Observation of Sequential upsilon Suppression in PbPb Collisions

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Combined search for the quarks of a sequential fourth generation

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Characterization of micro-bubble size distribution and flow configuration in DAF contact zone by a non-intrusive image analysis system and tracer tests

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

Fast sequential multi-element determination of Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn for foliar diagnosis using high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry: Feasibility of secondary lines, side pixel registration and least-squares background correction

The fast sequential multi-element determination of Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in plant tissues by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. For this, the main lines for Cu (324.754 nm), Fe (248.327 nm), Mn (279.482 nm) and Zn (213.857 nm) were selected, and the secondary lines for Ca (239.856 nm), Mg (202.582 nm) and K (404.414 nm) were evaluated. The side pixel registration approach was studied to reduce sensitivity and extend the linear working range for Mg by measuring at wings (202.576 nm; 202.577 nm; 202.578 nm; 202.580 nm: 202.585 nm; 202.586 nm: 202.587 nm; 202.588 nm) of the secondary line. The interference caused by NO bands on Zn at 213.857 nm was removed using the least-squares background correction. Using the main lines for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, secondary lines for Ca and K, and line wing at 202.588 nm for Mg, and 5 mL min(-1) sample flow-rate, calibration curves in the 0.1-0.5 mg L-1 Cu, 0.5-4.0 mg L-1 Fe, 0.5-4.0 mg L-1 Mn, 0.2-1.0 mg L-1 Zn, 10.0-100.0 mg L-1 Ca, 5.0-40.0 mg L-1 Mg and 50.0-250.0 mg L-1 K ranges were consistently obtained. Accuracy and precision were evaluated after analysis of five plant standard reference materials. Results were in agreement at a 95% confidence level (paired t-test) with certified values. The proposed method was applied to digests of sugar-cane leaves and results were close to those obtained by line-source flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Recoveries of Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the 89-103%, 84-107%, 87-103%, 85-105%, 92-106%, 91-114%, 96-114% intervals, respectively, were obtained. The limits of detection were 0.6 mg L-1 Ca, 0.4 mg L-1 Mg, 0.4 mg L-1 K, 7.7 mu g L-1 Cu, 7.7 mu g L-1 Fe, 1.5 mu g L-1 Mn and 5.9 mu g L-1 Zn. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of alternate lines of Fe for sequential multi-element determination of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in soil extracts by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry

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

Sequential injection analysis system with spectrophotometric detection for determination of norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations

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

Accuracy of simple urine tests for diagnosis of urinary tract infections in low-risk pregnant women

Alterações anatômicas e fisiológicas da gravidez predispõem gestantes a infecções do trato urinário (ITU). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a acurácia do exame de urina simples para diagnóstico de ITU em gestantes de baixo risco. Fez-se uso do estudo de desempenho de teste diagnóstico realizado em Botucatu, SP, com 230 gestantes, entre 2006 e 2008. Os resultados mostram que a prevalência de ITU foi de 10%. A sensibilidade foi 95,6%, especificidade 63,3% e acurácia 66,5% do exame de urina simples, em relação ao diagnóstico de ITU. A análise dos valores preditivos positivo e negativo (VPP e VPN) mostrou que, na vigência de exame de urina simples normal, a chance de haver ITU foi pequena (VPN 99,2%). Frente ao resultado alterado desse exame, a probabilidade de haver ITU foi baixa (VPP 22,4%). Conclui-se que a acurácia do exame de urina simples como meio diagnóstico de ITU foi baixa, sendo indispensável a realização de urocultura para o diagnóstico.

Evaluation of extracts from Coccoloba mollis using the Salmonella/microsome system and in vivo tests

The common everyday use of medicinal plants is an ancient, and still very widespread practice, whereby the need for studies on their possible toxicity and mutagenic properties. The species Coccoloba mollis has been much used in phytotherapy, mainly in cases involving loss of memory and stress. In order to investigate its genotoxic and mutagenic potential, ethanolic extracts from the leaves and roots underwent Salmonella/microsome assaying (TA98 and TA100 strains, with and without exogenous metabolism - S9), besides comet and micronucleus tests in vivo.There was no significant increase in the number of revertants/plate of Salmonella strains in any of the analyzed root-extract concentrations, although the extract itself was extremely toxic to the Salmonella TA98 strain in the tests carried out with S9 (doses varying from 0.005 to 0.5 µg/plate). on the other hand, the leaf-extract induced mutations in the TA98 strain in the absence of S9 in the highest concentration evaluated, although at very low mutagenic potency (0.004 rev/µg). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant increase in the number of comets and micronuclei, in treatments involving Swiss mice. It was obvious that extracts of Coccoloba mollis, under the described experimental conditions, are not mutagenic.

Effect of an experimental 4% titanium tetrafluoride varnish on dental erosion by a soft drink

Objectives: This in vitro study assessed the effect of an experimental 4%TiF4 varnish on enamel erosion.Methods: Sixty bovine enamel blocks were randomly allocated to each type of varnish:Duraphat((R)) -D (NaF, 2.26%F), Duofluorid((R))-F(NaF, 2.71% F), TiF4-T(2.45%F) and no-fluoride-P. After application of the varnishes, the blocks were subjected to six sequential pH cycles (cola drink for 10 min and artificial saliva for 50 min, each) per day, during 4 days. After the pH cycles, the blocks were maintained in artificial saliva for 18 h. Enamel alterations were determined in the 2nd and 4th days, using profilometry (wear) and microhardness (%SMHC) tests. Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05).Results: the mean %SMHC (+/- S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (-77.26 +/- 5.04(a) and -88.59 +/- 5.11(A)), F (-76.79 +/- 7.82(a) and -88.78 +/- 6.10(A)), T(-88.28 +/- 3.19(b) and -92.04 +/- 2.54(A,B)) and P (-87.96 +/- 2.23(b) and -94.15 +/- 1.14(B)). The mean wear (mu m +/- S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (3.16 +/- 0.32(a) and 7.56 +/- 0.90(A)), F(3.35 +/- 0.78(a,b) and 7.92 +/- 0.98(A)), T (3.81 +/- 0.43(b) and 7.69 +/- 0.76(A)) and P (3.43 +/- 1.13(a,b) and 7.31 +/- 0.53(A)).Conclusions: the NaF varnishes reduced the softening, but had no effect on the reduction of the wear. The TiF4 varnish was not able to reduce the softening and wear. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tests to determine LC50 and discriminating doses for macrocyclic lactones against the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus

Laboratory tests were carried out on larvae and adults of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus to determine the toxicity of macrocyclic lactone acaricides (MLs). Technical and commercial MLs were used in larval packet test (LPT), larval immersion test (LIT) and adult immersion test (AIT). Tn LIT and AIT the toxicity of MLs was much higher than for LPT. In the AIT, diluting the injectable formulation of MLs in water was as effective as dilution in ethanol + Triton X-100. LC50, LC99.9 and 95% confidence limits were determined so that a discriminating dose (DD) could be set for larval and adult tests in order to diagnose potential resistance to MLs in field samples of the tick. These DDs are for Australian strains of B. microplus and may not be suitable for other strains until further work is carried out.The value of these diagnostic tests can only be verified if or when resistance to MLs emerges in ticks. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.