"A comparison of thermal stress response between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila pseudoobscura reveals differences between species and sexes".

The environment is changing faster than anticipated due to climate change, making species more vulnerable to its impacts. The level of vulnerability of species is influenced by factors such as the degree and duration of exposure, as well as the physiological sensitivity of organisms to changes in their environments, which has been shown to vary among species, populations, and individuals. Here, we compared physiological changes in fecundity, critical thermalmaximum (CTmax), respiratory quotient (RQ), and DNA damage in ovaries in response to temperature stress in two species of fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (25 vs. 29.5 °C) and Drosophila pseudoobscura (20.5 vs. 25 °C). The fecundity of D. melanogaster was more affected by high temperatures when exposed during egg through adult development, while D. pseudoobscura was most significantly affected when exposed to high temperatures exclusively during egg through pupal development. Additionally, D. melanogaster males exhibited a decrease of CTmax under high temperatures, while females showed an increase of CTmax when exposed to high temperatures during egg through adult development. while D. pseudoobscura females and males showed an increased CTmax only when reared at high temperatures during egg through pupae development. Moreover, both species showed an acceleration in oogenesis and an increase in apoptosis due to heat stress. These changes can likely be attributed to key differences in the geographic range, thermal range, development time, and other different factors between these two systems. Through this comparison of variation in physiology and developmental response to thermal stress, we found important differences between species and sexes that suggest future work needs to account for these factors separately in understanding the effects of constant increased temperatures.

Masa infraclavicular / Infraclavicular mass

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Anaerobic biodegradability of water separated from extracted crude oil.

A study of the anaerobic biodegradability of the three categories of water separated from extracted crude oil (Venezuelan oilfields)--light, medium or heavy crude--was carried out at laboratory scale using UASB reactors working at mesophilic conditions. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in a low loaded UASB reactor fed with water separated from extracted light crude was high, with an average 87% purification efficiency. The remaining COD was made up of the nonbiodegradable and the very slowly biodegradable fractions of the organic matter in the water. During a second period, the hydraulic retention time was reduced in stages, thus increasing the loading rate. In the experimental conditions used, COD concentration at the outlet remained below the Venezuelan standard limit for discharge into the environment (350 mg COD l(-1)) when the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was above 10 hours and the OLR under 3 g COD l(-1) d(-1). For HRT less than 10 hours, or organic loading rate (OLR) greater than 3 g COD l(-1) d(-1), COD at the outlet of the reactor rose as a consequence both of increased volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations (indicating an overloading of the methanogenic population) and, also, of the increase in the non-VFA COD (indicating a decrease in the acidification efficiency). On the other hand, results with UASB reactors operated at a low loading rate and fed with water separated from extracted medium and heavy crude oil showed that purification efficiency was low, with only 20% and 37% COD removal respectively. Continuing the operation of the UASB reactor fed with water separated from medium oil over a prolonged period did not bring any improvement, indicating that no adaptation of the sludge occurred.

Tumor de Wilms bilateral metacrónico / Metachronous bilateral Wilms' tumor

La incidencia del tumor de Wilms bilateral es entre el 5 y 10% de los casos de nefroblastoma. La forma metacrónica representa el 2-3%. El 96,2% de las formas metacrónicas aparecen durante los primeros 5 años tras el tumor primario. Las malformaciones asociadas son más frecuentes en las formas bilaterales. La aparición de un tumor metacrónico constituye una dificultad terapéutica. Se describe el caso de una niña de 11 años con hemihipertrofia izquierda diagnosticada de recidiva metacrónica de tumor de Wilms tras 7 años del primer diagnóstico. Recibió 5 ciclos de quimioterapia preoperatoria. Se realizó tumerectomía. Por complicación posquirúrgica se realizó nefrectomía del único riñón. La paciente se encuentra en insuficiencia renal crónica por su condición de anéfrica, dependiente de hemodiálisis. Se continuó el tratamiento posquirúrgico con carboplatino y etopósido. Actualmente se encuentra en remisión completa. Es excepcional la presentación de las formas metacrónicas del tumor de Wilms después de los primeros 5 años del tumor primitivo. Cuando aparece el tumor contralateral la quimioterapia debe mantenerse hasta conseguir la reducción del tamaño tumoral para poder preservar la función renal y evitar la diálisis. En los casos de insuficiencia renal crónica secundaria a una nefrectomía bilateral la elección de los quimioterápicos efectivos y el conocimiento de la farmacocinética y farmacodinámica de éstos hace posible continuar el tratamiento en estos pacientes con el soporte adecuado de hemodiálisis (AU)

[Metachronous bilateral Wilms' tumor]. / Tumor de Wilms bilateral metacrónico.

Wilms' tumor occurs in 5-10 % of all cases of nephroblastoma. The metachronous form represents 2-3 % of cases. Most (96.2 %) metachronous tumors appear within the first 5 years of the primary tumor. Associated malformations are more common in bilateral cases. Metachronous tumors are a therapeutic challenge. We describe the case of an 11-year-old girl with left hemihypertrophy. The diagnosis was metachronous relapse of Wilms' tumor 7 years after the first diagnosis. The patient received five courses of preoperative chemotherapy and tumorectomy was performed. Because of post-surgical complications, nephrectomy was performed on her only kidney. Since she is anephric, the patient is in chronic renal failure and is dependent on dialysis. Treatment with carboplatin and etoposide was continued after surgery and the patient is currently in complete remission. The appearance of a metachronous Wilms' tumor 5 years after that of the primary tumor is rare. When a contralateral tumour develops, chemotherapy must be given until the size of the tumor is reduced in order to preserve renal function and avoid dialysis. In patients with chronic renal failure caused by bilateral nephrectomy, ongoing treatment with dialysis support can be achieved through the choice of effective drugs and knowledge of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

[Experience with ventriculitis at a neonatology department]. / Ventriculitis: experiencia en un servicio de neonatología.

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics, treatment and follow-up of patients with ventriculitis in our neonatal unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with ventriculitis from January 1990 to December 1997. Diagnostic criteria were the identification of any bacteria in the ventricular fluid and pleocytosis (> or = 100 leukocytes per microl). Personal history, clinical and analytical findings and evolution after diagnosis were studied. RESULTS: We recorded ten cases of ventriculitis in nine patients. Six of them occurred as a complication of previous meningitis and four occurred after neurosurgical treatment. The mean age at diagnosis was of 38.8 days (range 8-130), and mean gestational age was 29.4 weeks (range 25-38). Clinical and ventricular fluid anomalies were seen in six cases and in four the diagnosis was made at autopsy. Treatment was systemic antibiotics. In two cases intraventricular antibiotics were added. Six patients died, ventriculitis being the direct cause of death in five. Of the three survivors, one had mental retardation and cerebral palsy and the other two had minor disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: During the neonatal period, a high degree of clinical suspicion and techniques for an early diagnosis and treatment are needed for ventriculitis.

[Neurocutaneous melanosis]. / Melanosis neurocutánea.

Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by large or multiple congenital melanocytic nevi and excessive proliferation of melanotic cells in the leptomeninges. We report the case of a girl with a giant hairy nevus and numerous small nevi since birth. Within the first 2 years of life she developed clinical features of increased intracranial pressure and West s syndrome. At 2 years of age she presented a right facial palsy and myelopathy. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated meningeal infiltration. Diagnosis of NCM was established by a detailed cytologic analyses of the cerebrospinal fluid that revealed melanocytic cells. She received palliative treatment. The girl died 2 months after. Patients with large or multiple congenital melanocytic nevi should be carefully followed up with clinical examination and neuroimaging to detect NCM. At present there is no curative treatment. The association of NCM and West s syndrome has not been previously described.

Melanosis neurocutánea / Neurocutaneous melanosis. Case report and review of the literature

La melanosis neurocutánea (MNC) es un síndrome congénito poco frecuente caracterizado por la asociación de nevus cutáneos pigmentados múltiples o de gran tamaño y una excesiva proliferación de células melánicas en leptomeninges. Comunicamos el caso de una niña que al nacimiento mostró un nevus piloso gigante y múltiples nevus de menor tamaño. Durante los dos primeros años de vida desarrolló clínica de hipertensión intracraneal y síndrome de West. A los 2 años de edad presentó una mielopatía compresiva y parálisis facial derecha. Una resonancia magnética craneospinal evidenció infiltración meníngea. La citología del líquido cefalorraquídeo reveló células melánicas con signos de malignidad. Una vez establecido el diagnóstico de MNC se inició tratamiento paliativo. La niña falleció dos meses después. En los pacientes con nevus pigmentados congénitos numerosos o gigantes debe considerarse el diagnóstico de MNC por lo que es preciso un seguimiento clínico y de neuroimagen. Hasta el momento esta entidad carece de tratamiento curativo. La asociación de MNC y síndrome de West no ha sido descrita previamente (AU)

Ventriculitis: experiencia en un servicio de neonatología / Experience of ventriculitis in a neonatology department

Objetivo: Estudiar las características, tratamiento y evolución de los pacientes diagnosticados de ventriculitis en nuestro servicio de neonatología. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de los casos de ventriculitis diagnosticados desde enero de 1990 a diciembre de 1997. Los criterios diagnósticos fueron presencia de germen en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) ventricular y pleocitosis ( >= 100 leucocitos/µl). Se estudiaron los antecedentes de cada paciente, sus hallazgos clínicos y analíticos y su evolución tras el diagnóstico de ventriculitis. Resultados Se registraron 10 episodios de ventriculitis en 9 pacientes. Seis de los episodios cursaron como complicación de una meningitis previa y los cuatro restantes fueron secundarios a intervenciones neuroquirúrgicas. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 38,8 días (rango, 8-130) y la edad gestacional media de 29,4 semanas (rango, 25-38) Las alteraciones clínicas o del LCR estuvieron presentes en 6 de los episodios, diagnosticándose los otros cuatro por la autopsia. Se trataron con antibioterapia sistémica, y se añadió antibiótico intraventricular en 2 casos. Fallecieron 6 pacientes, siendo la ventriculitis causa directa de la muerte en cinco de ellos. De los 3 pacientes supervivientes, uno presenta retraso psicomotor profundo y leve los otros dos. Conclusión: En el período neonatal, son necesarios un elevado grado de sospecha clínica y ciertas técnicas diagnósticas para la detección precoz y tratamiento adecuado de la ventriculitis (AU)

Eficacia de la inmunización contra el antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B en estudiantes de la facultad de odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Colombia, 1997 / Efficacy of immunization against surface antigens of hepatitis B in students from the University of Manizales School of Dentistry

Las estrategias mundiales orientadas a la prevención de la hepatitis B incluyen la inmunization activa contra el virus, especialmente del personal vinculado a la atención en salud, debido a su exposición permanente a sangre y fluidos corporales de pacientes potencialmente infecciosos. Teniendo en cuenta que la inmunización activa puede no ser exitosa en el 100 por ciento de los casos, en el presente estudio se determinó la eficacia de la vacuna recombinante Engerix Smith Kline en una muestra de 56 estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Manizales. Para tal efecto, se determinó la presencia de anticuerpos al virus de la hepatitis B en el suero de las personas inmunizadas, utilizando la técnica de análisis inmunoenzimático (Abbott). Los resultados muestran que en 91.07 por ciento de los casos se logró la seroprotección (IC 95 por ciento: 87,27 a 94,87 por ciento). En 8,93 por ciento, la inmunización no fue eficaz. Teniendo en cuenta los datos anteriores se considera relevante que los programas de inmmunización contra el virus de la hepatitis B incluyan la monitorización de la respuesta inmunológica, con el fin de identificar aquellas personas no respondedoras que ameritan medidas adicionales de protección

[Trichobezoar: unusual diagnosis. Report of 3 cases]. / Tricobezoar: diagnostico inusual. Reporte de 3 casos.

We report 3 cases of gastric trichobezoar, recorded in the last 10 years in our Hospital. All the cases presented abdominal pain and tumor, as well as upper obstructive symptoms. The 3 cases were surgically treated with satisfactory evolution. The clinical has to consider this diagnosis taking into account the data summarized here. Surgery is a successful treatment for these cases. The literature on bezoars is reviewed.

[Drug use among students in Cali, Colombia]. / Uso de drogas entre estudiantes de Cali, Colombia.

The use of alcohol, tobacco, marihuana, cocaine, and bazuco was examined in a cross-sectional study of a random sample of 512 secondary-school students enrolled in public and private schools in Cali, Colombia. The overall prevalence of use for any of these substances was 59.38% in the public schools and 36.96% in the private schools (z = 4.6, P less than 0.05). The probability of finding an alcohol user was about 55.26%. The frequency of use for all the substances was 18.9% in the public schools and 7.46% in the private ones. Experience with marihuana, cocaine, and bazuco was more frequent in the public schools. The average age of users (19.91 years) was higher than that of non-users (16.25 years): t = 8.34, P less than 0.05. Students in the public schools with a family history of mental illness had almost a ninefold greater risk of being substance users (RR = 8.84, IC 95% = 1.22-3.37); among students in the private schools, having personal conflicts with authority figures (teachers and the police) was a significant risk factor (RR = 2.03, IC 95% = 1.22-3.37).

Micosis profundas en pacientes con radiologia pulmonar anormal. / Deep mycoses in patients with abnormal pulmonary radiology

Este trabajo describe un estudio realizado en 510 pacientes del Hospital Vargas de Caracas, Venezuela, que presentaban una radiologia toracica anormal. Los resultados obtenidos indican que las pruebas serologicas para la histoplasmosis y la paracoccidioidomicosis pueden contribuir de manera importante al diagnostico de estas enfermedades