Effect of the insecticides abamectin and lufenuron on eggs and larvae of Chrysoperla externa under laboratory conditions

The side effects of two insecticides/acaricides, abamectin and lufenuron, on the eggs and larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) were studied in the laboratory (25 +/- 2degreesC, 62 +/- 10% RH and 12-h photophase). The analytical methods used were those proposed by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC)-Working Group for 'Pesticides and Beneficial Organisms'. Chrysoperla externa egg viability was not affected by abamectin. Neonate larvae from abamectin sprayed eggs as well as first, second and third instar larvae that were directly treated, developed normally and yielded normal adults. Lufenuron presented no adverse effects on egg survival. However, lufenuron induced high mortality in neonate larvae from treated eggs. These neonates, as well as lufenuron treated first and second instar larvae could not molt. In the third instar, high pupal mortality occurred. The results showed that abamectin is innocuous and that lufenurom is toxic to Chrysoperla externa eggs and larvae.

Comparative study of the sedative and antinociceptive effects of levomepromazine, azaperone and midazolam in laboratory animals

Os efeitos sedativos e antinociceptivos da levomepromazina, azaperone e midazolam foram avaliados utilizando-se três testes de comportamento em ratos e camundongos. No teste da atividade locomotora espontânea em campo aberto observou-se que tanto o comportamento exploratório como a atividade locomotora espontânea foram significativamente diminuídos quando se utilizou levomepromazina e azaperone. O efeito causado pelo azaperone foi menos prolongado quando comparado ao da levomepromazina. O midazolam causou diminuição do comportamento exploratório sem alterar a atividade locomotora espontânea. Quando se avaliou o efeito antinociceptivo por meio da latência para o reflexo da retirada da cauda em ratos após estímulo doloroso, as drogas não apresentaram nenhum efeito antinociceptivo observável. No teste das contorções em camundongos, os fármacos foram capazes de abolir as contorções quando comparados ao efeito do grupo-controle. Levomepromazina, azaperone e midazolam nas doses utilizadas foram capazes de inibir o comportamento exploratório de ratos, comprovando seus efeitos sedativos. Com relação aos efeitos antinociceptivos para dor visceral, eles foram capazes de inibir as contorções.

Feeding substrates to black coconut bunch weevil, Homalinotus coriaceus (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), rearing in laboratory

A broca do cacho do coqueiro, Homalinotus coriaceus (Gyllenhal), é uma praga limitante da produção de coco no Brasil, sendo que tanto as larvas como os adultos provocam a queda das flores femininas e dos frutos imaturos, pela interceptação do fluxo de seiva ou pela alimentação direta nas estruturas reprodutivas. em virtude da escassez de informações sobre sua biologia, realizou-se esse trabalho com o objetivo de desenvolver uma metodologia mais adequada para a criação da praga em laboratório. Foram utilizados os parâmetros biológicos para avaliação e comparação dos sistemas de criação estudados.Toletes de cana-de-açúcar foram utilizados como substrato para alimentação dos adultos coletados no campo e obtenção dos ovos. As larvas foram criadas em três substratos alimentares no Laboratório de Entomologia da Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-CPATC (Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária dos Tabuleiros Costeiros), em Aracaju, SE. Os substratos alimentares estudados foram: o mesocarpo do coco, dieta para criação da broca dos citros e dieta para criação da broca do olho do coqueiro, sendo esta a que proporcionou o melhor desenvolvimento larval num menor tempo, com boa viabilidade, maior facilidade no preparo e manutenção.

Analytical Validation of Quantitative High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Methods in Pharmaceutical Analysis: A Practical Approach

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

Methacycline: A Review of Analytical Methods

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Frequency of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites in stool samples examined at the Parasitology Laboratory of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the São Paulo State University, Araraquara

Blastocystis hominis é um protozoário, causador de infecção intestinal denominada blastocistose humana, cujo diagnóstico é realizado pelo exame coproparasitológico e por meio de técnicas de coloração permanente. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a freqüência da infecção por Blastocystis hominis em habitantes da região de Araraquara/SP, bem como comparar diferentes métodos para a pesquisa desse protozoário em amostras de fezes. Foram estudadas 503 amostras de fezes submetidas ao exame direto a fresco, às técnicas de Faust e cols, Lutz e de Rugai e cols, além das colorações pela hematoxilina férrica, tricrômio e de Kinyoun modificada. Entre as 503 amostras examinadas, 174 (34,6%) apresentaram-se positivas para a presença de parasitas intestinais. O protozoário e o helminto mais freqüentes foram Entamoeba coli (14,6%) e Strongyloides stercoralis (6,7%), respectivamente. Blastocystis hominis foi observado em 23 (4,6%) amostras fecais com consistência predominantemente pastosa, não caracterizando quadro diarréico. Apesar da baixa freqüência de Blastocystis hominis encontrada na região de Araraquara, comparativamente a outras regiões brasileiras, é importante a realização do diagnóstico laboratorial desse protozoário. O encontro de Blastocystis hominis em material fecal é indicativo de contaminação de alimentos e água de consumo, desde que se admita a rota de transmissão oral-fecal desse parasita, o que implica na orientação da população sobre as medidas de saneamento básico e higiene como meio para se controlar problemas de saúde ocasionados pelos enteroparasitas.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of hyperlipemic and hypothyroid patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in a sample of hyperlipemic patients and evaluate clinical and laboratory factors indicative of thyropathy among them. METHODS: Fifty-one hyperlipemic patients, grouped according to an earlier or recent diagnosis of their thyroid function into euthyroid and hypothyroid, were evaluated with clinical and laboratory examinations of blood levels of free T4 and TSH (by radioimmunoassay). Patients were on average 46.8±11.7 years old, predominantly of the female sex (62.5%); 31% had a previous diagnosis of hypothyroidism and were under treatment with thyroxin. RESULTS: Fourteen three percent of patients analyzed had hypothyroidism, which had not been detected before. Differentiating attributes of the groups analyzed were: a predominance of females among the hypothyroid patients and a higher HDL serum concentration among those recently diagnosed. CONCLUSION: In the present study, new cases of hypothyroidism in hyperlipemic patients were a frequent occurrence, yet few clinical and laboratory data except tests evaluating free T4 and TSH in the blood indicated which patients had thyroid dysfunction.

Comparison between qualitative and semiquantitative catheter-tip cultures: laboratory diagnosis of catheter-related infection in newborns

Este estudo prospectivo avaliou os métodos semiquantitativo e qualitativo de cultura de cateter para o diagnóstico de infecção relacionada a cateter (IRC) em recém-nascidos (RN). Foram incluídas pontas de cateteres provenientes de recém-nascidos internados na Unidade Neonatal do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP. Foram utilizadas as técnicas semiquantitativa e qualitativa de cultura de cateter. Para o diagnóstico de IRC, os microrganismos isolados das culturas de cateteres e de hemoculturas periféricas foram identificados e submetidos ao teste de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. O padrão ouro correspondeu ao diagnóstico de certeza de IRC, com o isolamento do mesmo microrganismo (espécie e perfil de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos) isolado em hemocultura periférica. Foram estudados 85 cateteres provenientes de 63 RN. A cultura semiquantitativa, embora tenha apresentado menor sensibilidade (90%), apresentou uma maior especificidade (71%) em comparação à sensibilidade de 100% e especificidade de 60% encontradas na cultura qualitativa. Através da identificação dos microrganismos obtidos nas culturas de cateteres, observou-se uma predominância de espécies de Estafilococos coagulase-negativa (ECN). A espécie Staphylococcus epidermidis foi a prevalente (77,5%) nos cateteres com culturas semiquantitativas positivas. Dos 11 episódios de IRC diagnosticados, 8 (72,7%) foram associados a espécies de ECN, dos quais 6 eram da espécie S. epidermidis. Também foram detectados dois casos de IRC por S. aureus e um caso por Candida parapsilosis. O método de cultura semiquantitativo cateter apresentou vantagens para o diagnóstico de IRC em RN quando comparado com o método qualitativo tradicional.

Biomechanical evaluation of internal and external hexagon platform switched implant-abutment connections: An in vitro laboratory and three-dimensional finite element analysis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of conditioning methods on the microtensile bond strength of phosphate monomer-based cement on zirconia ceramic in dry and aged conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the durability of bond strength between a resin cement and aluminous ceramic submitted to various surface conditioning methods. Twenty-four blocks (5 X 5 X 4 mm 3) of a glass-in filtrated zirconia-alumina ceramic (inCeram Zirconia Classic) were randomly divided into three surface treatment groups: ST1-Air-abrasion with 110-mu m Al2O3 particles + silanization; ST2-Laboratory tribochemical silica coating method (110-mu m Al2O3, ilO-PM Silica) (Rocatec) + silanization; ST3-Chairside tribochemical silica coating method (30-mu m SiOx) (CoJet) + silanization. Each treated ceramic block was placed in its silicone mold with the treated surface exposed. The resin cement (Panavia F) was prepared and injected into the mold over the treated surface. Specimens were sectioned to achieve nontrimmed bar specimens (14 sp/block) that were randomly divided into two conditions: (a) Dry-microtensile test after sectioning; (b) Thermocycling (TC)-(6,000X, 5-55 degrees C) and water storage (150 days). Thus, six experimental groups were obtained (11 = 50): Gr1-ST1 + dry; Gr2-ST1 + TC. Gr3-ST2 + dry; Gr4-ST2 + TC; Gr5-ST3 + dry; Gr6ST3 + TC. After microtensile testing, the failure types were noted. ST2 (25.1 +/- 11) and ST3 (24.1 +/- 7.4) presented statistically higher bond strength (MPa) than that of STI (17.5 +/- 8) regardless of aging conditions (p < 0.0001). While Gr2 revealed the lowest results (13.3 +/- 6.4), the other groups (21.7 +/- 7.4-25. 9 +/- 9.1) showed statistically no significant differences (two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test, a 0.05). The majority of the failures were mixed (82%) followed by adhesive failures (18%). Gr2 presented significantly higher incidence of ADHESIVE failures (54%) than those of other groups (p = 0.0001). Both laboratory and chairside silica coating plus silanization showed durable bond strength. After aging, airabrasion with 110-mu m Al2O3 + silanization showed the largest decrease indicating that aging is fundamental for bond strength testing for acid-resistant Arconia ceramics in order to estimate their long-term performance in the mouth. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of testing methods on the bond strength of resin to zirconia-alumina ceramic: microtensile versus shear test

This study tested the bond strength of a resin cement to a glass-infiltrated zirconia-alumina ceramic after three conditioning methods and using two test methods (shear-SBS versus microtensile-MTBS). Ceramic blocks for MTBS and ceramic disks for SBS were fabricated. Three surface conditioning (SC) methods were evaluated: (1) 110-mu m Al(2)O(3)+Silanization; (2) Chairside silica coating+silanization: (3) Laboratory silica coating+silanization. Following surface conditioning, the resin cement (Panavia F) was bonded to the conditioned ceramics. Although no statistically significant differences (p=0.1076) were seen between the test methods, results yielded with the different surface conditioning methods showed statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) (SC2=SC3>SC1.). As for the interaction between the factors, two-way ANOVA showed that it was not statistically significant (p=0.1443). MTBS test resulted in predominantly mixed failure (85%), but SBS test resulted in exclusively adhesive failure. on the effects of different surface conditioning methods, chairside and laboratory tribochemical silica coating followed by silanization showed higher bond strength results compared to those of aluminum oxide abrasion and silanization, independent of the test method employed.

Laboratory study on the bioremediation of diesel oil contaminated soil from a petrol station

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar possíveis métodos para aumentar a taxa de biodegradação aeróbia de hidrocarbonetos (tratamentos ex-situ). Neste trabalho, processos de biorremediação foram aplicados a um solo arenoso com alto nível de contaminação ocasionada por um vazamento de um tanque de armazenamento de óleo diesel subterrâneo em um posto de combustíveis. Experimentos em escala laboratorial (respirômetros de Bartha) foram utilizados para avaliar a biodegradação do óleo diesel. Estímulo da biodegradação foi realizado utilizando-se as técnicas de bioestímulo (adição de soluções de nitrogênio e fósforo ou surfactante Tween 80) e de bioaumento (consórcio bacteriano isolado de um sistema de landfarming). Para investigar as interações entre os fatores otimizadores, e encontrar a melhor combinação entre esses agentes, o estudo foi baseado em um delineamento experimental fatorial completo. A eficiência de biodegradação foi simultaneamente medida com dois métodos: respirométrico (produção de CO2 microbiano) e cromatografia gasosa. Testes de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia similis foram aplicados para examinar a eficiência dos processos em termos de geração de produtos menos tóxicos. Resultados mostraram que todas as estratégias de biorremediação aceleraram a biorremediação natural do solo contaminado e os melhores resultados foram obtidos quando os tratamentos tinham adição de nutrientes. Dados respirométricos indicaram uma máxima mineralização de hidrocarbonetos de 19,8%, obtida com a combinação dos três agentes, com uma remoção de hidrocarbonetos totais de petróleo (TPH) de 45,5% em 55 dias de tratamento. No final dos experimentos, duas espécies predominantes de bactéria foram isoladas e identificadas como Staphylococcus hominis e Kocuria palustris.

Comparison of methods for the identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) species identification is still difficult for most clinical laboratories. The scheme proposed by Kloos and Schleifer and modified by Bannerman is the reference method used for the identification of staphylococcal species and subspecies; however, this method is relatively laborious for routine use since it requires the utilization of a large number of biochemical tests. The objective of the present study was to compare four methods, i.e., the reference method, the API Staph system (bioMérieux) and two methods modified from the reference method in our laboratory (simplified method and disk method), in the identification of 100 CNS strains. Compared to the reference method, the simplified method and disk method correctly identified 100 and 99% of the CNS species, respectively, while this rate was 84% for the API Staph system. Inaccurate identification by the API Staph method was observed for Staphylococcus epidermidis (2.2%), S. hominis (25%), S. haemolyticus (37.5%), and S. warneri (47.1%). The simplified method using the simple identification scheme proposed in the present study was found to be efficient for all strains tested, with 100% sensitivity and specificity and proved to be available alternative for the identification of staphylococci, offering, higher reliability and lower cost than the currently available commercial systems. This method would be very useful in clinical microbiology laboratory, especially in places with limited resources.

Quantitative analysis of mineral content in enamel using laboratory microtomography and microhardness analysis. - art. no. 631823

This study evaluates laboratory microtomography and microhardness analysis for quantifying the mineral content of bovine enamel. Fifty enamel blocks were submitted individually for 5 days to a pH-cycling model at 37 degrees C and remained in the remineralizing solution for 2 days. The blocks were treated twice daily for 1 min with NaF dentifrices (Placebo, 275, 550, 1,100 mu g F/g and Crest (R)) diluted in deionized water. Surface microhardness changes (%SMH) and mineral loss (Delta Z) were then calculated. Laboratory microtomography was also used to measure total mineral lost (LMM). Pearson's correlation (p < 0.05) was used to determine the relationship between different methods of analysis and dose-response between treatments. Dentifrice fluoride concentration and %SMH and Delta Z were correlated (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship (p < 0.05) when comparing LMM vs. Delta Z; a negative relationship (p < 0.05) was found for %SMH vs. LMM and %SMH vs. Delta Z. Therefore, both mineral quantification techniques provide adequate precision for studying the bovine enamel-pH-cycling demineralization/remineralization model.

Phenotypic methods and commercial systems for the discrimination between C-albicans and C-dubliniensis

Candida dubliniensis is a recently described Candida species associated with oral candidosis that exhibits a high degree of phenotypic similarity to Candida albicans. However, these species show differences in levels of resistance to antimycotic agents and ability to cause infections. Therefore, accurate clinical identification of C. dubliniensis and C. albicans species is important in order to treat oral candidal infections. Phenotypic identification methods are easy-to-use procedures for routine discrimination of oral isolates in the clinical microbiology laboratory. However, C. dubliniensis may be so far underreported in clinical samples because most currently used identification methods fail to recognize this yeast. Phenotypic methods depend on growth temperature, carbon source assimilation, chlamydospore and hyphal growth production, positive or negative growth on special media and intracellular enzyme production, among others. In this review, some phenotypic methods are presented with a special emphasis on the discrimination of C. dubliniensis and C. albicans.