Statistical analyses
All data obtained from the in vitro and in vivo experiments were
subjected to analysis of variance according to parametric and non
parametric approaches (Statistica 10; Statsoft Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA).
All percentage data were transformed using arcsine (sin-1 square
root x) prior to statistical analysis. The untransformed means
(±standard error of the mean) are presented in the tables and
separated by Fisher’s least significant difference test or Kruskal–
Wallis followed by Mann–Whitney test for parametric and non
parametric approaches, respectively.
Limpel’s formula, as described by Richter (1987), was applied to
determine if synergism was present in the effectiveness of mixtures.
Limpel’s formula is Ee = X + Y(XY/100), in which Ee is the
expected effect from additive responses of two treatments and X
and Y are the percentages of decay reduction relative to each agent
used alone. Thus, if the combination of the two agents produces any
value of decay reduction greater than Ee, then synergism exists.