Abstract Objectives Prominent ear abnormalities affect 5% of the population. A prospective, double-blind study of patients who underwent otoplasty procedures to correct these abnormalities was conducted to compare two surgical techniques. They diverge by the preservation or not of conchal cartilage. Methods The two techniques were compared by measuring the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles. Measurements were performed in pre and 6-months post-operative periods using alginate molding. Twenty patients were randomly assigned to two groups (with and without cartilage preservation) with 10 participants each. Student’s t-test, Covariance Analysis Model (ANCOVA), and non-parametric Mann-Whitney were used in the statistical analyses. Results A significant reduction in the average of the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles was observed in both surgical procedures (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between them (p = 0.887). Conclusion The two techniques analyzed in this study fulfilled their objectives. Therefore, further comparative studies are needed to confirm the superiority of one over the other. Level I Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

Abstract This work focuses on characterizing the role of different triblock copolymers on the dispersion of nanoparticles in an epoxy matrix and in the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites, using Poly (ethylene glycol) - block-poly (propylene glycol) - block-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG-b-PPG- b-PEG) with 30% PEG, and poly (propylene glycol) - block-poly (ethylene glycol) - block-poly (propylene glycol) (PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG) with 50% PEG. The nanoparticles employed have different geometries: carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets and carbon black (spherical). Both copolymers were miscible in epoxy. The results suggest that the copolymers viscosity may be interfering with the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix: the PPG-b- PEG-b-PPG50% copolymer has a higher viscosity than the PEG b-PPG-b-PEG30%, which facilitates their dispersion and an increase in mechanical properties. The PEG fraction was an important factor in the dispersion of nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix. The higher the PEG content in the copolymer block, the greater the synergy shown in the mechanical properties, since the nanoparticles inhibited the plasticizing effect of the block copolymer.

Abstract Fruit coproducts fruit, made of peels, seeds and pulp, discarded during the industrial processing, contain lots of health beneficial compounds, however, high moisture content limits its use. Drying is a low cost and great potential alternative for using. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds content, in vitro antioxidant capacity and total carotenoid, anthocyanins and vitamin C contents of pineapple (Ananas comosus), banana (Musa sp.), lychee (Litchi chinensis) and papaya (Carica papaya) peels, fresh and oven dried at 55 °C. Phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C contents and the antioxidant capacity of flours, were also significantly higher, indicating that the drying process promoted the concentration of these components, and constitute an excellent alternative to use these coproducts as a source of nutrients.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a associação entre o consumo alimentar gestacional com diferentes condições clínicas das gestantes (hipertensão, diabete, tabagismo, restrição de crescimento intrauterino e um grupo controle) e os demais fatores associados. Métodos: pesquisa transversal aninhada em estudo de coorte realizado de 2011 a2016 em três hospitais de Porto Alegre (Brasil). Foram analisadas, por um questionário estruturado, as condições sociodemográficas e o pré-natal; e práticas alimentares gestacionais pelo Questionário de Frequência Alimentar (QFA). Para o cálculo do percentual calórico referente ao processamento, os itens alimentares foram categorizados em: in natura ou minimamente processados, processados e ultraprocessados. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis com post-hoc de Dunn comparou o consumo alimentar entre os grupos e a regressão de Poisson, a associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: não houve diferença de consumo calórico entre as 303 mães dos diferentes grupos pesquisados, porém as gestantes diabéticas apresentaram menor valor de contribuição vinda dos alimentos ultraprocessados. Além disso, as gestantes de todos os grupos apresentaram consumo adequado em relação ao percentual de contribuição calórica de macronutrientes no valor energético total. Conclusões: não foi encontrada associação entre consumo alimentar e diferentes condições clínicas gestacionais. Nas gestantes diabéticas, tabagistas e hipertensas foram observadas associações da ingestão energética total com diferentes fatores sociodemográficos entre os grupos.

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the association between dietary intake during pregnancy and different gestational clinical conditions (hypertensive, diabetics, smokers, having intrauterine growth restriction and a control group) and associated factors. Methods: cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study from 2011 to 2016 that occurred in three hospitals in Porto Alegre (Brazil). Sociodemographic conditions and prenatal were investigated and maternal feeding practices were analyzed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire. To calculate the caloric percentage from food groups, food items were categorized into:unprocessed or minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed foods. The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc compared food consumption between the groups and the Poisson regression evaluated the association between the variables. Results: there was no statistical difference in food intake among 303 mothers of different gestational clinical conditions, but diabetic pregnant women had lower caloric contribution value of ultra-processed foods. In addition, pregnant women from all groups showed adequate consumption in relation to the percentage of caloric contribution of macronutrients in the total energy value. Conclusions: there was no difference in energy consumption according to different gestational clinical conditions.In diabetic, smokers and hypertensive pregnant women, associations between total energy intake and different sociodemographic factors were observed between the groups.

Background: In the perioperative context, a frailty evaluation scale must consider certain characteristics such as validation, execution speed, simplicity, the capacity to measure multiple dimensions and not being dependent on a cognitive or physical test that could not be performed prior to surgery. The test should select patients that could benefit from interventions aimed to improve their postoperative outcomes. Aim: To validate two frailty evaluation scales for the perioperative period. Material and Methods: The Risk Analysis Index with local modifications (RAI-M) were applied to 201 patients aged 73 ± 7 years (49% women) and the Edmonton frailty scale were applied in 151 patients aged 73 ± 7 years (49% women) in the preoperative period. Their results were compared with the Rockwood frailty index. Results: The Edmonton frail scale showed adequate psychometric properties and assessed multiple dimensions through 8 of the 11 original questions, achieving a discrimination power over 80% compared to the Rockwood Index. The RAI- M, demonstrated solid psychometric properties with a tool that examines 4 dimensions of frailty through 15 questions and reviewing the presence of 11 medical comorbidities. This scale had a discrimination power greater than 85% and it was significantly associated with prolongation of the planned hospital stay and mortality. Conclusions: RAI-M is a short and easily administered scale, useful to detect frailty in the preoperative period.

ABSTRACT >Injection molds can fail after a certain period of use, which may compromise the final part’s integrity and quality, but that can be solved using welding repair processes. This work aimed to investigate the influence of AISI P20 molds repaired by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Nd-YAG laser-welding processes on the properties of injection-molded parts with semi-crystalline (polypropylene) and amorphous (polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene and styrene terpolymer) thermoplastics. Welds were prepared by machining 0.8 mm-deep 40 mm x 5 mm grooves to be filled by GTAW and Nd-YAG laser-welding deposits, in order to simulate the repair of AISI P20 molds. All polymers were injected into weld-repaired and unrepaired molds, and then evaluated in terms of microstructure, crystallinity degree, mechanical properties and gloss. The results suggest that the repaired region for both studied welding processes, despite the difference in hardness of the weld region, does not significantly affect the properties of semi-crystalline and amorphous injected polymers.

RESUMO Filmes de polietileno de alta densidade (PEAD) foram tratados por plasma radiofrequência (RF) de N2/O2. Foi investigado o efeito da pressão do gás de trabalho N2/O2, do plasma, na texturização superficial do filme. O plasma gerado em baixa potência (20W) permite manter a amostra em baixa temperatura (T<40°C) durante o tratamento de superfície. Os resultados mostram que a rugosidade superficial, em escala nanométrica, é muito sensível à pressão do gás de trabalho, entre 0,01Torr e 0,5Torr. Quando o material é tratado em pressão mais baixa (0,01Torr), observa-se a formação de uma estrutura superficial nanométrica de vales e picos com elevada regularidade. Por outro lado, quando o tratamento é feito em pressão mais alta (0,5 Torr), observa-se a formação de uma textura mais grossa na superfície da amostra, além da formação de ilhas de moléculas oxidadas. Em todos as condições estudadas, as amostras tornaram-se hidrofílicas após o tratamento por plasma, mantendo a característica de hidrofilicidade durante vários dias após o tratamento, retornando gradativamente à condição original de molhabilidade.

ABSTRACT HDPE films were treated in the post-discharge region of N2/O2 plasma, powered by a radio frequency power supply. Therefore, in this paper, it was investigated the role of pressure in molding the nano-topography of the polymer. The treatment was carried out in low temperature (T <40 ° C) and time of 5.0 min, in order to preserve the integrity of the polymer bulk. It is well known that the production and recombination rate of reactive species in the plasma depends on the working gas pressure. Results show that the surface nano-roughness is very sensitive to pressure, between 0.01Torr and 0.5Torr, making it possible to use as a fine control parameter for polymer nano-texturing. In the lower pressure treatment it was observed regular nano-peaks and nano-troughs on the surface of the sample. Contact angle measurements show that, in general, the surface becomes hydrophilic after N2/O2 plasma treatment. In addition, samples treated in higher pressure generate oxidized islands by the action of the oxidizing plasma. All samples became more hydrophilic after plasma treatment, maintaining this hydrophilicity characteristic for several days.

This work aims to investigate the role of epoxy addition in high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The block copolymer polyethylene-b-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG-co-PE) was used as a compatibilizer. The samples were obtained by melt mixing using a torque rheometer. Instrumental nanoindentation was used to determine Young's modulus and nanohardness, thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and phase morphology was investigated through transmission and scanning electronic microscopy. The epoxy addition increased HDPE crystallinity by 13% and Young's modulus by 8%. The addition of PEG-co-PE decreased the size of dispersed phase by approximately 50% and improved phase adhesion and homogeneity compared to the blends without block copolymer. The experimental results were compared to numerical results obtained from the use of the homogenization by asymptotic expansion approach. The numerical results presented a fair agreement to the experimental values.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the risk of infection and illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis among health care and security staff in prisons in two regions of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Method: cross-sectional study involving prison staff. An interview and sputum smear microscopy and culture were performed. Latent infection was evaluated according to the result of the tuberculin test (TT), self-referred. Results: among staff who had a TT, 10 (83.3%) in the central region and 2 (16.7%) in the southern region were considered reactors. Length of employment among prison officers who reacted to TT was 15.3 years, and among health care workers, 4.1 years (p = 0.01). No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were identified. Conclusion: prevalence of latent TB was 27.9%. Length of employment between different professional categories and their working regions was considered a risk factor for latent TB.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el riesgo de infección y de la enfermedad por Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre los profesionales de la salud y seguridad en los centros penitenciarios en dos regiones del estado de Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Método: estudio transversal con la participación de profesionales de la prisión. Se llevó a cabo una entrevista, la baciloscopia y cultivo de esputo. La infección latente se evaluó de acuerdo con el resultado de la prueba de la tuberculina (TST) mediante auto-reporte. Resultados: entre los trabajadores que realizaron la TST en la región central, 10 (83,3%) fueron considerados reactores; y 2 (16,7%) en la región Sur. El tiempo de trabajo entre los agentes de la prisión con reacción a la TST fue de 15,3 años, y entre los trabajadores de la salud fue de 4,1 años (p = 0,01). No hubo casos identificados de la tuberculosis (TB) activa. Conclusión: la prevalencia de la TB latente fue del 27,9%. El tiempo de trabajo entre las diferentes categorías profesionales y la región en la que trabajan fueron considerados factores de riesgo para la TB latente.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o risco de infecção e adoecimento por Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre profissionais de saúde e de segurança em casas penitenciárias de duas regiões do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Método: estudo transversal, envolvendo profissionais de penitenciárias. Foi realizada uma entrevista, baciloscopia e cultura de escarro. A infecção latente foi avaliada de acordo com o resultado do teste tuberculínico (TT), auto-referido. Resultados: entre os trabalhadores que realizaram o TT na região central, 10 (83,3%) foram considerados reatores; e na região sul, 2 (16,7%). O tempo de trabalho entre os agentes penitenciários reatores ao TT foi 15,3 anos e entre os trabalhadores da saúde 4,1 anos (p = 0,01). Não foram identificados casos de Tuberculose (TB) ativa. Conclusão: a prevalência de TB latente foi 27,9%. O tempo de trabalho entre as diferentes categorias profissionais e a região em que trabalham foram considerados fator de risco para TB latente.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o risco de infecção e adoecimento por Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre profissionais de saúde e de segurança em casas penitenciárias de duas regiões do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Método: estudo transversal, envolvendo profissionais de penitenciárias. Foi realizada uma entrevista, baciloscopia e cultura de escarro. A infecção latente foi avaliada de acordo com o resultado do teste tuberculínico (TT), auto-referido. Resultados: entre os trabalhadores que realizaram o TT na região central, 10 (83,3%) foram considerados reatores; e na região sul, 2 (16,7%). O tempo de trabalho entre os agentes penitenciários reatores ao TT foi 15,3 anos e entre os trabalhadores da saúde 4,1 anos (p = 0,01). Não foram identificados casos de Tuberculose (TB) ativa. Conclusão: a prevalência de TB latente foi 27,9%. O tempo de trabalho entre as diferentes categorias profissionais e a região em que trabalham foram considerados fator de risco para TB latente.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the risk of infection and illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis among health care and security staff in prisons in two regions of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Method: cross-sectional study involving prison staff. An interview and sputum smear microscopy and culture were performed. Latent infection was evaluated according to the result of the tuberculin test (TT), self-referred. Results: among staff who had a TT, 10 (83.3%) in the central region and 2 (16.7%) in the southern region were considered reactors. Length of employment among prison officers who reacted to TT was 15.3 years, and among health care workers, 4.1 years (p = 0.01). No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were identified. Conclusion: prevalence of latent TB was 27.9%. Length of employment between different professional categories and their working regions was considered a risk factor for latent TB.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el riesgo de infección y de la enfermedad por Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre los profesionales de la salud y seguridad en los centros penitenciarios en dos regiones del estado de Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Método: estudio transversal con la participación de profesionales de la prisión. Se llevó a cabo una entrevista, la baciloscopia y cultivo de esputo. La infección latente se evaluó de acuerdo con el resultado de la prueba de la tuberculina (TST) mediante auto-reporte. Resultados: entre los trabajadores que realizaron la TST en la región central, 10 (83,3%) fueron considerados reactores; y 2 (16,7%) en la región Sur. El tiempo de trabajo entre los agentes de la prisión con reacción a la TST fue de 15,3 años, y entre los trabajadores de la salud fue de 4,1 años (p = 0,01). No hubo casos identificados de la tuberculosis (TB) activa. Conclusión: la prevalencia de la TB latente fue del 27,9%. El tiempo de trabajo entre las diferentes categorías profesionales y la región en la que trabajan fueron considerados factores de riesgo para la TB latente.

ABSTRACT Conducting polymers presents many potential applications such as biosensors and biofuelcells. However, to be used in those devices, a thin film must be deposited onto a conducting and biocompatible substrate. In this work, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were mixed in a poly (lactic acid) - PLA - matrix with different compositions (from 0.25 to 5.0 %) in order to form conducting composites suitable to the deposition of a conducting polymer. Thermal properties of PLA/CNT composites were evaluated by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differenctial Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and the electrical properties were evaluated by 2-probe method and by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Thermal analysis showed and influence of CNT quantities on PLA crystallization, which also showed an influence on conductivity of the tested materials. Besides, the conductivity of PLA/NTC 1% film showed similar values of the conducting polymer (Pani) itself.

ABSTRACT In this paper, nanocomposites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) or graphene nanosheets were prepared using a high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. Two different processes were employed: a solution method and a melt mixing method. The crystallinity index of the HDPE showed similar levels in nanocomposites after the addition of carbon nanotubes. It can be seen that the preparation process modified the degree of crystallinity of the HDPE matrix with graphene nanosheets. Nanocomposites prepared by the solution method showed a decrease in the crystallinity index. The addition of carbon nanotubes led to an increase of Young's Modulus with an increase in the MWCNT quantity, regardless of the preparation process used, with a 22.8 % increase for composites with 0.5 wt% of CNTs. The nanocomposites with graphene nanosheets exhibited a different behavior with each mixing method. Nanocomposites prepared by the solution method showed a higher Young's Modulus than those prepared by melt mixing. Results of transmission electronic microscopy and field emission scanning electronic microscopy indicated homogeneous dispersion for carbon nanotubes in melt mixing. Graphene nanocomposites showed some agglomerates, with smaller platelets in the nanocomposites prepared by solution mixing compared to that prepared by the melt mixing.

RESUMO: A polpa cítrica está entre os produtos que podem ser utilizados como substitutos na alimentação de ruminantes, diminuindo os gastos e mantendo a qualidade nutricional do alimento fornecido aos animais, porém, esses alimentos devem ser utilizados de forma que não tragam malefícios. Assim, o presente relato visa apresentar a ocorrência de erosão dentária, actinomicose e polioencefalomalácia em ovinos criados e mantidos recebendo alimentação à base de polpa cítrica úmida despectinada na concentração de 50% do volumoso. A actinomicose foi diagnosticada em cinco animais por meio de exame clínico, radiográfico e cultivo microbiológico, e após tratamento três animais foram curados. Já a polioencefalomalácia foi confirmada em dez animais pelos sintomas manifestados, eficiência da terapia instituída em nove animais e exame anatomopatológico de um animal que veio a óbito. De acordo com o observado, deve-se ter cuidado ao utilizar grande quantidade de polpa cítrica úmida como volumoso.

ABSTRACT: The citrus pulp can be used as a substitute in ruminant feed reducing costs and maintaining the nutritional quality of food. However, this compound should be used carefully so as not to cause harm to the animals. The present report aims to describe the occurrence of dental erosion, actinomycosis and polioencephalomalacia in sheep raised and kept with a wet low pectin citrus pulp based diet, composing 50% of roughage. Actinomycosis was diagnosed in five animals through clinical and radiographic examinations and microbiological culture, and, after treatment, three animals were cured. Polioencephalomalacia was confirmed in ten animals by clinical diagnostics, in nine out of ten animals by therapeutic diagnosis, and in one animal by post-mortem anatomopathological examination. According to the observed, we recommend caution when large amounts of citrus pulp are used as bulky food.

In this work, nanocomposites with simultaneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes and clays in a high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix were prepared. Two different processes of preparation were employed: solution or melt intercalation. Two different montmorillonite clays were used separately: a natural (MMT-Na) or an organoclay (MMT-30B) and it was used multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Thermal properties were evaluated by DSC and TGA, mechanical properties were evaluated by nanoindentetion and morphology was investigated by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Alterations of 20% in crystallinity were detected, increases in Young´s modulus up to 12% were observed and up to 20% of increase was observed in Oliver-Pharr hardness. It is possible to explain part of those results based on the state of dispersion observed in our TEM results.

In this paper, the influence of calcium carbonate and slip agent on linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) processed by rotational molding was evaluated. LMDPE was dry blended with different CaCO3 masterbatch ratios, erucamide slip agent and then extruded, micronized and rotomolded. The powder samples were characterized using MFI (Melting flow index), dry flow and bulk density. The characterization of rotomolded samples properties was performed by DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry), microscopy analysis, izod impact and tensile test. The results pointed out that the CaCO3 addition modifies the bulk density compared to neat LMDPE, but did not significantly affect the dry flow and MFI. The erucamide addition decreased the dry flow and increased the bulk densities. The porosity degree data showed that CaCO3 addition in the LMDPE increased the quantity of pores. The DSC results showed no significant difference in the crystallinity degree. The behavior of porosity led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of LMDPE with the CaCO3 addition.