Carbohydrate metabolism alterations in Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni and exposed to Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii latex

This paper evaluates the alterations in the glycogen content of tissues (digestive gland and cephalopedal mass) and glucose in the haemolymph of Biomphalaria glabrata BH strain infected with Schistosoma mansoni BH strain and exposed to the latex of Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii. A reduction in the glycogen deposits was observed in infected snails exposed and not exposed to latex. However, the exposure to latex caused a greater depletion of the glycogen levels in both sites analysed, especially from the third week onward. The utilisation of latex as a molluscicide to control the population of infected B. glabrata selectively is proposed.

Effect of serum sample inactivation on the performance of latex agglutination test for paracoccidioidomycosis serodiagnosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis is diagnosed from the direct observation of the causative agent, but serology can facilitate and decrease the time required for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of serum sample inactivation on the performance of the latex agglutination test (LAT) for detecting antibodies against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The sensitivity of LAT from inactivated or non-inactivated samples was 73% and 83%, respectively and the LAT selectivity was 79% and 90%, respectively. The LAT evaluated here was no more specific than the double-immunodiffusion assay. We suggest the investigation of other methods for improving the LAT, such as the use of deglycosylated antigen.

Disseny i implementaci�� d'un editor col��laboratiu de LaTeX v��a web

Aquesta aplicaci�� permet la creaci�� i edici�� de documents LaTeX mitjan��ant la web, per part d'un equip de persones que poden treballar sobre el document concurrentment, sempre i quan treballin sobre seccions diferents, ja que el sistema que controla e impossibilita l'opci�� d'incoher��ncies es basa en bloquejos de les seccions sobre les quals es treballa. Pel desenvolupament d'aquesta aplicaci�� web s'han ajuntat v��ries tecnologies en pr��ctica en l'actualitat; com s��n, per exemple, JSP, Struts, AJAX- que al seu torn no ��s una tecnologia, sin�� un aglomerat de v��ries d'elles-, Javascript i servlets Java.

Biological markers of alcohol consumption in alcoholised drivers: Comparison of capillary electrophoresis (CZE CDT) and a direct immunoassay (N Latex CDT) with the traditional method of anion-exchange chromatography-immunoturbidimetry (%CDT TIA).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare specificity and sensitivity of different biological markers that can be used in a forensic field to identify potentially dangerous drivers because of their alcohol habits. Methods: We studied 280 Swiss drivers after driving while under the alcohol influence. 33 were excluded for not having CDT N results, 247 were included (218 men (88%) and 29 women (12%). Mean age was 42,4 (SD:12, min: 20 max: 76). The evaluation of the alcohol consumption concerned the month before the CDT test and was considered as such after the interview: Heavy drinkers (>3 drinks per day): 60 (32.7%), < 3 drinks per day and moderate: 127 (51.4%) 114 (46.5%), abstinent: 60 (24.3%) 51 (21%). Alcohol intake was monitored by structured interviews, self-reported drinking habits and the C-Audit questionnaire as well as information provided by their family and general practitioner. Consumption was quantified in terms of standard drinks, which contain approximately 10 grams of pure alcohol (Ref. WHO). Results: comparison between moderate (less or equal to 3 drinks per day) and excessive drinkers (more than 3 drinks) Marker ROC area 95% CI cut-off sensitivity specificity CDT TIA 0.852 0.786-0917 2.6* 0.93 LR+1.43 0.35 LR-0.192 CDT N latex 0.875 0.821-0.930 2.5* 0.66 LR+ 6.93 0.90 LR- 0.369 Asialo+disialo-tf 0.881 0.826-0.936 1.2* 0.78 LR+4.07 0.80 LR-0.268 1.7�� 0.66 LR+8.9 0.93 LR-0.360 GGT 0.659 0.580-0.737 85* 0.37 LR+2.14 0.83 LR-0.764 * cut-off point suggested by the manufacturer �� cut-off point suggested by our laboratory Conclusion: With the cut-off point established by the manufacturer, CDT TIA performed poorly in term of specificity. N latex CDT and CZE CDT were better, especially if a 1.7 cut-off is used with CZE

First record of the behavior of latex drainage by Trigona spinipes (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in laticiferous flowers

This paper describes the behavior of the bee Trigona spinipes, to avoid the latex, when piercing the base of the tubular corolla of the flowers of Mandevilla guanabarica in order to steal the nectar.

Bioactivity of the latex from Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) on the development of Rhodnius nasutus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) under laboratory conditions

Bioactivity of the latex from Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) on the development of Rhodnius nasutus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) under laboratory conditions. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of the methanolic fraction of the latex from Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) (PALAM) on individuals of the species Rhodnius nasutus St��l (Hemiptera, Triatominae). Many of the insects treated with the substance presented deformities and these may interfere in the feeding and possibly hinder the reproductive capacity. They also presented significant mortality during the molt when compared to the control group, noting a gradual increase in mortality. The treated insects also presented delayed nymphal development (5th instar) and higher adult longevity.

Plantillas para la creaci��n de material docente accesible con herramientas ofim��ticas y LaTex

Existen distintos tipos de dificultades de accesibilidad entre los alumnos que cursan sus estudios en nuestras facultades. Podemos encontrar por ejemplo algunos alumnos ciegos o con diferentes grados de baja visi��n, incluyendo los problemas debidos a la edad (presbicia o vista cansada), tambi��n alumnos con trastornos de aprendizaje como dislexia o TDAH o alumnos que sufren dificultades de acceso derivadas de los dispositivos que usan para la conexi��n (con pantallas muy peque��as). La accesibilidad, como disciplina, pretende mejorar las condiciones de acceso a la informaci��n de todos ellos.El proyecto ���Recursos docentes accesibles��� (2010-2012), en el marco del Programa de Mejora e Innovaci��n Docente de la Universidad de Barcelona, se centra en la baja visi��n y en la dislexia. El objetivo principal es crear y poner a disposici��n de todo el profesorado y de los responsables acad��micos de las titulaciones de la Universidad de Barcelona un conjunto de plantillas y modelos de documentos docentes accesibles en origen y f��cilmente transformables a versiones ampliadas o mejoradas. El proyecto se desarrolla en la Facultad de Biblioteconom��a y Documentaci��n y la Facultad de Matem��ticas y ha contado con la colaboraci��n de numerosos docentes. La previsi��n es extender este proyecto a otras universidades con la esperanza que, entre todos, podamos mejorar los problemas de accesibilidad de los documentos docentes.

Ralumac Latex Modified Asphalt, HR-2041, 1994

Some asphalt roadways tend to develop wheelpath ruts over time when exposed to heavy traffic. As the rutting increases in depth, the travel comfort and levels of safety decrease. A variety of remedies involving major or minor operations can be applied to eliminate ruts and renew the roadway surface. One of the simple remedies, called Ralumac microsurfacing, involves only a longitudinal band over the rut. For better coverage, ruts are filled initially and followed by a complete thin surface wearing cover over the roadway.

A semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation model for ion binding to ionizable surfaces: proton binding of carboxylated latex particles as a case study

In this paper, we present a computer simulation study of the ion binding process at an ionizable surface using a semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo method that models the surface as a discrete distribution of charged and neutral functional groups in equilibrium with explicit ions modelled in the context of the primitive model. The parameters of the simulation model were tuned and checked by comparison with experimental titrations of carboxylated latex particles in the presence of different ionic strengths of monovalent ions. The titration of these particles was analysed by calculating the degree of dissociation of the latex functional groups vs. pH curves at different background salt concentrations. As the charge of the titrated surface changes during the simulation, a procedure to keep the electroneutrality of the system is required. Here, two approaches are used with the choice depending on the ion selected to maintain electroneutrality: counterion or coion procedures. We compare and discuss the difference between the procedures. The simulations also provided a microscopic description of the electrostatic double layer (EDL) structure as a function of p H and ionic strength. The results allow us to quantify the effect of the size of the background salt ions and of the surface functional groups on the degree of dissociation. The non-homogeneous structure of the EDL was revealed by plotting the counterion density profiles around charged and neutral surface functional groups.

Latex production with depolymerizing compounds of actin cytoskeleton in rubber trees

The objective of this work was to assess stimulated latex flow from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) with saturated macrolide (latrunculin A), 1, 5, and 10% potassium iodide in 2% methylcellulose compared with 0.3% ethylene in 2% methylcellulose (check) and 2% methylcellulose (blank). Latex output and contents of pure rubber, total solid, sucrose, inorganic phosphorus, thiol, and Mg2+ were measured. The treatments containing 1% KI or saturated macrolide increased latex yields compared to the blank with 2% methylcellulose alone. The 1% KI or saturated macrolide treatments were equal to that of 0.3% ethylene check treatment. However, 5 and 10% KI were harmful to bark of rubber trees, even caused prolonged tapping panel dryness.

A semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation model for ion binding to ionizable surfaces: Proton binding of carboxylated latex particles as a case study

In this paper, we present a computer simulation study of the ion binding process at an ionizable surface using a semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo method that models the surface as a discrete distribution of charged and neutral functional groups in equilibrium with explicit ions modelled in the context of the primitive model. The parameters of the simulation model were tuned and checked by comparison with experimental titrations of carboxylated latex particles in the presence of different ionic strengths of monovalent ions. The titration of these particles was analysed by calculating the degree of dissociation of the latex functional groups vs. pH curves at different background salt concentrations. As the charge of the titrated surface changes during the simulation, a procedure to keep the electroneutrality of the system is required. Here, two approaches are used with the choice depending on the ion selected to maintain electroneutrality: counterion or coion procedures. We compare and discuss the difference between the procedures. The simulations also provided a microscopic description of the electrostatic double layer (EDL) structure as a function of pH and ionic strength. The results allow us to quantify the effect of the size of the background salt ions and of the surface functional groups on the degree of dissociation. The non-homogeneous structure of the EDL was revealed by plotting the counterion density profiles around charged and neutral surface functional groups. �� 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Identifica����o e quantifica����o de resinas, cargas e pigmentos em tintas latex branca

Resinas, pigmentos e cargas constituintes de tintas l��tex da linha branca foram identificados e quantificados ap��s pr��vio tratamento �� baixa temperatura e press��o para obten����o de amostras secas em forma de p��. TG/DTA permitiram, sob determinadas condi����es, distinguir e quantificar as resinas, cargas e pigmentos em tintas latex branca comerciais. Difratometria de raios X foi empregada para confirmar a presen��a do pigmento TiO2 de fase rut��lo no res��duo final de termodecomposi����o.

Specific surface charging of latex, clay and mineral oxide particles in aqueous, non-aqueous and mixed solvent systems

En djupare f��rst��else f��r v��xelverkan mellan partiklar i suspensioner ��r av betydelse f��r utvecklingen av en m��ngd olika industriella produkter och processer. Till exempel kan n��mnas pigmentbaserade f��rger och bestrykning av papper. Genom att ��ka kontrollbarheten kan dessa l��ttare optimeras f��r att uppn�� f��rb��ttrade produktegenskaper och/eller s��nkta produktionskostnader. Av stor betydelse ��r ��ven en f��rb��ttrad m��jlighet att minska produktens milj��p��verkan. I avhandlingen studerades jonstyrkan och jonspecificiteten inverkan i olika akvatiska suspensioner inneh��llande olika elektrolyter. De partiklar som avhandlingen omfattade var metalloxider, leror samt latex. Jonstyrkan studerades fr��n l��ga (c <10-3M) till och med h��ga (c> 10-1M) elektrolytkoncentrationer. Vid koncentrationer under 0.1 M var partikelladdningen styrd av pH och jonstyrkan. Vid h��gre elektrolytkoncentrationer p��verkade ��ven jonspecificiteten partikelladdningen. Jonspecificiteten arrangerades i fenomenologiska serier funna i litteraturen samt med Born modellen definierad i termodynamiken. ��verraskande h��ga absoluta zeta-potential v��rden erh��lls vid h��ga elektrolytkoncentrationer vilket visar att den elektrostatiska repulsionen har betydelse ��ven vid dessa f��rh��llanden. Vidare studerades titanoxidsuspensioners egenskaper i akvatiska, icke-akvatiska och blandade l��sningssystem under varierande koncentration av oxal- och fosfatsyra. Vid l��gt vatteninneh��ll studerades ��ven suspensioner med svavelsyra. Konduktiviteten i suspensioner med l��gt vatteninneh��ll ��kade med tillsatt oxal- eller fosforsyra vilket ��r en omv��nd effekt j��mf��rt med svavelsyra eller akvatiska suspensioner. Den omv��nda effekten skiftade gradvis tillbaka med ��kad vatteninneh��ll. En analys av suspensionernas adsorption i h��ga etanolkoncentrationer gjordes med konduktiviteten, pH och zeta-potentialen. Viskositet studerades och applicerades framg��ngsrikt i viskositet/ytladdningsmodeller utvecklade f��r akvatiska suspensioner.

Effect of Hevea brasiliensis latex sap gel on healing of acute skin wounds induced on the back of rats

Objective : to evaluate the effect of topical delivery of latex cream-gel in acute cutaneous wounds induced on the back of rats. Methods : we subjected sixteen rats to dermo-epidermal excision of a round dorsal skin flap, with 2.5cm diameter. We divided the animals into two groups: Latex Group: application of cream-gel-based latex throughout the wound bed on postoperative days zero, three, six and nine; Control group: no treatment on the wound. Photographs of the lesions were taken on the procedure day and on the 6th and 14th postoperative days, for analyzing the area and the larger diameter of the wound. We carried out euthanasia of all animals on the 14th postoperative day, when we resected he dorsal skin and the underlying muscle layer supporting the wound for histopathological study. Results : there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of wound closure, in the histopathological findings or in the reduction of the area and of the largest diameter of the wounds among the groups studied on the 14th postoperative day. Conclusion : according to the experimental conditions in which the study was conducted, latex cream-gel did not interfere in the healing of acute cutaneous wounds in rats.