Bottle feeding, increased overjet and Class 2 primary canine relationship: is there any association?

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between bottle feeding and prevalence rates of increased overjet and Class 2 primary canine relationship. The sample consisted of 911 children (461 boys, 450 girls) aged 3 (13.9%), 4 (40.8%), 5 (34%) and 6 (11.3%) years, with complete primary dentition. Information about nutritive and nonnutritive (pacifier and/or digit) sucking habits was collected through questionnaires. Three calibrated dentists (κ: 0.9-1.0 and Rs > 0.90) performed the clinical assessments. The children were divided into four groups: G1 - not bottle-fed; G2 - exclusively bottle-fed; G3 - breast- and bottle-fed, bottle feeding ceased before 3 years of age; and G4 - breast- and bottle-fed, bottle feeding ceased between 3 and 4 years of age. Associations between nutritive and nonnutritive sucking behaviors and the malocclusions studied were analyzed by multiple binary logistic regression (α= 0.05). The frequencies of increased overjet were: 25.3% (G1), 38.8% (G2), 39.2% (G3) and 47.8% (G4). The percentages of Class 2 canine relationship were: 27.9% (G1), 48.8% (G2), 43.4% (G3) and 43% (G4). No significant effect of bottle feeding was found. The chances of diagnosing increased overjet (O.R. = 4.42, p < 0.001) and Class 2 canine relationship (O.R. = 4.02, p < 0.001) were greater for children with pacifier and/or digit-sucking habits, compared to those without a history of nonnutritive sucking behavior. It may be suggested that bottle feeding alone is not directly associated with higher prevalence rates of increased overjet and Class 2 canine relationship in the primary dentition.

Influência do grau de hidrólise do poli(vinil álcool) nas propriedades físicas de filmes à base de blendas de gelatina e poli(vinil álcool) plastificados com glicerol

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o estudo do efeito do Grau de Hidrólise (GH) do poli(vinil álcool) (PVA) nas propriedades dos filmes à base de blendas de gelatina suína e PVA com dois GH. Os filmes foram produzidos com soluções com 2 g de macromoléculas/100 g de solução, contendo 23,1 g de PVA.100 g-1 de macromoléculas e 25 g de glicerol/100 g de macromoléculas. As propriedades mecânicas e térmicas, cor, opacidade, umidade e solubilidade, além de espectros de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) dos filmes, foram estudadas. As soluções foram analisadas por reometria dinâmica. Os filmes produzidos com o PVA de menor GH foram mais higroscópicos e mais solúveis. Mas o tipo de PVA não afetou a cor, afetando a opacidade e o brilho dos filmes. O PVA com maior GH proporcionou filmes mais resistentes, e o PVA de menor GH produziu filmes mais resistentes à tração, embora menos deformáveis na perfuração. O GH do PVA não afetou a temperatura de transição vítrea dos filmes, determinada na primeira varredura, mas a afetou na segunda varredura. Os resultados das análises de FTIR corroborraram com esses resultados. As propriedades viscoelásticas das soluções não foram afetadas pelo GH do PVA, muito possivelmente por se tratar de soluções diluídas.

Association of polymorphisms at the ADIPOR1 regulatory region with type 2 diabetes and body mass index in a Brazilian population with European or African ancestry

Association studies between ADIPOR1 genetic variants and predisposition to type 2 diabetes (DM2) have provided contradictory results. We determined if two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP c.-8503G>A and SNP c.10225C>G) in regulatory regions of ADIPOR1 in 567 Brazilian individuals of European (EA; N = 443) or African (AfA; N = 124) ancestry from rural (quilombo remnants; N = 439) and urban (N = 567) areas. We detected a significant effect of ethnicity on the distribution of the allelic frequencies of both SNPs in these populations (EA: -8503A = 0.27; AfA: -8503A = 0.16; P = 0.001 and EA: 10225G = 0.35; AfA: 10225G = 0.51; P < 0.001). Neither of the polymorphisms were associated with DM2 in the case-control study in EA (SNP c.-8503G>A: DM2 group -8503A = 0.26; control group -8503A = 0.30; P = 0.14/SNP 10225C>G: DM2 group 10225G = 0.37; control group 10225G = 0.32; P = 0.40) and AfA populations (SNP c.-8503G>A: DM2 group -8503A = 0.16; control group -8503A = 0.15; P = 0.34/SNP 10225C>G: DM2 group 10225G = 0.51; control group 10225G = 0.52; P = 0.50). Similarly, none of the polymorphisms were associated with metabolic/anthropometric risk factors for DM2 in any of the three populations, except for HDL cholesterol, which was significantly higher in AfA heterozygotes (GC = 53.75 ± 17.26 mg/dL) than in homozygotes. We conclude that ADIPOR1 polymorphisms are unlikely to be major risk factors for DM2 or for metabolic/anthropometric measurements that represent risk factors for DM2 in populations of European and African ancestries.

COL18A1 is highly expressed during human adipocyte differentiation and the SNP c.1136C > T in its "frizzled" motif is associated with obesity in diabetes type 2 patients

Collagen XVIII can generate two fragments, NC11-728 containing a frizzled motif which possibly acts in Wnt signaling and Endostatin, which is cleaved from the NC1 and is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. Collagen XVIII and Wnt signaling have recently been associated with adipogenic differentiation and obesity in some animal models, but not in humans. In the present report, we have shown that COL18A1 expression increases during human adipogenic differentiation. We also tested if polymorphisms in the Frizzled (c.1136C>T; Thr379Met) and Endostatin (c.4349G>A; Asp1437Asn) regions contribute towards susceptibility to obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes (113 obese, BMI =30; 232 non-obese, BMI < 30) of European ancestry. No evidence of association was observed between the allele c.4349G>A and obesity, but we observed a significantly higher frequency of homozygotes c.1136TT in obese (19.5%) than in non-obese individuals (10.9%) [P = 0.02; OR = 2.0 (95%CI: 1.07-3.73)], suggesting that the allele c.1136T is associated to obesity in a recessive model. This genotype, after controlling for cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, was independently associated with obesity (P = 0.048), and increases the chance of obesity in 2.8 times. Therefore, our data suggest the involvement of collagen XVIII in human adipogenesis and susceptibility to obesity.

A revision of the Neotropical Solenopsidini ant genus Oxyepoecus Santschi, 1926 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae): 2. Final. Key for species and revision of the Rastratus species-group

In the first paper of this series (Albuquerque & Brandão, 2004) we revised the Vezenyii species group of the exclusively Neotropical solenopsidine (Myrmicinae) ant genus Oxyepoecus. In this closing paper we update distribution information on the Vezenyii group species and revise the other Oxyepoecus species-group (Rastratus). We describe two species (Oxyepoecus myops n. sp. and O. rosai n. sp.) and redescribe previously known species of the group [O. daguerrei (Santschi, 1933), O. mandibularis (Emery, 1913), O. plaumanni Kempf, 1974, O. rastratus Mayr, 1887, and O. reticulatus Kempf, 1974], adding locality records and comments on the meagre biological data of these species. We also present an identification key to Oxyepoecus species based on workers.

EPR and magnetic studies of a carboxylate-bridged dinuclear copper(II) compound: [cu2(flu)4(dmf)2]

We report magnetic and EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy studies of [Cu2(flu)4(dmf)2] (flu = flufenamate and dmf = dimethylformamide), which has CuII ions in tetracarboxylate "paddle wheel" dinuclear units. Susceptibility measurements at 10 < T < 275 K allowed the evaluation of an antiferromagnetic intradinuclear exchange coupling J0 = -294 ± 5 cm-1 between CuII ions (Hex = "J0 S1·S2). EPR experiments at 300 K in powder and single-crystals at 9.5 and 34.4 GHz indicated g// = 2.373, g⊥ = 2.073 and zero field splitting parameters D = (-0.334 ± 0.001) cm"1 and E ca. 0. EPR signal intensity measurements at X-band in the range 4 < T < 295 K indicated that J0 = "283 ± 5 cm"1. A higher limit |J´| < 5×10-3 cm-1 for the interdinuclear exchange coupling between neighbor units at ca.14.24 Å was estimated from the angular variation of the single crystal spectra around the magic angles. The results are discussed in terms of the structure of the dinuclear unit and the bridges connecting CuII ions and compared with values reported for similar compounds.

Different coordination modes for disulfoxides towards diorganotin(IV) dichlorides. X-ray crystal structures of 1,2-cis-bis-(phenylsulfinyl)ethene (rac-,cis-cbpse) and adducts [{Ph2SnCl2(meso-bpse)}n] and [{n-Bu2SnCl2(pdtd)}2]

The reactions of meso-1,2-bis(phenylsulfinyl)ethane (meso-bpse) with Ph2SnCl2, 2-phenyl-1,3-dithiane trans-1-trans-3-dioxide (pdtd) with n-Bu2SnCl2 and 1,2-cis-bis-(phenylsulfinyl)ethene (rac-,cis-cbpse) with Ph2SnCl2, in 1:1 molar ratio, yielded [{Ph2SnCl2(meso-bpse)}n], [{n-Bu2SnCl2(pdtd)}2] and [{Ph2SnCl2(rac,cis-cbpse)}x] (x = 2 or n), respectively. All adducts were studied by IR, Mössbauer and 119Sn NMR spectroscopic methods, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffractometry. The X-ray crystal structure of [{Ph2SnCl2(meso-bpse)}n] revealed the occurrence of infinite chains in which the tin(IV) atoms appear in a distorted octahedral geometry with Cl atoms in cis and Ph groups in trans positions. The X-ray crystal structure of [{n-Bu2SnCl2(pdtd)}2] revealed discrete centrosymmetric dimeric species in which the tin(IV) atoms possess a distorted octahedral geometry with bridging disulfoxides in cis and n-butyl moieties in trans positions. The spectroscopic data indicated that the adduct containing the rac,cis-cbpse ligand can be dimeric or polymeric. The X-ray structural analysis of the free rac-,cis-cbpse sulfoxide revealed that the crystals belong to the C2/c space group.

Modified silicas covalently bounded to 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)porphyrinato iron(III): synthesis, spectroscopic and EPR characterization. Catalytic studies

In this work we have studied cyclooctene epoxidation with PhIO, using a new iron porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)porphyrinato iron(III), supported on silica matrices via eletrostatic interaction and / or covalent bonds as catalyst. These catalysts were obtained and immobilized on the solid supports propyltrimethylammonium silica (SiN+); propyltrimethylammonium and propylimidazole silica [SiN+(IPG)] and chloropropylsilica (CPS) via elestrostatic interactions and covalent binding. Characterization of the supported catalysts by UV-Vis spectroscopy and EPR (Electron paramagnetic resonance) indicated the presence of a mixture of FeII and FeIII species in all of the three obtained catalysts. In the case of (Z)-cyclooctene epoxidation by PhIO the yields observed for cis-epoxycyclooctane were satisfactory for the reactions catalyzed by the three materials (ranging from 68% to 85%). Such results indicate that immobilization of metalloporphyrins onto solid supports via groups localized on the ortho positions of their mesophenyl rings can lead to efficient catalysts for epoxidation reactions. The catalyst 1-CPS is less active than 1-SiN and 1-SiN(IPG), this argues in favour of the immobilization of this metalloporphyrin onto solids via electrostatic interactions, which is easier to achieve and results in more active oxidation catalysts. Interestingly, the activity of the supported catalysts remained the same even after three successive recyclings; therefore, they are stable under the oxidizing conditions.

Photo-fenton degradation of poly(Ethyleneglycol)

Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) was photooxidized in a photo-Fenton system and results compared with the dark reaction. The products were analysed using GPC and HPLC. In the absence of light, PEG samples needed 490 min to reduce their w by 50%, whereas under UV irradiation, only 10 min were necessary. The exponential decay of w with a concomitant increase in polydispersity and number of average chain scission, characterized a random chain scission mechanism. The degradation products of PEG in both systems showed the presence of lower molecular weight products, including smaller ethyleneglycols and formic acid. The mechanism involves consecutive processes, were the larger ethyleneglycols give rise, successively, to smaller ones. This suggests that the mechanism involves successive scissions of the polymer chain. Irradiated samples decomposed faster than those kept in the dark This study proves that the foto-Fenton method associated with UV-light is a good reactant for PEG photodegradation.

The UV/H2O2 - photodegradation of poly(ethyleneglycol) and model compounds

The general mechanism for the photodegradation of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) by H2O2/UV was determined studying the photooxidation of small model molecules, like low molecular weight ethyleneglycols (tetra-, tri-, di-, and ethyleneglycol). After 30 min of irradiation the average molar mass (Mw) of the degradated PEG, analysed by GPC, fall to half of its initial value, with a concomitant increase in polydispersitivity and number of average chain scission (S), characterizing a random chain scission process yielding oligomers and smaller size ethyleneglycols. HPLC analysis of the photodegradation of the model ethyleneglycols proved that the oxidation mechanism involved consecutive reactions, where the larger ethyleneglycols gave rise, successively, to smaller ones. The photodegradation of ethyleneglycol lead to the formation of low molecular weight carboxylic acids, like glycolic, oxalic and formic acids.

Estudo das interações entre o complexo polieletrolítico trimetilquitosana/carboximetilcelulose e Cu+2, ácido húmico e atrazina em solução aquosa

The polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) resulting from the reaction of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and N,N,N-trimethylchitosan hydrochloride (TMQ) was prepared and then characterized by infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X rays analysis. The interactions involving the PEC and Cu2+ ions, humic acid and atrazine in aqueous medium were studied. From the adsorption isotherms the maximum amount adsorbed (Xmax) was determined as 61 mg Cu2+/g PEC, 171 mg humic acid/g PEC and 5 mg atrazine/g PEC. The results show that the CMC/TMQ complex has a high affinity for the studied species, indicating its potential application to remove them from aqueous media.

Evaluation of capillaries with different inner coatings for DNA analysis using dilute polymer solutions by capillary electrophoresis

In this work three capillary columns, one with uncoated inner wall and two with covalently-bound internal coatings - poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) - both covalently covered - were used to separate DNA fragments and compared to DNA separation using replaceable polymer solutions. The separations were performed using hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) (90-105 kDa) in concentrations ranging from 0.00 to 2.00% m/v. The results indicated that the separation efficiency was higher in the PVA capillary than in the PDMA in all evaluated concentrations of HEC. In addition, higher resolution was also observed in PVA-coated capillary since in PDMA the shape of the peaks was not reproducible when subsequent runs were performed. Contrary to what has previously been reported in the literature, no reasonable separation was possible in bare fused silica.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of 2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-pyrimidine and 1-carboxamidino-1H-pyrazole derivatives

Five previously synthesized 4-trifluoromethyl-2-(5-aryl-3-styryl-1H-pyrazol-1yl)-pyrimidines and six 5-aryl-3-styryl-1-carboxamidino-1H-pyrazole derivatives were screened for their antioxidant proprieties. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by using the DPPH and the HRP/luminol/H2O2 chemiluminescence assay systems and for their antimicrobial activity (MIC). The results were good for those series in some concentration in comparison with the standards.

Characterization studies of 1-(4-cyano-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-1-pyridyl)-3-(4-cyano-1,2-dihydro-1-pyridyl)propane formed from the reaction of hydroxide Ion with 1,3-Bis-(4-cyano pyridinium)propane

The aqueous alkaline reaction of 1,3-bis(4-cyanopyridinium)propane dibromide, a reactant constituted of two pyridinium rings linked by a three-methylene bridge, generates a novel compound,1 -(4-cyano-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-1-pyridyl)-3-(4-cyano-1,2-dihydro-1-pyridyl)propane. The reaction pathway is attributed to the proximity of the OH- ion inserted between two pyridinium moieties, which occurs only in bis(pyridinium) derivatives connected by short methylene spacers, where charge-conformational effects are important.