Determination of Tetradifon in Brazilian Green Bell Pepper by Differential Pulse Voltammetry

Tetradifon, a potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic pesticide, can contribute to environmental and human contamination when applied to green bell pepper crops. In this context, in this work, a reliable and sensitive method for determination of tetradifon in Brazilian green bell pepper samples involving a differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique on a glassy carbon electrode is proposed. The electrochemical behavior of tetradifon as followed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) suggests that its reduction occurs via an irreversible five-electron transfer vs. Ag vertical bar AgCl, KCl 3 M reference electrode. Very well-resolved diffusion controlled voltammetric peaks have been obtained in a supporting electrolyte solution composed of a mixture of 40% dimethylformamide (DMF), 30% methanol, and 30% NaOH 0.3 mol L-1 at -1.43, -1.57, -1.73, -1.88, and -2.05 V. The proposed DPV method has a good linear response in the 3.00 - 10.0 mu mol L-1 range, with a limit of detection (L.O.D) of 0.756 mu mol L-1 and 0.831 mu mol L-1 in the absence and in the presence of the matrix, respectively. Moreover, improved L.O.D results (0.607 mu mol L-1) have been achieved in the absence of DMF from the supporting electrolyte solution. Recovery has been evaluated in five commercial green bell pepper samples, and recovery percentages ranging from 91.0 to 109 have been obtained for tetradifon determinations. The proposed voltammetric method has also been tested for reproducibility, repeatability, and potential interferents, and the results obtained for these three analytical parameters are satisfactory for electroanalytical purposes. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.024207jes] All rights reserved.

β-Globin polymorphisms in amerindian populations from the brazilian amazon

Objectives: This investigation was performed to examine genetic variation at the beta-globin locus in a sample of 30 healthy individuals from native populations in South America. The patterns of haplotypic variation were compared with those of previous studies including samples for various worldwide populations in an attempt to make inferences about the occupation of the Americas from a deeper temporal perspective than is typically available with haploid markers. Methods: A 2.67-kb segment containing the beta-globin gene and its flanking regions was examined for genetic variation in a sample of 60 chromosomes from native populations in South America. The fragment was PCR-amplified and directly sequenced. To determine linkage relationships in compound heterozygotes, we used the amplification refractory mutation system. In addition, we assessed genetic variability and differentiation among populations, and we performed tests of selective neutrality. These analyses were performed for Brazilian Amerindian group and other worldwide populations previously studied. Results: Eleven polymorphic sites were found in the studied fragment, which distinguished eight different haplotypes, three recombinants haplotypes (present as single copies) and five previously described haplotypes, including some of those most highly differentiated. Genetic variation found in the pooled sample is substantial. Conclusions: Although only five known haplotypes are observed in Amazonia, some of these are highly divergent, resulting in patterns of molecular polymorphism equal to or higher than those from other world regions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Birth prevalence and characteristics of congenital toxoplasmosis in Sergipe, North-east Brazil

Objectives To estimate, by neonatal screening, the birth prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis among live-born infants in Sergipe state, Brazil, and to investigate the clinical features of affected infants. Methods Dried blood spot specimens obtained from 15 204 neonates were assayed for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Duplicate retesting was done in infants with positive and borderline results. Confirmatory testing in peripheral blood samples consisted of testing for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM in infants and mothers. Those with possible congenital toxoplasmosis were evaluated and followed up to a median age of 20 months. Congenital infection was confirmed in the presence of persisting anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies beyond 12 months of age. All infants with confirmed infection were treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folinic acid for 1 year. Results Fifty-three infants had detectable IgM in dried blood spot specimens. Confirmatory testing was reactive in 39/50, of which, 38 completed follow-up. Six of 15 204 newborns were diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, resulting in an estimated birth prevalence of four per 10 000 [CI 95% 1.48.0]. Four infants (67%) showed signs of congenital toxoplasmosis in their first year of life; three (75%) had retinochoroidal scars, and one had cerebral calcifications. Two infants remained asymptomatic until 20 months of age. Conclusions The birth prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis is high in the Brazilian state of Sergipe, with most of the infants showing ocular lesions. Preventive measures are strongly warranted.

Reduced occurrence of programmed cell death and gliosis in the retinas of juvenile rabbits after short-term treatment with intravitreous bevacizumab

OBJECTIVE: Bevacizumab has been widely used as a vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist in the treatment of retinal vasoproliferative disorders in adults and, more recently, in infants with retinopathy of prematurity. Recently, it has been proposed that vascular endothelial growth factor acts as a protective factor for neurons and glial cells, particularly in developing nervous tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bevacizumab on the developing retinas of juvenile rabbits. METHODS: Juvenile rabbits received bevacizumab intravitreously in one eye; the other eye acted as an untreated control. Slit-lamp and fundoscopic examinations were performed both prior to and seven days after treatment. At the same time, retina samples were analyzed using immunohistochemistry to detect autophagy and apoptosis as well as proliferation and glial reactivity. Morphometric analyses were performed, and the data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: No clinical abnormalities were observed in either treated or untreated eyes. However, immunohistochemical analyses revealed a reduction in the occurrence of programmed cell death and increases in both proliferation and reactivity in the bevacizumab-treated group compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab appears to alter programmed cell death patterns and promote gliosis in the developing retinas of rabbits; therefore, it should be used with caution in developing eyes.

THE OCCURRENCE OF HEADACHES AND THEIR EFFECT UPON NURSING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

This study was performed with the objectives of identifying the occurrence of headache as the major cause of pain and characterizing the effect headaches have on the everyday activities of nursing undergraduate students. This cross-sectional study was performed at the College of Nursing of the Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil, from May to June 2008. Participants included 203 students (mean age 21 years; s.d.=1.8), 48.5% from economic class A. Headaches were the major cause of pain for 34.5% of students; described as being of strong intensity; referred to as throbbing (74.3%), stabbing (62.9%), and causing nausea and/or vomiting (55.7%); with episodes occurring in the afternoon (52.9%), and lasting for several hours a day (51.4%). Factors related to the onset of pain were: studying (17.1%) and stress (11.4 %). The activities most affected were: their capacity to concentrate (84.3%) and their mood (84.3%) (p < 0.05). Headaches are less common in the population compared to other country studies, and they affect the students' everyday activities.

Oral Lesions in Renal Transplant

To prevent rejection of kidney transplants, patients must be kept in immunosuppressive therapy for a long time, which includes the use of drugs such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone. The action of these drugs reduces the general immune response of transplant patients and thus increases their susceptibility to infections. Moreover, these drugs increase the potential of developing lesions. Therefore, oral hygiene in kidney transplant recipients contributes to maintenance of the transplanted organ and its function. Thus, an investigation of oral lesions could be counted as a notable work. The aim of this study was to investigate oral lesions in a group of 21 kidney transplant patients under immunosuppressive therapy attended during a 1-year period in the Nephrology Department of the Federal University of Sergipe, Brazil. Data related to sex, age, etiology of renal disease, types of renal transplant, time elapsed after transplantation, immunosuppressive treatment, use of concomitant agents, and presence of oral lesions were obtained. All patients received a kidney transplant from a living donor, and the mean posttransplantation follow-up time was 31.6 months; 71.5% used triple immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine A, azathioprine, and prednisone. Ten patients were also treated with calcium-channel blockers. Of the 21 transplant patients, 17 (81%) presented oral lesions. Gingival overgrowth was the most common alteration, followed by candidiasis and superficial ulcers. One case of spindle cell carcinoma of the lower lip was observed. Oral cavity can harbor a variety of manifestations related to renal transplantation under immunosuppressive therapy.

Institutional arrangements in the emerging biodiesel industry: Case studies from Minas Gerais-Brazil

Connecting (small) family farmers to the emerging biodiesel industry requires careful design of the institutional arrangements between the producers of oil crops and the processing companies. According to institutional economics theory, the design of effective and efficient arrangements depends on production and transaction characteristics, the institutional environment, and the organizational environment supporting the transaction between producers and the industry. This paper presents a comparative study on two cases in the feedstock-for-biodiesel industry in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The two case studies represent the production and transaction system of soybeans (Glycine max L Merrill) and castor beans (Ricinus communis L). Important elements of effective and efficient institutional arrangements are farmer collective action, availability of technical and financial support, and farmer experience with particular crops. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolic profile of patients with diabetes in Barbalha, Brazil

Introduction: Modern life has imposed to people sedentary habits and excessive food consumption, what results into an increase of the incidence of metabolic diseases, which promote the development of atherosclerosis. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the metabolic profile of diabetic patients assisted by the endocrinology service from Ceara Federal University, located in Barbalha, Brazil. Methods: This is a transversal and retrospective study, based on the analysis of patient records. 119 records were reviewed and 35 of them were selected, according to their registers about anthropometric and laboratorial measuring. Results and discussion: Among the selected records, 65.71% were female patients. It was observed a positive relationship between age and the level of triglycerides, between LDL-cholesterol and the use of tobacco and between blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Conclusion: The superposition of risk factor in this group shows the necessity of an integrated assistance and a follow-up about their metabolic profile, aiming to mitigate or retard serious circulatory pathologies.

Reducing Water and Chloride Penetration Through Silicate Treatments for Concrete as a Mean to Control Corrosion Kinetics

There are currently many types of protective materials for reinforced concrete structures and the influence of these materials in the chloride diffusion coefficient and water penetration still needs more research. The aim of this work is to analyze the contributions regarding the typical three surface concrete protection systems (coatings, linings and pore blockers) and discusses the results of three pore blockers (sodium silicate) tested in this work. To this end, certain tests were used: one involving permeability mechanism (low pressure-immersion absorption), one involving capillary water absorption, and the last, a migration test used to estimate the effective chloride diffusion coefficient in saturated condition. Results indicated reduction in chloride diffusion coefficients and capillary water absorption, therefore, restrictions to water penetration from external environmental. As a consequence, a reduction of the corrosion kinetics and a control of the chloride ingress are expected.

Assessing the benefits of rosiglitazone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome through its effects on insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 and insulin resistance: a pilot study

Federal University of Sao Paulo

Basic assistance for mental health in Northeast Brazil

Introduction: Brazilian northeast region is historically affected by socioeconomic problems that made this region more needful for strategies regarding to psychiatric disorders assistance. Methods: This study includes original analysis based on data of secondary level health assistance, extracted from Brazil's Hospitalar Information System, Basic Assistance Information System and Brazilian Institute of Geographic and Statistics. Results: Between 2008 and 2010, more than two hundred million dollars were spent by Brazilian federal government to achieve better quality in the assistance for mental health in Northeast. The service network responsible for the treatment of mental disorders in primary care involves a wide range of professionals and establishments. Conclusion: In northeastern Brazil, socioeconomic and geographic conditions contribute to a particular state of vulnerability for the development of psychopathologies. The association of primary care and an integrated network of public health, however, have improved the attention to mental disordersin this region.

VIBRATIONAL ANALYSIS OF COORDINATION COMPOUNDS OF NICKEL (II): AN APPROACH TO THE TEACHING OF POINT GROUPS

VIBRATIONAL ANALYSIS OF COORDINATION COMPOUNDS OF NICKEL (II): AN APPROACH TO THE TEACHING OF POINT GROUPS. This paper presents an IR and Raman experiment executed during the teaching of the course "Chemical Bonds" for undergraduated students of Science and Technology and Chemistry at the Federal University of ABC, in order to facilitate and encourage the teaching and learning of group theory. Some key aspects of this theory are also outlined. We believe that student learning was more significant with the introduction of this experiment, because there was an increase in the discussions level and in the performance during evaluations. This work also proposes a multidisciplinary approach to include the use of quantum chemistry tools.

Kidney injury and cell therapy: Preclinical study

The aim of this study is to show histological and immunofluorescence analysis of renal parenchyma of agoutis affected by gentamicin-induced renal disease after the infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) stained with Hoechst (R). Nine agouti's males were divided into three groups: Test group (TG): renal disease by gentamicin induced (n = 3), cell therapy group (CTG): renal disease by gentamicin induced and BMMC infusion (n = 3), and control group (CG): nonrenal disease and BMMC infusion (n = 3). TG and CTG were submitted to the protocol of renal disease induction using weekly application of gentamicin sulfate for 4 months. CG and CTG received a 1 X 108 BMMC stained with Hoechst and were euthanized for kidney examination 21 days after BMMC injection and samples were collected for histology and immunofluorescence analysis. Histological analysis demonstrated typical interstitial lesions in kidney similarly to human disease, as tubular necrosis, glomerular destruction, atrophy tubular, fibrotic areas, and collagen deposition. We conclude that histological analysis suggest a positive application of agouti's as a model for a gentamicin inducing of kidney disease, beyond the immunofluorescence analysis suggest a significant migration of BMMC to sites of renal injury in CTG. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diversity of the KIR gene cluster in an urban Brazilian population

The activity of natural killer cells depends on the balance between activating and inhibitory signals coming from their receptors. Among these are the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) that recognize specific HLA class I allotypes. Here we characterized KIR genetic diversity and their HLA ligands in the population of Curitiba, Parana State (n = 164), and compared it with other worldwide populations. The distribution of 2DL4 alleles was also analyzed. The Curitiba population did not differ significantly from European and Euro-descendant populations, but as an admixed population showed higher genetic diversity. We found 27 KIR profiles, many of them uncommon in European populations, in agreement with the elevated historically recent gene flow in the study population. The frequencies of KIR genes and their respective HLA ligands were distributed independently and none of the analyzed individuals lacked functional KIR-HLA ligand combinations. KIR gene frequencies of 33 worldwide populations were consistent with geographic and ethnic distribution, in agreement with demography being the major factor shaping the observed gene content diversity of the KIR locus.