RESUMO Os resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) contêm aproximadamente 50% de fração orgânica (FO), que, por meio de processos de biodegradação em aterros sanitários, resultam em lixiviados e biogás. A degradação anaeróbia ocorre impulsionada por processos microbianos realizados por um consórcio complexo de micro-organismos, responsáveis pelas diferentes fases. Por outro lado, observa-se que as nanopartículas (NP), especialmente as de prata (NPsAg), vêm sendo cada vez mais utilizadas em novos produtos. Assim, os RSU podem apresentar materiais nanoparticulados, que, depositados em aterros sanitários, se comportam de maneira ainda pouco conhecida, podendo influenciar os processos de biodegradação. Os objetivos do presente trabalho são analisar e verificar o potencial metanogênico de resíduos sólidos orgânicos com e sem a interferência de diferentes concentrações e tipos de NPsAg. Para isso, foram realizados ensaios do potencial biometanogênico com as concentrações de 5, 15, 45, 50, 150 e 450 mg NPsAg.kg−1 RSU e comparados com a amostra padrão (branco). Diferentes tipos de nanopartículas foram utilizados: sólido (em pó), solução em base aquosa e em base alcoólica com álcool polivinílico (PVA). Os resultados mostram que, em concentrações altas (150 e 450 mg NPsAg.kg−1), as NPsAg tendem a diminuir a atividade dos micro-organismos metanogênicos. Finalmente, a modelagem dos resultados mostrou que o modelo logístico se ajusta bem aos dados experimentais. A regressão linear entre os parâmetros desse modelo e a concentração de NPsAg demonstram o decréscimo dos parâmetros com o aumento na concentração desses compostos.

ABSTRACT Municipal solid waste (MSW) contains approximately 50% of organic fraction (OF), which through landfill biodegradation processes results in leachate and biogas. Anaerobic degradation occurs driven by microbial processes, with a complex consortium of microorganisms, responsible for different phases. On the other hand, it is observed that nanoparticles (NPs), specially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have been appearing in a large range of new products. The MSW, for example, can present nanoparticulate materials, which, deposited in landfills, behave in a way still little known in science, and that can influence the biodegradation processes. The objective of this work is to analyze and verify the biochemical methanogenic potential of organic solid waste with and without the interference of different concentrations and types of AgNPs. For that purpose, tests of biochemical methane potential (BMP) with the concentrations of 5, 15 and 45, 50, 150 and 450 AgNPs mg.kg−1 were carried out and verified through a standard sample (white). Different types of nanoparticles were used: solid (powder), and two solutions, aqueous and alcoholic (polyvinyl alcohol — PVA). The results showed the interference of AgNPs in the highest concentrations used, considerably decreasing the biological process measured through the activity of microorganisms in the production of methane gas, which occurred in the range between 150 and 450 mg.kg−1 of AgNPs. Finally, the statistical studies and the mathematical modeling of the results showed that the logistic model adjusted well to the experimental data. The linear regression of the model parameters with the concentration of AgNPs demonstrates the decrease in the values of the parameters with the increase in the concentration of these compounds.

Resumo Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome de elevada prevalência. Apesar de existir na literatura informação relativa aos fatores prognósticos a longo prazo na IC crônica, esta é mais escassa no que diz respeito aos pacientes com IC aguda. Objetivos: Desenvolver um score preditor de eventos prognósticos desfavoráveis em doentes admitidos com síndromes de IC aguda e caracterizar um grupo de maior risco quanto às suas características clínicas, terapêutica e resultados. Métodos: Estudo de coorte de 600 doentes internados com IC aguda, definida de acordo com os critérios da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia. O endpoint primário para a derivação do score foi definido como mortalidade de qualquer causa e/ou reinternação por IC aos 12 meses. Para a validação do score, foram utilizados como endpoints: mortalidade de qualquer causa e/ou reinternação por IC aos 6, 12 e 24 meses. Os critérios de exclusão foram: IC de alto débito, pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio, miocardite aguda, endocardite infeciosa, infeção pulmonar, hipertensão arterial pulmonar e estenose mitral grave. Resultados: Foram incluídos 505 doentes e identificados preditores prognósticos aos 12 meses. Atribuíram-se 1 ou 2 pontos (p.) de acordo com os odds ratio (OR) obtidos (p < 0,05). Após a determinação do valor de score total, foi estabelecido um cut-off de 4 pontos por curva ROC. Constituíram-se 2 grupos de acordo com a pontuação, grupo A < 4 p. versus grupo B = 4 p. O grupo B era constituído por idosos, com maior número de comorbidades e preditor de endpoint combinado aos 6, 12 e 24 meses traduzido linearmente nas curvas de sobrevida (Log rank). Conclusões: Este score de risco permitiu identificar um grupo com pior prognóstico aos 12 meses.

Abstract Background: Heart failure (HF) is a highly prevalent syndrome. Although the long-term prognostic factors have been identified in chronic HF, this information is scarcer with respect to patients with acute HF. despite available data in the literature on long-term prognostic factors in chronic HF, data on acute HF patients are more scarce. Objectives: To develop a predictor of unfavorable prognostic events in patients hospitalized for acute HF syndromes, and to characterize a group at higher risk regarding their clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes. Methods: cohort study of 600 patients admitted for acute HF, defined according to the European Society of Cardiology criteria. Primary endpoint for score derivation was defined as all-cause mortality and / or rehospitalization for HF at 12 months. For score validation, the following endpoints were used: all-cause mortality and / or readmission for HF at 6, 12 and 24 months. The exclusion criteria were: high output HF; patients with acute myocardial infraction, acute myocarditis, infectious endocarditis, pulmonary infection, pulmonary artery hypertension and severe mitral stenosis. Results: 505 patients were included, and prognostic predicting factors at 12 months were identified. One or two points were assigned according to the odds ratio (OR) obtained (p < 0.05). After the total score value was determined, a 4-point cut-off was determined for each ROC curve at 12 months. Two groups were formed according to the number of points, group A < 4 points, and group B = 4 points. Group B was composed of older patients, with higher number of comorbidities and predictors of the combined endpoint at 6, 12 and 24 months, as linearly represented in the survival curves (Log rank). Conclusions: This risk score enabled the identification of a group with worse prognosis at 12 months.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito de suplementos alimentares com diferentes níveis de proteína sobre a resposta reprodutiva e metabólica de ovelhas durante o período de monta. Quarenta e uma ovelhas foram suplementadas durante 43 dias com proteína em quantidade para satisfazer 1,0 (dieta I; n = 14), 1,7 (dieta II; n = 13) e 2,1 (dieta III; n = 14) vezes as exigências de manutenção. O consumo de matéria seca (MS) foi superior (P < 0,01) na dieta III quando comparada com as dietas I e II. As sobras foram menores nas dietas II e III (P < 0,05) quando comparada à dieta I. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB) e extrato estéreo (EE) foram superiores na dieta III, porém a ingestão de NDF e ADF foi maior na dieta I (P < 0,05). Na dieta III foi observada uma maior frequência de fêmeas montadas (P < 0,05). A taxa de prolificidade e gemelaridade foi maior em ovelhas da dieta II (P < 0,05). Verificou-se um maior peso ao nascimento de cordeiros (P < 0,05) na dieta III. Os níveis de progesterona medidos após o acasalamento foram afetados pelas dietas II e III (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, a suplementação de ovelhas com nível intermediário de proteína melhora sua resposta reprodutiva.

This study evaluated the effect of food supplements with different levels of protein on reproductive and metabolic response of ewes during the mating period. Forty-one ewes were supplemented during 43 days with amount protein to meet 1.0 (diet I; n = 14), 1.7 (diet II; n = 13) and 2.1 (diet III; n = 14) times the maintenance requirements. Dry matter (DM) intake was higher (P < 0.01) in diet III when compared to diets I and II. Orts were lesser in diets II and III (P < 0.05) when compared to diet I. Intake of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) was higher in diet III (P < 0.05), but NDF and ADF intake was superior in diet I (P < 0.05). In diet III, a higher frequency of female mated was observed (P < 0.05). The prolificity and twinning rate was higher in ewes of diet II (P < 0.05). Greater birth weight of lambs (P < 0.05) was verified in diet III. The progesterone levels were affected by diets II and III (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of ewes with intermediate level of protein improves their reproductive response.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with detoxified castor meal (DCM) in the diet of ewes during pregnancy, partum, and post-partum on the weight development of their offspring and at slaughter. The study included 56 ewes with synchronized estrus that were naturally mated. At the beginning of pregnancy and in post-partum, hepatic and renal function-related parameters and progesterone levels were measured. At slaughter, the proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined in the loin of ewes. There was no effect of diet on reproductive response after estrus synchronization. At the beginning of pregnancy, albumin and creatinine levels were lower in the DCM group. Supplementation with DCM did not alter the weight or body condition of ewes at partum. However, at weaning, the DCM group showed a higher loin-eye area (LEA) in relation to the group fed diets without detoxified castor meal (WDCM). At partum, as well as at weaning, the offspring of the ewes supplemented with DCM had a larger LEA than the WDCM group. In post-partum, levels of glucose, urea, protein, and cholesterol were lower in the DCM group. The return to cyclicity was similar in both groups, with an average of 47 days after partum. At slaughter, neither anatomical and carcass components nor the results of the proximate analysis were affected by the type of diet, except for an increase in heptadecanoic acid in the DCM group. Supplementation with detoxified castor meal in the diet of ewes does not affect lambing, pregnancy, prolificacy, return to cyclicity, milk production, blood biochemical parameters, or carcass characteristics.