Abstract Vegetable fibers are widely used as reinforcement in the production of composites. In this work, the photodegradative potential of polymer composites containing babassu fiber was characterized and evaluated. The fibers were extracted manually and immersed in a 10% NaOH solution (Mercerization). After drying, they were crushed and incorporated into the low-density polyethylene matrix in proportions of 5%, 10%, and 20% of the total mass of the composite. The composites were subjected to Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis (showed the incorporation of fibers into the polymeric matrix), Infrared Spectroscopy (the presence of fiber was observed with peaks at 3200-3600 cm-1, and 1596 cm-1-1036 cm-1), Mechanical Tests (with 20% fiber, there is a 44% decrease in tension, 48% in strain and 12% in Young's modulus) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (inicial fiber degradation starts between 220-337 °C, and matrix degradation between 333-550 °C). The composites were subjected to degradation processes by solar radiation and under artificial UV-B. Samples of oxy-biodegradable plastic bags were also degraded under the same degradation conditions of the composites. These results show that the materials used in the research, besides presenting an excellent degree of compatibilization, also reveal an improvement in the photodegradation potential of composites.

ABSTRACT Stem conicity and the sawing pattern, besides the presence of hollows and sapwood, are among the principal factors that are responsible for the low yield of lumber from harvested wood in the Amazon. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze of logs and stem conicity, and its effect on yield of sawn wood from the species Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos, Lecythis lurida (Miers) S. A. Mori, Manilkara huberi (Ducke) Chevalier, Astronium lecointei Ducke and Couratari sp., which are currently the most important commercial species in the study area. The data used were obtained from six production units in the Tapajós National Forest, Pará. The variables analyzed were conicity (obtained as a function of the difference between diameters at the base and top) between logs, DBH classes (diameter at breast height) and species, as well as yield (estimated using the Software MaxiTora) between logs and species. The majority of the species showed differences in conicity between logs, with the first log being the most conic, which was directly reflected by the lower yield for this log. There was a tendency of increase in conicity in the larger DBH classes, and differences in conicity and yield between species. The estimated yields were superior to the percent yields observed for Amazonian species in studies done using samples with similar characteristics. Therefore, it was concluded that conicity can vary between species, logs, and DBH classes, and is a characteristic that directly effects the yield of lumber. Furthermore, the incorporation of cutting templates represents an alternative for maximizing lumber yield.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Palatal fistula is the most common complication after palatoplasty, and its presence entails various implications. Its presentation is diverse and repair can be difficult, which is reflected in the existence of a numerous surgical techniques described for its treatment. Objective: To report the surgical correction of palatal fistula with a myomucosal upper lip flap, along with a brief review of the literature. Case Report: The patient underwent repair of complete cleft palate. At the immediate postoperative time, an anterior fistula of the hard palate and alveolar process was present and was subjected to a correction with an oronasal myomucosal upper lip flap. The patient progressed satisfactorily, without complications or lesion recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion: The technique presented is a simple and efficient method for correction of an anterior palatal fistula.

RESUMO Introdução: A fístula palatina é a complicação mais frequente após palatoplastias e sua presença traz diversas implicações. Sua apresentação é diversificada e seu reparo pode ser difícil, o que se traduz na existência de uma diversidade de técnicas cirúrgicas descritas. Objetivo: Relatar a correção cirúrgica de fístula palatina anterior com retalho miomucoso labial superior, além de fazer uma breve revisão da literatura. Relato de caso: Paciente submetido à correção de fissura palatina completa, apresentando, no pós-operatório mediato, fístula anterior de palato duro e processo alveolar, submetido à correção da fístula palatina oronasal com retalho miomucoso de lábio superior. O paciente evoluiu satisfatoriamente, sem complicações e sem recidiva da lesão após um ano de seguimento. Conclusão: A técnica em questão mostrou-se simples e eficiente, prestando-se à correção da fístula palatal anterior.

A hidradenite supurativa, também conhecida como doença de Verneuil, é uma inflamação crônica e recorrente das glândulas apócrinas, sem etiologia conhecida, que evolui frequentemente com saída de secreção purulenta, formação de fístulas, cicatrizes inestéticas e retráteis, podendo acometer região inguinal, axilar, aréolas mamárias e umbigo. Neste trabalho, é apresentado um caso grave de doença de Verneuil em região axilar, em que foi realizada exérese da lesão e reconstrução com retalho fasciocutâneo toracodorsal bilateral como uma opção de reconstrução da região axilar, com boa resolubilidade e resultado estético.

Hidradenitis suppurativa also known as Verneuil's disease is a chronic inflammatory and recurrent disease that occurs in the apocrine glands. It results in recurrent abscesses with purulent secretion, fistulae formation, unaesthetic and retractable scars. The most common sites involved include the axilla, inguinoperineal regions, nipple-areolar complex, and umbilicus. Here, we report a case of severe Verneuil's disease of the axillary region managed with wide excision surgery, and thoracodorsal fasciocutaneous flap and bilateral coverage. This method provides good results for reconstruction of the axillary region.

O presente trabalho objetiva demonstrar provável relaço entre recorrência de toxoplasmose ocular e cirurgia refrativa (LASIK). Trata-se de relato de caso de um paciente de 33 anos de idade com recorrência de retinocoroidite toxoplásmica após cirurgia de LASIK. O exame fundoscópico do olho esquerdo revelou foco de retinocoroidite em atividade, satélite a cicatriz antiga de toxoplasmose ocular, 17 dias após cirurgia de LASIK. Os autores apresentam subsídios para o estabelecimento de relação causal entre LASIK e a reativação de retinocoroidite toxoplasmática.

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the probable relationship between the recurrence of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and refractive surgery (LASIK). The case consists in a toxoplasmic retinochoroditis recurrence observed in a 33-year-old patient after a LASIK surgery. Fundoscopy revealed a retinochoroiditis focus in activity in the left eye seventeen days after the surgery, adjacent to an old scar of ocular toxoplasmosis. The authors present findings that reinforce possible causal links between LASIK and the recurrence of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Cistos dermóides de cabeça e pescoço são relativamente raros e, usualmente, ocorrem na infância como lesões solitárias. Eles são diagnosticados e operados ao nascer, na maioria dos casos; portanto, essa é uma lesão incomum no adulto. Um homem de 23 anos apresentava tumoração congênita na fontanela anterior, cujo exame histopatológico revelou ser cisto dermóide. Foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico. O objetivo desse estudo é relatar o caso, uma vez tratar-se de condição rara no adulto.

Head and neck dermoid cysts are lesions relatively rare, which usually occur during childhood as solitary lesions. They are often identified and surgically removed at birth, being uncommon in adults. A 23-year-old male presented with a congenital tumor of the anterior fontanelle, which histopathological examination revealed a dermoid cyst. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice to remove this lesion. The objective of this study is to report the case, once this type of lesion is rare in adults.