Mézières Method as a practice of embodiment in patients with low back pain: a mixed study.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the Mézières Method (MM) on pain and disability related to low back pain (LBP), compared to a program of heat, massage and exercise, and to understand the meaning of the bodily experience with the MM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mixed methods convergent parallel design, combining an equivalent randomized clinical trial with a qualitative phenomenological approach. Sixty-one participants aged 18-65 years with chronic non-specific LBP lasting more than 3 months. Patients were randomized into two groups: the MM group (n = 29) and the comparison group (CG) who received heat, massage plus flexibility and strengthening exercises (n = 31). MM and CG participants underwent 10 one-hour physical therapy sessions over a 5-week period and were evaluated three times: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up at 6 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Both groups reported positive effects on LBP . MM group showed superior effects in pain relief in the short term (Cohen's D 0.80; p = 0.004). Participants interpreted the interaction with the MM as a teaching-learning process that allowed body awareness. CONCLUSION: Both treatment were similarly beneficial but MM had superior effects on pain in the short term. MM is perceived by the participants as a teaching-learning process focused on body awareness that facilitate effective management of LBP.

In Vivo Efficacy of Purified Quillaja Saponin Extracts in Protecting against Piscirickettsia salmonis Infections in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).

Piscirickettsiosis, the main infectious disease affecting salmon farming in Chile, still has no efficient control measures. Piscirickettsia salmonis is a facultative intracellular bacterium that can survive and replicate within the host macrophages, evading the immune response. Triterpenic saponins obtained from the Quillaja saponaria tree have been widely studied, and have been shown to be immunomodulatory agents, suitable for feed and vaccine applications for veterinary and human uses. The impact of the oral administration of two extracts of Quillaja saponins on the infection of P. salmonis in Salmo salar and the corresponding gene expressions of immunomarkers were studied under three in vivo models. In the intraperitoneal challenge model, the group fed with Quillaja extracts showed lower mortality (29.1% treated vs. 37.5% control). Similar results were obtained in the cohabitation model trial (36.3% vs. 60.0%). In the commercial pilot trial, the results showed a significant reduction of 71.3% in mortality caused by P. salmonis (0.51% vs. 1.78%) and antibiotic use (reduction of 66.6% compared to untreated control). Also, Quillaja extracts significantly modulated the expression of IFN-II and CD8. These results represent evidence supporting the future use of purified Quillaja extracts as a natural non-pharmacological strategy for the prevention and control of P. salmonis infections in salmon.

Internal consistency and criterion, convergent, and discriminant validity of the Start Back Screening Tool in a Colombian sample / Consistencia interna y validez convergente, discriminante y de criterio del Start Back Screening Tool en una muestra colombiana

Abstract Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a frequent reason for consultation, and one of the main causes of permanent work disability. Stratifying the risk of disability due to LBP allows the development of specific therapeutic interventions; however, such stratification requires valid and reliable instruments. Objective: To determine the internal consistency, as well as the convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity of the Start Back Screening Tool (SBST) questionnaire in a Colombian sample. Materials and methods: Quantitative scale validation study conducted in 68 adult patients with LBP who underwent a physical therapy intervention (10 sessions) between 2019 and 2020 in a clinic located in Chía, Colombia. Participants completed the SBST, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at three times: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and after 6 weeks of follow-up (without treatment). The internal consistency of the SBST was determined using Cronbach's alpha, omega, lambda-6, and greatest lower bound (GLB) coefficients. Regarding criterion and construct validity, correlations between the SBST and the NPRS and the RMDQ were assessed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Finally, a repeated measures ANOVA was performed between the SBST mean scores obtained at the three moments in order to estimate its discriminant validity. Results: The internal consistency of the instrument, according to the different coefficients, ranged from acceptable to high (alpha=0.634; omega=0.648; lambda-6=0.664; GLB=0.780). Positive correlations were found between the SBST mean score (mean=3.824; SD=1.892) and the NPRS (r=0.257; p=0.035) and RMDQ (r=0.475; p<0.0010) mean scores, as well as significant differences between pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up SBST mean scores (ANOVA: F=33.722; p<0.001). Conclusion: SBST is a valid and reliable instrument to classify the level of risk of poor prognosis in Colombian patients with LBP.

Resumen Introducción. El dolor lumbar (DL) es una causa frecuente de consulta y una de las principales causas de incapacidad laboral permanente. La estratificación del riesgo de discapacidad por DL permite desarrollar intervenciones terapéuticas específicas; sin embargo, dicha estratificación requiere instrumentos válidos y confiables. Objetivo. Determinar la consistencia interna y la validez convergente, discriminante y de criterio del cuestionario Start Back Screening Tool (SBST) en una muestra colombiana. Materiales y métodos. Estudio cuantitativo de validación de pruebas realizado en 68 pacientes adultos con DL que recibieron una intervención fisioterapéutica (10 sesiones) entre 2019 y 2020 en una clínica de Chía, Colombia. Los participantes diligenciaron el SBST, la escala numérica de clasificación del dolor (ENCD) y el cuestionario Roland Morris Disability (RMD) en tres momentos: pre-intervención, post-intervención y luego de 6 semanas de seguimiento (sin tratamiento). La consistencia interna del SBST se determinó mediante los coeficientes alfa de Cronbach, Omega, lambda-6 y greatest lower bound (GLB). En cuanto a la validez de criterio y de constructo, se evaluaron las correlaciones entre el instrumento y la ENCD y el RMD mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Finalmente, se realizó un ANOVA de medidas repetidas entre las medias de puntaje del SBST obtenidas en los tres momentos para estimar su validez discriminante. Resultados. La consistencia interna del instrumento, según los diferentes coeficientes, varió entre aceptable y alta (alfa=0.634; omega=0.648; lambda-6=0.664; GLB=0.780). Se observaron correlaciones positivas entre el puntaje promedio en el SBST y los puntajes promedio en la ENCD (r=0.257; p=0.035) y la RMD (r=0.475; p<0.0010), así como diferencias significativas entre los puntajes promedio del SBST pre-intervención, post-intervención y seguimiento (ANOVA: F=33.722; p<0.001). Conclusión. El SBST es un instrumento válido y confiable para clasificar el nivel de riesgo de mal pronóstico en pacientes colombianos con DL.

Razonamiento clínico en carreras de la salud: percepción de estudiantes y docentes / The perception of teachers and students about clinical reasoning in health care careers

BACKGROUND: Clinical reasoning (CR) is a training mainstay in health care careers. AIM: To describe the perception of students and teachers about the development of clinical CR in Kinesiology and Dentistry careers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Exploratory descriptive qualitative study, with 12 informants (six teachers and six students), applying a script of questions through a semi-structured interview. A thematic inductive data analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-five meaning units, 38 codes, seven subcategories and three categories were collected. CR was reported as a basic analysis process in health care training. Its necessary elements are knowledge, a learning environment and a facilitator teacher, among others. Motivation, analysis models, variability and exposure are reported as facilitating factors for the development of CR. Teacher paternalism, resistance to change and few learning opportunities are presented as obstacles. Active strategies such as clinical cases, simulation and clinical practice are perceived as facilitators for the development of CR. Those situations where the student does not assume a leading role such as lectures and activities in large groups, are considered as obstacles. CONCLUSIONS: Both students and teachers point to CR as an analysis process that is indispensable in both careers. Exposure to variable educational experiences through active educational strategies in small groups encourages CR.

[The perception of teachers and students about clinical reasoning in health care careers]. / Razonamiento clínico en carreras de la salud: percepción de estudiantes y docentes.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reasoning (CR) is a training mainstay in health care careers. AIM: To describe the perception of students and teachers about the development of clinical CR in Kinesiology and Dentistry careers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Exploratory descriptive qualitative study, with 12 informants (six teachers and six students), applying a script of questions through a semi-structured interview. A thematic inductive data analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-five meaning units, 38 codes, seven subcategories and three categories were collected. CR was reported as a basic analysis process in health care training. Its necessary elements are knowledge, a learning environment and a facilitator teacher, among others. Motivation, analysis models, variability and exposure are reported as facilitating factors for the development of CR. Teacher paternalism, resistance to change and few learning opportunities are presented as obstacles. Active strategies such as clinical cases, simulation and clinical practice are perceived as facilitators for the development of CR. Those situations where the student does not assume a leading role such as lectures and activities in large groups, are considered as obstacles. CONCLUSIONS: Both students and teachers point to CR as an analysis process that is indispensable in both careers. Exposure to variable educational experiences through active educational strategies in small groups encourages CR.

Quillaja saponaria (Molina) Extracts Inhibits In Vitro Piscirickettsia salmonis Infections.

P. salmonis infections are the cause of major bacterial disease in salmonids in Chile, and the reason for using more antibiotics compared to other salmon-producing countries. Vaccination and antibiotics have not been efficient and new approaches are needed. The safety of Quillaja saponaria extracts was measured by cytotoxicity using flow cytometry of cytopathic and death of fish cell cultures and efficacy was assessed using in vitro infection models with pathogenic P. salmonis. Cytotoxicity was low and control of in vitro infections was achieved with all products, with protection of over 90%. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were much higher than those in the infection using cell cultures. These results suggest a dual mechanism of action where less purified extracts with a combination of saponin and non-saponin components simultaneously decrease P. salmonis infection while protecting cell lines, rather than exerting a direct antimicrobial effect. Quillaja saponins controlled in vitro infections with P. salmonis and could be considered good candidates for a new, safe and sustainable method of controlling fish bacterial infectious diseases.

Angiomixoma pélvico asociado a endometriosis infiltrativa profunda: reporte de un caso / Pelvic angiomyxoma associated to deep infiltrative endometriosis: case report

El angiomixoma de la pelvis es un tumor mesenquimal inusual; que dado su alto potencial de recidiva es relevante que la exéresis quirúrgica sea lo más radical posible. Por su parte, la endometriosis infiltrativa profunda, es otra entidad poco frecuente que requiere de tratamientos complejos. La co-existencia de ambas patologías representa una situación absolutamente infrecuente; de los que hay muy pocos casos reportado en la literatura occidental. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 41 años de edad que desarrolló ambas entidades nosológicas de forma concomitante y que fue tratada quirúrgicamente con buenos resultados.

Angiomyxoma of the pelvis is an unusual mesenchymal tumor; that given its high potential for recurrence, it is relevant that the surgical resection be as radical as possible. For its part, to deep infiltrative endometriosis is another rare entity that requires complex treatments. The co-existence of both pathologies represents an absolutely infrequent situation; of which there are very few cases reported in western literature. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who developed both clinical entities concomitantly and who was treated surgically with good results.

Decidual vascularization during organogenesis after perigestational alcohol ingestion.

Perigestational alcohol consumption up to early organogenesis can produce abnormal maternal vascularization via altered decidual VEGF/receptor expression. CF-1 female mice were administered with 10% ethanol in drinking water for 17 days prior to and up to day 10 of gestation. Control females received water without ethanol. Treated females had reduced frequency of implantation sites with expanded vascular lumen (P < 0.05), α-SMA-immunoreactive spiral arteries in proximal mesometrial decidua, reduced PCNA-positive endothelial cells (P < 0.01) and diminished uterine NK cell numbers (P < 0.05) in proximal decidua compared to controls. The VEGF expression (laser capture microscopy, RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry) was reduced in decidual tissue after perigestational alcohol consumption (P < 0.05). The uNK-DBA+ cells of treated females had reduced VEGF immunoexpression compared to controls (P < 0.01). Very low decidual and endothelial cell KDR immunoreactivity and reduced decidual gene and protein KDR expression was found in treated females compared to controls (P < 0.001). Instead, strong FLT-1 immunoexpression was detected in decidual and uNK cells (P < 0.05) in the proximal decidua from treated females compared to controls. In conclusion, perigestational alcohol ingestion induces the reduction of lumen expansion of spiral arteries, concomitant with reduced endothelial cell proliferation and uNK cell population, and uncompleted remodeling of the artery smooth muscle. These effects were supported by low decidual VEGF and KDR gene and protein expression and increased FLT-1 expression, suggesting that VEGF and KDR reduction may contribute, in part, to mechanisms involved in deficient decidual angiogenesis after perigestational alcohol consumption in mouse.

[Effects of a six weeks exercise training program for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertensive patients]. / Ejercicio físico en pacientes con diabetes e hipertensión: prevalencia de respondedores y no respondedores para mejorar factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos.

BACKGROUND: There is a wide interindividual variability in the response to a period of exercise training. The science have reported that a minimum of participants could be non-responders for improving different health-related outcomes after training. AIM: To compare the effects of a 6-weeks exercise program on body composition, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 23 trained subjects were used in a secondary analysis of the response to exercise. Of these, 14 were considered adherent to training and nine as non-adherent. Body mass, height, waist circumference, four skinfolds and their sum, blood pressure and plasma triglyceride levels were assessed before and after the training period. RESULTS: Among adherent participants, significant reductions were observed in the sum of four skinfolds (30 ± 7 to 27 ± 6 mm, p ≤ 0.05), systolic blood pressure (133 ± 18 to 127 ± 20 mmHg; p ≤ 0.05) and plasma triglycerides (125 ± 58 to 102 ± 34 mg/dL; p ≤ 0.05). No changes were observed in weight or diastolic blood pressure. Among non-adherent participants, no changes of measured parameters were observed. Among adherent participants, 57% were considered as non-responders for waist circumference, 7% for the sum of skinfold thickness, 50% for systolic blood pressure, 64% for diastolic blood pressure and 57% for plasma triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with a good adherence to a 6-weeks exercise training program experienced overall improvement in body composition, blood pressure and plasma triglycerides. The prevalence of non-responders varied considerably among measured outcomes.

Ejercicio físico en pacientes con diabetes e hipertensión: prevalencia de respondedores y no respondedores para mejorar factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos / Effects of a six weeks exercise training program for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertensive patients

Background: There is a wide interindividual variability in the response to a period of exercise training. The science have reported that a minimum of participants could be non-responders for improving different health-related outcomes after training. Aim: To compare the effects of a 6-weeks exercise program on body composition, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Material and Methods: Data from 23 trained subjects were used in a secondary analysis of the response to exercise. Of these, 14 were considered adherent to training and nine as non-adherent. Body mass, height, waist circumference, four skinfolds and their sum, blood pressure and plasma triglyceride levels were assessed before and after the training period. Results: Among adherent participants, significant reductions were observed in the sum of four skinfolds (30 ± 7 to 27 ± 6 mm, p ≤ 0.05), systolic blood pressure (133 ± 18 to 127 ± 20 mmHg; p ≤ 0.05) and plasma triglycerides (125 ± 58 to 102 ± 34 mg/dL; p ≤ 0.05). No changes were observed in weight or diastolic blood pressure. Among non-adherent participants, no changes of measured parameters were observed. Among adherent participants, 57% were considered as non-responders for waist circumference, 7% for the sum of skinfold thickness, 50% for systolic blood pressure, 64% for diastolic blood pressure and 57% for plasma triglycerides. Conclusions: Participants with a good adherence to a 6-weeks exercise training program experienced overall improvement in body composition, blood pressure and plasma triglycerides. The prevalence of non-responders varied considerably among measured outcomes.

Cellular and molecular oxidative stress-related effects in uterine myometrial and trophoblast-decidual tissues after perigestational alcohol intake up to early mouse organogenesis.

The placenta plays a major role in embryo-fetal defects and intrauterine growth retardation after maternal alcohol consumption. Our aims were to determine the oxidative status and cellular and molecular oxidative stress effects on uterine myometrium and trophoblast-decidual tissue following perigestational alcohol intake at early organogenesis. CF-1 female mice were administered with 10% alcohol in drinking water for 17 days prior to and up to day 10 of gestation. Control females received ethanol-free water. Treated mice had smaller implantation sites compared to controls (p < 0.05), diminished maternal vascular lumen, and irregular/discontinuous endothelium of decidual vessels. The trophoblast giant cell layer was disorganized and presented increased abnormal nuclear frequency. The myometrium of treated females had reduced nitrite content, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) content (p < 0.05). However, the trophoblast-decidual tissue of treated females had increased nitrite content (p < 0.05), increased GSH level (p < 0.001), increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentration (p < 0.001), higher 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreaction, and increased apoptotic index (p < 0.05) compared to controls. In summary, perigestational alcohol ingestion at organogenesis induced oxidative stress in the myometrium and trophoblast-decidual tissue, mainly affecting cells and macromolecules of trophoblast and decidual tissues around early organogenesis, in CF-1 mouse, and suggests that oxidative-induced abnormal early placental formation probably leads to risk of prematurity and fetal growth impairment at term.

Optimization of high purity chitin and chitosan production from Illex argentinus pens by a combination of enzymatic and chemical processes.

The present report illustrates the optimisation of the experimental conditions for the chemical and enzymatic production of chitin and chitosan from Illex argentinus pen by-products. Optima conditions for chitin isolation were established at 0.82M NaOH/36.4°C, 57.5°C/pH=9.29, 59.6°C/pH=9.30 and 49.6°C/pH=5.91 for chemical, alcalase, esperase and neutrase deproteinization, respectively. Chitin samples were subsequently deacetylated by alkaline treatment reaching the highest degrees of deacetylation (DD>93%) at 61.0-63.7% of NaOH and 14.9-16.4h of hydrolysis depending on the type of process previously performed to the squid pens. Molecular weight (as number average molecular weight, Mn) of chitosan produced in the experimental designs ranged from 143kDa (PDI 2.37) to 339kDa (PDI 2.38).

High genetic diversity of species A rotaviruses detected in swine farms in Chile.

Rotavirus A is one of the main causative agents of diarrhoea in lactating and weaned pigs worldwide. Its impact in the swine industry is well documented. However, in Chile, the current epidemiological status of rotavirus on porcine farms is unknown. This study evaluated the current epidemiologic status of rotavirus A infection in Chile using on-farm detection techniques, electrophoretic confirmation, genotyping and phylogenetic clustering by analysis of partial sequences of VP4 and VP7 genes. Rotavirus A was detected in four out of five farms with an overall prevalence of 17.7 % in diarrhoeic pigs. The average age of diarrhoea onset was at 32±6.2 days, corresponding to weaning pigs, and rotavirus was not detected in lactating piglets. Molecular characterization indicated that genotypes G5, G3, P[7] and P[13] are currently the most widely represented on these pigs farms. The phylogenetic analysis showed that farms shared similar G types (VP7), which might denote a common origin. Meanwhile, [P] types (VP4) showed considerable genetic diversity, and this might represent a high rate of reassortment of this genetic segment in rotavirus circulating in the researched area. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering both the geographical and production factors to accurately determine rotavirus prevalence status at the national level, and have relevant implications in determining effective strategies for rotavirus infection control on porcine farms.

Knowledge and attitudes of Latin American gynecologists regarding unplanned pregnancy and use of combined oral contraceptives.

BACKGROUND: Unintended pregnancy is a public health problem and unmet medical need worldwide. It is estimated that in the year 2012, almost 213 million pregnancies occurred, and the global pregnancy rate decreased only slightly from 2008 to 2012. It was also estimated that 85 million pregnancies (40% of all pregnancies) were unintended and that 38% ended in an unintended birth. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge and attitudes of Latin American (LA) obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) regarding unintended pregnancies and aspects of combined oral contraceptive (COC) use. METHODS: A survey was conducted during a scientific meeting about contraception in 2014, in which OBGYNs from 12 LA countries who provide attention in contraception were invited to respond to a multiple-choice questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding unplanned pregnancy and some aspects regarding COC use. RESULTS: A total of 210 OBGYNs participated in the study. Their knowledge regarding COC failure was low. The participants reported they believed that their patients habitually forgot to take a pill and that their patients did not know what to do in these situations. They were aware of the benefits of COC use; however, they were less prone to prescribe COCs for the purpose of protecting against ovarian and endometrial cancer, and one-quarter of them had doubts about the association between COC use and cancer risk. CONCLUSION: The interviewed LA OBGYNs showed some flaws in terms of knowledge of COC failure rates and the non-contraceptive benefits and risks of COCs. To adequately counsel their patients regarding COC intake, OBGYNs must be updated regarding all aspects of COC use.

Kinetics of the bio-oxidation of volatile reduced sulphur compounds in a biotrickling filter.

Mixtures of volatile reduced sulphur compounds (VRSCs) like hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S), methylmercaptan (MM), dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) are found in gaseous emissions of several industrial activities creating nuisance in the surroundings. Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) decreases the removal efficiency of volatile reduced sulphur compounds (VRSCs) in biofilters but the kinetics of this effect is still unknown. Kinetic expressions that represent the rate of bio-oxidation of H(2)S, MM, DMS and DMDS are proposed. In order to observe and quantify this effect, equimolar mixtures of MM, DMS and DMDS were fed into a biotrickling filter inoculated with Thiobacillus thioparus at different H(2)S loads. Experimental results shown a good agreement with the simulations generated by the model considering the kinetic equations proposed. The estimated kinetic constants show that H(2)S and MM have a significant inhibitory effect on the bio-oxidation of DMS and DMDS, having the H(2)S the higher effect.

[Spatial and temporal variation in diet composition of invertivore fishes in a tropical stream, Venezuela]. / Variación espacial y temporal en la composición de la dieta de peces invertívoros en un río neotropical, Venezuela.

Invertivores fishes are an important component of neotropical streams and they represent a link between aquatic invertebrates and piscivorous species. This study evaluated the breadth diet and interspecific food overlap of nine invertivores fish species during three consecutive hydrological phases: falling (December/07, January/08, February/08 and March/08), low (April/08) and rising waters (June/08), in two sections of a Venezuelan neotropical stream, which were located at different elevation, high watershed (HW) and low watershed (LW). The fishes were collected with a beach seine (5mm mesh) between 8:00 and 11:00 hours. The diet of each species was evaluated using an index of relative importance (IRI), which includes as variables the number, weight and occurrence frequency of food items consumed. The Levin' index (B ) and Morisita (IM) were used to estimate the breadth diet and interspecific food overlap, respectively. All estimations were made using the numeric proportion of preys. Nine fish species were captured, eight Characiformes, of which three were captured in HW (Knodus deuteronoides, Creagrutus bolivari and C. melasma) and five in LW (Thoracocharax stellatus, Moenkhausia lepidura, Cheirodon pulcher, Ctenobrycon spilurus and Aphyocharax alburnus), and one Cyprinodontiformes (Poecilia reticulata), which was also found in HW. In HW aquatic insects were the main resource consumed by fishes while plant material and terrestrial arthropods were secondary resources. In LW the fishes ingested all of these items in addition to zooplankton (Copepoda, Cladocera and larval stages of Decapoda). However, there was a temporal replacement with a predominance of zooplankton in falling and low water. In general, the breadth diet decreased during the falling water in both sections and increased in rising water. However, the average breadth diet was higher in HW. The interspecific food overlap was high in HW while low values were more frequent in LW and its temporal variation was opposed in both sections during almost all the sampling period.

Variación espacial y temporal en la composición de la dieta de peces invertívoros en un río neotropical, Venezuela

Spatial and temporal variation in diet composition of invertivore fishes in a tropical stream, Venezuela. Invertivores fishes are an important component of neotropical streams and they represent a link between aquatic invertebrates and piscivorous species. This study evaluated the breadth diet and interspecific food overlap of nine invertivores fish species during three consecutive hydrological phases: falling (December/07, January/08, February/08 and March/08), low (April/08) and rising waters (June/08), in two sections of a Venezuelan neotropical stream, which were located at different elevation, high watershed (HW) and low watershed (LW). The fishes were collected with a beach seine (5mm mesh) between 8:00 and 11:00 hours. The diet of each species was evaluated using an index of relative importance (IRI), which includes as variables the number, weight and occurrence frequency of food items consumed. The Levin’ index (Bi) and Morisita (IM) were used to estimate the breadth diet and interspecific food overlap, respectively. All estimations were made using the numeric proportion of preys. Nine fish species were captured, eight Characiformes, of which three were captured in HW (Knodus deuteronoides, Creagrutus bolivari and C. melasma) and five in LW (Thoracocharax stellatus, Moenkhausia lepidura, Cheirodon pulcher, Ctenobrycon spilurus and Aphyocharax alburnus), and one Cyprinodontiformes (Poecilia reticulata), which was also found in HW. In HW aquatic insects were the main resource consumed by fishes while plant material and terrestrial arthropods were secondary resources. In LW the fishes ingested all of these items in addition to zooplankton (Copepoda, Cladocera and larval stages of Decapoda). However, there was a temporal replacement with a predominance of zooplankton in falling and low water. In general, the breadth diet decreased during the falling water in both sections and increased in rising water. However, the average breadth diet was higher in HW. The interspecific food overlap was high in HW while low values were more frequent in LW and its temporal variation was opposed in both sections during almost all the sampling period. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1217-1231. Epub 2011 September 01.

La ictiofauna invertívora es un componente importante en los ríos neotropicales y representa un enlace entre los invertebrados acuáticos y los piscívoros. En el presente trabajo se evaluó la amplitud y sobreposición interespecífica de dieta de nueve especies de peces invertívoros durante tres fases hidrológicas consecutivas: descenso (diciembre/07, enero/08, febrero/08, marzo/08), aguas bajas (abril/08) y ascenso de aguas (junio/08) en dos secciones de un río venezolano ubicadas a distinta altitud (subcuenca alta, SA y subcuenca baja, SB). Los peces se recolectaron con una red de cerco (0.5cm entrenudos) entre las 8:00 y 11:00 horas. La dieta de cada especie se evaluó usando un índice de importancia relativa (IIR) que incluyó el número, peso y frecuencia de ocurrencia de los items consumidos. Para estimar la amplitud y sobreposición interespecífica de dieta se emplearon los índices de Levín (Bi) y Morisita (IM), respectivamente. Todas las estimaciones se realizaron con la frecuencia numérica de las presas consumidas. Se capturaron nueve especies, ocho Characiformes, tres en SA (Knodus deuteronoides, Creagrutus bolivari y C. melasma) y cinco en SB (Thoracocharax stellatus, Moenkhausia lepidura, Cheirodon pulcher, Ctenobrycon spilurus y Aphyocharax alburnus) y un Cyprinodontiformes (Poecilia reticulata), capturada en SA. En SA el principal recurso consumido fueron insectos acuáticos mientras que el material vegetal y los artrópodos terrestres fueron recursos secundarios. En SB, las especies consumieron estos items además de zooplancton (Copepoda, Cladocera y estadios larvales de crustáceos Decapoda), pero hubo una sustitución temporal con un predominio de zooplancton en descenso y aguas bajas. En general, la amplitud de la dieta disminuyó en descenso de aguas en ambas secciones e incrementó en ascenso de aguas. Sin embargo, la amplitud promedio fue mayor en SA. La sobreposición interespecífica de dieta fue alta en SA mientras que en SB fueron más frecuentes los valores bajos y en casi todo el registro su variación temporal fue opuesta en ambas secciones.

Oxidation of volatile reduced sulphur compounds in biotrickling filter inoculated with Thiobacillus thioparus

Reduced volatile sulphur compounds generate an impact on the environment, because of the bad smell and its low odour threshold. Compared with the existing physicochemical technologies for their elimination, biotrickling filters are an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative. Usually mixed cultures of microorganisms are used for inoculating biotrickling filters, in this case a pure culture of Thiobacillus thioparus is used for generating a biofilm, allowing to measure its capacity for the oxidation of four volatile reduced sulphur compounds: hydrogen sulphide, dimethyl sulphide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl disulphide, using a residence time of 0.033 hrs. The viable cells of the biofilm were quantified by epifluorescence microscopy, staining the cells with ethidium bromide and acridine orange, polymerase chain reaction analysis in real time was used for testing the predominance of T. thiopharus in the biofilm. The microorganism was able to adhere and grow on the surface of rings made of polyethylene, with a viable population of 7•10(7) cell•ring-1, a 74 percent of total cells. The real time PCR showed a persistence of the population of T. thioparus for more than 300 days of operation, without being displaced by other microbial species. The maximum elimination capacities for each compound were 34.4; 21.8; 30.8 and 25.6 gS•m-3•h-1 for H2S, dimethylsulphide, dimethyldisulphide and methyl mercaptan, respectively. We conclude that it is possible to implement a biotrickling filter with the bacteria T. thioparus, which can oxidize volatile reduced sulphur compounds efficiently.

Hemorragia intracraneal secundaria a rotura de malformación arteriovenosa cerebral en la gestación: caso clínico / Intracranial hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy

Las hemorragias intracraneales secundarias a un aneurisma arterial o malformación arteriovenosa son infrecuentes, pero grave complicación del embarazo. Exponemos a continuación el caso clínico de una primigesta, controlada en nuestro servicio, que sufrió una hemorragia subaracnoidea en la semana 15 de embarazo; fue tratada de modo conservador. La extracción fetal se realizó en la semana 37 mediante cesárea. Unos meses después se procedió al tratamiento del nido de la malformación con radiocirugía

Síndrome cervical doloroso: aspectos clínicos-terapéuticos: ¿Es La Tracción Cervical una Terapéutica Efectiva? / s. t

En esta revision bibligráfica se explica algunos aspectos etipatogénicos y clínicos del Síndrome cervical doloroso, frecuente en las consultas de los estados dolorosos del Soma. En los últimos diez años se patentiza como enfermedad de la década en las mujeres jóvenes. Se habla de la terapeútica mas frecuente y si es la traccion cwervical de utilidad o no(AU)