Liquid-liquid equilibria for systems composed of rice bran oil and alcohol-rich solvents: Application to extraction and deacidification of oil

The liquid-liquid equilibria of systems composed of rice bran oil, free fatty acids, ethanol and water were investigated at temperatures ranging from 10 to 60 degrees C. The results of the present study indicated that the mutual solubility of the compounds decreased with an increase in the water content of the solvent and a decrease in the temperature of the solution. The experimental data set was correlated by applying the UNIQUAC model. The average variance between the experimental and calculated compositions was 0.35%, indicating that the model can accurately predict behavior of the compounds at different temperatures and degrees of hydration. The adjustment of interaction parameters enables both the simulation of liquid-liquid extractors for deacidification of vegetable oil and the prediction of phase compositions for the oil and alcohol-rich phases that are generated during cooling of the stream exiting the extractor (when using ethanol as the solvent). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of extraction and transesterification methods on the determination of the fatty acid contents of three Brazilian seaweed species

Seaweeds are photosynthetic organisms important to their ecosystem and constitute a source of compounds with several different applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biotechnology industries, such as triacylglycerols, which can be converted to fatty acid methyl esters that make up biodiesel, an alternative source of fuel applied in economic important areas. This study evaluates the fatty acid profiles and concentrations of three Brazilian seaweed species, Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen) J.V. Lamouroux (Rhodophya), Sargassum cymosum C. Agardh (Heterokontophyta), and Ulva lactuca L. (Chlorophyta), comparing three extraction methods (Bligh & Dyer - B&D; AOAC Official Methods - AOM; and extraction with methanol and ultrasound - EMU) and two transesterification methods (7% BF3 in methanol - BF3; and 5% HCl in methanol - HCl). The fatty acid contents of the three species of seaweeds were significantly different when extracted and transesterified by the different methods. Moreover, the best method for one species was not the same for the other species. The best extraction and transesterification methods for H. musciformis, S. cymosum and U. lactuca were, respectively, AOM-HCl, B&D-BF3 and B&D-BF3/B&D-HCl. These results point to a matrix effect and the method used for the analysis of the fatty acid content of different organisms should be selected carefully.

Treatment times of Class II malocclusion: four premolar and non-extraction protocols

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the treatment times of Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects treated with four first premolar extractions or a non- extraction protocol and fixed edgewise appliances. Eighty- four patients were selected and divided into two groups. Group 1, treated with four first premolar extractions, consisted of 48 patients (27 males and 21 females) with a mean age of 13.03 years and group 2, treated without extractions, consisted of 36 patients (18 males and 18 females) with a mean age of 13.13 years. Group 2 was subdivided into two subgroups, 2A consisting of 16 patients treated in one phase and 2B consisting of 20 patients treated in two phases. The initial and final Treatment Priority Index (TPI), initial ages, initial mandibular crowding, and treatment times of groups 1 and 2 were compared with t- tests. These variables were also compared between group 1 and the subgroups with analysis of variance followed by Tukey's tests. The treatment times for groups 1 and 2 and subgroups 2A and 2B were 2.36, 2.47, 2.25, and 2.64 years, respectively, which were not significantly different. Treatment times with non-extraction and four premolar extraction protocols are similar.

Applying design of experiments (DOE) to flavonoid extraction from Passiflora alata and P. edulis

The Passifloraceae family is extensively used in native Brazilian folk medicine to treat a wide variety of diseases. The problem of flavonoid extraction from Passiflora was treated by application of design of experiments (DOE), as an experiment with mixture including one categorical process variable. The components of the binary mixture were: ethanol (component A) and water (component B); the categorical process variable: extraction method (factor C) was varied at two levels: (+1) maceration and (-1) percolation. ANOVA suggested a cubic model for P. edulis extraction and a quadratic model for P. alata.These results indicate that the proportion of components A and B in the mixture is the main factor involved in significantly increasing flavonoid extraction. In regard to the extraction methods, no important differences were observed, which indicates that these two traditional extraction methods could be effectively used to extract flavonoids from both medicinal plants. The evaluation of antioxidant activity of the extract by ORAC method showed that P. edulis displays twice as much antioxidant activity as P. alata. Considering that maceration is a simple, rapid and environmentally friendly extraction method, in this study, the optimized conditions for flavonoid extraction from these Passiflora species is maceration with 75% ethanol for P. edulis and 50% ethanol for P. alata.

Geochemical signatures of metasedimentary rocks of high-pressure granulite facies and their relation with partial melting: Carvalhos Klippe, Southern Brasilia Belt, Brazil

High-grade metasedimentary rocks can preserve geochemical signatures of their sedimentary protolith if significant melt extraction did not occur. Retrograde reaction textures provide the main evidence for trapped melt in the rock fabrics. Carvalhos Klippe rocks in Southern Brasilia Orogen, Brazil, present a typical high-pressure granulite assemblage with evidence of mica breakdown partial melting (Ky + Grt + Kfs +/- Bt +/- Rt). The metamorphic peak temperatures obtained by Zr-in-Rt and ternary feldspar geothermometers are between 850 degrees C and 900 degrees C. The GASP bane peak pressure obtained using grossular rich garnet core is 16 kbar. Retrograde reaction textures in which the garnet crystals are partially to totally replaced by Bt + Qtz +/- Fsp intergrowths are very common in the Carvalhos Klippe rocks. These reactions are interpreted as a result of interactions between residual phases and trapped melt during the retrograde path. In the present study the geochemical signatures of three groups of Carvalhos Klippe metasedimentary rocks are analysed. Despite the high metamorphic grade these three groups show well-defined geochemical features and their REE patterns are similar to average compositions of post-Archean sedimentary rocks (PAAS, NASC). The high-pressure granulite facies Grt-Bt-Pl gneisses with immature arenite (wacke, arkose or lithic-arenite) geochemical signatures present in the Carvalhos Klippe are compared to similar rocks in amphibolite facies from the same tectonic framework (Andrelandia Nappe System). The similar geochemical signatures between Grt-Bt-Pl gneisses metamorphosed in high-pressure granulite facies and Grt-Bt-Pl-Qtz schists from the Andrelandia and Liberdade Nappes, with minimal to absent melting conditions, are suggestive of low rates of melt extraction in these high-grade rocks. The rocks with pelitic compositions most likely had higher melt extraction and even under such circumstances nevertheless tend to show REE patterns similar to average compositions of post-Archean sedimentary rocks (PAAS, NASC). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Peptidomics of Three Bothrops Snake Venoms: Insights Into the Molecular Diversification of Proteomes and Peptidomes

Snake venom proteomes/peptidomes are highly complex and maintenance of their integrity within the gland lumen is crucial for the expression of toxin activities. There has been considerable progress in the field of venom proteomics, however, peptidomics does not progress as fast, because of the lack of comprehensive venom sequence databases for analysis of MS data. Therefore, in many cases venom peptides have to be sequenced manually by MS/MS analysis or Edman degradation. This is critical for rare snake species, as is the case of Bothrops cotiara (BC) and B. fonsecai (BF), which are regarded as near threatened with extinction. In this study we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the venom peptidomes of BC, BF, and B. jararaca (BJ) using a combination of solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase HPLC to fractionate the peptides, followed by nano-liquid chromatography-tandem MS (LC-MS/MS) or direct infusion electrospray ionization-(ESI)-MS/MS or MALDI-MS/MS analyses. We detected marked differences in the venom peptidomes and identified peptides ranging from 7 to 39 residues in length by de novo sequencing. Forty-four unique sequences were manually identified, out of which 30 are new peptides, including 17 bradykinin-potentiating peptides, three poly-histidine-poly-glycine peptides and interestingly, 10 L-amino acid oxidase fragments. Some of the new bradykinin-potentiating peptides display significant bradykinin potentiating activity. Automated database search revealed fragments from several toxins in the peptidomes, mainly from L-amino acid oxidase, and allowed the determination of the peptide bond specificity of proteinases and amino acid occurrences for the P4-P4' sites. We also demonstrate that the venom lyophilization/resolubilization process greatly increases the complexity of the peptidome because of the imbalance caused to the venom proteome and the consequent activity of proteinases on venom components. The use of proteinase inhibitors clearly showed different outcomes in the peptidome characterization and suggested that degradomic-peptidomic analysis of snake venoms is highly sensitive to the conditions of sampling procedures. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics 11: 10.1074/mcp.M112.019331, 1245-1262, 2012.

A Validated Reverse Phase HPLC Analytical Method for Quantitation of Glycoalkaloids in Solanum lycocarpum and Its Extracts

Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae) is native to the Brazilian Cerrado. Fruits of this species contain the glycoalkaloids solasonine (SN) and solamargine (SM), which display antiparasitic and anticancer properties. A method has been developed for the extraction and HPLC-UV analysis of the SN and SM in different parts of S. lycocarpum, mainly comprising ripe and unripe fruits, leaf, and stem. This analytical method was validated and gave good detection response with linearity over a dynamic range of 0.77-1000.00 mu g mL(-1) and recovery in the range of 80.92-91.71%, allowing a reliable quantitation of the target compounds. Unripe fruits displayed higher concentrations of glycoalkaloids (1.04% +/- 0.01 of SN and 0.69% +/- 0.00 of SM) than the ripe fruits (0.83% +/- 0.02 of SN and 0.60% +/- 0.01 of SM). Quantitation of glycoalkaloids in the alkaloidic extract gave 45.09% +/- 1.14 of SN and 44.37% +/- 0.60 of SM, respectively.

On Site Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) in Water Samples of the Cananeia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Estuarine systems play an important role in the retention of toxic trace elements owing to the affinity of these elements with particles dissolved in water. This work presents the use of a voltammetric sensor to monitor heavy metal (Zn (II), Cd(II) and Pb (II)) concentrations in the Cananeia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon region (Sao Paulo State, Brazil). Lower concentrations were found in the Southern estuarine system (Cananeia City) and increased concentrations observed in the Northern sector (Iguape City) were promoted by anthropogenic activities, with particular influence from the historical introduction of mining wastes and inputs from agricultural, industrial and domestic effluents. The proposed method is reliable, inexpensive and fast, can simultaneously provide information on the concentration of these metallic ions and can be easily used for field measurements aboard oceanographic ships.

Oral health and access to dental care services in relation to the Health Necessities Index. Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2008

The Health Department of Sao Paulo, Brazil, has developed a Health Necessities Index (HNI) to identify priority areas for providing health assistance. In 2008, a survey of the status of oral health was conducted. The objective of this ecological study was to analyze the status of oral health in relation to the HNI. The variables, stratified by the age of 5, 12 and 15 years old were: percentage of individuals with difficulty of access to dental care services; DMFT and DMFS; prevalence of the need for tooth extraction and treatment of dental caries. Data were analyzed for the 25 Health Technical Supervision Units (HTS). The Statistical Covariance Test was used as well as the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression model. A positive correlation was observed between high scores of the HNI and difficulty of access to services. In the HTS with high scores of HNI a higher incidence of dental caries was observed, a greater need for tooth extractions and low caries-free incidence. In order to improve health conditions of the population it is mandatory to prioritize actions in areas of social deprivation.

Single-cell expression analysis of BMP15 and GDF9 in mature oocytes and BMPR2 in cumulus cells of women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

To detect expression of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in oocytes, and their receptor type 2 receptor for BMPs (BMPR2) in cumulus cells in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), and determine if BMPR2, BMP15, and GDF9 expression correlate with hyperandrogenism in FF of PCOS patients. Prospective case-control study. Eighteen MII-oocytes and their respective cumulus cells were obtained from 18 patients with PCOS, and 48 MII-oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) from 35 controls, both subjected to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), and follicular fluid (FF) was collected from small (10-14 mm) and large (> 18 mm) follicles. RNeasy Micro Kit (Qiagen(A (R))) was used for RNA extraction and gene expression was quantified in each oocyte individually and in microdissected cumulus cells from cumulus-oocyte complexes retrieved from preovulatory follicles using qRT-PCR. Chemiluminescence and RIA assays were used for hormone assays. BMP15 and GDF9 expression per oocyte was higher among women with PCOS than the control group. A positive correlation was found between BMPR2 transcripts and hyperandrogenism in FF of PCOS patients. Progesterone values in FF were lower in the PCOS group. We inferred that BMP15 and GDF9 transcript levels increase in mature PCOS oocytes after COH, and might inhibit the progesterone secretion by follicular cells in PCOS follicles, preventing premature luteinization in cumulus cells. BMPR2 expression in PCOS cumulus cells might be regulated by androgens.

Vaginal morcellation: A new strategy for large gynecological malignant tumor extraction A pilot study

Objective. Evaluate feasibility and safety of a novel technique for uterine morcellation in patients scheduled for laparoscopic treatment of gynecologic malignances. Background. The laparoscopic management of uterine malignancies is progressively gaining importance and popularity over laparotomy. Nevertheless, minimal invasive surgery is of limited use when patients have enlarged uterus or narrow vagina. In these cases, conventional uterus morcellation could be a solution but should not be recommended due to risks of tumor dissemination. Methods. Prospective pilot study of women with endometrial cancer in which uterus removal was a realistic concern due to both organ size and proportionality. Brief technique description: after completion of total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral anexectomy, a nylon with polyurethane Lapsac (R) is vaginally inserted into the abdomen; the specimen is placed inside the pouch that will be closed and rotated 180 degrees toward the vaginal vault and, posteriorly, pushed into the vaginal canal; in the transvaginal phase, the surgeon pulls the edges of the bag up to vaginal introitus and all vaginal walls will be covered; inside the pouch, the operator performs a uterus bisection-morcellation. Results. In our series of 8 cases, we achieved successful completion in all patients, without conversion to laparotomy. Average operative time, blood loss and length of hospitalization were favorable. One patient presented with a vesicovaginal fistula. Conclusion. The vaginal morcellation following oncologic principles is a feasible method that permits a rapid uterine extraction and may avoid a number of unnecessary laparotomies. Further studies are needed to confirm the oncological safety of the technique. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On site stripping voltammetric determination of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) in water samples of the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon complex in São Paulo state, Brazil

Estuarine systems play an important role in the retention of toxic trace elements owing to the affinity of these elements with particles dissolved in water. This work presents the use of a voltammetric sensor to monitor heavy metal (Zn (II), Cd(II) and Pb (II)) concentrations in the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon region (São Paulo State, Brazil). Lower concentrations were found in the Southern estuarine system (Cananéia City) and increased concentrations observed in the Northern sector (Iguape City) were promoted by anthropogenic activities, with particular influence from the historical introduction of mining wastes and inputs from agricultural, industrial and domestic effluents. The proposed method is reliable, inexpensive and fast, can simultaneously provide information on the concentration of these metallic ions and can be easily used for field measurements aboard oceanographic ships.

Cigarette smoke inhalation influences bone healing of post-extraction tooth socket: a histometric study in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate, histometrically, the bone healing of the molar extraction socket just after cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI). Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a test group (animals exposed to CSI, starting 3 days before teeth extraction and maintained until sacrifice; n=20) and a control group (animals never exposed to CSI; n=20). Second mandibular molars were bilaterally extracted and the animals (n=5/group/period) were sacrificed at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after surgery. Digital images were analyzed according to the following histometric parameters: osteoid tissue (OT), remaining area (RA), mineralized tissue (MT) and non-mineralized tissue (NMT) in the molar socket. Intergroup analysis showed no significant differences at day 3 (p>0.05) for all parameters. On the 7th day, CSI affected negatively (p<0.05) bone formation with respect to NMT and RA (MT: 36%, NMT: 53%, RA: 12%; and MT: 39%, NMT: 29%, RA: 32%, for the control and test groups, respectively). In contrast, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found at days 10 and 14. It may be concluded that CSI may affect socket healing from the early events involved in the healing process, which may be critical for the amount and quality of new-bone formation in smokers.

Saliva and dental erosion

Dental erosion is a multifactorial condition. The consideration of chemical, biological and behavioral factors is fundamental for its prevention and therapy. Among the biological factors, saliva is one of the most important parameters in the protection against erosive wear. Objective: This review discusses the role of salivary factors on the development of dental erosion. Material and Methods: A search was undertaken on MeDLINe website for papers from 1969 to 2010. The keywords used in the research were "saliva", "acquired pellicle", "salivary flow", "salivary buffering capacity" and "dental erosion". Inclusion of studies, data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken independently and in duplicate by two members of the review team. Disagreements were solved by discussion and consensus or by a third party. Results: Several characteristics and properties of saliva play an important role in dental erosion. Salivary clearance gradually eliminates the acids through swallowing and saliva presents buffering capacity causing neutralization and buffering of dietary acids. Salivary flow allows dilution of the acids. In addition, saliva is supersaturated with respect to tooth mineral, providing calcium, phosphate and fluoride necessary for remineralization after an erosive challenge. Furthermore, many proteins present in saliva and acquired pellicle play an important role in dental erosion. Conclusions: Saliva is the most important biological factor affecting the progression of dental erosion. Knowledge of its components and properties involved in this protective role can drive the development of preventive measures targeting to enhance its known beneficial effects.