Impacts of an early childhood obesity prevention program in Mexico.

The Healthy Change Program aimed to improve the accuracy of maternal perceptions of children's weight (MPCW), maternal feeding style (MFS) and feeding practices. Using a randomized control trial design, the intervention group received 4-weekly group sessions focusing on MPCW, MFS and healthy behaviors. The control group received the same dose of attention-control sessions on food hygiene. Data were collected at the baseline and at the end of the program via self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Participants included 294 mother-child dyads with 149 in the intervention group and 145 in the control group. The accuracy of MPCW significantly increased at the study end point in the intervention group (57.0-67.1%, P < 0.05) but not in the control group (67.6-69.7%, P > 0.05), with no between-group difference in pre- and post-change (P > 0.05). At the study end point, more mothers of overweight and obese children in the intervention group had accurate MPCW than their control counterparts (31.4% versus 11.1%, P < 0.01). The intervention group had a shift toward an authoritative style at the study end point (17.4% versus 26.2%, P < 0.001) and favorable changes in feeding practices. The Healthy Change Program contributed to improving the accuracy of MPCW and shifts toward favorable MFS and feeding practices.

Tumoración subungueal, no siempre son partes blandas / Subungual tumor, not always soft tissue

La exostosis subungueal es un tipo de tumor óseo benigno, muy infrecuente en la infancia, que se localiza habitualmente en la falange distal del primer dedo del pie. Se presenta como una tumoración dolorosa que afecta a la uña y a los tejidos blandos periungueales. En su diagnóstico diferencial se incluyen lesiones dermatológicas como la verruga vulgar o el granuloma piogénico, y tumores óseos como el osteocondroma. El diagnóstico definitivo se basa en los hallazgos radiológicos e histopatológicos. Su tratamiento es la exéresis quirúrgica y suele tener buen pronóstico (AU)

Subungual exostosis is a benign bone tumor, very unusual in childhood, which is usually located in the distal phalanx of the first toe. It presents as a painful tumoration that affects the overlying nail and the periungual soft tissues. The differential diagnosis includes dermatological lesions such as common warts or pyogenic granuloma, and bone tumors such as osteochondroma. The final diagnosis is based on the radiological and histopathological findings. The treatment is surgical excision and the outcome is usually favourable. (AU)

Reduction of atmospheric emissions due to switching from fuel oil to natural gas at a power plant in a critical area in Central Mexico.

A case study was conducted to evaluate the SO2 emission reduction in a power plant in Central Mexico, as a result of the shifting of fuel oil to natural gas. Emissions of criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, organic and inorganic toxics were estimated based on a 2010 report of hourly fuel oil consumption at the "Francisco Pérez Ríos" power plant in Tula, Mexico. For SO2, the dispersion of these emissions was assessed with the CALPUFF dispersion model. Emissions reductions of > 99% for SO2, PM and Pb, as well as reductions >50% for organic and inorganic toxics were observed when simulating the use of natural gas. Maximum annual (993 µg/m3) and monthly average SO2 concentrations were simulated during the cold-dry period (152-1063 µg/m3), and warm-dry period (239-432 µg/m3). Dispersion model results and those from Mexico City's air quality forecasting system showed that SO2 emissions from the power plant affect the north of Mexico City in the cold-dry period. The evaluation of model estimates with 24 hr SO2 measured concentrations at Tepeji del Rio suggests that the combination of observations and dispersion models are useful in assessing the reduction of SO2 emissions due to shifting in fuels. Being SO2 a major precursor of acid rain, high transported sulfate concentrations are of concern and low pH values have been reported in the south of Mexico City, indicating that secondary SO2 products emitted in the power plant can be transported to Mexico City under specific atmospheric conditions. Implications: Although the surroundings of a power plant located north of Mexico City receives most of the direct SO2 impact from fuel oil emissions, the plume is dispersed and advected to the Mexico City metropolitan area, where its secondary products may cause acid rain. The use of cleaner fuels may assure significant SO2 reductions in the plant emissions and consequent acid rain presence in nearby populated cities and should be compulsory in critical areas to comply with annual emission limits and health standards.

Influence of musculotendon geometry variability in muscle forces and hip bone-on-bone forces during walking.

Inverse dynamics problems are usually solved in the analysis of human gait to obtain reaction forces and moments at the joints. However, these actions are not the actual forces and moments supported by the joint structure, because they do not consider the forces of the muscles acting across the joint. Therefore, to analyse bone-on bone forces it is necessary to estimate those muscle forces. Usually, this problem is addressed by means of optimization algorithms. One of the parameters required to solve this problem is the musculotendon geometry. These data are usually taken from cadavers or MRI data from several subjects, different from the analysed subject. Then, the model is scaled to the subject morphology. This procedure constitutes a source of error. The goals of this work were two. First, to perform a sensitivity analysis of the influence of muscle insertion locations on the muscle forces acting on the hip joint and on the hip joint bone-on-bone forces. Second, to compare the hip joint bone-on-bone forces during gait cycle obtained through muscle insertion locations taken from a musculoskeletal model template and a scaling procedure to those obtained from a subject-specific model using an MRI of the subject. The problem was solved using OpenSim. Results showed that anatomical variability should be analysed from two perspectives. One the one hand, throughout the gait cycle, in a global way. On the other hand, at a characteristic instant of the gait cycle. Variations of ±1 cm in the position of the attachment points of certain muscles caused variations of up to 14.21% in averaged deviation of the muscle forces and 58.96% in the peak force in the modified muscle and variations up to 57.23% in the averaged deviation of the muscle force and up to 117.23% in the peak force in the rest of muscles. Then, the influence of that variability on muscle activity patterns and hip bone-on-bone forces could be described more precisely. A biomechanical analysis of a subject-specific musculoskeletal model was carried out. Using MRI data, variations up to 5 cm in the location of the insertion points were introduced. These modifications showed significant differences between the baseline model and the customized model: within the range [-12%, 10%] for muscle forces and around 35% of body weight for hip bone-on-bone forces.

Impact of Home-Delivered Meals on Nutrition Status and Nutrient Intake among Older Adults in Central Texas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure changes in nutrition risk and nutrient intake after older adults received home-delivered meals (HDM) for 3 months. DESIGN: This study used a pre-posttest study design, with data collected before and after 3 months of HDM services. SETTING: Two HDM programs that serve the metropolitan areas of Austin and San Antonio, Texas. PARTICIPANTS: Study participants were aged 60 years or older, without dementia or terminal illness, and receiving HDM in Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas for 3 months. MEASUREMENTS: The Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) and Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used to assess nutritional risk. The National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) was used to assess nutrient intake over the past month. RESULTS: After receiving 3 months of HDM, nutrition status significantly improved as measured by the NSI and MNA-SF. More participants met or exceeded the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for magnesium and zinc after receiving HDM compared to before receiving HDM. Dietary supplement intake was associated with a higher nutritional risk. CONCLUSION: Improvements in nutrition status were found after 3 months of receiving HDM, whereas intake of most nutrients did not change significantly. Results of this study provide further evidence that HDM can reduce nutritional risk of older adults, and may inform HDM programs on the differences of NSI and/or MNA-SF to assess nutritional risk of clients.

Hígado graso no alcohólico: prevalencia y factores de riesgo en niños obesos / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: prevalence and risk factors in obese children

Introducción: Los cambios en la dieta y el aumento de la obesidad han conllevado un incremento de la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica (EHNA) en niños, que puede evolucionar hacia una inflamación con fibrosis. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de EHNA en niños obesos mediante ecografía y valorar los factores de riesgo clínico-analíticos relacionados. Metodología: Estudio piloto llevado a cabo en un grupo seleccionado de 20 pacientes pediátricos con obesidad (con una desviación estándar en el índice de masa corporal [IMC] de +2,5). Se realizó un registro prospectivo y un análisis descriptivo de los datos clínicos con un cuestionario de hábitos nutricionales y estilo de vida, una exploración física con variables antropométricas, un estudio analítico y un diagnóstico ecográfico de esteatosis hepática. Resultados: Un total de 12 varones y 8 mujeres, con una media de edad de 12,5 años (rango: 6,5-16), el 100% con antecedentes familiares de obesidad y trastornos metabólicos, y un 90% con alteraciones del metabolismo lipídico (35% LDL, 30% triglicéridos) o hidrocarbonado; un 20% de estos pacientes tenía un diagnóstico ecográfico de esteatosis, 2 de ellos con hipertransaminasemia leve (AST 65-35 U/L, ALT 42-100 U/L); un 65% picaba entre horas, bollería y otros dulces (4-5 días a la semana), y se observaba un predominio de actividades sedentarias (8,3 h/semana) en comparación con la realización de ejercicio físico (4,2 h/semana). Conclusiones: El IMC elevado, la dislipemia y la resistencia a la insulina son factores de riesgo asociados a la EHNA. Una intervención temprana puede evitar su aparición y progresión. Dada la inocuidad de la ecografía, se debería considerar un método de diagnóstico precoz en los niños obesos (AU)

Introduction: Changes in diet and obesity are responsible for the emerging nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (NASH) in children, which may progress to inflammation with fibrosis. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NASH in obese children by ultrasound and to assess the clinical and laboratory data and risk factors. Methodology: A pilot study in a selected group of 20 pediatric patients with obesity (BMI + 2.5 DS); prospective registry and descriptive analysis of clinical data questionnaire nutritional habits and lifestyle, physical examination with anthropometric variables, analytical study and ultrasound diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. Results: 12 men and 8 women, mean age 12.5 years (range: 6.5 to 16), 100% with a family history of obesity and metabolic disorders, 90% carbohydrate or lipid metabolism disorders (35% LDL, triglycerides 30%); sonographic diagnosis of steatosis in 20%, two of them with hypertransaminasemia (AST 65-35 U/L, ALT 42-100 U/L); 65% had eated between meals, pastries and other sweets (4-5 days a week), and there was predominantly sedentary activity (8.3 h/week) compared to physical exercise (4.2 h/week). Conclusions: The high BMI, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance are risk factors associated with NASH. early intervention can prevent its onset and progression. ultrasonography is safe and it should be considered as a method of early diagnosis in obese children (AU)

Non-pharmacological treatment for neuropathic pain in children with cancer.

Neuropathic pain (NP) associated with childhood cancer is currently a difficult problem to control. It is treated with drugs that not only fail to provide the expected improvements, but which also have side effects. Therefore, the main aim of this pilot study is to assess whether non-pharmacological treatments, Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Neural Mobilization (NM), have a positive effect on this pain, thus improving the associated comorbid factors and, consequently, the quality of life of the children. In an n = 6, the results after 4 weeks of treatment show a 10-point improvement in the pain threshold and a 3.1-point improvement in the perception of pain.

Hendidura esternal. Presentación de un caso en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico «William Soler» (La Habana, Cuba) / Sternal cleft. One patient at Cardiocentro Pediátrico «William Soler» (La Habana, Cuba)

Durante la vida embriológica, el esternón se origina en la misma lámina lateral del mesodermo que forma los músculos pectorales. Las malformaciones congénitas de la pared del tórax comprenden un grupo muy heterogéneo de patologías que presentan como factor etiológico alguna alteración en el desarrollo y/o morfología de las estructuras de la caja torácica, cuyo espectro abarca desde una deformidad leve sin consecuencias funcionales hasta una patología grave con riesgo de vida. La hendidura esternal es una de las malformaciones de la pared torácica, provocada por un defecto de fusión esternal, y se produce aproximadamente en 1 de cada 50.000 recién nacidos. Hasta la fecha, las hendiduras esternales se han descrito en poco más de 100 casos, y se presentan por igual en varones y mujeres. Se originan hacia la novena semana de vida intrauterina en dirección craneocaudal; pueden diagnosticarse al nacer y se clasifican en parciales o totales. El defecto debe ser reparado precozmente, para restablecer la protección ósea de las estructuras del mediastino, prevenir el movimiento paradojal de las vísceras en la respiración, eliminar la deformidad visible y permitir un desarrollo normal de la caja torácica. El objetivo de este trabajo era notificar el caso de un paciente portador de esta infrecuente malformación y revisar sus características clínicas, con el fin de poder realizar un diagnóstico preciso, orientar el estudio y definir un adecuado tratamiento (AU)

During the embryological life, the sternum originates in the same lateral mesoderm layer where the pectoral muscles are formed. The congenital malformations from the thoracic cavity include a very heterogeneous group of pathologies presenting some alterations in development and morphology ranging from a slight deformity without functional consequences to a serious pathology with life risk. Then the sternal clef is one of the thoracic cavity malformation induced by a sternal fusion defect and has a prevalence of 1 every 50,000 newborns. To date, the sternal cleft was described in a little more than 100 cases without difference between male and female. It appears in the cephalo-caudal development during the ninth living week of the embryo. The diagnosis is at birth following two classifications: partial or totally. The defects most be repaired early in order to re- establish the bone protection from the mediastinum structure, to prevent the paradoxical movement from the respiratory viscera and eliminate visible deformity so that a normal development of the thoracic cavity is allowed. The objective of this paper is to present the case of a patient with an infrequently malformation, expose the clinical characteristics in order to make a precise diagnosis, defining the needed complementary tests and an adequate surgical treatment (AU)

Electrochemical characterization of gelatinized starch dispersions: voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on platinum surface.

The electrochemical properties of gelatinized starch dispersions (GSD; 5% w/w) from different botanical sources were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests over a platinum surface. The phenomenological modelling of EIS data using equivalent circuits indicated that after gelatinization the electrical resistance was determined mainly by the resistance of insoluble material (i.e., ghosts). Sonication of the GSD disrupted the ghost microstructure, and produced an increase in electrical conductivity by reducing the resistance of the insoluble material. The CV data showed three oxidation peaks at potentials where glucose solutions displayed oxidation waves. It is postulated that hydrolysis at the bulk and electrocatalyzed oxidation on the Pt-surface are reactions involved in the starch transformation. Starches peak intensity increased with the amylose content, suggesting that the amylose-rich matrix played an important role in the charge transfer in the electrolytic system.

Effect of lime concentration on gelatinized maize starch dispersions properties.

Maize starch was lime-cooked at 92 °C with 0.0-0.40% w/w Ca(OH)2. Optical micrographs showed that lime disrupted the integrity of insoluble remnants (ghosts) and increased the degree of syneresis of the gelatinized starch dispersions (GSD). The particle size distribution was monomodal, shifting to smaller sizes and narrower distributions with increasing lime concentration. X-ray patterns and FTIR spectra showed that crystallinity decreased to a minimum at lime concentration of 0.20% w/w. Lime-treated GSD exhibited thixotropic and viscoelastic behaviour. In the linear viscoelastic region the storage modulus was higher than the loss modulus, but a crossover between these moduli occurred in the non-linear viscoelastic region. The viscoelastic properties decreased with increased lime concentration. The electrochemical properties suggested that the amylopectin-rich remnants and the released amylose contained in the continuous matrix was firstly attacked by calcium ions at low lime levels (<0.20% w/w), disrupting the starch gel microstructure.

Manifestaciones clínicas y hallazgos endoscópicos en la esofagitis por reflujo / Clinical manifestations and endoscopic findings of reflux esophagitis

Introducción: La esofagitis supone una complicación poco frecuente del reflujo gastroesofágico, pero hay que tenerla en cuenta y detectar datos clínicos sugestivos de esta afección para solicitar una endoscopia digestiva. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de casos de esofagitis por reflujo (durante el periodo 1995-2010) y análisis estadístico de los datos. Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra de 41 pacientes, de 4 meses a 16 años de edad, con mayor frecuencia de esofagitis en varones y adolescentes. El 80,5% de los casos eran esofagitis de grado I-II; se observó hernia de hiato en el 58,5% de los casos, sin asociarse a una mayor gravedad de esofagitis (p= 0,7). La patología neurológica, muy frecuente, se asociaba a esofagitis graves (p= 0,03) y peor evolución (p= 0,035). Las manifestaciones clínicas referidas con más frecuencia fueron los vómitos con sangrado digestivo superior, la epigastralgia y la pirosis. La disfagia fue el único síntoma relacionado con un mayor grado de esofagitis (p= 0,05). También se observaron síntomas extradigestivos por reflujo gastroesofágico (25%). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con Helicobacter pylori, la erradicación de la bacteria supuso una mejora de los síntomas de reflujo. Se detectó una escasa correlación entre los hallazgos de la pH-metría y los endoscópicos (p= 0,32) (AU)

Introduction: Esophagitis is a rare complication of gastroesophageal reflux, but we must take this into account to find clinical suggestive data and to apply the endoscopy. Patients and methods: A retrospective study of reflux esophagitis during 1995-2010 and statistical analysis of the data. Results: 41 patients, aged 4 month to 16 years, higher frequency of esophagitis in males and adolescents. Esophagitis grade I-II in 80.5%, hiatal hernia (58.5%) not associated with severity of esophagitis (p= 0.7). Neurological disease, very common, was associated with severe esophagitis (p= 0.03) and poor outcome (p= 0.035). Clinical manifestations were vomiting and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, epigastric pain and heartburn; dysphagia was the only symptom associated with a higher degree of esophagitis (p= 0.05). Extragastrointestinal symptoms was noted in 25%. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori eradication led to an improvement in reflux symptoms; pH monitoring and endoscopic findings show poor correlation in infants (p= 0.32) (AU)

Quiste de colédoco como causa de dolor epigástrico / Choledochal cyst as a cause of epigastric pain

No disponible

Gastropatía hemorrágica tras dosis bajas de ibuprofeno / Gastrointestinal bleeding following ingestion of low-dose ibuprofen

Introducción: El ibuprofeno, antiinflamatorio no esteroideo bastante utilizado en pediatría como analgésico y antitérmico, se ha considerado un fármaco muy seguro que no se asocia a gastrolesividad en niños cuando se usa a dosis bajas durante periodos cortos. Pacientes y métodos: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue revisar los casos de hemorragia digestiva y valorar si existen casos de gastropatía hemorrágica tras dosis habituales de ibuprofeno. Resultados: Se encontraron 9 casos de sangrado digestivo secundario a gastropatía en niños sanos, sin factores de riesgo, que habían ingerido varias dosis de ibuprofeno para el tratamiento de la fiebre(AU)

Introduction: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently used in children for fever and pain. It is usually considered to be safe and of low risk at low doses and short-term use. Patients and methods: The aim of our study was to review the cases of gastrointestinal bleeding and assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding after recommended doses of ibuprofen. Results: We describe 9 previously healthy patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding after receiving weight-related doses of ibuprofen for fever(AU)

[Gastrointestinal bleeding following ingestion of low-dose ibuprofen]. / Gastropatía hemorrágica tras dosis bajas de ibuprofeno.

INTRODUCTION: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently used in children for fever and pain. It is usually considered to be safe and of low risk at low doses and short-term use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aim of our study was to review the cases of gastrointestinal bleeding and assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding after recommended doses of ibuprofen. RESULTS: We describe 9 previously healthy patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding after receiving weight-related doses of ibuprofen for fever.

Alteraciones del pelo como signo de enfermedad mitocondrial / Hair disorders as sign of mitochondrial disease

Introducción: Los trastornos de la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial conllevan una disminución del aporte energético celular, lo que puede afectar al crecimiento y al desarrollo del pelo. Objetivo: Valorar si una técnica sencilla, como es el análisis microscópico del pelo, podría servir como herramienta de orientación diagnóstica de las enfermedades mitocondriales. Resultados: Se estudiaron 13 pacientes con enfermedad mitocondrial, de los cuales 6 tenían el pelo quebradizo y fino, pero sólo uno de ellos presentaba alteraciones más concretas(pili torti et canaliculi). En el grupo de controles sanos no se observó ninguna alteración. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones del pelo pueden formar parte del amplio espectro clínico de las enfermedades mitocondriales. Sin embargo, al ser tan inespecíficas, por sí solas son poco útiles como herramienta de orientación diagnóstica(AU)

Introduction: Disorders of the mitochondrial respiratory chain lead to a decrease in celular energy supply and this can affect hair growth and development. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether microscopic hair examination could be used as an easy diagnostic tool of mitochondrial diseases. Results: 6 out of 13 patients with mitochondrial disease had fragile and thin hair, but only one had specific alterations (pilitorti et canaliculi). The healthy control group revealed no apparent abnormality. Conclusions: Hair disorders might belong to the broad spectrum of presenting symptoms of mitochondrial diseases. However, these anomalies are unspecific and have not much performance as diagnostic tool(AU)

[Blood-stream catheter related infection in inpatient children receiving parenteral nutrition]. / Incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a catéter en niños hospitalizados que reciben nutrición parenteral.

UNLABELLED: Blood-stream catheter related infection is the most severe complication in patients carrying a central venous catheter. Parenteral nutrition (PN) use seems to be a risk factor for developing a catheter-related infection (CRI). MATERIAL & METHODS: In order to know the incidence of CRI in children to further implement policies to reduce nosocomial infection, we review all charts of children (1 month to 17 years) who received parenteral nutrition while in hospital. All episodes of fever + positive blood culture were recorded. Infection rate was defined as number of episodes/1000 Parenteral nutrition days. RESULTS: 48 positive blood cultures was obtained from 120 patients. Infection rate was 37.8/1000 days. Incidence was significantly higher in infants and toddlers (52% vs 29.8%, p = 0.016). Most frequent organisms were coagulase negative Staph. (56.8%), Gram negative bacilli (20.8%), Staph aureus (12.5%) and fungus (12.5%). No difference in incidence were found according to the underlying disease or the length of PN use. CONCLUSIONS: Infection rate in our PN inpatient patients was significantly higher. PN may represent a risk factor for developing a CRI. Specific measurements and policies need to be implemented to overcome present situation.

Incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a catéter en niños hospitalizados que reciben nutrición parenteral / Blood-stream catheter related infection in inpatient children receiving parenteral nutrition

Las infecciones relacionadas con el catéter son la complicación más grave en los pacientes portadores de un catéter venoso central. Se considera que la nutrición parenteral (NP) constituye un factor de riesgo de desarrollar una infección relacionada con el catéter (IRCat). Material y métodos: para conocer la tasa de infección y poder establecer estrategias de prevención de la infección nosocomial, se revisaron todas las historias de los 120 pacientes que recibieron NP a lo largo de 2008. Todas las historias de los pacientes con un episodio fiebre y hemocultivo positivo fueron consideradas. La tasa de infección se definió como número de episodios por cada 1000 días de NP. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 48 hemocultivos positivos. La tasa global de bacteriemia asociada a catéter fue de 37,8/1000 días de NP. La incidencia fue significativamente mayor en lactantes menores de 2 años de edad. Los gérmenes que se encontraron con mayor frecuencia fueron Estafilococo coagulasa negativo (56,8%), seguidos de bacilos Gram (20,8%), Staph aureus (12,5%) y los hongos (12,5%). No encontramos diferencias en la tasa de infección cuando ajustamos por la enfermedad de base o la duración de la NP. Conclusiones: La tasa de infección en niños con NP en el hospital es considerablemente elevada. La NP parece constituir un factor de riesgo de desarrollar IRCat. Es necesario establecer políticas adecuadas y continuadas para conseguir disminuir la tasa de infección nosocomial (AU)

Blood-stream catheter related infection is the most severe complication in patients carrying a central venous catheter. Parenteral nutrition (PN) use seems to be a risk factor for developing a catheter-related infection (CRI). Material & methods: In order to know the incidence of CRI in children to further implement policies to reduce nosocomial infection, we review all charts of children (1 month to 17 years) who received parenteral nutrition while in hospital. All episodes of fever + positive blood culture were recorded. Infection rate was defined as number of episodes/1000 Parenteral nutrition days. Results: 48 positive blood cultures was obtained from 120 patients. Infection rate was 37.8/1000 days. Incidence was significantly higher in infants and toddlers (52% vs 29.8%, p = 0.016). Most frequent organisms were coagulase negative Staph. (56.8%), Gram negative bacilli (20.8%), Staph aureus (12.5%) and fungus (12.5%). No difference in incidence were found according to the underlying disease or the length of PN use. Conclusions: Infection rate in our PN inpatient patients was significantly higher. PN may represent a risk factor for developing a CRI. Specific measurements and policies need to be implemented to overcome present situation (AU)

Levels and source apportionment of volatile organic compounds in southwestern area of Mexico City.

Thirteen volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were quantified at three sites in southwestern Mexico City from July 2000 to February 2001. High concentrations of different VOCs were found at a Gasoline refueling station (GS), a Condominium area (CA), and at the University Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS). The most abundant VOCs at CA and CAS were propane, n-butane, toluene, acetylene and pentane. In comparison, at GS the most abundant were toluene, pentane, propane, n-butane, and acetylene. Benzene, a known carcinogenic compound had average levels of 28, 35 and 250ppbC at CAS, CA, and GS respectively. The main contributing sources of the measured VOCs at CA and CAS were the handling and management of LP (Liquid Propane) gas, vehicle exhaust, asphalt works, and use of solvents. At GS almost all of the VOCs came from vehicle exhaust and fuel evaporation, although components of LP gas were also present. Based on the overall results possible abatement strategies are discussed.

Time-correlations in the dynamics of hazardous material pipelines incidents.

This paper addresses the following question: Are the hazardous materials pipeline incidents non-randomly time distributed? Our analysis suggests that they are correlated, which means that a hazardous materials pipeline incident is not independent from the time elapsed since the previous event. That is, our statistical tests suggest that previous accident counts correlate with future counts. But, if we consider incidents with a large severity index (spills and property damage), the phenomenon is unpredictable, since it approaches a Poissonian process (random, independent and uncorrelated).