Objective: Limited evidence exists concerning whether combined pharmacotherapy is more effective than monotherapy for increased smoking abstinence and post-cessation weight gain prevention. This research investigated the effect of combined pharmacotherapy on smoking abstinence and post-cessation weight change. Methods: A meta-analytic review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published between January 1990 and July 2016 was conducted across PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Aggregate fixed effects were estimated for continuous abstinence and mean post-cessation weight change. Keyword search terms included: “smoking cessation,” “naltrexone”, “varenicline”, and “bupropion”. Results: Eight RCTs with 2,513 participants were included. Aggregate fixed effect estimates revealed an increase in continuous smoking abstinence (OR = 1.81, p < .001) and mean decrease in post-cessation weight change (-.15 kg, p = .001). Decreased weight change was observed at 6-8 weeks follow-up (-.14 kg, p = .02). Increased mean weight change was observed among varenicline plus nicotine patch abstainers (.21 kg, p = .01), whereas bupropion plus NRT pharmacotherapies showed decreased mean weight change (-.15 kg, p = .01). Conclusion: Combination pharmacotherapy generates increased smoking abstinence and small short-term post-cessation weight change among abstainers, particularly among bupropion plus NRT when compared against varenicline plus nicotine patch.

Particulate reinforced titanium composites were produced by PM rout. Differents volumetric percentages of TiN reinforcements were used, 5,10,15 vol%. Samples were uniaxial pressed and vacuum sintered at differents temperatures between . Density, porosity, shrinkage, mechanical properties and microstructure were studied. Elastic properties and strength resistance were analysed by flexural strength and tension tests, and after the test, fractured samples were analysed too, obtaining a correlation between the fracture, interparticulated or intraparticulated, and the reinforcement addition.. Hardness and microhardness test were applied too, in order to complete the study about mechanical properties. In order to study wear resistance pin-on-disc test were used. In addition, the temperature influence, the reactivity between matrix and reinforcement, and the microstructures developed were observed by optical and electron microscopy.

Manufacturers of shock absorbers are continuously innovating for improving safety and enhance comfort in cars. The PM industry, as important supplier of components for shock absorbers, has gone along with this evolution by developing the required technology. This paper presents examples of components and technology to meet demanding market requirements. They have been selected by their representative character but there are many other interesting components that we cannot show because of the limited extension of a paper.