Efectividad de los regímenes tratar y extender vs. pro re nata para el tratamiento de degeneración macular neovascular vinculada a la edad: una comparación en un entorno real / Effectiveness of treat-and-extend versus pro re nata regimens in the treatment of Neovascular Age Macular Degeneration: A Real World Comparison

OBJETIVO: Evaluar y comparar los resultados visuales y morfológicos de regímenes de tratamiento pro re nata (PRN) y tratar-y-extender (T&E) a tres años en la práctica clínica real. MÉTODOS: Un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con degeneración macular vinculada a la edad neovascular (DMEN) tratadas con anti-VEGF con tres años de seguimiento continuo y sin tratamientos anti-VEGF anteriores. Se midieron la mejor agudeza visual corregida (MAVC), el espesor foveal central (EFC) y el número de inyecciones intravítreas para determinar diferencias estadísticas entre ambos grupos al inicio y a lo largo del seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 240 ojos, 170 en el grupo PRN y 70 en el grupo T&E. A los 12 meses la ganancia media con respecto al inicio de MAVC (en letras ETDRS) llegó a su punto más alto en el grupo T&E (+ 6,38 ± 13,32; p = 0,25). En el grupo PRN, MAVC llegó al máximo a los tres meses y disminuyó lentamente hasta el final del seguimiento. Con ambos regímenes, desde el inicio el EFC continuó disminuyendo hasta el segundo año (PRN -138,81 [-846,7 a +162,77] y T&E -81 [-604 a +100] μm, p = 0,06). Posteriormente, el grupo T&E mantuvo esta tendencia, llegando al nivel más bajo de EFC a los 36 meses, mientras que el grupo PRN mostró un aumento en los valores de EFC (PRN -104 [-807,7 a +297] μm y T&E -103 [-575 a +244], μm p = 0,63). Los pacientes tratados con el régimen T&E recibieron un número significativamente mayor de inyecciones (PRN 16,3 ± 7,6 vs. T&E 23,9 ± 9,4, p <0,01). CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados demostraron una tendencia de T&E a conseguir valores más altos de MAVC, llegando al máximo a los 12 meses, y grosores menores de EFC al final de tres años. A pesar del mayor número de inyecciones en el grupo T&E, la media de MAVC revirtió a los valores de base a los tres años

PURPOSE: Evaluate and compare the visual and morphological results of Pro re nata (PRN) and treat-and-extend (T&E) treatment regimens at 3 years in real world clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with neovascular age macular: degeneration (AMD) treated with anti-VEGF with 3 years of continuous follow-up and no previous anti-VEGF treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and number of intravitreal injections outcomes were tested for statistical differences between the two groups at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 240 eyes were included in the study, 170 in the PRN group and 70 in the T&E group. At 12 months, mean BCVA (ETDRS letters) gain from baseline was at its highest point in the T&E group (+6.38 ± 13.32; p = 0.25). In the PRN group, BCVA peaked at 3 months and slowly decreased until end of follow-up. With both regimens, from baseline, CFT continued to decrease until the second year (PRN -138.81 [-846.7 to +162.77] and T&E -81 [-604 to +100] μm, p = 0.06). After that, T&E group maintained this tendency, reaching the lowest CFT value at 36 months, whereas PRN group showed an increased in CFT values (PRN -104 [-807.7 to +297] μm and T&E -103 [-575 to +244], μm p = 0.63). Patients treated with T&E regimen received a significantly higher number of injections (PRN 16.3 ± 7.6 vs T&E 23.9 ± 9.4, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated a trend towards for T&E to achieve higher marks in BCVA, peaking at 12 months, and lower CFT thickness at the end of three years. Despite the higher number of injections performed in the T&E group the mean BCVA reverts to baseline values at 3 years

Effectiveness of treat-and-extend versus pro re nata regimens in the treatment of Neovascular Age Macular Degeneration: A Real World Comparison. / Efectividad de los regímenes tratar y extender vs. pro re nata para el tratamiento de degeneración macular neovascular vinculada a la edad: una comparación en un entorno real.

PURPOSE: Evaluate and compare the visual and morphological results of Pro re nata (PRN) and treat-and-extend (T&E) treatment regimens at 3 years in real world clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with neovascular age macular degeneration (AMD) treated with anti-VEGF with 3 years of continuous follow-up and no previous anti-VEGF treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and number of intravitreal injections outcomes were tested for statistical differences between the two groups at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 240 eyes were included in the study, 170 in the PRN group and 70 in the T&E group. At 12 months, mean BCVA (ETDRS letters) gain from baseline was at its highest point in the T&E group (+6.38±13.32; p=0.25). In the PRN group, BCVA peaked at 3 months and slowly decreased until end of follow-up. With both regimens, from baseline, CFT continued to decrease until the second year (PRN -138.81 [-846.7 to +162.77] and T&E -81 [-604 to +100] µm, p=0.06). After that, T&E group maintained this tendency, reaching the lowest CFT value at 36 months, whereas PRN group showed an increased in CFT values (PRN -104 [-807.7 to +297] µm and T&E -103 [-575 to +244], µm p=0.63). Patients treated with T&E regimen received a significantly higher number of injections (PRN 16.3±7.6 vs T&E 23.9 ±9.4, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated a trend towards for T&E to achieve higher marks in BCVA, peaking at 12 months, and lower CFT thickness at the end of three years. Despite the higher number of injections performed in the T&E group the mean BCVA reverts to baseline values at 3 years.

Development and standardization of a western blotting test for detection of antibodies against B. abortus / Desenvolvimento e padronização do teste Western blotting para detecção de anticorpos contra B. abortus

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella spp. with diagnosis based on use of serological techniques. The present study aimed to develop and standardize a western blotting (WB) test for detection of antibodies against B. abortus. Samples from two groups of cattle were analyzed: group I: 60 serum samples from true positive and true negative vaccinated animals (30 positive samples from infected animals according to rose bengal test (RBT), 2-mercaptoethanol, serum agglutination test (SAT) and complement fixation test (CFT) and 30 RBT negatives samples); group II: 383 field samples (90 positive and 293 CFT negative sera). The most reactive band in the western blotting, which properly identified and separated infected from non - infected had a molecular weight of ≤ 20kDa. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the WB compared to RBT was 93%, 99%, 98%, respectively and k= 0.938. When compared to CFT, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the WB was 97%, 98% and 97%, respectively and k= 0.929. The WB developed and standardized in the present study is a serological test with potential use as a confirmatory test for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis.(AU)

A brucelose é uma doença infectocontagiosa, causada por bactérias do gênero Brucella spp., com diagnóstico baseado no emprego de técnicas sorológicas. Objetivou-se neste estudo desenvolver e padronizar um teste Western blotting (WB) para detecção de anticorpos contra B. abortus. Foram analisados dois grupos de amostras bovinas: grupo I, com 60 amostras de animais verdadeiros positivos e verdadeiros negativos vacinados (30 amostras positivas de animais infectados e positivos nos testes de antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT), 2 - mercaptoetanol (2 - ME), soroaglutinação lenta em tubos (SAT) e fixação do complemento e de 30 amostras negativas no AAT); grupo II, com 383 amostras de campo, sendo 90 soropositivas e 293 soronegativas no TFC. O resultado da análise do WB revelou peso molecular ≤20kDa como sendo a área mais reativa e característica para identificação e separação dos animais infectados dos não infectados. A sensibilidade, a especificidade e a acurácia do WB, quando este foi comparado com o AAT, foram, respectivamente, 93%, 99% e 98%, e k= 0,938. Quando comparadas com a TFC, a sensibilidade, a especificidade e a acurácia foram 97%, 98% e 97%, respectivamente, e k= 0,929. O WB padronizado neste estudo mostrou-se um teste sorológico com potencial uso como teste confirmatório no diagnóstico da brucelose bovina.(AU)

Anxiolytic-like effect of Citrus limon (L. ) Burm f. essential oil inhalation on mice / Efeito ansiolítico da inalação do óleo essencial de Citrus limon (L. ) Burm f. em camundongos.

ABSTRACT Experimental in vivo study aimed to characterize the anxiolytic-like effect of the Citrus limon fruit peel’s essential oil (CLEO) in animal models of anxiety, besides evaluating the viability J774.A1 cells in vitro through the MTT reduction method at the concentrations of 10 and 100 µg/mL. The anxiolytic behavior was evaluated in Swiss mice (n = 8) using the methodology of Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) and Open-Field (OF). CLEO was tested by inhalation at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 µL, and as control, animals were subjected to inhalation of the vehicle (saline solution 0.9% + Tween80®) and intraperitoneal administration of diazepam (1.5 mg/kg). In the cell viability assay, it was observed that none of the concentrations showed cytotoxicity. OF test showed significant anxiolytic activity at all tested doses of OECL, compared to the control group, without changing the motor performance of the animals. Corroborating OF data, the EPM test confirmed anxiolytic activity in at least two doses of the tested oil (200 and 400 µL), justified by the number of entries and increase in the percentage of time in the open arms. The data analysis of this study evidenced that inhalation of OECL was able to induce an anxiolytic behavior in mice; however, further studies are required to ensure its safe use by the population.

RESUMO O estudo experimental in vivo objetivou caracterizar o efeito ansiolítico do óleo essencial das cascas do fruto de Citrus limon (OECL) em modelos animais de ansiedade, além de avaliar in vitro a viabilidade de células J774.A1 através do método de redução do MTT nas concentrações de 10 e 100 µg/mL. O comportamento ansiolítico foi avaliado em camundongos Swiss (n = 8), utilizando a metodologia do Labirinto em Cruz Elevado (LCE) e do Campo Aberto (CA). O OECL foi testado por inalação nas doses de 100, 200 e 400 µL, e como controle, os grupos foram submetidos à inalação do veículo (Solução fisiológica 0,9% + Tween80®) e administração intraperitoneal de diazepam (1,5 mg/kg). No ensaio de viabilidade celular, observou-se que nenhuma das concentrações apresentou citotoxicidade. O teste de CA demonstrou atividade ansiolítica significativa em todas as doses testadas do OECL, comparada ao grupo controle, sem alterar a performance motora dos animais. Corroborando os dados do CA, o teste do LCE confirmou a atividade ansiolítica em pelo menos duas das doses do óleo testadas (200 e 400 µL), justificada pelo número de entradas e aumento na percentagem de tempo nos braços abertos. A análise dos dados deste estudo evidenciou que a inalação do OECL foi capaz de induzir um comportamento ansiolítico em camundongos; entretanto, outros estudos são necessários para garantir o seu uso seguro pela população.

Activity of cycloartane-type triterpenes and sterols isolated from Musa paradisiaca fruit peel against Leishmania infantum chagasi.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro the antileishmanial activity of triterpenes and sterols isolated from Musa paradisiaca (banana) fruit peel used traditionally to treat leishmaniasis. The compounds were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the peel of the banana fruit by column chromatography. The chemical structure of compounds was determined by (1)H and (13)C - nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity was measured in RAW 264.7 cells and LLC-MK2. Leishmanicidal activity against L. infantum chagasi promastigotes was performed by the MTT colorimetric method and activity against amastigotes was assayed in mammalian cells using in situ ELISA method. Five compounds were identified, consisting of three triterpenes: cycloeucalenone, 31-norcyclolaudenone and 24-methylene-cicloartanol and a mixture of two sterols: beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. With the exception of cycloeucalenone, all compounds showed statistically similar activity against promastigote to pentamidine. While, acting against amastigotes, excluding 31-norcyclolaudenone, other compounds showed activity similar to amphotericin B. All compounds showed low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. CONCLUSION: This study partially confirms the use of Musa paradisiaca in folk medicine against leishmaniasis. Further in vivo studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy.

Assessing participatory practices in community-based natural resource management: experiences in community engagement from southern Africa.

The emphasis on participatory environmental management within international development has started to overcome critiques of traditional exclusionary environmental policy, aligning with shifts towards decentralisation and community empowerment. However, questions are raised regarding the extent to which participation in project design and implementation is meaningful and really engages communities in the process. Calls have been made for further local-level (project and community-scale) research to identify practices that can increase the likelihood of meaningful community engagement within externally initiated projects. This paper presents data from three community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) project case studies from southern Africa, which promote Joint Forest Management (JFM), tree planting for carbon and conservation agriculture. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, community-level meetings, focus groups and interviews. We find that an important first step for a meaningful community engagement process is to define 'community' in an open and participatory manner. Two-way communication at all stages of the community engagement process is shown to be critical, and charismatic leadership based on mutual respect and clarity of roles and responsibilities is vital to improve the likelihood of participants developing understanding of project aims and philosophy. This can lead to successful project outcomes through community ownership of the project goals and empowerment in project implementation. Specific engagement methods are found to be less important than the contextual and environmental factors associated with each project, but consideration should be given to identifying appropriate methods to ensure community representation. Our findings extend current thinking on the evaluation of participation by making explicit links between the community engagement process and project outcomes, and by identifying further criteria that can be considered in process and outcome-based evaluations. We highlight good practices for future CBNRM projects which can be used by project designers and initiators to further the likelihood of successful project outcomes.

Characterization of neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients with outer retinal tubulations.

PURPOSE: To characterize the neovascular lesions of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and outer retinal tubulations (ORTs). METHODS: A retrospective study of 377 eyes with exudative AMD, submitted to intravitreal anti-angiogenic treatment. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of ORTs on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT; group 1 - with ORTs; group 2 - without ORTs). Age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography characteristics, presence of subretinal fibrosis and subfoveal photoreceptor integrity on SD-OCT were analyzed. RESULTS: Although both groups had a BCVA gain during the follow-up period, initial and final BCVA were lower in group 1 (p = 0.020 and p = 0.042, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the BCVA variation between the 2 groups (p = 0.907). Regarding the initial angiographic lesion type, there was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.008): group 1 had more lesions with a classic component and group 2 had more occult lesions with no classic component. There was a statistically significant difference concerning the loss of subfoveal photoreceptor integrity (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Even though AMD patients with ORTs were associated with poor visual outcomes, we reported BCVA improvement. AMD patients with a classical component in their lesions are prone to develop ORTs.

Prevalence of abdominal obesity in adolescents: a systematic review.

The objectives of this study were to (i) review extant literature on the prevalence of abdominal obesity (AO) in adolescents of both sex (10-19 years old); (ii) analyse the cut-off points used for the diagnosis of AO and (iii) compare its prevalence between developed and developing countries. The search was carried out using online databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, SCIELO and BioMed Central), references cited by retrieved articles and by contact with the authors, considering articles published from the establishment of the databanks until 19 October 2009. Only original articles and those using waist circumference in the diagnosis were considered. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen of these studies were performed in developed countries. The prevalence of AO varied from 3.8% to 51.7% in adolescents from developing countries. The range of results was smaller among developed countries; with values from 8.7% to 33.2%. Eighteen different cut-off points were used. It was concluded the AO prevalence is high among adolescents, but is not clear what sex has a higher proportion and it is greater in adolescents from developing countries; however, there is no consensus in the literature about the criteria to be used.

Evolution of mesenteric artery blood flow in healthy premature neonates / Evolución del flujo de sangre de la arteria mesentérica en recién nacidos prematuros saludables

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Body mass index values for newborns according to gestational age / Valores de Índice de Masa Corporal en recién nacidos de acuerdo con la edad gestacional

Objective: The combination of twho anthropometric parameters has been more appropriate to assess body composition and proportions in children, with special attention to the Body Mass Index (BMI), as it relates weight and length. However the BMI values for the neonatal period have not been determined yet. This study shows the BMI for newborns at different gestational ages represented in a normal smoothed percentile curve. Methods: Retrospective study including 2,406 appropriate for gestational age newborns following the Alexander et al curve (1996) from 29 to 42 weeks of gestational age. Weight and lenght were measured following standard procedures. For the construction aof a normal smoothed percentile curve, the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles were determined and a statistical procedure based on the mathematical model "sinosuoidal fit" was applied to establish a curve that estimates biological growth parameters. Results: The Body Mass Index values for gestational age in all percentiles shows a steady increase up to 38 weeks, levels off up to the 40th week, followed by a slight decrease to the 42nd week in both genders. Conclusion: The results show a direct correlation between gestational age and Body Mass Index for both genders in the nine percentiles, and can provide a useful reference to assess intra-uterine proportional growth (AU)

Objetivo: La combinación de dos parámetros antropométricos ha sido descrita como una manera más apropiada para determinar la composición y proporciones del cuerpo en niños, con especial atención para el índice de masa corporal (IMC), pues relaciona el peso y la estatura. Sin embargo, los valores del IMC para el periodo neonatal no han sido determinados todavía. Este estudio muestra el IMC para recién nacidos de diversas edades gestacionales presentados en una curva de percentiles suavizados. Métodos: En un estudio retrospectivo incluyendo 2.406 recién nacidos apropiados para la edad gestacional según la curva de Alexander y cols. (1996), entre 29 y 42 semanas de edad gestacional. El peso y la estatura fueron medidos según los procedimientos estándares. Para la construcción de la referida curva fueron determinados los siguientes percentiles: 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 y 95. El modelo matemático de ajuste sinusoidal fue aplicado para establecer una curva que estimase los parámetros biológicos del crecimiento. Resultados: Los valores del IMC para las edades gestacionales en todos los percentiles demostraron aumento constante hasta 38 semanas, estabilización hasta 40 semanas, seguida por una leve disminución hasta 42 semanas en ambos los sexos. Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran una correlación directa entre la edad gestacional y el IMC para ambos sexos en todos los percentiles estudiados, y pueden proporcionar una herramienta útil para determinar un crecimiento intrauterino proporcional (AU)

Body mass index values for newborns according to gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: The combination of twho anthropometric parameters has been more appropriate to assess body composition and proportions in children, with special attention to the Body Mass Index (BMI), as it relates weight and length. However the BMI values for the neonatal period have not been determined yet. This study shows the BMI for newborns at different gestational ages represented in a normal smoothed percentile curve. METHODS: Retrospective study including 2,406 appropriate for gestational age newborns following the Alexander et al curve (1996) from 29 to 42 weeks of gestational age. Weight and lenght were measured following standard procedures. For the construction a of a normal smoothed percentile curve, the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles were determined and a statistical procedure based on the mathematical model "sinosuoidal fit" was applied to establish a curve that estimates biological growth parameters. RESULTS: The Body Mass Index values for gestational age in all percentiles shows a steady increase up to 38 weeks, levels off up to the 40th week, followed by a slight decrease to the 42nd week in both genders. CONCLUSION: The results show a direct correlation between gestational age and Body Mass Index for both genders in the nine percentiles, and can provide a useful reference to assess intra-uterine proportional growth.

Nutritional assessment of very low birth weight infants: relationships between anthropometric and biochemical parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the importance of biochemical data and their relationship with anthropometric data in the longitudinal nutritional assessment of very low birth weight infants. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed on 55 very low birth weight preterm infants (birth weight < 1.500 g and < 37 weeks of gestational age). Measurements of weight, length, head and mid-arm circumferences, mid-arm circumference: head circumference ratio, ponderal index, and body mass index. Serum prealbumin and retinol-binding protein were studied as biochemical parameters. All variables were collected at birth and days 14 and 28 of life. RESULTS: The infants presented a mean birth weight of 1,076.7 +/- 286 g and mean gestational age of 30.7 +/- 2.1 weeks. At birth, the mean serum prealbumin was 7.0 +/-1.7 mg/dl and mean retinol-binding protein was 1.3 +/- 0.4 mg/dl. There was a significant increase in all variables studied from birth to day 28. According to nutritional adequacy, there were no differences between appropriate and small for gestational age infants neither in the anthropometric nor in the biochemical data. The anthropometric measurements did not correlate with biochemical parameters. The serum protein concentrations were converted to serum protein mass (SPM) as follows: SPM = serum protein concentration X (100 X weight) X (1- hematocrit)] since the studied proteins are largely intravascular and the protein mass would be a more accurate index of nutritional status. The SPM of both protein and anthropometric parameters were correlated, except for the ponderal index. CONCLUSIONS: The serum protein mass of the prealbumin and the retinol-binding protein were better nutritional markers in the serial nutritional assessment of very low birth weight infants during neonatal period than the serum protein levels.

Nutritional assessment of very low birth weight infants: relationships between anthropometric and biochemical parameters / Evaluación nutricional de lactantes de muy bajo peso al nacimiento: relaciones entre los parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos

Objective: Analyze the importance of biochemical data and their relationship with anthropometric data in the longitudinal nutritional assessment of very low birth weight infants. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on 55 very low birth weight preterm infants (birth weight < 1.500 g and < 37 weeks of gestational age). Measurements of weight, length, head and mid-arm circumferences, mid-arm circumference: head circumference ratio, ponderal index, and body mass index. Serum prealbumin and retinol-binding protein were studied as biochemical parameters. All variables were collected at birth and days 14 and 28 of life. Results: The infants presented a mean birth weight of 1,076.7 ± 286 g and mean gestational age of 30.7 ± 2.1 weeks. At birth, the mean serum prealbumin was 7.0 ± 1.7 mg/dl and mean retinol-binding protein was 1.3 ± 0.4 mg/dl. There was a significant increase in all variables studied from birth to day 28. According to nutritional adequacy, there were no differences between appropriate and small for gestational age infants neither in the anthropometric nor in the biochemical data. The anthropometric measurements did not correlate with biochemical parameters. The serum protein concentrations were converted to serum protein mass (SPM) as follows: SPM = serum protein concentration X (100 X weight) X (1- hematocrit)] since the studied proteins are largely intravascular and the protein mass would be a more accurate index of nutritional status. The SPM of both protein and anthropometric parameters were correlated, except for the ponderal index. Conclusions: The serum protein mass of the prealbumin and the retinol-binding protein were better nutritional markers in the serial nutritional assessment of very low birth weight infants during neonatal period than the serum protein levels

Objetivo: Analizar la importancia de los datos bioquímicos y su relación con los datos antropométricos en la evaluación nutricional longitudinal de los lactantes de muy bajo peso al nacimiento. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo en 55 lactantes prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacimiento (peso al nacer < 1.500 g y < 37 semanas de edad gestacional). Se realizaron mediciones del peso, longitud, las circunferencias cefálica y de la mitad del brazo, el cociente circunferencia de la mitad del brazo: circunferencia cefálica, índice ponderal y el índice de masa corporal. Como parámetros bioquímicos se midieron la prealbúmina sérica y la proteína fijadora de retinol. Todas las variables se recogieron al nacimiento y a los 14 y 28 días de vida. Resultados: El peso medio al nacimiento de los lactantes fue de 1,076,7 ± 286 g y la edad gestacional media de 30,7 ± 2,1 semanas. Al nacimiento, el promedio de la prealbúmina sérica fue de 7,0 ± 1,7 mg/dl y de la proteína fijadora de retinol fue de 1,3 ± 0,4 mg/dl. Hubo una elevación significativa de todas las variables estudiadas desde el nacimiento hasta el día 28. De acuerdo con la idoneidad nutricional, no hubo diferencias entre los lactantes con edad gestacional adecuada y aquellos con edad gestacional pequeña ni en los parámetros antropométricos ni en los bioquímicos. Las medidas antropométricas no se correlacionaban con las medidas bioquímicas. Las concentraciones de proteínas séricas se convirtieron a masa de proteína sérica (MPS) como sigue: MPS = concentración de proteína sérica x (100 x peso) x (1 – hematocrito), puesto que las proteínas estudiadas son principalmente intravasculares y el índice de masa proteica sería un índice más preciso del estado nutritivo. La MPS tanto de las proteínas como de los parámetros antropométricos se correlacionó, excepto para el índice ponderal. Conclusiones: La masa de proteína sérica de la prealbúmina y de la proteína fijadora de retinol fue un marcador nutricional mejor en la valoración nutricional seriada de los lactantes con muy bajo peso al nacimiento que la concentración sérica de proteínas

Biogeochemical processes and nutrient cycling within an artificial reef off Southern Portugal.

This study (2002/2004) examines the effect of artificial reef (AR) structures off the southern coast of Portugal on biogeochemical process and nutrient cycling. Organic and inorganic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and chlorophyll a were determined monthly in sediment cores and settled particles for a two-year period. Ammonium, nitrates, phosphates, silicates, total organic nitrogen and phosphorus, chlorophyll a and phaeopigments were also determined monthly in water samples within AR and control sites. Results of the two-year study showed that: (i) there was a significant exponential fit between organic carbon and chlorophyll a (r2=0.91; p<0.01) in reef sediment suggesting an increase of benthic productivity; (ii) organic carbon and nitrogen content in settled particles within AR environment was about four times higher two years after reef deployment; (iii) nutrients and chlorophyll a in the water column were higher at AR than control site. Two years after AR deployment, dissolved organic and inorganic compounds in near bottom water were 30-60% higher, emphasizing benthic remineralization processes at AR's organically rich sediment. Marked chemical changes in the ecosystem were observed during the two-year study period, reinforcing the importance of these structures for sandy coastal areas rehabilitation through trophic chain pull-out.

Effects of infauna harvesting on tidal flats of a coastal lagoon (Ria Formosa, Portugal): implications on phosphorus dynamics.

The systematic collection of benthic organisms in tidal flats of coastal lagoons should be taken into account for the management of these systems, once sediment disturbance affects biogeochemical processes by favouring pore water renewal during tidal inundation. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of infauna harvesting on the phosphorus dynamics of muddy and sandy intertidal areas in the Ria Formosa. Sediment cores and overlying water were collected during August 2000 and February 2001 from reworked and undisturbed sediment before and after flooding. Results obtained showed that during the first minutes of flooding there was a marked decrease of phosphate in pore water of disturbed sediments. However, phosphate tidal fluxes from sandy sediment were clearly higher (17 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in summer and 3 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in winter) than in muddy sediment (0.4 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in summer and -0.01 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in winter). After muddy sediment disturbance concentrations of iron oxides increased quickly (from 5 to 16 micromol g(-1)) and phosphate was sorbed onto these iron oxides, resulting in a buffering of phosphate pore water concentrations at low values in the oxidized sediment zone. The estimated P-output from muddy sediment decreased one to two orders of magnitude after sediment disturbance in contrast to sandy sediments in which the impact of infauna harvesting was minimal. Consequently, the P-cycle is influenced by the disruption of muddy habitats in tide-driven systems. Such information could be useful for the management of the lagoon.

Short-term environmental impact of clam dredging in coastal waters (south of Portugal): chemical disturbance and subsequent recovery of seabed.

The physical and chemical changes in sediment and near bottom water caused by clam dredging were examined during July and September 1999, at two locations Vilamoura (VL) and Armona (AR), south coast of Portugal. Sediment cores and near bottom water were collected simultaneously before dredging (control samples) and within short time intervals (min-h) after dredging. After dredging operations, microphytobenthos coming from the path were accumulated in the re-worked sediment (ridge). Chlorophyll a in superficial sediment increased from 1.2 microg x g(-1) before dredging to 1.7 microg x g(-1) after dredging and these higher values remained for a few hours. However, the expected increase of chlorophyll a in near bottom water due to re-suspension was not observed. After sediment disturbance an instantaneous sorption of phosphorus onto iron oxides occurred in the upper sediment layers (from 2 to 3 micromol x g(-1) before dredging to 4-5 micromol x g(-1) after dredging). A microcosm experiment showed that after sediment disturbance HPO(4)(2-) dissolved in pore water decreased from 40 to 10 microM being simultaneously sorbed onto iron oxides formed in the top layer of sediment. The ammonium, nitrates, organic nitrogen, phosphate and silicate dissolved in pore water decreased immediately after dredging activity and simultaneously an increase in near bottom water was sporadically observed. Generally, the re-establishment of seabed was reached within a short time (min-h), at both stations (VL and AR).