Abstract Annual fish live exclusively in temporary wetlands and are among the shortest-lived vertebrates in the world. These fish persist in these habitats due to drought-resistant eggs, that which, through diapauses are able to detect stimuli from the environment to start the development processes. They are also able to direct their embryonic development in different trajectories with different development times. Our objective in this paper was to describe the different stages of embryonic development of Austrolebias wolterstorffi, a critically endangered annual fish. A total of 27 stages of embryonic development were identified for the two observed developmental pathways (direct and diapause 2). Of these 27 developmental stages observed, 24 were identical between the two types of trajectories and three different. A total of 90% of the embryos that completed their development proceeded normally, without pauses. One embryo had a different development from the others, entering diapause 2, with a pause in development for 48 h. Although the embryonic development of A. wolterstorffi is similar to that of other Neotropical annual fish species, the diapause 2 occurs when the embryo has a large body size and a well-developed brain, indicating that the lack of embryonic information of the genus Austrolebias may hide characteristics still undescribed or even different survival strategies than what has been observed for other annual fish.

Resumo Os peixes anuais vivem exclusivamente em áreas úmidas temporárias e estão entre os vertebrados de vida mais curta do mundo. Esses peixes persistem nesses habitats devido a ovos resistentes à seca, que, por meio de diapausas, são capazes de detectar estímulos do ambiente para iniciar os processos de desenvolvimento embrionário. Eles também são capazes de direcionar seu desenvolvimento embrionário em diferentes trajetórias com diferentes tempos de desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os diferentes estágios do desenvolvimento embrionário de Austrolebias wolterstorffi, um peixe anual criticamente ameaçado. Um total de 27 estágios de desenvolvimento embrionário foram identificados para as duas trajetórias de desenvolvimento observadas (direto e diapausa 2). Desses 27 estágios de desenvolvimento observados, 24 eram idênticos entre os dois tipos de trajetórias e três diferentes. Um total de 90% dos embriões que completaram seu desenvolvimento seguiu normalmente, sem pausas. Um embrião teve um desenvolvimento diferente dos demais, entrando na diapausa 2, com pausa no desenvolvimento de 48h. Embora o desenvolvimento embrionário de A. wolterstorffi seja semelhante ao de outras espécies de peixes anuais neotropicais, a diapausa 2 ocorre quando o embrião tem um corpo grande e um cérebro bem desenvolvido, indicando que a falta de informação embrionária do gênero Austrolebias pode escondem características ainda não descritas ou mesmo estratégias de sobrevivência diferentes das observadas para outros peixes anuais.

Abstract Ortho-eugenol is a synthetic derivative from eugenol, the major compound of clove essential oil, which has demonstrated antidepressant and antinociceptive effects in pioneering studies. Additionally, its effects appear to be dependent on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. Depression and anxiety disorders are known to share a great overlap in their pathophysiology, and many drugs are effective in the treatment of both diseases. Furthermore, high levels of anxiety are related to working memory deficits and increased oxidative stress. Thus, in this study we investigated the effects of acute treatment of ortho-eugenol, at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, on anxiety, working memory and oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. Our results show that the 100 mg/kg dose increased the number of head-dips and reduced the latency in the hole-board test. The 50 mg/kg dose reduced malondialdehyde levels in the prefrontal cortex and the number of Y-maze entries compared to the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion group. All doses reduced nitrite levels in the hippocampus. It was also possible to assess a statistical correlation between the reduction of oxidative stress and hyperlocomotion after the administration of ortho-eugenol. However, acute treatment was not able to prevent working memory deficits. Therefore, the present study shows that ortho-eugenol has an anxiolytic and antioxidant effect, and was able to prevent substance-induced hyperlocomotion. Our results contribute to the elucidation of the pharmacological profile of ortho-eugenol, as well as to direct further studies that seek to investigate its possible clinical applications.

Resumo Ortho-eugenol é um derivado sintético do eugenol, composto principal do óleo essencial de cravo, que demonstrou efeitos antidepressivos e antinociceptivos em estudos pioneiros. Além disso, seus efeitos parecem ser dependentes dos sistemas noradrenérgico e dopaminérgico. Sabe-se que os transtornos de depressão e ansiedade compartilham uma grande sobreposição em sua fisiopatologia, e muitas drogas são eficazes no tratamento de ambas as doenças. Além disso, altos níveis de ansiedade estão relacionados a déficits de memória de trabalho e aumento do estresse oxidativo. Assim, o presente estudo investigou os efeitos do tratamento agudo de orto-eugenol, nas doses de 50, 75 e 100 mg/kg, na ansiedade, memória de trabalho e estresse oxidativo em camundongos Swiss machos. Nossos resultados mostram que a dose de 100 mg/kg aumentou o número de mergulhos e reduziu a latência no teste da placa perfurada. A dose de 50 mg/kg reduziu os níveis de malondialdeído no córtex pré-frontal e o número de entradas no labirinto em Y em comparação com o grupo de hiperlocomoção induzida por MK-801. Todas as doses reduziram os níveis de nitrito no hipocampo. Também foi possível avaliar uma correlação estatística entre a redução do estresse oxidativo e a hiperlocomoção após a administração do orto-eugenol. No entanto, o tratamento agudo não foi capaz de prevenir os déficits de memória de trabalho. Portanto, o presente estudo mostra que o orto-eugenol tem efeito ansiolítico e antioxidante, sendo capaz de prevenir a hiperlocomoção induzida pela substância. Nossos resultados contribuem para a elucidação do perfil farmacológico do orto-eugenol, bem como para direcionar novos estudos que busquem investigar suas possíveis aplicações clínicas.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) é uma cultura econômica e nutricionalmente importante. No entanto, o feijão-caupi está sujeito ao ataque de insetos-praga que reduzem a qualidade e o valor nutricional dos grãos durante o armazenamento. O uso de produtos à base de plantas como alternativa de controle de insetos-praga tem-se destacado por sua baixa toxicidade ao ambiente e a saúde humana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a bioatividade de diferentes extratos vegetais sobre o caruncho-do-feijão (Callosobruchus maculatus). O delineamento inteiramente casualizado foi adotado, com sete tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por seis extratos vegetais Morus nigra, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Dysphania ambrosioides, Moringa oleifera, Ziziphus joazeiro e Licania rigida) e solução salina (NaCl) 0,15 M como controle. A probabilidade de sobrevivência, oviposição e emergência de adultos foram avaliadas. Os extratos vegetais apresentaram efeitos diferentes sobre o C. maculatus, sendo o extrato de D. ambrosioides o mais letal para o caruncho do feijão. Os extratos de A. macrocarpa e D. ambrosioides mostraram repelência ao caruncho-do-feijão. Os extratos de A. macrocarpa, D. ambroisoides, Z. joazeiro e L. rigida interferiram na oviposição das fêmeas; e os extratos de M. oleifera e Z. joazeiro diminuíram a emergência de machos e de fêmeas de C. maculatus.

ABSTRACT Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an economically and nutritionally important crop. However, cowpeas are subject to attack by insect pests that reduce the quality and nutritional value of the grains during storage. The use of plant-based products as an alternative control of insect pests has been highlighted for their low toxicity on the environment and human health. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of different plant extracts on the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus). A completely randomized design was adopted with seven treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of extracts from six plants, namely Morus nigra, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Dysphania ambrosioides, Moringa oleifera, Ziziphus joazeiro, and Licania rigida and saline solution (NaCl) 0.15 M as control. Survival probability, oviposition, and adult emergence were evaluated. The plant extracts showed different effects on C. maculatus, with D. ambrosioides extract being the most lethal to the bean weevil. A. macrocarpa and D. ambrosioides extracts showed repellency against the cowpea weevil; A. macrocarpa, D. ambroisoides, Z. joazeiro, and L. rigida extracts interfered with the oviposition of females; and M. oleifera and Z. joazeiro extracts decreased the emergence of male and female C. maculatus.

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 27 años con una lesión grave articular interfalángica proximal en el dedo anular de la mano derecha, provocada por un proyectil de arma de fuego, que fue tratada con doble injerto osteocondral de costilla. Tenía una fractura expuesta y déficit de stock óseo y cartilaginoso tanto en la primera como en la segunda falange. Luego de la limpieza inicial, a las 3 semanas, se realizó una artroplastia interfalángica proximal con doble injerto osteocondral de costilla y fijador externo distractor de Suzuki. Se describe con detalle la técnica quirúrgica. A las 10 semanas posoperatorias, la flexión activa interfalángica era de 75° y la extensión activa, de -15°, con articulación estable. Alta laboral a los 3 meses de la cirugía, sin dolor y un puntaje DASH de 14,2. Las radiografías mostraron la incorporación de los injertos, sin reabsorción y con una articulación congruente. Se valora la ventaja de esta técnica en cuanto a la escasa morbilidad para la zona dadora y la versatilidad para las reconstrucciones con defectos articulares. El resultado funcional temprano subjetivo y objetivo fue satisfactorio. No se pueden descartar complicaciones futuras.

Abstract We present the case of a 27-year-old male patient with a gunshot wound and severe proximal interphalangeal joint injury in the ring finger of the right hand, treated with a double osteochondral rib graft. He had an exposed fracture and a lack of bone and cartilage stock in both the first and second phalanx. After the initial toilette, at 3 weeks, a proximal interphalangeal arthroplasty was performed with a double osteochondral rib graft protected by a Suzuki external distractor. The surgical technique is described in detail. At 10 weeks after surgery, an active interphalangeal joint flexion of 75° and active extension of -15° were verified, without articular instability. The patient returned to work at 3 months after surgery, with no residual pain (0 VAS score) and a DASH score of 14.2. Radiographs showed incorporated grafts without resorption and a congruent joint. This technique is valued for its low morbidity on the donor site and versatility for joint defect reconstructions. The limitations of our study are mentioned. The clinical case presented obtained a satisfactory subjective and objective early functional outcome. Further complications cannot be ruled out.

Resumen Antecedentes: La hormona antimüllleriana (HAM) ha sido utilizada como marcador de reserva ovárica, lo cual ayuda a predecir el éxito. Se desconoce si valores de otros países son apicables a México. Objetivo: Determinar los valores de HAM en nuestra población para graficarlas acorde a grupos de edad y evaluar su comportamiento. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal de pacientes del 2008 al 2018, con reporte de nivel de HAM excluyendo a pacientes con enfermedades que alteran su nivel, analizando por grupos de edad en un laboratorio. Resultados: 450 pacientes de 36.93 años, el rango del valor de la HAM fue desde 0.003 ng/ml hasta 9.4 ng/ml, con una media de 1.5, con una disminución anual a partir de los 40 años (0.1-0.3). Correlación de Spearman de -436 (p < 0.000) con una asociación leve entre la edad y el nivel de HAM, pero sí lineal (p < 0.000). Conclusiones: La HAM es útil y sirve para dar recomendaciones personalizadas, así como base de estudios epidemiológicos en pro de una medicina individualizada.

Abstract Background: Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) has been used as a marker of ovarian reserve, which helps predict success. It is unknown if values from other countries are applicable to Mexico. Objective: To determine the AMH values in our population to graph them according to age groups and evaluate their behavior. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study of patients from 2008 to 2018, with a AMH level report excluding patients with diseases that alter their level, analyzing by age groups in a laboratory. Results: 450 patients of 36.93 years old, the range of the AMH value was from 0.003 ng/ml to 9.4 ng/ml, with a mean of 1.5, with an annual decrease from 40 years of age (0.1-0.3). Spearman’s correlation of -436 (p < 0.000) with a slight association between age and AMH level, but it was linear (p < 0.000). Conclusions: AMH is useful and serves to give personalized recommendations, as well as basis of epidemiological studies in favor of an individualized medicine.

Na adubação do primeiro ciclo da cultura da bananeira são utilizadas altas doses de adubos. Estas são divididas no ciclo, para reduzir as perdas e aplicadas de forma manual, demandando muita mão de obra. Objetivou-se com o experimento comparar uma única aplicação de fertilizante de liberação controlada com a aplicação parcelada de fertilizante misto convencional, na produtividade, no estado nutricional e nas características químicas do solo, no primeiro ciclo da cultura da bananeira. O experimento foi conduzido em Sete Barras, SP, com a bananeira (Musa acuminata)o subgrupo Cavendish cultivar Grand Naine, durante o primeiro ciclo, de 15 meses, nos anos de 2015/16, utilizando o fertilizante de liberação controlada (FLC) 14-07-27 e o fertilizante misto convencional (FC) 14-07-28. Foi adotado o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, e cinco tratamentos: 900 e 600 g planta-1 do FLC, em única aplicação; 1200 g planta-1 do FC parcelados em três, cinco e sete aplicações. A adubação com FLC proporcionou a mesma produtividade e manteve o estado nutricional adequado da bananeira em comparação com os tratamentos com o parcelamento do FC. A adubação com 600 g planta-1 do FLC acidificou menos o solo que o FC, independente do parcelamento, e manteve os teores de P e K no solo, em teores adequados para a cultura da banana, quatro meses após a aplicação.

High doses of fertilizers are used in the fertilization of the first cycle of banana crops. These doses are divided in the cycle to reduce losses and applied manually, requiring a great number of people. The objective of this study was to compare a single application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) with the split application of conventional mixed fertilizer (CF) evaluating yield, nutritional status and soil chemical characteristics during the first cycle of a banana crop. The experiment was conducted in Sete Barras, SP, Brazil, with the banana (Musa acuminata) subgroup Cavendish cv. Grand Naine, first cycle, during 15 months, in the years 2015/16, using the CRF 14-07-27 and the CF 14-07-28. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications and five treatments: 900 and 600 g plant-1 of CRF, in a single application, and 1,200 g plant-1 of CF split in three, five and seven applications. Fertilization with CRF provided the same yield and kept an adequate nutritional status of banana plants compared to treatments using split application of CF. Fertilization with 600 g plant-1 of CRF made the soil less acidic than CF, regardless of split application, and kept the levels of P and K in the soil at appropriate levels for banana crops after four months of application.

Abstract This study evaluates the recovery of heavy metals employing a spent catalyst from the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of diesel, with no chemical, thermal or physical pretreatment, using the bacterial strain Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans FG-01. Direct and indirect bioleaching tests were carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks (500 mL). The influence of the pulp density and supplementation with elemental sulfur on the bioleaching were also investigated. The spent catalyst contained organochlorines, petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in its composition. The best recovery results (26% Al, 26% V and 39% Mo) were achieved in the two-stage (indirect) bioprocess, with a pulp density of 50 g/L. It was not possible to recover Co, Cu and Ni (< 5%) under any of the conditions tested. The bacterial strain A. thiooxidans FG-01 was found to be a promising candidate for the recovery of Al, V and Mo using the crude spent HDS catalyst.

Abstract Since theorem 1 of (Elhadj and Sprott, 2012) is incorrect, some of the systems found in the article (Casas-García et al. 2016) may have homoclinic or heteroclinic orbits and may seem chaos in the Shilnikov sense. However, the fundamental contribution of our paper was to find ten simple, three-dimensional dynamic systems with non-linear quadratic terms that have an asymptotically stable equilibrium point and are chaotic, which was achieved. These were obtained using the Monte Carlo method applied specifically for the search of these systems.

Resumen Debido a que el Teorema 1 de (Elhadj and Sprott, 2012) es erróneo, algunos de los sistemas encontrados en el artículo (Casas-García et al. 2016) pueden tener orbitas homoclínicas o heteroclínicas pudiendo aparecer caos en el sentido de Shilnikov. Sin embargo, la aportación fundamental de nuestro artículo fue encontrar diez sistemas dinámicos simples, en tres dimensiones, con términos no lineales cuadráticos, que presentan un punto de equilibrio asintóticamente estable y son caóticos, lo cual se logró. Estos se obtuvieron usando el método Monte Carlo aplicado específicamente para la búsqueda de estos sistemas.

Abstract In this paper ten new chaotic nonlinear autonomous systems are presented. These systems were found by using the Monte Carlo method and they characterized by having one of their equilibrium points asymptotically stable. These new systems does not present chaos in the sense of Shilnikov, but their bifurcation diagrams show a period-doubling route towards chaos. Kaplan- Yorke dimensions were also calculated, which is fractional order enclosed in a range of 2-3.

Resumen En este trabajo se presentan diez nuevos sistemas autónomos no lineales caóticos. Estos sistemas se encontraron utilizando el método Monte Carlo y tienen la característica que uno de sus puntos de equilibrio es asintóticamente estable. Estos nuevos sistemas no tienen caos en el sentido de Shilnikov, pero sus diagramas de bifurcación muestran una ruta de periodo doble hacia el caos. Se calculó también la dimensión de Kaplan-Yorke, la cual es de orden fraccional y se encuentra en un rango de 2-3.

Breast reconstruction using abdominal free flaps has become the therapeutic choice at our center when a lot of tissue is needed, The completion of this reconstructive technique requires a variable number of ancillary procedures. Patients who underwent breast reconstruction with abdominal free flap at our center between January 2010 and December 2013 were reviewed. The inclusion criterion was completion to nipple reconstruction. The patients were stratified attending to microsurgical reconstruction related factors and adjuvant radiotherapy. Number and sort of procedures and surgeries, and total elapsed time to complete the reconstruction were analyzed. Sixty-eight patients underwent reconstruction using abdominal free flap; 31 (45.6%) completed breast reconstruction. The average of procedures, surgical steps and elapsed time was 3.2, 2.4 and 15.5 months respectively. Surgical time and bilateral procedures, treatment with radiotherapy and early flap complications were not related to statistically significant differences in secondary surgery rates. Abdominal free flaps often need secondary surgeries to improve the result and finish the reconstruction. We remark the necessity of planning the reconstruction since first surgical time to diminish the secondary surgeries and the elapsed time until completion of breast reconstruction.

La reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo libre abdominal se ha convertido en la opción terapéutica de elección en nuestro centro hospitalario cuando se necesita abundante cantidad de tejido. La culminación de este tipo de reconstrucción requiere un número variable de procedimientos auxiliares de retoque. Revisamos las historias de las pacientes sometidas en nuestro centro a reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo libre abdominal entre enero de 2010 y diciembre de 2013. El criterio de inclusión fue la reconstrucción del pezón como última cirugía. Las pacientes fueron estratificadas atendiendo a factores relacionados con la reconstrucción microquirúrgica y la existencia de radioterapia adyuvante. Analizamos el número y tipo de procedimientos y cirugías de retoque, así como el tiempo transcurrido hasta completar el proceso de reconstrucción. En total, recogimos 68 pacientes reconstruidas con colgajo libre abdominal. De ellas, 31 (45,6%) completaron la reconstrucción mamaria. La media de procedimientos fue de 3,2 por paciente, con una media de 2,4 tiempos quirúrgicos y un tiempo medio de 15,5 meses hasta la reconstrucción del pezón. El momento de la reconstrucción, la bilateralidad, el tratamiento con radioterapia y la presencia de complicaciones tempranas del colgajo no se relacionaron con diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la tasa de cirugía secundaria. Los colgajos libres abdominales necesitan frecuentemente cirugías secundarias para mejorar el resultado y terminar la reconstrucción. Remarcamos la necesidad de planificar la reconstrucción desde el primer tiempo quirúrgico para disminuir la necesidad de cirugías de retoque y el tiempo hasta completar la reconstrucción mamaria.

Fluxos de Hg foram determinados entre 2005 e 2009 nas estações seca e chuvosa no estuário do Rio Jaguaribe, que desagua no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial, NE do Brasil. Na estação chuvosa a massa d'água no estuário apresenta um curto tempo de residência no estuário (0,8 dias), quatro vezes menor que na seca (3,1 dias). As concentrações e fluxos de Hg dissolvido (< 0,7 µm) e particulado foram maiores na interface rio/estuário que na estuário/mar, acumulando Hg particulado na região estuarina. A exportação de Hg particulado (1,8 a 12,6 mg s-1) ao oceano ocorreu sob chuva extrema, enquanto a exportação de Hg dissolvido foi quase zero na estação chuvosa e de até 0,45 mg s-1 na seca. Como a lixiviação continental no semiárido é afetada por mudanças climáticas globais e dos usos da terra, um aumento da acumulação de Hg particulado nos estuários e uma maior exportação de Hg dissolvido para o oceano é esperada.

Mercury fluxes were measured during the dry and rainy seasons (2005 to 2009) at the Jaguaribe River estuary, which discharges into the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean in NE Brazil. During rainy periods, the water masses exhibited a short residence time within the estuary (0.8 days). During dry periods, seawater choked the fluvial discharge, resulting in longer residence times (3.1 days). Dissolved (< 0.7 µm) and particulate Hg concentrations and fluxes were greater from the river to the estuary than from the estuary to the sea, producing accumulated particulate Hg in the estuary. Particulate Hg export (1.8 to 12.6 mg s-1) to the ocean occurred during extremely rainy periods, while dissolved Hg export was practically nonexistent during rainy periods and increased up to 0.45 mg s-1 during dry periods. Because continental runoff in semi-arid regions is affected by land use and global climate changes, the increasing accumulation of particulate Hg in the estuaries and increasing export of dissolved Hg to the ocean are expected.

Arrabidaea chica (crajiru) é uma importante planta da Amazônia. Seus extratos são usados como pigmento, agentes antimicrobianos e adstringentes. Três variedades diferentes desta espécie são cultivadas na região Amazônica. Neste trabalho, infusões diretas de extratos de A. chica destas três variedade foram analisadas por impressão digital via espectrometria de massas com ionização por eletrospray (ESI(+)-MS). Dados derivados destes espectros foram classificados utilizando um método de análise multivariada (PLS-DA, análise discriminante com calibração multivariada por mínimos quadrados parciais). O método direto aqui apresentado baseia-se na extração de folhas secas e em pó com uma solução de metanol/água acidificada sem manipulação adicional da amostra. A solução sobrenadante foi analisada através de infusão direta por ESI(+)-MS, o que resultou em perfis de composição para cada variedade. 3-Desoxiantocianidinas são importantes substâncias presentes na A. chica, seus íons foram usados como marcadores no tratamento de dados utilizando PLS-DA, o que possibilitou a separação das três variedades. Impressão digital por ESI(+)-MS funciona como um método simples e rápido para diferenciação de variedades de A. chica.

Arrabidaea chica (crajiru) is an important Amazonian plant. Its extracts are used as red pigments, antimicrobial agents and astringents. Three different varieties of this species are cultivated in the Amazon region. In this work, direct infusions of A. chica extracts from these three varieties were analyzed via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI(+)-MS) fingerprinting. Derived data from the spectra were classified by using a multivariate method (PLS-DA, partial least squares-discriminant analysis). The direct method that is herein presented relies on extraction of dry, powdered leaves with acidified methanol/water solution with no further sample preparation. The resulting supernatants were analyzed by direct infusion ESI(+)-MS, which provides characteristic fingerprints of the sample composition. 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins are important substances in A. chica, their ions were used as markers in the PLS-DA data treatment. PLS-DA was able to differentiate the three varieties. ESI(+)-MS fingerprinting works as a simple and fast method to differentiate varieties of A. chica.

The effect of complementary microwave drying on three different, osmotically predehydrated mango slices (oval, longitudinal and transversal) was investigated. Sugar gain, weight reduction and water loss were evaluated for the three shapes after osmotic dehydration. Surface response methodology was used to determine the effect of microwave drying time and microwave plate load on the osmotically dehydrated slices. The results showed a significant effect on the response variables: dissolved sugar content (°Bx) and slice surface final temperature. At temperatures greater than 100°C, thermal damage was present in all the shapes. The maximum weight loss (35-45%) without thermal damage was achieved for all the shapes at temperatures between 95 to 98°C. This favorable drying range was bounded with upper and lower linear regressions, then microwave drying times and microwave plate loads to reach this zone were determined. The transversal slice dried the most plate loads (170 to 500 g), in less drying time (268 to 600 s) and achieved a sugar concentration between 77 to 63 °Bx.

Se investigó el efecto de secado complementario con microondas de tres diferentes rebanadas de mango (ovalado, longitudinal y transversal) pre-deshidratadas osmóticamente. Se determinó el incremento de azúcares, reducción de peso y pérdida de agua en las tres rebanadas después de la deshidratación osmótica. La metodología de Superficie de Respuesta se utilizó para determinar el efecto del tiempo de secado y del peso de la carga en el plato del microondas sobre las rebanadas osmo-deshidratadas, encontrando un efecto significativo sobre las variables de respuesta: azúcares disueltos (°Bx) y temperatura final en la superficie de la rebanada. En temperaturas mayores a 100°C se observó daño térmico en todas las rebanadas. En temperaturas entre 95-98°C se obtuvo la mayor pérdida de peso (35-45%) sin daño térmico en las rebanadas. Esta zona favorable de secado fue acotada con una línea superior e inferior, se dan condiciones para que los tiempos de secado y pesos de la carga permitan llegar a este rango deseado. De las tres rebanadas, la transversal secó la mayoría de las carga colocadas sobre el plato del microondas (170 a 500 g), en menor tiempo de secado (268 a 600 s) y alcanzando un contenido de azúcares entre 77 a 63 °Bx.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de folhas de Xanthium strumarium L. sobre os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella thyphimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Clostridium perfringens, bem como verificar a presença do composto tóxico carboxiatractilosideo em diferentes partes da planta. As bactérias S. aureus e C. perfringens foram mais sensíveis às frações não polares do que as polares, sendo que para as outras bactérias não foi verificada diferença entre os extratos. Todos os extratos apresentaram uma forte ação antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos avaliados. O carboxiatractilosideo foi encontrado nos cotilédones e nas sementes da planta, entretanto, não foi encontrado nas folhas em estádio adulto e na carapaça espinhosa que envolve a semente. Portanto, somente as folhas de Xanthium strumarium na fase adulta podem ser utilizadas para o uso medicinal.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Xanthium strumarium L. leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostridium perfringens, as well as to investigate the presence of the toxic compound carboxyatractyloside in different plant parts. S. aureus and C. perfringens were more sensitive to non-polar than to polar fractions, and there was no difference between extracts for the remaining bacteria. All extracts had strong antimicrobial activity against the evaluated microorganisms. Carboxyatractyloside was found in cotyledons and seeds but not in adult leaves and burrs. Thus, only Xanthium strumarium leaves in adult stage can be used for medicinal purposes.

The purpose of the present study was to identify the expression of p16INK4 in cervical cancer precursor lesions by immunohistochemistry and to correlate it with lesion grade and presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Cervical specimens from 144 women seen consecutively at the gynecology outpatient clinic of our institution from December 2003 to May 2005 were analyzed by cytopathology, histopathology, polymerase chain reaction for HPV-DNA, and p16INK4 immunostaining. Histologically normal biopsies, HPV-DNA negative by polymerase chain reaction, were used as control. HPV-DNA prevalence, including the control group, was 68.1% and the prevalence of p16INK4 expression was 55.0%. The percentage of cells stained by p16INK4 ranged from 10 to 100%, both in the group consisting of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)1/HPV specimens and in the group of CIN2/CIN3 specimens with P value of 0.0001. p16INK4 expression was 48.3% in the CIN1/HPV group, as opposed to 94.3% in the CIN2/CIN3 group (P = 0.001), showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The quantitative method used here is simple and less subjective than the different semiquantitative methods described in the literature. In view of the different definitions of a p16INK4-positive case, it is almost impossible to compare the findings reported by different investigators. This study confirms the association between p16INK4 and CIN2 and CIN3 lesions. Moreover, it shows that some low grade lesions expressed high levels of this protein. This may indicate that such low grade lesions may be predisposed to progress to high grade lesions. This means that p16INK4 may be a strong marker for "neoplastic lesions" induced by HPV and not just an infection marker.