Diffuse pollution monitoring and modelling of small urban watershed in Brazil Cerrado.

The stormwater runoff carries different pollutants that can reduce the quality of receiving waters due to diffuse pollutant loads. This research was aimed at evaluating the concentration of pollutants in stormwater and the application of SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) to an urban catchment in Lake Paranoá watershed to carry out the simulation of flow discharge with the hydraulic model, and subsequently to estimate the loads conveyed to the lake in ordinary events of precipitation. This study was carried out based on rainfall and runoff monitoring during events. It was confirmed that this model's results fit well in simulation of this type of watershed, leading to high value of the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient after calibration but, as expected, precipitation distribution is a very important factor for calibration. Concerning water quality, it was observed that the event mean concentration values of suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand were high, indicating that the diffuse pollution is an important source of pollution of the receiving waters. The monitoring and modelling of stormwater are essential to identify diffuse pollution discharge, in searching for a sustainable solution.

Magnetization reversal in orthorhombic Sr-doped LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3-δ.

In this paper we studied the reversal magnetization of La1-x Sr x Fe0.5Cr0.5O3-δ (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) samples produced by combustion synthesis. The structural analysis was carried out by x-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis. These analyses revealed that all samples have an orthorhombic structure with space group Pbnm (62) and that the Sr-doping induces a decrease of the lattice parameter. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates that the Sr-doping favor the change of the valence states of the Fe3+ to Fe4+. The magnetization as a function of the temperature reveals an unusual magnetic behavior with a reversal of magnetization. The increase of the Sr content induces a decrease of the temperature where occurs an inversion of the magnetization and do the value of the magnetization at 5 K more negative. This effect is attributed to the increase of the concentration of Fe4+ with increasing of the Sr content. The Fe and Cr with a valence of 4+ act as paramagnetic impurities in the antiferromagnetic lattice and are responsible for the changes in the magnetic behavior.

TiO2 anatase nanorods with non-equilibrium crystallographic {001} facets and their coatings exhibiting high photo-oxidation of NO gas.

Development of highly active photocatalysts is mandatory for more widespread application of this alternative environmental technology. Synthesis of photocatalysts, such as anatase TiO2, with more reactive, non-equilibrium, crystallographic facets is theoretically justified by a more efficient interfacial charge transfer to reactive adsorbed species, increasing quantum efficiency of photocatalyst. Air and vacuum calcinations of protonated trititanate nanotubes lead to their transformation to anatase nanorods. The nanorods synthesized by air calcination demonstrate photo-oxidation of NO gas more than three times superior to the one presented by the benchmark P-25 photocatalyst. This performance has been explained in terms of 50% higher specific surface area and, more importantly, through the predominance of more reactive, non-equilibrium, {001} crystallographic facets of the anatase nanorods. These facets present a high density of undercoordinated Ti cations, which favors adsorption of reactant species, and strained Ti-O-Ti bonds, leading to more efficient photo-oxidation reactions. Reduced Ti species, such as Ti3+, were not observed in the as-obtained nanorods, while reactive adsorbed molecules are scarce on the nanorods obtained through vacuum calcination. Dip-coating of TiO2 anatase nanorods (air calcined) over soda-lime glass plates was used to prepare visible light transparent, superhydrophilic and highly adherent photocatalytic coatings with homogenously distributed nanopores.

On the phonon dissipation contribution to nanoscale friction by direct contact.

The friction phenomenon is a ubiquitous manifestation of nature. Models considering phononic, electronic, magnetic, and electrostatic interactions are invoked to explain the fundamental forces involved in the friction phenomenon. In order to establish the incidence of the phonon prompting at the nanoscale friction by direct contact, we study a diamond spherical dome sliding on carbon thin films containing different amount of deuterium and hydrogen. The friction coefficient decreases by substituting hydrogen by deuterium atoms. This result is consistent with an energy dissipation vibration local mechanism from a disordered distribution of bond terminators.

Nitrogen Sources Screening for Ethanol Production Using Carob Industrial Wastes.

Nowadays, bioethanol production is one of the most important technologies by the necessity to identify alternative energy resources, principally when based on inexpensive renewable resources. However, the costs of 2nd-generation bioethanol production using current biotechnologies are still high compared to fossil fuels. The feasibility of bioethanol production, by obtaining high yields and concentrations of ethanol, using low-cost medium, is the primary goal, leading the research done today. Batch Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation of high-density sugar from carob residues with different organic (yeast extract, peptone, urea) and inorganic nitrogen sources (ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate) was performed for evaluating a cost-effective ethanol production, with high ethanol yield and productivity. In STR batch fermentation, urea has proved to be a very promising nitrogen source in large-scale production of bioethanol, reaching an ethanol yield of 44 % (w/w), close to theoretical maximum yield value and an ethanol production of 115 g/l. Urea at 3 g/l as nitrogen source could be an economical alternative with a great advantage in the sustainability of ethanol production from carbohydrates extracted from carob. Simulation studies, with experimental data using SuperPro Design software, have shown that the bioethanol production biorefinery from carob wastes could be a very promising way to the valorization of an endogenous resource, with a competitive cost.

Growth kinetics and physiological behavior of co-cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis, fermenting carob sugars extracted with whey.

Alcoholic fermentation of carob waste sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose) extracted with cheese whey, by co-cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis has been analyzed. Growth and fermentation of S. cerevisiae in the carob-whey medium showed an inhibition of about 30% in comparison with water-extracted carob. The inhibition of K. lactis on carob-whey was greater (70%) when compared with the whey medium alone, due to osmolarity problems. Oxygen availability was a very important factor for K. lactis, influencing its fermentation performance. When K. lactis was grown alone on carob-whey medium, lactose was always consumed first, and glucose and fructose were consumed afterwards, only at high aeration conditions. In co-culture with S. cerevisiae, K. lactis was completely inhibited and, at low aeration, died after 3 days; at high aeration this culture could survive but growth and lactose fermentation were only recovered after S. cerevisiae became stationary. To overcome the osmolarity and K. lactis' oxygen problems, the medium had to be diluted and a sequential fermentative process was designed in a STR-3l reactor. K. lactis was inoculated first and, with low aeration (0.13vvm), consumed all the lactose in 48h. Then S. cerevisiae was inoculated, consuming the total of the carob sugars, and producing ethanol in a fed-batch regime. The established co-culture with K. lactis increased S. cerevisiae ethanol tolerance. This fermentation process produced ethanol with good efficiency (80g/l final concentration and a conversion factor of 0.4g ethanol/g sugar), eliminating all the sugars of the mixed waste. These efficient fermentative results pointed to a new joint treatment of agro-industrial wastes which may be implemented successfully, with economic and environmental sustainability for a bioethanol industrial proposal.

Kinetic and Energetic Parameters of Carob Wastes Fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Crabtree Effect, Ethanol Toxicity, and Invertase Repression.

Carob waste is a useful raw material for the second-generation ethanol because 50% of its dry weight is sucrose, glucose, and fructose. To optimize the process, we have studied the influence of the initial concentration of sugars on the fermentation performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. With initial sugar concentrations (S0) of 20 g/l, the yeasts were derepressed and the ethanol produced during the exponential phase was consumed in a diauxic phase. The rate of ethanol consumption decreased with increasing S0 and disappeared at 250 g/l when the Crabtree effect was complete and almost all the sugar consumed was transformed into ethanol with a yield factor of 0.42 g/g. Sucrose hydrolysis was delayed at high S0 because of glucose repression of invertase synthesis, which was triggered at concentrations above 40 g/l. At S0 higher than 250 g/l, even when glucose had been exhausted, sucrose was hydrolyzed very slowly, probably due to an inhibition at this low water activity. Although with lower metabolic rates and longer times of fermentation, 250 g/l is considered the optimal initial concentration because it avoids the diauxic consumption of ethanol and maintains enough invertase activity to consume all the sucrose, and also avoids the inhibitions due to lower water activities at higher S0.

Growth and surface characterization of TiNbZr thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering for biomedical applications.

Low modulus of elasticity and the presence of non-toxic elements are important criteria for the development of materials for implant applications. Low modulus Ti alloys can be developed by designing ß-Ti alloys containing non-toxic alloying elements such as Nb and Zr. Actually, most of the metallic implants are produced with stainless steel (SS) because it has adequate bulk properties to be used as biomaterials for orthopedic or dental implants and is less expensive than Ti and its alloys, but it is less biocompatible than them. The coating of this SS implants with Ti alloy thin films may be one alternative to improve the biomaterial properties at a relatively low cost. Sputtering is a physical deposition technique that allows the formation of nanostructured thin films. Nanostructured surfaces are interesting when it comes to the bone/implant interface due to the fact that both the surface and the bone have nanoscale particle sizes and similar mechanical properties. TiNbZr thin films were deposited on both Si(111) and stainless steel (SS) substrates. The TiNbZr/Si(111) film was used as a model system, while the TiNbZr/SS film might improve the biocompatibility and extend the life time of stainless steel implants. The morphology, chemical composition, Young's modulus, and hardness of the films were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and nanoindentation.

Activity of megestrol acetate in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer after nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor failure: a phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: As novel treatments carry substantial price tags and are mostly cost-prohibitive in low- and middle-income countries, there is an urgent need to develop alternatives, such as off-patent drugs. Megestrol acetate (MA) has a longstanding history in the treatment of breast cancer, but recently it is being used less often due to the advent of newer agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This two-stage phase II trial evaluated the antitumor activity and toxicity of MA in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive advanced breast cancer who had experienced disease progression on a third-generation nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI). Eligible patients had metastatic breast cancer treated with a NSAI with at least 6-month progression-free survival (PFS), or relapse after ≥1 year on adjuvant NSAI. Patients received MA at a single daily oral dose of 160 mg. Primary end point was clinical benefit rate (CBR). RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were enrolled. The CBR was 40% [95% confidence interval (CI) 25% to 55%], and the median duration of clinical benefit was 10.0 (95% CI 8.0-14.2) months. The median PFS was 3.9 (95% CI 3.0-4.8) months. The most common grade 3 adverse events were anemia (2%), dyspnea (2%), fatigue (2%), musculoskeletal pain (4%), deep vein thrombosis (10%), and weight gain (2%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of MA in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive disease progressing on a NSAI. MA has demonstrated activity and acceptable tolerability in this setting, and therefore remains a reasonable treatment option in a cost-sensitive environment. These results also provide the background for further evaluation of progestins in the treatment of breast cancer. CLINICAL TRIALS: local trial number, related to the approval by the IRB: CEP 108/06.

Dyadic dynamics of perceived social support in couples facing infertility.

STUDY QUESTION: Is perceived social support from partner, family, and friends associated with increased infertility-related stress? SUMMARY ANSWER: While men's perceived support did not seem to influence their partners' stress, women's perceptions of spousal and familial support can affect the way men deal with the challenge of infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Previous studies showed that low levels of social support are associated with poor psychosocial adjustment and treatment termination in women and men. Studies examining the impact of social support using the couple as unit of analysis are lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional sample of 613 Portuguese patients participated in the research, online over a 3-month period, and in a public fertility clinic over 11 months. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The final sample comprised 213 married or cohabiting couples (191 from the fertility clinic) who were actively attempting to have a child, were seeking infertility treatment and had not undergone previous preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Perceived social support was assessed through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and infertility-related stress was assessed with the fertility problem inventory. Hypotheses were tested by applying the actor-partner interdependence model using structural equation modeling. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Couples had been living together for an average (±SD) of 6 ± 3.5 years, and attempting a pregnancy for 3.8 ± 2.6 years. Nearly half of the couples had undergone infertility treatment (41.3%). Infertility stress was found to be associated with low family support for women (ß = -0.27, P = .003), and low partner support for both men (ß = -0.29, P = .001) and women (ß = -0.45, P = .006). Both women and men's perceived friend support were not significantly related to male or female infertility stress. Men infertility stress was also associated with their partners low levels of partner (ß = -0.24, P = .049) and family support (ß = -0.23, P < .001). No significant partner effects were observed for women. Despite being related to actor effects alone (female partner and family support), the explained variance of the model in women's fertility stress was greater (R(2) = 21%) than that (R(2) = 15.6%) for the combined actor and partner effects in men's fertility stress (male partner support, female partner and family support). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study data are cross-sectional and the generalizability of results is limited by self-selection. The characteristics of non-participants in both the clinical and online samples were not available, the perception of infertility-specific supportive behaviors was not assessed and differential analyses according to infertility diagnosis were not included in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our data underline the importance of partner support in alleviating the burden of infertility. Men may experience infertility indirectly through the impact that it has on their partners. Our findings reinforce the need to involve the male partner throughout the whole treatment process and for couple-based interventions when providing infertility counseling. Further prospective research should be aimed at investigating the male experience of infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST: This research was supported by a PhD scholarship from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology granted to M.M. (FCT, SFRH/BD/44232/2008). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

[Validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Pain Coping Inventory]. / Validade e fiabilidade da versão portuguesa do Pain Coping Inventory.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Pain Coping Inventory (PCI) in order to perform a cultural adaptation to permit its use in Portuguese population of non-oncological chronic pain patients. METHODS: The PCI was translated to Portuguese and then again to English; moreover a spoken reflection was made. 180 participants with clinical diagnosis associated to chronic pain (namely, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis) were asked to fill in the self-report measure. Procedures of exploratory factorial analysis, confirmatory factorial analysis, and internal consistency were performed. RESULTS: Based on the methodological procedures, results have shown evidence of a factorial structure comprised by five factors which assess distinct chronic pain coping strategies namely, withdrawal, worrying, distraction, pain transformation, and reducing demands. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of PCI has shown evidence of validity and reliability which supports the relevance of its use in both research and clinical context.

Relevance of the sterilization-induced effects on the properties of different hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and assessment of the osteoblastic cell response.

Hydroxyapatite (Hap) is a calcium phosphate with a chemical formula that closely resembles that of the mineral constituents found in hard tissues, thereby explaining its natural biocompatibility and wide biomedical use. Nanostructured Hap materials appear to present a good performance in bone tissue applications because of their ability to mimic the dimensions of bone components. However, bone cell response to individual nanoparticles and/or nanoparticle aggregates lost from these materials is largely unknown and shows great variability. This work addresses the preparation and characterization of two different Hap nanoparticles and their interaction with osteoblastic cells. Hap particles were produced by a wet chemical synthesis (WCS) at 37°C and by hydrothermal synthesis (HS) at 180°C. As the ultimate in vivo applications require a sterilization step, the synthesized particles were characterized 'as prepared' and after sterilization (autoclaving, 120°C, 20 min). WCS and HS particles differ in their morphological (size and shape) and physicochemical properties. The sterilization modified markedly the shape, size and aggregation state of WCS nanoparticles. Both particles were readily internalized by osteoblastic cells by endocytosis, and showed a low intracellular dissolution rate. Concentrations of WCS and HS particles less than 500 µg ml(-1) did not affect cell proliferation, F-actin cytoskeleton organization and apoptosis rate and increased the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase and BMP-2. The two particles presented some differences in the elicited cell response. In conclusion, WCS and HS particles might exhibit an interesting profile for bone tissue applications. Results suggest the relevance of a proper particle characterization, and the interest of an individual nanoparticle targeted research.

Hematological and biochemical profiles of rats submitted to experimental poisoning with Tityus serrulatus venom / Perfis hematológicos de ratos submetidos ao envenenamento escorpiônico experimental por Tityus serrulatus

The hematological and biochemical profiles of newly weaned rats submitted to experimental poisoning with T. serrulatus venom were evaluated. Fifteen recently weaned male Wistar rats (mean weight 130g) were distributed into three equal groups (n = 5). Animals in the control group (group A) received a subcutaneous injection of 400μL of ultra-pure water, while those in the experimental groups received, by identical route, 400μL of a solution containing 100μg (group B) or 450μg (group C) of scorpion venom dissolved in ultra-pure water. Red blood cells indexes, and differential leukocyte and total platelet counts were determined, together with levels of serum glucose, urea, creatinine, lactic dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, insulin, and cortisol. No significant differences between the control and experimental groups regarding red blood cells indexes were found. In contrast, significant increases (P<0.05) in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were observed in animals from groups B and C compared with the control group, while the number of platelets decreased. Serum glucose concentration remained unchanged in all groups, but important alterations were observed in the values of urea and creatinine. The results show that scorpion venom was detrimental to renal function as demonstrated by the altered urea and creatinine levels. Pancreatic function was also impaired, as revealed by the increase in amylase activity and the reduction in insulin levels.

Avaliaram-se os perfis hematológico e bioquímico de ratos recém-desmamados submetidos ao envenenamento experimental com veneno de Tityus serrulatus. Quinze ratos Wistar machos, média de peso de 130g, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos (n = 5). Os animais do grupo-controle A foram inoculados com 400μL de água ultrapura, os do grupo experimental B receberam 400μL de uma solução contendo 100μg de veneno e os do grupo experimental C receberam 400μL de uma solução contendo 450μg de veneno. Foram determinados os índices da série vermelha, a contagem total e diferencial dos leucócitos e a contagem total de plaquetas, bem como os níveis da desidrogenase lática, aspartato aminotransferase, amilase, glicose, ureia, creatinina, cortisol e insulina. Não houve diferenças significativas entre o grupo-controle e os experimentais com relação aos índices da série vermelha. Foram observados aumentos significativos (P<0,05) no número de neutrófilos, linfócitos e monócitos nos ratos dos grupos B e C, enquanto o número de plaquetas diminuiu. A concentração de glicose permaneceu inalterada em todos os grupos, mas foram observadas importantes alterações nos valores séricos de ureia e creatinina. Esses resultados mostraram que o veneno de escorpião comprometeu o funcionamento dos rins. Como demonstrado pelo aumento da atividade da amilase sérica e a redução dos níveis de insulina, a função pancreática também foi afetada.

Stress sensitive female macaques have decreased fifth Ewing variant (Fev) and serotonin-related gene expression that is not reversed by citalopram.

Female cynomolgus monkeys exhibit different degrees of reproductive dysfunction with moderate metabolic and psychosocial stress. When stressed with a paradigm of relocation and diet for 60 days or two menstrual cycles, highly stress resilient monkeys (HSR) continued to ovulate during the stress cycles whereas stress sensitive monkeys (SS) did not. After cessation of stress, monkeys characterized as HSR or SS were administered placebo (PL) or S-citalopram (CIT) for 15 weeks at doses that normalized ovarian steroid secretion in the SS animals and that maintained blood CIT levels in a therapeutic range. After euthanasia, the brain was perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. The pontine midbrain was blocked and sectioned at 25 microm. The expression of four genes pivotal to serotonin neural function was assessed in the four groups of monkeys (n=4/group). Fev (fifth Ewing variant) ETS transcription factor, tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), and the 5HT1A autoreceptor were determined at 7-8 levels of the dorsal raphe nucleus with in situ hybridization (ISH) using radiolabeled- and digoxygenin-incorporated riboprobes. Positive pixel area and cell number were measured with Slidebook 4.2 in the digoxigenin assay for Fev. Optical density (OD) and positive pixel area were measured with NIH Image software in the radiolabeled assays for TPH2, SERT and 5HT1A. All data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. SS monkeys had significantly fewer Fev-positive cells and lower Fev-positive pixel area in the dorsal raphe than HSR monkeys. SS monkeys also had significantly lower levels of TPH2, SERT and 5HT1A mRNAs in the dorsal raphe nucleus than HSR monkeys. However, CIT did not alter the expression of either Fev, TPH2, SERT or 5HT1A mRNAs. These data suggest that SS monkeys have fewer serotonin (5-HT) neurons than HSR monkeys, and that they have deficient Fev expression, which in turn, leads to deficient TPH2, SERT and 5HT1A expression. In addition, the therapeutic effect of CIT is probably achieved through mechanisms other than alteration of 5-HT-related gene expression.

In vitro 3D assay to test angiogenic effects of human CD14+ monocytes seeded on macroporous PLGA/CaP polymers with a CaP nanostructured surface.

In this study we present a three-dimensional angiogenesis assay in vitro that allows the evaluation of the influence of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) based implants seeded with VEGF-A165 stimulated/activated human CD14+ monocytes on the attraction and migration of human micro vascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-L). Primary HMEC of the capillary bed were cultured on an extracellular matrix generated by bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC). The HMEC layer was covered by an agarose gel, upon which a Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/CaP polymer with a Calcium-Phosphate (CaP) nanostructured surface was placed. This scaffold has already been shown to interact with endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells respectively in vivo. It was seeded with angiogenically stimulated (VEGF-A165) human CD14+ monocytes, to get a monocyte/macrophage fraction, which can promote angiogenesis, tissue remodelling and tissue repair due to the secretion of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and enzymes. The study demonstrated that this assay is suitable to test angiogenic effects by stimulated human CD14+ monocytes on human microvascular endothelial cells influenced by Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/CaP scaffolds with a nanostructured CaP surface. The assay can exclude effects on migration caused by gravity and also allows testing in a physiological environment on an extracellular matrix secreted by endothelial cells.

In vitro inhibitory effect of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpom Ait.) juice on pathogenic microorganisms.

The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of cranberry juice on pathogenic microorganisms. The microorganisms analyzed were Escherichia coli from patients with urinary infections, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The disc method was used to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to cranberry juice (CJ, both concentrated and diluted). A lawn of 10(6) cfu/ml was grown on agar surfaces in Petri dishes and on Whatman discs that had been previously saturated with CJ and CJ : water 1 : 1 to 1 : 50 juice solutions had been placed on the discs, which were cultured and incubated. The results indicated that S. aureus was more susceptible to cranberry juice inhibition than the other microorganisms. L. monocytogenes was the most resistant to the inhibitory action of cranberry juice, showing a significant difference from the inhibition of P. aeruginosa, uropathogenic E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus. This study also demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of cranberry juice for E. coli took place up to a dilution of 1 : 20.

Effects of surgical removal of mandibular third molar on the periodontium of the second molar.

OBJECTIVE: The effects on periodontal tissues of adjacent second molars after semi-impacted mandibular third molar surgery were evaluated. The influence of flap design was studied. METHODS: Twenty volunteers randomly underwent the three-cornered flap technique (group A) or the distal wedge flap technique (group B). The periodontal probing depth was measured by using a 'Williams'-type probe just prior to surgery and three months post-operatively. Six sites, mesio-buccal, buccal, disto-buccal, disto-lingual, lingual and mesio-lingual, around the second molar were selected for measurement. Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn test (post hoc) were used. Significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: There were no complications (oedema, alveolitis, etc.) in any of the patients of the study. The results showed that both methods caused shallow pocket depth (P > 0.05) and there were no statistically significant differences between the flap techniques (P > 0.05). Flap design was not an important factor affecting the periodontal status of the second molar. CONCLUSION: The decision to use any of the various flap designs for access to mandibular third molars should be based on operator preference rather than on the assumption that periodontal health of the adjacent second molar will be improved.

Comparison of serum hormone levels of captive and free-living maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus.

Serum hormone levels were compared between captive and free-living maned wolves and seasonal variations of sex hormones were studied. Blood samples were collected from 16 male and 26 female adult animals from Brazilian zoos, and from 30 male and 24 female free-living adults to determine serum progesterone and testosterone by radioimmunoassay. Serum testosterone concentrations varied (P < 0.05) across seasons for 16 captive males, being higher in autumn (2184.7 +/- 355.1 pg/mL) than in summer (1080.7 +/- 205.4 pg/mL), winter (1270.1 +/- 276.6 pg/mL) and spring (963.9 +/- 248.1 pg/mL), although they did not differ between summer, winter and spring. Testosterone concentration of 30 free-living males differed (P < 0.05) between autumn (824.1 +/- 512.2 pg/mL), winter (14.4 +/- 8.0 pg/mL) and spring (151.9 +/- 90.5 pg/mL). Comparison between captive and free-living animals showed no difference in autumn (P > 0.05). Sixteen captive males showed higher testosterone concentration during winter and spring compared with 30 free-living animals (P < 0.05). Progesterone concentration varied among seasons in 26 captive females (P < 0.05), being higher in autumn (15.3 +/- 3.1 ng/mL) than in summer (6.6 +/- 1.5 ng/mL), winter (5.3 +/- 3.1 ng/mL) and spring (4.3 +/- 0.7 ng/mL). Progesterone concentration of 24 free-living females varied between autumn (17.1 +/- 6.0 ng/mL) and winter (1.7 +/- 0.3 ng/mL) (P < 0.05), but we could not obtain data for spring or summer. No difference in progesterone levels was observed between captive and free-living females in autumn and winter.

Comparison of serum hormone levels of captive and free-living maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus

Serum hormone levels were compared between captive and free-living maned wolves and seasonal variations of sex hormones were studied. Blood samples were collected from 16 male and 26 female adult animals from Brazilian zoos, and from 30 male and 24 female free-living adults to determine serum progesterone and testosterone by radioimmunoassay. Serum testosterone concentrations varied (P < 0.05) across seasons for 16 captive males, being higher in autumn (2184.7 ± 355.1 pg/mL) than in summer (1080.7 ± 205.4 pg/mL), winter (1270.1 ± 276.6 pg/mL) and spring (963.9 ± 248.1 pg/mL), although they did not differ between summer, winter and spring. Testosterone concentration of 30 free-living males differed (P < 0.05) between autumn (824.1 ± 512.2 pg/mL), winter (14.4 ± 8.0 pg/mL) and spring (151.9 ± 90.5 pg/mL). Comparison between captive and free-living animals showed no difference in autumn (P > 0.05). Sixteen captive males showed higher testosterone concentration during winter and spring compared with 30 free-living animals (P < 0.05). Progesterone concentration varied among seasons in 26 captive females (P < 0.05), being higher in autumn (15.3 ± 3.1 ng/mL) than in summer (6.6 ± 1.5 ng/mL), winter (5.3 ± 3.1 ng/mL) and spring (4.3 ± 0.7 ng/mL). Progesterone concentration of 24 free-living females varied between autumn (17.1 ± 6.0 ng/mL) and winter (1.7 ± 0.3 ng/mL) (P < 0.05), but we could not obtain data for spring or summer. No difference in progesterone levels was observed between captive and free-living females in autumn and winter.