bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo Herpesvírus Bovino Tipo 1 em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros da região Amazônica maranhense
Authors: Bezerra D.C. , Chaves N.P. , Sousa V.E. , Santos H.P. , Pereira H.M.
Published: September 2014

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a frequência e os fatores de risco para a infecção pelo Herpesvírus Bovino Tipo 1 (BoHV-1) em fêmeas bovinas leiteiras na região Amazônica maranhense. Amostras de soro de animais não vacinados contra o BoHV-1 e provenientes de 40 propriedades foram submetidas à técnica de ELISA indireto. Em cada propriedade avaliada, aplicou-se ainda um questionário epidemiológico para investigar os fatores de risco que poderiam estar associados à infecção pelo vírus. Das 400 amostras de soro analisadas, 69,25% (n = 277) foram reagentes com a detecção de bovinos sorologicamente positivos em 100% (n = 40) das propriedades. Dentre os fatores de risco avaliados, faixa etária entre 3 a 7 anos, ausência de assistência veterinária e sinais respiratórios apresentaram significância estatística (P < 0,05) associada à infecção pelo BoHV-1. Os resultados do estudo indicam que a frequência de anticorpos contra o BoHV-1 foi elevada na região Amazônica maranhense e que os fatores relacionados às características das propriedades e ao manejo foram associados ao risco de infecção pelo BoHV-1.
Seletividade do herbicida saflufenacil aplicado em pós-emergência em dez variedades de cana-de-açúcar na condição de soca
Authors: Costa S.Í.A. , Martins D. , Cardoso L.A. , Rodrigues A.C.P. , Vitorino H.S. , Marques R.P.
Published: September 2014

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a seletividade do herbicida saflufenacil de forma isolada e em mistura, aplicado em pós-emergência inicial sobre dez variedades de cana-de-açúcar em condição de cana-soca. O experimento foi instalado no Município de Botucatu, SP. O deli-neamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com os tratamentos dispostos em parcelas subdivididas tendo como tratamento principal as variedades de cana-de-açúcar e como tratamento secundário o herbicida saflufenacil + Assist (0,07 kg ha-1 + 0,5% v/v); saflufenacil + Break Thru (0,140 kg ha-1 + 0,05% v/v); saflufenacil (0,280 kg ha-1) e ametryne + clomazone (3,0 + 2,0 L i. a. ha-1), aplicados aos 49 dias após o corte, além de uma testemunha sem aplicação. As plantas de cana-de-açúcar encontravam-se, por ocasião da aplicação, com 2 a 4 folhas. As dez variedades utilizadas foram: SP83-2847, SP80-3280, RB855453, SP80-1842, SP89-1115, RB867515, PO8862, RB855156, SP80-1816 e SP81-3250. Para a aplicação dos herbicidas utilizou-se um pulverizador costal pressurizado a CO2 equipado com barra de aplicação com seis pontas Teejet XR11002VS, à 200 kPa no volume de aplicação de 200 L ha-1. As avaliações visuais de controle foram realizadas aos 3, 7, 15, 21, 30, 45 e 60 dias após a aplicação. As injúrias visuais inicialmente observadas nas plantas de cana-de-açúcar foram dependentes da variedade e dos herbicidas e doses testados. Todos os tratamentos químicos foram seletivos às diferentes variedades estudadas, não afetando o rendimento de colmos e açúcar.
Qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de sementes de pinhão manso tratadas com fungicidas
Authors: Venturoso L.R. , Lourenção A.L.F. , Pezarico C.R. , Gavassoni W.L. , Bacchi L.M.A.
Published: September 2014

Foram desenvolvidos dois experimentos na Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência dos fungicidas, Carboxin + Thiram e Carbendazin + Thiram, em diferentes doses, na sanidade de sementes e seu efeito sobre o vigor de plântulas. Os fungicidas, Carboxin + Thiram foi avaliado nas doses de 350, 450 e 550 mL e Carbendazin + Thiram nas doses de 200, 300 e 400 mL, sendo as respectivas doses para 100 kg de sementes. O delineamento experimental para ambos os ensaios foi inteiramente casualizado com 7 tratamentos, 10 repetições para o ensaio de sanidade e 5 repetições para análise do vigor. Analisaram-se a porcentagem de incidência de fungos nas sementes e o vigor de plântulas, por meio da emergência a campo, índice de velocidade de emergência e altura de plantas. Relata-se a incidência de Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Phomopsis sp. e Rhizopus sp., sendo Carboxin + Thiram na dose de 550 mL, o tratamento mais eficiente no controle dos patógenos. Quanto à emergência a campo, ambos os fungicidas foram eficientes, proporcionando aumentos que variaram de 48,9 a 97,4% de emergência. O índice de velocidade de emergência foi favorecido pelos tratamentos com Carboxin + Thiram na dose de 550 mL e Carbendazin + Thiram nas doses de 300 e 400 ml. Constatou-se que Fusarium sp. foi o patógeno com maior percentual de incidência sobre as sementes, todavia, as maiores correlações com a baixa emergência foram observadas pela presença dos fungos Penicillium sp. e Phomopsis sp.
Eficiência de herbicidas no controle de plantas daninhas latifoliadas em mamona
Authors: Vitorino H.S. , Martins D. , Costa S.Í.A. , Marques R.P. , Souza G.S.F. de , Campos C.F. de
Published: September 2014

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de diferentes herbicidas, aplicados em jato dirigido, no controle de plantas daninhas dicotiledôneas na cultura da mamona. Os herbicidas testados foram: saflufenacil (28, 40 e 56 g ha-1), carfentrazone-ethyl (30 g ha-1), flumioxazin (25 g ha-1), glyphosate (720 g ha-1) e glyphosate + saflufenacil (720 + 28 g ha-1) aplicados em pós-emergência em três espécies de plantas daninhas (Richardia brasilienses, Sida rhombifolia e Ipomoea grandifolia), além de uma testemunha sem aplicação de herbicida. Os herbicidas foram pulverizados quando as plantas de mamona apresentavam 0,50 a 0,70 m de altura. As avaliações visuais de controle foram realizadas aos 3, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos. O estudo foi instalado no delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. O herbicida saflu-fenacil foi eficiente no controle de todas as plantas daninhas estudadas, sendo que os herbicidas carfentrazone-ethyl e flumioxazin obtiveram apenas controles satisfatórios das plantas daninhas. A mistura testada foi eficiente no controle de todas as plantas daninhas.
Sorgoleone: benzoquinona lipídica de sorgo com efeitos alelopáticos na agricultura como herbicida
Authors: Santos I.L.V.L. , Silva C.R.C. da , Santos S.L. dos , Maia M.M.D.
Published: September 2014

A cultura do sorgo cresceu rapidamente nestes últimos anos, por ser uma planta com características xerófilas, apresentando um aumento de sua produção principalmente na região nordeste devido a sua capacidade de suportar ambientes de cultivo mais secos. As ervas daninhas são um grande problema para os cultivares, pois estas podem reduzir significativamente a produção de grãos, particularmente quando surgem nas fases iniciais das culturas. Visando a obtenção de culturas resistentes às ervas daninhas, estudos têm sido realizados demonstrando que algumas plantas possuem uma defesa natural que consiste na capacidade de um organismo produzir metabólitos que atuam inibindo ou o crescimento ou o desenvolvimento de outros organismos que estão próximos; a esta capacidade dá-se o nome de alelopatia. O sorgo é uma das plantas que possuem sua alelopatia comprovada, produzindo um complexo de substâncias lipídicas e proteínas denominados genericamente de sorgoleone, tendo como seu principal composto o 2-hidroxi-5-metoxi-3-[(Z,Z)-8',11',14'-pentadecatrieno]-p-benzoquinona, que é naturalmente liberado para o solo a partir dos tricomas das suas raízes e, no momento em que entram em contato com as ervas daninhas, inibem seu crescimento. Devido a tais características inerentes à cultura do sorgo, este trabalho tem como objetivo discorrer sobre os possíveis benefícios do uso desse cereal devido a sua comprovada alelopatia, bem como informar os conhecidos mecanismos de produção e atuação dos principais compostos constituintes do sorgoleone produzidos pelas suas raízes.
Development and physical evaluation of Maytenus ilicifolia effervescent granules using factorial design
Authors: Cunha-Filho Marcilio Sérgio Soares da , Gustmann Pricila Castilho , Garcia Felipe Sanches , Lima Eliana Martins , Sá-Barreto Lívia Cristina Lira de
Published: September 2014

The medicinal plant Maytenus ilicifolia is a commonly used phytomedicine for the treatment of gastritis. The high dose required and low density of these extracts make necessary a daily intake of several capsules, hindering adherence to the medication. The purpose of this work was to develop a suitable dosage form for the administration of Maytenus ilicifolia using effervescent granules. A 23 factorial design was used to study the physical characteristics of the granules (particle size distribution, repose angle, Carr index, scanning electron microscopy and disintegration time). Moisture stability was also determined. According to the experimental design, granule size is the most important factor in determining the flow characteristics of effervescent granules. In turn, the disintegration time is controlled by the content of sodium bicarbonate present in the effervescent mixture as well as the granule size. The stability of formulations when exposed to moisture is strongly influenced by the percentage of effervescent mixture present in the vegetal granules. Precautions in handling and storage should be taken to ensure the stability of these preparations. The effervescent granules produced from Maytenus ilicifolia met the pharmacopoeial quality parameters, with appropriate mechanical and physical characteristics and proved to be a promising vehicle for plant extracts.
Influence of papain in biofilm formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates
Authors: Oliveira Hanna Lara da Cruz Dinéas de , Fleming Maria Emília Castro Kling , Silva Patrícia Vollu , Paula Geraldo Renato de , Futuro Débora Omena , Velarde Guillermo Coca , Esper Luciana Maria Ramires , Teixeira Lenise Arneiro
Published: September 2014

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSHa) are important coagulase-negative staphylococci. They are often isolated from bacteremia in humans mainly due to their ability to form biofilm on the surfaces of medical devices. Papain is a complex mixture of proteolytic enzymes and peroxidases extracted from the latex of Carica papaya and it is recognized by accelerating the healing process of wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the MRSE and MRSHa isolates to produce biofilms. Besides this, the ability of papain to inhibit the formation of biofilms or to disrupt the ones already formed by those bacteria was analyzed. Thirty MRSHa and 30 MRSE were isolated from bacteremia and used in this study. It was observed that papain has ability to reduce biofilms formed by MRSE (p < 0.06) and by MRSHa (p = 0.0005). In addition, papain was able to disrupt mature biofilms made by MRSE (p = 0.014). No antibacterial activity of papain was observed for any isolates of MRSE and MRSHa tested. Papain has been demonstrated as a potential product for reducing biofilm.
Safety assessment of essential medicines for elderly people: a bibliographic survey
Authors: Varallo Fabiana Rossi , Oliveira Fernanda Mariana de , Mastroianni Patrícia de Carvalho
Published: September 2014

Certain medicines are considered potentially inappropriate (PIM) for elderly people as they increase the risk of adverse drug events (ADE) and because safer alternative therapies are available on the market. In this context, in order to identify the instruments that assess the quality of medical prescriptions for elderly and to determine which drugs are considered PIM, a bibliographic survey was conducted in PUBMED, LILACS and PAHO databases, in February and March/2010. The search strategy included the use of health descriptors and a manual search in the references cited by selected papers. During the period of data collection, 15 instruments were identified. In 2012, with the publication of the update of Beers criteria, this instrument was included in the study. We identified 163 PIM of 25 therapeutic classes, of which 125 (76.7%) are marketed in Brazil. Of these, 31 (24.8%) are essential medicines (RENAME 2012), of which 13 have safer therapeutic equivalents and 19 (15.2%) are over-the-counter drugs. Data suggest the need for inclusion of safer alternatives for the elderly in the national list of essential medicines and the pharmaceutical care for early detection of ADE in this age group, in order to contribute to the safe use of medicines.
Obligations, precautions and pending issues in regulatory development for radiopharmaceuticals in Brazil
Authors: Gamboa Maryelle Moreira Lima , Roesch Heveline Rayane Moura , Lemos Vanessa Pinheiro Amaral , Rocha Bruna Oliveira , Santos-Oliveira Ralph
Published: September 2014

Radiopharmaceuticals are compounds that have a radionuclide and may be gamma-radiation emitter (γ) or positrons emitter (β+), linked to a molecule with specific diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The progress in the use of radiopharmaceuticals has culminated to a sector in common with other types of drugs: regulation and surveillance. From 2006 on, production, marketing and use of these drugs were open to the Brazilian market granting much more freedom due to the Constitutional Amendment 49, resulting from the previous Constitutional Amendment 199/03 which removes the Union monopoly for this kind of manipulation and granted this production to other nuclear medicine. From this date on, the amount of this type of sold product have been greatly increased, and the nucleus of surveillance and regulation in Brazil have also advanced in the legislative processes, creating documents that are now more focused on radiopharmaceuticals in the national territory (Resolutions No. 63 and No. 64). In international overview, there is too much to be done in regulatory terms in Brazil, such as adding mainly issues of drugs surveillance to pharmacovigilance practice in radiopharmaceuticals drugs.
A novel validated UPLC method for quantitation of lopinavir and ritonavir in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulation with its impurities
Authors: Killi Gnana Deepika , Maddinapudi Rama Krishna , Dinakaran Sathis Kumar , Harani Avasarala
Published: September 2014

A simple gradient Ultra Performance liquid chromatographic method (UPLC) was developed for determination of lopinavir and ritonavir from its related impurities and assay for the ﬁrst time. This method involves the use of a C18 (Acquity UPLC BEH C18, 50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm) column thermostated at 30 oC using triethylamine (pH 2.2): 0.1% H3PO4 in acetonitrile and methanol (85:15) as mobile phase in gradient elution mode. A Photo Diode Array (PDA) detector set at 215 nm was used for detection with flow rate 0.4 mL/min. This method was validated over the range of limit of quantitation (LOQ) to 50 to 150% of impurity speciﬁcation limit and of working concentration for assay. The developed method was validated for linearity, range, precision, accuracy and speciﬁcity. This method was successfully applied for content determination of lopinavir and ritonavir in pharmaceutical formulations. This method can be conveniently used in quality control laboratory for routine analysis for assay and related substances as well as for evaluation of stability samples of bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.
Hypotensive effect and endothelium-dependent vascular action of leaves of Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum
Authors: Silva Alessandra Tesch da , Lima Ewelyne Miranda de , Caliman Isabela Faco , Porto Leonardo Luiz Souza , Nascimento Andrews Marques do , Kalil Iêda Carneiro , Lenz Dominik , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Endringer Denise Coutinho , Andrade Tadeu Uggere de
Published: September 2014

The aims of this study were to evaluate the chemical profile, vascular reactivity, and acute hypotensive effect (AHE) of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum (EEAP). Its chemical profile was evaluated using HPLC-UV, ICP-OES, and colorimetric quantification of total flavonoids and polyphenols. The vascular reactivity of the extract was determined using the mesenteric bed isolated from WKY. AHE dose-response curves were obtained for both EEAP and inorganic material isolated from AP (IAP) in WKY and SHR animals. Cytotoxic and mutagenic safety levels were determined by the micronucleus test. Rutin-like flavonoids were quantified in the EEAP (1.8 ± 0.03%), and the total flavonoid and polyphenol ratios were 4.1 ± 1.8% and 5.1 ± 0.3%, respectively. We observed that the vasodilation action of EEAP was partially mediated by nitric oxide (·NO). The IAP showed the presence of calcium (137.76 ± 4.08 μg mg-1). The EEAP and IAP showed an AHE in WKY and SHR animals. EEAP did not have cytotoxic effects or cause chromosomic alterations. The AHE shown by EEAP could result from its endothelium-dependent vascular action. Rutin-like flavonoids, among other polyphenols, could contribute to these biological activities, and the calcium present in EEAP could act in a synergistic way.
Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts from the Brazilian grape sourdough
Authors: Aplevicz Krischina Singer , Mazo Jaciara Zarpellon , Ilha Eunice Cassanego , Dinon Andréia Zilio , Sant´Anna Ernani Sebastião
Published: September 2014

Sourdough is a mixture of flour and water fermented by lactic acid bacteria and yeast, with a large use in bakery products. This study was developed with Brazilian grape (Niagara rosada) sourdough obtained from spontaneous fermentation. The aim of this work was to characterize genotypic and phenotypically lactic acid bacteria and yeasts isolated from sourdough. The phenotypic identification for bacteria and yeasts was performed by using the kit API50CHL and 20CAUX and the genotypic characterization was performed by sequencing method. A total of four isolated strains were analyzed in this study. Two of these strains were phenotypically and genotypic identified as Lactobacillus paracasei and one as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Another sample phenotypically identified as Candida pelliculosa did not show the same identity by sequencing. It shows the need to use phenotypic and genotypic characterization associated for the correct microorganism identification.
Development of dissolution test method for a telmisartan/amlodipine besylate combination using synchronous derivative spectrofluorimetry
Authors: Anumolu Panikumar Durga , Neeli Sirisha , Anuganti Haripriya , Ranganatham Sathesh Babu Puvvadi , Satya Subrahmanyam Chavali Venkata
Published: September 2014

The dissolution process is considered an important in vitro tool to evaluate product quality and drug release behavior. Single dissolution methods for the analysis of combined dosage forms are preferred to simplify quality control testing. The objective of the present work was to develop and validate a single dissolution test for a telmisartan (TEL) and amlodipine besylate (AML) combined tablet dosage form. The sink conditions, stability and specificity of both drugs in different dissolution media were tested to choose a discriminatory dissolution method, which uses an USP type-II apparatus with a paddle rotating at 75 rpm, with 900 mL of simulated gastric fluid (SGF without enzymes) as the dissolution medium. This dissolution methodology provided good dissolution profiles for both TEL and AML and was able to discriminate changes in the composition and manufacturing process. To quantify both drugs simultaneously, a synchronous first derivative spectrofluorimetric method was developed and validated. Drug release was analyzed by a fluorimetric method at 458 nm and 675 nm for AML and TEL, respectively. The dissolution method was validated as per ICH guidance.
Genetic heterogeneity of Escherichia coli isolated from pasteurized milk in State of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Oltramari Karine , Cardoso Rosilene Fressati , Patussi Eliana Valéria , Santos Adolfo Carlos Barreto , Mikcha Jane Martha Graton
Published: September 2014

Food contamination caused by enteric pathogens is a major cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, resulting in high morbidity and mortality and significant economic losses. Bacteria are important agents of foodborne diseases, particularly diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. The present study assessed the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolates from pasteurized milk processed in 21 dairies in northwestern State of Parana, Brazil. The 95 E. coli isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and assessed genotypically by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR). The highest rate of resistance was observed for cephalothin (55.78%). ERIC-PCR revealed high genetic diversity, clustering the 95 bacterial isolates into 90 different genotypic patterns. These results showed a heterogeneous population of E. coli in milk samples produced in the northwestern region of Paraná and the need for good manufacturing practices throughout the processing of pasteurized milk to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Passiflora incarnata treatment during gestation and lactation: toxicological and antioxidant evaluation in wistar dams
Authors: Boll Karine Maria , Bortolasci Chiara Cristina , Zaminelli Tiago , Veríssimo Luiz Fernando , Bacchi André Demambre , Higachi Luciana , Barbosa Décio Sabbatini , Moreira Estefânia Gastaldello
Published: September 2014

Passiflora incarnata is marketed in many countries as a phytomedicine. Even though the directions of most marketed phytomedicines recommend them to be used under medical supervision, reproductive and developmental studies are sparse and not mandatory for regulatory purposes. In this study, a reproductive toxicity evaluation of P. incarnata was conducted in Wistar rats gavaged (30 or 300 mg/kg) during pregnancy and lactation. Moreover, considering that antioxidant properties have been attributed to flavonoids present in the genus Passiflora, it was also evaluated the antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance in the plasma of these dams and the antioxidant potential in an in vitro test. P. incarnata treatment did not influence dams´ body weight as well as reproductive (gestation length, post-implantation loss, litter size, litter weight) and hepatic (albumin, AST, ALT, GGT) parameters. The antioxidant property of P. incarnata was evidenced both in vivo (increase in the total antioxidant plasmatic potential) and in vitro (decrease in neutrophil-induced respiratory burst). The results from the present study indicate that under the experimental conditions evaluated, P. incarnata treatment during gestation and lactation presented antioxidant activity in the absence of maternal reproductive toxicity.
Characterization and stability studies of emulsion systems containing pumice
Authors: Estanqueiro Marilene , Conceição Jaime , Amaral Maria Helena , Santos Delfim , Silva João Baptista , Lobo José Manuel Sousa
Published: September 2014

Emulsions are the most common form of skin care products. However, these systems may exhibit some instability. Therefore, when developing emulsions for topical application it is interesting to verify whether they have suitable physical and mechanical characteristics and further assess their stability. The aim of this work was to study the stability of emulsion systems, which varied in the proportion of the emulsifying agent cetearyl alcohol (and) sodium lauryl sulfate (and) sodium cetearyl sulfate (LSX), the nature of the oily phase (decyl oleate, cyclomethicone or dimethicone) and the presence or absence of pumice (5% w/w). While maintaining the samples at room temperature, rheology studies, texture analysis and microscopic observation of formulations with and without pumice were performed. Samples were also submitted to an accelerated stability study by centrifugation and to a thermal stress test. Through the testing, it was found that the amount of emulsifying agent affects the consistency and textural properties such as firmness and adhesiveness. So, formulations containing LSX (5% w/w) and decyl oleate or dimethicone as oily phase had a better consistency and remained stable with time, so exhibited the best features to be used for skin care products.
The influence of pH, polyethylene glycol and polyacrylic acid on the stability of stem bromelain
Authors: Novaes Letícia Celia de Lencastre , Jozala Angela Faustino , Mazzola Priscila Gava , Júnior Adalberto Pessoa
Published: September 2014

Enzyme stability is critical in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Investigations on this subject have drawn attention because of its practical application. Bromelain is a thiol-endopeptidase, obtained from pineapple (Ananas comosus), known for its clinical and therapeutic applications, particularly to selective burn debridement and improvement of antibiotic action and anti-inflammatory activities. To date, the use of bromelain in pharmacological or industrial applications is limited, due to commercial availability, costs, and sensitivity to pH and temperature. Therefore, a better understanding of enzyme stability would be of great interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate bromelain activity and stability in several pH (2.0 to 8.0) and in polyethylene glycol and polyacrylic acid solutions. We observed that bromelain was able to maintain its stability at pH 5.0 for the temperatures studied. PEG solutions increased bromelain stability, but PAA solutions had the opposite effect.
Validation of high-performance liquid chromatographic method for analysis of fluconazole in microemulsions and liquid crystals
Authors: Silva Hilris Rocha e , Santos Fernanda Kolenyak dos , Luz Gabriela Marielli da , Chorilli Marlus , Gremião Maria Palmira Daflon
Published: September 2014

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of fungal diseases. Certain fungal diseases cause cutaneous lesions and in the usual treatment, generally administred orally, the drug reaches the site of action with difficulty and its concentration is too low. An approach much explored in recent years is the development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, and microemulsions (ME) and liquid crystals (LC) are promising. ME and LC were developed with oleic acid or copaiba oil as the oil phase, propoxyl (5OP) ethoxyl (20 OE) cetyl alcohol as surfactant and water. An analytical method to assess the incorporation of fluconazole (FLU) in the systems under study was validated according to guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and the Brazilian Food, Drug and Sanitation Agency (ANVISA). The method was conducted on a C18-RP column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d.), maintained at room temperature. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water (50:50, v/v), run at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min and using ultraviolet detection at 210nm. The chromatographic separation was obtained with a retention time of 6.3min, and was linear in the range of 20-400 µg/mL (r2=0.9999). The specificity showed no interference of the excipients. The accuracy was 100.76%. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.057 and 0.172 µg.mL-1, respectively. Moreover, method validation demonstrated satisfactory results for precision and robustness. The proposed method was applied for the analysis of the incorporation of FLU in ME and LC, contributing to improve the quality control and to assure the therapeutic efficacy.
Studies on the formation and forming mechanism of the related substance E in potassium clavulanate production by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Zhong Chuanqing , Cao Guangxiang , Jin Xiaoqing , Wang Fengshan
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the formation and forming mechanism of the related substance E in potassium clavulanate production. The impurity with retention time of 11.1 min in potassium clavulanate final product was confirmed as the related substance E by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-MS/MS).The related substance E analysis during the production of clavulanic acid showed that this impurity could be formed during both the fermentation and purification processes, especially in the later fermentation stage, filtration concentration and back-extraction procedure. Clavulanic acid was the precursor of the related substance E. Studies on its forming mechanism showed that the related substance E was formed by the combination of the imino group of one molecule of clavulanic acid with the carboxyl group of another molecule of clavulanic acid with the opening of β-lactam ring. Results of a multi-factor orthogonal test confirmed that the concentration of clavulanic acid was the dominant factor to accelerate the reaction, while the temperature was another contributing factor. The pH 5.0-6.5 had little impact on the generation of the related substance E.
Cytotoxicity and DNA damage in the neutrophils of patients with sickle cell anaemia treated with hydroxyurea
Authors: Pedrosa Alano Martins , Barbosa Maritza Cavalcante , Santos Thayna Nogueira dos , Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira , Lopes Amanda de Araújo , Elias Darcielle Bruna Dias , Sasahara Greyce Luri , Cavalcanti Bruno Coêlho , Gonçalves Romélia Pinheiro
Published: September 2014

Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most important advance in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) for preventing complications and improving quality of life for patients. However, some aspects of treatment with HU remain unclear, including their effect on and potential toxicity to other blood cells such as neutrophils. This study used the measurement of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Methyl ThiazolTetrazolium (MTT) and the comet assay to investigate the cytotoxicity and damage index (DI) of the DNA in the neutrophils of patients with SCA using HU.In the LDH and MTT assays, a cytoprotective effect was observed in the group of patients treated, as well as an absence of toxicity. When compared to patients without the treatment, the SS group (n=20, 13 women and 07 men, aged 18-69 years), and the group of healthy individuals (AA) used as a control group (n=52, 28 women and 24 men, aged 19-60 years), The SSHU group (n=21, 11 women and 10 men, aged 19-63 years) showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in LDH activity and an increase in the percentage of viable cells by the MTT (p<0.001). However, the SSHU group presented significantly higher DI values (49.57±6.0 U/A) when compared to the AA group (7.43 ± 0,94U/A) and the SS group (22.73 ±5.58 U/A) (p<0.0001), especially when treated for longer periods (>20 months), demonstrating that despite the cytoprotective effects in terms of cell viability, the use of HU can induce DNA damage in neutrophils.
Formulation of gastroretentive floating drug delivery system using hydrophilic polymers and its in vitro characterization
Authors: Meka Venkata Srikanth , Dharmanlingam Senthil Rajan , Kolapalli Venkata Ramana Murthy
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present research is to formulate and evaluate the gastroretentive floating drug delivery system of antihypertensive drug, propranolol HCl. Gastroretentive floating tablets (GRFT) were prepared by using a synthetic hydrophilic polymer polyethylene oxide of different grades such as PEO WSR N-12 K and PEO 18 NF as release retarding polymers and calcium carbonate as gas generating agent. The GRFT were compressed by direct compression strategy and the tablets were evaluated for physico-chemical properties, in vitro buoyancy, swelling studies, in vitro dissolution studies and release mechanism studies. From the dissolution and buoyancy studies, F 9 was selected as an optimized formulation. The optimized formulation followed zero order rate kinetics with non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The optimized formulation was characterised with FTIR studies and observed no interaction between the drug and the polymers.
Laboratory investigation of shaft grouting
Authors: Fattahpour Vahidoddin , Baudet Béatrice Anne , Sze James Wang-Cho
Published: September 2014

A series of tests is carried out using a purpose-built set-up to model compaction grouting around a pile shaft. The tests are performed on Hong Kong completely decomposed granite placed in a Rowe cell, with cement grout directly injected at the bottom of the cell from a pressure interface chamber. The soil specimens are tested under different initial stress and density conditions, either normally consolidated or overconsolidated. Different grouting pressures are used. The results indicate that a target volume of grout can be injected if the grout injection pressure is larger than the total stress by a magnitude at least equal to the effective stress. There is a tendency for the grout to propagate between the pile and the soil, with a residual densification of the soil after drainage. In loose soil, grouting has the effect of reducing the effective stress in the soil to zero, resulting in a homogeneous layer of grout between the shaft and soil. In denser specimens, fractures can occur parallel to the direction of minimum principal stress. A noticeable decrease in void ratio is achieved after grouting, due to both grout injection and drainage.
Analysis of non-linear strain-softening behaviour around tunnels
Authors: Ranjbarnia Masoud , Fahimifar Ahmad , Oreste Pierpaolo
Published: September 2014

This paper studies the influence of non-linear stress–strain of post-failure on the ground response curve of a circular tunnel excavated in rock mass. Thus, the influence of variations of both the quality of rock mass and the confining stress around the tunnel due to the advancement of the tunnel face are addressed on the value of drop modulus. A new procedure is presented to obtain the softening parameter and its critical value, and the accuracy and practical application of the proposed procedure are shown through examples. The effects of variable drop modulus and the value of the critical softening parameter on the ground response curve are investigated. The results show that, to obtain a ground response curve, the variable drop modulus (non-linear behaviour) in the post-failure region can be approximated by a constant drop modulus (linear behaviour post-failure) if it is calculated by using both quality of rock mass before failure and the average value of confinement stress within the plastic region.
Design and characterization of cellulose nanocrystal-enhanced epoxy hardeners
Authors: Peng Shane X. , Moon Robert J. , Youngblood Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2014

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are renewable, sustainable, and abundant nanomaterial widely used as reinforcing fillers in the field of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, two-part epoxy systems with CNC-enhanced hardeners were fabricated. Three types of hardeners, Jeffamine D400 (JD400), diethylenetriamine (DETA), and (±)-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH), were evaluated for their compatibility with CNC. The roles of CNC additions and hardener types in epoxy properties were analyzed with tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis. The CNC-reinforcing effects on epoxy depended on the structure of hardeners. For example, with less than 2 wt% CNC, Young’s modulus was increased by 16% in JD400-cured epoxy and by 19% in DETA-cured epoxy, but had minimal effect for the DACH-cured epoxy. In general, the DETA-cured specimens had the highest increases in mechanical properties among the three hardeners evaluated. These results indicate that CNC additions to pre-formulated hardeners could be an alternative approach for dispersing CNCs within epoxy matrices and for improving the mechanical properties of epoxy. However, residual acetone and water during the curing reaction plasticized the epoxy matrices and must be limited for further property improvements.
Family Caregivers of Veterans: A Critical Review of the Empirical Literature and Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Uphold Constance R. , Jordan Meggan , Freytes Magaly
Published: September 2014

In recent years, research on caregiving has grown in both quality and quantity. Caregivers play an important role in supporting and promoting the health and recovery of injured, disabled, and ill family members in their care. Although researchers have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of family caregiving, less is known about family caregivers of U.S. Veterans. The purpose of this review is to identify and evaluate the research surrounding caregivers of U.S. Veterans, particularly two populations of Veterans: those who returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who had suffered a stroke. A search of the available literature from 1987 to present day resulted in a review of 18 publications on Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom caregivers and 19 publications on caregivers of Veterans with stroke. We summarize empirical findings, critique the study methods, and provide our recommendations to improve the quality of care of Veterans and their caregivers.
Prehospital Tourniquets: Review, Recommendations, and Future Research
Authors: Lewis Paul C.
Published: September 2014

The tourniquet is a simple device that has been used since the Middle Ages. Although different variations have been designed throughout its history, the simplicity of design has remained. The history of tourniquets follows two distinct paths—the operating room and the prehospital setting. From the earliest recorded history, tourniquets have been used for surgical procedures which were originally to amputate war-ravaged limbs and then to create a bloodless field for routine limb surgery. This history has continued uninterrupted since the early 1900s with continued research to foster advances in knowledge. The history of tourniquets in the prehospital setting, however, has not progressed as smoothly. The debate regarding the use of a tourniquet to save a life from excessive limb hemorrhage began in the 1600s, and continues to this day. This chapter will explore the prehospital use of tourniquets, which may shed some light on where this debate originated. The current state of the knowledge regarding tourniquets will then be discussed with a focus on prehospital use, using the operating room literature when needed to fill knowledge gaps. The chapter will conclude with recommendations for prehospital tourniquet use and some areas for future research. Tourniquets are used for operative procedures within accepted clinical guidelines throughout the world as the standard of care. Current science supports a similar stance for the use of prehospital tourniquets within clinical guidelines.
Evolution of Burn Management in the U.S. Military: Impact on Nursing
Authors: Schmidt Patricia , Mann-Salinas Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2014

As the only burn center in the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research is the primary location for care of service members with burn injuries. The combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past decade have caused an increase in burn patients. As a result of this increased need, advancements in care were developed. The speed and precision of transporting patients from the battlefield to the burn center has improved over previous conflicts. Technological advancements to support treating complications of burn wound healing were leveraged and are now integrated into daily practice. Clinical decision support systems were developed and deployed at the burn center as well as to combat support hospitals in combat zones. Technology advancements in rehabilitation have allowed more service members to return to active duty or live productive civilian lives. All of these advancements were developed in a patient-centered, interdisciplinary environment where the nurses are integrated throughout the research process and clinical practice with the end goal of healing combat burns in mind.
Innovations in the En Route Care of Combat Casualties
Authors: Hatzfeld Jennifer J. , Dukes Susan , Bridges Elizabeth
Published: September 2014

The en route care environment is dynamic and requires constant innovation to ensure appropriate nursing care for combat casualties. Building on experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been tremendous innovations in the process of transporting patients, including the movement of patients with spinal injuries. Advances have also been made in pain management and noninvasive monitoring, particularly for trauma and surgical patients requiring close monitoring of their hemodynamic and perfusion status. In addition to institutionalizing these innovations, future efforts are needed to eliminate secondary insults to patients with traumatic brain injuries and technologies to provide closed-loop sedation and ventilation.
Embedded Metal Fragments
Authors: Kalinich John F. , Vane Elizabeth A. , Centeno Jose A. , Gaitens Joanna M. , Squibb Katherine S. , McDiarmid Melissa A. , Kasper Christine E.
Published: September 2014

The continued evolution of military munitions and armor on the battlefield, as well as the insurgent use of improvised explosive devices, has led to embedded fragment wounds containing metal and metal mixtures whose long-term toxicologic and carcinogenic properties are not as yet known. Advances in medical care have greatly increased the survival from these types of injuries. Standard surgical guidelines suggest leaving embedded fragments in place, thus individuals may carry these retained metal fragments for the rest of their lives. Nursing professionals will be at the forefront in caring for these wounded individuals, both immediately after the trauma and during the healing and rehabilitation process. Therefore, an understanding of the potential health effects of embedded metal fragment wounds is essential. This review will explore the history of embedded fragment wounds, current research in the field, and Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines for the identification and long-term monitoring of individuals with embedded fragments.
Mantram Repetition: An Evidence-Based Complementary Practice for Military Personnel and Veterans in the 21st Century
Authors: Bormann Jill E. , Weinrich Sally , Allard Carolyn B. , Beck Danielle , Johnson Brian D. , Holt Lindsay Cosco
Published: September 2014

Today in the digital age, with our advances in modern technology and communication, there are additional stressors for our military personnel and Veterans. Constant dangers exist both on and off the battlefield, unlike prior wars that had clearly-defined war zones. In addition, medical advances have assisted in saving the lives of many more gravely injured troops than ever previously possible. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end, large numbers of service men and women are returning home with multiple injuries. This group of Veterans has significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury than ever before reported. Although existing PTSD therapies have been found to be highly effective for many Veterans, there is a substantial minority unsatisfactorily treated. Mantram repetition, an innovative, complementary, evidence-based treatment, is proving to be successful for these new Veterans. When used regularly it helps with “road rage, impatience, anger, frustration, and being out of control.” A mantram is a brief, sacred word or phrase that embodies divine power or the greatest positive energy one can imagine (Easwaran, 2008a). Mantram repetition is a simple, quick, personal, portable, and private complementary practice that may be used as an adjunct to current treatments for PTSD. Growing research evidence supports mantram repetition's value for dissemination and adoption in the 21st century. This chapter summarizes Mantram Program research conducted from 2003 to 2014. It describes the health-related benefits of the Mantram Program in various populations. The current research focuses on benefits for managing psychological distress and promoting quality of life in Veterans. Future areas for research are suggested.
Improving Traffic Noise Simulations Using Space Syntax: Preliminary Results from Two Roadway Systems
Authors: M. Dzhambov Angel , D. Dimitrova Donka , H. Turnovska Tanya
Published: September 2014

Noise pollution is one of the four major pollutions in the world. In order to implement adequate strategies for noise control, assessment of traffic-generated noise is essential in city planning and management. The aim of this study was to determine whether space syntax could improve the predictive power of noise simulation. This paper reports a record linkage study which combined a documentary method with space syntax analysis. It analyses data about traffic flow as well as field-measured and computer-simulated traffic noise in two Bulgarian agglomerations. Our findings suggest that space syntax might have a potential in predicting traffic noise exposure by improving models for noise simulations using specialised software or actual traffic counts. The scientific attention might need to be directed towards space syntax in order to study its further application in current models and algorithms for noise prediction.
Self-cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel in Ethmoidectomy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Matheny Keith E. , Tseng Ewen Y. , Carter Kenny B. , Cobb William B. , Fong Karen J.
Published: September 2014

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel, self–cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel compared with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) viscous foam in promoting healing when applied after ethmoidectomy. A prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial was performed. The study was performed by four surgeons operating in two community hospitals.

Methods

Thirty patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis underwent bilateral total ethmoidectomy. Intraoperatively, each patient received 5 mL of HA hydrogel in one ethmoid cavity and 5 mL of CMC contralaterally. The material applied within each ethmoid cavity was randomly assigned before surgery. An independent surgeon, blinded to the material used to treat each ethmoid cavity, evaluated postoperative endoscopic video at 1 and 2 weeks for edema, crusting, and mucopurulence and at 6 and 12 weeks for remucosalization and scarring/synechiae. Twenty-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test SNOT-20 data were collected at each visit. A small sample underwent endoscopic mucosal biopsy.

Results

Twenty-nine of 30 patients completed the protocol. The difference in edema, crusting, and mucopurulence at 1 and 2 weeks was not statistically significant; however, at 6 and 12 weeks, the HA hydrogel showed statistically significant reduction in both overall endoscopic grade (p < 0.05), as well as synechiae formation (p < 0.05), with a trend toward superiority in remucosalization (p = 08). Histological analysis of six subjects at 12 weeks showed a nonsignificant trend toward a greater amount of regenerated cilia present with the HA hydrogel (p = 0.23). SNOT-20 scores declined 78.8% from preoperative scores.

Conclusion

Self–cross-linked HA hydrogel provides superior wound healing to CMC after ethmoidectomy.
The Re-emergence of the Minimal Running Shoe
Authors: Davis Irene S.
Published: September 2014

Synopsis

The running shoe has gone through significant changes since its inception. The purpose of this paper is to review these changes, the majority of which have occurred over the past 50 years. Running footwear began as very minimal, then evolved to become highly cushioned and supportive. However, over the past 5 years, there has been a reversal of this trend, with runners seeking more minimal shoes that allow their feet more natural motion. This abrupt shift toward footwear without cushioning and support has led to reports of injuries associated with minimal footwear. In response to this, the running footwear industry shifted again toward the development of lightweight, partial minimal shoes that offer some support and cushioning. In this paper, studies comparing the mechanics between running in minimal, partial minimal, and traditional shoes are reviewed. The implications for injuries in all 3 conditions are examined. The use of minimal footwear in other populations besides runners is discussed. Finally, areas for future research into minimal footwear are suggested. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(10):775–784. Epub 11 September 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5521