The biodiversity of plant resources is a renewable source that can use as a sustainable component in various applications. The use of vegetable waste as a filler element in polymeric composites is part of the solid waste management policy and the sustainable development of agribusiness. In this work, the natural rubber composites were prepared with acai seed in proportions of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 phr (per hundred rubber). The composites were homogenized in an open cylinder mixer and characterized by rheometric, morphological, mechanical, and thermal tests. The addition of the organic fillers significantly reduced the vulcanization process time. Thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy showed that the composites were thermally stable and showed no structure changes after the vulcanization process, respectively. The Lorenz-Parks method's evaluation of matrix/filler interactions showed a strong interaction between NR/Acai. The new biocomposite can replace non-ecological composites economically and sustainably.

Abstract This paper investigated the formation of crosslinks in natural rubber compounds in the vulcanization systems: conventional (CV), semi-efficient (SEV), and efficient (EV), processed with three types of accelerators: MBTS (dibenzothiazole disulfide), TMTD (tetramethylthiuram disulfide) and CBS (n-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide). The cross-linked densities were determined by organic solvent swelling, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), stress vs strain, and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, the latter being the reference technique for comparison with the other results. It was found that the choice of accelerator type influences the processing time and the cross-linked density of the vulcanizate. The four techniques showed close values of cross-linked density for natural rubber compounds, demonstrating that the analytical techniques studied can be applied to determine cross-linked density.

This work aims to present an alternative detector for the determination of arabinose, galactose, glucose and xylose in hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse. The detector was developed using an electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes containing cobalt oxide nanoparticles (GCE/MWCNT/CoOOH) applied in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with reverse pulsed amperometric detection (RPAD). The limits of detection obtained were 3.4 × 10-6, 4.4 × 10-6, 3.6 × 10-6 and 5.0 × 10-6 mol L-1 for arabinose, galactose, glucose and xylose, respectively. The standard addition method was used to determine the concentration of sugars in the hydrolyzed sugarcane. The determined concentrations for arabinose, galactose, glucose, and xylose were 1.0 × 10-3, 7.2 × 10-5, 3.0 × 10-3 and 2.4 × 10-3 mol L-1, respectively. The results demonstrate that this new method can be used for the detection of sugars without the interference of other electroactive species.

In this study, we obtained and characterized a piezoelectric composite with 1-3 connectivity from castor oil polyurethane (PUR) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) rods. Two samples were obtained, one with 15% PZT volume and the other with 34% PZT volume. The ac electrical properties of the 1-3 piezoelectric composite samples demonstrated the frequency-dependence behavior of disordered solids. The piezoelectric coefficient (d33) was greatly influenced by the number of PZT rods and the matrix curing process. The sample with 34% PZT volume showed a higher d33 value, (246 pC/N measured after 30 d of polarization). The composites were evaluated for use in acoustic emission wave sensors for application in structural health monitoring.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the behavior of platelets after transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for the treatment of degenerated bioprosthesis and how they correlate with adverse events upon follow-up. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 28 patients who received a valve-in-valve implant, 5 in aortic, 18 in mitral and 5 in tricuspid positions. Data were compared with 74 patients submitted to conventional redo valvular replacements during the same period, and both groups' platelet curves were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics(r) 20 for Windows. Results: All patients in the valve-in-valve group developed thrombocytopenia, 25% presenting mild (<150.000/µL), 54% moderate (<100.000/µL) and 21% severe (<50.000/µL) thrombocytopenia. The platelet nadir was on the 4th postoperative day for aortic ViV, 2nd for mitral and 3rd for tricuspid patients, with the majority of patients recovering regular platelet count. However, the aortic subgroup comparison between valve-in-valve and conventional surgery showed a statistically significant difference from the 7th day onwards, where valve-in-valve patients had more severe and longer lasting thrombocytopenia. This, however, did not translate into a higher postoperative risk. In our study population, postoperative thrombocytopenia did not correlate with greater occurrence of adverse outcomes and only normal preoperative platelet count could significantly predict a postoperative drop >50%. Conclusion: Although thrombocytopenia is an extremely common finding after valve-in-valve procedures, the degree of platelet count drop did not correlate with greater incidence of postoperative adverse outcomes in our study population.

Abstract Objective: To present the results of a new experimental device developed to facilitate the transapical access in endovascular treatment of structural heart diseases. It aims to reduce the risk of bleeding and complications in this type of access and demonstrate the device as a safe, fast and effective alternative. Methods: CorPoint is composed of three parts: introducer, base with coiled spring, and closing capsule. By rotating movements, the spring is introduced into the myocardium and progressively approaches the base to the surface of the heart. Guidewires and catheters are inserted through the hollow central part and, at the end of the procedure, the capsule is screwed over the base, therefore stopping any bleeding. Results: The device was implanted in 15 pigs, weighing 60 kg each, through an anterolateral thoracotomy, while catheters were introduced and guided by fluoroscopy. All animals had minimal bleeding; introducers with diameter up to 22 Fr were used and various catheters and guidewires were easily handled. After finishing the procedure, the closing capsule was attached and no bleeding was observed at the site. Conclusion: This new device has proved effective, fast and secure for the transapical access. This shows great potential for use, especially by ensuring an easier and direct access to the mitral and aortic valves; the shortest distance to be traveled by catheters; access to the ascending and descending aorta; decreased bleeding complications; decreased surgical time; and the possibility of allowing the technique to evolve and become totally percutaneous.

Objective: To evaluate serum levels of different biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Patients were prospectively evaluated in two separate instances: during acute mania and after remission of manic symptoms. All measurements were compared with those of healthy controls. Methods: The study included 30 patients with BD and 30 healthy controls, matched for gender and age. Biochemical parameters evaluated included homocysteine (Hcy), folic acid, vitamin B12, ferritin, creatine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: Hcy levels were significantly higher in the BD patients, both during mania and after achieving euthymia. When Hcy was adjusted for body mass index, there was no significant difference between patients and controls. Ferritin was the only marker that showed a significant decrease during mania when compared to both euthymic patients and controls. There were no significant differences for folate, vitamin B12, CK and CRP. Conclusions: These findings do not show an association between alterations of markers of cardiovascular risk during manic episodes. Further studies are necessary to determine factors and mechanisms associated with cardiovascular risk in patients with BD.

The third generation (G-3) poly(propyleneimine)hexadecaamine dendrimer (DAB-Am-16) was grafted onto the chloropropylsilica gel surface (DPPIPS). The modified silica (DPPIPS) was characterized by Electronic (Uv-Vis), vibrational and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), spectrocopies, surface area (331.07 m².g-1) and porosity analyses (pore diameter of 41.9 nm) and cyclic voltammetry technique. The copper adsorption studies were performed using a batchwise process and the DPPIPS showed adsorption capacities of 16.3, 47.8 and 659.5 mol.g-1 in aqueous, ethanol and acetone medium, respectively, with recoveries close to 100% after percolation with HCl 1.0 mol.L-1. The results suggest that the sorption of copper ions on DPPIPS occurs mainly by surface complexation and a Langmuir model allowed describing the sorption of the metal ions on DPPIPS. As an application of this chemically modified material, copper was determined in real samples of distilled spirits and fuel alcohol.

INTRODUÇÃO: a prevalência de transtornos depressivos na população feminina de Porto Alegre é estimada em 14,5%. Não existem relatos sobre a prevalência de sintomas ou transtornos depressivos entre as prostitutas, população de risco para transtornos mentais. OBJETIVOS: quantificar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos em amostra de prostitutas de Porto Alegre e fatores associados. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: uma amostra consecutiva e não aleatória de 97 mulheres entre 18 e 60 anos, cadastradas na Organização Não Governamental Núcleo de Estudos da Prostituição (NEP), de Porto Alegre, foi estudada. Após consentimento informado, as entrevistadas foram investigadas através do Inventário para depressão de Beck (BDI). O ponto de corte igual ou maior que 13 foi utilizado para detecção de sintomas depressivos. RESULTADOS: na amostra estudada, a idade média foi de 29,6 anos (dp 8,5 anos); 67% apresentaram sintomas depressivos (ponto de corte³ 13) com escore médio no BDI de 19,1 (dp 10,9); 24,7% da amostra apresentava sintomas leves; 40,2% sintomas moderados e 7,2% sintomas graves. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre a presença de sintomas depressivos e uso de álcool, história de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e ausência de prática religiosa (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: além de alta taxa de prevalência de sintomas depressivos (67%), 47,4% das mulheres avaliadas apresentaram níveis moderado e grave de sintomatologia. O uso de álcool, história de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e ausência de prática religiosa surgiram como fatores associados à presença de sintomas depressivos na amostra estudada.

INTRODUCTION: the prevalence of depressive disorders in the female population in Porto Alegre was estimated to be 14.5%. There are no reports on the prevalence of depressive symptoms or depressive disorders among prostitutes that are a group at risk for mental disorders. OBJECTIVES: the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and to identify associated factors in a sample of Porto Alegre prostitutes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a consecutive and non-randomized sample of 97 women between 18 and 60 years, registered at a non-governmental organization in Porto Alegre was studied using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) after informed consent. A cut off point equal or higher then 13 was used to detect depressive symptoms RESULTS: the mean age (±SD) was 29.6 (8,5), depressive symptoms (cut off³ 13) were noted in 67% of the sample, the mean score (±SD) of BDI was 19.1 (10.9). The depressive symptoms were found to be mild in 24.7%, moderate in 40.2% and severe in 7.2% of the sample. A statistically significant association was found between depressive symptoms and use of alcohol, and sexually-transmitted diseases, and lack of religious practices (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: besides the high prevalence of depressive symptoms (67%) 47.4% of the women studied presented moderate or severe levels of depression. Use of alcohol, and sexually-transmitted diseases and lack of religious practices were associated with depressive symptoms in the studied sample.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la prevalencia de trastornos depresivos en la población femenina de Porto Alegre es estimada en 14,5 %. No existen relatos sobre la prevalencia de síntomas o trastornos depresivos entre las prostitutas, población de riesgo para trastornos mentales. OBJETIVOS: cuantificar la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos en muestra de prostitutas de Porto Alegre y factores asociados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: fue estudiada una muestra consecutiva y no aleatoria de 97 mujeres entre 18 y 60 años, cadastradas en la Organización No Governamental Nucleo de Estudios de la Prostitución (NEP), de Porto Alegre. Después de informado el consentimiento, las entrevistadas fueron investigadas a través del Inventario para Depresión de Beck (BDI). El punto de corte igual o mayor que 13 fue utilizado para detección de síntomas depresivos. RESULTADOS: en la muestra estudiada la edad media fue de 29,6 años (dp 8,5 años), 67% presentaron síntomas depresivos (punto de corte³ 13) con escore medio en el BDI de 19,1 (dp 10,9); 24,7 % de la muestra presentaba síntomas leves, 40,2 % síntomas moderados y 7,2 % síntomas graves. Hubo asociación estatísticamente significativa entre la presencia de síntomas depresivos y el uso de alcohol, histórico de enfermedades sexualmente transmisibles y la ausencia de práctica religiosa, (p<0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: además de la alta tasa de prevalencia de síntomas depresivos (67%) 47,4% de las mujeres evaluadas presentaron niveles moderado y grave de sintomatología. El uso de alcohol, histórico de enfermedades sexualmente transmisibles y la ausencia de práctica religiosa surgieron como factores asociados a la presencia de síntomas depresivos en la muestra estudiada.