Determination of Kininogens Levels and Kallikrein/Kininase II Activities in Patients with Thromboangiitis Obliterans

Some components of the kinin system such as plasma kallikrein levels, the activities of tissue kallikrein (including saliva) and kininase II and the concentrations of kininogen fractions (low-molecular weight/LKg and high-molecular weight/HKg) were evaluated in the plasma of patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) presenting clinical symptoms of the condition. Twenty TAO were diagnosed by means of the traditional Shionoya and Olin criteria and later classified into non-smokers (n = 11) and active smokers (n = 9). Fifty-three normal, non-smoking/smoking individuals (control) were also studied. Kininogen levels were determined by ELISA; the activities of kallikreins and kininase II were determined using selective substrates. The levels of enzymes (kallikreins and kininase II) and protein (kininogens) were significantly higher in patients with TAO who were active smokers compared to the control groups (no matter whether control individuals were active smokers or non-smokers, P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Interestingly, regardless of the time of disease onset, a significant increase in the levels of these components of the kinin system was also observed in patients when TAO active smokers were compared with TAO ex-smokers (P < 0.01 for all analysed parameters). Activation of the kinin system in patients with TAO may indicate the involvement of vasodilatation in an attempt to control vascular changes, thereby favouring the deposition of immune complexes at the vascular level because of nicotine stimulation. Moreover, our results corroborate the idea that TAO can be an autoimmune disorder with specific mechanisms.

Early Identification of Infectious Complications in Bariatric Surgery by the Determination of Peritoneal and Systemic Cytokines

Obesity has become a global epidemic and bariatric surgery is one of the therapeutic tools to deal with it. Postoperative complications can occur, such as staple line dehiscence and anastomotic leaks, leading to increased patient mortality. The diagnosis of these complications is frequently difficult. The objective of the present study was to determine whether peritoneal and systemic cytokines could early detect those complications. All patients who underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from February 2007 to August 2008 were prospectively evaluated. Blood and peritoneal effluent from the drain were collected for the determination of cytokine levels. We also evaluated the clinical signs and the leukograms of the patients. A total of 107 obese patients were studied. Ninety patients had no complications; 17 had at least one infectious complication which include five cases of staple line dehiscence. Until the third postoperative day, the vital signs and the leukogram did not predict the onset of infectious complications, but the cytokines (interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6) were early markers of these complications. Cytokines are good predictors of poor postoperative evolution in bariatric surgery since peritoneal cytokines diagnose better these infectious complications even before changes in blood count and before the occurrence of clinical manifestations.

Enantioselective Determination of Mexiletine and Its Metabolites p-Hydroxymexiletine and Hydroxymethylmexiletine in Rat Plasma by Normal-Phase Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Application to Pharmacokinetics

Mexiletine (MEX), hydroxymethylmexiletine (HMM) and P-hydroxy-mexiletine (PHM) were analyzed in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS. The plasma samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using methyl-tert-butyl ether as extracting solvent. MEX, HMM, and PHM enantiomers were resolved on a Chiralpak (R) AD column. Validation of the method showed a relative standard deviation (precision) and relative errors (accuracy) of less than 15% for all analytes studied. Quantification limits were 0.5 ng ml(-1) for the MEX and 0.2 ng ml(-1) for the HMM and PHM enantiomers. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify the enantiomers of MEX and its metabolites in plasma samples of rats (n = 6) treated with a single oral dose of racemic MEX. Chirality 21:648-656, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Determination of Cyclophosphamide Enantiomers in Plasma by LC-MS/MS: Application to Pharmacokinetics in Breast Cancer and Lupus Nephritis Patients

This article describes the enantioseleclive analysis of cyclophosphamide (CPA) in human plasma using LC-MS/MS. CPA enantiomers were extracted from plasma using a mixture of ethyl acetate and chloroform (75:25, v/v). The enantiomers were separated on a Chiralcel(R) OD-R column, with the mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and water (75:25, v/v) plus 0.2% formic acid. The protonaled ions and their respective product ions were monitored using two functions, 261 > 141 for CPA enantiomers and 189 > 104 for the internal standard (antipyrine). Recovery rates were higher than 95% and the quantification limit was 2.5-ng/ml plasma for both enantiomers. The coefficients of variation and the relative errors obtained for the validation of intra- and interassay precision and accuracy were less than 10%. The method was applied for the investigation of the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of CPA in a lupus nephritis patient treated with 1 g CPA infused over 2 h and in a breast cancer patient treated with 0.9 g infused over 1 h. No stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetic parameters was observed for either patient. Clearance values of 2.63 and 2.93 l/h and of 3.36 and 3.61 l/h for (-)-(S) and (+)-(R)-CPA were obtained for the breast cancer and lupus nephritis patient., respectively. Chirality 21:383-389, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Clinical Validity of the Protocol for Multi-Professional Centers for the Determination of Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders. Part II

The aims of this study were to analyze the criterion and construct validity of Part II of the protocol for multi-professional centers for the determination of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (ProTMDMulti) as a measure of TMD severity. The study was conducted on eight asymptomatic subjects (CG) and 30 subjects with articular TMD (TMDG), according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD). The ProTMDMulti-Part II was validated using the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (Di). The construct validity was tested using the analysis of the ability of ProTMDMulti-part II to differentiate the CG from the TMDG and to measure the changes that occurred in the TMDG between the period before and after TMD treatment. Correlations between the Di and the ProTMDMulti-Part II scores were calculated using the Spearman test. Inter- and intragroup comparisons were made (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (Di) and the severity scores of the ProTMDMulti-Part II. There was a significant difference between TMDG and CG regarding the severity of signs and symptoms. The present study provides statistical evidence of the clinical validity of the ProTMDmulti-Part II as a measure of the severity of TMD symptoms.

Determination of temperature variation during the individual steps of the production of hospital diets of modified consistency

Background & aim: Many disease outbreaks of food origin are caused by foods prepared in Food Service and Nutrition Units of hospitals, affecting hospitalized patients who, in most cases, are immunocompromised and therefore at a higher risk of severe worsening of their clinical status. The aim of this study was to determine the variations in temperature and the time-temperature factor of hospital diets. Methods: The time and temperature for the preparation of 4 diets of modified consistency were determined on 5 nonconsecutive days in a hospital Diet and Nutrition Unit at the end of preparation and during the maintenance period, portioning and distribution at 3 sites, i.e., the first, the middle and the last to receive the diets. Results and discussion: All foods reached an adequate temperature at the end of cooking, but temperature varied significantly from the maintenance period to the final distribution, characterizing critical periods for microorganism proliferation. During holding, temperatures that presented a risk were reached by 16.7% of the meats and 59% of the salads of the general diet, by 16.7% of the garnishes in the bland diet and by 20% of the meats and garnishes in the viscous diet. The same occurred at the end of distribution for 100% of the hot samples and of the salads and for 61% of the desserts. None of the preparations remained at risk temperature for a time exceeding that established by law. Conclusion: The exposure to inadequate temperature did not last long enough to pose risks to the patient.

Accurate Determination of Energy Needs in Children and Adolescents With Cancer

Studies on children with cancer have suggested that energy expenditure may indeed be greater than predicted for healthy children. Nutritional assessment is important for intervention and for the prevention of complications associated with malnutrition. The present study aimed to describe the nutritional status, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization of children and adolescents with cancer compared to healthy children matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Subjects were evaluated by anthropometry, food intake pattern, and body composition analysis. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry. Indirect calorimetry data, energy, and macronutrient intake, anthropometry, and body composition parameters showed no significant differences between groups. There was no evidence of increased energy expenditure or of a change in substrate utilization in children with cancer compared to the healthy group. The data regarding usual food consumption showed no significant differences between groups.

Determination of P-glycoprotein, MDR-related protein 1, breast cancer resistance protein, and lung-resistance protein expression in leukemic stem cells of acute myeloid leukemia

Background: The most primitive leukemic precursor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is thought to be the leukemic stem cell (LSC), which retains the properties of self-renewal and high proliferative capacity and quiescence of the hematopoietic stem cell. LSC seems to be immunophenotypically distinct and more resistant to chemotherapy than the more committed blasts. Considering that the multidrug resistance (MDR) constitutive expression may be a barrier to therapy in AML, we have investigated whether various MDR transporters were differentially expressed at the protein level by different leukemic subsets. Methods: The relative expression of the drug-efflux pumps P-gp, MRP, LRP, and BCRP was evaluated by mean fluorescence index (MFI) and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis (D values) in five leukemic subpopulations: CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+) (LSCs), CD34(+)CD38(+)CD123(-), CD34(+)CD38(+)CD123(+), CD34(+)CD38(+)CD123(-), and CD34(-) mature cells in 26 bone marrow samples of CD34(+) AML cases. Results: The comparison between the two more immature subsets (LSC versus CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(-) cells) revealed a higher P-gp, MRP, and LRP expression in LSCs. The comparative analysis between LSCs and subsets of intermediate maturation (CD34(+)CD38(+)) demonstrated the higher BCRP expression in the LSCs. In addition, P-gp expression was also significantly higher in the LSC compared to CD34(+)CD38(+)CD123(-) subpopulation. Finally, the comparative analysis between LSC and the most mature subset (CD34(-)) revealed higher MRP and LRP and lower P-gp expression in the LSCs. Conclusions: Considering the cellular heterogeneity of AML, the higher MDR transporters expression at the most immature, self-renewable, and quiescent LSC population reinforces that MDR is one of the mechanisms responsible for treatment failure. (C) 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society.

Determination of pulp vitality in vivo with pulse oximetry

Aim To evaluate the use of pulse oximetry as a test for pulp vitality, by comparing in the same patient, the levels of oxygen saturation of the index finger and of the maxillary central incisor and canine teeth without clinically detectable pulp inflammation. Methodology Seventeen male and female patients aged between 26 and 38 years participated and a total of 32 maxillary central incisor and 32 canine teeth were analysed. Selection criteria required the teeth to have healthy crowns, or with restorations no more than 2 mm in diameter and no clinical and radiographical signs or symptoms of pulp or periapical inflammatory changes. The negative control group consisted of 10 root filled teeth. Measurements were first taken from the index finger of patients. Their teeth were then subjected to a thermal test with refrigerant gas and then to a vitality test with pulse oximetry. Data were analysed by Pearson`s and paired t-tests. Results There were no significant statistical correlations between blood oxygen levels in the index finger and in the teeth of the patient (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the oxygen levels between the two tooth groups studied and the index finger (P <= 0.002). Mean oxygen values in the index finger of patients were 95% (SD = 1.6), oxygen values in the maxillary central incisor were 91.29% (SD = 2.61) and mean oxygen values in maxillary canine were 90.69% (SD = 2.71). Conclusion The method determined consistently the level of blood oxygen saturation of the pulp in maxillary central incisor and canine teeth and can therefore be used for pulp vitality testing. Further studies are required to assess the effectiveness and validity of pulse oximetry in determining pulp vitality in traumatized teeth.

Determination of para-Chloroaniline and Reactive Oxygen Species in Chlorhexidine and Chlorhexidine Associated with Calcium Hydroxide

The aim of this study was to determine whether para-chloroaniline (PCA) and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by chlorhexidine (CHX) alone or after CHX is mixed with calcium hydroxide at different time points. Mass spectrometry was performed to detect PCA in samples of 0.2% CHX and Ca(OH)2 mixed with 0.2% CHX. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to confirm the presence of CHX in the mixture with Ca(OH)2. The samples were analyzed immediately after mixing and after 7 and 14 days. During the intervals of the experiment, the samples were maintained at 36.5 degrees C and 95% relative humidity. PCA was detected in the 0.2% CHX solution after 14 days. The mixture of CHX with Ca(CH)2 liberated ROS at all time points, but no traces of CHX were present in the mixture as a result of immediate degradation of the CHX. (J Endod 2008;34:1508-1514)

Determination of volatile organic compounds in recycled polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry to evaluate the efficiency of recycling processes

A method for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in recycled polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene using headspace sampling by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection is presented. This method was used to evaluate the efficiency of cleaning processes for VOC removal from recycled PET. In addition, the method was also employed to evaluate the level of VOC contamination in multilayer packaging material containing recycled HDPE material. The optimisation of the extraction procedure for volatile compounds was performed and the best extraction conditions were found using a 75 mu m carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR-PDMS) fibre for 20 min at 60 degrees C. The validation parameters for the established method were linear range, linearity, sensitivity, precision (repeatability), accuracy (recovery) and detection and quantification limits. The results indicated that the method could easily be used in quality control for the production of recycled PET and HDPE. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pozzolanic behavior of bamboo leaf ash: Characterization and determination of the kinetic parameters

The paper presents a characterization and study of the pozzolanic behavior between calcium hydroxide (CH) and bamboo leaf ash (BLAsh), which was obtained by calcining bamboo leaves at 600 degrees C for 2 h in a laboratory electric furnace. To evaluate the pozzolanic behavior the conductometric method was used, which is based on the measurement of the electrical conductivity in a BLAsh/CH solution with the reaction time. Later, the kinetic parameters are quantified by applying a kinetic-diffusive model. The kinetic parameters that characterize the process (in particular, the reaction rate constant and free energy of activation) were determined with relative accuracy in the fitting process of the model. The pozzolanic activity is quantitatively evaluated according to the values obtained of the kinetic parameters. Other experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were also employed. The results show that this kind of ash is formed by silica with a completely amorphous nature and a high pozzolanic activity. The correlation between the values of free energy of activation (Delta G(#)) and the reaction rate constants (K) are in correspondence with the theoretical studies about the rate processes reported in the literature. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species balance in the determination of thyroid hormones-induced cardiac hypertrophy mediated by renin-angiotensin system

Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nitric oxide (NO) balance and renin-angiotensin system in mediating cardiac hypertrophy in hyperthyroidism was evaluated in an in vivo and in vitro experimental model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, thyroid hormone, vitamin E (or Trolox, its hydrosoluble analogue), thyroid hormone + vitamin E. Angiotensin II receptor (AT1/AT2) gene expression, immunocontent of AT1/AT2 receptors, angiotensinogen, NADPH oxidase (Nox2), and nitric oxide synthase isoforms, as well as ROS concentration (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion) were quantified in myocardium. Thyroid hormone increased ROS and NO metabolites, iNOS, nNOS and eNOS isoforms and it was accompanied by cardiac hypertrophy. AT1/AT2 expression and the immunocontent of angiotensinogen and Nox2 were enhanced by thyroid hormone. Antioxidants reduced ROS levels, Nox2, AT1/AT2, NOS isoforms and cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, ROS/NO balance may play a role in the control of thyroid hormone-induced cardiac hypertrophy mediated by renin-angiotensin system. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of dental decay rates with optical coherence tomography

We report the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect and quantify demineralization process induced by S. mutans biofilm in third molars human teeth. Artificial lesions were induced by a S. mutans microbiological culture and the samples (N = 50) were divided into groups according to the demineralization time: 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11days. The OCT system was implemented using a light source delivering an average power of 96 mu W in the sample arm, and spectral characteristics allowing 23 mu m of axial resolution. The images were produced with lateral scans step of 10 pan and analyzed individually. As a result of the evaluation of theses images, lesion depth was calculated as function of demineralization time. The depth of the lesion in the root dentine increased from 70 pm to 230,urn (corrected by the enamel refraction index, 1.62 @ 856 nm), depending of exposure time. The lesion depth in root dentine was correlated to demineralization time, showing that it follows a geometrical progression like a bacteria growth law. [GRAPHICS] Progression of lesion depth in root dentine as function of exposure time, showing that it follows a geometrical progression like a bacteria growth law(C) 2009 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Genetic Algorithm for the Determination of Linear Viscoelastic Relaxation Spectrum from Experimental Data

Conventional procedures employed in the modeling of viscoelastic properties of polymer rely on the determination of the polymer`s discrete relaxation spectrum from experimentally obtained data. In the past decades, several analytical regression techniques have been proposed to determine an explicit equation which describes the measured spectra. With a diverse approach, the procedure herein introduced constitutes a simulation-based computational optimization technique based on non-deterministic search method arisen from the field of evolutionary computation. Instead of comparing numerical results, this purpose of this paper is to highlight some Subtle differences between both strategies and focus on what properties of the exploited technique emerge as new possibilities for the field, In oder to illustrate this, essayed cases show how the employed technique can outperform conventional approaches in terms of fitting quality. Moreover, in some instances, it produces equivalent results With much fewer fitting parameters, which is convenient for computational simulation applications. I-lie problem formulation and the rationale of the highlighted method are herein discussed and constitute the main intended contribution. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 122-135, 2009