35 research outputs found

    Slow pyrolysis of cork granules under nitrogen atmosphere: by-products characterization and their potential valorization

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    ABSTRACT: Cork granules (Quercus suber L.) were slowly pyrolyzed at temperatures between 400-700 degrees C and under N-2 flow. While preserving its structure, some cells of the cork biochar became interconnected, allowing such carbon residue to be used as templates for manufacturing ceria redox materials. The pyrolytic char morphology was similar to that of the natural precursor. The produced cork biochar belonged to Class 1 (C > 60%) and possessed a high heating value of 32 MJ kg(-1). Other pyrolysis-derived compounds were identified and quantified through GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. The yield of gases released during cork pyrolysis was strongly dependent on the temperature used due to the thermal decomposition reactions involved in the degradation of cork. In particular, rising pyrolysis temperature from 500 to 700 T resulted in reducing the total hydrocarbon gases from 74 to 24 vol%. On the other hand, the yield of H-2 increased from 0 to 58% by increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 400 to 700 T. Due to the presence of suberin in cork, the composition and yield of bio-oil could be regulated by the pyrolysis temperature. Cork bio-oil was found to consist of long-chain hydrocarbons (from C11 to C24). The bio-oil resulting from the slow pyrolysis of cork residues is suitable as an appropriate feedstock for producing aliphatic-rich pyrolytic biofuels or as a source of olefms. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that Quercus suber L. could be a promising feedstock for biochar and biofuel production through the pyrolytic route and could contribute to the environmental and economic sustainability of the cork production industry.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

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    Funding This work was supported by ERDF through the operation POCI-01−0145-ERDF-007746 funded by the Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização − COMPETE2020 and by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, IP national support through CINTESIS, R&D Unit (UIDB/4255/2020), CHRC (UIDP/04923/2020 and UIDB/04923/2020) and through the project reference PTDC/BAA-AGR/7419/2020.Gut microbiota modulation might constitute a mechanism mediating the effects of beer on health. In this randomized, double-blinded, two-arm parallel trial, 22 healthy men were recruited to drink 330 mL of nonalcoholic beer (0.0% v/v) or alcoholic beer (5.2% v/v) daily during a 4-week follow-up period. Blood and faecal samples were collected before and after the intervention period. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Drinking nonalcoholic or alcoholic beer daily for 4 weeks did not increase body weight and body fat mass and did not changed significantly serum cardiometabolic biomarkers. Nonalcoholic and alcoholic beer increased gut microbiota diversity which has been associated with positive health outcomes and tended to increase faecal alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker of intestinal barrier function. These results suggest the effects of beer on gut microbiota modulation are independent of alcohol and may be mediated by beer polyphenols.publishersversionpublishe

    To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy: Evaluation of a Large German Cohort of Patients with Abnormal Liver Tests of Unknown Etiology

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    Background and Aims: Despite increasingly sensitive and accurate blood tests to detect liver disease, liver biopsy remains very useful in patients with atypical clinical features and abnormal liver tests of unknown etiology. The aim was to determine those elevated laboratory liver parameters that cause the clinician to order a biopsy, and whether laboratory tests are associated with pathological findings on histology. Methods: 504 patients with unclear hepatopathy, admitted to the outpatient clinic of a university hospital between 2007 and 2010, were analyzed with respect to laboratory results, clinical data, and the results of liver biopsies. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) levels above the normal range significantly increased the likelihood of recommending a liver biopsy by 81% [OR with 95% CI 1.81 (1.21-2.71), p = 0.004] and 159% [OR with 95% CI 2.59 (1.70-3.93), p < 0.001], respectively. AST values above normal were associated with fibrosis (63 vs. 40% for normal AST, p = 0.010). Elevated ferritin levels pointed to a higher incidence of steatosis (48 vs. 10% for normal ferritin, p < 0.001) and inflammation (87 vs. 62% for normal ferritin, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results indicate that elevated AST and GLDH were associated with a greater likelihood of recommending liver biopsy. Elevated AST and ferritin levels were associated with steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis on liver biopsies. Thus, AST and ferritin may be useful non-invasive predictors of liver pathology in patients with unclear hepatopathy

    Potencialidades e limitações da Rede Sentinela para o aperfeiçoamento do monitoramento pós-comercialização/pós-uso de produtos sob vigilância sanitária adotado pela Anvisa

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    Introduction: Hospitals are essential for the universal coverage of any health system, as well as sources of  valuable information on adverse events and technical complaints of products subjects to health surveillance. Objective: To identify the potentialities and limitations of the Sentinel Network to improve post-marketing/post-use monitoring of products subject to health surveillance adopted by Anvisa. Method: A descriptive quantitative study that used data from a national administrative survey applied to the Sentinel Network, which was conducted between August 4 and September 2, 2021, by the Anvisa. Data were collected using an electronic structured  questionnaire. Statistical analyzes were performed in the Gretl-2022a software, including the calculation of absolute and relative frequencies, medians, and interquartile ranges. Results: A response rate of 69.1% (181/262) was obtained. Among the potentialities, the following stand out: acting as a center for study, teaching, and research of health establishments (n = 145; 80.1%), presence of implanted electronic medical records (n = 142; 78.4%) and the development of initiatives focused on innovation involving risk management of health products (n = 94; 52.0%). As one of the limitations, health establishments that do not have any current excellence/quality certifications predominate (n = 104; 57.5%). Conclusions: The Sentinel Network has  several potentialities and limitations that affect the post-marketing/post-use monitoring of products subject to  health surveillance. Identifying them, as was the objective of this study, demonstrates the need to promote actions that offer the possibility of expanding the potentialities and mitigate the limiting factors to the improvement of post-marketing/post-use monitoring adopted by Anvisa.Introdução: Os hospitais são essenciais para a cobertura universal de qualquer sistema de saúde, bem como são fontes de informações valiosas sobre eventos adversos e queixas técnicas de produtos sob vigilância sanitária. Objetivo: Identificar as potencialidades e limitações da Rede Sentinela para o aperfeiçoamento do monitoramento pós-comercialização/pós-uso de produtos sob vigilância sanitária adotado pela Anvisa. Método: Estudo descritivo quantitativo que utilizou dados de levantamento administrativo nacional aplicado à Rede Sentinela realizado entre 4 de agosto e 2 de setembro de 2021 pela Anvisa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário estruturado eletrônico. As análises estatísticas foram executadas no software Gretl-2022a, compreendendo o cálculo das frequências absoluta e relativa, medianas e  intervalos interquartis. Resultados: Obteve-se uma taxa de resposta de 69,1% (181/262). Dentre as potencialidades, destacam-se: a atuação como centro de estudo, ensino e pesquisa dos estabelecimentos de saúde (n = 145; 80,1%), a presença de prontuário eletrônico implantado (n = 142; 78,4%) e o desenvolvimento de iniciativas voltadas para a inovação envolvendo a gestão de risco de produtos de saúde (n = 94; 52,0%). Como uma das limitações,   predominam os estabelecimentos de saúde que não possuem quaisquer certificações de excelência/qualidade vigentes (n = 104; 57,5%). Conclusões: A Rede Sentinela apresenta várias potencialidades e limitações que afetam o monitoramento pós-comercialização/pós-uso de produtos sob vigilância sanitária. Identificá-las, como foi o objetivo deste estudo, demonstra a necessidade de fomentar ações que ofereçam a possibilidade de ampliar as potencialidades e mitigar os fatores limitantes ao aperfeiçoamento do  monitoramento pós-comercialização/pós-uso adotado pela Anvisa

    MORTALIDADE POR NEOPLASIA MALIGNA DE MAMA ENTRE 2018 E 2022 NO BRASIL

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    INTRODUCTION: Breast malignancy is a considerable public health condition, with both national and global relevance. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and describe the panorama of mortality due to malignant breast neoplasia between 2018 and 2022 with predictions until 2025. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present epidemiological study is characterized as analytical and descriptive ecological, whose purpose is centered on the quantitative exposure of the condition mortality due to malignant breast neoplasia in Brazil in the years 2018 to 2022. The research includes data from “Vital Statistics” in the item “Mortality – since 1996 by ICD-10”, in particular records from the “General Mortality” section, covering Brazil by region and federation unit, contained in the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In 2018, mortality from malignant breast neoplasia in Brazil was 8.52 deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants. The following year, the observed value increased to 8.71 and in 2020, the indicator returned to 8.52. In the years 2021 and 2022, there was a slight increase to 8.61 and 9.01 respectively. According to projection statistics, in 2023, the forecast was 9.01 (IC 95%: 8.74 to 9.29), for 2024 it is estimated 9.11 (IC 95%: 8.84 and 9.39) and in the year 2025 9.21 is expected (IC 95 %: 8.94 and 9.49). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: A pattern of gradual increase is observed, interspersed with small variations, which indicates the need for attention. Future forecasts suggest a continuation of this increase, which highlights the importance of a more in-depth analysis of the possible underlying causes and the implementation of measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of this scenario on the population's health.INTRODUÇÃO: A neoplasia maligna da mama é uma condição de saúde pública considerável, com relevância tanto nacional quanto mundial. OBJETIVO: Analisar e descrever o panorama de mortalidade por neoplasia maligna de mama entre 2018 e 2022 com previsões até 2025. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O presente estudo epidemiológico caracteriza-se como ecológico analítico e descritivo, cuja finalidade é centrada na exposição quantitativa do quadro de mortalidade por neoplasia maligna de mama no Brasil nos anos de 2018 a 2022. Faz-se presente na pesquisa dados das “Estatísticas Vitais” no item “Mortalidade – desde 1996 pelo CID-10”, em particular registros da sessão “Mortalidade Geral”, com abrangência no Brasil por região e unidade de federação, contidos no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Em 2018, a mortalidade por neoplasia maligna de mama no Brasil foi de 8.52 óbitos por 100 mil habitantes. No ano seguinte, o valor observado aumentou para 8.71 e em 2020, o indicador voltou para 8.52. Nos anos de 2021 e 2022, houve um ligeiro aumento para 8.61 e 9.01 respectivamente. Conforme as estatísticas de projeções, em 2023, a previsão foi de 9.01 (IC 95%: 8.74 a 9.29), para 2024 estima-se 9.11 (IC 95%: 8.84 e 9.39) e no ano de 2025 é esperado 9.21 (IC 95%: 8.94 e 9.49). CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Observa-se um padrão de aumento gradual, intercalado por pequenas variações, que indica a necessidade de atenção. As previsões futuras sugerem uma continuidade desse aumento, o que evidencia a importância de uma análise mais aprofundada das possíveis causas subjacentes e a implementação de medidas para prevenir e mitigar os efeitos desse cenário na saúde da população

    Estudo e padronização do teste de Edge Soaking

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    Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia QuímicaQuando se trata da qualidade de seus produtos e da adequação destes às especificações de seus clientes, as empresas empregam e investem muito no controle de qualidade e melhoria contínua do processo. Neste contexto é que se encontra o teste de Edge Soaking, cujo objetivo é reproduzir em laboratório a absorção de água que ocorre nas bordas do cartão durante o envase. Este teste é realizado exclusivamente em cartões utilizados em embalagem de alimentos líquidos ou pastosos (LPB - Liquid Package Board). O método atualmente utilizado pela Klabin para determinação do Edge Soaking tem se mostrado pouco repetitivo e percebem-se variações significativas quando realizado por operadores diferentes. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo adequar e padronizar o teste de Edge Soaking visando sua utilização para controle de processo. A partir da avaliação do método existente, determinaram-se algumas variáveis que podem ser controladas para minimizar as variações de resultado, tais como: perfil de amostragem, temperatura e volume de água de cada banho e tempo de imersão das amostras. Além disso, foi desenvolvido um suporte específico para este teste visando auxiliar sua execução. Resultados dos testes realizados indicaram maior uniformidade e confiabilidade a cada etapa do desenvolvimento do suporte. O desvio padrão encontrado para a metodologia desenvolvida ainda indica que existe um erro sistemático, mas este é inferior ao erro do método atual. Durante o estudo foram avaliados diferentes tipos de cartões e diferentes gramaturas e concluiu-se que além da cura da cola, a gramatura do papel e a distribuição da cola são fatores que exercem influência na absorção de água. When the topic is about the quality of its products and of the adequacy of these to the specifications of its customers, the companies use and invests in the quality control and continuous improvement of the process. In this context is the test of Edge Soaking, whose objective is to reproduce in laboratory the water absorption that occurs in the edges of the card in the filling machine. This test is carried through exclusively in cartons used in liquid or gummy food packing (LPB - Liquid Package Board). The method currently used by Klabin for determination of the Edge Soaking has shown little repetitive and notices significant variations when carried through by different operators. In this form, this work had as objective to adjust and to standardize the test of Edge Soaking to be used to control the process. For the evaluation of the existing method, some variable had been determined to be controlled and to minimize the result variations: profile of sampling, temperature and volume of water of each bath and time of immersion of the samples. In addition, a specific support for this test was developed to simply its execution. Results of the tests had indicated more uniformity and more trustworthiness to each stage of the development of the support. The standard deviation found for the developed methodology still indicates that exist a systematic error, but this is smaller than the error of the current method. During the study different types of cartons and different basis weigh had been evaluated and concluded that beyond the cure of the glue, the basis weigh and the glue are factors that exert influence in the water absorption

    “Superdesignação” de professores na rede estadual de ensino de Minas Gerais

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    Este artículo presenta parte de los resultados de investigación sobre los profesores de la red estadual de enseñanza de Minas Gerais. A partir de la indagación en el Banco de Datos de la Secretaría de Estado de Educación de Minas Gerais de Minas Gerais, la investigación reveló cuantos son los profesores contratados definitivamente y cuantos contratados temporalmente en las escuelas del Estado de Minas Gerais, y cómo esos números oscilaron entre 2009 y 2014. Se trata de una información aparentemente simple, pero que, por ser de difícil acceso, es muy valiosa. El resultado de “superdesignación” destacado es, además de sorprendente, un problema grave en la gestión de la educación en Minas Gerais, que impacta en la calidad de la educación pública y que clama por una reorientación de la acción del Estado en el campo educacional
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