Ethanol production by a new pentose-fermenting yeast strain, Scheffersomyces stipitis UFMG-IMH 43.2, isolated from the Brazilian forest

The ability of a recently isolated Scheffersomyces stipitis strain (UFMG-IMH 43.2) to produce ethanol from xylose was evaluated. For the assays, a hemicellulosic hydrolysate produced by dilute acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse was used as the fermentation medium. Initially, the necessity of adding nutrients (MgSO(4).7H(2)O, yeast extract and/or urea) to this medium was verified, and the yeast extract supplementation favoured ethanol production by the yeast. Then, in a second stage, assays under different initial xylose and cell concentrations, supplemented or not with yeast extract, were performed. All these three variables showed significant (p < 0.05) influence on ethanol production. The best results (ethanol yield and productivity of 0.19 g/g and 0.13 g/l/h, respectively) were obtained using the hydrolysate containing an initial xylose concentration of 30 g/l, supplemented with 5.0 g/l yeast extract and inoculated with an initial cell concentration of 2.0 g/l. S. stipitis UFMG-IMH 43.2 was demonstrated to be a yeast strain with potential for use in xylose conversion to ethanol. The establishment of the best fermentation conditions was also proved to be of great importance to increasing the product formation by this yeast strain. These findings open up new perspectives for the establishment of a feasible technology for ethanol production from hemicellulosic hydrolysates. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Composites from Brazilian natural fibers with polypropylene: mechanical and thermal properties

Brazil has a well established ethanol production program based on sugarcane. Sugarcane bagasse and straw are the main by-products that may be used as reinforcement in natural fiber composites. Current work evaluated the influence of fiber insertion within a polypropylene (PP) matrix by tensile, TGA and DSC measurements. Thus, the mechanical properties, weight loss, degradation, melting and crystallization temperatures, heat of melting and crystallization and percentage of crystallinity were attained. Fiber insertion in the matrix improved the tensile modulus and changed the thermal stability of composites (intermediary between neat fibers and PP). The incorporation of natural fibers in PP promoted also apparent T(c) and Delta H(c) increases. As a Conclusion, the fibers added to polypropylene increased the nucleating ability, accelerating the crystallization process, improving the mechanical properties and consequently the fiber/matrix interaction.

Optimal fermentation conditions for maximizing the ethanol production by Kluyveromyces fragilis from cheese whey powder

Cheese whey powder (CWP) is an attractive raw material for ethanol production since it is a dried and concentrated form of CW and contains lactose in addition to nitrogen, phosphate and other essential nutrients. In the present work, deproteinized CWP was utilized as fermentation medium for ethanol production by Kluyveromyces fragilis. The individual and combined effects of initial lactose concentration (50-150 kg m(-3)), temperature (25-35 degrees C) and inoculum concentration (1-3 kg m(-3)) were investigated through a 2(3) full-factorial central composite design, and the optimal conditions for maximizing the ethanol production were determined. According to the statistical analysis, in the studied range of values, only the initial lactose concentration had a significant effect on ethanol production, resulting in higher product formation as the initial substrate concentration was increased. Assays with initial lactose concentration varying from 150 to 250 kg m(-3) were thus performed and revealed that the use of 200 kg m(-3) initial lactose concentration, inoculum concentration of 1 kg m(-3) and temperature of 35 degrees C were the best conditions for maximizing the ethanol production from CWP solution. Under these conditions, 80.95 kg m(-3) of ethanol was obtained after 44 h of fermentation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immobilization and stabilization of microbial lipases by multipoint covalent attachment on aldehyde-resin affinity: Application of the biocatalysts in biodiesel synthesis

Microbial lipase preparations from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) were immobilized by multipoint covalent attachment on Toyopearl AF-amino-650M resin and the most active and thermal stable derivatives used to catalyze the transesterificanon reaction of babassu and palm oils with ethanol in solvent-free media For this different activating agents mainly glutaraldehyde glycidol and epichlorohydrin were used and immobilization parameters were estimated based on the hydrolysis of olive oil emulsion and butyl butyrate synthesis ILL immobilized on glyoxyl-resin allowed obtaining derivatives with the highest hydrolytic activity (HA(der)) and thermal stability between 27 and 31 times more stable than the soluble lipase Although PFL derivatives were found to be less active and thermally stables similar formation of butyl butyrate concentrations were found for both ILL and PFL derivatives The highest conversion into biodiesel was found in the transesterification of palm oil catalyzed by both ILL and PFL glyoxyl-derivatives (c) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved

Ethanol Production from Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysate Using Pichia stipitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ethanol production from the sugars contained in the sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate with the yeast Pichia stipitis DSM 3651. The fermentations were carried out in 250-mL Erlenmeyers with 100 mL of medium incubated at 200 rpm and 30 A degrees C for 120 h. The medium was composed by raw (non-detoxified) hydrolysate or by hydrolysates detoxified by pH alteration followed by active charcoal adsorption or by adsorption into ion-exchange resins, all of them supplemented with yeast extract (3 g/L), malt extract (3 g/L), and peptone (5 g/L). The initial concentration of cells was 3 g/L. According to the results, the detoxification procedures removed inhibitory compounds from the hemicellulosic hydrolysate and, thus, improved the bioconversion of the sugars into ethanol. The fermentation using the non-detoxified hydrolysate led to 4.9 g/L ethanol in 120 h, with a yield of 0.20 g/g and a productivity of 0.04 g L(-1) h(-1). The detoxification by pH alteration and active charcoal adsorption led to 6.1 g/L ethanol in 48 h, with a yield of 0.30 g/g and a productivity of 0.13 g L(-1) h(-1). The detoxification by adsorption into ion-exchange resins, in turn, provided 7.5 g/L ethanol in 48 h, with a yield of 0.30 g/g and a productivity of 0.16 g L(-1) h(-1).

Determination of nutritional and toxic elements in pasteurized bovine milk from Vale do Paraiba region (Brazil)

Throughout the year of 2004, 54 samples (I L each) were collected from commercial sources in the Vale do Paraiba region (eastern portion of Sao Paulo State, Brazil). The concentrations of (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn, Cd and Pb) in these samples were analyzed by two atomic-absorption spectroscopy (AAS) methods. Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn were determined by flame atomic-absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) and (Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb and Se) were determined by electrothermal atomic-absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS). Tests to determine and quantify essential, nonessential and toxic elements present in bovine milk are rare in Brazil, especially so for Vale do Paraiba region. Tests were performed on standard NIST-certified milk-powder to validate the reliability of subsequently collected analytical data. Ca presented a lower recovery value (85.3%). The finding for Ca macro-nutrient was found to be below recommended international standards (1300 mg/L) for all samples possibly due to milk heterogeneity and losses in the pasteurization process. Significant results for Pb were found in all milk samples with average values at 0.230 mg/L from a minimum of 0.062 mg/L and maximum of 0.476 mg/L (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An integrated approach to produce biodiesel and monoglycerides by enzymatic interestification of babassu oil (Orbinya sp)

Two screenings of commercial lipases were performed to find a lipase with superior performance for the integrated production of biodiesel and monoglycerides. The first screening was carried out under alcoholysis conditions using ethanol as acyl acceptor to convert triglycerides to their corresponding ethyl esters (biodiesel). The second screening was performed under glycerolysis conditions to yield monoglycerides (MG). All lipases were immobilized on silica-PVA composite by covalent immobilization. The assays were performed using babassu oil and alcohols (ethanol or glycerol) in solvent free systems. For both substrates, lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (lipase PS) was found to be the most suitable enzyme to attain satisfactory yields. To further improve the process, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optima operating conditions for each biotransformation. For biodiesel production, the highest transesterification yield (>98%) was achieved within 48 h reaction at 39 degrees C using an oil-to-ethanol molar ratio of 1:7. For MG production, optima conditions corresponded to oil-to-glycerol molar ratio of 1: 15 at 55 degrees C, yielding 25 wt.% MG in 6 h reaction. These results show the potential of B. cepacia lipase to catalyze both reactions and the feasibility to consider an integrated approach for biodiesel and MG production. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cellulosic Films Obtained from the Treatment of Sugarcane Bagasse Fibers with N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO)

Ethanol/water organosolv pulping was used to obtain sugarcane bagasse pulp that was bleached with sodium chlorite. This bleached pulp was used to obtain cellulosic films that were further evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A good film formation was observed when temperature of 74 degrees C and baths of distilled water were used, which after FTIR, TGA, and SEM analysis indicated no significant difference between the reaction times. The results showed this to be an interesting and promising process, combining the prerequisites for a more efficient utilization of agro-industrial residues.

Organ donation: Acceptance and refusal among users of the public health system from Brazil

The present study sought to identify the perception of a given group of users of the Brazilian Public Health System (Sistema Unico de Saude) regarding organ donation and to implement an educational policy. Structured interviews were conducted with the aim of describing the profile of donor and nondonor subjects, the importance of organ donation, and the knowledge regarding donation and brain death. One hundred subjects were interviewed: 33% of them considered themselves potential donors; 40% were donors; 13% were nondonors; and 14% were ill-informed potential donors. However, only 40% of users have already officially expressed to their families a willingness to donate. Regarding their knowledge about the propitious moment for organ donation, only 64% of them associated the donation act with brain death. Although the present results revealed that users of the Brazilian Public Health System are prone to organ donation, there actually was a high amount of refusals, which may be due to lack of information and knowledge regarding the donation-transplantation process.

Identification of nurses` competencies in primary health care through a Delphi study in southern Brazil

Objective: This investigation aimed to identify and analyze the general and specific competencies of nurses in the primary health care practice of Brazil. Design: The Delphi Technique was used as the method of study. Sample: 2 groups of participants were selected: One contained primary health care nurses (n=52) and the other specialists (n=57), including public health nurses and public or community health faculty. Measurements: 3 questionnaires were developed for the study. The first asked participants to indicate general and specific competencies, which were compiled into a list for each group. A Likert scale of 1-5 was added to these 2 lists in the second and third questionnaires. A consensus criterion of 75% for score 4 or 5 was adopted. Results: In the nurses` group, 17 general and 8 specific competencies reached the consensus criterion; 19 general and 9 specific competencies reached the criterion in the specialists` group. These competencies were classified into 10 domains: professional values, communication, teamwork, management, community-oriented, health promotion, problem solving, health care, and education and basic public health sciences. Conclusions: These competencies reflect Brazilian health policy and constitute a reference for health professional practice and education.

City tuberculosis control coordinators` perspectives of patient adherence to DOT in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, 2005

SETTING: Thirty-six priority cities in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, with a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) cases, deaths and treatment default. OBJECTIVE: To identify the perspectives of city TB control coordinators regarding the most important components of adherence strategies adopted by health care teams to ensure patient adherence in 36 priority cities in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Qualitative research with semi-structured interviews conducted with the coordinators of the National TB Control Programme involved in the management of TB treatment services in the public sector. RESULTS: The main issues thought to influence adherence to directly observed treatment (DOT) by coordinators include incentives and benefits delivered to patients, patient-health care worker bonding and comprehensive care, the encouragement given by others to follow treatment (family, neighbours and health professionals), and help provided by health professionals for patients to recover their self-esteem. CONCLUSION: The main aspects mentioned by city TB control coordinators regarding patient adherence to treatment and to DOT in Sao Paulo are improvements in communications, relationships based on trust, a humane approach and including the patients in the decision-making process concerning their health.

Maternal decision on obtaining prenatal care: a study in Brazil

Objective: to address the social aspects of pregnancy and the views of pregnant women regarding prenatal assistance in Brazil. Design: this qualitative study was focused on describing the Social Representations of prenatal care held by pregnant women. The discourse of the collective subject (DCS) framework was used to analyse the data collected, within the theoretical background of social representations, as proposed and developed by Serge Moscovici. Participants and setting: 21 pregnant women who were users of the publicly funded Brazilian unified health-care system and resided in the area served by its family health programme in a low- to middle-income neighbourhood on the outskirts of Campo Grande, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in southwestern Brazil. Data were collected by conducting in-depth, face-to-face interviews from January to October 2006. Findings: all participants were married. Formal education of the participants was less than five years in four cases, between five and eight years in six cases, and greater than 11 years in 10 cases. Nine participants had informal jobs and earned up to US$ 200 per month, four paricipants had administrative jobs and earned over US$ 500 per month, and eight participants did not work. No specific racial/ethnic background predominated. Lack of adherence to prenatal care allowed for the identification of two DCS themes: `organisation of prenatal care services` and `lifestyle features`. Key conclusions: the respondents were found to have negative feelings about pregnancy which manifest as many fears, including the fear of harming their children`s health, of being punished during labour, and of being reprimanded by health-care professionals for overlooking their prenatal care, in addition to the insecurity felt towards the infant and self. Implications for practice: the findings reveal that communication between pregnant women and healthcare professionals has been ineffective and that prenatal care has not been effective for the group interviewed-features that are likely to be found among other low- to middle-income groups living elsewhere in Brazil. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ethanol-induced vasoconstriction is mediated via redox-sensitive cyclo-oxygenase-dependent mechanisms

The present study investigated the role of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and COX (cyclooxygenase) in ethanol-induced contraction and elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) (intracellular [Ca(2+)]). Vascular reactivity experiments, using standard muscle bath procedures, showed that ethanol (1-800 mmol/l) induced contraction in endothelium-intact (EC(50): 306 +/- 34 mmol/l) and endothelium-denuded (EC(50): 180 +/- 40 mmol/l) rat aortic rings. Endothelial removal enhanced ethanol-induced contraction. Preincubation of intact rings with L-NAME [N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; non-selective NOS (NO synthase) inhibitor, 100 mu mol/l], 7-nitroindazole [selective nNOS (neuronal NOS) inhibitor, 100 mu mol/l], oxyhaemoglobin (NO scavenger, 10 mu mol/l) and ODQ (selective inhibitor of guanylate cyclase enzyme, 1 mu mol/l) increased ethanol-induced contraction. Tiron [O(2)(-) (superoxide anion) scavenger, 1 mmol/l] and catalase (H(2)O(2) scavenger, 300 units/ml) reduced ethanol-induced contraction to a similar extent in both endothelium-intact and denuded rings. Similarly, indomethacin (non-selective COX inhibitor, 10 mu mol/l), SC560 (selective COX- I inhibitor, 1 mu mol/l), AH6809 [PGF(2 alpha) (prostaglandin F(2 alpha))] receptor antagonist, 10 mu mol/l] or SQ29584 [PGH(2)(prostaglandin H(2))/TXA(2) (thromboxane A(2)) receptor antagonist, 3 mu mol/l] inhibited ethanol-induced contraction in aortic rings with and without intact endothelium. In cultured aortic VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells), ethanol stimulated generation of O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2). Ethanol induced a transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i), which was significantly inhibited in VSMCs pre-exposed to tiron or indomethacin. Our data suggest that ethanol induces vasoconstriction via redox-sensitive and COX-dependent pathways, probably through direct effects on ROS production and Ca(2+) signalling. These findings identify putative molecular mechanisms whereby ethanol, at high concentrations, influences vascular reactivity. Whether similar phenomena occur in vivo at lower concentrations of ethanol remains unclear.

The life impact of burns: the perspective from burn persons in Brazil during their rehabilitation phase

Method. Participants were 18 years of age or older, who had been discharged from hospitalisation between 6 months and 1 year before the interview, or who underwent reconstructive surgery during the previous year, or who were under outpatient follow-up awaiting reconstructive surgery. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Results. Thirty-eight of the 44 participants (86.4%) reported some type of changes associated with the burn injury, the treatment, or both, regarding the following aspects: work, leisure, relationships, religious ties, educational activities and habits (smoking, using alcohol and drugs and dressing style). The data showed a statistically significant association between burns on at least one of the upper limbs (with or without hands) and changes in work. Conclusions. Some of the aspects mentioned by the participants, such as work and leisure activities, need to be further researched in order to improve our understanding of the impact that these changes causes in the person`s life.

Evaluation of pharmacotherapy on elderly residents of nursing homes in the north-east of Brazil

Data related to medication order and the use of medications was collected from 94 elderly medical records of two nursing homes of Aracaju (SE), The mean age was 83.2 (SD = 10.1), with most belonging to the females (63.8%). The prevalence of the use of drugs was 87.2% and the average of medicines consumed was equal to 2.7 (SD = 1.8), mainly with action in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In this Study, the elderly population studied presented polypharmacy (18.1%), inappropriate use of drugs (28.7%) and double therapy (11.7%). Data showed the need for improvement and evaluation of the quality of pharmacotherapy to promote rational drug use in the elderly population.