Evaluation of the Omron MX3 Plus monitor for blood pressure measurement in adolescents

This study analyzed the accuracy/agreement of the Omron MX3 monitor on 165 adolescents. Blood pressure was measured by the automatic monitor connected in Y with the mercury column (three consecutive and simultaneous measures). The independent measures were analyzed, and the mean differences between systolic and diastolic measures for both methods were calculated and compared with British Hypertension Society (BHS) and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) criteria. The automatic monitor received the highest degree of BHS recommendations for systolic and diastolic blood pressures according to the BHS. The median (25th and 75th) difference between the observer and the monitor measurements was -2 (-6 and 1) mmHg for systolic and 0 (-3 and1) mmHg for diastolic pressures. The monitor also satisfies the AAMI standard for the studied population. In conclusion, the Omron MX3 Plus monitor can be considered reliable and valid for clinical practice and is in accordance with BHS and AAMI criteria.

Evaluation of the elevated T-maze as an animal model of anxiety in the mouse

The elevated T-maze has been developed as an animal model of anxiety to generate both conditioned and unconditioned fears in the same rat. This study explores a version of the elevated T-maze fit for mice. Inhibitory (passive) avoidance-conditioned fear-is measured by recording the latency to leave the enclosed arm during three consecutive trials. One-way escape-unconditioned fear-is measured by recording the time to withdraw from open arms. The results showed that mice do not appear to acquire inhibitory avoidance in the standard T-maze, since their latencies to leave enclosed arm did not increase along trials. Nevertheless, the open arms seemed to be aversive for mice, because the latency to leave the enclosed arm after the first trial was lower in a T-maze with the three enclosed arms than in the standard elevated T-maze, In agreement, the exposure of mice to an elevated T-maze without shield, that reduces the perception of openness, increased significantly the latencies to leave the enclosed arm, However, the absence of the shield also increased the time taken to leave the open arms when compared to that recorded in standard T-maze. Systematic observation of behavioral items in the enclosed arm has shown that risk assessment behavior decreases along trials while freezing increases. In the open arms, freezing did not appear to influence the high latency to leave this compartment, since mice spend only about 8% of their time exhibiting this behavior, These results suggest that mice acquire inhibitory avoidance of the open arms by decreasing and increasing time in risk assessment and freezing, respectively, along three consecutive trials, However, one-way escape could not be characterized. Therefore, there are important differences between mice (present results) and rats (previously reported results) in the performance of behavioral tasks in the elevated T-maze. (C) 1999 Elsevier B.V.

Evaluation of the kinetics of xylose formation from dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis of forest residues of Eucalyptus grandis

Dilute acid hydrolysis studies were performed on forest residues of Eucalyptus grandis, in a cylindrical reactor of stainless steel. The kinetics of this hydrolysis reaction was investigated employing 0.65% sulfuric acid, a residue/acid solution ratio of 1/9 (w/w), temperatures of 130, 140, 150, and 160 degrees C, and reaction times in the range 20-100 min. The results showed that, under the optimized conditions of acid hydrolysis employed in this study, the variables temperature and reaction time had a strong influence on hemicellulose removal and a small influence on the degree of lignin and cellulose removal. The highest xylose extraction yield was 87.6% attained at 160 degrees C, after 70 min reaction time, simultaneously with the formation of decomposition products, namely 2.8% acetic acid, 0.6% furfural, and 0.06% 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. A similar xylose extraction yield (82.8%) was observed at 150 degrees C after 100 min, with the formation of 3.2% acetic acid, 1.0% furfural, and 0.07% 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The kinetic parameters determined at 130, 140, 150, and 160 degrees C for degradation of xylan present in the hemicellulose of the eucalyptus forest residue during the formation of xylose were the first-order reaction rate constants (k) for each temperature, 1.22 x 10(-4), 2.12 x 10(-4), 5.43 x 10(-4), and 9.05 x 10(-4) s(-1), respectively, and an activation energy (E-a) of 101.3 kJ mol(-1).

In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation of the Use of Conventional and Locking Miniplate/Screw Systems for Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the biomechanical stability of 9 different osteosynthesis methods after sagittal split ramus osteotomy by simulating the masticatory forces and using a 3-point biomechanical test method.Materials and Methods: Forty-five polyurethane hemimandibles with bone-like consistency were randomly assigned to 9 groups (n = 5) and subjected to sagittal split ramus osteotomy. After 4-mm advancement of the distal segment, the bone segments were fixed by different osteosynthesis methods using 2.0-mm miniplate/screw systems: group A, one 4-hole conventional straight miniplate; group B, one 4-hole locking straight miniplate; group C, one 4-hole conventional miniplate and one bicortical screw; group D, one 4-hole locking miniplate and 1 bicortical screw; group E, one 6-hole conventional straight miniplate; group F, one 6-hole locking straight miniplate; group (3: two 4-hole conventional straight miniplates; group H. two 4-hole locking straight miniplates; and group 1, 3 bicortical screws in an inverted-L. pattern. All models were mounted on a base especially constructed for this purpose. Using a 3-point biomechanical test model, the hemimandibles were loaded in compressive strength in an Instron machine (Norwood, MA) until a 3-mm displacement occurred between segments vertically or horizontally. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey test (alpha = 1%).Results: The multiparametric comparison of the groups showed a statistically significant difference (P<.01) between groups that used 2 miniplates (groups G and H), 1 miniplate and 1 bicortical screw (groups C and D), and only bicortical screws (group D compared with groups that used only 1 miniplate with 2 screws per segment (groups A and B) and 3 screws per segment (groups E and F).Conclusion: The placement of 2.0-mm-diameter bicortical screws in the retromolar region, associated or not with conventional and locking miniplates with monocortical screws, promoted a better stabilization of bone segments. Locking miniplates presented a better performance in bone fixation in all groups. (C) 2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 68:724-730, 2010

In vivo evaluation of laser fluorescence performance using different cut-off limits for occlusal caries detection

The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the performance of laser fluorescence (LF) comparing different cut-off limits for occlusal caries detection. One hundred and thirty first permanent molars were selected. Visual examination and LF assessments were performed independently. The extent of caries was assessed after operative intervention. New cut-off limits were established and compared with those proposed by the manufacturer and by Lussi et al. (Eur J Oral Sci 109:14-19, 2001). Similar sensitivity and higher specificity was found at D(2) (considering as disease only dentin caries) when the LF cut-off limits proposed by Lussi et al. and the new one were compared. At the D(3) threshold (considering as disease only deep dentin caries), no statistically significant difference among the cut-off limits for sensitivity was found. However, the new cut-off limits showed higher specificity. The LF device provided good ability to detect dentin caries lesions. Furthermore, the new cut-off limits and the values proposed by Lussi et al. could be suggested for the in vivo detection of occlusal caries.

Evaluation of the Naturally Acquired Antibody Immune Response to the Pv200L N-terminal Fragment of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 in Four Areas of the Amazon Region of Brazil

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

Evaluation of the effect of hyoscine-N-butyl bromide on the cardiovascular actions of detomidine in the horse

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Isolation and structure elucidation of two new flavonoid glycosides from the infusion of Maytenus aquifolium leaves. Evaluation of the antiulcer activity of the infusion

Droplet countercurrent chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography fractionation of the aqueous infusion from Maytenus aquifolium Martius leaves afforded two flavonoid tetrasaccharides: quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->6)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopranosyl( 1-->2)-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside and kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->6)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl( 1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosy(1-->2-2)-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside. All structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Pharmacological essays of the infusion showed antiulcer activity in rats.

Dielectric thermal analysis as a tool for quantitative-evaluation of the viscosity and the kinetics of epoxy resin cure

Dielectric thermal analysis has been proved as a valuable tool for monitoring the epoxy curing process and the related rheological properties in the fabrication of polymer-matrix composite materials. This technique also has the potential to be applied in the monitoring of magnet impregnation processes as well as in quality control. In this work we present the quantitative evaluation of the viscosity changing and the curing kinetics for a commercial Stycast epoxy resin system at different temperatures through the impedance analysis. The results showed correlation between the real component of the complex impedance and the isothermal reaction extent. Comparing the dielectric analysis result with the viscosity measured by rotational rheometer we observed a similar behavior reported for dynamic mechanic analysis. The results comparison have shown that the kinetics parameters obtained from DSC and DETA analysis showed different sensitivities related to the characteristics of curing stages. We concluded that the dielectric thermal analysis should be applied in quantitative evaluation of cure kinetics.

Advanced ceramics: Evaluation of the mechanism of stock removal and ground surface quality

The aim of this work is to evaluate the mechanism of stock removal and the ground surface quality of advanced ceramics grounded by a plane tangential grinding process with diamond grinding wheels. The analysis of the grinding performance was done regarding the cutting surface wear behavior of the grinding wheel for ceramic workpieces. The discussion about the results emphasized the wear mechanism of the grinding wheel cutting surface and the cutting phenomenology of the grinding process. The grounded surface was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). © 1999 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

Advanced ceramics: Evaluation of the mechanism of stock removal and ground surface quality

The aim of this work is to evaluate the mechanism of stock removal and the ground surface quality of advanced ceramics machined by a surface grinding process using diamond grinding wheels. The analysis of the grinding performance was done regarding the cutting surface wear behavior of the grinding wheel for ceramic workpieces. The ground surface was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). As a result it can be said that the mechanism of material removal in the grinding of ceramic is largely one of brittle fracture. The increase of the hmax can reduce the tangential force required by the process. Although, it results in an increase in the surface damage, reducing the mechanical properties of the ground component.

Morphologic characterization and evaluation of the productivity of nine rootstocks of rose bush (rosa spp.)

In Brazil, garden and cut rose bushes are propagated through cuttings or grafting. The rootstocks used in most of the traditional areas of cultivation are not identified, being known just by the vulgar name. There is not any information in the literature on the morphologic characteristics, nor about the productivity of different cultivars on the rootstocks available in Brazil. The objective of this work was to characterize and determine productivity of nine rootstocks (Rosa multiflora 'Paulista'; R. multiflora 'Japones'; R. multiflora 'Iowa'; R. multiflora 'Kopmans'; R. indica 'Mayor'; R. indica x multiflora; R. sp. 'Natual Brier'; R. manetti and R. canina 'Inermis') grafted with 'Versilia' and 'Tineke' scions. Morphologic studies were undertaken to characterize branches of adult plants to determine shape and dimensions of the leaf; number of prickles/15 cm of stem; vigor of the stems; incidence of Diplocarpon rosae (blackspot) and coloration of the leaf. The productivity (number of commercial flowers/plant/month) was evaluated for 6 months (October, 2000 to March, 2001), in the city of Andradas, Minas Gerais State, located at 1251 meters above sea level. Since there was significant difference in just two months for both rootstocks, 'Tineke' and 'Versilia', no rootstocks could be considered inadequate. Nonetheless, in general, the rootstocks that showed a better performance with 'Tineke' were, R. multiflora 'Kopmans' and R. manetti and with 'Versilia', R. multiflora 'Kopmans' and Rosa sp. 'Natual Brier'.

Evaluation of a multiobjective performance index for distribution systems with distributed generation

Here a multiobjective performance index for distribution systems with distributed generation based on a steady-state analysis of the network is proposed. This index quantifies the distributed generation impact on total losses, voltage profile and short circuit currents, and will be used as objective function in an evolutionary algorithm aimed at searching the best points for connecting distributed generators. Moreover, a loss allocation technique, based on the Zbus method, is applied on the original configuration of the network to obtain a good quality initial population. An IEEE medium voltage distribution network is analysed and results are presented and discussed.

In vitro evaluation of the effect of natural orange juices on dentin morphology

The patient's diet has been considered an important etiological factor of dentin hypersensitivity. The frequent ingestion of acidic substances can promote the loss of dental structure or remove the smear layer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure by different natural orange juices. Extracted human teeth were submitted to manual scaling in order to develop the smear layer. Seventy dentin samples were obtained and distributed into the following groups: Control, lime orange, lime, valência orange, navel orange, mandarin, and tangerine. Each group included 2 methods of application: Topical and topical + friction. After preparation for SEM analysis, photomicrographs were assessed by a blind calibrated examiner using an index system. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant influence of the orange juices on smear layer removal. Significant difference was observed between navel orange, valência orange, mandarin and the control group (p < 0.05). These orange juices resulted in greater removal of the smear layer and greater opening of dentinal tubules. The comparison between the application methods for each group using the Mann-Whitney test showed that friction increased smear layer removal significantly only for lime orange and lime. The data suggest that certain natural orange juices are more effective in terms of smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure than others.

Ex-post evaluation of the employment effects of a preferential trade agreement: methodological issues, illustrated with a reference to Chile

Includes bibliography