Ex vivo biocompatibility tests of regular and white forms of mineral trioxide aggregate

Aim: To examine the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of regular and white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) ex vivo by the single-cell gel (comet) assay and trypan blue exclusion test, respectively. Methodology: Aliquots of 1 × 10 4 Chinese hamster ovary cells were incubated at 37°C for 3 h with grey and white forms of MTA at final concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg mL -1. The negative control group was treated with vehicle control phosphate buffer solution for 3 h at 37°C and the positive control group was treated with methyl metasulfonate (at 1 μg mL -1) for 1 h at 37°C. After incubation, the cells were centrifuged at 180 g for 5 min and washed twice with fresh medium and resuspended with fresh medium. Each individual treatment was repeated three times consecutively to ensure reproducibility. Parameters from single-cell gel (comet) and cytotoxicity assays were assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. Results: Neither compounds produced genotoxic effects with respect to the single-cell gel (comet) assay in all concentrations evaluated. In the same way, the dose-response relationships of all compounds tested at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg mL -1 on cell viability assessed by the trypan blue assay displayed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) for either endodontic material. Conclusions: Regular (grey) and white MTA are not genotoxins and do not induce cellular death. © 2006 International Endodontic Journal.

Cross-hole and seismic CPT tests in a tropical soil site

A large portion of Brazil is covered with tropical soils but literature about dynamic parameters of these soils is very limited. SCPT and cross-hole tests were carried out at an experimental research site inland in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Shear wave velocities (VS) determined based on both tests are presented and compared. A good agreement was observed between both test results and the differences can be associated with soil variability, which was very sensitive to CPT tests. It was also observed that Go/q c ratio determined based on SCPT appears to be an interesting technique to help identify tropical soils. Copyright ASCE 2006.

Planning accelerated life tests under Exponentiated-Weibull-Arrhenius model

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present designs for an accelerated life test (ALT). Design/methodology/approach - Bayesian methods and simulation Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) methods were used. Findings - In the paper a Bayesian method based on MCMC for ALT under EW distribution (for life time) and Arrhenius models (relating the stress variable and parameters) was proposed. The paper can conclude that it is a reasonable alternative to the classical statistical methods since the implementation of the proposed method is simple, not requiring advanced computational understanding and inferences on the parameters can be made easily. By the predictive density of a future observation, a procedure was developed to plan ALT and also to verify if the conformance fraction of the manufactured process reaches some desired level of quality. This procedure is useful for statistical process control in many industrial applications. Research limitations/implications - The results may be applied in a semiconductor manufacturer. Originality/value - The Exponentiated-Weibull-Arrhenius model has never before been used to plan an ALT. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Classification of lumber of Eucalyptus using non-destructive tests

Classification and standardization of the sawn wood is a usual activity, developed by countries that come as great consumers of this material. Brazil does not practice the classification of sawn wood. This work had the main objective of evaluating the sensibility of most common non-destructive tests in the classification of dimension lumber from fast grown Eucalyptus plantation. Wood was obtained from genetic material cultivated at Minas Gerais State, Brazil. 296 beams of structural dimensions (6 cm × 12 cm × 280 cm) from 10 different clones of Eucalyptus were sampled. Beams were non-destructively (stress wave, ultrasound and transverse vibration) and destructively (static bending and compression parallel to grain) tested. Non-destructive results showed sensibility in the classification of structural dimension lumber, being possible to establish wave velocity intervals that attend to the main strength classes reported by Wooden Structures Brazilian Code.

The use of slot filter in piezocone tests for site characterization of tropical soils

The use of piezocone tests with a slot filter filled with automotive grease for site characterization of tropical soils is assessed. Laboratory tests using the slot filter filled with automotive grease as well as the conventional porous piezo-element saturated with glycerin were carried out to evaluate the pore pressure (u 2) transducer response. CPTu tests using piezo-elements saturated with glycerin and the slot filter filled with grease were pushed side by side in different research sites in Brazil. Estimates of mechanical and hydraulic soil parameters were made based on pore pressure dissipation curves from using both techniques. Laboratory test results indicate that the pore pressure response using the slot filter with grease was delayed when compared to the piezo-element saturated with glycerin, since grease has a higher viscosity. For tropical soils, the records of u2 in piezocone tests using slot filter with grease presented larger peaks than with porous element saturated with glycerin. Records of u2 using the slot filter above the groundwater table suggest the increase of the degree of saturation in unsaturated zone, where porous filter can be desaturated by suction. The slot filter can be used to help the interpretation of the soil profile with deep groundwater level as well as to help detecting its position for some studied soils. The results shown high repeatability for all study sites. This technique is much easier to handle, especially for tropical soils, where the groundwater table is usually deep and pre-drilling is expensive and time consuming. © 2009 IOS Press.

Aerobic fitness evaluation during walking tests identifies the maximal lactate steady state

Objective. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of lactate minimum (LM) determination during a walking test and the validity of such LM protocol on predicting the maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) intensity. Design. Eleven healthy subjects (24.2 ± 4.5 yr; 74.3 ± 7.7 kg; 176.9 ± 4.1 cm) performed LM tests on a treadmill, consisting of walking at 5.5 km h -1 and with 20-22% of inclination until voluntary exhaustion to induce metabolic acidosis. After 7 minutes of recovery the participants performed an incremental test starting at 7% incline with increments of 2% at each 3 minutes until exhaustion. A polynomial modeling approach (LMp) and a visual inspection (LMv) were used to identify the LM as the exercise intensity associated to the lowest [bLac] during the test. Participants also underwent to 24 constant intensity tests of 30 minutes to determine the MLSS intensity. Results. There were no differences among LMv (12.6 ± 1.7 %), LMp (13.1 ± 1.5 %), and MLSS (13.6 ± 2.1 %) and the Bland and Altman plots evidenced acceptable agreement between them. Conclusion. It was possible to identify the LM during walking tests with intensity imposed by treadmill inclination, and it seemed to be valid on identifying the exercise intensity associated to the MLSS. Copyright © 2012 Guilherme Morais Puga et al.

Entomopathogens isolated from invasive ants and tests of their pathogenicity

Some ant species cause severe ecological and health impact in urban areas. Many attempts have been tested to control such species, although they do not always succeed. Biological control is an alternative to chemical control and has gained great prominence in research, and fungi and nematodes are among the successful organisms controlling insects. This study aimed to clarify some questions regarding the biological control of ants. Invasive ant species in Brazil had their nests evaluated for the presence of entomopathogens. Isolated entomopathogens were later applied in colonies of Monomorium floricola under laboratory conditions to evaluate their effectiveness and the behavior of the ant colonies after treatment. The entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis sp. and Steinernema sp. and the fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Paecilomyces sp. were isolated from the invasive ant nests. M. floricola colonies treated with Steinernema sp. and Heterorhabditis sp. showed a higher mortality of workers than control. The fungus Beauveria bassiana caused higher mortality of M. floricola workers. However, no colony reduction or elimination was observed in any treatment. The defensive behaviors of ants, such as grooming behavior and colony budding, must be considered when using fungi and nematodes for biological control of ants. Copyright © 2012 Maria Fernanda Miori de Zarzuela et al.

Unbiased approach to diagnose the nutrient status of red guava (Psidium guajava)

Fertilization of guava relies on soil and tissue testing. The interpretation of tissue test is currently conducted by comparing nutrient concentrations or dual ratios with critical values or ranges. The critical value approach is affected by nutrient interactions. Nutrient interactions can be described by dual ratios where two nutrients are compressed into a single expression or a ternary diagrams where one redundant proportion can be computed by difference between 100% and the sum of the other two. There are D(D-1) possible dual ratios in a D-parts composition and most of them are thus redundant. Nutrients are components of a mixture that convey relative, not absolute information on the composition. There are D-1 balances between components or ingredients in any mixture. Compositional data are intrinsically redundant, scale dependent and non-normally distributed. Based on the principles of equilibrium and orthogonality, the nutrient balance concept projects D-1 isometric log ratio (ilr) coordinates into the Euclidean space. The D-1 balances between groups of nutrients are ordered to reflect knowledge in plant physiology, soil fertility and crop management. Our objective was to evaluate the ilr approach using nutrient data from a guava orchard survey and fertilizer trials across the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Cationic balances varied widely between orchards. We found that the Redfield N/P ratio of 13 was critical for high guava yield. We present guava yield maps in ternary diagrams. Although the ratio between nutrients changing in the same direction with time is often assumed to be stationary, most guava nutrient balances and dual ratios were found to be non-stationary. The ilr model provided an unbiased nutrient diagnosis of guava. © ISHS.

Biosolid soil application: Toxicity tests under laboratory conditions

A large volume of generated sewage sludge makes its disposal a problem. The usage of sludge in agriculture is highlighted by a number of advantages. However, heavy metals and other toxic compounds may exercise harmful effects to soil organisms. This study evaluated the possible toxic effects of a biosolid sample, under laboratory conditions, for 30 days, using diplopods Rhinocricus padbergi and plants Allium cepa (onion) as test organisms. The data obtained demonstrated that the biosolid raw sample had genotoxic potential for Allium cepa root tip cells. In the diplopods exposed to biosolid sample, epithelium disorganization in the midgut and a reduction of the volume of the hepatic cells were observed after 7 days of exposure. After 30 days, the animals still showed a reduction of the volume of the hepatic cells, but in minor intensity. Allium cepa analysis showed genotoxicity, but this effect was reduced after 30 days of bioprocessing by diplopods. This study was important to know the effects as well as to determine how this waste could be applied concerning the soil living organisms and plants. © 2012 Cintya Ap. Christofoletti et al.

Effect of seating forces on cement-ceramic adhesion in microtensile bond tests

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different seating forces during cementation in cement-ceramic microtensile bond strength (μTBS). Materials and methods: Forty-five blocks (5 × 5 × 4 mm3) of a glass-infiltrated alumina-based ceramic (In-Ceram Alumina) were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions and duplicated in resin composite. Ceramic surfaces were polished, cleaned for 10 min in an ultrasonic bath, silica coated using a laboratory type of air abrasion device, and silanized. Each treated ceramic block was then randomly assigned to five groups (n = 9) and cemented to a composite block under five seating forces (10 g, 50 g, 100 g, 500 g, and 750 g) using a dual-cured resin cement (Panavia F). The ceramic-cement-composite assemblies were cut under coolant water to obtain bar specimens (1 mm × 0. 8 mm2). The μTBS tests were performed in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). The mean bond strengths values were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA (α ≤ 0. 05). Results: Different seating forces resulted in no significant difference in the μTBS results ranging between 13. 1 ± 4. 7 and 18. 8 ± 2. 1 MPa (p = 0. 13) and no significant differences among cement thickness. Conclusions: Excessive seating forces during cementation seem not to affect the μTBS results. Clinical relevance: Excessive forces during the seating of single all-ceramic restorations cementation seem to display the same tensile bond strength to the resin cement. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Variação genética em progênies de jacaranda cuspidifolia mart. Utilizando o delineamento sistemático tipo leque

Knowledge of genetic variation in native tree species has helped direct strategies of genetic ex situ conservation, based on provenances and progenies tests. These tests use fixed spacing, not allowing evaluating the behavior of different progenies under this management variable. One way to evaluate simultaneously the genetic variation and different spacing in a small planting area is to use a systematic design. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic variation and to evaluate its performance in Jacaranda cuspidifolia under different spacing. We used a progeny test in a systematic fan design, arranged in a system of 30 concentric rays, with one progeny per ray, randomly, at angles of 12°. The plants were arranged in rays in geometric progression of ratio 1.21, corresponding to nine for plant spacing: 1,95 m2; 2,86 m2; 4,18 m2; 6,12 m2; 8,96 m2; 13,12 m2; 19,21 m2; 28,13 m2; e 41,19 m 2 installed in Selvíria/MS. The traits height, height diameter of 30 cm to soil (DA3) and survival were evaluated at 12 and 24 months of age. Estimates of genetic parameters and spacing were evaluated using the procedure REML/BLUP (restricted maximum likelihood / best linear unbiased prediction). The progenies showed genetic variation, showing that the sample strategy to ex situ conservation was efficient. The species showed good adaptability inthe field and the best performance in treating five, equivalent to a 3 × 3 m spacing, with 8,96 m2;/plant for all traits. The fan systematic design permitted to evaluate in a small area the silvicultural behavior of J. Cuspidifolia plants in spacing varying from 2 to 42 m2/plant (5.000 to 238 trees/ha); which could hardly be evaluat by the traditional designs.

Longitudinal analysis of serological tests officially adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis in dogs vaccinated with Leishmune®

Development of vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) may provide a prophylactic barrier, but antibody response detected by standard diagnostic techniques may not separate vaccinated from naturally infected dogs. Moreover, anti-Leishmania antibody levels in vaccinated dogs may be detectable for months. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate an in-house ELISA with three serological tests officially adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of CVL in dogs vaccinated with Leishmune®. A total of 18 mongrel dogs were submitted to a complete protocol of the vaccine, monitored and evaluated in 5 times (T0-T4) up to 180 days after T0. Twenty-one days after the first dose (T1), 50% of the dogs were seropositive by the in-house ELISA and 5.5% by IFAT, while by the official ELISA and DPP® CVL rapid test all dogs tested negative. At time T2, 42 days after of the first dose, 100%, 83.3%, 11.1%, and 5.5% of the dogs were seropositive by the in-house ELISA, IFAT, official ELISA kit and the DPP® CVL rapid test, respectively. Ninety days after the first dose (T3), 100%, 83.3%, 72.2% and 33.3% of the dogs were seropositive by the in-house ELISA, official ELISA kit, IFAT, and the DPP® CVL rapid test, respectively. Finally, at time T4, 88.8%, 33.3%, 11.1% and 5.5% of the dogs were seropositive by the in-house ELISA, official ELISA kit, DPP® CVL rapid test and IFAT, respectively. In conclusion, dogs vaccinated with Leishmune® cross-react by an in-house ELISA and by the three official Brazilian serological tests for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis up to six months after the first vaccine dose, and may be mistakenly diagnosed and removed. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Parametric VaR with goodness-of-fit tests based on EDF statistics for extreme returns

Parametric VaR (Value-at-Risk) is widely used due to its simplicity and easy calculation. However, the normality assumption, often used in the estimation of the parametric VaR, does not provide satisfactory estimates for risk exposure. Therefore, this study suggests a method for computing the parametric VaR based on goodness-of-fit tests using the empirical distribution function (EDF) for extreme returns, and compares the feasibility of this method for the banking sector in an emerging market and in a developed one. The paper also discusses possible theoretical contributions in related fields like enterprise risk management (ERM). © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Serological cross-reactivity of Trypanosoma cruzi, Ehrlichia canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Babesia canis to Leishmania infantum chagasi tests in dogs

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serological cross-reactivity between Leishmania sp. and other canine pathogens. Methods: Positive serum samples for Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trypanosoma cruzi were tested using three serological methods enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Kalazar Detect™, for canine visceral leishmaniasis. Results: Of the 57 dog samples tested, 24 (42.1%) tested positive using one of the three serological methods: 10/57 (17.5%) for ELISA, 11/57 (19.3%) for IFAT and 3/57 (5.3%) for Kalazar Detect™. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the presence of other infectious agents may lead to cross-reactivity on leishmaniasis serological tests.

Prozone effects in microscopic agglutination tests for leptospirosis in the sera of mice infected with the pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola

Mice experimentally infected with a pathogenic strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola produced false negative results (prozone effect) in a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). This prozone effect occurred in several serum samples collected at different post-infection times, but it was more prominent in samples collected from seven-42 days post-infection and for 1:50 and 1:100 sample dilutions. This phenomenon was correlated with increased antibody titres in the early post-infection phase. While prozone effects are often observed in serological agglutination assays for the diagnosis of animal brucellosis and human syphilis, they are not widely reported in leptospirosis MATs.