Controle da biossíntese de poli-hidroxialcanoatos bacterianos através do fluxo de substratos

Manipulation of the flux of substrates was utilized to control the amount of 3-hydroxyvalerate and 3-hydroxy-4-pentenoate produced by Burkohlderia sp. The 3HV production rate was directly proportional to the propionic acid uptake rate with the last one completely directed to 3HV biosynthesis. The 3HPE production rate was inversely proportional to the sucrose uptake rate probably due to operation of the glyoxylate cycle.

Clinical consequences of switching from olanzapine to risperidone and vice versa in outpatients with schizophrenia: 36-month results from the worldwide schizophrenia outpatients health outcomes (W-SOHO) study

BACKGROUND: With many atypical antipsychotics now available in the market, it has become a common clinical practice to switch between atypical agents as a means of achieving the best clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine the impact of switching from olanzapine to risperidone and vice versa on clinical status and tolerability outcomes in outpatients with schizophrenia in a naturalistic setting. METHODS: W-SOHO was a 3-year observational study that involved over 17,000 outpatients with schizophrenia from 37 countries worldwide. The present post hoc study focused on the subgroup of patients who started taking olanzapine at baseline and subsequently made the first switch to risperidone (n=162) and vice versa (n=136). Clinical status was assessed at the visit when the first switch was made (i.e. before switching) and after switching. Logistic regression models examined the impact of medication switch on tolerability outcomes, and linear regression models assessed the association between medication switch and change in the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH) overall score or change in weight. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox-proportional hazards models were used to analyze the time to medication switch as well as time to relapse (symptom worsening as assessed by the CGI-SCH scale or hospitalization). RESULTS: 48% and 39% of patients switching to olanzapine and risperidone, respectively, remained on the medication without further switches (p=0.019). Patients switching to olanzapine were significantly less likely to experience relapse (hazard ratio: 3.43, 95% CI: 1.43, 8.26), extrapyramidal symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.49, 10.89) and amenorrhea/galactorrhea (OR: 8.99, 95% CI: 2.30, 35.13). No significant difference in weight change was, however, found between the two groups. While the CGI-SCH overall score improved in both groups after switching, there was a significantly greater change in those who switched to olanzapine (difference of 0.29 points, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that patients who switched from risperidone to olanzapine were likely to experience a more favorable treatment course than those who switched from olanzapine to risperidone. Given the nature of observational study design and small sample size, additional studies are warranted.

Effects of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents or bare metal stent on fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events: patient level meta-analysis

Objectives: To examine the safety and effectiveness of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents compared with bare metal stents. Design: Individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Cox proportional regression models stratified by trial, containing random effects, were used to assess the impact of stent type on outcomes. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence interval for outcomes were reported. Data sources and study selection: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomised controlled trials that compared cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents with bare metal stents were selected. The principal investigators whose trials met the inclusion criteria provided data for individual patients. Primary outcomes: The primary outcome was cardiac mortality. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, definite or probable stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularisation, and all cause death. Results: The search yielded five randomised controlled trials, comprising 4896 participants. Compared with patients receiving bare metal stents, participants receiving cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents had a significant reduction of cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.49 to 0.91; P=0.01), myocardial infarction (0.71, 0.55 to 0.92; P=0.01), definite stent thrombosis (0.41, 0.22 to 0.76; P=0.005), definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.48, 0.31 to 0.73; P<0.001), and target vessel revascularisation (0.29, 0.20 to 0.41; P<0.001) at a median follow-up of 720 days. There was no significant difference in all cause death between groups (0.83, 0.65 to 1.06; P=0.14). Findings remained unchanged at multivariable regression after adjustment for the acuity of clinical syndrome (for instance, acute coronary syndrome v stable coronary artery disease), diabetes mellitus, female sex, use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and up to one year v longer duration treatment with dual antiplatelets. Conclusions: This meta-analysis offers evidence that compared with bare metal stents the use of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents improves global cardiovascular outcomes including cardiac survival, myocardial infarction, and overall stent thrombosis.

Effects of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents or bare metal stent on fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events: patient level meta-analysis

Objectives: To examine the safety and effectiveness of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents compared with bare metal stents. Design: Individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Cox proportional regression models stratified by trial, containing random effects, were used to assess the impact of stent type on outcomes. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence interval for outcomes were reported. Data sources and study selection: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomised controlled trials that compared cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents with bare metal stents were selected. The principal investigators whose trials met the inclusion criteria provided data for individual patients. Primary outcomes: The primary outcome was cardiac mortality. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, definite or probable stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularisation, and all cause death. Results: The search yielded five randomised controlled trials, comprising 4896 participants. Compared with patients receiving bare metal stents, participants receiving cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents had a significant reduction of cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.49 to 0.91; P=0.01), myocardial infarction (0.71, 0.55 to 0.92; P=0.01), definite stent thrombosis (0.41, 0.22 to 0.76; P=0.005), definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.48, 0.31 to 0.73; P<0.001), and target vessel revascularisation (0.29, 0.20 to 0.41; P<0.001) at a median follow-up of 720 days. There was no significant difference in all cause death between groups (0.83, 0.65 to 1.06; P=0.14). Findings remained unchanged at multivariable regression after adjustment for the acuity of clinical syndrome (for instance, acute coronary syndrome v stable coronary artery disease), diabetes mellitus, female sex, use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and up to one year v longer duration treatment with dual antiplatelets. Conclusions: This meta-analysis offers evidence that compared with bare metal stents the use of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents improves global cardiovascular outcomes including cardiac survival, myocardial infarction, and overall stent thrombosis.

Comparação entre um trocador aniônico de sal de amônio quaternário de quitosana e um trocador comercial na extração de fósforo disponível em solos

The present work aimed modify chemically the chitosan (QTS) surface to obtain a reticulate chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (SAQQR), and compare this anionic exchanger with an commercial ion exchanger in the extraction of available phosphorus in soils. The results showed that the two exchangers are identical, extracting similar and proportional quantities of available phosphorus in the studied soils, and the anionic exchanger of SAQQR provides a high chemical stability, not affected by the pH difference of soils.

Efeitos das condições ambientais sobre o teor e variabilidade dos óleos voláteis de dalbergia frutescens (Vell.) Britton (Fabaceae)

The volatile oils of Dalbergia frutescens were obtained by hydrodistillation on a Clevenger-modified apparatus for every month of one year and assessed on GC/MS and GC/FID detectors for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The influence on content of volatile oils was directly proportional to the environmental variables, temperature and cloudiness, and inversely proportional to precipitation. Among the volatile compounds detected, linalool, β-damascenone, α-ionone, geranyl acetone and β-ionone were the main components, of which β-damascenone and β-ionone were found at the highest concentrations.

Desenvolvimento do método de extração sólido-líquido com partição em baixa temperatura para determinação de inseticidas em grãos de milho ozonizados

The objective of this study was to optimize and validate a solid-liquid extraction method with low-temperature partitioning (SLE/LTP) for the analysis of pesticides. This method was coupled with gas chromatography (GC/ECD) and used to evaluate the degradation of bifenthrin and pirimiphos-methyl in maize grains on exposure to ozone. The optimized SLE/LTP-GC/ECD method is simple, effective and consumes low quantities of the solvent. It can be routinely used for the determination of bifenthrin and pirimiphos-methyl in maize samples. The use of this method of analysis determined that the levels of the insecticides in maize grains were reduced on exposure of the grains to the ozone gas. The observed reduction in the levels of insecticide was directly proportional to the increase in the concentration of the ozone gas.

Determinação espectrofotométrica indireta de capsaicinoides em pimentas Capsicum a partir da reação com o complexo de Co(II) com 4-(2-piridilazo) resorcinol

Capsaicinoids (CAPS) are substances responsible for pungency in Capsicum. It is important to quantify these types of compounds owing to their broad application in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemical weapons. In this work, we developed an indirect spectrophotometric method based on the colorimetric reaction between CAPS, Co(II) 3.10×10-5 mol L-1 and 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) 6.23×10-5 and, in cachaça:water 92:8v/v solutions, for quantification of total CAPS in Capsicum peppers. The product of the reaction is CoPAR2CAPS2 and its absorption in aquo-ethanolic solution at 510 nm is proportional to the total CAPS concentration from 0.60 to 17.94 mg L-1. The values of limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.0004 and 0.001 mg of CAPS/g of pepper, respectively, with 4% relative standard deviation. The developed method yielded similar results to those obtained from high performance liquid chromatography, with 95% of confidence.

AVALIAÇÃO DO RADICAL N,N-DIETIL-1,4-FENILENODIAMINO (DEPD•+) COMO SONDA ESPECTROFOTOMÉTRICA PARA DETERMINAÇÃO DA CAPACIDADE ANTIOXIDANTE EM BEBIDAS

AbstractMany well-established methods for determining the antioxidant capacities in several samples have been described in literature. However, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) are the main two methods that utilize radicals as spectrophotometric probes for analysis. Nevertheless, these methods have certain limitations because of their slower kinetics, solvent polarity effects, the hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of the compounds, chemical costs, etc. In this study, a spectrophotometric method for determining the antioxidant capacity in beverages was developed based on an exploration of the cation radical derived from DEPD. This method was based on the oxidation of aromatic amines with Fe(III) ions at pH 4.0, which leads to their corresponding purple cation radicals (DEPD•+) with λmax values at 500 and 540 nm. The addition of an antioxidant after the formation of the radical leads to a reduction in color intensity that is proportional to the antioxidant concentration in the medium. Results obtained using this method were compared with the Folin-Ciocalteau, ABTS and DPPH methods in terms of applications in wines, teas, and infusions samples. Linear correlation analysis at a 95% confidence level was employed to compare the results, which were in good agreement with a correlation coefficient of r > 0.9000. Thus, the developed method was simple, accurate, and consistent with other assays for the determination of the total amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity.

UTILIZAÇÃO DO COMPÓSITO NANOESTRUTURADO SIO2/TIO2NA FOTODEGRADAÇÃO DE CORANTES TÊXTEIS COM LUZ SOLAR NATURAL

SiO2/TiO2 nanostructured composites with three different ratios of Si:Ti were prepared using the sol-gel method. These materials were characterized using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, Raman with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the specific surface area. The band gaps of materials were determined by diffuse reflectance spectra, and the values of 3.20 ± 0.01, 2.92 ± 0.02, and 2.85 ± 0.01 eV were obtained as a result of the proportional increases in the amount of Ti within the composite. The materials exhibit only the anatase (TiO2) crystalline phase and have crystalline domains ranging from 4 to 5 nm. The photodegradation process of methylene blue, royal blue GRL, and golden yellow GL dyes were studied with respect to their contact times, pH variations within the solution, and the variations in the dye concentration of the solution in response to only sunlight. The maximum amount of time for the mineralization of dyes was 90 min. The kinetics of the process follows an apparently first order model, in which the obtained rate constant values were 5.72 × 10-2 min-1 for methylene blue, 6.44 × 10-2min-1 for royal blue GRL, and 1.07 × 10-1min-1 for golden yellow.

OBTENÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE MATERIAL HÍBRIDO ENTRE SÍLICA E CICLODEXTRINAS

The obtention of silica and cyclodextrin hybrid materials was accomplished by refluxing them in xylol using citric acid as a binding agent. The materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis. Evidence for the docking of cyclodextrins α and γ was substantiated based on the variation in band intensity for groups such as ≡Si-OH. Additional docking evidence includes the displacement of some of the bands that are related to cyclodextrin such as the deformation of the C-H axial bond. The α and γ-CDSi materials were characterized as amorphous compounds. The products obtained in the synthesis showed changes in the decomposition temperatures of their isolated constituents, in which the mass of α and γ-CD docked to the silica surface gave the estimated values of 41% and 47%, respectively. The elemental constituents were shown to be consistent and close to their relative theoretical values. ​Thermogravimetric analysis showed that a reduction in the percentage of the hybrids was proportional to the amount of lost mass. This new material is an improvement over synthesized organosilane materials because the operator and the environment benefit from a less toxic methodology. In addition, the material has several potential applications in complexation systems with cyclodextrin.

Sensitive Troponin Assays: Diagnostic and Prognostic Use in Cardiology

Cardiac troponins (cTns) are the recommended biochemical markers in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). They are very sensitive and tissue-specific but are limited by their delayed appearance in the circulation. Biochemical markers with more rapid release kinetics, e.g. myoglobin and especially heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), have been used to enhance the early identification of MI. The implementation of cTns into clinical practice has shown that cardiomyocyte injury occurs in many other clinical conditions than MI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of modern and highly sensitive cTnI assays on the early diagnosis of MI. In a patient cohort with suspected MI, such a sensitive cTnI assay enhanced the early diagnostic accuracy when compared to a less sensitive cTnI assay and to myoglobin. When compared to H-FABP during the early hours after symptom onset, the sensitive cTnI assay showed at least similar and, after 6 hours, superior diagnostic accuracy. A positive cTnI test result had superior prognostic value when compared to H-FABP, even among early presenters. The prognostic value of cTn in acute heart failure (AHF) was evaluated in 364 patients who participated in the FINN-AKVA study. The patients presented with AHF but no acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Up to half of the patients had elevated cTn levels which were associated with higher 6-month mortality. The magnitude of cTn elevation was directly proportional to mortality. Finally, the clinical spectrum of cTnI elevations was evaluated in 991 cTnI positive emergency department (ED) patients. 83% of the patients had MI and 17% had cTnI elevation due to other clinical conditions. The latter patient group was characterized by lower absolute cTnI levels and – importantly – higher in-hospital mortality when compared to the MI patients. In conclusion, the use of a highly sensitive cTnI assay enhances the early diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification in suspected MI patients. Cardiac troponin elevations are highly prevalent also in other acute clinical conditions and indicate an adverse outcome of these patients.

Kuplakokojakauman hallinta happidelignifioinnissa

Työn tarkoituksena oli uutta kuvantamistekniikkaa hyödyntäen tutkia erilaisten tekijöiden vaikutusta kaasun dispergoitumiseen kemikaalisekoittimessa, kun kaasua sekoitetaan keskisakeaan massaan. Lisäksi työssä pyrittiin selvittämään, kuinka paljon kuitususpensioon tuotettu kaasufaasin kuplakokojakauma vaikuttaa happidelignifioinnin tulokseen. Kaasumaisten aineiden käyttäytymistä keskisakeissa kuitususpensiossa ei tarkkaan tunneta. Mikäli kaasumaisen hapen käyttäytymisestä saadaan uutta tietoa, tarjoaa tämä muun muassa uusia mahdollisuuksia kaasua sekoittavien laitteiden tuotekehityksessä. Työn kokeellinen osuus koostui kahdesta osasta, joista ensimmäisessä osassa selvitettiin sekoittimen roottorin pyörimisnopeuden, reaktorin kaasutilavuuden sekä suspension sakeuden vaikutusta muodostuvaan kaasun kuplakokojakaumaan. Työn jälkimmäisessä osassa arvioitiin yksivaiheisten keskisakeudessa tehtyjen happidelignifiointien perusteella suspensioon tuotetun kaasun kuplakokojakauman merkitystä happidelignifiointitulokseen. Kuplakokojakaumat määritettiin reaktoriin kiinnitetyllä kameralla kuvatuista valokuvista, joita otettiin sekoitustapahtuman aikana. Työn tuloksien perusteella sekoituksen voimakkuudella oli suurin vaikutus suspensioon muodostuvan kuplakokojakauman kannalta. Roottorin kierrosnopeuden kasvaessa kaasun keskimääräinen kuplakoko pieneni sekä havaittujen kuplien lukumäärää kasvoi huomattavasti. Myös suspension sakeuden kasvattamisen havaittiin vaikuttavan kuplakokoon pienentävästi. Happidelignifioinneissa saavutettiin paras kappareduktio, kun kaasun kuplakoko oli mahdollisimman pieni. Käytetty kuvantamistekniikka on tiettävästi ensimmäinen menetelmä, jolla saadaan reaaliaikaista tietoa vain muutamien kymmenien mikrometrien kokoisten kaasukuplien käyttäytymisestä oikeassa prosessitilanteessa.

Ostotapahtuman ennustemallin kehittäminen ajoneuvomarkkinoinnin tueksi

Perinteisesti ajoneuvojen markkinointikampanjoissa kohderyhmät muodostetaan yksinkertaisella kriteeristöllä koskien henkilön tai hänen ajoneuvonsa ominaisuuksia. Ennustavan analytiikan avulla voidaan tuottaa kohderyhmänmuodostukseen teknisesti kompleksisia mutta kuitenkin helppokäyttöisiä menetelmiä. Tässä työssä on sovellettu luokittelu- ja regressiomenetelmiä uuden auton ostajien joukkoon. Tämän työn menetelmiksi on rajattu tukivektorikone sekä Coxin regressiomalli. Coxin regression avulla on tutkittu elinaika-analyysien soveltuvuutta ostotapahtuman tapahtumahetken mallintamiseen. Luokittelu tukivektorikonetta käyttäen onnistuu tehtävässään noin 72% tapauksissa. Tukivektoriregressiolla mallinnetun hankintahetken virheen keskiarvo on noin neljä kuukautta. Työn tulosten perusteella myös elinaika-analyysin käyttö ostotapahtuman tapahtumahetken mallintamiseen on menetelmänä käyttökelpoinen.

Ascorbic acid determination using a carbon paste electrode modified with iron(III) ions adsorbed on humic acid

An amperometric sensor was constructed, by using humic acids to immobilize Fe3+ ions on a carbon paste electrode (CPE-HA-Fe), and used for ascorbic acid (H2A) determination. The cyclic voltammogram of the electrode showed electrochemical response due to the Fe3+/Fe2+ couple at E1/2=+0.78 V vs SCE, using 0.5 mol L-1 KCl and 0.2 mol L-1 acetate/0.020 mol L-1 phosphate buffer, at pH = 5.4, as supporting electrolyte. When H2A is added to the electrolyte solution it is observed an oxidation process. The oxidation current, obtained by chronoamperommetry at +0.87 V vs SCE, is proportional to the concentration, represented by the equation I(µA) = 7.6286 [H2A] (mmol L-1) + 1.9583, r = 0.9996, for concentrations between 0.0 and 1.4 mmol L-1. The electrode showed high stability and was used for H2A determination in a natural orange juice.