Can universal adhesive systems bond to zirconia?

Objective: To measure the bond strength to zirconia subjected to different surface treatments of universal bonding agents.

Materials And Methods: Eighty blocks of zirconia were obtained by CAD/CAM milling. The blocks were embedded into PVC tubes, polished sequentially with increasing granulation sandpapers and divided into two groups according to surface treatment: polished or grit-blasted with alumina particles.

Rapid and Simultaneous Prediction of Eight Diesel Quality Parameters through ATR-FTIR Analysis.

Quality assessment of diesel fuel is highly necessary for society, but the costs and time spent are very high while using standard methods. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an analytical method capable of simultaneously determining eight diesel quality parameters (density; flash point; total sulfur content; distillation temperatures at 10% (T10), 50% (T50), and 85% (T85) recovery; cetane index; and biodiesel content) through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and the multivariate regression method, partial least square (PLS). For this purpose, the quality parameters of 409 samples were determined using standard methods, and their spectra were acquired in ranges of 4000-650 cm.

Infrared spectroscopy and multivariate methods as a tool for identification and quantification of fuels and lubricant oils in soil.

Environmental contamination caused by leakage of fuels and lubricant oils at gas stations is of great concern due to the presence of carcinogenic compounds in the composition of gasoline, diesel, and mineral lubricant oils. Chromatographic methods or non-selective infrared methods are usually used to assess soil contamination, which makes environmental monitoring costly or not appropriate. In this perspective, the present work proposes a methodology to identify the type of contaminant (gasoline, diesel, or lubricant oil) and, subsequently, to quantify the contaminant concentration using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and multivariate methods.

Ultrafast gas chromatography method with direct injection for the quantitative determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in commercial gasoline.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes are some of the most hazardous constituents found in commercial gasoline samples; therefore, these components must be monitored to avoid toxicological problems. We propose a new routine method of ultrafast gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection for the direct determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in commercial gasoline. This method is based on external standard calibration to quantify each compound, including the validation step of the study of linearity, detection and quantification limits, precision, and accuracy.

Potential of biohydrogen production from effluents of citrus processing industry using anaerobic bacteria from sewage sludge.

Citrus crops are among the most abundant crops in the world, which processing is mainly based on juice extraction, generating large amounts of effluents with properties that turn them into potential pollution sources if they are improperly discarded. This study evaluated the potential for bioconversion of effluents from citrus-processing industry (wastewater and vinasse) into hydrogen through the dark fermentation process, by applying anaerobic sewage sludge as inoculum. The inoculum was previously heat treated to eliminate H-consumers microorganisms and improve its activity.

Baseline characteristics and risk factors for ulcer, amputation and severe neuropathy in diabetic foot at risk: the BRAZUPA study.

Background: Studies on diabetic foot and its complications involving a significant and representative sample of patients in South American countries are scarce. The main objective of this study was to acquire clinical and epidemiological data on a large cohort of diabetic patients from 19 centers from Brazil and focus on factors that could be associated with the risk of ulcer and amputation.

Methods: This study presents cross sectional, baseline results of the BRAZUPA Study.

Erratum: Body composition study by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in familial partial lipodystrophy: finding new tools for an objective evaluation.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/1758-5996-4-40.].

Anti-parietal cell antibodies and pernicious anemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiethnic background.

Anti-parietal cell (APC) antibodies and pernicious anemia (PA) were evaluated in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=75) and in controls. A higher frequency of APC (13.3%) and PA (4%) was found in cases than in controls (p=0.

Development and validation of an environmentally friendly attenuated total reflectance in the mid-infrared region method for the determination of ethanol content in used engine lubrication oil.

Lubricating oils are crucial in the operation of automotive engines because they both reduce friction between moving parts and protect against corrosion. However, the performance of lubricant oil may be affected by contaminants, such as gasoline, diesel, ethanol, water and ethylene glycol. Although there are many standard methods and studies related to the quantification of contaminants in lubricant oil, such as gasoline and diesel oil, to the best of our knowledge, no methods have been reported for the quantification of ethanol in used Otto cycle engine lubrication oils.

Body composition study by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in familial partial lipodystrophy: finding new tools for an objective evaluation.

Background: Familial partial lipodystrophies (FPLD) are clinically heterogeneous disorders characterized by selective loss of adipose tissue, insulin resistance and metabolic complications. Until genetic studies become available for clinical practice, clinical suspicion and pattern of fat loss are the only parameters leading clinicians to consider the diagnosis. The objective of this study was to compare body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in patients with FPLD and control subjects, aiming to find objective variables for evaluation of FPLD.

Effects of pregnancy on the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy and of diabetic nephropathy on pregnancy outcomes.

Controversy exists regarding the effect of pregnancy on the development and course of diabetic nephropathy. This study followed 43 pregnant women with previous diabetes mellitus, 32 without nephropathy (Group I) and 11 with nephropathy (Group II). Urinary albumin excretion (UAE), serum creatinine (Cr) and creatinine clearance (CCr) in the pre-pregnancy (Pre-P), first trimester (1T), third trimester (3T) and 1 year postpartum (PP) were evaluated.

Development, optimization and validation of gas chromatographic fingerprinting of Brazilian commercial diesel fuel for quality control.

A three-step development, optimization and validation strategy is described for gas chromatography (GC) fingerprints of Brazilian commercial diesel fuel. A suitable GC-flame ionization detection (FID) system was selected to assay a complex matrix such as diesel. The next step was to improve acceptable chromatographic resolution with reduced analysis time, which is recommended for routine applications.

Low triglyceride levels are associated with a better metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Background: Although it is well known in the literature that high triglyceride serum (TG) levels can jeopardize the metabolic control, little is known about the influence of low TG on type 1 diabetes patients (T1D). The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of TG serum levels in individuals with T1D and its relationship with metabolic control.

Findings: We reviewed the medical charts of 180 patients with T1D, who were classified in groups according to TG levels: 1) low (below 50 mg/dL); 2) normal (50-150 mg/dL); 3) high (above 150 mg/dL).

Screening Brazilian commercial gasoline quality by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic fingerprintings and pattern-recognition multivariate chemometric analysis.

The identification of gasoline adulteration by organic solvents is not an easy task, because compounds that constitute the solvents are already in gasoline composition. In this work, the combination of Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopic fingerprintings with pattern-recognition multivariate Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) chemometric analysis provides an original and alternative approach to screening Brazilian commercial gasoline quality in a Monitoring Program for Quality Control of Automotive Fuels. SIMCA was performed on spectroscopic fingerprints to classify the quality of representative commercial gasoline samples selected by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and collected over a 6-month period from different gas stations in the São Paulo state, Brazil.

Iron fortification strategies for the control of childhood anemia in Brazil.

This article presents data on the fortification of foods, necessary as an important public health approach for the success in reducing anemia. The use of food vehicles, iron salts and their costs, as well as recent work on iron fortification of foods in Brazil are reviewed. Recent research serves as a cornerstone for countries that attempt to implement permanent, long-lasting iron fortification programs aimed at the prevention of anemia considering cultural habits, type of iron salts and at-risk groups.

Development, optimization and validation of gas chromatographic fingerprinting of Brazilian commercial gasoline for quality control.

Three-step development, optimization and validation strategy for GC fingerprints of Brazilian commercial gasoline is described. A suitable chromatographic system was selected first. The following step was to improve acceptable chromatographic resolution with reduced analysis time, which is recommended for routine applications.

Classification of Aristolochia species based on GC-MS and chemometric analyses of essential oils.

Essential oils were obtained from roots of 10 Aristolochia species by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-MS. A total of 75 compounds were identified in the analysed oils. Multivariate analyses of the chemical constituents of the roots enabled classification of the species into four morphological groups.

Screening Brazilian C gasoline quality: application of the SIMCA chemometric method to gas chromatographic data.

A total of 2400 samples of commercial Brazilian C gasoline were collected over a 6-month period from different gas stations in the São Paulo state, Brazil, and analysed with respect to 12 physicochemical parameters according to regulation 309 of the Brazilian Government Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP). The percentages (v/v) of hydrocarbons (olefins, aromatics and saturated) were also determined. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was employed to select 150 representative samples that exhibited least similarity on the basis of their physicochemical parameters and hydrocarbon compositions.

Bariatric surgery in a morbidly obese achondroplasic patient--use of the 6-minute walk test to assess mobility and quality of life.

A young woman with achondroplasia and morbid obesity (two disabling conditions) is presented. She underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). We emphasize preoperative preparation by a multidisciplinary team and the use of the 6-minute walk test to follow and assess mobility and quality of life.

Analysis of camphorquinone in composite resins as a function of shade.

Objective: To identify and quantify the camphorquinone (CQ) used in different brands of composite resins as a function of the shade analyzed.

Materials And Methods: Filtek Z250 A3 (FZA3), Filtek Z-250 Incisal (FZI), Pyramid Enamel A1 (PEA1), Pyramid Enamel Translucent (PET), Filtek Supreme A3E (FSA3) and Filtek Supreme GT (FSGT) were used. Five hundred milligrams of each resin were weighed and then dissolved in 1.

NK cells and type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by an immuno-mediated progressive destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. Due to the ability of NK cells to kill target cells as well as to interact with antigen-presenting and T cells, it has been suggested that they could be involved in one or multiple steps of the immune-mediated attack that leads to T1D. Abnormalities in the frequency and activity of NK cells have been described both in animal models and patients with T1D.

Patients with severe bowel malabsorption do not have changes in iodine status.

Objective: We evaluated the influence of intestinal malabsorption on iodine status in patients who had short gut syndrome and received total parenteral nutrition (group I) compared with control subjects who had eutrophia (group II) and patients who had other illnesses but normal digestive tracts (group III).

Methods: Twenty-seven subjects were studied. Iodine intake was determined by the measurement of iodine in ingested food and in parenteral nutrition solutions.

Characteristics of childhood and adult-onset type 1 diabetes in a multi-ethnic population.

Objective: To compare patients with classic type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosed in childhood and adulthood regarding clinical presentation, GADA and HLA DR B1*03/04 prevalence in a multi-ethnic population.

Methods: We studied 83 Brazilian patients with classic T1D divided in 2 groups: (1) diagnosed before 20 years old (n=42); (2) diagnosed at age 20 and up (n=41). All were interviewed and blood was sampled for GADA measurement and HLA DR B1 typing.

A simplified spectrophotometric method for routine analysis of saccharin in commercial noncaloric sweeteners.

A simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric method for routine analysis of saccharin in commercial noncaloric sweeteners is proposed. This method is based on the reaction of saccharin with tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (p-chloranil) accelerated by hydrogen peroxide and conducted in an ethanol:acetone (4:1) medium, producing a violet-red compound (lambda(max) = 550 nm). Beer's law is obeyed in a concentration range of 2.