In vitro effect of low-fluoride toothpastes containing sodium trimetaphosphate on enamel erosion

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Development and validation of a rapid turbidimetric assay to determine the potency of ampicillin sodium in powder for solution for injection

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

Development and validation of a stability-indicative agar diffusion assay to determine the potency of flucloxacillin sodium in capsules

Flucloxacillin sodium (FLU) is a semi-synthetic penicillin active against many gram-positive bacteria such as streptococci and penicilinase-producing staphylococci, including methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. This study describes the development and validation of a microbiological assay, applying the diffusion agar method for the determination of FLU, as well as the evaluation of the ability of the method in determining the stability of FLU in capsules against acidic and basic hydrolysis, photolytic and oxidative degradations, using S. aureus ATCC 25923 as micro-organism test and 3 x 3 parallel line assay design (three doses of the standard and three doses of the sample in each plate), with six plates for each assay, according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The validation method showed good results including linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness and selectivity. The assay is based on the inhibitory effect of FLU using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The results of the assay were treated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and were found to be linear (r = 0.9997) in the range from 1.5 to 6.0 μg/mL, precise (repeatability: R.S.D. = 1.63 and intermediate precision: R.S.D. = 1.64) and accurate (98.96%). FLU solution (from the capsules) exposed to direct UVC light (254 nm), alkaline and acid hydrolysis and hydrogen peroxide causing oxidation were used to evaluate the specificity of the bioassay. Comparison of bioassay and liquid chromatography by ANOVA showed no difference between methodologies. The results demonstrated the validity of the proposed bioassay, which is a simple and useful alternative methodology for FLU determination in routine quality control.

Evaluation of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as a Blackbird Wetting Agent

New and improved strategies are needed for managing overabundant blackbird (Icteridae spp.) populations in some areas of the United States. From 2004 to 2007, we evaluated sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a wetting agent during controlled outdoor cage and flight pen tests in Colorado and small-scale field tests at urban blackbird roosts in Missouri. In the outdoor cage tests (ambient temperature -5 to 2° C), mortality of male red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) sprayed with 1, 2, and 5 ml of SLS on the back feathers only, on the breast feathers only, or on both breast and back feathers ranged from 25% to 100%. A SLS spray on male red-winged blackbirds at 2° C ambient temperature with 1 ml of SLS sprayed on breast feathers and back feathers resulted in 90% mortality in less than 60 minutes. In a flight pen test (-12 to -5° C ambient temperature ), SLS sprayed at 20 l per 3,400 l of water with a single ground-based sprinkler-head system over 35 male red-winged blackbirds roosting in cedar trees (Juniperus virginiana) resulted in 53% mortality. There was no mortality in the control group exposed to the same treatment without the SLS. Small-scale field tests conducted in Missouri at 6 sites with a single ground-based sprinkler-head spray system and at 2 sites with 4 sprinkler-head spray systems resulted in mortality that ranged from 0 to 4,750 and 4,500 to 15,000 blackbirds and starlings, respectively. Spray operations lasted from 28 to 208 minutes. Each spray covered about 200 m2 . At all sites, mortality of blackbirds sprayed with the SLS occurred as soon as 30 minutes post-SLS application. Mortality at two sites where pump problems precluded completing the spray ranged from 0 to 800 birds. Air leaving the system as the system was activated caused birds to flush from the roost trees. Poor water quality and pump durability were problems at some sites.

Comparative Studies of the (Anti) Mutagenicity of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Artepillin C by the Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test

Baccharis dracunculifolia is a plant native from Brazil, commonly known as 'Alecrim-do-campo' and 'Vassoura' and used in alternative medicine for the treatment of inflammation, hepatic disorders and stomach ulcers. Previous studies reported that artepillin C (ArtC, 3-{4-hydroxy-3,5-di(3-methyl-2-butenyl)phenyl}-2(E)-propenoic acid), is the main compound of interest in the leaves. This study was undertaken to assess the mutagenic effect of the ethyl acetate extract of B. dracunculifolia leaves (Bd-EAE: 11.4-182.8 mu g/plate) and ArtC (0.69-10.99 mu g/plate) by the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA97a, TA100 and TA102, and to compare the protective effects of Bd-EAE and ArtC against the mutagenicity of a variety of direct and indirect acting mutagens such as 4-nitro-O-phenylenediamine, sodium azide, mitomycin C, benzo[a]pyrene, aflatoxin B1, 2-aminoanthracene and 2-aminofluorene. The mutagenicity test showed that Bd-EAE and ArtC did not induce an increase in the number of revertant colonies indicating absence of mutagenic activity. ArtC showed a similar antimutagenic effect to that of Bd-EAE in some strains of S. typhimurium, demonstrating that the antimutagenic activity of Bd-EAE can be partially attributed to ArtC. The present results showed that the protective effect of whole plant extracts is due to the combined and synergistic effects of a complex mixture of phytochemicals, the total activity of which may result in health benefits.

In situ effect of sodium fluoride or titanium tetrafluoride varnish and solution on carious demineralization of enamel

This study evaluated the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) formulations on enamel carious demineralization in situ. Thirteen subjects took part in this cross-over, split-mouth, double-blind study performed in three phases of 14 d each. In each subject, two sound and two predemineralized specimens of bovine enamel were worn intra-orally and plaque accumulation was allowed. One sound and one predemineralized specimen in each subject was treated once with sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish or solution (Treatment A); TiF4 varnish or solution (Treatment B); or placebo varnish or no treatment (Treatment C). The initially sound enamel specimens were exposed to severe cariogenic challenge (20% sucrose, eight times daily for 5 min each time), whereas the predemineralized specimens were not. Eleven subjects were able to finish all experimental phases. The enamel alterations were quantified by surface hardness and transversal microradiography. Demineralization of previously sound enamel was reduced by all test formulations except for the NaF solution, while both TiF4 formulations were as effective as NaF varnish. For the predemineralized specimens, enamel surface hardness was increased only by TiF4 formulations, while subsurface mineral remineralization could not be seen in any group. Within the experimental protocol, TiF4 was able to decrease enamel demineralization to a similar degree as NaF varnish under severe cariogenic challenges, while only TiF4 formulations remineralized the enamel surface.

Sodium-specific foraging by leafcutter ant workers (Atta cephalotes, Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

1. Sodium is often a limiting nutrient for terrestrial animals, and may be especially sought by herbivores. Leafcutter ants are dominant herbivores in the Neotropics, and leafcutter foraging may be affected by nutritional demands of the colony and/or the demands of their symbiotic fungal mutualists. We hypothesized that leafcutter colonies are sodium limited, and that leafcutter ants will therefore forage specifically for sodium. 2. Previous studies demonstrated that leafcutter Atta cephalotes Linnaeus workers preferentially cut and remove paper baits treated with NaCl relative to water control baits. Atta cephalotes colonies in this study were presented with baits offering NaCl, Na2SO4, and KCl to test whether leafcutters forage specifically for sodium. Sucrose and water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. 3. Atta foragers removed significantly more of the baits treated with NaCl and Na2SO4 than the KCl treatment, which did not differ from water. The NaCl and Na2SO4 treatments were collected at similar rates. We conclude A. cephalotes forage specifically for sodium rather than for anions (chloride) or solutes in general. This study supports the hypothesis that leafcutter ants are limited by, and preferentially forage for, sodium.

Effects of EDTA and Sodium Citrate on hormone measurements by fluorometric (FIA) and immunofluorometric (IFMA) methods

Abstract Background Measurements of hormonal concentrations by immunoassays using fluorescent tracer substance (Eu3+) are susceptible to the action of chemical agents that may cause alterations in its original structure. Our goal was to verify the effect of two types of anticoagulants in the hormone assays performed by fluorometric (FIA) or immunofluorometric (IFMA) methods. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 30 outpatients and were drawn in EDTA, sodium citrate, and serum separation Vacutainer®Blood Collection Tubes. Samples were analyzed in automatized equipment AutoDelfia™ (Perkin Elmer Brazil, Wallac, Finland) for the following hormones: Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating homone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin, C peptide, total T3, total T4, free T4, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. Statistical analysis was carried out by Kruskal-Wallis method and Dunn's test. Results No significant differences were seen between samples for LH, FSH, PRL and free T4. Results from GH, TSH, insulin, C peptide, SHBG, total T3, total T4, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, and progesterone were significant different between serum and EDTA-treated samples groups. Differences were also identified between serum and sodium citrate-treated samples in the analysis for TSH, insulin, total T3, estradiol, testosterone and progesterone. Conclusions We conclude that the hormonal analysis carried through by FIA or IFMA are susceptible to the effects of anticoagulants in the biological material collected that vary depending on the type of assay.

Effect of fluoride sodium mouthwash solutions on cpTI: evaluation of physicochemical properties

The effects of fluoride, which is present in different oral hygiene products, deserve more investigation because little is known about their impact on the surface of titanium, which is largely used in Implantology. This study evaluated the surface of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) after exposure to different concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF). The hypothesis tested in this study was that different concentrations of NaF applied at different time intervals can affect the titanium surface in different ways. The treatments resulted in the following groups: GA (control): immersion in distilled water; GB: immersion in 0.05% NaF for 3 min daily; GC: immersion in 0.2% NaF for 3 min daily; GD: immersion in 0.05% NaF for 3 min every 2 weeks; and GE: immersion in 0.2% NaF for 3 min every 2 weeks. The experiment lasted 60 days. Roughness was measured initially and every 15 days subsequently up to 60 days. After 60 days, corrosion analysis and anodic polarization were done. The samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The roughness data were analyzed by ANOVA and there was no significant difference among groups and among time intervals. The corrosion data (i corr) were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test, and significant differences were found between GA and GC, GB and GC, GC and GD, GC and GE. SEM micrographs showed that the titanium surface exposed to NaF presented corrosion that varied with the different concentrations. This study suggests that the use of 0.05% NaF solution on cpTi is safe, whereas the 0.2% NaF solution should be carefully evaluated with regard to its daily use.

Development and application of a thermo-hydraulic model supporting the design and the deterministic safety analysis in a sodium cooled fast reactor

Il CP-ESFR è un progetto integrato di cooperazione europeo sui reattori a sodio SFR realizzato sotto il programma quadro EURATOM 7, che unisce il contributo di venticinque partner europei. Il CP-ESFR ha l'ambizione di contribuire all'istituzione di una "solida base scientifica e tecnica per il reattore veloce refrigerato a sodio, al fine di accelerare gli sviluppi pratici per la gestione sicura dei rifiuti radioattivi a lunga vita, per migliorare le prestazioni di sicurezza, l'efficienza delle risorse e il costo-efficacia di energia nucleare al fine di garantire un sistema solido e socialmente accettabile di protezione della popolazione e dell'ambiente contro gli effetti delle radiazioni ionizzanti. " La presente tesi di laurea è un contributo allo sviluppo di modelli e metodi, basati sull’uso di codici termo-idraulici di sistema, per l’ analisi di sicurezza di reattori di IV Generazione refrigerati a metallo liquido. L'attività è stata svolta nell'ambito del progetto FP-7 PELGRIMM ed in sinergia con l’Accordo di Programma MSE-ENEA(PAR-2013). Il progetto FP7 PELGRIMM ha come obbiettivo lo sviluppo di combustibili contenenti attinidi minori 1. attraverso lo studio di due diverse forme: pellet (oggetto della presente tesi) e spherepac 2. valutandone l’impatto sul progetto del reattore CP-ESFR. La tesi propone lo sviluppo di un modello termoidraulico di sistema dei circuiti primario e intermedio del reattore con il codice RELAP5-3D© (INL, US). Tale codice, qualificato per il licenziamento dei reattori nucleari ad acqua, è stato utilizzato per valutare come variano i parametri del core del reattore rilevanti per la sicurezza (es. temperatura di camicia e di centro combustibile, temperatura del fluido refrigerante, etc.), quando il combustibile venga impiegato per “bruciare” gli attinidi minori (isotopi radioattivi a lunga vita contenuti nelle scorie nucleari). Questo ha comportato, una fase di training sul codice, sui suoi modelli e sulle sue capacità. Successivamente, lo sviluppo della nodalizzazione dell’impianto CP-ESFR, la sua qualifica, e l’analisi dei risultati ottenuti al variare della configurazione del core, del bruciamento e del tipo di combustibile impiegato (i.e. diverso arricchimento di attinidi minori). Il testo è suddiviso in sei sezioni. La prima fornisce un’introduzione allo sviluppo tecnologico dei reattori veloci, evidenzia l’ambito in cui è stata svolta questa tesi e ne definisce obbiettivi e struttura. Nella seconda sezione, viene descritto l’impianto del CP-ESFR con attenzione alla configurazione del nocciolo e al sistema primario. La terza sezione introduce il codice di sistema termico-idraulico utilizzato per le analisi e il modello sviluppato per riprodurre l’impianto. Nella sezione quattro vengono descritti: i test e le verifiche effettuate per valutare le prestazioni del modello, la qualifica della nodalizzazione, i principali modelli e le correlazioni più rilevanti per la simulazione e le configurazioni del core considerate per l’analisi dei risultati. I risultati ottenuti relativamente ai parametri di sicurezza del nocciolo in condizioni di normale funzionamento e per un transitorio selezionato sono descritti nella quinta sezione. Infine, sono riportate le conclusioni dell’attività.

Behavioral and anatomical abnormalities in a sodium iodate-induced model of retinal pigment epithelium degeneration

We characterized changes in the visual behavior of mice in which a loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was experimentally induced with intravenous (i.v.) administration of sodium iodate (NaIO3). We compared and correlated these changes with alterations in neural retinal structure and function. RPE loss was induced in 4-6 week old male C57BL/6 mice with an i.v. injection of 1% NaIO3 at three concentrations: 35, 50, or 70 mg/kg. At 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days (d) as well as 6 months post injection (PI) a behavioral test was performed in previously trained mice to evaluate visual function. Eye morphology was then assessed for changes in both the RPE and neural retina. NaIO3-induced RPE degeneration was both dose and PI time dependent. Our low dose showed no effects, while our high dose caused the most damage, as did longer PI times at our intermediate dose. Using the intermediate dose, no changes were detectable in either visual behavior or retinal morphology at 1 d PI. However, at 3 d PI visual behavior became abnormal and patchy RPE cell loss was observed. From 7 d PI onward, changes in retinal morphology and visual behavior became more severe. At 6 months PI, no recovery was seen in any of these measures in mice administered the intermediate dose. These results show that NaIO3 dosage and/or time PI can be varied to produce different, yet permanent deficits in retinal morphology and visual function. Thus, this approach should provide a unique system in which the onset and severity of RPE damage, and its consequences can be manipulated. As such, it should be useful in the assessment of rescue or mitigating effects of retinal or stem cell transplantation on visual function.

Sweat test in patients with glucose-6-phosphate-1-dehydrogenase deficiency

BACKGROUND: A false-positive sweat test in patients with deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate-1-dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49; G6PD) is repeatedly reported. METHODS: Sweat chloride or conductivity was measured in 11 patients with G6PD deficiency. RESULTS: Mean (SD) chloride level (n = 8, median age 9.2 years, range 1.9-48.5) was 18.8 (9.6 mmol/l) and, mean (SD) sodium level was 26.0 (10.0 mmol/l), respectively, and mean (SD) conductivity (n = 3, median age 6.6 years, range 1.9-40.5) was 34.3 (6.5 mmol/l). CONCLUSION: In sweat of 11 patients with G6PD deficiency we did not find any abnormality. The reason for alleged false-positive sweat test in patients with G6PD deficiency is not known and we were unable to identify any original reference. It appears that tables of putative false-positive sweat tests in several disease states have been directly "copied and pasted" from one paper or textbook to another without verifying the original literature, a phenomenon one can call "chain citation".

Decreased visual function after patchy loss of retinal pigment epithelium induced by low-dose sodium iodate

PURPOSE: To correlate damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with decreased visual function after the systemic administration of sodium iodate (NaIO(3)). METHODS: Damage was produced in mice by injection of 15, 25, or 35 mg/kg NaIO(3). Visual function was assessed with the cued water maze (WM) behavioral test and the optokinetic reflex (OKR) measurement at different times after injection. Autofluorescence in whole eye flatmounts was quantified, and hematoxylin and eosin staining of paraffin sections was performed to assess changes in the outer retina. RESULTS: After 15 mg/kg NaIO(3), cued WM test results were normal, whereas OKR measurements were significantly decreased at all times. Focal RPE loss began on day 21, but no significant damage to the outer nuclear layer was observed. After 25 mg/kg NaIO(3), the cued WM test was transitionally reduced and the OKR measurement again decreased at all times. Large areas of RPE loss occurred on day 14 with a reduced outer nuclear layer on the same day. With 35 mg/kg NaIO(3), the cued WM test was reduced beginning on day 14 with complete obliteration of the OKR beginning on day 3, large areas of RPE loss on the same day, and a reduced outer nuclear layer on day 7. CONCLUSIONS: Stable, patchy RPE loss was observed with a low concentration of NaIO(3). The OKR measurement showed changes in visual function earlier than the cued WM test and before histologic findings were observed.

Use of a computerized closed-loop sodium nitroprusside titration system for antihypertensive treatment after open heart surgery

This study evaluates the clinical applicability of administering sodium nitroprusside by a closed-loop titration system compared with a manually adjusted system. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was registered every 10 and 30 sec during the first 150 min after open heart surgery in 20 patients (group 1: computer regulation) and in ten patients (group 2: manual regulation). The results (16,343 and 2,912 data points in groups 1 and 2, respectively), were then analyzed in four time frames and five pressure ranges to indicate clinical efficacy. Sixty percent of the measured MAP in both groups was within the desired +/- 10% during the first 10 min. Thereafter until the end of observation, the MAP was maintained within +/- 10% of the desired set-point 90% of the time in group 1 vs. 60% of the time in group 2. One percent and 11% of data points were +/- 20% from the set-point in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p less than .05, chi-square test). The computer-assisted therapy provided better control of MAP, was safe to use, and helped to reduce nursing demands.

The effect of an oral glucose load on sodium and water excretion after rapid intravenous infusion of 0.9% (w/v) saline

Previous studies have suggested that oral or intravenous glucose enhances salt and water retention following a saline load. To test this, we studied the effects of an oral glucose load on urinary sodium and water excretion and serum biochemistry in response to a 2l intravenous infusion of 0.9% saline in normal subjects.