Experimental peri-implantitis around titanium implants with a chemically modified surface with a monolayer of multi-phosphonate molecules: a preclinical in vivo investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this experimental in vivo investigation was to evaluate the influence of modifying the implant surface by adding a monolayer of multi-phosphonate molecules on the development of experimental peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight beagle dogs received 5 tests and 5 control implants each following a split-mouth design 3 months after premolar and molar extraction. On the most mesial implant of each side, a 3-mm buccal dehiscence was artificially created. Experimental peri-implantitis was induced by silk ligatures over a 4-month period; after ligature removal, peri-implantitis was left to progress for another 4 months without plaque control. Clinical, histological, and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Radiographically, both implant groups showed a similar bone loss (BL) at the end of the induction and progression phases. BL measured on the histological sections of the test and control groups was 3.14 ± 0.42 mm and 3.26 ± 0.28 mm, respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The remaining buccal bone to implant contact (bBIC) percentage of the test and control groups was 59.38 ± 18.62 and 47.44 ± 20.46%, respectively; the difference, however, was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Bone loss observed at dehiscent sites compared to non-dehiscent ones showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of a monophosphonate layer to a moderately rough implant surface did not affect development of experimental peri-implantitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Influence of implant surface on peri-implantitis may condition implant selection by the clinician, especially on patients with disease risk factors. In that sense, monophosphate layer implants do not show higher peri-implantitis risk than control implants.

Alveolar crest contour changes after guided bone regeneration using different biomaterials: an experimental in vivo investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in alveolar contour after guided bone regeneration (GBR) with two different combinations of biomaterials in dehiscence defects around implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chronic alveolar ridge defects were created bilaterally in the mandible of eight Beagle dogs. Once implants were placed, three treatment groups were randomly allocated to each peri-implant dehiscence defect: (i) test group received a bone substitute composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) covered by a cross-linked collagen membrane, (ii) positive control group with placement of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) plus a porcine natural collagen membrane, and (iii) a negative control with no treatment. Two healing periods (8 and 16 weeks) were evaluated. Dental casts were optically scanned, the obtained files were uploaded into an image analysis software and superimposed to evaluate the linear changes. RESULTS: In both healing periods, the gains in linear contours were higher in the test group and at the intermediate level (3 mm below the gingival margin). While at 8 weeks, no significant differences were found between the groups; at 16 weeks, the test and positive control groups demonstrated significant gains in contour compared with negative control. CONCLUSIONS: GBR using different biomaterials significantly increased the buccal contours of the alveolar crest when used at dehiscence defects around dental implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Particulate highly porous synthetic bone substitute and a cross-linked collagen membrane demonstrated similar outcomes in terms of contour augmentation when compared to bovine xenograft (DBBM) and a collagen membrane.

Effects of a 6-Week Period of Polarized or Threshold Training on Performance and Fatigue in Elite Swimmers.

PURPOSE: To quantify the impact of a polarized distribution of training intensity on performance and fatigue in elite swimmers. METHODS: Twenty-two elite junior swimmers (12 males, age = 17 [3] y, and 10 females, age = 17 [3] y) participated in a crossover intervention study over 28 wk involving 2- × 6-wk training periods separated by 6 wk. Swimmers were randomly assigned to a training group for the first period: polarized (81% in zone 1, blood lactate concentration, [La]b ≤ 2 mmol·L-1; 4% in zone 2, 2 mmol·L-1 < [La]b ≤ 4 mmol·L-1; and 15% in zone 3, [La]b > 4 mmol·L-1) or threshold (65%/25%/10%). Before and after each period, they performed a 100-m maximal swimming test to determine performance, maximal [La]b, and oxygen consumption and an incremental swimming test to determine speed corresponding to [La]b = 4 mmol·L-1 (V4 mmol·L-1). Self-reported indices of well-being were collected with a daily questionnaire. RESULTS: Polarized training elicited small to moderately greater improvement than threshold training on 100-m performance (within-group change ± 90% confidence interval: 0.97% ± 1.02% vs 0.09% ± 0.94%, respectively) with less fatigue and better quality of recovery. There was no substantial gender effect. No clear differences were observed in physiological adaptations between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In elite junior swimmers, a 6-wk period of polarized training induced small improvements in 100-m time-trial performance and, in combination with less perceived fatigue, forms a viable option for coaches preparing such cohorts of swimmers for competition.

Motivos para la práctica de actividad física durante el tiempo libre y su relación con el cumplimento de las recomendaciones / Razões para a atividade física no tempo livre e sua relação o cumprimento das recomendações / Physical activity leisure time motives and their relation to meeting the recommendations

Los objetivos del estudio fueron: describir los motivos para practicar actividad física en el tiempo libre (AFTL) en adultos de Madrid y analizar su asociación con el sexo y la edad y con la posibilidad de cumplir las recomendaciones de AF. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 1500 personas de Madrid (15-74 años). La AFTL se evaluó con la versión 2 del Global Physical Activity Questionnaire y los motivos de práctica mediante la versión española de la escala Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised. Los motivos se ordenaron así: salud (6.19±.87), disfrute (5.67±1.05), competencia (4.84±1.31), social (4.81±1.70) y apariencia (4.63±1.52). Conceder una relevancia alta a los motivos salud y competencia se asoció con mayor probabilidad de cumplir las recomendaciones (OR=1.69 y OR=1.83, respectivamente). La salud es el motivo más importante para la práctica de AFTL en la muestra estudiada. Le siguen: disfrute, competencia, relaciones sociales y apariencia. Las mujeres conceden importancia alta a la salud y a la apariencia, más que los hombres. El protagonismo del motivo salud aumenta con la edad. Para los motivos de competencia, social y apariencia la tendencia es opuesta. La probabilidad de alcanzar las recomendaciones es mayor cuando se concede una importancia alta a la salud o a la competencia (AU)

The aim of the study was to describe the motives for Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) in Madrid adults; analyses their association to gender and age, and with the possibility of meeting the physical activity recommendations. A cross-sectional study from 1500 subjects living in Madrid (age: 15-74 years). LTPA was assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (version 2), and practice motives using the Spanish version of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised scale. Motives for LTPA were reported in the following order: fitness (6.19±.87), enjoyment (5.67±1.05), competence (4.84±1.31), social (4.81±1.70) and appearance (4.63±1.52). Conceding a high relevance to the motives of fitness or competence was associated to a higher possibility of meeting the recommendations (OR=1.69 y OR=1.83, respectively). Based in the studied sample, health is the main important motive for LTPA practice. Followed by enjoyment, competence, social relations and appearance. Women concede a higher importance to health and appearance than men. The importance of health motive increase with the age, while the competence, social and appearance motives have the opposite tendency. The possibility of meeting the PA recommendations is higher when a higher importance to health or competence is conceded (AU)

Os objetivos do estudo foram descrever as razões para a prática de atividade física no tempo livre entre adultos em Madrid e analisar sua associação com sexo e idade e a possibilidade de implementar as recomendações do AF. Um estudo cruz com 1500 pessoas em Madrid (15-74 anos) foi realizada. LTPA foi avaliada com a versão 2 da Global Physical Activity Questionnaire e as razões para a prática pela versão em espanhol dos motivos de escala para a atividade física Medida-Revised. As razões são ordenados da seguinte forma: saúde (6.19 ± .87), prazer (5.67 ± 1.05), a concorrência (4.84 ± 1.31), social (4.81 ± 1.70) e aparência (4,63 ± 1,52). Concedesse uma alta relevância a razões de saúde e à concorrência foi associado com cumprir as recomendações (OR = 1.69 e OR = 1.83, respectivamente). A saúde é a prática mais importante da AFL na mostra estudada. Pelar seguintes razões: Prazer, Competição, relações sociais e aparência. As mulheres dão mais importância a saúde e aparência, mais do que os homens. O papel da razão da saúde aumenta com a idade. Por razões de concorrência, social e aparência a tendência é oposta. A probabilidade de alcançar as recomendações é maior quando uma elevada importância foi anexada para a saúde ou a concorrência (AU)

La investigación biomédica hospitalaria a través de la satisfacción de los profesionales de un Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria / Hospital biomedical research through the satisfaction of a Health Research Institute professionals

Objetivo. Los Institutos de Investigación Sanitaria son una apuesta estratégica de gran alcance para impulsar la investigación biomédica en los hospitales. Evaluar la satisfacción de sus usuarios es un requisito de calidad imprescindible. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la satisfacción de los profesionales de un Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, centro de investigación biomédica hospitalaria por excelencia. Métodos. Estudio observacional a través de un cuestionario de satisfacción a los investigadores de un Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria. Las dimensiones exploradas derivaron de los servicios ofrecidos a los investigadores y que se articulan en torno a los 4 ejes del Plan Estratégico quinquenal. Se realizó estudio descriptivo y analítico según las variables de ajuste. Se calculó la consistencia interna del cuestionario. Resultados. La encuesta fue completada por 108 investigadores (15% de respuesta). El aspecto estratégico mejor valorado fue la estructuración en Áreas/Grupos de Investigación y la política de comunicación. La valoración global fue de 7,25 sobre 10. Las sugerencias de mejora giran en torno a la necesidad de ayudas para la contratación y las infraestructuras de investigación. El cuestionario ha resultado tener una alta consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach de 0,9). Conclusiones. Hasta el momento las políticas de investigación en el entorno sanitario y biomédico no han sido suficientemente valoradas por los profesionales en nuestro ámbito. Sistematizar la evaluación de la satisfacción y las expectativas de los principales grupos de interés es un instrumento esencial de análisis, participación en la mejora continua y de avanzar hacia la excelencia de la investigación sanitaria (AU)

Objective. A Health Research Institute is a powerful strategic commitment to promote biomedical research in hospitals. To assess user satisfaction is an essential quality requirement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the professional satisfaction in a Health Research Institute, a hospital biomedical research centre par excellence. Methods. Observational study was conducted using a satisfaction questionnaire on Health Research Institute researchers. The explored dimensions were derived from the services offered by the Institute to researchers, and are structured around 4 axes of a five-year Strategic Plan. A descriptive and analytical study was performed depending on adjustment variables. Internal consistency was also calculated. Results. The questionnaire was completed by 108 researchers (15% response). The most valued strategic aspect was the structuring Areas and Research Groups and political communication and dissemination. The overall rating was 7.25 out of 10. Suggestions for improvement refer to the need for help in recruitment, and research infrastructures. High internal consistency was found in the questionnaire (Cronbach alpha of 0.9). Conclusions. So far research policies in health and biomedical environment have not been sufficiently evaluated by professionals in our field. Systematic evaluations of satisfaction and expectations of key stakeholders is an essential tool for analysis, participation in continuous improvement and advancing excellence in health research (AU)

[Hospital biomedical research through the satisfaction of a Health Research Institute professionals]. / La investigación biomédica hospitalaria a través de la satisfacción de los profesionales de un Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria.

OBJECTIVE: A Health Research Institute is a powerful strategic commitment to promote biomedical research in hospitals. To assess user satisfaction is an essential quality requirement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the professional satisfaction in a Health Research Institute, a hospital biomedical research centre par excellence. METHODS: Observational study was conducted using a satisfaction questionnaire on Health Research Institute researchers. The explored dimensions were derived from the services offered by the Institute to researchers, and are structured around 4 axes of a five-year Strategic Plan. A descriptive and analytical study was performed depending on adjustment variables. Internal consistency was also calculated. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 108 researchers (15% response). The most valued strategic aspect was the structuring Areas and Research Groups and political communication and dissemination. The overall rating was 7.25 out of 10. Suggestions for improvement refer to the need for help in recruitment, and research infrastructures. High internal consistency was found in the questionnaire (Cronbach alpha of 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: So far research policies in health and biomedical environment have not been sufficiently evaluated by professionals in our field. Systematic evaluations of satisfaction and expectations of key stakeholders is an essential tool for analysis, participation in continuous improvement and advancing excellence in health research.

Management and outcomes in digestive cancer surgery: design and initial results of a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: most studies that analyze the influence of structure factors on clinical outcomes are retrospective, based on clinical-administrative databases, and mainly focusing on surgical volume. OBJECTIVE: to study variations in the process and outcomes of oncologic surgery for esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver metastases and rectum cancers in Catalonia, as well as the factors associated with these variations. PATIENTS AND METHOD: a retrospective (2002) and prospective (2003-05) multicenter cohort study. Data forms were designed to collect patient, process, and care outcome characteristics before surgery, at hospital discharge, and at 3 and 6 months after discharge. Main outcome measures were hospital and follow-up mortality, complications, re-interventions, and relapse rates. RESULTS: 49 hospitals (80%) participated in the retrospective phase, 44 of which (90%) also participated in the prospective phase: 3,038 patients (98%) were included. No differences were observed in the profile of operated patients according to hospital level of complexity, but clinical-pathological staging and other functional status variables could not be assessed because of over 20% of missing values. There was significant variability in the volume of interventions as well as in certain aspects of the healthcare process depending on type of cancer and center complexity. High rates of esophageal cancer mortality (18.2% at discharge, 27.3% at 6 months) and of complications and re-interventions for all cancers assessed, especially rectal cancer (18.4% re-interventions at 6 months), were identified. CONCLUSIONS: the study of the variability identified will require adequate risk-adjustment and should take into account different structure factors. It is necessary that information included in medical records be improved.

Proceso asistencial y resultados en la cirugía de cáncer digestivo: diseño y resultados iniciales de un estudio de cohortes multicéntrico / Management and outcomes in digestive cancer surgery: design and initial results of a multicenter cohort study

Antecedentes: la mayoría de estudios que analizan la influenciade factores de estructura sobre los resultados son retrospectivos,realizados con bases de datos clínico-administrativas y basadosprincipalmente en el volumen de intervenciones.Objetivo: estudiar la variabilidad en el proceso y los resultadosde la cirugía oncológica de esófago, estómago, páncreas, metástasishepáticas y recto en Cataluña, así como los factores asociadosa esta.Pacientes y método: estudio de cohortes multicéntrico retrospectivo(2002) y prospectivo (2003-05). Se recogió informaciónsobre el paciente, el proceso y los resultados de la atenciónpreviamente a la cirugía, al alta, y a los 3 y 6 meses.Resultados: participaron 49 (80%) hospitales en la etapa retrospectiva,de los cuales 44 (90%) prosiguieron en la prospectiva.Se incluyeron 3.038 pacientes (98%). No se observaron diferenciasen el perfil de pacientes operados según el nivel de complejidaddel hospital pero no se pudo analizar el estadiaje clínico-patológicoy otras variables de estado funcional por presentar más del20% de valores ausentes. Existió una variabilidad importante en elvolumen de intervenciones por centro así como en algunos aspectosdel proceso asistencial según el tipo de cáncer y la complejidaddel centro. Se identificaron elevadas tasas de mortalidad en esófago(18,2% al alta, 27,3% a los 6 meses) y de complicaciones yreintervenciones en todos los cánceres evaluados, especialmenteen cáncer de recto (18,4% de reintervenciones a los 6 meses).Conclusiones: el estudio de la variabilidad identificada requeriráun adecuado ajuste del riesgo y debería tener en cuenta diferentesfactores de estructura. Es necesario mejorar la informaciónrecogida en la historia clínica(AU)

Background: most studies that analyze the influence of structurefactors on clinical outcomes are retrospective, based on clinical-administrative databases, and mainly focusing on surgical volume.Objective: to study variations in the process and outcomes ofoncologic surgery for esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver metastasesand rectum cancers in Catalonia, as well as the factors associatedwith these variations.Patients and method: a retrospective (2002) and prospective(2003-05) multicenter cohort study. Data forms were designedto collect patient, process, and care outcome characteristicsbefore surgery, at hospital discharge, and at 3 and 6 monthsafter discharge. Main outcome measures were hospital and followupmortality, complications, re-interventions, and relapse rates.Results: 49 hospitals (80%) participated in the retrospectivephase, 44 of which (90%) also participated in the prospectivephase: 3,038 patients (98%) were included. No differences wereobserved in the profile of operated patients according to hospitallevel of complexity, but clinical-pathological staging and otherfunctional status variables could not be assessed because of over20% of missing values. There was significant variability in the volumeof interventions as well as in certain aspects of the healthcareprocess depending on type of cancer and center complexity. Highrates of esophageal cancer mortality (18.2% at discharge, 27.3%at 6 months) and of complications and re-interventions for all cancersassessed, especially rectal cancer (18.4% re-interventions at6 months), were identified.Conclusions: the study of the variability identified will requireadequate risk-adjustment and should take into account differentstructure factors. It is necessary that information included in medicalrecords be improved(AU)

Prevalencia de asma por diagnóstico médico en un centro de Atención Primaria y factores pronósticos de la utilización de los servicios de urgencia hospitalarios / No disponible

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia acumulada de asma y asma activo en nuestro medio mediante diagnóstico médico y construir un índice predictivo de utilización de los servicios hospitalarios por crisis aguda de asma. Material y métodos: estudio transversal efectuado en un centro de Atención Primaria que atiende a 2.300 niños menores de 15 años. Se determinó la prevalencia acumulada de asma. Los niños que presentaron síntomas en los 12 meses previos se consideraron como asma activo. Mediante análisis de regresión logística se construyó un modelo predictivo de utilización de los servicios hospitalarios. Resultados: fueron diagnosticados de asma 195 niños (8,5%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 7,4-9,7%), cifra que corresponde a la prevalencia acumulada. Presentaron asma activo 91 (46,7%; IC 95%: 39,5-53,9%). Consultaron en urgencias del hospital de referencia 48 (24,6%; IC 95%: 18,7-31,3%). Doce (6,2%; IC 95%: 3,2-10,5%) fueron ingresados. En el análisis multivariante, la edad (odds ratio [OR]: 0,85 [IC 95%]: 0,74-0,99), el asma activo (OR: 5,7 [IC 95%]: 1,5-21,6) y el nivel de gravedad (OR: 3,6 (IC 95%: 1,3-10,6) mostraron asociación significativa con la utilización de servicios hospitalarios. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de asma en nuestro medio está situada en un rango intermedio en comparación a otros estudios. El asma activo está fuertemente asociado a un mayor uso de servicios hospitalarios, por lo que es necesario reconsiderar el tratamiento de este subgrupo de pacientes. Es necesario la realización de un gran estudio multicéntrico, emplazado en Atención Primaria, que permita elaborar un modelo predictivo de utilización de los servicios hospitalarios en España

Objective: to asses the cumulative prevalence of asthma and of active asthma in our setting using the clinical diagnosis, and to build a predictive index of utilization of hospital services by acute crisis of asthma. Material and methods: cross sectional study in a Primary Care setting attending 2,300 children less than 15 years of age. Cumulative prevalence of asthma was measured. Children presenting with symptoms in the previous 12 months were considered as having active asthma. A predictive model of utilization of hospital services was build using logistic regression analysis. Results: 195 children were diagnosed of asthma (8.5%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.4-9.7%), figure that corresponds to the cumulative prevalence. Ninety one presented active asthma (46.7%; CI 95%: 39.5-53.9%). Forty eight visited the emergency department of the reference hospital (24.6%; CI 95%: 18.7-31.3%). Twelve (6.2%; CI 95%: 3.2-10.5%) were admitted. In the multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85 [CI 95%]: 0.74-0.99), active asthma (OR: 5.7 [CI 95%]: 1.5-21.6) and level of severity (OR: 3.6 (CI 95%: 1.3-10.6) were significantly associated to utilization of hospital services. Conclusions: the asthma prevalence in our setting is situated in an intermediate range compared to other studies. The active asthma is strongly associated to a higher use of hospital services, so it is necessary to reconsider the treatment in this subgroup of patients. It is necessary to implement a big multicentric study, in Primary Care, in order to build a predictive model of utilization of the hospital services in Sp

Tiroiditis postparto de evolución inusual / Postpartum thyroiditis with unusual evolution

No disponible

Integración de la Radioterapia Oncológica en un sistema de salud y un Plan de cáncer. La experiencia en Cataluña / The integration of Radiotherapy Oncology in Health Systems and Cancer Units. The experience of Catalonia

En este artículo se describen los principios y características generales de la integración de la oncología radioterápica dentro de una atención oncológica global en la Comunidad Autónoma de Catalunya y dentro del modelo sanitario específico promovido por el Servei Catalá de la Salut. Se describen en detalle las tendencias de la organización del sistema sanitario en los próximos años y como se deben adecuar al Plan de Cáncer de Catalunya. Finalmente se comentan los retos específicos de la oncología radioterápica concretamente relacionados con la planificación de recursos sanitarios (AU)

The authors of this paper outline the integration of Radiotherapy Oncology within the global oncological service provided by the Autonomous Community of Catalonia health care system and the specific health care model promoted by the Catalan Health Care System (AU)

Importancia de la valoración del dorso del caballo en el examen de precompra / No disponible

No disponible

Use of antioxidants to minimize rancidity in pressurized and cooked chicken slurries.

Sodium chloride (5%) and some antioxidants (400 ppm rosemary extract; 2000 ppm acerola extract; 50 ppm ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 pm of sodium hexametaphosphate or 5 and 10% egg white powder) were added to minced chicken. From these mixtures, slurries were made by mixing with water (1:3) at 15,000 rpm for 30 s at 20 °C. Samples were pressurized (300, 500 and 900 MPa for 30 min at 20 °C) or cooked (90 °C for 15 min). Hexanal was quantified by solid phase microextraction at 1, 3, 6 and 9 days of 4 °C storage in contact with air. Hexanal values increased with pressure and storage time. Cooked slurries had higher hexanal contents than samples pressurized at 300 MPa, but lower than those treated at 500 and 900 MPa. Rosemary extract was an antioxidant for pressure-treated samples, but had little effect on cooked ones. Acerola extract was not an effective antioxidant, but EDTA strongly inhibited oxidation. Hexamethaphosphate also showed antioxidant ability. Egg white powder inhibited hexanal generation, which can be a new way for revalorizing egg constituents.

Lipid oxidation of pressurized and cooked chicken: role of sodium chloride and mechanical processing on TBARS and hexanal values.

Lipid oxidation of pressurized (300 and 500 MPa for 30 min at 20 °C) or cooked (90 °C for 15 min) minced chicken breast and slurries was evaluated. Mechanical processing, before and after pressurization and cooking, and addition of sodium chloride were also tested as prooxidant factors. At 1, 3, 6 and 9 days of storage at 4 °C, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hexanal were quantified by means of the TBARS test and solid phase microextraction, respectively. In general, pressurized samples presented less oxidation compounds than cooked samples. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hexanal values tended to rise with increasing storage time. Both parameters showed similar patterns throughout the experiment. Salt and mechanical processing had greater prooxidant effect on pressurized samples. Pre-treatment slurries presented more oxidation than post-treatment slurries.

Utilidad del dímero-D en el diagnóstico del tromboembolismo pulmonar en urgencias / Utility of D-dimer in the diagnosys of pulmonary tromboembolism in the emergency service

No disponible

Atmospheric quality and distribution of heavy metals in Argentina employing Tillandsia capillaris as a biomonitor.

The atmospheric quality and distribution of heavy metals were evaluated throughout a wide region of Argentina. In addition, the biomonitor performance of Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav. f. capillaris was studied in relation to the accumulation of heavy metals and to its physiologic response to air pollutants. A sampling area of 50,000 km2 was selected in the central region of the Argentine Republic. This area was subdivided into grids of 25 x 25 km. Pools of T. capillaris, where present, were collected at each intersection point. From each pool three sub-samples were analyzed independently. Furthermore, five replicates were collected at 20% of the points in order to analyze the variability within the site. The content of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Chemical-physiological parameters were also determined to detect symptoms of foliar damage. Chlorophylls, phaeophytins, hydroperoxy conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde and sulfur were quantified in T. capillaris. Some of these parameters were used to calculate a foliar damage index. Data sets were evaluated by one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and mapping. Geographical distribution patterns were obtained for the different metals reflecting the contribution of natural and anthropogenic emission sources. According to our results it can be inferred that Fe, Mn and Co probably originated in the soil. For Pb, the highest values were found in the mountainous area, which can be attributed to the presence of Pb in the granitic rocks. Ni showed mainly an anthropogenic origin, with higher values found in places next to industrial centers. For Zn the highest values were in areas of agricultural development. The same was observed for Cu, whose presence could be related to the employment of pesticides. The foliar damage index distribution map showed that the central and southeastern zones were the ones where the major damage in the bioindicator was found. The central zone coincides with the city of Córdoba whereas the southeastern area is strictly agricultural, so the high values found there could be related to the use of pesticides.

Evaluation of phosphodiesterase I-based protocols for the detection of multiply damaged sites in DNA: the detection of abasic, oxidative and alkylative tandem damage in DNA oligonucleotides.

It has been proposed that DNA multiply damaged sites (MDS), where more than one moiety in a local region ( approximately 1 helical turn, 10 bp) of the DNA is damaged, are lesions of enhanced biological significance. However, other than indirect measures, there are few analytical techniques that allow direct detection of MDS in DNA. In the present study we demonstrate the potential of protocols incorporating an exonucleolytic snake venom phosphodiesterase (SVPD) digestion stage to permit the direct detection of certain tandem damage, in which two lesions are immediately adjacent to each other on the same DNA strand. A series of prepared oligonucleotides containing either single or pairs of tetrahydrofuran moieties (F), thymine glycol lesions (T(g)) or methylphosphotriester adducts (Me-PTE) were digested with SVPD and the digests examined by either (32)P-end-labelling or electrospray mass spectrometry. The unambiguous observation of SVPD-resistant 'trimer' species in the digests of oligonucleotides containing adjacent F, T(g) and Me-PTE demonstrates that the SVPD digestion strategy is capable of allowing direct detection of certain tandem damage. Furthermore, in studies to determine the specificity of SVPD in dealing with pairs of lesions on the same strand, it was found mandatory to have the two lesions immediately adjacent to each other in order to generate the trimer species; pairs of lesions separated by as few as one or two normal nucleotides behave principally as single lesions towards SVPD.

Salmonella enteritidis and aerobic mesophiles in inoculated poultry sausages manufactured with high-pressure processing.

Salmonella enteritidis-inoculated poultry sausages were pressurized at 500 MPa by combining different times (10 and 30 min) and temperatures (50, 60 and 70 degrees C) or heat treated with the same temperature-time combinations and a standard cooking (75 degrees C for 30 min). Counts of Salm. enteritidis and mesophilic bacteria were determined. Most pressure treatments generated statistically higher reductions than the corresponding heat treatments alone. Lethalities of about 7.5 and 6.5 log cfu g(-1) for Salm. enteritidis and mesophiles, respectively, were found in pressurized sausages. There was no significant difference in counts between pressurization at 60 degrees C for 30 min or at 70 degrees C and the standard cooking. High-pressure processing is a suitable alternative method in poultry sausage manufacture.