Clinical standards for the diagnosis and management of asthma in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to aid the diagnosis and management of asthma in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).METHODS: A panel of 52 experts in the field of asthma in LMICs participated in a two-stage Delphi process to establish and reach a consensus on the clinical standards.RESULTS: Eighteen clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, Every individual with symptoms and signs compatible with asthma should undergo a clinical assessment; Standard 2, In individuals (>6 years) with a clinical assessment supportive of a diagnosis of asthma, a hand-held spirometry measurement should be used to confirm variable expiratory airflow limitation by demonstrating an acute response to a bronchodilator; Standard 3, Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry should be performed in individuals (>6 years) to support diagnosis before treatment is commenced if there is diagnostic uncertainty; Standard 4, Individuals with an acute exacerbation of asthma and clinical signs of hypoxaemia or increased work of breathing should be given supplementary oxygen to maintain saturation at 94-98%; Standard 5, Inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) should be used as an emergency reliever in individuals with asthma via an appropriate spacer device for metered-dose inhalers; Standard 6, Short-course oral corticosteroids should be administered in appropriate doses to individuals having moderate to severe acute asthma exacerbations (minimum 3-5 days); Standard 7, Individuals having a severe asthma exacerbation should receive emergency care, including oxygen therapy, systemic corticosteroids, inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol with or without ipratropium bromide) and a single dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate should be considered; Standard 8, All individuals with asthma should receive education about asthma and a personalised action plan; Standard 9, Inhaled medications (excluding dry-powder devices) should be administered via an appropriate spacer device in both adults and children. Children aged 0-3 years will require the spacer to be coupled to a face mask; Standard 10, Children aged <5 years with asthma should receive a SABA as-needed at step 1 and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to cover periods of wheezing due to respiratory viral infections, and SABA as-needed and daily ICS from step 2 upwards; Standard 11, Children aged 6-11 years with asthma should receive an ICS taken whenever an inhaled SABA is used; Standard 12, All adolescents aged 12-18 years and adults with asthma should receive a combination inhaler (ICS and rapid onset of action long-acting beta-agonist [LABA] such as budesonide-formoterol), where available, to be used either as-needed (for mild asthma) or as both maintenance and reliever therapy, for moderate to severe asthma; Standard 13, Inhaled SABA alone for the management of patients aged >12 years is not recommended as it is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It should only be used where there is no access to ICS.The following standards (14-18) are for settings where there is no access to inhaled medicines. Standard 14, Patients without access to corticosteroids should be provided with a single short course of emergency oral prednisolone; Standard 15, Oral SABA for symptomatic relief should be used only if no inhaled SABA is available. Adjust to the individual's lowest beneficial dose to minimise adverse effects; Standard 16, Oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) can be used as a preventive medication and is preferable to the use of long-term oral systemic corticosteroids; Standard 17, In exceptional circumstances, when there is a high risk of mortality from exacerbations, low-dose oral prednisolone daily or on alternate days may be considered on a case-by-case basis; Standard 18. Oral theophylline should be restricted for use in situations where it is the only bronchodilator treatment option available.CONCLUSION: These first consensus-based clinical standards for asthma management in LMICs are intended to help clinicians provide the most effective care for people in resource-limited settings.

Simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method for estimating the nitrogen-fixing capacity of bacterial cultures.

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a process through which a group of microorganisms called diazotrophs convert unassimilable atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. In aqueous media, ammonia yields ammonium ions that can be assimilated by microorganisms and plants. To reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizers and their environmental effects, an alternative approach toward sustainable agriculture is the induction of artificial associations between diazotrophs and plants. This has led to increased interest in the search for microorganisms capable of supplying nitrogen to crops. This article presents a simple, economical, and sensitive spectrophotometric method for estimating the BNF capacity of bacteria cultured in a liquid NFb medium, based on the variation of absorbance caused by the change in color of bromothymol blue in the culture medium. The structure and color of this indicator are modified by pH shifts, which depend on the concentration of fixed ammonium ions.•The nitrogen concentration (estimated from the ammonium in the culture medium) showed a positive correlation (R 2 = 0.984) with the absorbance measured at 610 nm. The regression equation obtained through the origin was y = 0.009682140x, where y is the absorbance and x is the nitrogen concentration in the culture medium.•The methods used at present to measure the efficiency of BNF require expensive equipment, which may not be affordable for many laboratories or companies working in this field.•This technique can be used for pure bacterial strains and microbial consortia from soil or commercial products.

Mortality and critical conditions in COVID-19 patients at private hospitals: weekend effect?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to find factors associated with the mortality of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study with a database of 1987 patients with COVID-19 who had attended the emergency department of a private hospital network between February 2020 and April 2020 were analyzed. Clinical variables and some laboratory parameters were studied. The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices were calculated. The dependent variables were mortality and admission to the ICU. A descriptive and correlational analysis was performed. Logistic regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were established. RESULTS: Positive correlations were observed between age, creatinine, and D-dimer levels, as well as with the scores obtained with the Charlson and Elixhauser indices. Differences in the levels of these parameters were also observed when analyzing variables such as mortality, sex or admission to the ICU. Mortality was associated with high creatinine and D-dimer levels and advanced age. Survival curves indicated longer survival in patients not admitted to the ICU, admitted to the hospital during the week, and in those with lower creatinine and D-dimer levels. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in Spanish patients with COVID-19 admitted to private hospitals was associated with high creatinine and D-dimer levels and advanced age. Longer survival was obtained on weekdays. This study provides valuable information on the management and nursing care of these patients in order to optimize resources in pandemic situations.

Fluctuations in measured radioactive decay rates inside a modified Faraday cage: Correlations with space weather.

For several years, reports have been published about fluctuations in measured radioactive decay time-series and in some instances linked to astrophysical as well as classical environmental influences. Anomalous behaviors of radioactive decay measurement and measurement of capacitance inside and outside a modified Faraday cage were documented by our group in previous work. In the present report, we present an in-depth analysis of our measurement with regard to possible correlations with space weather, i.e. the geomagnetic activity (GMA) and cosmic-ray activity (CRA). Our analysis revealed that the decay and capacitance time-series are statistically significantly correlated with GMA and CRA when specific conditions are met. The conditions are explained in detail and an outlook is given on how to further investigate this important finding. Our discovery is relevant for all researchers investigating radioactive decay measurements since they point out that the space weather condition during the measurement is relevant for partially explaining the observed variability.

Body architecture of Holstein Friesian and black frison biotypes used in south Chilean dairy farms / Arquitectura corporal de biotipos bovinos Holstein Friesian y overo negro utilizados en predios lecheros del sur de Chile

The objective of the present work was to characterize the morphostructural architecture of bovine biotypes that are mostly used in milk production in southern Chile. Measurements were carried out in 26 dairy farms located in the provinces of Osorno and Ranco, in Los Lagos and Los Ríos regions, respectively. In each farm, four animals were randomly selected from the herd; 104 four year-old cows were measured. Cows were classified into four biotypes: Holstein Friesian (HD), Overo Negro (OD), hybrid Friesian Holstein (HM) and hybrid Overo Negro (OM), according to the opinion of the owner or administrator. Nine body measurements were taken: head length (HL), head width (HW), withers height (WH), rump height (RH), bicostal diameter (BD), longitudinal diameter (LD), rump width (RW), rump length (RL) and dorso-sternal diameter (DED). Data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and the Fisher LSD test. The evaluated animals seem to converge around a basic architecture derived from cultural selection patterns regardless of the racial biotype. This architecture could be typical of grazing systems or be influenced by aspects of selection additional to those directly related to production. The data suggest that the body architecture of the dairy cattle evaluated would respond to selection patterns more than to racial biotypes. It was also seen that measures such as DED, RW and LD have a greater incidence than the other variables within the observed common selection patterns. Finally, within the evaluated animal population, two selection patterns coexist, one represented by small size body architecture and another one that, although despite its larger dimensions, also represents a small dairy animal in comparison to the sizes reported for Holstein Friesian breed in other areas.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar la arquitectura morfoestructural de los biotipos bovinos que mayoritariamente se utilizan en la producción de leche en el sur de Chile. Para ello se realizaron evaluaciones en 26 predios lecheros ubicados en las provincias de Osorno y Ranco, en las regiones de Los Lagos y Los Ríos, respectivamente. Se midieron 104 animales clasificados en cuatro biotipos según lo declarado por los ganaderos: Holstein Friesian (HD), Overo negro (OD) y cruzamientos de Holstein Friesian (HM) y Overo Negro (OM). En cada animal se determinaron nueve medidas corporales: longitud de la cabeza (HL), ancho de la cabeza (HW), alzada a la cruz (WH), alzada a la grupa (RH), diámetro bicostal (BD), diámetro longitudinal (LD), ancho de la grupa (RW), longitud de la grupa (RL) y diámetro dorso-esternal (DED). Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de componentes principales (PCA) y el test de Fischer LSD, usando para ello el programa XLstat pro. De acuerdo a los resultados se puede concluir que, independiente del biotipo racial, los animales evaluados parecen converger en torno a una arquitectura básica derivada de patrones de selección fenotípica con un componente cultural que pudiera ser propia de los sistemas de pastoreo, o influenciada por aspectos de selección adicionales a los relacionados directamente a la producción. En este sentido, los datos indican que la arquitectura corporal del ganado lechero respondería más a patrones de selección que a biotipos raciales. También se apreció que la profundidad (DED), el ancho de grupa (RW) y el largo (LD) presentan una mayor incidencia que las demás variables evaluadas dentro de los patrones de selección común observados. Finalmente, fue posible apreciar que al interior de la población animal evaluada coexisten dos patrones de selección. Uno representado por una arquitectura corporal de pequeño tamaño y otro que, si bien exhibe mayores dimensiones, también representa un tipo de animal lechero de menor tamaño en comparación a las dimensiones que alcanzan los biotipos relacionados a la raza Holstein Friesian en otras zonas.

Population differentiation in the body architecture of creole goats in the semi arid region of Chile / Diferenciación poblacional en la arquitectura corporal de cabras criollas en la región semiárida de Chile

The present study aimed to assess the degree of body architecture differentiation between Creole goats, two introduced breeds and their hybrids in semi arid areas of the north of Chile. The study was carried out between 2012 and 2015. One hundred and eighty five adult female goats belonging to 17 herds from the Coquimbo region were used. Ten animals of the Saanen breed and 10 animals of the Anglo nubian breed belonging to two hatcheries and 165 Creole and hybrid goats belonging to small farmers were measured. The animals were categorized into pure breed (20), hybrid (52) and creole (113). Eight body measurements were taken: head length (HL), head width (HW), longitudinal diameter (LD), bicostal diameter (BD), dorsal-sternal diameter (DSD), rump width (RW), rump length (RL) and whithers height (WH). Data were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher LSD test, using the XLSTAT-Pro Statistic software. The analysis indicated the existence of homogeneity subsets within the population, without a common architectural pattern for the entire population. The Creole biotype showed a smaller body architecture than the two breeds and hybrids with which it was compared, which could be an adaptative result. It is possible to assess that the Creole biotype has a differentiated body architecture with respect to the introduced goat breeds and the animals hybridized in different proportions. In addittion, it was observed that Creole goats maintain distinctive characteristics and they are differentiable even of the individuals with different degrees of hybridization.

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo identificar si existe diferenciación en la arquitectura corporal entre caprinos Criollos, razas introducidas y rebaños hibridados con las mismas. El estudio se llevó a cabo entre 2012 y 2015 en la región de Coquimbo, Chile. Ciento ochenta y cinco cabras fueron estudiadas, pertenecientes a 17 rebaños distintos. Se midieron 10 animales de raza Saanen y 10 animales de raza Anglo nubian presentes en dos criaderos, y 165 animales Criollos e híbridos en predios de productores. Ocho medidas corporales fueron determinadas: longitud de la cabeza (HL), ancho de la cabeza (HW), diámetro longitudinal (LD), diámetro bicostal (BD), diámetro dorso-esternal (DSD), ancho de la grupa (RW), longitud de la grupa (RH) y alzada a la cruz (WH). Los datos de medidas se analizaron mediante análisis de componentes principales (PCA) y test LSD de Fischer con el programa estadístico XLSTAT Pro. Los resultados indican que las diferencias entre variables refllejan la existencia de subcojuntos de homogeneidad dentro de la población, no apreciándose un patron arquitectónico común para toda la población. De esta manera, el biotipo Criollo presenta una arquitectura corporal más reducida que las razas con las que se compara en este estudio, lo cual pudiera ser una respuesta adaptativa. En este sentido, es posible afirmar que el biotipo Criollo presenta una arquitectura corporal diferenciada respecto de las razas introducidas a la región y a los animales hibridados en distintas proporciones con dichas razas, con lo cual es posible observar que mantiene características distintivas y que es diferenciable incluso de distintos grados de hibridaje presente en dicha población.

The current prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema related symptoms in school-aged children in Costa Rica.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma prevalence in Costa Rica is among the highest worldwide. We aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma among school-age children in the Central Highland Area of Costa Rica. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was performed. Parents or guardians of children aged 6-13 years completed written questionnaires. RESULTS: Total of 2817 school-aged children returned these questionnaires (74.1% return rate). The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema was 21.9%, 42.6%, and 19.2%, respectively. The co-existence of the 3 diseases was seen in 22.6% of children with asthma. Boys had a slightly higher prevalence of these conditions, and younger children had higher prevalence of asthma and eczema, but lower prevalence of rhinitis than older children. The use of acetaminophen and antibiotics in the first 12 months of life showed a significant association with the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. Wheezing with exercise, dry cough at night, and ever rhinitis was highly associated with asthma symptoms in the last 12 months. In contrast, no association was found between children exposed to smoking at home. Frequent traffic next to the house was reported more frequently by the parents of children with asthma, although no significant association was found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asthma showed a significant decrease compared to previous studies. However, there was an unexpected high prevalence of rhinitis. Exposure to acetaminophen and antibiotic during the first year of life was highly associated with asthma symptoms.

Physicochemical characterization of several types of naturally colored cotton fibers from Peru.

Elemental composition, physical dimensions (length and apparent diameter), and crystallinity of different types of naturally colored cotton (NCCs) fibers from Peru were investigated using a CHNS organic elemental analyzer, optical microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Spectroscopic studies involving Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted; and the thermal stability of cotton samples were also investigated. Results from organic elemental analyzer and XPS showed that cotton samples contain mainly carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, but darker color samples also presented nitrogen. It was also found that the white cotton sample exhibited the longest fibers whereas the darker color samples showed the shortest values in length. Interestingly, the crystallinity seems also decrease with color intensity of NCCs. Finally, the thermal stability of white cotton fibers was similar to those obtained for the NCCs.

Robot-assisted pudendal neurolysis in the treatment of pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome. / Neurólisis robótica del pudendo en el tratamiento del síndrome de atrapamiento del pudendo.

INTRODUCTION: Pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome (PNE) is characterised by the presence of neuropathic pain in the pudendal nerve (PN) territory, associated or not with urinary, defecatory and sexual disorders. Surgical PN decompression is an effective and safe alternative for cases when conservative treatment fails. The aim of this study is to describe the first robot-assisted pudendal neurolysis procedure performed in our country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe step by step the technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic neurolysis of the left PN performed with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring on a 60-year-old patient diagnosed with left PNE. RESULTS: The procedure was performed satisfactorily without complications. After 24h, the patient was discharged from the hospital. We observed a 50% reduction in pain measured using the visual analogue scale 2 weeks after the procedure, which remained after 10 weeks of the neurolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted neurolysis of the PN constitutes a feasible and safe approach, enabling better visualisation and accuracy in the dissection of the PN. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is useful for locating the PN and for detecting intraoperative changes after the release of the nerve.

Increased aggression and lack of maternal behavior in Dio3-deficient mice are associated with abnormalities in oxytocin and vasopressin systems.

Thyroid hormones regulate many aspects of brain development and function, and alterations in the levels of thyroid hormone action lead to abnormal anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. A complement of factors in the brain function independently of circulating levels of hormone to strictly controlled local thyroid hormone signaling. A critical factor is the type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), which is located in neurons and protects the brain from excessive thyroid hormone. Here, we examined whether a local increase in brain thyroid hormone action secondary to DIO3 deficiency is of consequence for social behaviors. Although we did not observe alterations in sociability, Dio3-/- mice of both sexes exhibited a significant increase in aggression-related behaviors and mild deficits in olfactory function. In addition, 85% of Dio3-/- dams manifested no pup-retrieval behavior and increased aggression toward the newborns. The abnormal social behaviors of Dio3-/- mice were associated with sexually dimorphic alterations in the physiology of oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), 2 neuropeptides with important roles in determining social interactions. These alterations included low adult serum levels of OXT and AVP, and an abnormal expression of Oxt, Avp and their receptors in the neonatal and adult hypothalamus. Our results demonstrate that DIO3 is essential for normal aggression and maternal behaviors, and indicate that abnormal local regulation of thyroid hormone action in the brain may contribute to the social deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Socio-demographic Moderators of Associations Between Psychological Factors and Latinas' Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors.

This study tested whether socio-demographic factors moderated associations between psychological factors and Latinas' breast cancer screening behaviors. 222 churchgoing Latinas (40-65 years) in San Diego, CA completed surveys assessing socio-demographics (e.g., income and acculturation), psychological factors (e.g., perceived barriers to screening), and cancer screening behaviors. Multilevel models examined associations of socio-demographic and psychological factors (and their interactions) with adherence to annual mammography or clinical breast exam (CBE) screening. Although no main effects were found, there were moderation effects. Acculturation moderated associations between perceived barriers to screening and both screening outcomes, with inverse associations only among the high-acculturation group. Education moderated the relationship between perceived barriers to screening and CBE screening, with an inverse association only among the low-education group. Marital status moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and CBE screening, with an inverse association only among single/non-partnered participants. Interventions are needed targeting psychological barriers to breast cancer screening among Latinas.

Promoting cancer screening among churchgoing Latinas: Fe en Acción/faith in action.

Cancer screening rates among Latinas are generally low, reducing the likelihood of early cancer detection in this population. This article examines the effects of a community intervention (Fe en Acción/Faith in Action) led by community health workers (promotoras) on promoting breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening among churchgoing Latinas. Sixteen churches were randomly assigned to a cancer screening or a physical activity intervention. We examined cancer knowledge, barriers to screening and self-reported mammography, clinical breast exam, Pap test, fecal occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Participants were 436 adult Latinas, with 16 promotoras conducting a cancer screening intervention at 8 out of 16 churches. The cancer screening intervention had a significant positive impact on self-reported mammography (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 2.00-10.75) and breast exams in the last year (OR= 2.82, 95% CI: 1.41-5.57) and corresponding reductions in perceived (87.6%) barriers to breast cancer screening (P < .008). Cervical and colorectal cancer screening did not improve with the intervention. These findings suggest Fe en Acción church-based promotoras had a significant impact on promoting breast cancer screening among Latinas. Colon cancer screening promotion, however, remains a challenge.

Cultura de seguridad y eventos adversos en una clínica de primer nivel / Culture of safety and adverse events in a first level clinic / Cultura de segurança e eventos adversos em uma clínica de primeiro nível

Objetivo: Identificar la percepción sobre clima y cultura de seguridad, y determinar la prevalencia de eventos adversos en el personal de enfermería de una clínica de primer nivel. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo, desarrollado en una clínica de medicina familiar del sur de la ciudad de México. Se aplicó el cuestionario Hospital survey on patient safety culture. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Los datos se capturaron y analizaron en el programa estadístico SPSS versión 22. Resultados: Aceptaron participar en el estudio 27 profesionales de enfermería. El promedio de edad fue de 44.7 años. Cerca del 15% refirió percibir un clima de seguridad del paciente entre excelente y muy bueno. El 66.7% del personal de enfermería describió no haber notificado ningún evento adverso. La dimensión retroalimentación y comunicación sobre errores con 75.3% aparece globalmente como fortaleza. En las debilidades percibidas, destacan 2 dimensiones: respuesta no punitiva a los errores con 61.7% y dotación de personal con 62%, ambas corresponden al área o rubro de cultura de seguridad en el nivel servicio. Conclusiones: Cerca de la tercera parte de los entrevistados no habían reportado ningún evento adverso en los últimos años, además de que solo un poco más de la mitad refirió percibir un clima de seguridad del paciente entre aceptable y superior.

Objective: To identify the perception on climate and culture of safety and prevalence of adverse events among nurses in a first level clinic. Methods: This is a descriptive, transversal and prospective study conducted in a family medicine clinic located at the south of Mexico City. The questionnaire hospital survey on patient safety culture was used. Descriptive statistics were obtained and analyzed with spss v22. Results: A total of 27 nurses agreed to participate in the study. The average age of the participants was 44.7 years old. Close to 15% said they perceive a patient safety climate between excellent and very good. The 66.7% describe having not noticed any adverse event. The dimension of feedback and communication about errors with 75.3% appears globally as a strength. In the perceived weaknesses, 2 dimensions stand out: non-punitive response to errors with 61.7% and staffing with 62% both correspond to the area or culture of service-level safety culture. Conclusions: Approximately one third of the interviewed had not reported any adverse event during the previous years, while a little more than half perceive a patient safety climate between acceptable and superior.

Objetivo: Identificar a percepção sobre clínica e cultura de segurança, e determinar a prevalência de eventos adversos em enfermeiras/os de uma clínica de primeiro nível. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal e prospetivo, desenvolvido em uma clínica de medicina familiar do sul da Cidade do México. Aplicou-se o questionário hospital survey on patient safety culture: utilizou-se estatística descritiva, os dados capturaram-se e analisaram no programa estatístico spss versão 22. Resultados: Aceitaram participar no estudo vinte e sete enfermeiras/os. A média de idade foi de 44.7 anos. Cerca do 15 % refere perceber um clima de segurança do paciente entre excelente e muito bom. O 66.7% das enfermeiras/os descrevem não ter notificado nenhum evento adverso. A dimensão dos erros de feedback e comunicação com 75,3% aparece globalmente como uma fortaleza. Em debilidades percebidas, existem duas dimensões: nenhuma resposta punitiva a erros com 61,7% e de pessoal com 62%, tanto para a área ou categoria de cultura de segurança no nível de serviço. Conclusões: Cerca da terceira parte 2 entrevistados não tinham reportado algum evento adverso nos últimos anos, além disso que um pouco mais da metade refere perceber um clima de segurança do paciente entre aceitável e superior.

Morphostructural relationships and productive functionality of sheep breeds used for terminal crossbreeding in Chile / Relaciones morfoestructurales y funcionalidad productiva de razas ovinas usadas para cruzamiento terminal en Chile

The body shape of an animal population determines ranges of biological functionality and productive use. In sheep, meat productivity is closely related with the body size of the animal. Some sheep breeds are used in terminal crossbreeding to give the lamb favorable dimensional characteristics, but it is necessary to go deeper on the study of the relationships between morphostructure and productive aptitude of these breeds, since discrepancies could be due to the environmental effects or the degree of differentiation between the original pool of different breeds and the local populations. The study aimed to evaluate the morphostructural characters in four sheep breeds in Chile and discuss their relationship with the productive functionality of the body architecture. Two hundred and seventy-eight sheep belonging to Texel, Dorset, Coopworth and Suffolk Down breeds were used. Eleven body measurements (heart girth circumference, rump width, rump length, width of the cranium, length of the cranium, dorsal-sternal diameter, bicostal diameter, longitudinal diameter, cannon bone circumference, height at rump and height at withers) were taken. Nine zoometric indices (body index, cephalic index, thorax index, thorax depth index, pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, transverse pelvic index), metacarpal thorax index and metacarpal costal index) were composed from the individual measurements. The most important morphostructural relationships that contribute to explain the variability of the format of the four breeds of sheep studied were expressed by the metacarpal-thoracic index, the metacarpal-costal index, the thorax index and the bicostal index. Moreover, the breeds showed a high dispersion; the zoometric indices only partially explained the variability of the body format, expressing high format heterogeneity in influential variables as the metacarpal-thoracic index, the metacarpal-costal index and the body index. This could be because these racial populations are subjected to processes of differentiation within each breed.

La forma del cuerpo de una población animal determina rangos de funcionalidad biológica y su uso productivo. En las ovejas, la productividad de la carne está muy relacionada con el tamaño del cuerpo del animal. Algunas razas de ovejas se utilizan en cruzamientos terminales para dar al cordero características dimensionales favorables, pero es necesario profundizar en el estudio de las relaciones entre morfoestructura y aptitud productiva de estas razas, ya que las discrepancias podrían deberse a los efectos del medio ambiente o al grado de la diferenciación entre la piscina original de diferentes razas y las poblaciones locales. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar los caracteres morfoestructurales en cuatro razas de ovinos en Chile y la relación de la funcionalidad productiva con la arquitectura del cuerpo. Se utilizaron 278 ovejas, raza Suffolk Down, pertenecientes a Texel, Dorset, Coopworth. Se tomaron 11 mediciones en el cuerpo (circunferencia del corazón, ancho del lomo, rabadilla, ancho del cráneo, longitud del cráneo, diámetro esternaldorsal, diámetro bicostal, diámetro longitudinal, circunferencia de hueso de la caña, altura de cadera y altura a la cruz). Nueve índices zoométricos (índice corporal, índice cefálico, índice de tórax, índice de profundidad del tórax, índice de la pelvis, índice pélvico longitudinal, índice transversal de la pelvis, índice metacarpiano del tórax e índice metacarpiano costal) fueron determinados a partir de mediciones individuales. Las relaciones morfoestructurales más importantes que contribuyen a explicar la variabilidad del formato de las cuatro razas de ovejas estudiadas se expresaron por el índice metacarpiano-torácico, el índice metacarpiano-costal, el índice de tórax y el índice bicostal. Por otra parte, las razas mostraron una alta dispersión de los índices zoométricos que explican sólo parcialmente la variabilidad del formato de cuerpo, la alto heterogeneidad de formato en las variables influyentes como el índice metacarpiano-torácica, el índice metacarpiano-costal y el índice del cuerpo. Esto podría ser debido a que estas poblaciones raciales son sometidos a procesos de diferenciación dentro de cada raza.

Symptomatic hypophosphataemic osteomalacia secondary to the treatment with iron carboxymaltose detected in bone scintigraphy. / Osteomalacia hipofosfatémica sintomática secundaria a tratamiento con hierro carboximaltosa objetivada con gammagrafía ósea.

The development of hypophosphataemic osteomalacia has been linked with several treatments, mainly antiretroviral and intravenous iron administration. The frequency of the hypophosphataemia requires monitoring the phosphate after the administration of iron carboxymaltose. We describe a case of a woman with no calcium-phosphorous metabolism disorder, to whom this treatment was prescribed for anaemia due to menorrhagia and intolerance to oral iron. She started with oligoarticular pain, which was spreading with a significant functional loss. The relationship with the administration of intravenous iron was discovered when scintigraphic findings together with laboratory results led to a diagnosis of hypophosphataemic osteomalacia. The patient responded satisfactorily to treatment with phosphate both clinically and in the follow-up bone scintigraphy.