The effect of waterfowl signals and Pseudocorynosoma enrietti infection on the behaviour of the amphipod Hyalella patagonica.

In the present study, we sought to determine whether i) a waterfowl signal induces avoidance behaviour of the amphipod Hyalella patagonica, ii) infection by the acanthocephalan Pseudocorynosoma enrietti affects the behaviour of the amphipod, and iii) the parasite interferes with the amphipod response to waterfowl. We evaluated amphipod behaviour experimentally by measuring activity levels, phototaxis, geotaxis, and clinging behaviour. The main findings of this study indicate that uninfected amphipods show avoidance behaviour by reducing their activity in the presence of a predator signal. Secondly, infected amphipods show altered behaviour, such as swimming in bright areas near the water surface, which makes them more visible to predators in nature. Lastly, the presence of predatory cues causes infected amphipods to drop to the bottom, which increases their visibility to predators. The present research allows us to perceive the intricate interplay among predators, parasites, and their intermediate hosts and advance our understanding of these complex ecological dynamics.

Precision Determination of Isotope Shifts in Ytterbium and Implications for New Physics.

We report measurements of isotope shifts for the five spinless Yb isotopes on the 6s^{2} ^{1}S_{0}→5d6s ^{1}D_{2} transition using Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy. We combine these data with existing measurements on two transitions in Yb^{+} [Counts et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 123002 (2020)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.125.123002], where deviation from King-plot linearity showed hints of a new bosonic force carrier at the 3σ level. The combined data strongly reduce the significance of the new-physics signal. We show that the observed nonlinearity in the joint Yb/Yb^{+} King-plot analysis can be accounted for by the deformation of the Yb nuclei.

Search for Dark-Matter-Induced Oscillations of Fundamental Constants Using Molecular Spectroscopy.

A possible implication of an ultralight dark matter field interacting with the standard model degrees of freedom is oscillations of fundamental constants. Here, we establish direct experimental bounds on the coupling of an oscillating ultralight dark matter field to the up, down, and strange quarks and to the gluons, for oscillation frequencies between 10 and 10^{8} Hz. We employ spectroscopic experiments that take advantage of the dependence of molecular transition frequencies on the nuclear masses. Our results apply to previously unexplored frequency bands and improve on existing bounds at frequencies >5 MHz. We also improve on the bounds for coupling to the electromagnetic field and the electron field, in particular spectral windows. We identify a sector of ultralight dark matter and standard model coupling space where the bounds from equivalence principle tests may be challenged by next-generation experiments of the present kind.

A rural environment does not protect against asthma or other allergic diseases amongst Mexican children.

INTRODUCTION: The commonly held notion that a rural environment decreases the frequency of allergic diseases has proven to be inconsistent amongst children. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to contrast the prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA), allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) between children that live in a rural environment and those that live in urban areas. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study amongst children aged six to seven; they were selected through probabilistic, stratified and conglomerated sampling. The prevalence of BA, AR, and AD was identified with the use of the questionnaire provided by The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, additionally, we inquired about each child's family history of atopy, their exposure to farm animals, the intake of unpasteurised cow's milk, and the number of siblings related to every child. We used logistic regression and multivariate analysis to determine the correlation between asthma, allergic diseases, and rural environment. RESULTS: We included 189/1003 (18.8%) children from a rural environment, and 814/1003 (81.2%) from an urban area. BA and AR were associated to a family history of atopy (OR=2.15, p=0.001; OR=2.58, p=0.002, respectively). BA was more prevalent in males (OR=1.92, p=0.007). Notably, a higher number of siblings seems to protect against AR (OR=0.45, p=0.008). A paternal history of allergies was associated to AD. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we were unable to find protective factors in a rural environment that might decrease the prevalence of asthma or allergic diseases.

Association between the CDH1-472delA and -160C>A polymorphisms and diffuse and intestinal gastric cancer in a Mexican population.

Gastric cancer (GC), the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Mexico and worldwide, can be classified into diffuse (DGC) or intestinal (IGC) types based on its histological characteristics. DGC is characterized by reduced expression of the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin, which is encoded by CDH1. The -472delA (rs5030625) and -160C>A (rs16260) polymorphisms in CDH1 induce a decrease in gene transcription; in fact, these mutated alleles have been associated with GC in some populations, with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the CDH1 -472delA and -160C>A polymorphisms and DGC and IGC in Mexican patients. The study was conducted in 24, 23, 48, and 93 individuals with DGC and IGC, without GC (control), and belonging to the general Mexican population (GMP), respectively. The genotypes were obtained by polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism and the obtained data analyzed using Arlequin 3.1. The frequencies of the mutated allele (A) of -472delA were 0.326, 0.318, 0.284, and 0.296 in the DGC, IGC, control, and GMP groups, respectively, and those of the -160C>A polymorphism were 0.174, 0.318, 0.313, and 0.280, respectively. The genotype and allele frequencies of the two polymorphisms did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among DGC, IGC, and control subjects. Therefore, we concluded that the CDH1 -472delA and -160C>A polymorphisms are not associated with DGC or IGC in patients from western Mexico.

Polymorphism in the pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1 genes of Plasmodium vivax associated with a better prognosis for malaria.

The early molecular identification of strains of Plasmodium vivax that have a worse prognosis is important to stratify the risk of complications and choice of conduct made by medical teams. Thus, the aim of the present study was to associate the presence of polymorphisms in the pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o resistance genes of P. vivax in patients with better or worse prognosis. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted based on data obtained from the records of 120 patients diagnosed with malaria in the Brazilian Amazon. The T958M and F1076L mutations of the pvmdr-1 gene had a frequency of 3.3 and 4.2%, respectively, and primo-infected patients had a 17 times greater chance of being infected with protozoa with the T958M mutation compared to patients with previous episodes. Regarding pvcrt-o, the C393T and T786C polymorphisms had a frequency of 14.2 and 3.3%, respectively, and self-declared white patients had a 3.1 times greater chance of being infected with protozoa with the C393T polymorphism. In addition, patients with this pvcrt-o polymorphism had lower concentrations of C-reactive protein, indicating a better prognosis. These data present clues of genetic indicators useful for assessing the virulence of the parasite and the prognosis of patients with vivax malaria.

Determination of the temperature causing a nociceptive response in the tail of albino BALB/c mice.

INTRODUCTION: Designs for determining nociceptive response in rodents are of great use in neurology and experimental neuroscience. Immersing mice's tails in warm water is one of the most widely used procedures to evaluate this response; however, a wide range of temperatures are used in different studies. Knowing the temperature that produces a powerful nociceptive response in the tail of BALB/c mice is extremely useful. METHODS: Eight 2-month-old male BALB/c mice were used. A 14-cm high beaker was filled with water up to 13cm. The animals' tails were immersed in the container with a starting temperature of 36°C. The water temperature was raised in 1°C increments until we identified the temperatures that produced nociceptive responses. That response was determined by counting the time taken before the mouse shook its tail to remove it from the water. RESULTS: Six of the 8 mice began shaking their tails at the temperature of 51°C. All animals removed their tails from the water at the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C, taking a mean time of 8.54, 7.99, and 5.33seconds, respectively. ANOVA applied to the response times for each of the 3 temperatures indicated revealed a value of F=2.8 (P=.123). CONCLUSIONS: The response time was statistically similar for the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C; however, the data were less dispersed for the latter temperature.

Rhythmic spontaneous activity in the piriform cortex.

Slow spontaneous rhythmic activity is generated and propagates in neocortical slices when bathed in an artificial cerebrospinal fluid with ionic concentrations similar to the ones in vivo. This activity is extraordinarily similar to the activation of the cortex in physiological conditions (e.g., slow-wave sleep), thus representing a unique in vitro model to understand how cortical networks maintain and control ongoing activity. Here we have characterized the activity generated in the olfactory or piriform cortex and endopiriform nucleus (piriform network). Because these structures are prone to generate epileptic discharges, it seems critical to understand how they generate and regulate their physiological rhythmic activity. The piriform network gave rise to rhythmic spontaneous activity consisting of a succession of up and down states at an average frequency of 1.8 Hz, qualitatively similar to the corresponding neocortical activity. This activity originated in the deep layers of the piriform network, which displayed higher excitability and denser connectivity. A remarkable difference with neocortical activity was the speed of horizontal propagation (114 mm/s), one order of magnitude faster in the piriform network. Properties of the piriform cortex subserving fast horizontal propagation may underlie the higher vulnerability of this area to epileptic seizures.

Actualización en el manejo de la isquemia mesentérica aguda

La isquemia mesentérica aguda (IMA) es una emergencia médico-quirúrgica poco frecuente con alta morbimortalidad. Corresponde a una interrupción brusca del aporte sanguíneo a un segmento del intestino, produciendo isquemia, daño celular, necrosis intestinal y eventualmente la muerte. La principal etiología de este cuadro es la oclusión arterial de tipo embólica, seguida por la trombótica, no oclusiva y trombótica venosa. Es una patología infrecuente con una incidencia baja, de 12 por 100.000 habitantes en series internacionales. Su principal síntoma es el dolor abdominal tipo cólico de comienzo brusco, vómitos y diarrea, esta última sucediendo posteriormente. En el examen físico se pueden constatar signos de shock y distensión abdominal. Ante la sospecha, los pacientes hemodinámicamente inestables deben ser llevados urgentemente a laparotomía exploradora, y en aquellos estables, se debe solicitar un Angio-TC para confirmar el diagnóstico y planificar el tratamiento. Existen dos métodos para tratar esta patología: la cirugía abierta y la cirugía endovascular o mínimamente invasiva. Finalmente, con el avance de estos nuevos métodos, la tasa de mortalidad ha disminuido, significativamente, en la última década.

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare medical-surgical emergency that must be treated early due to its high morbidity and mortality. It corresponds to a sudden interruption of the blood supply to a segment of the intestine, producing ischemia, cell damage, intestinal necrosis and eventually death if it is not treated. The main etiology of this condition is embolic-type arterial occlusion, followed by thrombotic, nonocclusive, and venous thrombotic. It is an infrequent pathology with a low incidence of 12 per 100,000 inhabitants in international series. During the information collection, no data was found on the Chilean population since before 1983. Its main symptom is colicky abdominal pain with a sudden onset, vomiting and diarrhea that begins after the pain. On physical examination, signs of shock and abdominal distention may be noted. Hemodynamically unstable patients should be urgently taken to exploratory laparotomy as soon as the condition is suspected, and in stable patients, an angio-CT should be requested to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment. There are two methods to treat this pathology, open surgery and endovascular or minimally invasive surgery. The form of therapy depends on the preoperative or intraoperative findings and the type of etiology. Finally, with the advancement of these new methods, the mortality rate has decreased in the last decade.

Determination of the temperature causing a nociceptive response in the tail of albino BALB/c mice. / Determinación de la temperatura de respuesta nociceptiva sobre la cola de ratones albinos de la cepa Balb/c.

INTRODUCTION: Designs for determining nociceptive response in rodents are of great use in neurology and experimental neuroscience. Immersing mice's tails in warm water is one of the most widely used procedures to evaluate this response; however, a wide range of temperatures are used in different studies. Knowing the temperature that produces a powerful nociceptive response in the tail of BALB/c mice is extremely useful. METHODS: Eight 2-month-old male BALB/c mice were used. A 14-cm high beaker was filled with water up to 13 cm. The animals' tails were immersed in the container with a starting temperature of 36°C. The water temperature was raised in 1°C increments until we identified the temperatures that produced nociceptive responses. That response was determined by counting the time taken before the mouse shook its tail to remove it from the water. RESULTS: Six of the 8 mice began shaking their tails at the temperature of 51°C. All animals removed their tails from the water at the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C, taking a mean time of 8.54, 7.99, and 5.33seconds, respectively. ANOVA applied to the response times for each of the 3 temperatures indicated revealed a value of F=2.8 (P=.123). CONCLUSIONS: The response time was statistically similar for the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C; however, the data were less dispersed for the latter temperature.

Conducta actual frente la hemorragia digestiva alta: desde el diagnóstico al tratamiento / Current behavior against Upper Digestive Hemorrhage: from diagnosis to treatment

Resumen La hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) es una emergencia médico-quirúrgica común que debe ser tratada precozmente por su alta morbimortalidad. Corresponde a sangrado del esófago, estómago o del duodeno proximal, y se divide en etiología no variceal y variceal. Dentro de las no variceales destaca la úlcera péptica como la más frecuente, siendo esta producida por un desbalance entre factores protectores y agresivos. Por otro lado, en las hemorragias variceales destacan las várices gastroduodenales, las cuales son consecuencia del aumento de la presión portal. La incidencia de la HDA a nivel mundial varía entre 37 a 172 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes por año y la mortalidad entre un 5 y un 14% según diferentes estudios. Lamentablemente, no existen cifras nacionales fidedignas de incidencia y prevalencia. El médico debe conocer bien la presentación clínica y la fisiopatología para ser asertivo en la sospecha, diagnóstico y manejo de esta patología. En cuanto al tratamiento, el enfrentamiento se divide en el manejo de urgencias y luego endoscópico, puesto que la resucitación temprana intensiva puede reducir la morbimortalidad en pacientes con HDA. A continuación se hará una revisión actualizada enfocada en los aspectos más relevantes del manejo de esta patología. Se obtuvieron los datos de Pubmed y Scielo, específicamente la búsqueda de artículos originales y de revisiones sistemáticas con las palabras "hemorragia digestiva alta", "úlcera péptica", "várices esofágicas" y otras relacionadas. Los criterios usados fueron artículos preferentemente menores a 5 años de publicación en revistas científicas de alto índice de impacto.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UHD) is a common medical-surgical emergency that must be treated early due to its high morbidity and mortality. It corresponds to bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or proximal duodenum, and is divided into non-variceal and variceal etiology. Among the non-variceal, the peptic ulcer stands out as the most frequent, being this produced by an imbalance between protective and aggressive factors. On the other hand, in variceal hemorrhages gastroduodenal varices stand out, are a consequence of increased portal pressure. The incidence of HDA worldwide varies between 37 to 172 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year and mortality between 5 to 14% according to different studies. Unfortunately, there are no reliable national statistics of incidence and prevalence. The physician must have a good understanding of the clinical presentation and pathophysiology to be assertive in the suspicion, diagnosis, and management of this pathology. Regarding treatment, the confrontation is divided into emergency management and then endoscopic, because early intensive resuscitation can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with UHD. This is an updated review which will be focused on the most relevant aspects of the management of this pathology. Data were obtained from Pubmed and Scielo, specifically searching for original articles and systematic reviews with the words "upper gastrointestinal bleeding", "peptic ulcer", "esophageal varices" and other related words. The criteria used were articles preferably less than 5 years old in scientific journals with a high impact index.

Expression of actin mRNA in embryos of the leech Helobdella triserialis.

A cDNA clone (Htr-actin) containing a 1.48 kb insert corresponding to actin was isolated from a stage 10-11 Helobdella triserialis cDNA library by cross hybidization to a Drosophila melanogaster actin clone. The cDNA is equivalent in size to the adult actin mRNA detected by Northern analysis. Genomic Southern blot analysis revealed that Htr-actin is a single copy gene and is one member of a family of actins in H. triserialis. Protein sequence comparisons revealed that Htr-actin was most similar to actin-1 of the earthworm and like other invertebrate actins, Htr-actin was found to be more similar to mammalian cytoplasmic actins than to mammalian muscle-specific actins. In situ hybridization revealed that at early stages the actin mRNA was distributed primarily in the yolk-deficient cytoplasm of all cells. At later stages, elevated levels were detected over the germinal bands and plate. Following muscle formation, a subset of the actin mRNA expression pattern resembled the immunostaining pattern obtained with the muscle specific antibody, Lan3-14. The Htr-actin transcript was undetectable in the segmental nervous system. These studies lay the groundwork for any future ectopic gene expression studies using the Htr-actin promoter in the leech embryo.

A pharmacokinetic and endoscopic comparison of an oral and an experimental buccal piroxicam formulation.

We compared the endoscopic effects and pharmacokinetic profiles of an experimental buccal formulation of piroxicam to oral capsules in an attempt to determine whether nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-induced gastropathy is due to a local or systemic effect. Ten healthy subjects received 20 mg piroxicam daily in a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Upper endoscopies were performed at the baseline and at the end of each 2-week dosing arm of the study. Pharmacokinetic data obtained included serum and gastric piroxicam concentrations and serum 5'-hydroxypiroxicam metabolite concentrations after the first dose and 2 weeks of dosing. No differences in endoscopy scores or patient symptom scores were noted between the two dosage forms after 2 weeks of dosing. Pharmacokinetic data of piroxicam and the metabolite revealed that the buccal formulation may not have been absorbed exclusively from the buccal mucosa.

Internal motions of transfer RNA: a study of exchanging protons by magnetic resonance.

Proton exchange is a probe of macromolecular structure and kinetics. Its value is enhanced when the exchanging protons can be identified by nmr. After dilution of tRNA-H2O samples in D2O, slowly exchanging imino protons are observed, with exchange times ranging from minutes to days. In many cases they originate from the dihydro-uracil region. Most slow exchangers are sensitive to buffer catalysis. Extrapolation to infinite buffer concentration yields the life-time of the closed form, in a two-state model of each base-pair. As predicted by the model, the lifetime obtained by extrapolation is independent of the buffer. Typical lifetimes are 14 minutes for CG11 of yeast tRNAPhe at 17 degrees C, or 5 minutes for U8-A14 of yeast tRNA(Asp) at 20 degrees C, without magnesium. For most slow exchangers, magnesium increases the lifetime of the closed form, but moderately, by factors never more than five. The exchange rates of other, fast-exchanging, imino protons, as determined by line-broadening, are found to depend on buffer concentration. Base-pair lifetimes are determined as above. For instance UA6 of yeast tRNA(Phe) has a lifetime of 14 ms at 17 degrees C. Base-pairs 4 and 6 have shorter lifetimes than the rest of the acceptor stem. Imidazole is a good catalyst for proton exchange of both the long-and the short-lived base-pairs, whereas phosphate is not. Tris is efficient except for cases where, possibly, access is impeded by its size; magnesium reduces the efficiency of catalysis by tris buffer. From the variation of exchange time vs buffer concentration, one determines the buffer concentration for which the exchange rate from the open state is equal to the closing rate. Remarquably, this concentration takes comparable values for most base-pairs, whether short-lived or long-lived. Buffer effects have also been observed in poly(rA).poly(rU), for which we derive a lifetime of 2.5 ms at 27 degrees C, and in other polynucleotides. Some of the exchange times identified in the literature as base-pair lifetimes may instead reflect incomplete catalysis.

[Relationship of diet, biomass and expression of diabetes in eSS rats]. / Relación entre dieta, biomasa y expresión de la diabetes en la rata eSS.

The long-term effect of feeding eSS rats three commercial diets on the development of diabetes and its complications has been investigated. These diets differ in their proportions of carbohydrates, fibres, lipids and proteins: diet A is rich in lipids, B in carbohydrates and fibres and C in proteins. However, the proportions of these components lie within the range recommended for rats. Animals receiving diet C showed the highest growth rate and were the first to develop diabetes at the age of four months. They had, moreover, the highest levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Animals fed the A diet were heavier than the other groups at 13 months of age, showing a diabetic glucose tolerance test and the highest values of circulating insulin. They were already diabetic when tested at the age of 6 months. The group fed the B diet remained leaner than the other groups and free of diabetes up to the test performed when they were ten months old. The findings at the age of 23 months were: the A animals developed the largest retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissue masses, the C group was the most affected by cataracts which were total, and bilateral in some cases, whereas the B rats were free of them and the A animals showed milder lesions than the C rats. Histological studies of pancreas and kidneys demonstrated that the C animals had fewer Langerhans islands than the other groups and the most severe renal lesions while the B animals had no renal damage. It is concluded that diets leading to overweight, particularly those rich in proteins, make the diabetic syndrome worse in eSS rats.

Body fat at pubertal genital stage 2: a comparison between Spanish and Mexican boys.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To compare body fat mass at the same stage of pubertal maturation, genital stage 2 (G2), in a Spanish and in a Mexican sample of boys. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data from Spain (n=177) were from a previous longitudinal clinical follow-up and data from Mexico (n=91) from a cross-sectional study. Subjects were grouped according to the presence of G2 at similar ages. Spanish sample was divided into boys with G2 at age 12 (n=60), 13 (n=74) and 14 (n=43). In Mexican sample, 23 boys were at G2 at 12 years, 38 at age 13 and 30 at 14 years. Height, weight, upper arm circumference and four skinfold thicknesses were recorded. Genital development was assessed (Tanner scale). Sum of four skinfolds (SUM), body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (%BF) and extremity/trunk skinfold ratio (ETR=(triceps+biceps)/(subscapular+suprailiac)) was calculated. RESULTS: When comparing subjects with different ages at G2 from the same country, or with the same age at G2 from different countries, no significant differences were found in adiposity variables (%BF, SUM), nor in BMI. Nevertheless, there were differences in body fat distribution: ETR was higher in Spanish boys (P<0.001), because of their greater triceps skinfold thickness (P=0.013), and due to the greater trunk fat stores in Mexican boys (P<0.01, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds). CONCLUSIONS: There is a subcutaneous fat mass store characteristic of G2 in boys, which is not only independent of age, but is also observable in two different populations.

Alergia y salud mental. Estudio epidemiológico interdisciplinario / Allergy and mental health. Interdisciplinary epidemiological study

Fundamento. La asociación bidireccional entre factores psicosociales y afecciones alérgicas ha sido abordada históricamente con resultados poco concluyentes y el número de estudios que la abordan es escaso en Argentina. Objetivo. Valorar la asociación entre prevalencia de enfermedades alérgicas y variables del contexto de la salud mental. Lugar de aplicación. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina. Diseño. Estudio observacional de corte transversal. Población. Se integró con 3.183 adultos jóvenes, 66,3% mujeres, entre 17 y 36 años. Método. Se utilizaron cuestionarios para enfermedades alérgicas y factores psicológicos y familiares. Resultados. Se observó ansiedad significativa en asociación con asma, rinitis, eccema, urticaria y angioedema. Se halló dificultad para identificar y distinguir sentimientos de sensaciones corporales y para describir sentimientos en los individuos sintomáticos. Se encontró mayor frecuencia de padres ausentes entre individuos que manifestaban asma o rinitis y de primogénitos en sujetos que referían rinitis. Todas las enfermedades se asociaron a la presencia de antecedentes familiares y al tabaquismo. Conclusión. La significativa asociación entre factores psicológicos y alergia agrega evidencias para sugerir la necesidad del abordaje interdisciplinario de alergia tanto en el campo de la investigación fisiopatológica o epidemiológica como en el terreno de la promoción, prevención y atención de la salud integral de las personas(AU)

Background. Bidirectional relationship between psychosocial factors and allergic processes has been historically assessed but remain inconclusive and not much explored in Argentine. Objective. To asses associations between allergic conditions prevalence and some factors related to mental health. Setting. Medical Sciences Faculty, National University of Rosario, Argentina. Design. Observational cross sectional study. Population. 3183 young adults, 66,3% female aged 17 to 36 years. Methods. Statement with different instruments for the symptomatic exploration of allergy and some psychological and familiar factors. Results. Significant anxiety in association with asthma, rhinitis, eczema, urticaria and angioedema were observed. Difficult to identify and distinguish feelings from corporal sensations and to describe feelings were observed in all allergic conditions. Individual which had shown asthma and rhinitis had more frequently the absence of father alive. Among rhinitis subjects the first order of birth was significantly observed. All diseases were associated with the presence of family history and smoking. Conclusion. Significant association between psychological factors and allergic condition were shown. Factors analyzed were related to genetic heritage as much as individual development in familiar and sociocultural environment. They constitute evidence enough to suggest the need of the interdisciplinary boarding of allergy so much at the field of the physiopathologic or epidemiologic investigation as in the ground of promotion, prevention and attention of the people comprehensive health.(AU)

[HMP K-1 tests norms for argentine subjects between 4 years, 6 months and 5 years, 6 months old]. / Normas del test HMP K-1 para sujetos argentinos entre 4 años-6 meses y 5 años-6 meses de edad.

Percentile norms for Thurstone's test HMP K-1 for argentine subjects are presented in this study. This test was administered to a sample of 400 argentine subjects (200 boys and 200 girls) between 4 years, 6 months and 5 years, 6 months old. The HMP K-1 test is composed of four factors: Verbal meaning, Number fluency, Spatial relations and Perceptual speed. Frequency distribution for both sexes and for the whole sample were obtained for each factor. Then the corresponding accumulated frequency distribution was calculated and transformed into percentile rank. These results are shown in Table 1-2-3 and 4. Percentile ranks corresponding to the whole sample are presented in Table 1. Arithmetic means and standard deviations were calculated for each frequency distribution and are presented in Table 2. Percentile norms corresponding to girls are presented in Table 3. In Table 4 percentile norms corresponding to boys are shown. "t" values were obtained between the arithmetic means of scores of boys and girls, finding that significative differences (p less than or equal to .01) only appeared in factors Number fluency and Spatial relations. These norms based on argentine children allow us to compare a child's score with a norm obtained studying children from the same local environment.