The Schröeder-van Laar equation to predict the theoretical eutectic melting temperature values was applied to a set of fourteen binary mixtures (UR1 to UR14). The fourteen binary mixtures belong to a structurally diverse group of organic molecules. They are represented by the 5-membered heterocycles containing N-S and N-O rings, flexible methylene chains (RH), semi-rigid semi-fluorinated chains (RF), and hydrogen bonds (HB). A virtual screening totalizing ninety-one possible theoretical combinations was planned. The UR1 to UR14 were prepared by mixing individual components using the calculated mole fractions. The experimental (Te) and theoretical (Tt) temperatures for the eutectic melting points were determined using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Heterogeneous mixtures were formed for components with large structural diversity as seen by POM. During the melting of the mixtures, irregular behavior through the segregation of the components was recorded. The study showed that the similarities in structural diversities favor the formation of homogeneous mixtures, with Te values approaching Tt, as predicted by the Schröeder-van Laar equation and by the theory of eutectic mixtures. Liquid crystal properties were affected in homogeneous binary mixtures containing one of the individual liquid crystal components. Schröedervan Schröeder van UR (UR UR14. . UR14) molecules 5membered membered 5 NS N S NO O rings RH, RH , (RH) semirigid semi rigid semifluorinated fluorinated RF, RF (RF) HB. HB (HB) ninetyone ninety planned fractions (Te Tt (Tt POM (POM DSC (DSC techniques recorded (RH (RF (HB

RESUMO A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) é uma espécie nativa da América do Sul. Progênies vegetais são grupos de plantas que apresentam diferenças em relação a sua produtividade, morfologia e possivelmente perfil fitoquímico. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se determinar os teores de metabólitos primários e secundários, assim como atividade antioxidante em folhas de progênies de erva-mate, morfologicamente caracterizadas. Foi avaliada a composição centesimal e níveis de metabólitos secundários em cinco plantas. Metilxantinas e compostos fenólicos foram determinados por UPLC-PDA, e a atividade antioxidante, por meio da medição da capacidade de sequestro do radical DPPH. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na composição centesimal, e no conteúdo de cafeína, teobromina, rutina e ácido clorogênico, assim como atividade antioxidante nas progênies selecionas. Os valores de IC50 estiveram correlacionados com os níveis de ácido clorogênico ( r2 = 0,5242) e conteúdo de solúveis ( r2 = 0,7686). Os caracteres morfológicos observados nas folhas de erva-mate podem ser utilizados como uma ferramenta visando a obter matrizes com perfil fitoquímico diferenciado como fonte de material genético.

ABSTRACT Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is a native South American species. Plant progenies are populations that differ in terms of their productivity, morphology and phytochemical profile. This study aimed to determine the concentration of primary and secondary metabolites, such as antioxidants, in leaves, of yerba-mate progenies selected based on morphological characteristics. We evaluated the centesimal composition of secondary metabolites in the leaves of five yerba-mate plants. Methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were determined by UPLC-PDA, and antioxidant activity by measuring DPPH scavenging. Significant differences were found in centesimal composition and the contents of caffeine, theobromine, rutin and chlorogenic acid, as well as antioxidant activities, in selected progenies. The IC50 values were correlated with the chlorogenic acid levels ( r2 = 0.5242) and soluble content ( r2 = 0.7686). The morphological characteristics observed in yerba-mate leaves can be used as a tool for plant selection, to obtain matrices with different phytochemical profiles as a genetic material source.

RESUMO Introdução: Candidemia é a infecção da corrente sanguínea produzida por leveduras do gênero Candida. Objetivos: Este estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar a epidemiologia e o perfil de suscetibilidade ao fluconazol em espécies de Candida, isoladas em pacientes internados em um hospital regional de Passo Fundo, RS. Métodos: Registros laboratoriais foram utilizados para identificar pacientes com hemocultura positiva para espécies do gênero Candida, entre 2010 e 2011. A atividade in vitro do fluconazol foi determinada por meio do método de difusão em disco. Resultados: Foram analisadas 24 hemoculturas positivas para Candida; a taxa de mortalidade encontrada foi 54,16%. C. albicans foi a espécie mais prevalente, seguida por C. parapsilosis e C. krusei. C. albicans, C. parapsilosis e C. tropicalis apresentaram 100% de sensibilidade ao fluconazol, entretanto C. krusei mostrou-se 100% resistente; e C. glabrata, 50% resistente. Conclusão: A elevada taxa de mortalidade e resistência ao fluconazol enfatiza a importância do diagnóstico de candidemia em ambiente hospitalar.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Candidemia is a bloodstream infection produced by Candida genus yeasts. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and the fluconazole susceptibility in Candida species isolated from patients at a regional hospital in Passo Fundo, RS. Methods: Records from the laboratory were used to identify patients with positive blood cultures for Candida between 2010 and 2011. The in vitro activity of fluconazole was determined using the disk diffusion method. Results: Were analyzed 24 positive blood cultures for Candida and found a 54.16% mortality rate. C. albicans was the most prevalent species, followed by C. parapsilosis and C. krusei. For susceptibility to fluconazole, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis showed 100% sensitivity. However, C. krusei was 100% resistant; and C. glabrata, 50% resistant. Conclusion: The high mortality and fluconazole resistance rates emphasize the importance of the diagnosis of candidemia in a hospital environment.

Ilex paraguariensis is a native species to South America. Its economic importance is in the use of its leaves and twigs in the processing of a product popularly known as "chimarrão". The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between some physico-chemical process parameters in the oxidation of I. paraguariensis leaves oxidation. The leaves of Maté with age 1.0, 6.5 and 12.0 months were subjected to an oxidation process for 3 h under different relative humidity conditions (80, 90 and 99%) at 26°C. The extracts were evaluated using the experimental design techniques to maximize the oxidation conditions for the total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, water activity and color. The condition of 90% humidity and leaf age 6.5 months resulted in lower lightness and yellow color of the product. Green color was not significantly influenced by the studied parameters. The highest levels of total phenols and antioxidant potential were found when the leaf age was one month and humidity was 90%. Thus, it could be concluded that the air humidity of the chamber and leaf age influenced the oxidation process of the leaves of Maté as well as the antioxidant capacity of the extract obtained.

In Brazil, yerba mate is consumed after processing; however, in Chile and Uruguay, the consumers prefer the cured product, which acquires a yellow color. For that yerba-mate is stored for a period of six months to one year, which increases the cost of the final product for the overseas market. This study evaluated the effect of humidity and temperature in maturation chamber on the time required for the product to get this characteristic. The changes in the color, pH, moisture and water activity were evaluated during the time of storage in different conditions of temperature and humidity. Yerba-mate subjected to higher temperature and humidity showed nearest color of the product submitted to natural storage. The loss of green color was related to the reduction in pH and increase in the moisture of the samples. The higher humidity allowed the mate to reach conditions near to market requirements abroad in approximately 60 days of maturation.

Micobactérias não tuberculosas são agentes causadores de infecções oportunistas no homem. Embora, geralmente, afetem tecidos superficiais, infecções em ossos e articulações têm sido descritas. O contágio está associado ao aumento da exposição do homem ao meio ambiente. Diante da terapêutica adequada, os casos normalmente evoluem com recuperação total do indivíduo. Este estudo descreve o caso clínico de um paciente que apresentou nódulo cutâneo no pé esquerdo após traumatismo com um peixe. O exame anatomopatológico revelou inflamação crônica granulomatosa centralmente supurativa dermo-hipodérmica e a pesquisa de bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR) foi positiva.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are etiologic agents of opportunistic human infections. Although they usually affect superficial tissues, infections in bones and joints have been described. The contamination is associated with increased environmental exposure. With appropriate therapy, the cases usually progress to complete recovery of the patient. This study reports the case of a patient who developed a cutaneous nodule in her left foot acquired when her skin was punctured by a fish. The anatomopathological examination revealed chronic central suppurative granulomatous dermo-hypodermal inflammation. Furthermore, the screening for resistant acid-fast bacilli was positive.