Baseline micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities frequencies in native fishes from the Paraná River (Argentina) / Frequências basais de micronúcleos e anormalidades nucleares em peixes nativos do Rio Paraná (Argentina)

This work aims to establish baseline frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) in native fish species collected in situ from the Paraná River. For this purpose, the micronucleus test was applied in peripheral blood erythrocytes from specimens obtained from samplings collected at two localities (Posadas and Candelaria, Misiones, Argentina) during the period 2007-2010. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test. Data from nine fish species were obtained, among which Steindachnerina brevipinna (Characiformes) revealed the highest baseline frequency of MN and NA, showing statistically significant differences with regard to the other analyzed species. These results are the first report of baseline MN and NA frequencies for native fish species studied and could be useful for future comparisons with data of fishes belonging to other environments.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo estabelecer frequências basais de micronúcleos (MN) e anormalidades nucleares (AN) em espécies nativas de peixes obtidas in situ no Rio Paraná. Para este efeito, o teste do micronúcleo foi aplicado em eritrócitos de sangue periférico de espécimes provenientes de amostragens efetuadas em duas localidades (Posadas e Candelaria, Misiones, Argentina) durante o período 2007-2010. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente empregando o teste de Kruskal Wallis. Foram coletados dados de nove espécies e dentre estas Steindachnerina brevipinna (Characiformes) revelou a maior frequência basal de MN e AN, mostrando diferenças estatisticamente significativas com respeito às outras espécies analisadas. Estes resultados são o primeiro relatório de frequências basais de MN e AN para espécies nativas de peixes estudadas e poderiam ser úteis para futuras comparações com dados de peixes pertencentes a outros ambientes.

Thyomomas without myasthenia gravis: report of two cases

Two cases of thymic tumors are presented, one cystic and the other solid. In neither case was a complete removal possible and both were subjected to post-operative irradiation. Although weakness was present in both patients, we incline to the belief that these tumors were not associated with myasthenia gravisThe literature is briefly reviewed and some general observations made. Thymic tumors associated with myasthenia gravis differ in no way from those with no such association. Diagnosis is difficult and can not be made unless myasthenia co-exists. Pleural pain is a sign of grave import as it may mean pleural implants. Thymoma are, as a rule, slow growing and spread more by invasion, although there have been reports of thyroid and pulmonary metastases. Roentgen studies for these tumors should include both PA and lateral views. In those fatal cases associated with myesthenia gravis, the cause of death was the myesthenia. In those with no myesthenia gravis, the tumor itself was usually fatal. Since they cannot be regarded as innocent and no accurate diagnosis can be made outside of histological examinations, exploratory thoracotomy is definitely urged for those patients with anterior superior mediasinal shadowsDeep x-ray may be of benefit for patients with ineradicable tumors. (Summary and Conclusion)

Exposure method of operative wounds

Without the use of dressings, there was very little postoperative wound infection among clean surgical cases. The infection rate rose only with the severity of contamination and infection of the operative fields during surgery. The authors strongly recommend the practice of non-dressings in the Philippines, especially in charity government hospitals considering mainly the savings in economy besides the other advantage of easy wound inspection and conservation of time and personnel. (Author)

Open heart operations using disposable plastic oxygenators, 5% dextrose in distilled water prime, normothermia, and a sigmamotor pump (T-M2)

Open heart operations were successfully performed on six consecutive patients at the Philippine General Hospital. Total cardiopulmonary bypass was accomplished using disposable plastic oxygenators, five percent dextrose in distilled water prime, normothermia and a single sigmamotor pump (T-M2). The technic of perusion, clinical material, physiologic data gathered and the financial costs of these operations were discussed. All the patients survived their operations. No complication could be attributable to the method of cardiopulmonary bypass employed. The technic of cardiopulmonary bypass described appears practical, safe, and relatively inexpensive. This method of bypass has been adopted for use by the Department of Surgery for all types of open heart operations. (Author)

Esophageal substitution with the right colon

The technique used for the operative procedure is describedThe results and complications are presentedThe advantages of the procedure are enumerated. (Summary)