Análisis microbiológico a corto y largo plazo del material usado para esterilizar instrumental odontológico / Short and long-term microbiological analysis of the material for sterilize dental instruments

Introducción: el material para empaquetar el instrumental odontológico, como pueden ser bolsas de tela, papel o plástico, es usado por profesionales de la salud; sin embargo, es necesario esclarecer la efectividad de cada uno y determinar el tiempo que permanece estéril luego del procedimiento. Objetivo: identificar la eficacia de tela, plástico y papel como materiales para esterilizar instrumental a corto y largo plazo. Material y métodos: se realizaron cultivos sólidos y líquidos de instrumental esterilizado en tres materiales y con diferentes tiempos de postesterilización. Se incubaron a 36 oC por 72 horas en condiciones aerobias y anaerobias. Los resultados se analizaron usando una prueba de Kruskal-Wallis, seguida de una prueba de Dunn. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que inmediatamente después del proceso de esterilización, los tres materiales son efectivos (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.2752), 24 horas (p = 0.2492), siete (p = 0.0509) y 14 días (p = 0.0006). Veinticuatro horas posterior a la esterilización la tela no es efectiva, el plástico disminuye su efectividad y el papel sigue siendo efectivo. Conclusión: en nuestros resultados, el papel es la mejor opción para esterilizar instrumental (AU)

Introduction: material such as cloth, paper or plastic bags to wrap dental instruments is used by health professionals, however, it is necessary to clarify the effectiveness of each one and determine if it remains sterile after the procedure. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of cloth, plastic and paper as materials to sterilize dental instruments in the short and long term. Material and methods: we carry out solid and liquid cultures of sterilized instruments in three materials, at different post-sterilization times, incubated at 36 oC for 72 hours under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and the results were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by from a Dunn's test. Results: our results showed that immediately after the sterilization process the three materials are effective (Kruskal-Wallis; p = 0.2752), 24 hours (p = 0.2492), 7 (p = 0.0509) and 14 (p = 0.0006) days. Twenty-four hours after the cloth is not effective, plastic decreases its effectiveness and paper remain effective. Conclusion: in our results, paper is the best option to sterilize dental instruments (AU)

Maintenance of sterility in SMS packaging in dental environments: concern with biosafety

Healthcare services must be guided by biosafety practices and microbial control. This control is highly influenced by humidity, which directly impacts the maintenance of sterility of the materials used in the appointments. High concentration of moisture, in the form of aerosol, splashes and spills, is caused during dental care. During the COVID-19 times the contamination by aerosol and droplets worries greatly. Considering that it could cause harm to the sterility of an autoclaved material, especially in dental environments, the objective was to evaluate the behavior of SMS sterilization packages (Spunbonded / Meltblown / Spunbonded) against microbial penetration in an aqueous vehicle. SMS of three brands were challenged, equally divided into two groups: virgin and processed (subjected to a single autoclaving cycle). Each specimen was aseptically deposited on Macconkey agar. Subsequently, 5 µL of Escherichia coliATCC 25922 saline solution [108CFU mL-1] was deposited in center of the SMS specimen and the dish incubated at36°C/ 48h. Reading was performed by the presence or absence of bacterial growth typical of the species under the SMS, observed on the back of Petri dish. The lowest penetration rate observed was 60% for one of the brands in the virgin condition, and 75% for two brands in the processed condition. Statistical analysis showed an association between bacterial penetration and the evaluated group, this association being valid only in the virgin condition. The different SMS behave similarly in terms of resistance to bacterial penetration after being processed. The data show that moisture can assist in bacterial transport through sterilized SMS. Therefore, SMS packages are not able to prevent bacterial penetration, and possibly other microorganisms, when in aqueous vehicles, offering a potential risk of breaking the aseptic chain. Thus, care must be taken in routines for handling and storage sterile packaging.

Use of microalgal biomass as functional ingredient for preparation of cereal based extrudates: impact of processing on amino acid concentrations and colour degradation kinetics

Abstract Suitability of developing Spirulina incorporated cereal based low cost nutritious extrudates was analysed against extrusion processing parameters. Most significant extrusion processing parameters considered for present study were feed moisture (20-25%), die temperature (100-120 °C) and screw speed (50-100 rpm). Different extrusion conditions were used to obtain most acceptable rice: Spirulina blend extrudates. In present study before extrusion processing different additives (citric acid and sodium bicarbonate) were added in rice: Spirulina blend and checked its effect on colour degradation kinetics at varied packaging and storage conditions. Higher screw speed (100 rpm) indicating less residence time of feed material inside the barrel resulted in higher colour retention of rice: Spirulina (97:03) blend extrudates. Kinetics for rice: Spirulina (97:03) blend extrudates indicates faster rate of colour degradation in terms of lightness (half-life of 4 days) when packed in metalized polyethylene at 50°C with 65% relative humidity. Increased concentration of Spirulina (1-3%) in raw formulations resulted in increase in concentration of all amino acids. Impact of extrusion processing has shown non-significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on amino acid concentrations of rice: Spirulina blend extrudates. Also, all the spirulina added samples showed good consumer acceptability with the score of 6.7

Transparent oxygen barrier nanocellulose composite films with a sandwich structure.

Transparent gas barrier materials have extensive applications in packaging, pharmaceutical preservation, and electronics. Herein, we designed transparent films with a symmetric sandwich structure using layer-by-layer assembly of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and acrylic resin (AR) followed by a cellulose nanoparticle (CNP) layer. The BOPP as a substrate created a barrier to hinder the transmission of water molecules to the adhesive AR layer and gas barrier functional CNP layer. The aspect ratio of the CNPs was shown to affect the film microstructure, resulting in different values for the oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The well-organized CNP layer exhibited lower OTR when compared with the network layer. The thickness, density, and porosity of the CNP layer exhibited correlations with OTR. The water molecules were able to flow in through an additional pathway, thus increasing the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Moreover, these sandwiched cellulose composite films showed excellent light transmittance and tensile strength.

Evaluation of coatings for application in raffia big bags in conditioned storage of soybean cultivars in seed processing units.

Different regions have different environmental conditions, which may be unfavorable for the preservation of the quality of stored soybean seeds over time. Thus, it is necessary to adopt specific technologies to control the storage environment conditions. Big raffia bags are widely used for the storage of soybean seeds, however these consist of a porous, permeable material that allows the exchange of gases between the packaging and the storage environment. In an effort to find a solution to this problem, in this study we evaluated low cost big bag coating alternatives, in order to minimize the effects of temperature and intergranular humidity on stored seeds. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of soybean cultivars subjected to different temperature and storage duration conditions and stored in raffia bags with or without internal coating. We used a completely randomized, three-factor (10 × 6 × 5) experimental design. We assessed 10 soybean cultivars, six storage environments, and five evaluation periods. Our results showed that seeds of the M-SOY 8866, M7110 IPRO, CD 2737 RR, and BMX DESAFIO 8473 RSF soybean cultivars preserved their physiological quality better in different storage environments. The storage duration had a cumulative effect on the negative factors that favor the deterioration of the quality of the stored seeds. The storage temperature was the main factor that affected the physiological quality of the stored seeds. The use of coated packaging was beneficial in preserving the physiological quality of stored soybean seeds; however, its effect was greater at ambient temperature than in a cold environment. The best storage environment for the preservation of the quality of the seeds was characterized by 10°C temperature conditions and the use of coated packaging, while the worst storage environment was characterized by ambient temperature conditions without the use of coated packaging. Thus, it was concluded that the use of coatings in raffia big bags can be an alternative for maintaining the quality of seeds of different soybean cultivars during storage in seed processing units.

Influência do tipo do óleo nas propriedades físicas de oleogéis / Influence of oil type on the oleogels physical properties

A crescente rejeição às gorduras saturadas e trans em decorrência de sua associação com doenças cardiovasculares, entre outras desordens metabólicas de diversas naturezas, tem impulsionado o desenvolvimento de alternativas às gorduras tradicionalmente utilizadas nos processamentos de alimentos. Contudo, o grande desafio reside em conferir funcionalidade tecnológica a lipídios ricos em ácidos graxos insaturados, sendo os oleogéis uma abordagem viável e promissora. Os oleogéis são sistemas constituídos por uma base lipídica composta por óleo no estado líquido estruturada por uma rede tridimensional de moléculas com solubilidade limitada em óleos, chamadas de agentes estruturantes. Estudos recentes relataram a influência do tipo de óleo no processo de formação da rede tridimensional de agentes estruturantes e concluíram que o tamanho da cadeia, a polaridade e a viscosidade do óleo podem afetar grandemente a estrutura do oleogel. Diante disto, o objetivo deste estudo é investigar a influência do tipo de óleo em sua estruturação por cera de candelilla, relacionando as propriedades físicas dos oleogéis formados com diversas características físico-químicas dos óleos que os compõem. Para avaliar esta influência, foram selecionadas bases lipídicas de diferentes composições, como triacilgliceróis de cadeia média (MCT), óleo de girassol alto oleico (HOSO), óleo de girassol (SFO), óleo de linhaça (LSO) e os óleos unicelulares ARASCO e DHASCO, para serem estruturados com cera de candelilla nas concentrações de 1,5, 3,0 e 6,0%. De acordo com as correlações de Pearson estabelecidas, houve uma correlação muito forte (r2 =0,948) entre a firmeza e o conteúdo de ácidos graxos saturados dos óleos, o que pode estar relacionado a uma co-cristalização entre a cera e os ácidos graxos saturados, formando uma estrutura mais firme. Uma correlação forte também foi estabelecida entre o tamanho médio das cadeias de ácidos graxos dos óleos, definido pelo índice de saponificação, e a firmeza dos oleogéis (r2 =0,864). A densidade dos óleos também apresentou correlação forte com a firmeza dos oleogéis (r2 =0,858), assim como a viscosidade apresentou uma forte correlação negativa (r2 = -0,818), o que indica que os óleos mais densos e menos viscosos produzem oleogéis mais firmes. Tanto a cera de candelilla pura quanto os oleogéis apresentaram forma polimórfica ß', que equivale à subcélula ortorrômbica, que demonstra que os diferentes óleos não modificaram a microestrutura da rede de cera de candelilla. Os diferentes tipos de óleo exerceram influência sobre o comportamento de fusão dos oleogéis, fator que permitiu associá-lo a um maior conteúdo de gordura sólida a 20 °C e a um maior teor de triacilgliceróis trissaturados, como nos óleos DHASCO e ARASCO. O grau de insaturação dos óleos influenciou o empacotamento da rede estrutural dos oleogéis, o que foi revelado pela menor perda de óleo nos oleogéis com cadeias mais longas, se comparados ao MCT. Por fim, este trabalho contribuiu com a expansão do conhecimento dos sistemas chamados oleogéis, sugerindo que trabalhos futuros pautem as escolhas de matéria-prima para formulação dos oleogéis nas propriedades de seus componentes. Desta forma, maiores avanços poderão ser alcançados nas pesquisas de sistemas coloidais e consequentemente no desenvolvimento de sistemas de alta qualidade nutricional e, ao mesmo tempo, funcionalidade tecnológica adequada

The growing rejection of saturated and trans fats as a result of their association with cardiovascular diseases, among other metabolic disorders of various kinds, has driven the development of alternative systems to substitute fats traditionally used in food processing. However, the big challenge lies in providing technological functionality to lipids rich in unsaturated fatty acids, with oleogels being a viable and promising approach. Oleogels are systems made up of a lipid base composed of oil in a liquid state structured by a threedimensional network of molecules with limited solubility in oils, called oleogelators. Recent studies have reported the influence of the oil type in the formation process of the threedimensional network of oleogelators and concluded that the fatty acid chain length, the polarity and the viscosity of the oil can greatly affect the structure of the oleogel. In view of this, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the oil type in its structuring by candelilla wax, relating the physical properties of the formed oleogels with several physicochemical characteristics of the oils that compose them. To evaluate this influence, lipid bases of different compositions were selected, such as medium chain triglycerides (MCT), high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), sunflower oil (SFO), linseed oil (LSO) and ARASCO and DHASCO single-cell oils, to be structured with candelilla wax in concentrations of 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0% (w/w). According to the Pearson correlations established, there was a very strong correlation (r2 = 0.948) between the firmness and the saturated fatty acid content of the oils, which may be related to a co-crystallization between the wax and the saturated fatty acids, forming a firmer structure. A strong correlation was also established between the average size of the fatty acid chains of the oils, defined by the saponification value, and the oleogel firmness (r2 = 0.864). The density of the oils also showed a strong correlation with the firmness of the oleogels (r2 = 0.858), as well as the viscosity, which showed a strong negative correlation (r2 = -0.818), indicating that oils with higher density and lower viscosity produce firmer oleogels. Both pure candelilla wax and oleogels presented the ß' polymorphic form, which is equivalent to the orthorhombic subcell, demonstrating that the different oils did not modify the microstructure of the candelilla wax network. The different types of oil influenced the melting behavior of oleogels, a factor that allowed it to be associated with a higher solid fat content at 20 °C and a higher content of trisaturated triacylglycerols, as in DHASCO and ARASCO oils. The degree of unsaturation of the oils influenced the packaging of the structural network of oleogels, which was revealed by the higher oil binding capacity in oleogels with longer chains, compared to MCT. Finally, this work contributed to the expansion of knowledge of oleogel systems, suggesting that future work will guide the choices of raw material for formulating oleogels in the properties of their components. Thus, greater advances can be achieved in the research of colloidal systems and, consequently, in the development of high nutritional quality systems allied to adequate technological functionality

Utilization of waste tyres pyrolysis oil vapour in the synthesis of Zeolite Templated Carbons (ZTCs) for hydrogen storage application.

In this study, we investigated the potential for use of waste tyre pyrolysis oil vapour as a carbon precursor in the synthesis of zeolite templated carbons (ZTC). With Zeolite 13X as the template, the ZTCs were synthesised using two methods namely: 1-step process which involved the carbonization of gaseous carbon precursor in the zeolite template (in this case, ethylene and pyrolysis oil vapour) and the 2-step synthesis method involved the impregnation of zeolite pores with furfural alcohol prior to carbonization of the gaseous carbon precursor. The replication of the zeolite 13X structural ordering was successful using both methods. The 2-step synthesized ZTCs were found to possess the highest specific surface area (3341 m2 g-1) and also had the highest H2 storage capacity (2.5 wt.%). The study therefore confirmed an additional novel strategy for value-addition of waste tyre pyrolysis by-products.

Segurança do paciente: embalagens, acondicionamento e tempo de guarda de materiais esterilizados na atenção básica / Seguridad del paciente: envases, acondicionamiento y tiempo de guarda de materiales / Safety: packages, packing and storage period of sterilized materials in primary care

RESUMO As unidades básicas de saúde possuem grande demanda de procedimentos médicos, de enfermagem e odontológicos, dos quais dependem a segurança da assistência e do paciente. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como enfermeiros, técnicos, auxiliares em enfermagem e auxiliares de consultório dentário procedem no cuidado com embalagens, acondicionamento e tempo de guarda de materiais esterilizados nas unidades de saúde da atenção básica. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa. Os participantes da pesquisa foram enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem e auxiliares de consultório dentário, atuantes em unidades básicas de saúde de três cidades do interior do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas nos meses de outubro e dezembro de 2015 e submetidos a análise de conteúdo. Evidenciou-se que os serviços estudados carecem de estruturação, organização e definição de processos no que tange o tipo de embalagem e o acondicionamento de artigos críticos. Conclui-se que a assistência aos usuários, no que se refere a procedimentos que utilizam materiais esterilizados, está exposta a riscos, fragilizando a segurança do paciente, evidenciando a necessidade de capacitação continua dos profissionais.

RESUMEN Las unidades básicas de salud poseen gran demanda de procedimientos médicos, de enfermería y odontológicos, de los cuales depende la seguridad de la atención y del paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender cómo enfermeros, técnicos, auxiliares en enfermería y auxiliares de consultorio dentario proceden en el cuidado con envases, acondicionamiento y tiempo de guarda de materiales esterilizados en las unidades de salud de la atención básica. Se trata de una investigación de carácter descriptivo y exploratorio, con abordaje cualitativo. Los participantes de la investigación fueron enfermeros, técnicos de enfermería y auxiliares de consultorio dentario, actuantes en unidades básicas de salud de tres ciudades del interior del Estado de Rio Grande do Sul-Brasil. Los datos fueron producidos por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas en los meses de octubre y diciembre de 2015 y sometidos al análisis de contenido. Se evidenció que los servicios estudiados carecen de estructuración, organización y definición de procesos con relación al tipo de envase y el acondicionamiento de artículos críticos. Se concluye que la atención a los usuarios, en lo que se refiere a procedimientos que utilizan materiales esterilizados, está expuesta a riesgos, fragilizando la seguridad del paciente, evidenciando la necesidad de capacitación continua de los profesionales.

ABSTRACT The basic health units have great demand for medical, nursing and dentistry procedures, on which the security of the assistance and the patient depends. The objective of this study was to understand how nurses, nursing technicians, assistants and dental office assistants proceed in managing packaging, guard and distribution of sterile materials in the health units of the primary care. This is a descriptive and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach. The participants of the research were nurses, nursing technicians and assistants of dental office operating in basic health units of three cities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The data were generated through semi-structured interviews between October and December 2015 and assessed through content analysis. One evidenced that the studied services lack structure, organization and process definition with regard to the packaging of critical objects. The conclusion is that the assistance to users with respect to procedures using sterile materials are exposed to risks, weakening the patient's safety, emphasizing the need for continuous training of professionals.

A microbiological evaluation of level of disinfection for flexible cystoscopes protected by disposable endosheaths.

BACKGROUND: Flexible cystoscopy is used in urological outpatient departments for diagnostic cystoscopy of bladder cancer and requires a high-level disinfection between each patient. The purpose of this study was to make a microbiological post disinfection efficacy assessment of flexible cystoscopes (FC) using disposable sterile endosheaths. METHODS: One hundred endosheaths underwent a leak-test for barrier integrity after cystoscopy. Microbiological samples from these cystoscopies were obtained; after removal of the endosheath, and after cleaning the scope with a detergent cloth, rinsing with tap water followed by 70% ethanol disinfection and subsequent drying. The number of colony forming units (cfu) from the samples was counted after 72 hours and then divided in three categories, Clean FC (<5 cfu/sample), Critical FC (5-50 cfu/sample) and High-risk FC (>50 cfu/sample). The result was compared with data of 10 years continuous control sampling recorded in the Copenhagen Clean-Endoscope Quality Control Database (CCQCD) and analyzed with a Chi-square test for homogeneity. RESULTS: All 100 endosheaths passed the leak-test. All samples showed a Clean FC and low means of cfu. A query to the CCQCD, showed that 99.8% (1264/1267) of all FC with a built-in work-channel reprocessed in a WD were clean before use. CONCLUSION: The reprocessing of FC using endosheaths, as preformed in this study, provides a patient-ready procedure. The results display a reprocessing procedure with low risk of pathogen transmission, high patient safety and a valid alternative to the recommended high-level disinfection procedure of FC. However, the general impression was that sheaths slightly reduced vision and resulted in some patient discomfort.

Development of off-gas emission kinetics for stored wood pellets.

A lumped three-reaction kinetic model for off-gas emissions of stored wood pellets in sealed containers has been developed accounting for the formation of CO and CO(2) and the depletion of O(2). Off-gas emission data at different conditions were used to extract kinetic model parameters by numerically fitting the proposed model equations. The fitted kinetic model parameters for different cases showed consistency with one another. With properly estimated model parameters, the current kinetic model can be used to predict off-gas emissions, oxygen depletion, and the buildup of toxic air pollutants in wood pellet storage containers/vessels.

Bacterial adhesion forces to Ag-impregnated contact lens cases and transmission to contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To measure adhesion forces of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Serratia marcescens to a rigid contact lens (CL), standard polypropylene, and Ag-impregnated lens cases using atomic force microscopy and determine bacterial transmission from lens case to CL. METHODS: Adhesion forces of bacterial strains to Ag-impregnated and polypropylene lens cases and a rigid CL were measured using atomic force microscopy. Adhesion forces were used to calculate Weibull distributions, from which transmission probabilities from lens case to CL were derived. Transmission probabilities were compared with actual transmission of viable bacteria from a lens case to the CL in 0.9% NaCl and in an antimicrobial lens care solution. RESULTS: Bacterial transmission probabilities from polypropylene lens cases based on force analysis coincided well for all strains with actual transmission in 0.9% NaCl. Bacterial adhesion forces on Ag-impregnated lens cases were much smaller than that on polypropylene and CLs, yielding a high probability of transmission. Comparison with actual bacterial transmission indicated bacterial killing due to Ag ions during colony-forming unit transmission from an Ag-impregnated lens case, especially for P. aeruginosa. Transmission of viable bacteria from Ag-impregnated lens cases could be further decreased by use of an antimicrobial lens care solution instead of 0.9% NaCl. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial transmission probabilities are higher from Ag-impregnated lens cases than from polypropylene lens cases because of small adhesion forces, but this is compensated for by enhanced bacterial killing due to Ag impregnation, especially when in combination with an antimicrobial lens care solution. This calls for a balanced combination of antimicrobial lens care solutions and surface properties of a lens case and CL.

Antioxidant activities of curcumin and ascorbyl dipalmitate nanoparticles and their activities after incorporation into cellulose-based packaging films.

Curcumin (Ccm) and ascorbyl dipalmitate (ADP) nanoparticles (NPs) with average sizes of ∼50 and ∼80 nm, respectively, were successfully produced by rapid expansion of subcritical solutions into liquid solvents (RESOLV). Pluronic F127 was employed as a stabilizer for both Ccm- and ADP-NPs in an aqueous receiving solution. Antioxidant activities of the Ccm-NPs and ADP-NPs were subsequently investigated using four assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ABTS radical cation decolorization, ß-carotene bleaching, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ccm-NPs and ADP-NPs showed higher antioxidant activities than those of Ccm and ADP. Ccm-NPs yielded higher antioxidant activities than those of Ccm in ethanol and water (Ccm-EtOH and Ccm-H(2)O), respectively. ADP-NPs yielded lower antioxidant activities than that of ADP in ethanol (ADP-EtOH) but higher activities than that of ADP in water (ADP-H(2)O). Moreover, incorporation of Ccm-NPs and ADP-NPs into cellulose-based films indicated that Ccm-NPs and ADP-NPs significantly enhanced the antioxidant activities of Ccm and ADP (p < 0.05). Our results show that the environmentally benign supercritical CO(2) technique should be generally applicable to NP fabrication of other important bioactive ingredients, especially in liquid form. In addition, we suggest that Ccm-NPs and ADP-NPs can be used to reduce the dosage of Ccm and ADP and improve their bioavailability, and thus merit further investigation for antioxidant packaging film and coating applications.

Lead, cadmium and cobalt (Pb, Cd, and Co) leaching of glass-clay containers by pH effect of food.

Recent studies have shown that handcrafted glass-clay containers are a health risk because they can be contaminated by heavy metals, which can be transferred to food, thus reaching the human body to potentially cause illness. Therefore, in the present work, we evaluate the leaching of lead, cadmium, and cobalt from glass-clay containers into two types of food: tomato sauce (salsa), and chickpea puree. The containers were obtained from four regions in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. Repetitive extractions from the containers were carried out to quantify the leaching of the heavy metals into the salsa, the chickpea puree, and acetic acid using the technique proposed by the USFDA. The results show that greater use of the containers leads to more leaching of heavy metals into both types of food and into the acetic acid, with the greatest metal extraction recorded for the Ixmiquilpan vessels. These results indicate that the metals present in the glass-clay containers leach into the food and that increased reuse increases the risk to the people who use them in food preparation.

A device for vacuum drying, inert gas backfilling and solder sealing of hermetic implant packages.

Modern implanted devices utilize microelectronics that have to be protected from the body fluids in order to maintain their functionality over decades. Moisture protection of implants is addressed by enclosing the electronic circuits into gas-tight packages. In this paper we describe a device that allows custom-built hermetic implant packages to be vacuum-dried (removing residual moisture from inside the package), backfilled with an inert gas at adjustable pressure and hermetically sealed employing a solder seal. A typical operation procedure of the device is presented.

Characteristics and quitting success of roll-your-own versus tailor-made cigarette smokers.

AIMS: Roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco use is exceptionally high in New Zealand with 61% of current smokers using it exclusively or in conjunction with tailor-made (TM) cigarettes. This study examines the characteristics of RYO users and their likelihood of quitting smoking compared to TM and mixed tobacco users. METHODS: A random sample of Quitline callers with a booster sample of Maori, was invited to participate in a telephone survey three times within a 12-month period. The response rates for the first survey were 57% for Maori and 63% for non-Maori, resulting in a total of 2002 participants. Among these participants, 64% completed the 6-month follow-up and 42% completed the entire study. Two participants were excluded from this analysis as they smoked neither RYO nor TM. We compared the eligible participants' characteristics and quitting outcomes by tobacco type. Quit status was assessed by 7-day abstinence at 6- and 12-month and we used a conservative approach to treat missing cases. RESULTS: RYO use was common among particular smokers such as Maori, male, and low socioeconomic status subjects. When sociodemographic and smoking variables were controlled for using a logistic regression model, quit rates were not different by tobacco type. DISCUSSION: This study confirms the different characteristics of RYO, TM and mixed tobacco users, and fills a gap of limited research about quitting success of RYO smokers.