Potentiality of Epoxy-Montmorillonite Composite for Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction for Determination of Atrazine

Abstract A new low-cost material is presented for the first time, aiming to study the sorption process for the stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique. The bars were made using a composition of a commercial epoxy resin and montmorillonite, under different compositions and a final ratio of 70% (epoxy) and 30% (montmorillonite) was employed, providing the best mechanical and chemical resistance. A PTFE support was developed to hold the bars permitting the magnetic stirring, without turbulent behavior even under long times of stirring at 1000 rpm. The bars were employed to study the sorption of the herbicide atrazine (ATZ), and the best extraction conditions were: sample volume 20.0 mL, pH 6.0, extraction time of 15 min, room temperature, stirring speed of 100 rpm, and 10.0% (w v-1) NaCl. This preliminary evaluation suggests that the modified bars could be employed for ATZ sorption, affording close to 71% of ATZ removal, and presented robust characteristics to be used at least 80 times.

Alternative Process for Production of Sweet Potato Distilled Beverage

Abstract Shochu is the most widely consumed spirit in Japan. In its manufacture is used koji, a solid fungus culture traditional of the Asian countries, but that makes the production process slow. Shochu can be produced from a variety of starchy sources, including sweet potato. About 7% of the world's sweet potato production is wasted due to imperfections that make it unsuitable for consumption. However, this material can be used in ethanol production. Considering the high productivity of sweet potato in Brazil, an opportunity to add value to this raw material is perceived. An alternative process for the production of sweet potato distillate similar to shochu was proposed. Koji was replaced by a mixture of alpha-amylase and glucoamylase. Process time was reduced from 14 to only 1 day. Composition analyses were performed by HPLC and GC. The experimental yield of alcoholic fermentation using pectinase enzyme reached 67.31-73.65%, but methanol was above the limits of the legislation. Without the addition of pectinase, no methanol was formed. However, there was a decrease in yield (51.65-54.75%), due to the incomplete disintegration of sweet potatoes. The distillate produced and the commercial shochu presented the same absorption bands in FTIR analysis, identifying the similarity between them.

Measure nicotine dependence by the fagerström test for nicotine dependence / Grau de dependência nicotínica por meio do teste de fagerström para dependência de nicotina

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the level of nicotine dependence of smokers in a university dental clinic in southern Brazil using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and identify those who would like to quit smoking. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 93 Dental School patients, who underwent a face-to-face interview with four researchers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test with a significance level of 5%. Results The mean age of the smokers was 47.90 and most had had up to eight years of schooling, and had a family income of less than 1,000 Brazilian Reais. The degree of nicotine dependence was classified, by the mean, 4.45 ± 2.53 points (±SD). There was a significant correlation between nicotine dependence and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Conclusion The 1% sodium hypochlorite solution caused least damage to the denture structure, not leading to decrease of the superficial microhardness.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o grau de dependência nicotínica de pacientes fumantes utilizando o Teste de Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina e o desejo de abandonar o hábito do tabagismo. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico, com amostragem probabilística, composta por 93 adultos de ambos os sexos. Utilizou-se o Teste de Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina e as informações foram coletadas por quatro pesquisadores. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial (Qui-quadrado), sendo empregado o nível de significância de 5%). Resultados Os fumantes apresentaram média de idade de 47,90 anos, sendo que a maioria possui até ensino fundamental e renda familiar de 1000 reais. O grau de dependência nicotínica foi classificado, em média, como escore de 4,45 ± 2,53 pontos (± dp). Houve associação entre nível de dependência e número de cigarros fumados por dia. Conclusão Pode-se concluir que 36,6% da amostra apresentam dependência elevada ou muito elevada. Esse grupo pode necessitar de terapia medicamentosa para auxiliar na cessação do tabagismo, salientando-se a importância dos grupos de apoio com esse fim, uma vez que 95% da amostra gostaria de parar de fumar.

Perfil de utilização dos serviços odontológicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde: experiência de duas unidades de saúde do município de Porto Alegre – Rio Grande do Sul / Oral health care in primary care attention: experience from two facilities of Porto Alegre – Rio Grande do Sul

Objetivo: estabelecer o perfil de utilização dos serviços odontológicosnas Unidades de Saúde SE SC e NSA do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição. Materiais e métodos: analisou-se o relatório do Sistema de Informação - SIS dasconsultas odontológicas (meses junho aagosto/2011). As variáveis foram: características sócio-demográficas(idade, gênero e microárea), motivo da consulta (CID-10) e tipo de consulta ambulatorial: consulta programada ou consulta não programada. Resultados: na US NSA prevaleceu os usuários do gênero feminino, faixa etária 35-44 anos, proveniente da microárea NSA3; o acesso aos serviços odontológicos foi por consultas programadas, e o códigoCID-10 de cárie dentária foi o mais freqüente. Na US SESC destaca-se de diferente a faixa etária de 0-11 anos e maior utilização do código CID-10 de primeira consulta odontológica programada. Conclusão: Os achados demonstram que é possível utilizar os dados do SIS para conhecer o perfil de utilização e a partir destes organizaro acesso em SB, baseado nos princípios APS.

Aim: Describe the dental service utilization profile from US NSA andUS SESC–Grupo Hospitalar Conceição.Materials and methods: The study evaluated a Sistema de Informações– SIS’ report obtained from dental appointments (June and August 2011. The variables were: demographic (age, gender and territory), aim of appointment (ICD-10) and type of it (booked or urgent). Results : Mostpatients from US NSA were women, age 35-44 years, coming from the area NSA3; seeking for booked appointments for treating dental caries. At US SESC, most patients were women, age 0-11 years, from the area SESC2, with a greater rate of booked appointments and utilization for complete dental exam/dental appointment to children 0-3 years. Conclusion: The results show that increasing the use of SIS data forDentistry can support the upgrading of resource distribution and management of oral health care in accor dance with the principles of Primary Care Attention.