Evaluation of hollow fiberoptic tips for the conduction of Er : YAG laser

Objective: The use of Er:YAG laser operating in the 3 μm range with adjustable power and pulses has become popular for dental and medical practice due to its high photoablative capacity, surgical precision and antimicrobial action. Background data: The existing fiberoptic tips irradiate lasers parallel to the long axes of the tooth limiting its efficiency in the root canal. Methods: We evaluated hollow fiberoptic tips obtained from silicate glass as a means of Er:YAG laser conduction in dental procedures. The fiber tips were molded from capillary tubes with different profiles so that their ends would have cylindric, conical or spherical shapes. The performance of the three fibers as a means of propagation of Er:YAG (λ = 2.94 μm) laser radiation was compared to that of a solid sapphire fiber at 10 Hz and 200 mJ and of 20 Hz and 500 mJ. The profiles of frontal and lateral burning were visualized on thermal paper. Results: Analysis of these profiles demonstrated that the sapphire tip and the hollow fiber of cylindric section did not differ significantly in the profiles of frontal burning, and no lateral burning was detected. The fibers of the conical and spherical sections, although presenting attenuation in the frontal output power, showed a larger burning area in the frontal profile, in addition to producing lateral burning. Conclusions: The results indicate that commercial hollow fiberoptics have advantages such as easy manufacture of the different tip shapes, great adaptability, low cost, and a low loss of transmission. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Clinical evaluation of a composite resin and a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement in non -carious cervical lesions: one year result

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of 124 non-carious cervical lesion restorations at 12 months. Materials And Methods: Three study groups were formed according to the material and technique used. All teeth received 37% phosphoric acid etching in enamel and dentin. The teeth of Group I received the conventional adhesive system Scotch Bond Multi Purpose, followed by resin composite Filtek Z350; teeth of Group II were restored with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement Fuji II LC; teeth of Group III were restored with the same resin-modified glass-ionomer cement however, before it was inserted, 2 coats of primer of the Scotch Bond Multi Purpose adhesive system were applied to dentinal tissue. The teeth were evaluated by 2 examiners with regard to the factors of retention, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, color alteration, presence of marginal caries lesion, anatomic shape, and sensitivity. Results: Application of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed no statistically significant difference for anatomic shape, marginal discoloration, color alteration, caries lesion, marginal adaptation, and sensitivity among the three study groups, but the variable retention presented statistically significant difference at 12 months, with Group III presenting a behavior superior to that of Group II but similar to that of Group I. Conclusion: The analyzed restorations of non-carious cervical lesions presented a good clinical performance at 12 months.

Clinical evaluation of multiple-surface ART restorations: three-year follow-up

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

Evaluation of bamboo particleboards produced with urea-formaldheyde resin

The bamboo waste can be an alternative material to sustain the crescent demand for particleboards, also bringing ecological benefits as reduction of the pressure for raw materials and landfill space demands. In this context, this research aimed to manufacture and determine some physical and mechanical properties of particleboards with bamboo waste particles (Dendrocalamus giganteus), obtained from different sources, bonded with four different percentages of urea–formaldehyde (UF) based resin (6%, 8%, 10% and 12% related to dry material of particles). Response variables investigated were: density; moisture content; thickness swelling in 2 and 24 hours; water absorption in 2 and 24 hours; internal adhesion (STpe); strength in tension parallel to faces (STpa); modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR). Results permitted to conclude that particleboards as mentioned showed good performance only in the physical properties requirements imposed by Brazilian Standard NBR 14810, but this was not observed to mechanical properties considered. New researches are needed in order to optimize the producing process parameters.

Evaluation of the best-designed graded exercise test to assess peak treadmill speed

This study examined the influence of different speed increments during treadmill exercise tests on peak treadmill speed (Vpeak) and its relationship with a 1-h treadmill running performance. 18 male recreational and amateur runners (10-km running pace: 10–15 km·h−1) performed, in an alternate order, 3 continuous incremental exercise tests with different speed increments (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 km·h−1) on a motorized treadmill to determine Vpeak. Thereafter they undertook a 1-h time trial on a treadmill. Vpeak was determined as either (a) the highest speed that could be maintained for a complete minute (Vpeak-60 s), (b) the speed of the last complete stage (Vpeak-C), or (c) the speed of the last complete stage added to the product of the speed increment and the completed fraction of the incomplete stage (Vpeak-P). The Vpeak values were highly influenced by the different speed-incremented rates and the Vpeak-P determined during the protocol comprising speed increments of 1 km·h−1 presented the highest correlation with 1-h time trial performance (r=0.89). The results suggest that a protocol with speed increments comprising 1 km·h−1 and with a 3-min stage duration should be used as standard for the determination of Vpeak to assess aerobic fitness and predict endurance performance in recreational runners. Furthermore, the Vpeak-P should be used for the determination of Vpeak.

Evaluation of Blood Assays for Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Michigan

Surveillance and control activities related to bovine tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging, Michigan white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been underway for over a decade, with significant progress. However, foci of higher TB prevalence on private lands and limited agency ability to eliminate them using broad control strategies have led to development and trial of new control strategies, such as live trapping, testing, and culling or release. Such strategies require a prompt, accurate live animal test, which has thus far been lacking. We report here the ability of seven candidate blood assays to determine the TB infection status of Michigan deer. Our aims were twofold: to characterize the accuracy of the tests using field-collected samples and to evaluate the feasibility of the tests for use in a test-and-cull strategy. Samples were collected from 760 deer obtained via five different surveys conducted between 2004 and 2007. Blood samples were subjected to one or more of the candidate blood assays and evaluated against the results of mycobacterial culture of the cranial lymph nodes. Sensitivities of the tests ranged from 46% to 68%, whereas specificities and negative predictive values were all .92%. Positive predictive values were highly variable. An exploratory analysis of associations among several host and sampling-related factors and the agreement between blood assay and culture results suggested these assays were minimally affected. This study demonstrated the capabilities and limitations of several available blood tests for Mycobacterium bovis on specimens obtained through a variety of field surveillance methods. Although these blood assays cannot replace mass culling, information on their performance may prove useful as wildlife disease managers develop innovative methods of detecting infected animals where mass culling is publicly unacceptable and cannot be used as a control strategy.

CRITICAL APPLICATIONS OF SW 846 US EPA METHODS TO EVALUATION OF MARINE SAMPLES QUALITY

Technical evaluation of analytical data is of extreme relevance considering it can be used for comparisons with environmental quality standards and decision-making as related to the management of disposal of dredged sediments and the evaluation of salt and brackish water quality in accordance with CONAMA 357/05 Resolution. It is, therefore, essential that the project manager discusses the environmental agency`s technical requirements with the laboratory contracted for the follow-up of the analysis underway and even with a view to possible re-analysis when anomalous data are identified. The main technical requirements are: (1) method quantitation limits (QLs) should fall below environmental standards; (2) analyses should be carried out in laboratories whose analytical scope is accredited by the National Institute of Metrology (INMETRO) or qualified or accepted by a licensing agency; (3) chain of custody should be provided in order to ensure sample traceability; (4) control charts should be provided to prove method performance; (5) certified reference material analysis or, if that is not available, matrix spike analysis, should be undertaken and (6) chromatograms should be included in the analytical report. Within this context and with a view to helping environmental managers in analytical report evaluation, this work has as objectives the discussion of the limitations of the application of SW 846 US EPA methods to marine samples, the consequences of having data based on method detection limits (MDL) and not sample quantitation limits (SQL), and present possible modifications of the principal method applied by laboratories in order to comply with environmental quality standards.

Systematic Evaluation of Extraction Methods for Multiplatform-Based Metabotyping: Application to the Fasciola hepatica Metabolome

Combining data from multiple analytical platforms is essential for comprehensive study of the molecular phenotype (metabotype) of a given biological sample. The metabolite profiles generated are intrinsically dependent on the analytical platforms, each requiring optimization of instrumental parameters, separation conditions, and sample extraction to deliver maximal biological information. An in-depth evaluation of extraction protocols for characterizing the metabolome of the hepatobiliary fluke Fasciola hepatica, using ultra performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectroscopy is presented. The spectrometric methods were characterized by performance, and metrics of merit were established, including precision, mass accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity, and platform stability. Although a core group of molecules was common to all methods, each platform contributed a unique set, whereby 142 metabolites out of 14,724 features were identified. A mixture design revealed that the chloroform:methanol:water proportion of 15:59:26 was globally the best composition for metabolite extraction across UPLC-MS and CE-MS platforms accommodating different columns and ionization modes. Despite the general assumption of the necessity of platform-adapted protocols for achieving effective metabotype characterization, we show that an appropriately designed single extraction procedure is able to fit the requirements of all technologies. This may constitute a paradigm shift in developing efficient protocols for high-throughput metabolite profiling with more-general analytical applicability.

Evaluation of Solid-Phase Microextraction using a Polythiophene Film and Liquid Chromatography with Spectrophotometric Detection for the Determination of Antidepressants in Plasma Samples

Polythiophene (PTh) phase electropolymerized on the stainless steel wire was evaluated as solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and analysis by liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection (LC-UV) for determination of new-generation antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine and sertraline), in plasma samples. The influence of electropolymerization variables (scan rate, potential range and scan cycles) was evaluated on SPME performance. The SPME variables (extraction time, temperature, matrix pH, ionic strength and desorption procedure), as well as the influence of plasma proteins on sorption mechanisms were also evaluated. The SPME/LC-UV method developed for determination of antidepressants in plasma sample presented a linear range between the limit of quantification (LOQ, 200-250 ng mL(-1)) to 4000 ng mL(-1), and interday precision with coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 11 to 15%. The proposed method can be a useful tool for the determination of antidepressants in human plasma samples in urgent toxicological analysis after the accidental or suicidal intake of higher doses of medications.

Evaluation of genotoxicity and oxidative damage in painters exposed to low levels of toluene

Toluene is an organic solvent used in numerous processes and products, including industrial paints. Toluene neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity are well recognized: however, its genotoxicity is still under discussion, and toluene is not classified as a carcinogenic solvent. Using the comet assay and the micronucleus test for detection of possible genotoxic effects of toluene, we monitored industrial painters from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The putative involvement of oxidative stress in genetic damage and the influences of age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure time were also assessed. Although all biomarkers of toluene exposure were below the biological exposure limits, painters presented significantly higher DNA damage (comet assay) than the control group; however, in the micronucleus assay, no significant difference was observed. Painters also showed alterations in hepatic enzymes and albumin levels, as well as oxidative damage, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress. According to multiple linear regression analysis, blood toluene levels may account for the increased DNA damage in painters. In summary, this study showed that low levels of toluene exposure can cause genetic damage, and this is related to oxidative stress, age, and time of exposure. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF SOFTWARE TO VERIFY DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY

This article describes the development and evaluation of software that verifies the accuracy of diagnoses made by nursing students. The software was based on a model that uses fuzzy logic concepts, including PERL, the MySQL database for Internet accessibility, and the NANDA-I 2007-2008 classification system. The software was evaluated in terms of its technical quality and usability through specific instruments. The activity proposed in the software involves four stages in which students establish the relationship values between nursing diagnoses, defining characteristics/risk factors and clinical cases. The relationship values determined by students are compared to those of specialists, generating performance scores for the students. In the evaluation, the software demonstrated satisfactory outcomes regarding the technical quality and, according to the students, helped in their learning and may become an educational tool to teach the process of nursing diagnosis.

Evaluation of Oat Hull Hemicellulosic Hydrolysate Fermentability Employing Pichia stipitis

Oat hull hemicellulosic hydrolysate obtained by diluted acid hydrolysis was employed as fermentation medium for Pichia stipitis cultivation. A comparison between the use of treated hydrolysate with 1% activated charcoal to reduce the toxic compounds generated during the hydrolysis process and untreated hydrolysate as a control was conducted. In the cultures using treated hydrolysate the total consumption of glucose, low xylose consumption and ethanol and glycerol formation were observed. The medium formulated with untreated hydrolysate showed morphological cell modifications with consequently cell death, no ethanol formation and formation of glycerol as byproduct of fermentative process, probably as a response to stressful conditions to yeast due to presence of high concentration of toxic compounds. Thus, further studies are suggested in order to determine the best conditions for hydrolysis and detoxification of the hydrolysate to improve the fermentative performance of P. stipitis.

Scientific research output evaluation of professors of Sao Paulo State University, Marilia/SP

In this work, an analysis of scientific bibliographic productivity was made using the Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciencias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FFC-UNESP) as example. It is composed by nine departments which offer altogether nine undergraduate courses: 1) Archival, 2) Library, 3) Speech Therapy, 4) Pedagogy, 5) International Relations, 6) Physiotherapy, 7) Occupational Therapy, 8) Philosophy, 9) Social Sciences and six graduate programs leading to M. S. and Ph.D. degrees. Moreover, when analyzing the different courses of FFC-UNESP, they represent typical academic organization in Brazil and Latin America and could be taken as a model for analyzing other Brazilian research institutions. Using data retrieved from the Lattes Plataform database (Curriculum Lattes) we have quantitatively the scientific productivity percentage of professors at UNESP. We observed that bibliometric evaluations using the Curriculum Lattes (CL) showed that the professors published papers in journal are not indexed by ISI and SCOPUS. This analysis was made using: 1) the total number of papers (indexed in Curriculum Lattes database), 2) the number of papers indexed by Thomson ISI Web of Science database and SCOPUS database, and 3) the Hirsch (h-index) by ISI and SCOPUS. Bibliometric evaluations of departments showed a better performance of Political Science and Economics Department when compared to others departments, in relation total number of papers (indexed in Curriculum Lattes database). We also analyzed the academic advisory (Master's Thesis and Ph. D. Thesis) by nine departments of FFC/UNESP. The Administration and School Supervision Department presented a higher academic advisory (concluded and current) when compared to the others departments.

Push-out bond strength and SEM evaluation of a new bonding approach into the root canal

Objective: This study evaluated the performance of different adhesive systems in fiber post placement aiming to clarify the influence of different hydrophobic experimental blend adhesives, and of one commercially available adhesive on the frictional retention during a luting procedure. Material and Methods: One luting agent (70 Wt% BisGMA, 28.5% TEGDMA; 1.5% p-tolyldiethanolamine) to cement fiber posts into root canals was applied with 4 different adhesive combinations: Group 1: The etched roots were rinsed with water for 30 s to remove the phosphoric acid, then rinsed with 99.6% ethanol for 30 s, and blot-dried. A trial adhesive (base to catalyst on a 1: 1 ratio) was used with an experimental luting agent (35% Bis-GMA, 14.37% TEGDMA, 0.5% EDMAB, 0.13% CQ); Group 2: A trial adhesive (base to catalyst on a 1: 2 ratio) was luted as in Group 1; Group 3: One-Step Plus (OSP, Bisco Inc.) following the ethanol bonding technique in combination with the luting agent as in Group 1; Group 4: OSP strictly following the manufacturer's instructions using the luting agent as in Group 1. The groups were challenged with push-out tests. Posted root slices were loaded until post segment extrusion in the apical-coronal direction. Failure modes were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy. Results: Push-out strength was not significantly influenced by the luting agent (p>0.05). No statistically significant differences among the tested groups were found as Group 1 (Exp 1 - ethanol-wet bonding technique)=Group 2 (Exp 2 - ethanol-wet bonding technique)= Group 3 (OSP - ethanol-wet bonding technique)= Group 4 (control, OSP - water-wet bonding technique) (p>0.05). The dominating failure modes in all the groups were cohesive/adhesive failures, which were predominantly observed on the post/luting agent interface. Conclusions: The results of this study support the hypothesis that the proposal to replace water with ethanol to bond fiber posts to the root canal using highly hydrophobic resin is plausible, but this seems to be more the proof of a concept than a clinically applicable procedure.

Hydrodynamic evaluation of a mechanical flocculation pilot unit

This work focused on the hydrodynamic research aiming at the short-circuiting evaluation for five different outlet configurations through the compartments of a vertical paddle flocculation pilot unit. The tests were carried out with variable and constant velocity gradients, including alternative rotation direction of the paddles. The research pointed out that the relevance of outlet configuration increases with the reduction of the number of compartments. In opposite, the velocity gradient and the rotation direction of paddles seem less significant features. These results open the perspective of viable increasing of performance, with low financial investments, mainly for flocculation units with three or two compartments installed in overloaded water treatment plants.