Estudios bibliométricos. Una opción para desarrollar investigación en cirugía y disciplinas afines

La bibliometría es la aplicación de métodos estadísticos para analizar libros, artículos y otras publicaciones, especialmente científicos. Muy relacionada con la cienciometría e informetría, al punto de superponerse y confundirse. La bibliometría se refiere al estudio de la dinámica de las disciplinas reflejado en la producción de su literatura. Incluye desde el registro de cambios en la producción de una disciplina académica a lo largo del tiempo y entre países, hasta el problema de la colección bibliotecaria. En este artículo se explicarán algunos conceptos históricos, definiciones y objetivos de la bibliometría; así como las Leyes de la bibliometría; los tipos de análisis e indicadores bibliométricos más utilizados; para terminar con algunos ejemplos de diferentes tipos de estudios bibliométricos publicados, para que el lector pueda formarse una idea general de lo que puede hacer en este campo, aplicando estas metodologías a disciplinas quirúrgicas y otras también. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio respecto de la bibliometría como alternativa para desarrollar investigación en cirugía y disciplinas afines.

Bibliometrics is the application of statistical methods to analyze books, articles and other publications, especially scientific ones. Closely related to scientometrics and informetrics, to the point of overlapping and confusing. Bibliometrics refers to the study of the dynamics of the disciplines reflected in the production of their literature. It includes everything from the record of changes in the production of an academic discipline over time and between countries or regions, to the problem of the library collection. In this article some historical concepts, definitions and objectives of bibliometrics will be explained; as well as the Laws of bibliometrics; the types of analysis and bibliometric indicators most used; to finish with some examples of different types of published bibliometric studies, so that the reader can form a general idea of what he can do in this field, applying these methodologies to surgical disciplines and others as well. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding bibliometrics as an alternative to develop research in surgery and related disciplines.

Revistas depredadoras y secuestradas en cirugía. Qué se debe saber sobre ellas y cómo evitarlas

Las revistas depredadoras (RD), constituyen una gran amenaza para la publicación contemporánea, ya que ofrecen una publicación rápida de acceso abierto a cambio de tarifas sin procedimientos de revisión por pares para científicos jóvenes o inexpertos. Son compañías que priorizan el interés propio a expensas de la academia, caracterizándose por entregar información falsa o engañosa, distorsión de las mejores prácticas editoriales y de publicación, falta de transparencia y uso de tácticas de solicitud de manuscritos indiscriminadas y agresivas. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio sobre las RD y secuestradas; así como de las conferencias depredadoras en cirugía.

Predatory journals (PD) are a major threat to contemporary publishing, as they offer rapid open access publication for fees without peer review procedures for young or inexperienced scientists. Are companies that prioritize self-interest at the expense of academia, characterized by providing false or misleading information, misrepresentation of publishing and editorial best practices, lack of transparency, and use of indiscriminate and aggressive manuscript solicitation tactics. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding the PD, hijacked journals and predatory conferences in surgery.

Stereological quantification of extraocular muscles in humans / Cuantificación estereológica de músculos extraoculares en humanos

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to quantify muscular and connective tissue volumes of extraocular muscles (EOM) in humans with no ophthalmological disease using stereology. EOM from five cadaveric non-strabismic humans were obtained. The number of muscle fibers in 5,000 µm2 and volume density (Vv) of muscle and collagen were measured using stereology. Comparisons between antagonist EOM were conducted using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples. A secondary analysis examining differences between pairs of EOM was also conducted. Bilateral tests were performed, and significance was set at 0.05. The horizontal rectus muscles (medial and lateral rectus) had the highest Vv of muscle and the lowest Vv of collagen. The inferior rectus muscle tended to have a fewer number of fibers per 5,000 µm2 than the rest of the EOM. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. This is the first published study describing the normal histology of human EOM using stereology. Our investigation, through the quantification of the proportion of muscle and collagen tissue, as well as the number of muscle fibers in 5,000 µ2, establishes normal stereological parameters for EOM of humans without ophthalmological disease.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio es cuantificar el volumen de tejido muscular y conectivo de los músculos extraoculares en humanos sin enfermedad oftalmológica conocida utilizando estereología. Los músculos extraoculares fueron obtenidos de cinco cadáveres humanos sin estrabismo. El número de fibras musculares en 5.000 µm2 y la densidad de volumen (Vv) de músculo y colágeno fueron medidas usando estereología. Las comparaciones entre músculos extraoculares antagonistas se realizaron a través de la prueba de los rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para muestras pareadas. Un análisis secundario examinando diferencias entre pares de músculos extraoculares también fue llevado a cabo. Se realizaron pruebas bilaterales y la significancia fue fijada en 0,05. Los músculos rectos horizontales (recto medial y lateral) tuvieron el mayor Vv de músculo y el menor Vv de colágeno. El músculo recto inferior tuvo la tendencia a poseer menos número de fibras por 5.000 µm2 que el resto de los músculos extraoculares. No obstante, estas diferencias no llegaron a ser estadísticamente significativas. Este es el primer estudio publicado describiendo la histología normal de los músculos extraoculares usando estereología. Nuestra investigación, a través de la cuantificación de la proporción de tejido de músculo y colágeno, así como el número de fibras musculares en µm2, establece parámetros estereológicos normales para músculos extraoculares en humanos sin enfermedad oftalmológica.

Trajectories of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder dimensions in adults.

OBJECTIVE: There is a lack of available information on the trajectories of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dimensions during adulthood. This study investigates the course and the predictors of change for each ADHD domain in a clinical sample of adults with ADHD. METHOD: Adults with ADHD (n = 344) were followed up for 7 years, with a final retention rate of 66.0%. Trajectories of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and their potential predictors were examined. RESULTS: On average, symptoms declined in all ADHD domains during follow-up. Despite this, rises in inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms were observed in approximately 13%, 25%, and 17% of patients respectively. Different predictors influenced the trajectory of each ADHD dimension. Oppositional defiant disorder and social phobia were associated with the maintenance of symptoms, while alcohol use disorder was associated with both maintenance and rise of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Unexpectedly, a rise in the symptoms after 7 years was not uncommon in adults with ADHD. Prevalent comorbidities have the potential to influence the neurodevelopment and the trajectory of ADHD. Therefore, such predictors should be investigated in population cohorts to better characterize the course of ADHD. Additionally, these findings may be relevant in prevention studies and in strategies for ADHD treatment.

Efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobial treatment in children with cancer, fever and neutropenia, with a demonstrated viral respiratory infection: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobials in children with cancer, fever and neutropenia (FN) with a demonstrated respiratory viral infection. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, randomized study in children presenting with FN at five hospitals in Santiago, Chile, evaluated at admission for diagnosis of bacterial and viral pathogens including PCR-microarray for 17 respiratory viruses. Children positive for a respiratory virus, negative for a bacterial pathogen and with a favourable evolution after 48 h of antimicrobial therapy were randomized to either maintain or withhold antimicrobials. Primary endpoint was percentage of episodes with uneventful resolution. Secondary endpoints were days of fever/hospitalization, bacterial infection, sepsis, admission to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and death. RESULTS: A total of 319 of 951 children with FN episodes recruited between July 2012 and December 2015 had a respiratory virus as a unique identified microorganism, of which 176 were randomized, 92 to maintain antimicrobials and 84 to withdraw. Median duration of antimicrobial use was 7 days (range 7-9 days) versus 3 days (range 3-4 days), with similar frequency of uneventful resolution (89/92 (97%) and 80/84 (95%), respectively, not significant; OR 1.48; 95% CI 0.32-6.83, p 0.61), and similar number of days of fever (2 versus 1), days of hospitalization (6 versus 6) and bacterial infections throughout the episode (2%-1%), with one case of sepsis requiring admission to PICU in the group that maintained antimicrobials, without any deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of antimicrobials in children with FN and respiratory viral infections, based on clinical and microbiological/molecular diagnostic criteria, should favour the adoption of evidence-based management strategies in this population.

Persistence and remission of ADHD during adulthood: a 7-year clinical follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Course and predictors of persistence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults are still largely unknown. Neurobiological and clinical differences between child and adult ADHD raise the need for follow-up studies of patients diagnosed during adulthood. This study investigates predictors of ADHD persistence and the possibility of full remission 7 years after baseline assessment. METHOD: A 7-year follow-up study of adults with ADHD (n = 344, mean age 34.1 years, 49.9% males) was conducted. Variables from different domains (social demographics, co-morbidities, temperament, medication status, ADHD measures) were explored with the aim of finding potential predictors of ADHD persistence. RESULTS: Retention rate was 66% (n = 227). Approximately a third of the sample (n = 70, 30.2%) did not maintain ADHD criteria and 28 (12.4%) presented full remission (<4 symptoms), independently of changes in co-morbidity or cognitive demand profiles. Baseline predictors of diagnostic persistence were higher number of inattention symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 8.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.54-25.45, p < 0.001], number of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.34, p = 0.01), oppositional defiant disorder (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.20-8.11, p = 0.02), and social phobia (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.12-11.47, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the stage of brain maturation in adults suggests stability, approximately one third of the sample did not keep full DSM-IV diagnosis at follow-up, regardless if at early, middle or older adulthood. Although full remission is less common than in childhood, it should be considered as a possible outcome among adults.

Study of candidate genes for dyslexia in Brazilian individuals.

Dyslexia or reading disability (RD) is the most common childhood learning disorder and a significantly heritable trait. Many recent studies have investigated the genetic basis of dyslexia, and several candidate genes have been proposed. Among these, DCDC2 and KIAA0319 have emerged as the strongest candidate genes for dyslexia; however studies have not provided uniformly supportive results. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of proposed candidate genes to the molecular etiology of dyslexia in a Brazilian sample. Large deletions and duplications in the candidate genes DCDC2, KIAA0319, and ROBO1 were investigated in 51 dyslexic subjects. Furthermore, a family-based association study was performed to investigate whether associations observed in other populations with variants in the DCDC2 and KIAA0319 genes were reproducible in Brazilian dyslexic individuals. Our analysis did not detect any deletions or duplications in the genes studied, and we found no evidence that the allelic variants in the two candidate genes were significantly associated with RD in our sample. Our data do not support a role of the DCDC2/KIAA0319 locus in influencing dyslexia as a categorical trait. Given the genetic complexity of dyslexia, it is plausible that both genes contribute to an increased risk, but the relative influence of these 2 genes on RD varies in different study samples, and/or depends on analytical approaches.

The burdened life of adults with ADHD: impairment beyond comorbidity.

Since approximately 70% of adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have at least one comorbid disorder, rating of impairment specifically attributable to ADHD is a hard task. Despite the evidence linking environmental adversities with negative outcomes in ADHD, life events measures have not been used to rate the disorder impairment. The present study tested for the first time the hypothesis that increased ADHD severity is associated with an increase in negative recent life events, independently of comorbidity status. The psychiatric diagnoses of 211 adult ADHD outpatients were based on DSM-IV criteria assessed through structured interviews (K-SADS-E for ADHD and ODD, MINI for ASPD and SCID-IV-R for other comorbidities). ADHD severity was evaluated with the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham rating scale (SNAP-IV) and recent life events with the Life Experience Survey. Higher SNAP-IV inattention and hyperactivity scores, female gender, lower socioeconomic status and the presence of comorbid mood disorders were associated with negative life events. Poisson regression models with adjustment for possible confounders confirmed the effect of inattention and hyperactivity severity on negative life events. Our results suggest that the negative life events experienced by these patients are associated to the severity of ADHD independently from comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Atypical femoral fractures during prolonged use of bisphosphonates: short-term responses to strontium ranelate and teriparatide.

CONTEXT: Atypical femoral fractures have rarely been reported in women taking bisphosphonates, but this is still a controversial issue. Data are derived mainly from observation studies because a post hoc analysis from a randomized clinical trial did not find any such association. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report three cases of what are considered atypical femoral fractures and their responses to the use of strontium ranelate and teriparatide. PATIENTS: We studied three postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis who suffered fractures of the subtrochanteric region and femoral diaphysis with no major trauma while on long-term use of bisphosphonates. RESULTS: All the major features of atypical femoral fractures highlighted in the Task Force Report of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research were present in the three cases. They had had unconsolidated fractures for approximately 1 yr before being referred to our center. After 3 months on strontium ranelate 2 g/d, serum osteocalcin and serum ß-carboxyterminal telopeptide had increased in case 1 by 125 and 100%, respectively, and in case 2 by 50 and 22%, respectively, with total closure of the fracture. In case 3, after 1 month on teriparatide 20 µg/d, a radiographic closure of the fracture was achieved, and 3 months later serum osteocalcin and serum ß-carboxyterminal telopeptide had increased by 300 and 22%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our finding showed that both teriparatide and strontium ranelate had a rapid bone anabolic effect on unhealed atypical fractures associated with chronic bisphosphonate use.

Influence of low birth weight on microalbuminuria and blood pressure of school children.

UNLABELLED: Low birth weight (LBW) is associated to an increased incidence of hypertension, renal and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible changes in microalbuminuria (MA) and blood pressure (BP) in children with LBW. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The birth weight (BW) of 1,049 children between 8 and 11 years of age, enrolled in schools in the city of Goiânia/Brazil was investigated. Those in the LBW group (BW < or = 2.5 kg) were compared to a similar group with normal birth weight - NBW (BW > or = 3.0 kg). BP and 24-hour urine MA were evaluated. BW and prematurity (gestational age < 37 weeks) were obtained from the information contained in the children's card. RESULTS: There were 34 children with LBW and 34 with NBW. No significant difference was found regarding age, sex, race, weight, height, BMI, and family history of hypertension or diabetes. Children with LBW presented higher systolic BP (p = 0.019) and more albumin in the 24-hour urine then children with NBW (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: We concluded that school children with LBW present with higher BP and more albumin excretion in the 24-hour urine. These findings can indicate presence of changes in both blood pressure and microalbuminuria in prepubertal children with low birth weight..

Severe anemia from parvovirus b19 infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients: two case reports.

UNLABELLED: Human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is the etiologic agent of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), a common childhood exanthema. Immunocompromised patients risk developing chronic infections leading to pure red blood cell aplasia. Herein we have reported our experience with two pediatric renal transplant recipients who had severe pure red cell aplasia in the early period after surgery, accompanying PVB19 infection. FIRST CASE: A 6-year-old boy underwent pro emptive living-related renal transplantation in September 2006. On day 4, he developed abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. After transplantation, he began an asymptomatic drop in hematocrit without reticulocytosis, which was unresponsive to recombinant erythropoietin. Diarrhea also persisted. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the gastrointestinal tract. PVB19 was confirmed by PCR on a bone marrow sample. He was transfused with packed red cells and treated with ganciclovir and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). His hematocrit increased and diarrhea ended. Six months later anemia recurred requiring a second infusion of IVIG. Subsequently he has done well. SECOND CASE: A 15-year-old boy received a living-related renal transplant in October 2006, after 2 years on automated peritoneal dialysis. One month later he developed a progressive, nonregenerative anemia. A bone marrow aspirate confirmed a PVB19 infection by PCR. He received a blood transfusion and IVIG with a favorable response. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of persistent anemia in immunocompromised hosts with a low reticulocyte count suggests PVB19 infection. IVIG therapy is effective to treat chronic PVB19 infections.

Humanitarian rescue medical action for patient with advanced lower extremity lymphedema.

No clear data exists regarding the initiating process of medial care delivery in cases of humanitarian rescue for advanced and debilitating patient conditions. We report on the delivery of care from a hospital located in a rural area in Southern Taiwan to a desperate patient from a country across the world in Lima, Peru. The patient is a 45-year old woman with unilateral severe, progressive primary lymphedema of 26 years who was scheduled to undergo a high femoral amputation for infections, lymphatic leak, inability to ambulate, and symptomatic cardiomegaly. All arrangements for care, including dental restoration, were made by our hospital in collaboration with the government of Peru. Upon multi-departmental consultation, an 8-hour Charles procedure was performed removing 47 kg of lymphedematous thigh and leg tissue. Eleven months postoperatively the patient is healed and ambulating without assistance. Her weight dropped from 120 to 73 kg. This case of humanitarian action demonstrates intense collaboration and coordination between two governments with dialogue, diplomatic success, a lymphedema surgical feat, and ultimately a successful outcome for the patient.

Physalis angulata extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects in rats by inhibiting different pathways.

Physalis angulata is a popular medicine used in Brazil due to its anti-inflammatory effects, but the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these actions remain to be better understood. In the present work, lyophilized aqueous extract from the roots of Physalis angulata Linneu (AEPa) was used to control the inflammatory response induced by the injection of 1% carrageenan into subcutaneous rat's air pouches. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, nitrite level, and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) level were used to evaluate the action of inflammatory mediators. Tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) level was used as a bioindicator of immunomodulatory response. Rats were injected with vehicle, indomethacin, or AEPa (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg i.p.), 1h before carrageenan administration. AEPa at 0.5 mg/kg had no effect. However, 1mg/kg of AEPa showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing exudate volume, total number of inflammatory cells, ADA activity, nitrite level, and PGE(2) level in 50%, 41%, 20%, 60%, and 41%, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effects of 5 mg/kg AEPa appeared to be more effective than those of 1 mg/kg AEPa (84%, 80%, 43%, 70%, and 75%, respectively). In addition, TGF-beta level was upregulated to 9700 pg/ml after 5mg/kg AEPa, in comparison with 160 pg/ml in the vehicle-treated group, and 137 pg/ml in the indomethacin-treated group. The results indicate that AEPa exerts powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, interfering with the cyclooxygenase pathway, lymphocyte proliferation, NO, and TGF-beta production.

Description of electrophoretic and chromatographic hemoglobin profile of Rhinoclemmys punctularia.

Studies of the hemoglobin pattern in Brazilian reptiles are important for determining ecological and phylogenetic relationships, but they are scarce. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 7 males and 18 females of Rhinoclemmys punctularia. The hematological profile was based on the total hemoglobin and hematocrit values. The hemoglobin profile was obtained using electrophoretic procedures at different pH, isoelectric focusing, globin chain electrophoresis, and HPLC. The hematocrit (31 +/- 2%) and total hemoglobin (7.5 +/- 0.2 g/dL) values did not indicate gender variations. Alkaline pH electrophoresis of the total blood samples treated with 1% saponin demonstrated the presence of four well-defined hemoglobin fractions, one major component (fraction I), showing cathodic migration and three others faster than fraction I with anodic migration. When the samples were precipitated with chloroform, only two hemoglobin fractions were observed, similar to fractions I and III from the first procedure. Isoelectric focusing and HPLC showed the same pattern. With acid and neutral pH electrophoresis, two fractions with anodic migration were observed. The globin chain identification at alkaline pH showed two fractions, but four fractions were observed at acidic pH, suggesting that different polypeptide chains are involved in the hemoglobin molecule. The chromatographic separation of the total blood sample demonstrated that the major fraction comprised 81.9% and the minor 18.1%. The results obtained demonstrated a similarity between these hemoglobin components and those of some Chelidae reported in the literature for both land and aquatic animals, reflecting the adaptation to environmental conditions.

Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and the phenotypic heterogeneity of adult ADHD.

The present study investigates possible associations between the 5-HTT control region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) with adult ADHD, including subtypes, severity, temperament profile and comorbidities. The polymorphic site was genotyped in 312 adult patients with ADHD and 236 controls, all of them Brazilians of European descent. The interviews followed the DSM-IV criteria, using the K-SADS-E for ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, SCID-I and MINI for comorbidities and the TCI for temperament dimensions. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was not associated with ADHD. Carriers of the S allele presented slightly higher inattention and novelty seeking scores, and a higher frequency of drug dependence. These differences do not persist after correction for multiple comparisons. These results suggest that the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism does not have a direct role in the predisposition to adult ADHD. There is suggestive evidence for a small effect in some behavioral phenotypes related to ADHD.

Timpanoplastías en pacientes mayores de 50 años: experiencia en el Hospital San Juan de Dios / Tympanoplasty in patients older than 50 years old: San Juan de Dios Hospital experience

Introducción: Se ha descrito que el resultado de las cirugías de la membrana timpánica está condicionado por la edad del paciente, siendo peor en los casos de edades extremas. Según las últimas publicaciones esta tendencia se ha demostrado en disminución. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados anatómicos y auditivos de las timpanoplastías de nuestro servicio en pacientes mayores de 50 años, en un periodo de 4 años, analizando además otras variables relativas a la cirugía. Material y método: Revisión de 23 oídos. Resultados: Éxito anatómico en el 82,6 por ciento de los casos con una primera cirugía. En el 52 por ciento se obtuvo mejoría auditiva en al menos 10 dB del promedio tonal puro aéreo. Conclusión: No hay diferencias significativas anatómicas y auditivas en este grupo de edad con respecto al resto de la población general ni tampoco en subgrupos de edades más extremas. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en relación al tipo de injerto, posición de éste y vía de abordaje utilizada, ni en relación a variables quirúrgicas como son: uso de antibiótico posoperatorio, presencia de miringoesclerosis, uso de gelfoam en la caja y estado del oído contralateral.

Características del abuso y maltrato de personas ancianas en Puerto Rico / Features of elder abuse and mistreatment in Puerto Rico

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This descriptive study seeks to understand the prevalence and the phenomenon of abuse and mistreatment among the elderly (60+) in Puerto Rico. The various forms of elder abuse are defined, including socio demographic characteristics, recurrence of abuse, characteristics of perpetrators (abusers), risk factors, and history of health conditions, among others. METHODS: A random sample group was selected among the cases filed with the Protective Services Unit of the Family Department Adults Services during 1999 throughout 2000 (fiscal year). The study included the regions of Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Carolina, Guayama, Humacao, Mayagüez, Ponce and San Juan. A total of 255 cases were evaluated of which 246 fulfilled the pre-established criteria. The procedures followed were in accordance with privacy and ethical standards. FINDINGS: The most common type of abuse identified is neglect, followed by emotional or psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial exploitation and sexual abuse. Cognitive and social impairment and the need for assistance are important risk factors for elder abuse. Most abusers are family members (especially the elders' offspring). Mitigating factors that explain or increase the risk of elderly abuse are physical or psychological illness of family members or caregiver and/or lack of access to resources. RECOMMENDATIONS: A systematic approach to appropriately report and document patient abuse is recommended. It is necessary to educate the public about the rights of the elderly. Educating professionals, caregivers, and the public on abuse is critical to prevention. The lack of awareness about elder abuse can lead to the public not being able to detect and/or denounce the elderly abuse and may result in death of the victim or aggressors.

Determinación de la lluvia de diseño para su aplicación a la planificación de la red de alcantarillado del grupo Aguas

Presenta una metodología para determinar las lluvias de diseño y asi calcular la escorrentía que se incorpora, a la red de alcantarillado y aguas de lluvia de la ciudad de Santiago, Chile. El área de estudio comprende la cuenca de Santiago, desde las cuencas naturales y semiurbanas aportantes a la ciudad, hasta las cuencas urbanas mas bajas de esta

Determinación de la lluvia de diseño para su aplicación a la planificación de la red de alcantarillado del grupo Aguas

Presenta una metodología para determinar las lluvias de diseño y asi calcular la escorrentía que se incorpora, a la red de alcantarillado y aguas de lluvia de la ciudad de Santiago, Chile. El área de estudio comprende la cuenca de Santiago, desde las cuencas naturales y semiurbanas aportantes a la ciudad, hasta las cuencas urbanas mas bajas de esta

Description of electrophoretic and chromatographic hemoglobin profile of Rhinoclemmys punctularia

Studies of the hemoglobin pattern in Brazilian reptiles are important for determining ecological and phylogenetic relationships, but they are scarce. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 7 males and 18 females of Rhinoclemmys punctularia. The hematological profile was based on the total hemoglobin and hematocrit values. The hemoglobin profile was obtained using electrophoretic procedures at different pH, isoelectric focusing, globin chain electrophoresis, and HPLC. The hematocrit (31 +/- 2%) and total hemoglobin (7.5 +/- 0.2 g/dL) values did not indicate gender variations. Alkaline pH electrophoresis of the total blood samples treated with 1% saponin demonstrated the presence of four well-defined hemoglobin fractions, one major component (fraction I), showing cathodic migration and three others faster than fraction I with anodic migration. When the samples were precipitated with chloroform, only two hemoglobin fractions were observed, similar to fractions I and III from the first procedure. Isoelectric focusing and HPLC showed the same pattern. With acid and neutral pH electrophoresis, two fractions with anodic migration were observed. The globin chain identification at alkaline pH showed two fractions, but four fractions were observed at acidic pH, suggesting that different polypeptide chains are involved in the hemoglobin molecule. The chromatographic separation of the total blood sample demonstrated that the major fraction comprised 81.9% and the minor 18.1%. The results obtained demonstrated a similarity between these hemoglobin components and those of some Chelidae reported in the literature for both land and aquatic animals, reflecting the adaptation to environmental conditions.