Abstract:

A concentration-incineration process of vinasse has been in use for several years in order to deal with pollution resulting from the industrial production of ethanol by fermentation and distillation. However, as vinasse concentration has a high energy demand, a bio-concentration method with no energy consumption is reported in this paper. Vinasses was used instead of water in the preparation of the fermentation medium and repeatedly recycled. A final solid concentration of 24% dry matter was produced, an amount that positively modifies the energy balance of the concentration-incineration process. A decrease of 66% in nutrients addition, 46.2% in fresh water and 50% in sulfuric acid requirement was achieved together with an improvement in the efficiency of the fermentation. The final vinasse had a significant amount of non-volatile by-products of commercial importance such as glycerol. A mathematical model is proposed for the prediction of the final solids concentration in vinasse under various working conditions. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Author affiliation: Navarro, Antonio Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; Argentina

Author affiliation: Del C. Sepúlveda, M.. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; Argentina

Author affiliation: Rubio, M.C.. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; Argentina

Abstract:

Background and Objective: Periodontal disease has been described as playing a role in the atherosclerosis process, and its relation with intimal thickness and vascular endothelial function (EF) has been investigated. The present study sought to determine whether there are differences in parameters of arterial stiffness and EF between patients with and without severe periodontal disease (SPD). Material and Methods: Patients referred to the School of Dentistry University of Buenos Aires, were assessed. Demographic characteristics, atherogenic risk factors and concomitant pathologies were recorded. Patients with known cardiovascular pathology were excluded. Using carotid Doppler ultrasound an operator assessed arterial stiffness parameters: compliance, elastic modulus (EM), β stiffness index (βSI) and vascular EF by brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation. The patients were divided into two groups: with and without SPD. Results: Forty patients were included; 60% were women; 15 were in the SPD group and 25 in the group without SPD. Respective results of the studied variables were: age 56.53 ± 17.58 vs. 51.12 ± 12.97 years (NS); probing depth 2.53 ± 1.30 (95% CI 1.81–3.25) vs. 1.25 ± 0.51 (95% CI 1.31–1.73) p = 0.02; clinical attachment level 4.80 ± 2.00 (95% CI 3.69–5.91) vs. 1.72 ± 0.93 (95% CI 1.33–2.11) p = 0.001; intimal thickness 0.10 ± 0.17 (95% CI 0.095–0.11) vs. 0.82 ± 0.18 (95% CI 0.074–0.98) (NS); EM 48.33 ± 12.53 vs. 38.86 ± 7.69 (p = 0.005); βSI 4.21 ± 1.03 vs. 3.64 ± 1.02 (p = 0.004); EF 16.13 ± 5.02 vs. 22.76 ± 4.50 (p = 0.0003). Correlation between: EM and clinical attachment level r = 0.58 (p < 0.001), βSI and clinical attachment level r = 0.66 (p < 0.001), EF and clinical attachment level 0.59 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Parameters of arterial stiffness and EF were worse in patients with SPD and correlated moderately with clinical attachment level. Correlation with compliance and EF was negative.

Author affiliation: Nicolosi, Liliana N.. Hospital Español de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Lewin, Pablo Gastón. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Rudzinski, Jesica Johanna. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pompeo, M.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Guanca, F.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Rodríguez, P.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Gelpi, Ricardo Jorge. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Rubio, M. C.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina. Hospital Español de Buenos Aires; Argentina