ABSTRACT Shade-tolerant soybean genotypes will allow their greater adoption for use in agroforestry or intercropped systems in tropical and subtropical regions. These genotypes can be obtained from the selection of existing superior genotypes or through breeding programs. This study, was verified such genetic variability and select those genotypes with cultivation potential at reduced levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Morphophysiological and yield characteristics of 16 soybean genotypes were evaluated in two experiments conducted in a controlled environment and laid in a randomized block design with three replications. Genetic parameters, correlations and genetic diversity were estimated and path analysis was performed. The soybean cultivars used showed genetic variability with a high variation index and heritability, which is advantageous for the selection of superior cultivars. Leaf area showed genotypic correlation and had a direct effect on seed weight per plant, regardless of shading. Additionally, the number of pods, hypocotyl diameter, and leaf area, all indirectly contributed to seed weight per plant regardless of shading. Seven genotypes (NS7780, NS8338, NS7667, NS7901, RK8115, CZ37B43 and 8579RSF) were selected based on genetic gain obtained by the Mulamba and Mock index at the two levels of PAR reduction tested. Furthermore, five of these genotypes (CZ37B43, RK8115, NS7901, NS8338 and 8579RSF) were identified by the Unweighted Pair-Group method Arithmetic Mean, as suitable either as a shaded crop or, as parental materials in breeding programs.

ABSTRACT Tomato fruits are highly perishable. In this sense, adopting techniques to maintain and extend its shelf life is essential. Recent studies have used microalgae as an edible coating for fruit, as it is a nutrient-rich alternative and reduces fruit mass loss and respiration, delaying senescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of microalgae-based coatings with or without the use of modified atmosphere packaging, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in post-harvest tomato conservation. The design used was completely randomized, in a 4x2 factorial arrangement, with four coatings (no coating, coating composed of Spirulina platensis sp., Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp.) and two conditions (with and without PVC), totalizing 8 treatments, with four replicates, consisting of one fruit each. Stored for 7 days at 10±2ºC and 55±5% UR and evaluated at harvest and on the last day of storage. The fruits coated with Chlorella sp. without PVC and Scenedesmus sp. associated with PVC, showed the lowest mass losses, representing a reduction of 73.79% and 78.47%, respectively, in relation to the control. In addition to mass loss, the levels of ascorbic acid (18.91 and 16.97 mg/100 g), citric acid (4.02 and 4.01), respectively, and the SS/AT ratio also stood out. The microalgae Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. can be used in coating ‘Santa Clara’ tomato fruits to maintain their physicochemical characteristics over 7 days of storage. The use of PVC film coating helped maintain these characteristics, reducing the perishability of the fruits.

RESUMO Os frutos do tomateiro têm alta perecibilidade havendo a necessidade da adoção de técnicas que mantenham e prolonguem sua vida útil pós-colheita. Estudos recentes têm utilizado microalgas como recobrimento comestível em frutos, por ser uma alternativa rica em nutrientes e reduzir perda de massa e respiração do fruto e assim retardar a senescência. Objetivou-se avaliar a aplicação de revestimentos a base de microalgas com ou sem o uso de embalagem com atmosfera modificada (policloreto de vinila) na conservação pós-colheita de tomate. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 4x2, com quatro revestimentos (sem revestimento, revestimento com Spirulina platensis sp., Chlorella sp. e Scenedesmus sp.) e duas condições [com e sem PVC (policloreto de vinila)], totalizando 8 tratamentos, com quatro repetições, constituída por um fruto cada. Armazenados por 7 dias a 10±2ºC e 55±5% UR e avaliados na colheita e no último dia de armazenamento. Os frutos recobertos com Chlorella sp. sem o PVC e Scenedesmus sp. associado ao PVC, tiveram as menores perdas de massa, representando redução de 73,79% e 78,47%, respectivamente, em relação ao controle. Além da perda de massa, também tiveram destaque nos teores de ácido ascórbico (18,91 e 16,97 mg/100 g). As microalgas Chlorella sp. e Scenedesmus sp. podem ser utilizadas no revestimento de frutos do tomateiro ‘Santa Clara’ para manter suas características físico-químicas ao longo de 7 dias de armazenamento. A utilização do recobrimento com filme PVC auxilia na manutenção dessas características, diminuindo a taxa de perecibilidade dos frutos.

Abstract Six sample preparation procedures were evaluated for selective extraction of Cr(VI) from commercial samples of chromium oxide green (Cr2O3) pigments prior to formation of its diphenylcarbazone complex [CrDPCO]- for determination by visible spectrophotometry: (I) water-soluble chromium; (II) EPA method 3060A without Mg2+; (III) EPA method 3060A with Mg2+; (IV) Na3PO4 based extraction; (V) method IRSA16 based on acidic extraction and; (VI) Na2CO3 based extraction. Evaluation of the influence of concomitant Cr(III) ions, time and stability of the [CrDPCO]- complex was investigated. Recoveries of soluble and insoluble Cr(VI) species were 86% and 80%, respectively, using procedure (VI). Direct calibration against aqueous standards prepared in the extraction medium was successful for Cr(VI) in the concentration range 0.05-1.50 μg L-1. Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.3 µg g-1 and 1.0 µg g-1, respectively, for 250 mg subsamples/25 mL. Procedure (VI) was applied to the analysis of four commercial samples of Cr2O3 pigments, three determined to have Cr(VI) within compliance limits below 1.0 µg g-1, but one at 16.6 ± 0.6 µg g-1, prohibiting use of this pigment in cosmetic formulations. This sample was conveniently employed to evaluate the accuracy of the method. The recommended procedure is simple and accurate and has been adopted by Tecpar’s laboratory of Parana Institute of Technology (Curitiba, Brazil).

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Lesões focais nos exames de imagem do fígado em pacientes oncológicos, embora sejam achados fortemente sugestivos de envolvimento metastático, permanece a necessidade de confirmação histológica, a fim de que se institua uma terapia apropriada. OBJETIVO: Verificar a segurança e a eficácia do procedimento de biópsia hepática percutânea guiada por ultrassom, realizado pelo serviço de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem do Instituto do Câncer do Ceará (ICC). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo, baseado em dados secundários de 171 pacientes, submetidos a biópsias hepáticas percutâneas, guiadas por ultrassonografia, realizadas no ICC, de fevereiro de 2010 a março de 2015. Os dados quantitativos obtidos foram apresentados em forma de números absolutos ou percentuais, com ênfase nas taxas de complicações, ocorridas nas primeiras seis horas de observação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: A acurácia geral foi de 96,4%. Encontramos uma taxa global de complicações de 2,3%, sendo que 75% delas foram de natureza hemorrágica. Não verificamos a ocorrência de óbitos dentro do período de observação pós-biópsia. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de agulhas calibrosas, parece, de fato, estar relacionada à melhoria na acurácia diagnóstica, com baixas taxas de complicações, sobretudo as hemorrágicas, contudo não letais. No presente trabalho, a idade mostrou-se um fator modificador da acurácia.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Though strongly suggestive of metastasis, focal lesions on liver scans of oncological patients require histological confirmation for the prescription of adequate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of US-guided percutaneous core liver biopsy. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on secondary data from 171 patients submitted to US-guided percutaneous core liver biopsy at the diagnostic radiology service of the Ceará Cancer Institute (ICC, Brazil) between February 2010 and March 2015. Quantitative data were expressed in absolute numbers or percentages, with emphasis on the rate of complications observed within six hours after the procedure. RESULTS: The overall accuracy was 96.4%. The overall rate of complications was 2.3%, three quarters of which was due to hemorrhage. Age over 50 years was positively associated with accuracy. No deaths occurred within the period of observation. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the claim that the use of thick biopsy needles improves diagnostic accuracy. The few complications observed were non-lethal and predominantly hemorrhagic.

ABSTRACT Determination of potential contaminants elements in food packing films arising from contact with acidic aqueous foods was undertaken by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) in accordance with DIN EN 1186-1. Test sections from plastic films were totally immersed in 3% w/v CH3COOH used as the food simulant. Testing was conducted under three conditions: (1) 10 days at 40 ºC; (2) 30 min at 70 ºC and 10 days at 40 ºC; and (3) 30 min at 100 ºC and 10 days at 40 ºC. These time and temperature conditions were considered to be the most severe situations likely to be encountered in practice. Several different containers were investigated, including a borosilicate glass beaker, a glass bottle used for food canning, as well as one of polystyrene. The glass bottle was selected for testing treatments according to procedure (3) and a polystyrene one was chosen for use with procedures (1) and (2). Limits of quantitation were adequate for the determination of Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn by solution nebulization ICP OES and As by chemical vapor generation (CVG-ICP OES). Results for the analysis of AccuStandard certified reference materials as well as spike recoveries show good agreement with expected concentrations, demonstrating the accuracy and precision of the determinations. Eleven samples of food packing material were analyzed. The lead was present in the range 4.8 - 85.3 µg L-1 in 10 of 11 evaluated packing material, showing the importance of quality control measures.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability and adaptability, using the method of harmonic means of the relative performance of genetic values and to estimate the genetic components of variance and average via mixed models of 14 genotypes of passion fruit in three environments. Data were obtained in a random block design with three replicates and nine plants per plot. For the hybrids in the final validation phase, the estimates of heritability and genetic gains in the evaluated environments showed good prospects for selection of superior genotypes. There was a pronounced effect of genotype-environment interaction (GxE) for all traits investigated except fruit length, percentage of pulp, soluble solids, titratable acidity and SS/TA ratio. The most stable and adaptable hybrids in the evaluated environments were BRS Gigante Amarelo, HFOP-09, H09-09, GP09-02, GP09-03 and BRS Sol do Cerrado.

RESUMO Racional: Os benefícios para a saúde associados ao consumo moderado de vinho, como etanol e compostos fenólicos, incluem mecanismos diferentes ainda pouco compreensíveis. Objetivo: Avaliar as variações da glicemia, peso e depósito de triglicrideos, colesterol e glicogênio hepático com o uso de vinho tinto. Métodos: Sessenta camundongos ApoE knockout foram divididos em três grupos de 20: Grupo do Vinho (WG), grupo do Etanol (EG) Grupo Água (WAG). Cada grupo recebeu diariamente: WG 50 ml de vinho e 50 ml de água; EG 6 ml de etanol e WAG 94 ml de água. Resultados: O WG teve aumento de peso mais elevado em comparação com os outros grupos. A concentração de triglicerídeos foi maior no WG (57%) e no grupo EG inferior (31,6%) do que no controle (p <0,01). A concentração de colesterol foi inferior no WG (23,6%) e no EG (24,5%, p<0,05). A concentração de glicogênio foi maior no WG (16%); a glicemia capilar foi maior no EG em comparação com os outros grupos, mas não demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão: Triglicerídeos ficaram aumentados no WG e o colesterol diminuiu no WAG. Os triglicerídeos podem ter aumentado devido ao alto valor calórico do vinho ou alguma propriedade desconhecida que levou ao aumento significativo da gordura subcutânea e retroperitoneal nos camundongos.

ABSTRACT Background: The health benefits associated with moderate wine consumption, as with ethanol and phenolic compounds, include different mechanisms still little understandable. Aim: Evaluate glycemic and weight variations, and the deposit of triglycerides, cholesterol and liver glycogen with red wine consumption. Methods: 60 ApoE knockout mice were divided into three groups of 20: Wine Group (WG), Ethanol Group (EG) and Water Group (WAG). They received daily: WG 50 ml of wine and 50 ml water; EG 6 ml ethanol and WAG 94 ml of water. All groups were followed for four months. The food intake was monitored daily, in the period from eight to ten hours and held every five days. The measurement of water intake was also made every five days. The weighing of the animals took place every ten days. Results: The WG had higher weight increase as compared to the other groups. The concentration of hepatic triglyceride was higher in WG (57%) and the EG group was lower (31.6%, p<0.01) than the control. The concentration of cholesterol was lower in the WG (23.6%), as well as EG (24.5%, p<0.05). The concentration of glycogen was higher in WG (16%) and fasting blood glucose was higher in EG compared to the other groups but not both demonstrated a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The WG increased triglyceride and WAG decreased cholesterol. The triglyceride may be increased due to the high caloric value of wine or some unknown property that led to significant increase in subcutaneous andretroperitoneal fat in mice.

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico de Euphorbia tirucalli (ETHE) sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor de Ehrlich em sua forma ascítica. Métodos: quinze camundongos Swiss foram inoculados via intraperitoneal com 10,44x107 células do tumor de Ehrlich e um dia depois foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo ETHE (oito camundongos), tratados com a dose de 125mg/kg/dia de ETHE por cinco dias e Grupo Controle (sete camundongos), tratado apenas com 0,9% de solução salina isotônica em relação ao mesmo período. O tratamento foi realizado por gavagem. Dez dias após a inoculação, quatro animais de cada grupo foram sacrificados para a quantificação do número de células de tumor, do volume de fluido ascítico e do número de células da medula óssea. Os demais animais foram mantidos, para avaliar a sobrevivência. Resultados : o volume de líquido ascítico e do número de células tumorais foram menores no grupo ETHE quando comparado ao grupo controle, porém sem significância estatística. Por outro lado, a sobrevivência dos animais foi maior no grupo de ETHE, bem como, a quantidade de células de medula óssea. Conclusão: o tratamento com ETHE, após a inoculação do tumor, diminuiu o seu desenvolvimento e aumentou sobrevida, bem como, a celularidade da medula óssea, reduzindo assim, a mielossupressão presente nos animais portadores de tumor de Ehrlich.

Objective: to evaluate the effect of the Euphorbia tirucalli hydroalcoholic extract (ETHE) on the development of Ehrlich Tumor, in its ascitic form. Methods: we intraperitoneally inoculated 15 Swiss mice with 10.44 x 107 cells of Ehrlich Tumor and divided them in two groups one day after: ETHE Group (eight mice), treated with a dosage of 125 mg/kg/day of EHTE for five days; and Control Group (seven mice), treated only with 0.9% isotonic saline solution over the same period. The treatment was done by gavage. Ten days after inoculation, four mice from each group were sacrificed for quantification of tumor cell number, ascitic fluid volume and bone marrow cell number. The remaining animals were maintained to evaluate survival. Results: The ascitic fluid volume and the tumor cell number were decreased in the ETHE group when compared with the control group, but with no statistical significance. On the other hand, survival was higher in the ETHE group, as well as the number of bone marrow cells. Conclusion: Treatment with ETHE after inoculation of Ehrlich Tumor decreases its development and increases survival and the bone marrow cellularity, thus reducing the myelosuppression present in the Ehrlich Tumor bearing mice.

ABSTRACT Twenty-seven bottled mineral waters from local markets in Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil were analyzed for a number of constituents, including: pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, HCO3 - and CO 3 2-, as well as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4 + , F-, Cl-, NO3 -, NO2 - and SO4 2- by ion chromatography (IC); Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Sr, V and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES); Hg by cold vapor generation-ICP OES and As, Pb, Sb and Se by ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The obtained limits of quantitation (LOQ) were adequate for the determination of all analytes using the various analytical techniques. Results for the analysis of AccuStandard certified reference materials QCS-01-5, QCS-02-R1-5 and TCLP-02-1 as well as spike recoveries to samples show acceptable values, within 90-111 % of expected concentrations with relative standard deviations below 10 %, demonstrating the accuracy of the determinations. Both NO2 - and NO 3 - were above the maximum limits set by Brazilian legislation in two samples, indicating a microbiological contamination. One imported sample presented As (6.1 ± 0.2 µg L-1) near the maximum limit (10 µg L-1) while all other elements of interest were below the values specified by Brazilian legislation. Principal component analysis revealed that four imported samples and one from the Minas Gerais State have the highest mineral concentrations.

A presença de alguns elementos inorgânicos no biodiesel pode comprometer a qualidade do combustível e aumentar a emissão de poluentes. Neste contexto, este artigo descreve um procedimento para o preparo das amostras de biodiesel utilizando high pressure asher (HPA) para a determinação de Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Sr e Zn, em biodiesel de soja, girassol, sebo bovino, algodão e mamona, por espectrometria de emissao optica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES). Os parâmetros de digestão do HPA foram otimizados para digerir 1,5 g de biodiesel, com HNO3 e H2O2, a temperatura de 300 °C e pressão de 435 psi, considerando o fator de diluição da amostra, os sólidos dissolvidos e a acidez da amostra para as determinações por ICP OES. A concentração dos elementos determinados nos biodieseis acima listados foram calculados utilizando o método de adição de padrão. Os limites de detecção na faixa de 0,05-0,7 mg kg- 1 foram adequados para atender os parâmetros de qualidade de biodiesel, seguindo a política de governo e legislações em todo o mundo. Portanto, o procedimento proposto mostrou-se eficiente para eliminar as principais interferências orgânicas presentes em amostras à base de óleo, permitindo uma condição analítica rápida, precisa, livre de interferências e robusta para a caracterização do biodiesel.

The presence of some inorganic elements in biodiesel can compromise the fuel quality and enhance the emission of pollutants. In this context, a new procedure for biodiesel sample preparation using a high pressure asher (HPA) is presented, aiming the determination of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Sr, and Zn, in soybean, sunflower, animal fat, cotton and castor oil, by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The digestion conditions of the HPA were optimize to digest 1.5 g of biodiesel, with HNO3 and H2O2, at a temperature of 300 °C and pressure of 435 psi, which considered the sample dilution factor, the total solids in solution and the acidity for ICP OES determinations. Analytes concentrations in these biodiesels were calculated using standard addition method. Detection limits from 0.05 to 0.7 mg kg- 1 were suitable to attend biodiesel quality parameters, government policy and legislations worldwide. Therefore, the proposed procedure proved to be efficient to eliminate the major organic interferences typically present in oil based samples allowing a fast, precise, interference-free and robust analytical condition for biodiesel characterization.

Neste trabalho caracterizou-se a qualidade dos frutos em diferentes pontos de colheita para armazenamento das cultivares de maracujá: BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Ouro Vermelho e BRS Sol do Cerrado. Foram avaliados as características físicas dos frutos (aparência, perda de massa, coloração da casca) e os parâmetros químicos do suco (conteúdo de acidez, pH, ácido ascórbico, sólidos solúveis totais, açúcares solúveis totais e açúcares redutores). Utilizou-se uma Amostragem Simples ao Acaso (ASA), com 0,05 de significância e as médias foram comparadas pelo Teste "t" por Intervalo de Confiança. Os frutos colhidos nos estádios iniciais de amadurecimento apresentaram maior perda de massa e alteração da qualidade do suco. Conclui-se que os frutos das diferentes cultivares colhidos na safra de verão (novembro/dezembro) devem ter pelo menos 55% de casca com coloração amarela para proporcionar menor perda de massa, manter a qualidade do suco e aumentar a sua vida útil.

In this study the fruit quality was characterized at different harvest points for storage of varieties of passion fruits: BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Ouro Vermelho and BRS Sol do Cerrado. The physical characteristics of fruits (appearance, mass loss and peel color) and chemical parameters of juice (content of acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, total soluble sugars and reducing sugars) were characterized. The method of Simple Random Sampling (SRS) was applied, with 0.05 level of significance, and means were compared using the "t" Test for Confidence Intervals. Fruits harvested in the early ripening stages showed a higher mass loss as well as the worst juice quality. It was concluded that fruits of different cultivars harvested in summer seasons must present at least 55% of yellow peel color to render the lower mass loss, the best quality of juice and to extend the storage time.

ContextoA esplenose pancreática é uma afecção benigna que pode mimetizar uma neoplasia pancreática.ObjetivoDescrever o papel da ecoendoscopia associada à punção aspirativa com agulha fina ecoguiada (EE-PAAF) dos nódulos de pâncreas suspeitos de esplenose pancreática.MétodoDe 1997 a 2011, pacientes com tumores sólidos de pâncreas sugestivos de esplenose pancreática, conforme achados de exames de imagem por tomografia computadorizada e/ou ressonância magnética foram encaminhados para EE-PAAF. Os casos com esplenose pancreática confirmada pela ecoendoscopia ou pela cirurgia foram incluídos. Os achados endossonográficos e os aspectos clinicopatológicos foram analisados.ResultadosDois mil e sessenta pacientes com tumores sólidos do pâncreas foram submetidos a EE-PAAF. Quatorze (0,6%) casos com esplenose pancreática foram encontrados. Após emprego dos critérios de exclusão, 11 pacientes foram selecionados. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (7), jovens (idade média: 42 anos) e assintomáticos (8). A imagem ecoendoscópica isolada suspeitou de esplenose pancreática em 6 casos, e tumores neuroendócrinos em outros 5 casos. A esplenose pancreática foi detectada mais comumente na cauda do pâncreas, era redonda, hipoecogênica, com padrão homogêneo, bordos regulares bem delimitados e com cintilografia negativa para os receptores de somatostatina. O diâmetro médio dos nódulos foi de 2,15 cm. A microhistologia obtida pela EE-PAAF confirmou o diagnóstico em 9/10 pacientes.ConclusãoA esplenose pancreática pode ser diagnosticada pela punção aspirativa com agulha fina ecoguiada. A microhistologia evita cirurgias desnecessárias e tranquiliza pacientes assintomáticos com nódulos pancreáticos hipoecogênicos, homogêneos e com bordos bem definidos.

ContextPancreatic splenosis is a benign condition which can mimic a pancreatic neoplasm.ObjectiveTo describe the role of the endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic nodules suspicious for pancreatic splenosis.MethodFrom 1997 to 2011, patients with pancreatic solid tumors suspicious for splenosis by computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were referred to EUS-FNA. Those cases with pancreatic splenosis confirmed by EUS-FNA or surgery were included. Endosonographic findings and clinicopathologic features were also analysed.ResultsA total of 2,060 patients with pancreatic solid tumors underwent EUS-FNA. Fourteen (0.6%) cases with pancreatic splenosis were found. After applying exclusion criteria, 11 patients were selected. Most patients were male (7), young (mean age: 42 years) and asymptomatic (8). Endoscopic ultrasound imaging alone suspected pancreatic splenosis in 6 cases, and neuroendocrine tumors in 5 cases. Pancreatic splenosis was found most commonly in the tail, was round, hypoechoic, with homogeneous pattern, regular borders, and with scintigraphy negative for somatostatin receptors. The average diameter of these nodules identified by endoscopic ultrasound was 2.15 cm. Microhistology obtained by EUS-FNA confirmed the diagnosis in 9/10 patients.ConclusionPancreatic splenosis can be diagnosed by EUS-FNA. Microhistology prevents unnecessary surgeries, and reassures asymptomatic patients with hypoechoic, homogeneous, and well circumscribed pancreatic nodules.

An on-line method for Cd and Pb pre-concentration and simultaneous determination in acid digested seafood by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was developed. The on-line pre-concentration was based on the complex formation of the analytes with the ammonium salt of O,O-diethyldithiophosphate (DDTP) and using the Amberlite XAD-4 resin as a solid support in a homemade column. Different conditions of the flow injection system, such as solutions flow rates, nebulizer pressure and eluent concentration were optimized. Three certified reference materials of lobster hepatopancreas, dogfish liver and fish protein, three samples of fish muscle and three samples of shrimp were digested with HNO3, H2O2 and H2SO4 in a microwave system under reflux. DDTP was added in the solutions obtained, and the mixture was injected in the FI system. Calibration curves for Cd and Pb were obtained using the standard solutions in the concentration range 0.05-0.5 µg mL-1 in the digestion medium, submitted to the same pre-concentration procedure. The quantification limits (3.3 x LOD) for 5 min of pre-concentration time were 0.005 mg kg-1 Cd2+ and 0.1 mg kg-1 Pb2+ in the sample of fish or shrimp in natura, considering 1.0 g of the sample in a final volume of 50 mL. The agreement of the obtained concentrations with the certified ones (Student t-test, 95% confidence) and the recoveries of spiked real samples, from 90 to 120%, demonstrated good accuracy. Precision was also adequate, with relative standard deviations from 2 to 13%. The method was accurate, precise and certainly could be applied to the digested samples of different natures.

FUNDAMENTO: A atividade do óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS) pode ser modulada pelo colesterol da lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-C), estatinas ou polimorfismos, como o T-786C de eNOS. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o polimorfismo T-786C está associado a alterações nos efeitos da atorvastatina no perfil lipídico, nas concentrações de metabólitos de óxido nítrico (NO) e da proteína C reativa de alta sensibilidade (PCR-as). MÉTODOS: Trinta voluntários do sexo masculino, assintomáticos, com idade entre 18-56 anos foram genotipados e classificados de acordo com a ausência (TT, n = 15) ou presença (CC, n = 15) do polimorfismo. Eles foram selecionados aleatoriamente para a utilização de placebo e atorvastatina (10 mg/dia por 14 dias). Após cada tratamento foram medidos lípides, lipoproteínas, frações HDL2 e HDL3, atividade da proteína de transferência de colesteril éster (CETP), metabólitos de NO e PCR-as. RESULTADOS: As comparações entre genótipos após a administração de placebo mostraram aumento da atividade da CETP polimorfismo-dependente (TT, 12 ± 7; CC, 22 ± 12, p < 0,05). As análises da interação entre os tratamentos indicaram que a atorvastatina tem efeito sobre colesterol, LDL, nitrito e razões lípides/proteínas (HDL2 e HDL3) (p < 0,001) em ambos os genótipos. É interessante notar as interações genótipo/droga sobre a CETP (p < 0,07) e a lipoproteína (a) [Lp(a)] (p < 0,056), levando a uma diminuição limítrofe da CETP, embora sem afetar a Lp(a). A PRC-as não mostrou alterações. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que o tratamento com estatinas pode ser relevante para a prevenção primária da aterosclerose em pacientes com o polimorfismo T-786C do eNOS, considerando os efeitos no metabolismo lipídico.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity may be modulated by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), statins or polymorphisms, such as the T-786C of eNOS. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating if the T-786C polymorphism is associated with changes of atorvastatin effects on the lipid profile, on the concentrations of metabolites of nitric oxide (NO) and of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). METHODS: Thirty male volunteers, asymptomatic, aged between 18 and 56 years were genotyped and classified according to absence (TT, n = 15) or presence (CC, n = 15) of the polymorphism. They were randomly selected for the use of placebo or atorvastatin (10 mg/day/14 days). After each treatment lipids, lipoproteins, HDL2 and HDL3 composition, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, metabolites of NO and hsCRP were evaluated. RESULTS: The comparisons between genotypes after placebo showed an increase in CETP activity in a polymorphism-dependent way (TT, 12±7; CC, 22±12; p < 0.05). The interaction analyses between treatments indicated that atorvastatin has an effect on cholesterol, LDL, nitrite and lipid-protein ratios (HDL2 and HDL3) (p < 0.001) in both genotypes. Interestingly, we observed genotype/drug interactions on CETP (p < 0.07) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) (p < 0.056), leading to a borderline decrease in CETP, but with no effect on Lp(a). HsCRP showed no alteration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that statin treatment may be relevant for primary prevention of atherosclerosis in patients with the T-786C polymorphism of eNOS, considering the effects on lipid metabolism.

A method for evaluating inorganic constituents in the grass by ICP OES is proposed. The samples were digested with nitric acid plus hydrogen peroxide in a microwave system. Seventeen samples were collected in the metropolitan area of Curitiba and Castro in the Paraná State, Brazil. The following elements were studied: Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn. The linear coefficients of the curves were higher than 0.999 and the precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, which was below 10%, being considered adequate. The accuracy was validated by using the recovery test (recoveries from 80 to 107%) and by the analysis of botanical certified materials. For one sample, two other digestion procedures, using two different mixtures of nitric and hydrochloric acids, produced results in agreement with the adopted procedure. Eleven out of the twenty studied elements could be quantified in real samples. High concentrations of Ca, K, Mg and P, the essential elements for bovines and other animals, were found. The results were evaluated using the principal component analysis that gathered the samples in three groups, according to the areas where the plants were grown.