ABSTRACT ABS resins have wide application in the market, mainly in the manufacture of household appliances, telephones, automotive industry and others, and need to be processed by extrusion for the manufacture of products. The variables used in the process of extrusion of polymers have a direct influence on their mechanical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the different speeds of the extruder screw (15, 30, 45 and 60 rpm) on the mechanical properties of raw ABS after the extrusion process. Izod impact resistance and tensile tests, were also performed. The fractures of the samples tested by Izod impact were observed via optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and roughness was measured. Calorimetric tests (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA), as well as melt flow index (MFI), were also performed. The most significant results were observed for the extruder screw speed of 60 rpm. For the impact test, a reduction in impact energy of approximately 3% was observed, with the same result for tensile resistance. However, an increase in the value of the elastic modulus and the MFI was observed due to the increase in the degree of crystallinity, which was caused by the higher shear of the polymer mass in the screw of the extrusion equipment. Additionally, an atypical case occurred for the ABS polymer in the highest rotation, since it was the polymer that suffered the greatest shear in the polymer chains due to the degradation of the butadiene phase.

In this work, mixtures of ceramic powders containing Al2O3 with different amounts of Y2O3 (1%, 3%, 5% and 10wt.%) along their cross-section were fabricated to obtain multilayer composites based on Al2O3 with different levels of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) as reinforcement. Monolithic cylindrical multilayer Al2O3 blocks were compacted and subsequentially, sintered at 1610°C for 4h. Phase stability, microstructural aspects, and physical and mechanical properties of the specimens were acquired by relative density, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, Young’s modulus and biaxial flexural strength measurements. The results indicated that monolithic alumina specimens exhibited relative density of 98%, with average hardness of 1203 ±83 HV, fracture toughness of 2.1 ±0.8 MPa.m1/2 and flexural strength of 187 ±64 MPa. Progressive incorporation of Y2O3 into the chemical composition of the specimens led to formation of the YAG phase by solid state reaction during sintering, which reduced hardness and increased densification, fracture toughness and flexural strength, with average values of HV=1023 ±28 HV, KIC=3.5 ±0.3 MPa.m1/2, σf=273 ±58 MPa and 14% Y3Al5O12 for the specimens with 10wt.% Y2O3. This improvement is probably associated with toughness mechanisms, such as crack deflection and residual thermal stresses between the phases present in the composites.

Abstract Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) have been previously studied as predictors of survival in different malignancies. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of these hematologic inflammatory biomarkers for patients with brain metastases (BM). Methods We reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients at Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP-FMUSP) from 2011 to 2016 with ≥ 1 BM treated primarily by surgical resection. The primary outcome was 1-year survival. We optimized the NLR, MLR, PLR, and RDW cutoff values, preserving robustness and avoiding overestimation of effect size. Results A total of 200 patients (mean age 56.1 years; 55.0% female) met inclusion criteria. Gross-total resection was achieved in 89.0%. The median (quartiles) preoperative and postoperative KPS scores were 60 (50-80) and 80 (60-90), respectively. Preoperative NLR was significantly associated with survival (HR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.17-6.01, p = 0.019). A NLR cutoff value of 3.83 displayed the most significant survival curve split. Conclusions Preoperative NLR is an independent predictor of survival in newly diagnosed BM. We propose a cutoff value of 3.83 for preoperative NLR testing may be clinically useful as predictor of poor survival in this population. The wide accessibility of the NLR favors its inclusion in clinical decision-making processes for BM management.

Resumo Antecedentes Os neutrófilos para linfócitos (NLR), monócitos para linfócitos (MLR), proporção de plaquetas para linfócitos (PLR) e largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos (RDW) foram previamente estudados como preditores de sobrevivência em diferentes malignidades. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor preditivo desses biomarcadores inflamatórios hematológicos para pacientes com metástases cerebrais (MB). Métodos Nós revisamos uma coorte consecutiva de pacientes no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP-FMUSP) de 2011 a 2016 com ≥ 1 MB tratados principalmente por ressecção cirúrgica. O desfecho primário foi a sobrevida em 1 ano. Otimizamos os valores de corte de NLR, MLR, PLR e RDW, preservando a robustez e evitando superestimação do tamanho do efeito. Resultados Um total de 200 pacientes (idade média de 56,1 anos; 55,0% mulheres) preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A ressecção grosseira total foi obtida em 89,0%. A mediana (quartis) dos escores KPS pré-operatório e pós-operatório foram 60 (50–80) e 80 (60–90), respectivamente. O NLR pré-operatório foi significativamente associado à sobrevida (HR 2,66, IC 95%: 1,17–6,01, p = 0,019). Um valor de corte de NLR de 3,83 exibiu a divisão da curva de sobrevivência mais significativa. Conclusões O NLR pré-operatório é um preditor independente de sobrevida em MBs recém-diagnosticados. Propomos que um valor de corte de 3,83 para o teste de NLR pré-operatório pode ser clinicamente útil como preditor de baixa sobrevida nesta população. A ampla acessibilidade do NLR favorece sua inclusão nos processos de tomada de decisão clínica para o gerenciamento de BM.

Abstract Solid residues from agroindustry often accumulate and cause environmental imbalance. An alternative to this is to use this residue as a reinforcement in polymers. The achievement of this work was to characterize a composite with a polystyrene matrix reinforced with Brazil nut shells residues. The residues were cleaned and ground to then produce the samples via injection molding with the proportions of 0%, 2.5% and 5% of load. The specimens were characterized using mechanical tensile testing and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical test showed that the composite with 2.5% of filler had greater stiffness and strength was improved by 5%. Thermal analysis showed an increase in the temperature for the beginning of the degradation of the M2.5 composite. The results confirm a potential application in the automotive industry for the polystyrene composite reinforced with Brazil nut shells.

Magnesium is an important base material for non-permanent implants, even though its corrosion rate in the human body is usually elevated for most applications. In order to reduce that rate, polymer coatings can be a better option than heavy-metal containing Mg alloys. In this work, random copolymers of PMMA and PMAA were synthesized and used for coating pure Mg by simply immersing Mg coupons into a diluted copolymer solution. It has been shown by SEM analysis and quantitative adsorption analysis that the copolymers have adsorbed onto the Mg surface. All the coated materials presented a lower corrosion rate than the uncoated Mg, reaching close to 100% reduction for most of the copolymer up to 6 hours of testing. The copolymers with 5, 8 and 13% of PMAA in their composition showed the best performances as corrosion controllers.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores associados à desospitalização de crianças e adolescentes com condição crônica complexa. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, que investigou a população de crianças e adolescentes internados na Unidade de Treinamento para Desospitalização (UTD), de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2017. Os dados foram coletados por meio da consulta aos prontuários e livros de registros, de novembro de 2018 a junho de 2019. Foram estudados o período de internamento na UTD, a desospitalização, as reinternações, a frequência e causa dos óbitos, a idade, o sexo, o diagnóstico, o local de residência, o número de cuidadores e parentesco e o uso de dispositivos. Utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado para verificar a associação entre a variável dependente (desospitalização) e as variáveis independentes (idade, sexo, local de residência, uso de dispositivos e diagnóstico clínico). Resultados: O total de 93 prontuários de pacientes foi analisado, 37,6% tinham idade entre sete meses e dois anos, 58,1% eram meninos, 95,7% usavam traqueostomia, 92,5% gastrostomia e 71% ventilação mecânica invasiva. Encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica foi o diagnóstico de 40,3% da população. O tempo médio de hospitalização foi 288±265 dias; 60,2% ficaram internados entre 31 dias e um ano, representando 50% dos óbitos. Dos desospitalizados, 76,3% receberam alta para o Programa de Assistência Ventilatória Domiciliar (PAVD). A desospitalização foi associada ao local de procedência (p=0,027) e ao uso de derivação ventriculoperitoneal (DVP) (p=0,021). Conclusões: Identificou-se que a desospitalização esteve associada ao local de residência da criança ou adolescente e ao uso de DVP, sendo o maior número de altas para a capital do estado.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the factors associated with the de-hospitalization of children and adolescents with complex chronic condition. Methods: This cross-sectional and retrospective study investigated a sample of children and adolescents admitted to the Dehospitalization Training Unit, from January 2012 to December 2017. Data were collected by consulting medical records and patient record books, from November 2018 to June 2019. The length of stay in the unit, de-hospitalization, readmissions, frequency and cause of death, age, sex, diagnosis, place of residence, number of caregivers and kinship, and use of devices were studied. The chi-square test was used to verify the association between the dependent variable (de-hospitalization) and the independent variables (age, sex, place of residence, use of devices, and clinical diagnosis). Results: A total of 93 patient records were analyzed, 37.6% aged between 7 months and 2 years old, 58.1% boys, 95.7% used tracheostomy, 92.5% gastrostomy, and 71% invasive mechanical ventilation. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was the diagnosis of 40.3% of the sample. Average hospitalization time was 288 ± 265 days; 60.2% were hospitalized between 31 days and one year, representing 50% of deaths. Of those de-hospitalized, 76.3% were discharged to the Ventilatory Assistance Homecare Program. De-hospitalization was associated with the child or adolescent's place of residence (p=0.027) and use of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (p=0.021). Conclusions: This study identified that de-hospitalization may be associated with the place of residence of the child or adolescent, with the highest number of discharges to the state capital, and non-dehospitalization when using ventricular-peritoneal shunt.

Abstract In this work, CoCrMo-base alloys specimens were produced by additive manufacturing using selective laser melting (SLM) as well as CAD/CAM milling. For SLM specimens, spherical particles were laser processed at 1320°C under argon atmosphere and submitted to thermal stress relieving at 750°C–45min. Specimens from CoCrMo blocks were milled by CAD/CAM machining and sintered at 1300°C–60min. The materials from both techniques were characterized by relative density, dilatometry, SEM/BSE, OM and XRD analysis. The mechanical properties were determined by Vickers hardness and tensile tests. The specimens from both techniques exhibited single phase γCo (FCC) and CTE of 14 x10-6 °C-1. Relative density of 95.4%/ 85.6%, hardness values near 400HV/ 350HV and UTS of 905MPa/ 780MPa were measured for SLM and CAD/CAM specimens, respectively. Higher relative density is the main factor for increased mechanical properties of SLM specimens. On the other hand, both SLM and CAD/CAM specimens present properties in accordance with ISO-22674 recommendations, compatible with dental applications such as bridges containing four or more elements as well as fully dense pontics.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on gas exchange in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with patients undergoing CABG surgery. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group 10, PEEP of 10 cmH2O; Group 12, PEEP of 12 cmH2O; and Group 15, PEEP of 15 cmH2O. After the randomization, all patients underwent gas analysis at three moments: (1) before lung expansion therapy (LET); (2) 30 minutes after LET; and (3) one hour after extubation. Results: Sixty-six patients were studied, of which 61.7% were men, with mean age of 64 ± 8.9 years. Patients allocated to Group 15 showed a significant improvement in gas exchange comparing pre- and post-expansion values (239±21 vs. 301±19, P<0,001) and the increase was maintained after extubation (278±26). Despite the use of high levels of PEEP, no significant hemodynamic change was evidenced. Conclusion: It is concluded that high levels of PEEP (15 cmH2O) are beneficial for the improvement of gas exchange in patients undergoing CABG.

Abstract Ovulation synchronization protocols are well established in beef and dairy cows. However, the protocol response rate is around 70-90%. In beef cows, factors such as inadequate nutrition and calf presence negatively impact the response of progesterone (P4)/estradiol-based ovulation synchronization protocols by interfering with GnRH release and consequently reducing LH pulsatility and final follicular development. In dairy cows, protocols based on GnRH and prostaglandin (Ovsynch) are the most widely used in the world. However, the efficiency of Ovsynch is dependent on the presence of a large follicle at the time of administration of the first GnRH. In these ovulation synchronization protocols, pre-synchronization protocols (Prostaglandins, Double Ovsynch and P4synch) are usually attempted in an effort to increase responses. Thus, the objective of this review was to discuss pre-ovulation synchronization strategies (administration of injectable P4 or energetic/protein supplementation or pre-synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone devices) aiming to increase the LH pulsatility in beef cows or induce the formation of a GnRH-responsive follicle at the beginning of the Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows.

Lithium cobalt oxide, LiCoO2, widely used as cathode in lithium ion batteries was synthesized and their structural and electronic properties investigated. The crystalline powders were prepared by the sol-gel method with four complexing agents: citric acid, glycine, starch and gelatin. These syntheses were compared with the blank test (without complexing agent). The X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy allowed the identification of the rhombohedral phase LiCoO2 (R3m) as the only or principal crystalline component in all samples. A small fraction of a second phase of cubic spinel Co3O4 was observed in the samples of starch, gelatin and the blank test. The Rietveld refinements showed small structural variations, indicating reduced influence of the complexing agents on the synthesis. The theoretical HOMO-LUMO (highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) gap values are in agreement to those estimated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed morphological pattern regardless of the complexing agent used, showing an alternative method.

Overview and Aims: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent in pregnancy and are associated with increased preterm delivery and low birth weight. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) is the most common clinical entity and in the absence of treatment it can progress to pyelonephritis in 25% to 30% of the cases. The culture of a urine specimen is the gold standard for the diagnosis of UTI, being Escherichia coli the most common agent. The aim of this study is 1) to identify which are the main microbial agents of the urine cultures in a pregnant population, 2) to observe the agents' antibiotic resistance and sensitivity, 3) to investigate which are the best antimicrobials for the treatment of an UTI in pregnant women, and 4) to compare with a similar study conducted at the same hospital between 2005 and 2006 in order to analyze the evolution of the antimicrobial resistances pattern. Study design: Retrospective observational study. Population: 305 cases with positive urine cultures obtained in the obstetrics outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital, between January 2014 and December 2015. Results: E. coli was isolated in 48,9% of cases. Streptococcus agalactiae was identified in 18,4%, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 10,1% and Proteus mirabilis in 8,5%. The global antimicrobial resistance profile was: ampicillin 50%, nitrofurantoin 24%, cotrimoxazole 17%, cefalotin 11%, amoxicilin+clavulanate and gentamycin both 6%, cefuroxime 3%, ceftazidime ceftriaxone and piperacilin-tazobactam 0%. Conclusions: In our population, the most frequent agent was E. coli. Cefuroxime is a good choice as a first-line agent for empiric treatment. Ampicillin and cotrimoxazole presented both high global and E. coli specific resistance rates. Comparatively to 2005 and 2006, the resistances have increased for nitrofurantoin and decreased for amoxicilin+clavulanate

Abstract Introduction: During and after coronary artery bypass grafting, a decline in multifactor lung function is observed. Due to this fact, some patients may benefit from non-invasive ventilation after extubation targeting lung expansion and consequently improved oxygenation. Objective: To test the hypothesis that higher levels of positive end expiration pressure during non-invasive ventilation improves oxygenation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Instituto Nobre de Cardiologia in Feira de Santana. On the first day after surgery, the patients were randomized: Group PEEP 10, Group PEEP 12 and Group PEEP 15 who underwent non-invasive ventilation with positive end expiration pressure level. All patients were submitted to analysis blood pressure oxygen (PaO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2). Results: Thirty patients were analyzed, 10 in each group, with 63.3% men with a mean age of 61.1±12.2 years. Mean pulmonary expansion pre-therapy PaO2 was generally 121.9±21.6 to 136.1±17.6 without statistical significance in the evaluation among the groups. This was also present in PaO2/FiO2 and SaO2. Statistical significance was only present in pre and post PEEP 15 when assessing the PaO2 and SaO2 (P=0.02). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, non-invasive ventilation with PEEP 15 represented an improvement in oxygenation levels of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Abstract Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is a rare and benign vascular tumor whose etiology remains uncertain. It clinically presents itself by angiomatous papules or nodules located on the head and neck. Many controversies in the literature are found in relation to angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and Kimura's disease - its main differential diagnosis - due to their clinical and histopathological similarities. However, currently, most studies agree that they are distinct diseases. The present case illustrates a characteristic description of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and also highlights the main differences with Kimura's disease.

The present work aims at the preliminary evaluation of the Paspalun repens macrophyte dry biomass adsorbent material of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) metals from water. The diversity of Species is due to the extensive aquatic environment where it is inserted. The Paspalun repens species comes from the Buiuçu lake located in the region of Parintins-Amazonas- Brazil. The macrophyte was dried in a mill and then a digestion through biomass microwaves was done before and after its exposure to the solutions containing different concentrations of zinc and copper (1.00, 1.50, 2.00, 3.00 mg mL-1 of metals) for a period of 48 hours. As a source of the metals, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4 7H2O) for zinc, and copper sulfate (CuSO4 5H2O) for copper were used as the source. As a result, the efficiency of Paspalun repens was observed in the metals removal, the highest removal percentage, of 29.67 and 37.07% in the leaves, whereas in the root it was 25.25 and 32.84% (at the concentration 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL consequently), was of zinc, therefore the dry biomass of this species can be considered as a low cost alternative material in the removal of these heavy metals, contributing to the improvement of water quality.

RESUMO Neste trabalho, se propôs estudar uma pequena bacia de drenagem urbana, a bacia piloto de Mirassol (BPM), em Natal, RN, que tem como exutório uma Lagoa de Detenção e Infiltração (LDI). Os processos de transformação da chuva em vazão, a acumulação de água na LDI e o processo de infiltração e percolação no perfil do solo até o lençol freático foram modelados e, através de observações dos eventos chuvosos, níveis de água na lagoa e do lençol freático, assim como levantamento de parâmetros, possibilitaram a modelagem desses processos combinados. A modelagem matemática foi realizada com o uso de um modelo distribuído chuva-vazão e a elaboração de um modelo de percolação em meio insaturado. Foi realizada a simulação contínua ao longo de um período de dezoito meses, com intervalos de tempo de um minuto. Os hidrogramas gerados foram transformados em volumes afluentes à lagoa e então, realizado o balanço hídrico nesses intervalos de tempo, considerando-se a infiltração e percolação de água no perfil do solo. Como resultado, obteve-se a avaliação da LDI no processo de armazenamento de água, assim como a infiltração, redistribuição de água no solo e a recarga ao aquífero freático, possibilitando simular a sequência temporal de distribuição. Com as simulações realizadas, verificou-se o bom desempenho da LDI na absorção de cheias e sua contribuição no processo de recarga do aquífero local.

ABSTRACT In this paper, we proposed studying a small urban drainage catchment, named Pilot Basin of Mirassol (PBM) in Natal, RN - Brazil whose outlet is a detention and infiltration reservoir (DIR). The rainfall-runoff transformation processes, water accumulation in DIR and the process of infiltration and percolation in the soil profile until the free aquifer were modeled; and, from rainfall event observations, water levels in DIR, free aquifer water level measurements, and also, parameter values determination, it was able to calibrate and modeling these combined processes. The mathematical modeling was carried out from the use of a distributed rainfall-runoff model, and besides, we developed a model to simulate the soil percolation in an unsaturated porous media. Continuous simulation was run over a period of eighteen months in time intervals of one minute. The generated hydrographs were transformed into inlet volumes to the DIR and then, it was carried out water balance in these time intervals, considering infiltration and percolation of water in the soil profile. As a result, we obtain an evaluation on the storage water process in DIR as well as the infiltration of water, redistribution into the soil and the groundwater aquifer recharge, in continuous temporal simulation. We found that the DIR has good performance in order to storage storm water (floods) and contributing to the local aquifer recharge process.