Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a biocompatibilidade em coelhos e a regeneração periodontal em defeitos intra-ósseos em humanos, utilizando o osso inorgânico bovino (Gen-Ox). Cinco grupos de coelhos, contendo 5 em cada um deles, foram sacrificados nos períodos de 30, 60, 90, 180 e 270 dias, após a colocação do enxerto ósseo. No estudo em humanos, a amostra constou de 10 indivíduos com idade entre 25 e 60 anos, apresentando um par de defeitos intra-ósseos, localizados no mesmo arco dentário em dentes do mesmo tipo (pré-molares ou molares) e com perda de inserção (PI) 5mm. Em cada indivíduo, o lado teste foi tratado na superfície radicular com aplicação de ácido cítrico com tetraciclina, preenchido o defeito com osso inorgânico bovino (Gen-Ox), e adaptada a membrana reabsorvível de osso cortical bovino (Gen-Derm), enquanto o lado controle foi tratado na superfície radicular com aplicação de ácido cítrico com tetraciclina e adaptada a membrana reabsorvível (Gen-Derm). Houve uma redução significante no nível de inserção nos dois grupos, quando avaliados na comparação entre os períodos pré-operatórios e aos seis meses de pós-operatório, tendo o grupo teste mostrado uma melhora significante quando comparado ao grupo controle (teste t pareado, p=0,038). Foram feitos controles radiográficos padronizados de ambos os grupos para a obtenção das medidas individuais, com posterior análise estatística das variações das medidas. MEDIDA 1, da Junção Cemento Esmalte até o final do ápice da raiz (J.C.E.-A). MEDIDA 2, da J.C.E.- RT (até o início da radiotransparência). MEDIDA 3, da J.C.E.-D (até o final do defeito). As variações ocorridas no período entre a radiografia inicial e 6 meses alcançaram significância estatística somente para a medida 1 (p=0,03), radiografia inicial e 12 meses para as medidas 1 (p=0,043) e 3 (p=0,001) pelo teste de Tukey. Conclui-se que na avaliação histológica em coelhos, nos períodos de 3 a 9 meses, ocorreu a remodelação óssea e a estabilização do processo de reparo. Em humanos, houve uma significância estatística nos períodos de 1 a 6 meses (grupo teste), tanto na sondagem quanto na avaliação radiográfica, e no período de 6 a 12 meses, não houve diferença significante entre os grupos. / This study aimed at evaluating the biocompatibility in rabbits and the periodontal regeneration of intra-bony defects in humans, utilizing a bovine inorganic bone (Gen-Ox). Five groups of rabbits, containing 5 in each group, were sacrificed in the periods of 30, 60, 90, 180 and 270 days, following the bone graft. In the study in humans, the sample was comprised of 10 individuals in the age range 25 - 60 yrs, presenting a pair of intra-bony defects, located in the same dental arch, in teeth of the same type (pre-molars or molars) and with an insertion loss (IL) 5mm. In each individual, the test side was treated on the root surface, with the application of citric acid with tetracycline and the bone defect filled with bovine inorganic bone (Gen-Ox), being the resorbable membrane of bovine cortical bone (Gen-Derm) adapted, while the control side was treated on the root surface, with the application of citric acid with tetracycline, being the resorbable membrane (Gen-Derm) adapted. There was a significant reduction in the insertion level in the two groups, when evaluated between the pre-surgical periods and at six months, postoperatively, the test group showing a significant improvement as compared to the control (paired t test, p=0.038). Standardized radiographic controls were made of both groups, so as to obtain individual measurements, followed by statistical analysis of the measurement variations. MEASUREMENT 1, from the cementoenamel junction up to the end of the root apex (J.C.E.-A). MEASUREMENT 2, from the J.C.E.-RT (up to the beginning of radio-transparency). MEASUREMENT 3, from the J.C.E.-D (up to the end of defect). The variations occurred in the period between the initial radiography and 6 months, had statistical significance only for measurement 1 (p=0.03), initial radiography and 12 months for measurements 1 (p=0.043) and 3 (p=0.001), by Tukey´s test. It was concluded that in the histological evaluation of rabbits, in the periods of 3 to 9 months, there was a bone remodeling and stabilization of the repair process. In humans, there was a statistical significance in the periods of 1 to 6 months (test group), both in probing and radiographic evaluation, and in the period 6 to 12 months, no significant difference was seen between the groups.

by Choi Kim Ming, Arthur. / Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-91). / Abstract also in Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.i / CONTENTS --- p.ii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / SUMMARY --- p.viii / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- Brief Review on Nephrolithiasis --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1 --- Mechanism of nephrolithiasis --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- Biochemical states leading to nephrolithiasis --- p.8 / Chapter 2.3 --- Inhibitors of nephrolithiasis --- p.10 / Chapter 3. --- Biochemistry of Citrate --- p.13 / Chapter 3.1 --- Basic aspects --- p.13 / Chapter 3.2 --- The role of kidney in citrate metabolism --- p.14 / Chapter 3.3 --- The role of kidney in citrate excretion --- p.17 / Chapter 3.4 --- Altered urinary citrate excretion --- p.18 / Chapter 4. --- Hypocitraturia as a Risk Factor of Nephrolithiasis --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1 --- Experimental and clinical evidence on the role of citrate as a stone inhibitor --- p.21 / Chapter 4.2 --- Mechanism of the inhibitory activity of citrate against nephrolithiasis --- p.22 / Chapter 4.3 --- Clinical conditions associated with hypocitraturiain nephrolithiasis --- p.22 / Chapter 5. --- Analytical Methods for Urinary Citrate Assays --- p.27 / Chapter 5.1 --- Enzyme-spectrophotometric methods --- p.27 / Chapter 5.2 --- High performance ion chromatography --- p.30 / Chapter 5.3 --- Capillary electrophoresis and indirect ultraviolet absorbance detection --- p.31 / Chapter 5.4 --- Comparison on the analytical methods --- p.32 / Chapter 6. --- Quantitation of Urinary Citrate --- p.35 / Chapter 6.1 --- Principle of the assay --- p.35 / Chapter 6.2 --- Instrumentation --- p.35 / Chapter 6.3 --- Preparation of reagents and standards --- p.37 / Chapter 6.4 --- Specimen collection & storage --- p.41 / Chapter 6.5 --- Sample preparation --- p.42 / Chapter 6.6 --- Assay protocol for urinary citrate --- p.43 / Chapter 6.7 --- Factors affecting the assay performance --- p.45 / Chapter 6.8 --- Evaluation of urine citrate assay --- p.45 / Chapter 7. --- Results of Evaluation of the Urine Citrate Assay --- p.50 / Chapter 7.1 --- Calibration --- p.50 / Chapter 7.2 --- Imprecision --- p.50 / Chapter 7.3 --- Linearity --- p.53 / Chapter 7.4 --- Recovery --- p.53 / Chapter 7.5 --- Detection limit --- p.53 / Chapter 7.6 --- Carryover --- p.58 / Chapter 7.7 --- Interference studies --- p.58 / Chapter 7.8 --- Correlation study --- p.60 / Chapter 7.9 --- Discussion on the methodology --- p.63 / Chapter 8. --- Study in Control Subjects --- p.65 / Chapter 8.1 --- Subjects --- p.65 / Chapter 8.2 --- Method of evaluation --- p.65 / Chapter 8.3 --- Results of the control subjects --- p.67 / Chapter 8.4 --- Discussion --- p.67 / Chapter 9. --- Study in Chinese patients with Nephrolithiasis --- p.72 / Chapter 9.1 --- Subjects --- p.72 / Chapter 9.2 --- Method of the patients study --- p.72 / Chapter 9.3 --- Results of the patients study --- p.72 / Chapter 9.4 --- Discussion --- p.77 / Chapter 10. --- General Discussion and Suggestions for Further Studies --- p.80 / Chapter 11. --- Conclusion --- p.84 / Chapter 12. --- References --- p.85

The production of magnetic materials is of great interest for use in the micro-fabrication industry. In particular, Permalloy (Ni80Fe20) is used in the production of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) due to its favourable magnetic properties (high relative permeability, low coercivity and high magnetic saturation). This leads to applications in devices such as inductors, transformers and micro-actuators. The electrodeposition of NiFe is also of fundamental electrochemical interest, as there is anomalous thermodynamic behaviour, with the less noble (iron) metal depositing preferentially to the more noble (nickel) metal. To enable consistent alloy deposition nickel and nickel-iron baths are currently almost exclusively based on boric acid. Boric acid has an important role in the deposition of NiFe films but its role(s) in the electro-deposition mechanism is (are) not wholly understood. Recently (2011) boric acid has been identified as a “substance of very high concern” based on the criteria established by EU chemical regulation, REACH. In anticipation of increased regulation an alternative was sought to provide a benign alternative to boric acid in the NiFe plating bath suitable for use in micro-fabrication. Initial work was performed to benchmark the performance of existing boric acid based electro-deposition baths. Cyclic voltammetry was performed, which demonstrated the deposition of nickel and nickel-iron from boric acid baths. Coulombic efficiencies up to 93 % were measured for the deposition of nickel using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) on platinum electrodes. For nickel-iron deposition control of the film composition was demonstrated on copper electrodes through varying the iron (II) concentration, current density and temperature. A citrate bath for the deposition of nickel-iron was then developed and characterised. Cyclic voltammetry was performed in these citrate baths demonstrating the deposition of nickel and nickel-iron. Optimal conditions for depositing Ni80Fe20 were demonstrated to be an elevated temperature (60 °C) with a current density of 20 mA cm-2 and a pH of 3. Using the EQCM the efficiency for nickel deposition was measured to be > 80 %. The effects of sodium saccharin and sodium dodecyl sulfate as additives were investigated; these were shown to influence morphology but not the coulombic efficiency. Decreasing the pH was shown to lower the efficiency of nickel deposition from the citrate bath. Comparisons of key properties were made between NiFe films deposited from a boric acid bath and the citrate bath developed in this work. Test structures were used to compare the strain in the films; no significant difference was found. For 2.2 μm thick Ni80Fe20 films the sheet resistance was measured using Greek cross structures as 0.078 ± 0.004 Ω/square for films deposited from the boric acid bath and 0.090 ± 0.006 Ω/square from the citrate bath. The magnetic saturation, Ms, was measured as 895 ± 66 emu cm-3 for deposits from the boric acid bath and 923 ± 111 emu cm-3 from the citrate bath. These again show no significant difference in these values within experimental error. Coercivities for these films were measured to be between 20 and 120 A m-1. In combination, this work demonstrates the development and characterisation of a new citrate based electrodeposition bath for nickel and nickel-iron. Similar chemical, electrical, mechanical and magnetic properties were found from films deposited from both baths, thus demonstrating the suitability of the citrate bath for the deposition of nickel-iron films in microfabrication.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a biocompatibilidade em coelhos e a regeneração periodontal em defeitos intra-ósseos em humanos, utilizando o osso inorgânico bovino (Gen-Ox). Cinco grupos de coelhos, contendo 5 em cada um deles, foram sacrificados nos períodos de 30, 60, 90, 180 e 270 dias, após a colocação do enxerto ósseo. No estudo em humanos, a amostra constou de 10 indivíduos com idade entre 25 e 60 anos, apresentando um par de defeitos intra-ósseos, localizados no mesmo arco dentário em dentes do mesmo tipo (pré-molares ou molares) e com perda de inserção (PI) 5mm. Em cada indivíduo, o lado teste foi tratado na superfície radicular com aplicação de ácido cítrico com tetraciclina, preenchido o defeito com osso inorgânico bovino (Gen-Ox), e adaptada a membrana reabsorvível de osso cortical bovino (Gen-Derm), enquanto o lado controle foi tratado na superfície radicular com aplicação de ácido cítrico com tetraciclina e adaptada a membrana reabsorvível (Gen-Derm). Houve uma redução significante no nível de inserção nos dois grupos, quando avaliados na comparação entre os períodos pré-operatórios e aos seis meses de pós-operatório, tendo o grupo teste mostrado uma melhora significante quando comparado ao grupo controle (teste t pareado, p=0,038). Foram feitos controles radiográficos padronizados de ambos os grupos para a obtenção das medidas individuais, com posterior análise estatística das variações das medidas. MEDIDA 1, da Junção Cemento Esmalte até o final do ápice da raiz (J.C.E.-A). MEDIDA 2, da J.C.E.- RT (até o início da radiotransparência). MEDIDA 3, da J.C.E.-D (até o final do defeito). As variações ocorridas no período entre a radiografia inicial e 6 meses alcançaram significância estatística somente para a medida 1 (p=0,03), radiografia inicial e 12 meses para as medidas 1 (p=0,043) e 3 (p=0,001) pelo teste de Tukey. Conclui-se que na avaliação histológica em coelhos, nos períodos de 3 a 9 meses, ocorreu a remodelação óssea e a estabilização do processo de reparo. Em humanos, houve uma significância estatística nos períodos de 1 a 6 meses (grupo teste), tanto na sondagem quanto na avaliação radiográfica, e no período de 6 a 12 meses, não houve diferença significante entre os grupos. / This study aimed at evaluating the biocompatibility in rabbits and the periodontal regeneration of intra-bony defects in humans, utilizing a bovine inorganic bone (Gen-Ox). Five groups of rabbits, containing 5 in each group, were sacrificed in the periods of 30, 60, 90, 180 and 270 days, following the bone graft. In the study in humans, the sample was comprised of 10 individuals in the age range 25 - 60 yrs, presenting a pair of intra-bony defects, located in the same dental arch, in teeth of the same type (pre-molars or molars) and with an insertion loss (IL) 5mm. In each individual, the test side was treated on the root surface, with the application of citric acid with tetracycline and the bone defect filled with bovine inorganic bone (Gen-Ox), being the resorbable membrane of bovine cortical bone (Gen-Derm) adapted, while the control side was treated on the root surface, with the application of citric acid with tetracycline, being the resorbable membrane (Gen-Derm) adapted. There was a significant reduction in the insertion level in the two groups, when evaluated between the pre-surgical periods and at six months, postoperatively, the test group showing a significant improvement as compared to the control (paired t test, p=0.038). Standardized radiographic controls were made of both groups, so as to obtain individual measurements, followed by statistical analysis of the measurement variations. MEASUREMENT 1, from the cementoenamel junction up to the end of the root apex (J.C.E.-A). MEASUREMENT 2, from the J.C.E.-RT (up to the beginning of radio-transparency). MEASUREMENT 3, from the J.C.E.-D (up to the end of defect). The variations occurred in the period between the initial radiography and 6 months, had statistical significance only for measurement 1 (p=0.03), initial radiography and 12 months for measurements 1 (p=0.043) and 3 (p=0.001), by Tukey´s test. It was concluded that in the histological evaluation of rabbits, in the periods of 3 to 9 months, there was a bone remodeling and stabilization of the repair process. In humans, there was a statistical significance in the periods of 1 to 6 months (test group), both in probing and radiographic evaluation, and in the period 6 to 12 months, no significant difference was seen between the groups.

No description available.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento químico com ácido cítrico, tetraciclina, EDTA e ácido fosfórico em discos de titânio de superfícies lisas e rugosas, após serem contaminados por biofilme bacteriano humano, e inseridos no tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo de ratos. Utilizou-se 180 discos de titânio, sendo 90 lisos e 90 rugosos, que foram colocados em 19 placas de acrílico utilizadas por voluntários durante 7 dias. Estes discos foram divididos em 12 grupos contendo 15 discos cada um: Grupo 1L: 15 discos lisos tratados com ácido cítrico; Grupo 1R: 15 discos rugosos tratados com ácido cítrico; Grupo 2L: 15 discos lisos tratados com tetraciclina ácida; Grupo 2R: 15 discos rugosos tratados com tetraciclina ácida; Grupo 3L: 15 discos lisos tratados com EDTA; Grupo 3R: 15 discos rugosos tratados com EDTA; Grupo 4L: 15 discos lisos tratados com ácido fosfórico; Grupo 4R: 15 discos rugosos tratados com ácido fosfórico; Grupo CL: 15 discos lisos que não receberam descontaminação (controle positivo liso); Grupo CR: 15 discos rugosos que não receberam descontaminação (controle positivo rugoso); Grupo EL: 15 discos lisos que não foram contaminados (controle negativo liso) e Grupo ER: 15 discos rugosos que não foram contaminados (controle negativo rugoso). Estes discos foram implantados no subcutâneo de ratos, os quais foram sacrificados após 7, 28 ou 84 dias. Foi realizada a avaliação microscópica descritiva e quantitativa do tecido conjuntivo formado nestes ratos. Foram avaliadas as médias das espessuras das cápsulas, a densidade de fibroblastos e de neutrófilos nos 3 períodos de tempo. Os resultados mostraram diferença na densidade de neutrófilos principalmente aos 7 dias e o ácido fosfórico mostrou os melhores resultados neste período, e ao final de 84 dias todos os tratamentos apresentaram resultados similares inclusive com relação ao grupo controle contaminado. Com relação à rugosidade os discos de superfícies lisas, apresentaram menor média na espessura da cápsula comparandose com os discos de superfícies rugosas, talvez demonstrando um aspecto de maior biocompatibilidade da superfície lisa após receber o tratamento de descontaminação, o que sugeriria maior efetividade na descontaminação dos protótipos lisos. / The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of treatment with citric acid, tetracycline, EDTA and phosphoric acid in titanium disks in smooth and roughened surfaces contaminated by bacterial biofilms in the connective tissue of rats. One hundred eighty titanium disks were used; 90 smooth surfaces and 90 roughened titanium surfaces, which were placed in 19 acrylic plates that were used by volunteers for 7 days. These disks were divided into 12 groups containing 15 disks each; Group 1L: 15 smooth disks were treated with citric acid; Group 1R: 15 roughened disks were treated with citric acid; Group 2L: 15 smooth disks were treated with tetracycline acid; Group 2R: 15 roughened disks were treated with tetracycline rough acid; Group 3L: 15 smooth disks were treated with EDTA; Group 3R: 15 roughened disks were treated with EDTA; Group 4L: 15 smooth disks were treated with phosphoric acid; Group 4R: 15 roughened disks were treated with phosphoric acid; Group CL: 15 smooth disks received no econtamination (smooth positive control); CR: 15 roughened disks did not receive decontamination (roughened positive control); EL: 15 smooth disks were not infected (smooth negative control) and ER: 15 roughened disks were not infected (roughened negative control). These disks were implanted subcutaneously in rats that were sacrificed after 7, 28 or 84 days. A descriptive and quantitative microscopic evaluation was performed. The average thickness of the capsules and the density of fibroblasts and neutrophils in three time periods were evaluated. The results showed differences in the density of neutrophilis mainly at 7 days and phosphoric acid showed the best results in this period, and at the end of 84 days, all treatments showed similar results even with the control group infected. In relation to the roughness, the smooth disks had a lower average capsule thickness compared with roughened disks, perhaps demonstrating an aspect of greater biocompatibility smooth surface, which would suggest greater effectiveness in decontamination of smooth disks.

A pesquisa em questão visou demonstrar as vantagens não só comerciais e técnicas, como também, ecológicas e ocupacionais da utilização do ácido cítrico nas empresas de beneficiamento têxtil, em comparação com o ácido acético, objetivando a implantação de um processo de tingimento mais sustentável, visto que, a exigência dos órgãos fiscalizadores tem crescido nos últimos anos e a busca na redução de custos operacionais e adequações ambientais são de vital importância para a sobrevivência e perpetuação das empresas de beneficiamento têxtil. Foram efetuados testes comparativos de medições de pH, neutralização de banhos alcalinos, comparação teórica de biodegradabilidade e danos à saúde e testes práticos comparativos contra dispersantes de tingimento e sequestrante e por fim os resultados práticos de tingimento em escala laboratorial. Os resultados demonstraram a compatibilidade do ácido cítrico frente ao acético no acerto de pH e neutralização de banhos alcalinos, demonstrado a capacidade do ácido cítrico em dispersar corantes dispersos superior à dispersantes de mercado, e superior poder de complexação frente à outros ácidos e ao Ladiquest 1097, e por fim foi constatado com base em dados teóricos a superioridade do ácido cítrico em comparação ao acético em questões ecológicas, possuindo o ácido cítrico valor de DQO em torno de 30% inferior ao ácido acético e toxicidade em torno de 70% inferior e por fim através dos tingimentos realizados pode-se comprovar a eficácia do ácido cítrico em processos de tingimento de poliéster e poliamida sem haver significativa alteração dos processos com ácido acético. A pesquisa pode demonstrar que a substituição do ácido acético, em processos de tingimento, pelo ácido cítrico é perfeitamente viável e além de trazer redução nos custos de processo na ordem de 12% nos tingimentos de poliéster e 0,76 no tingimento de poliamida, trará benefícios ambientais e ocupacionais às empresas que adotarem esta substituição, fazendo com que o ácido cítrico nas empresas de beneficiamento seja considerado um insumo sustentável. / The research in question aimed to demonstrate the advantages not only commercial and technical, but also environmental and occupational use of citric acid in textile dying companies, compare with acetic acid, aiming at implementing a more sustainable dyeing process, as that the requirement of regulatory agencies has grown in recent years and the search on reducing operating costs and environmental adaptations are of vital importance for the survival and perpetuation of textile dyeing companies. Comparative tests were of measurements of pH, neutralization of alkaline baths, theoretical comparison of biodegradability and damage to health and comparative practice tests against dispersants and sequestering dyeing and finally the practical results of dyeing in laboratory scale. The results demonstrated the compatibility of citric acid compare with acetic in the pH adjustment and neutralization of the alkali bath, demonstrated the ability of citric acid in the dispersing disperse dyes upper market dispersants, and higher power as compared to other complexing acids and Ladiquest 1097 and finally based on the environmental data theoretical superiority of citric acid compared to acetic acid, citric acid having a COD value of approximately 30% lower than the toxicity acetic acid and around 70% lower, and finally by the dyes could prove the efficacy of citric acid in polyester and polyamide dyeing processes with no significant change in the processes with acetic acid. The research may show that the substitution of acetic acid, in dyeing processes, the citric acid is feasible and also brings reduction in process costs in the order of 12% in the dyeing of polyester and 0.76%in the polyamide dyeing, will environmental and occupational benefits to companies that adopt this replacement, causing the citric acid in the processing firms is considered a sustainable feedstock.

Orientador: Luiz Fernando de Oliveira e Silva Carvalho / Banca: Maria Cristina Thomaz / Banca: Geraldo Camilo Alberton / Resumo: As infecções urinárias (IU) em porcas estão entre as principais causas de falhas reprodutivas que influem na produtividade do rebanho, proporcionando grandes prejuízos econômicos. No presente trabalho foram testados dois acidificantes urinários - o ácido cítrico e o cloreto de amônio e cloreto de sódio, de modo a comparar a atividade destes produtos, no controle de cistites em matrizes suínas. Utilizaram-se 53 porcas adultas, gestantes ou não, de linhagens comerciais, portadoras ou não de cistite, sendo identificados os animais sadios ou afetados com base nos resultados de urinálises e cultivos bacterianos. O primeiro ensaio foi constituído de duas fases - fase 1 - realizada com 25 fêmeas em início de gestação (20 com cistite e 5 sadias), alimentadas com ração de gestação e fase 2 - realizada com 20 animais em final de gestação (16 com cistite e 4 sadias), alimentadas com ração de lactação. O pH, a densidade e a contagem bacteriana nas amostras de urina foram as variáveis estudadas. No segundo ensaio foram utilizadas 8 porcas, todas com cistite e não gestantes. A quatro delas administrou-se ração com cloreto de amônio e outras quatro receberam ração não suplementada com o produto. Avaliou-se o consumo de água, a produção de urina, os pH da urina e do sangue. Os resultados demonstraram que o ácido cítrico determinou diminuição do número de unidades formadoras de colônias, porém não interferiu no pH e densidade urinária dos animais. O cloreto de amônio reduziu o pH urinário demonstrando ação acidificante mesmo colhendo a urina 24 horas após o arraçoamento, porém não interferiu nas densidade e contagem bacteriana. Com relação o cloreto de sódio (1,5% ou 52,5 g/Kg de ração) não se observou qualquer efeito sobre os parâmetros estudados (pH urinário, densidade e contagem bacteriana). / Abstract: The urinary infections(IU) in sows are among the main causes of reproductive imperfections that influence in the productivity of the flock, providing great economic damages. In the present work two acidifiers were tested out - acid citric and the chloride of ammonium and sodium chloride, in order to compare the activity of these products, in orther to control the cystitis in swine. 53 adult, pregnants and non pregnant sows were used , of tradeable ancestries, bearing, donþt bearing cystitis being identified the healthy or affected animals on the basis of the bacterial results of urinalysis culture. The first assay was carried out into two phases - phase 1 - carried through with 25 females in theirs early gestation (20 with cystitis and 5 healthy ones), fed gestation diet and phase 2 - carried through with 20 animals in gestation end (16 with cystitis and 4 healthy ones), fed with lactation ration. pH, the density and the number of CFUs in the urinary samples were the studied. As the assay 8 sows had been held envolving, all cystitis and not pregnant. Four out of 8 sows were fed with chrolide ammonium based rations. The remnants 4 were fed with no supplemented feed. The consumption of water, urinary output, urinary pH and the blood were also evaluated. The results showed that the citric acid determined a decrease in the CFU. However, it didnþt interfere at both pH and urinary density in the animals. The ammonium chloride reduced the urinary pH showing acidifying action even while collecting the urine after a period of 24 hours after the feeding time. Both density and CFU were not changed. Regarding the sodium chloride (1.5% or 52.5g/kg) nothing was found out within the complying parameters (pH urinary, dendity and CFU). / Mestre

A new innovative product, stewsticks, made with beef, pork, spices, and dehydrated vegetables, was developed as a nutritious snack. Lactic or citric acid was added at pH 5.2 or 4.6 to both meatsticks and stewsticks. Meatsticks and stewsticks were prepared by mixing ingredients until a cohesive mass was obtained. This mixture was then extruded into sticks that were cooked to about 50% of original weight. Sticks were then cut to desired length, packaged, and stored. Then meatsticks (beef, pork, and spices) were compared to stewsticks for appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability. The stewsticks had excellent shelf life due to combined hurdles of pH 5.2, water activity of 0.95 or less, salt, and vacuum packaging. Compared to meatsticks, one serving (2 ounces) of stewsticks had less fat (9 vs 11 g respectively), less cholesterol (75 vs 90 mg) and more dietary fiber (4 vs 2 g), carbohydrates (20 vs 4 g), vitamin A (11 vs 2% RDA), and vitamin c {32 vs 1% RDA). The type of acid did not affect panel preference, but the samples at pH 5.2 were preferred over samples at pH 4.6. overall, meatsticks were preferred by the consumer panel over stewsticks although there were 25% of them who rated stewsticks as moderately acceptable or higher.

With growing environmental concerns, efforts are made to replace petroleum based products with renewable alternatives. This is particularly evident in the packaging industry, where replacing synthetic polymers with renewable materials is of considerable interest. Materials for food packaging need to give protection, acting as a barrier against substances that can adversely affect the food quality such as water and oxygen. In this work, barrier dispersion coatings based on starch were used to produce coated papers which act as barrier against water and oxygen. However, since starch is both a hydrophilic and hygroscopic material, this barrier material becomes problematic to use at high relative humidity. In order to reduce this problem and improve the barrier properties enabling starch based barrier materials to be used in food packaging applications, two approaches were studied. Citric acid was utilized as a cross-linker of the starch and it was found to reduce the moisture sorption, the molecular movement and swelling at high relative humidity. It was seen that cross-linking and hydrolysis due to the low pH both affected the barrier properties significantly, but in opposing directions. By controlling these two reactions it was seen that this could lead to reduced gas permeability. It was also seen that cross-linking of starch by citric acid occurs at low temperatures, 70 °C at pH as high as 6.5. Starch nano-composites were produced by incorporating montmorillonite, to the barrier dispersion to improve the barrier properties. It was seen that the suspension viscosity was reduced by poly(ethylene glycol) and citric acid adsorption on the montmorillonite particles. Also, a tendency for improved barrier properties with reduced aggregate volume fraction and reduced swelling was observed. It was also seen that up scaling this formulation to pilot scale was possible and that promising results were achieved. / Baksidestext With growing environmental concerns, efforts are made to replace petroleum based materials with renewable alternatives such as starch. In this work, dispersions based on starch were used to produce coated papers which act as barrier against substances that can adversely affect the food quality such as water and oxygen. However, since starch is both a hydrophilic and hygroscopic material, this barrier material becomes problematic to use at high relative humidity. Citric acid was utilized as cross-linker for starch and it was found to reduce the moisture sorption, diffusion and swelling at high relative humidity. Both cross-linking and hydrolysis due to the low pH affected the barrier properties significantly, but in opposing directions. By controlling these two reactions it was possible to achieve reduced gas permeability. Starch nano-composites were produced by incorporating montmorillonite clay, to the barrier dispersion. It was seen that the suspension viscosity was reduced by poly(ethylene glycol) and citric acid adsorption on the clay. Also, a tendency for improved barrier properties with reduced aggregate volume fraction and reduced swelling was observed. It was also seen that up scaling this formulation to pilot scale was possible and promising results were achieved. / Renewable Functional Barriers