Abstract The present work aimed to characterize and compare the catalytic properties of amylases from Cunninghamella echinulata and Rhizopus microsporus. The highest production of amylase by C. echinulata, 234.94 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 23.49 U mL-1), was obtained using wheat bran as a substrate, with 50–55% initial moisture and kept at 28 °C for 48 h. The highest production of amylases by R. microsporus, 224.85 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 22.48 U mL-1), was obtained cultivating wheat bran with 65% initial moisture at 45 °C for 24 h. The optimal activity of the amylases was observed at pH 5.0 at 60 °C for C. echinulata enzymes and at pH 4.5 at 65 °C for R. microsporus. The amylases produced by C. echinulata were stable at pH 4.0–8.0, while the R. microsporus enzymes were stable at pH 4.0–10.0. The amylases produced by C. echinulata remained stable for 1 h at 50 °C and the R. microsporus amylases maintained catalytic activity for 1 h at 55 °C. The enzymatic extracts of both fungi hydrolyzed starches from different plant sources and showed potential for liquefaction of starch, however the amylolytic complex of C. echinulata exhibited greater saccharifying potential.

ABSTRACT The goal of this paper is to describe an archaeological burial site with commingled skeletal remains, named Cañada Seca-1 (MNI= 24), located in the Atuel River valley and dating from ca.1500yearsBP. This isperformedby integrating well-known and recently developed lines of inquiry.Based on this record, we discuss interpretations related to cultigen presence and its implicationsin human subsistence and mobility, in an area traditionally characterized as the pre-Hispanicagricultural limit, ca. 2200 years BP. Results show that the individuals did not developed a farmingstrategy, although maize seems to have been part of their diet. In turn, the new information aboutmortuary behavior in the Atuel River valley provides new insights regarding mobility, as well asthe use of utilitarian (lithics) and nonutilitarian (lithic and malacological ornaments) technologythat went beyond these peoples' life into their death.

RESUMEN Este trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar el sitio Cañada Seca-1, un entierro múltiple (NMI=24) localizado en el valle del Atuel y fechado en ca. 1500 años AP, a través de la integración de diferentes líneas de evidencia. A partir de este registro se discuten las interpretacionesen torno a la presencia de cultígenos y sus implicancias para la subsistencia humana en unárea caracterizada tradicionalmente como el límite de la dispersión agrícola sudamericana,ca. 2200 años AP. Los resultados destacan que los individuos inhumados en el sitio no habríandesarrollado una estrategia fundamentalmente agrícola, aunque el maíz formó parte de su dieta.Además, la nueva información sobre los comportamientos mortuorios en la zona del valle delAtuel, ofrece evidencias tanto sobre movilidad como sobre el uso de tecnologías utilitarias (líti-cas) y no utilitarias (ornamentos líticos y malacológicos) que trascendieron la vida cotidiana ylos acompañaron en la muerte.

Resumen Antecedentes: La malformación adenomatoidea quística y el secuestro broncopulmonar son malformaciones que se pueden diagnosticar prenatalmente. Los adecuados controles prenatales ayudan a un diagnóstico temprano y su manejo. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de un recién nacido con diagnóstico parental de una malformación pulmonar y su desenlace posterior. Reporte de caso: Recién nacido a término con diagnóstico antenatal de malformación pulmonar, el cual se confirmó tras su nacimiento. Discusión: Estas dos malformaciones son entidades cuya incidencia viene aumentando, razón por la cual es importante el conocimiento del curso clínico, ayudas diagnósticas, complicaciones y las posibilidades de manejo con las que se cuenta.

Abstract Background: Cystic adenomatoid malformation and bronchopulmonary sequestration are malformations that can be diagnosed prenatally. Appropriate prenatal controls helps to early diagnosis and management. Objective: To present the case of a newborn with a parental diagnosis of a pulmonary malformation and its subsequent outcome. Case report: Newborn at term with antenatal diagnosis of pulmonary malformation which was confirmed postnatal. Discussion: These two malformations are entities whose incidence is increasing, which is why knowledge of the clinical course, diagnostic aids, complications, and the management possibilities that are available are important.

Abstract Microbial β-glucosidases can be used in several industrial processes, including production of biofuels, functional foods, juices, and beverages. In the present work, production of β-glucosidase by solid state cultivation of the fungus Thermoascus crustaceus in a low-cost cultivation medium (comprising agroindustrial residues) was evaluated. The highest production of β-glucosidase, about 415.1 U/g substrate (or 41.51 U/mL), was obtained by cultivating the fungus in wheat bran with 70% humidity, during 96 h at 40°C. The enzymatic activity was optimum at pH 4.5 and 65°C. β-Glucosidase maintained its catalytic activity when incubated at a pH range of 4.0-8.0 and temperature of 30-55°C. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by glucose; even when the substrate and glucose concentrations were equal, the inhibition was not reversed, suggesting a non-competitive inhibition. In the presence of up to 10% ethanol, β-glucosidase maintained its catalytic activity. In addition to β-glucosidase, the enzymatic extract showed activity of 36 U/g for endoglucanase, 256.2 U/g for xylanase, and 18.2 U/g for β-xylosidase. The results allow to conclude that the fungus T. crustaceus has considerable potential for production of β-glucosidase and xylanase when cultivated in agroindustrial residues, thereby reducing the cost of these biocatalysts.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. It is associated with heart failure, renal insufficiency, systemic embolism and increase in days of in-hospital and mortality. Atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery (FAPCC) usually appears in the first 48 h after surgery. The main mechanisms involved in the appearance and maintenance of FAPCC are the increase in sympathetic tone and the inflammatory response. The associated risk factors are advanced age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, valve surgery, fraction of ejection of the left ventricle less 40% and the withdrawal of beta-blocker drugs. There are instruments that have been shown to predict the appearance of FAPCC. Prophylactic treatment with beta-blockers and amiodarone, is associated with a decrease in the appearance of FAPCC. Given its transient nature, it is suggested that the initial treatment of FAPCC be the heart rate control and only if the treatment does not achieve a return to sinus rhythm, the use of electrical cardioversion is suggested. It is unknown what should be the long-term follow-up and complications beyond this period are little known. FAPCC is not a benign or isolated arrhythmia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, so the identification of risk factors, their prevention, and follow-up in the outpatient setting, should be part of the units dedicated to the care and care of these patients.

Resumen La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más frecuente en el periodo posquirúrgico de la cirugía cardíaca. Se relaciona con insuficiencia cardíaca, insuficiencia renal, embolismo sistémico y más días de estancia y mortalidad. La fibrilación auricular en el periodo posquirúrgico de la cirugía cardíaca (FAPCC) suele aparecer en las primeras 48 horas. Los principales mecanismos que producen la aparición y el mantenimiento de la FAPCC son el aumento del tono simpático y la respuesta inflamatoria. Los factores de riesgo adjuntos son la edad avanzada, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad renal crónica, cirugía valvular, fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo menor de 40% e interrupción de fármacos bloqueadores β. Existen instrumentos que han demostrado predecir la aparición de FAPCC. El tratamiento profiláctico con bloqueadores β y amiodarona se relaciona con disminución de la aparición de FAPCC. Dada su naturaleza transitoria, se sugiere que el tratamiento inicial de FAPCC sea el control de la frecuencia cardíaca y sólo en caso de que el tratamiento no consiga el retorno al ritmo sinusal está indicada la cardioversión eléctrica. Se desconoce cuál debe ser el seguimiento a largo plazo y sólo se conocen en escasa medida las complicaciones más allá de este periodo. La FAPCC no es una arritmia benigna ni aislada en los pacientes sometidos a operación cardíaca, por lo que la identificación de los factores de riesgo, su prevención y el seguimiento en el ámbito ambulatorio deben formar parte de las unidades dedicadas a la atención y los cuidados de estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Takotsubo syndrome was first described in Japan in late 1989 and early 1990 and featured a group of patients with transient apical dyskinesia and preservation of basal left-ventricular contractility, which resembled the vessel used by fishermen to catch octopus. It is usually seen in situations involving catecholamine release and its clinical picture mimics that of acute myocardial infarction. The case presented occurs, surprisingly, in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery and is probably the first one found in this circumstance in Cuba: perioperative ischemia after mitral valve replacement, which recovered within nearly 72 hours, although complete recovery occurred later. Angiographic images are shown.

RESUMEN El síndrome de Takotsubo, descrito por vez primera en Japón a fines de 1989 y principios de 1990, caracteriza un conjunto de pacientes con discinesia apical transitoria y conservación de la contractilidad hacia la base del ventrículo izquierdo, que recuerda la forma de la vasija usada por los pescadores para atrapar pulpos. Habitualmente se observa en situaciones que impliquen elevación de catecolaminas y su cuadro clínico es similar al de un infarto agudo de miocardio. El caso que se presenta ocurrió, sorprendentemente, en el postoperatorio de una cirugía cardiovascular y probablemente sea el primero encontrado en Cuba en esta circunstancia: isquemia perioperatoria tras reemplazo valvular mitral, que se recuperó en aproximadamente 72 horas, aunque su recuperación total fue más tardía. Se muestran las imágenes angiográficas.

Abstract The present paper attempt to improve the knowledge of human biogeography in arid environments and, understand the phases of settlement in relation to human demographic trajectories. In this framework, new archaeological information of the El Corcovo area is presented, located in Monte Surmendocino / Nordpatagónico. The field-works that contemplated transects, archaeological excavation of a site and the surveying of rock art of three others are detailed. The results indicate the beginning of occupations around 1900 years 14C AP and a change in the pattern of mobility around 600 years 14C AP. Both situations are consistent with the existing relative chronological estimates for the rock art of the area. Based on a regional demographic model for Monte area, the results show two pulses of increase in the human signal that correspond chronologically with the initial date of occupation estimated for the area and with the date obtained for the proposed change. By associating these pulses with significant falls in the phyto-geographic sector of Patagonia, alternative explanations on population dynamics are postulated.

Resumen El presente trabajo aporta al conocimiento de la biogeografía humana en ambientes áridos y las fases de poblamiento en relación con las trayectorias demográficas humanas. En ese marco, se presenta nueva información arqueológica del área El Corcovo, emplazada en el Monte surmendocino/nordpatagónico. Se detallan los trabajos de campo que contemplaron transectas, excavación arqueológica de un sitio y el relevamiento de arte rupestre de otros tres. Los resultados señalan el inicio de las ocupaciones en torno a 1900 años 14C AP y un cambio en el patrón de movilidad en torno a 600 años 14C AP. Ambas situaciones son consistentes con las estimaciones cronológicas relativas existentes para el arte rupestre del área. Con base en un modelo demográfico regional del Monte, los resultados encuentran dos pulsos de incremento en la señal humana que se corresponden cronológicamente con la fecha inicial de ocupación estimada para el área y con la fecha obtenida para el cambio propuesto. Al asociarse estos pulsos con disminuciones significativas en el sector fitogeográfico de Patagonia se postulan explicaciones alternativas sobre la dinámica poblacional.

RESUMO: Anaplasma phagocytophilum é responsável pela anaplasmose granulocítica, doença que acomete seres-humanos e várias espécies de animais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a prevalência de cães acometidos por A. phagocytophlium em uma área residencial de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. Sessenta e dois cães foram submetidos a testes sorológicos (reação de imunofluorescência indireta - IFAT) e moleculares (PCR). Anticorpos anti-A. phagocytophilum foram detectados em 43,8% dos cães. Sete cães (10,9%) foram positivos no PCR para o gene msp4 de A. phagocytophilum, seis para o gene msp2/p44 A. phagocytophilum e quatro para a região 16S rRNA de Anaplasmataceae granulocíticas. Esse estudo confirma a frequência relativamente alta da infecção por A. phagocytophilum em uma população de cães domiciliados em área urbanizada no sudeste do Brasil e destaca a necessidade de pesquisas para determinar o papel do carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato na transmissão desse microrganismo para cães de áreas urbanas brasileiras.

ABSTRACT: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans and various animal species. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum-infected dogs in a residential area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. A total of 62 dogs were submitted to serological (indirect fluorescent-antibody -IFI) and molecular (PCR) tests. Anti-A. phagocytophilum antibodies were detected in 43.8% of the dogs. Seven dogs (10.9%) were PCR-positive for the msp4 gene, six and four of these were positive for the for the msp2/p44 gene of A. phagocytophilum and 16S rRNA region of granulocytic Anaplasmataceae respectively. This study confirms a relatively high frequency of A. phagocytophilum infection in a population of domiciled dogs in an urbanized area in south-eastern Brazil and highlights the need for further studies on the role of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks in the transmission of this bacterium to dogs in urban Brazilian areas.

O ritmo de queda de Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) foi avaliado para duas populações do Brasil; uma de Monte Negro, Estado de Rondônia, e outra de Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais. Infestações artificiais com carrapatos das duas populações foram realizadas em cães domésticos mantidos em laboratório, sob o regime de luz: escotofase de 12:12 h. O padrão de queda de larvas ingurgitadas do hospedeiro se caracterizou pelo desprendimento de quantidades semelhantes de carrapatos em períodos de luz e de escotofase ou com um predomínio de queda durante o período de luz. No caso de ninfas e fêmeas ingurgitadas, a maioria dos carrapatos se desprendeu dos cães durante o período de escotofase, em todos os casos observados. Desta forma, é possível que em condições naturais, a maioria das ninfas e fêmeas adultas de R. sanguineus tendem a se desprender dos cães durante o período noturno, ao passo que larvas ingurgitadas se desprendem em proporções maiores durante o período diurno. Com base nestes dados, sugere-se que os locais onde os cães freqüentam durante a noite (onde possivelmente estará a maior parte da população de vida livre de R. sanguineus) sejam priorizados com os tratamentos ambientais utilizando-se produtos carrapaticidas.

The present study evaluated the drop-off rhythm of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) ticks from two populations from Brazil, one from Monte Negro, state of Rondônia, and another from Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais. Artificial infestations with ticks were performed on dogs in the laboratory, held in a light: scotophase regimen of 12:12 h. Larval drop-off rhythm was characterized by similar number of engorged larvae detaching during both periods of light and scotophase, or by a larger number of larvae detaching during the light period. In contrast, most of the engorged nymphs and females detached from dogs during the scotophase period. These results indicate that under natural conditions, most of R. sanguineus engorged nymphs and females detach from dogs during the night period, whereas engorged larvae detach in higher proportions during daytime. Based on these data, tick control measures, encompassing environmental treatments with acaricide, should be indicated. The control measures are especially indicated in places where dogs spend or visit during the night period, since these places possibly harbor most of the free-living stages of R. sanguineus.

O presente estudo teve como proposta controlar uma infestação natural de Rhipicephalus sanguineus em um canil pertencente à Escola de Veterinária da UFMG, com uma área de 72 m² e 25 cães de diversas raças. Um teste de sensibilidade a produtos acaricidas foi aplicado em uma amostra de carrapatos capturados no canil. Dos produtos testados: Amitraz 12,5% (Produto 1); uma associação de Alfametrina 2% e Dichlorvós 60% (produto 2); Deltametrina 5% (produto 3) e uma associação de Trichlorfon 77,6%, Coumaphós 1% e Cyfluthrin 1% (produto 4); somente os produtos 1 e 4 apresentaram 100% de eficácia. O Amitraz 12,5% foi utilizado no controle dos estádios de R. sanguineus presentes no ambiente do canil, com um esquema de 4 aplicações a cada 7 dias de intervalo. Para os estádios parasitários, um único tratamento com Flumetrina 1.0% pour-on foi empregado em todos os animais. A inspeção e o monitoramento do ambiente e dos animais foram realizados durante um período de um ano. Estas medidas de controle reduziram significativamente a população de carrapatos dentro do canil. O canil não apresentou infestação pelo carrapato nos seis meses seguintes aos tratamentos. Uma infestação leve foi observada no 7º mês pós-tratamento, quando foi realizada uma nova aplicação de Amitraz 12,5% no ambiente do canil e um novo tratamento com Flumetrina 1.0% pour-on nos animais, com resultados satisfatórios.

The present work was aimed at proposing a control measure for Rhipicephalus sanguineus in a naturally infected kennel of 72 m² of the UFMG Veterinary School with 25 dogs of different breeds. A sensitivity test to acaricide products was applied in a sample of R. sanguineus. Out of the acaricide products tested: 12.5% Amitraz (product 1); 2% Alfamethrin and 60% Dichlorvos association (product 2); 5% Deltamethrin (product 3) and the association between 77.6% Trichlorfon, 1.0% Coumaphos and 1.0% Cyfluthrin (product 4); only 1 and 4 products showed 100% efficacy. Amitraz (12.5%) was used for controlling R. sanguineus in the surrounding of the kennel, on which four treatments every seven days were carried out in the facilities. For parasitic R. sanguineus, a single topical treatment was used: Flumetrin 1.0% pour - on on all the 25 dogs. This control measure significantly reduced the population of R. sanguineus within the kennel. A slight infestation was observed in the seventh month after treatment. A new application of 12.5% Amitraz was done in the kennel as well as a new topical treatment with Flumetrin 1.0% pour - on on the dogs. The control procedure proposed in the present study was an emergency measure and its effectiveness was checked through environmental surveys throughout a one-year period.

No papers on lemon peel drying in rotary dryers were actually found in the sources consulted. Measurement tests were carried out in the assessment of rotary dryer systems used to dehydrate lemon peel in an agroindustrial plant of Northwestern Argentina. A semiempirical mathematic model was developed solving mass and energy balances. A statistical correlation for predicting global heat transfer coefficient in rotary dryer lemon peel dehydration was obtained.

En la bibliografía consultada no se encontraron trabajos de secado de cáscara de limón en secaderos rotativos. Se realizaron ensayos de medición en secaderos rotativos de cáscara de limón en una instalación agroindustrial del noroeste argentino. Se desarrolló un modelo matemático semiempírico mediante la resolución de los balances de materia y energía. Se obtuvo una correlación estadística para la predicción de los coeficientes globales volumétricos de transferencia de calor aparentes para secaderos rotativos de cáscara de limón.