Search

In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established. Resumo No atual contexto de patógenos fúngicos resistentes emergentes tais como Candida albicans e Candida parapsilosis, a descoberta de novos agentes antifúngicos é uma questão urgente. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antifúngico da 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida contra cepas clínicas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis resistentes a fluconazol. A atividade antifúngica da substância foi avaliada in vitro através da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), concentração fungicida mínima (CFM), ruptura e inibição da formação de biofilme, ensaios de sorbitol e ergosterol, e associação entre esta molécula e antifúngicos comuns, anfotericina B e fluconazol. O produto teste inibiu todas as cepas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis, com uma CIM variando de 128 a 256 µg.mL-1, e uma CFM de 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. Também inibiu até 92% da formação de biofilme e causou a ruptura de até 87% de biofilme pré-formado. A 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida não promoveu atividade antifúngica pela ligação ao ergosterol da membrana celular fúngica, tampouco danificou a parede celular. Antagonismo foi observado ao combinar esta substância com anfotericina B e fluconazol. A substância exibiu atividade antifúngica significativa ao inibir tanto as células planctônicas quanto o biofilme das cepas resistentes ao fluconazol. Sua combinação com outros antifúngicos deve ser evitada e seu mecanismo de ação deve ser estabelecido.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anthropometric variables and flexibility on the performance of women aged 55+ years on abdominal test protocols. The sample was composed by 20 physically active volunteers, aged 55 years (median 61), who were participants in gymnastic activities program. Each volunteer performed two abdominal tests: partial trunk flexion with a 7.6 cm sliding of the hands (P1) and partial flexion of the trunk with the hands on the thighs (P2), both executed with the feet resting on the ground. For analysis, the number of correct executions (final position) was considered in each test, as recommended by the authors. Measurements of body mass, flexibility, height, waist and hip perimeters, subjective perception of exertion, and calculations of body mass index and waist-hip ratio were performed. The perception of abdominal effort, and discomfort or pain in the cervical and lumbar region were also evaluated. The results showed that there were no statistically significant associations between the analyzed indicators (Age: P1: rs = -0.024, p = 0.916; P2: rs = -0.194, p = 0.407; BMI: P1: rs =-0.064, p = 0.792; P2: rs = -0.235, p= 0.327; Waist Circumference: P1: rs = -0.143, p = 0.563; P2: rs = 0.027, p = 0.908; Flexibility: r s= -0.327, p = 0.169; P2: rs = 0.0009, p = 0.991; Hip waist ratio: P1: rs = -0.209, p = 0.371; P2: rs = 0.217, p = 0.353) and the performance on the tests. In addition, 35% of the participants made valid attempts on P1 while 45% produced at least one valid attempt on P2. It was concluded that both abdominal tests were adequate for the studied sample and they can be applied to adult and elderly women to assess their abdominal musculature.

Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128μg/mL and 256 μg/mL and MBC between 256 μg/mL and 512 μg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae. Resumo As bactérias podem ser a causa inicial de determinadas patologias como também um agente secundário responsável pelo desenvolvimento de complicações como as infecções das lesões por pressão. As lesões por pressão configuram um problema de saúde persistente, principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos, e associadas a infecção por microrganismos oportunistas com resistência antimicrobiana, como por exemplo a Klebisiella pneumoniae, ressaltam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novas abordagens antimicrobianas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e antiaderente do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgareL. (orégano) contra cepas da Klebisiella pneumoniae, bem como o efeito da sua associação com antimicrobianos sintéticos. Para isso foram realizadas as análises da Concentração Mínima Inibitória (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) em placas de micro diluição. O ensaio da Concentração Mínima de Aderência (CIMA), com tubos de ensaio. Como também, o estudo de associação através do método de disco de infusão contendo ampicilina, gentamicina, ciprofloxacino e ceftriaxona. Assim sendo, foi possível obter que o óleo essencial de orégano apresenta atividade antimicrobiana e bactericida, com CIM variando entre 128μg/mL e 256 μg/mL e CBM entre 256 μg/mL e 512 μg/mL, sobre as cepas de K. pneumoniae testadas. Quando utilizado em associação com a ampicilina e gentamicina, o óleo essencial de orégano demonstrou efeito sinérgico para algumas cepas. Portanto, observa-se que o óleo essencial testado pode atuar como um promissor antibacteriano no tratamento de doenças causadas por K. pneumoniae.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) poses a high burden of disease, being its epidemiological and clinical data heterogeneous among countries, with no recent published studies concerning Portuguese patients. Therefore, we aimed to raise awareness of HAE and to contribute to clinical knowledge. An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was performed, that included a cohort of 126 patients followed in a single Portuguese Center. We observed a high prevalence of HAE-C1-INH type II (45.2% of patients). Most HAE patients (67.4%) presented the initial manifestations of the disease before adulthood, at a mean age of 12.6 ± 8.4 years. However, we found a long delay in HAE diagnosis, especially in those without family history (mean 20.7 ± 17.3 years). Stress was the most common trigger, followed by trauma and infection. Symptoms involving different systems were increasingly reported with increased disease duration. Cutaneous symptoms (95.0%) were more frequent, followed by gastrointestinal (80.7%), and respiratory symptoms (50.4%). HAE symptoms led to abdominal surgery in 22 (17.5%) patients and induced laryngeal edema requiring intubation/tracheostomy in 8 (6.3%) patients. Most patients were under long-term prophylaxis, mainly with attenuated androgens (62.7% of patients).The correct distinction between HAE and other common causes of angioedema is critical, allowing reduction of diagnostic delay, improvement of adequate management, and ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life of HAE patients.

Brasilocaenis atawallpa was recently described based on male imago from Colombian Amazon. The original description does not contain a designation of type specimens or locality, and it just states that the type series was studied in order to perform the cladistic analysis. In this context, we herein designate the lectotype and paralectotypes of B. atawallpa and describe its nymphal stage. The nymphs were associated to B. atawallpa by the male genitalia extracted from mature nymphs. The nymphal stage of B. atawallpa can be differentiated from others known nymphs of the genus by absence of pointed microspines on opercular gill, fore coxa without projection, middle coxa with well-developed and semicircular projection, hind coxa with finger-like projection, fore and middle tarsal claws without denticles and hind margin of the ninth sternite almost straight.

Amêndoa chichá (Sterculiastriata A. St. Hil e Naudin), conhecida comumente como chichá-do-cerrado e amendoim-do-campo, é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, encontrada nas regiões norte, nordeste, centro-oeste e sudeste. Tendo em vista o potencial da amêndoa de chichá e a escassez de informações que permitam o aproveitamento adequado dessa amêndoa na dieta humana, objetivou-se neste estudo verificar a viabilidade da farinha de chichá em biscoitos tipo cookies, realizando estudos da avaliação química. O biscoito com 100% de farinha de trigo foi considerado a amostra controle. A farinha de chichá foi adicionada nos níveis de 10% e 15% em substituição a farinha de trigo, além disso foram adicionados margarina, ovos e açúcar refinado à mistura, nas mesmas proporções em todas as amostras. A análise da caracterização química dos biscoitos consistiu-se na quantificação (%) de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídios e carboidratos. Nos resultados obtidos pode-se observar diferenças significativas (p

A cerveja artesanal é um produto de excelente qualidade e de alto valor de mercado, possuindo aromas e sabores diferentes, voltado a um mercado consumidor que busca produtos diferenciados. A adição de novos ingredientes para a obtenção de cervejas pode contribuir com o desenvolvimento do setor, atraindo mais consumidores. A framboesa é um fruto de excelente qualidade nutricional e traz vários benefícios a saúde. Um dos problemas que pode ocorrer na produção de cerveja artesanal é a deterioração por microrganismos indesejáveis, alterando suas características organolépticas e diminuindo sua qualidade. Diante desse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar e avaliar as características microbiológicas de diferentes formulações de cervejas com adição framboesa vermelha (Rubus idaeus L.). Foram elaboradas quatro formulações, sendo um controle, e três com adição de framboesa, nas concentrações de 10, 15 e 20%. Foram realizadas determinação de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, contagem de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos e psicrotróficos e contagem de bolores e leveduras. Os valores encontrados nas contagens de mesófilos e bolores e leveduras encontram-se acima dos valores máximos permitidos pela Legislação, sendo assim conclui-se os produtos elaborados estão impróprios para o consumo e comercialização. Acredita-se que a contaminação microbiana na produção de cerveja pode ocorrer em vários pontos durante o processo de elaboração da bebida.

Marginal erosions in reservoirs of hydroelectric plants have caused economic and environmental problems concerning hydroelectric power generation, reduction of productive areas and devaluing land parcels. The real extension and dynamics of these erosion processes are not well known for Brazilian reservoirs. To objectively assess these problems Unesp (Univ Estadual Paulista) and Duke Energy are developing a joint project which aims at the monitoring the progression of some erosive processes and understanding the causes and the dynamics of this phenomenon. Mobile LASER scanning was considered the most suitable alternative for the challenges established in the project requirements. A MDL DynaScan Mobile LASER M150 scanner was selected which uses RTK for real time positioning integrated to an IMU, enabling instantaneous generation of georeferenced point clouds. Two different reservoirs were choose for monitoring: Chavantes (storage plant) and Rosana (run-of-river plant), both in the Paranapanema River, border of São Paulo and Paraná States, Brazil. The monitoring areas are scanned quarterly and analysed with base on the point cloud, meshes, contours and cross sections. Cross sections are used to visualize and compute the rate and the dynamics of erosion. Some examples and quantitative results are presented along with an analysis of the proposed technique. Some recommendations to improve the field work and latter data processing are also introduced.

A challenge with compounding oral liquid formulations is the limited availability of data to support the physical, chemical and microbiological stability of the formulation. This poses a patient safety concern and a risk for medication errors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of the following active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in 10 oral suspensions, using SyrSpend SF PH4 (liquid) as the suspending vehicle: cholecalciferol 50,000 IU/mL, haloperidol 0.5 mg/mL, imipramine hydrochloride 5.0 mg/mL, levodopa/carbidopa 5.0/1.25 mg/mL, lorazepam 1.0 mg/mL, minocycline hydrochloride 10.0 mg/mL, tacrolimus monohydrate 1.0 mg/mL, terbinafine 25.0 mg/mL, tramadol hydrochloride 10.0 mg/mL and valsartan 4.0 mg/mL. The suspensions were stored both refrigerated (2 - 8 degrees C) and at controlled room temperature (20 - 25 degrees C). This is the first stability study for these APIs in SyrSpend SF PH4 (liquid). Further, the stability of haloperidol,ilmipramine hydrochloride, minocycline, and valsartan in oral suspension has not been previously reported in the literature. Compatibility was assessed by measuring percent recovery at varying time points throughout a 90 days period. Quantification of the APIs was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV). Given the percentage of recovery of the APIs within the suspensions, the beyond-use date of the final preparations was found to be at least 90 days for most suspensions both refrigerated and at room temperature. Exceptions were: Minocycline hydrochloride at both storage temperatures (60 days), levodopa/carbidopa at room temperature (30 days), and lorazepam at room temperature (60 days). This suggests that compounded suspensions of APIs from different pharmacological classes in SyrSpend SF PH4 (liquid) are stable.

Purchasing a home is considered as the largest investment done in one's life and would be a long-time commitment. In order to understand the house purchase decision; it is important to identify house buyers’ demographic factors such as age, household composition, income etc. Such factors will initially influence buyers’ decision to buy a house. By understanding the demographic background of buyers’ real demand in the market for luxury condominiums could be identified by the developers. As well as luxury condominium is a type of product which is affordable to a very limited number of buyers as the price levels of the product is very high. So, real estate marketers and sales personals find it very difficult to find the prospective buyers for these apartments as there are no evidence about the demographic background of the people who demand these luxury condominiums. But if this information is available for them they would have a clear idea about the target group of the buyers so that they can do their particular marketing and promotional campaigns specially targeting them which will result in increased number of sales. Hence, the objective of this study is to identify the demographic background of potential buyers of luxury condominium apartments in Colombo. The population of the study is potential buyers who demand luxury condominium apartments in Colombo. The sampling method was judgmental sampling and the sample was considered as potential buyers who visited Astoria condominium apartment. Data was collected using questionnaire survey method and data analysis was done using SPSS software. House buying decision is a collective family decision even though the first phase of information collection and final phase of decision process dealing with payments and company is mostly done by males. It shows that mostly the purchase decision is a collective decision done with their family members. Major age categories of buyers are from 30-50 years which confirms that this is the age that potential buyers make their purchase decision. Most of the respondents are Sri Lankans while there is a mix of other nationalities, and a higher portion of Sri Lankan potential buyers are living abroad. Majority of buyers’ income lays in between (LKR) 1-5 million. Further, the majority of the respondents are well educated and are business owners while average household size of these respondents was 4 members.

Genetic parameters, genetic trends, and genetic progress of carcass traits were estimated for 12,447 Nellore individuals from different Brazilian herds. The following carcass traits were analyzed: visual body scores of conformation (CONF), precocity (PREC), and muscularity (MUSC); rump width (RW) and rump length (RL), body size (frame); and ultrasound evaluation of ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT), and rump fat thickness (RFT). Heritability estimates (± SE) for CONF, PREC, and MUSC were 0.23 ± 0.02, 0.33 ± 0.03, and 0.31 ± 0.02, respectively. The heritability estimates (± SE) for RW, RL, and frame were 0.25 ± 0.05, 0.16 ± 0.04, and 0.31 ± 0.03, respectively. Ultrasound of the REA, BFT, and RFT presented mean heritability estimates (± SE) of 0.38 ± 0.03, 0.44 ± 0.04, and 0.47 ± 0.04, respectively. The visual body score of CONF had high genetic correlations with RW, RL, and frame (0.74 ± 0.09, 0.82 ± 0.08, and 0.83 ± 0.04, respectively), indicating a high association of CONF with the measurements related to body structure. The REA had no correlation with BFT and RFT (-0.09 ± 0.04 and -0.03 ± 0.04, respectively) and showed only a moderate genetic correlation with MUSC (0.39 ± 0.05). The BFT and RFT had moderate genetic correlations with PREC (0.36 ± 0.07 and 0.29 ± 0.07, respectively) and no correlation with frame (-0.02 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.05, respectively), suggesting that selection for frame had no effect on the subcutaneous fat content of the carcass. Low genetic trends and low genetic progress were obtained for REA (0.026 cm, 0.02%), BFT (0.0031 mm, 0.05%), and RFT (0.0013 mm, 0.02%), with no significant values of genetic progress detected throughout the studied period. The CONF, PREC, and MUSC presented high genetic trends (0.030 points, 0.030 points, and 0.029 points, respectively) and high genetic progress (0.60%, 0.56%, and 0.59%, respectively), indicating a significant genetic progress for these traits throughout the evaluated period. Carcass traits evaluated by ultrasound and visual body scores are eligible for selection and can be used in genetic improvement programs in Nellore cattle; however, visual body score selection for carcass traits can result in slower genetic progress for carcass quality when compared to selection performed by ultrasound.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of flint corn processing method (CPM) and level of NDF from roughage (rNDF) on performance, carcass characteristics, and starch utilization by finishing Nellore-based cattle fed high-concentrate, flint corn-based diets. In this study, 112 Nellore type bulls (initial BW 384.07 ± 29.53 kg and 24-36 mo of age) were individually fed using Calan gates or individual pens. The animals were used in a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with 2 CPM, high-moisture flint corn (HMC) or finely ground dry flint corn (FGC), with 1 of 4 levels of rNDF, 3, 8, 13, and 18% (DM basis), using sugarcane silage (SS) as roughage. Bulls were adapted to the finishing diet over a 21-d period and fed for a total of 81 d. Fecal starch (FS) concentration was determined on d 46 and 74 of the feeding period. There was a quadratic effect of rNDF on final BW (0.01) and ADG ( = 0.01). Optimal concentrations of rNDF were estimated using the first derivative of second order polynomials, indicating that final BW and ADG were maximized with 13.3 and 13.0% rNDF, respectively. An interaction was observed between CPM and rNDF ( = 0.05) for DMI, with peak DMI occurring at 11.3 and 13.7% rNDF with FGC and HMC, respectively. Cattle fed HMC had 13.9% greater G:F (0.01) compared with those fed FGC (0.172 vs. 0.151, respectively). There were quadratic effects of rNDF on HCW ( = 0.04) and ME intake (0.01); heaviest carcass weights were estimated, in both cases, to be achieved with 12.8% rNDF. A quadratic effect of rNDF for renal, pelvic, and inguinal fat weight ( = 0.04) was observed, with a peak estimated to occur at 12.6% rNDF. An interaction between CPM and rNDF also was observed for FS (0.05). Bulls fed FGC with 3% rNDF had greater FS content, and FS linearly decreased as concentration of rNDF increased. For bulls fed HMC, FS was 3.0% of DM and was unaffected by rNDF in the diet. Lower FS from bulls fed HMC suggests that availability of starch from flint corn was greater than that of FGC. For Nellore-based cattle fed a flint corn-based diet containing SS and 8% whole lint cottonseed, performance was optimized with 12.8% rNDF. In the absence of cottonseed addition to diets, optimal performance would be expected with about 14.5% rNDF.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:56:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352008000200007.pdf: 204124 bytes, checksum: 86b02f359a911d19128045a2ff0b3d4f (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:56:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352008000200007.pdf: 204124 bytes, checksum: 86b02f359a911d19128045a2ff0b3d4f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-04-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:49:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352008000200007.pdf: 204124 bytes, checksum: 86b02f359a911d19128045a2ff0b3d4f (MD5) S0102-09352008000200007.pdf.txt: 25205 bytes, checksum: 555d8a6e12f05be68cf720ddf25dc051 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-04-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:14:08Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352008000200007.pdf: 204124 bytes, checksum: 86b02f359a911d19128045a2ff0b3d4f (MD5) S0102-09352008000200007.pdf.txt: 25205 bytes, checksum: 555d8a6e12f05be68cf720ddf25dc051 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:14:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352008000200007.pdf: 204124 bytes, checksum: 86b02f359a911d19128045a2ff0b3d4f (MD5) S0102-09352008000200007.pdf.txt: 25205 bytes, checksum: 555d8a6e12f05be68cf720ddf25dc051 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-04-01 Foram examinados 20 eqüinos adultos portadores de abdômen agudo e submetidos à laparotomia. Dez recuperaram-se sem intercorrência pós-operatória (G1) e 10 foram a óbito sete a 10 dias após a cirurgia, com sinais de choque séptico (G2). Avaliaram-se temperatura retal, freqüências cardíaca e respiratória, tempo de preenchimento capilar e teores plasmáticos das proteínas de fase aguda - fibrinogênio, ceruloplasmina, proteína C-reativa, antitripsina, haptoglobina e glicoproteína ácida -, antes e até sete dias após a laparotomia. As leucometrias às 72h e no sétimo dia pós-operatório dos eqüinos que foram a óbito foram, respectivamente, 34,6% e 57,1%, mais altas que a dos animais curados. Os maiores valores de proteína de fase aguda ocorreram no sétimo dia após a cirurgia; os percentuais de elevação de fibrinogênio, antitripsina, glicoproteina ácida, proteína C-reativa, ceruloplasmina e haptoglobina de eqüinos do G2 em relação ao G1 foram 46,8%, 67,9%, 91,9%, 112,2%, 126,9% e 186,2%, respectivamente. Twenty adult horses with acute abdomen were examined and submitted to treatment by laparotomy; ten had no postoperative complication (group 1), and ten showed septic shock symptom and died from seven to ten days after surgery (group 2). Body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, filling capillary time, and plasma acute phase protein concentrations - fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein, antitrypsin, haptoglobin, and acid glycoprotein - were evaluated before laparotomy and until seven days after surgery. White blood cell counts at 72h and seven days after surgery in group 2 animals were, respectively, 34.6% and 57.1%, and were higher than those measured in group 1 horses. The highest values of acute phase proteins occurred on the seventh day after surgery. The increase percentages of fibrinogen, antitrypsin, acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin, and haptoglobin plasma concentrations in group 2 animals in comparison to group 1 animals were 46.8%, 67.9%, 91.9%, 112.2%, 126.9%, and 186.2%, respectively. UNESP Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) UNESP Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias

Bronchiectasis are common in Common Variable Immunodeficiency. These patients are prone to infection, leading to progressive lung destruction and accelerated FEV1 decline.40 year-old man, with recurrent respiratory infections, autoimmunity and diarrhea since age 7. At 17 CVID was diagnosed and IVIgG was started. During the following years, respiratory symptoms progressively worsened and bronchiectasis was found on thoracic computed tomography. Bronchoscopy revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial secretions cultures. Eradication therapy led to clinical improvement.This case report stresses the importance of regular microbiological screening and appropriate antibiotherapy. Early/aggressive treatment may significantly impact on patients' evolution.

Metal-oxide composites were synthesized by high-energy ball milling of metallic iron (α-Fe) and alumina (α-Al2O3) powders, varying the starting relative concentration and the milling time. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results revealed the formation of a FeAl2O3+W spinel phase (hercynite) and of iron (super)paramagnetic nanoprecipitates, in addition to residual magnetic iron and alumina. We also observed that the relative amounts of nanoprecipitates and hercynite for isochronally milled samples were correlated with the sample nominal concentration x, with the precursor iron being relatively more converted in those phases for low x values. Particularly for x=10 milled sample, the relative amounts of the (super)paramagnetic and spinel phases were observed to increase linearly with the milling time. An x=20∕24h milled sample was annealed in H2 atmosphere and revealed the reduction of hercynite, with iron phase separation.

We have synthesized composites of the type Fex(Al2O3)100−x by arc-melting compacted pellets of iron and alumina powders with starting compositions of x=0.4, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60. Aluminas of two different nominal grades (99.7% and 99.99%) were used in the preparation of the composites. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, magnetization and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results revealed the formation of the spinel FeAl2O3+z (hercynite phase) and of metallic iron partially nanostructured by this melting process. The Mossbauer subspectral areas of the formed phases were plotted against x, showing that increasing the starting iron content of the mixed powders favors the hercynite reaction. It was also observed that when the more pure alumina is used for cast, more hercynite is formed or, alternatively, less iron nanocrystallites precipitate, when compared to the less pure oxide. An arc-melted sample (x=2) was annealed at 1200°C in a hydrogen atmosphere, revealing hercynite reduction and phase separation of metallic iron.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da época da aplicação de nitrogênio (120 kg N ha-1, como sulfato de amônio) e do parcelamento dessa aplicação sobre o rendimento de espigas verdes de milho, em dois anos, em Mossoró, sob irrigação por aspersão. Avaliaram-se o número e peso total de espigas verdes empalhadas e o número e peso de espigas comercializáveis, empalhadas e despalhadas. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos aplicados foram: aplicação de todo o nitrogênio por ocasião do plantio (1-0-0) ou em cobertura aos 25 (0-1-0) ou aos 45 (0-0-1) dias após o plantio e aplicação do fertilizante de forma parcelada (0-1/3-2/3, 1/3-0-2/3, 1/3-2/3-0, 0-1/2-1/2, 1/2-0-1/2, 1/2-1/2-0, 0-2/3-1/3, 2/3-0-1/3, 2/3-1/3-0 e 1/3-1/3-1/3). Os efeitos dos tratamentos foram independentes dos efeitos de anos. Os tratamentos (0-0-1) e (0-1/3-2/3) foram os que, em geral, proporcionaram os maiores rendimentos, mas outros tratamentos propiciaram rendimentos comparáveis, estatisticamente. Os piores rendimentos foram obtidos com o tratamento 1-0-0.A 2-year study was conducted in Mossoró county, Brazil, under sprinkler irrigation conditions, to evaluate the effects of timing and split applications of nitrogen fertilizer (120 kg N ha-1 as ammonium sulphate) on green ears yield of maize. The total number and weight of ears with husk and number and weight of marketable ears with and without husk were evaluated. A randomized block design with four replications was used. The applied treatments were: whole N application in preplanting (1-0-0) or side dressed at 25 (0-1-0) or at 45 (0-0-1) days after planting and split applications (0-1/3-2/3, 1/3-0-2/3, 1/3-2/3-0, 0-1/2-1/2, 1/2-0-1/2, 1/2-1/2-0, 0-2/3-1/3, 2/3-0-1/3, 2/3-1/3-0 and 1/3-1/3-1/3). The effects of the treatments were independent of the effects of years. The (0-0-1) and (0-1/3-2/3) treatments, in general, resulted in the highest yield, but other treatments also gave similar yields. The worse yield was obtained with 1-0-0 treatment.