Transfer of Salmonella Enteritidis to four types of surfaces after cleaning procedures and cross-contamination to tomatoes

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the spread of Salmonella Enteritidis to different cutting boards (wood, triclosan-treated plastic, glass, and stainless steel) from contaminated poultry skin (5 log CFU/g) and then to tomatoes and to analyze the effect of different protocols used to clean these surfaces to control contamination. The following procedures were simulated: (1) no cleaning after handling contaminated poultry skin; (2) rinsing in running water; (3) cleaning with dish soap and mechanical scrubbing; and (4) cleaning with dish soap and mechanical scrubbing, followed by disinfection with hypochlorite. The pathogen was recovered from all surfaces following procedure 1, with counts ranging from 1.90 to 2.80 log, as well as from the tomatoes handled on it. Reduced numbers of S. Enteritidis were recovered using the other procedures, both from the surfaces and from the tomatoes. Counts were undetectable after procedure 4. From all surfaces evaluated, wood was the most difficult to clean, and stainless steel was the easiest. The use of hypochlorite as a disinfecting agent helped to reduce cross-contamination. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diverse Amorphous Carbonaceous Thin Films Obtained by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition and Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation and Deposition

Diverse amorphous hydrogenated carbon and similar films containing additional elements were produced by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and by Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation and Deposition (PIIID). Thus a-C:H, a-C:H:F, a-C:H:N, a-C:H:Cl and a-C:H:O:Si were obtained, starting from the same feed gases, using both techniques. The same deposition system supplied with radiofrequency (RF) power was used to produce all the films. A cylindrical stainless steel chamber equipped with circular electrodes mounted horizontally was employed. RF power was fed to the upper electrode; substrates were placed on the lower electrode. For PIIID negative high tension pulses were also applied to the lower electrode. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that all the films are amorphous. Chemical characterization of each pair of films was undertaken using Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The former revealed the presence of specific structures, such as C-H, C-O, O-H. The latter allowed calculation of the ratio of hetero-atoms to carbon atoms in the films, e. g. F:C, N:C, and Si:C. Only relatively small differences in elemental composition were detected between films produced by the two methods. The deposition rate in PIIID is generally reduced in relation to that of PECVD; for a-C:H:Cl films the reduction factor is almost four.

Pressor, dipsogenic, natriuretic and kaliuretic responses to central carbachol in rats with lesion of the medial septal area

In the present study we investigated the effect of electrolytic lesion of the medial septal area (MSA) on the dipsogenic, natriuretic, kaliuretic and pressor responses elicited by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol. Freely moving rats with sham or MSA lesion (1-7 days and 14-18 days) and a stainless steel cannula implanted into the lateral ventricle were studied. In sham rats, i.c.v. injection of carbachol (7.5 nmol) produced an increase in water intake (10.2 ± 1.5 ml/h), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (35 ± 5 mmHg) and urinary Na+ and K+ excretion (551 ± 83 and 170 ± 17 μEq 120 min, resp.). The pressor (18 ± 3 and 14 ± 4 mmHg, resp.) and natriuretic responses (178 ± 58 and 172 ± 38 μEq 120 min) produced by i.c.v. carbachol in acute or chronic MSA-lesioned rats were reduced. No change was observed in urinary K+ excretion and a reduced water intake (5 ± 1.3 ml/h) was observed only in acute MSA-lesioned rats. These results suggest that the MSA plays an important role for the pressor and natriuretic responses induced by central cholinergic activation in rats. A small influence of this structure on water intake may also be suggested. © 1991.

Opiate activation suppresses the drinking, pressor and natriuretic responses induced by cholinergic stimulation of the medial septal area

The present study investigates the participation and interaction between cholinergic and opiate receptors of the medial septal area (MSA) in the regulation of Na+, K+ and water excretion, drinking and blood pressure regulation. Male Holtzman rats were implanted with stainless steel cannulae opening into the MSA. Na+, K+ and water excretion, water intake and blood pressure were measured after injection of carbachol (cholinergic agonist), FK-33824 (an opiate agonist) + carbachol or naloxone (an opiate antagonist) + carbachol into MSA. Carbachol (0.5 or 2.0 nmol) induced an increase in Na+ and K+ excretion, water intake and blood pressure and reduced the urinary volume. FK-33824 reduced the urinary volume and Na+ and K+ excretion. Previous injection of FK-33824 (100 ng) into the MSA blocked the increases in Na+ and K+ excretion, water intake and blood pressure induced by carbachol. Naloxone (10 μg) produced no changes in the effect of 2.0 nmol carbachol, but potentiated the natriuretic effect induced by 0.5 nmol dose of carbachol. These data show an inhibitory effect of opiate receptors on the changes in cardiovascular, fluid and electrolyte balance induced by cholinergic stimulation of the MSA in rats. © 1992.

Effect of AV3V lesion on the cardiovascular, fluid, and electrolytic changes induced by activation of the lateral preoptic area

In this study we investigated the effect of the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) lesion on the pressor, bradycardic, natriuretic, kaliuretic, and dipsogenic responses induced by the injection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol into the lateral preoptic area (LPOA) in rats. Male Holtzman rats with sham or electrolytic AV3V lesion were implanted with stainless steel cannula directly into the LPOA. Injection of carbachol (7.5 nmol) into the LPOA of sham rats induced natriuresis (405 ± 66 μEq/120 min), kaliuresis (234 ± 44 μEq/120 min), water intake (9.5 ± 1.7 ml/60 min), bradycardia (-47 ± 11 bpm), and increase in mean arterial pressure (28 ± 3 mmHg). Acute AV3V lesion (1-5 days) reduced the natriuresis (12 ± 4 μEq/120 min), kaliuresis (128 ± 27 μEq/120 min), water intake (1.7 ± 0.9 ml/60 min), and pressor responses (14 ± 4 mmHg) produced by carbachol into the LPOA. Tachycardia instead of bradycardia was also observed. Chronic (14-18 days) AV3V lesion reduced only the pressor response (10 ± 2 mmHg) induced by carbachol. These results showed that acute, but not chronic, AV3V lesion reduced the natriuretic, kaliuretic, and dipsogenic responses to carbachol injection into the LPOA. The pressor response was reduced in acute or chronic AV3V-lesioned rats. The results suggest that the lateral areas may control the fluid and electrolyte balance independently from the AV3V region in chronic AV3V-lesioned rats. © 1992.

Unrestricted linear dimensional changes of two hard chairside reline resins and one heat-curing acrylic resin

The selection and use of hard chairside reline resins must be made with regard to dimensional stability, which will influence the accuracy of fit of the denture base. This study compared the dimensional change of two hard chairside reline resins (Duraliner II and Kooliner) and one heat-curing denture base resin (Lucitone 550). A stainless steel mold with reference dimensions (AB, CD) was used to obtain the samples. The materials were processed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Measurements of the dimensions were made after processing and after the samples had been stored in distilled water at 37° C for eight different periods of time. The data were recorded and then analyzed with analysis of variance. All materials showed shrinkage immediately after processing (p < 0.05). The only resin that exhibited shrinkage after 60 days of storage in water was Duraliner II; these changes could be clinically significant in regard of tissue fit.

Functional evidence that the central renin-angiotensin system plays a role in the pressor response induced by central injection of carbachol

We investigated the effects of losartan, an AT 1-receptor blocker, and ramipril, a converting enzyme inhibitor, on the pressor response induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) and carbachol (a cholinergic receptor agonist). Male Holtzman rats (250-300 g) with a stainless steel cannula implanted into the lateral ventricle (LV) were used. The injection of losartan (50 nmol/l μl) into the LV blocked the pressor response induced by ANG II (12 ng/l μl) and carbachol (2 nmol/l μl). After injection of ANG II and carbachol into the LV, mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased to 31 ± 1 and 28 ± 2 mmHg, respectively. Previous injection of losartan abolished the increase in MAP induced by ANG II and carbachol into the LV (2 ± 1 and 5 ± 2 mmHg, respectively). The injection of ramipril (12 ng/l μl) prior to carbachol blocked the pressor effect of carbachol to 7 ± 3 mmHg. These results suggest an interaction between central cholinergic pathways and the angiotensinergic system in the regulation of arterial blood pressure.

On the development of the electrochemical potentiokinetic method

The development of electrochemical potentiokinetic methods as applied to the testing of metals and alloys is followed from its early phases up to its latest advances relating to intergranular corrosion, SCC and pitting corrosion tests of stainless steels and special alloys and to the examination of their structure and properties. In assessing the susceptibility to intergranular and pitting corrosion by potentiokinetic polarization tests, the polarization curves which apply to the bulk of the alloy grains (the matrix) must be distinguished from those pertaining to grain boundaries. Cyclic polarization measurements such as the electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) test make it possible to derive the alloy's susceptibility to intergranular, pitting and crevice corrosion from characteristic potentials and other quantities determined in the 'double loop' test. EPR is rapid and responds to the combined effects of a number of factors that influence the properties of materials. The electrochemical p otentiokinetic tests are sensitive enough to detect structural changes in heat treated materials ranging far beyond the stainless steels alone, and can be used for non-destructive testing aimed at elucidating the properties and behavior of materials. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design studies of the magnetic properties of structural materials affecting the magnetic field of high-homogeneity superconducting magnets

Austenitic stainless steel presents phase changes caused by heat treatment and welding processes. Because it represents a problem in the design of high-homogeneity magnets, we have been studying the magnetic properties of Ti alloys for their use instead of stainless steel as structural material for superconducting magnet construction. In this work, we present the comparative study of the influence of magnetic properties of steel and Ti alloys on the magnetic-field homogeneity of a superconducting coil through numerical calculation using the measured magnetic properties. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of a heat-treatment on the linear dimensional change of a hard chairside reline resin

Statement of problem. Little data are available regarding the effect of heat-treatments on the dimensional stability of hard chairside reline resins. Purpose. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether a heat-treatment improves the dimensional stability of the reline resin Duraliner II and to compare the linear dimensional changes of this material with the heat-polymerized acrylic resin Lucitone 550. Material and methods. The materials were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and packed into a stainless steel split mold (50.0 mm diameter and 0.5 mm thickness) with reference points (A, B, C, and D). Duraliner II specimens were polymerized for 12 minutes in water at 37°C and bench cooled to room temperature before being removed from the mold. Twelve specimens were made and divided into 2 groups: group 1 specimens (n=6) were left untreated, and group 2 specimens (n=6) were submitted to a heat-treatment in a water bath at 55°C for 10 minutes and then bench cooled to room temperature. The 6 Lucitone specimens (control group) were polymerized in a water bath for 9 hours at 71°C. The specimens were removed after the mold reached the room temperature. A Nikon optical comparator was used to measure the distances between the reference points (AB and CD) on the stainless steel mold (baseline readings) and on the specimens to the nearest 0.001 mm. Measurements were made after processing and after the specimens had been stored in distilled water at 37°C for 8 different periods of time. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with repeated measures, followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test (P<.05). Results. All specimens exhibited shrinkage after processing (control, -0.41%; group 1, -0.26%; and group 2, -0.51%). Group 1 specimens showed greater shrinkage (-1.23%) than the control (-0.23%) and group 2 (-0.81%) specimens after 60 days of storage in water (P<.05). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, a significant improvement of the long-term dimensional stability of the Duraliner II reline resin was observed when the specimens were heat-treated. However, the shrinkage remained considerably higher than the denture base resin Lucitone 550. Copyright © 2002 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Influence of angiotensin II receptor subtypes of the paraventricular nucleus on the physiological responses induced by angiotensin II injection into the medial septal area

Objective - We determined the effects of losartan and PD 123319 (antagonists of the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptors, respectively), and [Sar1, Ala8] ANG II (a relatively peptide antagonist of angiotensin receptors) injected into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on water and 3% NaCl intake, and the diuretic, natriuretic, and pressor effects induced by administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the medial septal area (MSA) of conscious rats. Methods - Holtzman rats were used. Animals were anesthetized with tribromoethanol (20 mg) per 100 grams of body weight, ip. A stainless steel guide cannula was implanted into the MSA and PVN. All drugs were injected in 0.5-μl volumes for 10-15 seconds. Seven days after brain surgery, water and 3% NaCl intake, urine and sodium excretion, and arterial blood pressure were measured. Results - Losartan (40 nmol) and [Sar1, Ala8] ANG II (40 nmol) completely eliminated whereas PD 123319 (40 nmol) partially blocked the increase in water and sodium intake and the increase in arterial blood pressure induced by ANG II (10 nmol) injected into the MSA. The PVN administration of PD 123319 and [Sar1, Ala8] ANG II blocked whereas losartan attenuated the diuresis and natriuresis induced by MSA administration of ANG II. Conclusion - MSA involvement with PVN on water and sodium homeostasis and arterial pressure modulation utilizing ANGII receptors is suggested.

Estudo das características morfológicas dos pites nos materiais resistentes à corrosão

This paper has as a purpose a new alternative technique development to characterize pitting corrosion evolution, aiming classification, size and determination of morphological parameters which rule pits increase. In this case, the method will be applied to the 304 ABNT stainless steel, thermally treated and exposed to different times in salt spray. Different 304 steel conditions, rolled and thermally treated have exhibited similar geometry, predominantly conic, near-conic and irregular pits. On rolled steel, pits width increases faster than height; however, on thermally treated steel, pits are found to increase in height.

Experimental aspects of partially premixed pulsating combustion

The pulsating combustion process has won interest in current research due to indications that its application in energy generation can offer several advantages, such as: fuel economy, reduced pollutants formation, increased rate of convective heat transfer and reduced investment, when compared with conventional techniques. An experimental study has been conducted with the objective of investigating the effects of combustion driven acoustic oscillations in the emission rates of combustion gases, especially carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. The experiments were conducted in a water-jacketed 1-m long by 25-cm internal diameter stainless steel vertical tube. The combustor operated with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in both oscillatory and non oscillatory conditions, under the same input conditions. Part of the reactant mixture was excited acoustically, before the burner exit, by a speaker positioned strategically. The burner was aligned with the chamber longitudinal axis and positioned at its bottom. The experiments were conducted for 0.16 g/s of LPG burning in stoichiometric equivalence ratio. The main conclusions were: a) the pulsating combustion process produces more uniform fuel/air profile than the non pulsating process, b) close to stoichiometric equivalence ratio the pulsating combustion process generates higher rates of NO x; c) the frequency has a strong influence in NO x emission, but the pressure amplitude has a weak influence; d) the presence of the acoustic field may change drastically the combustion gas emissions in diffusion flames, but in pre-mixed flames the influence is not as strong.

Sharpening of periodontal instruments with different sharpening stones and its influence upon root debridement--scanning electronic microscopy assessment

The objective of this study was to evaluate, through scanning electronic microscopy, the effect of sharpening with different sharpening stones on the cutting angle of periodontal curettes (Gracey 5-6), and the influence on root surfaces after debridement and planing. The experimental model consisted of two different phases. In the first, the cutting angles of fifteen stainless steel Gracey 5-6 curettes were analyzed under a scanning electronic microscope after being sharpened with different types of stones. In the second phase, the root surfaces of 25 newly extracted teeth were evaluated with a scanning electronic microscope after being debrided with curettes sharpened with different stones. Analysis of the results showed that the synthetic stones (aluminum oxide and carborundum) are more abrasive and produce more irregular cutting angles, whereas Arkansas stones are less abrasive and produce smoother and more defined cutting angles. There was no significant statistical differences among the five groups tested with regard to the degree of irregularity of the root surfaces after instrumentation.