Abstract Background Implementing stroke care protocols has intended to provide better care quality, favor early functional recovery, and achieving long-term results for the rehabilitation of the patient. Objective To analyze the effect of implementing care protocols on the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke. Methods Primary studies published from 2011 to 2020 and which met the following criteria were included: population should be people with acute ischemic stroke; studies should present results on the outcomes of using protocols in the therapeutic approach to acute ischemic stroke. The bibliographic search was carried out in June 2020 in 7 databases. The article selection was conducted by two independent reviewers and the results were narratively synthesized. Results A total of 11,226 publications were retrieved in the databases, of which 30 were included in the study. After implementing the protocol, 70.8% of the publications found an increase in the rate of performing reperfusion therapy, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy; 45.5% identified an improvement in the clinical prognosis of the patient; and 25.0% of the studies identified a decrease in the length of hospital stay. Out of 19 studies that addressed the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 2 (10.5%) identified a decrease. A decrease in mortality was mentioned in 3 (25.0%) articles out of 12 that evaluated this outcome. Conclusions We have identified the importance of implementing protocols in increasing the performance of reperfusion therapies, and a good functional outcome with improved prognosis after discharge. However, there is still a need to invest in reducing post-thrombolysis complications and mortality.

Resumo Antecedentes A implementação de protocolos de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) visa proporcionar uma melhor qualidade da assistência, favorecer a recuperação funcional precoce e alcançar resultados para a reabilitação do paciente. Objetivo Analisar o efeito da implantação de protocolos nos desfechos do AVC isquêmico agudo. Métodos Foram incluídos estudos primários publicados entre 2011 e 2020 e que atendiam aos seguintes critérios: população deveria ser constituída de pessoas com AVC isquêmico agudo; apresentar resultados sobre os desfechos do uso de protocolos na abordagem terapêutica ao AVC isquêmico agudo. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada em junho de 2020 em 7 bases de dados. A seleção dos artigos foi feita por dois revisores independentes e a síntese dos resultados foi feita de forma narrativa. Resultados Foram recuperadas 11.226 publicações, das quais 30 foram incluídas no estudo. Após a implementação do protocolo, 70,8% das publicações constataram aumento na taxa de realização de terapia de reperfusão, como a trombólise e a trombectomia; 45,5% identificaram melhora no prognóstico clínico do paciente; e 25,0% dos estudos identificaram diminuição no tempo de internação hospitalar. De 19 estudos que abordaram a taxa de hemorragia intracraniana sintomática, 2 (10,5%) identificaram diminuição nesta taxa. A diminuição da mortalidade foi citada em 3 (25,0%) artigos de 12 que avaliaram tal desfecho. Conclusões Identificou-se a importância da implantação de protocolos no aumento da realização das terapias de reperfusão, e ao bom desfecho funcional com melhora do prognóstico após a alta. No entanto, ainda há que se investir na diminuição das complicações pós trombólise e da mortalidade.

Abstract Objective To analyze the factors associated with Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization for SARS-CoV-2 among older adults. Method Census, descriptive and retrospective study, carried out in Teresina, Piauí and approved by the Research Ethics Committee. A total of 51 elderly participated, who received at least one dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 and who presented or not a reported event between February and September 2021. Results 76.5% of the older adults received the AstraZeneca vaccine in the 1st dose. The mean occurrence of events was 3.45. As for severity, 82.4% were classified as not severe; 17.6% were severe, of which 66.7% resulted in hospitalization, 22.2% in death and 11.1% in permanent disability. The most frequent events were related to the musculoskeletal system, followed by headache, related to the neurological and digestive system. There was a statistically significant association of the event related to the respiratory system with age group and of the immunization error with gender. Conclusion and implications for practice Although events supposedly attributable to vaccination/immunization in older adults have been observed, it is noted that they are within the expected range, with their behavior being of a not severe, low-risk type for this group, in addition to being ensured the benefits when compared to the risks.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar factores asociados a los Eventos Supuestamente Atribuibles a la Vacunación o Inmunización para el SARS-CoV-2 en adultos mayores. Método Estudio censal, descriptivo y retrospectivo, realizado en Teresina, Piauí, y aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Participaron 51 personas mayores, que recibieron al menos una dosis de vacuna contra la COVID-19 y que presentaron o no evento informado entre febrero y septiembre de 2021. Resultados El 76,5% del grupo recibió la vacuna AstraZeneca, en la 1ª dosis. La media de ocurrencia de eventos fue de 3,45. En cuanto a la gravedad, el 82,4% se clasificó como no grave; el 17,6% fueron graves, de los cuales el 66,7% resultaron en hospitalización, 22,2% en muerte y 11,1% en invalidez permanente. Los eventos más frecuentes estuvieron relacionados con el sistema musculoesquelético, seguido de cefalea, relacionada con el sistema neurológico y digestivo. Hubo asociación estadísticamente significativa, relacionando el sistema respiratorio con el grupo etario y el error de inmunización al género. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica Se observaron eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación/inmunización en mayores, que está dentro de lo esperado, con un comportamiento no grave y de bajo riesgo, además que los beneficios se superponen a los riesgos.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os fatores associados aos Eventos Supostamente Atribuíveis à Vacinação ou Imunização para SARS-CoV-2 entre idosos. Método Estudo censitário, descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado em Teresina, Piauí e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Participaram 51 idosos que receberam, pelo menos, uma dose de vacina contra COVID-19 e que apresentaram ou não evento notificado entre fevereiro a setembro de 2021. Resultados 76,5% dos idosos receberam a vacina AstraZeneca na 1a dose. A média de ocorrência dos eventos foi de 3,45. Quanto à gravidade, 82,4% foram classificados como não graves; 17,6% graves, dos quais 66,7% resultaram em hospitalização, 22,2% em óbito e 11,1% em incapacidade permanente. Eventos mais frequentes estiveram relacionados ao sistema musculoesquelético, seguidos de cefaleia, relacionados ao sistema neurológico e digestivo. Observou-se associação estatisticamente significativa do evento relacionado ao sistema respiratório com faixa etária e do erro de imunização com o gênero. Conclusão e implicações para a prática Apesar de ser observado eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação/imunização em idosos, nota-se que estão dentro do esperado, sendo seu comportamento com tipologia não grave e de baixo risco para este grupo, além de assegurados os benefícios frente aos riscos.

Alcohol residues in biodiesel can be present even after the purification steps. It diminishes the flash point, lubricity and cetane number. The standard technique to quantify residual alcohol in biodiesel is the FID-GC with headspace sampling. NMR, although underused for quantitative analyses, requires no special sample preparation, and consumes low volume of solvent. In this work, methodologies for the residual methanol and ethanol contents in soy biodiesel by 1H-NMR in a 9.4 T (400 MHz) spectrometer by standard addition were developed and validated. Quantification limits were found equal to 0.07 and 0.08% respectively, so more than twice lower than the maximum level acceptable, which is 0.2%. Accuracy and precision were considered suitable for the alcohol content around the specification limit.

ABSTRACT Bronchial anastomotic complications are a cause of grave concern for surgeons that perform lung transplantations. There are several risk factors that may lead to this complication, being inadequate surgical technique one of them, specifically regarding adequate exposure and manipulation of the bronchial stump and anastomosis. Here we report the use of Octopus™ Tissue Stabilizer as a mean to allow for a better exposure of the stump and facilitate a “no-touch” approach towards anastomosis. Systematic application of devices that facilitate the employment of the correct surgical techniques can have an effect in reducing the incidence of bronchial anastomotic complications. transplantations complication them anastomosis Octopus notouch no touch “no-touch

Abstract: Processing consists of sequential operations aimed at cleaning, classifying, and treating seeds, with the goal of improving the quality of the lot. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the processing stages on the physical and physiological quality of chickpea seeds, cultivar BRS Cícero. Seeds were sampled before processing and after passing through the air screen machine (upper sieve of 12 mm and lower sieve of 7.5 mm), elevators, storage silo, and gravity table (upper discharge, high intermediate, low intermediate, and lower discharge). The seeds were evaluated for moisture content, physical purity, germination test, electrical conductivity test, emergence in sand, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, and tetrazolium test. The processing resulted in increased physical purity and reduced percentage of broken seeds in the lot of chickpea seeds. Seeds collected from the upper and intermediate chutes of the gravity table showed higher germination values. Seed processing using the air screen machine and the gravity table is effective in improving the physical and physiological quality of the lot of chickpea seeds, cultivar BRS Cícero.

Resumo: O beneficiamento consiste em operações sequenciais que visam limpar, classificar e tratar as sementes, visando a melhoria da qualidade do lote. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito das etapas de beneficiamento na qualidade física e fisiológica de sementes de grão-de-bico, cultivar BRS Cícero. As sementes foram amostradas antes do processamento e após a saída da máquina de ventilador e peneiras (peneira superior de 12 mm e inferior de 7,5 mm), elevadores, silo armazenador e mesa de gravidade (descarga superior, intermediária alta, intermediária baixa e inferior). As sementes foram avaliadas quanto aos teores de água, pureza física, teste de germinação, teste de condutividade elétrica, emergência em areia, índice de velocidade de emergência, envelhecimento acelerado e teste de tetrazólio. O beneficiamento promoveu o aumento da pureza física e redução do percentual de sementes quebradas no lote de sementes de grão-de-bico. As sementes coletadas nas bicas superiores e intermediárias da mesa de gravidade apresentaram valores superiores de germinação. O beneficiamento de sementes, utilizando a máquina de ar e peneiras e a mesa de gravidade, é eficiente para o aprimoramento da qualidade física e fisiológica do lote de sementes de grão-de-bico cultivar BRS Cícero.

Abstract Background The treatment of acute ischemic stroke with cerebral reperfusion therapy requires rapid care and recognition of symptoms. Objective To analyze the effectiveness of implementing protocols for acute ischemic stroke in reducing care time. Methods Systematic review, which was performed with primary studies in Portuguese, English, and Spanish published between 2011 and 2020. Inclusion criteria: study population should comprise people with acute ischemic stroke and studies should present results on the effectiveness of using urgent care protocols in reducing care time. The bibliographic search was conducted in June 2020 in the LILACS, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, and SocINDEX databases. The articles were selected, and data were extracted by two independent reviewers; the synthesis of the results was performed narratively. The methodological quality of articles was evaluated through specific instruments proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results A total of 11,226 publications were found, of which 35 were included in the study. Only one study reported improvement in the symptoms-onset-to-door time after protocol implementation. The effectiveness of the therapeutic approach protocols for ischemic stroke was identified in improving door-to-image, image-to-needle, door-to-needle and symptoms-onset-to-needle times. The main limitation found in the articles concerned the lack of clarity in relation to the study population. Conclusions Several advances have been identified in in-hospital care with protocol implementation; however, it is necessary to improve the recognition time of stroke symptoms among those who have the first contact with the person affected by the stroke and among the professionals involved with the prehospital care.

Resumo Antecedentes O tratamento do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico com terapia de reperfusão requer rápido atendimento e reconhecimento dos sintomas. Objetivo Analisar a efetividade da implementação de protocolos para AVC isquêmico agudo na redução do tempo de atendimento. Métodos Revisão sistemática realizada com estudos primários em português, inglês e espanhol publicados entre 2011 e 2020. Critérios de inclusão: a população do estudo foi constituída por pessoas com AVC isquêmico agudo e estudos que apresentassem resultados sobre a efetividade da implantação de protocolos no tempo de atendimento. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada em junho de 2020 nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier e SocINDEX. A seleção dos artigos e a extração dos dados foram feitas por dois revisores independentes; a síntese dos resultados foi feita de forma narrativa. A qualidade metodológica dos artigos foi avaliada por meio de instrumentos do Joanna Briggs Institute. Resultados Foram encontradas 11.226 publicações, das quais 35 foram incluídas no estudo. Apenas um estudo relatou melhora no tempo início dos sintomas-porta após a implementação do protocolo, no entanto, foi efetiva na melhora dos tempos porta-imagem, imagem-agulha, porta-agulha e início dos sintomas-agulha. A principal limitação encontrada nos artigos diz respeito à falta de clareza quanto à população de estudo. Conclusões Vários avanços foram identificados no atendimento intra-hospitalar com implantação de protocolo; porém, é necessário melhorar o tempo de reconhecimento dos sintomas do AVC entre aqueles que têm o primeiro contato com a pessoa acometida e entre os profissionais envolvidos com o atendimento pré-hospitalar.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to determine and model the drying kinetics of organic corn seeds at different temperatures, as well as to evaluate their physiological quality after drying. The drying of organic corn seeds was carried out by keeping controlled temperatures of 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C during periods of 84.3; 20.0; 14.3 and 8.6 hours, respectively. With the experimental data, several mathematical models were adjusted to describe the drying kinetics, and the best model was chosen by statistical criteria. After drying, the seeds were subjected to analyzes of electrical conductivity, germination, emergence e and germination speed index (IVG). The Modified Midilli model was the one that best represented the drying kinetics of organic corn seeds. It was verified that the increase in the temperature of the drying air promotes greater damage to the seeds, due to the increase in the electrical conductivity of the solution. Germination, emergence and IVE had their values reduced by temperature increase. It is concluded that the physiological quality of organic corn seeds is affected by the drying air temperature and that higher temperatures promote greater damage to the seeds. A temperature of 30 °C is recommended for drying the seeds.

RESUMO Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, determinar e modelar a cinética de secagem de sementes de milho em diferentes temperaturas bem como avaliar a qualidade fisiológica das mesmas após a secagem. A secagem das sementes de milho foi realizada mantendo-se as temperaturas controladas de 30, 40, 50 e 60 °C durante os períodos de 84,3; 20,0; 14,3 e 8,6 horas, respectivamente. Com os dados experimentais, ajustaram-se diversos modelos matemáticos para descrever a cinética de secagem e, o melhor modelo, foi escolhido por critérios estatísticos. Após a secagem, as sementes foram submetidas às análises de condutividade elétrica, germinação, emergência e índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG). O modelo Midilli Modificado foi o que melhor representou a cinética de secagem das sementes de milho. Constata-se que o incremento de temperatura do ar de secagem afeta a viabilidade das sementes, pelo aumento da condutividade elétrica da solução. A germinação, emergência e o IVE tiveram seus valores reduzidos pelo aumento de temperatura. Conclui-se que a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de milho é afetada pela temperatura do ar de secagem e que as temperaturas mais elevadas promovem maiores danos às sementes. Recomenda-se a temperatura de 30°C para realização da secagem das sementes.

SUMMARY: High-intensity physical exercises can cause oxidative stress and muscle damage. Several medicinal plants have been used as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. The present study evaluated high-intensity resistance exercise (HIRE) associated with Schinus Terebentifholius ethanolic extract (EE) on oxidative parameters and muscle damage in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into 04 groups (n=10/group): 1. Control (CG) - animals that did not undergo HIRE and were treated with vehicle (distilled water, orally); 2. Acute exercise (AE) - animals submitted to acute exercise session; 3. Exercise + vehicle (EV) - animals that underwent HIRE and were treated with vehicle and 4. Exercise + extract (EX) animals administered with Schinus terebenthifolius EE (100mg/Kg, orally) and submitted to the exercise session. Schinus terebenthifolius EE showed high in vitro antioxidant activity (13.88 ± 0.36 mg/mL). Before the experimental period, lactate was measured at pre and post moments of AE (p<0.0001) and EX (p<0.0001) groups. After the acute session, the following were evaluated: oxidative stress {malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl groups (SH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)}, muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In the in vivo analyses of the EX group compared to AE and EV groups, respectively: hepatic (MDA: p<0.0001 and SH: p=0.0033, in both; FRAP: p=0.0011 and p=0.0047), muscle (MDA, SH and FRAP: p<0.0001, in both; CK: p=0.0001 and p<0.0001; LDH: p<0.0001, in both), serum levels (MDA: p=0.0003, p=0.0012, SH: p=0.0056, p=0.0200, FRAP: p=0.0017 and p=0.0165) were significant. There was no significant difference in ALT and AST markers. It could be concluded that Schinus terebenthifolius EE associated with HIRE attenuated oxidative stress and muscle damage in rats.

RESUMEN: Los ejercicios físicos de alta intensidad pueden causar estrés oxidativo y daño muscular. Varias plantas medicinales se han utilizado como agentes antioxidantes y antiinflamatorios. El presente estudio evaluó el ejercicio de resistencia de alta intensidad (HIRE) asociado con el extracto etanólico (EE) de Schinus terebentifholius sobre los parámetros oxidativos y el daño muscular en ratas Wistar. Los animales se dividieron en 4 grupos (n=10/grupo): 1. Control (GC) - animales que no se sometieron a HIRE y fueron tratados con vehículo (agua destilada, por vía oral); 2. Ejercicio agudo (AE) - animales sometidos a sesión de ejercicio agudo; 3. Ejercicio + vehículo (EV) - animales que se sometieron a HIRE y fueron tratados con vehículo y 4. Ejercicio + extracto (EX) animales administrados con Schinus terebenthifolius EE (100 mg/kg, por vía oral) y sometidos a la sesión de ejercicio. Schinus terebenthifolius EE mostró una alta actividad antioxidante in vitro (13,88 ± 0,36 mg/mL). Antes del período experimental, se midió el lactato en los momentos pre y post de los grupos AE (p<0,0001) y EX (p<0,0001). Tras la sesión aguda, se evaluaron: el estrés oxidativo malondialdehído (MDA), grupos sulfhidrilo (SH) y poder antioxidante reductor férrico (FRAP), daño muscular (creatina quinasa (CK) y lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH)), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST). En los análisis in vivo del grupo EX frente a los grupos AE y EV, respectivamente: hepático (MDA: p<0,0001 y SH: p=0,0033, en ambos; FRAP: p=0,0011 y p=0,0047), muscular (MDA, SH y FRAP: p<0,0001, en ambos; CK: p=0,0001 y p<0,0001; LDH: p<0,0001, en ambos), niveles séricos (MDA: p=0,0003, p=0,0012, SH: p=0,0056, p=0,0200, FRAP: p=0,0017 y p=0,0165) fueron significativas. No hubo diferencia significativa en los marcadores ALT y AST. Se podría concluir que Schinus terebenthifolius EE asociado con HIRE atenuó el estrés oxidativo y el daño muscular en ratas.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation (LTx) has been discussed as an option for treating irreversible lung fibrosis post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in selected cases. OBJECTIVES: To report on the initial experience and management of end-stage lung disease due to COVID-19 at a national center reference in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted at a national reference center for lung transplantation. METHODS: Medical charts were reviewed regarding patients’ demographics and pre-COVID-19 characteristics, post-LTx due to COVID-19. RESULTS: Between March 2020 and September 2021, there were 33 cases of LTx. During this period, we evaluated 11 cases of severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that were potentially candidates for LTx. Among these, LTx was only indicated for three patients (9.1%). All of these patients were on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and the procedure that they underwent was central venoarterial ECMO. All three patients were still alive after the first 30 postoperative days. However, patient #1 and patient #2 subsequently died due to fungal sepsis on the 47th and 52nd postoperative days, respectively. Patient #3 was discharged on the 30th postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: LTx is feasible among these complex patients. Survival over the first 30 days was 100%, and this favors surgical feasibility. Nonetheless, these were critically ill patients.

RESUMO: Formulações comerciais e adjuvantes adicionados à mistura em tanque podem resultar em mudanças na superfície de molhamento, absorção foliar e eficácia dos herbicidas. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a influência das formulações de glifosato e adjuvantes sobre o ângulo de contato (CA), absorção, metabolismo e controle do capim-amargoso, além de investigar os danos ocasionados pelas soluções herbicidas à microestrutura cuticular dessa espécie daninha. Para tanto, ensaios foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 2x5+1, com cinco repetições. Duas formulações de glifosato (SL e WG) combinadas ou não com os adjuvantes éster metílico de óleo de soja (MSO), óleo mineral (MO), alquil ester etoxilado (EAE) e polioxietilenoalquilfenoléter (PAE); e um controle (água) foram avaliados. As medidas de CA das gotas depositadas na superfície foliar de capim-amargoso e na superfície padrão (parafilme) foram obtidas usando um tensiômetro. A absorção do herbicida e o acúmulo de chiquimato foram determinados, simultaneamente, por cromatografia e espectrometria de massas. O efeito de controle foi avaliado pela observação da sobrevivência da planta e redução do peso seco. As formulações de glifosato SL e WG apresentaram efeitos similares sobre as variáveis analisadas. Contudo, os adjuvantes EAE, MO e MSO, quando em mistura ao herbicida, em ambas as formulações, destacaram-se por apresentar maior molhabilidade e danos mais severos à microestrutura cuticular, favorecendo a absorção do glifosato e acúmulo de chiquimato. Apesar das evidências sobre a bioeficácia dos tratamentos que continham óleos/surfactantes, o controle sobre capim-amargoso foi similar. A combinação das formulações de glifosato com tais adjuvantes são potencialmente mais eficazes e garantem controle satisfatório do capim-amargoso.

ABSTRACT: The addition of commercial formulations and adjuvants to a tank mix may result in differences in the wettability on the plant surface, foliar uptake and herbicide efficacy. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of glyphosate formulations and tank-mixture adjuvants on the contact angle (CA), uptake, metabolism and sourgrass control and the damage to the cuticular microstructure of this species caused by herbicide solutions. For this purpose, assays were carried out in a completely randomized design, and treatments distributed in a 2x5+1 factorial scheme with five replications. Two glyphosate formulations isopropylamine salt (SL) and ammonium salt (WG) combined or not with the adjuvant methylated soybean oil (MSO), mineral oil (MO), ethoxylated alkyl ester (EAE) or polyoxyethylenealkylphenol ether (PAE); and one control (water) were evaluated. CA measurements of the droplets deposited on a sourgrass leaf surface and on the standard surface (parafilm) were obtained using a tensiometer. Herbicide uptake and shikimate accumulation were simultaneously determined by chromatography and spectrometry. The control effect was assessed by observing plant survival dry weight reductions. The glyphosate SL and WG formulations had similar effects on the variables analyzed. However, mixing the adjuvants EAE, MO or MSO with either formulation of herbicide led to greater wettability and more severe damage to the cuticular microstructure, favoring glyphosate uptake and shikimate accumulation. Despite evidence regarding the treatments containing oils/surfactants, the control effect on sourgrass was similar. The combination of glyphosate formulations with such adjuvants is potentially more effective and guarantees satisfactory sourgrass control.

Abstract We have obtained kefir biofilms loaded with Maytenus rigida extract. The main goal was to evaluate the influence of the addition of the extract on the biofilms microtexture using stereometric and fractal parameters. Atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle tecniques were used to evaluate the topography, chemical interation and wettability of the biofilms. Chemical evaluation showed that the extract interacts with the polymeric matrix of the biofilms, changing their structure. This behavior affected the surface energy because the wettability decreased when the Maytenus content increased. The surface morphology was also affected and suggested the prevalence of bacteria and yeast at lower and higher extract concentrations, respectively. The surface roughness increased according to the increase in the extract concentration. Texture parameters revealed that the biofilm with lowest concentration had deeper furrows than for higher concentration. Advanced fractal parameters revealed that topographic uniformity, percolation and texture homogeneity were more suitable for the biofilm with 0.25 g.L-1 of extract. These results indicate that this biofilm have promising 3D micromorphology for regenerative medicine application. Furthermore, the physics tools used revealed to be very useful for characterizing of the microtexture of polymeric-based biological materials.

RESUMO O melão-de-são-caetano (Momordica charantia L.) é uma planta versátil que pode ser consumida como alimento e possui aplicações terapêuticas. Desta forma, o estudo sobre o processo de secagem é de suma importância para manter a qualidade de suas folhas durante o armazenamento. Objetivou-se, com esta pesquisa, avaliar a cinética de secagem das folhas de melão-de-são-caetano, bem como determinar suas propriedades termodinâmicas. As folhas foram dispostas em bandejas de polietileno e submetidas a secagem em estufa nas temperaturas de 20, 30, 40 e 50 °C até atingir o equilíbrio higroscópico. Diversos modelos de regressão não linear foram ajustados aos dados experimentais para caracterizar o processo de secagem. A partir do modelo de Arrhenius foram obtidos os coeficientes da difusão e a energia de ativação para o cálculo da entalpia, entropia e energia livre de Gibbs. Os modelos de Midilli e Page foram os melhores para representação da cinética de secagem das folhas de melão-de-são-caetano nas temperaturas de 20, 30, 40 e 50 °C. O aumento da temperatura do ar de secagem aumenta a energia livre de Gibbs e a difusividade de água no interior das folhas. A entalpia e a entropia diminuem com o aumento da temperatura.

ABSTRACT Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is a versatile plant that can be consumed as a food and has therapeutic applications. Studying its drying process is important to maintain their leaf quality during storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the drying kinetics of bitter melon leaves and determine their thermodynamic properties. The leaves were placed in polyethylene trays and subjected to drying in an oven at temperatures of 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C until reaching hygroscopic equilibrium. The experimental data were fitted to several non-linear regression models to characterize the drying process. The Arrhenius model was used to obtain the coefficients of diffusion and the activation energy, which were used to calculate the enthalpy, entropy, and the Gibbs free energy. Midilli and Page were the best models to represent the drying kinetics of bitter melon leaves at temperatures of 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C. Increases in the drying air temperature increased the Gibbs free energy and water diffusivity in the interior of the leaves. Enthalpy and entropy decreased as the temperature was increased.

Biodiesel made from oils is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids methyl esters, and, consequently, presents high tendency to oxidize. Biodiesel made from fats, on the other hand, is mainly comprised by saturated chains. Although it is highly stable, they easily crystalize at low temperatures. Blends from both can exhibit optimized properties. In this work, oxidative stability, expressed by induction period (IP), and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of blends from palm, palm kernel, babassu, tallow or lard biodiesels with soy one were measured. Biodiesel samples were prepared by two steps transesterification methodology with KOH catalysis followed by H2SO4. IP increases, as the fat biodiesel content in the blend is higher, as expected. Blends comprised by 60% of fat biodiesel by volume had their IP increased from 1.5 (lard) to 2 times (palm kernel), compared to soy one. At this level, IP was found 8 h or higher, except for palm, which 80% was required. CFPP was observed at 8 °C or lower for the blends containing up to 60% of all the fat biodiesel, except for the palm one, which a 20% content must not be surpassed. Palm kernel 80% biodiesel blend reached the Brazilian specification, that is, IP higher than 12 h and CFPP lower than 5 °C.

RESUMO Estudos relacionados com a sorção de água em sementes são essenciais para o dimensionamento e otimização de sistemas de armazenagem. Assim, objetivou-se determinar e modelar as isotermas de adsorção e calcular o calor latente de vaporização da água, a entalpia e entropia diferencial, a teoria isocinética e a energia livre de Gibbs para as sementes de pimenta Cumari-do-Pará. Os teores de água de equilíbrio foram obtidos pelo método estático gravimétrico nas temperaturas de 30, 35 e 40 °C e atividades de água entre 0,290 a 0,900 (decimal). O modelo de Chen-Clayton é o que melhor representa as isotermas de adsorção de água em sementes de pimenta Cumari-do-Pará nas condições estudadas, apresentando 9,94% de erro médio relativo, 0,40 de erro médio estimado e distribuição aleatória dos resíduos. O calor latente de vaporização variou de 2.555,669 a 3.162,180 kJ kg-1. A entalpia, a entropia e a energia livre de Gibbs aumentam com a redução do teor de água de equilíbrio das sementes. A teoria isocinética é válida para o processo de adsorção.

ABSTRACT Studies related to water sorption in seeds are essential for the design and optimization of storage systems. The objective of this research was to determine and model the adsorption isotherms and calculate the latent heat of water vaporization, differential enthalpy and entropy, the isokinetic theory and Gibbs free energy for ‘Cumari-do-Pará’ pepper seeds. The equilibrium moisture contents were obtained by the static gravimetric method at temperatures of 30, 35 and 40 °C and water activities between 0.290 and 0.900 (decimal). The Chen-Clayton model is the one that best represents the water adsorption isotherms in ‘Cumari-do-Pará’ pepper seeds under the studied conditions, with 9.94% mean relative error, 0.40 mean estimated error and random distribution of residuals. The latent heat of vaporization ranged from 2,555.669 to 3,162.180 kJ kg-1. The enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy increase with the reduction in the equilibrium moisture content of the seeds. The isokinetic theory is valid for the adsorption process.

RESUMO O conhecimento do equilíbrio higroscópio de adsorção em café é pertinente para a adequação de seu armazenamento, garantindo a qualidade do produto até o consumidor final. Objetivou-se determinar as isotermas de adsorção de grãos de café Arábica (cultivar Acauã Novo) nas temperaturas de 30 ºC, 40 ºC, 50 ºC e 60 ºC, bem como o calor isostérico integral de adsorção. Os teores de água de equilíbrio foram obtidos pelo método estático gravimétrico, com atividades de água entre 0,10 e 0,83 (decimal). A partir dos dados obtidos, foram ajustados diversos modelos matemáticos para representar as isotermas de adsorção. Os critérios estatísticos para a seleção do melhor modelo foram o coeficiente de determinação, erro médio estimado, erro médio relativo e a distribuição de resíduos. O modelo de Peleg foi o que melhor representou as isotermas de adsorção dos grãos de café Arábica nas condições estudadas. As isotermas apresentaram formato sigmoidal tipo II. Sob atividade de água constante, o aumento da temperatura promove diminuição no equilíbrio do teor de umidade em grãos de café Arábica. Os valores de calor isostérico com teor de água entre 0,0191 e 0,2534 (base seca) variaram de 4.042,19 kJ kg-1 a 2.395,48 kJ kg-1.

ABSTRACT The knowledge of the adsorption hygroscopic equilibrium in coffee is pertinent for the adequacy of its storage, thus ensuring the quality of the product to the end consumer. The present study aimed to determine the adsorption isotherms of Arabica coffee (Acauã Novo cultivar) beans at the temperatures of 30 ºC, 40 ºC, 50 ºC and 60 ºC, as well as the integral adsorption isosteric heat. The equilibrium moisture contents were obtained by the gravimetric static method, using water activities between 0.10 and 0.83 (decimal). From the obtained data, several mathematical models were fitted to represent the adsorption isotherms. The statistical criteria for selecting the best model were the coefficient of determination, estimated mean standard error, relative mean error and distribution of residues. The Peleg model was the one that best represented the adsorption isotherms of the Arabica coffee beans under the studied conditions. The isotherms showed a sigmoidal type II shape. For a constant water activity, an increase in the temperature promotes a decrease in the equilibrium moisture content of Arabica coffee beans. In a moisture content range between 0.0191 and 0.2534 (dry base), the isosteric heat values ranged from 4,042.19 kJ kg-1 to 2,395.48 kJ kg-1.