Total ammoniacal nitrogen biofiltration of wastewaters from aquaculture systems using Macrocystis spp.

The results of total ammoniacal nitrogen (NH(3) + NH(4) (+)) removal in aquaculture systems using two experimental sets, aquatic seedlings produced in laboratory controlled conditions and wild seaweed (Macrocystis spp.) in reproductive state, are shown in this work. Biofiltration assays were carried out using a load of total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN) of 1 mg/L. Absorption rates were measured taking into account a previous surface characterization, which gave values of 44 ± 14 cm(2)/g and 18 ± 6 cm(2)/g for aquatic seedlings and wild algae, respectively. The following parameters were measured during the experimental runs: temperature, pH, O(2), illuminance or light intensity, salinity and total solids. TAN removals of 61% and 70% were achieved for the seedlings and Macrocystis spp., respectively, after 17 h of treatment. The TAN absorption results were expressed as a function of surface and mass achieving the following values: 3.0 nmol N cm(-2) h(-1) and 111 nmol N g(-1) h(-1) for the seedlings, and 6.9 nmol N cm(-2) h(-1) and 122.4 nmol N g(-1) h(-1) for the macroalgae. In the light of these biofiltration processes, the initial TAN concentration decreased by 90% for the seedlings and wild algae over approximately 110 and 41 h, respectively. In addition, TAN removals achieved with Macrocystis spp. were always higher than those obtained with aquatic seedlings for the same operating periods.

Tipificación del virus del papiloma humano en muestras cervicales de 15 mujeres atendidas en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer, Año 2007 / Typing of human papilloma virus in cervical samples of fifteen women that attended the National Institute of Cancer in December, 2007

El cáncer de cuello uterino es la segunda neoplasia maligna en la población femenina anivel mundial siendo el virus de papiloma humano (HPV) la causa principal. El objetivo deeste estudio preliminar fue determinar el tipo de HPV en mujeres atendidas en el InstitutoNacional del Cáncer en Diciembre del 2007, por amplificación de cadena de la polimerasaasociado a digestión por enzimas de restricción (PCR-RFLP) y observar la frecuencia deotros factores de riesgo asociados al cáncer. HPV fue detectado en 14 de 15 mujeres conresultados anormales de citología y/o colposcopía. Ocho de las 14 mujeres fueronpositivas para HPV de alto riesgo – HR HPV (tipos 16, 31, 58, 33, 45), presentando 6 delas 8 mujeres resultados de biopsia de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical I y III (CIN I y CINIII). Se observó un caso de infección múltiple con los tipos de HR-HPV 33 y 45. Fueronobservados 7 casos con falta de concordancia entre los resultados de citología,colposcopía y biopsia, en los cuales la detección de tipos de HR-HPV contribuyó aidentificar las mujeres con mayor riesgo de desarrollar CIN. Se observó en algunos casosla presencia de otros factores de riesgo para CIN, como el consumo de cigarrillo por 10 y30 años y el uso de anticonceptivos orales por 20 años. En conclusión, los resultadospreliminares sugieren que la detección de tipos de HPV por PCR-RFLP puede ser útil paraorientar el manejo del paciente.

Actividad larvicida de extractos vegetales acuosos en larvas de Aedesaegypti: primeros ensayos / Larvicidal activity of aqueous plants extracts on Aedes aegypti larva: first trials

El dengue es una enfermedad epidémica muy común en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. La eliminación de criaderos y el control vectorial se encuentran entre las medidas en la lucha contra la enfermedad. Se han desarrollado diversas estrategias para mantener bajo índice poblacional del mosquito. Diversas investigaciones se han enfocado a la búsqueda de nuevos productos naturales, con actividad insecticida y larvicida, que puedan controlar la población de mosquitos, sin presentar riesgos al humano y animales domésticos. Realizamos una serie de bioensayos con extractos acuosos de plantas paraguayas, Annona muricata (chirimoya); Bulnesia sarmentoi (palo santo); Melia azederach (paraíso); Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. Angustifolium (tembetary hú) y Bixaorellana (urukú), para comprobar en cada planta, su actividad y eficacia como larvicida, contra larvas del mosquito Aedes agypti. Dichas larvas, fueron colectadas de diversas zonas de Asunción y el Gran Asunción, durante la epidemia de fiebre amarilla del año 2007. Las semillas de la Annona mucricata (chirimoya), presentaron una buena actividad larvicida, ya que a la mínima concentración del 5%, han tenido un efecto mortal para las larvas, comparable al observado en los controles positivos (que contenían temefos 1%). En cambio, M. aezsederach (paraíso) y Z. chiloperone (tembetary hú) no mostraron actividad larvicida a esa dosis, ni aún a otras superiores. Por otro lado B. sarmientoi (palo santo) y B. orellana (urukú), presentaron cierto efecto larvicida, eliminando al 18% delarvas a las 72 horas post-exposición. Se observó una marcada diferencia de actividad, entre el extracto de semillas chirimoya con los demás extractos probados.

Dengue is an common epidemic disease in tropical and subtropical regions. Theelimination of breeding sites and vector control are among the most widely usedmeasures in the fight against the disease. Many strategies have been developed to keep low rates of mosquito populations. Several research studies have been focused on findingnatural products with insecticide and larvicide activity that could effectively control these mosquito populations without risks for the human populations and domestic animals. In this work, we have performed a series of bioassays with aqueous extracts of Paraguayan plants: Annona muricata (cherimoya), Bulnesia sarmentoi (palo santo), Melia azederach (paradise), Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. Angustifolium (tembetary hú) and Bixa orellana(uruku) in order to check the effectiveness and activity as larvicide of each plant gainst Aedes aegypti larvae. The larvae were collected in various areas of Asuncion and Great Asuncion during the yellow fever outbreak of 2007. The seeds of A. mucricata (cherimoya or custard apple) showed good larvicidal activity, i.e. at the minimum concentration of 5%, showed lethality against larvae comparable to that observed in positive controls(containing 1% temephos). On the other hand, M. azederach (paradise) and Z. chiloperone (tembetary hú) did not show any larvicidal activity at the same dose and even at higher doses. B. sarmientoi (palo santo) and Bixa orellana (uruku) showed somelarvicidal effect killing larva (18%) at 72 hours post-exposure. There was a marked difference in activity between the cherimoya seeds extract and the other extracts tested.

[Usefulness of thoracic radiography after insertion of transitory catheters for hemodialysis]. / Utilidad de la radiografía de tórax posterior a la instalación de catéteres transitorios para hemodiálisis.

A chest X-ray has been routinely used to evaluate possible complications of a catheter installed for hemodialysis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the utility of routine chest X-ray to detect complications derived from the installation of temporary catheters through a jugular vein access. We studied prospectively 95 successive jugular catheters for hemodialysis. After installation the operator answered a questionnaire that asked for details of the procedure and his opinion of the utility of a chest X-ray to detect a complication in each particular case. A chest X-ray was done in every patient and analyzed blindly. There were 17 minor complications: 7 arterial punctures, 5 neck hamatomas and 5 malpositions of catheters. No major complications were found. Sixty per cent of the catheters that required three or more punctures had a complication vs only 10% of the ones that required two or less puncture (p < 0.05). In five occasions the catheters were malpositioned, in four of these cases a complication was suspected. The wire guide was twisted in all of these cases. The procedure was considered of medium or high difficulty in four of the five malpositioned catheters, in contrast a medium or highly difficult case was considered only in 13 of the 90 well positioned catheters (p < 0.05). The time employed for the catheters installation was significantly higher for the malpositioned catheters. In 29.5% of the cases the operator considered a chest X-ray necessary, 2/3 of the cases did not have a well founded clinical suspicion of complication. We conclude that routine chest X-ray after installation of a jugular catheter for hemodialysis has a low diagnostic value for the detection of complications derived from the procedure and should be ordered only when clinical features suggest a complication.

Utilidad de la radiografía de tórax posterior a la instalación de catéteres transitorios para hemodiálisis / Value of the chest radiograph after the insertion of temporary dialysis catheters

Para evaluar el valor de la radiografía de tórax de rutina posterior a la instalación de catéteres transitorios para hemodiálisis estudiamos prospectivamente 95 catéteres sucesivos. Una vez instalado cada catéter el operador contestó una encuesta sobre los detalles del procedimiento y manifestó su opinión sobre la utilidad de la radiografía para descartar alguna complicación en el caso en particular. En 95 catéteres hubo 17 complicaciones: 7 punciones arteriales, 5 hematomas y 5 malposiciones del catéter. No hubo hamotórax ni neumotórax. Presentaron alguna complicación el 60 % de los catéteres que requirieron 3 o más intentos antes de canular la vena y el 10% de los que requirieron menos intentos p < 0,05. En el 29,5% de los catéteres el operador consideró necesario realizar la radiografía de tórax, en el 65,4% de ellas sin una sospecha clínicamente fundada de complicación. En 5 ocasiones el catéter quedó mal posicionado, en 4 de estas se sospechó alguna complicación pero solo en 2 oportunidades se sospecho la mal posición, en las 5 oportunidades la guía de alambre salío acodada. En el 4 de 5 oportunidades en que el catéter quedó en mala posición y en 13 de las 90 en que el catéter quedó en buena posición el procedimiento fue considerado como alta o mediana dificultad por el operador p < 0,05. El tiempo necesario para la instalación fue mayor en los catéteres que quedaron en mala posición. En conclusión: La radiografía de tórax de rutina posterior a la instalación de catéteres para Hemodiálisis tiene poco rendimiento en el diagnóstico de complicaciones derivadas del procedimiento y debería ser practicada solo en presencia de hechos clínicos que sugieran una complicación

A chest X-ray has been routinely used to evaluate possible complications of a catheter installed for hemodialysis. The objetive of the present study was to evaluate the utility of routine chest X-ray to detect complications derived from the installation of temporary catheters through a jugular vein access. We studied prospectively 95 successive jugular catheters for hemodialysis. After installation the operator answered a questionnaire that asked for details of the procedure and his opinion of the utility of a chest X-ray to detect a complication in each particular case. A chest X-ray was done in every patient and analyzed blindly. There were 17 minor complications: 7 arterial punctures, 5 neck hamatomas and 5 malpositions of catheters. No major complications were found. Sixty per cent of the catheters that required three or more punctures had a complication vs only 10% of the ones that required two or less puncture (p < 0.05). In five occasions the catheters were malpositioned, in four of these cases a complication was suspected. The wire guide was twisted in all of these cases. The procedure was considered of medium or high difficulty in four of the five malpositioned catheters, in contrast a medium or highly difficult case was considered only in 13 of the 90 well positioned catheters (p < 0.05). The time employed for the catheters installation was significanthy higher for the malpositioned catheters. In 29.5% of the cases the operator considered a chest X-ray neccesary, 2/3 of the cases did not have a well founded clinical suspicion of complication. We conclude that routine chest X-ray after installation of a jugular catheter for hemodialysis has a low diagnostic value for the detection of complications derived from the procedure and should be ordered only when clinical features suggest a complication

[Characterization of myocardial tissue by ultrasound: backscatter]. / Caracterización tisular miocárdica por ultrasonidos: backscatter.

One of the most important goals in Cardiology is to identify, noninvasively, the normal as well as pathological changes in structure and function of myocardial tissue in order to recognize their etiology and severity. Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization is an approach to define the physical state of the heart by the analysis of the pathological changes that modify cardiac tissue physical properties, therefore generating an ultrasonic signal alteration. Among the most practical types of analysis of this data is the acoustic parameters measurement, and measurements based on integrated backscatter have been utilized the most. Backscatter is the ultrasonic quantification reflected back to the transducer, therefore emanating from myocardial structures or "scatterers". This method has been used to study many patients with hypertrophy, cardiomyopathies, cardiac allograft rejection. But is the investigation of myocardial ischemia-viability one of the most clinically relevant applications because of the importance of selecting, non-invasively, and at a relatively low cost those patients with coronary artery disease in whom myocardial asynergy is noted by conventional echocardiography and/or angiography. The magnitude of alterations in backscatter measurements such as the cyclic variation of integrated backscatter are markers of myocardial viability and could better identify patients who stand to benefit the most revascularization procedures.

[Growth hormone and its effects on cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism following surgical intervention (hGH and cholesterol metabolism during surgery)]. / La hormona de crecimiento y sus efectos sobre el metabolismo del colesterol y lipoproteínas postagresión quirúrgica (hGH y metabolismo del colesterol tras la cirugía).

The objective of this work was to determine whether the increase in serum GH, IGF1, glucose and insulin levels caused by the administration of hGH modifies the normal response of cholesterol and lipoproteins to surgical aggression. A prospective, randomized, and double blind study is carried out in 28 patients operated for gallstones and diverticulitis. The control group (n = 15) was not given anything except conventional fluidtherapy in the postoperative period: the patients in the hGH (n = 13) group were also given 8 IU of hGH during the first five days after the intervention. The comparative study of the triglycerides, cholesterol, LDLc, HDL-c, and A-1 B apolipoproteins shows that in the group treated with hGH the normal response of cholesterol and lipoproteins to surgical aggression is attenuated.

[Infectious endocarditis of the native valve: its epidemiological profile and an analysis of its mortality between the years 1984 and 1993]. / Endocarditis infecciosa sobre válvula natural: perfil epidemiológico y análisis de la mortalidad entre los años 1984 y 1993.

BACKGROUND: The description of the epidemiologic profile and analysis of the mortality of infectious endocarditis (IE) observed from 1984-1993. METHODS: One hundred thirty episodes of IE in a native valve (30 in drug addicts [IVDA] and 20 cases of nosocomial acquisition) were analyzed with right/left/bilateral localization (42/84/4, respectively), infection of the mitral/aortic/tricuspid valve (52/47/34, respectively) and the etiology was determined as Staphylococcus aureus in 52 cases, 41 Streptococcus, 13 negative coagulase Staphylococcus, and 11 Enterococcus. High risk IE were identified by uni and multivariate analysis (MVA). RESULTS: The incidence of IE ranged from 0.36 and 0.70 cases x 1.000 admitted adults/year (mean: 0.50). Transthoracic echocardiography detected bacterial vegetations in 67% of the cases with the validity to predict the development of embolisms being 55%. MVA showed the embolic episodes (present in 45% of the IE) to be associated with the IVDA patients and prolonged fever. The latter complication, being defined as > or = 10 days of fever under appropriate treatment, was observed in 32% of the cases and was due to mild (n = 15) and severe causes (n = 27). Postembolic septic complications were associated to fever with MVA. Twenty three patients died (18%), 2 IVDA and 5 nosocomial IE, mainly due to heart failure (n = 13). The independent risk factor predictors for death (p < 0.05) were: age > or = 60 years (mortality 34%), cerebral embolisms (55%), severe heart failure (37%), and the exclusion of the patient as a candidate for surgery (73%). To the contrary, right IE (mortality 0%) and cardiac surgery (5%) favoured survival. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the prognosis of infectious endocarditis in high risk patients more opportune cardiac surgery accepting greater risks should be performed.

Patients treated for amebic liver abscess develop cell-mediated immune responses effective in vitro against Entamoeba histolytica.

We studied the afferent and efferent cell-mediated immune response in 15 patients treated for amebic liver abscess. Patients had a lower T4 to T8 ratio (1.25 +/- 0.65) compared with age- and sex-matched controls (1.89 +/- 0.44, p less than 0.01) due to a decrease in T4-"helper" cells and an increase in T8-"suppressor" cells (p less than 0.01). The in vitro proliferative response of patient T lymphocytes to the plant mitogen concanavalin A (Con A) was depressed; responses to phytohemagglutinin were not. The proliferative response of patient lymphocytes to an amebic soluble protein preparation (SPP) was greater than the mitogenic response seen in control lymphocytes (mean of 68,300 delta cpm and 22,300 delta cpm, respectively, p less than 0.001), correlated with the T4 to T8 ratio (p less than 0.05) and the duration of time from initiation of antiamebic therapy (p less than 0.01). Supernatants from patient lymphocytes exposed to the amebic SPP activated normal monocyte-derived macrophages to kill virulent axenic E. histolytica trophozoites (p less than 0.001); patient monocyte-derived macrophages activated by Con A-elicited lymphokine could also kill amebae. Finally, when incubated with the amebic SPP for 5 days, T lymphocytes from patients were able to kill virulent amebae (p less than 0.005); patient T lymphocytes not exposed to the amebic SPP or control T lymphocytes incubated for 5 days with the amebic SPP were not cytotoxic to E. histolytica trophozoites. In summary, after cure of amebic liver abscess, specific cell-mediated immune mechanisms develop that are effective in vitro against the parasite.