A modified rat model of neonatal anoxia: Development and evaluation by pulseoximetry, arterial gasometry and Fos immunoreactivity

Neonatal anoxia is a worldwide clinical problem that has serious and lasting consequences. The diversity of models does not allow complete reproducibility, so a standardized model is needed. In this study, we developed a rat model of neonatal anoxia that utilizes a semi-hermetic system suitable for oxygen deprivation. The validity of this model was confirmed using pulse oximetry, arterial gasometry, observation of skin color and behavior and analysis of Fos immunoreactivity in brain regions that function in respiratory control. For these experiments, 87 male albino neonate rats (Rattus norvegicus, lineage Wistar) aged approximate 30 postnatal hours were divided into anoxia and control groups. The pups were kept in an euthanasia polycarbonate chamber at 36 +/- 1 degrees C, with continuous 100% nitrogen gas flow at 3 L/min and 101.7 kPa for 25 min. The peripheral arterial oxygen saturation of the anoxia group decreased 75% from its initial value. Decreased pH and partial pressure of oxygen and increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide were observed in this group, indicating metabolic acidosis, hypoxia and hypercapnia. respectively. Analysis of neuronal activation showed Fos immunoreactivity in the solitary tract nucleus, the lateral reticular nucleus and the area postrema, confirming that those conditions activated areas related to respiratory control in the nervous system. Therefore, the proposed model of neonatal anoxia allows standardization and precise control of the anoxic condition, which should be of great value in indentifying both the mechanisms underlying neonatal anoxia and novel therapeutic strategies to combat or prevent this widespread public health problem. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural characteristics and forage mass of Tifton 85 pastures managed under three post-grazing residual leaf areas

The experiment was carried out on Cynodon spp cv. Tifton 85 pastures grazed by sheep under rotational stocking, with the objective of evaluating the structural characteristics as well as the forage mass of the pastures subjected to three grazing intensities in successive cycles. Treatments were composed of three residual leaf area indices (rLAI; 2.4; 1.6 and 0.8), allocated in completely randomized blocks with seven replications, totaling 21 experimental units. Tiller population density, pasture height, leaf area index, forage morphological composition and pasture forage mass were evaluated. The rLAI modified the tiller population density, which increased linearly with decrease in the rLAI of the pastures. Dry masses of leaf blade, stem and dead material were inferior when the rLAI imposed were lower, which resulted in differentiated forage production among the treatments. Tifton 85 pastures grazed by sheep in rotational stocking under tropical conditions with different rLAI show a modified sward structure over successive grazing cycles, mainly by alteration in the height and LAI of the plants at pre-grazing and by light interception post-grazing, which change the tiller population density. The residual leaf area index of 1.6 is the most suitable for pasture management for being equivalent to the heights of entrance and exit of animals on and from paddocks of 33 and 19 cm, respectively, which avoid great accumulation of dead material and excessive stem elongation, in addition to ensuring tillering in the sward.

Modified LPE system used to diffuse Cd to obtain InSb infrared detectors

We are presenting here p/n junctions obtained with a modified opened liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) system, used to diffuse indium antimonide (InSb) doped with Cd over InSb doped with Te wafers, in order to make InSb infrared (IR) sensors. This technique has several advantages: the diffusion can be performed in bigger substrate areas improving the device production; this method decreases the device manipulation, decreasing human mistakes and increasing the process reproducibility. The opened LPE in this work produced sensors in the first case with vapor of the diffusion material, coming from a microholed carbon boat full of the diffusion material, over which is positioned the substrate at atmospheric pressure. In the second, the diffusion material is on the bottom of a quartz recipient, and the InSb/Te wafer works as its cover, and vacuum was used. The IR sensors produced with the first method measured 8.9 x 10(7) cm Hz(1/2)/W as detectivity value and higher IR spectral response at 4.6 mu m, and those produced with the second 2.8 x 10(9) cm Hz(1/2)/W, at 4.4 mu m. Besides the electrical-optical properties, the structural properties of diffused layers were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron and atomic force microscopy (SEM, AFM), energy-dispersive and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (EDS, SIMS). (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of native and oxidized starches of two varieties of Peruvian carrot (Arracacia xanthorrhiza, B.) from two production areas of Paraná state, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Sol-gel prepared Pt-modified oxide layers: Synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic activity

Thin films of pure RuO2 and IrO2 and mixed Ru0.5Ir0.5O2 oxide modified with Pt particles were prepared by a sol-gel method in the form of thin films of similar to 2 mu m thickness on Ti substrates. Surface morphology of these Pt- modified oxides was examined by scanning electron microscopy and was found to exhibit a significant influence of the chemical composition of the oxide matrix. Element mapping showed homogeneous distribution of the metals. X- ray diffraction and X- ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that these films consist of metallic Pt particles dispersed in an oxide matrix. Cyclic voltammetry in acid solutions showed that the sol- gel prepared layers have relatively high Pt surface areas. The electrocatalytic activity of these materials toward the anodic oxidation of formaldehyde and methanol was compared in terms of onset potential and current density and was found to follow the sequence: Pt- Ru0.5Ir0.5O2/ Ti > Pt- RuO2/ Ti > Pt- IrO2/ Ti.

Application of standard and modified Judd-Ofelt theories to thulium doped fluoroindate glass

Fluoroindate glasses of the following compositions: (40-x)InF3-20ZnF(2)-16BaF(2)-20SrF(2)-2GdF(3)-2NaF-xTmF(3) with x = 1,3 mol% were prepared in a dry box under an argon atmosphere. The absorption spectra at room temperature in the spectral range 350-2200 nm were obtained. The spectra obtained for each sample had similar absorption and only the amplitude of the different bands changed as the concentration of Tm3+. The experimental oscillator strengths were determined from the areas under the absorption bands. Using the standard and modified Judd-Ofelt theory, intensity parameters Ohm(lambda) (lambda = 2,4,6) and (lambda = 2,3,4,5,6), respectively for f-f transitions of Tm3+ ions as well as transition probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes for each band were determined. The results are compared with those of other glasses described in the literature. (C) 1999 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Reproductive site selection in the leaf-frog Phyllomedusa azurea Cope, 1862 (Anura: Hylidae) in altered areas of the Brazilian Cerrado

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Surface characterization and osteoblast-like cells culture on collagen modified PLDLA scaffolds

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

TF-Test Modified: new diagnostic dool for human enteroparasitosis

Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent worldwide, being among the main causes of illness and death in humans. Currently, laboratory diagnosis of the intestinal parasites is accomplished through manual technical procedures, mostly developed decades ago, which justifies the development of more sensitive and practical techniques. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop, evaluate, and validate a new parasitological technique referred to as TF-Test Modified, in comparison to three conventional parasitological techniques: TF-Test Conventional; Rugai, Mattos & Brisola; and Helm Test/Kato-Katz. For this realization, we collected stool samples from 457 volunteers located in endemic areas of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, and statistically compared the techniques. Intestinal protozoa and helminths were detected qualitatively in 42.23% (193/457) of the volunteers by TF-Test Modified technique, against 36.76% (168/457) by TF-Test Conventional, 5.03% (23/457) by Helm Test/Kato-Katz, and 4.16% (19/457) by Rugai, Mattos & Brisola. Furthermore, the new technique presented almost perfect kappa agreement in all evaluated parameters with 95% (P < 0.05) of estimation. The current study showed that the TF-Test Modified technique can be comprehensively used in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa and helminths, and its greater diagnostic sensitivity should help improving the quality of laboratory diagnosis, population surveys, and control of intestinal parasites.

TF-Test modified: new diagnostic tool for human enteroparasitosis

Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent worldwide, being among the main causes of illness and death in humans. Currently, laboratory diagnosis of the intestinal parasites is accomplished through manual technical procedures, mostly developed decades ago, which justifies the development of more sensitive and practical techniques. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop, evaluate, and validate a new parasitological technique referred to as TF-Test Modified, in comparison to three conventional parasitological techniques: TF-Test Conventional; Rugai, Mattos & Brisola; and Helm Test/Kato-Katz. For this realization, we collected stool samples from 457 volunteers located in endemic areas of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, and statistically compared the techniques. Intestinal protozoa and helminths were detected qualitatively in 42.23% (193/457) of the volunteers by TF-Test Modified technique, against 36.76% (168/457) by TF-Test Conventional, 5.03% (23/457) by Helm Test/Kato-Katz, and 4.16% (19/457) by Rugai, Mattos & Brisola. Furthermore, the new technique presented “almost perfect kappa” agreement in all evaluated parameters with 95% (P < 0.05) of estimation. The current study showed that the TF-Test Modified technique can be comprehensively used in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa and helminths, and its greater diagnostic sensitivity should help improving the quality of laboratory diagnosis, population surveys, and control of intestinal parasites.

Comportamento higroscópico de partes aéreas de pimenta-de-macaco (Piper aduncum L.)

Isotermas de dessorção de pimenta-de-macaco foram determinadas pelo método gravimétrico estático nas temperaturas de 35, 45 e 55 ºC, com umidade relativa variando de 5,5-81%. Três modelos matemáticos foram aplicados para analisar os dados experimentais. O modelo de GAB modificado apresentou o melhor ajuste aos dados experimentais. O calor isostérico e a entropia diferencial foram determinados pela aplicação das equações de Clausius-Clapeyron e Gibbs-Helmholtz, respectivamente. O calor isostérico e a entropia da isoterma de dessorção apresentaram comportamento similar. A teoria da compensação entalpia-entropia foi aplicada às isotermas indicando que o mecanismo de dessorção de umidade das partes aéreas de pimenta-de-macaco é controlado pela entalpia.

Use of rhBMP-2 to reconstruct a severely atrophic mandible: a modified approach

This study reports the case of a patient with a severely resorbed mandible who was treated without a bone graft, using short implants, internal rigid fixation, rhBMP-2 and beta-tricalcium phosphate. A 76-year-old woman, with a severely resorbed mandible (less than 3 mm), reported a history of nearly 25 years of complete edentulism and consecutive treatment failures, with total bilateral exposed inferior alveolar nerves and complete bone resorption of the inferior border in some areas. The treatment of choice was the placement of a 2.0 mm thick unilock bone plate (MatrixMandible, Synthes Maxillofacial, Paoli, PA, USA), to reinforce the mandible. Eight short implants with a regular platform (Nobel Biocare, Goteborg, Sweden) were placed: three on the external oblique line on both sides and two on the symphysis. In order to augment mandible height and coat the exposed thread of the anterior implants, rhBMP-2 (Infuse Bone, Meditronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN, USA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb; Curasan, Kleinostheim, Germany) were used. Four 1.3 mm L miniplates were placed to support the graft. 14 months after surgery, the patient was satisfied and had excellent function without complications.

STRATEGIES FOR PREPARATION OF MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMERS MODIFIED ELECTRODES AND THEIR APPLICATION IN ELECTROANALYSIS: A REVIEW

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP's) have been applied in several areas of analytical chemistry, including the modification of electrodes. The main purpose of such modification is improving selectivity; however, a gain in sensitivity was also observed in many cases. The most frequent approaches for these modifications are the electrodeposition of polymer films and sol gel deposits, spin and drop coating and self-assembling of films on metal nanoparticles. The preparation of bulk (body) modified composites as carbon pastes and polymer agglutinated graphite have also been investigated. In all cases several analytes including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and inorganic species, as well as molecules with biological relevance have been successfully used as templates and analyzed with such devices in electroanalytical procedures. Herein, 65 references are presented concerning the general characteristics and some details related to the preparation of MIP's including a description of electrodes modified with MIP's by different approaches. The results using voltammetric and amperometric detection are described.

The concept of quasi-integrability for modified non-linear Schrodinger models

We consider modifications of the nonlinear Schrodinger model (NLS) to look at the recently introduced concept of quasi-integrability. We show that such models possess an in finite number of quasi-conserved charges which present intriguing properties in relation to very specific space-time parity transformations. For the case of two-soliton solutions where the fields are eigenstates of this parity, those charges are asymptotically conserved in the scattering process of the solitons. Even though the charges vary in time their values in the far past and the far future are the same. Such results are obtained through analytical and numerical methods, and employ adaptations of algebraic techniques used in integrable field theories. Our findings may have important consequences on the applications of these models in several areas of non-linear science. We make a detailed numerical study of the modified NLS potential of the form V similar to (vertical bar psi vertical bar(2))(2+epsilon), with epsilon being a perturbation parameter. We perform numerical simulations of the scattering of solitons for this model and find a good agreement with the results predicted by the analytical considerations. Our paper shows that the quasi-integrability concepts recently proposed in the context of modifications of the sine-Gordon model remain valid for perturbations of the NLS model.

Validation of a modified AVHRR aerosol optical depth retrieval algorithm over Central Europe

The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) carried on board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Meteorological Operational Satellite (MetOp) polar orbiting satellites is the only instrument offering more than 25 years of satellite data to analyse aerosols on a daily basis. The present study assessed a modified AVHRR aerosol optical depth τa retrieval over land for Europe. The algorithm might also be applied to other parts of the world with similar surface characteristics like Europe, only the aerosol properties would have to be adapted to a new region. The initial approach used a relationship between Sun photometer measurements from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and the satellite data to post-process the retrieved τa. Herein a quasi-stand-alone procedure, which is more suitable for the pre-AERONET era, is presented. In addition, the estimation of surface reflectance, the aerosol model, and other processing steps have been adapted. The method's cross-platform applicability was tested by validating τa from NOAA-17 and NOAA-18 AVHRR at 15 AERONET sites in Central Europe (40.5° N–50° N, 0° E–17° E) from August 2005 to December 2007. Furthermore, the accuracy of the AVHRR retrieval was related to products from two newer instruments, the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) on board the Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board Aqua/Terra. Considering the linear correlation coefficient R, the AVHRR results were similar to those of MERIS with even lower root mean square error RMSE. Not surprisingly, MODIS, with its high spectral coverage, gave the highest R and lowest RMSE. Regarding monthly averaged τa, the results were ambiguous. Focusing on small-scale structures, R was reduced for all sensors, whereas the RMSE solely for MERIS substantially increased. Regarding larger areas like Central Europe, the error statistics were similar to the individual match-ups. This was mainly explained with sampling issues. With the successful validation of AVHRR we are now able to concentrate on our large data archive dating back to 1985. This is a unique opportunity for both climate and air pollution studies over land surfaces.