The organic extract of the plant Maclura tinctoria exhibited moderate anti-HIV activity. Seven prenylated phenolic derivatives were isolated from the active fractions and characterized by spectroanalytical methods. New compounds macluraxanthone B (1), macluraxanthone C (2), and dihydrocudraflavone B (8) were identified.

It has been hypothesized that exposure to heavy metals may impair male reproduction. To measure the effect produced by low doses of heavy metals on semen parameters, it is necessary to clarify in which body fluids those measurements must be performed. Sixty-one men attending infertility clinics participated in our study. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured in whole blood,...

Over the years, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been reported in literature as an alternative to traditional methods of analysis, becoming well established among spectroanalytical techniques. LIBS is a technique widely used for qualitative approaches; however, it necessary considerable effort use quantitative mainly due severe matrix effects. These limitations make difficult bro...