Abstract Introduction: Spinal injuries are common among young adult men. Recognizing kinematics can help reduce the number of late diagnoses, especially if there are consciousness disorders. Vertebral fractures can be single or multiple, and they are often associated with extravertebral injuries. Objectives: To examine the distribution of the lesion based on the mechanism of production, to characterize the neurological condition, to evaluate the lesion pattern and its relationship with extravertebral lesions, and to analyze the treatment. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective study of patients admitted with post-trauma vertebral injuries between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020. Age, gender, kinematics, neurological condition, affected sector, pattern of injury, and associated extravertebral injuries were all examined. Results: There were 281 patients (60% men) evaluated, with 400 vertebral and 118 extravertebral lesions. The causes were as follows: polytrauma in 62 cases, falls from great heights in 147 patients, and traffic accidents in 98. ASIA E was the most frequently observed neurological picture (8 cases), which was not determined at admission. The T2-L5 sector was the most affected, mostly by compression injuries. Head and chest trauma were the most common extravertebral injuries; there was one case of SCIWORA and one early death. Conclusions: The most commonly affected spinal sectors were thoracolumbar, thoracic, and lumbar; the injuries are typically caused by falls from great heights and, in general, are isolated, with no neurological injuries. The treatment is determined by the stability and neurological condition.

Resumen Introducción: Las lesiones raquídeas son frecuentes en hombres adultos jóvenes. Reconocer la cinemática ayuda a disminuir la tasa de diagnósticos tardíos, principalmente si hay trastornos de la conciencia. Las fracturas vertebrales pueden ser únicas o múltiples, y asociarse con lesiones extravertebrales. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar la distribución de la lesión según el mecanismo de producción, caracterizar el cuadro neurológico, evaluar el patrón de lesión y la asociación con lesiones extravertebrales, y analizar el tratamiento. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo de pacientes con lesiones vertebrales postrauma, que ingresaron entre el 1 de julio de 2018 y el 30 de junio de 2020. Se analizaron los siguientes parámetros: edad, sexo, cinemática, cuadro neurológico, sector afectado, patrón de lesión, lesiones extravertebrales asociadas. Resultados: Se evaluó a 281 pacientes (60% hombres) con 400 lesiones vertebrales y 118 extravertebrales que, en 62 casos, conformaban un cuadro de politraumatismo; 147 con trauma por caída de altura y 98, por accidente de tránsito. El cuadro neurológico más observado fue ASIA E (8 casos), no determinado al ingreso. El sector T2-L5 fue el más afectado, en su mayoría, por lesiones por compresión. Las lesiones extravertebrales más frecuentes fueron el trauma de cráneo y de tórax; hubo un caso de SCIWORA y un óbito temprano. Conclusiones: Los sectores raquídeos más afectados fueron: el toracolumbar, el torácico y el lumbar; las lesiones suelen deberse a caídas de altura y suelen ser únicas, sin cuadro neurológico. El tratamiento se decide según la estabilidad y el cuadro neurológico.

Abstract In this work the self-assembling of InAs quantum dots (QDs) within asymmetric barriers of (Al)GaAs is studied via reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). A comparative study between the AlGaAs/InAs/GaAs interfaces and its mirror-like heterostructure GaAs/InAs/AlGaAs showed significant differences in the self-assembling and capping of the QDs. The critical thickness of InAs QDs was proven to be larger when it is grown on AlGaAs alloys, compared with the deposition on GaAs layers. This change is explained by the reduced mobility of In atoms on the Al-containing surfaces, for which the QDs density is increased. Through the in-situ analysis of diffusion parameters, it is concluded that the mobility of In atoms decreases the mass transport of 2D and 3D precursors that conduces to the self-assembling of the QDs nanoislands, modifying the rate at which the QDs are formed. Further, during the first stages of QDs capping it is observed that the III-V materials intermixing plays a predominant role. The nanoislands are less affected when are covered by AlGaAs in comparison with the GaAs capping, preserving the QDs morphology and avoiding materials alloying. By following the RHEED intensity behavior during the QDs capping, a model was proposed to obtain quantitative parameters for the smoothing process. High-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD) measurements show the composition of sharp interfaces for the AlGaAs/InAs/GaAs heterostructure. Lastly, numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the strain changes using the experimental information as input data.

Background and aims: In 2013, blooms similar to those produced by Didymosphenia geminata (Lyngbye) M. Schmidt around the world, were detected in the Grande River basin, Tierra del Fuego province, and in 2014 in de las Vueltas River in Santa Cruz province. The aim of this paper is to analyze the valve morphology and morphometry of these materials to establish if they correspond to D. geminata or to other species of the genus that is producing the massive growth in southern Patagonia. M&M; Samples were collected at Grande River in 2013 and 2015 and, in de las Vueltas River in 2015 and 2016. Samples were analyzed with light and electron microscopy. For morphometric analyses 100 specimens from each sample were measured and statistical analyses were carried out using the R statistical package. Results; The studied populations have the same fine morphology described for other populations collected in Patagonia. Nevertheless, in some sampling sites from Santa Cruz province, we found a morphotype with a markedly smaller size, subcapitated poles, little marked constrictions of the poles, a broad central area (relative to cell size) and 1 to 3 stigmata, that was never reported in South America. Conclusions; The studied populations correspond to D. geminata ssp. geminata Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot. From a morphological point of view the smaller morphotype present in Santa Cruz belongs to the same subspecies but can be easily misidentified during the routine monitoring programs carried out with light microscope due its size and valve outline.

Introducción y objetivos: En 2013 floraciones similares a las producidas por Didymosphenia geminata (Lyngbye) M. Schmidt en distintos lugares del mundo fueron detectadas en la Cuenca del Río Grande, provincia de Tierra del Fuego y, en 2014 en el río de las Vueltas en la provincia de Santa Cruz. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la morfología y morfometría valvar de estos materiales para establecer si corresponden a D. geminata o a otra especie del género que está produciendo floraciones masivas en la Patagonia sur. M&M; Las muestras fueron colectadas en el Río Grande en 2013 y 2015 y en el Río de las Vueltas en 2015 y 2016. El material fue analizado con microscopía óptica y electrónica. Para los análisis morfométricos fueron medidos 100 especímenes por muestra y los análisis estadísticos fueron llevados a cabo con el programa estadístico R. Resultados; Las poblaciones estudiadas presentan las mismas características morfológicas descriptas para poblaciones de distintos lugares de Patagonia. Sin embargo, en Santa Cruz observamos un morfotipo marcadamente más pequeño, con polos subcapitados, constricción suavemente marcada, un área central amplia con 1 a 3 estigmas, que no había sido descripto antes para Sudamérica. Conclusiones; Las poblaciones estudiadas corresponden a D. geminata ssp. geminata Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot. Desde un punto de vista morfológico, los especímenes pequeños presentes en Santa Cruz pertenecen a la misma subespecie pero por su tamaño y contorno valvar pueden ser confundidos con otros taxones durante los programas de monitoreo llevados a cabo con microscopía óptica.

Abstract Background: The presence of clinically relevant mutations in KRAS and NRAS genes determines the response of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The only quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based diagnostic tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) screen merely for mutations in codons 12 and 13 of KRAS. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the frequency of clinically relevant mutations in KRAS and NRAS genes that are not included in FDA-approved qPCR tests. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 1113 mCRC Mexican patients from different health institutions across the country were analyzed by Sanger sequencing for KRAS mutations in exons 2, 3, and 4. Furthermore, 83 were analyzed in exons 2, 3, and 4 of NRAS. Results: From the specimens tested for KRAS, 33.69% harbored a mutation. From these, 71.77% were in codon 12 and 27.69% in codon 13 (both located in exon 2). Codons 59 (exon 3) and 146 (exon 4) accounted for the remaining 0.54%. From the 83 specimens, in which NRAS was analyzed, three mutations were found in codon 12 (3.61%). Approximately 6% of RAS mutated specimens would have been falsely reported as RAS wild type if an FDA-approved qPCR diagnostic test had been used. Conclusions: While these kits based on qPCR can be very practical and highly sensitive, their mutation coverage ignores mutations from poorly genetically characterized populations.

Resumen La Candidiasis Invasora (CI) y la candidemia, como su manifestación más frecuente, se ha convertido en la principal causa de micosis oportunista a nivel hospitalario. Este manuscrito realizado por miembros de la Asociación Colombiana de Infectología (ACIN), tuvo como objetivo proporcionar un conjunto de recomendaciones para manejo, seguimiento y prevención de la CI/candidemia y de la infección candidiásica de mucosas, en población adulta, pediátrica y neonatal, en un entorno hospitalario, incluyendo las unidades hemato-oncológicas y unidades de cuidado crítico. Todos los datos obtenidos mediante una búsqueda exhaustiva, fueron revisados y analizados de manera amplia por todos los miembros del grupo, y las recomendaciones emitidas se elaboraron luego de la evaluación de la literatura científica disponible, y el consenso de todos los especialistas involucrados, reconociendo el problema de la emergencia de las infecciones por Candida Spp. y brindando una correcta orientación a los profesionales de la salud sobre el manejo de pacientes con enfermedad candidiásica, de una forma racional y práctica, enfatizando en la evaluación del paciente, estrategias de diagnóstico, profilaxis, tratamiento empírico, tratamiento dirigido y terapia preventiva.

Abstract Invasive Candidiasis (IC) and candidemia (as its most frequent manifestation) have become the main cause of opportunistic mycosis at hospital settings. This study, made by members of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases (ACIN), was aimed at providing a set of recommendations for the management, follow-up and prevention of IC / candidemia and mucous membrane candida infection in adult, pediatric and neonatal patients in a hospital setting, including the hemato-oncological and critical care units. All the data obtained through an exhaustive search were reviewed and analyzed in a comprehensive manner by all the members of the group, and the recommendations issued are being made after a careful review of the scientific literature available and the consensus of all specialists involved; the emergence of Candida Spp. problem is highlighted and a correct orientation to health professionals regarding the management of patients with candidiasis is provided in a rational and practical way, emphasizing patient evaluation, diagnostic strategies, prophylaxis, empirical treatment, directed treatment and preventative therapy.

Abstract Introduction: if complementary feeding is not introduced at six months or if it is inadequate, the child's growth will be affected. Objective: to evaluate the impact of a complementary feeding intervention and the mothers' perceptions of child weight status (MPCW) on growth indicators. Method: this was a quasi-experimental intervention in 19 mother-child dyads with seven workshops given to the intervention group (IG). Mothers were asked when, why, and how food groups should be introduced according to their beliefs and experience. Growth indicators were Z-scores for length-for-age (ZLA) and weight-for-length (ZWL). MPCW was measured using the question: "do you think your child is: 'a little underweight or underweight', 'more or less at a normal weight', 'a little overweight' or 'definitely overweight'?" Number of breastfed times, number of feeding times and minimal dietary diversity was determined by two 24-hour dietary recalls. Results: mothers believed that children could eat all foods by two years of age in 52.6% of cases. In the IG, a significant change was observed in its own growth in both indicators. The average ZLA was from -0.05 ± 0.5 to -0.73 ±1.0 Z-score (p < 0.03), and the average ZWL was from 0.74 ± 0.9 to 0.29 ± 0.5 (p < 0.05). For the indicator classification weight-for-length, in the final measurement 90.0% of children from the IG were classified at a normal weight and 10.0% at overweight, while in the control group (CG) 55.6% were classified at a normal weight and 44.4% at overweight (p < 0.08). Adequate MPCW was 80.0% in the IG and 33.3% in the CG (p < 0.04). Inadequate MPCW in the IG from underestimation was 20.0% and in the CG 55.6%. Conclusion: knowledge about introducing food and having an adequate MPCW has a positive impact on growth in children.

Resumen Introducción: si los alimentos complementarios no se introducen alrededor de los seis meses o se introducen inapropiadamente, el crecimiento del niño se verá afectado. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de una intervención de alimentación complementaria y la percepción materna de peso del hijo (PMPH) sobre indicadores de crecimiento. Método: estudio cuasiexperimental de intervención en 19 diadas madre-hijo de siete talleres para un grupo intervención (GI). Se preguntó a la madre cuándo, por qué y cómo introduciría los alimentos según su creencia y experiencia. Se calculó el puntaje Z longitud-edad (ZLE) y peso-longitud (ZPL). La PMPH se midió mediante la pregunta: "¿Cree que su hijo está 'un poquito bajo de peso o bajo de peso', 'más o menos con el peso correcto', 'con un poco de sobrepeso' o 'con sobrepeso'?" Se determinó el número de veces que era amamantado, el número de veces que era alimentado en un día y la diversidad alimentaria mínima usando recordatorios de 24 horas. Resultados: el 52,6% de las madres creía que su hijo podría comer todos los alimentos al cumplir dos años. En el GI se produjo un cambio significativo sobre su propio crecimiento: el promedio de ZLE pasó de -0,05 ± 0,5 a -0,73 ± 1,0 (p < 0,03). El promedio de ZPL pasó de 0,74 ± 0,9 a 0,29 ± 0,5 (p < 0,05); en el grupo control (GC) no se observaron diferencias significativas. Por clasificación del indicador PL, medición final, el 90.0% del GI presentó peso normal y el 10,0% presentó sobrepeso; en el GC, un 55,6% tuvo peso normal y un 44,4%, sobrepeso (p < 0,08). La PMPH adecuada fue de 80,0% en el GI y de 33,3% en el control (p < 0,04). En el GI, la subestimación fue del 20,0% y en el GC, del 55,6%. Conclusión: el conocimiento sobre la introducción de alimentos y el mantenimiento de una PMPH adecuada tiene un impacto positivo en el crecimiento infantil.

Abstract We present the characterization of the main properties of a sample of 98 AGN host galaxies, both type-II and type-I, in comparison with those of ≈2700 non-active galaxies observed by the MaNGA survey. We found that AGN hosts are morphologically early-type or early-spirals. AGN hosts are, on average, more massive, more compact, more centrally peaked and more pressure-supported systems. They are located in the intermediate/transition region between star-forming and non-starforming galaxies (i.e., the so-called green valley). We consider that they are in the process of halting/quenching the star formation. The analysis of the radial distributions of different properties shows that the quenching happens from inside-out involving both a decrease of the efficiency of the star formation and a deficit of molecular gas. The data-products of the current analysis are distributed as a Value Added Catalog within the SDSS-DR1411.

Resumen Presentamos la caracterización de las propiedades de 98 galaxias que albergan AGN, tanto de Tipo-I como de Tipo-II, en comparación con ≈2700 galaxias no activas extraídas del mapeado MaNGA. Las galaxias con AGN son de tipo temprano y espirales tempranas. Las galaxias con AGN son, en promedio, más masivas, compactas y concentradas en las partes centrales que las no activas, además de estar más soportadas por presión. Las galaxias con AGN se encuentran en la zona de transición entra las galaxias con formación estelar y las que no forman estrellas (valle verde), estando en el proceso de inhibir/detener su formación estelar. Las distribuciones radiales de diferentes propiedades muestran que esta inhibición ocurre desde dentro hacia fuera, debido a un decremento tanto de la eficiencia de la formación estelar como del gas molecular. Los productos de este análisis están disponibles como un Catálogo de Valor Añadido incluido en el SDSS-DR1411.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Perioperative, oncologic, and functional results between open radical prostatectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are still the subject of debate. OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative, oncologic, and functional results between open radical prostatectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive, and analytic study was conducted by analyzing the medical records of patients that underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and patients that underwent open radical prostatectomy, within the time frame of January 2012 and June 2016. The follow-up period for the patients with robotic-assisted prostatectomy was from 3 to 21 months and that of open radical prostatectomy was from 1 to 4 years. Preoperative variables (age, ECOG functional status, comorbidities, prostate-specific antigen concentration, Gleason score, NCCN risk group), perioperative variables (intraoperative blood loss, surgery duration, days of hospital stay, time with transurethral catheter, postoperative complications), and oncologic variables (clinical stage, surgical specimen Gleason criteria, positive surgical margins, disease persistence and biochemical recurrence, urinary continence [at 3, 6, and 12 months], sexual potency or performance [at 6 and 12 months]) were analyzed. The SPSS program was used for the statistical analysis. Frequencies were calculated and normality tests were performed. The Pearson’s ꭓ2 test was employed for the qualitative variables and the Student’s t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the quantitative variables. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 36 had open radical prostatectomy. For robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus open radical prostatectomy, the mean age of the patients was 64 vs 63 years, surgery duration was 286 min (68) vs 225 min (±65) (p<0.001). intraoperative blood loss was 869 mL (±657) vs 1567 mL (±1110) (p=0.001), and the transfusion rate was 37 vs 47% (p=0.26), respectively. Mean hospital stay was 5 days for the two procedures. Postoperative complications presented in 29 vs 28% (p=0.58) of the patients, there were positive surgical margins in 63 vs 33% (p=0.01), and the continence rate at 3 months was 57 vs 53% (p=0.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the benefits of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in relation to intraoperative blood loss and transfusion. In addition, the rest of the parameters evaluated were similar, but not inferior, to those for open radical prostatectomy.

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: hay controversia en cuanto a los resultados perioperatorios, oncológicos y funcionales entre la prostatectomía radical abierta versus la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot. OBJETIVO: comparar los resultados perioperatorios, oncológicos y funcionales entre la prostatectomía radical abierta versus prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y analítico, efectuado mediante el análisis de los expedientes de pacientes posoperados de prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot y prostatectomía radical abierta, de enero de 2012 a junio de 2016. El seguimiento de los pacientes con prostatectomía asistida por robot fue de 3 a 21 meses y de prostatectomía radical abierta de 1-4 años. Se analizaron variables preoperatorias (edad, estado funcional según los criterios del ECOG, comorbilidades, concentración de antígeno prostático específico, escala de Gleason y grupo de riesgo de la NCCN), perioperatorias (sangrando transoperatorio, tiempo quirúrgico, requerimiento de transfusión sanguínea, días de estancia hospitalaria, tiempo de permanencia de la sonda transuretral y complicaciones posquirúrgicas) y oncológicas (estadio clínico, criterios de Gleason de la pieza quirúrgica, márgenes positivos, persistencia y recurrencia bioquímica de la enfermedad; continencia urinaria [3, 6 y 12 meses] y potencia o desempeño sexual [6 y 12]. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS; se calcularon frecuencias y pruebas de normalidad. Se implementó la ꭓ2 de Pearson para variables cualitativas, y la t de Student y U de Mann-Whitney para variables cuantitativas. RESULTADOS: se registraron 35 pacientes con prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot y 36 con prostatectomía radical abierta. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 64 vs 63 años; tiempo quirúrgico de 286 ± 68 vs 225 ± 65 minutos (p<0.001); sangrando transoperatorio de 869 ± 657 vs 1567 1110 mL (p=0.001); tasa de transfusión de 37 vs 47% (p=0.26), respectivamente, y estancia hospitalaria de 5 días para ambos procedimientos. Se registraron complicaciones posquirúrgicas en 29 vs 28% (p=0.58) de los pacientes; márgenes positivos de 63 vs 33% (p=0.01) y tasa de continencia a los 3 meses de 57 vs 53% (p=0.7), respectivamente. El seguimiento de los pacientes con prostatectomía asistida por robot fue de 3 a 21 meses y de prostatectomía radical abierta de 1 a 4 años. CONCLUSIONES: este estudio confirma las ventajas de la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot: menor sangrado transoperatorio y de trasfusión; los parámetros restantes fueron similares, pero no inferiores, a los de la prostatectomía radical abierta.

Salivary cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and secreted into saliva when persons are under stress. High levels of cortisol in saliva can be produced by many different factors, including obesity and certain psychological disorders. The articles selected for inclusion in this review were identified using Google Scholar and Medline, and this search obtained a total of 57 items. The validity of these studies was established according to the degree of evidence presented, by citations and by their applicability to the healthcare context in Spain. Specifically, this review takes into consideration studies of salivary cortisol and stress in children and adults, and those examining the relation between high levels of salivary cortisol and other disorders such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia or emotional deprivation. These studies show that salivary cortisol is a clear indicator of stress in both children and adults. High levels of this hormone in saliva are associated with the following main consequences: reduced immune function, affecting healing and thus prolonging recovery time; delayed growth in children; increased blood pressure and heart rate in both children and adults.

El cortisol salival es una hormona esteoridea producida en el eje hipotálamo-pitutitario-adrenal que se segrega en la saliva, sobre todo cuando las personas se estresan. Un nivel elevado de cortisol en saliva puede ser producido por muchos factores diferentes, entre los que se encuentran algunas alteraciones, como la obesidad y otras afecciones psicológicas. Los artículos seleccionados para ser incluidos en esta revisión se tomaron de Google Scholar y Medline, y con un total de 57 artículos. La validez de los mismos viene dada por el grado de evidencias demostrado, por las recomendaciones allí recogidas y por la aplicabilidad a nuestro contexto. En esta revisión se han considerado los estudios que investigan el cortisol salival y el estrés en niños y adultos. También se han tenido en cuenta los que relacionan unos niveles altos de cortisol salival con otras alteraciones, como ansiedad, TDAH, fobia social o la carencia afectiva. Los estudios demuestran que el cortisol salival es un claro indicador de estrés, tanto en niños como en adultos. Las principales consecuencias de un alto nivel de esta hormona en la saliva son las siguientes: reducción de la función inmunológica, que afecta a la cicatrización y, como consecuencia, a un mayor tiempo de recuperación. También se relaciona con un déficit en el crecimiento físico de los niños, así como con un aumento de la presión arterial y de la frecuencia cardíaca, tanto en niños como en adultos.

Vinasse is used in crop fertigation indiscriminately, however, this wastewater generates serious environmental damage as the reduction in crop yield or even its death in the short-term and acidification, decreased oxygenation, increased organic load, accumulation of phenols in soil in the medium and long term. The aim of this study was the fertigation sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in laboratory (bioassays germination) and growth in nursery treated with hydrated ethanol stillage from a UASB modified, in order to improve its chemical properties and use them to 50, 75% (diluted) and 100% of treated vinasse (TV50, TV75 and TV100 respectively). The raw vinasse (RV) had the lowest percentage of germination in seeds of sweet sorghum in laboratory tests (14% in 8 days) compared to the control treatment where 94% of germinated seeds. Growth of seedlings in the nursery with RV treatment was lower than in other treatments and after 13 days the plants completely stopped growth and died.

Las vinazas se han utilizado en la fertirigación de cultivos de manera indiscriminada, sin embargo, estas aguas residuales generan daños graves al medio ambiente, desde la reducción en el rendimiento o muerte de los cultivos a corto plazo, así como la acidificación, disminución de la oxigenación, aumento de la carga orgánica, acumulación de fenoles en el suelo en el mediano y largo plazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue la fertirrigación de sorgo dulce (Sorgo bicolor L. Moench) en laboratorio (bioensayos de germinación) y crecimiento en vivero con vinazas tratadas de Etanol hidratado de un UASB modificado, con la finalidad de mejorar sus propiedades químicas y utilizarlas al 50, 75% (diluidas) y al 100 % de vinaza tratada (TV50, TV75 y TV100 respectivamente). La vinaza cruda (RV) presentó el porcentaje más bajo de germinación en las semillas de sorgo dulce en las pruebas de laboratorio (14% en 8 días) comparado con el tratamiento control donde germinó el 94% de las semillas. El crecimiento de las plántulas en el vivero con la vinaza cruda (RV) fue menor que en otros tratamientos, y después de 13 días las plantas detuvieron completamente su crecimiento y murieron.

Orange peel represents approximately 30-40 g/100g of the fresh fruit weight and could be used to develop value-added products. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effects of drying conditions on the physical properties of orange peel impregnated with sucrose solution. The response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize two parameters: drying temperature (35-55 ºC) and air flow rate (2-3 m/s). The measured responses used to determine the effect of dying process conditions were: moisture content. drying time. total soluble solids. color and hardness. The dried orange peels from the optimal process were subjected to a sensory test by 60 consumers. The optimum conditions for the drying of orange peels were determined to obtain minimum hardness, moisture content and drying time for a w values below 0.6. The optimum conditions were found to be a dying temperature of 52.3 ºC and air flow rate of 2.0 m/s. At this point, drying time, hardness and moisture content were found to be 20 h, 78.4 N and 7.6%, respectively. The sensory results showed that consumers aged over 30 years old accepted well the dried orange peel.

A estrutura de um biomaterial para regeneração óssea é fator chave para seu sucesso clínico. Não existe um único biomaterial usado para reparo e regeneração óssea capaz de preencher todos os requisitos para um enxerto ósseo ideal. Assim, optou-se por utilizar neste estudo dois biomateriais largamente utilizados na engenharia de tecido ósseo, a policaprolactona (PCL) e cerâmica bifásica (BCP). Neste estudo, compósitos porosos tridimensionais de PCL:BCP (3:1 e 1:1 p:p) foram fabricados utilizando a combinação das técnicas de evaporação do solvente e lavagem de partículas de sal com ou sem a adição de Angiotensina (Ang)-(1-7). Os compósitos de PCL:BCP com alta porosidade e interconectividade obtidos foram analisados usando microtomografia computadorizada (µ-CT). A viabilidade dos compósitos com e sem a adição da Ang-(1-7) foram analisados utilizando osteoblastos de cultura primária nos períodos de 3 e 7 dias utilizando o teste de MTT e secreção de Fosfatase Alcalina. Diferenças significativas de todas as variáveis foram testadas através de análises multivariáveis (p<0,05). Demonstrou-se uma estrutura mais uniformemente distribuída quando a razão PCL/BCP foi aumentada. A conectividade dos poros foi mensurada através do índice de fragmentação (FI) demonstrando estruturas desconexas nas amostras analisadas possuindo valores de FI próximos. Quanto maior a razão PCL/BCP, maior a dimensão fractal (FD). Análises in vitro utilizando o teste do MTT demonstraram que as amostras contendo ou não Ang-(1-7) possuíram efeitos citotóxico médio e moderado, respectivamente. A análise da atividade de fosfatase alcalina não monstrou diferença entre as amostras no período de 3 dias decrescendo sua atividade nas amostras contendo Ang-(1-7) no período de 7 dias. Dessa forma, utilizando a combinação das técnicas de evaporação do solvente e lavagem do sal, obtiveram-se estruturas porosas tridimensionais, desejável para defeitos ósseos tendo capacidade para sistema de transporte de drogas podendo ser avaliada em futuros testes in vivo.

Highly porous three-dimensional biodegradable scaffolds was obtained from beta-tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite bioceramic (BCP), PCL, and Angiotensin-(1-7). We used the solvent casting and particulate leaching methods (SC/PL). The processed scaffolds were characterized by X-ray microtomography (µ-CT). Biocompatibility tests in vitro were performed during three and seven days using MTT and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity (APA) assays. Both the MTT activity and APA were evaluated using a one-way ANOVA test. The µ-CT results showed that the increase of the PCL:BCP weight ratio leads to structures with lower pore sizes. The pore interconnectivity of the processed scaffolds was evaluated in terms of the fragmentation index (FI). We observed that the obtained composites present poorly connected structures, with close values of FI. However, as the polymer phase is almost transparent to the X-rays, it was not taken into consideration in the µ-CT tests. The MTT activity assay revealed that scaffolds obtained with and without Angiotensin-(1-7) present mild and moderate cytotoxic effects, respectively. The APA assay showed that the rat osteoblasts, when in contact for three days with the PCL composites, presented an APA similar to that observed for the control cells. Nevertheless, for an incubation time of seven days we observed a remarkable decrease in the alkaline phosphatase activity. In conclusion, using the solvent casting and salt leaching method we obtained 3D porous that are composites of PCL, BC and Ang-(1-7), which have suitable shapes for the bone defects, a high porosity and interconnect pores. Furthermore, the viability in vitro showed that the scaffolds have potential for drug delivery system and could be used in future in vivo tests.

The thermomechanical properties of dough and the physical characteristics of bread from quinoa-wheat and potato-wheat composite flours at 10 and 20% substitution level were evaluated. The functional properties of flours were measured by the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and swelling power (SP). The thermomechanical properties of wheat and composite flours were assessed using a Mixolab and the baking quality characteristics of breads were weight, height, width, and specific volume. The results showed that the higher values of WAI (4.48), WSI (7.45%), and SP (4.84) were for potato flour. The quinoa-wheat composite flour presented lower setback and cooking stability data, which are a good indicator of shelf life of bread. On the other hand, the potato-wheat composite flour showed lower stability, minimum torque and peak torque, and higher water absorption. Weight, height, width, and specific volume of wheat bread were most similar to samples of potato-wheat composite flour at 10% substitution level.

Resumo: Um novo método de análise por via úmida e instrumental foi desenvolvido para avaliação da abertura do anel aziridínico do óxido de tris(l-(2-metil)aziridinil) fosfina (MAPO), agente de ligação usado em propelente compósito. Foi observada redução de intensidade das bandas de absorção em 1400 e 1040 cm-1, que são características do anel aziridínico. Em alguns casos, observou-se que, quando o número de anéis abertos aumenta, a banda de absorção do grupo NH, na região 3400 e 3300 cm-1, que aparece com a abertura do anel, está localizada na região de menor número de onda. O estudo de síntese do derivado do MAPO evidenciou reações secundárias com a hidroxila do ácido 12-hidroxiesteárico, homopolimerização e reação com a umidade existente na amostra.

Abstract: A new method using wet chemistry and instrumental analysis has been developed for evaluating the ring-opening of aziridine tris [l-(2 methyl) aziridinyl] phosphide oxide (MAPO) of the bonding agent used in composite propellant. A reduction was observed in the intensity absorption bands in 1400 and 1040 cm-1, characteristic of aziridinic ring. It was also observed, in some cases, that when the number of open aziridinyl ring increases, the NH band in the range 3400-3300 cm-1, that appears with ring-opening, is located in the region of lower wave numbers. The study of the synthesis of MAPO derivative indicated side reactions such as homopolymerization of rings and also, with secondary hydroxyl of the 12-hydroxy stearic acid and probable humidity existent in the original sample.

A dynamic scaling and kinetic roughening study was done on digitized atomic force microscope (AFM) images of Pb(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films. The films were grown on Si(001) and Nb - SrTiO3(001) (STNO) substrates via rf-sputtering technique at high oxygen pressures at substrate temperatures of 600 ºC by varying the deposition time and keeping other growth parameters fixed. By using a specific self-designed algorithm, we can extract from digitized 512-pixel resolution AFM-images, quantitative values of roughness parameters, i.e., interface width (sigma(l)), lateral correlation length (xi||) and, roughness exponent (alpha). Herein, we report on the sputter-time deposition dependence of the parameters describing roughness for both kinds of substrates. We report alpha-values for different time depositions (between 15 and 60 minutes) close to 0.55 for Si substrates and 0.63 for Nb - SrTiO3 substrates, indicating that the surface becomes more correlated in STNO substrates. The alpha-values are associated to the Lai-Das-Sarma-Villain model.