Obtenção e aplicação de sistemas microemulsionados na recuperação avançada de petróleo

Due to the need of increasing production in reservoirs that are going through production decline, methods of advanced recovery have frequently been used in the last years, as the use of conventional methods has not been successful in solving the problem of oil drifting. In this work, the efficiency of different microemulsionated systems in the flow of oil from cores from Assu and Botucatu formations. Regarding drifting tests, cores were calcinated at a temperature of 1000°C, for 18 hours, with the aim of eliminating any organic compound present in it, increasing the resultant permeability. Following, the cores were isolated with resin, resulting in test specimens with the following dimensions: 3.8 cm of diameter and 8.7 cm of length. Cores were saturated with brine, composed of aqueous 2 wt % KCl, and oil from Guamaré treatment station (Petrobras/RN). A pressure of 20 psi was used in all tests. After core saturation, brine was injected again, followed by oil at constant flow rate. The system S3 - surfactant (anionic surfactant of short chain), isoamillic alcohol, pine oil, and water - presented the best drift efficiency, 81.18%, while the system S1E commercial surfactant, ethyl alcohol, pine oil, and distilled water presented low drift efficiency, 44,68%

Síntese e caracterização de materiais nanoporosos para pirólise catalítica de óleos pesados

The present work reports the study of nanoporous structures, aiming at their use in research directed to the current demand of the petroleum industry to value heavy oil. Initially, two ways were chosen for the synthesis of porous structures from the molecular sieves of type Si-MCM-41. In the first way, the structure MCM-41 is precursory for heteroatom substitutes of silicon, generating catalyst of the type Al-MCM-41 from two different methods of incorporation of the metal. This variation of the incorporation method of Aluminum in the structure of Si-MCM-41 was carried out through the conventional procedure, where the aluminum source was incorporated to the gel of synthesis, and the procedure post-synthesis, where the Aluminum source was incorporated in catalyst after the synthesis of Si-MCM-41. In the second way, the MCM-41 acts as a support for growth of nanocrystals of zeolite embedded in their mesoporous, resulting in hybrid MCM-41/ZSM-5 catalyst. A comparative analysis was carried through characterizations by XRD, FTIR, measures of acidity through n-butylamine adsorption for TGA, SEM-XRF and N2 adsorption. Also crystalline aluminosilicate with zeolitic structure MFI of type ZSM-5 was synthesized without using organic templates. Methodologies to the preparation of these materials are related by literature using conventionally reactants that supply oxides of necessary silicon and aluminum, as well as a template agent, and in some cases co-template. The search for new routes of preparation for the ZSM-5 aimed at, above all, the optimization of the same as for the time and the temperature of synthesis, and mainly the elimination of the use of organic templates, that are material of high cost and generally very toxic. The current study is based on the use of the H2O and Na+ cations playing the role of structural template and charge compensation in the structure. Characterizations by XRD, FTIR, SEM-XRF and N2 adsorption were also conducted for this material in order to compare the samples of ZSM-5 synthesized in the absence of template and those used industrially and synthesized using structuring

Estudo termoanalítico de medicamentos de referência, genérico e similar

This study aimed to apply, thermogravimetriy /derivative Thermogravimetriy (TG/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), to conduct a comparative study on drug reference, generic and whose active principles are similar captopril hydrochlorothiazide, ampicillin, paracetamol, aspirin and mebendazole sold in local pharmacies. Samples of the active ingredients and dosage forms were also characterized by absorption infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopy scanning electron (SEM). The TG / DTG curves showed a general similarity in the thermal behavior of the samples, but also showed the influence of excipients on the thermal stability. The DSC curve of the generic base hydrochlorothiazide showed no peak on the fusion of the drug due to interference of lactose as a diluent, which causes interaction with the active principle causing their degradation before the merger. The DSC curves of the drugs consisting of paracetamol showed reproducibility at the melting point of the active and the other thermal events. The DSC result of binary mixtures involving captopril / magnesium stearate and mebendazole/magnesium stearate showed possible interactions or incompatibilities evidenced by the displacement of the melting point of both drugs. The other mixtures showed no change. The infrared spectra presented were very similar, indicating the presence of functional groups characteristic of the constituents of the samples. The X-ray diffraction showed peaks indicative of crystalline structure of the active ingredients as well as some of the ingredients in the formulation of the drug and the micrographs indicate a general heterogeneity in the size distribution of particles in the samples

Determinação do teor de cálcio através da termogravimetria, em medicamentos utilizados no tratamento da osteoporose: um estudo comparativo

The present study utilized the thermogravimetry (TG) and optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma - ICP / OES to determine the calcium content in tablets of carbonate, citrate and calcium lactate used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The samples were characterized by IR, SEM, TG / DTG, DTA, DSC and XRD. The thermal analysis evaluated the thermal stability and physical-chemical events and showed that the excipients influence the decomposition of active ingredients. The results of thermogravimetry indicated that the decomposition temperature of the active CaCO3 (T = 630.2 °C) is lower compared to that obtained in samples of the tablets (633.4 to 655.2 °C) except for sample AM 2 (Ti = 613.8 oC). In 500.0 °C in the samples of citrate and calcium lactate, as well as their respective active principles had already been formed calcium carbonate. The use of N2 atmosphere resulted in shifting the initial and final temperature related to the decomposition of CaCO3. In the DTA and DSC curves were observed endo and exothermic events for the samples of tablets and active ingredients studied. The infrared spectra identified the main functional groups in all samples of active ingredients, excipients and tablets studied, such as symmetric and asymmetric stretches of the groups OH, CH, C = O. Analysis by X-ray diffraction showed that all samples are crystalline and that the final residue showed peaks indicative of the presence of calcium hydroxide by the reaction of calcium oxide with moisture of the air. Although the samples AM 1, AM 2, AM 3 and AM 6 in their formulations have TiO2 and SiO2 peaks were not observed in X-ray diffractograms of these compounds. The results obtained by TGA to determine the calcium content of the drugs studied were satisfactory when compared with those obtained by ICP-OES. In the AM 1 tablet was obtained the content of 35.37% and 32.62% for TG by ICP-OES, at 6 AM a percentage of 17.77% and 16.82% and for AM 7 results obtained were 8.93% for both techniques, showing that the thermogravimetry can be used to determine the percentage of calcium in tablets. The technique offers speed, economy in the use of samples and procedures eliminating the use of acid reagents in the process of the sample and efficiency results.

Estudo de titanatos nanoestruturados obtidos por tratamento hidrotérmico de óxido de titânio em meio alcalino

TiTanate NanoTubes (TTNT) were synthesized by hydrothermal alkali treatment of TiO2 anatase followed by repeated washings with distinct degrees of proton exchange. TTNT samples with different sodium contents were characterized, as synthesized and after heattreatment (200-800ºC), by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, thermal analysis, nitrogen adsorption and spectroscopic techniques like FTIR and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. It was demonstrated that TTNTs consist of trititanate structure with general formula NaxH2−xTi3O7·nH2O, retaining interlayer water in its multiwalled structure. The removal of sodium reduces the amount of water and contracts the interlayer space leading, combined with other factors, to increased specific surface area and mesopore volume. TTNTs are mesoporous materials with two main contributions: pores smaller than 10 nm due to the inner volume of nanotubes and larger pores within 5-60 nm attributed to the interparticles space. Chemical composition and crystal structure of TTNTs do not depend on the average crystal size of the precursor TiO2-anatase, but this parameter affects significantly the morphology and textural properties of the nanostructured product. Such dependence has been rationalized using a dissolution-recrystallization mechanism, which takes into account the dissolution rate of the starting anatase and its influence on the relative rates of growth and curving of intermediate nanosheets. The thermal stability of TTNT is defined by the sodium content and in a lower extent by the crystallinity of the starting anatase. It has been demonstrated that after losing interlayer water within the range 100-200ºC, TTNT transforms, at least partially, into an intermediate hexatitanate NaxH2−xTi6O13 still retaining the nanotubular morphology. Further thermal transformation of the nanostructured tri- and hexatitanates occurs at higher or lower temperature and follows different routes depending on the sodium content in the structure. At high sodium load (water washed samples) they sinter and grow towards bigger crystals of Na2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti6O13 in the form of rods and ribbons. In contrast, protonated TTNTs evolve to nanotubes of TiO2(B), which easily convert to anatase nanorods above 400ºC. Besides hydroxyls and Lewis acidity typical of titanium oxides, TTNTs show a small contribution of protonic acidity capable of coordinating with pyridine at 150ºC, which is lost after calcination and conversion into anatase. The isoeletric point of TTNTs was measured within the range 2.5-4.0, indicating behavior of a weak acid. Despite displaying semiconductor characteristics exhibiting typical absorption in the UV-Vis spectrum with estimated bandgap energy slightly higher than that of its TiO2 precursor, TTNTs showed very low performance in the photocatalytic degradation of cationic and anionic dyes. It was concluded that the basic reason resides in its layered titanate structure, which in comparison with the TiO2 form would be more prone to the so undesired electron-hole pair recombination, thus inhibiting the photooxidation reactions. After calcination of the protonated TTNT into anatase nanorods, the photocatalytic activity improved but not to the same level as that exhibited by its precursor anatase

Influência da acrilamida e da poliacrilamida em sistema microemulsionado visando aplicação na recuperação avançada de petróleo

This work aims to study the influence of two additives, the monomer, acrylamide and its polymer, polyacrylamide, solubilized in microemulsion systems and applied on enhanced oil recovery. By the microemulsion system obtained, it was chosen points into the phase diagram, presenting these compositions: 25%, 30%, 35% C/T; 2% Fo (fixed for all points) e 73%, 68% e 63% Fa, respectively. However, the monomer and the polymer were solubilized in these microemulsion points with 0.1%; 0.5%; 1% e 2% of concentration, ordering to check the concentration influence at the physicochemical properties (surface tension and rheology) of the microemulsion. Through the salinity study, was possible to observe that the concentrations of 1% and 2% of polymer made the solution became blurred, accordingly, the study of surface tension and rheology only was made for the concentrations of 0.1% e 0.5% of monomer and polymer, respectively. By the surface tension study it was observed that how the concentration of active matter (C/T) was increasing the surface tension was amending for each system, with or without additives. In the rheology study, as it increases the concentration of active matter increases both the viscosity of the microemulsion system (SME) with no additive, as the SME with polymer (AD2). After the entire study, it was chosen the lower point of active matter (25% C/T; 2% Fo e 73% Fa), plus additives in concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5% to be used on enhanced oil recovery. Assays were made on sandstone from Botucatu Formation, where after the tests, it was concluded that among the studied points, the point who showed the best efficiency of advanced shift was the microemulsion system + 0.5% AD2, with a recovery of 28% of oil in place and a total of 96,49%, while the other solution with 0.5% of polymer presented the worst result, with 14.1% of oil in place and 67,39% of efficiency of total displacement

Avaliação da estabilidade térmica e oxidativa do biodiesel de algodão e do efeito da adição de antioxidantes (α-tocoferol e BHT)

This work aims to study the effects of adding antioxidants, such as, α- tocopherol and BHT on the thermal and oxidative stability of biodiesel from cottonseed (B100). The Biodiesel was obtained through the methylical and ethylical routes. The main physical and chemical properties of cotton seed oil and the B100 were determined and characterized by FTIR and GC. The study of the efficiency of antioxidants, mentioned above, in concentrations of 200, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000ppm, to thermal and oxidative stability, was achieved by Thermogravimetry (TG), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry - Hi-Pressure (P-DSC) and Rancimat. The Biodiesel obtained are within the specifications laid down by Resolution of ANP No7/2008. The results of TG curves show that the addition of both antioxidants, even in the lowest concentration, increases the thermal stability of Biodieseis. Through the DTA and DSC it was possible to study the physical and chemical transitions occurred in the process of volatilization and decomposition of the material under study. The initial time (OT) and temperature (Tp) of oxidation were determined through the P-DSC curve and they showed that the α-tocopherol has a pro-oxidant behavior for some high concentrations. The BHT showed better results than the α-tocopherol, with regard to the resistance to oxidation

Confecção e caracterização físico-química de filmes compósitos autossustentáveis NaAlg-TiO2-WO3

A new self-sustainable film was prepared through the sol-gel modified method, previously employed in our research group; sodium alginate was used as the polymer matrix, along with plasticizer glycerol, doped with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and tungsten trioxide (WO3). By varying WO3 concentration (0,8, 1,6, 2,4 and 3,2 μmol) and keeping TiO2 concentration constant (059 mmol), it was possible to study the contribution of these oxides on the obtained films morphological and electrical properties. Self-sustainable films have analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XDR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). By the IR specters, it was possible identify the TiO2, and posteriorly WO3, addition has provided dislocation of alginate characteristics bands to smaller vibrations frequencies indicating an electrostatic interaction between the oxides and the polymer matrix. Diffractograms show predominance of the amorphous phase in the films. SEM, along with EDX, analysis revealed self-sustainable films showed surface with no cracks and relative dispersion of the oxides throughout the polymer matrix. From Impedance analysis, it was observe increasing WO3 concentration to 2,4 μmol provided a reduction of films resistive properties and consequent improvement of conductive properties

Obtenção e caracterização do sistema compósito alginato de sódio-dióxido de titânio em formas de pó e de membrana

The alginates are copolymers of 1→4-linked β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-Lguluronic acid (G) residues that are arranjed in a block structure along a linear chain. Titanium dioxide, TiO2, is a ceramic material and can exist in three distinct crystallography forms: anatase, brookite and rutile. composites of organic and inorganic materials have better properties than the components alone. Thus, this study aims to synthesize, characterize and analyze the composite NaAlg-TiO2 in the form of powder and film. The synthesis of composite powders was performed using the sol-gel process and obtain the composite film was performed using the slow evaporation process, then the composites were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence x ray, thermal analysis, attenuated total reflection (ATR), x ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy. The X ray diffraction patterns of composite powders show that with increasing calcination temperature, there were no complete transition of rutile-anatase crystalline phase, since at all temperatures studied (300, 500, 700, 900 and 1100ºC) were observed peaks of anatase phase. Thermal analysis shows that at 400°C caused the decomposition of sodium alginate in sodium carbonate and above 600°C, we observe an exothermic peak related to the decomposition of sodium carbonate and in the presence of titanium dioxide becomes sodium titanate. The XRD results confirm the formation of sodium carbonate at 700ºC and the formation sodium titanate in the temperature range 900-1100ºC. The sodium titanate influenced the electrical properties of the material, because with increasing temperature there was a decrease in conductivity, probably due to the creation of Ti vacancies, since the sodium can induce the reduction of surface Ti4+ ions into Ti3+ species. The infrared spectra of the composites in the form of powder and film showed a small shift in the bands compared to the spectrum of pure alginate, indicating that these shifts, even small ones, have evidence of miscibility between the polymer and ceramic material

Reforma a vapor catalítica do metano: Otimização da produção e seletividade em hidrogênio por absorção in situ do CO2 produzido

Topics of research related to energy and environment have significantly grown in recent years, with the need of its own energy as hydrogen. More particularly, numerous researches have been focused on hydrogen as energy vector. The main portion of hydrogen is presently obtained by reforming of methane or light hydrocarbons (steam, oxy, dry or auto reforming). During the methane steam reforming process the formation of CO2 undesirable (the main contributor to the greenhouse effect) is observed. Thus, an oxide material (sorbent) can be used to capture the CO2 generated during the process and simultaneously shifting the equilibrium of water gas shift towards thermodynamically more favorable production of pure hydrogen. The aim of this study is to develop a material with dual function (catalyst/sorbent) in the reaction of steam reforming of methane. CaO is well known as CO2 sorbent due to its high efficiency in reactions of carbonation and easy regeneration through calcination. However the kinetic of carbonation decreases quickly with time and carbonation/calcination cycles. A calcium aluminate (Ca12Al14O33) should be used to avoid sintering and increase the stability of CaO sorbents for several cycles. Nickel, the industrial catalyst choice for steam reforming has been added to the support from different manners. These bi-functional materials (sorbent/catalyst) in different molar ratios CaO.Ca12Al14O33 (48:52, 65:35, 75:25, 90:10) were prepared by different synthesis methodologies, among them, especially the method of microwave assisted self-combustion. Synthesis, structure and catalytic performances of Ni- CaO.Ca12Al14O33 synthesized by the novel method (microwave assisted selfcombustion) proposed in this work has not being reported yet in literature. The results indicate that CO2 capture time depends both on the CaO excess and on operating conditions (eg., temperature and H2O/CH4 ratio). To be efficient for CO2 sorption, temperature of steam reforming needs to be lower than 700 °C. An optimized percentage corresponding to 75% of CaO and a ratio H2O/CH4 = 1 provides the most promising results since a smaller amount of water avoids competition between water and CO2 to form carbonate and hydroxide. If this competition is most effective (H2O/CH4 = 3) and would have a smaller amount of CaO available for absorption possibly due to the formation of Ca(OH)2. Therefore, the capture time was higher (16h) for the ratio H2O/CH4 = 1 than H2O/CH4 = 3 (7h) using as catalyst one prepared by impregnating the support obtained by microwave assisted self-combustion. Therefore, it was demonstrated that, with these catalysts, the CO2 sorption on CaO modifies the balance of the water gas-shift reaction. Consequently, steam reforming of CH4 is optimized, producing pure H2, complete conversion of methane and negligible concentration of CO2 and CO during the time of capture even at low temperature (650 °C). This validates the concept of the sorption of CO2 together with methane steam reforming

Índice de aromaticidade baseado na deslocalização, degenerescência e densidade (D3BIA) para acenos e moléculas homoaromáticas

The aromaticity index is an important tool for the investigation of aromatic molecules. This work consists on new applications of the aromaticity index developed by teacher Caio Lima Firme, so-called D3BIA (density, delocalization, degeneracy-based index of aromaticity). It was investigated its correlation with other well-known aromaticity indexes, such as HOMA (harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity), NICS (nucleus independent chemical shielding), PDI (para-delocalization index), magnetic susceptibility (), and energetic factor in the study of aromaticity of acenes and homoaromatic species based on bisnoradamantanyl cage. The density functional theory (DFT) was used for optimization calculations and for obtaining energetic factors associated with aromaticity and indexes HOMA and NICS. From quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) it was obtained the indexes D3BIA, PDI and . For acenes, when the over-mentioned indexes were applied it was observed no correlation except for D3BIA and HOMA (R2=0.752). For bisnoradamantenyl dication and its derivatives, it was obtained a good correlation between D3BIA and NICS. Moreover, it was evaluated solely one of the factors used on D3BIA calculation, the delocalization index uniformity (DIU), so as to investigate its possible influence on stability of chemical species. Then, the DIU was compared with the formation Gibbs free energy of some pairs of carbocations, isomers or not, which each pair had small difference in point group symmetry and no difference among other well-known stability factors. The obtained results indicate that DIU is a new stability factor related to carbocations, that is, the more uniform the electron density delocalization, the more stable the is carbocation. The results of this work validate D3BIA and show its importance on the concept of aromaticity, indicating that it can be understood from degeneracy of atoms belonging the aromatic site, the electronic density in the aromatic site and the degree of uniformity of electron delocalization

Síntese e caracterização de redes metalorgânicas baseadas em zinco e ácidos benzenodicarboxílicos

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are supramolecular structures consisted of ions or metal clusters coordinated to organic ligands which are repeated in two or three dimensions. These structures have atracted much attention due to their properties such as low density, high specific surface area and large volume of pores. In this work, MOFs consisted of zinc clusters connected by ditopic ligands, terephthalic acid (1,4- H2BDC) or isophthalic acid (1,3-H2BDC) were synthesized. To obtain the proposed materials, different routes and synthetic parameters were tested, such as the molar ratio of the precursors, the addition of template molecules, the type of solvente, the addition of organic base or the type of a counter-ion of Zn salt. It was found that the variation of these parameters led to the formation of different metalorganic structures. The solids obtained were characterized by XRD, SEM and IR. For the samples identified as MOF- 5, it was verified that the structure was composed of both interpenetrated and non interpenetrated structures. These samples showed a low stability, becoming totally transformed into another structure within less than 72 hours. The addition of the nickel and/or cobalt was found to be a promissing method for increasing the stability of MOF- 5, which in this case, still remained unconverted to another structure even after 15 days of exposure to air. The samples prepared from 1,3-H2BDC were probably new, still unknown Metal Organic Frameworks

Síntese, caracterização e estudo fotofísico de complexos de 4,4- diaminoestilbeno-2,2-dissulfonato com íons lantanídeos

This is a work involving fundamental studies of chemistry where the synthesis and structural characterization, as well as a possible future application of these new compounds as luminescent sensors or sunscreen agents, complexes with 4,4 diaminostilbene-2,2-disulfonic (DSD) and trivalent lanthanide ions La3+, Nd3+, Eu3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+, were synthesized in the ratio of 3 mmol: 1 mmol (DSD: lanthanides). The complexes obtained with these ions were present in powder form and were characterized by complexometric titration with EDTA CHN Elemental analysis, molecular absorption spectroscopy in the ultraviolet region, the absorption spectroscopy in the infrared, thermal analysis (TG / DTG), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - NMR 1H and Luminescence Spectroscopy. The complexometric titration and CHN analysis, confirmed the TG / DTG which suggest that these complexes have the following general chemical formulas: [La2(C14H12S2O6N2)2(H2O)2Cl2].7H2O,[Nd2(C14H12S2O6N2)2(H2O)2Cl2].6H2O,[Eu2(C14 H12S2O6N2)2(H2O)2Cl2].7H2O,[Gd2(C14H12S2O6N2)2(H2O)2Cl2].4H2O e [Yb2(C14H12S2O6N2)2(H2O)2].6H2O. The disappearance of the bands in the infrared spectrum at 2921 cm-1 and 2623 cm-1 and the displacement of the bands in the spectra of the amine complex indicate that the lanthanide ion is coordinated to the oxygen atoms and the sulfonate groups of the nitrogens amines, suggesting the formation of the dimer. The disappearance of the signal and the displacement signal SO3H amines in the 1H NMR spectrum of this complex are also indicative coordination and dimer formation. The Thermogravimetry indicates that the DSD is thermally stable in the range of 40º to 385°C and their complexes with lanthanide ions exhibit weight loss between 4 and 5 stages. The Uv-visible spectra indicated that the DSD and complexes exhibit cis isomers. The analysis of luminescence indicates that the complexes do not exhibit emission in the region of the lanthanides but an intense emission part of the binder. This is related to the triplet states of the ligand, which are in the lowest energy state emitting lanthanide ions, and also the formation of the dimer that suppress the luminescence of ion Eu3+. The formation of dimer was also confirmed by calculating the europium complex structure using the model Hamiltonian PM6 and Sparkle

Avaliação mecânica in vitro utilizando miniplacas quadradas e retangulares do sistema 2.0 mm em fraturas da região anterior de mandíbula

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the mechanical strength of squared and rectangular 2.0 mm system miniplates comparing them to the standard configuration with 2 straight miniplates in stabilizing fractures in the anterior mandible. Ninety synthetic polyurethane mandible replicas were used in mechanical test. The samples were divided into six groups of three different methods for fixation. Groups 1, 2 and 3 showed complete fractures in symphysis, characterized by a linear separation between the medial incisor, and groups 4, 5 and 6 showed complete fractures in parasymphysis with oblique design. Groups 1 and 4 were represented by the standard technique with two straight miniplates parallel to each other. Groups 2 and 5 were stabilized by squared miniplates and groups 3 and 6 were fixed by rectangular design. Each group was subjected to a mechanical test at a displacement speed of 10 mm/min on a universal testing machine, receiving linear vertical load on the region of the left first molar. The values of the maximum load and when displacements reached 5 mm were obtained and statistically analyzed by calculating the confidence interval of 95%. Fixation systems using squared (G2) and rectangular (G3) miniplates obtained similar results. No statistically significant differences with respect to the maximum load and the load at 5 mm displacement were found when compared to standard method in symphyseal fractures (G1). In parasymphysis the fixation method using squared miniplates (G5) obtained results without significant differences regarding the maximum load and the load at 5 mm when compared to the standard configuration (G4). The fixation method using rectangular miniplates (G6) showed inferior results which were statistically significant when compared to the standard configuration (G4) for parasymphysis fractures. The mechanical behavior of the fixation methods was similar, except when rectangular miniplates were used. The fixation methods showed better results with statistical significance in symphyseal fractures

Prevalência da disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes de odontologia por meio de diferentes índices

The epidemiology of temporomandibular disorders varies widely in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TMD in dental students of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte assessed by different indexes. The sample consisted of 101 individuals selected by a randomized process, whose general outline was systematic sampling. For evaluation of the signs and symptoms of TMD, an anamnestic index, Fonseca s protocol, and two clinical indexes, the RDC/TMD (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders), or standard index, and the Helkimo s Clinical Dysfunction Index were applied. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and kappa, besides verifying the sensitivity and specificity (5% significance). The diagnosis of TMD by different indexes showed a variation in the prevalence between 72.3% (Helkimo s Clinical index), 64.4% (Fonseca s anamnestic index) and 35.6% (RDC/TMD). There was no statistical difference between the sexes for the RDC/TMD, although this difference was found for Fonseca s and Helkimo s indexes (p<0.05). The most frequent type of TMD were joint disorders (Groups II and III), and the subtypes disc displacement with reduction (17.8%) and arthralgia (15.8%). Most individuals showed a mild TMD (45.5%) for both indexes, Fonseca and Helkimo. When comparing the types of diagnoses, RDC/TMD with Fonseca and Helkimo, low agreement was found (k=0.17 and k= 0.35, respectively). A moderate correlation between the severity of TMD was obtained (kw= 0.53) for Fonseca s protocol and Helkimo s index. High sensitivity and low specificity were seen for both diagnoses compared to standard, resulting in excessive false positives. Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that the prevalence of TMD can vary widely, depending on the index used for its diagnosis