Combined use of carbon nanotubes and ionic liquid to improve the determination of antidepressants in urine samples by liquid chromatography.

Antidepressants are widely used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and therefore their monitoring in biological fluids is quite important taking into account that they can produce dangerous biochemical imbalances in toxic doses. A method for the determination of antidepressants in urine samples is presented using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Home-made cartridges containing 30 mg multiwall carbon nanotubes are employed for isolation of the analytes from the sample, allowing also the preconcentration of the analytes prior to the HPLC analysis.

Anti-histone antibodies in dogs with leishmaniasis and glomerulonephritis.

The association between serum anti-histone antibodies and glomerulonephritis was studied in 43 dogs with leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum). Dogs with increased serum creatinine levels and urine protein-creatinine ratio >1 were considered to have glomerulonephritis. Moderately elevated anti-histone antibodies were found in 38.

Characterization of an attenuated total reflection-based sensor for integrated solid-phase extraction and infrared detection.

A novel attenuated total reflection (ATR) sensor, which integrates solid-phase extraction (SPE) and infrared detection, is presented. The flow cell, which enables the on-line coupling with a sequential injection system, is the core of the proposed sensor since it allows the continuous delivery of different solutions through the ATR and also the continuous spectrum acquisition. A SPE sorbent material (LiChrolut EN) was located in the sensitive element of the ATR without using any external coating substance, increasing the versatility of the system.

Direct coupling of ionic liquid based single-drop microextraction and GC/MS.

The use of ionic liquids as extracting media in single-drop liquid-phase microextraction (SDME) and its direct coupling to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is presented. For this purpose, a new removable interface that enables the introduction of the extracted analytes into the GC system, while preventing the ionic liquid from entering the column, has been developed. The determination of three representative pollutants in water samples has been used as a model analytical problem in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed interface.

Multiple generalized follicular cysts in a stallion.

This case report describes a case of multiple follicular cysts in a 4-year-old Spanish purebred stallion. The lesions ranged in size from 0.5 to 3 cm in diameter, and were firm, well circumscribed and nonpruritic.

Liquid-liquid extraction/headspace/gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, (o-, m- and p-)xylene and styrene in olive oil using surfactant-coated carbon nanotubes as extractant.

BTEX-S compounds are widely distributed in the environment and can be present in different foodstuffs, including olive oil. Taking into account the risks of the exposure to these compounds, analytical methods for their determination in different matrices are mandatory. In this paper, the use of surfactant-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes as additive in liquid-liquid extraction is applied for the determination of single-ring aromatic compounds in olive oil samples.

Fast urinary screening for imipramine and desipramine using on-line solid-phase extraction and selective derivatization.

A continuous-flow configuration based on sequential solid-phase extraction and derivatization is proposed for the screening of urine samples for imipramine and related metabolites. For the first time, a 50/50 (v/v) methanol/nitric acid mixture is used as both eluent and derivatizing reagent. Sample aliquots are injected into the flow manifold and driven by a water stream to an RP-C(18) column where the drugs are quantitatively retained.

Prevalence of newborn bacterial meningitis and sepsis during the pregnancy period for public health care system participants in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Bacterial meningitis is still a major public health threat inside developing countries. In Brazil, the Department of Public Health estimates that the prevalence of bacterial meningitis is 22 cases per 100,000 persons. During the neonatal period, the bacterial meningitis develops special characteristics that can result in hearing problems and movement loss due to neurological and psychological damages.

Effects of otic betamethasone on intradermal testing in normal dogs.

Otitis externa is common in atopic dogs and is frequently treated using potent glucocorticoids topically. These preparations can cause adrenal suppression and affect skin test reactivity. The purpose of this study was to determine if an otic product containing betamethasone could decrease skin reactivity in normal dogs.

Evaporative light scattering detection: trends in its analytical uses.

Evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) is widely recognized as a universal tool for liquid and supercritical chromatographies. In addition, this detection technique is fully compatible with continuous-flow systems. In fact, the combination of continuous non-chromatographic techniques and ELSD affords the design of simple, reliable systems for extracting qualitative information.

Surfactant-coated carbon nanotubes as pseudophases in liquid-liquid extraction.

The advantages of surfactant-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as coadjutants in liquid-liquid extraction are systematically considered. The effect of the CNT state (dispersed or suspended in an aqueous medium) is characterized by the single-component solid-liquid isotherms exemplified for benzene. Adsorption isotherms are obtained by means of a headspace-GC-MS method, the recommended instrumental combination when very volatile compounds are involved.

Useful plants of the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil--a look at their conservation and sustainable use.

The use of native plants was examined in three rural communities in the semi-arid of the state of Pernambuco, in northeastern Brazil. The techniques employed in the present study combined a number of different techniques of data-gathering, including semi-structured interviews, guided tour, key-informants, and participating observation, and sampling of the vegetation to evaluate the biodiversity of useful plants. A total of 61 woody species were cataloged, mostly used for construction purposes or fuel.

Continuous flow configuration for total hydrocarbons index determination in soils by evaporative light scattering detection.

A continuous flow configuration is proposed for the estimation of the hydrocarbon index in soils using for the first time evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). The method is based on a membrane-enrichment of the hydrocarbons of interest (C10-C40), which are previously extracted from the soil matrix with a water:hexane mixture using a household microwave oven. The organic supernatant is cleaned-up through silica, evaporated and redissolved in a sodium dodecyl sulphate aqueous solution which is introduced in the loop of an injection valve.

Swainsonine-induced lysosomal storage disease in goats caused by the ingestion of Turbina cordata in Northeastern Brazil.

A disease of the central nervous system in goats was observed in the municipalities of Juazeiro, Casa Nova and Curaça, state of Bahia, and Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. The disease was produced experimentally in two goats by the administration of dry Turbina cordata mixed with grain. Clinical signs were observed after the ingestion of 62 and 106 g/kg body weight in 28 and 54 days, respectively.

[Clinical topographic findings in glioblastoma multiforme and the relation with motor impairment].

Unlabelled: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the glial tumor with the highest grade of malignity. It mainly affects the cerebral hemispheres, presenting general or focal signs and symptoms, which depend on the size, the location of the lesion and rate of growth of the tumor.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between motor impairment and GBM topography.

[Comments on two cases of botulism in the State of Bahia, Brazil].

A report on two cases of botulism, one fatal, in which disease diagnosis was difficult and collaboration between public health and epidemiological surveillance services was poor. The objective of this report is to warn professionals of the seriousness of this disease and to reflect on existing public health surveillance practices.

ATR-FTIR membrane-based sensor for the simultaneous determination of surfactant and oil total indices in industrial degreasing baths.

Monitoring the exhaustion of alkaline degreasing baths is one of the main aspects in metal mechanizing industrial process control. The global level of surfactant, and mainly grease, can be used as ageing indicators. In this paper, an attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) membrane-based sensor is presented for the determination of these parameters.

Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of the spastic equinus foot in cerebral palsy.

Muscle overactivity, one of the cardinal features of spasticity, is a common sequel of cerebral palsy. In this group of patients spasticity is responsible for several limitations that interfere with gait, causing variable functional disability. Drugs such as baclofen, tizanidine, or benzodiazepines, or even definitive treatments such as orthopedics or neurosurgeries are generally prescribed with uncertain results.

Continuous autoanalyzer for the evaluation of the exhaustion of industrial degreasing baths based on the determination of total grease and surfactant contents.

A continuous flow autoanalyzer for at-line monitoring of total grease and surfactant contents in alkaline degreasing baths is proposed. For this purpose, a simple, robust, automated configuration has been on-line coupled to an universal response detector, such as the evaporative light scattering one. The proposed autoanalyzer constitutes an advantageous alternative to manual procedures and achieves the determination of both indices in ca.

ATR-FT-IR membrane-based sensor for integrated microliquid-liquid extraction and detection.

A novel straightforward membrane-based sensor, which uses attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy has been developed. The flow cell designed permits the on-line microliquid-liquid extraction of the target analyte into a organic solvent layer (OSL), which was deposited on the ATR surface using a sequential injection manifold. The aqueous and organic phases are separated via a commercial hydrophobic membrane placed on the PTFE piece of the cell.

Knowledge and use of medicinal plants by local specialists in an region of Atlantic Forest in the state of Pernambuco (Northeastern Brazil).

The study of local knowledge about natural resources is becoming increasingly important in defining strategies and actions for conservation or recuperation of residual forests. This study therefore sought to: collect information from local populations concerning the use of Atlantic Forest medicinal plants; verify the sources of medicinal plants used; determine the relative importance of the species surveyed, and; calculate the informant consensus factor in relation to medicinal plant use. Data was obtained using semi-structured forms to record the interviewee's personal information and topics related to the medicinal use of specific plants.

Autoanalyzer for continuous fractionation and quantitation of the polyphenols content in wines.

A simple continuous flow autoanalyzer for the on-line fractionation of the polyphenols content in wines is proposed. The target compounds are isolated from the matrix by solid-phase extraction on an RP-C18 sorbent column, using selective solvents for the sequential elution of each polyphenol family. Moreover, evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) is used for the first time for the on-line monitorization of the three polyphenol fractions present in the wine samples.

Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of the upper limb spasticity after stroke: a meta-analysis.

Muscle over-activity is one of the cardinal features of spasticity and it is a common disability of stroke patients. In this group, spasticity is responsible for several limitations that interfere in their daily activities and quality of life. To treat spasticity, neurologists usually prescribe drugs as baclofen, tizanidine or benzodiazepines or even use definitive treatment as phenol or surgery.

17p duplicated Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A: characteristics of a new population.

The most frequent type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy is that associated with the 17p11.2-p12 chromosome duplication, whose characteristics have been well described in European and North American populations. In this study, we analyzed a Brazilian population exhibiting the mutation, found in 57 patients from 42 families (79%) of a cohort of 53 families with demyelinating CMT.