Effects of the addition of methyltestosterone to combined hormone therapy with estrogens and progestogens on sexual energy and on orgasm in postmenopausal women

Objective To evaluate the effect of the addition of methyltestosterone to estrogen and progestogen therapy on postmenopausal sexual energy and orgasm. Methods Sixty postmenopausal women in a stable relationship with a partner capable of intercourse, and presenting sexual complaints that appeared after menopause, were randomly divided into two groups: EP (n=29) received one tablet of equine estrogens (CEE) 0.625mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2.5mg and one capsule of placebo; EP+A (n=31) received one tablet of CEE 0.625mg plus MPA 2.5mg and one capsule of methyltestosterone 2.0mg; The treatment period was 12 months. The effects of treatment on sexual energy were assessed using the Sexual Energy Change Scale. The ability to reach orgasm in sexual relations with the partner was verified through monthly calendars and by calculating the ratio between monthly frequency of orgasms in sexual relations and monthly sexual frequency. Results There was a significant relationship between improvement in level of sexual energy and the addition of methyltestosterone to CEE/MPA treatment (p=0.021). No significant effect on orgasmic capacity was noted after the treatment period. Conclusion Addition of methyltestosterone to CEE/MPA therapy may increase sexual energy, but might not affect the ability to obtain orgasm in sexual relations.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL ADDITION DOES NOT IMPROVE EXOGENOUS SURFACTANT FUNCTION IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME

Meconium (MEC) is a potent inactivator of pulmonary surfactant. The authors studied the effects of polyethylene glycol addition to the exogenous surfactant over the lung mechanics and volumes. Human meconium was administrated to newborn rabbits. Animals were ventilated for 20 minutes and dynamic compliance, ventilatory pressure, and tidal volume were recorded. Animals were randomized into 3 study groups: MEC group (without surfactant therapy); S100 group (100 mg/kg surfactant); and PEG group (100 mg/kg porcine surfactant plus 5% PEG). After ventilation, a pulmonary pressure-volume curve was built. Histological analysis was carried out to calculate the mean alveolar size (Lm) and the distortion index (DI). Both groups treated with surfactant showed higher values of dynamic pulmonary compliance and lower ventilatory pressure, compared with the MEC group (P .05). S100 group had a larger maximum lung volume, V30, compared with the MEC group (P .05). Lm and DI values were smaller in the groups treated with surfactant than in the MEC group (P .05). No differences were observed between the S100 and PEG groups. Animals treated with surfactant showed significant improvement in pulmonary function as compared to nontreated animals. PEG added to exogenous surfactant did not improve lung mechanics or volumes.

Influence of etching with erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser on microleakage of class V restoration

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate some parameters of dental etching when irradiated with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. One-hundred sound human third molars were selected and randomly distributed into ten groups (n = 10). The class V cavities of group 1 (control) were prepared with a bur and etched with 37% phosphoric acid, while groups G2 to G10, were prepared with laser (5 W, 88.46 J/cm(2), 90/70% air/water) and etched with the following powers: G3 and G4, 0.25 W; G5 and G6, 0.5 W; G7 and G8, 0.75 W; G9 and G10, 1 W. Group G2 received no laser etching. Prior to restoration, G2, G4, G6, G8 and G10 received acid etching. After restoration, all samples were submitted to a microleakage test. According to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn`s tests), G10 presented the lowest microleakage values (P < 0.05). The other groups showed no differences between them. Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1 W) followed by phosphoric acid was effective in reducing the microleakage of class V restorations.

In vitro evaluation of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser-treated enamel demineralization

This study evaluated the effect of different parameters of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation on enamel mineral loss in a simulated caries model. Forty-five enamel samples obtained from third molar teeth (3 mmx 3 mm) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9): G1-Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.25 W, 20 Hz, 2.8 J/cm(2); G2-Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.50 W, 20 Hz, 5.7 J/cm(2); G3-Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.75 W, 20 Hz, 8.5 J/cm(2); G4-sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrice (positive control); G5-no treatment (negative control). After irradiation, the samples were submitted to 2 weeks of pH cycling. After the acid challenge, the samples were assessed by cross-sectional microhardness at different depths from the enamel surface. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were performed (alpha = 5%). The percentage of lesion inhibition for each group was: G1 37%; G2 38%; G3 64%, and G4 50.5%. Regarding the relative mineral loss values (micrometers x volume percent), groups G1 (1,392 +/- 522) and G2 (1,292 +/- 657) did not differ significantly from each other, but both had higher values than group G3 (753 +/- 287); the groups irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser did not differ from group G4. Although the findings of the study revealed that Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 8.5 J/cm(2) can be an alternative for the enhancement of the enamel`s resistance to acid, lower energy densities also produced a cariostatic potential comparable to the use of fluoride dentifrice.

Adhesion after erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser application at three different irradiation conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate whether distinct cooling of low fluence erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation would influence adhesion. Main factors tested were: substrates (two), irradiation conditions (three), and adhesives (three). A 750 mu m diameter tip was used, for 50 s, 1 mm from the surface, with a 0.25 W power output, 20 Hz, energy density of 2.8 J/cm(2) with energy per pulse of 12.5 mJ. When applied, water delivery rate was 11 ml/min. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that laser conditioning significantly decreased the bond strength of all adhesive systems applied on enamel. On dentin, laser conditioning significantly reduced bond strength of etch-and-rinse and one-step self-etch systems; however, laser irradiation under water cooling did not alter bonding of two-step self-etching. It may be concluded that the irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 2.8 J/cm(2) with water coolant was responsible for a better adhesion to dentin, while enamel irradiation reduced bond strength, irrespective of cooling conditions.

Erbium, chromium : yttrium scandium gallium garnet laser for caries removal: influence on bonding of a self-etching adhesive system

This study evaluated the influence of the dental substrates obtained after the use of different caries removal techniques on bonding of a self-etching system. Forty, extracted, carious, human molars were ground to expose flat surfaces containing caries-infected dentine surrounded by sound dentine. The caries lesions of the specimens were removed or not (control-G1) either by round steel burs and water-cooled, low speed, handpiece (G2), or by irradiation with an erbium, chromium:yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser (2W, 20 Hz, 35.38 J/cm(2), fiber G4 handpiece with 0.2826 mm(2), non-contact mode at a 2 mm distance, 70% air/20% water-G3) or using a chemo-mechanical method (Carisolv-G4). Caries-infected, caries-affected and sound dentines were submitted to a bonding system followed by construction of a resin-based composite crown. Hour-glass shaped samples were obtained and submitted to a micro-tensile bond test. The bond strength data were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by Tukey`s test (P <= 0.05). The samples of sound dentine presented higher bond strengths than did samples of caries-affected dentine, except for the groups treated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The highest bond strengths were observed with the sound dentine treated with burs and Carisolv. The bond strengths to caries-affected dentine were similar in all groups. Additionally, bonding to caries-affected dentine of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Carisolv groups was similar to bonding to caries-infected dentine. Thus, caries-affected dentine is not an adequate substrate for adhesion. Moreover, amongst the caries removal methods tested, the Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation was the poorest in providing a substrate for bonding with the tested self-etching system.

Phase transitions of frozen camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh) pulp: Effect of cryostabilizer addition

Camu-camu is a tropical fruit with very high vitamin C content and commercialized as frozen pulp. Enthalpies of freezing, temperatures of the onset of ice melting, and glass transition temperatures of the maximally freeze-concentrated phase (T`(g)) of camu-camu pulp and of samples containing maltodextrin (DE20) and sucrose were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Maltodextrin exhibited the largest freeze stabilization potential, increasing T`(g) from -58.2 degrees C (natural pulp) to -39.6 degrees C when 30% (w/w) maltodextrin DE 20 was added. Sucrose showed negligible effect on T`(g) but enhanced considerably the freezing point depression and less amount of ice was formed.

Analysis of experimental interlocking blocks of concrete with addition of residues of process the tires retreading production

Analysis of experimental interlocking blocks of concrete with addition of residues of process the tires retreading production. With the population growth in recent years, industry in general has adjusted itself to resulting demand. the industry of tire retreading generates residues that have been discarded without any control. this adds to environmental pollution and promotes the proliferation of vectors harmful to health, aiming to find an application for this type of residues, this study presents experimental results to interlocking concrete block pavements, with addition of residues tires, interlocking blocks were built up and we determined, through laboratory tests, the need to set the mark that provide greater return regarding analyzed characteristics, there are four types of dosage of concrete with residues tires. We accomplished tests of compression strength, water absorption and resistance to impact. Through the preliminary results, we verified that are satisfactory, confirming the possibility of applying this type of interlocking block in environments with low demand, which would bring the economy of natural sources of aggregates, beyond ecological benefits through the reuse of residues from retreading of tires.

PIXE analysis of chromium phytoaccumulation by the aquatic macrophytes Eicchornia crassipes

The uptake of hexavalent chromium in free living floating aquatic macrophytes Eicchornia crassipes cultivated in non-toxic chromium-doped hydroponic solutions is presented. A Cr-uptake bioaccumulation experiment was carried out using healthy macrophytes grown in a temperature controlled greenhouse. Six samples of nutrient media and plants were collected during the 23 day experiment. Roots and leaves were acid digested with the addition of an internal Gallium standard, for thin film sample preparation and quantitative Cr analysis by PIXE method. The Cr(6+) mass uptake by the macrophytes reached up to 70% of the initial concentration, comparable to former results and literature data. The Cr-uptake data were described using a non-structural first order kinetic model. Due to low cost and high removal efficiency, living aquatic macrophytes E. crassipes are a viable biosorbent in an artificial wetland of a water effluent treatment plant. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of ceria addition on thermal properties and local structure of bismuth germanate glasses

Bismuth germanate glasses are interesting materials due to their physical properties and their unique structural characteristics caused by the coordination changes of bismuth and germanium atoms. Glasses of the bismuth germanate system were prepared by melting/molding method and were investigated concerning their thermal and structural properties. The structural analysis of the samples was carried out by micro-Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopes. It was observed that the glass structure is formed basically by GeO(4) tetrahedral units also having the formation of the GeO(6) octahedral units. BiO(2) was considered a network former by observing the presence of octahedral BiO(6) and pyramidal BiO(3) groups in the local structure of the samples. An absorption band observed at 1103 cm(-1) in the IR spectrum of the undoped glass was attributed to the Bi-O-Ge and/or Bi-O-Bi linkage vibration. The said band shifted to lower wavenumbers after the CeO(2) addition thus reflecting changes in the glass network. Cerium oxide was an efficient oxidant agent to prevent the darkening of the glasses which was probably associated to the reduction of Bi ions. However, CeO(2) was incorporated as a local network modifier in the glass structure even at concentrations of 0.2 mol%. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reactions of 1,2.,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide derivatives with nitrogen nucleophiles. Part IV. Addition of alpha-diamines

alpha-diamines, such as ethylendiamine and o-phenylendiamine, add to 3,4-aryl-disubstituted 1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxides to give dihydropyrazines or quinoxalines, respectively and sulfamide. The new compound acenaphtho [5,6-b]-2,3-dihydropyrazine was synthesized and characterized. The addition of ethylendiamine to 3,4-diphenyl-1,2,5-thiadiazoline 1,1-dioxide gives 3,4-disubstituted thiadiazoildine 1,1-dioxide, dihydropyrazines, or pyrazines, depending on the reaction condition used. The reactions were followed by cyclic voltammetry and NMR spectroscopy which, in some cases, allowed the detection of the thiadiazolidine intermediate. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stereoselective Nucleophilic Addition of Potassium Alkyltrifluoroborates to Cyclic N-Acyliminium Ions: a Simple and Mild Approach to Chiral 5-Alkyl-pyrrolidin-2-ones

The stereoselective nucleophilic addition of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates to cyclic N-acyliminium ions derived from N-benzyl-3,4,5-triacetoxy-pyrrolidin-2-one, which affords 5-substituted-pyrrolidin-2-ones, is described. The products are obtained in moderate to good yields and are produced predominantly as the anti diastereomer.

Mechanistic study of the addition reaction of TeCl(4) to alkynes: Participation of TeCl(3) centered-radical

The mechanism of the addition reaction of TeCl(4) to alkynes was indirectly established by the detection of TeCl(3) centered radicals using EPR spin trapping, ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS characterization. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and application of chiral beta-amino disulfides as ligands for the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes

A new class of chiral beta-amino disulfides was synthesized from readily available and inexpensive starting materials by a straightforward method and their abilities as ligands were examined in the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. Enantiomeric excesses of up to 99% have been obtained using 0.5 mol % of the chiral catalysts.

Production of hydrogen by ethanol steam reforming on Co/Al2O3 catalysts: Effect of addition of small quantities of noble metals

The catalytic performance of Co/Al2O3 catalysts promoted with small amounts noble metals (Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir) for steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) has been investigated. The catalysts were characterized by the energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, X-ray absorption fine structure and temperature reduction programmed techniques. The results showed that the promoting effect of noble metals included a marked decrease of the reduction temperatures of both Co3O4 and cobalt surface species interacting with the support due to the hydrogen spillover effect, leading to a significant increase of the reducibilities of the promoted catalysts. The better catalytic performance for the ethanol steam reforming at 400 degrees C was obtained for the CoRu/Al2O3 catalyst, which presented an effluent gaseous mixture with the highest H, selectivity and the reasonable low CO formation. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.