2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) photodegradation on WO3-TiO2-SBA-15 nanostructured composite.

A current environmental problem is the uncontrolled use of various pesticides that are harmful to the environment and public health. The herbicide 2,4-D is widely used, making it a vector of contamination for aquatic bodies, air, soil, and biomass. In recent decades, researchers have studied remediation of this compound in the environment. In this work, WO3 and TiO2 were supported on SBA-15 molecular sieve by the in situ anchoring (ISA) method, with different molar percentages of WO3 in relation to the oxide content: X = 25%, 50%, and 75%. The W-Ti-S (X) samples were characterized by XDR, XRF, Raman, FTIR, diffuse reflectance of UV-vis, and adsorption and desorption of N2. SBA-15 mesoporous structure was not destroyed even after the incorporation of the oxides. XRD analyses associated with Raman result found a predominance of the anatase phase for titanium oxide, and the FRX showed low incorporation of nanoparticles. Photocatalytic tests indicated that the catalytic activity depends on WO3 and TiO2 content, although all W-Ti-S (X) samples exhibited similar TOF value. The W-Ti-S (25) sample had the highest photocatalytic activity, 76% herbicide photodegradation under ultraviolet irradiation, at 270 min. The analysis of the catalytic cycles indicated that W-Ti-S (25) keeps out 70% of photocatalytic activity in the fourth catalytic cycle. In addition, the W-Ti-S (25) catalytic activity under direct sunlight irradiation was similar to that under artificial UV irradiation.

Non-chromatographic method for separation and determination of Fe, Ni and V porphyrins in crude oil.

A method combining ultracentrifugation and cloud point extraction is proposed for the separation and determination of Fe, Ni and V porphyrins in crude oil. An emulsion containing about 200 mg of crude oil, 6% (w v-1) of Triton X-100™, 1.6% (v v-1) of chloroform and 0.1 mol L-1 of HCl was prepared. An aliquot (1.5 mL) of this emulsion was ultracentrifuged to separate the crude oil heavy fraction (asphaltene and particulate matter) and inorganic species, organometallic compounds and porphyrins of Fe, Ni and V remained in the supernatant. Another aliquot (1.5 mL) was heated up to 90 °C for 5 min to separate the porphyrins, both heavy and light organics compounds, light organic and particulate matter by cloud point extraction, only the inorganic and ionic organometallic compounds species remained in the aqueous phase. The supernatant and aqueous phase were analysed by simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration determined in the supernatant was subtracted from that determined in the aqueous phase, providing the quantification of Fe, Ni and V porphyrin in the crude sample. The accuracy of the proposed method was checked using SARA reference method. The elemental determinations in the fractions obtained using the proposed method and the comparison by SARA showed an absence of Fe in the aromatics and resins fractions. The results showed that about 40% of Ni and 70% of V in the crude oil sample are bounded to porphyrins.

Amoxicillin Plus Metronidazole Therapy for Patients with Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-year Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes occurring in subgingival biofilm composition and in the periodontal clinical parameters of subjects with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) treated by means of scaling and root planing (SRP) only or combined with systemic metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX). Fifty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to receive SRP only (n = 29) or with MTZ (400 mg/thrice a day [TID]) and AMX (500 mg/TID) (n = 29) for 14 d. Six subgingival plaque samples/subject were analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species at baseline and 3 mo, 1 y, and 2 y posttherapy. At 2 y posttherapy, the antibiotic-treated group harbored lower mean proportions (5.5%) of red complex pathogens than the control group (12.1%) (P < 0.05). The proportions of the Actinomyces species remained stable in the antibiotic group but showed a statistically significant reduction in the control group from 1 to 2 y in subjects achieving a low risk clinical profile for future disease progression (i.e., ≤4 sites with probing depth [PD] ≥5 mm). The test group also had a lower mean number of sites with PD ≥5 mm (3.5 ± 3.4) and a higher percentage of subjects reaching the low risk clinical profile (76%) than the control group (14.7 ± 13.1 and 22%, respectively) (P < 0.05) at 2 y posttreatment. MTZ + AMX intake was the only significant predictor of subjects achieving the low risk at 2 y (odds ratio, 20.9; P = 0.0000). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the adjunctive use of MTZ + AMX improves the microbiological and clinical outcomes of SRP in the treatment of subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis and type 2 DM up to 2 y (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02135952).

Fast emulsion-based method for simultaneous determination of Co, Cu, Pb and Se in crude oil, gasoline and diesel by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A method for the simultaneous determination of Co, Cu, Pb and Se in crude oil, gasoline and diesel samples using emulsion-based sampling and GF AAS is proposed. 400mg of sample was weighted in volumetric flask following the sequential addition of 125 µL of hexane and 7.5 mL of Triton X-100(®) (20% mv(-1)). Subsequently, the mixture was stirred in ultrasonic bath, during 30 min, before dilution to 25 mL with deionized water. Aliquots of 20 µL of reference solution or sample emulsion were co-injected into the graphite tube with 10 µL of 2 g L(-1) Pd(NO3)2. The pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were 1300°C and 2250°C, respectively. The limits of detection (n=10, 3σ) and characteristic masses were 0.02 µg g(-1) (0.32 µg L(-1)) and 18 pg for Co, 0.03 µg g(-1) (0.48 µg L(-1)) and 15 pg for Cu, 0.04 µg g(-1) (0.64 µg L(-1)) and 48 pg for Pb, and 0.11 µg g(-1) (1.76 µg L(-1)) and 47 pg for Se. The reliabilities of the proposed method for Co and Se were checked by SRM(®) 1634c Residual Oil analysis. The found values are in accordance to the SRM at 95% confidence level (Student's t-test). Each sample was spiked with 0.18 µg g(-1) of Co, Cu, Pb and Se and the recoveries varied from 92% to 116% for Co, 83% to 117% for Cu, 72% to 117% for Pb, and 82% to 122% for Se.

Self-induced fatal air embolism: accidental autoerotic death or suicide?

Autoeroticism comprises behavior deviations aimed at producing sexual gratification through the manipulation of one's own body. The use of asphyxia and the induction of pain (masochism) are well-known examples. "Atypical forms" of such behaviors have appeared in the literature as isolated cases. Fatal air embolism is most common in women (causing abortion), being very rare in men (urethral trauma). The authors present a probable case of air embolism associated with signs of autoeroticism, instrumented by the delivery of air through a system formed by a compressor (typical of those used in refrigerators), a syringe barrel, a segment of latex tubing (tourniquet), and a needle, which was found inserted into the glans penis of an adult male. The hypothesis of accidental death was chosen due to the findings at the scene. The body was decomposing when found, which hampered the conduction of examinations.

Association of dental caries with HLA Class II allele in Brazilian adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the frequencies of DR and DQ HLA class II alleles and the prevalence of dental caries in Brazilian adolescents. The study sample consisted of 164 adolescents aged 15- 19 years. For the assessment of caries experience the DMFT index was used, according to World Health Organization criteria. DNA samples of the adolescents were extracted from oral mucosa cells. The amplification of the alleles HLA-DR and HLA-DQ was carried out by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The products of PCR-SSP were electrophoresed and analyzed in agarose gel. Statistical analysis was performed using simple and multiple logistic regression to test the association between the adolescents' caries experience and the presence of HLA-DR and -DQ alleles. Sociodemographic covariates were included in the model. The significance level for all analyses was p < 0.05. The prevalence of caries was 60.4% and the mean DMFT was 2.41 ± 2.53. Adolescents positive for HLA-DQ2 allele were less likely to have dental caries than their counterparts who were negative for this allele (OR = 0.33, CI 0.16-0.66), and those whose mothers presented low levels of education were 2.01 (CI 1.02-3.97) times more likely to have dental caries. There was no statistical difference between HLA-DR4, -DQ4, -DQ5, -DQ6 and dental caries. Our data provide evidence that genes within the MHC, especially the DQ2 group, may influence susceptibility to dental caries in Brazilian adolescents.

Environmental strategies to remove volatile aromatic fractions (BTEX) from petroleum industry wastewater using biomass.

This work investigates the potentials of peat and angico hardwood sawdust to remove BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and isomers of xylene) from the produced water discharged into aquatic systems during petroleum extraction. Peat and angico sawdust samples were pyrolyzed at 500°C, and found to contain n-alkenes, n-alkanes and pentacyclic triterpenes (peat), and 4-methoxyphenol, 1,4-dimethoxyphenol and 1,3,4-trimethoxyphenol (angico sawdust). In batch experiments, the removal capacities using peat were 32.4%, 50.0%, 63.0%, 67.8%, and 61.8% for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylenes and o-xylene, respectively. This compared with removal capacities using angico sawdust of 20.2%, 36.4%, 52.8%, 57.8%, and 53.7% for these compounds respectively, demonstrating the superior performance of the peat.

Cariogenic microorganisms and oral conditions in asthmatic children.

This study evaluated the caries risk of asthmatic patients on the basis of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli levels in saliva samples as well as the index of oral hygiene and dental caries (DMFT index). The study population was composed of 80 asthmatic children, aged 3-15 years, who use specific medication, and 80 matched, healthy control children. The parents were interviewed about oral health-related factors. The World Health Organization criteria were used for dental examinations. The Köhler and Bratthal methodology was used to detect salivary MS levels and dilutions of saliva were done for lactobacilli counting. No differences between asthma and control groups were observed for caries prevalence in children aged 3-6 and 7-10 years, except in severe cases in the younger group. However, higher caries prevalence for permanent dentition was observed in 11- to 15-year-old asthmatic children. An increased dental biofilm was observed in the asthma group, as well as salivary levels of MS. No differences were observed in levels of lactobacilli. No statistical correlations were found between medication, frequency of treatment, method of consumption and caries experience, dental biofilm and salivary levels of MS or lactobacilli. However, there was a correlation between MS levels and treatment duration. The logistic regression revealed that MS level is an important risk factor for increased caries experience. Asthma should be evaluated as a risk factor for caries experience because it can increase the levels of MS and the dental biofilm.

Genotypic Diversity of Streptococcus mutans in Caries-Free and Caries-Active Preschool Children.

Aim. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the genotypic diversity of S. mutans in caries-free and caries-active preschool children in Brazil. Design. Twenty-eight preschool children were examined regarding caries experience by the dmft index. DNA from 280 isolates of S. mutans was extracted. S. mutans evaluated using to the PCR method, with primers for the glucosyltransferase gene. The genetic diversity of S. mutans isolates was analyzed by arbitrary primed-PCR (AP-PCR) reactions. The differences between the diversity genotypic and dmft/caries experience were evaluated by chi2 test and Spearman's correlation. Results. The Spearman correlation test showed a strong association between genotypic diversity and caries experience (r = 0.72; P < .001). There were more S. mutans genotypes in the group of preschool children with dental caries, compared with the caries-free group. Among the children with more than 1 genotype, 13 had dental caries (2 to 5 genotypes) and 4 were caries-free (only 2 genotypes). Conclusion. Our results support the previous findings of genetic diversity of S. mutans in preschool children being associated with dental caries. The investigation of such populations may be important for directing the development of programs for caries prevention worldwide.

Adaptación marginal de restauraciones cerámicas inlay de dos sistemas cerámicos después de su cementación / Marginal adaptation of two all-ceramic inlay restorations after cementation

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar la adaptación marginal de restauraciones, confeccionadas con dos tipos de sistemas cerámicos: CEREC® inLab (VITA) e IPS Empress 2(Ivoclar-Vivadent), después de su cementación con cemento resinoso. Fueron tallados 20 premolares humanos con cavidad MOD inlay, reproducidos con silicona de adición, y obtenidos modelos en yeso tipo IV, sobre los cuales fueron confeccionados las restauraciones conforme alas recomendaciones de los fabricantes. Diez inlays con el sistema IPS Empress 2 y 10 inlays con el sistema CEREC® inLab. Las restauraciones fueron cementadas bajo presión constante de 1,5 Kgf por 10 min, con cemento resinoso. Las desadaptaciones marginales fueron evaluadas conMEB, con magnificación de 200x, en 50 puntos equidistantes. Las medias fueron analizadas por el método estadístico t de Student de muestras dependientes. Resultando en una diferencia estadísticamente significante entre las desadaptaciones marginales en el sistema IPS Empress (93,8 15,5μm), que se mostraron menores que en el sistema CEREC® inLab (114,4±10,6μm).Cuando se compararon las medias entre las caras proximales (116,51±21,85μm) y Oclusal(112,26±8,49μm) del sistema CEREC®InLab, y las caras proximales (87,12±27,98μm) y Oclusal(100,47±22,23μm) del sistema IPS Empress 2, se verificó que esos valores no difieren estadísticamente. En frente a esos resultados se concluyó que las medias obtenidas son aceptables clínicamente.

This study has the purpose to evaluate the marginal adaptation of two system of all-ceramic class II inlays: one of laboratory-made heat-pressed ceramics (IPS Empress 2) and the othercomputer-aided manufacturing (CEREC®inLab) after cementation with resin cement . Extracted human premolars were prepared to receive mesio occluso distal (MOD) ceramic inlays for 10 IPS Empress restorations and 10 CEREC®inLab restorations. The impression material used was a polivinilsyloxane addition silicone by the double impression technique. The impressions of prepared teeth were cast in type IV dental stone. The restorations were made following the manufacturer's recommendations. The inlays were luted on human premolars with resin cementin accordance with the manufacturer's recommended pre-treatment. The marginal gaps were investigated by scanning electron microscopy with magnification of 200X. The results wereanalyzed by t(Student) statistic test. The means marginal gap for IPS Empress 2 was 93.8±15.5μmsignificantly lower than 114.4±10.6μm calculated at the CEREC®inLab system. The gaps of the inlays at the occlusal margin and of the approximal margin showed no significantly differencesin two systems. It may be concluded that measurement value are clinically acceptable.

Resistance to Passion fruit woodiness virus in Transgenic Passionflower Expressing the Virus Coat Protein Gene.

We report the use of the coat protein (CP) gene from Passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV) to produce resistant transgenic plants of yellow passion fruit. A full-length CP gene from a severe PWV isolate from the state of São Paulo, Brazil (PWV-SP) was cloned into pCAMBIA 2300 binary vector, which was further introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA 105. Leaf disks were used as explants for transformation assays, e.g., 2,700 and 2,730 disks excised from plants from the Brazilian cultivars IAC-275 and IAC-277, respectively. In vitro selection was performed in kanamycin. After transferring to the elongation medium, 119 and 109 plantlets of IAC-275 and IAC-277, respectively, were recovered. Integration of the PWV CP gene was confirmed in seven of eight plants evaluated by Southern blot analysis, showing different numbers of insertional events for the CP gene. Three transgenic plants (T3, T4, and T7) expressed the expected transcript, but the 32 kDa PWV CP was detected by Western blot in only two plants (T3 and T4). The results of three successive mechanical inoculations against the transgenic plants using three PWV isolates showed that the primary transformant T2 of IAC-277 was immune to all isolates.

Calcium mobilization as the endothelium-independent mechanism of action involved in the vasorelaxant response induced by the aqueous fraction of the ethanol extract of Albizia inopinata G. P. Lewis (AFL) in the rat aorta.

In a previous work, we demonstrated that, in normotensive rats, AFL induced a marked hypotension due to a decrease in total peripheral resistances (TPR), partially secondary to the release of NO by the endothelium. NO did not, however, account for the total vasodilation produced by AFL in these rats. The aim of this study was to determine the involvement of the intracellular calcium mobilization in the vasorelaxant action induced by AFL in the rat aorta. In aorta of normotensive rats AFL (10, 20, 40 and 80 microg/ml) inhibited the sustained contractions induced by KCl (80 and 30 mM) and phenylephrine (Phe, 1 microM) with similar IC50 values (54 +/- 6, 52 +/- 4 and 65 +/- 4 microg/ml, respectively). The relaxing response induced by AFL against Phe-induced contractions was modified significantly by the endothelium removal (IC50 = 132 +/- 23 and 65 +/- 4 microg/ml, endothelium removed and intact endothelium aortic rings, respectively). Nevertheless, removal of the endothelium did not significantly change IC50 values when KCl (30 and 80 mM) was used as the contractile agent. The inhibitory effect induced by AFL on high (64.5 mM) K+-induced contraction was potentiated slightly (p < 0.05) by the decrease (from 2.5 to 0.3 mM, Ca2+) and attenuated by the increase (from 2.5 to 7.5 mM Ca2+) in the external [Ca2+]. In addition, in aortas from normotensive rats, AFL antagonized transient contractions induced in Ca2+-free media induced by 1 microM noradrenaline in a concentration-dependent manner, but not those induced by 20 mM caffeine. It is suggested that the remaining vasodilator effect of AFL in normotensive rats is probably due to an inhibition of Ca2+ influx and/or inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization from the noradrenaline-sensitive stores.

Dexamethasone influences endocrine and ovarian function in dairy cattle.

Multiparous nonlactating Holstein cows were used to determine the effect of dexamethasone on ovarian follicular development and plasma hormone concentrations. Animals were randomly divided into two groups, control (C; n = 5) and treatment (T; n = 6), but managed as one group. Both groups were synchronized with two injections of PGF2alpha (25 mg i.m.) 11 d apart. One day after ovulation (d 0) the T group received a daily injection of dexamethasone (44 microg/kg of body weight; i.m.) until the first dominant follicle stopped growing or up to d 12 postovulation. The C group received vehicle injections. Blood samples were collected daily from all cows. Concentrations of LH and FSH did not differ between the C and T cows, whereas progesterone concentrations were lower in T than in C cows from d 4 onward. Treatment x day interaction influenced plasma insulin concentrations such that T cows had insulin concentrations 2.9- to 6.0-fold those of C cows between d 2 and 9. Dexamethasone decreased IGF-I and -II concentrations from d 5 onward. Concentrations of plasma leptin and the various IGF binding proteins were not affected by dexamethasone. Total number of follicles (> or = 5 mm) and plasma estradiol concentrations were less in T than in C cows on d 0, 1, and 4. The growth rate of the dominant follicles and maximum diameter of the dominant and subordinate follicles were not affected by dexamethasone. The diameter of the CL was 21 to 39% larger in T than in C cows between d 6 and 10. Treatment x day interaction influenced plasma cholesterol concentrations such that cholesterol levels decreased 46.8% in T cows and 19.5% in C cows between d 0 and 10. Plasma glucose concentrations were greater in T than in C cows between d 1 and 10. In summary, dexamethasone had significant effects on metabolism without a major impact on growth of the first-wave dominant follicle. Dexamethasone-induced suppression of luteal function was associated with decreased plasma IGF-I and -II concentrations.

The relationship between sweetness preference and dental caries in mother/child pairs from Maringá-Pr, Brazil.

AIM: Children's patterns of sugar consumption and dental health status have been associated to their mothers' patterns. As a liking for sweetness has been related to caries levels, this study was carried out to analyse the relationship between sweetness preference and caries experience in mother/child pairs. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of low socio-economic mothers and their 4-5-year-olds from Maringá-Pr, Brazil. Mothers' and children's preference for sugar was measured using the Sweet Preference Inventory. Their caries experience was assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. RESULTS: High levels of sweetness preference and caries experience were found in the sample studied. Although not strong, a significant correlation in patterns of sweetness preference (r=0.12, P<0.05) and caries experience (r=0.14, P<0.05) between mother/child pairs was identified. Among the social-demographic variables, only family income was statistically associated with the children's preference for sweetness (P<0.05). No significant association between sweetness preference and caries experience could be established. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that mothers may play an important role on the establishment of their children dietary preferences and patterns of dental health. Also, that the socio-economic status may influence children's preference for sugar.

The relationship between sweetness preference, levels of salivary mutans streptococci and caries experience in Brazilian pre-school children.

AIM: To analyse the relationship between preference for sweetness, levels of salivary mutans streptococci and levels of caries in low socio-economic 4-5-year-old Brazilian children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 298 children of both sexes, who, in 1998, were regularly attending public nurseries were randomly selected. Caries experience was assessed according to WHO guidelines. Saliva samples were analysed for mutans streptococci using the spatula method. Children's preference for sugar was measured using the 'Sweet Preference Inventory'. Personal interviews with the mothers were conducted. RESULTS: 255 children completed all aspects of the research, a response rate of 85.6%. 34.9% of them were caries-free. The mean dmf-s was 4.25 (SD 6.16), the decayed component being 3.56 (SD 5.82) and the filled surfaces, 0.69 (SD 1.85). For these pre-school children; male sex (P < 0.01), single parent (P < 0.01), habit of eating or drinking items that contained non-milk extrinsic sugar between meal times (P < 0.05) and high levels of salivary mutans streptococci (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher dmfs scores. There was no statistical relationship between sweetness preference and dental caries and with mutans streptococci levels. CONCLUSION: Levels of salivary mutans streptococci but not sweetness preference were potential good predictors of caries experience among 4-5 year-old-children living in urban area of Brazil.

The prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of sheep in southern Latin America: general overview.

South America has a large population of small ruminants. Currents estimates are approximately 100 million sheep and 23 million goats. A large percentage of these flocks are raised in the humid tropics/sub-tropics. Nematode parasitism is singly the most important disease of these animals and typically farmers resort to frequent anthelmintic treatment in attempts to control this problem. Because of this reliance on drugs, price consideration is an important determinant in a farmer's choice of anthelmintic. In some circumstances, this has led to unethical practices of drug adulteration and substitution, or the offering to farmers of cheap, sub-standard generic products. The prevalence of anthelmintic resistance has not been investigated in any widespread sense in South America, although some of the first reports of resistance were made in southern Brazil almost 30 years ago. The following series of papers outline surveys conducted in the humid topics/sub-tropics of southern Latin America to assess the significance of resistance to the broad-spectrum anthelmintic groups in nematode parasites of sheep flocks.