelmente a 1000 °C. A adição de resíduo de vidro reduziu a resistência à compressão das peças cerâmicas em até 4,4 MPa, mas os valores encontrados ficaram dentro do estabelecido por norma. A composição com adição de 20% de resíduo de vidro sinterizada a 900 °C alcançou 6 MPa, valor superior ao 1,5 MPa estabelecido por norma a blocos de vedação. A 1000 °C foi observada a ocorrência de overfiring, que leva ao surgimento de bolhas e deformação. A adição de até 20% de resíduo de vidro à massa cerâmica para alvenaria sinterizada a 900 °C apresenta valores aceitáveis pela norma brasileira, das propriedades tecnológicas avaliadas, com a vantagem de reduzir a tendência ao surgimento de trincas de secagem e à variação dimensional, além de contribuir para a redução de uso de matérias-primas virgens e de se dar um destino racional a um resíduo.

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We present an extensive characterization and modeling of the use of a polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) as a photo activated actuator. P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers are very appealing for applications because, on the opposite of the PVDF homopolymer, which requires a drawing or stretching followed by annealing and poling process to show ferroelectric properties, they spontaneously crystallize to beta phase. Based on the measurement of the bending of P(VDF-TrFE) strips under illumination, we extrapolated a model of the role of temperature, piezoelectric effect, and photostrictive components. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3610485

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