QSPR modelling of the soil sorption coefficient from training sets of different sizes.

Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modelling has been used in many scientific fields. This approach has been extensively applied in environmental research to predict physicochemical properties of compounds with potential environmental impact. The soil sorption coefficient is an important parameter for the evaluation of environmental risks, and it helps to determine the final fate of substances in the environment. In the last few years, different QSPR models have been developed for the determination of the sorption coefficient. In this study, several QSPR models were generated and evaluated for the prediction of log Koc from the relationship with log P. These models were obtained from an extensive and diverse training set (n = 639) and from subsets of this initial set (i.e. halves, fourths and eighths). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the size of the training set affects the statistical quality of the obtained models. Furthermore, statistical equivalence was verified between the models obtained from smaller sets and the model obtained from the total training set. The results confirmed the equivalence between the models, thus indicating the possibility of using smaller training sets without compromising the statistical quality and predictive capability, as long as most chemical classes in the test set are represented in the training set.

Tipificación viral en el seguimiento de conización: rol pronóstico de la persistencia del HPV post cono con asa / Viral typing in conization monitoring: prognostic role of HPV persistence post cone with loop

RESUMEN Fundamento: La persistencia del virus papiloma posterior a la conización del cuello uterino, se ha considerado un factor de riesgo para la persistencia de lesiones intra epiteliales (LIE) causadas por virus papiloma. Para determinar la asociación entre persistencia de lesión cervical y la presencia del virus papiloma posterior a la conización del cuello uterino, se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en un grupo de 123 pacientes portadoras de lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado (LIEAG) tratadas con conización. Material y métodos: Se siguieron a 123 pacientes portadoras de LIEAG, ingresadas a la Unidad de Patología Cervical entre Abril de 2013 y Abril de 2014, las que fueron seguidas por 2 años hasta Abril de 2016. Se realizó genotipificación antes, y entre 4 a 6 meses posterior a la conización. Los datos se tabularon considerando la edad, paridad, tipo de virus, persistencia de LIE, reconización o requerimiento de histerectomía posterior. Resultados: La mediana de la edad fue de 37 años, el 91% fueron multíparas, y solo el 9% fueron nulíparas. El 56% ingresó por NIE III y el 44% por NIE II. Los virus más frecuentes fueron el 16, 31,58, 52 y 56. La persistencia de virus papiloma se constató en el 37% de las pacientes conizadas. La persistencia de LIE se observó en el 27% de las pacientes que fueron positivas para virus papiloma posterior a la conización, en comparación a sólo el 5% en las que fueron negativas. Del total de pacientes positivas para virus papiloma posterior a la conización, 12 de ellas presentaron persistencia de lesión confirmadas histológicamente por biopsia cervical, 8 pacientes requirieron recono por LIE de alto grado, 2 pacientes fueron a histerectomía y en 2 casos se realizó seguimiento estricto por NIE I. Cuando la tipificación post cono fue negativa solamente 3 pacientes requirieron conización y en sólo una se realizó seguimiento estricto por NIE I. Conclusión: La persistencia del virus papiloma posterior a la conización se asocia a mayor persistencia de LIEAG, mayor frecuencia de reconización o histerectomía posterior.

ABSTRACT Backgroud: The persistence of papilloma virus after conization of the cervix has been considered a risk factor for the persistence of cervical intra epithelial lesion (CIN) caused by papilloma virus. Aim: In order to determine the association between cervical lesion persistence and the presence of papilloma virus after conization, a prospective observational study was performed in a group of 123 patients with intraepithelial lesions treated with conization. Material and methods: We followed 123 patients with high grade CIN who were admitted to the Cervical Pathology Unit, between April 2013 and April 2014; they were followed for 2 years until April 2016. Viral genotyping was done before, and among the 4 to 6 months after the LEEP. Data were tabulated considering age, parity, type of virus, persistence of CIN, reconization or requirement of posterior hysterectomy. Results: The median age was 37 years, 91% were multiparous, and only 9% were nulliparous. 56% had NIE III and 44% NIE II. The most frequent viruses were 16, 31, 58, 52 and 56. The persistence of papillomavirus was present in 37% of patients. The persistence of CIN was observed in 27% of patients who were positive for papilloma virus after conization, compared to only 5% in those who were negative. Of the total number of patients positive for papilloma virus, in 12 of them had intra epitelial lesions were confirmed by cervical biopsy, 8 patients required recone for high grade CIN, 2 patients underwent hysterectomy, and 2 patients underwent follows up strictly by CIN I. When post cone typing was negative only 3 patients required conization and only one was followed strictly by CIN I.

Effects of general, specific and combined warm-up on explosive muscular performance.

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of general, specific and combined warm-up (WU) on explosive performance. Healthy male (n = 10) subjects participated in six WU protocols in a crossover randomized study design. Protocols were: passive rest (PR; 15 min of passive rest), running (Run; 5 min of running at 70% of maximum heart rate), stretching (STR; 5 min of static stretching exercise), jumping [Jump; 5 min of jumping exercises - 3x8 countermovement jumps (CMJ) and 3x8 drop jumps from 60 cm (DJ60)], and combined (COM; protocols Run+STR+Jump combined). Immediately before and after each WU, subjects were assessed for explosive concentric-only (i.e. squat jump - SJ), slow stretch-shortening cycle (i.e. CMJ), fast stretch-shortening cycle (i.e. DJ60) and contact time (CT) muscle performance. PR significantly reduced SJ performance (p =0.007). Run increased SJ (p =0.0001) and CMJ (p =0.002). STR increased CMJ (p =0.048). Specific WU (i.e. Jump) increased SJ (p =0.001), CMJ (p =0.028) and DJ60 (p =0.006) performance. COM increased CMJ performance (p =0.006). Jump was superior in SJ performance vs. PR (p =0.001). Jump reduced (p =0.03) CT in DJ60. In conclusion, general, specific and combined WU increase slow stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) muscle performance, but only specific WU increases fast SSC muscle performance. Therefore, to increase fast SSC performance, specific fast SSC muscle actions must be included during the WU.

Anthropometric characteristics of top-class Brazilian jiu jitsu athletes: role of fighting style / Características antropométricas en atletas de jiu jitsu brasilero de alto nivel: rol del estilo de lucha

Human performance efficiency and effectiveness in different sports depend to a large extent on the size, weight and proportion of the physique of the athlete. The aim of this study was to identify morphological characteristics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes. The sample consisted of 25 highly trained male athletes who were classified according to their fighting style; guard fighter (GF) vs. pass fighter (PF). The athletes were assessed for somatotype, body composition and proportionality. For the whole group of athletes the somatotype was 2.23±0.68, 6.33±1.14, and 1.75±0.87 for endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph components, respectively. Muscle and adipose tissue percentages were 52.34±2.15% and 19.30±2.51%, respectively. PF were significantly more mesomorph (p< 0.05) and less ectomorph (p< 0.05) than GF. Also, PF had significantly higher phantom Z score for bone mass vs. GF (0.51±0.57 vs. 0.01±0.54; p<0.05), and significantly lower muscle mass- bone mass ratio (4.55±0.31 vs. 4.77±0.56; p<0.05), height (1.71±0.06 vs. 1.77±0.07; p<0.05) and height weight ratio (40.58±1.11 vs. 41.84±1.22). Our results show that morphological characteristics are related to different fighting styles in BJJ athletes.

La eficiencia y efectividad del rendimiento humano en diferentes deportes depende en gran medida del tamaño, peso y proporción del físico del atleta. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las características morfológicas de atletas jiu-jitsu brasileros. La muestra consintió de 25 atletas varones altamente entrenados, quienes fueron clasificados de acuerdo a su estilo de lucha; guarderos (GF) vs pasadores (PF). Se evaluó en los atletas somatotipo, composición corporal y proporcionalidad. Para el grupo total de atletas el somatotipo fue 2,23±0,68, 6,33±1,14 y 1,75±0,78 para el endomorfismo, mesomorfismo y ectomorfismo, respectivamente. Los porcentajes de tejido muscular y adiposo fueron 52,34±2,15% and 19,30±2,51%, respectivamente. PF fueron significativamente las mesomorfos (p<0,05) y menos ectomorfos (p<0,05) que GF. Además PF tuvieron una significativamente alto Z score para la masa ósea (4,55±0,31 vs. 4,77±0,56; p<0,05), estatura (1,71±0,06 vs. 1,77±0,07; p<0,05) y relación altura peso (40,58±1.11 vs. 41,84±1.22). Nuestros resultados muestran que las características morfológicas están relacionadas a diferentes estilos de lucha en atletas de BJJ.

Perfil somatotípico del futbolista profesional chileno / Somatotype profile of professional male soccer Chilean players

El presente estudio pretende describir el somatotipo del futbolista profesional chileno, así como determinar la variabilidad existente en el somatotipo por posición de juego. Cien jugadores profesionales varones (edad 23±4,4 años), participantes del campeonato nacional de fútbol chileno fueron incluidos en el estudio. Se realizó la medición de 10 variables antropométricas según las normas de la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Se calcularon los 3 componentes del somatotipo de Heath-Carter por cada posición de juego. El somatotipo grupal de la muestra estudiada presentó una clasificación de mesomorfo­balanceado (2,25-5,32-2,26), siendo los defensas los con mayor predominio de este componente. La posición con menor dispersión en su somatotipo son defensas y arqueros, mientras que volantes y delanteros presentan mayor variabilidad. En conclusión, a pesar de existir un somatotipo en común, las diferencias en las varianzas entre posiciones de juego entregan información sobre la relevancia de la optimización morfológica en una posición específica de juego.

The aim of this study was to describe the somatotype of Chilean professional soccer players, and to determine the variability in the somatotype by playing position. One hundred professional male players (age 23±4.4) participants in the Chilean national soccer championship were included in the study. We performed the measurement of 10 anthropometric variables according to the rules of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). We calculated the 3 components of the Heath-Carter somatotype for each playing position. The somatotype of the sample group presents a balanced mesomorph classification (2.25-5.32-2.26),especially among defenders. The positions with less dispersion in their somatotype were the defenses and goalkeepers, while the flyers and forwards show more variability. In conclusion, although there is a common somatotype, differences in the variances between playing positions provide information about the relevance of morphological optimization in a playing position.

Autonomic control of heart rate after exercise in trained wrestlers.

The objective of this study was to establish differences in vagal reactivation, through heart rate recovery and heart rate variability post exercise, in Brazilian jiu-jitsu wrestlers (BJJW). A total of 18 male athletes were evaluated, ten highly trained (HT) and eight moderately trained (MT), who performed a maximum incremental test. At the end of the exercise, the R-R intervals were recorded during the first minute of recovery. We calculated heart rate recovery (HRR60s), and performed linear and non-linear (standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat R-R interval variability - SD1) analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), using the tachogram of the first minute of recovery divided into four segments of 15 s each (0-15 s, 15-30 s, 30-45 s, 45-60 s). Between HT and MT individuals, there were statistically significant differences in HRR60s (p <0.05) and in the non linear analysis of HRV from SD130-45s (p <0.05) and SD145-60s (p <0.05). The results of this research suggest that heart rate kinetics during the first minute after exercise are related to training level and can be used as an index for autonomic cardiovascular control in BJJW.

Cáncer de endometrio: experiencia de 10 años en el hospital San Juan de Dios / Endometrial cancer: 10 years experience in the San Juan de Dios hospital

Antecedentes: El cáncer de endometrio es uno de los cánceres ginecológicos más frecuentes. La incidencia de esta enfermedad pudiera ir en aumento dado los cambios epidemiológicos de la población femenina. Objetivo: Evaluar resultados clínicos y características de la población atendida por cáncer de endometrio. Método: Se analizaron las historia clínicas de 100 pacientes tratadas por cáncer de endometrio entre enero de 2000 y diciembre de 2009. En el análisis de los datos se consideró como base la etapificación FIGO 1988. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 62 años, el 75 por ciento de las pacientes consultaron por hemorragia post menopáusica y en el 64 por ciento de las pacientes el diagnóstico se realizó por dilatación y curetaje. En el 60 por ciento se realizó etapificación completa. El 60 por ciento correspondió a etapa I y el 15 por ciento a etapa II. La sobrevida global en etapa I y II fue del 83 por ciento y 66 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusión: El cáncer de endometrio se presenta preferentemente en pacientes post menopáusicas en etapas precoces. La mayoría accede a tratamiento quirúrgico con escasas complicaciones y alta sobrevida global.

Background: Endometrial cancer is one of the most frecuent gynecological cancer. The incidence of this disease could arise because of epidemiologycal changes in female population. Aims: To evaluate characteristics and clinical results of atended population with endometrial cancer. Method: Clinical histories of 100 patients treated for endometrial cancer between January 2000 to December 2009 were analized. In the data analysis, the FIGO 1988 staging was considered as base. Results: The age average was 62 years. The 75 percent of patients consulted for postmenopausal hemorrhage in the 64 percent of the patients the diagnosis was made by dilation and curettage. Full staging was made in the 60 percent. Stage I was 60 percent and 15 percent for stage II. Overall survival in stage I and II was 83 percent and 66 percent, respectively. Conclusion: Endometrial cancer presents preferably in early stages in postmenopausal patients. The mayority access to surgical treatment with few complications and a high survival rate.

E X I T (ex-utero intrapartum therapy) en linfangioma cervical fetal / EXIT procedure (ex-utero intra-partum therapy) for fetal neck lymphangioma

Se presenta un caso clínico de una embarazada primigesta de 17 años, con un feto con gran masa cervical a las 20 semanas, se diagnostica como linfangioma cervical. La evaluación prenatal concluye que existe gran riesgo de asfixia perinatal por obstrucción de la vía aérea superior, se resuelve el parto mediante procedimiento EXIT (ex-utero intrapartum therapy) a las 37 semanas. Se logra realizar intubación con larin-goscopia directa, con un tiempo de by-pass uteroplacentario de 7 minutos. Se obtiene un recién nacido de 3300 g, al segundo día se opera del tumor con buenos resultados. Se revisa el protocolo del procedimiento EXIT en sus aspectos anestésicos, obstétricos, quirúrgicos y neonatológicos. Se concluye que el EXIT debe ser planteado en todo caso en que se sospeche obstrucción de la vía aérea superior y puede ser realizado en hospitales que cuenten con equipamiento habitual y un equipo médico multidisciplinario.

We report a case of primigravida patient, 17 years old, with a fetus showing a large cervical mass at 20 weeks of gestation and was diagnosed as a cervical lymphangioma. The prenatal evaluation concludes that there exists a great risk of perinatal asphyxia due to obstruction of the upper airway and therefore it is decided to perform a cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation, using an EXIT procedure (ex-utero intra-partum therapy). We perform intubation with a semi- rigid tube having a by-pass time utero-placental of 7 minutes, obtaining a newborn of 3300 g at birth. The newborn is operated two days after birth removing the cervical tumor with good results. We review the protocol of the EXIT procedure concerning aspects related to anesthesia, obstetrics, surgery and neonatal care. We conclude that EXIT should be considered in all cases in which obstruction of the upper airway is suspected, and can be performed in hospitals that have basic surgical facilities and a multidisciplinary team.

Experimental infection with equid herpesvirus 3 in seronegative and seropositive mares.

Equine coital exanthema (ECE), caused by equid herpesvirus 3 (EHV-3), has been recognized as an economically significant venereal disease for years. However, no infection models on the natural host have been established. In order to set up an experimental infection protocol, seronegative and seropositive mares were topically inoculated in the perineal region with 4 × 10(6)TCID(50)/ml of EHV-3. Clinical signs were then evaluated by means of a designed scoring system, and body temperature was recorded daily. Virological, and serological studies were also performed. Typical ECE lesions, with clinical scores of 90, 92, 160 and 172, were observed in the four seronegative animals. Only mild ECE lesions were observed in the two seropositive mares, being the clinical scores 53 and 41. Both groups of mares shed the virus, but the duration of virus shedding was shorter and its intensity was lower in seropositive mares than in seronegative ones. Moreover, EHV-3 antibody response was detected in both seronegative and seropositive mares after experimental infection and re-infection, being more moderate in seropositive ones. As a conclusion, EHV-3 infection of mares was experimentally achieved in a reproducible manner. The typical lesions of ECE were observed after topical EHV-3 infection in seronegative mares, in association with virus excretion and neutralizing antibody kinetics.

[Development of an acute stroke care pathway in a hospital with stroke unit]. / Implantación de una vía clínica para la atención del ictus agudo en un hospital con unidad de ictus.

INTRODUCTION: Care pathways (CP) are tools for standardizing the management of patient in certain diseases with a predictable course, and they have demonstrated usefulness in clinical practice. In-hospital stroke CP have been implemented in departments of Neurology, General Medicine or Rehabilitation, however there are few studies developing an integrated CP in hospitals with an acute Stroke Unit (SU). The aim is to develop a CP capable of organizing and homogenizing the stroke assistance, and integrating the quality standards, in a hospital with an Acute Stroke Unit (SU). METHODS: Members of the Neurology, Rehabilitation, Emergency and Preventive Medicine departments established a schedule of nine fortnightly meetings. Several documents that compound the CP were elaborated following the FOCUS-PDCA model, according with the scientific evidence and the in force clinical guides. RESULTS: The following documents were elaborated: scientific-technical framework which integrates all processes; information document for patient/relatives on-admission; nurses protocols (social risk, disphagya, falling down risk and pressure ulcers); stroke rehabilitation guidelines for staff; treatment, care and monitoring sheets; recommendations at discharge for patient/relatives; stroke rehabilitation guidelines for patient/relatives; specific didactic units for patient/relatives; patient/relatives satisfaction survey; and quality standard document. CONCLUSIONS: A stroke CP in a hospital with SU potentially promotes a more organized and efficient stroke care, as well as improve the patient/relatives satisfaction.

Implantación de una vía clínica para la atención del ictus agudo en un hospital con unidad de ictus / Development of an acute stroke care pathway in a hospital with stroke unit

Introducción: Las vías clínicas (VC) son herramientas para la asistencia estandarizada en procesos con poca variabilidad que se han demostrado útiles en la práctica clínica. Se han realizado varias VC de ictus en servicios de medicina general, rehabilitación y salas de neurología, pero no así en hospitales con unidad de ictus agudo. El objetivo es desarrollar una VC capaz de organizar y homogeneizar la atención integrando los estándares de calidad en un hospital universitario con una unidad de ictus agudo (UI). Métodos: Miembros de los servicios de Neurología, Rehabilitación, Urgencias y Medicina Preventiva del Hospital Universitario La Paz establecieron un programa de nueve reuniones quincenales. En éstas se elaboraron los diversos documentos que integran la VC siguiendo el modelo FOCUS-PDCA, de acuerdo con la evidencia científica y las guías clínicas vigentes. Resultados: Los documentos resultantes son: matriz temporal científico-técnica que integra todos los procesos; documento de información al ingreso para pacientes y familiares; protocolos de enfermería (riesgo social, disfagia, caídas y úlceras por presión); pautas de actuación en la rehabilitación del ictus para el personal sanitario; órdenes de tratamiento y cuidados; hoja de información al alta para pacientes y familiares; documento de información de rehabilitación para pacientes y familiares; unidades didácticas específicas; encuesta de satisfacción de la atención recibida para pacientes y familiares, y estándares de calidad. Conclusiones: El desarrollo de una VC de ictus en un hospital con UI tiene el potencial de promover un cuidado organizado y eficiente del paciente, así como mejorar la satisfacción de éste por la atención recibida (AU)

Introduction: Care pathways (CP) are tools for standardizing the management of patient in certain diseases with a predictable course, and they have demonstrated usefulness in clinical practice. In-hospital stroke CP have been implemented in departments of Neurology, General Medicine or Rehabilitation, however there are few studies developing an integrated CP in hospitals with an acute Stroke Unit (SU). The aim is to develop a CP capable of organizing and homogenizing the stroke assistance, and integrating the quality standards, in a hospital with an Acute Stroke Unit (SU). Methods: Members of the Neurology, Rehabilitation, Emergency and Preventive Medicine departments established a schedule of nine fortnightly meetings. Several documents that compound the CP were elaborated following the FOCUS-PDCA model, according with the scientific evidence and the in force clinical guides. Results: The following documents were elaborated: scientific-technical framework which integrates all processes; information document for patient/relatives on-admission; nurses protocols (social risk, disphagya, falling down risk and pressure ulcers); stroke rehabilitation guidelines for staff; treatment, care and monitoring sheets; recommendations at discharge for patient/relatives; stroke rehabilitation guidelines for patient/relatives; specific didactic units for patient/relatives; patient/relatives satisfaction survey; and quality standard document. Conclusions: A stroke CP in a hospital with SU potentially promotes a more organized and efficient stroke care, as well as improve the patient/relatives satisfaction (AU)

Importancia del manejo del ductus arterioso persistente en la XII Región al implementar el diagnóstico ecográfico y tratamiento quirúrgico a nivel local / Surgical management of persistent ductus arteriosus in the Xllth Region of Chile

Introducción: El Ductus Arterioso Persistente (DAP) representa un problema muy importante en los Recién Nacidos de Pretérmino (RNPT) menores de 1500 g. Diversos adelantos en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Regional de Punta Arenas desde 1997 hicieron posible que iniciáramos la resolución local de ésta patología, tanto en Neonatos como en pacientes Pediátricos. Objetivo: Mostrar la experiencia obtenida después de 9 a±os de iniciado el diagnóstico y cirugía del DAP a nivel regional. Metodología: Evaluación prospectiva-retrospectiva de todos los pacientes operados de DAP desde Septiembre de 1997 hasta Agosto de 2006, recolectando información clínica, técnica quirúrgica y complicaciones, seguimiento y sobrevida. Se separan los pacientes en 2 grupos, los RNPT (Grupo A) y los niños de edad pediátrica (Grupo B). Resultados: Se han intervenido quirúrgicamente 16 pacientes del Grupo A y 10 pacientes del Grupo B. La edad al momento de la operación fluctuó entre 9 días y los 6 años 3 meses. En el grupo A, el peso al momento de la cirugía se encontraba entre 527 g y 2062 g. Para el diagnóstico ecocardiográfico se utilizó desde envío de imágenes por video hasta telemedicina con ecocardiografistas experimentados, hasta lograr la experiencia local. El equipo quirúrgico fue apoyado inicialmente por Cirujano Infantil con experiencia en cirugía Ductal, siendo parte del equipo en el 20 por ciento de las cirugías en el grupo A y en el 60 por ciento del grupo B. Se abordó el tórax por vía transpleural en 4 casos y extrapleural en 22 casos, sin dejar drenajes pleurales. No hubo complicaciones significativas. El tiempo de seguimiento varió entre 2 meses y 9 años, y la sobrevida fue de un 96 por ciento, con 1 paciente fallecido hasta Diciembre 2006. Conclusiones: La resolución quirúrgica de ésta patología es posible en el ámbito local, lo cual tiene gran importancia en los casos en que el traslado sea imposible o riesgoso por las condiciones de los enfermos...

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) accounts is a very important problem for extreme premature newborns < 1500 g due to a high associated morbi-mortality in this group of patients. After the arrival of a pediatric cardiac surgeon and training in appropriate echocardiography diagnosis, surgical treatment of this condition began at the Regional Hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile. Aim. to repon local results of PDA surgical treatment in neonates and children during a 9 year period. Method. All patients operated on for closure of PDA from September 1997 to August 2006 were included. A retrospective recollection of data, age weight at time of surgery (preterm neonates), means used to diagnose PDA, co-morbidity, surgical technique, complications and survival, was performed. A separate analysis of preterm neonates (PTN) and pediatric age patients (PA) was carried out. Results. 16 PTN and 10 PA patients were operated on. Overall, age at operation ranged from 9 days to 6 years. Weight of PTN ranged from 572 to 2062 g. Diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography in all but one patient. Echocardiographic findings were discussed via tele-medicine with experienced specialists in many cases. The local surgical team was supported by an experienced surgeon in 20 percent of PTN and 60 percent of PA patients. A transpleural approach was used in 4 and an extrapleural approach in 22 patients; no pleural drainage was used. There were no significant complications. Only 1 patients has died in follow-up ranging from 2 months to 9 years. Conclusions. Local resolution of PDA in neonates and small children has been made possible in Punta Arenas, avoiding dangerous transfer of these patients. Assistance by trained specialists was essential to accomplish this goal. Use of tele-medicine proved to be an important factor to increase safety in the management of PDA.

Experimental reactivation of equine herpesvirus-3 following corticosteroid treatment.

State of latency, well known for several herpesviruses, has been proposed for equine herpesvirus-3 (EHV-3) and supported by epidemiological observations. No detailed assessment about reactivation, patterns of excretion and reexcretion has been formally reported. An experimental reactivation study by corticosteroid treatment in previously naturally infected horses was therefore carried out. Two polo mares with clinical and virologically confirmed history of equine coital exanthema were injected with dexamethasone and prednisolone on 3 successive days. Clinical signs, body temperature and clinical samples for virological and serological studies were obtained daily. Mares did not show any systemic clinical signs or hyperthermia. EHV-3 shedding, seroconversion and the presence of a small lesion were observed in one of the mares under study 2 weeks after corticosteroid treatment. The results demonstrate that this virus exhibits a latency-reactivation behaviour similar to that of other alpha herpesviruses. Reactivation of latency may have an important bearing on the appearance of clinical signs in mares and/or stallions during the breeding season without the actual evidence of transfer from mare to stallion or vice versa.

[Disk diffusion method for fluconazole susceptibility testing of Candida spp. isolates]. / Método de difusión con discos para la determinación de sensibilidad a fluconazol en aislamientos de Candida spp.

In order to standardize and evaluate a disk diffusion method with visual reading to detect in vitro fluconazole susceptibility of yeast, 1193 clinical isolates were tested. These included 584 Candida albicans, 196 Candida parapsilosis, 200 Candida tropicalis, 113 Candida glabrata, 50 Candida krusei and 50 Candida spp. and other opportunistic yeasts. The disks were manufactured in the INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán. The disk diffusion method results were compared to MIC results obtained by the reference CLSI M27-A2 broth microdilution method modified by EUCAST. The interpretative breakpoints for in vitro susceptibility testing of fluconazole were established at: zone diameter > or =16 mm for MIC < or =8 microg/ml (susceptible isolates), between 9 and 15 mm for MIC = 16-32 microg/ml (susceptible dose-dependent isolates), and < or =8 mm for MIC > or =64 microg/ml (resistant isolates). Overall agreement between the two methods was 94.7%, with 0.2% very major errors, and 0.3% major errors. Inter - and intralaboratory agreement was good. The disk diffusion method for drug susceptibility testing of Candida spp. isolates is inexpensive, reliable and reproducible. However, when the inhibition zone diameter is < or =15 mm, it is advisable to test the isolate by the reference microdilution method.

Método de difusión con discos para la determinación de sensibilidad a fluconazol en aislamientos de Candida spp / Disk diffusion method for fluconazole susceptibility testing of Candida spp. isolates

Se estudiaron 1193 aislamientos clínicos para estandarizar y evaluar un método de difusión con discos de fluconazol de lectura visual, que permita detectar levaduras sensibles al antifúngico. Las especies analizadas fueron: Candida albicans (n=584), Candida parapsilosis (n=196), Candida tropicalis (n=200), Candida glabrata (n=113), Candida krusei (n=50), Candida spp. y otras levaduras oportunistas (n=50). Los discos fueron manufacturados en el INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Se midieron los halos de inhibición del crecimiento producidos por fluconazol y la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) por el método de referencia M27-A2 modificado por EUCAST. Se establecieron los valores de corte del método de difusión en: ≥16 mm para levaduras sensibles a fluconazol (CIM ≤ 8 µg/ml), entre 9 y 15 mm para sensibles dependientes de la dosis (CIM = 16-32 mg/ml) y ≤ 8 mm para resistentes (CIM ≥ 64 µg/ml). El método de difusión tuvo 94,7% de concordancia con el de referencia, con 0,2% de errores very major y 0,3% de errores major. La reproducibilidad inter e intralaboratorio fue muy buena. Para detectar aislamientos sensibles a fluconazol, este método resulta confiable y de bajo costo; sin embargo, es conveniente que los aislamientos con halos ≤ 15 mm sean reevaluados por el método de referencia.

In order to standardize and evaluate a disk diffusion method with visual reading to detect in vitro fluconazole susceptibility of yeast, 1193 clinical isolates were tested. These included 584 Candida albicans, 196 Candida parapsilosis, 200 Candida tropicalis, 113 Candida glabrata, 50 Candida krusei and 50 Candida spp. and other opportunistic yeasts. The disks were manufactured in the INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". The disk diffusion method results were compared to MIC results obtained by the reference CLSI M27-A2 broth microdilution method modified by EUCAST. The interpretative breakpoints for in vitro susceptibility testing of fluconazole were established at: zone diameter ≥ 16 mm for MIC ≤ 8 µg/ml (susceptible isolates), between 9 and 15 mm for MIC = 16-32 mg/ml (susceptible dose-dependent isolates), and ≤ 8 mm for MIC ≥ 64 µg/ml (resistant isolates). Overall agreement between the two methods was 94.7%, with 0.2% very major errors, and 0.3% major errors. Inter - and intralaboratory agreement was good. The disk diffusion method for drug susceptibility testing of Candida spp. isolates is inexpensive, reliable and reproducible. However, when the inhibition zone diameter is ≤ 15 mm, it is advisable to test the isolate by the reference microdilution method.