Abstract Bismuth (III) sulfide thin films are prepared on glass substrates by physical vapor deposition technique. Then, the films are annealed at different temperatures from 150 to 350°C with nitrogen and nitrogen-sulfur atmospheres, respectively. The effect of annealing temperature on the optoelectronic properties is investigated. The layers were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, EDS analysis and Hall effect. The film annealed at 250°C in a nitrogen-sulfur atmosphere exhibited the best condition with an initial thickness of 106 nm and band gap of 1.37 eV. Also, Bismuthinite phase was obtained, close to the stoichiometry with 59.95 and 40.05 at % for bismuth and sulfur, respectively. The charge carrier concentration of 6.9x1019 cm-3 with a n-type conductivity, the resistivity of 0.19 Ω-cm, and mobility of 0.44 cm2V-1s-1 are obtained.

Abstract Leptospirosis remains as a major public health problem nowadays, mainly affecting vulnerable communities with low socioeconomic resources. In this study, the molecular detection of pathogenic leptospires from environmental samples (water and mud) from northern Argentina (Formosa, Salta, Santiago del Estero, Misiones and Chaco provinces) is described. Samples were obtained from regions with varied climatological features, all inhabited by vulnerable communities. From the 89 samples that were analyzed, 24.7% showed molecular evidence of the presence of pathogenic leptospires. Prevalence by sample type was: 27.8% in water samples and 11.8% in mud samples. All the sampled regions showed at least one positive sample. This result highlights the need of further research regarding leptospirosis in different regions of Argentina.

Resumen La leptospirosis continúa siendo hoy en día un problema para la salud pública, principalmente en poblaciones de bajos recursos socioeconómicos. En este trabajo se presenta la detección de leptospiras patógenas en muestras ambientales (aguas y barros) provenientes de regiones del norte argentino (provincias de Formosa, Salta, Santiago del Estero, Misiones y Chaco) con variadas características climatológicas habitadas por poblaciones vulnerables. De las 89 muestras analizadas, en el 24,7% fue posible detectar molecularmente la presencia de leptospiras patógenas. La prevalencia por tipo de muestra fue de 27,8% para las aguas y 11,8% para los barros. Todas las localidades muestreadas presentaron al menos una muestra positiva a alguna de las pruebas realizadas, por lo que el presente trabajo refleja la necesidad de profundizar los estudios de la leptospirosis en distintas regiones de la Argentina.

El artículo presenta los resultados experimentales de ensayar una mezcla asfáltica densa en caliente (HMA) de control y dos mezclas tibias (WMA). Para la evaluación del comportamiento de las mezclas HMA y WMA se realizaron ensayos de módulo resiliente, resistencia a fatiga y resistencia a la deformación permanente sobre muestras envejecidas a corto (STOA) y largo (LTOA) plazo. Adicionalmente fueron ejecutados ensayos para evaluar la resistencia al daño por humedad. La granulometría y el agregado pétreo fue el mismo para fabricar las mezclas HMA y WMA. La mezcla HMA fue fabricada empleando cemento asfáltico CA 60-70 y las mezclas WMA fueron fabricadas modificando dicho ligante con dos aditivos químicos (Rediset WMX® y Cecabase RT®). Al asfalto CA 60-70 y a los modificados se les realizaron ensayos de caracterización física y reológica. Las mezclas WMA experimentaron mayor resistencia a las deformaciones permanentes, al envejecimiento y al daño por humedad en comparación con la mezcla HMA. Asimismo, se reporta un aumento en la resistencia a fatiga cuando el modo de carga es el de esfuerzo controlado. Lo anterior fue debido principalmente al mejor comportamiento que desarrollan los asfaltos modificados en comparación al convencional (CA 6070 sin aditivo) en los ensayos de caracterización reológica.

This paper presents results stemming from a comparative experimental analysis of two warm-mix asphalts (WMA) and a dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA). In order to evaluate asphalt mixture behavior, physical and rheological tests were conducted, including tests on resilient modulus, resistance to moisture-induced damage, resistance to fatigue and resistance to permanent deformation. Samples studied were subjected to short (STOA) and long-term (LTOA) aging. As far as asphalt mixture composition is concerned, the same particle size distribution and coarse aggregate were employed for both mixture types. The control HMA mixture was produced with AC 60-70, and the WMAs used the same asphalt cement modified with two chemical additives (Rediset WMX® and Cecabase RT®). The modified mixtures exhibited better resistance to permanent deformation, aging and moisture-induced damage (versus the control mixture). Likewise, WMAs generally saw increased fatigue resistance under controlled-stress loading, which rheological characterization showed is mainly attributable to binder additives and their concomitant modifications.

Background: The pregnancies in patients with spinal cord injury represent a challenge for obstetrics. The most common complications are infections of the respiratory and urinary tract, and the most severe is the autonomic hyperreflexia. Vaginal delivery is possible in lesions below T5, but above that level the inability to perceive contractions, to identify labor and perform straining leads to the need for a scheduled cesarean. Objective: To describe our experience and review the most appropriate management of paraplegic pregnant. Methods: Retrospective study in the period 2003-2014. There were 10 patients with 24 pregnancies: 6 spontaneous abortions, 1 induced abortion, leaving 17 for analysis pregnancies (one twin pregnancy). The evaluation is independent of the etiology or location of the lesion. Perinatal and maternal complications were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 33 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks: 12 to term (70.59%), 4 preterm deliveries (23.53%) and one unknow. There were 10 cesarean sections (58.82%) and 7 vaginal deliveries (41.18%). Average birth weight of 2940 g, none with intrauterine growth restriction. Conclusions: Our experience shows a high rate of prematurity and cesarean section, but with good maternal and perinatal outcomes, which makes it permissible for these patients can fulfill their procreative desire, overcoming his disability.

Antecedentes: Las gestaciones en pacientes con daño medular representan un reto para la obstetricia. Las complicaciones más frecuentes son las infecciones de las vías respiratorias y de las vías urinarias, y la más grave la hiperreflexia autonómica. El parto vaginal es posible en lesiones por debajo de T5, pero por encima de ese nivel, la imposibilidad de percibir las contracciones, de identificar el trabajo de parto y realizar pujos lleva a la necesidad de una cesárea programada. Objetivo: Exponer nuestra experiencia y revisar el manejo más adecuado de la embarazada parapléjica. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el periodo 2003-2014. Hubo 10 pacientes con 24 gestaciones: 6 abortos espontáneos, un 1 aborto inducido, quedando para el análisis 17 gestaciones (1 embarazo gemelar). La evaluación es independiente a la etiología o localización de la lesión. Se analiza las complicaciones perinatales y maternas. Resultados: La edad media fue 33 años. La edad gestacional media al parto fue 37 semanas: 12 de término (70,59%), 4 de pretérmino (23,53%) y una desconocida (5,88%). Hubo 10 cesáreas (58,82%) y 7 partos vaginales (41,18%). Peso medio neonatal de 2940 g, ninguno con retraso de crecimiento intrauterino. Conclusiones: Nuestra experiencia muestra una alta tasa de prematuridad y de cesáreas, pero con buenos resultados maternos y perinatales, que hace permisible que estas pacientes puedan cumplir su deseo genésico, superando su discapacidad.

In this paper, we present results on the metal microcrystals and nanoparticles of Al, Cu and Al-Cu composite growth by arc-discharge with the system immersed in distilled water, under different conditions and varying the current from 50 to 150 A with constant voltage (27 V). These structures are characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Uv-Vis spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate that metal micro and nanostructures can be prepared at low cost with high quality.

Among the most recent described viral diseases for bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus is Papillomatosis; a kindly tumour entity that affects skin and mucosa of different parts in the body of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including humans. With the goal to determine the presentation frequency of these lesions in external genital, 263 bottlenose dolphins from north central coast of Sabana-Camaguey archipelago were studied between the years 2000 and 2010. Based on clinical identification of external warty lesions compatible with Papilloma, the 30% of all animals presented them. The presentation frequency of these lesions in males was higher than in females (20% vs. 10%, p<0,001). Besides, it was evident that immature animals are more susceptible to the disease than adults (25% vs. 5%). This is the first report in Cuban waters and the second in Atlantic waters, about the presence of Papilloma in genital of wildlife bottlenose dolphins, with a high and sustained presentation frequency.

Entre las enfermedades virales de más reciente diagnóstico que afectan los delfines Tursiops truncatus se describe la Papilomatosis, una entidad tumoral generalmente benigna que afecta piel y mucosas de diferentes zonas del cuerpo, tanto de animales acuáticos como terrestres incluido el hombre. Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de presentación de las lesiones en genitales externos de delfines Tursiops truncatus en zonas de la cayería norte central de Cuba, se estudiaron 263 delfines en el período comprendido entre los años 2000 y 2010. Mediante la identificación clínica de lesiones verrucosas compatibles con Papilomatosis en genitales externos, se pudo determinar que el 30% de animales presentaron lesiones típicas de la enfermedad. La frecuencia de presentación de estas lesiones fue superior en machos en relación con las hembras (20% vs. 10%, p<0,001), observándose que los individuos inmaduros son más propensos a presentar la enfermedad que los adultos (25% vs. 5%). Este trabajo reporta por primera vez en las costas cubanas, y por segunda ocasión para la costa atlántica, la presencia de Papilomatosis en genitales externos de delfines nariz de botella en vida libre, con una alta y sostenida frecuencia de aparición.

A enteroscopia de duplo balão é um método endoscópico que permite a visualização e biópsias de todo o intestino delgado. Os autores apresentam o caso clínico de um doente, de 55 anos, observado no Serviço de Urgência por dor abdominal e vómitos, apresentando nas análises uma anemia microcítica. Após a realização de vários exames auxiliares de diagnóstico, a tomografia computorizada abdominal mostrou um espessamento de uma ansa do intestino delgado. Realizou enteroscopia de duplo balão que permitiu o diagnóstico de linfoma não-Hodgkin B. Realizou quimioterapia com remissão completa.

Double-balloon enteroscopy allows endoscopic study and biopsies of the entire small bowel, allowing histological diagnosis throughout the procedure. The authors report a case of a 55 year-old man, observed in our emergency department with abdominal pain and vomiting. The blood tests has revealed a microcytic anemia. The abdominal computed tomography has shown a thick zone in the small bowel. A double-balloon enteroscopy was performed and it was diagnosed a B-cell Non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma. The patient was submitted to chemotherapy, with total remission.

In this work we present analytical expressions for the trajectories depicted in the complex plane by the evolution of the state of polarization of totally polarized light, as it propagates through a homogeneous retarder. For any retarder and input state of polarization of the signal, the polarization state evolves, depicting one circle on the complex plane. The radius and position of each circle depends on the orientation of the fast birefringence axis of the sample, the polarization state of the input signal and the specific anisotropy of the medium.

En este trabajo se presentan expresiones analíticas de las trayectorias descritas en el plano complejo, cuando el estado de polarización de una señal completamente polarizada evoluciona al propagarse por un retardador homogéneo. Para cada retardador y cada estado de polarización de la señal de entrada, el estado de polarización evoluciona describiendo un círculo en el plano complejo. El radio y la posición de cada círculo dependen de la orientación del eje rápido de la birrefringencia de la muestra, del estado de polarización de la señal de entrada y de la anisotropía.

Two independent methods for Gaussian spot size measurement are experimentally compared. The two methods use a Ronchi ruling where the transmitted total power and the normally diffracted energy are considered. We show that the beam widths obtained by these methods are very close. The theory of diffraction used is based on the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral equation with Dirichlet condition.

Comparamos experimentalmente dos métodos para la determinación del ancho de una haz gauseano. Los dos métodos emplean una red de difracción de Ronchi donde se considera la energía total transmitida y la energía difractada normalmente. La teoría de la difracción utilizada esta basada en la ecuación integral de Rayleigh-Sommerfeld con las condiciones de Dirichlet.

Os autores apresentam o caso clínico de um doente do sexo masculino, caucasiano, com 20 anos de idade, sem antecedentes patológicos ou familiares de relevo, com história de diarreia crónica, dores articulares e emagrecimento. A avaliação laboratorial revelou alterações sugestivas de má absorção. Foi diagnosticada doença celíaca com base em achados serológicos, endoscópicos e histológicos. A instituição de dieta sem glúten acompanhou-se de recuperação do estado geral e correcção das alterações analíticas.

The authors present the case of a 20 year old male Caucasian with no relevant personal or family history of disease, who presented with a history of diarrhoea, joint pain and weight loss. Laboratory findings pointed to malabsorption. Celiac disease was diagnosed based on endoscopic, histological and serological findings. He gradually recovered both clinically and in terms of laboratory values, after being started on a gluten-free diet.

A gravidez tem sido implicada como factor desencadeante ou de reactivação da doença celíaca e têm sido referidos alguns casos de apresentação no puerpério. Descrevemos um caso de doença celíaca manifestada no primeiro mês do puerpério, por má-absorção. A exposição materna a antigénios fetais e alterações nos níveis séricos de hormonas sexuais femininas, durante a gravidez e o puerpério, podem activar uma doença celíaca latente, sendo a patogénese ainda desconhecida. A doença celíaca deve ser considerada como hipótese de diagnóstico quando surge diarreia crónica no puerpério.

Pregnancy has been implicated in the presentation or reactivation of celiac disease and some cases of presentation during the puerperium have been reported. We describe one case of celiac disease, which manifested itself during the first month of the puerperium as malabsorption. Maternal exposure to fetal antigens and changes in blood concentrations of the female sex hormones during pregnancy and the puerperium may activate latent celiac disease through an unknown mechanism. Celiac disease should be considered as a possible diagnosis when chronic diarrhoea presents during the puerperium.

Objective: to describe our experience with granulocyte apheresis to induce remission in patients with active Crohn's disease refractory to conventional treatment. We summarize the results previously obtained with this technique. Conclusions: granulocyte apheresis is a safe and well tolerated therapeutic modality that can be a valid therapeutic alternative in the induction of remission in inflammatory bowel disease, although controlled clinical trials must be conducted to define long-term efficacy, as well as to establish “optimal patient” selection, re-treatment interval, and number of sessions.

Objetivo: describir nuestra experiencia con la granulocitoaféresis para inducir la remisión en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn activa refractarios al tratamiento convencional. Realizamos un resumen de los resultados previos obtenidos con esta técnica. Conclusiones: la granulocitoaféresis es una modalidad terapéutica segura y bien tolerada que puede ser una alternativa terapéutica válida en la inducción de la remisión en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, siendo necesaria la realización de ensayos clínicos controlados para poder definir su eficacia a largo plazo, la selección del "paciente óptimo", intervalos de retratamiento y número de sesiones.

The diagnosis of tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis still depends on observing the parasite in the infected erythrocyte. Microscopic observation is tedious and often problematic in both early and carrier infections. Better diagnostic methods are needed to prevent clinical disease, especially when susceptible cattle are being moved into disease enzootic areas. This study evaluates two techniques for early diagnosis of Babesia bovis infections in cattle, DNA probes specific for the organism and fluorescent probes specific nucleic acid. The radioisotopically labeled DNA probes are used in slot blot hybridizations whith lysed blood samples, not purified DNA. Thusfar, the probe is specific for B. bovis and can detect as few as 1000 B. bovis parasites in 10µl of blood. The specificity of the fluorescent probe depends on the characteristic morphology of the babesia in whole blood samples, as determined microscopically. The fluorescent probe detects as afew as 10,000 B. bovis parasites in 10*l as blood. The application of each method for alboratory and field use is discussed.