A review of starch-based biocomposites reinforced with plant fibers.

Renewable and biodegradable resources have gained increasing attention as promising alternatives to synthetic plastics. Among the diverse raw materials employed in bioplastics production, starch emerges as an attractive, low-cost, and largely available source. However, the inherent properties of starch-based materials often limit their utility across various applications, necessitating strategic modifications to enhance their performance.

Limonene and its derived oligomer as bioactive additives in starch/coffee husks biocomposites for food packaging applications.

In this study, antioxidant, and antimicrobial starch-based biocomposite films reinforced with coffee husks (S/CH) were developed by incorporating either limonene (LM) (S/CH/LM) or its oligomer derivative, poly(limonene) (PLM) (S/CH/PLM), at different concentrations (5-10 % w/w of starch). Through a comprehensive assessment of film properties, morphology, and structure, a comparative analysis between the two additives was proposed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed some defects throughout the polymer matrix after additive incorporation.

Alternative flexible plastic packaging for instant coffees.

Instant coffees are consumed worldwide and their packages must protect them mainly from moisture gain. Flexible packaging stand-up pouches made by PET/Al foil/LDPE are currently used but, the look for alternative materials is interesting to replace the aluminum foil with reducing costs and focusing on sustainability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality loss of freeze-dried and spray-dried (agglomerated and powder) instant coffees during 365 days at 25 °C/75% RH, packaged in five plastic structures: PET (polyethylene terephthalate)/Al (aluminum) foil/LDPE (low density polyethylene), LDPE/HDPE (high density polyethylene)/LDPE, BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene)/BOPP met (metallized)/PP, PET/PET met/LDPE and PET/BOPP met/LDPE.

Intraocular Lymphoma: When to Suspect a Sinister Cause of Ocular Haemorrhage.

Unlabelled: Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is a rare and life-threatening condition whose aetiology is unclear. Blurred vision, reduced vision, and floaters are common initial symptoms. Posterior vitreous detachment and haemorrhage rarely occur.

Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resolved by Eradication.

Unlabelled: Protein-losing enteropathy (PLGE) is an uncommon condition with a multifactorial origin, that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinaemia and oedema. The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man admitted to hospital for a 2-month history of lower extremity oedema and diarrhoea with a secretory pattern. Blood analysis revealed hypoalbuminaemia and iron deficiency anaemia.

Biopolymer-Based Films from Sodium Alginate and Citrus Pectin Reinforced with SiO.

Blend films based on sodium alginate (SA) and citrus pectin (P) reinforced with different concentrations of SiO (0-10% /) were developed in this study. From the morphological (SEM) and structural (FT-IR) evaluation, it was verified that the incorporation of the reinforcing agent did not drastically modify the microstructure of the films, nor did new chemical bonds form. However, the XRD results suggested a slight reduction in the crystallinities of the blends by the incorporation of SiO.

Improving the mechanical properties and thermal stability of sodium alginate/hydrolyzed collagen films through the incorporation of SiO.

Biopolymer-based films have become leading alternatives to traditional fossil-based packaging plastics. Among the countless types of biopolymers with potential for such applications, films containing hydrolyzed collagen in their composition were scarcely explored. This study determined the effect of different loads of nano-SiO (0, 2, 6, 8 and 10% w/w of sodium alginate) in the sodium alginate (SA) and hydrolyzed collagen (HC) blend films in terms of structure, thickness, mechanical properties, and thermal stability.

O-ATRP synthesized poly(β-pinene) blended with chitosan for antimicrobial and antioxidant bio-based films production.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are important characteristics of active film packaging designed to extend food preservation. In this study, functional bio-based films were produced using different concentrations of antioxidant poly(β-pinene) bio-oligomer synthesized via organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP) and blended with chitosan of different molecular weights. The structural, mechanical, thermal, solubility, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the films were investigated.

Effect of low concentrations of SiO nanoparticles on the physical and chemical properties of sodium alginate-based films.

This work investigated the effect of adding low concentrations of nano-SiO (0.5, 1.0 and 1.

PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS CLOSURE: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTER.

Objective: To characterize the number and methods of closure of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) over a span of 16 years in a third level maternity hospital.

Methods: Retrospective study of neonates born between January 2003 and Deccember 2018, who underwent ductus arteriosus closure by pharmacological, surgical and/or transcatheter methods. Gestational age, birth weight, number and methods of closures per year were evaluated.

Pleural Sarcoidosis and Occult Lymphatic Anthracosis: An Unusual Symptomatic Association.

Unlabelled: Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. Virtually any organ or system can be involved, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentation. Pleural sarcoidosis is rare.

Pericardial Effusion as an Initial Presentation of Panhypopituitarism.

Unlabelled: Pericardial effusion has a broad spectrum of clinical presentation, ranging from an incidental finding on imaging to a potentially fatal emergency such as pericardial tamponade, the most severe presentation. The authors present a case of a middle-aged male hospitalized due to shortness of breath. Initial work-up was positive for massive pericardial effusion with haemodynamic compromise.

Methicillin-sensitive bacterial endarteritis associated with vascular closure device.

Percutaneous endovascular procedures (PEPs) are increasingly common in clinical practice. Percutaneous closure devices (PCD) ensure safe and immediate haemostasis, reducing the length of hospitalisation and improving patient comfort. Infectious complications are rare.

DNA Barcoding for the Identification of Phyllanthus Taxa Used Medicinally in Brazil.

Plants of the genus principally , and are used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat kidney stones as well as other ailments, where the latter two species are listed in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia as (). However, only has been shown to be effective in a clinical setting. Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 - 5.

Marantic endocarditis and paraneoplastic pulmonary embolism.

Cancer is frequently associated with a hypercoagulable state. Almost 15% of patients with cancer will suffer a thromboembolic event during their clinical course. The aetiology of this hypercoagulable state is multifactorial and includes procoagulant factors associated with malignancy as well as the host's inflammatory response.

Severe ischemic colitis following olanzapine use - A case report.

Ischemic colitis is the most common subtype of intestinal ischemia usually resulting from vasospasm, vessel occlusion or mesenteric hypoperfusion. Neuroleptics have seldom been linked to ischemic colitis by blocking peripheral anticholinergic and antiserotonergic receptors inducing severe gastrointestinal paresis. We report a young patient with severe ischemic colitis requiring surgery due to necrosis of the bowel.

[Digital educational materials in nursing: assessment by professors from an undergraduate course].

This study addresses the use of digital learning materials in the format of hypertext, educational games and simulations about oxygen therapy with professors of an Undergraduate Nursing Course. It is a cross-sectional exploratory study that was carried out at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in 2006 with 10 intentionally selected professors. Data collection was performed by means of a questionnaire, using a Likert scale to assess the suitability of the content, visual presentation and use of learning materials.

[Undergraduate nursing students experience of a computer-based learning course].

The purpose of this qualitative study was to get to know how undergraduate nursing students at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Nursing School experienced the computer-based learning (CBL) course: "Socio-historical process in nursing education". Five female students, who had attended the course the previous semester, were interviewed. Data were analyzed according to the thematic analysis.

Patent ductus arteriosus--neonatal intensive care unit registry.

Objectives: This study took place at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Dr Daniel de Matos Maternity Hospital and evaluated the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the clinical evolution of the newborns affected, the treatment prescribed, and associated morbidity and mortality.

Methods: We carried out a retrospective medical chart review of newborns admitted to the NICU between January 2001 and December 2005.

Results: PDA was found in 69 newborns.

Stability of Sliced Mozzarella Cheese in Modified-Atmosphere Packaging.

Twelve slices of mozzarella cheese (about 174 g) were packaged in expanded polystyrene trays placed in gas-barrier bags under three different atmospheres (100% N, 100% CO, and 50% CO/50% N). A gas headspace-to-cheese ratio of 2.5 liters/kg of cheese was initially set in the modified-atmosphere packages.