Simultaneous determination of Cr, Fe, Ni and V in crude oil by emulsion sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

In this work a simple and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of Cr, Fe, Ni and V in crude oil, using emulsion sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. Under the best conditions, sample masses around 50 mg were weighed in polypropylene tubes and emulsified in a mixture of 0.5% (v v(-1)) hexane + 6% (m v(-1)) Triton X-100 (R). Considering the compromised conditions, the pyrolysis an atomization temperatures for the simultaneous determination of Cr, Fe, Ni and V were 1400 degrees C and 2500 degrees C, respectively. Aliquots of 20 mu L of reference solution and sample emulsion were co-injected into the graphite tube with 10 mu L of 1.0 g L(-1) Mg(NO(3))(2) as chemical modifier. The detection limits (n = 10, 3 sigma) and characteristic masses were, respectively: 0.07 mu g g(-1) and 19 pg for Cr; 2.15 mu g g(-1) and 31 pg for Fe; 1.25 mu g g(-1) and 44 pg for Ni; and 1.15 mu g g(-1) and 149 pg for V. The reliability of the proposed method was checked by fuel oil Standard Reference Material (SRMTriton X-100 (R) 1634c - NIST) analysis. The concentrations found presented no statistical differences compared to the certified values at 95% confidence level.

Economic viability of doses and split-applications of nitrogen fertilization in corn crop in a eutrophic Red Latosol

Nitrogen is the nutrient that is most absorbed by the corn crop, with the most complex management, and has the highest share on the cost of corn production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the economic viability of different rates and split-applications of nitrogen fertilization, as such as urea, in the corn crop in a eutrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol). The study was carried out in the Experimental Station of the Regional Pole of the Sao Paulo Northwest Agribusiness Development (APTA), in Votuporanga, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with nine treatments and four replications, consisting of five N rates: 0, 55, 95, 135 and 175 kg ha(-1), 15 kg ha-l applied in the seeding and the remainder in top dressing: 40 and 80 kg ha(-1) N at forty days after seeding (DAS), or 1/2 + 1/2 at 20 and 40 DAS; 120 kg ha-1 N split in 1/2 + 1/2 or 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 at 20, 40 or 60 DAS; 160 kg ha(-1) N split in 1/4 + 3/8 + 3/8 or 114 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS. The application of 135 kg ha-l of N split in three times provided the best benefit/cost ratio. The non-application of N provided the lowest economic return, proving to be unviable.

Predictive Validity of Waterlow Scale for Pressure Ulcer Development Risk in Hospitalized Patients

AIM: We sought to evaluate the predictive validity of the Waterlow Scale in hospitalized patients. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study was conducted at a general private hospital with 220 beds and a mean time of hospitalization of 7.4 days and a mean occupation rate of approximately 80%. Adult patients with a Braden Scale score of 18 or less and a Waterlow Scale score of 16 or more were studied. The sample consisted of 98 patients with a mean age of 71.1 +/- 15.5 years. METHODS: Skin assessment and scoring by using the Waterlow and Braden scales were completed on alternate days. Patients were examined at least 3 times to be considered for analysis. The data were submitted to sensitivity and specificity analysis by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and positive (+LR) and negative (-LR) likelihood ratios. RESULTS: The cutoff scores were 17, 20, and 20 in the first, second, and third assessment, respectively. Sensitivity was 71.4%, 85.7%, and 85.7% and specificity was 67.0%, 40.7%, and 32.9%, respectively. Analysis of the area under the ROC curve revealed good accuracy (0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.93) only for the cutoff score 17 in the first assessment. The results also showed probabilities of 14%, 10%, and 9% for the development of pressure ulcer when the test results were positive (+LR) and of 3% (-LR) when the test results were negative for the cutoff scores in the first, second, and third assessment, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Waterlow Scale achieved good predictive validity in predicting pressure ulcer in hospitalized patients when a cutoff score of 17 was used in the first assessment.

Analysis of pelvic floor musculature function during pregnancy and postpartum: a cohort study

Aim. To compare the measurements of women`s pelvic floor musculature strength (PFMS) during pregnancy and postpartum period. Background. Pregnancy and childbirth can have an influence on the muscles and pelvic floor and can cause morbidities of women`s genito-urinary tract. Design. A prospective cohort study. Methods. There were included 226 primigravidae women, attended by community health services in the city of Itapecerica da Serra, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The participants were followed in four stages: (1) within 12 weeks of pregnancy; (2) between 36-40 weeks of pregnancy; (3) within 48 hours after childbirth; (4) 42-60 days after childbirth. Data were collected from February 2007-August 2008. The pelvic floor musculature strength was evaluated by perineometry and digital vaginal palpation in stages 1, 2 and 4. The final sample included 110 women who completed all four stages of the study. Results. The pelvic floor musculature strength of the women did not change significantly during pregnancy or after delivery (anova: p = 0 center dot 78). In all three examined stages, a low-intensity pelvic floor musculature strength was prevalent (in mmHg: stage 1 = 15 center dot 9; stage 2 = 15 center dot 2, stage 4 = 14 center dot 7), with scores from 0-3 on the Oxford scale. The pelvic floor musculature strength did not differ in relation to maternal age, skin colour, conjugal status, dyspareunia, stool characteristics, type of delivery, or conditions of the perineum. An interaction between maternal nutritional state and newborn`s weight may affect the pelvic floor musculature strength (manova: p = 0 center dot 04). Conclusion. Pregnancy and childbirth did not reduce significantly pelvic floor musculature strength. The perineometry and digital vaginal palpation used to assess the pelvic floor musculature strength were well accepted by the women. Relevance to clinical practice. In clinical practice, digital vaginal palpation is effective for supporting the diagnosis of urinary, intestinal and sexual dysfunctions. Perineometry use is particularly important together with the performance of perineal exercises with biofeedback in the treatment these disorders.

An integrated approach to produce biodiesel and monoglycerides by enzymatic interestification of babassu oil (Orbinya sp)

Two screenings of commercial lipases were performed to find a lipase with superior performance for the integrated production of biodiesel and monoglycerides. The first screening was carried out under alcoholysis conditions using ethanol as acyl acceptor to convert triglycerides to their corresponding ethyl esters (biodiesel). The second screening was performed under glycerolysis conditions to yield monoglycerides (MG). All lipases were immobilized on silica-PVA composite by covalent immobilization. The assays were performed using babassu oil and alcohols (ethanol or glycerol) in solvent free systems. For both substrates, lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (lipase PS) was found to be the most suitable enzyme to attain satisfactory yields. To further improve the process, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optima operating conditions for each biotransformation. For biodiesel production, the highest transesterification yield (>98%) was achieved within 48 h reaction at 39 degrees C using an oil-to-ethanol molar ratio of 1:7. For MG production, optima conditions corresponded to oil-to-glycerol molar ratio of 1: 15 at 55 degrees C, yielding 25 wt.% MG in 6 h reaction. These results show the potential of B. cepacia lipase to catalyze both reactions and the feasibility to consider an integrated approach for biodiesel and MG production. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Redescription of Lasioseius floridensis Berlese, 1916 (Acari: Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae), with notes on closely related species

A redescription of Lasioseius floridensis Berlese, 1916 is presented based on examination with descriptive notes of primary type material in the Berlese Collection and on a study of specimens collected from gerbera leaves in Mogi das Cruzes, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil representing all postembryonic stages. This species was originally described from Lake City, Florida, USA, where it was collected from moss; it is considered a senior synonym of Lasioseius arboreus Chant, 1963 (new synonymy) and Lasioseius fimetorum Karg, 1971 (new synonymy), based on examination of primary type material of the latter two species. Examination of other primary type material also indicated that Lasioseius sugawarai Ehara, 1964 is a senior synonym of Lasioseius tridentatus Baker, Delfinado & Abbatiello, 1976 (new synonymy). Placement of L. floridensis among other of the ca 150 species of Lasioseius, based on available keys, and the need for more detailed descriptions of species of genera such as Lasioseius, confirmed by examination of their primary type material, are discussed.

Acquired tolerance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Micro-Tom) plants to cadmium-induced stress

The effects of varying concentrations of cadmium (Cd) on the development of Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Micro-Tom (MT) plants were investigated after 40 days (vegetative growth) and 95 days (fruit production), corresponding to 20 days and 75 days of exposure to CdCl(2), respectively. Inhibition of growth was clearly observed in the leaves after 20 days and was greater after 75 days of growth in 1 mM CdCl(2), whereas the fruits exhibited reduced growth following the exposure to a concentration as low as 0.1 mM CdCl(2). Cd was shown to accumulate in the roots after 75 days of growth but was mainly translocated to the upper parts of the plants accumulating to high concentrations in the fruits. Lipid peroxidation was more pronounced in the roots even at 0.05 mM CdCl(2) after 75 days, whereas in leaves, there was a major increase after 20 days of exposure to 1 mM CdCl(2), but the fruit only exhibited a slight significant increase in lipid peroxidation in plants subjected to 1 mM CdCl(2) when compared with the control. Oxidative stress was also investigated by the analysis of four key antioxidant enzymes, which exhibited changes in response to the increasing concentrations of Cd tested. Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was shown to increase after 75 days of Cd treatment, but the major increases were observed at 0.1 and 0.2 mM CdCl(2), whereas guaiacol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) did not vary significantly from the control in leaves and roots apart from specific changes at 0.5 and 1 mM CdCl(2). The other two enzymes tested, glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), did not exhibit any significant changes in activity, apart from a slight decrease in SOD activity at concentrations above 0.2 mM CdCl(2). However, the most striking results were obtained when an extra treatment was used in which a set of plants was subjected to a stepwise increase in CdCl(2) from 0.05 to 1 mM, leading to tolerance of the Cd applied even at the final highest concentration of 1 mM. This apparent adaptation to the toxic effect of Cd was confirmed by biomass values being similar to the control, indicating a tolerance to Cd acquired by the MT plants.

Characterization of the electrocardiographic pattern of individuals with cerebral palsy

Background: Dentists of Lar Sao Francisco observed during dental treatment that children with cerebral palsy (CP) had increased heart rate (HR) and lower production of saliva. Despite the high prevalence of CP found in the literature (2.08-3.6/1000 individuals), little is known about the electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics, especially HR, of individuals with CP. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that individuals with CP have a higher HR and to define other ECG characteristics of this population. Methods: Ninety children with CP underwent clinical examination and 12-lead rest ECG. Electrocardiographic data on rhythm, HR, PR interval, QRS duration, P/QRS/T axis, and QT, QTc and T(peak-end) intervals (minimum, mean, maximum, and dispersion) were measured and analyzed then compared with data from a control group with 35 normal children. Fisher and Mann-Whitney U tests were used, respectively, to compare categorical and continuous data. Results: Groups cerebral palsy and control did not significantly differ in age (9 +/- 3 x 9 +/- 4 years) and male gender (65% x 49%). Children with CP had a higher HR (104.0 +/- 20.6 x 84.2 +/- 13.3 beats per minute; P < .0001), shorter PR interval (128.8 +/- 15.0 x 138.1 +/- 15.1 milliseconds; P = .0018), shorter QRS duration (77.4 +/- 8.6 x 82.0 +/- 8.7 milliseconds; P = .0180), QRS axis (46.0 degrees +/- 26.3 degrees x 59.7 degrees +/- 24.8 degrees; P = .0024) and T-wave axis (34.3 degrees +/- 28.9 degrees x 42.9 degrees +/- 17.1 degrees; P = .034) more horizontally positioned, and greater mean QTc (418.1 +/- 18.4 x 408.5 +/- 19.4 milliseconds; P = .0110). All the electrocardiogram variables were within the reference range for the age group including those with significant differences. Conclusion: Children with CP showed increased HR and other abnormal ECG findings in the setting of this investigation. Further studies are needed to explain our findings and to correlate the increased HR with situations such as dehydration, stress, and autonomic nervous disorders. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pimaradienoic acid inhibits vascular contraction and induces hypotension in normotensive rats

The present investigation was designed to investigate the effect of the diterpene ent-pimara-8(14),15-dien-19-oic acid (pimaradienoic acid, PA) on smooth muscle extracellular Ca2+ influx. To this end, the effect of PA on phenylephrine- and KCI-induced increases in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+](c)) measured by the variation in the ratio of fluorescence intensities (R340/ 380 nm) of Fura-2, was analysed. Whether bolus injection of PA could induce hypotensive responses in conscious normotensive rats was also evaluated. PA inhibited the contraction induced by phenylephrine (0.03 or 10 mu mol L-1) and KCI (30 or 90 mmol L-1) in endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings in a concentration dependent manner. Pre-treatment with PA (110, 100, 200 mu mol L-) attenuated the contraction induced by CaCl2 (0.5 nmol L(-)1 or 2.5 mmol L-1) in denuded rat aorta exposed to Ca2+- free medium containing phenylephrine (0.1 mu mol L-1) or KCI (30 mmol L-1). Interestingly, the inhibitory effect displayed by PA on CaCl2-induced contraction was more pronounced when KCI was used as the stimulant. Phenylephrine- and KCI-induced increases in (Ca2+,](c) were inhibited by PA. Similarly, verapamil, a Ca2+-channel blocker, also inhibited the increase in [Ca2+](c) induced by either phenylephrine or KCI. Finally, bolus injection of PA (1-15 mg kg(-1)) produced a dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial pressure in conscious normotensive rats. The results provide the first direct evidence that PA reduces vascular contractility by reducing extracellular Ca2+ influx through smooth muscle cellular membrane, a mechanism that could mediate the hypotensive response induced by this diterpene in normotensive rats.

No Association Between MTHFR A1298C and MTRR A66G Polymorphisms, and MS in an Australian Cohort

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in debilitating neuropathology. Pathogenesis is primarily defined by CNS inflammation and demyelination of nerve axons. Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is an enzyme that catalyzes the remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy) to methionine via cobalamin and folate dependant reactions. Cobalamin acts as an intermediate methyl carrier between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Hcy. MTRR plays a critical role in maintaining cobalamin in an active form and is consequently an important determinant of total plasma Hcy (pHcy) concentrations. Elevated intracellular pHcy levels have been suggested to play a role in CNS dysfunction, neurodegenerative, and cerebrovascular diseases. Our investigation entailed the genotyping of a cohort of 140 cases and matched controls for MTRR and MTHFR, by restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. Two polymorphisms: MTRR A66G and MTHFR A1298C were investigated in an Australian age and gender matched case-control study. No significant allelic frequency difference was observed between cases and controls at the α = 0.05 level (MTRR χ^2 = 0.005, P = 0.95, MTHFR χ^2 = 1.15, P = 0.28). Our preliminary findings suggest no association between the MTRR A66G and MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms and MS.

Solution structure of robustoxin, the lethal neurotoxin from the funnel-web spider Atrax robustus

The solution structure of robustoxin, the lethal neurotoxin from the Sydney funnel-web spider Atrax robustus, has been determined from 2D H-1 NMR data, Robustoxin is a polypeptide of 42 residues cross-linked by four disulphide bonds, the connectivities of which were determined from NMR data and trial structure calculations to be 1-15, 8-20, 14-31 and 16-42 (a 1-4/2-6/3-7/5-8 pattern), The structure consists of a small three-stranded, anti-parallel beta-sheet and a series of interlocking gamma-turns at the C-terminus. It also contains a cystine knot, thus placing it in the inhibitor cystine knot motif family of structures, which includes the omega-conotoxins and a number of plant and animal toxins and protease inhibitors. Robustoxin contains three distinct charged patches on its surface, and an extended loop that includes several aromatic and non-polar residues, Both of these structural features may play a role in its binding to the voltage-gated sodium channel. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Kidney and cloaca function in the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) at different salinities: Evidence for solute-linked water uptake

Kidney function and the role of the cloacal complex in osmoregulation was investigated in estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) exposed to three environmental salinities: hypo-, iso- and hyperosmotic to the plasma. Plasma homeostasis was maintained over the range of salinities. Antidiuresis occurred with increased salinity. Although urine from the kidneys retained an osmotic pressure between 77% and 82% of the plasma, over 93% and 98% of plasma chloride filtered at the glomeruli was reabsorbed during passage through the kidneys under hypo and hyperosmotic conditions, respectively, and only 64% in iso-osmotic water. The kidneys were the primary site of sodium reabsorption under hypo-and hyperosmotic conditions. Secondary processing of urine during storage in the cloaca varied with salinity. During post renal storage of urine, the difference in urine osmotic pressure increased from -26.1 +/- 15.5 to 35.66 +/- 9.29 mOsM with increased salinity, and potassium concentration of urine increased over 3-fold in C. porosus from freshwater. The almost complete reabsorption of both sodium and chloride under hyperosmotic conditions indicates the necessity for secretory activity by the lingual salt glands. The osmoregulatory response of the kidneys and cloacal complex to environmental salinity is both plastic and complementary. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.

Arterial heparan sulfate proteoglycans inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and phenotype change in vitro and neointimal formation in vivo

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) from the normal arterial wall inhibit neointimal formation after injury in vivo and smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype change and proliferation in vitro. Methods: Arterial HSPGs were extracted from rabbit aortae and separated by anion-exchange chromatography. The effect of HSPGs, applied in a periadventitial gel, on neointimal formation was assessed 14 days after balloon catheter injury of rabbit carotid arteries. Their effect on SMC phenotype and proliferation was measured by point-counting morphometry of the cytoplasmic volume fraction of myofilaments (Vvmyo) and H-3-thymidine incorporation in SMCs in culture. Results: Arterial HSPGs (680 mu g) reduced neointimal formation by 35% at 14 days after injury (P =.029), whereas 2000 mu g of the low-molecular-weight heparin Enoxaparin was ineffective. HSPGs at 34 mu g/mL maintained subconfluent primary cultured SMCs with the same high Vvmyo (52.1% +/- 13.8%) after 5 days in culture as did cells freshly isolated from the arterial wall (52.1% +/- 15.1%). In contrast, 100 mu g/mL Enoxaparin was ineffective in preventing phenotypic change over this time period (Vvmyo 38.9% +/- 14.6%, controls 35.9% +/- 12.8%). HSPGs also inhibited 3H-thymidine incorporation into primary cultured SMCs with an ID50 value of 0.4 mu g/mL compared with a value of 14 mu g/ml; for Enoxaparin (P

The neutral hydrogen content of Fornax cluster galaxies

We present a new set of deep H I observations of member galaxies of the Fornax cluster. We detected 35 cluster galaxies in H I. The resulting sample, the most comprehensive to date, is used to investigate the distribution of neutral hydrogen in the cluster galaxies. We compare the H I content of the detected cluster galaxies with that of field galaxies by measuring H I mass-to-light ratios and the H I deficiency parameter of Solanes et al. (1996). The mean H I mass-to-light ratio of the cluster galaxies is 0.68 +/- 0.15, significantly lower than for a sample of H I-selected field galaxies (1.15 +/- 0.10), although not as low as in the Virgo cluster (0.45 +/- 0.03). In addition, the H I content of two cluster galaxies (NGC1316C and NGC1326B) appears to have been affected by interactions. The mean H I deficiency for the cluster is 0.38 +/- 0.09 (for galaxy types T = 1-6), significantly greater than for the field sample (0.05 +/- 0.03). Both these tests show that Fornax cluster galaxies are H I-deficient compared to field galaxies. The kinematics of the cluster galaxies suggests that the H I deficiency may be caused by ram-pressure stripping of galaxies on orbits that pass close to the cluster core. We also derive the most complete B-band Tully-Fisher relation of inclined spiral galaxies in Fornax. A subcluster in the South-West of the main cluster contributes considerably to the scatter. The scatter for galaxies in the main cluster alone is 0.50 mag, which is slightly larger than the intrinsic scatter of 0.4 mag. We use the Tully-Fisher relation to derive a distance modulus of Fornax relative to the Virgo cluster of -0.38 +/- 0.14 mag. The galaxies in the subcluster are (1.0 +/- 0.5) mag brighter than the galaxies of the main cluster, indicating that they are situated in the foreground. With their mean velocity 95 km s(-1) higher than that of the main cluster we conclude that the subcluster is falling into the main Fornax cluster.

Differential responses of antioxidant enzymes in pioneer and late-successional tropical tree species grown under sun and shade conditions

To investigate the ability of pioneer and late-successional species to adapt to a strong light environment in a reforestation area, we examined the activities of antioxidant enzymes in relation to photosystem chlorophyll a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigment concentration for eight tropical tree species grown under 100% (sun) and 10% (shade) sunlight irradiation. The pioneer (early-succession) species (PS) were Cecropia pachystachya, Croton urucurana, Croton floribundus and Schinus terebinthifolius. The non-pioneer (late succession) species (LS) were Hymenaea courbaril L var. stilbocarpa, Esenbeckia leiocarpa, Cariniana legalis and Tabebuia roseo-alba. We observed a greater decline in the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence (F(v)/F(m)) under full sunlight irradiation in the late-successional species than in the pioneer species. The LS species most sensitive to high irradiance were C. legalis and H. courbaril. In LS species, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll concentrations were higher in the shade-grown plants than in plants that developed under full sunlight, but in the PS species C. floribundus and C. pachystachya, we did not observe significant changes in chlorophyll content when grown in the two contrasting environments. The carotenoids/total chlorophyll ratio increased significantly when plants developed under high-sunlight irradiation, but this response was not observed in the PS species S. terebinthifolius and C. pachystachya. The improved performance of the pioneer species in high sunlight was accompanied by an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD. EC 1.15.1.1) activity, though no light-dependent increase in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX. EC 1.11.1.11) was observed. The activity of catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) was reduced by high irradiation in both pioneer and late-successional species. Our results show that pioneer species perform better under high-sunlight irradiation than late-successional species, as indicated by increased SOD activity and a higher F IF,, ratio. C. legalis was the LS species most susceptible to photoinhibition under full sunlight conditions. These results suggest that pioneer plants have more potential tolerance to photo-oxidative damage than late-successional species associated with the higher SOD activity found in pioneer species. Reduced photoinhibition in pioneer species probably results from their higher photosynthetic capacities, as has been observed in a previous survey carried out by our group. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.