Conversion of a sequential inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer into a multichannel simultaneous system using a photodiode array detector

A monochannel plasma emission spectrometer was converted to a multichannel instrument by the introduction of a detection system based on an array of 1024 photodiodes and a low-resolution dispersion device. The new, relatively inexpensive equipment, features both the high speed typical of simultaneous instruments and the versatility of scanning systems. This paper reports on an evaluation of the modified equipment for quantitative analysis with the simultaneous determination of Al, Mn, Mg, Ca, Fe and Cu in a natural water matrix. An average relative prediction error of 2.4% was found which is the same as the error obtained with the conventional analytical method. Data acquisition with the modified instrument is up to 40 times faster

Sperm Ultrastructure Of Mytella (bivalvia) Populations From Distinct Habitats Along The Northern Coast Of São Paulo State, Brazil.

Ultrastructural analyses of bivalve spermatozoa are relevant in studies that aim to identify taxonomic traits for the purposes of discriminating species and conducting phylogenetic studies. In the present work, spermatozoa of mussel specimens of the genus Mytella, collected from two populations living in distinct habitats, were examined by electron microscopy. The objective was to identify sperm ultrastructural taxonomic traits that could be used to differentiate Mytella species. The specimens were from populations that live in intertidal zones on the southeast coast of Brazil, either buried in muddy-sand sediment or anchored to rocky substrates. The acrosomal vesicle was conical and long, the axial rod extended from the nucleus to the acrosome, the nucleus was an oblate spheroid with a condensed chromatin, the intermediate portion contained mitochondria encircling a pair of centrioles, and there was a single flagellum. The sperm was of a primitive type. The spermatozoon ultrastructure did not distinguish the specimens buried in muddy-sand sediment from those anchored to rocky substrates. The data suggest that the specimens analyzed, despite living in distinct habitats, belong to the same species, which conchological analyses identified as M. charruana. The presence of an axial rod in their sperm cells supports the inclusion of M. charruana in the subfamily Mytilinae.34103-1

Risk factors for Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal respiratory tract colonization in CVID

To the Editor: Disease-specific studies focused on infection risk in common variable immune deficiencies (CVIDs) are needed to define strategies for controlling respiratory infections predominantly due to bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.1 Little information is available on the rate of airway bacterial carriage and its consequence in hypogammaglobulinemias. Despite IgG replacement, recurrent respiratory infections are common in CVID, possibly leading to chronic lung damage2 and poor quality of life.3 Thus, patients are often prescribed antibiotics and/or long-term antimicrobial prophylactic regimens. Several regimens are used including rotation or periodically changing antibiotics.4 However, antibiotics influence antimicrobial resistance among airway microbiota. In a recent meta-analysis on patients with chronic lung diseases, 30% of S pneumoniae showed resistance to macrolides.

Detection and Characterization of Bovine Rumen Microorganisms Resistant to Sodium Fluoroacetate

Background: Poisoning of animals due to toxic plants is found in Brazil and other countries. One of the known toxic plants in Brazil, with the active ingredient sodium fluoroacetate (SF), is Palicourea marcgravii. Dehalogenases that inactivate the fluor-carbon bonds are enzymes found in microorganisms and may prevent intoxication. This study evaluated the occurrence of rumen microorganisms naturally resistant to SF.Materials, Methods & Results: Two samples of rumen fluid of cattle from the Experimental Farm of Federal University of Mato Grosso fed with Brachiaria sp. were obtained via fistula in flasks. An aliquot of 2 mL was placed in a microtube and centrifuged at 9000 g for 1 min. Then, the sample was inoculated into 2 tubes, one containing 100 µL of clarified rumen fluid in 2 mL of modified liquid culture medium (0.1% ammonium sulfate, 0.1% potassium phosphate monobasic, 0.05% sodium phosphate dibasic, 0.01% magnesium sulfate, 0.01% yeast extract, pH 7.0) and 0.4% of SF and the other sample containing 2 mL of liquid culture medium and 100 µL of clarified rumen fluid. The 2 samples were incubated at 40°C for 24 h. Dilutions were performed under the same conditions every 24 h until the attainment of microorganisms resistant to SF, and the finaldilution containing 50 µL of each sample was plated in the middle containing SF (0.4%) and incubated at 40°C for 24 h for the isolation of bacteria. The bacterial colonies resistant to SF were identified by morphological methods, stained, and subjected to DNA extraction sequencing using the universal primers 27f and 1492r (16S rDNA) for the identification of the bacterial genus using Blast DNA identity analysis. These bacteria were cultured with and without SF (0.4%), and the presence of fluoride ions was detected by an ion-selective electrode (fluoride) during incubation for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. Two resistant microorganisms were isolated, one was a Gram-positive coccus and the other was a Gram-positive rod. DNA sequencing identified these organisms as Enterococcus faecalis (98% identity Genbank 1358689) and Bacillus sp. (89% identity Genbank 1358671). Fluoride ions were detected more at 60-min incubation time in both E. faecalis (0.0560 ppm) and Bacillus sp. (0.0488 ppm). Bioassay protection tests were performed in mice ofthe following four groups: negative control (NC) with saline administration, positive control (PC) with administration of plant containing SF, Bacillus group (BG) with administration of plant containing SF plus Bacillus sp., and coccus group (CG) with administration of SF and E. faecalis. Clinical signs were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to confirm the differences in the groups. Bioassay protection tests showed clinical signs of intoxication in the PC group (83.3%), BG group (100%), and CG group (16.6%) but not in the NC group (0%), with a statistical difference between GC and PC groups (P < 0.05).Discussion: Several environmental bacteria possessing dehalogenase activity have been described, such as Pseudomonas sp., Moraxella sp., and Burkholderia sp. and Pigmentiphaga kullae and Ancylobacter dichloromethanicus isolated from the rumen. No previous study has yet reported an association between dehalogenase activity and E. faecalis, and the protection assay has been observed only in the E. faecalis group. Similar results were observed in experimental intoxication in goats that had previously consumed SF, with the microorganisms identified being Pigmentiphaga kullae and Ancylobacter dichloromethanicus. E. faecalis, isolated from the bovine rumen, exhibited a dehalogenase activity, which could help control animal poisoning by plants containing SF

Effects of experimental design on calibration curve precision in routine analysis

A computational program which compares the effciencies of different experimental designs with those of maximum precision (D-optimized designs) is described. The program produces confidence interval plots for a calibration curve and provides information about the number of standard solutions, concentration levels and suitable concentration ranges to achieve an optimum calibration. Some examples of the application of this novel computational program are given, using both simulated and real data

Classification of gasoline as with or without dispersant and detergent additives using infrared spectroscopy and multivariate classification

AbstractGasoline may contain additives which can minimize the amount of pollutants emitted to the atmosphere. Detergents and dispersants added to gasoline can reduce gas emissions towards atmosphere and the formation of deposits in engines. The Brazilian Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuel (ANP) has established that Brazilian commercial gasoline must contain detergent and dispersant additives, thus requiring the development of methods for their identification in commercial gasoline. This work proposes a methodology which uses infrared spectra in the medium and near region (MIR and NIR) of the residue of distillation for classification of gasoline samples into two groups: with or without detergent/dispersant additives. The performances of three types of classification methods were compared: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and Support Vector Machines (SVM). Different algorithms for selection of spectral variables for LDA were evaluated: stepwise (SW), genetic algorithm (GA) and successive projections algorithm (SPA). The best results were obtained using LDA/GA or SPA/LDA for MIR region

Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis with Oral Manifestation: Case Report

La Leishmaniasis es un grupo de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores y causada por la Leishmania, un parásito intracelular, que se presenta de preferencia en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Se manifiesta mediante un amplio rango de formas clínicas como la cutánea, mucocutánea, y visceral, dependiendo de la especie y respuesta inmunológica del paciente. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 35 años que acudió derivado a Unidad de Estomatología del Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta, Argentina, presentando en la cavidad oral lesión, granulomatosa, ulcerada, dolorosa a la palpación, única, en paladar blando, de tres meses de evolución. Se realizaron estudios serológicos, parasitológicos y PCR. Los ELISAs lisados, PCRs y cultivos de materiales de lesiones fueron positivos, confirmando diagnóstico de leishmaniasis mucocutánea. El paciente fue derivado al Servicio de Dermatología donde recibió tratamiento con Antimoniato de Meglumina, con repuesta clínica favorable. El conocimiento de las manifestaciones orales puede llevar al diagnóstico clínico de leishmaniasis mucocutánea por parte del odontólogo, pudiendo entregar un tratamiento oportuno y a la vez ayudar al paciente, evitando complicaciones de esta enfermedad.Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne diseases caused by Leishmania, an intracellular parasite, which occurs preferentially in tropical and subtropical regions. It manifests itself through a wide range of clinical forms such as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral, depending on the species and the patient's immune response. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who was referred to the Stomatology Unit of the Señor del Milagro Hospital, Salta, Argentina, presenting in the oral cavity lesion, granulomatous, ulcerated, painful on palpation, unique, soft palate with three months of evolution. Serological, parasitological and PCR studies were performed. Lysed ELISAs, PCRs and cultures of lesion materials were positive, confirming diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. The patient was referred to the Dermatology Service where he received treatment with Meglumine Antimony, with favorable clinical response. The knowledge of the oral manifestations can lead to the clinical diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis by the dentist, being able to provide timely treatment and at the same time help the patient, avoiding complications of this disease.Fil: Molina Avila, Ignacio Javier. Hospital Señor del Milagro; ArgentinaFil: Pimentel Sola, Juan Martin. Hospital Señor del Milagro; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Bustos, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Patología Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Instituto de Patología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Pimentel Solá, María Julia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Patología Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Instituto de Patología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Marco, Jorge Diego. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Patología Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Instituto de Patología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Brunetto, Guadalupe. Hospital Señor del Milagro; ArgentinaFil: Córdoba, Mauree. Hospital Señor del Milagro; ArgentinaFil: Cordero Torres, Karina. Universidad de Viña del Mar (uvm)

Terapia Ocupacional na Atenção Básica: a construção de uma prática

Trata-se de experiência de estágio de Terapia Ocupacional na Atenção Básica desenvolvida no Curso de Terapia Ocupacional da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública em Salvador, na Bahia. O estágio teve início no ano de 2008 em um Centro de Saúde da cidade, fruto de atividades de ensino, pesquisa e extensão do grupo de pesquisa "Modos de Vida e Territórios Urbanos" e constituiu um campo de estudos e práticas voltado para pessoas com deficiência em seus contextos próprios de vida. A partir disto, os estagiários avaliaram e acompanharam pessoas de uma microárea identificadas pela pesquisa, assim como planejaram e realizaram ações do âmbito domiciliar ao territorial. A experiência proporcionou maior integração ensino-serviço, visto que foi respaldada por uma prática condizente com as limitações e possibilidades tanto das pessoas com deficiência quanto do serviço. Proporcionou, também, mudanças na maneira de ver e atuar dos estudantes em dado território.This article presents a practice placement experience in Primary Care within the Occupational Therapy degree course at Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, located in Salvador, Brazil. The practice in a healthcare center, which began in 2008, was the result of teaching, research and extension activities developed by the research group "Livelihoods and Urban Territories" and constituted a field of study and practice regarding people with disabilities in their own environment. The trainees evaluated and followed the people of a micro-area identified by the research, as well as planned actions to be carried out at home and within the community. The experience provided better teaching-service integration as it was supported by a practice which took into account the limits and possibilities of both the people with disabilities and the healthcare center. Furthermore, it changed the way students perceived and acted in a given territory

Depressão e ansiedade em crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados na cidade de Aracaju / Depression and anxiety in institutionalized children and adolescents in the city of Aracaju

Crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados frequentemente apresentam algum tipo de sofrimento psíquico. Além disso, é comum que possuam histórico de adversidades, tais como violência, negligência, mendicância e abuso de substâncias por parte de seus pais. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a prevalência de transtornos ansiosos e depressivos em crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados na cidade de Aracaju, bem como relacioná-los a repercussões escolares e às possíveis adversidades vivenciadas. Este é um estudo descritivo e qualiquantitativo realizado em quatro Casas Lares de Aracaju, com uma amostra de 19 jovens, dos 7 aos 16 anos, e quatro cuidadoras, que responderam sobre os menores. Dois questionários foram aplicados: a Escala para Transtornos Relacionados à Ansiedade Infantil (SCARED) e o Questionário de Depressão Infantil (CDI), adaptados à linguagem da população estudada. Para fins desta pesquisa, os participantes foram questionados sobre seus históricos de abusos na infância. Realizou-se também um grupo focal com sete desses adolescentes, de idades entre 7 e 16 anos, no qual foram abordados temas relacionados à vivência nas casas lares. Segundo resultados apontados pelos jovens, detectou-se ansiedade social em 57,9% dos participantes; ansiedade de separação em 63,1%; transtorno do pânico em 73,7%; transtorno de ansiedade generalizada em 36,8% e depressão em 47,7%. Estes números foram incompatíveis com os apresentados pelas cuidadoras, evidenciando possível falta de atenção por parte dessas. Além disso, foi observado que a maioria dos menores participantes desta pesquisa sofreram adversidades anteriormente ao ingresso nas instituições, sugerindo conexões entre abuso, institucionalização e sofrimento psíquico.