Basic physical properties and potential application of graphene oxide fibers synthesized from rice husk.

The synthesis method and correlation between compositional, vibrational, and electrical properties in graphene oxide fibers (GOF) are presented and discussed here, as well as a potential application through the development of a heater device based on GOF. The GOF samples were synthesized from rice husk (RH), via a thermal decomposition method, employing an automated pyrolysis system with a controlled nitrogen atmosphere, varying carbonization temperature (TCA) from 773 to 1273 K. The compositional analysis shows peaks in the XPS spectrum associated with C1s and O1s, with presence of hydroxyl and epoxy bridges; the oxide concentration (OC) of samples varied from 0.21 to 0.28, influenced by TCA. The GOF samples exhibit fiber morphology, vibrational characteristics which are typical of graphene oxide multilayers, and electrical behavior that scales with OC. The electrical response shows that OC decreases and increases electrical conductivity at the polycrystalline phase, possibly attributed to the desorption of some oxides and organic compounds. In addition, physical correlations between OC and its vibrational response showed that decreasing OC increases edge defect density and decreases crystal size as a result of thermal decomposition processes. The correlation between OC and physical properties suggests that by controlling the OC in GOF, it was possible to modify vibrational and electrical properties of great interest in fabrication of advanced electronics; consequently, we show a potential application of GOF samples by developing an electrically controlled heater device.

Effect of ultra-fine friction grinding on the physical and chemical properties of curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) suspensions.

Curcuma longa is a rhizome used for the extraction of curcumin, a yellow colorant that only represents 3 wt% of the dried rhizome. To increase the possibility of using the entire rhizome as a food colorant, in the present investigation, the effect of ultra-fine friction grinding (supermasscolloider) to obtain turmeric suspensions was evaluated. To achieve this goal, two distances between the grinding stones or Gap were evaluated (G of -1 and -1.5), and the obtained suspensions were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and through the determination of curcumin content, color, particle size, sedimentation index, serum cloudiness, and microstructure. The results establish that a lower G contributes to an increase in the release of curcumin in the suspension up to 21%, which is related to a greater tendency for yellow coloration, observed in the increase of the * b coordinate of color (from 61.588 to 66.497). Additionally, it was found that a lower G generates smaller particle sizes, which is related to a lower turbidity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research shows that ultra-fine friction grinding (UFFG) has great potential for the development of turmeric suspensions. The results have applications in the food industry sector, because UFFG could be used to produce different types of vegetable suspensions.

Epidemiology behavior of leptospirosis in Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba (Colombia).

The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of leptospirosis in rural areas of Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba, Colombia, a convenience sampling was carried out on 13 farms. The sample size was 325 reproductive age cows, 11 canine samples, and 20 humans. The samples were subjected to MAT analysis with 11 serogroups of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Once the MAT results were received, urine samples were collected from 78 cows, along with 39 water samples, for bacteriological cultures and PCR for the 16S rRNA gene in L. interrogans sensu lato. Positive PCR samples were sequenced to determine the possible genome species. The leptospirosis seroprevalence was 74.5% in the cattle, 70.0% in the dogs, and 45.5% in the humans. Although isolation was not achieved, L. interrogans sensu lato was detected by PCR in three urine samples and in a sample of wastewater. The sequencing confirmed the circulation of pathogenic species. The high prevalence of antibodies for L. interrogans sensu lato and the molecular evidence led to the inference that the rural areas of Ciénaga de Oro are endemic and that cattle can act as renal carriers and contaminate water sources, which increases the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

Hiperplasia nodular linfoide asociada con colitis ulcerativa: descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Lymphoid Nodular Hyperplasia Associated with Ulcerative Colitis: Case Study and Literature Review

La hiperplasia nodular linfoide es una patología del aparato gastrointestinal, poco frecuente en adultos. Se caracteriza por un crecimiento del tejido linfoide mucoso y submucoso como respuesta a diferentes tipos de estímulos nocivos. Se ha descrito asociada con otras patologías como infección por VIH/ Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida, giardiasis, infección por Helicobacter Pylori, enfermedad celíaca, y en pocos casos con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. No tiene una presentación clínica específica y su manejo aún no está claro

Lymphoid nodular hyperplasia is a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract that rarely occurs among adults. It is characterized by growth of submucosal lymphoid tissue and mucosal response to different types of noxious stimuli. It has been described in association with other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, giardiasis, Helicobacter pylori infections, celiac disease, and very rarely with inflammatory bowel disease. At present, there is no specific clinical presentation or treatment

Obtención y evaluación de etanol a partir de los subproductos del beneficio de café / Production and evaluation of ethanol from coffee processing by-products

En la actualidad se desarrollan numerosas investigaciones para la producción de alcohol a partir de biomasa lignocelulósica. En este estudio, se evaluó el etanol producido a partir de pulpa y mucílago de café, levadura comercial y panela (jugo de caña solidificado y deshidratado). La pulpa y el mucílago del café se hidrolizaron vía acida y el mosto (jugo de pulpa y mucilago) se fermentó con un inóculo de Saccharomyces cerevisiae en fase exponencial, elaborado con panela entera comercial. El producto fermentado se destiló y su análisis mediante cromatografía de gases arrojó un resultado de 25,44 kg/m3de etanol a partir de 64,40 kg/m3de azúcares totales, lo que equivale a un rendimiento del 77,29% respecto al teórico; mostrando que es posible su obtención en pequeñas fincas cafeteras con materias primas de fácil acceso. Se analizaron las vinazas resultantes del proceso, reportando valores de 0,40 ppm (Hierro), 0,97 ppm (Magnesio), 1,54 ppm (Calcio), y 4,40 ppm (Fósforo), lo que las hace particularmente útiles como complemento en el desarrollo de biofertilizantes para la lombricultura.

Comparación del estado ácido-base en sangre del cordón en pacientes postcesárea y su relación con la técnica anestésica / The acid base values of umbilical cord arterial blood of post cesarean newborns

Objetivo: Se ha cuestionado si las técnicas conductivas, específicamente la espinal se asocia o no a mayor acidosis. Se pretende comparar en una población obstétrica normal, los valores ácido- base en sangre arterial del cordón de los recién nacidos postcesarea, con las diferentes técnicas anestésicas y determinar la frecuencia y el tipo de acidosis. Metodología: Se efectúo un estudio cuasiexperimental no aleatorio. 274 pacientes fueron incluidas: 109 asignadas al grupo de anestesia peridural, 109 al grupo de anestesia espinal y 56 al grupo de anestesia general. La muestra se calculo con un poder de 85 por ciento, confiabilidad 95 por ciento y RR de 2. Se determinó electrónicamente las mediciones hemodinámicas en la madre. En sangre arterial placentaria: PH, PCO2, PO2, bicarbonato y base déficit y en el recién nacido el Apgar y las complicaciones neonatales. Resultados: Se hizo análisis multivariado con regresión logística, análisis de varianza y Chi2. No se encontró asociación al evaluar los diferentes tipos de acidosis y las variables independientes, así como tampoco se encontró mayor frecuencia de acidosis con ninguna de las tres técnicas anestésicas utilizadas. Es reconocido hoy que los limites de normalidad son más bajos (PH = 7.00), lo que explicaría las diferencias con otros estudios. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que ningún método anestésico es necesariamente más peligroso o seguro que otro, ni se asocia a mayor acidosis

[Retrospective study of 50 ileostomies at the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Nutrition]. / Estudio retrospectivo de 50 ileostomías en el Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the diseases that motivated an ileostomy and the short and long-term morbi-mortality of the procedure. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive cases of ileostomies performed from 1989-1993 at a referral center in Mexico City. RESULTS: Most ileostomies were temporary (92%); the most frequent diagnoses were multiple familial polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverse intra-abdominal inflammatory complications. Operative mortality was 22%, caused mainly by the severity of the disease that motivated the ileostomy. A reoperation was required in 14% of the cases because of stomal complications (stricture, prolapse); 6% presented peristomal dermatitis, 4% high output, and 4% associated depression. With a mean time interval of three months, 32 patients were subjected to intestinal reconnection with a morbidity of 19% but no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Ileostomy remains a necessary procedure mainly on a temporary basis. It is convenient to prevent complications by means of adequate surgical techniques, and a better rehabilitation by a multidisciplinary team.

[Outbreaks of equine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi in Formosa Province, Argentina]. / Brotes de tripanosomosis equina causada por Trypanosoma evansi en Formosa, Argentina.

Tests on 257 blood samples from 21 herds of horses in Formosa Province of Argentina, using the technique of centrifuging microhaematocrit capillary tubes, revealed Trypanosoma evansi in 90 of 137 animals in eight herds. Application of the direct agglutination test to serum samples from the same animals revealed antibodies to T. evansi in 107 horses. Antibody was also detected in nine horses from two herds where the parasite was not detected. Outbreaks of 'mal de caderas' occurred in the humid (eastern) and sub-humid (central) zones of Formosa. More than 95% of the equine population of the province is found in these zones (57,000 horses). In six strains of T. evansi, maintained by passage in mice, between 3% and 20% of parasites possessed a kinetoplast.

Reporte de un caso de dracunculosis en un canino en la provincia de Formosa - Argentina / Dracunculiasis in a dog in Formosa - Argentina : case report

Se comunica el hallazgo de Dracunculus sp. en un canino proveniente de la localidade de Fontana, Departamento Patino, provincia de Formosa, Argentina. El hallazgo constituye el cuarto caso de Dracunculosis registrado en animales en una misma area geografica de Formosa.

[Report of a case of dracunculosis in a dog in the Province of Formosa--Argentina]. / Reporte de un caso de dracunculosis en un canino en la provincia de Formosa--Argentina.

It is reported Dracunculus sp. in a dog from Fontana city, department of Patiño, in the Formosa Province, Argentina. This is the fourth report of Dracunculosis occurred in animals all from the same geographic area of Formosa.

Risk factors for operative morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: an analysis of 63 surgical procedures.

The surgical morbidity rate of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is considered very high; however, the experience in the literature is small. This study will determine the rate of surgical morbidity and the existence of predictive factors in patients with such a disease. The medical records of 53 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus who underwent 63 major operations were analyzed retrospectively. The rate and causes of operative morbidity were registered. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to ascertain the existence of predictive factors for morbidity. The overall morbidity and mortality were 16% and 6% respectively. Lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, increased SGOT and SGPT, urgent indication of operation, the physical status of the American Society of Anesthesiology, as well as a shorter duration of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus showed a significant correlation with operative morbidity in the univariate analysis; high blood urea nitrogen showed marginal significance. Physical status, urgent indication, and blood urea nitrogen remained as significant variables with the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The surgical morbidity rate of these patients may be lower than previously estimated. The physical status, urgency of operation, and level of blood urea nitrogen seemed to be the most useful independent predictors for surgical morbidity risk in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

[An evaluation of the direct agglutination test for the diagnosis of "mal de caderas" in horses]. / Evaluación de la prueba de aglutinación directa en el diagnostico del mal de caderas en equinos.

The usefulness of the direct agglutination test (DA) to diagnose Mal de Caderas disease was evaluated. Forty four sera samples from two lots of horses with natural T. evansi infection (Lot 1 and Lot 2) were used. Thirteen (81.2%) of sixteen horses in which parasites were isolated gave positive agglutination titres (> or = 1:512) in the DA test. Treatment of these positive sera with 2-mercaptoethanol drops three to eight dilutions the agglutination titres in twelve samples (92%), showing the IgM nature of these antibodies. The DA test was also positive in seventeen of twenty eight horses in which parasites could not be detected. Five T. evansi infected horses, Lot three, which had high antibodies levels in the DA test, were treated with Naganol (Bayer-Germany). In four animals these antibodies were mainly IgM. In agreement with negative control for parasites, two months after treatment, IgM could not be detected while IgG antibodies remained detectable in low titres 12 months in three of the five horses. Fifty control horses sera from a T. evansi free area were AD negative. The DA and DA+2-ME are recommended as a routine method to diagnose Mal de Caderas disease in combination with parasitological diagnostic methods.

[New epidemic outbreak of cholera in Lima]. / Rebrote epidémico del cólera en Lima.

We report a new outbreak of cholera on the beginning of last Summer (Dec. 91 and Jan 92). Were 281 patients, 63% male and 36% female, treated in our Cholera Unit of treatment; all of them coming from marginal-urban populations. There was a rate of lethality of inpatients of 0.46% and a mortality of 0.25% over the total of patients that we saw in our hospital; on this summer the outbreak is early and greatest than the summer of 1991. We can conclude that because of epidemic behavior during the whole 1991 and in the time elapsed of 1992, Peru has become an endemic zone of this new disease, while the current epidemiologic settings stay unchanged.

[Effects of malnutrition on infective morbidity in the surgical treatment of portal hypertension (prospective evaluation)]. / Efecto de la desnutrición sobre la morbilidad infecciosa en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la hipertensión portal (evaluación prospectiva).

With the aim of investigating the preoperative frequency of undernutrition and its impact on the infectious morbidity in patients without malignant disease, we studied prospectively 41 patients operated because of portal hypertension between 1987 and 1989 at the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición. All patients were evaluated through anthropometric analysis and biochemical markers one week before the surgical procedure. A standard scheme of antibiotic profilaxis was used during surgery and the preoperative complications were registered up to discharge from the hospital. Undernutrition was considered when the serum albumin was less than 3 mg/dL or the total lymphocyte count was under 900, associated with a 10% weight loss in six months and reduction of one or more anthropometric parameters below the 30th percentile of the normal value. The group consisted of 17 males and 24 females with a mean age of 48 +/- 14 years old. 35 were Child A, four Child B and two Child C. Ten patients had a distal splenorenal shunt, seven esophageal devascularization and 24 gastric desvascularization with splenectomy. Twenty eight patients were well nourished and 13 undernourished. The two groups were comparable in all parameters except for the nutritional status. In the first group seven patients developed 10 complications and in the undernourished group eight patients had 14 complications (p less than 0.05 chi 2). There was no significant difference in the mortality rate. Infections occurred more frequently in: urinary tract, surgical wound, lung and pleura, and esophageal fistulae was an additional complication. The univariate analysis of the anthropometric parameters did not show significant differences between both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Incidence of infective diseases at an internal medicine service]. / Incidencia de enfermedades infecciosas en un servicio de medicina interna.

In the clinical records between 1980-1989, there are 3,386 diagnosis of diseases, 34 percent of them were infections, the first great cause of diseases in ten years; the second cause was cardiovascular 16.3%. Infectious disease were localized in urinary tract 19%, Typhoid Fever 15%, pneumonia 11%, tuberculosis 8.5%, cellulitis 8.5%, Viral Hepatitis 8%, Brucellosis 5%, gastrointestinal Tract infections 5% and others 20%. It is necessary improve the epidemiological criteria in the practice of internal medicine, because the elevated numbers of infectious diseases that we are seeing in the Internal Medicina Section.

Evaluación de Cisapride en Reflujo Gastroesofágico

En el presente trabajo se estudiaron 16 pacientes con sintomatología clínica de reflujo gastroesofágico, mediante esofagogastroscopia, biopsia de las zonas de esofagitis y gamagrafía para reflujo. Posteriormente se les administró Cisapride 10 mg antes de cada comida y se revaluaron con igual metodología 4 semanas después, anotándose todos los síntomas durante el estudio. Se recurrió a la prueba de Wilcoxon para análisis estadístico. Se analizan los resultados y finalmente se hace una comparación descriptiva con otros fármacos de efecto análogo

[Botulism: the first epidemic outbreak in Peru]. / Botulismo: primer brote epidémico en el Perú.

The first occurrence of Botulism described in Perú took place in Huancayo city, in November 1988. Twelve persons became ill, two of them died. All of them ate "salchipapas" a very popular meal in the country done with fried potatoes, hot dogs, eggs and dressed with mayonnaise) in a restaurant near their working place. Six of the twelve patients were immediately taken to Lima and admitted in Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital from the Social Security Peruvian Institute, and treated by the International Medicine Department. We studied five of the six patients; they all had similar symptoms and signs, specially neurological and gastrointestinal ones. Their serological specimens were positive for type B botulin toxin. Clinical, epidemiologic, electromyographic and laboratory findings supported the diagnosis of the first outbreak of Botulism in Perú.