Molecular diversity of Staphylococcus aureus and the role of milking equipment adherences or biofilm as a source for bulk tank milk contamination.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent pathogens causing intramammary infections in dairy herds. Consequently, virulence factors, pathobiology, and epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus strains have been widely assessed through the years. Nevertheless, not much has been described about the epidemiology of Staph. aureus strains from bulk tank milk (BTM) and adherences on milking equipment (AMES), even when these strains may play a role in the quality of milk that is intended for human consumption. The objective of this study was to assess the strain diversity of 166 Staph. aureus isolates collected from 3 consecutive BTM samples, and from AMES in contact with milk from 23 Chilean dairy farms. Isolates were analyzed and typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Diversity of strains, both within and among farms, was assessed using Simpson's index of diversity (SID). On farms where Staph. aureus was isolated from both AMES and BTM (n = 8), pulsotypes were further analyzed to evaluate the role of AMES as a potential source of Staph. aureus strains in BTM. Among all Staph. aureus analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, a total of 42 pulsotypes (19 main pulsotypes and 23 subtypes) were identified. Among dairy farms, strain diversity was highly heterogeneous (SID = 0.99). Within dairy farms, Staph. aureus strain diversity was variable (SID = 0 to 1), and 18 dairy operations (81.8%) had one pulsotype that was shared between at least 2 successive BTM samples. In those farms where Staph. aureus was isolated in both AMES and BTM (n = 8), 7 (87.5%) showed a clonal distribution of Staph. aureus strains between these 2 types of samples. The overlapping of certain Staph. aureus strains among dairy farms may point out common sources of Staph. aureus among otherwise epidemiologically unrelated farms. Indistinguishable Staph. aureus strains between AMES and BTM across dairy farms suggest that Staph. aureus-containing AMES may represent a source for BTM contamination, thus affecting milk quality. Our study highlights the role of viable Staph. aureus in AMES as a source for BTM contamination on dairy farms, and also describes the overlapping and presence of specific BTM and AMES pulsotypes among farms.

Dynamic testing in columns for soil heavy metal removal for a car park SUDS.

The increase in urban runoff brought about by a rise in impermeable surfaces has triggered the alteration and pollution of many aquatic systems. The overall goal of this research was to design a 'Sustainable Urban Drainage System' (SUDS) for the retention of heavy metals from a car park consisting of mixing autochthonous soil (70%) with sand (30%) to improve the hydrological conductivity and adsorption capacity. To quantify the retention of metals we characterize the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of the soil mixture and perform dynamic experiments. The proposed methodology allowed us to work out the amount of heavy metal retention by the adsorbent and the retention mechanisms. The retention capacity of the adsorbent mixture was as follows: Cr3+ ≈ Cu2+ ≫ Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+. Chromium and copper ions were mainly retained by precipitation, whereas zinc, nickel and cadmium were retained by ionic exchange with calcium ions that saturate the soil colloids. The soil mixture buffered pH was found to change when fed with an acid solution of metallic ions.

Photocatalytic degradation of aniline using an autonomous rotating drum reactor with both solar and UV-C artificial radiation.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of a novel self-autonomous reactor technology (capable of working with solar irradiation and artificial UV light) for water treatment using aniline as model compound. This new reactor design overcomes the problems of the external mass transfer effect and the accessibility to photons occurring in traditional reaction systems. The UV-light source is located inside the rotating quartz drums (where TiO2 is immobilized), allowing light to easily reach the water and the TiO2 surface. Several processes (UV, H2O2, Solar, TiO2, Solar/TiO2, Solar/TiO2/H2O2 and UV/Solar/H2O2/TiO2) were tested. The synergy between Solar/H2O2 and Solar/TiO2 processes was quantified to be 40.3% using the pseudo-first-order degradation rate. The apparent photonic efficiency, ζ, was also determined for evaluating light utilization. For the Solar/TiO2/H2O2 process, the efficiency was found to be practically constant (0.638-0.681%) when the film thickness is in the range of 1.67-3.87 µm. However, the efficiency increases up to 2.67% when artificial UV light was used in combination, confirming the efficient design of this installation. Thus, if needed, lamps can be switched on during cloudy days to improve the degradation rate of aniline and its mineralization. Under the optimal conditions selected for the Solar/TiO2/H2O2 process ([H2O2] = 250 mg/L; pH = 4, [TiO2] = 0.65-1.25 mg/cm2), 89.6% of aniline is degraded in 120 min. If the lamps are switched on, aniline is completely degraded in 10 min, reaching 85% of mineralization in 120 min. TiO2 was re-used during 5 reaction cycles without apparent loss in activity (<2%). Quantification of hydroxyl radicals and dissolved oxygen allows a chemical-based explanation of the process. Finally, the UV/Solar/TiO2/H2O2 process was found to have lower operation costs than other systems described in literature (0.67 €/m3).

Study of the intensification of solar photo-Fenton degradation of carbamazepine with ferrioxalate complexes and ultrasound.

The intensification of the solar photo-Fenton system with ferrioxalate photoactive complexes and ultrasound applied to the mineralization of 15mg/L carbamazepine aqueous solution (CBZ) was evaluated. The experiments were carried out in a solar compound parabolic collector (CPC) pilot plant reactor coupled to an ultrasonic processor. The dynamic behavior of hydroxyl radicals generated under the different studied reaction systems was discussed. The initial concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous/oxalic acid and pH were found to be the most significant variables (32.79%, 25.98% and 26.04%, respectively). Under the selected optimal conditions ([H2O2]0=150mg/L; [Fe2+]0=2.5mg/L/[(COOH)2]0=12.1mg/L; pH=5) CBZ was fully degraded after 5min and 80% of TOC was removed using a solar photo-Fenton system intensified with ferrioxalate (SPFF). However, no improvement in the mineralization using SPFF process combined with ultrasound was observed. More mild pH conditions could be used in the SPFF system if compared to the traditional photo-Fenton (pH 3) acidic systems. Finally, a possible reaction pathway for the mineralization of CBZ by the SPFF system was proposed and therein discussed.

Mineralization of aniline using hydroxyl/sulfate radical-based technology in a waterfall reactor.

The aim of this work is to study the applicability of a UV/H2O2 process intensified with persulfate (PS) as a source of SO4- radicals to efficiently mineralize a synthetic effluent containing aniline in a glass reactor arranged in a cascade configuration. pH conditions were studied and the concentration of PS was optimized. The synergism for aniline mineralization between the UV/H2O2 process and the combined UV/H2O2/PS process was quantified in 10.1%. Aniline degradation reached 100% under the UV/H2O2/PS process after 20 min. Its mineralization is favored under acidic conditions and with the presence of persulfate (optimal conditions: 49% in 90 min; pH = 4; [PS] = 250 ppm). On the contrary, the worst conditions were found at pH = 11, since hydrogen peroxide decomposes and carbonates were formed increasing the scavenging effect. The different mechanisms involved (formulated from intermediates identified by mass spectrometry) confirm these results. Aniline was found to follow a degradation pathway where phenol is the main intermediate. The presence of sulfate radicals increases phenol degradation rate leading to a higher mineralization extent. Benzoquinone was identified as the main aromatic oxidation product of phenol, whereas succinic, 4-oxo-pentanoic, fumaric and oxalic acids were detected as aliphatic oxidation products for both UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/PS oxidation processes.

Enfisema subcutáneo en un paciente pediátrico politraumatizado: rotura traumática de tráquea / No disponible

No disponible

Mineralization of wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry containing chloride ions by UV photolysis of H2O2/Fe(II) and ultrasonic irradiation.

The mineralization of pharmaceutical wastewater containing chloride ions using a UV/H2O2/Fe(II) process was studied. The addition of Fe(II) to the UV/H2O2 system did not improve the degradation efficiency due to inhibition of the photo-Fenton reaction, at acid pH, in the presence of chloride ions in these wastewaters. The increase of pH from 2 to 7 increased the degree of mineralization under UV photolysis of H2O2 because more HO radicals are available by HOCl dissociation reaction. Under the selected operation conditions ([H2O2]o = 11,500 ppm, [Fe(II)] = 0 ppm, [TOC]o = 125 ppm and pH = 7), 100% of TOC removal was attained in 120 min. A significant synergistic effect of combining photolysis (UV/H2O2) and sonolysis was observed. Sonophotolysis (UV/H2O2/ultrasound) technique significantly increased the degree of mineralization (100% TOC removal in 90 min using 6500 ppm H2O2) when compared with each individual process. Sonochemical reaction was favored by the presence of chloride ions since the concentration of contaminants at the gas-liquid interface increased. Free radicals reaction was the controlling mechanism in the UV/H2O2/ultrasound system. HO radicals were the main oxidative intermediate species in the process, although hydroperoxyl radicals (HO2) also played a role. The contribution of thermal-pyrolytic reaction (in gas-phase) to sonophotolysis process was negligible.

Optimization of pharmaceutical wastewater treatment by solar/ferrioxalate photo-catalysis.

The degradation of a pharmaceutical wastewater using a ferrioxalate-assisted solar/photo-Fenton system has been studied. The photochemical reaction was carried out in a pilot plant consisting of a compound parabolic collector (CPC) solar reactor. An optimization study was performed combining a multivariate experimental design and Neuronal Networks that included the following variables: initial concentrations of H2O2, catalyst Fe (II) and oxalic acid (H2C2O4), temperature and solar power. Under optimal conditions, 84% TOC (Total Organic Carbon) removal was achieved in 115 min. Oxalic acid had a positive effect on mineralization when solar power was above 30 W m(-2). The minimum amount of H2O2 to degrade 1 mol of TOC was found to be 3.57 mol. Both the H2O2 conversion efficiency and the degree of mineralization were highest when the oxalic/Fe(II) initial molar relation was close to 3. HO radicals were the main oxidative intermediate species in the process, although hydroperoxyl radicals (HO(2)(·)) also played a role.

Photocatalytic treatment of an industrial effluent using artificial and solar UV radiation: an operational cost study on a pilot plant scale.

The aim of this work was to study the operation costs of treating a real effluent from an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power station located in Spain. The study compares different homogeneous photocatalytic processes on a pilot plant scale using different types of radiation (artificial UV or solar UV with a compound parabolic collector). The efficiency of the processes was evaluated by an analysis of the total organic carbon (TOC) removed. The following processes were considered in the study: (i) a photo-Fenton process at an artificial UV pilot plant (with the initial addition of H(2)O(2)), (ii) a modified photo-Fenton process with continuous addition of H(2)O(2) and O(2) to the system and (iii) a ferrioxalate-assisted solar photo-Fenton process at a compound parabolic collector (CPC) pilot plant. The efficiency of these processes in degrading pollutants has been studied previously, and the results obtained in each of those studies have been published elsewhere. The operational costs due to the consumption of electrical energy, reagents and catalysts were calculated from the optimal conditions of each process. The results showed that the solar photo-Fenton system was economically feasible, being able to achieve up to 75% mineralization with a total cost of 6 €/m(3), which can be reduced to 3.6 €/m(3) by subtracting the electrical costs because the IGCC plant is self-sufficient in terms of energy.

Empiema subdural secundario a sinusitis. Descripción de un caso pediátrico / Subdural empyema secondary to sinusitis. A pediatric case report

Presentamos el caso de un varón de 9 años derivado al servicio de Urgencias por proptosis ocular derecha y cefalea progresiva en el contexto de una sinusitis, diagnosticado dos días antes por clínica y radiología compatible y en tratamiento con amoxicilina-clavulánico. A la exploración física destaca proptosis derecha con ligera limitación para la mirada conjugada. Con la sospecha de una posible complicación neurológica de la sinusitis, se realiza tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) craneal, observando empiema subdural frontal derecho. Ingresa para tratamiento antibiótico endovenoso con cefotaxima, vancomicina y metronidazol. Es valorado por los servicios de Neurocirugía, Cirugía Maxilofacial y Otorrinolaringología (ORL) infantil, decidiéndose únicamente drenaje del foco primario, con actitud neuroquirúrgica expectante. El paciente evoluciona favorablemente con progresiva desaparición de los síntomas. Se realizan resonancias magnéticas periódicas, que muestran clara mejoría hasta resolución completa del empiema. Tras 4 semanas de antibioterapia iv., y tras la normalización clínica y radiológica, el paciente es dado de alta (AU)

We present the case of 9 year old male referred to the A and E service with right ocular proptosis and progressive migraine in the context of a sinusitis diagnosed two days earlier by compatible clinical and radiological tests, and receiving treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Physcial exploration revealed right ocular proptosis with a slight limitation for conjugate gaze. Facing the suspicion of a possible neurological complication of the sinusitis, cranial computer aided tomography (CAT) was carried out, with right frontal subdural empyema observed. He was admitted for intravenous antibiotic treatment with cefotaxime, vancomicin and metronidazole. He was evaluated by child Neurosurgery, Maxillofacial Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) services; the decision was taken to only drain the primary focus, while an expectant neurosurgical attitude was maintained. The patient evolved favourably with a progressive disappearance of the symptoms. Periodical magnetic resonances were carried out, which showed a clear improvement up until the complete resolution of the empyema. Following four weeks of antibiotherapy iv., and after clinical and radiological normalization, the patient was discharged (AU)

Optimization of the mineralization of a mixture of phenolic pollutants under a ferrioxalate-induced solar photo-Fenton process.

The mineralization of solutions containing a mixture of three phenolic compounds, gallic, p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids, in a ferrioxalate-induced solar photo-Fenton process was investigated. The reactions were carried out in a pilot plant consisting of a compound parabolic collector (CPC) solar reactor. An optimization study was performed combining a multivariate experimental design and neuronal networks that included the following variables: pH, temperature, solar power, air flow and initial concentrations of H(2)O(2), Fe(II) and oxalic acid. Under optimal conditions, total elimination of the original compounds and 94% TOC removal of the mixture were achieved in 5 and 194 min, respectively. pH and initial concentrations of H(2)O(2) and Fe(II) were the most significant factors affecting the mixture mineralization. The molar correlation between consumed hydrogen peroxide and removed TOC was always between 1 and 3. A detailed analysis of the reaction was presented. The values of the pseudo-first-order mineralization kinetic rate constant, k(TOC), increased as initial Fe(II) and H(2)O(2) concentrations and temperature increased. The optimum pH value also slightly increased with greater Fe(II) and hydrogen peroxide concentrations but decreased when temperature increased. OH and O(2)(-) radicals were the main oxidative intermediate species in the process, although singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) also played a role in the mineralization reaction.

Mineralization of integrated gasification combined-cycle power-station wastewater effluent by a photo-Fenton process.

The aim of this work was to study the mineralization of wastewater effluent from an integrated-gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) power station sited in Spain to meet the requirements of future environmental legislation. This study was done in a pilot plant using a homogeneous photo-Fenton oxidation process with continuous addition of H(2)O(2) and air to the system. The mineralization process was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Experimental kinetic constants were fitted using neural networks (NNs). The NNs model reproduced the experimental data to within a 90% confidence level and allowed the simulation of the process for any values of the parameters within the experimental range studied. At the optimum conditions (H(2)O(2) flow rate=120 mL/h, [Fe(II)]=7.6 mg/L, pH=3.75 and air flow rate=1 m(3)/h), a 90% mineralization was achieved in 150 min. Determination of the hydrogen peroxide consumed and remaining in the water revealed that 1.2 mol of H(2)O(2) was consumed per each mol of total organic carbon removed from solution. This result confirmed that an excess of dissolved H(2)O(2) was needed to achieve high mineralization rates, so continuous addition of peroxide is recommended for industrial application of this process. Air flow slightly improved the mineralization rate due to the formation of peroxo-organic radicals which enhanced the oxidation process.

Photocatalytic treatment of IGCC power station effluents in a UV-pilot plant.

The aim of this work is to improve the quality of water effluents coming from an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power station to meet with future environmental legislation. This study has been made using an homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation process (UV/Fe(II)/H(2)O(2)) in a pilot plant. The efficiency of the process was determined from the analysis of the following parameters: cyanides, formates and TOC content. In the first stage, a factorial experimental design allowed to determine the influence of operation variables (initial concentration of H(2)O(2) and Fe(II), pH and temperature) on the degradation kinetics. pH was always kept in a value >9.5 during cyanides destruction to avoid gaseous HCN formation and lowered later to enhance formates degradation. Experimental kinetic constants were fitted using neural networks (NNs). Under the optimum conditions ([H(2)O(2)]=1700 ppm, [Fe(II)]=2 ppm, pH 2 after cyanides destruction, and T=30 degrees C), it is possible to degrade 100% of cyanides in 15 min and 76% of formates in 120 min. The use of an homogeneous process with UV light can offer an economical and practical alternative to heterogeneous photocatalysis for the destruction of environmental pollutants present in thermoelectric power stations effluents, since it can treat very high flowrates using a lower H(2)O(2) concentration. Furthermore, it does not require additional operations to recover the solid catalyst and regenerate it due to deactivation as occurs in heterogeneous catalysis.

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants from Elcogas IGCC power station effluents.

The aim of this work is to improve the quality of water effluents coming from Elcogas IGCC power station (Puertollano, Spain) with the purpose of fulfilling future more demanding normative, using heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation processes (UV/H(2)O(2)/TiO(2) or ZnO). The efficiency of photocatalytic degradation for the different catalysts (TiO(2) and ZnO) was determined from the analysis of the following parameters: cyanides, formates and ammonia content. In a first stage, the influence of two parameters (initial concentration of H(2)O(2) and amount of catalyst) on the degradation kinetics of cyanides and formates was studied based on a factorial experimental design. pH was always kept in a value >9.5 to avoid gaseous HCN formation. The degradation of cyanides and formates was found to follow pseudo-first order kinetics. Experimental kinetic constants were fitted using neural networks (NNs). The mathematical model reproduces experimental data within 90% of confidence and allows the simulation of the process for any value of parameters in the experimental range studied. Moreover, a measure of the saliency of the input variables was made based upon the connection weights of the neural networks, allowing the analysis of the relative relevance of each variable with respect to the others. Results showed that the photocatalytic process was effective, being the degradation rate of cyanides about five times higher when compared to removal of formates. Finally, the effect of lowering pH on the degradation of formates was evaluated after complete cyanides destruction was reached (10 min of reaction). Under the optimum conditions (pH 5.2, [H(2)O(2)]=40 g/l; [TiO(2)]=2g/l), 100% of cyanides and 92% of initial NH(3) concentration are degraded after 10 min, whereas 35 min are needed to degrade 98% of formates.

Pileflebitis secundaria a diverticulitis / Pylephlebitis secondary to diverticulitis

La pileflebitis o trombosis infecciosa de la vena porta es una complicación poco frecuente pero grave de algunas infecciones intraabdominales. La etiología es normalmente polimicrobiana. Debido a la inespecificidad de la clínica, el diagnóstico se puede retrasar empeorando así el pronóstico de la enfermedad. Técnicas de imagen como la ecografía o la tomografía axial computarizada han sido de gran ayuda en el diagnóstico de esta entidad. La antibioterapia de amplio espectro constituye el tratamiento de elección, siendo controvertido el papel de la anticoagulación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con pileflebitis secundaria a diverticulitis (AU)

Evolución de la velocidad del flujo sanguíneo cerebral en las meningitis graves medida mediante Doppler transcraneal / Changes in cerebral blood flow velocity in severe meningitis measured by transcranial doppler

Objetivo. Investigar una posible asociación entre los valores de flujo vascular medidos por Doppler transcraneal y la situación y evolución del proceso neurológico en las meningitis agudas graves. Pacientes y método. Estudio observacional prospectivo en 23 pacientes con meningitis comunitaria, ingresados consecutivamente en la unidad de cuidados intensivos entre enero de 1998 y abril de 2002. Se miden la velocidad media, el índice de pulsatilidad y la asimetría de flujos en ambas arterias cerebrales medias en las primeras 24 h, al alta, o a los 7 días en los casos con estancias más largas. Se analizan la edad, el sexo, el microorganismo responsable, la puntuación en la escala de coma de Glasgow (GCS), el ingreso y el alta, las secuelas y la mortalidad. Resultados. De los 23 pacientes, 5 presentaron un Doppler transcraneal normal al ingreso y 18, patológico. Los pacientes con un Doppler transcraneal normal mantuvieron velocidades normales o elevadas en su evolución. Paradójicamente, 4 presentaron secuelas. Del resto, 13 presentaron velocidades disminuidas, con un índice de pulsatilidad elevado, y 5 aumentadas. De los 13 pacientes con velocidad baja, en 2 persistió disminuida; de éstos, uno falleció y el otro presentó un grave deterioro de conciencia. Los otros 11 enfermos recuperaron valores normales o elevados: 9 quedaron sin secuelas, uno falleció y otro quedó con un bajo nivel de conciencia. En los 5 pacientes con velocidad elevada, ésta se mantuvo elevada al alta, con un índice de pulsatilidad normal. Sólo uno presentó secuelas. Sólo 6 pacientes presentaron asimetría de velocidades entre ambos lados que no guardaron relación con las secuelas. Conclusiones. La mayoría de los pacientes presentó un estudio Doppler transcraneal patológico en el momento del ingreso. No encontramos relación significativa entre las alteraciones de la velocidad de flujo al ingreso, su evolución posterior y las secuelas. Se apunta una tendencia a una peor evolución entre los pacientes con una velocidad persistentemente disminuida. Un estudio Doppler transcraneal normal en el momento del ingreso no descarta la aparición de secuelas. Estos resultados invitan a realizar nuevos estudios con una mayor casuística (AU)

Alteraciones electrocardiográficas en un caso dehipotermia grave / Electrocardiographic changes in one case of severe hypothermia

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Actividad física y osteoporosis en mujeres postmenopáusica / Physical activity and ossteoporosis in postmenopausical women

La relación entre el buen estado físicao, ejercicio regular y densidad mineral ósea (BMD) de columna lumbar y cuello de fémur, fueron estudiadas en 60 pacientes, entre 113 mujeres psotmenopáausicas de Cleveland Menopause Clinic, dirigida por el Dr. Utian. En cada sujeto se evaluó la masa ósea por densitometría, midiendo el contenido mineral óseo. Se incluyeron sólo las pacientes de tipo corporal normal. Se objservó una diferencia estadisticamente significativa, entre mujeres de vida activa y sedentaria, en relación a pacientes con y sin osteoporosis(AU)

[Polymorphic epilepsy in children. Study of 12 patients]. / Epilepsia polimorfa de la infancia: revisión de 12 casos.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe our series of patients with polymorphic epilepsy, an infrequent diagnosis which was previously called severe myoclonic epilepsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of 12 patients diagnosed with polymorphic epilepsy according to the criteria proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (1989) was carried out. All patients were recruited from the Neuropediatric Unit at our hospital. Minimum follow-up was 18 months, with a maximum of 20 years. RESULTS: In our opinion, the syndrome's evolution has three clinical EEG phases. The febrile phase, the catastrophic phase and the residual phase. The main interest from a pediatric point of view is the absence of EEG anomalies during the febrile phase, in spite of the severity of the condition. This may lead to confusion of the actual syndrome with complicated febrile seizures, which usually have a better prognosis. Another misleading diagnosis could be post-immunization disorders. To our best knowledge, evolution towards the catastrophic phase cannot be deterred. Antiepileptic drugs, in mono- or poly-therapy, at least until the present, have not proven to be useful in this disorder.

[Health behavior of schoolchildren in a metropolitan area of Madrid]. / Hábitos de salud de los escolares de una zona periurbana de Madrid.

BACKGROUND: To describe health behavior of students about diet, alcohol and tobacco, dental-oral hygiene, leisure time activities and interpersonal relations. METHODS: 942 Students have been carried out. Children come from six schools of the town of Parla (in the south of Madrid). They are from 9 to 14 years old. The instruments have been made for this study, helping by teachers of EGB. RESULTS: 50% of the students doesn't eat any food at 12 o'clock, after drinking a glass of milk only at breakfast (8 o'clock). 10% never eats greens. 37% of the children in the upper level drinks alcohol sometimes and, in the same level, 12% smokes sometimes. Around 25% of children brush their teeth three times in the day. The students watch television three hours and half, means, in the day. The communication with the teacher is evaluated from "not too bad" to "bad" by 70% of the students of upper level. 42% and 39.4% of the children talks about abortion and contraceptives, respectively, with nobody. CONCLUSIONS: In general, girls have better habits than boys. Only exercise is more prevalent in the boys than in the girls.