Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyzes, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program. / Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica y de la Sección de Cardiotorácica y Cirugía Vascular de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor, para los pacientes sometidos a cirugía pulmonar incluidos en un programa de recuperación intensificada.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) significantly influences prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) in one of AHR ligands. The aim of this study is to analyze the prognostic influence of AIP in pancreatic carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective case series with immunohistochemical analysis of AIP. We have estimated a multivariate Cox's model for the outcome (progression free and overall survival). RESULTS: 204 patients were included in the study. As expected prognosis was poor and 67.8% died of disease. As for AIP 9.8% of the cases showed nuclear staining of the epithelial tumor cells and 59.4% a cytoplasmic one. Stroma was stained in 53.1% of the cases. Univariate survival analysis revealed a significantly worse prognosis of patients with cytoplasmic AIP expression (stroma and epithelium), but nuclear expression was associated to a better prognosis. In the multivariate analysis stromal AIP expression was an independent prognosticator of progression free survival, together with pT stage, histological grade and history of diabetes. DISCUSSION: AIP Is a conserved cochaperone protein binding to many proteins. AIP has been proposed as a potential tumor suppressor gene. To date, no study has analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of AIP in pancreatic carcinoma. Our results indicate that both epithelial and stromal cytoplasmic expression of AIP is associated to bad prognosis, while nuclear translocation seems to improve prognosis. CONCLUSION: Although we must deepen into the complex signaling pathways underlying this potential association, our results open a way to inhibiting AHR as a potential target against pancreatic carcinoma.

Carotenoids from persimmon juice processing.

The aim of this study was the use and revalorization of two persimmon by-products A and B generated in the juice production process. The by-product B resulting from a pectinase enzymatic treatment of peels and pulp to optimize juice extraction was especially suitable for recovery of valuable bioactive carotenoids. The extraction solvents and solvent combinations used were: ethanol, acetone, ethanol/acetone (50:50 v/v) and ethanol/acetone/hexane (25:25:50 v/v/v). HPLC-DAD analysis detected and identified a total of nine individual carotenoids namely violaxanthin, neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin 5,6-epoxide, ß-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and ß-carotene. ß-cryptoxanthin and ß-carotene represented 49.2% and 13.2% of the total carotenoid content (TCC) in the acetone extract from by-product B. TCC contributed greatly to antioxidant activity of acetone extract derived from this by-product. Pectinase enzymatic treatment of persimmon peels and pulp followed by absolute acetone extraction of carotenoids could be an efficient method to obtain a rich extract in these compounds that could be used as nutraceutical ingredient.

Still a place for conventional histopathological analysis in the era of molecular medicine: predicting prognosis of resectable ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim is to find features that define prognosis in surgically resected ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma readily accessible in everyday practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Longitudinal retrospective case series of pancreatic adenocarcinoma operated with a curative intent in a large tertiary hospital in Madrid between 2009 and 2015. RESULTS: 162 were enrolled. 40.8% survived less than 1 year. Multivariate Cox's regression model revealed that gender, presence of symptoms, T and N stage independently influenced progression-free survival, while overall survival was determined by gender, smoking, presence of symptoms and N stage. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only symptoms at diagnosis could predict death, while gender, symptoms, histopathological type, vessel invasion, T stage and necrosis could independently predict recurrence. DISCUSSION: Our series show that patients with symptomatic disease at the time of diagnosis and females showed a shorter progression-free and overall survival. We herein propose a regression model to predict outcome.

Bacteria involved in sulfur amendment oxidation and acidification processes of alkaline 'alperujo' compost.

Eight strains of sulfur oxidizing bacteria were isolated from alkaline 'alperujo' compost, seven being identified as Paracoccus thiocyanatus and one as Halothiobacillus neapolitanus. This was the first time that P. thiocyanatus was isolated from mature compost. Acidification capability of isolated strains was compared with type strains H. neapolitanus CIP104769, Thiobacillus denitrificans CIP104767 and Thiomonas intermedia CIP104401. Indigenous P. thiocyanatus strains were as much as or more efficient for acidifying compost than type strains. Sulfur oxidizing population naturally occurring in compost showed maximum acidification efficiency and no extra effect was found with the help of type strains. pH reduction caused by S○ was paralleled by a decrease in CaCO3 and an increase in CaSO4 and salinity levels. A remarkable increase in cultivable sulfur oxidizing bacteria population along with the acidification process was also recorded. Amended compost showed a range of chemical and biological characteristics suitable for use as container media constituent.

El índice de masa corporal y la circunferencia abdominal infraestiman el diagnóstico de obesidad en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / The diagnosis of obesity is infraestimated by body mass index and abdominal circumference in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objetivos: Cuantifi car la prevalencia de obesidad en pacientes con diabetes mellitustipo 2 (DM2), comparando criterios por índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferenciaabdominal (CA) y pletismografía por desplazamiento de aire. Métodos:Estudio transversal de 80 pacientes con DM2, mediante valoración antropométricay pletismografía, estudiando la correlación entre IMC, CA y porcentaje de grasa corporal.Se defi ne obesidad según el IMC mediante criterios estándar (>30 kg/m2),por una CA mayor de 102 cm y de 88 cm en varones y mujeres, respectivamente,y por un porcentaje de grasa por encima del 25% en varones y del 35% en mujeres.Se analizó también la correlación existente con distintos parámetros del síndromemetabólico, la edad, el sexo, el tabaco, el tratamiento insulínico, los años deevolución de la diabetes y la hemoglobina glucosilada. Resultados: La prevalenciade obesidad según IMC, CA y pletismografía fue la siguiente: por IMC, 38 pacientes(47,5%); por CA, 50 (62,5%), y por pletismografía, 74 (92,5%); se encontrarondiferencias estadísticamente signifi cativas entre el IMC y la pletismografía (p <0,05)y entre la CA y la pletismografía (p <0,01). El tener un IMC >30 kg/m2 presentóuna especifi cidad del 100% para el diagnóstico de obesidad, pero la sensibilidadfue del 51%. El presentar una CA por encima del rango de normalidad mostró unaespecifi cidad del 100% pero una sensibilidad del 66%. El IMC presentó buenacorrelación con el porcentaje de grasa (R= 0,65; p <0,01). Otras variables asociadascon presentar mayor porcentaje de grasa fueron el sexo (mujer, p <0,01), lacircunferencia abdominal (p <0,01) y la circunferencia de la cadera (p <0,01).Conclusiones: En pacientes con DM2, el IMC y la CA infraestiman el diagnósticode obesidad. Por ello consideramos necesario el uso de técnicas de composicióncorporal en pacientes con DM2, especialmente en los diabéticos con criterios antropométricosdentro de la normalidad(AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify obesity prevalence intype 2 diabetes (T2D) comparing criteria based on body mass index (BMI),abdominal circumference (AC) and air displacement pletismography (BODPOD®). Methods: A cross sectional study of 80 patients with T2D, studyingthe correlation among BMI, AC and body fat percentage after anthropometricassessment and BOD POD®. Obesity was defined using standard criteria asIMC >30 kg/m2, AC >102 cm in men or IMC >88 cm in women, or fat percentage>25% or >35% in women. The correlation with several parametersof metabolic syndrome, age, gender, tobacco, insulin treatment, diabetes durationand glycosylated hemoglobin has been also analyzed. Results: 38 patientswere classified as obese (47.5%) according to BMI, 50 (62.5%) by AC,and 74 (92.5%) by BOD POD®. Statistically significant differences were foundbetween BMI and BOD POD® (p <0.05), and between AC and BOD POD®(p <0.01). Having a BMI >30 kg/m2 has a specificity of 100% in the diagnosisof obesity, and a sensitivity of 51%. An AC superior to normality has a 66%of sensitivity and a 100% of specificity. BMI has a good correlation with bodyfat percentage (R= 0.65; p<0.01). Other variables associated with higher fatpercentage were: gender (female, p <0.01); AC (p <0.01) and hip circumference(p <0.01). Conclusions: In patients with T2D, both BMI and AC infraestimatethe diagnosis of obesity. Therefore we believe that corporal compositiontechniques should be used in the diagnosis of obesity in patients with T2D,specially in those with normal anthropometric criteria(AU)

Hipoglucemia reactiva posprandial: ¿mito o realidad? / Postprandial reactive hypoglycemia: myth or reality?

La hipoglucemia reactiva posprandial se caracteriza por síntomascompatibles con hipoglucemia en situación posprandial, habitualmentedurante las 4 horas postingesta, coincidiendo con glucemiasmenores de 60 mg/dL. Esta entidad ha sido muy cuestionada, fundamentalmentedebido a los diferentes criterios utilizados para ladefinición de hipoglucemia, a la inespecificidad de la clínica y al usoinapropiado de la sobrecarga oral de glucosa. Gran parte de la confusiónse debe al procedimiento diagnóstico utilizado. Lo fundamentales la interpretación de la clínica que refiere el paciente junto conla concentración glucémica en el momento de los síntomas. La clínicareferida por los pacientes se puede poner de manifiesto condiferentes test diagnósticos. Los principales son la sobrecarga oralde glucosa, el test de desayuno hiperglucídico, la monitorizaciónambulatoria de glucemia capilar y la monitorización continua de glucosaintersticial. Inicialmente estos pacientes son tratados con unaalimentación baja en hidratos de carbono, con ingestas repartidas alo largo del día. Sin embargo, algunos de ellos necesitarán tratamientofarmacológico. Los fármacos más utilizados son los inhibidoresde las alfaglucosidasas, aunque se han utilizado otros muchos(AU)

Postprandial reactive hypoglycemia is characterized by symptomsthat are compatible with hypoglycemia in a postprandial situation,usually within 4 hours of eating, coinciding with blood sugar levelsbelow 60 mg/dl. This entity has been widely questioned, mainly dueto the different criteria used to define hypoglycemia, to the lack ofspecificity concerning its clinical manifestations and to the inappropriateuse of the glucose tolerance test. A large part of the confusionis due to the diagnostic procedure used. Most fundamental are theinterpretation of the clinical manifestations reported by the patienttogether with the blood sugar concentration at the time when thesymptoms occur. The clinical manifestations reported by the patientscan be made evident through different diagnostic tests. The maintests are the glucose tolerance test, the hyperglucidic breakfast test,ambulatory capillary blood glucose monitoring and continuous interstitialglucose monitoring. At first these patients are treated with a lowcarbohydratediet, with meals spread throughout the day. However,some of those patients will require a pharmacological treatment. Themost commonly used drugs are the a-glucosidase inhibitors, althoughmany others have been used(AU)

Direct detection and identification of Arcobacter species by multiplex PCR in chicken and wastewater samples from Spain.

Twenty-two chicken livers, 10 chicken carcasses, and 15 wastewater samples were processed and analyzed for Arcobacter by PCR and traditional culture methods. Samples were enriched for 24 and 48 h, incubated at 30 degrees C under aerobic conditions, and streaked on blood selective media. To determine the best isolation conditions, 20 samples also were processed under microaerophilic conditions at 37 degrees C. Simple and multiplex PCR assays were used directly with enrichment broths and isolated strains. Seventeen Arcobacter strains were isolated from chicken samples, and A. butzleri was the only Arcobacter species identified. The direct PCR assay revealed that 29 of the 32 chicken samples were contaminated with Arcobacter. A. butzleri was the most frequently detected species, although Arcobacter cryaerophilus also was present in some of the samples and Arcobacter skirrowii occasionally was detected. All the wastewater samples were positive by PCR assay for Arcobacter after 24 h of enrichment. A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus were detected with the multiplex PCR assay. Fourteen Arcobacter strains were isolated from 10 of the 15 water samples analyzed; 7 were identified as A. butzleri and the remaining 7 were A. cryaerophilus. Both for chicken and water samples, Arcobacter detection rate for PCR amplification was higher than for culture isolation. These results indicate the high prevalence of Arcobacter in chicken and wastewater and the inadequacy of available cultural methods for its detection. The species-specific multiplex PCR assay is a rapid method for assessing Arcobacter contamination in chicken and wastewater samples and is a viable alternative to biochemical identification of isolated strains.

Biological oxidation of elemental sulphur added to three composts from different feedstocks to reduce their pH for horticultural purposes.

The biological oxidation of elemental sulphur (S(o)) added to three alkaline composts prepared with a range of organic wastes (CC, melon crop residues; MC, mixed manures; and BC, pine bark) to reduce their pH was studied. The titration curves showed that to achieve an equivalent pH drop, compost CC needed a larger dose of S(o) than did composts MC and BC. The acidification efficiency was high in the three composts (53%), but the pH reduction obtained from the titration curves in MC and BC composts was lower than expected. S(o) oxidation in amended composts was found to be related to pH and CaCO(3) content decreases, and to the rise in CaSO(4) and electrical conductivity levels. A remarkable increase in the autotrophic bacteria population and a slight increase in heterotrophic bacteria along with S(o) oxidation were recorded. Actinomycetes, fungi and yeasts were not affected by the addition of S(o) to composts.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and biochemical typing of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to characterize subspecifically Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae strains isolated from cultured Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax by means of phenotypic and molecular typing techniques (amplified fragment length polymorphism, AFLP). METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-one strains of P. damselae subsp. damselae were isolated from 38 cultured fishes at different fish farms located on the Mediterranean coast near Valencia, Spain. Most fish studied were asymptomatic and some were recovered during infectious outbreaks. Phenotypic characterization revealed a considerable degree of variability within the subspecies, including some characters, such as production of urease, which are used to differentiate P. damselae subsp. damselae from P. damselae subsp. piscicida. Genetic characterization was conducted on a selection of 33 strains, including two reference strains. Dice coefficient (Sd) and the unweighted pair group method with average linkage (UPGMA) were used for numerical analysis of banding patterns. AFLP type was defined on the basis of 100% similarity in the dendrogram obtained, yielding 24 distinct AFLP profiles. At 70% similarity, 13 clusters were defined, thus confirming the great variability observed for the phenotypic traits. CONCLUSIONS: The AFLP variability shown by the isolates was high enough to discriminate between different strains which colonize the same fish. However, closely related AFLP types were usually derived from strains isolated at the same fish farm, indicating an epidemiological relationship. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study has confirmed that the AFLP technique allows discrimination of individual strains within P. damselae subsp. damselae for epidemiological studies, and that this subspecies exhibits greater variability than that described for subspecies piscicida.

Direct detection of thermotolerant campylobacters in chicken products by PCR and in situ hybridization.

We have evaluated the use of PCR and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques for the detection of thermotolerant campylobacters in naturally contaminated chicken products. 16S rRNA sequence data was used to design two specific primers and an oligonucleotide probe for PCR and FISH analyses, respectively. The PCR protocol amplified a 439-bp fragment corresponding to a portion of specific 16S RNA gene from thermotolerant campylobacters. The detection range of the PCR assay varied between 10 cells (after enrichment) to 10(2) cells per mL (without enrichment). FISH probes were able to identify thermotolerant Campylobacter species in 'spiked' and 'unspiked' naturally contaminated samples. PCR and FISH were performed on naturally contaminated samples and compared with the isolation of cells on selective media. The in situ hybridization technique was less sensitive than PCR, although its sensitivity of detection was increased considerably after 22 h of enrichment. These results confirm the usefulness of 16S rRNA-based techniques for the direct detection of campylobacters in food samples.

Expresión y localización de hsp70 y hsp27 en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Expression and localization of hsp70 and hsp27 in human breast tumors

Planteamiento: se ha estudiado la inducción de las proteínas de choque térmico (hsp) 70 y 27 en 35 pacientes con cáncer de mama comparando con tumores malignos.Material y métodos: Se han hecho estudios con inmunohistoquímica sobre cortes de parafina de los 35 pacientes con cáncer de mama empleando anticuerpos frente a las proteínas hsp70 y hsp27. Al mismo tiempo se han analizado los tumores, pero no sucede lo mismo con hsp27. La expresión de hsp70 es alta en todos los casos, con más del 60 por ciento de células teñidas por campo en cada tumor. La expresión de hsp27 es menor en los casos dende hay reacción positiva. La expresión de hsp70 parece estar relacionada con los procesos de proliferación en tejido mamario, mientras que en tumores malignos hay una localización nuclear de hsp70.Conclusiones: Se puede decir que los resultados del trabajo apoyan el empleo de hsp70 como marcador de malignidad en el cáncer de mama, dada su expresión aumnetada y translocación nuclear relacionada con el cáncer (AU)

Differentiating inclusion complexes from host molecules by tapping-mode atomic force microscopy.

Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy imaging under different cantilever vibration amplitudes has been used to differentiate the host beta-cyclodextrin nanotubes from retinal/beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanotubes. It was observed that both compounds were deformed differently by the applied probe force because of their different local rigidity. This change in the elasticity properties can be explained as a consequence of the inclusion process. This method shows that tapping-mode atomic force microscopy is an useful tool to map soft sample elasticity properties and to distinguish inclusion complexes from their host molecules on the basis of their different mechanical response.

Analytical applications of retinoid-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. 1. Characterization of a retinal-beta-cyclodextrin complex.

In studies in these laboratories on the supramolecular chemistry of the retinoids, it has been recently confirmed that inclusion of these substances within the cavity of cyclodextrins protects their excited states, thus improving their photochemical stability. In the present paper, the isolation is described of a crystalline stable complex between retinal and beta-cyclodextrin, which has been characterized by means of several techniques including atomic force microscopy (AFM). The complex shows distinct spectroscopic differences from both retinal and beta-cyclodextrin. Thus, it absorbs at lambda(max) = 380 nm in water whereas retinal is insoluble; it shows room-temperature luminescence, which retinal does not; finally, it give 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra in d6-DMSO with clear differences in chemical shifts with respect to those of beta-cyclodextrin. Besides these studies in solution, the behaviour of the complex in the solid state has been compared with that of physical mixtures of retinal and beta-cyclodextrin. IR spectroscopy shows clear differences, particularly a shift in the retinal carbonyl absorption (1644-1672 cm-1). AFM studies reveal the existence of aggregates; X-ray diffractometry also supports the formation of a cyclodextrin-retinal complex.

[Survival in patients with sick sinus syndrome and artificial pacemaker. Determining clinical factors]. / Supervivencia en pacientes con enfermedad del nodo sinusal portadores de marcapasos. Factores clínicos determinantes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The hypothesis that ventricular pacing is the most important factor in the survival of patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome remains controversial. The aim of this report was to determine independent clinical variables to predict survival in paced SSS patients. METHODS: Retrospective, nonrandomized study of 153 patients with a mean age of 69 +/- 11 years, who received an initial pacemaker for Sick Sinus Syndrome between 1980 and 1994: 65 physiologic pacing (32 dual chamber, 33 atrial) and 88 ventricular pacing mode. After a maximum follow up of 177 months (median 57 months) the end point was total mortality. RESULTS: Total mortality was 21%. Using univariate analysis, single chamber ventricular pacing, age > or = 70 years and NYHA > or = 2, was associated with a higher risk for total mortality (4 times increased risk for ventricular pacing compared to other pacing modalities). Independent predictors using multivariate analysis were: 1) NYHA > or = 2 (p < 0.05). 2) Coronary artery disease (p < 0.01). 3) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.05) and 4) Gender (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in patients with the Sick Sinus Syndrome is strongly predicted by preimplant baseline clinical variables. Our data indicate that the role of ventricular pacing mode remains inconclusive. A large, randomized study is necessary to confirm these results.

[The incidence and significance of late potentials in patients with aborted sudden death]. / Incidencia y significado de los potenciales tardíos en pacientes con muerte súbita abortada.

BACKGROUND: Reentrant ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation probably have different electrophysiological bases. Regional conduction delay during sinus rhythm seems to be greatest in patients with spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia than in patients with spontaneous sustained ventricular fibrillation. We investigated the prevalence and significance of late potentials in patients with documented VT or VF in the setting of coronary diseases and other organic heart diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with a history of spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia (11 patients) or fibrillation (8 patients) were studied with signal-averaged ECG. All patients had been resuscitated of sudden cardiac death. All recordings were made in sinus rhythm in an antiarrhythmic free state following the recommendations of the Committee of the European Society of Cardiology for data acquisition and analysis of ventricular late potentials using Signal Averaged Electrocardiography. The relationship between this late potentials and tachyarrhythmia inducibility during electrophysiologic study were established. RESULTS: Abnormal late potentials were found in 79% of patients with sudden cardiac death. Patients with spontaneous ventricular tachycardia had a longer ventricular activation time in sinus rhythm than did patients with spontaneous ventricular fibrillation, but this difference did not reach statistic significance. The only analysis of late potentials could not discern the mechanism of sudden cardiac death. However when sudden cardiac death was caused by a spontaneous ventricular tachycardia, a good correlation between abnormal late potentials and induced ventricular tachycardia by programmed stimulation was found. Quantitative indices of late potentials did not correlate with ventricular tachycardia cycle length. CONCLUSIONS: 1) We have found and elevated incidence of abnormal late potentials in patients with sudden cardiac death, and 2) only when the mechanism of sudden cardiac death was a spontaneous VT, we were able to correlate abnormal late potential with provoked ventricular tachycardia during electrophysiologic study.

Molinate decontamination processes in effluent water from rice fields.

The performance of aeration, photodecomposition and biological degradation processes as methods to reduce molinate contamination levels in effluent water from rice fields was studied. Aeration produced a molinate dissipation of 84%, as against 22% without aeration. Application of UV-light to clean water solutions achieved a molinate photodecomposition of 96% in 24 h. Maximal degradation obtained in algal cultures was 55% in 20 days and 78% in 40 days. In micro-organism cultures, kept in darkness and with a continuous flow of aqueous solution of molinate and inorganic salts, a degradation of 97% was achieved.