Physical and chemical characterization of drill cuttings: A review.

Drill cuttings comprise a mixture of rocks generated during drilling activities of exploration and production of oil and gas. These residues' properties are variable, depending on several drilling parameters and drilled rock composition. Many scientific studies have been published regarding the characterization of these residues. Articles summarizing these residues' characteristics and toxicity data are poorly explored in the literature. This work reviews the principal methods used to characterize drill cuttings and data about these residues' properties. Some authors have reported the large content of Zn in drill cuttings. These cuttings can be associated with base fluids (as olefins, varying from C11 to C18), and some time crude oil (high range of TPH, unresolved complex mixtures, and PAH compounds). Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown negative impacts of different types of fluids, the components of these fluids, and cuttings on other marine organisms.

Analysis of the dielectric relaxation in reduced graphene oxide/epoxy composites materials using the modulus formalism.

This work reports an analysis of the dielectric properties of reduced graphene oxide mixed into epoxy resin, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, in the frequency range 10[Formula: see text]-10[Formula: see text] Hz and over the temperature range of 300-400 K, using impedance spectroscopy. For this study, a series of samples were prepared with various filler contents. Using the electric modulus formalism, it has been found that these composites exhibit below and above the percolation threshold [Formula: see text] a critical behavior of the dielectric relaxation phenomenon due to the single [Formula: see text]-relaxation, which is associated with the glass-rubbery transition of the epoxy matrix above the glass transition temperature. The Cole-Cole model of dielectric relaxation was used for modeling the relaxation processes from which we extract the relaxation parameters. The obtained relaxation parameters suggest a behavior close to single relaxation time.

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of human beta-defensin 1 in individuals with and without chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Human beta-defensins (hBDs) contribute to innate immunity antimicrobial activity. They are also effective in the adaptive immune response and may play a crucial role in the susceptibility to diseases of the oral cavity. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of hBD-1 in the gingival crevicular fluid of individuals with and without chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty periodontally healthy individuals (H) and 20 individuals with chronic periodontitis were recruited. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from: healthy sites (Hh) from periodontally healthy individuals; and healthy sites (Ph), sites with gingivitis (Pg), and sites with periodontitis (Pp) from individuals with periodontitis. The levels of hBD-1 (pg/mL) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons of hBD-1 between individuals (H and chronic periodontitis) and among sites (Hh, Ph, Pg, Pp) were performed through hierarchical linear modeling. RESULTS: Gingival crevicular fluid levels of hBD-1 were: Hh = 229.52 ± 138.96 (median 199.26), Ph = 53.88 ± 58.17 (median 35.75), Pg = 57.11 ± 40.18 (median 39.90) and Pp = 55.31 ± 37.28 (median 54.19). No influence of site diagnosis (level 1; health/gingivitis/periodontitis) was observed; however, individual diagnosis (level 2; health/periodontitis) influenced the levels of hBD-1 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Periodontally healthy individuals showed higher gingival crevicular fluid levels of hBD-1 when compared to individuals with chronic periodontitis. This suggests a potential protective role of hBD-1 in the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis.

Leaf blade structure of Verbesina macrophylla (Cass.) F. S. Blake (Asteraceae): ontogeny, duct secretion mechanism and essential oil composition.

Secretory structures are common in Asteraceae, where they exhibit a high degree of morphological diversity. The species Verbesina macrophylla, popularly known as assa-peixe, is native to Brazil where it is widely used for medicinal purposes. Despite its potential medical importance, there have been no studies of the anatomy of this species, especially its secretory structures and secreted compounds. This study examined leaves of V. macrophylla with emphasis on secretory structures and secreted secondary metabolites. Development of secretory ducts and the mechanism of secretion production are described for V. macrophylla using ultrastructure, yield and chemical composition of its essential oils. Verbesina macrophylla has a hypostomatic leaf blade with dorsiventral mesophyll and secretory ducts associated with vascular bundles of schizogenous origin. Histochemistry identified the presence of lipids, terpenes, alkaloids and mucopolysaccharides. Ultrastructure suggests that the secretion released into the duct lumen is produced in plastids of transfer cells, parenchymal sheath cells and stored in vacuoles in these cells and duct epithelial cells. The essential oil content was 0.8%, and its major components were germacrene D, germacrene D-4-ol, ß-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene and α-cadinol. Secretory ducts of V. macrophylla are squizogenous. Substances identified in tissues suggest that both secretions stored in the ducts and in adjacent parenchyma cells are involved in chemical defence. The essential oil is rich in sesquiterpenes, with germacrene D and its derivatives being notable components.

Effects of early aldosterone antagonism on cardiac remodeling in rats with aortic stenosis-induced pressure overload.

UNLABELLED: Aldosterone plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of systolic heart failure. However, whether early aldosterone antagonism improves cardiac remodeling during persistent pressure overload is unsettled. We evaluated the effects of aldosterone antagonist spironolactone on cardiac remodeling in rats with ascending aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: Three days after inducing AS, weaning rats were randomized to receive spironolactone (AS-SPR, 20mg/kg/day) or no drug (AS) for 18weeks, and compared with sham-operated rats. Myocardial function was studied in isolated left ventricular (LV) papillary muscles. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Echocardiogram showed that LV diastolic (Sham 8.73±0.57; AS 8.30±1.10; AS-SPR 9.19±1.15mm) and systolic (Sham 4.57±0.67; AS 3.61±1.49; AS-SPR 4.62±1.48mm) diameters, left atrial diameter (Sham 5.80±0.44; AS 7.15±1.22; AS-SPR 8.02±1.17mm), and LV mass were higher in AS-SPR than AS. Posterior wall shortening velocity (Sham 38.5±3.8; AS 35.6±5.6; AS-SPR 31.1±3.8mm/s) was lower in AS-SPR than Sham and AS; E/A ratio was higher in AS-SPR than Sham. Developed tension was lower in AS and AS-SPR than Sham. Time to peak tension was higher in AS-SPR than Sham and AS after post-rest contraction. Right ventricle weight was higher in AS-SPR than AS, suggesting more severe heart failure in AS-SPR than AS. Interstitial collagen fractional area and myocardial hydroxyproline concentration were higher in AS than Sham. Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activity, evaluated by zymography, did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Early spironolactone administration causes further hypertrophy in cardiac chambers, and left ventricular dilation and dysfunction in rats with AS-induced chronic pressure overload.

Does Clinical Treatment with Phenylbutazone and Meloxicam in the Pre-ovulatory Period Influence the Ovulation Rate in Mares?

The presence of anovulatory haemorrhagic follicles during the oestrous cycle of mares causes financial impacts, slowing conception and increasing the number of services per pregnancy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam and phenylbutazone are used in the treatment of several disorders in mares, and these drugs can impair the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) and consequently interfere with reproductive activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with NSAIDs on the development of pre-ovulatory follicles in mares. In total, 11 mares were studied over three consecutive oestrous cycles, and gynaecological and ultrasound examinations were performed every 12 h. When 32-mm-diameter follicles were detected, 1 mg of deslorelin was administered to induce ovulation. The first cycle was used as a control, and the mares received only a dose of deslorelin. In the subsequent cycles, in addition to receiving the same dose of deslorelin, each mare was treated with NSAIDs. In the second cycle, 4.4 mg/kg of phenylbutazone was administered, and in the third cycle, 0.6 mg/kg of meloxicam was administered once a day until ovulation or the beginning of follicular haemorrhage. All of the mares ovulated between 36 and 48 h after the induction in the control cycle. In the meloxicam cycle, 10 mares (92%) did not ovulate, while in the phenylbutazone cycle, nine mares (83%) did not ovulate. In both treatments, intrafollicular hyperechoic spots indicative of haemorrhagic follicles were observed on ultrasound. Thus, our results suggested that treatment with meloxicam and phenylbutazone at therapeutic doses induced intrafollicular haemorrhage and luteinization of anovulatory follicles.

Efeitos do sombreamento na anatomia foliar de Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms e Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi / Effects of shading on leaf anatomy of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms and Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi

Realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de analisar as alterações na anatomia foliar de Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms e Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi quando cultivadas em ambientes de sombra moderada ou densa, simulando as condições naturais encontradas em sistemas agroflorestais tradicionais do sul da Bahia, Brasil. Plantas das duas espécies, com aproximadamente um ano de idade, foram cultivadas em casa de vegetação sob quatro níveis de sombreamento (25%, 17%, 10% e 5%). Estudos anatômicos do limbo foliar foram realizados a partir de material incluído em parafina e seccionado em micrótomo rotativo. Os diferentes níveis de sombreamento ocasionaram alterações na estrutura do mesofilo de ambas as espécies, com diferenças significativas na espessura do parênquima paliçádico, limbo foliar, e densidade estomática. Nas condições em que o experimento foi realizado os resultados obtidos indicaram que G. integrifolia apresenta maior capacidade de aclimatação a ambientes de sombra moderada e densa do que S. terebinthifolius, sendo mais indicada para o cultivo em sistemas agroflorestais pré-estabelecidos.

This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the changes in the leaf anatomy of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms and Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi when grown in environments with moderate to dense shade, simulating the natural conditions found in traditional agroforestry systems in southern Bahia, Brazil. Plants of both species, being approximately one year-old, were grown at four irradiance levels (25%, 17%, 10% and 5%) in a greenhouse. Leaf anatomical studies were made from material embedded in paraffin and sectioned on a rotary microtome. The different irradiance levels caused a shift in the mesophyll anatomy of both species, with significant differences in palisade parenchyma thickness and leaf stomatal density. In the conditions of this experiment, the results indicated that G. integrifolia has a higher capacity for acclimatization to moderate to dense shade than S. terebinthifolius, and it is thus more suitable for cultivation in pre-established agroforestry systems.

Levantamento preliminar sobre plantas medicinais utilizadas no bairro Salobrinho no município de Ilhéus, Bahia / Preliminary survey on medicinal plants used in the district of Salobrinho in the city of Ilhéus, Bahia

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento etnobotânico das principais espécies utilizadas para fins medicinais pela comunidade Salobrinho, no município de Ilhéus (BA). Foi realizada entrevista com aplicação de questionário semi-estruturado juntamente com a coleta de material vegetal para identificação das espécies citadas. Apesar do elevado número de citações de plantas nas residências dos entrevistados apenas 51 espécies são cultivadas, as quais estão distribuídas em 32 famílias e 42 gêneros, sendo a família Lamiaceae a mais representativa, seguida por Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Verbenaceae e Poaceae. A maioria destas espécies é de porte herbáceo ou arbustivo e são plantas introduzidas. A parte mais utilizada para o preparo de remédios foi a folha (86%), sendo o chá a forma de preparo mais comum (70%). Dentre 86 diferentes indicações de uso terapêutico, as mais citadas foram relacionadas à problemas gastrointestinais com 308 citações, seguida por 171 citações referente a afecções respiratórias. A espécie com maior índice de concordância de uso corrigido foi a Lippia alba, indicada para o tratamento de dor de barriga e como calmante. Conclui-se que a localização afastada do bairro em relação aos espaços construídos da cidade, a origem rural dos seus moradores, e sua condição sócio-econômica, possivelmente contribuíram para o acúmulo de conhecimento sobre o tratamento de diversas enfermidades utilizando preparados feitos à base de plantas medicinais.

This study aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of the main speciesused for medicinal purposes by the Salobrinho community in Ilhéus (BA). Several interviews were conducted wit theh application of a semi-structured questionnaire and the collection of plant material for identification. Despite the high number of cited plants, only 51 cultivated species were found in the households of the respondents which are distributed into 32 families and 42 genera, with Lamiaceae as the most representative family, followed by Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae and Verbenaceae. Most of them were herbaceous or shrub introduced plants. The leaves were the most used portion of the plant to prepare medications (86%) and the tea was the main use (70%). There were 86 different indications and the most cited ones were related to gastrointestinal problems, with 308 citations, followed by 171 indications relating to respiratory diseases. The species with the highest corrected concordance use index was Lippia alba, indicated for the treatment of stomachache and as a tranquilizer. It was concluded that the remote location of the district in relation to the built areas of the city, the rural origins of its inhabitants, and their socioeconomic status possibly contributed to the accumulation of knowledge about the treatment of various diseases using medicinal plants.

Validation of an analytical method for the determination of cadmium (Cd) in fish by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation.

The validation of an analytical method was carried out for the determination of cadmium (Cd) in fish. The method was based on sample digestion in a microwave oven and subsequent reading using an atomic absorption spectrometer with a graphite furnace. The factorial design of experiments was applied to assess method ruggedness using the methodology of Box et al. [Box GEP, Hunter WG, Hunter JS. 1978. Statistics for experiments: an introduction to design, data analysis and model building. New York (NY): Wiley], studying the influence of sample mass, volume and concentration of acid used for sample digestion and the volume of modifier used. To study the possible matrix effect in the determination of Cd, the standard addition method was also performed. The results were treated using the OLS method. For the normality test a homoskedastic distribution was observed for the developed method and the results were adjusted to the statistical model proposed. F-tests and Student's t-tests indicated that there was no matrix effect on the calibration curve between the concentration range 1.0-10.0 µg Cd l(-1). Parameters such as selectivity, precision, decision limit, detection capability and limit of quantification were established by the method of standard addition to blank samples. The limit of quantification was 6.8 µg kg(-1). Accuracy, which was evaluated by using a certified reference material, was 107.0%. The recovery of the spiked analyte was 93.69% for the concentration of 50 µg kg(-1). Precision was defined by the coefficient of variation observed (Horrat value), estimated in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, and the values were below the limit, which is 2.0. The validation procedure confirmed the suitability of the method.

Method validation for the determination of total mercury in fish muscle by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry.

A method was validated for the determination of total Hg in fish muscle using continuous flow cold vapour atomic absorption (CVAAS) after microwave digestion in closed vessels. The method was validated according to European Union Regulations 333/2007 and 657/2002, considering the maximum level for the metal in fish, established by European Union regulation 1881/2006. The procedure for determining linear range, selectivity, recovery, precision, trueness, decision limit (CCα), detection capability (CCß), measurement uncertainty and robustness of the method is reported. The results of the validation process demonstrate the method fulfils the provisions of the Commission Regulation. The selectivity study indicated that there was no matrix effect on the calibration curve between the concentration range of 1.0 and 30.0 µg Hg l(-1). The mean recovery calculated at six levels of fortification was in the range of 94-104%. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 4.90 and 15.7 µg kg(-1), while the CCα and CCß values were 0.517 and 0.533 mg kg(-1), respectively, for the maximum contaminant level of 0.500 mg kg(-1). The relative expanded measurement uncertainty of the method was 0.055 mg kg(-1). The method was not affected by slight variations of some critical factors (ruggedness minor changes) as sample mass and volume of the HNO(3) and H(2)O(2) used in the digestion step. The method allowed accurate confirmation analyses of the CRM DORM 3. In fact, the Z-scores attained in a proficiency test round were well below the reference value of 2.0, proving the excellent performance of the laboratory.

Avaliação da utilização de medicamentos na prática clínica em um hospital público / Assessment of drugs prescribed to medical in-patients in a public hospital

Através desta pesquisa, objetivou-se estudar o consumo dos medicamentos em pacientes hospitalizados na clínica médica de um hospital público na cidade de Campina Grande (PB). O estudo caracterizou-se como descritivo e exploratório, de caráter transversal, com abordagens quali-quantitativas, e foi constituído por uma amostra de 107 pacientes que iniciaram internação na clínica médica no período de agosto de 2007 a julho de 2008. Os 107 pacientes apresentavam 270 diagnósticos ativos, sendo as doenças do aparelho circulatório as de maior ocorrência. Dos pacientes, 65,4% eram idosos e 3,33% dos medicamentos prescritos foram considerados impróprios para eles. Os pacientes que apresentaram possíveis 107 RAMs totalizaram 43%, com média de 2,32 por paciente; as que afetaram o sistema gastrintestinal dos pacientes foram as identificadas com maior frequência. Houve 42 interações distintas, envolvendo 26 tipos de fármacos. Dessa forma, os resultados podem ser úteis no estímulo ao desenvolvimento de mecanismos de avaliação de processos que visem reduzir esses riscos, aumentando a chance de resultados terapêuticos positivos e benefícios para os pacientes.

We studied the consumption of drugs by in-patients in the medical ward of a public hospital in the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. This paper describes a descriptive / exploratory cross-sectional quali-quantitative study of a sample of 107 patients who were admitted to the general medical ward, from August 2007 to July 2008. The 107 patients were diagnosed with 270 active complaints, mainly diseases of the circulatory system. Most of the patients (65.4%) were elderly and 3.33% of drugs prescribed for them are considered unfit for use in the elderly. Many patients (43%) presented 107 possible Adverse Drug Reactions, with an average of 2.32 per patient, those affecting the gastrointestinal system of the patients being identified most frequently. There were 42 different drug interactions, involving 26 types of drug. We hope these results may be useful in stimulating the development of means to assess drug treatment in hospital, so as to reduce these risks and increase the chance of positive outcomes and therapeutic benefits for the patients.

Conservação e fisiologia pós-colheita de folhas de Capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus L. ) / Conservation and postharvest physiology of leaves Capuchin (Tropaeolum majus L. )

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a vida útil pós-colheita de folhas de Capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus L.) embaladas com filme PVC de baixa densidade e proteínas nas concentrações de 1, 3 e 5 por cento. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Química e Bioquímica do Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA) da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) Areia - PB. As folhas de Capuchinha colhidas no CCA foram levadas imediatamente ao Laboratório de Química e Bioquímica, para pré-seleção, desinfestação em água clorada contendo 100mg.L-1 de cloro ativo, e seca à temperatura ambiente. Após o controle fitossanitário, as folhas foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: solução de proteína nas concentrações de 1, 3 e 5 por cento, filme PVC de baixa densidade e a testemunha sem recobrimento. As folhas foram armazenadas durante cinco dias em temperatura média de 26 - 29ºC e umidade relativa média de 59,5 - 71,5 por cento e outra parte foi armazenada em câmara fria com temperatura média de 12 ± 0,5 ºC e umidade relativa média de 95 ± 3 por cento. Durante o período de armazenamento as folhas foram avaliadas quanto à perda de massa fresca, determinação de ácido ascórbico, sólidos solúveis e acidez titulável. O armazenamento durante quatro dias sob refrigeração a temperatura média de 12 ± 0,5ºC associada ao recobrimento com filme PVC mostrou melhores resultados na conservação da vida útil pós-colheita das folhas de Capuchinha.

This study aimed to evaluate the shelf-life of Capuchin sheets (Tropaeolum majus L.) packed with plastic wrap and low density proteins at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 percent. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratório de Química e Bioquímica and the Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA) of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) Areia - PB. Capuchin leaves harvested in the CCA were taken immediately to the Laboratório de Química e Bioquímica, for pre-screening, disinfection in chlorinated water containing 100mg.L-1 of active chlorine, and dried at room temperature. After spraying, the leaves were treated as follows: protein solution at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 percent, low density plastic wrap and uncoated witness. The leaves were stored for five days in average temperature from 26 to 29ºC and relative humidity from 59.5 to 71.5 percent and another part was stored in cold with average temperature of 12 ± 0.5ºC and relative humidity of 95 ± 3 percent. During the storage period the leaves were evaluated for weight loss, determination of ascorbic acid, soluble solids and titratable acidity. Storage for four days under refrigeration at an average temperature of 12 ± 0.5ºC associated with PVC film coating showed better results in the conservation of shelf-life of Capuchin sheets.

Adubação orgânica na produção de biomassa de plantas, teor e qualidade de óleo essencial de orégano (Origanum vulgare L. ) em cultivo protegido / Organic fertilization on phytomass production and essential oil content and quality of oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ) under protected cultivation

Origanum vulgare L., conhecida como orégano, é considerada planta condimentar largamente usada na culinária. No Brasil poucas são as pesquisas com esta espécie visando maximização das técnicas de cultivo. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes doses dos adubos orgânicos bovino e aves no crescimento de plantas, teor de clorofila, teor, rendimento e qualidade do óleo essencial de orégano cultivado sob estufa. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios, sendo um com esterco bovino e o outro com esterco de aves (Poedeira). Plantas de orégano (Origanum vulgare L.) foram cultivadas em vasos de 10 L submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: Ensaio I: Esterco bovino: 1) Solo sem adubação (controle); 2) solo + 3,0 kg m-2 de esterco bovino; 3) solo + 6,0 kg m-2 de esterco bovino; 4) solo + 9,0 kg m-2 de esterco bovino; 5) solo + 12,0 kg m-2 de esterco bovino; Ensaio II - Esterco de aves: 1) solo sem adubação (Controle); 2) solo + 1,5 kg m-2 de esterco de galinha; 3) solo + 3,0 kg m-2 de esterco de galinha; 4) solo + 4,5 kg m-2 de esterco de galinha e 5) solo + 6,0 kg m-2 de esterco de galinha. Ambos os ensaios foram conduzidos em delineamento blocos ao acaso com 4 repetições e a parcela experimental composta de 4 vasos. Foi observado que as doses de adubos bovino e avícola influenciaram significativamente no crescimento das plantas, rendimento e composição química do óleo essencial de orégano.

Origanum vulgare L., known as oregano or wild marjoram, is an aromatic plant widely used in cookery. In Brazil, there are few studies with this species aimed at improving the cultivation techniques. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of cattle and chicken organic manure on plant growth, chlorophyll content, besides essential oil content, yield and quality of oregano grown in a greenhouse. Two assays were carried out, one of them used cattle manure and the other, chicken manure (Hen). Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) plants were grown in 10L-pots and subjected to the following treatments: Assay I: Cattle manure: 1) Soil without fertilization (control); 2) Soil + 3.0 kg m-2 cattle manure; 3) Soil + 6.0 kg m-2 cattle manure; 4) Soil + 9.0 kg m-2 cattle manure; and 5) Soil + 12.0 kg m-2 cattle manure; Assay II: Chicken manure: 1) Soil without fertilization (control); 2) Soil + 1.5 kg m-2 chicken manure; 3) Soil + 3.0 kg m-2 chicken manure; 4) Soil + 4.5 kg m-2 chicken manure; and 5) Soil + 6.0 kg m-2 chicken manure. The experimental design for both assays was in randomized blocks with four replicates and four pots per plot. Cattle and chicken manure levels significantly influenced oregano plant growth besides essential oil yield and chemical composition.

The synthesis and characterisation of Sn(IV) complexes of 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylate--the molecular structure of divinyltin(IV) derivative.

A series of organotin(IV) derivatives were obtained employing 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate as ligand: [{SnBu3(OOC)2C5H3N}n] (1), [SnBuCl(OOC)2C5H3N] (2) and [Sn(CHCH2)2(OOC)2C5H3N] (3). They were fully characterised by multinuclear NMR [1H, 13C{1H}, and 119Sn{1H}], IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. In addition suitable crystals of (3) have shown a dimmeric arrangement by X-ray crystallographic studies, held together by Sn-O intermolecular interactions which persists in solution. The crystal packing shows hydrogen bonds joining the dimmers, forming two infinite one-dimensional chain. Each monomer comprises a Sn(IV) centre bonded to a pyridinecarboxylate-containing ring, through both nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms. It is also co-ordinated by a water molecule and two vinyl groups.

Effects of Angular Leaf Spot and Rust on Yield Loss of Phaseolus vulgaris.

ABSTRACT Three field experiments were conducted in 1997, 1998, and 1999 to investigate the effects of angular leaf spot and rust, separately or combined, on host growth and yield of individual bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris). In each experiment, three treatments were established by inoculating cv. Carioca with Phaeoisariopsis griseola, Uromyces appendiculatus, or with both pathogens. An additional control treatment was not inoculated, but was sprayed with a fungicide. In the 1997 and 1999 experiments, angular leaf spot reached higher disease levels than rust, whereas in 1998, rust was more severe than angular leaf spot. Host growth, expressed as healthy leaf area duration (HAD), and yield were the highest in 1997 and lowest in 1998. In each experiment, the treatments did not differ significantly to the area under leaf area progress curve, HAD, and healthy leaf area absorption (HAA). All inoculated treatments had significantly more severe disease and less yield than the control treatment. Based on the analysis of 60 plants in each experiment, yield was not related to the areas under disease progress curve for either or both diseases. In 1997 and 1999, yield was related to HAD (R(2) = 0.57 and 0.43) and HAA(R(2) = 0.60 and 0.55). Based on the combined analysis of all 36 plots, angular leaf spot reduced the leaf area because of defoliation, whereas rust did not affect the leaf area. Rust reduced yield more than four times that of angular leaf spot, although the decrease in photosynthesis to angular leaf spot was twice that of rust.

Paleoparasitology: perspectives with new techniques.

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasites found in archaeological material. The development of this field of research began with histological identification of helminth eggs in mummy tissues, analysis of coprolites, and recently through molecular biology. An approach to the history of paleoparasitology is reviewed in this paper, with special reference to the studies of ancient DNA identified in archaeological material.

Influence of different metal restorations bonded with resin on fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolars.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fracture of endodontically treated teeth has been of great interest because it is a common clinical occurrence. PURPOSE OF STUDY: This research evaluated the fracture resistance of endodontically treated first maxillary premolars restored with different metal restorations and bonded with Panavia Ex resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty teeth were randomly divided into five groups with MOD tooth preparation: (1) inlay with an isthmus width of one third the intercuspal distance for a silver amalgam restoration (negative control), (2) inlay with an isthmus width equal to that in group 1, (3) inlay with an isthmus width of half the intercuspal distance, (4) equal to group 3 with lingual and proximal preparation, and (5) onlay (positive control). The cast restorations of groups 2, 3, and 4 were bonded with Panavia Ex resin and those from group 5 cemented with zinc phosphate cement. Samples were restored and subjected to thermocycling, and the teeth were submitted to an axial compressive force. RESULTS: The cast inlay restorations that bonded with Panavia Ex resin significantly elevated the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolars compared with the silver amalgam restorations. However, teeth restored with cast onlay restorations cemented with zinc phosphate cements recorded the best results. CONCLUSION: The increase of fracture resistance by MOD inlay cast restoration bonded with Panavia Ex resin suggested valid clinical application within the conditions of this study.

Avaliacao da precalicreina plasmatica na forma hepatoesplenica da esquistossomose mansonica. / Plasma pre-kalikrein levels in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni

A precalicreina plasmatica, pro-enzima que participa do sub-sistema de contato da coagulacao, foi avaliada em 19 doentes portadores da forma compensada da esquistossomose hepatesplenica, assim como em 9 individuos de grupo controle. A media obtida para o grupo esquistossomotico (24,3 +/- 2,0 microkat/I) foi menor (p<0,05) da que foi obtida para o grupo controle (34,2 +/- 2,2 microkat/I; as medias obtidas para a concentracao plasmatica da albumina nao diferiram (p > 0,05) nos dois grupos estudados. A diminuicao observada na atividade plasmatica da precalicreina pode indicar: 1. ser esta proteina um marcador de sintese hepatocitica mais sensivel que a albumina ou/e 2. a ocorrencia na esquistossomose hepatesplenica de um "turnover" aumentado desta pro-enzima