Abstract Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that finally result in synaptic and neuronal loss. Oxidative stress accompanies pathological changes in AD. Objective: to assess the efficacy of dietary omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on the levels of proteins oxidation, hydroperoxides and enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in AD patients. Methods: clinical, controlled, randomized, double-blind trial. Patients consumed fish oil or placebo for one year. Oxidative stress markers were assessed in plasma using spectrophotometric methods. Results: carbonyl groups in proteins and hydroperoxides in plasma have similar values in both treatment groups at the beginning of the study. At six and 12 months of treatment, these values decreased significantly in the fish oil group, while in the placebo group no changes were observed in both oxidative stress markers. Catalase activity increased significantly at six and twelve months after treatment in patients treated with fish oil. While the superoxide dismutase activity was not modified in both study groups. Conclusions: patients who consume omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids at a stable dose of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) show decreased oxidation of proteins and lipids in plasma. In addition, an increase in catalase activity was detected. Thus, the presented data warrants further studies evaluating the antioxidant effect of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Resumen Antecedentes: la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) es un trastorno neurodegenerativo caracterizado por la presencia de placas neuríticas y ovillos neurofibrilares que finalmente resultan en pérdida sináptica y neuronal. El estrés oxidativo acompaña los cambios patológicos en la EA. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de la suplementación dietética con ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega 3 sobre los niveles de oxidación de proteínas, hidroperóxidos y actividades enzimáticas de catalasa y superóxido dismutasa en pacientes con EA. Métodos: ensayo clínico, controlado, aleatorizado, doble ciego. Los pacientes consumieron aceite de pescado o placebo durante un año. Los marcadores de estrés oxidativo se evaluaron en plasma mediante métodos espectrofotométricos. Resultados: los grupos carbonilo en proteínas e hidroperóxidos en plasma tuvieron valores similares en ambos grupos de tratamiento al inicio del estudio. A los seis y 12 meses de tratamiento estos valores disminuyeron significativamente en el grupo de aceite de pescado, mientras que en el grupo placebo no se observaron cambios en ambos marcadores. La actividad de catalasa aumentó significativamente a los seis y doce meses después del tratamiento en pacientes tratados con aceite de pescado; sin embargo, la actividad superóxido dismutasa no se modificó en ambos grupos de estudio. Conclusiones: los pacientes que consumieron los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega 3 a una dosis estable de ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) y ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) muestran una oxidación reducida de proteínas y lípidos en plasma. Además, se detectó un aumento en la actividad de la catalasa. Por tanto, los datos presentados justifican más estudios que evalúen el efecto antioxidante de dichos ácidos grasos.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial do óleo essencial dos genótipos LGRA-106 e LGRA-108 de Lippia gracilis no controle de traça-das-crucíferas (Plutella xylostella). As concentrações letais (CLs) foram estimadas por duas vias de ação (residual e pulverização), com uso dos óleos em concentrações de 0,5 a 3,0% v v−1, diluídos em Tween 80 (1,5%). Para determinar o efeito da CL média (CL50) no desenvolvimento de P. xylostella, dois compostos dos genótipos de L. gracilis, timol e carvacrol, foram pulverizados nos insetos. A repelência da CL50 foi avaliada por ação residual, em bioensaio com chance de escolha. O genótipo LGRA-106 apresentou maior toxicidade via ação residual (CL50 = 8,82 mg mL−1), bem como maior índice de repelência. Já o LGRA-108 foi mais tóxico via pulverização (CL50 = 9,64 mg mL−1). O desenvolvimento e a viabilidade larval foram reduzidos em cerca de 50% com o LGRA-106 ou o timol e, em até 70%, com o LGRA-108 ou o carvacrol, que causaram mortalidade de 1,70 a 1,97 dias após a pulverização. Os óleos dos genótipos LGRA-106 e LGRA-108 de L. gracilis possuem atividade inseticida no controle de P. xylostella.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oils of the LGRA-106 and LGR A-108 Lip pia g racili s genot y pes for the control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The lethal concentrations (LCs) were estimated by two routes of action (residual and spraying), using oil concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.0% v v−1, diluted in Tween 80 (1.5%). To determine the effect of the LC to 50% (LC50) on the development of P. xylostella, two compounds of the L. gracilis genotypes, thymol, and carvacrol, were sprayed on the insects. The repellency of the LC50 was evaluated by residual action, in a free-choice behavioral bioassay. The LGRA-106 genotype showed a greater toxicity via residual action (LC50 = 8.82 mg mL−1), as well as a higher repellency index. LGRA-108 was more toxic via spraying (LC50= 9.64 mg mL−1). Larval development and viability were reduced in approximately 50% with LGRA-106 or thymol and up to 70% with LGRA-108 or carvacrol, which caused mortality from 1.70 to 1.97 days after spraying. The oils of the LGRA-106 and LGRA-108 genotypes of L. gracilis have insecticidal activity in the control of P. xylostella.

Resumo Introdução O tratamento da doença periodontal em dentes multirradiculares com envolvimento de furca tem sido um desafio para os cirurgiões-dentistas, com resultados imprevisíveis. Objetivo Avaliar as características da ponta ativa de curetas periodontais utilizadas para raspagem do teto de furca, comparando o método manual versus digital. Material e método Foram avaliadas 42 curetas de Pádua Lima (PL) da marca Millennium® (n=6 para cada modelo): PL 1-2, PL 3-4, PL 5-6, PLW 1-2, PLW 3-4, PLW 5-6 e PLF. Foram mensurados: comprimento total da face coronária (CTc, milímetros, mm), comprimento total da face lateral (CTl, mm), largura da face coronária (Lc, mm) e largura da face lateral (Ll, mm). As mensurações foram em duplicata. Resultado Os resultados mostraram que o peso variou entre as curetas (p<0,05), porém o diâmetro do cabo foi semelhante para todos os instrumentos (p>0,05). Considerando que foram avaliados sete tipos de curetas diferentes, os parâmetros de CTl e Ll se mostraram com diferença estatística para todas as curetas avaliadas (proporção 7:7), com valores maiores para o método do paquímetro em comparação ao software (p<0,05). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre métodos de avaliação para as medidas de CTc e de Lc (p<0,05), mostrando que houve uma coincidência de valores na proporção de 4:7 para as mensurações de CTc e de 5:7 para Lc. Conclusão A comparação entre métodos resultou, em geral, menores valores e maior variação para o método digital, favorecendo, dessa forma, o uso do método manual para a mensuração da ponta ativa de curetas periodontais.

Abstract Introduction The treatment of periodontal disease in multiradicular teeth with furcation involvement is a challenge for dentists, with unpredictable results. Objective To evaluate the characteristics of the active tip of periodontal curettes used for scaling the furcation roof, comparing the manual versus digital method. Material and method Forty-two Pádua Lima (PL) curettes of the Millennium® brand (n = 6 for each model) were evaluated: PL 1-2, PL 3-4, PL 5-6, PLW 1-2, PLW 3-4, PLW 5 -6, and PLF. The following were measured: total length of the coronary face (CTc, millimeters, mm), total length of the lateral face (CTl, mm), width of the coronary face (Lc, mm), and width of the lateral face (Ll, mm). The measurements were performed in duplicate. Result The results showed that weight varied among the curettes (p <0.05), however the handle diameter was similar for all instruments (p> 0.05). Considering that seven different types of curettes were evaluated, the parameters of CTl and Ll showed a statistical difference for all evaluated curettes (7: 7 ratio), with higher values for the caliper method compared to the software (p <0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between assessment methods for CTc and Lc measurements (p <0.05), showing that there was a coincidence of values in the proportion of 4:7 for measurements of CTc and 5:7 for Lc. Conclusion The comparison between methods generally resulted in lower values and greater variation for the digital method, thus favoring the use of the manual method to measure the active tip of periodontal curettes.

La contaminación del suelo por aceite residual automotriz (ARA) que es una mezcla de hidrocarburos (HC), que impide la actividad microbiana del reciclaje de elementos necesarios para la vida y afecta negativamente su fertilidad. La bioestimulación (BIS) es una estrategia para eliminar el ARA a un nivel que permite la recuperación de su fertilidad a un valor inferior al máximo de 4400 ppm de la NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012 (NOM-138). El objetivo de este trabajo fue la BIS un suelo impactado por 17000 ppm de ARA por enriquecimiento independiente: con solución mineral (SM), lombricomposta (LC) y P. vulgaris o abono verde (AV). La recuperación del suelo se determinó mediante la: liberación de CO2 por oxidación del ARA, por la población bacteriana oxidante de ARA (BOARA) y la concentración de ARA por Soxhlet, los datos experimentales se analizaron con Tukey-error estándar. Los resultados revelaron que la BIS de suelo impactado por 17000 ppm de ARA con la SM lo decreció hasta 4386 ppm, en tanto que con la LC lo disminuyo a 3766 ppm en 6 meses, ambos valores numéricos inferiores al máximo aceptado por la NOM-13, estadísticamente diferentes con los 8596 ppm en suelo bioestimulado mediante P. vulgaris o AV y los 16000 ppm de ARA en el suelo sin bioestimular o control negativo. Se concluye que la BIS, es específica acorde a la complejidad de los HC como el ARA, que se eliminó con la SM y la LC según la NOM-138 para la recuperación de la fertilidad del suelo.

Soil impacted by waste motor oil (WMO) inhibits microbial activity for recycling the basic elements of life an affecting negatively its fertility. Biostimulation is a way to recover soil by eliminating WMO at a value lower than 4400 ppm permitted by an environmental rule called NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012. The aim of this research was the biostimulation of soil polluted by WMO in different in depending ways with the mineral solution (MS), or vermicompost (VC) with Phaseolus vulgaris o green manure (GM). Recovering soil was determined by the production of CO2 from WMO´s oxidation, by measuring the WMO oxidizing bacterial population (WMOOB) and WMO´s concentration by Soxhlet; experimental data were analyzed with standard Tukey-error. The results showed that biostimulation of soil impacted by 17000 ppm of WMO with MS decreased it until 4386 ppm, but better biostimulation with VC which reducing WMO until 3766 ppm in 6 months, both values lower than the maximum accepted by the NOM 138, and statistically different compared to soil BIS by P. vulgaris or GM with 8596 ppm of WMO and the 17000 ppm of WMO from soil non-BIS or negative control. This concludes that biostimulation could be specific depending on hydrocarbon´s complex as WMO was eliminated by MS and VC according to NOM-138 for recovering soil´s fertility.

ABSTRACT Introduction: During the neuroinflammatory processes there are a poly-specific and polyclonal activation in the cerebrospinal fluid. It means that there can be quantified antibodies against all the components of the vaccines may have received. Objective: To evaluate the immune response against measles, mumps and rubella in vaccinated pediatric patients. Methods: All the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) paired samples from pediatric patients with neurological symptoms, that were submitted to hospitals from Havana City and were performed a lumbar puncture, were collected. Serum and CSF IgG, albumin were measured by immune-diffusion techniques using NOR and LC Partigen Immunoplates (Siemens, Marburg) and specific antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella were quantified by ELISA kits (Enzygnost, Siemens, Marburg). Reibergrams were employed in order to determine if there was IgG intrathecal synthesis. Later on, antibody index against the specific virus were calculated. Results: In all the neuroimmune inflammation process were found antibody index against measles, mumps and rubella in a different ample confidence variation among the different virus. Antibodies against mumps are significantly different from the other ones. It could be due to a natural different immune response or due to a deficient vaccine quality lot. Also it was possible to identify six pediatric patients that had no immune antibody index at all. It coincides with a transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy in such patients. Conclusions: This neuroimmunological approach can be used to evaluate the immune status in pediatric population.

RESUMEN Introducción: Durante los procesos neuroinflamatorios se produce una activación poliespecífica y policlonal en el líquido cefalorraquídeo. Eso significa que pueden existir anticuerpos cuantificados contra todos los componentes de las vacunas que se reciban. Objetivo: Evaluar la respuesta inmune contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubéola en pacientes pediátricos vacunados. Métodos: Se recogieron muestras pareadas de suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) de pacientes pediátricos con síntomas neurológicos mediante punciones lumbares realizadas en hospitales de Ciudad de La Habana. El IgG y la albúmina del suero y el LCR fueron medidos con técnicas de inmunodifusión usando inmunoplacas Partigen NOR y LC (Siemens, Marburgo). Los anticuerpos específicos contra el sarampión, la parotiditis y la rubéola se cuantificaron con dispositivos para ELISA (Enzygnost, Siemens, Marburgo). Se utilizaron reibergramas para determinar la presencia de síntesis intratecal de IgG. Seguidamente se calculó el índice de anticuerpos contra el virus específico. Resultados: En todos los procesos de inflamación neuroinmune se encontraron índices de anticuerpos contra el sarampión, la parotiditis y la rubéola con una variación amplia y diferente entre los distintos virus. Los anticuerpos contra la parotiditis son significativamente diferentes a los demás, lo que puede deberse a una respuesta inmune natural distinta o a una deficiente calidad de las vacunas. También fue posible identificar a seis pacientes pediátricos en los que no se observó ningún índice de anticuerpos inmunes, en coincidencia con la presencia de hipogammaglobulinemia transitoria infantil en esos pacientes. Conclusiones: El enfoque neuroinmunológico que se describe puede usarse para evaluar el estado inmunológico de la población pediátrica.

Abstract Background and Aims Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) is the ideal method for adequate evaluation of kidney function. However, it is invasive, costly, and not widely accessible. Moreover, GFR estimation in patients with cirrhosis has been inaccurate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and validate the recently described Royal Free Hospital (RFH) formula in a Hispanic cohort of patients with LC and compare it with other formulas, including the CKD-EPI cystatin C equation. Methods GFR was measured through the renal clearance of Tc-99m DTPA; it was cross-sectionally evaluated and compared with GFRs that were estimated utilizing the following formulas: RFH, Cockcroft-Gault, 6-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease-6, CKD-EPI cystatin C, CKD-EPI Creatinine, and CKD-EPI Cystatin C-Creatinine. Results We included 76 patients (53% women). The mean measured GFR in the entire cohort was 64 ml/min/1.73m2; 54% of the patients had a GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at the time of evaluation. The RFH formula and the CKD-EPI cystatin C formula showed the best performance, with a p30 of 62% and 59%, respectively. All formulas performed poorly when GFR was < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions The RFH formula showed a better performance than the other formulas based on serum creatinine in a Hispanic population with LC. There was no difference in performance between the RFH formula and the CKD-EPI cystatin C formula.

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the yield, nutrimental and in vitro ruminal fermentation profiles of maralfalfa grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach.) Morrone, at four harvest frequencies. Treatments were allocated in a randomized block design in divided plots with three replications. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) general lineal model (GLM) procedure, and a comparison of means (Tukey, α = 0.05) was made. The maximum biomass yield (20.2 kg-1 DM ha-1), NDF (66.7%), LC (45.4%), energy (16.3 MJ kg-1 DM) and CO2 (89.7%) were found in the cutting frequency at 120 days (p < 0.05). The highest content of CP (9.3%), CH (17.6%), ash (11.7%) moisture (8.4%) and ADL (4.7%), acetic acid (77.8%), propionic acid (29.4%), butyric acid (12.6%), CH4 (11.9%) and IVDMD (55.6%) was found in the frequency at every 30 days (p < 0.05). The content of EE (1.8%; p < 0.05) was higher in the cutoff frequency to day 90. The maralfalfa grass has a better chemical composition, increased production of AGV in early stages of court, allowing it to be a good source in animal feed production.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el rendimiento, los perfiles nutrimental y de fermentación ruminal in vitro del pasto maralfalfa (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach.) Morrone, a cuatro frecuencias de corte. Los tratamientos se distribuyeron en bloques al azar en parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. Los datos se analizaron en modelo lineal generalizado (GLM, por sus siglas en inglés) con el paquete estadístico de Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) y las medias se compararon con Tukey. El mayor rendimiento de biomasa (20.2 Mg MS ha-1), fibra detergente neutro (FDN) (66.7%), celulosa (CL) (45.4%), energía (16.3 MJ kg-1 MS) y dióxido de carbono (CO2) (89.7%) se obtuvo en la frecuencia de corte a cada 120 días (p < 0.05). El contenido de proteína cruda (PC) (9.3%), hemicelulosa (HC) (17.6%), cenizas (11.7%), humedad (8.4%) y lignina detergente ácido (LDA) (4.7%), ácido acético (77.8%), propiónico (29.4%), butírico (12.6%), CH4 (11.9%) y la Digestibilidad de la materia seca (DivMS) (55.6%), fue más elevado en la frecuencia de corte a 30 días (p < 0.05). El contenido de extracto etéreo (EE) (1.8%, p < 0.05) fue mayor en la frecuencia de corte al día 90. El pasto maralfalfa tiene una mejor composición química y mayor contenido de ácidos grasos volátiles (AGV) en etapas tempranas de corte.

Abstract Background: Knowledge of growth is relevant because it provides information on the local dynamics of the population. Goals: This study evaluated the growth, size structure, morphometry, and sex ratio of C. bellicosus crab caught in the El Colorado lagoon, Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico. Methods: Through size distributions and by the modal-progression method using the FISAT II program. Similarly, the growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy stationalized equation and the growth performance or Munro index (Ø) were determined from March 2012 to March 2013. Results: 3,242 organisms of C. bellicosus were captured of which 1,770 were males and 1,472 were females. The population of C. bellicosus in the lagoon ranged in size from 40 mm to 190 mm (CW), showing two similar modes for males and females (100 mm and 110 mm, respectively). The relationships between CL-CW for both sexes were adjusted to a linear type model (males, CL = 0.5265CW-0.0539, R2 = 0.8058, p <0.05, females, CL = 0.581CW-0.6335, R2 = 0.7643, p <0.05). The CW-TW relationship was of potential type (males, TW = 0.561AC3.0751, R2 = 0.7968, p <0.05; females, TW = 0.0834C2.9077, R2 = 0.7589, p <0.05). In females, K = 0.90 years-1 and L∞ = 169 mm, K = 1.20 years-1 and L∞ = 178.5 mm. Conclusions: The growth curves suggest that C. bellicosus reaches its maximum length at 2.5 to 3 years. The sex ratio of 0.81 F : 1 M was significant (X2 (0.05, 11) = 19.675, X2 observada = 58.481, p < 0.05).

Resumen Antecedentes: El conocimiento del crecimiento en cualquier especie es relevante debido a que proporciona información de la dinámica local de la población. Objetivos: Evaluar el crecimiento, la estructura de tallas, la morfometría y la proporción de sexos de las jaibas C. bellicosus capturadas en la laguna El Colorado, Ahome, Sinaloa, México. Métodos: Durante el periodo de marzo de 2012 a marzo de 2013 se evaluaron las distribuciones de frecuencias de tallas y se aplicó el método de progresión modal mediante el programa FiSAT II. Asimismo, se determinaron los parámetros de crecimiento de la ecuación de von Bertalanffy y el desempeño del crecimiento o índice de Munro (Ø). Resultados: Se capturaron 3,242 organismos de C. bellicosus, de los cuales 1,770 fueron machos y 1,472, hembras. La población de C. bellicosus en la laguna presentó un intervalo de tallas de 40 mm a 190 mm (AC), mostrando dos modas similares para machos y hembras (100 mm y 110 mm, respectivamente). Las relaciones entre el LC-AC para ambos sexos se ajustaron a un modelo de tipo lineal (machos, LC = 0.5265AC-0.0539, R2= 0.8058, p <0.05; hembras, LC = 0.581AC-0.6335, R2 = 0.7643, p <0.05). La relación AC-PT fue de tipo potencial (machos, PT = 0.561AC3.0751, R2 = 0.7968, p <0.05; hembras, PT = 0.0834AC2.9077, R2 = 0.7589, p <0.05). En hembras se estimó una K= 0.90 años-1 y L∞ = 169 mm, en los machos fue K = 1.20 años-1 y L∞ = 178.5 mm. Conclusiones: Las curvas de crecimiento sugirieron que C. bellicosus alcanzó su longitud máxima de 2.5 a 3 años. La proporción de sexos de 0.81 H : 1 M fue significativa (X2 (0.05, 11) = 19.675, X2 observada = 58.481, p < 0.05)

Abstract Coronary artery bypass grafting reduces plasma L-carnitine and may impair the production of myocardial energy. L-carnitine supplementation may elevate plasma L-carnitine and increase cardiac mechanical efficiency. The objective of this study was to verify the recovery of preoperative plasma LC in patients with heart failure undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting supplemented with a daily oral dose of 50 mg / kg. Volunteers with ischemic heart failure who underwent surgery were randomized into a supplemented group (A-received 50 mg / kg L-carnitine) or placebo group (B) for 60 days. Supplementation was started on the third postoperative day. The spectrophotometric enzymatic method was used to quantify plasma L-carnitine. In the preoperative period, both groups had plasma L-carnitine adequate to the reference range (18.9-71.1 μM). On the second postoperative day, there was a reduction in plasma L-carnitine in groups A (17.4%) and B (14.4%). In the comparison between the groups, plasma L-carnitine was higher in group A than B in 10º (p = 0.024), 30º (p = 0.001), and 60º postoperative day (p = 0.008). Supplementation of L-carnitine at a daily oral dose of 50 mg / kg in patients with heart failure undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting may recover preoperative plasma L-carnitine within 10 days.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, por meio da técnica estatística multivariada, os fatores que melhor caracterizam a qualidade das águas superficiais em duas bacias hidrográficas rurais com diferentes usos do solo (silvicultura do eucalipto (BE) e campo antropizado com pecuária extensiva (BC)), localizadas no Município de Rosário do Sul, RS - Brasil. O monitoramento dos parâmetros de qualidade da água foi realizado entre os meses de agosto de 2011 e agosto de 2012, com as análises de: Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, SO42-, Cl-, pH, condutividade elétrica, turbidez, alcalinidade, sólidos suspensos, dissolvidos e totais, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio, coliformes totais, Escherichia coli, temperatura, vazão e precipitação pluvial. Por meio da AF/ ACP, identificou-se que o melhor modelo de ajuste para expressar a qualidade das águas na BC foi aquele composto por cinco fatores, explicando 83,5% da variância total, enquanto que na BE quatro fatores explicaram 85,12% da variância. Na BC, os cinco fatores foram denominados, respectivamente, sais solúveis, poluição difusa, sólidos, antrópico e orgânico. Já na BE os quatro fatores foram denominados como sais solúvel, mineral, nutricional e com poluição difusa. Os resultados permitiram concluir que a substituição do uso tradicional do solo com campo e pecuária extensiva por floresta plantada atenuou a poluição difusa na área e, de modo geral, não implicou grandes alterações nas características físico-químicas e biológicas da água. Outro ponto observado foi que, neste estudo, a análise fatorial não resultou em grande redução no número de variáveis, uma vez que o melhor ajuste do modelo ocorreu com a inclusão de 15 das 18 variáveis analisadas (BC) e de 17 das 18 variáveis analisadas (BE).

The aim of this study was to identify, by multivariate statistical technique, the physic, chemical and biological variables that best characterize the quality of surface waters in two small rural catchments with different land uses (eucalyptus silviculture (SC) vs. pasture and extensive livestock (LC)) located in Rosário do Sul, RS - Brazil. Monitoring was conducted during the months of August 2011 to August 2012 and the following parameters were analyzed: Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, SO42-, Cl-, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, alkalinity, suspended and dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand , total coliforms, Escherichia coli and temperature, flow and rainfall. Through the use of FA/PCA, it was found that the model best fit to express water quality of in LC that was composed of five factors which account for 83.5% of the total variance, while for SC, four factors accounted for 85.12% of the variance. In LC, the five main factors were, respectively, soluble salts, diffuse pollution, solid, and both anthropogenic and organic factors. In SC, the four factors were namely: soluble salts, mineral, nutritional and diffuse pollution factors. The results of this study showed that by replacing the traditional soil usage (pasture and livestock) with planted forest, diffuse pollution was attenuated but, however, it did not result in major changes in the physical-chemical and biological characteristics of the water. Another point to note is that factorial analysis did not result in a large reduction in the number of variables, once the best model fit occurred with the addition of 15 of 18 analyzed variables (LC) and 17 of 18 analyzed variables (SC).

Voltage multipliers allow the conversion of alternating signals to a direct component of voltage, while the magnitude of the voltage increases. These are used in wireless power transmission, energy harvesting, RFID and other systems; where the available power is very low. It is important to obtain the highest possible output power, demanding efficiency form the voltage multiplier. In this work, the conversion efficiency and output power of the voltage multiplier are analyzed. It is shown that the single stage voltage multiplier is the most efficient, and when it uses a matching network produces a higher output voltage than voltage multipliers with more stages. A single stage voltage multiplier is constructed with schottky diodes. This is evaluated with a LC matching networks for several values of inductanceto select the best performance. Conversion efficiency above 57 % is obtained from an input power of -2 dBm, enabling its use in low power applications.

Los multiplicadores de tensión permiten la conversión de señales de tensión alterna a tensión de directa, a la vez que se eleva la magnitud de la tensión. Estos son empleados en la transmisión de energía inalámbrica, recolección de energía, sistemas RFID y otras; donde la potencia disponible es muy poca. Resulta de importancia obtener la mayor potencia posible a la salida, exigiendo eficiencia por parte del multiplicador de tensión. En este trabajo se analiza la eficiencia de conversión y potencia de salida de los multiplicadores de tensión en cuanto al número de etapas. Se muestra que el multiplicador de tensión de una etapa es el más eficiente, y que al emplear una red de acoplamiento de impedancia produce mayor tensión de salida que los multiplicadores de tensión de más etapas. Se construye un multiplicador de tensión de una etapa con diodos schottky. El mismo se evalúa con una red acoplamiento LC con varias inductancias para seleccionar el mejordesempeño. Se obtiene una eficiencia de conversión superior al 57 % a partir de una potencia de entrada de -2 dBm, lo cual posibilita su empleo en aplicaciones de baja energía.

At present, the profitability of grain production in the Bajío has been impacted by the excessive increase in the price of chemical fertilizers and other agricultural inputs; due to soil degradation and the depletion of groundwater. Because of this it is necessary to implement farming practices that lead to reverse this problem. For this purpose, an experiment was established in the Experimental field of the Bajío in Celaya, Guanajuato, to evaluate the production of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under different agronomic practices based on No-till farming or direct planting (DP). Previous to the experiment, a crop of maize (Zea mays L.) was established during spring-summer2006, to produce the crop residue needed for the implementation of the DP. During the autumn-winter cycle was evaluated the production of barley of the variety Esperanza under two cropping systems: conventional tillage (CT) and DP; three doses of nitrogen fertilization (urea): 90-60-00, 180-60-00 and 270-60-00, and three irrigation systems: sprinkler, surface with intermittent flow and surface with continuous flow. It was used a factorial experimental design 2 x 3 x 3 with 18 treatments and arranged in randomized blocks. There were established from four to eight replicates per treatment. The soil moisture was monitored. The production of barley grain was about 20% higher in DP compared to CT. There were significant effects (p< 0.05) by the factors: type of planting and fertilization doses, not by the type of irrigation. A strong interaction prevailed (p< 0.05) between the type of planting and fertilization dosages. In DP the moisture in the soil (0-30 cm depth) before each irrigation was applied, on average, 6% higher, relative to CT (p< 0.05). According to the characteristic curve of soil moisture retention, the available moisture was between 27 and 49% humidity, so that 6% reserve, equivalent to approximately one quarter of the available moisture.

En la actualidad la rentabilidad en la producción de granos en el Bajío ha sido impactada por el aumento excesivo en el precio de los fertilizantes químicos y otros insumos agrícolas; por el deterioro del suelo y por el abatimiento de los mantos freáticos. Debido a lo anterior es necesario implementar prácticas agronómicas que conduzcan a revertir esta problemática. Con este propósito se estableció un experimento en el Campo Experimental Bajío, en Celaya, Guanajuato, para evaluar la producción de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.) bajo diversas prácticas agronómico con base en la siembra directa (SD). Previo al experimento, se estableció en primavera-verano de 2006 un cultivar de maíz (Zea mays L.) con el fin de producir los residuos de cosecha necesarios para la implementación de la SD. Durante el ciclo otoño-invierno se evaluó la producción de cebada variedad Esperanza, bajo dos sistemas de cultivo: labranza convencional (LC) y SD; tres dosis de fertilización nitrogenada (urea): 90-60-00, 180-60-00 y 270-60-00; y tres sistemas de riego: aspersión, superficial con flujo intermitente y superficial con flujo continuo. Se empleó un diseño experimental factorial 2 x 3 x 3 con 18 tratamientos con un arreglo en bloques al azar. Se establecieron de cuatro a 8 repeticiones por tratamiento. Se monitoreó la humedad en el suelo. La producción de grano de cebada fue cerca de 20% mayor en SD respecto a LC. Hubo efectos significativos (p< 0.05) por los factores: tipo de siembra y dosis de fertilización, no así por el tipo de riego. Prevaleció una fuerte interacción (p< 0.05) entre el tipo de siembra y la dosis de fertilización. En SD la humedad en el suelo (0-30 cm de profundidad) antes de aplicar cada riego fue, en promedio, 6% mayor, respecto a la LC (p< 0.05). De acuerdo con la curva característica de retención de humedad del suelo, la humedad aprovechable se encontró entre 27 y 49% de humedad, por lo cual ese 6% de reserva, equivalió a aproximadamente a un cuarto de la humedad aprovechable.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a quantidade de células de Langerhans (CL) em pacientes portadores do carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) do canal anal HIV-positivo e negativo. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos 25 pacientes, sendo 11 HIV-negativo e 14 HIV-positivo portadores do CEC do canal anal. Realizamos estudo com a coloração imunoistoquímica anti-CD1A para avaliar as CL ativadas. Utilizamos as lâminas coradas e pelo método da histometria contamos em 20 campos diferentes as células coradas na camada basal da lâmina própria, onde era evidente a disseminação tumoral. Realizamos dois grupos controles compostos por pacientes submetidos à biopsia anal sem neoplasia (sete pacientes HIV-negativo e quatro HIV-positivo). Comparamos as contagens de CL. RESULTADOS: A quantidade de CL foi superior nos pacientes portadores do CEC do canal anal soronegativo para o HIV, em relação aos soropositivos (p<0,05). A quantidade de CL foi superior no grupo controle HIV-negativo em relação ao grupo composto por pacientes soropositivos portadores do CEC do canal anal (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Houve aumento das células de Langerhans ativadas na área peritumoral dos pacientes soropositivos para o HIV, o que sugere diminuição da resposta imune local.

PURPOSE: To investigate the differences in Langerhans cells (LCs) populations between HIV-positive and negative anal squamous cell carcinomas patients. METHODS: Twenty five patients (14 HIV-positive and 11 HIV-negative) were evaluated. Paraffin-block transversal thin sections from biopsies of anal squamous cell carcinomas (ASCC) were stained using the anti-CD1A antibody that identifies activated LCs. LCs counts were performed using histometry at 20 different sites, at baseline in the ASCC cases. These were then compared with LCs counts in anal canal specimens from HIV-negative and positive patients without ASCC (controls groups). RESULTS: In patients with ASCC, the LC count was greater among HIV-negative individuals than among HIV-positive individuals (p<0.05). The LC count was greater in the control HIV-negative group than in HIV-positive patients with ASCC (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a lower amount of activated LCs in HIV-positive patients with anal squamous cell carcinomas than in HIV-negative patients, thereby suggesting worsening of the immune response.

Heavy metals contributed to the environment by industries may affect the development of sugar cane crops. In order to determine the current levels of heavy metals (Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn), the total and extractable forms were quantified in the soil, as well as the total form in sugar cane leaves (Saccharum spp), of sugar cane areas of the Presidente Benito Juárez sugar cane Factory (IPBJ) and the hydrocarbon battery separation industry of Cardenas (HBS). Sampling took place in Vertisols and Fluvisols, and in sugar cane plants. For each industry, a southwesterly transect was selected for each soil with three sampling distances (0.6, 3 and 6 km), and composite soil samples with 3 replicates were collected at each distance at a depth of 0-20 cm. The content of metals in soils and plants was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Total metal contents in the two soils were low, Pb < 0.6 mg kg-1, Ni from 3.6 to 7.5 mg kg-1, V from 2.5 to 4.2 mg kg-1, Fe from 519.3 to 607.6 mg kg-1, Cu from 1.3 to 4.5 mg kg-1, Zn from 3.5 to 6 mg kg-1 and Mn from 13.9 to 35 mg kg-1. Cd was not detected. With respect to Pb and Ni, the extractable forms presented contents similar to those reported for soils, and those of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn indicated adequate to marginal concentrations in the soils. V and Cd were not detected. Pb, Ni and Cd content in sugar cane leaves ranged between 0.8 and undetectable, and that of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn indicated a nutritional deficiency.

Los metales pesados aportados al ambiente por las industrias pueden afectar el desarrollo del cultivo de caña de azúcar. Con el propósito de conocer los niveles actuales de metales pesados (Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu y Mn) se cuantificó su forma total y extractable en el suelo y total en hoja de caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp.), en áreas cañeras del Ingenio Presidente Benito Juárez (IPBJ) y batería de separación de hidrocarburos Cárdenas (BSH). El muestreo se realizó en suelos Vertisoles y Fluvisoles, y en plantas de caña de azúcar; a partir de cada industria, para cada suelo se seleccionó un transecto en dirección suroeste, con tres distancias de muestreo (0.6, 3 y 6 km), y en cada distancia se tomaron muestras compuestas de suelo con 3 repeticiones, a 0-20 cm de profundidad. Los contenidos de metales en suelo y planta se determinaron con espectrometría de masas con plasma de acoplamiento inductivo (ICP-MS, por sus siglas en ingles). Los contenidos de los metales totales en los dos suelos fueron bajos, Pb < 0.6 mg kg-1, Ni de 3.6 a 7.5 mg kg-1, V de 2.5 a 4.2 mg kg-1, Fe de 519.3 a 607.6 mg kg-1, Cu de 1.3 a 4.5 mg kg-1, Zn de 3.5 a 6 mg kg-1 y Mn de 13.9 a 35 mg kg-1 ; no se detectó Cd. Las formas extractables presentaron contenidos similares a los reportados para suelos en Pb y Ni; y los de Fe, Cu, Mn y Zn indican concentraciones adecuadas a marginales en suelos; no se detectó V y Cd. En las hojas de caña de azúcar los contenidos de Pb, Ni y Cd variaron entre 0.8 y no detectables, y los de Fe, Cu, Zn y Mn indican deficiencia nutrimental.

In Hymenoptera, midgut changes begin in the last instar. At this stage, the larval epithelial digestive cells degenerate, leaving only the basal membrane and the regenerative cells which will develop into a new epithelium during the pupal stage and in the adult. Epithelium renewal is followed by changes in volume and shape of the midgut. Morphometric analysis of digestive cells and total midgut volume of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides (Lepeletier) were conducted to verify whether cell volume increase are sufficient to account for the total midgut volume increase that occurs during metamorphosis. An increase in midgut volume was verified in spite of the scarcity of cell proliferation found during metamorphosis. At the end of metamorphosis, the increase in cell volume was not sufficient to explain the increase in volume of the midgut, indicating that an increase in the number of digestive cells is apparently necessary. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which regenerative cells reconstitute the epithelium during metamorphosis remains unknown.