Niobium on BEA Dealuminated Zeolite for High Selectivity Dehydration Reactions of Ethanol and Xylose into Diethyl Ether and Furfural.

In this work, we investigated the role of solid-state dealumination by (NH4)2SiF6 (25% Al removal and 13% Si insertion), the impregnation of niobium (10, 18, and 25 wt. %) on dealuminated *BEA (DB) zeolite and their catalytic properties in ethanol and xylose transformations. Among all the studied catalysts, 18%Nb-DB showed increased mesoporosity and external areas. A leveling effect in the number and strength of the proposed two sites (Brønsted and Lewis) present in the catalyst (n1 = 0.24 mmol g-1, -ΔH1 = 49 kJ mol-1, and n2 = 0.20 mmol g-1, -ΔH2 = 42 kJ mol-1) in the catalyst 18%Nb-DB, might be responsible for its good activity. This catalyst presented the highest selectivity for diethyl ether, DEE (97%) with 61% conversion after 50 ethanol pulses at 230 °C (turnover number, TON DEE = 1.15). These features allowed catalytically fruitful bonding of the ethanol molecules to the neighboring sites on the channels, facilitating bimolecular ether formation through a possible SN2 mechanism. The same catalyst was active and selective for transformation of xylose at 180 °C, showing 64% conversion and 51% selectivity for furfural (TON Furfural = 24.7) using water as a green solvent.

Zika, afebrile disease? / Zika, ¿enfermedad afebril?

In this paper, we emphasize on a probable atypical case of Zika, which is essentially a febrile illness; however, nowadays it has been noticed that fever is not always present in Zika cases, and the incidence of this clinical sign varies in several series; besides, we point out that symptoms such as nonpurulent conjunctivitis or rash could be reliable criteria in the absence of fever for the probable diagnosis of Zika, which invariably requires serological confirmation, even though the latter is not always available.

En el presente escrito, se hace énfasis en un probable cuadro atípico del Zika, el cual característicamente es una enfermedad febril; sin embargo, actualmente se ha notado que el cuadro no siempre presenta fiebre y la incidencia de dicho signo clínico varía en las diversas series; asimismo, se hace hincapié en que síntomas como la conjuntivitis no purulenta o el exantema pudieran ser criterios mayores en ausencia de fiebre, para el diagnóstico probable de Zika, el cual invariablemente requiere confirmación serológica, aunque esta última pocas veces está disponible.

Microcephaly and arbovirus / Microcefalia y arbovirus

In this paper the relationship between the incidence of microcephaly and various arboviruses in current boom is exposed. It stands out that in the infection by the dengue virus, there have been no cases of microcephaly, however in the case series of chikungunya infection, incidence of cases with this affectation was reported, highlighting a cohort called CHIMERE; also the highest incidence of microcephaly associated with the mentioned Zika virus, which has been widely studied. All this, due to the neurotropism of these arboviruses.

En el presente trabajo se expone la relación existente entre incidencia de microcefalia y los diversos arbovirus en auge actual. Destaca que en la infección por el virus del dengue, no se ha registrado casos de microcefalia, sin embargo en las series de casos de infección por chikunguña, se reportó incidencia de casos con esta afectación, destacando una cohorte denominada CHIMERE; asimismo se menciona la mayor incidencia de microcefalia asociada al virus del Zika, la cual ha sido ampliamente estudiada. Todo lo anterior por el neurotropismo de estos arbovirus.

Characterization and competitive ability of non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolated from the maize agro-ecosystem in Argentina as potential aflatoxin biocontrol agents.

Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogen and may produce aflatoxins in maize, one of the most important crops in Argentina. A promising strategy to reduce aflatoxin accumulation is the biological control based on competitive exclusion. In order to select potential biocontrol agents among isolates from the maize growing region in Argentina, a total of 512 A. flavus strains were isolated from maize kernels and soil samples. Thirty-six per cent of the isolates from maize kernels did not produce detectable levels of aflatoxins, while 73% of the isolates from soil were characterized as non-aflatoxin producers. Forty percent and 49% of the isolates from maize kernels and soil samples, respectively, were not producers of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Sclerotia morphology was evaluated using Czapek Dox media. Eighty-six per cent of the isolates from maize kernels and 85% of the isolates from soil samples were L sclerotia morphotype (average diameter > 400 µm). The remaining isolates did not produce sclerotia. All isolates had MAT 1-1 idiomorph. The competitive ability of 9 non aflatoxigenic strains, 4 CPA(+) and 5 CPA(-), was evaluated in co-inoculations of maize kernels with an aflatoxigenic strain. All evaluated strains significantly (p < 0.05) reduced aflatoxin contamination in maize kernels. The aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) reduction ranged from 6 to 60%. The strain A. flavus ARG5/30 isolated from maize kernels would be a good candidate as a potential biocontrol agent to be used in maize, since it was characterized as neither aflatoxin nor CPA producer, morphotype L, MAT 1-1 idiomorph, and reduced AFB1 content in maize kernels by 59%. This study showed the competitive ability of potential aflatoxin biocontrol agents to be evaluated under field trials in a maize agro-ecosystem in Argentina.

[Zika virus and their means of delivery, rather than Aedes]. / Zika y sus vectores, más que Aedes.

In the present work an exposition of the most frequent vectors of the arboviruses is made highlighting the ones of the genus Aedes, of these in each geographic distribution there are specific subgeneros, in Africa emphasizes A. africanus, A. opok and A. vitatus like those in charge of The propagation of arboviruses. In Asia and Oceania, A. hensilii and A. polynesiensis stand out, and A. albopictus, in addition to A. koreicus and A. japonicus, the latter also responsible for dissemination in North America. It is mentioned in the wave that struck to South America the greater importance of other genera like Culex, emphasizing C. pipiens, C. perfuscus, C. quinquefasciatus and C. nigripalpus; Also genera like Anopheles emphasizing A. coustani, A. albimanus and A. pseudopunctipennis (Central America and Mexico). Therefore the importance of other vectors other than Aedes as the participants in the American wave is pointed out.

En el presente trabajo se hace una exposición de los vectores más frecuentes de los arbovirus, destacando los del genero Aedes; de estos, en cada distribución geográfica existen subgéneros específicos, en África destaca el A. africanus, A. opok y A. vitatus como los responsables de la propagación de arbovirus. En Asia y Oceania destacan el A. hensilii y A. polynesiensis, y en Europa ha tomado auge el A. albopictus, ademas del A. koreicus y A. japonicus, estos últimos responsables también de la diseminación en Norteamérica. Se comenta en la oleada que sacudió a Sudamérica, la mayor importancia de otros géneros como Culex, destacando C. pipiens, C. perfuscus, C. quinquefasciatus y C. nigripalpus; asimismo, géneros como Anopheles destacando A. coustani, A. albimanus y A. pseudopunctipennis (presentes principalmente en Centroamérica y México). Por lo que se puntualiza la importancia de otros vectores diferentes de Aedes como los partícipes de la oleada americana.

Síndrome PFAPA. ¿Cuándo sospecharlo?

Introducción: El síndrome de Marshall o PFAPA, por sus siglas en inglés (Periodic fever, aphtas, pharyngitis and cervical adenopathies), es una patología que se caracteriza principalmente por cuadros de ebres periódicas asociadas a faringitis y estomatitis. Los pacientes suelen recibir múltiples cursos de antibióticos antes de ser diagnosticados. Se desconoce su causa exacta, el diagnóstico es clínico y se con rma con la mejoría del cuadro luego de la administración de prednisona oral. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 4 años de edad quien inició con episodios febriles recurrentes desde los 9 meses de edad y luego de múltiples ciclos de antibióticos se sospecha el Síndrome de Marshall el cual mejoró luego del abordaje terapeútico dirigido. Discusión: El síndrome de Marshall o PFAPA es una entidad que debe ser considerada durante la atención primaria en aquellos pacientes que acuden frecuentemente por cuadros de ebre, faringitis y estomatitis aftosas. La sospecha de este diagnóstico mejora la calidad de vida del paciente y sus familiares considerando la ansiedad que produce a los padres llevar a su niño con frecuencia al cuarto de urgencias.

Introduction: Marshall syndrome or PFAPA (Periodic fever, aphtas, pharyngitis and cervical adenopathies), is a condition that is mainly characterized by periodic fevers associated with pharyngitis and stomatitis. Patients usually receive multiple courses of antibiotics before being diagnosed. The exact cause is unknown, the diagnosis is clinical and con rmed with the improvement of the condition after administration of oral prednisone. Case report: We report a case of a 4 year old girls who started with recurrent febrile episodes from 9 months and after multiple courses of antibiotics, Marshall Syndrome was suspected and patient improved after targeted therapy. Discussion: Marshall Syndrome or PFAPA is a condition that must be considered during primary care attention of those patients who frequently consult by cyclic episodes of fever, pharyngitis and aphthous stomatitis. The suspicion of this diagnosis improves the quality of life of patients and their families considering the anxiety of parents who needs to take their child to the emergency

Prevalence of groups A and C rotavirus antibodies in infants with biliary atresia and cholestatic controls.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of acute asymptomatic group A and C rotavirus (RV-A and RV-C) infection in neonates with cholestasis. STUDY DESIGN: Participants were infants <180 days of age with cholestasis (serum direct or conjugated bilirubin >20% of total and ≥2 mg/dL) enrolled in the Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network during RV season (December-May). Forty infants with biliary atresia (BA), age 62 ± 29 days (range, 4.7-13 weeks) and 38 infants with cholestasis, age 67 ± 44 days (range, 3-15.8 weeks) were enrolled. RESULTS: At enrollment, RV-A IgM positivity rates did not differ between infants with BA (10%) vs those without (18%) (P = .349). RV-C IgM was positive in 0% of infants with BA vs 3% in those without BA (P = .49). RV-A IgG was lower in infants with BA: 51 ± 39 vs 56 ± 44 enzyme-linked immunoassay unit, P = .045 but this difference may lack biological relevance as maternal RV-A IgG titers were similar between groups. Infant RV-A IgM titers at 2-6 months follow-up increased markedly vs at presentation in both infants with BA (50 ± 30 vs 9 ± 9) and those without (43 ± 18 vs 16 ± 20 enzyme-linked immunoassay unit) (P < .0001), without differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: RV-A infection in the first 6 months of life is common in infants with cholestasis of any cause. RV-A could have different pathogenetic effects by initiating different hepatic immune responses in infants with vs without BA or could lack pathogenetic significance.

Los valores y el significado de la existencia. Un estudio observacional en cuidadores familiares de pacientes neurológicos / Os valores e o significado da existência. Um estudo observacional em cuidadores familiares de pacientes neurológicos / Values and the meaning of existence. An observational study of family caregivers of neurological patients

Se describe el sistema de valores en cuidadores familiares de pacientes neurológicos y se compara por género y etapas del ciclo vital. Se utilizó un diseño de investigación ex post facto. Se administraron a 238 cuidadores el Cuestionario Sociodemográfico y Datos del Cuidado y el Inventario de Valores. Todos los cuidadores acordaron un sistema jerárquico de valores, aunque el sensitivo-afectivo fue mejor evaluado por mujeres, el intelectual por adultos jóvenes, y el estético por adultos mayores. Se apoya la estabilidad del sistema de valores y su relativa flexibilidad según el género y las etapas del ciclo vital, lo cual aporta evidencia empírica para las perspectivas basadas en la fortaleza frente a la adversidad.

The article describes the value system in family caregivers of neurological patients, comparing them by gender and life cycle stage. An ex post facto research design was used. The Socio-Demographic and Care Data Questionnaire and the Values Inventory were administered to 238 caregivers. All of them agreed on a hierarchical value system; however, the sensitive-affective component was better evaluated by women, the intellectual component, by young adults, and the aesthetic component by older adults. Results support the stability of the value system and its relative flexibility depending on gender and life cycle stages, which provides empirical evidence for perspectives based on strength in the face of adversity.

Descreve-se o sistema de valores em cuidadores familiares de pacientes neurológicos e compara-se por gênero e etapas do ciclo vital. Utilizou-se um desenho de pesquisa ex post facto. Foram entregues a 238 cuidadores o Questionário Sociodemográfico e Dados do Cuidado e o Inventário de Valores. Todos os cuidadores combinaram um sistema hierárquico de valores, embora o Sensitivo-Afetivo tenha sido o mais bem avaliado por mulheres, o Intelectual por adultos jovens, e o Estético por adultos mais velhos. Apoia-se a estabilidade do sistema de valores e sua relativa flexibilidade segundo o gênero e as etapas do ciclo vital, o que dá evidência empírica para as perspectivas baseadas na fortaleza diante da adversidade.

El comportamiento acústico de Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) / Acoustic behavior of Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae)

The acoustic behavior of Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos is described for the first time. The sounds and behaviors were observed and registered in captivity. The signals were digitized with the Sound-Blaster AWE64 Gold program and analysed with the Avisoft SAS Lab Pro 30 PC for MS Windows software. Seven different types of sounds are described as produced by males: spontaneous song (also used during the courtship), two different types of courtship song, assault song, tapping associated to the courtship, interaction between males and fly crackling. For each one, the characteristic oscillograms and frequency spectra are given. Sounds are produced by different mechanisms: femoro-tegminal stridulation, typical for Gomphocerinae, fly crackling, hind tarsi tapping and alar beat, the last produced by the beat and clash of hind alae, that is, the castanet method which up to now was only known, among Orthoptera, in Stenobothrus rubicundulus Kruseman & Jeekel. A description of the stridulatory file of male and female is given, as well as that of the alar special structures. Behavioral units and their sequence during the courtship are defined. There, in addition to the acoustic signals, visual signals are present, referring to positions, hind legs, antennae and palpi movements and body vibrations.

[Acoustic behavior of Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae)]. / El comportamiento acústico de Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae).

The acoustic behavior of Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos is described for the first time. The sounds and behaviors were observed and registered in captivity. The signals were digitized with the Sound-Blaster AWE64 Gold program and analysed with the Avisoft SAS Lab Pro 30 PC for MS Windows software. Seven different types of sounds are described as produced by males: spontaneous song (also used during the courtship), two different types of courtship song, assault song, tapping associated to the courtship, interaction between males and fly crackling. For each one, the characteristic oscillograms and frequency spectra are given. Sounds are produced by different mechanisms: femoro-tegminal stridulation, typical for Gomphocerinae, fly crackling, hind tarsi tapping and alar beat, the last produced by the beat and clash of hind alae, that is, the castanet method which up to now was only known, among Orthoptera, in Stenobothrus rubicundulus Kruseman & Jeekel. A description of the stridulatory file of male and female is given, as well as that of the alar special structures. Behavioral units and their sequence during the courtship are defined. There, in addition to the acoustic signals, visual signals are present, referring to positions, hind legs, antennae and palpi movements and body vibrations.

Perfil dos ácidos graxos de "manteigas de garrafa" produzidas na região de Salinas - Minas Gerais / Fatty acid profile of “bottled butter fat” produced in the region of Salinas, Minas Gerais

A história econômica de Salinas apóia-se em grande parte na pecuária. Os desbravadores encontraram na região do município, um grande potencial para o desenvolvimento de suas atividades, seja na lavoura de mantimentos, seja na pecuária (OLIVEIRA, 2000). Até hoje, a produção de leite ocupa certo destaque nas atividades da agricultura familiar que, além do leite "in natura", fornece também o queijo de coalho, o requeijão e, dos soros obtidos desses produtos elabora-se a manteiga de garrafa. Assim, esse estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de analisar o perfil dos ácidos graxos de manteigas de garrafa produzidas em Salinas, norte de Minas Gerais e análise da relação de ácidos graxos saturados: ácidos graxos insaturados dessas manteigas. O perfil dos ácidos graxos das manteigas de garrafa foi determinado por análises cromatográficas, realizadas segundo a metodologia desenvolvida por Luddy et al. (1960), modificada por Abreu (1993). Foi realizada análise de variância, comparando-se as médias pelo teste de Tukey em nível de 5 por cento de probabilidade. O perfil dos ácidos graxos de todas as manteigas de garrafa analisadas apresentou-se semelhante. Não foram detectados os picos para os ácidos butírico (C4) e capróico (C6). O teor de ácidos graxos saturados apresentou-se mais elevado do que o de ácidos graxos insaturados, com médias de 60,36 por cento e 39,64 por cento, respectivamente.

The economic history of Salinas, Minas Gerais is largely based on cattle-breeding. The discoverers found in the city's region a large potential for the progress of their activities, either in agriculture or in cattle-breeding (OLIVEIRA, 2000). Even today, milk production plays an important role in family farming activities, which besides raw milk, provides curdal cheese, cottage cheese, and "bottled butter fat", which is manufactured with fat extracted from whey. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the fatty acid profile of "bottled butter fat" produced in Salinas, in the northern region of Minas Gerais , and also to analyze the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acid of these butters. The fatty acid profile of the "bottled butter fat" was determined by chromatographic analysis, according to methodology advanced by Luddy et al. (1960), and later modified by Abreu (1993). Analysis of variance was applied for comparison of the averages by the Tukey test at 5 percent probability. The fatty acid profiles of all the "bottled butter fat" were found to be similar. The concentration of saturated fatty acids was higher than that of the unsaturated, with averages of 60,36 percent and 39,64 percent, respectively.

Caracterização química, físico-química e rancidez oxidativa de manteiga de garrafa / Physical and chemical characterization and oxidative rancidity of bottled butter fat

A manteiga de garrafa é um produto largamente utilizado no Nordeste do Brasil em geral, e no norte/nordeste do Estado de Minas Gerais em particular, sendo a região de Salinas importante produtora desse tipo de manteiga. Apesar disso, não são encontrados na literatura números significativos de relatos de pesquisas sobre esse produto. Assim, este estudo foi realizado para caracterizar físico-quimicamente manteigas de garrafa produzidas na região de Salinas, norte de Minas Gerais, comparando os dados obtidos com a Legislação vigente para este produto (Brasil, 2002). O nível de umidade variou de 0,6 por cento a 3,0 por cento, a gordura de 95,6 por cento a 98,6 por cento, o pH foi de 2,23 a 6,27, a porcentagem de cloretos variou de 0,74 por cento a 1,79 por cento, as proteínas ficaram em torno de 0,12 por cento a 0,15 por cento, os ácidos graxos livres apresentaram de 7,60 mol/L a 48,08 mol/L e a acidez variou de 0,60 por cento a 9,52 por cento de ácido lático. Todas as manteigas de garrafa analisadas apresentaram-se fora do padrão exigido pela Legislação vigente (BRASIL, 2002).

Manteiga de garrafa (bottled butter fat) is a product widely used in the Northern part of Brazil, specifically in Salinas, an important producing region in the Northern part of Minas Gerais State. In spite of that, there is no a great number of references in the literature concerning this product. This study was carried out to characterize the physical and chemical properties of this dairy product, comparing the results obtained with the current legislation for this product (BRAZIL, 2002). Moisture, fat content, pH, salt, proteins, free fatty acids and acidity varied from 0.6 to 3.0 percent, 95.6 to 98.6 percent, 2.23 to 6.27, 0.74 to 1.79 percent, 0.12 to 0.15 percent, 7.60 to 48.08 mol/L, 0.6 to 9.52 percent of latic acid, respectively. All the "manteiga de garrafa" analysed, it was shown to be out of pattern considering the current legislation (BRAZIL, 2002).

História de vida e trabalho de pessoas atingidas pela hanseníase em serviços de saúde do estado de São Paulo / The history life and work of people with leprosy users of the health service in the state of São Paulo

Trabalho originado de um projeto piloto de capacitação profissional ou semi-profissionalizante desenvolvido nos anos de 2001 e 2002 com onze usuários de serviços de saúde do Estado de São Paulo: pessoas atingidas pela hanseníase e comunicantes. No processo de seleção dos sujeitos realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa para verificar as alterações ocorridas na situação de trabalho após o diagnóstico de hanseníase. Como instrumentos foram utilizados um formulário e a história de vida tópica.A análise dos dados apontou as categorias: qualidade de vida; percepções e representações sobre a doença; situação social desencadeada a partir do diagnóstico; hanseníase e relação de trabalho; hanseníase e sistema de saúde. Resultados apontam: que a mentira e a omissão da doença são percebidas como necessárias à obtenção e/ou manutenção do emprego, uma vez que o preconceito, a discriminação e o isolamento em função do estigma ainda persistem; o aumento da auto-estima dos sujeitos com o curso de capacitação realizado; relatos de profissionais da área da saúde ainda despreparados em relação à hanseníase.Como propostas são apontadas: intensificação de campanhas à população; realização de pesquisa para compreensão do percurso do usuário até a unidade de saúde e o diagnóstico de hanseníase; educação continuada dos profissionais da rede; inclusão do tema nos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação dos futuros profissionais da área da saúde; e expansão dos cursos de capacitação a usuários de outras unidades do Estado de São Paulo.

This work began with a pilot project for professional empowerment or semi-professionalizing courses developed between 2001 and 2002, with eleven users of the health services of the State of São Paulo. These users were people with leprosy and his contacts. After the subject’s selection, a qualitative research was performed during which the researchers tried to rescue the life history and the working status of those users, seeking to establish the changes occurred after the leprosy diagnosis, specially at work. The used tools were a form and the topic life history. The data analysis showed following categories: life quality; perceptions and representations about the disease; social condition changes due to the diagnosis; leprosy and working relations; and leprosy and the health system. Among other aspects, it was noted that: the users think that lying or omitting the disease is necessary in order to get or to keep a job, since prejudice, discrimination and isolation resulting from the stigma still exist; also noted was the great benefit the subjects had when they enhanced their self-esteem thanks to the provided empowerment course. On the other side, the reports showed that most professionals of the health area are still unprepared to identify and diagnose leprosy patients. The suggested proposals are: to intensify the clarification campaigns for the population; to make a research in order to understand the user’s route to the health unit and the leprosy diagnosis; the continued education of the health system’s professionals; to intensify the training during the regular courses and post-doctoral courses of the future health professionals about how to suspect, diagnose and treat leprosy; and to outreach the empowerment courses to other units in the State of São Paulo.