Screening of Conditions for the Preparation of Poly( -Caprolactone) Nanocapsules Containing the Local Anesthetic Articaine

The local anesthetic articaine (ATC) is widely used in dentistry; however, its side effects can include paresthesia and nerve injury. Polymeric nanocapsules (PN) can be used as carriers for drugs, and help to reduce undesirable symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different factors on the average size, polydispersion, and encapsulation efficiency of PN containing ATC. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules containing ATC were prepared by the oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation method. The final ATC concentration was 2%. The preparation conditions were optimized using a central composite blocked cube-star design to investigate the influence of two variables at five levels, with 22 factorial points (–1 and +1), two replicates of the central point, 2×2 axial points (–1.414 and +1.414), and an orthogonal distribution, resulting in 10 experiments. The factors varied were the PVA concentration and the sonication time. The nanocapsules showed a satisfactory size range, a polydispersivity index less than 0.2, and high encapsulation efficiency. The values of the factors had no significant influence on either average size or polydispersion, although the encapsulation efficiency was significantly influenced by the sonication time. Improved formulations were identified using the central composite design, which revealed that the main consideration in selecting a suitable formulation was the encapsulation efficiency. Two of the formulations showed both high encapsulation efficiency and colloidal characteristics appropriate for the route of administration.

Influence of the preparation route on the structural, morphological and spectroscopic properties of SrTiO3 and SrTiO3:eu3+ powders

This research shows the influence of the synthesis route in the structural and morphological characteristics as well as in the luminescent properties of doped with europium and pure SrTiO3 (STO) powders prepared by microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis, MWH, and by the polymeric precursor method, PPM. The XRD at room temperature of the STO powders nominally pure obtained by PPM at 700°C for 3 hours, as well as by the MWH at 190°C by 30 minutes present all the reflection peaks for the cubic perovskite structure (JCPDS-ICDD 35-734). The morphology varies according to the synthesis route. The particles of pure STO obtained by PPM presents morphology in the form of plates and the morphology of the particles synthesized by MWH is spherical with approximately 150 nm. The photoluminescent analysis shows for pure STO wide bands associated with the transition of charge transfer from the titanates group (TiO3)2- that are centered on 450 nm. In both preparation methods the emission bands obtained in the composites spectra were found to be asymmetric and low intense. However, in the case of the STO prepared by the PPM a bigger FWHM of the band can be observed. The excitation of the samples was done using a laser (Coherent Innova) with wavelength of 350 nm.

Effect of human whole saliva on the in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base acrylic resin: a focus on collection and preparation of saliva samples

Objective In studies on Candida albicans adhesion to surfaces, diverse protocols have been used for collection and preparation of saliva samples. Thus, this study investigated whether variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva would influence the adhesion of C. albicans to a denture base resin. Methods Resin acrylic samples (n = 72) were made and then divided into four groups: (a) control – specimens were left without preconditioning in saliva; (b) three experimental groups, in which the specimens were preconditioned with saliva collected from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G1); from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 18 000 g for 30 min (G2); and from one volunteer and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G3). Candida adhesion was evaluated by both the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction method and crystal violet staining. Data were analyzed by one-way analyses of variance (P = 0.05). Results For XTT reduction assay, groups G2, G3, and control were not significantly different, whereas group G1 showed significantly higher absorbance value than control. For crystal violet staining there were no significant differences among all groups. Conclusion Variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva may influence C. albicans adhesion to denture base resins.

A method for retrieving endodontic or atypical non-endodontic separated instruments from the root canal: a report of two cases

Aim: This clinical report presents a new method for retrieving separated instruments from the root canal with minimally invasive procedures. Background: The presence of separated instrument in root canal may interfere in the endodontic treatment prognosis. There are several recommended methods to retrieve separated instruments, but some are difficult in clinically practice. Case report: This study describes two cases of separated instrument removal from the root canal using a stainless-steel prepared needle associated with a K-file. Case 1 presented a fractured gutta-percha condenser within the mandibular second premolar, it was separated during incorrect intracanal medication calcium hydroxide placement. Case 2 had a fractured sewing needle within the upper central incisor that the patient used to remove food debris from the root canal. After cervical preparation, the fractured instruments were fitted inside a prepared needle and then an endodontic instrument (#25 K-file) was adapted with clockwise turning motion between the needle inner wall and the fragment. Conclusion: The endodontic or atypical nonendodontic separated instrument may be easily pull on of the root canal using a single and low cost device. Clinical significance: The methods for retrieving separated instruments from root canal are difficult and destructive procedures. The present case describes a simple method to solve this problem.

Land cover classification of Lago Grande de Curuai floodplain (Amazon, Brazil) using multi-sensor and image fusion techniques

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Co-loaded with Simazine and Atrazine: Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Herbicidal Activity

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

Comparative clinical sample preparation of DNA and RNA viral nucleic acids for a commercial deep sequencing system (Illumina MiSeq (R))

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

Rapid and sensitive ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography method for quantification of antichagasic benznidazole in plasma: application in a preclinical pharmacokinetic study

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

Structural characterization of Li-MN doped powders prepared by Pechini's method

Pechini's method has been successfully used to prepare Li-doped MgNb2O6(MN) at short time and low temperature. It consists in the preparation of metal citrate solution, which is polymerized at 250°C to form a high viscous resin. This resin was burned in a box type furnace at 400°C/2h and ground in a mortar. Successive steps of calcination up to 900°C were used to form a crystalline precursor. SEM, DTA and XRD were used to characterize the powders. MN precursor powders containing from 0.1 to 5.0 mol% of LiNbO3 additive was prepared aiming better dielectric properties and microstructural characteristics of the PMN prepared from columbite route. SEM analysis showed that particles increased by sintering, forming large agglomerates. The surface area is also substantially reduced with the increase in additive amount above 1.0 mol%. In XRD pattern of the precursor material with 5.0 mol% of additive was observed the LiNbO3 phase of trigonal structure. XRD data were used for Rietveld refinement and a decrease in microstrain and pronounced increase in crystallite size with the increase of LiNbO3 were observed. It is in agreement with the particle morphologies observed by SEM analysis.

Silsesquioxane organofunctionalized with 4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole: preparation and subsequent reaction with silver and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) for detection of l-cysteine

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

A standartized research protocol for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation in rats

Introduction: The urgent need for studies using standardized protocols to evaluate the real biological effects of PRP has been emphasized by several authors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to standardize a methodology for autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) preparation in rats. Material and methods: Twentyfour, 5 to 6-month-old, male rats, weighing 450 to 500 g were used. After general anesthesia, 3.15 ml of blood was collected from each animal, via cannulation of the jugular vein. A standardized technique of double centrifugation was used to prepare PRP. PRP samples and peripheral blood platelets were then manually counted using a Neubauer chamber. Student’s t-test was used to compare the differences between the number of platelets in peripheral blood and PRP samples (p < 0.05). In addition, PRP and peripheral blood smears were stained to see platelets’ morphology. Results: All surgical procedures were well tolerated by the animals and they were healthy during the entire experimental period. PRP samples showed higher significantly platelet concentrations than peripheral blood samples (2,677,583 and 683,680 respectively). Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the method used produced autologous PRP with appropriated platelet quantity and quality, in rats.

Development of an innovative, ecological and stability-indicating analytical method for semiquantitative analysis of ampicillin sodium for injection by thin layer chromatography (TLC)

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

Influence of seasonality and production method on the antibacterial activity of propolis

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

Análise multicriterial aplicado na definição de áreas prioritárias ao uso agrícola da terra da bacia do Rio Capivara, Botucatu, SP

The use of geographic information systems (GIS), combined with advanced analysis technique, enables the standardization and data integration, which are usually from different sources, allowing you to conduct a joint evaluation of the same, providing more efficiency and reliability in the decision-making process to promote the adequacy of land use. This study aimed to analyze the priority areas of the basin agricultural use of the Capivara River, Botucatu, SP, through multicriterial analysis, aiming at conservation of water resources. The results showed that the Geographic Information System Idrisi Selva combined with advanced analysis technique and the weighted linear combination method proved to be an effective tool in the combination of different criteria, allowing the determination of the adequacy of agricultural land use less subjective way. Environmental criteria were shown to be suitable for the combination and multi-criteria analysis, allowing the preparation of the statement of suitability classes for agricultural use and can be useful for regional planning and decision-making by public bodies and environmental agents because the method takes into account the rational use of land and allowing the conservation of hydrics resources.

Microbial biomass and soil chemical properties under different land use systems in Northeastern Pará

O aumento da produção agrícola na Amazônia brasileira tem ocorrido devido, em grande parte, à expansão da fronteira agrícola, utilizando áreas já antropizadas ou avançando sobre a vegetação primária. Ao mesmo tempo, os sistemas agrícolas, na pequena produção, continuam utilizando o fogo no preparo da área, o que leva à perda da capacidade produtiva dos solos em curto espaço de tempo, forçando a abertura de novas áreas. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito de métodos de preparo do solo e tempo de pousio que envolvem queima e trituração da vegetação, com permanência na superfície ou incorporada ao solo, com ou sem adubação mineral, em duas épocas do ano sobre os atributos químicos e biológicos do solo. O experimento foi instalado em 1995 em um Latossolo Amarelo do campo experimental da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, no nordeste do Estado do Pará. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, sendo dois sistemas de manejo e seis tratamentos, estudados em duas épocas de coleta. Os sistemas de manejo envolveram as culturas de arroz (Oriza sativa), seguido de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) e mandioca (Manihot esculenta). Um sistema constou de dois ciclos de cultivo seguidos, deixando em pousio por três anos; e o outro, de um ciclo de cultivo, deixando em pousio por três anos. Os tratamentos foram: corte e queima da vegetação, com adubação NPK (Q+NPK); corte e queima da vegetação, sem adubação NPK (Q-NPK); corte e trituração da vegetação, deixando-a na superfície do solo, com adubação NPK (C+NPK); corte e trituração da vegetação, deixando-a na superfície do solo, sem adubação NPK (C-NPK); corte e trituração da vegetação, com incorporação e com adubação NPK (I+NPK); e corte e trituração da vegetação, com incorporação e sem adubação NPK (I-NPK). As coletas de solo foram realizadas na estação mais chuvosa (abril de 2006) e na menos chuvosa (setembro de 2006), na profundidade de 0,0-0,1 m. Em cada parcela, foram coletadas 10 amostras simples para compor uma amostra composta. O sistema de manejo mais intensivo apresentou maiores teores de C microbiano (Cmic) e N microbiano (Nmic), ao passo que o sistema menos intensivo mostrou maio teor de C orgânico. Os tratamentos que apresentaram maior teor de Cmic e Nmic foram aqueles em que houve corte, trituração e deposição da biomassa na superfície do solo. Os atributos químicos nos dois sistemas de manejo encontram-se em faixas que enquadram os solos como de baixa fertilidade; no entanto, P e K (no período chuvoso) foram mais elevados no sistema de manejo menos intensivo.