Seeking a way to promote the use of constructed wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment in developing countries.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the domestic wastewater treatment efficiency as well as the survivability of commercially valuable ornamental plants in subsurface flow wetlands (SSFW) for domestic wastewater (DWW) treatment in laboratory and pilot wetland studies. The laboratory scale study included five different species (Zantedeschia aethiopica, Strelitzia reginae, Anthurium andreanum, Canna hybrids and Hemmerocallis dumortieri) that were evaluated in horizontal flow subsurface treatment cells. All the plants survived during the 6-month experimental period demonstrating high wetland nutrient treatment efficiency. In order to validate and expand these preliminary results, a pilot-scale wetland study was carried out in SSFWs under two different flow regimes (horizontal and vertical flow). Four ornamental species were tested during a 1-year period: Zantedeschia aethiopica, Strelitzia reginae, Anthurium andreanum and Agapanthus africanus. The removal efficiencies were significantly higher in the vertical subsurface-flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) for all pollutants, except for nitrate (NO(3)-N), total nitrogen (TN) and total suspended solids (TSS). These results show that it is feasible to use select non-wetland plants with high market value in SSFWs without reducing the efficiency of the wastewater treatment system, although future work should continue in order to apply this technology in a large scale. The added value of floriculture in treatment wetlands can help to promote the use of constructed wetlands (CW) for domestic wastewater treatment in developing countries where economical resources are scarce and water pollution with DWW is common.

Transmission analysis of B chromosomes in Rattus rattus from Northern Africa.

Traditionally, B chromosomes have been classified as parasitic or heterotic, depending of whether or not they show selfish behaviour. Nevertheless, experimental evidence has been found supporting the idea that supernumerary chromosomes may evolve from parasitism to neutrality. In this work, B chromosome transmission in Rattus rattus has been analysed by performing several crosses between individuals carrying different numbers of supernumerary chromosomes. Our results demonstrated a Mendelian transmission rate through males, but slight accumulation of the Bs through females. This parasitic behaviour is shared in populations as distant as Asia and Africa, and even in a related species in Australia, suggesting the possibility of an ancient origin of these supernumerary chromosomes.

[Anesthetic management in unilateral lung transplantation]. / Tratamiento anestésico del trasplante pulmonar unilateral.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate anesthetic treatment during single lung transplantation (SLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing SLT during one year of our program's operation. We describe the surgical technique and method of anesthesia, which consisted in combined general and epidural anesthesia. Systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, heart rate, arterial and mixed venous oxygen saturation were monitored throughout the procedure, along with inspired and expired gases and airway pressure. The following parameters were recorded for the various phases of surgery: cardiac index (CI), right ventricular ejection fraction (REF) and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances, arterial and mixed venous blood gas readings. RESULTS: Eight SLT were performed during the study period and the survival rate was 100%. PaCO2 and pulmonary artery pressure increased at the start of ventilation of a single lung. These values increased again when the pulmonary artery was clamped. During this period, however, CI and REF held steady and venous oxygen saturation decreased only slightly. Cardiopulmonary bypass was therefore never used. The variables returned to normal upon revascularization of the new lung. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the small series studied, the excellent results obtained lead us to conclude that our method is appropriate and that SLT is a valid therapeutic alternative for our patients.

Simulación del desempeño profesional, recurso didáctico en docencia de Ciencias del Deporte / Simulation of professional performance, didactic tool in teaching Sport Sciences

La implantación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior y su vinculación con la actividad laboral, ha permitido la aplicación de una metodología basada en la simulación del desempeño profesional, que ofrece la posibilidad no sólo de adquirir conocimientos, sino también aplicarlos, analizarlos y tomar decisiones practicando. El alumnado mediante una metodología constituida en cinco etapas secuenciales, diseñadas para la inmersión en situaciones cercanas a la realidad profesional, ha construido sus propios aprendizajes, ha diseñado nuevos planteamientos didácticos y finalmente ha realizado una puesta en común. Los resultados muestran la implicación del alumnado y la adquisición de aprendizajes mediante la conexión entre las aplicaciones prácticas y la posible futura realidad profesional. La simulación ha permitido adquirir competencias en la elaboración y análisis de propuestas aplicadas y el desarrollo de competencias transversales relacionadas con toma de decisiones, trabajo autónomo y en equipo, aspectos determinantes en el éxito profesional de los futuros egresados (AU)

The implantation of the European Higher Education Area and its linkage with the future job of the student has permitted the application of a methodology based on the simulation of professional skills, which offers the possibility not only to acquire knowledge but also to apply, analyze and take decisions practicing. Students, through a methodology consisting of five sequential phases in situations close to the professional reality, have built their own learning, have designed new teaching approaches and finally shared their results. The results show the implication of students on the learning process by connecting practical applications and possible future professional reality. The simulation has allowed students to acquire skills in the design and analysis of applied proposals and the development of generic skills related to decision making, autonomous and team work, determining factors in the career success of future graduates (AU)

Relación entre escoliosis, sexo y lateralidad manual en una muestra de escolares / Relationship between scoliosis, sex and handedness in a sample of schoolchildren

De todo el conjunto de problemas que se desarrollan en la infancia, no cabe duda que la escoliosis ocupa un puesto importante debido a sus repercusiones en la edad temprana y adulta. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la relación existente entre el sexo, escoliosis y lateralidad manual. La muestra estuvo formada por 2822 participantes, con edad comprendida entre 6 y 12 años, pertenecientes a la provincia de Almería. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos de medida, es decir, inventario de lateralidad manual de Edinburgh y la prueba de Adams, para analizar las variables seleccionadas. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las variables lateralidad y sexo (p=0,106) ni entre lateralidad y escoliosis (p=0,673); pero sí entre escoliosis y sexo (p<0,001). Como principales conclusiones debemos señalar la importancia en el desarrollo de adecuados programas de intervención teniendo en cuenta el número obtenido de niños con escoliosis, sobre todo en niñas.

Based on the number of problems that develop during childhood, it is clear that scoliosis has an important place because of its impact and in early adulthood. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between sex, scoliosis and handedness. The sample consisted of 2822 participants, aged between 8 and 12 years, from the province of Almería. Two instruments were used to measure, Inventary Laterality of Edinburgh and Test de Adams, to analyze the selected variables. No statistically significant differences were found between the variables laterality and sex (p=0.106) or between laterality and scoliosis (p=0.673); significant differences however, were found between scoliosis and sex (p<0.001). Principal conclusions are the importance in the development of appropriate intervention programs bearing in mind the number of children with scoliosis, especially in girls.

Meiosis onset is postponed to postnatal stages during ovotestis development in female moles.

In mammals, germ cells are important both during development and for the function of female gonads, whereas male gonads may develop in the absence of germ cells. The gonads of female moles (genus Talpa) develop according to a testis-like pattern which results in the formation of ovotestes. In this paper, we studied the expression pattern of several pre-meiotic and meiotic germ cell markers, in order to establish the precise time of meiosis onset in the mole species T. occidentalis, and to investigate the location and possible role of germ cells in ovotestis organogenesis. Our results evidenced that: (1) the asymmetrical distribution of primordial germ cells, which concentrate in the cortex of the XX gonad, is brought about by germ cell depletion from the medulla between the s5a and s5b stages, (2) XX germ cells enter meiosis postnatally, which is quite exceptional among eutherian mammals, and (3) XX but not XY germ cells of moles express DMRT1 during premeiotic stages of development, an expression pattern not described previously in vertebrates.

[Effect of naproxen on serum concentrations of IL-I, IL-6, and TNF in patients with osteoarthritis]. / Efecto del naproxeno en las concentraciones séricas de IL-I, IL-6 y TNF en pacientes con osteoartritis.

AIMS: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs can inhibit bone loss and preserve bone mineral density in in vitro models by inhibiting prostaglandins and inflammatory cytokines. Naproxen inhibits prostaglandin and cytokine biosynthesis. Our objective was to assess the effect of naproxen on the serum levels of IL-I, IL-6 and TNF in 18 patients with osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two groups of nine patients each were formed randomly. One of them received naproxen 10 mg/kg BW bid for 2 weeks, and the other received placebo and paracetamol as needed. Cytokines were measured before and 2 weeks after naproxen administration by ELISA test. RESULTS: Serum IL-I and IL-6 levels were reduced in the group receiving naproxen, suggesting a reduction of the degenerative changes in the patients with osteoarthritis, that may prevent the progression of the disease.

Correlación entre resultados de radiografía cervical lateral y radiografía de mano-muñeca en la estimación de edad osea en niñas / Correlation between lateral cephalometric and hand-wrist radiograph findings in bone age estimation in girls

In the framework of odontological practice, the assessment of skeletal maduration is vital for decision-making concerning orthodontic and orthognatic treatments, specially in commonly performed cephalometric radiographs. Our purpose was to determine the correlation between bone age analysis by applying Fishman method to hand-wrist radiograph, and Cervical Vertebrae Maduration Stages Method (CVMS) to lateral cephalometric radiograph. A prospective study was conducted in a sample of 24 girls lodged at Residencia de Niñas Hogar Madre Teresa Bacq, Concepción, Chile, whose ages ranged from 6 to 14 years. Girls underwent lateral cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs for estimating bone age according to both foregoing methods (CVMS and Fishman). The Chi-square statistical analysis revealed a strong dependency between variables as well as a correlation of 0,753 percent according to Spearman coefficient, thus demonstrating a strong and positive correlation between both methods.

En la práctica odontológica se hace necesario evaluar la maduración esquelética, para la toma de decisiones en tratamientos ortodóncicos y ortognáticos, idealmente en las radiografías cefalométricas que se adquieren habitualmente. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar la correlación existente entre el análisis de edad ósea mediante el método de Fishman en la radiografía mano-muñeca y el método CVMS (cervical vertebrae maduration stages) en la radiografía lateral cefalométrica. Se estudió en forma prospectiva una muestra de 24 niñas pertenecientes a la Residencia de Niñas Hogar Madre Teresa Bacq, Concepción, Chile, con edades entre 6 y 14 años a las cuales se tomaron radiografías lateral cefalométrica y mano-muñeca, evaluándose la edad ósea en cada radiografía, según ambos métodos. El análisis estadístico Chi-cuadrado reveló dependencia entre las variables y nivel de correlación de 0.753 según el coeficiente de Spearman, lo que indica una correlación fuerte y positiva entre ambos métodos.

Interchromosomal, intercellular and interindividual variability of NORs studied with silver staining and in situ hybridization.

We investigated the relationship between transcriptional activity and the quantity of ribosomal cistrons of the nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) in chromosomal pair 3 of the Spanish mole Talpa occidentalis. Transcriptional activity was estimated by the size of conventional silver-staining signals. The number of ribosomal cistrons was estimated by the size of the in situ hybridization signals obtained with a ribosomal DNA probe. A sample of cells was studied with each method in four different individuals, and the results obtained with the two techniques were compared. Furthermore, sequential analysis on the same cells was carried out to study the association of interstitial nucleolar constrictions with silver staining and in situ hybridization. Interchromosomal, intercellular and interindividual variability were found with both silver staining and in situ hybridization methods. Our results show that transcriptional activity of NORs does not depend exclusively on the number of ribosomal cistrons they have as a high percentage of cells had two NORs with abundant ribosomal cistrons, only one of which was active. Additional factors, probably responsible for the activation of transcription, may be involved in this variability.

[Effect of naproxen sodium on serum concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF in patients with acute, purulent pharyngo-tonsillitis]. / Efecto del naproxeno sódico en las concentraciones séricas de IL-1, IL-6 y TFN en pacientes con faringoamigdalitis aguda purulenta.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines produced by macrophages and neutrophils participate in the host's defense mechanism; in infectious processes. Interleukins such as LI-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) also have a role in these acute phase mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of sodium naproxen on the serum concentration of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF in acute infectious process. MATERIAL A METHODS: Eighteen patients with clinical diagnosis of acute purulent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis were randomly assigned to one of two groups of 9 patients each. RESULTS: The patients in the first group received sodium naproxen and those in the other group received placebo. Patients of both groups received procaine G penicillin. Patients in the group receiving sodium naproxen showed improvement of the infectious and febrile syndromes within 72 hours. Patients receiving placebo showed signs and symptoms; of the infections and febrile syndromes for more than three days. DISCUSSION: Patients receiving treatment with sodium naproxen had a statistically significant reduction of the serum concentration of IL-1b as compared to basal and 72 h measurements; there were also statistically significant differences with respect to patients receiving placebo. IL-6 and TNF did not change in any of the groups. These results show that serum IL-1b levels dropped in both groups with a more striking reduction in the group receiving sodium naproxen , that also showed a faster improvement of the symptoms.

Sequential silver staining and in situ hybridization reveal a direct association between rDNA levels and the expression of homologous nucleolar organizing regions: a hypothesis for NOR structure and function.

We have developed a procedure for sequential silver staining and in situ hybridization to analyze the relationship between the amount of rDNA present in nucleolar organizer regions, as estimated by in situ hybridization, and their level of expression, as estimated by the silver signal. For simplicity we used cells from the insectivorous mole Talpa occidentalis, which have a single pair of nucleolar organizer regions in chromosome pair 3. The relative content of ribosomal cistrons was also related to the hierarchy of activation of the nucleolar organizer regions present in this chromosomal pair. Statistical analyses demonstrated that both the relative level of expression and the activation hierarchy depended mainly on the number of ribosomal cistrons in nucleolar organizer regions. We propose a functional two-step hypothesis, which is consistent with most known data concerning interchromosomal, intercellular and interindividual variation in a number of plant and animal species, including Talpa occidentalis. In step one, the first available transcription factors bind randomly to the ribosomal promoters, such that larger nucleolar organizer regions are more likely to recruit them. In the second step the remaining transcription factors are recruited in a cooperative way, thus completing activation of one nucleolar organizer region, before the next one becomes active.

The relative rDNA content of a NOR determines its level of expression and its probability of becoming active. A sequential silver staining and in-situ hybridization study.

Silver staining was used to estimate the expression of nucleolar organizing regions (NORs), and in-situ hybridization (ISH) with rDNA probes was used to estimate the relative content of rDNA in each NOR in chromosome preparations of the dormouse, Eliomys quercinus, a species with two NOR-bearing chromosome pairs. Both types of signals were sequentially investigated on every NOR by using an Ag-ISH sequential staining method, which made it possible to demonstrate that the relative amount of rDNA in a NOR in comparison with the other chromosomes of the complement determines its level of expression and its likelihood of becoming active, regardless of whether the NORs are homologous or not. We suggest that the NORs in each cell are activated in accordance with an established hierarchy. We propose a two-stage model to relate NOR structure and function, which is consistent with these results and with current knowledge on the molecular regulation of NOR transcription.

Single blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of naproxen gel compared with diclophenac emulgel in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

Sixty four adult patients of both genders with injuries such as contusions and sprains were studied. Of these, 34 were treated with 10% naproxen gel and 30 with 1% dichlophenaco gel topically given for 4 days. Various pain modalities, edema and functional alterations of areas involved were studied. Naproxen reduced spontaneous pain slightly better than dichlophenaco. Both drugs resulted in significant reduction of other pain modalities, edema and functional alterations (p < 0.001). A lower percentage (29%) of naproxen patients used paracetamol as additional pain reliever compared to dichlophenaco patients (36%). Local adverse events were minimum for both groups.

Recent evolution of NOR-bearing and sex chromosomes of the North African rodent Lemniscomys barbarus.

The karyotype and meiotic phases of Lemniscomys barbarus from Morocco were extensively studied with G- and C-banding, Ag-NOR and fluorochrome staining, in situ hybridization with an rDNA probe, and synaptonemal complex analysis. Comparison of the data with those previously published for an Algerian specimen revealed in the Moroccan specimens the presence of large heterochromatic segments in the sex chromosomes, a new nucleolar organizer at chromosome pair 1, and silent NORs on both sex chromosomes - features that are not present in the Algerian specimen. These findings demonstrate that during the very recent evolution of the karyotype of this species a new NOR was acquired by pair 1, possibly by amplification of ribosomal genes after a translocation event. This new NOR changed the preference of activation of the NORs in these individuals and became the preferentially activated NOR. Another autosome-sex chromosome translocation led to the presence of NORs on the sex chromosomes, which were then inactivated by the invasion of repetitive sequences. These silent NORs may be involved in the pairing of the two sex chromosomes.

Cytogenetic peculiarities in the Algerian hedgehog: silver stains not only NORs but also heterochromatic blocks.

Hedgehogs belong to one of the several mammalian taxa in which karyotype differences are based on variations in heterochromatin content. Furthermore, the number and location of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) can also vary widely. In the present study these cytogenetic features were investigated in the Algerian hedgehog, Erinaceus (Aethechinus) algirus. The heterochromatin and NOR distribution patterns in the karyotype of this species are new among hedgehogs, whereas the euchromatic regions, including their G-band pattern, are similar to those reported by others. In addition, silver staining revealed a cytogenetic feature exclusive to the heterochromatic blocks of E. algirus: their silver staining with standard cytogenetic procedures. Because no similar phenomenon has been described previously in a mammalian species, several hypotheses about the significance and specificity of silver staining to NOR sites are discussed. Finally, the existence of different types of heterochromatin in the species analysed here, lead us to propose that what hedgehogs have inherited from their common ancestor is a mechanism which permits the accumulation of heterochromatin on specific chromosomes, rather than the heterochromatin itself.

[Cardiac myxoma, diagnostic methods and curative surgery. Report of 5 cases]. / Mixoma cardiaco, metodos diagnósticos y cirugía curativa. Informe de 5 casos.

We report five patients with Myxomas of the left atrium studied by catheterization and/or Echocardiography between november 1976 and october 1978. Four patients were operated immediately with extracorporeal circulation which confirmed the diagnosis. The last patient died before surgical intervention due to a severe hepatorenal syndrome and extensive pulmonary infection. Another patient died postoperatively on the second day due to irreversible pulmonary hypertensión. The remaining three patients are asymptomatic (average 28 months after surgery). Reviewing the diagnostic methods, particularly the Echocardiogram, we found that it is a good diagnostic tool, making catheterization with the risks of myxomatous embolization unnecessary. Furthermore, the Echo facilitates simple and economic observation for the detection of relapses. Finally, broad and careful surgical management most be emphasized in order to avoid transoperative emboli, tumoral dissemination, and latent relapses, mediated by the greater use of filters and a broad resection of the implantation pedicule.

[Mitral valve replacement, results in 160 patients]. / Reemplazo valvular mitral, resultados en 160 pacientes.

The results of 163 mitral valve replacement from 160 patients since August 1972 til August 1977 are presented, this is the second communication in Mexico related to mechanical mitral prosthesis. 95 patients were females and 55 males. With ages from 8 to 57 years, average 34; the 13% were child or teenagers. In 67% there were a clear background of rheumatic fever; 50% cardiac insufficiency and 19% previous mitral surgery from 8 months to 12 years before. 94% were class III or IV (N.Y.H.A.) and only 6% in I or II. Surgery was indicated according symptoms and hemodynamic data, 98% were catheterized. 26 Starr-Edwards and 137 Bjork-Shiley prosthesis were implanted in mitral position; in 112 cases only the mitral valve was substituted, in 41 cases a tricuspid procedure was done and in another 10 cases the aortic valve was also changed. The postoperative complications were: arrhythmies 32%; low cardiac output in 21%; infections 9%. Operative mortality in the isolated mitral replacement was 12%; in those cases with mitral-aortic or mitro-tricuspic lesions have been 33% in the first three years and 25% in the last three years. The long-term follow-up in 130 survivors is 29 months; 81% of them are actually in class I, 16% in class II and 3% in class III. The literature is reviewed and the facts responsive for the improved results are analyzed; special importance is given to the temporal external cardiac pacing in the management of the postoperative arrhythmies. Mitral valve replacement is considered as a good palliative procedure to the functional and socio-economical long-term rehabilitation in the survivors.

[Physiology of the ovary. VI. Anovulatory menstruation]. / Fisiología óvarica. VI. Menstruación anovulatoria

In 65 patients with menstrual cycle alterations--in it's length and/or amount of bleeding--estradiol-progesterone relationship was studied. The plasma levels of these hormones were correlated with basal temperature, length of menstrual cycle and histologic study of endometrium. The patient- were grouped as follows: I excessive menstrual bleeding; II short menstrual cycles; III long menstrual cycles; IV increment of bleeding period and, V uterine hemorrhage. All patients had an anovulatory menstrual cycle; peripheral concentration of progeseterone was less than 6 ng/ml and mean concentration of estradiol was not statistically higher than that found in normal patients (83+/-23 pg/ml). Based upon these findings, it is postulated that the term of hyperestrogenism or excessive estrogen production should not be used when referring to these menstrual cycle alterations.