Fixed-bed column system for Cd2+ uptake from aqueous solution by sodium- and thiourea-modified clinoptilolite-rich tuff.

Two kinds of clinoptilolite-rich tuffs from the state of Sonora (Mexico), previously treated with NaCl solution and then modified with thiourea, were investigated to remove Cd2+ from aqueous solution in a fixed-bed column system. Experiments were conducted with a 30 mg L-1 Cd2+ solution at a pH value of 5 and three-bed heights of sodium- and thiourea-modified clinoptilolite-rich tuffs. The experimental data were examined with the bed depth service time model (BDST), the Thomas model, and a mass balance approach. According to the BDST model, the dynamic sorption capacity (No) for the thiourea-modified clinoptilolite-rich tuff was 0.0357 Kg L-1. This value corresponded to 1.2 times higher than that for sodium-modified clinoptilolite-rich tuff (0.0287 Kg L-1). The experimental data obtained for sodium- modified clinoptilolite-rich tuff (ZSGNa) with 3 cm of bed height, fitted to the Thomas model, with R2 = 0.9679 and Cd sorption capacity of 35.4 mg g-1, while for the thiourea-modified clinoptilolite-rich tuff (ZSGThio) with 4.5 cm of bed height, was 36.52 mg g-1 with R2 = 0.9368. The parameters calculated with the mass balance model describe a favourable process where the system with ZSGThio (6 cm bed height) had the best performance for sorption capacity up to the breakthrough point, qb = 22.35 mg g-1. The zeolite modified with thiourea exhibited higher capacity in Cd2+ removal than the one modified with NaCl, in the column with 6 cm of bed height. To investigate the mechanisms of removal of Cd2+ by the modified zeolites, Na⁺ was measured to determine the milliequivalents of cadmium removed.

Caracterización de pacientes portadores de marcapasos definitivo en el Hospital Regional de La Serena / Characterization of patients with definitive pacemaker in Hospital Regional de La Serena

INTRODUCCIÓN: La implantación de marcapasos definitivo se realiza en portadores de alteraciones en la generación del impulso cardíaco y/o con trastornos de la conducción. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de los pacientes portadores de marcapasos definitivo en la Unidad de Cardiología del Hospital Regional de La Serena, en el período julio - septiembre de 2011. MATERIAL Y MÈTODO: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal. Se revisaron 103 fichas clínicas de pacientes marcapaso definitivo mediante muestreo aleatorio en la Unidad de Cardiología del Hospital Regional de La Serena. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 15 años con trastornos en generación del impulso y/o conducción irreversible. Se recopilaron y analizaron datos mediante Microsoft Excel 2007, identificándose características como sexo, edad, ruralidad, comorbilidades, manifestaciones clínicas, presencia o ausencia de Enfermedad de Chagas y cardiopatía específica. Se consideró significativo un p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Del total de 103 pacientes, 47,1 por ciento fueron mujeres. La edad promedio fue 74,5 +/- 12 años. La ruralidad fue de 49,51 por ciento Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron síncope (37,24 por ciento), disnea (32,34 por ciento) y mareos (24,46 por ciento). Del total de pacientes, 22 por ciento presentaron serología positiva para Tripanosoma Cruzi, 38 por ciento negativa y 40 por ciento sin serología. DISCUSIÓN: La principal causa de indicación de marcapasos definitivo fue el bloqueo auriculoventricular completo, correlacionándose con la literatura. No se encontró significancia estadística entre la severidad de la clínica y tipo de trastorno de la conducción. Se observó significancia estadística en la asociación entre ruralidad y serología para Tripanosoma Cruzi positiva y/o sin serología.

INTRODUCTION: The implant of definitive pacemaker is indicated in electrical impulse generation disorders and/or hearth electrical conduction abnormalities. OBJETIVE: Characterize clinically and epidemiologically the profile of patients with definitive pacemaker in the Cardiology Unit of the La Serena Regional Hospital, between July and September 2011. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive transversal cut study. 103 medical records of DPM diagnosed patients were analyzed by simple random sampling in the Cardiology Unit of the La Serena Regional Hospital. Patients with electrical impulse generation disorders and/or hearth electrical conduction abnormalities aged > 18 years old were included. Data collecting and analyzing were realized by Microsoft Excel 2007. The studied variables included: sex, age, rurality, disease, clinical symptoms, presence or absence of Chagas Disease and cardiopathies. Odss Ratio (OR) was calculated in significant differences situations in order to evaluate risk associated. A p< 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the total of patients, 47.1 percent was women. The average age was 74.5 +/- 12 years. Rurality condition was 49.51 percent Most frecuent clinical symptoms were syncope (37.24 percent), dyspnoea (32.34 percent), dizziness (24.46 percent).Of 103 patients, 22 percent tested positive for Tripanosoma Cruzi, 38 percent tested negative and 40 percent without serology test. DISCCUSSION: The main definitive pacemaker indication was Complete Atrioventricular block, wich agree the literature. The association between clinical severity and hearth conduction abnormality type was not significant. We observed statistically significant differences between rurality condition and positive and/or without serologic test for Tripanosoma Cruzi.

Incidence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Races in Tomato in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Sinaloa State is the main producer of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L) in Mexico where production attained 15,784 ha in 2008 (3). Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc) Snyder & Hansen causes significant yield losses in Sinaloa each year (2). Three pathotypes or races of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici have been described: races 1, 2, and 3 (1). The purpose of this study was to determine the races of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici present in Sinaloa and distribution of these races in the region. F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici isolates were obtained from plants showing symptoms of yellowing and necrosis of vascular bundles. Plants were sampled from 50 fields throughout the production area in Sinaloa from November 2008 to March 2009. Four differential cultivars were used to identify the races of 26 F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici isolates collected across Sinaloa: Bonny Best (susceptible to all races), UC-82-L (susceptible to races 2 and 3), F1 MH-1 (susceptible to race 3), and IR-3 (resistant to all races). A microconidial suspension was prepared for each isolate (1 × 106 CFU/ml) from cultures grown in potato dextrose broth with constant agitation (110 rpm) at 28°C for 7 days. Five 25-day-old seedlings (three fully expanded true leaves) from each differential cultivar were immersed in the appropriate microconidial suspension for 10 min, then individually transplanted into a pot containing 1 kg of sterilized commercial potting mix, and grown in a growth chamber at 25 to 28°C and 60 to 75% relative humidity for 5weeks with 14-h light/10-h darkness. Control plants (root dipped for 10 min in sterile water) were grown similarly and remained asymptomatic. Susceptible cv. Bonny Best showed typical symptoms of Fusarium wilt including epinasty, yellowing, defoliation, vascular necrosis, and wilt. None of these plants survived 25 days postinoculation for any of the isolates. All UC-82-L plants inoculated with each of the 26 isolates died before 35 days, indicating that none of the isolates was of race 1. F1 MH-1 plants only survived inoculation with 3 of the 26 isolates (11.5%), indicating that the 23 isolates that killed these plants (88.5% of the 26 isolates) were of race 3, and only 3 isolates were of race 2. All IR-3 plants inoculated with the 26 isolates survived. The isolates showed variation in response to the differential cultivar UC-82L in duration from inoculation to when the plants died (variation in isolate aggressiveness). The three F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 2 isolates were restricted to the Culiacan Valley, whereas the 23 F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 3 isolates were widely distributed across Sinaloa. Koch's postulates were confirmed by reisolating the fungus from the roots and stem base of each dead, inoculated plant (4). This study provides baseline data for future surveys to monitor changes in distribution of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici races in Sinaloa, Mexico. References: (1) G. Cai et al. Phytopathology 93:1014, 2003. (2) P. Sánchez-Peña. Programa de Fomento y Apoyo a Proyectos de Investigación (PROFAPI), Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, México, 2007. (3) Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación, Servicio de Información Agroalimentaria y Pesquera, México. www.siap.gob.mx , 2009. (4) B. A. Summerell et al. Plant Dis. 87:117, 2003.

Diseases associated with HIV infection: study of biopsies and surgical resection specimens at a large general hospital in Mexico City.

The objective of this study was to analyze the type of diseases associated with HIV infection from a survey of the surgical pathology material accessioned at a large general hospital in Mexico City. From the archives of the pathology unit of the General Hospital of Mexico (Ministry of Health), we compiled data on biopsies and surgical specimen from different organs and tissues of HIV-infected patients (HIV/AIDS) received in the period from January 2005 to July 2008. We found a total of 52 cases, 41 men and 11 women. The main affected anatomical organ was the lymphatic nodes in 33 cases (63.4%), 7 corresponded to the digestive tract (13.46), 3 corresponded to bone marrow (5.76%), 3 corresponded to the perianal region (5.76%), 2 cases corresponded to the hard palate (3.84%), and 1 case each corresponded to the following regions: peritoneum, breast, and lung. The most frequent diagnoses were non-Hodgkin's large B-cell lymphoma in 11 cases (21.12%) and its morphological variants, 8 reactive lymphadenopathy cases (15.38%), 5 atypical mycobacterioses (9.61%), 2 nonspecific granulomatous lesions (3.84%), 2 Burkitt's lymphoma (3.84%), 3 Kaposi sarcoma (5.76%), 1 mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma (1.92%), 1 Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (1.92%), and 1 with infection by cytomegalovirus + cryptosporidiosis in the duodenum (1.92%). In this series, the most affected organ in patients with HIV/AIDS was the lymphatic nodes. The most common neoplasm was the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma followed by Kaposi sarcoma. Mycobacterioses were the main infectious diseases, followed by mycotic and viral infections.

[Clinical nutrition knowledge in health care members of University Hospitals of Paraguay]. / Nivel de conocimiento en nutrición clínica en miembros del Equipo de Salud de Hospitales Universitarios del Paraguay.

BACKGROUND: Adequate clinical nutrition care is an integral part of the complete treatment of hospitalised patients, requiring specific knowledge from the health care team. The aim of this study is to assess, in Paraguay, the health care team ability in clinical care nutrition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was made including 174 people of Paraguay university hospitals (29% physicians, 29% medicine graduating students, 11% pharmaceutics, 24% nurses, 7% dieticians), by answering voluntarily a multiple choice questionnaire of 20 items. RESULTS: The median score of the 20 questions was 6 (0-15). Physicians obtained a median of 6 (2-15), graduating students 7 (2-14), pharmaceutics 7 (0-15), nurses 3 (0-11), and dieticians 9 (4-13). The dieticians obtained a significantly higher score than the other groups (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about clinical nutrition in the health care members from university hospitals is not adequate. The level of education in clinical nutrition is better in the dietician.

Alpha-glucosidase in the human epididymis: topographic distribution and clinical application.

Alpha-glucosidase activity (EC.3.2.1.20) is present in human seminal plasma, and the neutral form of the enzyme originates almost exclusively from the epididymis. In this study, the specific immunocytochemical location of alpha-glucosidase in the human epididymis was evaluated using a polyclonal antibody. Furthermore, a spectrophotometric assay was employed to assess epididymal obstruction in infertile patients. The enzymatic activity of alpha-glucosidase free of prostate isoform (AGFPI) was determined spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. According to AGFPI activity, patients with leucocytospermia, oligozoospermia and azoospermia were recorded as having normal values or low values indicating epididymal obstruction. Specific immunochemistry staining was demonstrated in the cytoplasmic cells at the epithelial level, in the transition area and in the efferent ducts. The values of the three groups and the control were as follows (mean +/- SEM): normozoospermia (control): 20.2 +/- 1.4 mU ml(-1); azoospermia: normal value: 17.6 +/- 2.2 mU ml(-1), low value: 7.4 +/- 1.8 mU ml(-1); oligozoospermia: normal value: 22.3 +/- 2.5 mU ml(-1), low value: 7.3 +/- 0.7 mU ml(-1); leucocytospermia: increase value: 38.9 +/- 3.7 mU ml(-1), low value: 11.1 +/-1.3 mU ml(-1). This study suggests that determination of alpha-glucosidase might be helpful to evaluate functions of the epididymis and particularly to exclude epididymal obstruction.

Determinación de células peroxidasa positivas en líquido seminal: es un parámetro confiable para el diagnóstico de infección genital asintomática? / Determination of peroxidase positive cells in semen: is it a secure parameter for the diagnosis of silent genital infections?

BACKGROUND: The presence of leukocytes, detected by peroxidase test in semen, can be a good indicator of infections in the male genital tract. Peroxidase positive cells have been positively correlated with elevated values of elastase, one of the major proteases liberated by granulocytes at the inflammation place. However, seminal granulocytes may not be adequately detected by the peroxidase test in comparison with immunological methods. AIM: To correlate the determination of peroxidase positive cells with the elastase level in the seminal plasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seminal plasma from 64 patients with a high number of round cells (> 106/ml) in semen, was studied. Correlation analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: No correlation between the level of granulocyte elastase and the number of peroxidase positive cells (r = 0.2237, p > 0.05), or even the number of round cells (r = 0.03934, p > 0.05) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the determination of peroxidase positive cells is not a reliable indicator of leukocytes in the seminal plasma and their absence do not discard a silent genital tract infection.

[Effects of proteolytic enzymes and sexual abstinence on alpha glucosidase biochemical quantification in human seminal plasma]. / Efecto de enzimas proteolíticas y de la abstinencia sexual en la cuantificación bioquímica de alfa-glucosidasa en plasma seminal humano.

BACKGROUND: alpha-glucosidase is found in human seminal plasma as an acid form, located in accessory glands, and as a neutral form secreted almost exclusively by the epididymis. Quantification of alpha-glucosidase activity is a marker of the secretory function of the epididymis and indemnity of the sperm transport pathway. AIM: To obtain reference values for alpha-glucosidase in normal samples of seminal plasma, to evaluate its behavior in serial samples and to determine the effect of proteolytic enzymes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty donors, with normal semen analysis according to the criteria of the World Health Organization, were evaluated. For the study with alpha-quimotrypsin, 0.1 to 10 mg/ml of the enzyme was added to the seminal plasma from a group of donors. alpha-glucosidase was also measured in semen obtained from nine patients at different time intervals. RESULTS: Normal alpha-glucosidase values ranged from 14.52 to 25.69 microU/ml. Concentrations up to 10 mg/ml of alpha-quimotrypsin (10 times of that usually used in the liquefaction of the semen) did not alter the quantification of alpha-glucosidase. Serial determinations revealed oscillations in their magnitude, which stayed in each patient's characteristic range. However a subgroup presented a marked reduction of the activity of alpha-glucosidase as the abstinence diminished (40%). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of alpha-glucosidase in seminal plasma gives reliable information of the secretor state of the epididymis and especially replaces invasive methods used to evaluate the indemnity of the spermatic transport from the epididymis to the anterior urethra.

Evaluation of the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa: comparison of cytochemical and fluorescence techniques.

The acrosome reaction, which is essential for fertilization, includes fusion and vesiculation of the plasma membrane with the outer acrosomal membrane of spermatozoa, thereby releasing the acrosomal content. Determination of the ability of spermatozoa to undergo the acrosome reaction has proved to be a useful parameter in evaluation of infertile patients. The objective of this study was to compare cytochemical techniques, such as double stain (Giemsa/trypan blue) and triple stain (Bismarck brown/rose bengal/trypan blue), with a fluorescence method using Pisum sativum agglutinin fluorescein conjugate and Hoechst dye N degrees 33258 (double fluorescence). Whereas the cytochemical methods are easy to perform in general laboratories, the fluorescence technique requires special and costly instrumentation. In semen obtained from fertile donors, spermatozoa were selected by the swim-up technique and the acrosome reaction was induced by incubation at low temperature. The percentages of vital and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were determined after incubation at 4 degrees C and at room temperature. No statistically significant difference was found between double fluorescence (viability 86.3%, acrosome reaction 14.7%) and triple stain (viability 85.3%, acrosome reaction 17%) (P > 0.05). On the other hand, the double stain technique showed different values for viability (70.3%) and acrosome reaction (42.5%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, triple stain yielded results similar to those obtained by the fluorescence technique in evaluating the acrosome reaction and can therefore easily be used in general or research laboratories.

137Cs and relationships with major and trace elements in edible mushrooms from Mexico.

137Cs and 40K specific activity together with major and trace elements were determined in soil samples and in different edible wild mushroom species collected from a seminatural temperate forest ecosystem located in the central part of the Mexican Volcanic Belt. The activity measurements were made using a gamma-ray spectrometer system with a high purity germanium (HpGe) detector. The major and trace elements were determined using emission spectrography and mass spectrometry, respectively. The aggregated transfer factors for 137Cs were estimated in 30 local mushroom species collected from 1993 to 1999. Differences as large as three orders of magnitude were observed. The contribution of mushrooms for the total 137Cs dietary intake by the local population was estimated to be 37%. Mushrooms also showed to be good accumulators for Rb, Cu, Cs and Se.

[Variability determination in chromatin condensation and seminal alpha glucosidase with relation with the spermiogram]. / Determinación de la variabilidad en la condensación de la cromatina espermática y alpha-glucosidasa seminal con relación al espermiograma.

BACKGROUND: Sperm functional tests as an addition to semen analysis have been used to study the fertilization ability of spermatozoa. Besides the usual variability of the seminal analysis an individual variability in the results of functional tests has been recently found. AIM: To evaluate in a three months period, the individual variability of sperm parameters and sperm maturation using the chromatin condensation test and epidydime a-glucosidase (that allows to discriminate obstructive processes). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The evaluation was carried out in two donors (12 samples) apparently in good health. One of them presented evident semen analysis alterations (donor 1) and the other was considered normal under the WHO standards (donor 2). RESULTS: The averages for donor 1 were: Sperm count 24 x 106 sperm/ml (range 10-58 x 106 sperm/ml), morphology 31.8% (range 30-35%), total motility 33% (range 20-42%), sperm maturation 38% (range 28-78%), a-glucosidase 8.65 (U/ml (range 5-10 (U/ml). The averages for donor 2 were: Sperm count 96 x 106 sperm/ml (range 50-140 x 106 sperm/ml), morphology 32.2% (range 30-35%), total motility 69% (range 58-78%), sperm maturation 17% (range 7-30%), a-glucosidase 36.9 (U/ml (range 20-82 (U/ml). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that significant variations can be found in the sperm parameters and in seminal plasma a-glucosidase; however these variations are generally maintained at the normal or abnormal ranges for each individual, except the sperm morphology that was constant and with low variation in both donors. The determination of the chromatin condensation in the semen analysis gives an additional information about the grade of sperm maturation and would be of great value for differentiating between sperm samples that show similar morphology values.

[Financing of drug addiction programs in Mexico City: 1990-1994]. / Financiamiento de programas de farmacodependencia en la ciudad de México: 1990-1994.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the financial flows in the drug dependency programs in México City, their financial source, and the way how funding monies are spent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A discrete number of institutions devoted to drug dependency control in Mexico City was selected. Analysis of financial flows was carried out using the National Health Accounts methods. Questionnaires to quantify resources were applied to health service managers and users. In addition to collection of financial flow data, we calculated the expenditures per user for each institution. For the period 1990-1993, expenditures were estimated from financial budgets allocated to each program in 1990, at constant values to eliminate the effects of inflation. RESULTS: Financial sources identified were: the federal budget allocation (50-90%), user fees (10-20%), and non-governmental organization contributions (15-80%). CONCLUSIONS: Even though budgets in participant institutions have increased in the last four years, they are still inadequate to cover the large demand of services. It is important to identify new ways to increase the availability of resources as well as to ensure their efficient use. Continuing financial analysis of these programs will allow the assessment of changes to guide optimal financial decision making.

[Use of midodrine and frozen semen to treat semen transport disturbances. Report of 2 cases]. / Uso de midodrín y congelación de semen en el tratamiento de las alteraciones del transporte espermático. Caso clínico.

Retrograde ejaculation severely compromises male fertility. The use of sympathicomimetics for the treatment of this condition has poor results, except in patients with partial retrograde ejaculation, whose semen has a higher spermatozoa concentration. The semen of two patients with partial retrograde ejaculation was collected and frozen after the injection of a sympathicomimetic (Midodrine). The frozen/thawed samples were mixed with fresh semen recently ejaculated to obtain a minimal number of motile spermatozoa, and used for intrauterine insemination (> de 1 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa/ml). In both cases, pregnancies that developed satisfactorily, were obtained.

Teratoma dermoide quístico córneo-conjuntivo en un perro ovejero alemán canis familiaris: caso clínico / Cystic teratoma dermoide of the cornea-conjunctiva in a german shepherd dog canis familiaris: a clinical case

El teratoma dermoide quístico (TDQ) es una neoplasia proveniente de células totipotenciales, que han quedado secuestrada en regiones remotas, y cuya expresión dará origen a tejidos ectópicos. Su localización es variada y, a nivel del bulbo ocular, es muy poco frecuente. Su importancia clínica radica en que cuando afecta al bulbo ocular, produce irritación crónica y dificultades visuales severas que obligan su pronta extirpación. Los demoides localizados a nivel del ojo y estructuras adyacentes, pueden afectar tantoa animales como al Hombre, y por lo general se alojan en el limbo, tercer párpado, córnea, en la parte sobre la conjuntiva, y, en casos raros, con extensión hacia el tegumento palpebral (JENSEN, 1971; WALDE et al., 1990; SLATTER, 1992; MOORE, 1999; STADES et al., 1999). El objetivo del presente trabajo fue presentar los análisis clínicos e histopatológico en un caso de TDQ, de localización córneo conjuntival, en un canino Ovejero alemán. La extracción del tumor se realizó por resección quirúrgica, según técnica descrita por KASSEN & HASSIEB (1986) y modificada por SLATTER, 1992 y, posteriormente, por STADES et al.; cirugía con la cual el animal recuperó totalmento la visión. El estudio histopatológico del tejido extraído arrojó el diagnóstico de teratoma dermoide quístico córneo recuperó totalmente la visión. El estudio histopatológico del tejido extraído arrojó el diagnóstico de teratoma dermoide quístico córneo conjuntival. Esta neoplasia benigna presenta generalmente tejidos derivados del ectodermo (piel y anexos), como fue el presente caso, pero, además de la expresión de piel con todos sus componentes embrionario del TDQ del presente caso, su desarrollo y localización córneo conjuntival, la especie animal y su escasa frecuencia de aparición, unido al éxito de la técnica quirúrgica y la recuperación total del paciente, entre otras, hacen al presente reporte de particular interés

Localización inmunocitoquímica de la serpina CBG-símil en el sistema reproductor de mamíferos hembra / Immunocytochemical localization of the CBG-like in the mammalian female reproductive system

La participación de la globulina que une corticoides (CBG) en el proceso de la inducción de la reacción acrosomal, ha sido claramente demostrada in vitro en espermatozoides humanos. Esta molécula fue aislada primariamente desde fluido folicular y su presencia, detectada inmunológicamente, ha sido demostrada por nosotros en folículos ováricos, epitelio tubular uterino y en endometrio de humanos y bovinos. Estos resultados nos llevaron a ampliar el estudio de la probable presencia de esta molécula en otras especies mamíferas, con la hipótesis de que si está involucrada en mecanismos previos a la fecundación en humanos y bovinos, su presencia podría estar también jugando un rol molulatorio en especies con procesos de interacción gamética básicamente comparables. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar inmunocitoquímicamente la presencia y distribución de la CBG-símil en el sistema reproductor de cerdos, perros, gatos, conejos y ratas, Las muestras fueron obtenidas, en los distintos estadios del ciclo reproductivo, desde piezas quirúrgicas, a excepción de las de cerdo que se obtuvieron desde su matadera local. Muestras de ovario, tuba uterina y útero fueron procesadas para inmunocitoquímica (ICQ) con anticuerpos (Ac) poli y monoclonales anti hCBG que reconocieron antígenos comunes dentro de las distintas especies animales. En todas ellas la ICQ reveló una intensa reacción positiva a nivel de los folículos ováricos, en las células secretoras del epitelio de la mucosa tubárica y en las células epiteliales de las glándulas y de la mucosa endometrial. En general, la inmuno tinción se manifestó muy intensa hacia el periodo ovulatorio y muy escasa en los periodos de niveles esteroidales bajos. Sin embargo, existieron diferencias particulares entre los distintos animales debido, probablemente, a la variación antigénica por la lejanía de la especie con la molécula generadora del Ac. Muy interesante resultó el estudio del animal en el cual se produjo el Ac policlonal, éste confirmó la presencia de la CBG endógena, determinada por una intensa inmunorreactividad en los preparados controles (sin Ac específico), y que por tanto, la única fuente de ellos fue la proveniente de la generación de sus propios Ac. Nuestros resultados nos permiten sugerir que en las especies estudiadas existe CBG-símil, la cual se distribuye en áreas morfológicas del sistema reproductor, similares a las observadas en humanos y en bovinos

[Work conditions, labor fatigue and low birth weight among street vendors]. / Condiciones de trabajo, fatiga laboral y bajo peso al nacer en vendedoras ambulantes.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents the demographic, socioeconomic profile, working conditions and labor fatigue among fertile age street vendors in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 426 female street vendors were interviewed in Mexico City. This population was described and the association between the components labor fatigue and low birth weight (LBW) was analyzed by logistic regression in a subgroup of women who worked as street vendors during their last pregnancy. RESULTS: Of the interviewed group, 56% works more than 48 h per week, 87% had no social security, and 68% only had primary school level. The risk of LBW increased when workers had to cover selling quotes (OR 6.5, CI95% 1.3-31) when the merchandise were seasonal tools such as accessories or spare parts (OR 6.3, CI95% 1.5-26), when women had to exhibit their merchandise on the floor or carry it (OR 7.7 CI95% 1.8-32) and when financial support to initiate vending activities came from someone other than a close relative or friend (OR 7.4 CI95%, 1.2-44). CONCLUSIONS: These results contribute to identify the female vendors with higher risk of having child with LBW and suggest preventive actions.

Groundwater flow system in the valley of Toluca, Mexico: an assay of natural radionuclide specific activities.

Natural radionuclides and physicochemical parameters have been evaluated in groundwater samples from boreholes belonging to the drinking water supply system of the Toluca City, Mexico. The results obtained for radon and radium, together with the physicochemical parameters of the studied samples, indicate a fast and efficient recharge pattern. The presence of a local and a regional groundwater flows was also observed. The local flow belongs to shallower water, recognized by its low radon content and dissolved ions, as compared with the regional, deeper groundwater flow with a longer residence time.

Evidencias inmunocitoquímicas sobre la presencia de la serpina CBG-símil en el sistema reproductor de la hembra en bovinos / Inmunocytochemistry evidence on the presence of the serpina CBG-like in the reproductive system of the female bovine

La reacción acrosomal es un proceso esencial para la fecundación en mamíferos. Recientemente, ha sido demostrado que la globulina que une corticoides (CBG), asociada a progesterona, induce la reacción acrosómica en niveles fisiológicos, in vitro. En la búsqueda de un componente morfológico in situ, utilizando rastreo inmunocitoquímico, nuestro grupo ha demostrado su presencia en células secretoras de ciertas regiones del sistema reproductor femenino humano. Si esta molécula, a travéz de la reacción acrosomal, esta involucrada en los mecanismos que llevan finalmente a la fecundación en humanos, parece razonable suponer que tiene una participación similar en otras especies mamíferas con procesos reproductivos básicamente comparables. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar, a travéz de la inmunocitoquímica (ICQ), la presencia y distribución de la CBG-símil en el sistema reproductor de bovinos hembras, en los distintos estadios del ciclo reproductivo. Muestras de ovarios, útero, tuba uterinay células epiteliales tubáricas en cultivo fueron procesadas para la ICQ. Para ello, se utilizaron anticuerpos policionales contra CBG humana (comercial y otro producto de laboratorio) capaz de reconocer determinantes antigénicos comunes. La ICQ demostró, a nivel ovárico una reacción positiva preferentemente en células de folículos en estadios superiores de desarrollo. A nivel de la tuba uterina la inmunotinción se presentó claramente en células no ciliadas del epitelio tubárico. En el endometrio la reacción se concentró en las células epiteliales de las glándulas endometriales, sin observarse inmunorreacción a nivel estromal. La inmunotinción fue muy intensa en los períodos de mayor actividad estrogénica para, prácticamente, desaparecer en vacas preñadas. Las células de cultivo oviductales revelaron una población con reacción intensamente positiva y otra claramente negativa. Nuestros resultados nos permiten sugerir que el bovino existe la presencia de CBG-símil, la cual se distribuye en áreas morfológicas similares a las observadas en humano, y su concentración depende del ciclo ovárico. Tales elementos permitirían sugerir que esta particular molécula juega un rol similar en la especie bovina

Estado nutricional de adultos mayores institucionalizados: Valencia, Estado Carabobo, Venezuela / Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly. Valencia, Estado Caraboro, Venezuela

A fin de evaluar el estado nutricional de una población de adultos mayores institucionalizados, se estudiaron 40 mujeres (edad 83,1+6,9 años) y 40 hombres (edad 76,1+8,2 años) residentes en un hogar geriátrico. Se realizó un examen clínico, se tomaron medidas antropométricas y se determinaron parámetros bioquímicos y dietéticos. En los hombres, la circunferencia de brazo (CBI) y la circunferencia muscular de brazo (CMB) y en la mujer, el PT y la AG fueron inferiores al percentil 10. El 35,3 por ciento no presentaron signos de desnutrición, 39.7 por ciento tuvo un indicador alterado (en riesgo) y el 25 por ciento restante mostró dos o más indicadores alterados (desnutridos). Se observó 8 por ciento de anemia, 52 por ciento de valores bajos de ferritina, 13 por ciento de deficiencia de zinc, 8 por ciento de deficiencia de vitamina A 29 por ciento de hipoalbúminemia y 7,9 por ciento de hipocolesterolemia. El 50 por ciento de los hombres y el 48 por ciento de las mujeres tuvieron valores por debajo de 1,5 x BMR (n=47) en adecuación de energía. La vitamina A, C y zinc tuvieron una adecuación inferior a 2/3 del RDA. Los adultos mayores estudiados presentan alteraciones en sus parámetros antropométricos, bioquímicos y dietéticos que los ubican en situación de alto riesgo. Se recomienda evaluar otros factores que puedam condicionar la ocurrencia de desnutrición, tales como poco apetito, escasez de alimentos y establecer un plan de intervención nutricional a la brevedad.