Environmental formaldehyde analysis by active diffusive sampling with a bundle of polypropylene porous capillaries followed by capillary zone electrophoretic separation and contactless conductivity detection

Compared to other volatile carbonylic compounds present in outdoor air, formaldehyde (CH2O) is the most toxic, deserving more attention in terms of indoor and outdoor air quality legislation and control. The analytical determination of CH2O in air still presents challenges due to the low-level concentration (in the sub-ppb range) and its variation with sampling site and time. Of the many available analytical methods for carbonylic compounds, the most widespread one is the time consuming collection in cartridges impregnated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine followed by the analysis of the formed hydrazones by HPLC. The present work proposes the use of polypropylene hollow porous capillary fibers to achieve efficient CH2O collection. The Oxyphan (R) fiber (designed for blood oxygenation) was chosen for this purpose because it presents good mechanical resistance, high density of very fine pores and high ratio of collection area to volume of the acceptor fluid in the tube, all favorable for the development of air sampling apparatus. The collector device consists of a Teflon pipe inside of which a bundle of polypropylene microporous capillary membranes was introduced. While the acceptor passes at a low flow rate through the capillaries, the sampled air circulates around the fibers, impelled by a low flow membrane pump (of the type used for aquariums ventilation). The coupling of this sampling technique with the selective and quantitative determination of CH2O, in the form of hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) after derivatization with HSO3-, by capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-(CD)-D-4) enabled the development of a complete analytical protocol for the CH2O evaluation in air. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.

GENOTYPE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE Haematobia irritans (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE) FROM BRAZIL, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND COLOMBIA BASED ON RANDOMLY AMPLIFIED POLYMORPHIC DNA (RAPD) ANALYSIS

Blood-sucking flies are important parasites in animal production systems, especially regarding confinement conditions. Haematobia irritans, the horn fly, is one of the most troublesome species within bovine production systems, due to the intense stress imposed to the animals. H. irritans is one of the parasites of cattle that cause significant economic losses in many parts of the world, including South America. In the present work, Brazilian, Colombian and Dominican Republic populations of this species were studied by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA(RAPD) to assess basically genetic variability between populations. Fifteen different decamer random primers were employed in the genomic DNA amplification, yielding 196 fragments in the three H. irritans populations. Among h. irritans samples, that from Colombia produced the smallest numbers of polymorphic hands. This high genetic homogeneity may be ascribed to its geographic origin, which causes high isolation, low gene flow, unlike the other American populations, from Brazil and Dominican Republic. Molecular marker fragments, which its produced exclusive bands, detected in every sample enabled the population origin to be characterized, but they are also potentially useful for further approaches such as the putative origin of Brazilian, Colombian and Dominican Republic populations of horn fly from South America. Similarity indices produced by chemo metric analysis showed the closest relationships between flies from Brazil and Dominican Republic, while flies from Colombia showed the greatest genotypic differentiation relative to the others populations.

Simultaneous analysis of five antidepressant drugs using direct injection of biofluids in a capillary restricted-access media-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system

Direct analysis, with minimal sample pretreatment, of antidepressant drugs, fluoxetine, imipramine, desipramine, amitriptyline, and nortriptyline in biofluids was developed with a total run time of 8 min. The setup consists of two HPLC pumps, injection valve, capillary RAM-ADS-C18 pre-column and a capillary analytical C 18 column connected by means of a six-port valve in backflush mode. Detection was performed with ESI-MS/MS and only 1 mu m of sample was injected. Validation was adequately carried out using FLU-d(5) as internal standard. Calibration curves were constructed under a linear range of 1-250 ng mL(-1) in plasma, being the limit of quantification (LOQ), determined as 1 ng mL(-1), for all the analytes. With the described approach it was possible to reach a quantified mass sensitivity of 0.3 pg for each analyte (equivalent to 1.1-1.3 fmol), translating to a lower sample consumption (in the order of 103 less sample than using conventional methods). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterization and biological analysis of the complex [VO(Hdhp)(2)] (H(2)dhp=2,3-dihydroxypyridine)

A new vanadium (IV) complex with the monoanion of 2,3-dihydroxypyridine (H(2)dhp), or 3-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridone, was synthesized, characterized by physicochemical techniques and tested biologically. The EPR data for the [VO(Hdhp)(2)] complex in DMF are: g(x) = 1.9768, g(y) = 1.9768 and g(z) = 1.9390; A values (10(-4) cm(-1)): A(x), 59.4; A(y//), 59.4; A(z), 171.0. The vV=O band in the IR spectrum of the complex is at 986 cm(-1). The complex is paramagnetic, with mu(eff) = 1.65 BM (d(1), spin-only) at 25 degrees C. The irreversible oxidation process [V(V)/V(IV)] of the [VO(Hdhp)(2)] complex, as revealed in a cyclic voltammogram, occurs at 876 mV. The calculated molecular structure of [VO(Hdhp)(2)] shows the vanadium(IV) center in a distorted square pyramidal environment, with the oxo ligand in the apical position and the oxygen donor atoms of the Hdhp ligands in the basal positions. The ability of [VO(Hdhp)(2)] to mimic insulin, and its toxicity to hepato-biliary functions, were investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and it was concluded that the length of treatment and the amount of [VO(Hdhp)(2)] administered were effective in reducing experimental diabetes.

Analysis of testosterone pulsatility in women with ovulatory menstrual cycles

Objetivo: Avaliar o padrão pulsátil da secreção da testosterona em mulheres normais. Métodos: Oito mulheres saudáveis com ciclos ovulatórios foram selecionadas. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas a cada dez minutos durante seis horas, começando entre 7 e 8 h da manhã, após dez horas de jejum, nas três fases do ciclo menstrual: folicular média (Dia 7), folicular tardia (Dia 12) e lútea (Dia 21). Foram mensurados: testosterona, LH e, no basal, também SHBG. Resultados: A frequência dos pulsos de testosterona, média da amplitude do pulso, porcentagem do incremento da amplitude, duração e intervalos dos pulsos foram similares nas três fases (p > 0,05). A pulsatilidade do LH foi estatisticamente diferente entre as três fases (p < 0,001), caracterizando padrão característico do ciclo ovulatório normal. Conclusões: Esses dados aumentam o conhecimento sobre o padrão de secreção da testosterona no ciclo menstrual humano e representam uma contribuição para a investigação clínica, tanto no hiperandrogenismo como na síndrome de insuficiência androgênica __________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the pattern of the pulsatile secretion of testosterone in normal menstrual cycle. Methods: Eight healthy women with ovulatory menstrual cycles were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at ten-minute intervals for six hours, starting between 7 and 8 am, after a ten-hour fasting, in three phases: mid-follicular (Day 7), late follicular (Day 12) and mid-luteal phase (Day 21). Samples were assayed for testosterone, LH and the baseline also for SHBG. Results: Testosterone pulse frequency, mean amplitude pulse, percentage of increment in pulse amplitude, mean duration of pulses and pulse interval were similar in the three phases. LH pulsatility was statistically different among the three phases (p < 0.001) representing normal ovulatory cycles. Conclusions: These data increase the knowledge about the testosterone secretion profile in the human menstrual cycle and can be used as a contribution to clinical investigation in both hyperandrogenism and androgen insufficiency syndrome

Raloxifene therapy does not affect uterine blood flow in postmenopausal women: a transvaginal Doppler study

AZEVEDO, George Dantas de et al. Raloxifene therapy does not affect uterine blood flow in postmenopausal women: a transvaginal Doppler study. Maturitas, Amsterdam, v.47, n.3, p.195-200, 2004

Hematological analysis of Micropogonias Furnieri, Desmarest, 1823, Scianidae, from two estuaries of Baixada Santista, São paulo Brazil

Alterações hematológicas em peixes são consideradas uma importante ferramenta para avaliar processos patológicos decorrentes da exposição a poluentes ambientais. Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) (corvina) é comumente encontrada em regiões estuarinas e eventualmente está exposta a inúmeros contaminantes. No presente estudo foi avaliado o quadro hematológico de indivíduos de M. furnieri coletados na Baixada Santista: o Sistema Estuarino de Santos, considerado poluído, e o estuário do Rio Itanhaém (controle). Foram avaliados o número de Eritrócitos (Er), o Hematócrito (Ht), a taxa de Hemoglobina (Hb), o Volume Corpuscular Médio (VCM) e a Concentração de Hemoglobina Corpuscular Média (CHCM). Nos peixes coletados no Sistema Estuarino de Santos, os níveis de Ht foram significativamente menores, enquanto os níveis de CHCM e Hb foram significativamente mais altos, indicando que os prováveis efeitos estejam atribuídos aos diferentes níveis de contaminação encontrados nos estuários.

Morphologic and morphometric analysis of Hepatozoon spp. (Apicomplexa, Hepatozoidae) of snakes

Hepatozoon species are the most abundant hemoparasites of snakes. Its identification has been based mainly on the morphologic characterization of the gamonts in the peripheral blood of the vertebrate host and also of the cysts found in the internal organs of the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Using a computerized image analysis system, we studied five species of Hepatozoon from recently captured snakes in Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to evaluate the importance of the morphology and morphometry of the gamonts for the characterization of Hepatozoon species and to analyze the morphologic changes induced in the erythrocytes by the parasite. The studied species were H. terzii of Boa constrictor amarali, Hepatozoon sp. of Crotalus durissusterrificus, H. philodryasi of Philodryas patagoniensis, and H. migonei and H. cyclagrasi of Hydrodynastes gigas. We observed three different groups, one of them including the species H. terzii, H. philodryasi and Hepatozoon sp. of C. durissus terrificus; and the other two consisting of H. migonei and H. cyclagrasi. Degree of alterations in the erythrocytes was variable and it may be useful for characterization of Hepatozoon species.

Intraocular pressure and its correlation with blood gas parameters in crested caracaras (Caracara plancus) anesthetized with isoflurane and sevoflurane

Avaliou-se a pressão intra-ocular (PIO) e estimaram-se as correlações entre PIO e pressão de dióxido de carbono (PaCO2) e pH arterial de cinco caracarás (Caracara plancus), anestesiados com isofluorano (ISO) ou sevofluorano (SEV). Valores basais da PIO foram aferidos em ambos os olhos (M0). Cateterizou-se previamente a artéria braquial para obtenção de parâmetros hemogasométricos e cardiorrespiratórios. Anestesia foi induzida com ISO a 5V% e mantida por 40 minutos com 2,5V%. PIO e amostras de sangue foram avaliadas em diferentes momentos até o final do procedimento. Após recuperação, uma segunda anestesia foi realizada com SEV a 6% e mantida com 3,5%. Os parâmetros foram aferidos nos mesmos momentos estabelecidos previamente. A PIO decresceu significativamente (P=0,012) de M0 em todos os momentos e não houve diferença estatística entre ISO e SEV. Correlações significativas entre PIO e PaCO2 e entre PIO e pH sangüíneo foram observadas apenas para a anestesia com SEV. O pH sangüíneo decresceu paralelamente a PIO, enquanto a PaCO2 aumentou, em carcarás anestesiados com isofluorano e sevofluorano.

Organic and inorganic sources of zinc, copper and selenium in diets for dairy cows: intake, blood metabolic profile, milk yield and composition

The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of feeding dairy cows with organic or inorganic sources of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) on blood concentrations of these minerals, blood metabolic profiles, nutrient intake and milk yield and composition. Nineteen Holstein cows were selected and randomly assigned to two groups for receiving organic (n = 9) or inorganic (n = 10) sources of Zn, Cu and Se from 60 days before the expected date of calving to 80 days of lactation. Samples of feed, orts and milk were collected for analysis. Body condition score (BCS) was determined and blood samples were collected for analysis of Zn, Cu and Se concentrations, as well as for metabolic profile. Supplying organic or inorganic sources of Zn, Cu, and Se did not affect dry matter and nutrient intake, blood metabolic profile, milk yield and composition, plasma concentration of these minerals, and BCS or change the BCS in cows from 60 days before the expected date of calving to 80 days of lactation. An effect of time was observed on all feed intake variables, plasma concentrations of Zn and Se, milk yield, milk protein content, BCS and change in BCS.

Analysis of cardiovascular system responses to forced vital capacity in COPD

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O teste de capacidade vital forçada (CVF) é rotineiramente realizado na avaliação da função pulmonar de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Entretanto, permanece pouco compreendida a influência do teste de CVF sobre o sistema cardiovascular de pacientes com DPOC. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o comportamento da frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial (PA) e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) no teste de CVF na DPOC. MÉTODOS: Dezenove homens com DPOC (72 ± 7 anos, no estágio de gravidade GOLD I=3, II=5, III=7 e IV=4 pacientes) realizaram a manobra de CVF e tiveram sua FC monitorada durante todo o exame, e a VFC analisada nos domínios do tempo (rMSSD) e da frequência (BF, AF e BF/AF) durante o repouso, antes e após a melhor manobra de CVF. A PA foi analisada no repouso, imediatamente ao final da manobra de CVF e 10 minutos após o término de todos os testes. RESULTADOS: Ao início da manobra de CVF, a FC reduziu (p<0,001) e, em seguida, aumentou progressivamente até o final do teste (p<0,001). Após término da manobra, a FC continuou a aumentar até atingir um pico (p<0,001) e depois caiu rapidamente a valores inferiores aos de repouso (p<0,001) e retornou ao seu valor basal. A PA e os índices da VFC não sofreram alterações nos períodos analisados. CONCLUSÃO: O teste de CVF influencia o comportamento da FC, sem alterar o seu controle autonômico, bem como a PA em pacientes com DPOC nos períodos analisados.

Ultrastructural analysis of the low level laser therapy effects on the lesioned anterior tibial muscle in the Gerbil

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is known for its positive results but studies on the biological and biomodulator characteristics of the effects produced in the skeletal muscle are Still lacking. In this Study the effects of two laser dosages, 5 or 10 J/cm(2), on the lesioned tibial muscle were compared. Gerbils previously lesioned by 100 g load impact were divided into three groups: GI (n = 5) controls, lesion non-irradiated; GII (n = 5), lesion irradiated with 5 J/Cm(2) and GIII (n = 5), lesion irradiated with 10 J/cm(2), and treated for 7 consecutive days with a laser He-Ne (lambda = 633 rim). After intracardiac perfusion, the muscles were dissected and reduced to small fragments, post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in increasing alcohol concentrations, treated with propylene oxide and embedded in Spurr resin at 60 degrees C. Ultrafine Cuts examined on a transmission electron microscope (Jeol 1010) revealed in the control GI group a large number of altered Muscle fibers with degenerating mitochondria, intercellular substance containing degenerating cell fragments and budding blood capillaries with Underdeveloped endothelial cells. However, groups GII and GIII showed muscle fibers with few altered myofibrils, regularly contoured mitochondria, ample intermembrane spaces and dilated mitochondrial crests. The clean intercellular Substance showed numerous collagen fibers and capillaries with multiple abluminal processes, intraluminal protrusions and several pinocytic vesicles in endothelial cells. it was concluded that laser dosages of 5 or 10 J/cm(2) delivered by laser He-Ne (lambda = 633 rim) during 7 consecutive days increase mitochondrial activity in muscular fibers, activate fibroblasts and macrophages and stimulate angiogenesis, thus suggesting effectivity of laser therapy tinder these experimental conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heteroplasmy in hair: Differences among hair and blood from the same individuals are still a matter of debate

The analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a useful tool in forensic cases when sample contents too little or degraded nuclear DNA to genotype by autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci, but it is especially useful when the only forensic evidence is a hair shaft. Several authors have related differences in mtDNA from different tissues within the same individual, with high frequency of heteroplasmic variants in hair, as also in some other tissues. Is still a matter of debate how the differences influence the interpretation forensic protocols. One difference between two samples supposed to be originated from the same individual are related to an inconclusive result, but depending on the tissue and the position of the difference it should have a different interpretation, based on mutation-rate heterogeneity of mtDNA. In order to investigate it differences in the mtDNA control region from hair hafts and blood in our population, sequences from the hypervariable regions 1 and 2 (HV1 and HV2) from 100 Brazilian unrelated individuals were compared. The frequency of point heteroplasmy observed in hair was 10.5% by sequencing. Our study confirms the results related by other authors that concluded that small differences within tissues should be interpreted with caution especially when analyzing hair samples. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous analysis of the enantiomers of verapamil and norverapamil in rat plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

An enantioselective micromethod for the simultaneous analysis of verapamil (VER) and norverapamil (NOR) in plasma was developed, validated and applied to the study of the kinetic disposition of VER and NOR after the administration of a single oral dose of racemic-VER to rats. VER, NOR and the internal standard (paroxetine) were extracted from only 100-mu L plasma samples using n-hexane and the enantiomers were resolved on a Chiralpak AD column using n-hexane:isopropanol: ethanol: diethyl ami ne (88:6:6:0.1) as the mobile phase. The analyses were performed in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Transitions 456 > 166 for VER enantiomers, 441 > 166 for NOR enantiomers and 330 > 193 for the internal standard were monitored and the method had a total chromatographic run time of 12 min. The method allows the determination of VER and NOR enantiomers at plasma levels as low as 1.0 ng/mL. Racemic VER hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) was given to male Wistar rats by gavage and blood samples were collected from 0 to 6.0 h(n = 6 at each time point). The concentration of (-)-(S)-VER was three folds higher than (+)-(R)-VER, with an AUC ratio (-)/(+) of 2.66. Oral clearance values were 12.17 and 28.77 L/h/kg for (-)-(S)-VER and (+)-(R)-VER, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters of NOR were not shown to be enantioselective. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heteroplasmy in Hair: Study of Mitochondrial DNA Third Hypervariable Region in Hair and Blood Samples

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