Lipid structural information from a single equine embryo by MALDI-MS

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar o potencial da técnica de MALDI-MS para caracterizar espécies de lipídios presentes em um único embrião equino e estudar algumas estruturas lipídicas detectadas por dissociação induzida por colisão (CID). No espectro de modo íon positivo, pudemos observar espécies, principalmente, protonadas e sodiadas de esfingomielinas (SM), fosfatidileolinas (PC) e triacilgliceróis (TAG). No modo negativo, observamos fosfatidiletanolaminas (PE) e fosfatidilinositos (PI). Espectros de íons de lípidos com maior intensidade foram utilizados para demonstrar o potencial da informação estrutural por MALDI-MS/MS. O espectro no modo positivo de m/z (massa sobre carga) 760,6 (atribuída como PC34:1) apresentou características de fragmentos PC de m/z 184,1 (denominada cabeça polar de colina), além de perda neutral (NL) de m/z 183 (fosforilcolina). Para o íon de m/z 766,6 (atribuída como PE38:5), observou-se a NL de 140, característica do PE. Para o íon de m/z 808,7 (38,5 atribuído como PC), além do fragmento m/z 184,1 na NL de 183, foi possível observar a perda de trimetilamina (íon de m/z 749,6) e o ciclofosfano (íon de m/z 147,0). Finalmente, para o modo de íon negativo, foram isolados e fragmentados o íon de m/z 863,6 que foi atribuído como PI36:1, devido à presença de m/z 153 (fosfato de glicerol – H2O-H ), 223 (inositol fosfo - 2H2O-H) , 241 (fosfoinositol – H2O-H), 281 (ácido oleico) e 581,3 (lisofosfoinositol – H2O+H). Concluímos que a MALDI - MS permite a detecção de uma ampla gama de espécies de PC, SM, PE, PI e TAG lipídicas, bem como a caracterização rápida e confiante de estruturas lipídicas a partir de um único embrião equino.

Percepción de estudiantes de odontología sobre educación a distancia

Introduction: distance education is defined as a learning mode in which pedagogical and didactic mediation in teaching and learning processes is characterized by the use of information and communication means and technology by both teachers and students, and the development of educational activities at different settings and technologyand. Objective: evaluate the knowledge obtained by students from the last year of Odontology about distance education and their opinions about the subject. Methods: across-sectional descriptive exploratory study was conducted. Of the total 140 university students, 120 participated in the study. A self-applied questionnaire was developed with questions related to the student, the use of the Internet and distance education. The professional updating alternatives included were graduate courses and subscription to newspapers. Results: 29.2 % of the students use the Internet on a daily basis; only one student stated that he did not use the Internet. Of the students interviewed, 63.34 % did not know any form of distance education. As a consequence, 97.5 % had never taken part in a distance education course and 62.5 % stated that they did not know whether they would. Conclusions: results show that odontology students are prejudiced against nontraditional learning modes, though they use the Internet on a regular basis. Despite the existence of legislation regulating distance education, students are still concerned about its quality and legality.

Pistas diretas para o tratamento de mordida cruzada posterior

The malocclusions are one focus of discussions in public health, due to which it is necessary to incorporate correction procedures that are inexpensive, easy to perform and which can be made in health services. Planas Direct Tracks meet such characteristics which make them advantageous for the crossbite correction. The aim of this study was to present a case in which correction of unilateral crossbite was performed with the resources available in a public clinic. This is a 6 year-old patient who presented functional unilateral crossbite in canines and posterior teeth. A cross decreased maxillary arch leading to a condition of unilateral posterior crossbite was detected. Occlusal adjustments were performed in canine and posterior teeth; however it was not enough to restore the occlusal balance. It was decided to prepare Planas Direct Tracks in canines, allowing functional balance, which prevented masticatory movement alteration during the growth phase and malocclusion correction. Controls were performed every six months to evaluate the patient's progress and whether or not new occlusal adjustments were necessary. Monitoring and treatment were conducted for 5 years, until stabilization of the permanent dentition ensuring treatment. It is concluded that Planas Direct Tracks were effective for the correction of unilateral posterior crossbite. So, it is essential to note that this procedure can be performed in public services.

Amamantamiento y hábitos de succión no nutritivos: un estudio de cohorte

Background: Verifying the association with non-nutritives suction habits and practice of breastfeeding. Material and Methods: 87 pregnants were interviewed and were monthly home visits until 6 mounths old babies, the studied variables were: social-economic-culture conditions, breast feeding pratical and non-nutritives suction habits. Results: 94.7% for mothers started breastfeeding their babies in the first month, but only 49.7% exclusively children breastfeeding. The sixth month nobody mother non-exclusively breastfed ones and 50% were weaning. The habits and pacifier users were significant association with exclusively children breastfed (p=0.0065 and 0.0270 respectively) and children breastfed (both p<0.0001). Conclusions: The early weaning rate was high and low rate of exclusive breastfeeding, existing association between non-nutritives suction habits and pacifier users with breastfeeding.

Retificação cilíndrica externa de mergulho de cerâmicas avançadas com adição de água

Com o atual índice de poluição gerada por resíduos industriais prejuduciais à saúde do ser humano, as indústrias, universidades e centros de pesquisa são influenciados a pesquisar métodos alternativos menos danosas. O uso do fluido de corte, por exemplo, tem sido constantemente estudado para que este possa ser eliminado, substituído ou utilizado na mínima quantidade possível. Entre as alternativas, destacam-se a usinagem a seco e a utilização da MQL, que também pode ser utilizada com adição de água. Esta é a opção deste estudo no processo de retificação de cerâmicas avançadas, assunto pouco divulgado na literatura formal. Para isso, foram avaliadas as variáveis de saída na retificação externa, como o comportamento da rugosidade do material retificado e desgaste diametral do rebolo. Com os resultados obtidos, foi possível avaliar a técnica da MQL com água, interpretando-a como um método alternativo bem-sucedido: houve melhoria consistente da rugosidade e diminuição do desgaste do rebolo.

Comparação de três métodos na retificação cilíndrica do aço ABNT 52100

No processo de retificação, a lubrificação no contato da ferramenta (rebolo) com a peça e a refrigeração da superfície usinada visa melhor acabamento final. Este trabalho apresenta como alternativa ao método convencional de lubrificação/refrigeração (fluido abundante) a técnica MQL em duas condições: pura e com adição de água. Foram avaliadas a eficiência e a eficácia desses métodos no processo de retificação cilíndrica externa do aço ABNT 52100 com o rebolo de óxido de alumínio. Apesar de desgastar um maior volume de rebolo e resultar em um maior desvio de circularidade na peça, as técnicas de MQL puro e MQL com adição de água apresentaram os melhores valores de rugosidade, o que os tornam alternativas ao método convencional.

Lubrificante diluído em água na retificação cilíndrica externa de mergulho em cerâmica avançada

Este trabalho pretende analisar o comportamento da fetificação de cerâmica avançada juntamente com a técnica de MQL. Foram avaliadas variáveis de saída do processo de retificação, tais como comportamento de potência de corte, rugosidade e desgaste do rebolo. Dos resultados de rugosidade obtidos, o MQL feito com lubrificante diluído em água, na proporção de 1 : 1 foi considerado um potencial substituto ao MQL tradicional.

Efeito do fator de crescimento epidermal (EGF) na maturação in vitro de oócitos caninos

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

Splenic congestion associated with acepromazine administration in dogs

The effects splenic dilatation induced by acepromazine in a prospective, randomized study. Thirtythree adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups designated as AG (acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg, i.v., n = 23) and CG (0.9% sodium chloride administered at a similar volume, n = 10). In both groups underwent sonographic examinations before (T0) and fifteen minutes (T15) after drug injection. The thickness spleen and splenic vein width were measured. Higher thickness was found in the AG group at T15 (2.47 cm) when compared to that at T0 (2.06 cm, p = 0.016), while the T0 (2.33 cm) and T15 (2.39 cm) measures did not differ within the CG group. Moreover, the splenic vein width was higher (p = 0.013) at T15 than at T0 in the AG group. Based on results of this study, we concluded that acepromazine, in doses of 0.05 mg/kg, promotes splenomegaly in dogs after fifteen minutes of the injection.

Mutagenicity of Blue Rayon Extracts of Fish Bile as a Biomarker in a Field Study

Blue rayon (BR) in combination with the Salmonella/microsome assay was used to evaluate the mutagenicity of fish bile samples. Specimens of Mugil curema from two sites were collected over a 1-year period. Piacaguera channel contains high concentrations of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other contaminants, while Bertioga channel was considered the reference sites in this study. Bile was extracted with BR and tested with TA98, TA100, and YG1041 strains with and without S9 in dose response experiments. PAH metabolite equivalents were analyzed using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography /fluorescence. Higher mutagenic responses were observed for the contaminated site; YG1041 with S9 was the most sensitive strain/condition. Mutagenicity ranged from 3,900 to 14,000 rev./mg at the contaminated site and from 1,200 to 2,500 rev./mg of BR at the reference site. The responses of YG1041 were much higher in comparison with the TA98 indicating the presence of polycyclic compounds from the aromatic amine class that cause frameshift mutation. TA100 showed a positive mutagenic response that was enhanced following S9 treatment at both sites suggesting the presence of polycyclic compounds that require metabolic activation. benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene metabolite equivalents were also higher in the bile of fish collected at the contaminated site. It was not possible to correlate the PAH metabolite quantities with the mutagenic potency. Thus, a combination of the Salmonella/microsome assay with YG1041 with S9 from BR bile extract seems to be an acceptable biomarker for monitoring the exposure of fish to mutagenic polycyclic compounds. Environ. Mal. Mutagen. 51:173-179, 2010. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Preliminary Findings on the Effects of Occupational Exposure to Mercury Vapor Below Safety Levels on Visual and Neuropsychological Functions

Objective: To evaluate whether there are visual and neurophysical decrements in workers with low exposure to Hg vapor. Methods: Visual fields, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and neuropsychological functions were measured in 10 workers (32.5 +/- 8.5 years) chronically exposed to Hg vapor (4.3 +/- 2.8 years; urinary Hg concentration 22.3 +/- 9.3 mu g/g creatinine). Results: For the worst eyes, we found altered visual field thresholds, lower contrast sensitivity, and color discrimination compared with controls (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between Hg-exposed subjects and controls on. neuropsychological tests. Nevertheless, duration of exposure was statistically correlated to verbal memory and depression scores. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to Hg vapor at currently accepted safety levels was found to be associated with visual losses but not with neuropsychological dysfunctions in the sample of workers studied. (J Occup Environ Med. 2009,51:1403-1412)

Oral glands in dipsadine ""goo-eater"" snakes: Morphology and histochemistry of the infralabial glands in Atractus reticulatus, Dipsas indica, and Sibynomorphus mikanii

Although snake infralabial glands are generally constituted of mucous cells, among dipsadines, they are much more developed and predominantly serous in nature, possibly due to the peculiar feeding habits of some species of this group, the ""goo-eaters"", which feed on soft and viscous invertebrates. We compared the morphology and histochemistry of the infralabial glands of three goo-eater species of Southeast Brazil, Atractus reticulatus, Dipsas indica and Sibynomorphus mikanii. In A. reticulatus the glands are formed by mixed acini composed of mucous and seromucous cells and in D. indica, they are composed of mucous tubules and seromucous acini. In S. mikanii the glands are organized in seromucous acini; mucous cells are restricted to the gland anterior region and to the duct lining epithelium. Ultrastructurally, secretory granule electron density varies from low to moderate, depending on their mucous or seromucous nature. The results indicate a large morphological and histochemical variation in the infralabial glands, probably reflecting differences in the secretion chemical composition and in feeding specialization among the three species. The protein content in the secretory cells can be related with the presence of toxins that can be used in chemical prey immobilization or detaching of snails from their shells. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Red Mud from Brazil: Thermal Behavior and Physical Properties

The main constituents of red mud produced in Aluminio city (S.P., Brazil) are iron, aluminum, and silicon oxides. It has been determined that the average particle diameter for this red mud is between 0.05 and 0.002 mm. It is observed that a decrease in the percentage of smaller particles occurs at temperatures greater than 400 degrees C. This observation corresponds with the thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, which illustrate the phase transition of goethite to hematite. A 10% mass loss is observed in the thermal analysis patterns due to the hydroxide-oxide phase transitions of iron (primary phase transition) and aluminum (to a lesser extent). The disappearance and appearance of the different phases of iron and aluminum confirms the decomposition reactions proposed by the thermal analysis data. This Brazilian red mud has been classified as mesoporous at all temperatures except between 400 and 500 degrees C where the classification changes to micro/mesoporous.

Use of Gas Diffusion Electrode for the In Situ Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide in an Electrochemical Flow-By Reactor

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidant that finds application in several areas, but most particularly in the treatment of industrial wastewaters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of applied potential and electrolyte flow conditions on the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide in an electrochemical flow-by reactor with a gas diffusion electrode (GDE). The electrolyses were performed in an aqueous acidic medium using a GDE constructed with conductive black graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene (80:20 w/w). Under laminar flow conditions (flow rate = 50 L/h), hydrogen peroxide was formed in a maximum yield of 414 mg/L after 2 h at -2.25 V vs Pt //Ag/AgCl (global rate constant = 3.1 mg/(L min); energy consumption = 22.1 kWh/kg). Under turbulent flow (300 L/h), the maximum yield obtained was 294 mg/L after 2 h at -1.75 V vs Pt//Ag/AgCl (global rate constant = 2.5 mg/ (L min); energy consumption = 30.1 kWh/kg).