Abstract Nutrition in rabbit farming accounts for about 70% of all costs; in this sense, C. argentea is an excellent alternative as a feed, due to its bromatological composition. Our goal is to evaluate the nutritional value of diets formulated with the dried leaves of C. argentea to feed growing rabbits. Twenty-eight white rabbits of the New Zealand breed, 55 days old, of both sexes, were used. Two treatments (n = 14, 7 males, and 7 females) were evaluated in a randomized block experimental design in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme. The control diet (CTRL) was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of growing rabbits, and the test diet (DRY) was obtained by replacing 20% of the CTRL diet with dried leaves of C. argentea. The experimental period was comprised of 11 days, with seven days of adaptation and four days of total feces collection. The average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, and final body weight were not affected by replacing the CTRL diet with the dried leaves of C. argentea. The coefficient of dry matter digestibility showed better results in CTRL rabbits (female: 72.19%, male: 72.48%). Rabbits fed with the CTRL diet exhibited a higher consumption of crude protein compared to those fed with the DRY diet, however, these rabbits showed higher elimination and lower retention of crude protein. It is concluded that C. argentea presents values of 1,400.67 kcal per kg of dry matter, digestible energy, and 3.34% digestible protein per kg of dry matter. 70 costs sense C composition Twentyeight Twenty eight breed 5 old sexes used n 14 males females scheme (CTRL (DRY 20 1 collection gain intake conversion female (female 7219 72 19 72.19% male 72.48%. 7248 72.48% . 48 72.48%) however 140067 400 67 1,400.6 energy 334 3 34 3.34 721 72.19 724 72.48 4 14006 40 6 1,400. 33 3.3 72.1 72.4 1400 1,400 3. 72. 140 1,40 1,4 1,

Resumo A nutrição na criação de coelhos representa cerca de 70% de todos os custos; nesse sentido, a Cratylia argentea é uma excelente alternativa como alimento devido à sua composição bromatológica. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o valor nutricional de dietas formuladas com folhas secas de C. argentea na alimentação de coelhos em crescimento. Foram utilizados 28 coelhos brancos da raça Nova Zelândia, com 55 dias de idade, de ambos os sexos. Dois tratamentos (n = 14, 7 machos e 7 fêmeas) foram avaliados em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 x 2. A dieta controle (CTRL) foi formulada para atender às exigências nutricionais de coelhos em crescimento, e a dieta teste (DRY) foi obtida substituindo 20% da dieta CTRL por folhas secas de C. argentea. O período experimental compreendeu 11 dias, sendo sete dias de adaptação e quatro dias de coleta total de fezes. O ganho médio diário, o consumo de matéria seca, a conversão alimentar e o peso corporal final não foram afetados pela substituição da dieta CTRL por folhas secas de C. argentea. O coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca apresentou melhores resultados nos coelhos CTRL (Fêmea: 72,19%, Macho: 72,48%). Coelhos alimentados com a dieta CTRL apresentaram maior consumo de proteína bruta do que os alimentados com a dieta DRY, porém esses coelhos tiveram maior excreção e menor retenção de proteína bruta. Conclui-se que Cratylia argentea apresenta valores de 1.400,67 kcal de energia digestível por kg de matéria seca e 3,34% de proteína digestível por kg de matéria seca. 70 custos sentido bromatológica C crescimento Zelândia 5 idade sexos n 14 fêmeas (CTRL DRY (DRY 20 1 fezes diário Fêmea (Fêmea 7219 72 19 72,19% Macho 72,48%. 7248 72,48% . 48 72,48%) Concluise Conclui se 140067 400 67 1.400,6 334 3 34 3,34 721 72,19 724 72,48 4 14006 40 6 1.400, 33 3,3 72,1 72,4 1400 1.400 3, 72, 140 1.40 1.4 1.

Abstract: The AWS A5.1 E6013 electrodes have great interest due to their wide employability. The coatings of these electrodes can alter the results of welding, making it an interesting object of study. An investigation of the chemical composition of the coatings of the electrodes AWS A5.1 E6013 from four Brazilian manufacturers was carried out using dispersive energy X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (DEXRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Compounds such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and carbonates were observed in the samples, in addition to Al and Si in the form of aluminosilicates. These compounds assist in the extrusion of the coating at the electrode manufacturing stage, increase the basicity of the slag and stabilize the electrical arc formed during welding. The results of the ICP-MS showed that elements such as Co, Cr, Cu, and Ni are added to increase the passivity and the mechanical resistance of the welded joint. Pb residues were observed with levels up to 700 times greater than allowed by national legislation. The presence of these metals in the coatings evidences the need for protective measures when handling the E6013 electrodes.

Resumo: Os eletrodos AWS A5.1 E6013 possuem elevado interesse devido a sua ampla empregabilidade. Os revestimentos destes eletrodos podem alterar os resultados da soldagem, tornando-se um interessante objeto de estudo. Uma investigação da composição química dos revestimentos dos eletrodos AWS A5.1 E6013 de quatro fabricantes brasileiros foi realizada usando espectrometria de fluorescência de raios-X por energia dispersiva (FRXED), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectrometria de massa com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS). Foram observados nas amostras compostos tais como o dióxido de titânio (TiO2), óxidos e carbonatos de metais alcalinos e alcalino-terrosos, além de Al e Si na forma de aluminosilicatos. Estes compostos auxiliam na extrusão do revestimento na etapa de fabricação do eletrodo, elevam a basicidade da escória e estabilizam o arco elétrico formado durante a soldagem. Os resultados do ICP-MS mostraram que elementos como Co, Cr, Cu e Ni são adicionados para aumentar a passividade e a resistência mecânica da junta soldada. Resíduos de Pb foram observados com teores até 700 vezes maior que o permitido pela legislação nacional. As presenças destes metais nos revestimentos evidenciam a necessidade de medidas protetivas ao manipular os eletrodos E6013.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the final body weight, weekly weight gain, yield, apparent feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, and feed intake of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed four diets containing different levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) as a replacement for fishmeal, reared in a super-intensive biofloc system. Diets consisted of replacing 209 g kg-1 fishmeal at 0, 33, 66, and 100% SPC. Shrimp were raised in a biofloc system using twelve experimental units stocked with 250 shrimp m-3 under constant aeration (O2>5mg L-1) and temperature (29±0.5 °C). No significant differences among treatments were observed based on water quality parameters. Shrimp fed diets with 0 and 33% substitution exhibited the highest weekly growth (1.88 and 1.79 g per week) and final weights (15.2 and 14.7 g) compared with shrimp fed the 66 and 100% replacement. A lower feed intake was observed for shrimp fed the 33% SPC diet (3.18 kg per experimental unit) compared with 0% replacement (3.62 kg). Shrimp fed the 33% replacement achieved a similar performance and lower feed intake than animals fed diet without replacement.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum on performance, immunological parameters, and bacterial microbiota of the digestive tract of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We used six earthen ponds (1.2 ha) stocked with 14 shrimp m−2 (3 g mean weight). Three ponds received a diet supplemented with L. plantarum and three were maintained as control. The survival and feed efficiency of shrimp fed the supplemented diet were greater than that observed in shrimp fed the control diet, with survival values of 83.02±6.12% and 74.65±9.07% and feed efficiencies of 117.97±4.45% and 104.46±7.30%, respectively. However, we observed no differences in weight gain. The intestines of shrimp fed probiotics had lower counts of Vibrio spp. and higher counts of lactic acid bacteria, compared with those of control shrimp. Diets supplemented with L. plantarum alter the intestinal bacterial microbiota of shrimp, resulting in increased survival and feed efficiency.

Abstract The last Brazilian guidelines on melanoma were published in 2002. Development in diagnosis and treatment made updating necessary. The coordinators elaborated ten clinical questions, based on PICO system. A Medline search, according to specific MeSH terms for each of the 10 questions was performed and articles selected were classified from A to D according to level of scientific evidence. Based on the results, recommendations were defined and classified according to scientific strength. The present Guidelines were divided in two parts for editorial and publication reasons. In this second part, the following clinical questions were answered: 1) which patients with primary cutaneous melanoma benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy? 2) Follow-up with body mapping is indicated for which patients? 3) Is preventive excision of acral nevi beneficious to patients? 4) Is preventive excision of giant congenital nevi beneficious to patients? 5) How should stages 0 and I primary cutaneous melanoma patients be followed?

Abstract: The last Brazilian guidelines on melanoma were published in 2002. Development in diagnosis and treatment made updating necessary. The coordinators elaborated ten clinical questions, based on PICO system. A Medline search, according to specific MeSH terms for each of the 10 questions was performed and articles selected were classified from A to D according to level of scientific evidence. Based on the results, recommendations were defined and classified according to scientific strength. The present Guidelines were divided in two parts for editorial and publication reasons. In the first part, the following clinical questions were answered: 1) The use of dermoscopy for diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma brings benefits for patients when compared with clinical examination? 2) Does dermoscopy favor diagnosis of nail apparatus melanoma? 3) Is there a prognostic difference when incisional or excisional biopsies are used? 4) Does revision by a pathologist trained in melanoma contribute to diagnosis and treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma? What margins should be used to treat lentigo maligna melanoma and melanoma in situ?

ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of Litopenaeus vannameifed different levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of soybean protein concentrate (63.07% crude protein, CP) to replace fish meal-by product (61.24% CP). The study was conducted in clear water in fifteen 800 L tanks equipped with aeration systems, constant heating (29 ºC), and daily water exchange (30%). Each tank was stocked with 37.5 shrimp/m3 (3.03±0.14 g). Feed was supplied four times a day, at 6% of the initial biomass, adjusted daily. After 42 days, the weight gain of shrimp fed diets with 0 and 25% protein replacement was higher than that observed in shrimp fed 100% replacement, and there were no differences among those fed the other diets. Feed efficiency and survival did not differ among shrimp fed different protein replacements. There was a negative linear trend for growth parameters and feed intake as protein replacement with soybean protein concentrate increased. Fish meal by-product can be replaced by up to 75% of soybean protein concentrate, with no harm to the growth of Pacific white shrimp.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar cepas de bactérias ácido-lácticas, com potencial probiótico do trato digestório de camarões marinhos e realizar seleção in vitro baseada em múltiplos caracteres. O ideótipo (cepa ideal proposta) foi definido por meio das maiores médias para os caracteres velocidade máxima de crescimento, contagem final de células viáveis e halo de inibição contra nove patógenos de origem continental e marinha, e pelas menores médias para os caracteres tempo de duplicação e tolerância das cepas a NaCl (1,5 e 3%), pH (6, 8 e 9) e sais biliares (5%). Foram estimadas as distâncias de Mahalanobis (D²) entre as cepas avaliadas, e as melhores foram aquelas que apresentaram menor distância do ideótipo. Foram isoladas dez cepas de bactérias identificadas bioquimicamente como Lactobacillus plantarum (3), L. brevis (3), Weissella confusa (2), Lactococcus lactis (1) e L. delbrueckii (1). As cepas de L. plantarum apresentaram amplo espectro de ação e os maiores halos de inibição, tanto para patógenos Gram-positivos quanto negativos, alta taxa de crescimento e tolerância a todos os parâmetros avaliados. Em relação ao ideótipo, L. plantarum apresentou a menor distância de Mahalanobis (D²), seguida pelas cepas de W. confusa, L. brevis, L. lactis e L. delbrueckii. Entre as cepas bacterianas avaliadas, as de L. plantarum apresentam o maior potencial para uso como probiótico para camarões marinhos.

The objective of this work was to isolate strains of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic potential from the digestive tract of marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), and to carry out in vitro selection based on multiple characters. The ideotype (ideal proposed strain) was defined by the highest averages for the traits maximum growth velocity, final count of viable cells, and inhibition halo against nine freshwater and marine pathogens, and by the lowest averages for the traits duplication time and resistance of strains to NaCl (1.5 and 3%), pH (6, 8, and 9), and biliary salts (5%). Mahalanobis distance (D²) was estimated among the evaluated strains, and the best ones were those with the shortest distances to the ideotype. Ten bacterial strains were isolated and biochemically identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (3), L. brevis (3), Weissella confusa (2), Lactococcus lactis (1), and L. delbrueckii (1). Lactobacillus plantarum strains showed a wide spectrum of action and the largest inhibition halos against pathogens, both Gram-positive and negative, high growth rate, and tolerance to all evaluated parameters. In relation to ideotype, L. plantarum showed the lowest Mahalanobis (D²) distance, followed by the strains of W. confusa, L. brevis, L. lactis, and L. delbrueckii. Among the analyzed bacterial strains, those of Lactobacillus plantarum have the greatest potential for use as a probiotic for marine shrimp.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de suplemento prebiótico, probiótico e simbiótico, na dieta de camarões marinhos (Litopenaeus vannamei) e seus efeitos sobre o crescimento, a microbiota intestinal, a resposta imune e a resistência ao desafio experimental com Vibrio alginolyticus. Foram utilizados quatro tratamentos: prebiótico inulina; probiótico Lactobacillus plantarum; simbiótico Lactobacillus plantarum + inulina; e controle. Os camarões foram distribuídos em 16 tanques de dez mil litros de água, povoados com 200 camarões cada, cultivados por seis semanas. Avaliaram-se a microbiologia do trato intestinal dos camarões e a reposta imune, antes e após o desafio com V. alginolyticus. A concentração de Vibrio spp. no trato digestório foi menor em camarões alimentados com dieta suplementada com prebiótico, probiótico e simbiótico, enquanto a concentração de bactérias acidoláticas foi superior somente nos camarões alimentados com probiótico e simbiótico. O título aglutinante do soro contra V. alginolyticus aumentou no grupo probiótico e simbiótico, antes da infecção, e foi maior em todos os tratamentos após infecção com V. alginolyticus, em comparação ao controle. Não foi observada diferença entre os tratamentos quanto aos demais parâmetros avaliados. As dietas probióticas, prebióticas e simbióticas alteram a microbiota intestinal e aumentam o título aglutinante do soro contra V. alginolyticus; contudo, não alteram a resistência ao desafio nem o crescimento dos camarões.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of prebiotic, probiotic, and symbiotic supplements, in the diet of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), and their effects on growth, intestinal microbiota, immune response, and resistance to experimental challenge with Vibrio alginolyticus. Four treatments were used: prebiotic (inulin); probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum); symbiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum + inulin); and a control. Shrimp were distributed in 16 tanks with ten thousand liters of water, stocked with 200 shrimp each, cultivated for six weeks. Microbiology of the intestinal tract and the immune response of shrimp were evaluated before and after the challenge with V. alginolyticus. The concentration of Vibrio spp. in the digestive tract was lower in shrimp fed prebiotic, probiotic, and symbiotic-supplemented diet, while concentration of lactic acid bacteria was higher only in shrimp fed probiotic and symbiotic-supplemented diet. The title of agglutinating serum against V. alginolyticus increased in shrimp fed the probiotic and symbiotic-supplemented diet prior to infection, and was higher in all treatments after infection with V. alginolyticus, in comparison to the control. No difference was observed between treatments for the remaining parameters. Probiotic, prebiotic, and symbiotic diets change intestinal microbiota, and increase the agglutinating serum title against V. alginolyticus; however, they change neither the shrimp resistance to challenge by V. alginolyticus nor shrimp growth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response of hybrid surubim vaccinated by intraperitoneal injection and by immersion against Aeromonas hydrophila. Vaccine was prepared with formalin-inactivated A. hydrophila. Forty eight fishes (47±9g) were distributed in 12 tanks (4 fish / tank) in the following treatments (4 tanks / treatment): unvaccinated fish, vaccinated intraperitoneally and vaccinated by immersion. After 21 days, intraperitoneally vaccinated fishes showed the highest values of total protein and immunoglobulins, agglutination titer and serum antimicrobial activity. Lysozyme concentration in the serum was higher in the fishes vaccinated by immersion than unvaccinated fishes. Intraperitoneal vaccination induced the highest immune response and could be used to improve the fish resistance against motile Aeromonas.

The objective of this study was to investigate the growth of juvenile fat snook (Centropomus parallelus) in laboratory conditions when fed a diet supplemented with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum. Changes in the intestinal flora, haematological parameters and growth performance were assessed using 180 fishes (54.2 ± 13.4 g each). The fishes were subjected to two treatments divided into six cages: 1) feed supplemented with probiotic, and 2) feed without probiotic (control). The temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity were maintained at 25 ± 1 ° C, 4.0 mg.L-1 and 33 ‰, respectively. After 10 weeks of culture, the fishes fed probiotic had reduced viable culturable heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp. and increased lactic acid bacteria in the intestinal tract, as well as a higher number of thrombocytes, leukocytes and lymphocytes in the blood. No significant difference was observed in the growth, survival or body composition, but the hepatosomatic index was significantly higher in the fishes fed with probiotic and control.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults is probably one of the infections affecting ambulatory patients for which the highest diversity of guidelines has been written worldwide. Most of them agree in that antimicrobial therapy should be initially tailored according to either the severity of the infection or the presence of comorbidities and the etiologic pathogen. Nevertheless, a great variability may be noted among the different countries in the selection of the primary choice in the antimicrobial agents, even for the cases considered as at a low-risk class. This fact may be due to the many microbial causes of CAP and specialties involved, as well as the different health-care systems effecting on the availability or cost of antibiotics. However, many countries or regions adopt some of the guidelines or design their own recommendations regardless of the local data, probably because of the scarcity of such data. This is the reason why we have developed a guideline for the initial treatment of CAP by 2002 upon the basis of several local evidences in South América (ConsenSur I). However, several issues deserve to be currently rediscussed as follows: certain clinical scores other than the Physiological Severity índex (PSI) have become more popular in clinical practice (i.e. CURB-65, CRB-65); some pathogens have emerged in the región, such as community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) and Legionella spp; new evidences on the performance of the rapid test for the etiologic diagnosis in CAP have been reported (eg. urinary Legionella andpneumococcus antigens); new therapeutic considerations needs to be approached (i.e. dosage reformulation, duration of treatment, emergence of novel antibiotics and clinical impact of combined therapy). Like in the first versión of the ConsenSur (ConsenSur I), the various current guidelines have helped to organize and stratify the present proposal, ConsenSur II.

La neumonía adquirida por adultos en la comunidad (NAC) es, probablemente, una de las infecciones que afecta a los pacientes ambulatorios para la cual se ha escrito la mayor diversidad de lineamientos en todo el mundo. La mayoría de ellos concuerdan en que el tratamiento antimicrobiano debe ser ajustado inicialmente de acuerdo con la gravedad de la infección o con la presencia de co-morbilidades y el patógeno etiológico. Aun así, se puede notar una gran variabilidad entre los diferentes países en la selección de la elección primaria de los agentes antimicrobianos, incluso en los casos considerados como de bajo riesgo. Este hecho puede deberse a las múltiples causas microbianas de la NAC y las especialidades médicas involucradas, como así también los diferentes sistemas de asistencia de salud que afectan la disponibilidad o el costo de los antimicrobianos. No obstante, muchos países o regiones adoptan alguno de los lineamientos o diseñan sus propias recomendaciones independientemente de los datos locales, probablemente debido a la escasez de dichos datos. Por esta razón desarrollamos lineamientos para el tratamiento inicial de la NAC hacia el año 2002, sobre la base de varias evidencias locales en Sudamérica (ConsenSur I). Sin embargo, varios temas merecen discutirse nuevamente como sigue: ciertos puntajes clínicos además del índice Fisiológico de Severidad (IFS) se hicieron más populares en la práctica clínica (por ej. CURB-65, CRB-65); emergieron algunos patógenos en la región, tal como Staphylococcus aureus resistente adquirido en la comunidad (SAMR-AC) y Legionella spp; se reportaron nuevas evidencias sobre el desempeño de la prueba rápida para el diagnóstico etiológico de NAC (por ejemplo, Legionella urinaria y antígenos de Streptococcus pneumoniae); deben abordarse nuevas consideraciones terapéuticas (por ej.: reformulación de la dosis, duración del tratamiento, emergencia de antimicrobianos nuevos e impacto clínico del tratamiento combinado). Como en la primera versión del ConsenSur (ConsenSur I), los diversos lineamientos actuales ayudaron a organizar y estratificar la presente propuesta, ConsenSur II.

Nocardiosis of the central nervous system (CNS) is an uncommon disease, but its frequency has increased due to the high number of immunosuppressive treatments. People become infected by inhalation, direct traumatic cutaneous inoculation and eating contaminated food after a periodontal abscess. Lung localization is the most frequent one, being the origin of haematic dissemination, with a high incidence in skin, subcutaneous tissue and the CNS. The preference of Nocardia for the CNS is well-known. These abscesses are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, since they are associated to high mortality rates, specially in immunocompromised patients; the best therapeutic management remains unclear. In spite of the existing controversy with regard to the surgical management of these lesions, an early diagnosis through stereotactic aspiration and the beginning of an antimicrobial therapy are essential to the patient’s good evolution. This paper presents a patient with a primary polycythaemia and a recurrent brain abscess by Nocardia asteroides, probably of dental origin.

La nocardiosis del sistema nervioso central (SNC) es una enfermedad poco común, cuya frecuencia ha aumentado con el crecimiento de los tratamientos inmunosupresores. El hombre se infecta por inhalación, inoculación traumática cutánea directa y tras una infección periodontal ingiriendo alimentos contaminados. La localización pulmonar es la más frecuente, siendo la fuente inicial de diseminación hemática, con predominio en piel, tejido celular subcutáneo y SNC. Es conocida la predilección de Nocardia por el SNC. Estos abscesos, asociados a altos índices de mortalidad, especialmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos, siguen constituyendo un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico, permaneciendo no aclarado su manejo terapéutico óptimo. A pesar de la controversia en cuanto al manejo quirúrgico de estas lesiones, el diagnóstico precoz, por aspiración esterotáxica, y la iniciación de una terapia antimicrobiana son esenciales para la buena evolución del paciente. Se presenta una paciente portadora de una poliglobulia primaria, con absceso cerebral recidivante por Nocardia asteroides de posible origen dentario.

Ao longo dos anos, o Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP) tem realizado diversas pesquisas na produção de Terras Raras (RE) de alta pureza. A metodologia apresentada neste trabalho refere-se à produção econômica e de baixo custo de óxido de cério. O cério produzido pode ser utilizado como um padrão espectroquímico. A obtenção desse padrão está associada à precipitação fracionada pelo sistema RECl3/NH4OH/Ar/H2O2, para enriquecer o óxido de cério de 90% a 99,99% em CeO2. O controle de qualidade do padrão produzido é feito através da técnica da espectrometria de massas com fonte de plasma (ICP-MS) e confirmado pela técnica da ativação de nêutrons. Os valores das impurezas de Terras Raras no óxido, em ppm são: La(36), Pr(19), Nd(161), Sm(11), Eu(5,3), Gd(113), Tb(89), Dy(2), Ho(0,05), Er(1), Tm(<0,05), Yb(11), Lu(19) e Y(2,1), respectivamente. Os valores encontrados das impurezas são comparados aos padrões internacionais e confirmam o alto nível de pureza do óxido de cério produzido no IPEN.

For several years, IPEN/CNEN-SP has been working in the separation of the Rare Earth (RE) elements. A simple and economic procedure for the purification of technical grade cerium concentrate is described. The highly pure cerium dioxide is designed to be used as spectrochemical standard. It is obtained by association of the fractional precipitation technique, in the system RECl3/NH4OH/ Air/H2O2, to enrich the cerium up to 90% and then it is upgraded by ion exchange technique to 99.99% CeO2. The quality control warranty was accomplished by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and neutron activation analysis. The collected values for the accompanying Rare Earth elements in a CeO2 sample are the following (ppm): La(36), Pr(19), Nd(161), Sm(11), Eu(5.3), Gd(113), Tb(89), Dy(2), Ho(0.05), Er(1), Tm(<0.05), Yb(11), Lu(19) and Y(2.1), respectively. The purity of this cerium oxide is comparable to the international spectrographic standards.

La infección urinaria baja es una enfermedad frecuente en mujeres, con una evolución favorable pero alta morbilidad. La fosfomicina es un derivado del ácido fosfónico que altera la pared bacteriana. Su actividad abarca la mayoría de los agentes uropatógenos con una resistencia de 1% en Escherichia coli, el uropatógeno más importante. La sal de trometamol mejora la absorción de la fosfomicina obteniéndose concentraciones urinarias con rango terapéutico durante tres días luego de una dosis de 3 g. Objetivos: conocer la eficacia clínica/microbiológica y la seguridad de una monodosis de fosfomicina/trometamol (Fosfurol) de 3 g en mujeres con infección urinaria baja no complicada. Material y método: se realizó un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico, randomizado y no comparativo. Se estudiaron 54 pacientes que concurrieron a las policlínicas de Atención Primaria de Salud Pública y de un centro asistencial privado con sintomatología de infección urinaria baja sin haber recibido antibióticos en los 15 días anteriores. Se recolectó la orina para la evaluación mediante tira reactiva de elementos anormales y la siembra para bacteriuria cuantitiva. A las pacientes con infección urinaria se les administró una monodosis de fosfomicina trometamol de 3 g. Las cepas aisladas se identificaron y se estudió la sensibilidad a este antimicrobiano. Se realizó un seguimiento clínico y microbiológico en la semana 1 y 3 de la primera consulta. Resultados: se aislaron los siguientes gérmenes: 41 Escherichia coli, 4 Staphylococcus saprophyticus, 4 Proteus sp, 1 Enterococcus sp, 2 Klebsiella sp, 1 Streptococcus agalactiae y 1 Enterobacter sp. Sólo tres cepas de Staphylococcus saprophyticus y una cepa de Klebsiella sp presentaron resistencia in vitro. En la visita 2 se encontraron 50 erradicaciones, 4 persistencias microbiológicas, 49 curas clínicas y 4 fallas. En la visita 3 se encontraron 49 erradicaciones, 1 recidiva, 49 curas clínicas, 1 recaída. Ninguna paciente presentó candidiasis después del tratamiento ni efectos secundarios con significación clínica. Conclusiones: la baja resistencia in vitro a la fosfomicina de los gérmenes urinarios estudiados junto con la muy buena eficacia clínico-microbiológica y la tolerancia a este antimicrobiano lo muestran como una terapéutica útil en el tratamiento de infecciones urinarias no complicadas en mujeres.

Résumé L'infection urinaire basse est une pathologie fréquente chez les femmes, aynat une évolution favorable mais une haute morbidité. La phosphomycine est un dérivé de l'acide phosphonique qui altère la paroi bactérie. Son activité comprend la plupart des agents uropathogènes avec une résistance de 1% en Escherichia coli, l'uropathogène le plus important. Le sel de trométamol améliore l'absorption de la phosphomycine, obtenant des concentrations urinaires avec rang thérapeutique pendant trois jours après une dose de 3 g. Buts: connaître l'efficacité clinique-microbiologique et la sécurité d'une monodose de phsphomycine/trométamol (Phosphurol) de 3 g ches des femmes avec infection urinaire basse pas compliquée. Matériaux et méthode: on a réalisé une étude prospec-tive multicentrique et pas comparative. On a étudié 54 patientes qui sont allées aux polycliniques d'Assistance Primaire de la Santé Publique et d'un centre privé d'assistance, avec des symptômes d'infection urinaire basse sans avoir reçu d'antibiotiques pendant les 15 jours précédents. On a collecté l'urine pour l'évaluation au moyen de bande réactive d'éléments anormaux et la culture pour bactériurie quantitative. Aux patientes avec infection urinaire on a donné une monodose de phosphomycine trométamol de 3g. Les cèpes isolées ont été identifiées et on a étudié leur sensibilité face à cet antimicrobien. On a fait une suite clinique et microbiologique pendant la semaine 1 et 3 après la première consultation. Résultats: on a isolé les germes suivants: 41 Escherichia coli, 4 Staphylococcus saprophyticus, 4 Proteus sp, 1 Enterococcus sp, 2 Klebsiella sp, 1 Streptococcus agalactiae et 1 Enterobacter sp. Seulement 3 cèpes de Staphylococcus saprophyticus et une cèpe de Klebsiella sp ont présenté résistance in vitro. À la visite 2 on a trouvé 50 éradications, 4 persistences microbiologi-ques, 49 guérisons cliniques et 4 failles. À la visite 3 on a trouvé 49 éradications, 1 récidive, 49 guérisons et 1 rechute. Aucune patiente n'a présenté candidose après le traitement ni des effets secondaires significatifs. Conclusions: la basse résistance in vitro à la phospho-mycine des germes urinaires étudiés et l'efficacité clinique-microbiologique et la tolérance à cet antimicrobien, le signalent comme une thérapeutique utile dans le traitement des infections urinaires pas compliquées chez les femmes.

Summary Low urinary infection is a frequent pathology in women with good prognosis but high morbility. Fosfomycin is a phosphoric acid derivative able to alter bacterial wall. Its activity comprises most of the uropathogenic agents with a 1% resistance in Escherichia coli, the most important uropathogen. Trometamol facilitates absorbtion of fosfomycin obtaining urinary concentration with therapeutic range lasting for three days after a 3 g dose. Objectives: to determine the clinical/microbiological efficacy and safety of a single-3 g dose of fosfomycin trometamol (Fosfurol) in women with low non-complicated urinary infection. Methods: a multicenter, randomized, non-comparative prospective study was undertaken. Fifty-four patients of public health centers and one private clinic presented symptoms of low urinary infection without taking antibiotics the previous 15 days. Urine was collected using reactives for abnormal elements and cultures for bactriuria. Patients with urinary infection received a single-3 g dose of fosfomycin trometamol. Strains were identified and sensitivity was studied. A clinical and microbiological follow up was done at the first and third week. Results: germens were isolated as follow: 41 Escherichia coli, 4 Staphylococcus saprophyticus, 4 Proteus sp, 1 Enterococcus sp, 2 Klebsiella sp, 1 Streptococcus agalactiae and 1 Enterobacter sp. Only 3 strains of Staphylococcus saprophyticus and one strain of Klebsiella sp presented resistance in vitro. Conclusions: low fosfomycin resistance in vitro altogether with high clinical-microbiological efficacy and tolerance to this antimicrobian indicate that it is a useful therapeutic in treating non-complicated urinary infections in women.