Showing papers by "Federal University of São Carlos published in 2023"

Evaluation of Clinical and Biomechanical Features of Scars Resulting from the Treatment of Burn Contractures Comparing Acellular Dermal Matrices

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and biomechanical features of scars resulting from the treatment of burn contractures using different acellular dermal matrices (ADM).Extensive burns often lead to severe sequelae, such as skin contractures, that can be treated using ADM to improve the quality of these scars.A prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial was performed including patients with burn contractures at least 1-year post-burn, treated using split-thickness skin graft (STSG). These patients were randomized into 4 groups: control (received only STSG without ADM), Integra (ADM + STSG), Matriderm (ADM + STSG), and Pelnac (ADM + STSG). Exclusion criteria were loss of follow-up and graft integration failure. The evaluation was performed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the durom-eter, and the cutometer in areas of normal skin, hypertrophic scar, and surgical scar, at least 1 year after the surgery.In the VSS, durometer, and cutometer evaluation, there was no difference in the comparison of surgical scars among groups. Analyzing each group, with an intraindividual evaluation comparing areas of normal skin with surgical scars, the results suggested a possibility of a surgical scar hardness closer to normal skin for Integra and Matriderm groups measured with the durometer. In the cutometer evaluation, surgical scars were not comparable to areas of normal skin.This study suggests that there is no difference in the quality of scar assessed through the analysis of clinical and biomechanical features comparing acellular dermal matrices (Integra, Matriderm, and Pelnac) and only split-thickness skin graft without a dermal matrix.

Electrical Impedance-Based Electronic Tongues

Abstract: Electronic tongues (e-tongues) are analytical tools using an array of sensors operating under distinct transduction mechanisms, combined with data treatment techniques to analyze complex liquid systems. Electrical impedance spectroscopy has been proven a useful detection method to e-tongues toward numerous analytes. In this book chapter, we address fundamental concepts of electrical impedance spectroscopy, interdigitated electrodes (IDEs), and their fabrication techniques. We also exemplify different (nano)materials and distinct deposition techniques for a functional coating of the IDEs. Alternative approaches for low-cost electrode fabrication and devices, including microfluidics and 3D printing, are also discussed. We also briefly survey data mining, machine learning, and visualization strategies in the big data context for e-tongues. Finally, applications of impedimetric e-tongues for the analyses of basic tastes, beverages, food, soil nutrients, pollutants, and other analytes of interest are illustrated and discussed.

Women with fibromyalgia ( <scp>ACR</scp> criteria) compared with women diagnosed by doctors and women with osteoarthritis: Cross‐sectional study using functional and clinical variables

Abstract: To compare functional and clinical variables of women with fibromyalgia (American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria) vs women diagnosed by doctors and women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).This is a cross-sectional study. We used clinical measures, namely, Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQ-R), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale (PCTS), and functional measures, such as Sit-to-Stand (STS) test, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.The sample consisted of 91 participants divided into 3 groups: participants with KOA (n = 30), fibromyalgia diagnosed according to the ACR (FM-ACR, n = 31), and fibromyalgia according to the medical diagnosis (FM-Med, n = 30). In the comparisons, we observed a significant difference (P < 0.05) and a large effect size (d ≥ 0.8), between all groups, in the WPI, WPI + SSS, FIQ-R domains, CSI, and PCTS. We did not observe significant values in the correlations between the clinical variables, SST, and TUG test.People with fibromyalgia according, to the ACR, have higher levels of widespread pain, symptom severity, global impact on quality of life, central sensitization, and catastrophizing compared with people with knee OA and people with clinical fibromyalgia diagnosis not confirmed by the ACR diagnostic criteria.

Biodegradable and Flexible Thermoplastic Composite Graphite Electrodes: A Promising Platform for Inexpensive and Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Creatine Kinase at the Point-of-Care

Abstract: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the main cause of death worldwide, and the time of diagnosis is decisive for the effectiveness of the treatment of patients with AMI. Creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) has a predominance and high affinity with myocardial tissue, making it considered one of the main biomarkers for the diagnosis of AMI. In this work, we report a novel biodegradable composite material based on a polymer blend of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PHBV:Ecoflex) and graphite microparticles for sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of CK-MB. The morphological and physicochemical characterizations of the thermoplastic composite material revealed a homogeneous and synergistic distribution of the graphite microparticles through the blend structure, providing low defects and high electrical conductivity with high electron transfer kinetics (k0 = 3.54 × 10-3 cm s-1) features with adequate flexibility for point-of-care applications. The portable and disposable devices were applied to detect CK-MB using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in a relevant clinical concentration ranging from 5.0 ng mL-1 to 100.0 ng mL-1 and presented a limit of detection of 0.26 ng mL-1 CK-MB. The selectivity of the sensor was confirmed by testing the potential interference of major biomolecules found in biofluids and other relevant macromolecules. The accuracy and robustness were assessed by addition and recovery protocol in urine and saliva samples without sample pretreatment and demonstrated the potential of our method for rapid and decentralized tests of AMI. In addition, the study of the thermal, biological, and photodegradation of the devices after being used was also carried out, aiming at the disposal of the material more sustainably.

Neural network for classification of MnS microinclusions in steels

Abstract: The influence of MnS inclusions on steel properties is highly noticeable. For instance, higher severity levels of inclusions are associated with lower mechanical properties and a higher risk of failure in service. Manual inclusions classification methods are the most used in laboratories and metallurgical sector industries because of their low cost, while automatic methods have high operating costs, which makes their use more restrict. Neural network models, on the other hand, are extremely advantageous for several applications. The present study is motivated by the use of a neural network model for classifying inclusions in steels. The aim is to achieve the highest possible accuracy in classifying the MnS inclusions severities (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5) using optical images captured from steel specimens. The results have showed that the classification of MnS severities was very sensitive to the database number of images. A 98% training accuracy was obtained by increasing the number of images from 3,156 to 4,136, mostly adding images for some severity levels. However, validation and test results were not satisfactory. As such, a severity re-categorization of the database was able to enhance the true positive values, with an error of 8%. In general, the neural network represented speed in decision making, proving to be a potential tool for classifying steel inclusions.

Point-of-Care Devices with Electrochemical Detection for COVID-19 Diagnosis

Abstract: In this chapter, we explore the different electrochemical devices for point-of-care application, as well as the most relevant results regarding the application of these biosensors for sensing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The different designs and materials used for the development of these prototypes will be explored, as well as the analytical characteristics that make these devices applicable as a potential alternative for the decentralized test, with a special emphasis on the determination of SARS-CoV-2 virus, an immediate and urgent issue in the global context.

Biopolymer Films and Composite Coatings

Abstract: Facing the problem of excessive use of conventional petroleum-based plastic materials in a wide range of daily life applications is undoubtedly an urgent global issue. Researchers and organizations have driven much effort to develop novel materials such as coatings and films based on biopolymers which have emerged as a viable way to replace, at least partially, synthetic products. Biopolymers, like polysaccharides and proteins, can be obtained from marine or agro-industrial resources and also by food processing waste and by-products, which contributes to sustainability and a circular economy. Biopolymer films are pre-formed structures produced by solvent casting and extrusion procedures, while coatings are formed directly on the product surface by spraying, dipping, or spreading techniques. To enhance films and coatings properties, strategies including chemical modification, cross-linking, plasticizers addition, use of fibers and nano reinforcing materials, and blending of different biopolymers have been adopted. Although there is still much to be done in terms of mechanical and water barriers properties and large-scale processability, the incorporation of active agents into the biopolymer matrix, mainly natural antimicrobials and antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, and growth factors, has emerged as one of the significant advantages in the design of novel functional materials. These active ingredients can prolong shelf life and provide many other additional characteristics of the final products. This chapter intends to cover the relevance and recent advances in biopolymer films and composite coatings, highlighting their applications in different sectors such as food packaging, medicine, textile, and agriculture.

Sensing Materials: Nanofibers Produced by Electrospinning and Solution Blow Spinning

Abstract: In this book chapter we review recent advances on the use of electrospun and solution-blow spun nanofibers, which display remarkable features as high surface area to volume ratio, high porosity, mechanical flexibility and possibility of functionalization, in the design of chemoresistive, electrochemical, opto-chemical and electronic-tongue sensors. Emphasizes is given on the fabrication of nanofibers of varied size, shape as well as with distinct surface and bulk functionalization with active compounds to interact with analytes ranging from heavy metals, food contaminants, microorganism, volatile organic compounds, among others. Finally, future trends for nanofibers fabrication and application in sensors are also discussed.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Spectromicroscopy Studies for Diagnosis of Covid-19 Infection

Abstract: For many years, infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterize chemical substances. However, recent advancements in the development of infrared spectroscopy have substantially improved this technique’s ability to analyze numerous types of biological material. In this sense, has been an increase in the number of studies on the use of infrared spectroscopy in the screening and diagnosis of various illnesses. By enabling the identification of biochemical changes in patients showing signs of COVID-19, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes diagnosed. This chapter discusses the fundamentals of FTIR instruments and studies that employ infrared spectroscopy to evaluate individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 by utilizing saliva, serum, and nasopharyngeal fluid samples. Furthermore, we show statistical techniques and SARS-CoV-2 viral fingerprint areas that lead to positive and negative COVID-19 infection diagnoses.

Post-COVID-19 Metabolomics: Pursuing the Sequels of a Pandemic

Abstract: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, in the middle of a pneumonia outbreak. This disease became pandemic in March 2020, launching the world into a social distancing and isolation era. In December 2020, the first COVID-19 vaccine was applied.

Desafios de uma pesquisa no escuro em gay clubs berlinenses

Abstract: Neste paper trato das festas de sexo, que foram cenários do percurso etnográfico de atletas amadores em Berlim, numa pesquisa sobre práticas esportivas de pessoas LGBTQIA+. Porém, além da interpretação antropológica relacionada ao circuito citadino de tais festividades, lanço-me no desafio de refletir sobre o escuro e os cheiros que existiam nestes ambientes. Como a antropologia, em geral, privilegia a premência da linguagem e da visão em suas investigações, tento etnografar outras sensações no escuro e na penumbra para entender como isso pode permitir conhecimento antropológico sob outros registros. E, assim, a partir desses elementos não visuais de percepção, tomo os cheiros que me afetaram para abrir novas considerações sobre o trabalho de campo realizado.

Letter to the editor regarding “Deriving a Novel Score for the Stratification of Risk Progression in Early-onset Scoliosis

Abstract: Physical Therapy Post-Graduate Program, Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil Funding: This work was partially supported by Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES, BR – finance code 001). The funding source had no involvement in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, writing of the report, or in the decision to submit the article for publication. Letter to the editor regarding “Deriving a Novel Score for the Stratification of Risk Progression in Early-onset Scoliosis: A Multicenter Initiative The author reports no conflicts of interest. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Physical Therapy Post-Graduate Program (PPGFT), Physical Therapy Department (DFisio), Rod. Washington Luis, Km 235, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Tel.: +5598991188848; E-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @_psandre