Abstract Infections caused by Candida spp. are frequent in critically hospitalized patients, especially among premature neonates, representing one of the most common healthcare-related infections. Although there is considerable production of current knowledge about the mechanisms of immune response, aspects involved in the newborn's innate defense are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to describe the innate immune mechanisms involved in the defense of neonates against invasive candidiasis. This is an integrative literature review from the Scopus, Scifinder, Medline, Web of Science databases and the electronic libraries ScienceDirect and Scielo, in the period between 2002 and 2020, with rescue based on primary descriptor Immunity Innate plus secondary descriptors Candidiasis Invasive AND Infant Newborn. We have observed the involvement of various mechanisms in the neonatal response against invasive candidiasis, including the recognition, signaling, recruitment, and initiation of an effective immune response. These mechanisms encompass the presence of antimicrobial peptides, phagocytosis, synthesis of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, and complex cell signaling systems mediated by Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs). With this study, it is expected to contribute to the expansion of knowledge about the immunological mechanisms involved in the innate immune response of the newborn against disseminated infections caused by Candida species, and in the same sense, highlight the importance of this knowledge as a reflex in the decrease in mortality in the neonatal period. spp patients healthcarerelated healthcare related newborns s understood candidiasis Scopus Scifinder Medline Scielo 200 2020 Newborn recognition recruitment peptides phagocytosis species mediators PRRs. PRRs . (PRRs) sense 20 202 (PRRs 2

Resumo As infecções causadas por Candida spp. são frequentes em pacientes hospitalizados em estado crítico, especialmente entre neonatos prematuros, representando uma das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde mais comuns. Embora haja considerável produção de conhecimento atual sobre os mecanismos de resposta imune, os aspectos envolvidos na defesa inata do recém-nascido não são totalmente compreendidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os mecanismos imunes inatos envolvidos na defesa dos neonatos contra a candidíase invasiva. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura a partir das bases de dados Scopus, Scifinder, Medline, Web of Science e nas bibliotecas eletrônicas ScienceDirect e Scielo, no período de 2002 a 2020, com resgate baseado no descritor primário “Imunidade Inata” e descritores secundários “Candidíase Invasiva” e “Recém-Nascido”. Observamos o envolvimento de vários mecanismos na resposta neonatal contra a candidíase invasiva, incluindo o reconhecimento, sinalização, recrutamento e início de uma resposta imune efetiva. Esses mecanismos englobam a presença de peptídeos antimicrobianos, fagocitose, síntese de espécies reativas de oxigênio, mediadores inflamatórios e sistemas complexos de sinalização celular mediados por Receptores de Reconhecimento de Padrões (PRRs). Com este estudo, espera-se contribuir para a expansão do conhecimento sobre os mecanismos imunológicos envolvidos na resposta imune inata do recém-nascido contra infecções disseminadas causadas por espécies de Candida e, da mesma forma, destacar a importância desse conhecimento como reflexo na redução da mortalidade no período neonatal. spp crítico prematuros comuns recémnascido recém nascido compreendidos invasiva Tratase Trata se Scopus Scifinder Medline Scielo 200 2020 Imunidade Inata Candidíase Invasiva RecémNascido. RecémNascido Recém Nascido . “Recém-Nascido” reconhecimento efetiva antimicrobianos fagocitose oxigênio PRRs. PRRs (PRRs) esperase espera forma 20 202 “Recém-Nascido (PRRs 2

Abstract The presence of fungi in healthcare settings, including hemodialysis units, represents a significant risk for immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of fungi in the air and water of a hemodialysis unit located in a tertiary public hospital in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Over a period of three consecutive months, monthly air samples were collected and analyzed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique on Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Simultaneously, water samples (100 mL) were collected from four specific water distribution points and subjected plating on SDA. Fungi were phenotypically identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. In total, 498 colony-forming units (CFUs) of fungi were isolated, with 86 CFUs originating from the air and 412 CFUs from the water. Regarding the water samples, a higher concentration of fungal CFUs was observed in the potable water from the supply network (229 CFUs). Unexpectedly, 23 CFUs were identified in the reverse osmosis samples and 11 CFUs in the storage tank, which are post-treatment points where the presence of microorganisms is not desired. The fungus Cladosporium spp. was the most prevalent in both air and water samples, followed by Penicillium spp. in the air and Rhodotorula spp. in the water. These findings underscore the need to implement effective control and monitoring measures for fungi in the hemodialysis unit to ensure patient safety. settings patients Maceió Alagoas Brazil months SDA . (SDA) Simultaneously 100 (10 mL characteristics total 49 colonyforming colony forming (CFUs isolated 8 41 229 (22 CFUs. CFUs) Unexpectedly 2 1 tank posttreatment post treatment desired spp safety (SDA 10 (1 4 22 (2 (

Resumo A presença de fungos em ambientes de saúde, incluindo unidades de hemodiálise, representa um risco significativo para pacientes imunocomprometidos. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de fungos presentes no ar e na água de uma unidade de hemodiálise localizada em um hospital público terciário na cidade de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil. Ao longo de três meses consecutivos, amostras mensais de ar foram coletadas e analisadas por meio da técnica de sedimentação espontânea em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose (ASD). Paralelamente, amostras de água (100 mL) foram coletadas em quatro pontos específicos de distribuição de água e submetidas ao plaqueamento por esgotamento em meio ASD. Os fungos foram identificados fenotipicamente por meio de associação de suas características macroscópicas e microscópicas. No total, foram isoladas 498 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) de fungos, sendo 86 UFC provenientes do ar e 412 UFC da água. Em relação à água, observou-se uma maior concentração de UFC de fungos na água potável proveniente da rede de abastecimento (229 UFC). Inesperadamente, foram identificados 23 UFC nas amostras da osmose reversa e 11 UFC no reservatório de armazenamento, pontos de pós-tratamento nos quais a presença de microrganismos não é desejada. O fungo Cladosporium spp. foi o mais prevalente tanto no ar quanto na água, seguido por Penicillium spp. no ar e Rhodotorula spp. na água. Esses achados enfatizam a necessidade de implementar medidas eficazes de controle e monitoramento de fungos na unidade de hemodiálise, visando garantir a segurança dos pacientes. saúde imunocomprometidos Maceió Alagoas Brasil consecutivos ASD . (ASD) Paralelamente 100 (10 mL microscópicas total 49 (UFC 8 41 observouse observou se 229 (22 UFC. UFC) Inesperadamente 2 1 armazenamento póstratamento pós tratamento desejada spp (ASD 10 (1 4 22 (2 (

Resumo Estudos recentes mostram aplicações promissoras das geotecnologias no estudo e na gestão da cidade, com subsídios especialmente importantes para a regulação do uso do solo. Neste artigo, tratamos da dinâmica imobiliária e sua relação com o uso do solo com base no estudo de vazios urbanos em áreas infra-estruturadas. Esse enfoque atende aos princípios do Desenvolvimento Orientado ao Transporte Sustentável (DOTS), que, dentre outros objetivos, pretende incentivar o melhor aproveitamento do solo urbano no entorno dos sistemas de transportes coletivos. Para analisar o potencial aproveitamento dessas áreas, visando ao cumprimento da função social da propriedade e ao acesso mais justo a serviços e infraestruturas, foi definido um recorte no município de Niterói, no Rio de Janeiro, junto a um importante corredor viário da cidade. Apoiados em diferentes fontes de dados, buscamos identificar nessas áreas tanto os vazios formados por áreas livres como os imóveis edificados considerados ociosos ou subutilizados, no contexto em que se inserem. cidade artigo infraestruturadas. infraestruturadas infra estruturadas. estruturadas infra-estruturadas DOTS, DOTS , (DOTS) objetivos coletivos infraestruturas Niterói Janeiro dados subutilizados inserem (DOTS

Abstract Recent studies have shown promising uses of geotechnologies in the study and management of cities, with important contributions to the regulation of land use. In this article, we address the real estate dynamics and its relation with land use through a study of urban voids in infrastructure-served areas. This approach meets the prescriptions of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which proposes, among other things, a better use of urban land in the proximity of mass transit infrastructure. To assess the reconvertion of land in these areas, with a view to better distributing land value and meeting the social function of land and property, we have defined our study in the northern section of Niterói/RJ, along one of the main roads in the city. We have used different public data to identify both vacant land and property that is vacant or underutilized in the context they are located. cities article infrastructureserved infrastructure served areas TransitOriented Transit Oriented TOD, TOD , (TOD) proposes things NiteróiRJ Niterói RJ Niterói/RJ city located (TOD

Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

Introduction: The prevalence of depression and anxiety in pacients hospitalized in general hospitals is very high, this is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and higher health costs. Emotional support is essential in any recovery process. Method: A descriptive and analytical study was carried out on depression and its relationship with social support, hospital stay and medical illness in patients admitted to the Dr. Manuel Quintela Clinical Hospital Montevideo - Uruguay. The Beck test for depression and the scale validated for social support Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) were applied. Characteristics of the studied population were described. Results: More than half of the interviewees presented some degree of depesión. It was possible to affirm that 73.7% of the users with scarce social support presented depressive symptoms with an increase in depression, especially of moderate and mild type. There was a higher incidence of depression in patients with prolonged hospital stay, however this data was not statistically significant. Regarding medical pathology, we highlight the strong presence of depression in cardiovascular and surgical oncology patients.

Resumen Introducción: La prevalencia de depresion y ansiedad en usuarios internados en hospitales generales es muy alta, esto se asocia a mayor morbimortalidad y mayores costos en salud. El apoyo emocional resulta fundamental en todo proceso de recuperación. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y analítico sobre depresión y su vinculación con el apoyo social, estancia hospitalaria y enfermedad médica en pacientes internados en el Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quíntela Montevideo, Uruguay. Se les aplicó el test de Beck para depresión y la escala validada para soporte social Medical Outcomes Study (MOS). Se describieron características de la población estudiada. Resultados: Más de la mitad de los entrevistados presentaban algún grado de depesión. Fue posible afirmar que 73,7% de los usuarios con apoyo social escaso presentó síntomas depresivos con un aumento de la depresión sobre todo de tipo moderada y leve. Hubo una mayor incidencia de depresión en pacientes con estancia hospitalaria prolongada, sin embargo, este dato no fue estadísticamente significativo. En cuanto a la patología médica destacamos la fuerte presencia de depresión en los pacientes oncológicos cardiovasculares y quirúrgicos.

Resumo Apesar da abundância de pirita na natureza e seu papel como uma das principais fontes de emissões de SO2 em processos industriais, há pouca informação sobre a cinética e os mecanismos das reações de oxidação e de decomposição da pirita. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar a viabilidade de aplicação do método de Friedman para a determinação dos parâmetros cinéticos para as reações de oxidação e de decomposição da pirita obtidas das indústrias de extração de carvão de forma a se obter materiais magnéticos baseados na pirita. Este método está baseado no emprego da perda de massa experimental obtida usando-se análise termogravimétrica (TG) para a determinação das energias de ativação das reações. Assim, a energia de ativação, o fator pré-exponencial e a ordem de reação foram obtidos usando-se curvas de TG com diferentes taxas de aquecimento (2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10,0 K.min-1). Para atmosfera inerte, as energias de ativação calculadas de aproximadamente 280 kJ.mol-1 estão em acordo com os valores encontrados na literatura. A reação em atmosfera oxidante mostrou duas regiões predominantes de perda de massa, sugerindo a existência de duas reações. O valor obtido de 482 kJ.mol-1 para a energia de ativação da segunda perda de massa, ocorrida a aproximadamente 770 K, foi similar aos resultados relatados por outros atores. Para a perda de massa observada a aproximadamente 650 K, valores similares não foram encontrados na literatura para se comparar com os valores do método Friedman. A energia de ativação teórica foi, entretanto, determinada com equações empíricas. Um valor teórico de aproximadamente 1000 kJ.mol-1 foi obtido para a reação de decomposição de pyrrhotita. Os valores encontrados para outros parâmetros cinéticos se mostraram inconsistentes.

Abstract Despite the great abundance of pyrite in nature and its role as one of the main sources of SO2 emissions in industrial processes, there is little definitive information about the kinetics and mechanisms of pyrite oxidation and decomposition reactions. This work aimed to determine the viability of applying the Friedman method for kinetic parameter determination to the oxidation and decomposition reactions of pyrite from the coal mining industry in order to obtain pyrite-based magnetic materials. Such method is based on the use of experimental weight loss data obtained using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) for the determination of the reaction activation energies. Thus, the activation energy, the pre-exponential factor and the reaction order were obtained using TG curves with different heating rates (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 K.min-1). For inert atmosphere, the calculated activation energies of approximately 280 kJ.mol-1 agree with the literature values. The reaction in oxidant atmosphere showed two predominant weight loss regions, suggesting the existence of two different reactions. The 482 kJ.mol-1 value obtained for the activation energy of the second weight loss that occurred at approximately 770 K was similar to the results reported by other authors. For the observed weight loss at approximately 650 K, similar values were not found in the literature to compare to the results of the Friedman method. The theoretical activation energy was therefore determined with empirical equations. A theoretical value of approximately 1000 kJ.mol-1 was obtained for the decomposition of pyrrhotite. The values found for the other kinetic parameters showed inconsistencies.

The popliteal artery is located deep inside the popliteal fossa, and is an important landmark in surgical procedures. Lesions of this vessel and its branches can be dangerous, blocking circulation to the lower limb and leading to gangrene or even vascular failure. The aim of this work was to describe the biometric characteristics of the bifurcations of the popliteal artery and the tibiofibular trunk in relation to the head of the fibula in 38 lower limbs through dissection. The bifurcation of the both arteries was present in all the cases. The mean confidence interval for the bifurcation of the popliteal artery was from 2.82 cm to 3.18 cm from the head of the fibula, and that of the bifurcation of the tibiofibular trunk was from 5.72 cm to 6.68 cm. The bifurcation of the popliteal artery into the anterior tibial artery and tibiofibular trunk showed a more constant positioning than the level of the birfurcation of the posterior tibial artery and fibular artery. These data can help in the development of new access routes to these arteries, or the optimization of surgical planning in the region in question.

La arteria poplítea se encuentra en la fosa del mismo nombre y es un punto de referencia importante en los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Las lesiones de este vaso y sus ramas pueden ser peligrosas, bloqueando la circulación a la extremidad inferior pudiendo llevar a gangrena o incluso a la insuficiencia vascular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la anatomía de la arteria poplítea y el nivel de su primera bifurcación en tronco tibiofibular y arteria tibial anterior, y además el nivel de bifurcación del tronco en arterias tibial posterior y fibular (segunda bifurcación), en relación a la cabeza de la fíbula. Para ello se realizó disección en 38 miembros inferiores. El intervalo de confianza para la media de la primera bifurcación fue de 2,82 cm a 3,18 cm de la cabeza de la fíbula y la de la segunda bifurcación fue de 5,72 cm a 6,68 cm. La bifurcación de la arteria poplítea en la arteria tibial anterior y el tronco tibiofibular mostró un posicionamiento más constante que la altura de la bifurción de la arteria tibial posterior y la arteria fibular. Estos datos pueden ayudar en el desarrollo de nuevas vías de acceso a estas arterias, o la optimización de la planificación quirúrgica de la región.

Besides high industrial development, Brazil is also an agribusiness country. Each year about 330 million metrics tons (Mg) of biomass residues are generated, requiring tremendous effort to develop biomass systems in which production, conversion and utilization of bio-based products are carried out efficiently and under environmentally sustainable conditions. For the production of biofuels, organic chemicals and materials, it is envisaged to follow a biorefinery model which includes modern and proven green chemical technologies such as bioprocessing, pyrolysis, gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and other catalytic processes in order to make more complex molecules and materials on which a future sustainable society will be based. This paper presents promising options for valorization of Brazilian agroindustrial biomass sources and residues originating from the biofuel production chains as renewable energy sources and addresses the main aspects of the thermochemical technologies which have been applied.

Foi realizada falha segmentar de 6mm na região metafisária medial da tíbia de 12 coelhos, seguida de preenchimento desta por matriz óssea mineralizada heteróloga fragmentada conservada em glicerina (98%) e metilmetacrilato autoclavado, bem como avaliação por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (cone beam) aos 30, 60 e 90 dias. Houve incorporação gradativa do implante no leito receptor em relação ao tempo em 100% dos casos, o que mostra ser este biologicamente compatível, ao promover reparação da falha óssea, sem sinais de infecção, migração e/ou rejeição, caracterizando-se, assim, como nova opção de substituto ósseo para preenchimento de falhas ósseas.

A 6mm segmental defect was performed on the metaphyseal region of the tibia of 12 rabbits and the autoclaved fragmented heterolog cortical bone conserved in glycerin (98%) and methylmethacrylate was used as a bone graft for the reconstruction. The graft was placed in the receptor bed and its integration was evaluated by computed tomography after 30, 60 and 90 days. There was gradual bone graft incorporation in the receptor bed during the time in 100% of the cases. Fragmented cortical bone heterograft and methylmethacrylate was biologically compatible and promotes bone defect reparation without signs of infection, migration and or rejection, featuring a new option of osseous substitute to fill in bone defects.

The objective of this work was to study the morphology and biometry of the infraorbital foramen (FIO), variations in its shape, size and number as well as to obtain measurements of its location. 60 dry skulls were analyzed. The test of Qui-quadrant and the T Test were used in measurements with a 5% significance. On the right side, the FIO was measured at a distance of 6.49(±1.68) mm from the lower, 39.65(±3) mm from the upper, 17.7(±2.97) mm from the medial and 20.46(±2.9) mm from the lateral margin of the orbit; its pear-shaped opening distance was 13.67(±2.17) mm. On the left side, the distance of the FIO to the lower margin of the orbit was 6.52(±1.82) mm; to the upper margin was 39.9(±2.62) mm and to the lateral and medial margin were 17.93(±2.58) mm and 21.12(±3) mm, respectively; its distance to the pear-shaped opening was 14.26(±1.83) mm. It was found predominately in an oval shape, in 39 (65%) of the skulls, on both sides. Accessory foramens were present in 11 samples on the right and in 15 samples on the left side. The FIO was most frequently found on the side of, or laterally to the sagittal plane that passes through the middle of the supraorbital foramen/ incisures, in 38 skulls (63.3%) on the right side and in 45 skulls (75%) on the left and middle to the zigomatic-maxillary suture, in 41 skulls (68.3%) on right and in 42 skulls (70%) on the left side, besides being most frequently found in a region between the first and second premolars, in 22 skulls (36.7%) on the right side and in 17 skulls (28.3%) on the left.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la morfología y biometría del foramen infraorbitario (FIO), las variaciones en su forma, tamaño y número y además, determinó su ubicación.Se utilizaron 60 cráneos aplicándose las prueba de Chi-cuadrado y t student con una significancia del 5%.En el lado derecho, la distancia del FIO al margen inferior de la órbita fue de 6,49 (± 1,68) mm, 39,65 mm (± 3) al margen superior mm, 17,7 mm (± 2,97) al margen medial y 20,46 (± 2,9) y al margen lateral de la órbita, respectivamente. La distancia de apertura fue 13,67 (± 2,17) mm.En el lado izquierdo, la distancia del FIO al margen inferior de la órbita fue 6,52 (± 1,82) mm; al margen superior fue 39,9 (± 2,62) mm y a los márgenes lateral y medial fue 17,93 (± 2,58) mmy 21,12 (± 3) mm, respectivamente. La distancia a la abertura piriforme fue 14,26 (± 1,83) mm. Su forma era predominantemente ovalada, en 39 (65%) de los cráneos. Forámenes accesorios estaban presentes en 11 muestras en el lado derechoy en 15 muestras en el lado izquierdo.El FIO estaba localizado más frecuentemente lateral al plano sagital que pasa por el centro del foramen supraorbital. De estos casos, en 38 cráneos (63,3%) en el lado derecho y en 45 cráneos (75%) en el lado izquierdo.Los FIO estaban en el punto medio de la sutura cigomática-maxilar en 41 cráneos (68,3%) en el lado derecho y en 42 cráneos (70%) en el lado izquierdo. Los FIO estaban más frecuentemente localizados en relación al primer y segundo premolares, en 22 cráneos (36,7%) en el lado derecho y en 17 cráneos (28,3%) en el lado izquierdo.

β-Fructofuranosidase production by Aspergillus oryzae IPT301 was maximized in shake flasks. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) involving Small Central Composite Design was adopted to evaluate the fructosyltransferase (FTase) activity by changing three medium component concentrations: sucrose, urea and yeast extract. The optimal set of conditions for maximum fructosyltransferase production was as follows: sucrose 320.5 g/L, urea 7.13 g/L and yeast extract 2.11 g/L. In this optimal condition, the following improvements were achieved: an increase of 48.8% in cell growth, 112% and 62% in micelial and free FTase activities, respectively, 62.8% in the ratio of fructosyltransferase/hydrolytic activities for enzyme linked to mycelium and 67.5% for free enzyme.

In this study, the fixed - bed adsorption of carbon dioxide and a carbon dioxide - nitrogen mixture on zeolite 13X was investigated. The adsorption equilibrium and breakthrough curves were determined at different temperatures - 301 - 306 K, 323 K, 373 K and 423 K. A model based on the LDF approximation for the mass transfer, considering the energy and momentum balances, was used to describe the adsorption kinetics of carbon dioxide and a carbon dioxide - nitrogen mixture. The model acceptably reproduced all of the breakthrough curves and can be considered as adequate for designing a PSA cycle to separate carbon dioxidenitrogen mixtures.

Two groups of isoforms of rhEPO, at a concentration of 300 µg/ml, were tested as putative inhibitors of the lectinic hemagglutination reaction in order to obtain affinity ligand(s) for hormone purification: groups I (pI: 3.80; 3.89; 3.95; 4.07, 4.15 and 4.26) and groups II (pI: 4.15, 4.26; 4.38; 4.51; 4.72 and 4.93) Crude extracts from the vegetable materials Abrus precatorious (Abrin), Artocarpus incisa (Frutalin), Artocarpus integrifolia (Jacalin), Canavalia ensiformes (ConA), Canavalia brasiliensis (Conbr), Cratylia floribunda, Dioclea altissima (DAL), Dioclea grandiflora (DGL), Erythrina vellutina (EVL), Erythrina cristagalli, Lutaelburgia auriculata (lectin not fully characterized yet), Lycopersicum esculentum (LEA), Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA), Ricinus communis (Ricin) and Triticum vulgaris (WGA) were used. Only some of the galactose-specific lectins and the GlcNAc-specific lectins showed rapid full inhibition of the hemagglutination reaction for the less acidic isoforms and the total isoforms of rhEPO, respectively. On this basis, the selected lectins were purified by affinity chromatoghraphy and covalently coupled to cyanogen bromide activated Sepharose® (Amersham-Pharmacia). CHO.K1 cell culture supernatant containing rhEPO was loaded onto the lectin resins and the recoveries were calculated by using specific elutions.

SUMMARY: Due to the great importance of the knowledge about variations occurring in the vascular system to surgeons and professionals who work with imaging, we describe in this article a variation of the origin of the occipital artery. 110 cadavers of male and female individuals had they carotid vascular tree in the region of the neck carefully dissected using loupe magnification and its origin and course were measured as well as a simple diameter. This artery usually branches off from the posterior part of the wall of the external carotid artery at the same level of the facial artery branching however, the two cases presented showed the occipital artery branching off very close to the carotid bifurcation, which characterize it as a trifurcation instead. The occipital artery branching off too close to the carotid bifurcation is a rarity as demonstrated by our results and the its literature is insufficient

RESUMEN: Debido a la importancia que tienen las variaciones musculares para cirujanos, como también para los profesionales del área de las imágenes, describimos dos variaciones de origen de la arteria occipital. Disecamos la región del cuello en 110 cadáveres de individuos, adultos, brasileros de ambos sexos, determinándose el origen, trayecto y diámetro de la arteria occipital. La arteria occipital que se origina generalmente de la pared posterior de la arteria carótida externa, a nivel de la arteria facial, fue encontrada en dos casos, originándose muy próxima a la terminación de la arteria carótida común, asemejándose mucho a una trifurcación carotídea. Este modo de origen de la arteria occipital, próximo a la bifurcación carotídea constituye una variación anatómica muy rara, como también lo demuestra la literatura existente

The combination of high performance exclusion chromatography (HPEC) and gas chromatography (GC) was applied to the analysis of six coffee samples that were previously characterized by sensory tests as of good or poor quality. The data obtained by the two techniques were statistically evaluated by "Principal Components Analysis" (PCA) using selected peak areas. The results showed the potential of the described techniques for coffee analysis. The HPEC technique monitored with the U.V. detector at 272 nm and followed by PCA may be correlated with sensorial data, particularly if a wider group of samples is used.