Effect of remifentanil hydrochloride administered via constant rate infusion on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in cats

Objective - To evaluate the effects of increasing doses of remifentanil hydrochloride administered via constant rate infusion (CRI) on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in cats. Animals - 6 healthy adult cats. Procedures - For each cat, 2 experiments were performed (2-week interval). On each study day, anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane; a catheter was placed in a cephalic vein for the administration of lactated Ringer's solution or remifentanil CRIs, and a catheter was placed in the jugular vein for collection of blood samples for blood gas analyses. On the first study day, individual basal MAC (MAC Basal) was determined for each cat. On the second study day, 3 remifentanil CRIs (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/kg/min) were administered (in ascending order); for each infusion, at least 30 minutes elapsed before determination of MAC (designated as MAC R0.25, MAC R0.5, and MAC R1.0, respectively). A 15-minute washout period was allowed between CRIs. A control MAC (MAC Control) was determined after the last remifentanil infusion. Results - Mean ± SD MAC Basal and MAC Control values at sea level did not differ significantly (1.66 ± 0.08% and 1.52 ± 0.21%, respectively). The MAC values determined for each remifentanil CRI did not differ significantly. However, MAC R0.25, MAC R0.5, and MAC R1.0, were significantly decreased, compared with MAC Basal, by 23.4 ± 79%, 29.8 ± 8.3%, and 26.0 ± 9.4%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - The 3 doses of remifentanil administered via CRI resulted in a similar degree of isoflurane MAC reduction in adult cats, indicating that a ceiling effect was achieved following administration of the lowest dose.

Intraspecific variability of dihydrochalcone, chromenes and benzoic acid derivatives in leaves of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae)

Chemical analysis carried out in leaves of 18 specimens of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) occurring at Ripasa Reserve, Araraquara, SP, Brazil indicated two distinct populations when investigated over a period of 14 months (January 2000 to February 2001) and then submitted to cluster analysis. The two groups were characterized by accumulation of prenylated benzoic acids, chromenes and dihydrochalcone, respectively. A total of seven compounds were identified by HPLC analysis and compared with standards including two prenylated benzoic acid [aduncumene (1) and 3-(3′-7′-dimethyl-2′-6′-octadienyl)- 4-methoxy-benzoic acid (5)], four chromenes [methyl 2,2-dimethyl-8-(3′- methyl-2′-butenyl)-2H-1-chromene-6-carboxylate (4), methyl 2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-chromene-6-carboxylate (2b), methyl 8-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H- 1-chromene-6-carboxylate (3) and 2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-chromene-6-carboxylic acid (2a)] and one dihydrochalcone [2′,6′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy- dihydrochalcone (6)]. © 2009 Academic Journals.

Qualidade química da água residual da criação de peixes para cultivo de alface em hidroponia

Aiming to evaluate the association of hydroponic lettuce cultivation with residues from a fish intensive breeding system, a project was carried out in the Aquaculture Center in the FCAV-UNESP at Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. A closed system was designed in order to allow the water to circulate through the fish tanks, a clarifier tank for removal of residues, a reservoir for biological conversion of ammonia into nitrate, and the hydroponic system. After this process, water returned back to the fish tanks. Three varieties of lettuce, constituting the treatments with four repetitions were evaluated. The results of the chemical analysis of the residual water from the fish tanks indicated the presence of the majority of the mineral nutrients necessary for vegetable development. Their concentration was close to that found in nutrient solutions, used for lettuce hydroponic cultivation, except for potassium and magnesium. The low concentration of magnesium in the water did not prevent lettuce development, although the plants presented visual symptoms of deficiency of this nutrient. Differences were not found between the varieties produced, regarding productivity and the mean weight of fresh plants.

Mercury, copper, and zinc concentrations in extracted human teeth

Amalgam has been used as a filling material for over 150 years. Mercury, copper, and zinc are present in restoration. The aim of this study was to compare mercury, copper, and zinc concentrations in extracted human teeth with amalgam restorations and teeth without restorations. Thirty-two teeth, 15 restored with dental amalgam and 17 without restorations, were chemically analyzed in an Optima 3300 DV (Perkin Elmer) plasma emission spectrometer. Mercury, copper, and zinc were found in human teeth regardless of the presence of amalgam restorations. The highest mercury concentrations were found in the coronary portions of the teeth with amalgam restorations. Copper concentrations were very high. Zinc concentrations in the teeth without restoration were lower than those seen in the coronary portion of the teeth with restorations. © 2009 Heldref Publications.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hill. (Solanaceae)

This study describes the chemical and physical-chemical profile of plant drug and ethanolic extract obtained from fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hill. (Solanaceae). The physical and chemical analysis involved the granulometry determination, non-compacted apparent density, loss on drying in oven and in infrared scale, pH, ash values and extractive values. The results determined the physical-chemical characteristics of the drug plant. It was also carried out the microbiological control of the plant drug. The preliminary phytochemical screening featured the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins in the plant drug and alkaloids and steroids in the ethanolic exctract. The solamargine and solasonine glycoalkaloids were identified through TLC and GC/ MS. The levels of total phenols and tannins were quantified in the extract (8.90% and 6,85% respectively). Such studies contribute to the chemical identification and quality control of S. lycocarpum fruits. © 2010 Phcog.net.

Exploratory study on sequestration of some essential metals by indigo carmine food dye

Indigo carmine forms a stable complex with different ions, and the stability constant of the complexes were evaluated as log K equal to 5.75; 5.00; 4.89 and 3.89 for complexes with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) ions, respectively, in 0.1 mol L -1 carbonate buffer solution at pH 10. The interaction between Cu(II) ions and indigo carmine (IC) in alkaline medium resulted in the formation of the Cu 2(IC) complex, measured by the spectrophotometric method, with a stoichiometric ratio between indigo carmine and metal ions of 2:1 (metal-ligand). The reported method has also been successfully tested for determination of copper in pharmaceutical compounds based on copper-gluconate without pre-treatment.

Correlation between mandibular gland secretion and cuticular hydrocarbons in the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata

We investigated whether Melipona quadrifasciata worker mandibular gland secretions contribute directly to their cuticular hydrocarbon profile. The mandibular gland secretion composition and cuticular surface compounds of newly emerged worker bees, nurse bees, and foragers were determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and compared. Both the mandibular gland secretions and the cuticular surface compounds of all worker stages were found to be composed almost exclusively of hydrocarbons. Although the relative proportion of hydrocarbons from the cuticular surface and gland secretion was statistically different, there was a high similarity in the qualitative composition between these structures in all groups of bees. © FUNPEC-RP.

Geotermobarometria de Granulitos Associados à Supracrustais na Porção Norte do Complexo Guaxupé - Região de Arceburgo - Santa Cruz do Prata, MG

This paper is a contribution for the understanding of the geological evolution of Guaxupé Complex. New data on petrography and mineral chemistry as well as estimates of metamorphic (P-T) conditions in the region of Arceburgo - Santa Cruz do Prata (MG) Brazil, at the southern portion of the Brasília Belt, more specifically at the Guaxupé Complex (Domain) are now presented. The lithotypes are high-grade metamorphic rocks subdivided into two groups: metasediments and granulites (orthoderivates). Chemical analysis of minerals was performed in three steps including core and rim of amphibole, pyroxene, feldspar, biotite, and garnet from samples of the following rock types: enderbites, mafic granulites, charnockites, and alkali feldspar charnockites. Results obtained with geothermobarometric calculations show metamorphic peak around 900°C of T and 10 kbar of P. Enderbites and tonalite granulites (mafic) show the highest values of temperature and pressure, while alkali feldspar charnockites show the lowest probably due to their late generation in relation to mafic rock types (enderbites and mafic tonalite granulite). Chemical mineral analysis in metamorphic parageneses and geothermobarometric calculations indicate that the possible metamorphic peak may be higher than 900°C of temperature and around 10 kbar of pressure, within a isothermal decompression (ITD) regime.

Doses de potássio em cobertura na cultura da abóbora

Although there are recommendations for the fertilization of commercial squash crops, studies which connect the effect of topdressing potassium fertilization and yield are still rare. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating topdressing potassium doses on squash (Mirian hybrid) yield, in an experimental farm of the Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, in São Manuel, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with five treatments (0.0 kg ha-1, 50.0 kg ha-1, 100.0 kg ha-1, 200.0 kg ha-1 and 400.0 kg ha-1 of K2O) and six replications. Plant growth parameters, yield and fruit quality were evaluated. After harvesting, plant (leaves + stem) and soil macronutrients were submitted to chemical analysis and data to variance and regression analysis. It was concluded that the highest yield resulted from the topdressing dose of 199.0 kg ha-1 of K2O. A reduction in calcium and magnesium contents in the plant canopy and a higher K+ content in the soil were observed for increasing K2O levels.

Chlorine disinfection of dye wastewater: Implications for a commercial azo dye mixture

Azo dyes, the most widely used family of synthetic dyes, are often employed as colorants in areas such as textiles, plastics, foods/drugs/cosmetics, and electronics. Following their use in industrial applications, azo dyes have been found in effluents and various receiving waters. Chemical treatment of effluents containing azo dyes includes disinfection using chlorine, which can generate compounds of varying eco/genotoxicity. Among the widely known commercial azo dyes for synthetic fibers is C.I. Disperse Red 1. While this dye is known to exist as a complex mixture, reports of eco/genotoxicity involve the purified form. Bearing in mind the potential for adverse synergistic effects arising from exposures to chemical mixtures, the aim of the present study was to characterize the components of commercial Disperse Red 1 and its chlorine-mediated decoloration products and to evaluate their ecotoxicity and mutagenicity. In conducting the present study, Disperse Red 1 was treated with chlorine gas, and the solution obtained was analyzed with the aid of LC-ESI-MS/MS to identify the components present, and then evaluated for ecotoxicity and mutagenicity, using Daphnia similis and Salmonella/microsome assays, respectively. The results of this study indicated that chlorination of Disperse Red 1 produced four chlorinated aromatic compounds as the main products and that the degradation products were more ecotoxic than the parent dye. These results suggest that a disinfection process using chlorine should be avoided for effluents containing hydrophobic azo dyes such commercial Disperse Red 1. © 2012 Elsevier B.V..

Caracterização química e mineralógica de azulejos portugueses do centro histórico de São Luís-MA (Brasil): Uma aproximação à mineralogia e à temperatura de queima das matérias-primas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise química da folha d de abacaxizeiro cv. smooth cayenne antes e após a indução floral em função de doses e parcelamentos de nitrogênio

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Superfícies geomórficas e atributos do solo em uma toposseqüência de transição várzea-terra firme

Soil attributes reflect influence of the geomorphic surfaces. Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the geomorphic surfaces on soil attributes in a topossequence from low lands to high lands in the Humaitá region, AM. A transect of 4.5 km, from the top of the slope towards the low lands was established and the geomorphic surfaces were identified and limited according to topographic and estratigraphic criteria, based on detailed field investigation. Twenty soil samples were collected in each one of the slope segments within the geomorphic surfaces (G.S.), at the following depths: G.S. I: LAa (0.0-0.16 and 0.48-0.79 m); G.S. II: Lad1 (0.0-0.13 and 0.44-0.70) and Lad2 (0.0-0.10 and 0.30-0.55 m); G.S. III: RYve1 (0.0-0.18 and 0.51-0.89) and RYve2 (0.0-0.23 and 0.58-0.91 m). The sampling depths were determined by the surface and subsurface horizon depths, defined during the soil morphological description. Physical analysis involved particle size distribution, disperse clay, soil and particle density and total porosity. The chemical analysis involved determinations of pH in water and KCl, exchangeable cations, exchangeable Al, total acidity (H+Al), available P, organic carbon. The relief variations contributed to the presence of dystrophic soils in the geomorphic surface I and eutrophic soils in the geomorphic surface III. The multivariate statistical techniques were able to separate three heterogeneous groups, equivalent to the mapped geomorphic surfaces.

Study of adsorption and preconcentration by using a new silica organomodified with [3-(2,2′-dipyridylamine)propyl] groups

In this work, a silica surface chemically modified with [3-(2,2′-dipyridylamine)propyl] groups, named [3-(2,2′- dipyridylamine)propyl]silica (Si-Pr-DPA) was prepared, characterized, and evaluated for its heavy metal adsorption characteristics from aqueous solution. To our knowledge, we are the first authors who have reported the present modification. The material was characterized using infrared spectroscopy, SEM, and NMR 29Si and 13C solid state. Batch and column experiments were conducted to investigate for heavy metal removal from dilute aqueous solution by sorption onto Si-Pr-DPA. From a number of studies the affinity of various metal ions for the Si-Pr-DPA sorbent was determined to follow the order Fe(III) > Cr(III) >> Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II) > Ni(II). Two standard reference materials were used for checking the accuracy and precision of the method. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of environmental samples. This ligand material has great advantage for adsorption of transition-metal ions from aqueous medium due to its high degree of organofunctionalization associated with the large adsorption capacity, reutilization possibility, and rapidity in reaching the equilibrium. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Assessment of the genotoxicity of two agricultural residues after processing by diplopods using the Allium cepa assay

Agroindustrial by-products and residues from treatment of sewage sludge have been recently recycled as soil amendments. This study was aimed at assessing toxic potential of biosolid, obtained from a sewage treatment plant (STP), vinasse, a by-product of the sugar cane industry, and a combination of both residues using Allium cepa assay. Bioprocessing of these samples by a terrestrial invertebrate (diplopod Rhinocricus padbergi) was also examined. Bioassay assembly followed standards of the Brazilian legislation for disposal of these residues. After adding residues, 20 diplopods were placed in each terrarium, where they remained for 30 days. Chemical analysis and the A. cepa assay were conducted before and after bioprocessing by diplopods. At the end of the bioassay, there was a decrease in arsenic and mercury. For the remaining metals, accumulation and/or bioavailability varied in all samples but suggested bioprocessing by animals. The A. cepa test revealed genotoxic effects characterized by different chromosome aberrations. Micronuclei and chromosome breaks on meristematic cells and F1 cells with micronuclei were examined to assess mutagenicity of samples. After 30 days, the genotoxic effects were significantly reduced in the soil + biosolid and soil + biosolid + vinasse groups as well as the mutagenic effects in the soil + biosolid + vinasse group. Similar to vermicomposting, bioprocessing of residues by diplopods can be a feasible alternative and used prior to application in crops to improve degraded soils and/or city dumps. Based on our findings, further studies are needed to adequately dispose of these residues in the environment. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.