A simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of trans-chalcone in raw-materialand topical formulation / Método espectrofotométrico simples e rápido paradeterminação de trans-chalcona em matéria-primae em formulação tópica

Trans-chalcone (TC) is a flavonoid precursor characterized by a wide spectrum of action, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, no validated methods are available in official compendia for the analysis of this substance. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, fast, and reproducible spectrophotometric method for the analysis of TC in raw material, and in topical pharmaceutical formulation containing TC. The established conditions were: methanol as extracting solvent, and detection wavelength of 309 nm by UV spectrophotometer. All tests followed the rules of Resolution RDC 166, 2017. The proposed method was selective. Linearity was demonstrated in the concentration range of 1 to 8 µg/mL (r = 0.999). Repeatability and intermediate precision were confirmed by low relative standard deviation values of 1.53% and 2.70% for TC, and of 1.73% and 2.91% for formulation containing TC. Accuracy, evaluated through recovery test, was adequate, with minimum of 98.24% and maximum of 100.23% of recovery. It was observed that the small deliberate modifications done did not interfere with the results, demonstrating the method is robust. The results showed that the method was considered suitable for the intended purpose, inexpensive, easy to apply, selective, linear, precise, accurate, and robust for the determination TC, and pharmaceutical formulation containing TC. Thus, the method developed satisfies the need for an analytical method for the determination of TC, and topical formulation containing TC, being effective, innovative and able to aid in the development of the pharmaceutical field.

Trans-chalcona (TC) é um precursor de flavonoides caracterizado por um amplo espectro de ação, como efeitos anti-inflamatórios e antioxidantes. No entanto, não há método validado disponível em compêndio oficial para análise deste composto. Então, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e validar um método espectrofotométrico, simples, rápido e reprodutível para análise de TC em matéria-prima, e em formulação farmacêutica tópica contendo TC. As condições estabelecidas foram: metanol como o solvente de extração, e detecção no comprimento de onda de 309 nm por espectrofotometria no UV. Todos os testes seguiram as normas da RDC 166, 2017. O método proposto foi seletivo. A linearidade foi demonstrada na faixa de concentração de 1 a 8 µg/mL (r = 0.999). A repetibilidade e a precisão intermediária foram confirmadas pelos valores baixos de desvio padrão relativo de 1,53% e 2,70% para a TC, e de 1,73% e 2,91% para a formulação contendo TC. A exatidão, avaliada por meio de testes de recuperação, foi adequada, com mínimo de 98,24% e máximo de 100,04% de recuperação. Observou-se que pequenas modificações no método não interferiram nos resultados, demonstrando que o método é robusto. Os resultados demonstraram que o método foi adequado para a finalidade pretendida, barato, de fácil aplicação, seletivo, linear, preciso, exato e robusto para determinação de TC, e de formulação contendo TC. Então o método desenvolvido satisfaz as necessidades de um método analítico para determinação de TC, e de formulação tópica contendo TC, e é eficaz, inovador e pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da área farmacêutica.

Development and Application of a Micro-device for Rapid Detection of Ammonia Nitrogen in Environmental Water / 分析化学

The analysis of ammonia nitrogen in real water samples is challenging due to matrix interferences and difficulties for rapid on-site analysis.On the basis of the standard method,i.e.water quality-determination of ammonia nitrogen-salicylic acid spectrophotometry(HJ 536-2009),a simple device for online detecting ammonia nitrogen was developed using a sequential injection analysis(SIA)system in this work.The ammonia nitrogen transformation system,color reaction system,and detection system were built in compatible with the SIA system,respectively.In particular,the detection system was assembled by employing light-emitting diode as the light source,photodiode as the detector,and polyvinylchloride tube as the cuvette,thus significantly reducing the volume,energy consumption and fabricating cost of the detection system.As a result,the accurate analysis of ammonia nitrogen in complex water samples was achieved.A quantitative detection of ammonia nitrogen in water sample was obtained in 12 min,along with linear range extending to 1000 μmol/L,precisions(Relative standard deviation,RSD)of 4.3%(C=10 μmol/L,n=7)and 4.2%(C=500 μmol/L,n=7),and limit of detection(LOD)of 0.65 μmol/L(S/N=3,n=7).The results of interfering experiments showed that the detection of ammonia nitrogen by the developed device was not interfered by the common coexisting ions and components,therefore the environmental water could be directly analyzed,such as reservoir water,domestic sewage,sea water and leachate of waste landfill.The analytical results were consistent with those obtained by the environmental protection standard method(Water quality determination of ammonia nitrogen-salicylic acid spectrophotometry,HJ 536-2009).In addition,the spiking recoveries were in the range of 92.3%-98.1%,further confirming the accuracy and practicality of the developed device.

Color variation of composite resins in relation to the Vita Classical shade guide: colorimetric analysis

Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the color variation between different composite resins and the Vita Classical Shade Guide. Methods: Two-millimeter thickness samples were made (n = 6) from eight commercial brands of composite resin (shade A2): Charisma (Kulzer), Forma (Ultradent), Harmonize (Kerr), Luna (SDI), Opallis (FGM), Oppus Bulk Fill (FGM), Vittra (FGM) and Filtek Z250 XT (3M ESPE). Specimens were stored in distilled water for 7 days and then polished. Color measurements of samples and A2 shade of the Vita Classical Shade Guide were performed using the Vita Easy Shade Advance 4.0 spectrophotometer on a black background. Color variations were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula, considering values ≥0.81 being noticeable by the human eye and ≥1.77 being clinically unacceptable. Results were statistically analyzed with a 5% significance level. Results: Color variation (ΔE) of composite (E1 ) compared to the Vita Classical Shade Guide (E0 ) was greater than clinically acceptable for all the materials evaluated in this study. Forma (ΔE=2.08 ± sd=0.47) and Filtek Z250 XT (2.50 ± 0.20) had the smallest amount of color variation values found in the results. Harmonize (3.32 ± 0.63) presented values similar to Filtek Z250 XT, but it was worse than Forma. Vittra (3.51 ± 0.28), Charisma (3.80 ± 0.20), Opallis (4.24 ± 0.30) and Luna (5.67 ± 0.20) did not differ among each other and presented higher color variation than Forma, Filtek Z350XT and Harmonize. Oppus Bulk Fill (13.94 ± 1.12) was the composite with the greatest color variation. Conclusions: The findings in this study show that attention should be taken when using the Vita Color Shade Guide for composite shade selection

Reliability of the color measurement of resin composites using images obtained using a stereoscopic loupe

Abstract This study assessed the reliability of a color measurement method using images obtained from a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a stereoscopic loupe. Disc-shaped specimens were created using the composite Filtek Z350 XT (shades DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4) (n = 3). CIELAB color coordinates of the specimens were measured using the spectrophotometer SP60 over white and black backgrounds. Images of the same specimens were taken using a CCD camera attached to a stereoscopic loupe. The color of the image was measured (red-green-blue [RGB]) using an image processing software and converted to CIELAB coordinates. For each color coordinate, data from images were adjusted using linear regressions predicting those values from SP60. The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) and translucency parameter (TP00) of the specimens as well as the color differences (ΔE00) among pairwise shades were calculated. Data were analyzed via repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Images obtained using the loupe tended to be darker and redder than the actual color. Data adjustment resulted in similar WID, ΔE00, and TP00 values to those observed for the spectrophotometer. Differences were observed only for the WID of shade DA3 and ΔE00 for comparing DA1 and DA3 over the black background. However, these differences were not clinically relevant. The use of adjusted data from images taken using a stereoscopic loupe is considered a feasible method for color measurement.

Ultraviolet-A absorbance analysis in thin porcine corneas pre-and post-crosslinking

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the absorbance coefficient of the thin porcine cornea to ultraviolet-A radiation (365 nm) submitted for crosslinking. Methods: This in vitro, benchtop experiment using cadaver tissue study analyzed 12 porcine corneal lamellas, which were obtained using a microkeratome after mechanical de-epithelization and separated into three thickness groups: 180, 300, and 360 μm. The corneal thickness values were measured by anterior-segment optical coherence tomography. All lamellas had ultraviolet-A (365 nm) absorbance measured with a 96-well plate spectrophotometer using an ultraviolet transparent microplate before riboflavin instillation and preand post-crosslinking according to the Dresden protocol. Results: The ultraviolet absorbance profiles of the 180, 300, and 360 μm groups were obtained as α-coefficients of 12.85, 76.55, and 120.27, respectively. A theoretical formula was calculated though a statistical analysis that demonstrated the correlation between stromal lamellar thickness and ultraviolet absorbance. Conclusions: Corneal thickness and ultraviolet-A spectral absorbance of corneal lamellas showed linear correlation. These findings can potentially contribute to the optimization of ultraviolet-A application during crosslinking, making the treatment of corneas with thickness <400 μm safe and personalized energy delivery for each corneal thickness.

Study on Biochemical Perspectives of Antioxidant and Oxidant Indices in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCCs) and Other Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs)

Background-Oxidative stress in biological systems is a complex process that is characterized by an inequity between the production of free radicals (FR) and the ability of the body to eliminate these reactive species through the use of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants. The pathogenesis of oral cancer has been linked to alterations in the antioxidant defense mechanism. Materials & Methods- Saliva from twenty patients with OSCC, forty patients with OPMDs and twenty healthy subjects in the age group of thirty five to seventy five years was analyzed for levels of nitric oxide, vitamin C, total sialic acid and GSH using spectrophotometry. Results - The levels of salivary vitamin C and glutathione were significantly reduced and those of nitric oxide and sialic acid were raised in patients having OPMD's and oral squamous cell carcinoma. The co- relation between the AOI and calculated ratios indicated that antioxidant potential of the saliva was decreased and was statistically related to (p <0.001) development of OPMD, which further may progress to oral cancer, notably OSCC. Conclusion- The current study demonstrated that the estimation of vitamin C, nitric oxide, sialic acid and GSH in saliva could be used as an early potential diagnostic biomarker in the screening of oral cancer. The antioxidant-oxidant indices (AOI's) can be used as a reliable tool for predicting the oral microenvironment and its predicted change towards development of oral cancer. This optimized developed protocol was also found to be simple and cost effective.

Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Screening and High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry Analysis of Essential Oils of Hedychium Coronarium J. Koenig, a Medicinal and Aromatic Plant

Medicinal plants have been used in all cultures as a source of medicine since ages. When parts of plants such as rhizomes, leaves or barks and other natural materials are used as drugs to treat illnesses, they are called crude drugs and the study of crude drugs is called pharmacognosy. Proximate analysis in plants gives valuable information and help to assess the quality of a crude drug. Beneficial effects of crude drugs are believed to be attributed to plant phytochemicals. Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig, a medicinal and aromatic plant of high value is an endangered and red-listed plant. The rhizome of this plant is used for the treatment of various diseases. Crude extracts prepared from the rhizomes show antibacterial and antifungal properties. Essential oils obtained from Hedychium coronarium are found to be rich in terpenes and used for bactericidal, fungicidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications. The present study assesses the quality of crude drugs prepared from this highly medicinal plant. Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium, which is frequently consumed as food and as medicine were carried out. Ash content was found to be low) when compared to the moisture content. The water extractive value was more than alcohol extractive. Preliminary tests carried out on phytochemicals revealed the presence of terpenoids and oils. High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry was carried to ascertain the different components of essential oils and revealed the presence of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), caryophyllene oxide, camphor, linoleic acid, ricinin, phloroglucinol, 6-gingerol, carvone and arjungenin.

Determination of iodine in water by antimony cerium catalytic spectrophotometry / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To establish an antimony cerium catalytic spectrophotometric method for determination of iodine in water (referred to as the new method).Methods:Using the fading reaction principle of iodine catalyzed kinetics of antimony cerium to determine the iodine content in water. Methodological evaluations were conducted on the linear relationship, quantitative detection limit, precision, and accuracy (determination of national water iodine first level standard substances GBW09113f, GBW09114f, and addition recovery experiments) of the new method within the range of 0 to 100 μg/L iodine mass concentration. And the method was compared with the determination results of water iodine by arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry recommended by the national iodine reference laboratory (NRL).Results:Within the range of 0 - 100 μg/L iodine mass concentration, the curve correlation coefficient of the new method was greater, and | r| > 0.999 0, and the quantitative detection limit was 0.15 μg/L (the sampling volume was 1 ml), the relative standard deviation of the detection precision of water samples with low, medium and high iodine mass concentrations were less than 2%. The new method had determined the average values of national water iodine first level standard substances GBW09113f and GBW09114f were 8.32 and 54.54 μg/L, respectively, all within the standard value range. The recovery range of standard addition was 92.6% - 99.2%, and the total average recovery was 96.4%. Compared with the NRL recommended method, the difference was not statistically significant ( t = 0.99, P > 0.05). Conclusion:The new method does not require the use of highly toxic substance arsenic trioxide, has high reaction sensitivity and accuracy, and is suitable for the promotion and use of water iodine detection.

Application of ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry for determination of iodide in water / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To study the application of ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry for determination of iodide in water.Methods:Ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry was used to determine the iodine content of tap water and source water in the range of 0 - 20 and 0 - 200 μg/L iodine concentration. The effect of the method was verified in terms of linear range, detection limit, precision and accuracy.Results:In the range of 0 - 20 and 0 - 200 μg/L iodine concentration, the absolute values of linear correlation coefficients were > 0.999 0; the detection limits were 0.18 and 1.02 μg/L, respectively; the coefficient of variation of low, medium and high iodine concentrations in tap water and source water was less than 5%. In the range of 0 - 20 μg/L iodine concentration, the spiked recovery rates of tap water and source water were 90.33% - 110.46% and 92.21% - 102.82%, respectively; in the range of 0 - 200 μg/L iodine concentration, the spiked recovery rates of tap water and source water were 90.14% - 102.62% and 91.36% - 106.18%, respectively. The national first level standard materials GBW09113g and GBW09114g were tested, and the results of water iodine determination were within the given range of the standard materials.Conclusion:Ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry has a wide linear range, high accuracy, and good precision, making it suitable for widespread application in grassroots areas.

A method of antimony cerium catalytic spectrophotometric determination of water iodine using a fully automatic biochemical analyzer / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To study the application of antimony cerium catalytic spectrophotometry using a fully automatic biochemical analyzer (hereinafter referred to as this method) in the determination of water iodine.Methods:Based on the principle of antimony cerium reoxidation reduction reaction catalyzed by iodine, the iodine content in water was determined in the range of 0 - 100 μg/L iodine mass concentration. The detection limit, precision and accuracy (determination of standard substances GBW09113j and GBW09114j for iodine composition analysis in water and the experiment of standard recovery) of this method were verified. This method was compared with the arsenic and cerium catalytic spectrophotometry recommended by the National Reference Laboratory for Iodine Deficiency Disorders.Results:Within the range of 0 - 100 μg/L iodine mass concentration, the qualitative and quantitative detection limits of this method were 0.81 and 2.70 μg/L, respectively (sampling quantity was 35 μl). In the precision experiment, the relative standard deviation of water samples with different iodine mass concentrations ranged from 1.2% to 4.0%. The determination results of the standard substances GBW09113j and GBW09114j for iodine composition analysis in water were both within the given standard value range. The standard recovery rates of water samples with low, medium and high iodine mass concentrations ranged from 101.0% to 106.0%, and the total average standard recovery rate was 103.2%. The results of the method comparison experiment showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the results of water iodine determination between the two methods ( t = - 0.78, P = 0.779). Conclusion:This method has a low detection limit, high precision and good accuracy, making it suitable for the detection of large quantities of samples in the monitoring of iodine deficiency disorders.

A method of automatic determination of salt iodine by iodine element detector / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To establish a method for automatic determination of iodine level in salt by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry using an iodine element detector (hereinafter referred to as this method), and to provide reference for in-depth study of salt iodine detection technology.Methods:This method was used to determine the iodine level in salt, and the linear range, detection limit, precision, and accuracy (determination of salt iodine standard substance GBW10006y and GBW10007y, and addition recovery experiment) of this method were determined. The iodine level of 35 salt samples was determined by this method and redox titration method recommended by the national standard, and the results were compared.Results:This method had a good linear relationship within the range of 50 - 600 μg/L standard curve, the absolute value of the correlation coefficients was > 0.999 0, and the detection limit was 5.0 mg/kg. The relative standard deviation of iodine concentration in salt samples with low, medium and high iodine concentrations were all < 6.0%. The determination results of salt iodine standard substance GBW10006y and GBW10007y were within the given value ranges; three iodine concentrations (6.0, 10.0 and 30.0 mg/kg) were added to the salt samples, with an average recovery rate of 96.7% to 105.0%, and a total average recovery rate of 100.9%. The method comparison experiment showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the salt iodine determination results of this method and the redox titration method ( t = - 1.54, P = 0.132). Conclusion:This method has the advantages of high accuracy, good precision and wide linear range in determining salt iodine, and is suitable for the detection of large quantities of samples in salt iodine monitoring.

Compatibility stability of cinepazide maleate injection and dopamine hydrochloride injection / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the compatibility stability of cinepazide maleate injection and dopamine hydrochloride injection and explore the basis for the combined application of cinnamazide maleate injection and dopamine hydrochloride injection.Methods:A method for determining cinnamazide maleate injection and dopamine hydrochloride injection was established using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and verified from March 1, 2021 to May 20, 2021. The color and pH value of the solution prepared using the two drugs were determined within 5 hours at room temperature. The content change of the prepared solution was determined using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer.Results:The linear range of the mass concentration of cinnamazide maleate was 4.03 - 32.24 mg/L and the linear range of dopamine hydrochloride was 20 -120 mg/L. At 25 ℃, the color of the prepared solution did not change within 5 hours and the pH value was in the range of 4.43 ± 0.06, indicating that the pH of the prepared solution did not change markedly. The concentrations of cinnamazide maleate and dopamine hydrochloride were (98.23 ± 1.09)% and (99.96 ± 0.41)% respectively, indicating good stability.Conclusion:The prepared solution using cinepazide maleate injection and dopamine hydrochloride injection can be used within 5 hours at 25 ℃.

Effects of different light sources on the stability of cinepazide maleate in sodium chloride solution / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of different light sources on the stability of cinepazide maleate in sodium chloride solution, providing a theoretical basis for standardizing operation for avoiding light in clinical medication.Methods:First, a standard curve was created and methodological studies were conducted. Then, intravenous drip solutions were prepared using clinically prescribed methods. Then, the absorbance of the solution of cinepazide maleate injection under outdoor light, light emitting diode (LED) light, indoor light, artificial sunlight with a color temperature of 6 500 K (D65), and under a shading condition for 1, 2, 3, and 7 hours were brought into the standard curve to obtain the concentrations, and the change of the concentrations was studied.Results:There was no light decomposition phenomenon of cinepazide maleate injection in the shading group (control group) within 7 hours. In the other four experimental groups, there was no obvious light decomposition phenomenon of cinepazide maleate injection in the LED light group. Compared with the shading group, cinepazide maleate injection in the indoor, outdoor, and D65 groups began to exhibit a light decomposition phenomenon at 1 hour ( F = 44 840.44, P < 0.001). At 2 hours, cinepazide maleate content in the outdoor and D65 groups began to decrease significantly compared with the shading group ( F = 15 459.12, P < 0.001). At 7 hours, cinepazide maleate exhibited significantly greater light decomposition in the outdoor group [(29.84 ± 0.43) L·mol -1·cm -1] and D65 group [(21.01 ± 0.51) L·mol -1·cm -1] than the shading group [(101.65 ± 1.5) L·mol -1·cm -1] ( F = 63 106.32, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in cinepazide maleate content between LED and shading groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Cinepazide maleate injection is stable under the common LED light source and therefore it is not necessary to take lightproof operation. Cinepazide maleate injection is unstable under indoor, outdoor, and D65 light sources, and it is necessary to take lightproof operation.

Development and verification of a sulfosalicylic acid spectrophotometric method for determination of iron ion in medium for producing diphtheria toxin / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a sulfosalicylic acid spectrophotometric method for the determination of trace iron ions in diphtheria toxin medium,and apply it preliminarily.Methods The maximum absorbance of the complex of iron and sulfosalicylic acid was scanned by full spectrum;A method for the determination of iron ion in culture medium was developed by linear regression between the absorbance of the complex and the content of iron ion,and the stability,accuracy and precision of the method were verified.The effects of Ca~(2+),Mg~(2+),K~+,Na~+ and reactants on the method were investigated.Spectrophotometric method with sulfosalicylic acid was used to determine trace iron in the self-made and commercial medium for diphtheria toxin production.Sulfosalicylic acid spectrophotometry,ferrizine colorimetry and o-phenanthroline spectrophotometry were used to detect iron content in two kinds of culture media(beef trypsin digestion liquid and 5% polypeptone),and the detection results of the three methods were compared.Results The complex of iron and sulfosalicylic acid showed the maximum absorbance at the wavelength of 425 nm;There was a good linear relationship between the absorbance and concentration of iron ion in the range of 1～0.05 μg/mL,the detection limit was 0.05 μg/mL,and the standard equation was:Y=0.027 9 X+0.046 1,R~2> 0.99;The coefficients of variation(CVs) of A_(425) value of each concentration of standards measured every 5 min were less than 5%;Low(0.05 μg/mL),medium(0.5 μg/mL)and high concentration(1 μg/mL) of Fe~(3+) standard solutions were continuously determined for 3 times.The CVs of 9groups of each concentration measured in parallel were all less than 5% and the recovery rates were higher than 95%;Ca~(2+),Mg~(2+),K~+,Na~+,15 μL of sulfo salicylic acid(20%) and 50 μL of ammonia hydroxide(1:1) showed no interference in the method;The results of toxin-producing medium were consistent with those of diphtheria bacteria;The results of the three detection methods were consistent.Conclusion The developed spectrophotometric method with sulfo salicylic acid can determine the content of trace iron ions in diphtheria toxin medium accurately and effectively.

Determination of mineral oil mist in workplace air using infrared spectrophotometry / 中国职业医学

Objective To establish an infrared spectrophotometric method for determination of mineral oil mist in workplace air. Methods The mineral oil mist in workplace air was sampled with glass fiber filter membrane and eluted with carbon tetrachloride. Petroleum-like standard solution of carbon tetrachloride was used as the calibration standard, and quantitative analysis was performed using infrared spectrophotometric oil analyzer. Results The sampling efficiency of the glass fiber filter membrane ranged from 94.8% to 99.2%, and the extraction efficiency ranged from 95.6% to 104.2%. The linear range of mineral oil mist was 1.00-120.00 mg/L, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 4. The detection limit was 0.52 mg/L, and the quantification limit was 1.74 mg/L. The average recovery rate ranged from 98.8% to 104.1%. The within- and between- run relative standard deviations were 2.2%-6.4% and 2.3%-5.2%, respectively. The samples were stable at room temperature for seven days. This method could be used for air sampling of mineral oil mist in workplaces where mineral oil is used. Conclusion The method is sensitive, accurate, and efficient, which is suitable for determining the concentration of mineral oil mist in workplace air.

Tooth color in dental students from Buenos Aires University, Dental School, Argentina / Color dentario en estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth color in dental students at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The participants were 184 students (157 women and 27 men) aged 21 to 33 years, mean age 24.45 (SD 2.79) years, who were in the fourth year of their dental degree. They agreed to participate through an informed consent. Exclusion criteria were: having undergone a bleaching treatment within the previous six months, presence of total or partial peripheral restoration, pigmentations, fracture, carious and non-carious lesions or absence of the right upper central incisor (1.1). A dental prophylaxis procedure was performed on the buccal surface of each 1.1 tooth with a prophylaxis brush (TDV) mounted on a low-speed rotary instrument Kavo 2068 CHC (Germany) micromotor and a Kavo LUX K201(Germany) contra-angle. Shade was measured in the middle third of each 1.1 tooth, by the same observer, using a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer (Zahnfabrikn Bad Säckingen, Germany), which was calibrated before each determination according to manufacturer's instructions, in the same dental unit (Sino S2316), with natural illumination, in the same time slot, without using the dental unit lamp. The results were recorded in an ad-hoc form and rates and confidence interval were obtained. Shade prevalence percentages (95% CI) were: A1: 46.2 (38.83 - 53.68); followed by A2 and B2, both with 17.39 (12.21 - 23.66); A3: 6.52 (3.41-11.11); B1: 4.35 (1.9-8.39); D2: 2.72 (0.89 - 6.23); B3: 2.17 (0.60-5.47) and C2: 1.09 (0.13-3.87); D3, C3, A3.5 and A4: 0.54 (0.01-2.99). Shades D1 and C1 were not determined in any subject. Within the conditions of this study, A1 was the most prevalent shade in central incisors, followed by A2 and B2.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de color dental en estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Los participantes fueron 184 estudiantes de cuarto año de la carrera de Odontología (157 mujeres y 27 hombres) de entre veintiuno y treinta tres años, con un promedio de edad de 24,45 (DE 2,79) años que aceptaron participar mediante consentimiento informado. Criterios de exclusión: quienes hayan recibido blanqueamiento en los últimos seis meses, tenían una restauración periférica total o parcial, pigmentaciones, fractura, lesiones cariosas y/o no cariosas en el incisivo central superior derecho (1.1) o éste estaba ausente. Se realizó profilaxis dental en la superficie bucal de cada 1.1 con un cepillo ad-hoc (TDV) montado en un micromotor de baja velocidad Kavo 2068 CHC (Alemania) y un contra-ángulo Kavo LUX K201 (Alemania). La medición del color se llevó a cabo en el tercio medio de cada 1.1, por el mismo observador, en la misma clínica dental, con iluminación natural en la misma franja horaria y sin utilizar la lámpara del equipo dental. Se utilizó un espectrofotómetro VITA Easyshade V (Zahnfabrikn Bad Säckingen, Alemania) que se calibró antes de cada determinación de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Los resultados se registraron en una planilla ad-hoc y se obtuvieron tasas e intervalos de confianza. Prevalencia de colores % (IC 95%): A1: 46,2 (38,83 - 53,68), seguido de A2 y B2 ambos con 17,39 (12,21 - 23,66), A3: 6,52 (3,41-11,11), B1: 4,35 ( 1,9- 8,39), D2: 2,72 (0,89 - 6,23), B3: 2,17 (0,60-5,47) y C2: 1,09 (0,13- 3,87); D3, C3, A3.5 y A4: 0.54 (0.01-2.99) D1 y C1 no se determinaron en ningún sujeto. Dentro de las condiciones de este estudio A1 fue el color más prevalente en los incisivos centrales de estudiantes de odontología, seguido de A2 y B2.

Estandarización de un procedimiento espectrofotométrico para la cuantificación de polisacárido capsular de Neisseria meningitidis serogrupo X / Standardization of a spectrophotometric procedure for the quantification of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X capsular polysaccharide

En el presente trabajo se realiza la estandarización del procedimiento espectrofotométrico de determinación de polisacárido capsular e intermedios de Neisseria meningitidis serogrupo X, mediante la determinación de los grupos fosfodiéster presentes en su estructura, por el método de Chen. Se realizó un análisis de los siguientes criterios para la estandarización: linealidad, precisión (repetibilidad y precisión intermedia) y exactitud. Se demostró mediante el diseño experimental y los procedimientos estadísticos empleados que el método es lineal (r > 0,99), el coeficiente de variación del factor respuesta < 5 por ciento, la desviación estándar relativa de la pendiente < 2 por ciento, no existiendo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el intercepto de la ecuación con respecto a cero; exacto, porque no existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la concentración determinada en un material de trabajo y su concentración nominal; también demostró ser repetible, pues el coeficiente de variación de las concentraciones de la muestra evaluada (2,44; 2,43; 0,88 por ciento para las concentraciones bajas, medias y altas, respectivamente) es inferior al 3 por ciento y no existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las medias de los resultados obtenidos por dos analistas, evaluados durante cuatro días a tres niveles de concentración. La precisión intermedia es satisfactoria(AU)

The present work comprises the standardization a spectrophotometric procedure for assessing Neisseria meningitidis, serogroup X capsular polysaccharide and their intermediates of modification, the phosphodiesters groups present in its structure, based on Chen method. An analysis of the following standardization criteria was performed: linearity, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision) and accuracy. It was demonstrated through the experimental design and the statistical procedures used that the method is linear (r > 0.99), the coefficient of variation of the response factor < 5 percent, the relative standard deviation of the slope < 2 percent, with no statistically significant difference between the intercept of the equation with respect to zero; exact, because there is no statistically significant difference between the concentration determined in a work material and its nominal concentration; it also proved to be repeatable, because the coefficient of variation of the concentrations of the sample (2.44; 2.43; 0.88 percent for low, medium and high concentrations respectively) is less than 3 percent and there is no statistically significant difference between the means of the results obtained by two analysts, evaluated for four days at three concentration levels. Its intermediate precision was satisfactory(AU)

Characterization of physicochemical markers for homeopathic medicines and biological supernatant samples

Solvatochromic dyes are probes to detect variations on the dipole moment of solvents after the insertion of homeopathic potencies. Recent studies have shown they can be useful tools in laboratory and field studies to detect the activity of homeopathic remedies.Objective: Determine whether solvatochromic dyes can be a diagnostic tool for cells infected by different agents and/or markers to identify the activity of homeopathic medicines. Methods: Ethilicum1cH, Siliceaterra6, 30, 200cH; Zincummetallicum6, 30, 200cH and Phosphorus6, 30 and 200cH were analyzed by pouring the samples (in a 1:60 rate) into a series of seven dyes (rhodamine, ET 33, ET 30, coumarin 7, NN DMIA, Nile red, methylene violet) diluted in absolute ethanol using pre-established working concentrations. Oscillations of dye absorbance were observed at visible light spectrophotometry according to the remedy and potency. Water and succussed water were used as controls. In a second moment, the absorbance profile of the remedies will be compared with those of biological samples (supernatants) and checked with the biological effect previously obtained from each treatment.Supernatants of RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by Calmette-Guérin bacilli (BCG) or infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculiwill be analyzed. Results: Preliminary results have shown that Siliceaterra6cH, Phosphorus30 and 200cH and Zincummetallicum6, 30 and 200cH reduced the absorbance of methylene violet (p=0.01). Repetitions and analysis of supernatants are expected to be performed in the next steps of the study. Future perspectives: Establish a pattern of reactivity of the studied medicines with different dyes and the putative relation with the corresponding supernatants, as an attempt to obtain a "physicochemical signature" for each kind of infection and/or treatment.

Qualidade do leite cru refrigerado avaliado por diferentes laboratórios credenciados pelo MAPA / Quality of refrigerated raw milk evaluated by different laboratories accredited by MAPA

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar e correlacionar os resultados de qualidade do leite cru refrigerado de dez propriedades rurais de Viçosa (MG) obtidos por métodos de referências do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento e por espectrofotômetros de luz infravermelha em três laboratórios (A, B e C) credenciados pelo mesmo órgão de fiscalização. As amostras de leite foram analisadas quanto à contagem bacteriana, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e teores de gordura, proteína e extrato seco desengordurado (ESD). Não houve discordância de amostras de leite quanto aos teores de proteína e gordura. Porcentagens diferentes de discordância foram observadas entre os resultados dos laboratórios e método de referência quanto à CCS, contagem bacteriana e teores de ESD. Os teores médios de proteína dos laboratórios A e B e os teores médios de ESD de todos laboratórios não foram estatisticamente iguais (p<0,05) aos teores obtidos pelo método de referência. Os teores de gordura obtidos no laboratório B não tiveram correlação estatística (p>0,05) com os teores obtidos pelo método de referência. Observou-se que as CCS e contagens bacterianas médias de todos os laboratórios foram estatisticamente iguais (p>0,05) e correlacionadas (p<0,05) às contagens médias obtidas pelos métodos de referência. Conclui-se que os teores de proteína em dois laboratórios e ESD em todos os laboratórios não são equivalentes com os métodos de referência do MAPA. É importante que os laboratórios revejam a calibração dos seus equipamentos quanto à quantificação dos teores de sólidos do leite.

The objective of this study was to analyze and to correlate the results of refrigerated raw milk quality in ten farms of Viçosa (MG). The milk was analyzed by the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento standard methods and by infrared spectrophotometers in three laboratories (A, B and C) accredited by the same institution. The milk samples were analyzed for bacterial counts, somatic cell count (SCC) and fat, protein and solids not fat (SNF) tenors. There were no disagreement milk samples as the protein and fat tenors. Different percentages of disagreement were observed between the results of laboratory and standard method as the SCC, bacterial count and SNF tenor. The protein mean tenor of A and B laboratories and the SNF mean tenor of all laboratories were not statistically equal (p<0.05) the tenors obtained by standard method. The fat tenors obtained in B laboratory were not statistically correlated (p>0.05) with tenors obtained by the standard method. It was observed that the means of SCC and bacterial counts of all laboratories were statistically the same (p>0.05) and correlated (p<0.05) to the means counts obtained by standard methods. It is concluded that the protein tenors in two laboratories and SNF in all laboratories are not equivalent with the reference methods of MAPA. It is important that laboratories review the calibration of the equipment on the quantification of milk solids tenors.

Comparison of detection success rate of different kinds of near-infrared spectrum non-invasive hemoglobin monitors in high-altitude environments / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To compare the detection success rates (DSRs) of different kinds of near-infrared spectrum non-invasive hemoglobin monitors in high-altitude environments.Methods:One hundred and forty-four healthy volunteers of either sex, aged 18-50 yr, were assigned to one of 3 groups using a random number table method: simulated high-altitude 3 500 meter group ( n=35), 4 000 meter group ( n=55) and 4 500 meter group ( n=54). Hemoglobin was detected by Radical-7, NW-9002SHM, A5 and TensorTip MTX type hemoglobin monitors in plain environment and simulated environment at different altitudes, and the DSRs were compared.Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors affecting the success rate of instrument detection, and the cut-off value was determined by ROC curve and the Youden index. Results:In the simulated high-altitude environment of 3500, 4000 and 4500 m, the DSR of TensorTip MTX was significantly higher than that of Radical-7, NW-9002SHM and A5 ( P<0.001), and there was no significant difference in the DSR among Radical-7, NW-9002SHM and A5 ( P>0.05). Low SpO 2 was the main factor affecting the DSRs of the Radical-7, NW-9002SHM and A5 type hemoglobin monitor in high-altitude environment ( P<0.001), and the cut-off value of SpO 2 in determining the success of detection was 88.5%, 87.5% and 89.5%, respectively.The DSR of TensorTip MTX was not affected by low SpO 2. Conclusions:The DSR of TensorTip MTX hemoglobin monitor is minimally affected by the high-altitude environment and can be preferred in the absence of oxygen supply; when Radical-7, NW-9002SHM or A5 hemoglobin monitor applied in high-altitude environments, oxygen saturation needs to be increased to ensure a high DSR.