Polyethylene Tubes Research Articles

Are resin-containing pulp capping materials as reliable as traditional ones in terms of local and systemic biological effects?

The aim of this study was to compare the local and systemic effects of current pulp capping materials containing resin with those of traditional materials in an animal study. A total of 48 rats were used: a control group (n=12) (sub-control and negative control), a resin-containing group (n=18) (Calcimol LC, Theracal LC, Activa-BioActive Base/Liner), and a traditional group (n=18) (Biodentine, ProRoot MTA, Dycal). The materials which had been placed in polyethylene tubes were implanted in subcutaneous pockets. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, or 4 weeks. Evaluations were made of subcutaneous connective tissue, the left kidney, liver, and blood samples. Of all the study groups, MTA demonstrated biocompatibility at a level close to that of the control groups. Inflammation was observed to be more severe in resin-containing materials, but Activa Base/Liner showed a more successful local and systemic tissue response.

Reliability and limitations of GPR for identifying objects embedded in concrete – Experience from the lab

This paper presents laboratory application of the Ground Penetrating Radar technique on six concrete specimens, with intentionally embedded objects made of different materials, in an effort to demonstrate the capabilities of the radar technique and to assist practitioners in using this technique in real applications.Conclusions are drawn on the effectiveness in identifying objects including rebars and (dense) mesh, polyethylene, steel and plastic tubes, steel sheets, wood and brick. The impact of data acquisition parameters is discussed and practical guidance is given for high-quality scans and data interpretation.It is concluded that cross-polarized antennas are an efficient way for the detection and identification of different rebar diameters. The signal penetrability is reduced for moist concrete; however, by suitable signal modification, the raw data quality can be considerably enhanced. The use of the technique for the investigation of laboratory concrete specimens with known content allows for the understanding of the limits of the technique.

Operation Energy Consumption Study on Reel and Polyethylene Tube of a New Hard Hose Traveler

To solve the problems of higher energy consumption and lower intelligence of traditional hard hose travelers, a new hard hose traveler with the function of electric drive and self-propelled is developed in this paper. The operational energy consumption of a reel and a polyethylene tube is an important part of hard-hose traveler energy consumption. In this paper, based on the JP50-180 hard hose traveler, the required pulling force and energy consumption at the reel and tube operation are theoretically and experimentally obtained. The aforementioned provides support for reducing energy consumption in the future. The influencing factor that affects the energy consumption of the reel rotation is the tube length, and the influencing factors that affect the energy consumption of the tube sliding are the ground slope, soil moisture content, and tube length. A calculation model for the dynamic change of the pulling force and energy consumption of the reel and tube operation is proposed in this study. Through theoretical analysis, maximum pulling tension and cumulative energy consumption requirements for the for reel rotation are 278.6 N and 15120.83 J, respectively. Furthermore, the requirements for the tube sliding are 1372.86 N and 123,456.96 J. Through test analysis, the maximum pulling tension for the tube sliding is between 1258.3 N and 1773.3 N, while the maximum pulling tension for reel rotation is 285.05 N. Under the same influencing factors, the deviation rates between theoretical and testable energy consumption for the reel rotation and tube sliding are 2.3 and 8.3%, respectively. The pulling force and cumulative energy consumption required for the reel rotation and tube sliding both increase with an increase in their influencing factors. The operating costs of the tube one-time unrolled are approximately 0.0185 CNY. Combined with the mobile resistance of the electric tracked vehicle, the power configuration of this new hard hose traveler is provided by two servo motors with a power of 5500 W each.

Influence of silver nanoparticles on the tissue reaction of polyacrylic acid-based gel.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To study the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on tissue reaction when incorporated into a polymeric matrix of polyacrylic acid-based (Carbopol®) gel as a proposal for a new low-cost type of biomaterial that is simple to manufacture for use as an antimicrobial and antioxidative dressing.Methods: In-vivo tests of implantation in the subcutaneous tissue of the back of rats were performed using polyethylene tubes in three situations: empty, only the gel, and gel incorporated with AgNP. Then, the tissue reaction was studied by counting inflammatory cells. Additionally, in-vitro tests of the antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of AgNP were performed. The radical 2,2 diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to test the antioxidative activity of AgNP using electron spin resonance. The antimicrobial activity of AgNP was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration against the microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.Results:The results indicated that AgNP presents antioxidative activity and was able to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms tested. The addition of AgNP in Carbopol® did not alter the tissue inflammatory response (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis’s test).Conclusions:The new biomaterial is promising for future use as a dressing for its beneficial properties for regenerative processes.

Threads in tubing: an innovative approach towards improved electrochemical thread-based microfluidic devices.

Thread-based microfluidic analytical devices have received growing attention since threads have some advantages over other materials. Compared to paper, threads are also capable of spontaneously transporting fluid due to capillary action, but they have superior mechanical strength and do not require hydrophobic barriers. Therefore, thread-based microfluidic devices can be inexpensively fabricated with no need for external pumps or sophisticated microfabrication apparatus. Despite these outstanding features, achieving a controlled and continuous flow rate is still a challenging task, mainly due to fluid evaporation. Here, we overcome this challenge by inserting a cotton thread into a polyethylene tube aiming to minimize fluid evaporation. Also, a cotton piece was inserted into the outlet reservoir to improve the wicking ability of the device. This strategy enabled the fabrication of an innovative electrochemical thread in a tubing microfluidic device that was capable to hold a consistent flow rate (0.38 μL s-1) for prolonged periods, allowing up to 100 injections in a single device by simply replacing the cotton piece in the outlet reservoir. The proposed device displayed satisfactory analytical performance for selected model analytes (dopamine, hydrogen peroxide, and tert-butylhydroquinone), in addition to being successfully used for quantification of nitrite in spiked artificial saliva samples. Beyond the flow rate improvement, this "thread-in-tube" strategy ensured the protection of the fluid from external contamination while making it easier to connect the electrode array to the microchannels. Thus, we envision that the thread in a tube strategy could bring interesting improvements to thread-based microfluidic analytical devices.

Plasmonic photoreactors-coated plastic tubing as combined-active-and-passive antimicrobial flow sterilizer.

Plastic materials are ubiquitous in medical devices and consumer goods. As bacterial contamination of plastic surfaces can pose significant health risks, there is a need for effective approaches both to inactivate bacteria on plastic surfaces and to prevent colonization of plastic surfaces. In this study, we evaluate a plasmonic photoreactor coating for plastic surfaces that provides both active and passive antimicrobial effects and implement a visible light-driven antibacterial flow sterilizer. We demonstrate that this approach inactivates bacteria in an aqueous suspension passed through a photoreactor-coated polyethylene tubing, achieving log reduction values (LRVs) > 5 for both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria under resonant LED illumination. Importantly, the antimicrobial flow sterilizers do not cause a detectable loss of functionality for monoclonal antibodies that were included in this work as an example of high-value biologics that require sterilization. Under ambient light illumination, the plasmonic photoreactor coating exhibits a significant inhibitory effect on bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. The inhibitory effect was substantially weaker for mammalian cells, indicating some selectivity in the protection provided by the coating.

Biocompatibility assessment of different root-end filling materials implanted subcutaneously in rats: An in vivo study.

Root-end filling materials are used in surgical endodontic treatment to seal the teeth periapically. Ideally, these materials should prevent bacterial leakage by tightly sealing the canal, be biocompatible with the periapical tissues, and preferably stimulate the regeneration of dentin, contributing to the success of treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the biocompatibility of the GuttaFlow® Bioseal cement in relation to MTA Angelus® and Zical® after implantation into the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Eighteen male albino rats were used in the study. Four polyethylene tubes were implanted in the backs of the rats (3 tubes containing the test materials and 1 empty tube as a control). Nine animals were sacrificed at each interval of 7 and 30 days, and the implants were removed with the surrounding tissue. The samples were evaluated for stromal inflammatory response, fibrous tissue formation, vascular reactivity, and the presence of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs). On day 7, the capsules in all subgroups revealed moderate to severe inflammatory reactions with the presence of inflammatory cells, multiple irregular collagen fibers, dilated blood vessels, and MNGCs. However, on day 30, tissue organization was more evident with a reduction in the inflammatory response. In this time interval, the tissue in contact with GuttaFlow Bioseal showed progressive healing with a wellformed fibrous capsule. Conversely, the tissue close to MTA Angelus revealed a fibrous capsule of limited organization with mild pericapsular fibrosis and vascular congestion. Zical showed a mild to moderate persistent inflammatory reaction and vascular reactivity. The 3 cements demonstrated more severe irritation at the beginning that became milder with time. GuttaFlow Bioseal yielded better tissue organization than MTA Angelus and Zical. Thus, these findings strongly suggest that GuttaFlow Bioseal is a promising material for root-end filling.

Water as carrier of information of heat shock and drug effect between two groups of Adhatoda vasica plants

Adhatoda vasica Nees plants were grown in 50 earthen pots, which were divided into 5 batches A, B, C, D, and E. Of these A, B and C, D were arranged into two separate parallel pairs. One leaf of each plant of an adjacent pair was immersed in sterile tap water in a beaker. Adjacent beakers in each pair A B or C D were connected by polythene tubes containing wet cotton threads. One leaf of each plant of A was given heat shock by immersing a leaf in hot water for 5 min. One leaf of each plant of C was treated with Cantharis vesicatoria 200c. Batch E served as the unstressed and untreated control. One hour after heat shock or drug treatment all the leaves were harvested and their proteins were extracted by chilled protein extraction buffer. Proteins were separated by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC). Protein profiles of A, B and C, D showed marked similarity with respect to expression and repression of some proteins. It is concluded that the effect of heat shock and drug treatment is transmitted through water in the capillaries of cotton threads connecting the pairs of plants. It is assumed that heat shock or drug treatment altered locally the water structure in the leaves which was propagated through global network of water structure over the protein network in the whole plants, and from there to the interfacial water in the beakers and cotton threads. A homeopathic potency is thought to be specifically structured water which influences the water structure in the treated organism.

Transfer of anti-alcoholic effect of Nux Vomica 200 cH through water from one group of toads to another under alcohol anesthesia

Background: A common practice is to give homeopathic medication to nursing mothers to treat their children, assuming that the drug will be conveyed by the milk. In the case of conventional treatment, the drug molecules are indeed passed on from the mother to her breastfed infant. However, high dilutions (HD) above 12 cH, i.e., over Avogadro’s number, are traditionally held to lack any molecule from the starting material. If that is the case, then, does medication taken by the mother actually reach the child? To answer to that question, we developed plant models and demonstrated the transfer of HD effects between 2 groups of plants. Aims: To demonstrate the transfer of HD effects in an animal model in a much shorter time. Methods: Two batches of toads were respectively placed in two beakers, one containing Nux vomica 200 cH diluted with water 1:500 (direct treatment), and the other the same amount of distilled water were connected by cotton thread soaked in water and encased in a polyethylene tube (connected group); a third batch of toads (control) were placed in a beaker with 90% ethanol diluted with distilled water 1:500; all the animals were left 30 minutes, and then transferred to 3 independent beakers containing 209 mM ethanol. Every 10 minutes, the motionless toads were removed from the beakers, and placed on supine position, failure to recover the upright position after 60 sec was considered as loss of the righting reflex (RR). The experiment was replicated using large adult toads. Results: The percentage of toads losing the RR increased with the time of exposure to 209 mM ethanol in the 3 groups of toads. Significant difference in the percentage distribution was found between the control and the direct treatment and connected groups on χ2 test (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively), whereby the latter required much longer time to lose the RR, and did not differed between them. In the experiment with large adult toads, the control group lost RR in 78 min, whereas the 2 treated groups did not lose RR even after 240 min. Conclusion: Nux-v 200 cH countered the hypnotic effect of alcohol in young toads, and this effect was transferred through capillary water in the cotton thread, supporting the transfer of the effect of homeopathic medication from mother to child.

Determination of methanol concentration in ethanol in liquid phase by a phononic crystal Mach-Zehnder interferometer

A practical and portable ultrasonic interferometric sensor to detect methanol concentration in ethanol in the liquid phase is numerically investigated. For high-sensitivity operation, the sensor is designed as a Mach–Zehnder interferometer based on a linear-defect waveguide in a two-dimensional phononic crystal, which consists of square array of cylindrical steel rods in water. The waveguide core comprises polyethylene tubing, impedance-matched with water, filled with either pure ethanol or ethanol-methanol binary mixture, allowing fast replacement of the analyte. Band structure analyses through the finite-element method are carried out to obtain guiding modes at frequencies around 200 kHz. With 50 × 21 cells with 4.2 mm periodicity, the total sensor area is 210-by-88.2 millimeters, which can be significantly reduced by increasing the operating frequency to megahertz range. The interferometer is constructed via T junctions of the waveguide, which facilitates low-loss equal splitting and recollection of ultrasonic waves. Sample and reference wave paths are constructed by filling polyethylene tubing on the upper and lower halves of the interferometer with the ethanol-methanol mixture and pure ethanol, respectively. Frequency-domain finite-element method simulations reveal that the sensor output is characterized by several transmission peaks, one of which is centered at 203.35 kHz with a full-width at half-maximum of 20 Hz, resulting in a quality factor of 10167. The peak frequency of this peak redshifts at a rate of 7.24 Hz per percent volume fraction change in methanol. The peak shift is linear when the methanol volume fraction is below 10%. Besides, the interferometric sensor has a figure of merit around 0.35. The proposed ultrasonic sensor offers rapid detection of methanol content in ethanol with high sensitivity.

Assessment of Fluoride Release through Dentin Adhesive in the Alkasite Restorative Material and Giomer

This study evaluated the fluoride release of alkasite restorative material (ARM) and giomer penetrating the dentin adhesive layer. Twenty specimens were prepared for each restorative material, and dentin adhesive with uniform thickness was applied to half of them. The prepared specimens were placed in a polyethylene tube containing 2.0 mL of deionized water and deposited in a 37.0°C water bath for the study duration. The amount of fluoride release was measured on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after deposition. The dentin adhesive applied to the ARM and giomer could not completely block the fluoride release; however, it significantly reduced its amount. The cumulative amount of fluoride release of the ARM after 28 days was higher than that of the giomer regardless of the application of dentin adhesive.

Examination of the composition and microorganisms in the oral microflora with to Immunological parameters identification of Saliva

The oral mucosa is a mucous membrane that connects the lips to the pharyngeal and gastrointestinal mucosa. Its particular properties enable it to function as a gatekeeper, regulating the impact of inhaled and ingested antigens, and the degrees of inflammation and immunological responses tolerated in a normal healthy mouth cavity. The objectives of this study are to: (1) quantification of the composition of the oral micro flora in individuals of 18-50 years old; (2) examination of the oral cavity microorganisms (culture-morphological and microscopic studies); and (3) determination the biochemical parameters (lysozyme concentration, active acidity level) of the oral fluid (saliva). The research evaluated 65 people between the ages of 18 and 50. Swabs from the oral cavity (within the cheeks) were used to inoculate agar media (MPA, Endo medium). Colonies (CFU) on the agar medium's surface were counted and converted to an area of the oral cavity (4 cm2). The oral fluid was collected in the morning, on an empty stomach, before brushing the teeth, into a sterile test tube with a tight-fitting cover. This was done by thoroughly cleaning the individual's mouth with a sterile 0.9% NaCl solution. We used indicator strips of paper with pH ranges of 5.4–7.8, 0.2 steps. Oral fluid centrifuged (2000 rpm for 20 min). Indicator paper was dropped over the supernatant and the pH was calculated using a standard scale. Saliva from patients was collected in 1 ml polyethylene tubes, diluted 1:1 with saline, and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1500 rpm. We studied the slurry. For this reason, the measurements are done in calibrated test tubes with 3 ml of the investigated lysozyme solution each time. The control is 0.5 M phosphate buffer. The research revealed that those with periodontitis and caries had pH alterations in their saliva. This group's pH was 5.03. Compared to the healthy group, the pH decreased. The results showed that individuals with dental and periodontal issues had substantially lower levels of Lysozyme than healthy people. A severe decrease of nonspecific oral tissue resistance lowers oral fluid resistance to pathogens. Morover, Oral bacteria were all Amoxicillin resistant. Lactobacillus.

Transmission of the effect of Mercurius corrosivus 30 CH on -amylase in cell free medium through water.

Abstract
 Background
 Mercurius corrosivus 30CH promoted -amylase activity in a cell free medium invitro. -amylase causes hydrolysis of starch. The activity of the enzyme is measured in terms of the amount of maltose liberated due to breakdown of starch. In a number of experimental studies it has been demonstrated that the effect of homeopathic potency would be transmitted from one plant to another through water. Here one leaf of a pair of plants was dipped in water in a beaker. The two beakers were connected by a water filled polythene tube. The effect of treatment of one plant with homeopathic potency would be observed in the directly treated plant as well as the connected plant. Two groups of toads were kept in water in two different containers. The two containers were connected by a water filled polythene tube. The effect of treatment of one group of toads with homeopathic potency would be observed in both the directly treated group as well as the connected group.
 Objectives
 The purpose of the present study is to see whether the effect of Mercurius corrosivus 30 CH on -amylase in one test tube would be transmitted to another test tube connected with the former by water filled capillary tube.
 Methods
 Mercurius corrosivus 30 CH was diluted with distilled water (1:100). Two hard glass test tubes each containing -amylase were connected with a water filled capillary tube while one test tube received Mercurius corrosivus 30CH solution, the other only the control solution. The control solution consisted of equal amount of 90% ethanol diluted with water (1:100).There were two more test tubes, one containing same amount of distilled water instead of Mercurius corrosivus 30 CH solution and the other test tube the same amount of 90% ethanol (1:100) as in the control set. After 10 mins starch solution in Sodium acetate buffer was added to each test tube. The enzyme in each test tube was allowed to react with starch for 15 mins and then it was stopped by DNSA (Dinitro salicylic acid) solution .The activity of -amylase was measured by standard biochemical process. The breakdown product maltose in each test tube was quantified by a standard curve prepared by measuring the optical density of the maltose solution at 560 nm in a UV-VIS Spectrophotometer. This experiment was repeated 20 times.
 Results
 Activity of -amylase was expressed in terms of the amount of maltose liberated from breakdown of starch with standard errors in 15mins at a fixed temperature. The data were analyzed statistically using t-test. Mercurius corrosivus 30 CH enhanced the enzyme activity significantly in the directly treated test tube as well as the connected one (p

Inter-group Transfer of Anti-alcoholic Effect of Nux vomica 200 CH through the Body of a Live Toad

Background: A homeopathic potency is usually given to the nursing mother for the treatment of her baby. Potencies above 12 CH cross the Avogadro number and are, therefore, too dilute to contain any original drug molecules. A potency is thought to be specifically structured water carrying the imprint of original drug molecules. It may convert the water structure in the body of the mother and through her milk reach the suckling baby. Using a toad model we have recently demonstrated that the antialcoholic effect of Nux vomica 200 CH could be transferred from one group of toads to another through capillary water which carries the information of Nux vomica. Homeopathic potencies show UV spectra distinct from its diluent medium of aquous ethanol. Does a potency remain effective even after passage through a living body? Objectives: To demonstrate that a potency effect can be transferred through the body of a live toad to other groups of toads connected through water to the live toad. Further, we want to see whether the UV spectra of drug solution and of water connected to the drug are similar in nature. Methods: A live toad was held vertically with one hind limb dipped in Nux vomica 200 CH solution in a beaker and another limb in distilled water in another beaker. The second beaker was connected by wet cotton threads encased in polythene tubes to 5 beakers, each of which contained adult toads in distilled water. A batch of toads was directly treated with Nux vomica 200 CH. An equal number of toads in distilled water served as the untreated control. After 30 min the control and the two batches of treated toads were kept separately in 209 mM ethanol solution. Toads, that stopped movement, were placed in supine position on a dry surface. Failure to assume a normal sitting posture within a cutoff time of 60 sec was regarded as loss of righting reflex (RR). The experiment was replicated using large number of toads. UV spectra of Nux vomica 200 CH solution and of water before and after connection with the drug were obtained. Results: The percentage of toads losing RR in the three groups of toads increased with time of exposure to 209 mM ethanol solution. The loss of RR was significantly delayed with the direct treatment group ( P < 0.001, chi square test) and the connected groups ( P < 0.01 , χ2 test ) as compared to the control. The two former groups did not differ from each other significantly. UV spectra of Nux vomica 200 CH solution were similar to that of water connected to the drug solution. Conclusion: The antialcoholic effect of Nux vomica 200 CH could be transferred through the body of a live toad to other groups of toads. The drug did not undergo denaturation during its passage through the living body. That water carries the information of original drug is further evidenced by the spectral properties of water connected to the drug solution through capillary water.

Biological and antimicrobial properties of the association Ambroxol and a water-soluble viscous liquid as a vehicle for a tricalcium silicate-based sealer

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and biological properties of Ambroxol associated with glycerin (GLI), propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a possible vehicle for an experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, with the intention of developing a new biomaterial. Mouse undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) were cultured, and the effects of different association on cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production were investigated. Antimicrobial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to setting sealers at 2 h was evaluated. Polyethylene tubes containing experimental sealers and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissues of 12 male 3- to 4-months-old Wistar rats (250–280 g). After 7 and 30 days, the tubes were removed and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for parametric data and Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn for nonparametric (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was dose-dependent, since all association were cytotoxic at higher concentrations; however, Ambroxol–PEG showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than other association (p < 0.05). In addition, irrespective of the association, no cytokine production was observed in vitro. Ambroxol–GLI reduced bacterial viability, whereas Ambroxol–PEG increased (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed no significant difference in the inflammatory response (p > 0.05) and mineralization ability in all association. Additionally, IL-1β and TNF-α were upregulated on Ambroxol–PEG in relation to Control at 07 days (p < 0.05). Ambroxol–GLI was the best vehicle for experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, as it promoted an increase in antimicrobial activity without altering the inflammatory response or mineralization ability.

Preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms on Indwelling Catheters by Surface-Bound Enzymes.

Implanted medical devices such as central venous catheters are highly susceptible to microbial colonization and biofilm formation and are a major risk factor for nosocomial infections. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses exopolysaccharides, such as Psl, for both initial surface attachment and biofilm formation. We have previously shown that chemically immobilizing the Psl-specific glycoside hydrolase, PslGh, to a material surface can inhibit P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. Herein, we show that PslGh can be uniformly immobilized on the lumen surface of medical-grade, commercial polyethylene, polyurethane, and polydimethylsiloxane (silicone) catheter tubing. We confirmed that the surface-bound PslGh was uniformly distributed along the catheter length and remained active even after storage for 30 days at 4 °C. P. aeruginosa colonization and biofilm formation under dynamic flow culture conditions in vitro showed a 3-log reduction in the number of bacteria during the first 11 days, and a 2-log reduction by day 14 for PslGh-modified PE-100 catheters, compared to untreated catheter controls. In an in vivo rat infection model, PslGh-modified PE-100 catheters showed a ∼1.5-log reduction in the colonization of the clinical P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strain after 24 h. These results demonstrate the robust ability of surface-bound glycoside hydrolase enzymes to inhibit biofilm formation and their potential to reduce rates of device-associated infections.

Plant quality index of caracolillo (Ormosia macrocalyx Ducke), in nursery stage with controlled release fertilizers

Objective: To evaluate, in a nursery, the effect of two controlled release fertilizers in three concentrations on the growth components and quality index in caracolillo seedlings. Design/Methodology/Approach: A factorial arrangement (2 x 3) housed in a completely randomized design was used, with seven treatments and twelve repetitions. For three months, the growth of caracolillo plants maintained in 310 cm3 polyethylene tubes, with a substrate of peat moss, vermiculite, agrolite and soil (2:1:1:1), plus controlled release fertilizer (CRF) Basacote® 9M (16-8-12) and Multicote® 12M (18-6-12), in three doses each: 10 (low), 20 (medium) and 30 kg m-3 (high), in addition to a control without conventional fertilization (CF) 17N-17P-17K in doses of 10 kg m-3. The variables height, diameter, leaf number, robustness index (RI), aerial/root dry biomass ratio (ADB/RDB R) and Dickson’s quality index (DQI) were measured. The means were compared by Tukey’s test at a 5% confidence level. Results: Basacote® and Multicote® fertilizers in low doses allowed an adequate growth and development in caracolillo plants, which was reflected in the variables height, diameter and number of leaves. The RI and DQI indices presented values within the normal ranges, while those of ADB/RDB R were rather low, but in the three cases there were no statistical differences. Study Limitations/Implications: Based on the results obtained, it is recommended to continue monitoring the studied plants in the field, which would allow adjustments in the initial fertilization doses. Findings/Conclusions: The low doses (10 kg m-3) of the controlled release fertilizers Basacote® and Multicote® showed the best results in the growth and development of caracolillo in the nursery stage, but the RI, ADB/RDB R and DQI indices did not present statistical differences.

Transfer of the effect of potentized Mercuric chloride on α-amylase from one test tube to another through capillary water.

Objective: In a series of experiments we showed that treatment of a plant or animal with a diluted and agitated substance might affect other plants or animals connected to the former by the capillary water in cotton threads. The aim of the present study was to establish whether drug effect could be transferred in a cell-free medium.&#x0D; &#x0D; Design: Two test tubes, each containing 1 ml of 1% starch solution and 1 ml of α-amylase, were connected by means wet cotton threads encased in a polythene tube. One of the tubes also contained Mercurius corrosivus (Merc-c) 30 cH and the other ethanol solution (control). After 15 min, the enzyme activity was stopped with DNSA, and the breakdown product of starch, maltose, was estimated. A third, separate tube contained all the tested materials except for Merc-c and the control solution. In a second experiment 2 tubes, one containing 1,200 ppm and the other 200 ppm of maltose, were similarly connected over 15 min. Both experiments were repeated 20 times.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: In the first experiment, the amount of maltose was similar in both connected tubes, but it was significantly lower in the unconnected tube. In the second experiment, maltose concentration in both tubes remained unchanged. &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The information of Merc-c 30 cH was effectively transferred through capillary water between 2 tubes in cell-free medium. This effect was not due to physical transfer of either solvent or solutes. Water seems to the most probable carrier of information in diluted and agitated solutions.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Water, alpha amylase, Mercurius corrosivus 30 cH, starch, maltose, high dilutions

Stochastic Economic Analysis of Investment Projects in Forest Restoration Involving Containerized Tree Seedlings in Brazil

Background: Experts in ecological restoration have discussed the cost reduction to make forest restoration financially feasible. This is very important in developing countries, such as Brazil, and for smallholder farmers; however, economic studies do not usually consider the uncertainties in their analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze, under conditions of uncertainty, how tropical tree seedlings produced in polyethylene bags, polyethylene tubes, and biodegradable containers (Ellepot®) interfere with the costs of implementation and post-planting maintenance investment projects in a deforested tropical seasonal forest area in southern Brazil. Methods: We evaluated total costs, production costs, and equivalent annual uniform costs, and the probability distributions and estimated ranges of stochastic values were adjusted through Monte Carlo method simulation. Furthermore, the seedling survival rate was recorded over 12 months post-planting. Results: The costs with tree seedling acquisition and direct labor were the components that most impacted total costs in the three investment projects. The forest restoration investment project with tree seedlings produced in polyethylene bags was economically unfeasible in relation to other projects. Conclusions: The best economic alternative was observed in the investment project with tree seedlings produced in Ellepot®, which showed a survival rate &gt;80% after one year and the lowest total cost, production cost, and equivalent uniform annual cost.

Multisite Calibration of a Microporous Polyethylene Tube Passive Sampler for Quantifying Drugs in Wastewater

Passive sampling approaches to monitor licit and illicit drugs of concern in wastewater shows promise as a supplementary sampling technique to grab sampling when conventional composite autosampling may not be possible. Recent studies have assessed the applicability of passive sampling at a single wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). However, it remains unknown whether a single-site calibration can be applied to other WWTPs. This study evaluated the in situ calibration of microporous polyethylene tube passive samplers (MPTs) against simultaneously collected composite samples for 22 different WWTPs. Samples were analyzed for methylamphetamine, amphetamine, hydroxycotinine, cotinine, benzoylecgonine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and noroxycodone. Estimated rates of chemical uptake (sampling rates) were calculated using the mass accumulated in the samplers, the concentration measured in composite samples, and the duration of deployment. The estimated sampling rates were consistent between WWTPs (>90% within a factor of two) and ranged from 5 mL day-1 (amphetamine) to 9 mL day-1 (noroxycodone). The samplers were effective at estimating analyte concentrations, with 77% of results having a normalized difference to 24 h composite samples of below 30%. Our study suggests that MPT passive samplers provide a tool for the spatiotemporal monitoring of drug use where automated integrative sampling techniques may not be feasible.