Amino hydroxyapatite/chitosan hybrids reticulated with glutaraldehyde at different pH values and their use for diclofenac removal.

Diclofenac sodium (DS) is an emergent pollutant, and among the methods investigated for its removal, adsorption is the most widely utilized technique. Hydroxyapatite and chitosan are biomaterials often used for adsorption. However, both biomaterials are limited due to their low chemical stability in an acidic medium; furthermore, pure hydroxyapatite interacts poorly with diclofenac. In this work, hydroxyapatite was organofunctionalized with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and further used to obtain amino hydroxyapatite /chitosan hybrids by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde at pH 3, 4, 5, and 6. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the preservation of the hydroxyapatite phase under all pH conditions. Based on the control reaction of the amino hydroxyapatite with glutaraldehyde and its further reduction in sodium borohydride, the formation of CN moieties was highlighted as the main interaction mechanism between the aldehyde and amino groups. Therefore, crosslinking with glutaraldehyde was evaluated by infrared, Raman spectroscopy, and 13C NMR techniques; the results suggested contributions of imine formation and hydrogen bonding. The hybrid obtained at pH 3 exhibited an enhanced adsorption capacity of 125 mg g-1 at 15 min. The synergy between amino hydroxyapatite and chitosan crosslinked by glutaraldehyde was demonstrated.

Monitoring diclofenac adsorption by organophilic alkylpyridinium bentonites.

Organoclays have been applied as efficient adsorbents for pharmaceutical pollutants from aqueous solution. In this work, dodecylpyridinium chloride (C12pyCl) and hexadecylpyridinium chloride (C16pyCl) cationic surfactants were used for the preparation of organobentonites destined for diclofenac sodium (DFNa) adsorption, an anionic drug widely detected in wastewater. The organofunctionalization of the clay samples was performed under microwave irradiation at 50 °C for 5 min with surfactant amounts of 100% and 200% in relation to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the pristine bentonite. The amount of incorporated ammonium salts based on CHN elemental analysis was higher for all samples prepared with 200% of the CEC. The basal spacings of the organoclays ranged from 1.54 to 2.13 nm, indicating the entrance of organic cations into the interlayer spacing of the clay samples, and the spacing depended on the size of the alkyl organic chain. The hydrophobic character of the organobentonites was verified by thermogravimetry and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The adsorption isotherms showed that the drug capacity adsorption was influenced by the amount of surfactant incorporated into the bentonite, the packing density and the arrangement of the surfactants in the interlayer spacing. Zeta potential measurements of the organobentonites and FTIR analysis after drug adsorption suggested that electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions contributed to the mechanism of adsorption.

Population structure of Annona crassiflora: an endemic plant species of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Habitat fragmentation has numerous consequences, particularly to endemic species, and has a negative impact on the genetic diversity of neglected species, leading to genetic drift. Annona crassiflora Mart. is a species that is endemic to Brazil, and its incidence in the Cerrado biome has decreased. The identification and characterization of its remaining diversity is necessary for its conservation. Our aim was to study the population structure of A. crassiflora populations from different Cerrado regions in Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Corinto, Curvelo, Carmo da Mata, Boa Esperança, and Paraguaçu) using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and DNA content. Nuclear DNA content was estimated by flow cytometry using 10 individuals from each population. ISSR markers were used for genotyping accessions in order to study their genetic diversity and population structures. We found considerable genetic variation among populations, with the highest variability observed in the Curvelo population. There was a significant positive correlation between DNA content and latitude (r = 0.46, P = 0. 0003). A Bayesian-based cluster analysis grouped the populations into three clusters, which followed their geographical origins. There was some level of genetic diversity and differentiation among the populations, suggesting the need for a conservation plan for this species. The ISSR markers and DNA content analysis were effective in studying the genetic diversity and population structure of A. crassiflora.

Efeito da inclusão da torta de macaúba na população de protozoários do rúmen de vacas leiteiras / The effect of macauba meal inclusion in the ruminal protozoa population of dairy cows

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da inclusão da torta de macaúba (TM) na dieta sobre a concentração e o perfil da população de protozoários ciliados do rúmen. Foram utilizadas oito vacas Holandesas, dispostas em dois quadrados latinos 4x4 e alimentadas com diferentes níveis de inclusão da TM (0, 100, 200 e 300g kg-1 de matéria seca na dieta total). Para quantificação e identificação dos protozoários, amostras de 1mL do líquido ruminal de cada animal foram diluídas em 9mL de solução de formaldeído a 10%. Após diluições decimais sucessivas em solução salina, os protozoários foram quantificados em câmara de Sedgewick. A identificação foi realizada sob a luz da microscopia óptica, utilizando-se a objetiva de 40x para caracterizar o mínimo de 100 indivíduos por amostra. As concentrações de protozoários pequenos (P<0,01), médios (P=0,05), grandes (P=0,01) e o número total (P<0,01) apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente com o aumento dos níveis de inclusão da TM nas dietas. Foram encontradas características morfológicas típicas de 16 gêneros de protozoários ciliados, sendo os gêneros Entodinium e Eodinium os mais frequentes no líquido ruminal dos animais avaliados. O perfil da população de protozoários ciliados sofreu pequenas alterações com a inclusão da TM, sendo observada alteração na participação percentual dos gêneros Charonina (P = 0,03) e Polyplastron (P<0,01). A utilização da TM na dieta de bovinos promove redução na concentração e modificação no perfil da população de protozoários ciliados do rúmen.

The effects of meal macaúba (MM) inclusion on the concentration and profile of the ciliate protozoa of the bovine rumen were evaluated. Eight Holstein cows were used during second lactation, with average 480 kg of body weight, arranged in two 4x4 Latin squares simultaneously and fed four diets with different concentrations of the MM (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg-1). For identification and quantification of protozoa, samples of ruminal fluid from each animal with 1 ml were diluted in 9mL of 10% formaldehyde. After consecutive decimal dilutions in saline solution, protozoa were assessed in a Sedgewick chamber. The identification was carried out under the optical light microscope using a 40x objective to characterize at least 100 individuals per sample. The concentrations of small (P<0.01), medium (P=0.05), large (P= 0.01), and the total number (P<0.01) of protozoa decreased linearly with the increasing MM inclusion. Morphological characteristics typical of 16 genera of ciliates were found, being the Entodinium spp. and Eodinium spp. the most frequent in the rumen fluid of animals evaluated. The profile of the population of ciliated protozoa suffer minor changes with the addition of MM, with a change in the percentage share of Charonina spp. (P = 0.03) and Polyplastron spp. (P <0.01). The use of the MM in the cattle diet promotes reduction in the concentration and change in the profile of the population of rumen ciliates protozoa.

Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera, Streblidae) of bats (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in an Atlantic Forest area, southeastern Brazil / Moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera, Streblidae) de morcegos (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) numa área de Mata Atlântica, sudeste do Brasil

We studied infestation rates and parasite-host associations between streblid flies and phyllostomid bats in an Atlantic Forest area of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. We captured 301 individuals from seven Phyllostomidae bat species. Out of that total, 69 bats had been parasitised by nine Streblidae species; the most frequent species were Trichobius joblingi and Trichobius tiptoni. The species Paraeuctenodes longipes, associated with Anoura geoffroyi, was the most frequent species. The highest mean intensity was observed for Paraeuctenodes longipes, associated with A. geoffroyi, and Paratrichobius longicrus associated with Artibeus lituratus, both ectoparasite species with a mean intensity of five individuals per bat. Trichobius joblingi exhibited the highest mean abundance, which was over three on its host species. Streblid richness in the study area was similar to the richness found in other studies carried out in the Atlantic Forest. We observed that streblid richness in this biome depends more on inherent characteristics of each physiognomy and on the host-species than on the sampling effort.

Estudou-se as taxas de infestação e as associações parasita-hospedeiros de dípteros estreblídeos ectoparasitas de morcegos filostomídeos, em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica, no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram capturados 301 indivíduos de sete espécies de morcegos da família Phyllostomidae. Desse total, 69 morcegos encontravam-se parasitados com nove espécies de Streblidae, sendo Trichobius joblingi e Trichobius tiptoni as espécies mais freqüentes do total de estreblídeos coletados. Paraeuctenodes longipes, associada à Anoura geoffroyi foi a espécie mais prevalente. A maior intensidade média foi encontrada para Paraeuctenodes longipes, associada à A. geoffroyi e Paratrichobius longicrus associada à Artibeus lituratus, ambos com cinco ectoparasitas em média por morcego infestado. Trichobius joblingi apresentou a maior abundância média de infestação, que foi superior a três nas espécies de hospedeiros em que foi encontrada. A riqueza de estreblídeos da área de estudo é similar àquela obtida em outros estudos realizados na Mata Atlântica, e verificou-se que a riqueza de estreblídeos nesse bioma depende mais de outras características inerentes a cada fitofisionomia e à espécie hospedeira do que do esforço amostral de coleta.

Utilização de contrairritante no tratamento da fixação dorsal de patela intermitente em equinos: relato de casos / The use of counterirritant in the treatment of upward fixation of intermittent patella in horses: case report

Em nove equinos atendidos por apresentarem fixação dorsal de patela intermitente, optou-se pela aplicação de 2mL de contrairritante na região subcutânea, ao longo dos ligamentos patelares medial e intermédio. No período de 12 a 48h após a aplicação, os animais apresentaram aumento de volume e de temperatura local, sensibilidade dolorosa à palpação e relutância à locomoção. Após esse período, os sinais clínicos de inflamação e fixação dorsal de patela foram gradativamente diminuindo até o sétimo dia, em sete dos nove animais avaliados. Após a remissão dos sinais de inflamação, dois animais não responderam ao tratamento, sendo necessária a repetição em um dos casos e realização de desmotomia patelar medial no outro. A aplicação de contrairritante foi eficaz na remissão do sinal clínico de fixação dorsal da patela intermitente. Comparativamente às técnicas cirúrgicas para a correção da enfermidade descritas na literatura, o tratamento promoveu melhora precoce dos sinais, curto período de convalescência e praticidade na realização.

Nine horses were admitted showing intermittent lameness due to upward fixation of the patella (UFP) and were injected with 2mL of counter-irritant subcutaneously, through the middle and medial patellar ligaments. From 12 to 48 hours after application, these animals showed increased volume and local temperature, painful response to palpation and reluctance to bear weight. Subsequently, the inflammatory signs were gradually decreasing until the seventh day, along with signs of UFP in seven of the nine animals. After remission of inflammatory signs, two of the nine horses did not respond to the treatment. In these two animals, one horse needed a repeated counter-irritant injection and the other received the medial patellar desmotomy. The use of counter-irritant was effective in the remission of clinical signs of UFP. In comparison with the surgical techniques described in literature used to correct this disease, the proposed treatment promoted early improvement of clinical signs, short term recovery and was easily performed.

Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera, Streblidae) of bats (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in an Atlantic Forest area, southeastern Brazil.

We studied infestation rates and parasite-host associations between streblid flies and phyllostomid bats in an Atlantic Forest area of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. We captured 301 individuals from seven Phyllostomidae bat species. Out of that total, 69 bats had been parasitised by nine Streblidae species; the most frequent species were Trichobius joblingi and Trichobius tiptoni. The species Paraeuctenodes longipes, associated with Anoura geoffroyi, was the most frequent species. The highest mean intensity was observed for Paraeuctenodes longipes, associated with A. geoffroyi, and Paratrichobius longicrus associated with Artibeus lituratus, both ectoparasite species with a mean intensity of five individuals per bat. Trichobius joblingi exhibited the highest mean abundance, which was over three on its host species. Streblid richness in the study area was similar to the richness found in other studies carried out in the Atlantic Forest. We observed that streblid richness in this biome depends more on inherent characteristics of each physiognomy and on the host-species than on the sampling effort.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in truck drivers in Brazil, South America.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and viral genotypes in long distance truck drivers in Brazil. METHODS: We interviewed 641 long distance truck drivers to gather data on sociodemographics and risk factors and collected blood samples to test for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc) by ELISA. HBsAg-positive samples were submitted to HBV DNA detection and genotyped. RESULTS: We found a global HBV prevalence of 18.9% (95% CI 15.9 to 22.2). Thirty truck drivers (4.7%) had only anti-HBs, suggesting that they had a previous HBV vaccination. More than 20 years in the profession, more than 15 days away from home and a history of sexual transmitted infections were independently and positivity associated with HBV markers. HBV DNA was detected in nine samples in which genotypes A (n = 5), D (n = 2) and F (n = 2) were found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm that truck drivers are at high risk for hepatitis B infection and highlight the importance of having a public health policy that addresses this population and is based on the characteristics of HBV acquisition and dissemination.

Different mechanisms underlie the analgesic actions of paracetamol and dipyrone in a rat model of inflammatory pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The analgesics, paracetamol and dipyrone are weak inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase isoforms 1 or 2 (COX-1, COX-2) but more potent on COX-3. Both are also weak anti-inflammatory agents, relative to their analgesic and antipyretic activities. In a model of inflammatory pain mediated by prostaglandins, both compounds were analgesic. We have analysed this shared effect further in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Inflammation was induced in one hind paw of rats by intraplantar injection of 250 microg lambda-carrageenan (CG) and the contralateral paw injected with saline. Nociceptive thresholds to mechanical stimulation were measured immediately before and for 6 h after, injection of CG. The analgesics were s.c. or locally (intraplantar) injected either 30 min before or 2 h after CG. In some groups, naltrexone was injected (s.c. or intraplantar), 1 h before CG. KEY RESULTS: Pretreatment with paracetamol or dipyrone (60-360 mg kg(-1)) reversed hyperalgesia induced by CG and increased nociceptive threshold in the inflamed paw above the basal level (hypoalgesia). Paracetamol, but not dipyrone, also raised nociceptive thresholds in the non-inflamed paw. Subcutaneous, but not local, administration of naltrexone, a specific opioid antagonist, reversed the hypoalgesia induced by paracetamol, but similar naltrexone treatment had no effect on dipyrone-induced analgesia. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Although both paracetamol and dipyrone are inhibitors of COX isoforms and thus of prostaglandin biosynthesis and were analgesic in our model, their analgesic actions were functionally and mechanistically different. Satisfactory mechanisms of action for these analgesics still remain to be established.

Pressões respiratórias máximas: valores encontrados e preditos em indivíduos saudáveis / Maximal respiratory pressures: actual and predicted values in healthy subjects

OBJETIVO: Comparar os valores encontrados de pressões respiratórias máximas (pressão inspiratória máxima-PImáx e pressão expiratória máxima-PEmáx) em uma amostra de indivíduos saudáveis de Minas Gerais com valores preditos pelas equações propostas por Neder et al.³. MÉTODOS: Por meio de um manovacuômetro analógico, foram estudados 100 indivíduos saudáveis (54 mulheres, 46 homens), com idade entre 20-80 anos, recrutados no estado de Minas Gerais - Brasil. A análise estatística foi realizada com testes paramétricos ou não-paramétricos, dependendo da distribuição das variáveis, considerando significativo p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: PImáx em mulheres: a média dos valores encontrados foi significativamente menor que a média dos preditos (68,24 ± 29,48 x 86,53 ± 8,76; p= 0,000) e houve correlação de moderada magnitude e significativa (r= 0,557; p< 0,000); PImáx em homens: não houve diferença significativa entre os valores encontrados e preditos (104,67 ± 42,66 x 116,78 ± 14,02; p= 0,055) e houve correlação de baixa magnitude e não significativa (r= 0,236; p= 0,115); PEmáx em mulheres: não houve diferença significativa entre os valores encontrados e preditos (80,37 ± 33,32 x 85,88 ± 10,90; p= 0,164) e houve correlação de baixa magnitude e não significativa (r= 0,149; p= 0,283); PEmáx em homens: a média dos valores encontrados foi significativamente maior que a média dos preditos (142,28 ± 43,89 x 126,30 ± 14,19; p= 0,017) e houve correlação não significativa de baixa magnitude (r= 0,159; p= 0,290). CONCLUSÃO: Considerando que para haver concordância entre os valores encontrados e preditos é preciso não haver diferença e haver correlação entre os valores, as equações propostas por Neder et al.³ não foram capazes de predizer os valores de PImáx e PEmáx na população estudada.

OBJECTIVE: To compare actual values for maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) found in a sample of healthy individuals from the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil) with the values predicted from the equations put forward by Neder et al.³. METHOD: Using an analog manovacuometer, 100 healthy subjects (54 women and 46 men aged 20-80 years old) were studied. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric or non-parametric tests, depending on the distribution of the variables, and p< 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: For MIP in women, the mean of the actual values was significantly lower than the mean of the predicted values (68.24 ± 29.48 vs. 86.53 ± 8.76; p= 0.000) and there was a moderate and significant correlation (r= 0.557; p< 0.000). For MIP in men, no significant difference was observed between the actual and predicted values (104.67 ± 42.66 vs. 116.78 ± 14.02; p= 0.055) and there was a low and non-significant correlation (r= 0.236; p= 0.115). For MEP in women, there was no significant difference between the actual and predicted values (80.37 ± 33.32 vs. 85.88 ± 10.90; p= 0.164) and there was a low and non-significant correlation (r= 0.149; p= 0.283). For MEP in men, the mean of the actual values was significantly higher than the mean of the predicted values (142.28 ± 43.89 vs. 126.30 ± 14.19; p= 0.017) and there was a low and non-significant correlation (r= 0.159; p= 0.290). CONCLUSION: Considering that concordance between actual and predicted values requires the lack of difference and the existence of correlation between them, the equations proposed by Neder et al.³ were not successful in predicting MIP and MEP values in the population studied.

Breathing pattern, thoracoabdominal motion and muscular activity during three breathing exercises

The objective of the present study was to evaluate breathing pattern, thoracoabdominal motion and muscular activity during three breathing exercises: diaphragmatic breathing (DB), flow-oriented (Triflo II) incentive spirometry and volume-oriented (Voldyne) incentive spirometry. Seventeen healthy subjects (12 females, 5 males) aged 23 ± 5 years (mean ± SD) were studied. Calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography was used to measure the following variables during rest (baseline) and breathing exercises: tidal volume (Vt), respiratory frequency (f), rib cage contribution to Vt (RC/Vt), inspiratory duty cycle (Ti/Ttot), and phase angle (PhAng). Sternocleidomastoid muscle activity was assessed by surface electromyography. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey or Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Comparisons between baseline and breathing exercise periods showed a significant increase of Vt and PhAng during all exercises, a significant decrease of f during DB and Voldyne, a significant increase of Ti/Ttot during Voldyne, and no significant difference in RC/Vt. Comparisons among exercises revealed higher f and sternocleidomastoid activity during Triflo II (P < 0.05) with respect to DB and Voldyne, without a significant difference in Vt, Ti/Ttot, PhAng, or RC/Vt. Exercises changed the breathing pattern and increased PhAng, a variable of thoracoabdominal asynchrony, compared to baseline. The only difference between DB and Voldyne was a significant increase of Ti/Ttot compared to baseline. Triflo II was associated with higher f values and electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid. In conclusion, DB and Voldyne showed similar results while Triflo II showed disadvantages compared to the other breathing exercises.

Breathing pattern, thoracoabdominal motion and muscular activity during three breathing exercises.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate breathing pattern, thoracoabdominal motion and muscular activity during three breathing exercises: diaphragmatic breathing (DB), flow-oriented (Triflo II) incentive spirometry and volume-oriented (Voldyne) incentive spirometry. Seventeen healthy subjects (12 females, 5 males) aged 23 +/- 5 years (mean +/- SD) were studied. Calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography was used to measure the following variables during rest (baseline) and breathing exercises: tidal volume (Vt), respiratory frequency (f), rib cage contribution to Vt (RC/Vt), inspiratory duty cycle (Ti/Ttot), and phase angle (PhAng). Sternocleidomastoid muscle activity was assessed by surface electromyography. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey or Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Comparisons between baseline and breathing exercise periods showed a significant increase of Vt and PhAng during all exercises, a significant decrease of f during DB and Voldyne, a significant increase of Ti/Ttot during Voldyne, and no significant difference in RC/Vt. Comparisons among exercises revealed higher f and sternocleidomastoid activity during Triflo II (P < 0.05) with respect to DB and Voldyne, without a significant difference in Vt, Ti/Ttot, PhAng, or RC/Vt. Exercises changed the breathing pattern and increased PhAng, a variable of thoracoabdominal asynchrony, compared to baseline. The only difference between DB and Voldyne was a significant increase of Ti/Ttot compared to baseline. Triflo II was associated with higher f values and electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid. In conclusion, DB and Voldyne showed similar results while Triflo II showed disadvantages compared to the other breathing exercises.

Determinação simultânea de chumbo e cádmio em sangue por / espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno de grafite / Simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium in blood by graphit furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

O sangue é o indicador biológico mais utilizado para avaliar a exposição humana recente ao chumbo e ao cádmio. A espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno de grafite (GFAAS) é uma escolha apropriada para a determinação desses metais em sangue de crianças, em função da capacidade de detectar baixas concentrações e pequeno consumo de amostra. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e validar uma metodologia para a determinação simultânea de chumbo e cádmio em sangue por GFAAS. O sangue total foi diluído em uma solução de Triton X-100 em HNO3 e uma solução de NH4H2PO4 e Mg(NO3)2 foi utilizadacomo modificador químico. As condições analíticas foram otimizadas e as melhores temperaturas de pirólise e atomização foram respectivamente, 500 °C e 1500 °C. Para validação da metodologia foram utilizados os materiais de referência certificados NIST SRM 955b (Lead in bovine blood) e SRM 966 (Toxic metals in bovine blood). Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros para o chumbo e o cádmio, respectivamente: linearidade (5,0 a 100,0 μg.L-1 e 0,3 a 3,0 μg.L-1), exatidão (99,9% e 97,7%), precisão (CV = 3% e 13%), limite de detecção (5,4 μg.L-1 e 0,06 μg.L-1) e limite de quantificação (18,4 μg.L-1 e 2,1 μg.L-1). O método proposto é rápido, sensível e adequado para a determinação simultânea de chumbo e cádmio em sangue detrabalhadores e de populações expostas, incluindo crianças

Conversando de mulher para mulher / Woman-to-woman talk

Temos em nossa equipe dez personalidades diferentes, todas povoadas por fantasias, alegrias, dúvidas, amizades, medo e diversos questionamentos. Em nossas atividades diárias, somos também questionadas e, por várias vezes, temos de lidar com todos esses sentimentos, os quais såo tratados por meio de conversas informais nas consultas, em visitas domiciliares, etc. Surgiu, entåo a necessidade de tratar essas dúvidas, e daí o desafio de trabalhar em grupo e de nos aproximar mais do nosso próprio universo, o feminino. Portanto, a escolha da equipe em trabalhar com grupos de mulheres tem como objetivo aproximar as profissionais de saúde de suas 'companheiras', enquanto parte de um mesmo mundo, o feminino. Para tanto, såo realizados acolhimentos; é promovido o estímulo ao relato de experiências; luta-se para favorecer a troca entre as mulheres e a equipe; busca-se melhorar a auto-estima e discutem-se conceitos e pre-conceitos do universo feminino. Mudanças sutis já såo perceptíveis. Observamos o desenvolvimento e o fortalecimento do grupo, bem com a conscientizaçåo das mulheres em busca do seu bem-estar.

Descarte de resíduos de laboratório contendo metais pesados (Hg, Pb,Cd) por adsorção em hidróxido de ferro (III) / Disposal of laboratory waste containing heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) by adsorption on iron (III) hydroxide

Para a determinação de metais são freqüentemente utlizadas as soluções-padrão de alta concentração (1000 mg/L) de diferentes íons metálicos. A geração de resíduos contendo esses íons acaba sendo inevitável e um correto gerenciamento desses resíduos é ncessário a fim de se prevenir e reduzir os riscos à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente. No procedimento proposto os íons Hg(II), Pb(II)eCd(II), contidos em soluções ácidas, foram co-precipitados com íons Fe(III) 0,10 mol/L em pH8,5. Após a filtração, o filtrado foi seco ao ar e o sólido foi moído e misturado a uma mistura de cimento/areia(3:1). O procedimento, que consistiu na imobilização dos metais pesados, permitiu que o resíduo pudesse ter um encaminhamento a um aterro de forma segura e eficiente, quanto à preservação da saúde pública e do meio ambiente

Comparison of partial digestion procedures for determination of Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn in milk by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.

A fast procedure was developed for determination of Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn in milk samples. This procedure consisted of a partial digestion with hydrochloric acid on a hot plate. The results obtained were compared with 3 other digestion procedures (dry ashing and 2 microwave digestions). All the procedures showed similar precision levels, with coefficients of variation <10% for most analyzed elements. Accuracy was evaluated by using certified reference materials, and the values obtained were within the confidence intervals for these products. The results obtained were not considered statistically different. The partial digestion on a hot plate with HCl can be very practical for laboratories with relatively large numbers of sample analyses.

Estudo da ocorrência dos metais pesados Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu e Zn na ostra de mangue Crassostrea brasiliana do estuário de Cananéia-SP,Brasil / Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu and Zn in mangrove oyster Crassostrea brasiliana Cananéeia estuary, Säo Paulo - Brazil

Foram avaliados os níveis de contaminação pelos metais pesados Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu e Zn da ostra Crassostrea brasiliana do estuário de Cananéia-SP. Foram feitas amostragens do molusco no período de dezembro de 1996 a setembro de 1997, a partir de lotes destinados à venda, perfazendo um total de 69 amostras. As medianas obtidas para o mercúrio, chumbo, cádmio, cobre e zinco, na base úmida, respectivamente: 0,02;0,08;11;2,6 e 393 mg/kg, encontram-se abaixo dos limites máximos preconizados pela legislação brasileira, exceto para o zinco. Constatou-se que o consumo do produto em questão não apresenta riscos aparentes à saúde, no tocante a este parâmetro específico de qualidade. (AU)

Samples of Mangrove oyster Crassostrea brasiliana from Cananéia estuary, São Paulo-Brazil, were analyzed for heavy metal contamination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and inductivelycoupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP OES). 69 samples were collected, from commercialplots, from December of 1996 to September of 1997. The values of the medians, wet weight basis, obtainedfor mercury, lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were respectively: 0.02; 0.08; 0.11; 2.6 and 393 mg/kg. Nosamples analyzed were found in violation of the limits recommended by the Brazilian Food Regulations forfishery products, except for zinc. The consumption of this product can't offer risks to human health,relating to the quality parameter analyzed. (AU)

Avaliaçäo da rotulagem e dos teores de minerais e contaminantes inorgânicos em águas minerais nacionais e importadas / Evaluation of the labelling, the minerals and inorganic ontaminants in domestic and imported mineral water

O consumo de água mineral no Brasil tem crescido nos últimos anos. Devido à escassez de dados na literatura nacional, este trabalho visou estudar a composiçäo de minerais e a presença de contaminantes metálicos, nas águas minerais nacionais e importadas, incluindo uma avaliaçäo da rotulagem. Foram anlisadas 69 amostras quanto aos teores de Pb, Cd, Al, Cr, Hg, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K,Mg, Mn, Na, Zn e P. Os níveis de Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe e P, encontrados em todas as amostras de águas minerais nacionais e importadas, estavam abaixo dos limites de quantificaçäo dos métodos. 17 por cento das marcas de águas minerais sem gás e 20 por cento com gás, nacionais, apresentaram os teores de todos os metais determinados de acordo com a declaraçäo na rotulagem, enquanto que todas as amostras importadas analisadas apresentaram-se de acordo com a rotulagem. Todas as amostras analisadas apresentaram-se próprias para o consumo, com relaçäo à presença dos elementos tóxicos analisados. Das àguas mineirais nacionais, 63 por cento näo atendiam à nova legislaçäo, até maio de 2001, com relaçäo à declaraçäo na rotulagem do teor de minerais na forma de íons. (AU)

Consumption of bottled mineral water in Brazil has increased over the past year, due to itsconvenience and relative safety. The quality of water is affected by the structure of the water network, thepipe and the treatment of water that sometimes could change its taste. The mineral and inorganiccontaminants levels of 69 samples of bottled mineral water were investigated by Atomic AbsorptionSpectrometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES). Theconcentrations of mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, iron and phosphorus were below the limit of quantification.17 % of the domestic sample brands were in accordance with the label and for the imported ones, all thesamples agree or were in conformity with the label. 63 % of the domestic mineral water failed to comply withthe Brazilian new legislation about bottled mineral water labelling. In conclusion, the analysed sampleswere proper to consumption. (AU)