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A endometriose caracteriza-se pela observação do tecido endometrial fora da cavidade uterina, na região pélvica e tecidos adjacentes ao útero, e pode desencadear sintomas que variam de dismenorreia a dores pélvicas intensas e infertilidade. Um sintoma chave na suspeita da doença é o surgimento ou a exacerbação de dismenorreia refratária ao tratamento convencional. Tem sido observada forte associação entre dor pélvica crônica e endometriose. Apesar disso, a etiologia, a fisiopatologia e as vias nociceptivas que desencadeiam os sintomas de dor na endometriose permanecem não compreendidas, o que tem resultado em intervenções terapêuticas não efetivas que comprometem a qualidade de vida e a fertilidade da mulher. A IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain) define a dor como uma experiência emocional, com sensação desagradável, associada à lesão tecidual presente, potencial ou descrita como tal43. Sendo assim, eis que a dor por si só poderia estabelecer uma interação cérebro-corpo através do estresse que provoca. Entretanto, o estresse “inflamatório periférico” – descrito na endometriose – e a potência de sintomas clínicos como a dor crônica podem por sua vez induzir a resposta à doença, a qual pode ser intitulada “inter-relação corpo-cérebro” (Figura 1) (TARIVERDIAN et al., 2007; WANG et al., 2021). Tal relação pode subsequentemente perpetuar a percepção do estresse e disparar a liberação de hormônio liberador de corticotropina (CRH) pelo sistema nervoso central (SNC) e dar início a alterações no comportamento, através da circulação aumentada de citocinas que cruzam a barreira hematoencefálica ou pela estimulação de vias aferentes vagais pelas citocinas pró-inflamatórias peritoneais (TARIVERDIAN et al., 2007; KONINCKX et al., 2021). A percepção do estresse agrava a angiogênese e a inflamação peritoneal, a dor crônica e a infertilidade em pacientes com endometriose via circuitos neurais envolvendo as catecolaminas, CRH, fator de crescimento neural (NGF), substância P (SP), e peptídeo relacionado com o gene da calcitonina (CGRP); isto pode ser referido como “inter-relação cérebro-corpo-cérebro” já que envolve a resposta central ao estresse. Como resultado, observa-se um ciclo vicioso “cérebro-corpo-cérebro” nas pacientes que sofrem com a endometriose (TARIVERDIAN et al., 2007; MARQUARDT et al., 2019; WANG et al., 2021).

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a foam-like porous material consisting of few-layer graphene obtained by laser irradiation of a wide range of carbon-containing substrates. Among these, the ability to synthesize LIG from paper and other cellulose-related materials is particularly exciting, as it opens the door to a wide assortment of potential applications in the form of low-cost, flexible, and biodegradable devices. Here, the synthesis of this material, dubbed paper-LIG, on different types of filter papers and xylan biopolymer is discussed. In particular, we report the formation of paper-LIG by single-step irradiation, providing an improvement over the conventional multiple lasing approach and giving an explanation of the conditions that allow this simplified synthesis. All the relevant process parameters are covered, assessing their effect on the resulting electrical properties, structure, and morphology. Additionally, we demonstrate the application of LIG obtained from xylan, an abundant and often underutilized biopolymer, for temperature sensing. These results provide a better understanding of the conditions required for the synthesis of highly conductive LIG from paper and related materials, paving the way for its application, with reduced cost and low environmental impact, in fields ranging from biomonitoring to consumer electronics. published

Objective: Cardiopulmonary Arrest (CPA) is an abrupt cessation of cardiac, respiratory and brain function, in this sense, the work aims to show the importance of nursing care in front of Cardiopulmonary Arrest (CPA), in addition to the main care actions of nursing to the patient victim of CPA in a hospital unit in a city in the interior of Bahia. Method: This is a descriptive study of an experience report type about the experience in Supervised Internship II, on the role of nurses during cardiac arrest in the city of Irecê-BA. Results: In this sense, it was possible to observe the role of nurses in nursing care in the face of cardiorespiratory arrest, it was also possible to show that the nurse, through their care, is an essential and capable professional to diagnose and attend to CPA, both in decision-making to start care, as in medication care. Conclusion: The nurse is of paramount importance in the face of a CPA, as a professional active in decision-making and able to identify and carry out the necessary procedures to increase patient survival. Objetivo: La Parada Cardiopulmonar (APC) es un cese brusco de la función cardíaca, respiratoria y cerebral, en este sentido, el trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar la importancia del cuidado de enfermería frente al Paro Cardiopulmonar (APC), además de las principales acciones asistenciales de Enfermería al paciente víctima de CPA en una unidad hospitalaria de una ciudad del interior de Bahía. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de tipo relato de experiencia sobre la experiencia en Pasantía Supervisada II, sobre el rol del enfermero durante la parada cardíaca en la ciudad de Irece-BA. Resultados: En este sentido, se pudo observar el rol del enfermero en el cuidado de enfermería ante el paro cardiorrespiratorio, también se pudo demostrar que el enfermero, a través de su cuidado, es un profesional imprescindible y capacitado para diagnosticar y atender CPA, tanto en la toma de decisiones para iniciar la atención, como en la atención de medicamentos. Conclusión: El enfermero es de suma importancia ante el CPA, como profesional activo en la toma de decisiones y capaz de identificar y realizar los procedimientos necesarios para incrementar la supervivencia del paciente. Objetivo: A Parada Cardiorrespiratória (PCR) é uma cessação abrupta da função cardíaca, respiratória e cerebral, nesse sentindo o trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar a importância da assistência de enfermagem frente à Parada Cardiorrespiratória (PCR), além disso, as principais ações assistenciais de enfermagem ao paciente vítima de PCR em uma unidade hospitalar em um município do interior da Bahia. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de natureza descritiva tipo relato de experiência acerca da vivência no Estágio Supervisionado II, sobre a atuação do Enfermeiro durante a parada cardiorrespiratória no município de Irecê-BA. Resultados: Nesse sentido, foi possível observar a atuação do enfermeiro na assistência de enfermagem frente a parada cardiorrespiratória, também foi possível mostrar que o enfermeiro, por meio de seus cuidados prestados, é um profissional essencial e capacitado para diagnosticar e atender uma PCR, tanto na tomada de decisões para iniciar o atendimento, quanto nos cuidados com medicação. Conclusão: O enfermeiro é de suma importância diante de uma PCR, como um profissional atuante na tomada de decisões e apto para identificar e realizar os procedimentos necessários para aumentar a sobrevida do paciente.

Objective: Prenatal care is a health care for pregnant women, and it becomes a powerful strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. In this sense, the study will describe the experience lived as a nursing student, given the role of nurses in care to pregnant women at the basic health unit in a municipality in the interior of Bahia. Method: This is a descriptive study of an experience report type about the experience in the Supervised Internship, on the role of nurses during prenatal care in the city of Irecê-BA. Results: In this sense, it was possible to observe the role of nurses in low-risk prenatal consultations. Where anamnesis and physical examination were carried out during the consultations, in addition to the prescription and interpretation of exams, prescription of medications, health education through general guidance on pregnancy, the consultations were alternated between the nurse and the doctor. Assistance was provided in a humane way, providing early detection of possible problems that may occur during pregnancy. Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the prenatal consultation in a complete way due to the wide range of information to be recorded in various forms that involve this consultation. Objetivo: El cuidado prenatal es un cuidado de salud para la gestante, y se convierte en una poderosa estrategia para reducir la mortalidad materna y neonatal. En este sentido, el estudio describirá la experiencia vivida como estudiante de enfermería, dado el rol de las enfermeras en el cuidado de la gestante mujeres en la unidad básica de salud de un municipio del interior de Bahía. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de tipo relato de experiencia sobre la experiencia en el Internado Supervisado, sobre el rol de las enfermeras durante la atención prenatal en la ciudad de Irecê-BA. Resultados: En este sentido, fue posible observar el papel de las enfermeras en las consultas prenatales de bajo riesgo. Donde se realizó anamnesis y exploración física durante las consultas, además de la prescripción e interpretación de exámenes, prescripción de medicamentos, educación en salud a través de orientación general sobre embarazo, las consultas se alternaron entre la enfermera y el médico. La asistencia se brindó de manera humana, brindando detección temprana de posibles problemas que pudieran ocurrir durante el embarazo. Conclusión: Es necesario estar atento a la consulta prenatal de forma completa debido al amplio abanico de información a registrar en las diversas formas que implica esta consulta. Objetivo: O acompanhamento pré-natal é um cuidado da saúde de gestantes, e se torna uma poderosa estratégia para reduzir a mortalidade materna e neonatal, nesse sentido o estudo vai descrever a experiência vivida enquanto acadêmica de enfermagem, diante da atuação do enfermeiro na assistência à gestante na unidade básica de saúde em um município do interior da Bahia. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de natureza descritiva tipo relato de experiência acerca da vivência no Estágio Supervisionado, sobre a atuação do Enfermeiro durante o pré-natal no município de Irecê-BA. Resultados: Nesse sentido, foi possível observar a atuação do enfermeiro nas consultas de pré-natal de baixo risco. Onde durante as consultas eram realizados anamnese e exame físico, além de prescrição e interpretação dos exames, prescrição de medicamentos, educação em saúde por meio de orientações gerais sobre a gestação, as consultas eram alternadas entre a enfermeira e o médico. A assistência era prestada de forma humanizada proporcionar a detecção precoce de possíveis problemas que possam ocorrer durante a gestação. Conclusão: É preciso estar atento à consulta de pré-natal de forma completa mediante o grande leque de informação a serem registradas em vários impressos que envolvem essa consulta.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, recurrent and chronic disorder associated with cognitive impairment, reduction in quality of life and substantially reduction in psychosocial functioning. It presents high rates of comorbidity with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Individuals with bipolar disorder need to focus their attention and treatment on mental and physical health. Physical exercise is often recommended in bipolar disorder, based on extrapolation from the major depressive disorder literature, theory and clinical expertise. However, studies tend to exclude individuals with BD or make no distinction between diagnostic groups, which leads to heterogeneity and difficulty in generalizing the results. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of physical exercise as an intervention in bipolar disorder treatment. Method: The study populations must be humans, aged 18 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD) according to a recognised widely-used diagnostic classification approach, confirmed with a structured interview. We will evaluate two main outcomes (mood symptoms improvement and functioning) and an additional outcome (prevention of relapse/recurrence). The search strategy will be based on the PICOS framework, using medical subject headings, on the following databases: MEDLINE (via Pubmed), EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus (via EBSCO), PsycINFO (via APA) and OpenGrey Repository. Selection and data collection process will be carried out by two authors, independently. Risk of bias and quality of evidence will be graded acording ROB-2 and GRADE. We will present a narrative and quantitative synthesis of the results from the included studies. Regarding quantitative data, we will extract means (M) and standard deviations (SD), when available, to calculate the standardised mean difference (SMD). Effects size will be calculated using SMD and 95% confidence interval and heterogeneity will be assessed. Subgroup analysis will be conducted to explore heterogeneity across studies depending on quality and quantity of the data extracted.Discussion: To date, there wasn't a systematic review with only randomized controlled trials on effects of physical activity on BD. Because of this, we will conduct this systematic review trying to estabilish the effects of exercise on mood, functionality and prevention of relapse.Registration: submitted

Objetivo: A Parada Cardiorrespiratória (PCR) é uma cessação abrupta da função cardíaca, respiratória e cerebral, nesse sentindo o trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar a importância da assistência de enfermagem frente à Parada Cardiorrespiratória (PCR), além disso, as principais ações assistenciais de enfermagem ao paciente vítima de PCR em uma unidade hospitalar em um município do interior da Bahia. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de natureza descritiva tipo relato de experiência acerca da vivência no Estágio Supervisionado II, sobre a atuação do Enfermeiro durante a parada cardiorrespiratória no município de Irecê-BA. Resultados: Nesse sentido, foi possível observar a atuação do enfermeiro na assistência de enfermagem frente a parada cardiorrespiratória, também foi possível mostrar que o enfermeiro, por meio de seus cuidados prestados, é um profissional essencial e capacitado para diagnosticar e atender uma PCR, tanto na tomada de decisões para iniciar o atendimento, quanto nos cuidados com medicação. Conclusão: O enfermeiro é de suma importância diante de uma PCR, como um profissional atuante na tomada de decisões e apto para identificar e realizar os procedimentos necessários para aumentar a sobrevida do paciente.

Objetivo: O acompanhamento pré-natal é um cuidado da saúde de gestantes, e se torna uma poderosa estratégia para reduzir a mortalidade materna e neonatal, nesse sentido o estudo vai descrever a experiência vivida enquanto acadêmica de enfermagem, diante da atuação do enfermeiro na assistência à gestante na unidade básica de saúde em um município do interior da Bahia. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de natureza descritiva tipo relato de experiência acerca da vivência no Estágio Supervisionado, sobre a atuação do Enfermeiro durante o pré-natal no município de Irecê-BA. Resultados: Nesse sentido, foi possível observar a atuação do enfermeiro nas consultas de pré-natal de baixo risco. Onde durante as consultas eram realizados anamnese e exame físico, além de prescrição e interpretação dos exames, prescrição de medicamentos, educação em saúde por meio de orientações gerais sobre a gestação, as consultas eram alternadas entre a enfermeira e o médico. A assistência era prestada de forma humanizada proporcionar a detecção precoce de possíveis problemas que possam ocorrer durante a gestação. Conclusão: É preciso estar atento à consulta de pré-natal de forma completa mediante o grande leque de informação a serem registradas em vários impressos que envolvem essa consulta.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo verifcar a possibilidade de os transexuais alterarem o prenome no registro civil de nascimento. Utiliza-se, para isso, o método dedutivo, de procedimento histórico e monográfco, com técnicas de pesquisa bibliográfca e documental. Para uma melhor contextualização do tema, inicia-se trazendo à baila a evolução histórica, o conceito, a natureza jurídica e os elementos formadores do nome. Apresentam-se as principais características e as funções/princípios do nome, de modo que se dedica atenção especial à sua função de adequar-se ao sexo do seu titular, a fm de que sejam resguardados os princípios da razoabilidade, isonomia, felicidade e, em especial, dignidade da pessoa humana. Apontam-se as hipóteses legais de mudança de nome e, consequentemente, a relativização do princípio da imutabilidade. Adentra-se no conceito de transexuais, na possibilidade da realização da cirurgia de redesignação sexual e na ausência de previsão legislativa brasileira que discipline a ideia de os transexuais alterarem o prenome. Por fm, cotejam-se as decisões jurisprudenciais acerca do assunto. Diante da discussão, constata-se como resultado dessa pesquisa monográfca que o princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana é o fundamento que tem possibilitado a alteração do prenome do transexual, mesmo nas situações em que não tenha realizado a cirurgia.

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid is a promising renewable-based monomer essentially used in polymer synthesis to prepare renewable-based counterparts to petrochemical polyesters. In general, they are entirely based on renewable resources and have a myriad of very interesting thermal and mechanical properties; however, this study is the first to tackle their (bio) degradability, a worldwide-demanded property. To address this demand, an entirely new generation of furandicarboxylate-derived copolyesters, based on both poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), is developed for the first time. These copolyesters are characterized by several techniques, including attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform IR (ATR-FTIR), H-1, and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), DSC, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and their degradability behavior is evaluated by water-absorption studies and hydrolytic degradation. They are essentially stiff amorphous polymers possessing high T(g)s, e.g., ca. 69 degrees C for 29% of lactyl units. Importantly, the data show also that they have improved degradability when compared with the PEF homopolyester counterpart.

Introduction: The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7)/Mas axis could modulate the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure variabilities (BPV) which are important predictors of cardiovascular risk and provide information about the autonomic modulation of the cardiovascular system. Therefore we investigated the effect of Mas deficiency on autonomic modulation in wild type and Mas-knockout (KO) mice. Methods: Blood pressure was recorded at high sample rate (4000 Hz). Stationary sequences of 200–250 beats were randomly chosen. Frequency domain analysis of HR and BPV was performed with an autoregressive algorithm on the pulse interval sequences and on respective systolic sequences. Results: The KO group presented an increase of systolic arterial pressure (SAP; 127.26±11.20 vs 135.07±6.98 mmHg), BPV (3.54±1.54 vs 5.87±2.12 mmHg2), and low-frequency component of systolic BPV (0.12±0.11 vs 0.47±0.34 mmHg2). Conclusions: The deletion of Mas receptor is associated with an increase of SAP and with an increased BPV, indicating alterations in autonomic control. Increase of sympathetic vascular modulation in absence of Mas evidences the important role of Ang-(1–7)/Mas on cardiovascular regulation. Moreover, the absence of significant changes in HR and HRV can indicate an adaptation of autonomic cardiac balance. Our results suggest that the Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis seems more important in autonomic modulation of arterial pressure than HR.

Mas codes for a G protein–coupled receptor that is implicated in angiotensin-(1-7) signaling. We studied the cardiovascular phenotype of Mas -deficient mice backcrossed onto the FVB/N genetic background using telemetry and found that they exhibit higher blood pressures compared with controls. These Mas −/− mice also had impaired endothelial function, decreased NO production, and lower endothelial NO synthase expression. Reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase catalytic subunit gp91 phox protein content determined by Western blotting was higher in Mas −/− mice than in controls, whereas superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were reduced. The superoxide dismutase mimetic, Tempol, decreased blood pressure in Mas −/− mice but had a minimal effect in control mice. Our results show a major cardiovascular phenotype in Mas −/− mice. Mas -deletion results in increased blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and an imbalance between NO and reactive oxygen species. Our animals represent a promising model to study angiotensin-(1-7)–mediated cardiovascular effects and to evaluate Mas agonistic compounds as novel cardioprotective and antihypertensive agents based on their beneficial effects on endothelial function.

O estudo apresentado, de natureza qualitativa e exploratória, enquadra-se na linha de trabalhos que procuram contribuir, através da fenomenologia, para a compreensão da perspectiva única de homens gays com deficiência congénita e/ou adquirida, física e/ou sensorial, no que concerne às vivências inerentes à deficiência física, bem como à sua orientação sexual. Nesse sentido, recorrendo a uma entrevista semiestruturada, o presente estudo procurou, através da descrição detalhada das experiências pessoais de dois participantes, compreender os seus valores, as suas crenças, as suas representações, as suas atitudes e opiniões, assim como as suas referências normativas. Entre outras conclusões, ressaltamos que, para além de as experiências de dupla discriminação serem relatadas de forma central pelos participantes, verifica-se, de igual modo, a emergência de significados existenciais alternativos que lhes possibilitem alcançar as suas expectativas quanto à vivência da homossexualidade e da sexualidade. Este artículo, basado en un estudio de naturaleza cualitativa y exploratoria, se encuadra en la línea de trabajos que, a través de la fenomenología, buscan contribuir a la comprensión de la perspectiva de hombres gays con deficiencia congénita y/o adquirida, física y/o sensorial, en lo concerniente a las vivencias inherentes a la deficiencia física, así como a su orientación sexual. En tal sentido, haciendo uso a una entrevista semi-estructurada, este trabajo procura, a través de una detallada descripción de experiencias personales de los participantes, comprender sus valores, sus creencias, sus representaciones, sus actitudes y opiniones, así como sus referencias normativas. Se destaca, entre otras conclusiones, que más allá de las experiencias de doble discriminación se ubican en el centro del relato de los participantes, se verifica la emergencia de significados existenciales alternativos, que les posibilitan alcanzar sus expectativas en cuanto a la vivencia de la homosexualidad y de la sexualidad. The present qualitative and exploratory study seeks makes a contribution in the field of phenomenology to an understanding of the unique perspective of gay men with congenital and/or acquired physical and/or sensory impairments with regard to disability-related experiences, as well as their sexual orientation. Using a semi-structured interview and a detailed description of the personal experiences of two participants, the study addresses their values, beliefs, representations, attitudes, opinions, and normative references. Among others conclusions, we emphasize that, beyond the experience of double discrimination reported centrally by the participants, alternative existential meanings emerge, which allow them to meet their expectations regarding experiencing homosexuality and sexuality, free of prejudice and stigma.

Motivated by the general concern about sustainability and environmental issues, an intense search for renewable-based polymers has grown exponentially in recent years. This search definitely spotlighted polyesters derived from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, among other polymers, as some of the most promising, especially due to the resemblance of this renewable monomer to the well-known petroleum-based terephthalic acid, as well as owing to the possibility of preparing innovative materials. The huge number of recent papers and patents about this family of polymers explore aspects as diverse as synthesis with other renewable-based monomers, leading to the preparation of materials with enhanced thermo-mechanical, biodegradability and liquid crystalline properties, among other features. Additional aspects pursued in such studies are innovation in the synthetic approaches or their optimisation, as well as the development of applications for everyday-life objects for example packaging materials, especially bottles, textiles, coating, and toners, among many other uses. Despite this intense activity, little has been reviewed recently about this unique family of polyesters or derived polymers, as the only reviews on the subject date back to the last century. In this perspective, the present review aims at contributing to filling this literature gap, covering recent aspects related with challenges in developing polyesters, polyamides, or other polymers from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and their precursors. Emphasis is placed on monomer synthesis, polymerisation reactions, catalysts and applications.

This chapter surveys the most relevant aspects related to the preparation and characterization of PET composites and copolyesters incorporating materials/units from renewable origin. Moreover, future developments in renewable PET are foreseen. The chapter begins with a short introduction about the main PET properties and related applications. The next section briefly reviews the main aspects related to preparation, properties, and some applications of PET composites with renewable substrates. The next two sections are devoted to synthesis, properties, and potential applications of PET copolyesters incorporating aliphatic- or aromatic renewable-based comonomers. Finally, the current status quo of PET development toward a totally renewable-based material is reviewed.

1. Studies have shown that the angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan, accentuates the orthostatic hypotensive response in anesthetized rats, and there is evidence indicating that this effect is not exclusively mediated by AT1 receptors. 2. We investigated whether the pronounced orthostatic cardiovascular response observed in losartan-treated rats involves an interference with angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) receptors. 3. Urethane-anesthetized rats were submitted to orthostatic stress (90 degree head-up tilt for 2 min). Intravenous injection of losartan (1 mg kg(-1), n=9) significantly accentuated the decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) induced by head-up tilt (-33+/-6% after losartan vs -15+/-8% control tilt). This effect was accompanied by a significant bradycardia (-8+/-3% after losartan vs -3+/-3% control tilt). Another AT1 antagonist, candesartan, did not potentiate the decrease of MAP and did not change the cardiac response induced by head-up tilt. Strikingly, administration of the Ang-(1-7) antagonist, A-779 (10 nmol kg(-1), n=5), totally reversed the bradycardic effect caused by losartan and this effect was accompanied by a tendency towards attenuation of the hypotensive response caused by losartan. 4. These findings indicate that the marked orthostatic cardiovascular response is specific for losartan, and that it may be due, in part, to an interaction of this antagonist with Ang-(1-7) receptors, probably at the cardiac level.

The use of renewable feedstocks in foam technology has created a worldwide demand for more sustainable materials. Castor oil is a vegetable oil, composed mainly of triricinoglycerol, a natural polyol, suitable for polyurethane foam production. In this study, castor oil and variable amounts of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) fibers were used in a straightforward one-pot synthesis approach for the preparation of novel biofoams. The ensuing biofoams were characterized by several techniques, including attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, and their mechanical performance was evaluated by compression mechanical testing and by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. They were (semi-) flexible, with a cell-like morphology and reinforced toughness due to the use of MCC. They had a Young's modulus varying between 0.188 and 1.06 MPa depending on the amount of MCC used and were thermally stable up to 267 A degrees C. The properties of these novel biofoams enable them to be strong candidates for use as tough, energy-absorbing foams, advantageously prepared using renewable-based resources.

The search for new polymers from renewable origin is a sparkling field in polymer chemistry, especially those having promising properties, for example, in terms of their thermal performance. In this vein, in this study, an original renewable 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid-based cycloaliphatic homopolyester, poly(1,4-cyclohexylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PCdF), is synthesized from dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate and 1,4-cyclohexanediol. Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) is also prepared for comparison purposes, since it is the direct renewable substitute of poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) and they are structurally related. The resulting homopolyesters are characterized in detail by using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared, 1H, 13C and 2D NMR, X-ray and elemental analysis, and thermal properties are assessed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. PCdF shows to have a semicrystalline character, exhibiting an extremely high glass transition temperature around 175 °C. Moreover, this polyester also shows to be a high thermally stable material with a degradation temperature of 380.0 °C.

A straightforward partial substitution of non-renewable poly(ethylene terephthalate) by renewable homologous poly(ethylene furandicarboxylate) was successfully done by random copolymerisation of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and bis(hydroxyethyl)-2,5-furandicarboxylate. Different stoichiometric amounts of these monomers were used and the ensuing copolyesters were characterised in detail by several physical chemistry, thermal and mechanical techniques. All copolyesters have the expected chemical structure incorporating both aromatic and furanic units in different amounts accordingly to the stoichiometric feed-ratio. In particular the copolyester having 20% of furan units (PET-ran-PEF 4/1) have similar properties to those of PET homopolyester, despite some minor differences, being a semi-crystalline copolyester with similar glass transition and melting temperatures to those of PET. Also, the mechanical performance of this PET-ran-PEF 4/1 copolyester was in accordance with the PET operating temperature range, tan delta and modulus. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This study evaluated the physiological importance of Angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas on reflex control of circulation. Experiments were performed in male Mas-knockout (Mas-KO) and Wild Type (WT) conscious mice (12-20 wk of age). Baroreceptor reflex was evaluated by the bradycardic response induced by phenylephrine (0.25 μg/5 μl, i.v.). Bezold-Jarisch reflex was evaluated by phenylbiguanide (0.5 μg/5 μl, i.v.) and chemoreflex by potassium cyanide (2.5 μg/5 μl, i.v.). Baseline mean arterial pressure was higher in Mas-KO (n=14) as compared with WT mice (n=18) (118±1 mmHg vs. 109±2 mmHg); however, heart rate was similar in both strains (615±30 bpm vs. 648±13 bpm). Baroreflex bradycardia was lower (0.78±0.44 ms/mmHg vs. 1.30±0.14 ms/mmHg) in Mas-KO compared with WT mice. The depressor (-17±5 mmHg vs. -45±6 mmHg) and bradycardic (-212±36 bpm vs. -391±29 bpm) components of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex were also lower in Mas-KO mice. In addition, chemoreflex pressor response (+20±3 mmHg vs. +12±0.8 mmHg) and bradycardic response (-250±74 bpm vs. -52±26 bpm) were significantly higher in Mas-KO. These results further advances previous studies by showing that the lack of Mas receptor induced important imbalance in the neural control of blood pressure, altering not only the baroreflex but also the chemo- and Bezold-Jarisch reflexes.

The development of polyols from abundant and renewable biomass resources constitute an attractive choice for polyurethanes and other industrial sectors, where green chemistry and sustainable processes are in focus. The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility of converting olive stone (OS) residues by means of both total and partial oxypropylation. In the first case, the oxypropylation reaction conditions were chosen in order to promote extensive grafting leading to a viscous product, whereas in the second the reaction was limited to the outer shell of the OS grains in order to prepare single-source composites. The results obtained demonstrated the viability of using this reaction to generate OS-based polyols, thus opening new perspectives for the exploitation of this by-product of the olive oil industry. Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Project PTDC/CTM/71491/2006)

Várias substâncias podem modular a atividade cardiovascular reflexa, entre elas os peptídeos do SRA. O SRA tecidual está envolvido na regulação da estrutura e função cardiovascular e, consequentemente no controle a longo prazo da PA, contribuindo de forma significativa para o desenvolvimento e manutenção da alta resistência periférica ehiper-reatividade vascular encontradas em várias formas de hipertensão essencial e experimental. Os estudos sobre a influência do SRA sobre o controle neural da PA demonstram que a Ang II diminui a sensibilidade do barorreflexo, diminui a sensibilidade do reflexo de Bezold-Jarisch e facilita a resposta quimiorreflexa. Sabendo-se que váriasações da Ang-(1-7) são opostas àquelas observadas pela Ang II, principalmente no que se refere aos seus efeitos sobre o controle cardíaco e vascular, bem como sobre a sensibilidade barorreflexa, é razoável supor que o heptapeptídeo Ang-(1-7), agindo em seu receptor Mas, também participe da regulação do reflexo Bezold-Jarisch e doquimiorreflexo. Com a possibilidade de utilizar animais geneticamente modificados quanto à expressão do receptor Mas, avaliamos a hipótese de que a Ang-(1-7), via receptor Mas, contribui para a modulação das respostas cardiovasculares reflexas, em camundongos com deleção do receptor Mas ou com superexpressão deste receptor no cérebro. Naseqüência, considerando as evidências de ações contra-regulatórias entre Ang II/Ang-(1-7), e a possibilidade de interação dos receptores Mas/AT1, também avaliamos em nosso estudo a hipótese de a deleção do receptor Mas alterar os efeitos mediados pela Ang II, em decorrência da ausência dos efeitos contra-regulatórios mediados pela Ang-(1-7), viareceptor Mas. Utilizamos camundongos controle (Wild Type) e com alterações da expressão do receptor da Ang-(1-7), receptor Mas: com deleção do receptor da Ang-(1-7) x Mas (KO-Mas) e com superexpressão deste receptor no cérebro (NSE-Mas), de duas linhagens diferentes (C57BL6J e FVBN). Demonstramos neste estudo, através dautilização de camundongos submetidos à manipulação da expressão gênica do receptor Mas, a efetiva participação da Ang-(1-7) via receptor Mas na manutenção e controle das variáveis cardiovasculares. Camundongos com deleção do receptor Mas da linhagem FVBN não anestesiados apresentam valores de PAM basais elevados em relação aos animais controle (118 ± 1 vs. 109 ± 2 mmHg, p

Correction for ‘Biobased polyesters and other polymers from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid: a tribute to furan excellency’ by Andreia F. Sousa et al., Polym. Chem., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5py00686d.

1. Studies have shown that the angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan, accentuates the orthostatic hypotensive response in anesthetized rats, and there is evidence indicating that this effect is not exclusively mediated by AT1 receptors. 2. We investigated whether the pronounced orthostatic cardiovascular response observed in losartan-treated rats involves an interference with angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) receptors. 3. Urethane-anesthetized rats were submitted to orthostatic stress (90 degree head-up tilt for 2 min). Intravenous injection of losartan (1 mg kg(-1), n=9) significantly accentuated the decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) induced by head-up tilt (-33+/-6% after losartan vs -15+/-8% control tilt). This effect was accompanied by a significant bradycardia (-8+/-3% after losartan vs -3+/-3% control tilt). Another AT1 antagonist, candesartan, did not potentiate the decrease of MAP and did not change the cardiac response induced by head-up tilt. Strikingly, administration of the Ang-(1-7) antagonist, A-779 (10 nmol kg(-1), n=5), totally reversed the bradycardic effect caused by losartan and this effect was accompanied by a tendency towards attenuation of the hypotensive response caused by losartan. 4. These findings indicate that the marked orthostatic cardiovascular response is specific for losartan, and that it may be due, in part, to an interaction of this antagonist with Ang-(1-7) receptors, probably at the cardiac level.