Cristalogénesis biológica y cristalografía en la elucidación de la estructura tridimensional de las proteínas. Revisión narrativa / Protein tridimensional structure by biological crystallogenesis and crystallography. Narrative review

La obtención de información estructural tridimensional de una proteína es de suma importancia en campos tan variados como la bioquímica funcional, las ciencias de materiales o biomédicas. Siendo actualmente la difracción de rayos X de monocristal el estándar de oro para la consecución de este objetivo, la obtención de dicho monocristal sigue siendo un cuello de botella desde el punto de vista práctico, y poco entendido desde el punto de vista teórico. En este artículo se revisa desde la perspectiva estructural de la proteína la forma en que los rayos X permiten obtener la información estructural y las condiciones fisicoquímicas que permiten la formación de un cristal adecuado para estos experimentos.

Obtaining three-dimensional structural information of a protein is of utmost importance in various fields such as functional biochemistry, materials science, or biomedical sciences. Even though single crystal X-ray diffraction is currently the gold standard for this purpose, growing said single crystal is still a bottleneck from a practical viewpoint, and not fully understood from a theoretical point of view. In this article, we review, from a protein structure perspective, the way X-rays provide structural information, and the physicochemical conditions that promote the formation of an adequate crystal for these experiments.

Epidemiología de los pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel / Epidemiology of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital

Resumen Introducción: COVID-19, causada por el betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, ha saturado los sistemas de salud del mundo. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas de los pacientes atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel. Métodos: Se realizó una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico o sospecha de COVID-19, del 23 de marzo al 31 de julio de 2020. Resultados: En el Hospital Central Militar se hospitalizaron 4401 pacientes, 35 % derechohabientes, 26 % civiles, 28 % militares en activo y solo 11 %, militares retirados. Predominó el sexo masculino, tanto en los pacientes hospitalizados como en los que fallecieron, el grupo O+ y la ausencia de comorbilidades; entre las comorbilidades que se observaron, las principales fueron el sobrepeso y la diabetes. La mediana de edad de los pacientes hospitalizados fue de 49 años, mientras que 62 años fue la edad de quienes fallecieron; las mujeres mayores de 51 años tuvieron mayor riesgo de fallecer. La tasa de letalidad ajustada fue de 18.5 %; 50 % falleció durante los primeros seis días. Conclusiones: En este estudio se lograron identificar las características epidemiológicas y se destacaron las principales comorbilidades en pacientes mexicanos con infección por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19, caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has overwhelmed the world's health systems. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients treated in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 from March 23 to July 31, 2020 was conducted. Results: 4,401 patients were hospitalized at the Central Military Hospital, out of which 35 % were beneficiaries, 26 % civilians, 28 % active military, and only 11%, retired military. Male gender predominated, both in hospitalized patients and in those who died, as well as the O+ group and absence of comorbidities; among the observed comorbidities, the main ones were overweight and diabetes. Hospitalized patients' median age was 49 years, while median age of those who died was 62 years; women older than 51 years had a higher risk of dying. Adjusted case fatality rate was 18.5 %; 50 % died within the first six days. Conclusions: In this study, the epidemiological characteristics and main comorbidities in Mexican patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified.

Sobrecarga hídrica y falla renal en niños con sepsis grave y shock séptico: un estudio de cohortes / Fluid overload and kidney failure in children with severe sepsis and septic shock: A cohort study

Introducción. En niños con sepsis, la sobrecarga hidrica como resultado de una terapia de resucitación agresiva o por la administración excesiva de fluidos puede afectar la función renal y aumentar la mortalidad. Objetivo. Determinar la asociación entre la sobrecarga hidrica y la tasa de falla renal en un grupo de niños con sepsis grave y shock séptico. Población y métodos. Estudio de cohortes prospectivo realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario de Pediatría "Dr. Agustín Zubillaga" (Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela), entre marzo de 2013 y mayo de 2016, en niños con sepsis grave o shock séptico. Resultados. Un total de 149 niños fueron incluidos en el análisis. La sepsis predominó en el 59,7% de los casos; el promedio de edad fue 6,4 ± 3,3 años; el peso promedio fue 17,8 ± 3,6 kg; en el 30,2%, hubo sobrecarga hidrica y la mortalidad general fue 25,5%. Hubo falla renal en el 16,1% de los casos. Mediante un modelo de regresión logística binaria, se identificaron como predictores independientes de falla renal sobrecarga hidrica (OR 1,5; IC 95%: 1,2-4,9; p= 0,028) y shock mayor de dos días (OR 1,7; IC 95%: 1,3-6,3; p= 0,039). Además, se observó un incremento significativo del riesgo de mortalidad en los niños con falla renal y sobrecarga hidrica, según el método de Kaplan-Meier (p= 0,019). Conclusión. La sobrecarga hidrica y una duración del shock mayor de dos dias incrementan el riesgo de falla renal en niños criticamente enfermos con sepsis grave y shock séptico.

Introduction. In children with sepsis, fluid overload as a result of an aggressive fluid replacement or excessive fluid administration may result in kidney impairment and increased mortality.Objective. To determine the association between fluid overload and the rate of kidney failure in a group of children with severe sepsis and septicshock. Population and methods. This was a prospective cohort study conducted in the intensive care unit of Hospital Universitario de Pediatría Dr. Agustín Zubillaga (Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela), between March 2013 and May 2016, in children with severe sepsis or septic shock.Results. One hundred and forty-nine patients were included in the analysis. Sepsis predominated in 59.7% of cases; patients' average age was 6.4 ± 3.3 years old, their average weight was 17.8 ± 3.6 kg, 30.2% had fluid overload, and overall mortality was 25.5%. Kidney failure occurred in 16.1% of cases. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify fluid overload (odds ratio [OR]: 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-4.9, p = 0.028) and shock for more than 2 days (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-6.3, p = 0.039) as independent predictors of kidney failure. In addition, a significant increase in the risk of mortality among children with kidney failure and fluid overload was observed as per the Kaplan-Meier method (p= 0.019). Conclusion. Fluid overload and shock for more than 2 days increase the risk for kidney failure in critically ill children with severe sepsis and septic shock.

First documented case of Devic's neuromyelitis optica in Niger

Devic's neuromyelitis optica is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects spinal cord, optic nerve and brain regions with high aquaporin 4 antigen expression. We report the first documented case of Devic's neuromyelitis optica in Niger. It was a 66-year-old black man who had presented a rapidly progressive flaccid tetraplegia associated with vesico-sphincteral disorders, in whom magnetic resonance imaging had shown longitudinally extensive transverse cervical myelitis with positive anti-NMO antibodies

Light microscopy and molecular identification of Sarcocystis spp. in meat producing animals in Selangor, Malaysia

One thousand and forty-five tissue samples of skeletal muscles, tongue, heart, diaphragm and esophagus were collected from 209 animals (43 sheep, 89 goats and 77 cattle) from an abattoir in Selangor between February and October, 2013. Each sample was divided into three pieces with each piece measuring 2-3 mm3. Each piece was then squeezed between two glass slides and examined microscopically at x 10 magnification for the presence of sarcocystosis. Three positive samples from each animal species were then fixed in 10% formalin for histological processing. Seven positive samples collected from each animal species were preserved at -80°C or 90% ethanol for gene expression studies. Microsarcocysts were detected in 114 (54.5%) animals by light microscopy (LM). The infection rates in sheep, goat and cattle were 86, 61.8 and 28.6% respectively. The highest rate of infection was in the skeletal muscles of sheep (64.9%) and goats (63.6%) and in the heart of cattle (63.6%). The cysts were spindle to oval in shape and two stages were recognized, the peripheral metrocytes and centrally located banana-shaped bradyzoites. 18S rRNA gene expression studies confirmed the isolates from the sheep as S. ovicanis, goats as S. capracanis and cattle as S. bovicanis. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first molecular identification of an isolate of S. ovicanis and S. capracanis in Malaysia. Further studies with electron microscopy (EM) are required in the future to compare the features of different types of Sarcocysts spp.

Caste polymorphism of apterous line of the Neotropical termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera, Termitidae)

Termite societies are structured by individuals that can be grouped into castes and instars. The development of these instars in most species occurs in irregular patterns and sometimes is distinguished subcastes in physical systems that originate polymorphic soldiers and workers. In this study, we characterized the morphological diversity of castes of apterous in Nasutitermes corniger. We collected four colonies of N. corniger, one every three months between May 2011 and February 2012. Individuals of the nest were separated into groups: larval stages, workers and presoldiers and soldiers. A morphometric analysis was performed on individuals from each group based on head width, metatibia, antenna, and thorax length. The data were submitted to discriminant analysis to confirm different morphological types inside these groups. The apterous line of N. corniger is composed of one first larval instar and two second larval instar. The workers caste has two lines of development with four instars in a larger line and three instars in a lower line. Two morphological types were identified in presoldiers and soldiers. The pattern of castes was similar to other species of the genus, in which bifurcation into two lines of workers, one smaller and one larger occurs after the first molt.

Price index of fattening cattle in Sucre province (Colombia) / Índices de precios de ganado de levante y ceba en el departamento de Sucre (Colombia) / Indices de preços ao produtor de gado de levante e ceva no Estado de Sucre (Colômbia)

Objective: to create a month productor price index, and research relation's between the price o f growing and fat livestock, at Sucre Department, Colombia, during Jan/04 to Jan/10. Methods: the Paasche methodology and time economic series econometrics were used. Results: the index price is a close approximation of the perfomance observed prices, therefore it is a useful indicator for monitors the behavior of the productor revenue and to help to choose purchase and sale decisions both to productors and merchants. Although the prices path diverge in short run, there is one long run relations that guide them. This relation is a sign of market's efficient to the formation price. According to information existing, when the price of fat cattle increasing 1 porcentual, the price of growing cattle increasing at 1.14 percent; short run, lag price affect the actual price; price of growing cattle cause to the Granger to price of fat cattle; and the estrangement of market equilibrium is adjusted by prices movement to next month. Conclusion: the adjustment is very slow, approximately the 50 percentual of a price variation of the fat cattle last seven months for to pass on the growing cattle price.

Objetivo: se construyó un índice mensual de precios al productor de ganado vacuno de levante y gordo en el Departamento de Sucre, Colombia, y se examinaron las relaciones existentes entre los mismos para el periodo comprendido entre Enero/04-Enero/10. Métodos: se utilizó la metodología de Paasche, y técnicas econométricas de series de tiempo. Resultados: el índice refleja bien el comportamiento observado de los precios y como tal es un buen medidor de la evolución de los mismos, del ingreso, y referencia útil para tomar decisiones de compra-venta de los productores y comercializadores. Aunque la trayectoria de los precios diverge en el corto plazo, existe una relación de equilibrio de largo plazo que los dirige, y ello es indicativo de la eficiencia en la formación de los mismos. De acuerdo con la información empírica disponible, un aumento del 1% en el precio del cebado macho, aumenta el precio del levante en 1.13%; en el corto plazo, las variaciones de precios en meses pasados afectan a los corrientes; el precio del levante causa a lo Granger al precio del cebado, y las desviaciones del equilibrio se corrigen mediante ajustes en el precio del mes siguiente. Conclusiones: El ajuste es bastante lento, se calcula que en aproximadamente siete meses el 50% de una variación del precio del ganado cebado se transmite al precio del levante.

Objetivo: construiu-se um índice de preços ao produtor de gado de corte quando ele estava na etapa de peso sobreano e gordo no departamento de Sucre, Colômbia, e examinaram-se as relações existentes entre éstas etapas durante o período compreendido entre o día 4 até 10 de Janeiro de 2012. Métodos: utilizando a metodología de Paasche, e técnicas econométricas de series de tempo. Resultados: encontrou-se que o índice reflete bem o comportamento observado dos preços e é um bom medidor da evolução dos mesmos, do ingresso, e é uma referencia útil para tomar decisões de compra e venta para os produtores e comercializadores. Embora a trajetória dos preços seja diferente no curto prazo, existe uma relação de equilíbrio de longo prazo que dirige o movimento dos preços, indicando uma eficiência na formação dos mesmos. De acordo com a informação empírica disponível, uma variação de 1% no preço do gado gordo, aumenta o preço do gado ao sobreano em 1.13%; no curto prazo, as variações de preços dos meses anteriores afetam aos atuais; o preço do gado ao sobreano causa o Granger ao preço do gordo, e os desvios do equilíbrio corrigem-se mediante ajustes no preço do mês seguinte. Conclusões: o ajuste é bastante lento, calcula-se que em aproximadamente sete meses o 50% de uma variação do preço do gado gordo se transmite ao preço do gado ao sobreano.

Efecto del consumo de dietas con avena y caraotas negras sobre el perfil lipídico en un modelo experimental en rata / Effect of consumption of diets with oats and black beans on the lipid profile of an experimental model in rat

El consumo de alimentos ricos en fibra dietética (FD) soluble e insoluble, afecta favorablemente el perfil de lípidos séricos al reducir las concentraciones de colesterol total, colesterol- LDL y triglicéridos (TG). El objetivo de este trabajo, fue comparar el efecto del consumo de dietas con avena (Avena sa tiva) y con caraotas negras (Phaseolus vulgaris ) sobre el perfil lipídico de ratas. Quince ratas machos, cepa Sprague Dawley, fueron alimentadas ad libitum por 18 días, con tres tipos de dietas: un con trol, una conteniendo caraotas negras (15% p/p) y otra con avena (15% p/p). La concentración del colesterol total sérico disminuyo 50,56% en el grupo alimentado con avena y 40,52% en el alimentado con caraotas. Así mismo, se observó una disminución de colesterol-LDL de 49,21% en el grupo alimentado con avena y un 42,93% en el grupo alimentado con caraotas. Hubo una reducción de 52,47% del colesterol-HDL en el grupo alimentado con avena y 31,29% para el grupo alimentado con caraotas; esta reducción no es beneficiosa. La concentración de TG séricos fue significativamente menor, un 50,20% para el grupo alimentado con avena y de 51,8% para el grupo alimentado con caraota. La disminución de los lípidos séricos debido a la dieta, con avena o con caraotas, mostró diferencias significativas respecto al control, pero, no entre ellas. La consideración de estos resultados en el caso de la salud humana es bien importante, particularmente en la disminución de la prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares. El efecto de FD sobre los niveles de colesterol-HDL, son hasta los momentos, contradictorios.

The consumption of foods rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (DF) favorably affects the serum lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). The objective of this work was to compare the effect of consumption of diets with oats (Avena sativa) and black beans (Pha seo lus vulgaris) on the lipid profile of rats. Fifteen male rats, Spra gue Dawley strain were fed ad libitum for 18 days, with three different diets: a control, one containing black beans (15% w / w) and another with oats (15% w / w). The serum total cholesterol concentration decreased 50.56% in the group fed with oats and 40.52% in the group fed with beans. Also a de crease of LDL-cholesterol 49.21% in the group fed with oats and 42.93% in the group fed with beans was observed. There was 52.47% reduction of HDLcho lesterol in the group fed with oats and 31.29% for the group fed with beans, this is not a be neficial reduction. The serum TG concentration was significantly lower, 50.20% for the group fed with oats and 51.8% for the group fed with beans. The decrease of these lipids due to diet containing oats or beans, was significantly different from control but not between them. Consideration of these results for human health is very important, particularly in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The FD effect on HDL-cholesterol levels, are until now contradictory.

as leguminosas, una fuente importante de fibra alimentaria: Una visión en Venezuela / Legumes, an important source of dietary fiber: A vision in Venezuela

La fibra dietética o alimentaría es un término genérico que cubre una amplia variedad de sustancias químicas, con diferentes propiedades y efectos fisiológicos. Química mente, la fibra dietética es una sustancia perteneciente a la familia de los carbohidratos. En los últimos 40 años, ha tenido un creciente interés en el campo de la salud y nutrición humana. En general, la fibra alimentaría la encontramos en los productos alimenticios de origen vegetal. Un buen ejemplo de ello son las leguminosas de grano. Las leguminosas, a través de la historia, siempre han sido un recurso alimenticio de gran importancia para la alimentación humana. Representan, por un lado, una fuente barata de proteínas y, por el otro, un suministro de fibra dietética a la dieta. El presente artículo, fue enfocado a revisar y recopilar los mayores trabajos realizados sobre la determinación y cuantificación de la fibra alimentaría en algunos alimentos, principalmente en leguminosas venezolanas.

The dietary fiber or alimentary fiber, it is a generic term which covers a wide variety of chemical substances, with different properties and physiological effects. Chemically, the dietary fiber is a substance belonging to the family of the carbohydrates. In the last 40 years it has had increasing interest in the field of health and human nutrition. In general, we find the alimentary fiber in the food products from vegetable. A good example of it, are the legume seeds. The legume seeds across the history, have been a food resource of great importance for human nutrition. On the one hand, a cheap source of proteins and on the other one, an additional supply of fiber to the diet. The present article, was focused to review and to collect the most realised works for the determination and quantification of alimentary fiber in of the mainly Venezuelan legumes seeds.

Modelo preliminar para la planificación del aprovechamiento en plantaciones forestales industriales en Venezuela / Preliminary harvest planning model for industrial forest plantations in Venezuela / Modelo preliminar para a planificação do aproveitamento em plantações florestais industriais na Venezuela

Se desarrolló un modelo preliminar para la planificación de las actividades de aprovechamiento en plantaciones forestales para la producción de pulpa, el cual permite obtener secuencias óptimas de corta que minimizan los costos totales de aprovechamiento. El objetivo principal fue identificar la importancia relativa que los factores técnicos y financieros considerados tienen en la determinación de secuencias óptimas de corta en un sistema de plantaciones forestales compuesto por rodales de diferentes especies, edades, extensión y accesibilidad. El modelo, llamado "Ospino", fue planteado bajo los principios de programación entera binaria. Se generaron secuencias óptimas de corta bajo diferentes escenarios basados en un caso real. Los escenarios incluyeron la planificación de secuencias de corta con hasta 300 rodales simultáneamente durante un período de planificación de siete años y, los resultados fueron evaluados en función de la edad de corta, rendimiento en pulpa, superficie a cortar por año, cuota anual a cumplir, y costos unitarios y totales. Bajo las asunciones del modelo, se encontró que los factores que más influyeron en la planificación óptima de la cosecha fueron el incremento medio anual en volumen (m³·ha-1/año) estimado para las plantaciones y la superficie (ha) de los rodales. El modelo Ospino es uno de los primeros intentos en Venezuela para desarrollar un sistema de optimización de cosechas basado en técnicas de programación matemática adaptado a las condiciones del manejo forestal de plantaciones en el país.

A preliminary harvest planning model was developed for pulpwood forest plantations in order to obtain optimal harvest sequences that minimize operation costs. The primary target was to identify the relative importance of the technical and financial factors considered to influence the determination of optimal harvest sequences on a forest plantation system that includes stands with a range of species, ages, area and accessibility. The model, called "Ospino", was developed under the principles of binary integer programming. Optimal harvest sequences were generated under different scenarios based on an actual case. The scenaroes included the planning of harvest sequences for up to 300 stands simultaneously during a planning term of seven years. The results were evaluated on the basis of age at harvest, pulpwood yield, annual cutting area, annual volume requirements, and unitary and total costs. Under the model assumptions the factors that influenced more markedly the determination of the optimal sequences were the estimated mean annual volume increment (m³·ha-1 per year) and the measured area for each stand (ha). The Ospino model is one of the first attempts in Venezuela to develop a system for harvest planning based on mathematical programming techniques adapted to the conditions of plantation forest management in the country.

Desenvolveu-se um modelo preliminar para a planificação das atividades de desbaste nos plantações florestais para a produção de polpa, o qual permite obter seqüências ótimas de corta que minimizam os custos totais de desbaste. O objetivo principal foi identificar a importância relativa dos fatores técnicos e financeiros considerados têm na determinação das seqüências ótimas de corta num sistema de plantações florestais composto por stands de diferentes espécies, idades, extensão e acessibilidade. O modelo chamado "Ospino" foi concebido baixo os princípios da programação inteira binária. Geraram-se seqüências ótimas de corta com ate 300 stands simultaneamente por um período de planejamento de sete anos y os resultados foram avaliados em função da idade de corta, rendimento em polpa, superfície a cortar por ano, quota anual a cumprir, custos unitários e totais. Baixo os supostos do modelo encontrou-se que os fatores que mais influenciam num planejamento ótimo do desbaste foram o incremento médio anual volumétrico (m³·ha-1 por ano) estimado para as plantações e a superfície (ha) dos stands. O modelo Ospino e um dos primeiros intentos na Venezuela para desenvolver um sistema de otimização dos desbastes baseado nas técnicas da programação matemático adaptado as condições de manejo florestal de plantações no paese.

Estructura de mercado de las subastas de ganado de levante en Montería y Sincelejo (Colombia) / Estrutura do mercado de leilões de bovinos de levante venceu em Montería e Sincelejo (Colômbia) / Market structure of growing cattle auctions in Monteria and Sincelejo cities (Colombia)

El objetivo de este artículo fue caracterizar la estructura de mercado de las subastas de ganado de levante en las ciudades de Montería y Sincelejo (Colombia). Para ello se utilizaron cuatro indicadores de concentración de las compras: el CR4, el CR8, el índice de Herfindahl (HI) y el índice de Rosenbluth (RI). Los resultados indican que las subastas operan en condiciones muy cercanas a las que los textos de teoría económica llaman competencia perfecta, o competencia operativa, en la teoría de la organización industrial.

This article characterizes the market structure of young cattle auctions in the Montería and Sincelejo cities (Colombia) by four concentration index of purchase: CR4, CR8, and the Herfindhal and Rosembluth index. The results pointed out that the market structure of the cattle auctions is a perfect competence or workable competition, as name in economic theory and industrial organization handbook respectively.

O objetivo deste artigo foi caracterizar a estrutura do mercado de leilões de gado levantado nas cidades de Monteria e Sincelejo (Colômbia). Para esse efeito, quatro indicadores concentração de estabelecimentos comerciais: o CR4 e CR8, o índice Herfindahl (HI) e o índice Rosenbluth (RI). Os resultados indicam que operam em condições leilões próximos aos textos da teoria econômica chamada concorrência perfeita, ou competência operacional na teoria da organização industrial.

Ajuste de curvas de índice de sitio mediante modelos mixtos para plantaciones de Eucalyptus urophylla en Venezuela / Fitting site index curves using mixed models for Eucalyptus urophylla plantations in Venezuela

La clasificación de rodales mediante “curvas de índice de sitio” es útil en el establecimiento y manejo de plantaciones forestales ya que de la calidad del sitio depende en gran parte el crecimiento y rendimiento de las mismas. La mayor parte de los datos forestales son obtenidos longitudinalmente en el mismo sitio y las varianzas a menudo cambian en el tiempo, lo que hace inapropiada la aplicación del modelo general ordinario. Los modelos mixtos son buenas alternativas al permitir modelar estructuras covariantes. En este estudio se utilizaron modelos lineales y no lineales para analizar la relación de la altura mayor con la edad en plantaciones de Eucalyptus urophylla en Venezuela, y hallar la “curva guía” más apropiada para la clasificación de sitios. Los datos consistieron en mediciones repetidas obtenidas a partir de parcelas permanentes. Los modelos ajustados fueron los de Schumacher (lineal), Chapman-Richards, Weibull, Logistica, Gompertz y el Monomolecular (no-lineales). Se emplearon tres parametrizaciones diferentes: 1) original, asumiendo asíntotas aleatorias; 2) reparametrización para que el factor local sea la asíntota; y 3) reparametrización para que el factor local sea el parámetro asociado al dominio de la función. En las dos últimas la mayor altura a edad base tiene asociado un efecto aleatorio. La clasificación de sitio se realizó utilizando el concepto de ‘índice de sitio del sitio’, interpretado como la altura más probable a la edad base, entre todos los rodales hipotéticos que podrían crecer en el siotio. El mejor ajuste correspondió a un modelo no lineal mixto tipo Chapman Richards.

Inventario de la tortuga arrau, Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) en zoológicos de Venezuela: valores referenciales del hemograma y la bioquímica sérica / Inventory of the arrau sideneck turtle, Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) in Venezuelan zoos: haematology and blood chemistry reference values

La tortuga arrau o tortuga gigante del río Orinoco (Podocnemis expansa), es el quelonio de agua dulce de caparazón duro más grande del mundo, el cual ha sido sometido a una cacería irracional al punto de estar en peligro crítico de extinción. Entre las diversas estrategias de conservación para esta especie se ha considerado la posibilidad de incluir a algunos zoológicos bien sea logrando la reproducción que permanecen cautivos o participando en el levante de neonatos provenientes de áreas naturales para su posterior liberación. En tal sentido se realizó un inventario de los ejemplares existentes en los zoológicos, verificándose la presencia de 101 adultos (94 hembras y 7 machos). Se pudo apreciar que las exhibiciones donde son mantenidos no están diseñadas específicamente para este especie, requiriendo la mayoría de modificaciones en su infraestructura y el manejo de los ejemplares, para que puedan servir como centros de reproducción ex situ. Se extrajeron muestras de sangre de tortugas de la nuca para ser analizadas en el laboratorio, con la finalidad de obtener valores hematológicos y de química sanguínea de referencia, como un paso esencial para estimar su estado de salud. Los resultados arrojados por la observación bajo el microscopio y un analizador automático de sangre fueron: hematocrito 34,30 por ciento, eritrocitos 470 x 10 a la nueve/L, leucocitos, 3,085 x 10 a la nueve/L, linfocitos 34,00 por ciento, monocitos 1,33 por ciento, heterófilos 63,50 por ciento, proteínas totales 43,7 g/L, albúmina 19,2 g/L, globulinas 19,6 g/L, bilirrubina total 0,004 g/L, bilirrubina directa 0,001 g/L, ácido úrico 0,012 g/L, urea 0,366 g/L, glucosa 0,485 mg/L, hierro 1,088, mg/L, calcio 0,093 g/L, sodio 134,78mmol/L, potasio 4,26 mmol/L, cloro 104,38 mmol/L, fósforo 0,033 g/L, CK 1673 u/L, AST 26,50u/L, ALT 16,80 u/L, y ALP 154,60 u/L, respectivamente.

The Arrau sideneck turtle (Podocnemis expansa) is the biggest fresh water hard shell chelonian of the world, which has been subjected to an irrational hunting to the point of being in the verge of extinction. Among the diverse strategies of conservation of this species, it has been considered the possibility to employ the zoos that kept this species in their collections as ex situ breeding centers, and also for raising wild born hatchlings until one year of age for re-introduction purposes. In such a sense it was carried out an inventory of the captive zoo specimens where we counted 101 adult animals (94 females and 7 males). The inspection of the exhibits gave as a result that most of the facilities requires modifications, also in habitat conditions, animal husbandry, research and public information in order to reach mentioned aims. Blood samples were collected from the neck of some turtles, with the purpose to obtain hematological and blood chemistry reference values, as an essential step to estimate its health condition. The results obtained by the observation under microscope and a blood automatic analizer were: packed cell volume 34.30%, erythrocytes 470 x 109/L, leukocytes 3.08 x 109/L, lymphocytes 34.00%, monocytes 1.33%, heterophils 63.50%, total proteins 43.7 g/L, albumin 19.2 g/L, globulins 19.6 g/L, total bilirubine 0.004 g/L, direct bilirubin 0.001 g/L, uric acid 0.012 g/L, urea nitrogen 0.366 g/L, glucose 0.485 mg/L, iron 1.088, mg/L, calcium 0.093 g/L, sodium 134.78 mmol/L, potassium 4.26 mmol/L, chloride 104.38 mmol/L, phosphorus 0.033 g/L, CK 1673 u/L, AST 26.50 u/L, ALT (6.80 u/, and ALP 154.60 u/L),respectively.

Dimorfismo sexual do gorgulho-da-goiaba Conotrachelus psidii Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) / Sexual dimorphism of guava weevil Conotrachelus psidii Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar diferenças que permitam identificar o sexo de adultos de Conotrachelus psidii Marshall, 1922. Gorgulhos coletados em um pomar comercial de goiaba foram individualizados em caixas e mantidos em laboratório. Diariamente, dez gorgulhos eram agrupados e seu comportamento observado. Durante o acasalamento, os machos e as fêmeas eram identificados. Cinqüenta gorgulhos de cada sexo foram sacrificados e observados sob microscópio estereoscópico. Foram examinadas a inserção da antena no rostro e a distribuição de pilosidade na superfície do tórax e abdome. Também, foi medido o comprimento e a largura do corpo, pronoto, último esternito abdominal e rostro. Do ponto de vista comportamental, machos emitem sons por estridulação enquanto que as fêmeas não. A largura do corpo, do pronoto e o comprimento do corpo e do rostro nas fêmeas foram maiores, enquanto que a largura do último esternito abdominal foi menor. Três outras diferenças morfológicas são visíveis a olho nu: 1) A região anterior do pronoto das fêmeas possui pilosidade reduzida ou ausente enquanto que nos machos é abundante; 2) o último tergito nas fêmeas fica recoberto pelo penúltimo enquanto que nos machos é parcialmente visível; 3) o primeiro esternito abdominal nas fêmeas é mais proeminente, convexo e com pilosidade reduzida ou ausente. Nos machos esse segmento é ligeiramente côncavo e com pilosidade em toda a superfície. As diferenças entre machos e fêmeas encontradas neste trabalho permitem, sem danificar os insetos nem alterar seu comportamento, uma sexagem eficiente do gorgulho-da-goiaba.

We investigate structural and behavioral differences between male and female adults of guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall, 1922 to help in sex determination. Weevils collected from a commercial guava orchard were individually caged and maintained under laboratory conditions. Every day ten individuals were grouped and their behavior was observed. During mating the males and females were identified. Fifty weevils of each sex were killed and they were observed with stereoscopic microscope. The antenna insertion on the rostrum and hair on the thorax and abdomen surfaces were examined. Length and width of body, pronotum, last abdominal sternite and rostrum were also taken. Behaviorally, the male weevils produce audible sound by stridulation of abdomen while females do not. In the females, the body and pronotum width and body a rostrum length were higher than in the males, but the last abdominal sternite was smaller. Three other structural differences were visible with the naked eye: 1) the anterior region of pronotum have scarce hair or have not in the females and hair is dense in the males; 2) the last tergite of females is hidden by the penultimate tergite whereas in the males is visible; 3) the first abdominal sternite of females is more prominent, very convex and without or with little bristle. In the males it is slightly concave and with abundant hair. The male-female differences found in this work allow, without hurt or change insect behavior, an efficient sex determination of guava weevil.

Non-ulcerative soft tissue mycosis of long duration mimicking soft tissue sarcoma--a case report.

Soft tissue mycosis usually presents with a triad of tumefaction, suppuration and ulceration. We report an unusual case of soft tissue mycosis in a 42-year-old male teacher who presented with painless swelling over the anterolateral aspect of the right shin for 4 years duration.

Ligadura quirúrgica del conducto arterioso permeable por miitoracotomía / Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus through a mini-thoracotomy

El propósito de este estudio fue comparar la toracotomía convencional realizada para la ligadura quirúrgica del conducto arterioso permeable con una que llamaremos minitoracotomía, cuya longitud es menor.Población, material y métodos. Desde noviembre de2000 hasta setiembre de 2002 se realizó ligadura quirúrgica de conducto arterioso permeable en 30 pacientes (15 con cada tipo de toracotomía). Los grupos fueron comparables (homogéneos) con respecto a edad, sexo, peso y superficie corporal al momento de la cirugía y distancia desde su domicilio hasta nuestra institución. Luego se procedió acomparar el tamaño de la incisión y la duración dela hospitalización. Valores hallados de p ≤ 0,05 se consideraron significativos. Resultados. La longitud de la incisión y la duración de la hospitalización fueron significativamente menores en los pacientes operados con minitoracotomía(p 0,0001, p < 0,003, respectivamente). Todos los pacientes fueron extubados al concluir el procedimiento y admitidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos al menos por 24 horas. Se colocaron tubos de drenaje pleural en todos los pacientes excepto en tres que pesaban menos de 5 kg en el grupo de toracotomía convencional y en ningún paciente del grupo operado con minitoracotomía. Conclusiones. Los autores hemos identificado los beneficios en términos de estadía hospitalaria conla utilización de minitoracotomía para la ligadura quirúrgica del conducto arterioso permeable.

Life-history of the guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), under laboratory conditions / Ciclo biológico do gorgulho-da-goiaba, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), em condições de laboratório

The guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall, is a severe pest of guava fruits in Brazil. The mated females lay eggs in small unripe fruits. As the fruits develop, so do the larvae. Mature larvae abandon the ripe fruits and pupate underground. Larval feeding causes extensive damage to the fruit. We conducted this study to understand the weevil biology under laboratory conditions. Weevil-infested ripe guava were collected in orchards and placed inside cages with moist sand. After emergence, the adults were individually placed in acrylic boxes with food and water. Recently emerged adults were also placed inside plastic boxes for mating, after which the females were isolated. The eggs were placed on moist filter paper in petri dishes containing slices of ripe guava fruit. Egg-hatching was monitored daily and the number of larval instars established by measuring the width of their head capsules. The egg incubation period lasted 3.9 ± 0.58 days. The larval period was 16.0 ± 3.80 days and four instars were identified. After burrowing in the soil, the mature larvae (pre-pupa) remained underground for 142.0 ± 32.00 days and then pupated. The pupal period lasted 16.0 ± 0.90 days, but the adults remained underground for a further 34.0 ± 18.00 days. After emerging from the soil, adults lived 148.0 ± 89.00 days. Fecundity varied from 539 to 793 eggs/female, and the percent egg hatch was 96.5 percent.

O gorgulho-da-goiaba, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall, é uma das principais pragas da goiabeira no Brasil. As fêmeas ovipositam em frutos pequenos e as larvas desenvolvem-se acompanhando o amadurecimento dos frutos. Quando as larvas atingem o desenvolvimento máximo, abandonam o fruto severamente danificado e pupam no solo. Este trabalho foi realizado para determinar o ciclo biológico do gorgulho-da-goiaba em laboratório. Goiabas atacadas por gorgulhos foram coletadas em pomares e colocadas em caixas plásticas com areia umedecida. Depois da emergência, os adultos foram colocados individualmente em caixas de acrílico e lhes foi fornecido água e alimento. Os adultos imediatamente após a emergência foram colocados juntos para possibilitar os acasalamentos, depois dos quais, as fêmeas foram isoladas. Os ovos produzidos foram colocados em placas de Petri contendo lâminas de goiaba madura sobre papel de filtro umedecido. A eclosão das larvas foi monitorada diariamente e o número de ínstares foi determinado através da medição da largura da cápsula cefálica. A duração da fase ovo foi de 3,9 ± 0,58 dias. A duração da fase larval foi de 16,0 ± 3,80 dias, sendo identificados quatro ínstares. Larvas no máximo desenvolvimento (pré-pupas) enterraram-se no solo. A fase de pré-pupa foi de 142,0 ± 32,00 dias e o período pupal foi de 16,0 ± 0,90 dias. Os adultos permaneceram enterrados por 34,0 ± 18,00 dias e, após saírem do solo, viveram 148,0 ± 89,00 dias. A fecundidade variou entre 539 e 793 ovos/fêmea e a porcentagem de ovos férteis foi de 96.5 por cento.

Clinical prognostic factors in patients with advanced stage prostate cancer

Objectives: To determine the prognostic factors that could predict patient outcome in patients with advanced stage prostate cancer. Patients and Methods: In this study we retrospectively evaluated the medical record data of 222 patients with advanced stage prostate cancer treated by hormonal therapy (either castration or total androgen blockade (TAB)). All pre- and post- treatment data records were evaluated with respect to patient age; prostate and tumor size; tumor grade; stage; PSA; alkaline and acid phosphatase and the number of bone lesions. The response to the hormonal treatment was evaluated either early (12 months after treatment) or late (over all follow-up visits until the last visit or death). Descriptive statistics; student T test; multivariate and Kaplan Meier's curve were used for data analysis. Results: Within 12 months of treatment 70of the cases showed an improvement with a significant decrease of their pre-treatment values after hormonal therapy. Patient age; tumor stage; the number of bone lesions; serum alkaline and acid phosphatase levels in the pre-treatment data were significantly independent predictors of the overall survival outcome (p= 0.0015; 0.002; 0.001; 0.0002 and 0.028; respectively); while the pre-treatment PSA serum level; tumor grade and the type of hormonal treatment used (either castration or TAB) were no predictors of patient outcome (p= 0.18; 0.82 and 0.47; respectively). Importantly; the PSA serum level and the number of bone lesions in the first 12 months of patient follow-up were significant predictors of the overall disease survival status (p=0.001 and 0.028; respectively). The mean follow-up period of alive cases was 39.42 months ranging from 6 - 171 months. Of the 222 cases 110 (51.6) had overall disease progression during a mean of 59.4 months; while mortality was reported in 118 cases (53.2) in the course of a mean of 59.9 months. Conclusion: The pre-treatment patient age; tumor stage; serum alkaline and acid phosphatase; as well as the post-treatment PSA level and the number of bone lesions were significant independent predictors of the overall patient outcome in patients with advanced stage prostate cancer. However; a survival analysis in relation to the treatment type did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the outcomes of castration and TAB