Uso de álcool e anfetaminas entre caminhoneiros de estrada

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a incidência do uso de álcool e anfetaminas entre caminhoneiros de estrada. Foram estudados 91 sujeitos, abordados em um posto de combustíveis em Passos, MG, em novembro de 2005. Os dados dos participantes foram obtidos por meio de um questionário contendo 19 questões de múltipla escolha. Utilizou-se para a análise dos dados estatística descritiva, teste do qui-quadrado e o coeficiente de correlação de Cramér. Os resultados indicaram que 66% dos caminhoneiros usavam anfetaminas durante os percursos de viagens, principalmente em postos de combustíveis (54%) à beira das rodovias. O álcool era utilizado por 91% deles, dos quais 43% consumiam a bebida nos postos de combustíveis. Concluiu-se que há a necessidade de campanhas preventivas e informativas voltadas para esta categoria profissional nos postos de combustíveis e empresas de transportes, alertando sobre os riscos de ingestão dessas substâncias no período de trabalho.

Topografia das artérias e veias hilares em rins de cão (Canis familiaris, L. 1758) da raça Pequinês

Em 30 pares de rins estudaram-se as artérias e veias, no hilo de cão da raça Pequinês. Os ramos arteriais são contados à direita e à esquerda, entre 6 e 16, e 5 e 13, e as raízes venosas, 1 e 7, e 1 e 10; os vasos arteriais são exclusivamente periféricos 100% e 93,3%, e as raízes venosas centrais; os vasos arteriais são iguais em número, 13,3%, e as raízes venosas, 46,6%; os quadrantes craniais são mais densamente povoados. O teste t de Student não é significante, ao nível de 5%, quanto ao sexo e aos rins (direito e esquerdo). O coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson é positivo entre o número de artérias e veias, nas fêmeas, para ambos os rins, mas inexistente nas mesmas condições entre os machos.

Liver dysfunction in patients bitten by Crotalus durissus terrificus (Laurenti, 1768) snakes in Botucatu (State of São Paulo, Brazil)

Os autores estudaram 32 doentes picados por serpentes venenosas, sendo 16 picados por Bothrops spp. e 16 por Crotalus durissus terrificus. Trinta doentes eram do sexo masculino e dois do feminino com idades variando entre 8 e 63 anos (méda 33±15). A prova da retenção da bromosulfaleína apresentou-se aumentada na maioria dos doentes picados por serpentes Crotalus durissus terrificus. Houve correlação positiva entre a retenção da bromosulfaleína e os níveis séricos de alanina aminotransferase e entre alanina e aspartato aminotransferase apenas nos doentes do grupo Crotalus. Um dos doentes evoluiu para o óbito e apresentou no exame anatomopatológico do fígado degeneração hidrópica e lesões mitocondriais. Os autores concluem que as alterações hepáticas são causadas por pelo menos dois mecanismos a saber: lesão mitocondrial por efeito do veneno crotálico; efeito das citoquinas, especialmente a interleucina-6.

Spectrophotometric determination of dipyrone in pharmaceutical preparations by using chromotropic acid

A spectrophotometric method for the determination of dipyrone in pharmaceutical preparations is proposed. This method is based on selective oxidation of dipyrone, in the presence of sulphuric acid, splitting off formaldehyde which reacts with chromotropic acid, also in a sulphuric acid medium, producing a violet-red compound (lambda(max) 575 nm). Beer's law is obeyed in a concentration range of 0.57-5.7 ppm dipyrone with an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.9997). The results show a simple, accurate, selective and readily applied method to the determination of dipyrone in pharmaceutical products. The analytical results obtained for these products by the proposed method are in agreement with those of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia procedure. No interference was observed from common excipients in formulations. Recoveries were within 98.7-101.2%, with standard deviations ranging from 0.2 to 1.7%. (C) 1999 Elsevier B.V. S.A. All rights reserved.

Determination of furosemide in pharmaceutical formulations by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

In this report an analytical method to determine furosemide by using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is presented. This study shows that this technique can give quantitative results using spot test analysis, particularly in the case of pharmaceuticals containing furosemide. The color spot test could be obtained by reaction between furosemide with p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde, in acid medium. This reaction produced a stable complex on filter paper after heating to 80degreesC for 5 min. All reflectance measurements were carried out at 585 nm and the linear range was from 7.56 x 10(-3) to 6.05 x 10(-2) mol l(-1), with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection was estimated to be 2.49 x 10(-3) mol l(-1) (R.S.D. = 1.7%) and the effect of common excipients on the reflectance measurements was evaluated. The method was applied to determine furosemide in commercial brands of pharmaceuticals. The results obtained by the proposed method were favorably compared with those of the official method, showing for the first time ever that quantitative spot test analysis by diffuse reflectance could be successfully used to determine furosemide in tablets. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectrophotometric determination of formaldehyde with chromotropic acid in phosphoric acid medium assisted by microwave oven

In the present study. a spectrophotometric method for the determination of formaldehyde by using chromotropic acid was devised. in which the use of potentially hazardous and corrosive concentrated sulfuric acid was eliminated and advantageously C replaced by a mixture of H, concentrated H3PO4 and H2O2. The reaction between formaldehyde and chromotropic acid (CA) in a cone phosphoric acid medium was accelerate by irradiating the mixture with microwave energy for 35 s (1100 W), producing a violetred compound (lambda(max)=570 nm). Beer's Law is obeyed in a concentration range of 0.8-4.8 mg 1(-1) of formaldehyde with a good correlation coefficient (r = 0.9968). The proposed method was applied in the analysis of formaldehyde in commercial disinfectants. Recoveries were within 98.0-100.4%, with standard deviations ranging from 0.03 to 0.13%. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

A new amperometric biosensor for salicylate based on salicylate hydroxylase immobilized on polipyrrole film doped with hexacyanoferrate

An amperometric biosensor for salicylate detection was developed by immobilizing salicylate hydroxylase via glutaraldehyde onto a polypyrrole film doped with hexacyanoferrate, supported on a glassy carbon electrode surface. The sensor monitors the catechol produced in the enzymatic reaction on the film surface, at an applied potential of 150 mV vs. SCE. A [NADH]/[salicylate] ratio between 2 and 4 gave the best response. The biosensor presented the best performance in a solution with pH=7.4. The response time was about 40 s. A linear range of response was observed for salicylate concentrations between 1.0x10(-5) and 1.0x10(-4) mol l(-1) and the equation adjusted for this curve was I=(-0.04+/-0.01)+(11.4+/-0.2)[salicylate] with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 for n=6. The biosensor retains its activity for at least 10 days despite daily use. The results obtained using the biosensor for salicylate determination, in three different samples of antithermic drugs, presented a good correlation with the standard colorimetric method.

Evaluation of Bi as internal standard to minimize matrix effects on the direct determination of Pb in vinegar by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using Ru permanent modifier with co-injection of Pd/Mg(NO3)(2)

Bismuth was evaluated as an internal standard for the direct determination of Pb in vinegar by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using Ru as a permanent modifier with co-injection of Pd/Mg(NO3)(2). The correlation coefficient of the graph plotted from the non-nalized absorbance signals of Bi versus Pb was r=0.989. Matrix effects were evaluated by analyzing the slope ratios between the analytical curve, and analytical curves obtained from Pb additions in red and white wine vinegar obtained from reference solutions prepared in 0.2% (v/v) HNO3, samples. The calculated ratios were around 1.04 and 1.02 for analytical curves established applying an internal standard and 1.3 and 1.5 for analvtical curves without. Analytical curves in the 2.5-15 pg L-1 Pb concentration interval were established using the ratio Pb absorbance to Bi absorbance versus analvte concentration, and typical linear correlations of r=0.999 were obtained. The proposed method was applied for direct determination of Pb in 18 commercial vinegar samples and the Pb concentration varied from 2.6 to 31 pg L-1. Results were in agreement at a 95% confidence level (paired t-test) with those obtained for digested samples. Recoveries of Pb added to vinegars varied from 96 to 108% with and from 72 to 86% without an internal standard. Two water standard reference materials diluted in vinegar sample were also analyzed and results were in agreement with certified values at a 95% confidence level. The characteristic mass was 40 pg Pb and the useful lifetime of the tube was around 1600 firings. The limit of detection was 0.3 mu g L-1 and the relative standard deviation was <= 3.8% and <= 8.3% (n = 12) for a sample containing, 10 mu L-1 Pb with and without internal standard, respectively. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

COMPARISON OF 3 TECHNIQUES FOR ESTIMATING PERIPHYTON ABUNDANCE IN BEDROCK STREAMS

Three procedures (line transect, point intercept and quadrat) for estimating abundance of macroscopic components of periphyton (macroalgae and bryophytes) were compared in two bedrock streams from southeastern Brazil on the basis of frequency and percent cover. In addition, two quadrat sizes (25 and 50 cm) were tested for best size. Samplings were all made within a 10 m length stream reach. Differences were tested by means of analysis of variance, ANOVA - one way, Student's t test and Chi-square test, whereas associations among them were evaluated by Pearson's r correlation coefficient. Values of frequency and percent cover varied among the different techniques and periphyton species in both sites but ANOVA, t and Chi-square tests revealed no significant difference (p<0.05) for percent cover in the two sites. No consistent pattern was observed for the different procedures between sites. Values for quadrat (25 and 50 cm) percent cover were positively correlated among distinct periphyton species. Significant differences for frequency were found in only one site. Quadrats of 50 cm produced the highest frequency values, whereas point intercept the lowest in both sites. In terms of spatial variation within the stream segment, significant differences were generally observed among all procedures, except between quadrats. As a rule, highly significant correlations for percent cover were found among the different techniques along the stream reach. The strongest relationships were found for quadrats with the other procedures, whereas the weakest between Line and point. Pros and cons of the three techniques are fully discussed.

Flow injection amperometric detection of ascorbic acid using a Prussian Blue film-modified electrode

The PB film-modified electrode was used as an amperometric detector for flow injection analysis of ascorbic acid. The modified electrode detector showed good sensitivity, stability and reproducibility. The calibration curve for ascorbic acid was linear over the concentration range from 5.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-3) mol l(-1) with a slope of 19.9 mA mol(-1) per litre and a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit of this method was 2.49 x 10(-6) mol l(-1). The relative standard deviation of six replicate injections of 2.5 x 10(-4) mol l(-1) ascorbic acid was 2.5%. The results obtained for ascorbic acid determination in pharmaceutical products are in good agreement with those obtained by using the procedure involving the reaction between triiodide and ascorbic acid. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of an anti-H(O) lectin from Lotus tetragonolobus seeds

The seed lectin from Lotus tetragonolobus (LTA) has been crystallized. The best crystals grew over several days and were obtained using the vapour-diffusion method at a constant temperature of 293 K. A complete structural data set was collected at 2.00 angstrom resolution using a synchrotron-radiation source. LTA crystals were found to be monoclinic, belonging to space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 68.89, b = 65.83, c = 102.53 angstrom, alpha = gamma = 90, beta = 92 degrees. Molecular replacement yielded a solution with a correlation coefficient and R factor of 34.4 and 51.6%, respectively. Preliminary analysis of the molecular-replacement solution indicates a new quaternary association in the LTA structure. Crystallographic refinement is under way.

Reliability and validation of a Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for assessing edentulous subjects

The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability and to validate a Brazilian version of Oral Health Impact Profile for assessing edentulous subjects (OHIP-EDENT), an inventory for measuring oral health-related quality of life of edentulous subjects. The sample comprised 65 complete denture wearers (23 men, mean age of 69.1 +/- 10.3 years). The translated OHIP-EDENT was applied on two occasions with a washout period of 3 months. Reliability was assessed by an internal consistency analysis and a test-retest approach. A preliminary validation process was conducted by a qualitative approach/interview. Results of internal consistency showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.86 or 0.90 for the first or second appointment respectively. Through the test-retest analysis, an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.57 was found, and individual answers reflected a broad range of agreement. Interviewed volunteers (n = 6) comprehended most questions well. In conclusion, the Brazilian version of OHIP-EDENT is adequate for assessing the oral health-related quality of life for edentulous subjects.

Rapid and sensitive method for the determination of acetaldehyde in fuel ethanol by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV-Vis detection

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of acetaldehyde in fuel ethanol was developed. Acetaldehyde was derivatized with 0.900 mL 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPHi) reagent and 50 mu L phosphoric acid 1 mol L-1 at a controlled room temperature of 15 degrees C for 20 min. The separation of acetaldehyde- DNPH (ADNPH) was carried out on a Shimadzu Shim-pack C-18 column, using methanol/LiCl(aq) 1.0 mM (80/20, v/v) as a mobile phase under isocratic elution and UV-Vis detection at 365 nm. The standard curve of ADNPH was linear in the range 3-300 amg L-1 per injection (20 mu L) and the limit of detection (LOD) for acetaldehyde was 2.03 mu g L-1, with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.999 and a precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) of 5.6% (n=5). Recovery studies were performed by fortifying fuel samples with acetaldehyde at various concentrations and the results were in the range 98.7-102%, with a coefficient of variation (CV) from 0.2% to 7.2%. Several fuel samples collected from various gas stations were analyzed and the method was successfully applied to the analysis of acetaldehyde in fuel ethanol samples.

Correlations among carcass traits taken by ultrasound and after slaughter in Mediterranean (Bubalus bubalis) young bulls

The objective of this work was to estimate the correlations among measurements taken in vivo with ultrasound equipment with some carcass traits measured after slaughter. Twenty eight Mediterranean bulls, with average shrunk body weight of 330 kg and 14 months of age, were fed by 120 days with high concentrate diets. The shrunk body weight, the ribeye area (REAU), the back fat thickness (FTU) over the Longissimus dorsi muscle between 12(a) and 13(a) ribs and rump fat (EGP8U), were measured at 28 days intervals. Real-time ultrasound equipment Piemedical Scanner 200 VET, with 18 cm linear array transducer was utilized. After the slaughter, the hot carcass weight (PCQ) and the kidney, pelvic and inguinal fat (GRPI) were weighted and the dressing percentage (DP) calculated. After 24 hours of cooling the ribeye area (REAC), backfat thickness (FTC) and rump fat (EGP8C) were measured. Both the REAC, FTC and EGP8C were underestimated by ultrasound measurements. The Pearson correlation coefficients for ribeye area, backfat thickness and rump fat measured in the carcass and with ultrasound, were 0.96, 0.99 and 0.91, respectively. The coefficient between DP and REAU was 0.47; 0.45 between DP and REAC, 0.56 between DP and FTU and 0.58 between DP and FTC. DP presented a 0.59 correlation coefficient with EGP8U. The Spearman correlation was estimated between REAU and REAC, FTU and FTC, EGP8U and EGP8C, and the values were 0.96, 0.99 and 0.91,respectively. The ultrasound measures could be used to estimate carcass traits in buffaloes with good accuracy.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the lectin from Canavalia gladiata seeds

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)