Effects of sulfamethazine and tetracycline at molecular, cellular and tissue levels in Eisenia fetida earthworms.

Soil contamination by antibiotics is a global issue of great concern that contributes to the rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance and can have toxic effects on non-target organisms. This study evaluated the variations of molecular, cellular, and histological parameters in Eisenia fetida earthworms exposed to sulfamethazine (SMZ) and tetracycline (TC), two antibiotics commonly found in agricultural soils. The earthworms were exposed for 14 days to a series of concentrations (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg) of both antibiotics. SMZ and TC did not affect the survival of E. fetida, however, other effects at different levels of biological complexity were detected. The two highest concentrations of SMZ reduced the viability of coelomocytes. At the highest TC concentration, there was a noticeable decline in cell viability, acetylcholinesterase activity (neurotoxicity), and the relative presence of mucopolysaccharides in the epidermis (mucous production). Glutathione S-transferase activity decreased in all TC treatments and at the highest SMZ concentration. However, levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls did not change, suggesting an absence of oxidative stress. Tetracycline was neurotoxic to E. fetida and changed the integrity of the epidermis. Both antibiotics altered the intestinal microbiota of E. fetida, leading to a reduction in the relative abundance of bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, while causing an increase in the phylum Actinobacteroidota. All observed changes indicate that both SMZ and TC can disrupt the earthworms' immune system and gut microbiome, while fostering the growth of bacteria that harbour antibiotic resistance genes. Finally, both antibiotics exerted additional metabolic and physiological effects that increased the vulnerability of E. fetida to pathogens.

The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot: A Comprehensive Dataset for the Mira-Mataje Binational Basins.

We present a flora and fauna dataset for the Mira-Mataje binational basins. This is an area shared between southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, where both the Chocó and Tropical Andes biodiversity hotspots converge. We systematized data from 120 sources in the Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) standard and geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems (GIS) (shapefiles). Sources included natural history museums, published literature, and citizen science repositories across 13 countries. The resulting database has 33,460 records from 6,821 species, of which 540 have been recorded as endemic, and 612 as threatened. The diversity represented in the dataset is equivalent to 10% of the total plant species and 26% of the total terrestrial vertebrate species in both hotspots. The dataset can be used to estimate and compare biodiversity patterns with environmental parameters and provide value to ecosystems, ecoregions, and protected areas. The dataset is a baseline for future assessments of biodiversity in the face of environmental degradation, climate change, and accelerated extinction processes.

Estudio Cualitativo: uso de la guía para la estimación del riesgo cardiovascular global en la práctica clínica / Pesquisa Qualitativa: Uso Dos Guias Para A Estimativa De Risco Cardiovascular Global Na Prá- Tica Clínica / Qualitative Study: The Use Of The Guidelines For The Assessment Of Absolute Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Clinical Pracice

El Ministerio de Salud, a través del Programa Remediar y con la participación de 24 Facultades de Medicina, implementa un Programa de Capacitación en Terapéutica Racional de Atención Primaria de la Salud (TRAPS) destinado a médicos/as que se desempeñan en el primer nivel de atención (PNA). En el Curso sobre Riesgo Cardiovascular Global (RCVG) se promueve la utilización de la Guía de la OMS adaptada para Argentina para la estimación del riesgo. Objetivo. Presentar los resultados de un estudio cualitativo que indaga, entre los profesionales que habían asistido al curso, el conocimiento y la utilización de la Guía. Material y Método. Población: médicos/as que se desempeñan en Centros de Salud en las provincias de Catamarca y La Rioja...

The Ministry of Health, through a Program called “Remediar” and with the participationof 24 Schools of Medicine, is implementing a Training Program on Rational Therapeuticsin Primary Health Care intended for doctors working in the fi rst level of care. In theCourse on Absolute Cardiovascular Disease Risk (ACVDR), the use of WHO Guidelinesfor the Assessment of Risk adapted for Argentina is promoted.Objective: To present the results of a qualitative study enquiring professionals who attendedthe course, regarding the knowledge and use of the Guidelines.Material and Method: Semi-structured deep interviews to explore dimensions such as patient-doctorrelationship, the approach to people with cardiovascular disease risk and thefactors involved in the process of patient care.Population: Doctors who work in Health Centers in the provinces of Catamarca and LaRioja and took the course on ACVDR.Results: Interviews took place between...

O Ministério da Saúde, por meio do Programa “Remediar” e com a participação de 24Faculdades de Medicina, implementa um Programa de Treinamento sobre Terapêutica Racionalde CuIdados Primários da Saúde (TRAPS) para médicos as que servem no primeiro nível de cuidados (PNA). No curso sobre Risco Cardiovascular Global (RCVG) é promovidaa utilização do Guia da OMS adaptado para a Argentina para a estimativa de risco.Escopo: Apresentar os resultados de um estudo qualitativo que questiona, entre os profi ssionaisque participaram do curso, sobre o conhecimento e o uso do Guia.Material e métodos: Entrevistas em profundidade semi-estruturadas, através das quais sãopesquisadas as dimensões, tais como relação médico-paciente, a abordagem de pessoascom risco cardiovascular e dos fatores institucionais envolvidos no processo dos cuidadosPopulação: Médicos que trabalham em centros de saúde nas províncias de Catamarca e LaRioja, e que fi zeram o curso em RCVG...

Relationships between oral infections and blood glucose concentrations or HbA1c levels in normal and diabetic rats.

AIM: To measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in a diabetic model as a means of investigating apical periodontitis and periodontal disease for their effects on both blood glucose concentrations and long-term glycaemic control. METHODOLOGY: Wistar rats (n = 80) were assigned to one of eight groups (10 animals/group): control (G1), apical periodontitis (G2), periodontal disease (G3), apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (G4), diabetic (G5), diabetic with apical periodontitis (G6), diabetic with periodontal disease (G7) and diabetic with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (G8). A diabetic state was induced with streptozotocin. Apical periodontitis was induced by dental exposure to the oral environment. Periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. Blood glucose concentrations were measured at 0, 6, 30 and 60 days. After euthanization, rat maxillae were excised and processed for histopathology and for measurement of HbA1c levels by ion exchange chromatography. Data were tabulated and subject to statistical analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The inflammatory infiltrate and alveolar bone resorption were more severe in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Diabetic rats exhibited higher levels of HbA1c independent of apical periodontitis or periodontal disease (P < 0.05). However, the presence of oral infections in diabetic rats was associated with increased blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral infections affect glycaemic conditions in diabetic rats and increase HbA1c levels in normoglycaemic or diabetic rats.

Uso racional de medicamentos: Evaluación de un curso de capacitación / Uso racional de medicamentos: avaliação de um curso de formação / Rational use of drugs: assessment of a training course

El Programa Remediar del Ministerio de Salud de la Naciónimplementó, entre 2006 y 2008 un Curso en Uso Racionalde Medicamentos destinado a médicos y odontólogos quese desempeñaban en los Centros de Atención Primaria dela Salud que recibían el botiquín con los medicamentosdel Programa Remediar. El Curso tenía como propósitogeneral promover el uso racional de medicamentos entrelos profesionales prescriptores del primer nivel de atención.Se establecieron acuerdos entre el Ministerio de Salud de laNación (MSAL), los Ministerios de Salud Provinciales y 23Facultades de Medicina. La política del MSAL fue involucrara la comunidad académica en un trabajo conjunto orientadoa jerarquizar la Atención Primaria de la Salud (APS). Elcurso se dictó para tres cohortes, en total 4463 profesionalesiniciaron el curso y 2776 lo completaron aprobando unexamen final. Funcionaron 118 sedes-aulas; participarontodas las jurisdicciones del país. El curso URM fue evaluadopor el Área de Monitoreo y Evaluación del Remediar usandolos registros de datos administrativos sobre rendimientoacadémico por provincia y realizando 15 grupos focales endistintas localidades. El objetivo del presente artículo es dara conocer la metodología utilizada y los resultados obtenidos en la Evaluación del Curso URM con el propósito de hacer un a contribución para elmejoramiento de futuras intervenciones.

Remediar Program of the National Ministry of Health implemented between 2006 and 2008Rational Use of Drugs’ Courses for doctors and dentists who worked in the Primary CareCenters Health receiving the kit with medicines from Remediar. The training was intendedgenerally to promote rational use of medicines for professional primary care prescribers.Agreements were established between the National Health Ministry, Provincial HealthMinistries and 23 medical schools. The Health Ministry policy was to involve the academiccommunity in a joint effort aimed at prioritizing the Primary Health Care. The course washeld for three cohorts, totaling 4463 professional, 2776 started the course and completed itby passing a final exam. They ran 118 seats of classrooms, involving all jurisdictions. URMCourse was evaluated by the Monitoring and Evaluation Area using administrative data onacademic performance by province and conducting 15 focus groups in different locations.The aim of this paper is to present the methodology used and the results obtained in theURM Course Evaluation in order to make a contribution to improve future interventions.

Synthesis, characterization and adsorptive properties of carbon with iron nanoparticles and iron carbide for the removal of As(V) from water.

This manuscript presents the synthesis of carbon modified with iron nanoparticles (CFe) and iron carbide (CarFe) from the pyrolyzed crown leaves of pineapple (Ananas comosus) treated with iron salts. The materials that were obtained were used for the removal of As(V) from aqueous media. The carbonaceous materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Mossbauer Spectroscopy. The specific area (BET), number site density and point of zero charge (pH(pzc)) were also determined. The kinetic parameters were obtained by fitting the experimental data to the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Different isotherm models were applied to describe the As(V) adsorption behavior. The kinetics of As(V) sorption by CFe and CarFe was well defined for the pseudo-second-order model (R(2) = 0.9994 and 0.999, respectively). The maximum As(V) uptake was 1.8 mg g(-1) for CFe and 1.4 mg g(-1) for CarFe. The results obtained indicated that both materials are equally useful for As(V) sorption. The As(V) experimental isotherm data were described by the Freundlich model for CFe and CarFe.

Chemopreventive activity of compounds extracted from Casearia sylvestris (Salicaceae) Sw against DNA damage induced by particulate matter emitted by sugarcane burning near Araraquara, Brazil.

Ethanolic extract of Casearia sylvestris is thought to be antimutagenic. In this study, we attempted to determine whether this extract and casearin X (a clerodane diterpene from C. sylvestris) are protective against the harmful effects of airborne pollutants from sugarcane burning. To that end, we used the Tradescantia micronucleus test in meiotic pollen cells of Tradescantia pallida, the micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow cells, and the comet assay in mouse blood cells. The mutagenic compound was total suspended particulate (TSP) from air. For the Tradescantia micronucleus test, T. pallida cuttings were treated with the extract at 0.13, 0.25, or 0.50 mg/ml. Subsequently, TSP was added at 0.3mg/ml, and tetrads from the inflorescences were examined for micronuclei. For the micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow cells and the comet assay in mouse blood cells, Balb/c mice were treated for 15 days with the extract-3.9, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg body weight (BW)-or with casearin X-0.3, 0.25, or 1.2 mg/kg BW-after which they received TSP (3.75 mg/kg BW). In T. pallida and mouse bone marrow cells, the extract was antimutagenic at all concentrations tested. In mouse blood cells, the extract was antigenotoxic at all concentrations, whereas casearin X was not antimutagenic but was antigenotoxic at all concentrations. We conclude that C. sylvestris ethanolic extract and casearin X protect DNA from damage induced by airborne pollutants from sugarcane burning.

Prevalence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy assessed with coronary angiography versus coronary vascular ultrasound and virtual histology.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major factor limiting long-term survival after heart transplantation (HT). The purpose of this study was to characterize the coronary artery structure and to determine the prevalence of vasculopathy after HT, comparing the sensitivity of coronary angiography with that of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology (VH). METHODS: A prospective recruitment cross-sectional study was performed in 31 adult HT recipients including 22 men and, 9 women of overall mean age of 45.2 ± 12.6 years at an average of 3.7 ± 3.7 years after transplantation. They underwent simultaneously coronary angiography and IVUS assessment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We investigated histological composition of the intima. Final data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: IVUS discovered the presence of CAV among 17/31 (54.8%) patients versus coronary angiography in 10 (32.3%; P = .009). The histological composition of the intima as assessed with IVUS VH was 26.1% fiber, 8.7% necrotic core, 5.7% calcium, and 4.3% lipid. There was no significant association between preexistent risk factors and the presence of CAV. There was a correlation between time elapsed since HT and CAV development. CONCLUSION: Time elapsed since HT is the most important risk factor for the development of CAV. Its prevalence almost doubled when measured with IVUS in contrast with angiography. IVUS was thus shown to be a more sensitive diagnostic tool compared with coronary angiography.

Psychological aspects of presymptomatic diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 in Cuba.

OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we present a descriptive study of the first year of implementation of the predictive genetic testing program for spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) in Cuba, which has been structured along the international guidelines for Huntington disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed from 100 individuals who requested presymptomatic diagnosis. They had been seen between February 2001 and May 2002 at the Ataxia Clinic in the province of Holguín and had completed the protocol. The participants had psychological evaluations before testing and 1 week after being informed of the result. RESULTS: The average age of the participants in the presymptomatic testing for SCA2 was 39.3 years, 62% were female. The main reasons for taking the test were family planning and risk assessment in their children. Family participation in the process was high and there were several additional sources of social support. Before the test, the subjects did not present high levels of anxiety or depression. On informing the patients of the test results indicators for anxiety and depression significantly decreased, and there were no significant differences according to whether the test result had been positive or negative. Catastrophic events were rare during the first week after the test. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a strong interest in presymptomatic diagnosis among individuals at risk for SCA2 in Holguín and a lack of significant psychological drawbacks up to 1 week after information of results.

Psychological Aspects of Presymptomatic Diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 in Cuba

In this paper, we present a descriptive study of significant psychological drawbacks up to 1 week after infor-the first year of implementation of the predictive genetic mation of results. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Baseltesting program for spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) inCuba, which has been structured along the internationalguidelines for Huntington disease. Subjects and Methods:Medical records were retrospectively reviewed from 100 in-dividuals who requested presymptomatic diagnosis. Theyhad been seen between February 2001 and May 2002 at theAtaxia Clinic in the province of Holguín and had completedthe protocol. The participants had psychological evaluationsbefore testing and 1 week after being informed of the result.Results: The average age of the participants in the presymp-tomatic testing for SCA2 was 39.3 years, 62% were female.The main reasons for taking the test were family planningand risk assessment in their children. Family participation inthe process was high and there were several additionalsources of social support. Before the test, the subjects didnot present high levels of anxiety or depression. On inform-ing the patients of the test results indicators for anxiety and...(AU)

[Cervical infection epidemiology of human papillomavirus in Ushuaia, Argentina]. / Epidemiología de la infección cervical por virus papiloma humano en Ushuaia, Argentina.

Genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is decisive in the causation of cervical cancer. In order to evaluate the epidemiology of HPV infection in Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, 132 endocervical cytobrushes from preneoplastic and neoplastic cases and controls were studied. Detection and typing of the viral genome was performed by polymerase chain reaction, combined with a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay or hybridization. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 41% in the population examined, with a frequency of 26% in the controls and 71% in the cases under study. The 14-24 age group showed the highest HPV prevalence. The most common viral types in the infected population were HPV 16 (23%), HPV 18 (11%), HPV 33 (8%) and HPV 35 (8%), while high risk viral types were detected in 30% of the samples, 16% of the controls and 60% of the cases. This study provides the first data on the predominant viral types in Ushuaia. Our results show lower levels of infection than in regions with a high incidence of cervical cancer, HPV 16 being the most prevalent viral type. This research may be useful for selecting a specific vaccine targeting the population examined.

Epidemiología de la infección cervical por virus Papiloma humano en Ushuaia: Argentina / Cervical infection epidemiology of human papillomavirus in Ushuaia: Argentina

El virus Papiloma humano (HPV) es un factor necesario para el desarrollo del cáncer cervical. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la epidemiología de dicha infección en Ushuaia, Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Se realizó un estudio de caso-control de 132 cepillados endocervicales. La detección y tipificación del genoma viral fue realizada por la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, con posterior análisis de polimorfismos de fragmentos de restricción o hibridación. La prevalencia general de la infección fue 41%, correspondiendo 26% a los controles y 71% a los casos. El grupo etario con mayor prevalencia de HPV fue el de 14 a 24 años. Los tipos virales más frecuentes en la población infectada fueron HPV16 (23%), HPV18 (11%) y HPV33/35 (8% cada uno), resultando infectados con tipos virales de alto riesgo el 30% de las muestras, 16% de los controles y 60% de los casos. El trabajo aporta los primeros datos sobre los tipos virales predominantes en Ushuaia. Los resultados demostraron una prevalencia menor que en regiones con alta incidencia de cáncer cervical, siendo el HPV16 el más frecuente. La información obtenida permitiría estimar la efectividad de las vacunas en vías de aprobación, en la población estudiada.

Genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is decisive in the causation of cervical cancer. In order to evaluate the epidemiology of HPV infection in Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, 132 endocervical cytobrushes from preneoplastic and neoplastic cases and controls were studied. Detection and typing of the viral genome was performed by polymerase chain reaction, combined with a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay or hybridization. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 41% in the population examined, with a frequency of 26% in the controls and 71% in the cases under study. The 14-24 age group showed the highest HPV prevalence. The most common viral types in the infected population were HPV 16 (23%), HPV 18 (11%), HPV 33 (8%) and HPV 35 (8%), while high risk viral types were detected in 30% of the samples, 16% of the controls and 60% of the cases. This study provides the first data on the predominant viral types in Ushuaia. Our results show lower levels of infection than in regions with a high incidence of cervical cancer, HPV 16 being the most prevalent viral type. This research may be useful for selecting a specific vaccine targeting the population examined.

Diversidad y abundancia de moluscos de la epifauna en la comunidad sublitoral de Punta Patilla, Venezuela / Diversity and abundance of mollusks in the sublittoral epifaunal community of Punta Patilla, Venezuela

The diversity of a sublittoral epifaunal mollusk community of Punta Patilla, Sucre State, Venezuela, was studied from September 1990 to September 1991. We identified 25 species (14 bivalves and 11 gastropods) of mollusks that inhabit gravel, soft sand and bottoms covered by Thalassia testudinum.Total diversity indices were H´= 3.42, J´= 0.74 and 1-D = 0.85. Monthly diversity reached its maximum in March 1991 (3.12 bits/ ind.), June 1991 (2.88 bits/ind.) and September 1991 (2.95 bits/ind.); minimum diversity was recorded in August 1991 (1.20 bits/ind.).A log series model showed a diversity index alpha = 4.56 for species abundance data and alpha = 3.11 for biomass data. The more abundant species were Chione cancellata, Antigona listeri, Chione granulata and Arca zebra among the bivalves, and Chicoreus brevifrons, Turritella variegata and Phyllonotus pomum among the gastropods (which present maximum biomass). The average total biomass (56.80 g/m2 )is low when compared to reports from other tropical zones

Se estudió la diversidad de una comunidad malacológica sublitoral en Punta Patilla, Estado Sucre, Venezuela, desde septiembre 1990 hasta septiembre 1991. Se identificaron 25 especies, 14 bivalvos y 11 gasterópodos. Los parámetros de diversidad total en número de la comunidad fueron H´=3.41 bits/ind., J´=0.74 y 1-D =0.85. Las máximas diversidades mensuales se observaron en marzo 1991 (3.12 bits/ind.), junio 1991 (2.88 bits/ind) y septiembre 1991 (2.95 bits/ind.) y la mínima ocurrió en agosto 1991 (1.20 bits/ind.). Los datos del número de individuos conforman una línea recta ajustada por la serie logarítmica con un índice alfa =4.56 y alfa =3.11 para los de biomasa. Las especies más abundantes fueron Chione cancellata, Antigona listeri, Chione granulata y Arca zebra entre los bivalvos, y Chicoreus brevifrons, Turritella variegata y Phyllonotus pomum entre los gasterópodos, estos presentaron las máximas biomasas individuales. La biomasa total promedio de la comunidad (56.80 g/m2 ) es baja cuando se compara con otros reportes de áreas tropicales. Los moluscos habitaron fondos de grava y arenofangoso cubiertos por praderas de Thalasia testudinum

alpha-galf I -->6-alpha-mannopyranoside side chains in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis cell wall are shared by members of the Onygenales, but not by galactomannans of other fungal genera.

The water-soluble polysaccharide fraction of the cell wall alkali extract (F1SS) from the mycelial phase of the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is compared with F1SS polysaccharides obtained from the Onygenalean mycelial fungi Ascocalvatia alveolata, Onygena equina and Aphanoascus terreus. These polymers were exclusively composed of mannose and galactose. Data from methylation and NMR analyses reveal that F1SS polysaccharides from the four fungi contain the same residues although in different proportions: [-->2,6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 -->]; [2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 -->]; [ -->6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 -->]; and [alpha-D-Galf-(1 -->]. In P. brasiliensis, the repeating unit of the polysaccharide consists of a backbone of [(1 -->6)-alpha-D-Manp] substituted at the 0-2 position by the disaccharide [alpha-D-Galf-(1 -->6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 -->], while the remaining 0-2 positions are substituted by single residues of mannose or short chains of (1 -->2)-mannose. The other species had a lower proportion of galactofuranose-containing side chains and higher proportion of mannose-containing side chains. The similarities found among the F1SS polysaccharides from P. brasiliensis and the Onygenalean A. alveolata, A. terreus and O. equina, reveal the close relatedness of all these fungi, show differences with polysaccharides from other fungal genera and agree with the molecular evidence provided in the scientific literature for the placement of P. brasiliensis within the Onygenales.

[Haemorrhagic brain metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma]. / Metastasis cerebral hemorragica de adenocarcinoma prostatico.

INTRODUCTION: Prostatic adenocarcinomas have a marked tendency to spread to lymph nodes and bones, with occasional internal organ metastases. Brain metastases from prostatic carcinomas are rare. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a patient with haemorrhagic brain metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma, which was initially considered to be a parenchymatous brain haemorrhage. The possible ways by which it can spread, the difficulty involved in interpreting the images and the role played by a biopsy with immunostaining in reaching a final diagnosis are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Perhaps the most significant aspect of this case was the 13 year period that elapsed between diagnosis of the primary tumour and brain metastasis, the absence of spreading to lymph nodes and the localised, intrapelvic, aspect of the bone lesion that was detected.

Impacto de la Jornada Nacional de Vacunación contra la poliomielitis en Colombia, 2001: una aproximación ecológica / National immunization day evaluation in Colombia, 2001: an ecological approach

OBJETIVOS: Determinar el impacto de la Jornada Nacional de Vacunación realizada en el 2001 sobre las coberturas de esquemas completos (VPO3) y cumplimiento de la meta de refuerzos de vacuna antipoliomielítica, en diferentes regiones del país y su asociación con el índice de Necesidades Básicas Insatisfechas (NBI), desplazamiento forzoso y conflicto armado. MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico de grupos múltiples y analítico, utilizando como unidades de observación la región, departamento, provincia y municipio. Se realizó análisis bivariado con diferencia de proporciones para muestras pareadas (prueba de McNemar), cálculo del OR, regresión lineal y determinación del riesgo relativo con la fórmula de Morgenstern. Además fueron comparadas las poblaciones protegidas y susceptibles entre unidades de observación. RESULTADOS: El incremento de la cobertura de VPO3 entre Octubre y Diciembre del 2001 de 15 a 19 por ciento (p<0,05) y la cobertura final de 78 a 84 por ciento. El análisis provincial evidenció un 25,8 por ciento de la población en sitios con coberturas útiles. Se registró un aumento de 4 a 7 departamentos y 281 a 328 municipios con coberturas mayores de 95 por ciento (p<0,05). Se encontró una disminución del riesgo de no completar esquemas en zonas de conflicto, se mantuvo en zonas con NBI alto y aumentó en zonas con alta proporción de familias desplazadas. El cumplimiento de la meta de refuerzos de VPO tuvo una mediana de 61 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES: La Jornada Nacional de Vacunación disminuyó las dificultades de acceso de la población menor de 5 años. El análisis de diferentes unidades geográficas controla el efecto del desconocimiento de los denominadores de población. Los estudios ecológicos enriquecen el análisis de los datos rutinarios.

Mutations in mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) change cofactor affinity and segregate with voluntary alcohol consumption in rats.

Genetic factors influence alcohol consumption and alcoholism. A number of groups have bred alcohol drinker and non drinker rat strains, but genetic determinants remain unknown. The University of Chile rat lines UChA (low drinkers) and UChB (high drinkers) display differences in the relative K(m) for NAD+ of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) but no V(max) differences. The relative K(m) differences may be due to mitochondrial changes or to genetic differences coding for ALDH2. We investigated whether there are differences in the coding regions of ALDH2 cDNA in these lines and whether the Aldh2 genotype predicts the phenotype of alcohol consumption and the K(m) of ALDH2 for NAD+. Liver cDNA was prepared, and the Aldh2 transcript was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Genotyping was conducted by DNA amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. When compared to Aldh21 of Sprague-Dawley, 94% of the UChA (low drinker) rats (n = 61), presented a mutation that changes Gln67 to Arg in the mature enzyme (allele referred to as Aldh22). In UChB (high drinker) rats (n = 69), 58% presented the Aldh21 allele, while 42% presented the Gln67Arg change plus a second mutation that changed Glu479 to Lys (allele Aldh23). The Aldh22 allele was absent in high drinker rats. Rats of different Aldh2 genotypes displayed marked phenotypic differences in both ethanol consumption (g/kg/day; means +/- SE): (Aldh21/Aldh21) = 5.7 +/- 0.2, (Aldh22/Aldh22) = 0.9 +/- 0.2 and (Aldh23/Aldh23) = 4.6 +/- 0.2; and K(m)s for NAD+ of 43 +/- 3 microm, 132 +/- 13 microm and 41 +/- 2 microm, respectively (Aldh22 versus Aldh21 or Aldh23; P < 0.0001 for both phenotypes). Overall, the data show that alleles of Aldh2 strongly segregate with the phenotype of ethanol consumption and the relative K(m) for NAD+ of ALDH2. Bases mutated suggest that non drinker Aldh22 is ancestral with regard to the coding changes in either Aldh21 or Aldh23, variants which would allow ethanol consumption and may provide an evolutionary advantage by promoting calorie intake from fermented products along with carbohydrates.

Hábitos de consumo de productos apícolas en un colectivo de ancianos / Consumption habits of apiary products in an elder collective

The aim of this study was to analyse the consumption habits of bee products such as: honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis in the elderly of different places of Spain. Honey is an energetic food of its own, and it can also help to overcome several diseases; due to its components that have a beneficial effect in our health. These facts turn honey into a valuable constituent of one's nutrition specially in ancient people. This report demonstrates the knowledge and consumption habits of these persons. Date came from a questionnaire about preferences, places where they buy these products, time and amount of consumption, knowledge of the quality of these products, etc. The results suggest that the vast majority of the people inquired are regular consumers of honey and we also would like to underline the high rate of knowledge of its nutritional value and its medicinal qualities. However, most of the elderly inquired do not know about other apiary products such as bee propolis.

[Consumption habits of apiary products in an elder collective]. / Hábitos de consumo de productos apícolas en un colectivo de ancianos.

The aim of this study was to analyse the consumption habits of bee products such as: honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis in the elderly of different places of Spain. Honey is an energetic food of its own, and it can also help to overcome several diseases; due to its components that have a beneficial effect in our health. These facts turn honey into a valuable constituent of one's nutrition specially in ancient people. This report demonstrates the knowledge and consumption habits of these persons. Date came from a questionnaire about preferences, places where they buy these products, time and amount of consumption, knowledge of the quality of these products, etc. The results suggest that the vast majority of the people inquired are regular consumers of honey and we also would like to underline the high rate of knowledge of its nutritional value and its medicinal qualities. However, most of the elderly inquired do not know about other apiary products such as bee propolis.