DSpace Collection:

Conchas de gastrópodes marinhos como arquivos ambientais: investigando registros de ações antrópicas por meio de microplásticos

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Conchas de gastrópodes marinhos como arquivos ambientais: investigando registros de ações antrópicas por meio de microplásticos Abstract: The presence of microplastics in marine environments has become an increasing concern due to their widespread distribution and environmental persistence. In this context, this study investigated the potential presence of microplastics incorporated into the shells of marine gastropods from Trindade Island (ES) and Ubatuba (SP), aiming to understand whether these shells can serve as records of environmental contamination. To this end, samples were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed a predominantly mineral composition—primarily calcium carbonate, specifically calcite and aragonite. The various analyses did not clearly identify the presence of the investigated polymers in the natural samples. Although morphological differences were observed in the residues found in samples from the two locations, these characteristics were insufficient to confirm the presence of microplastics. Tests conducted on samples spiked with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) demonstrated that thermogravimetric analysis could successfully identify the polymer when added to the shells at known concentrations. Thus, the lack of detection in natural samples does not necessarily imply the complete absence of microplastics, as they may exist at concentrations or sizes below the detection limits of the techniques employed. Consequently, these results highlight the importance of using multiple analytical techniques to investigate such contaminants and underscore the need for future studies using more sensitive methods to better understand the potential of gastropod shells as records of microplastic contamination in marine environments.

Perfil de proteínas expressas no cerebelo de camundongo Balb/c tratados com uma dieta rica em carboidratos e tratados com glibenclamida

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Perfil de proteínas expressas no cerebelo de camundongo Balb/c tratados com uma dieta rica em carboidratos e tratados com glibenclamida Abstract: Consuming diets rich in refined carbohydrates is a determining factor in increasing the risk of obesity, which can lead to increased insulin levels, influencing the deposition of body fat. To treat metabolic conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, drugs like glibenclamide are often used. Although the cerebellum is best known for its motor functions, recent studies suggest its possible involvement in metabolic regulation and response to diets and pharmacological interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the differential expression of proteins in the cerebellum of Balb/c mice fed a diet rich in refined carbohydrates, as well as the effect of glibenclamide treatment in these animals for eight weeks. For this purpose, cerebellar tissue was homogenized in buffer, and the supernatant was subjected to total protein assay. Aliquots of 20 µg of protein from the supernatant were analyzed by 12.5% SDSPAGE, and the gel was stained with Coomassie Blue R solution. The retention factor or relative mobility of the bands was measured based on the relative molecular mass standard. The gel image was processed using Scion Image software to analyze the optical density intensity. The results were given as mean and standard deviation and submitted to inferential statistical analysis using the t-test, considering p < 0.05 significant, and the proteins were predicted based on a review of the literature. The electrophoretic profile of the samples revealed the expression of eight proteins in the cerebellum of animals treated or not treated with the diet and/or glibenclamide. Of these, five bands were statistically significant, namely P1 (55.8 kDa), P3 (45.4 kDa), P6 (35.4 kDa), P7 (28.8 kDa), and P8 (26.5 kDa). For P1 and P3, glibenclamide reduced expression, while the diet increased it. The expression of P6 decreased with both treatments performed in isolation, while P7 decreased only with glibenclamide and P8 increased only with the diet. The prediction indicated that the identified proteins perform different functions, with most of them (28.2%) acting in events related to DNA and RNA, and other events (23.1%). It is concluded that both a carbohydrate-rich diet and treatment with glibenclamide promote changes in the cerebellar proteome when analyzed alone, while their combination did not result in significant changes in expression. Thus, the identified proteins become potential targets for complementary proteomic investigations and future in silico analyses, considering the ability of diet and glibenclamide to modulate their expression.

A eficácia e efetividade da assistência estudantil como política pública de permanência no ensino superior da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia ampus Pontal

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A eficácia e efetividade da assistência estudantil como política pública de permanência no ensino superior da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia ampus Pontal

“Uma mulher trabalhadora como eu sou”: caminhos da formação de uma futura professora de ciências e biologia

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: “Uma mulher trabalhadora como eu sou”: caminhos da formação de uma futura professora de ciências e biologia Abstract: This research presents an autobiographical narrative about the academic trajectory of a student enrolled in the undergraduate Teaching Degree in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Pontal Campus, aiming to understand the challenges, learnings, and experiences that contributed to her development as a future Science and Biology teacher. The study aims to analyze the paths experienced throughout undergraduate education, highlighting the relationships between university retention, work, family responsibilities, gender inequalities, and the construction of teaching identity. The methodology is characterized as an autobiographical narrative investigation, developed from the recollection and reflection on personal, academic, and professional experiences lived during higher education, combined with studies on autobiographical narratives, teacher education, and student retention. The results indicate that the university trajectory was marked by challenges related to balancing work and studies, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial difficulties, and the need to manage family responsibilities alongside academic training. Furthermore, the experience of teaching during undergraduate education significantly contributed to the construction of professional identity and reaffirmed the desire to pursue teaching. It is concluded that autobiographical narratives are important instruments for reflecting on student trajectories, allowing a broader understanding of higher education retention beyond traditional academic indicators and revealing human, social, and formative experiences.