Abstract It has been shown that there is a decrease in the concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) in their follow-up. Our objective was to determine concentrations of 25-OHD in subjects with PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). Transversal analytical study considered three groups: G1-PKU with neonatal diagnosis and formula intake without Phe; G2-HPA, without specific treatment and G3-C control group. Sixteen patients per group (aged 6-23) were included. Levels of 25-OHD, lumbar spine (L2-L4), femur and total BMD, intact parathormone (PTH) and vitamin D (VitD) and calcium intake were calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was applied (p-value<0,05). Significant differences were detected in concentrations of 25-OHD between G1-PKU and G2-HPA (38.9 ng/mL; 28 ng/mL, respectively) (NV: >30 ng/mL). G1-PKU had a higher intake of VitD, with differences among groups. There were no significant differences among groups in relation to BMD and intact PTH. In conclusion, G1-PKU under treatment and with good adherence, does not present VitD deficiency and no BMD alterations are observed. In contrast, G2-HPA had a lower intake of VitD and decreased 25-OHD concentrations which could affect the bone architecture in the long term. Further studies on the G2-HPA are suggested.

Abstract Since 1992, Chile has had a Newborn Screening Program for Phenylketonuria (PKU), which currently has an incidence of 1:18,916 newborns. The objective of the current study was to describe the 2020 follow up of the Chilean PKU cohort. The variables analyzed were: nutritional status, dietary compliance and neuropsychological functioning. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional statistical analysis. The 271 subjects with PKU had an average age of diagnosis of 17±8 days and a phenylalanine (Phe) level of 1122±546 umol/L. Approximately 80% of protein requirement came from a protein substitute. For those <18 years of age, 80% had good dietary compliance with Phe level between 120-360 umol/L and those >18 years had a median of 522 umol/L (95%CI 468 - 636). Forty-four percent of the active PKU cohort had overweight/obesity. Eighty-five percent of the cohort >4 years of age had a normal intelligence quotient (IQ) (score 80-120). We observed a negative correlation (p <0.001; 95% CI: - 0.5, -0.2) between IQ score and Phe level. The Chilean protocol and protein substitute subsidy for life, together with the follow-up and continuous education carried out by the clinical team has encouraged compliance.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The skin diseases of the vulva are a frequent reason for consultation with both gynecologists and dermatologists. The clinical symptoms are usually vague as pruritus or stinging and patients usually consult later. OBJECTIVE: To document a case of vulgaris vulvar pemphigus, and review the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies and treatment. CLINCAL CASE: An 86-year-old patient who came to medical service for ulcerated and burning vulvar lesions of two months of progression. A biopsy was obtained for the histological study, which resulted in acantholysis and suprabasal intraepidermal vesicle, without evidence of dyskeratosis or necrosis. We prescribe topical and oral corticosteroids during a month. Posteriorly, a control study was performed of the most recent lesion that evidenced lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophilic isolates, without epithelial permeation. Direct immunofluorescence test reported intercellular deposits, IgG throughout the thickness of the epidermis, and C3 in the suprabasal stratum, thus confirming the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. CONCLUSIONS: For correct diagnosis it is essential the clinic-pathological correlation, because many of these diseases manifest themselves almost identically.

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: las alteraciones cutáneas de la vulva suponen un motivo frecuente de consulta a ginecólogos y dermatólogos. Los síntomas suelen ser imprecisos, con prurito y ardor, por lo que las pacientes tardan en acudir a consultar al médico. OBJETIVO: exponer un caso poco frecuente de pénfigo vulgar vulvar; además, revisar la incidencia, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y estrategias de tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: paciente de 86 años de edad que acudió a consulta por la aparición de lesiones vulvares ulceradas y ardorosas de dos meses de evolución. Se obtuvo una biopsia para el estudio histológico, cuyo resultado fue acantólisis y formación de una vesícula intraepidérmica suprabasal, sin evidencia de disqueratosis o necrosis. Se prescribieron corticoesteroides por vía tópica y oral durante un mes. Después de ese lapso se realizó un estudio de control, esta vez de una lesión más reciente, que evidenció infiltrado inflamatorio linfoplasmocitario con aislados eosinófilos, sin permeación del epitelio. La inmunofluorescencia directa reportó depósitos intercelulares de IgG en todo el espesor de la epidermis y de C3 en los estratos suprabasales, con lo que se confirmó el diagnóstico de pénfigo vulgar. CONCLUSIONES: para establecer el diagnóstico de las dermatosis vulvares poco frecuentes es importante efectuar una correcta correlación clínico-patológica, pues la mayor parte de estas enfermedades se manifiestan casi de forma idéntica.

En España, debido a las prácticas agrícolas, el 13 % del territorio ha sido declarado vulnerable a la contaminación del agua por nitratos. Para mitigar los impactos ambientales generados por el nitrógeno, se ha construido un sistema híbrido de humedales artificiales gracias al proyecto europeo LIFE REAGRITECH. El prototipo ha sido pensado como un sistema compacto, modular y móvil, automatizado y operado de forma remota. La monitorización del sistema producirá conocimientos valiosos para la Administración Pública, los agricultores, investigadores y universidades, y proporcionará información útil para mejorar la toma de decisiones con el fin de preservar los recursos hídricos y el medio ambiente. El proyecto REAGRITECH tiene grandes perspectivas de futuro en el campo de la agricultura en Europa y en Colombia.

Due to the agricultural practices in Spain, 13% of the entire territory has been declared as vulnerable to nitrate-polluted water. In order to mitigate the environmental impact caused by nitrogen, a hybrid system of artificial wetlands has been engineered thanks to the European project known as LIFE REAGRITECH. The prototype has been thought as a compact, modular, and portable system, automated and operated in a remote manner. Monitoring of the system will result in valuable knowledge for public management, farmers, researchers, and universities, and it will provide useful information intended to improve the decision-making process as a way of preserving water resources and environment. Project REAGRITECH offers significant future perspectives in the field of agriculture in Europe and in Colombia as well.

Uno de los productos de autoconsumo de los agricultores en el departamento del Meta es el carambolo, llamado también por algunas personas "tamarindo". Es un fruto tropical exótico que ha sido establecido en fincas para consumo en fresco y jugos pero no ha logrado posicionar un nicho de mercado debido al desconocimiento técnico de su manejo y de las ventajas nutricionales que posee. Es popular por su forma de estrella y recomendado para personas con diabetes e hipertensión arterial; para conservar la visión y el buen funcionamiento del sistema inmunológico. La revisión permitió encontrar que este fruto tiene una alta actividad antioxidante, bajo valor calórico, buen contenido de vitamina A y C y minerales como calcio, fósforo y potasio de importancia en la nutrición humana. Sin embargo, debido al contenido de potasio y oxalato de calcio se recomienda un consumo moderado en personas con problemas renales. Las bondades nutricionales y las experiencias de otros países en la poscosecha de estos frutos proveen información importante para ampliar las posibilidades de comercialización del carambolo en condiciones del piedemonte del Meta. Se presenta una breve descripción en las principales localidades donde se han establecido el cultivo, su uso y las formas de comercialización. La información señala que hay posibilidades de mercadeo aunque se debe innovar en el uso que se promueve de tal forma que además del consumo familiar pueda servir para generar excedentes económicos, mejorando las prácticas de manejo y fomentando nichos de mercado (posicionamiento en mercados especializados)

One of the more known subsistence products in the department of Meta is the starfruit, misnamed by some people as tamarind. It is an exotic tropical fruit that has been established on farms for fresh consumption and juices, but it has failed to position itself in a market niche due to the lack of technical management and nutritional advantages. It is popular due to its star shape and recommended for people with diabetes and hypertension to maintain vision and aid proper functioning of the immune system. This review led to the discovery that this fruit has a high antioxidant activity, low calorific value, and good contents of vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium, characteristics that are important to health. However, due to the potassium and calcium oxalate contents, moderate or zero consumption is recommended for people with kidney problems. The nutritional benefits and experiences of other countries in the post-harvest of these fruits have provided accurate information on the marketability of starfruits under the conditions of the Meta piedmont. This review presents a brief description of the principal zones where this crop has been established. The information indicates that there is scope for marketing, but innovation in this fruit's use should be promoted so that it, in addition to household consumption, can serve as financial support for farmers. This requires the use of technical management practices and the promotion of market niches.

Background: Day hospitals can reduce health care costs without increasing the risks of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Aim: To report the experience of a respiratory day hospital care delivered to adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a public hospital. Material and Methods: During the fall and winter of 2011 and 2012, adult patients with CAP of intermediate risk categories were assessed in the emergency room, their severity was stratified according to confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age or older (CRB-65) score and the Chilean CAP Clinical Guidelines, and were admitted to the respiratory day hospital. Results: One hundred seventeen patients aged 67 ± 16 years, (62% females) with CAP were attended in the respiratory day hospital. Ninety percent had comorbidities, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 58%, heart disease in 32%, diabetes in 16% and asthma in 13%. Their most important risk factors were age over 65 years in 60%, comorbidities in 88%, failure of antibiotic treatment in 17%, loss of autonomy in 21%, vital sign abnormalities in 60%, mental confusion in 5%, multilobar CAP in 23%, pleural effusion in 15%, hypoxemia in 41% and a serum urea nitrogen over 30 mg/dL in 16%. Patients stayed an average of seven days in the day hospital with oxygen, hydration, chest physiotherapy and third-generation cephalosporins (89%) associated with quinolones (52%) or macrolides (4%). Thirteen patients required noninvasive ventilation, eight patients were hospitalized because of clinical deterioration and three died in hospital. Conclusions: Day hospital care reduced hospital admission rates of patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

ABSTRACT. The research objectives were to evaluate coconut kernel expeller's dry matter and gross protein ruminal in situ degradability and determine pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen fluid, from sheep fed with Brachiaria brizantha hay and supplemented or not with wheatgrass (3/4) and sunflower expeller (1/4) mixture. For the study, 4 sheep, 38 kg average weight, with cannulated rumen were confined in floor cages; assigned in two treatments: with supplementation (T1) and without supplementation (T2). Rations were offered 2 times per day, at 07:30 am and 05:30 pm, supplement amount corresponded to 1% body weight on a dry basis. To determine dry matter and gross protein ruminal in situ degradability, coconut kernel expeller were incubated in each cannula, 2 nylon bags per hour, sampling at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours. As results was observed that supplementation significantly affected ruminal degradation of rapidly degradable fractions "a" (p=0.0158), potentially degradable fraction "b" (p=0.0499), degradation rate b fraction called "c" (p=0.025) and dry matter degradation start time (p=0.0037), however, gross protein ruminal degradability parameters were not affected by supplementation. Overall mean pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration were significantly influenced (p<0.001) by supplementation, decreasing pH values and increasing ammonia nitrogen.<0.001) by supplementation, decreasing pH values and increasing ammonia nitrogen.

RESUMEN. Los objetivos de la investigación fueron valorar la degradabilidad ruminal in situ de la Materia Seca (MS) y la Proteína Bruta (PB) del expeller de almendra de coco y, determinar el pH y la concentración de nitrógeno amoniacal en líquido ruminal de ovinos alimentados con una ración a base de heno de Brachiaria brizantha suplementados o no con una mezcla de triguillo (3/4) y expeller de girasol (1/4). Para el estudio se emplearon 4 ovinos hembras, canuladas en el rumen con un peso promedio de 38 kg confinados en jaulas de piso asignados a dos tratamientos consistentes en: un tratamiento con suplementación (T1) y otro sin suplementación (T2). Las raciones fueron ofrecidas 2 veces por día en partes iguales a las 07:30 y 17:30 horas, y la cantidad suplementada correspondió al 1% del peso vivo en base seca. Para determinar la degradabilidad ruminal in situ de la MS y la PB, del expeller de almendra de coco fueron incubadas en cada animal 2 bolsas de nylon por hora de lectura, a las 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 y 96 horas. Como resultado del trabajo se observó que la suplementación afectó significativamente la degradación ruminal de las fracciones rápidamente degradable "a" (p=0,0158), la fracción potencialmente degradable "b" (p=0,0499), la tasa de degradación de la fracción b denominada "c" (p=0,025) y el tiempo en que se inició la degradación (LT) (p=0,0037) de la MS, sin embargo, los parámetros de degradabilidad ruminal de la PB no fueron afectados por la suplementación. La media general de pH, así como la concentración de nitrógeno amoniacal, fueron influenciadas significativamente (p?0,001) por la suplementación, disminuyendo sus valores para el pH y aumentando para el nitrógeno amoniacal.

Objetivo. Comparar la respuesta a la maduración final de las ova y la tasa de ovulación usando dos tratamientos hormonales en hembras de Pimelodus pictus. Materiales y métodos. Hembras maduras recién capturadas fueron superestimuladas con Extracto de Hipófisis de Carpa (EHC) y mezcla del análogo de la hormona liberadora de la gonadotropina de salmón más domperidona, Ovaprim®. Se utilizaron dosis totales de 5.5 y 7.7 mg/kg, y 0.5 y 1 ml/kg respectivamente, dividida en dos dosis, e inyectadas con un intervalo de 12 h (10% de la dosis total en la primera inyección y 90% en la segunda). Resultados. Con tiempo de latencia de 6 h 30±20 min a 27.4±0.2°C. Las hembras en todos los tratamientos respondieron por sobre el 50%, siendo mayor la respuesta en ambos protocolos para EHC (p<0.05). El diámetro ovocitario durante y después de los tratamientos aumentó en todos los casos, siendo mayor y diferente (p<0.05), para los tratamientos con Ovaprim®. La fecundidad se registró entre 818 a 1185 óvulos/hembra. Conclusiones. Se demuestra las posibilidades de reproducción inducida con dos inductores hormonales, siendo EHC superior a Ovaprim®.

Objective. To induce spawning on Pimelodus pictus and to evaluate the response on total ova recovered maturation and ovulation rate using two hormonal treatments. Materials and methods. Mature females were captured and immediately induced with Carp Pituitary Extract (CPE) and a mixture of an analogue of salmon Gonadotropin-releasing hormone plus domperidone (Ovaprim®). A total doses of 5.5 and 7.7 mg/kg and 0.5 and 1 ml/kg, were used. The total dose was divided into two doses and injected with an interval of 12 h (first dose: 10% and second dose: 90% respectively). Results. Females from all treatments responded with greater than 50%, to a latent time of 6 h 30±20 min at 27.4±0.2°C, the response being higher for both protocols with CPE (p<0.05). The oocyte diameter before, during, and after all treatments increased, being higher and different (p<0.05) for the treatments with Ovaprim®. Fecundity reproductive ranged from 818 to 1185 ova/female, with this variability being further discussed. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the potential of induced breeding with Pimelodus pictus as host for two hormonal inducers with the primary option being the use of CPE.

A method for determining the sex of DNA samples from alpacas has been developed using amplification of the SRY (Sex-determining Region Y chromosome) gene. New oligonucleotide primers were designed according to the SRY gene partial sequence from guanaco (Lama guanicoe). After electrophoresis, a normal male alpaca showed a single SRY band of 146 bp that did not appear in female alpaca samples. After optimization, the PCR procedure for determination of sex was applied to 10 DNA alpaca samples. The sex (genotypic) as diagnosed by PCR corresponded with anatomical sex (phenotypic) in all cases. This study showed that the present method can be applied for sexing DNA samples from alpacas by PCR amplification of the SRY gene.

Se desarrolló un método para el sexaje de muestras de ADN de alpacas basado en la amplificación del gen SRY (Sex-determining Region Y chromosome). Se diseñaron nuevos oligonucleótidos primers a partir de la secuencia parcial del gen SRY del guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Luego de la electroforesis, la muestra de alpaca macho mostró una banda SRY de 146 pares base, la cual no aparece en la muestra de alpaca hembra. Luego de la optimización, el procedimiento de PCR para el diagnóstico de sexo fue aplicado a muestras de ADN de 10 alpacas. El sexo (genotípico) diagnosticado mediante el PCR correspondió con el sexo anatómico (fenotípico) en todos los casos. Este estudio demuestra que el presente método se puede aplicar al sexaje de muestras de ADN de alpaca mediante la amplificación del gen SRY usando PCR.

This paper reports the mineralization of an aromatic pharmaceutical as clofibric acid and the dye indigo carmine in 0.05 M Na2SO4 of pH 3.0 by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes such as anodic oxidation without and with electrogenerated H2O2, electro-Fenton and photoelectro-Fenton using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. These procedures produce the strong oxidant hydroxyl radical in the form of BDD(·OH) from water oxidation at BDD and/or ·OH from Fenton’s reaction between added Fe2+ and H2O2 generated at the cathode by two-electron O2 reduction. Comparative degradation of both compounds is performed with an undivided electrolytic cell of 100 mL with an O2-diffusion cathode. The effect of current density and pollutant concentration on the degradation rate and current efficiency of the different methods is discussed. The decay kinetics of clofibric acid and indigo carmine and the evolution of their aromatic by-products and final carboxylic acids like oxalic and/or oxamic are described to clarify their reaction sequences. Anodic oxidation is able to completely mineralize both compounds mainly with BDD(·OH). Aromatic pollutants are more rapidly destroyed in electro-Fenton due to their faster reaction with ·OH, but final Fe(III)-oxalate and Fe(III)-oxamate can only be oxidized with BDD(·OH). The most efficient method is photoelectro-Fenton due to the parallel photolysis of Fe(III)-oxalate complexes with UVA light, although Fe(III)-oxamate complexes are not photodecomposed. Under these conditions, the degradation rate can be enhanced using Cu2+ as co-catalyst because Cu(II)-oxalate and Cu(II)-oxamate complexes are quickly destroyed by ·OH. Results on the fast mineralization of 2.5 L of cresols solutions of pH 3.0 by solar photoelectro-Fenton using a flow plant coupled to a solar photoreactor are also reported. The high efficiency and very low operational cost found for this procedure make it useful for the treatment of industrial wastewaters

The antimicrobial resistance is coded in genetic elements which generate a horizontal flow of information, particularly in conditions that are under strong selective pressure like the nosocomial environment. In that sense, in the last decades, gram negative bacilli have become important agents of nosocomial infection. In order to investigate the presence of integrons among clinical isolates of gram negative bacilli and their relationship with their resistance profile, we studied 88 strains isolated from clinical specimens of different wards of the Hospital Torres Galdames, during the June-December period, 2004. They were identified according to biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by agar diffusion method. The integron presence was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A cluster analysis was carried out to study the relationship between the presence of integrons and the resistance profile. The genotyping of the isolates was carried out by ERIC-PCR technique. Results: Of the isolated strains, 18% corresponded to Proteus mirabilis, 17% to Escherichia coli, and 32% to Non Fermentative Gram Negative bacilli. Most isolates presented high resistance to the antibiotics studied: 83% to ampicillin, 85% to cephalotin, 82% to ceftriaxone, 82% to ciprofloxacin, 81% to gentamycin and 82% to cotrimoxazole. Seventy-five % of the 88 strains presented integrons. Class 2 integrons were found to be the most common. The results of the cluster analysis did not show a clear relationship among the presence of the integrons and the resistance profile. With the available information it is not possible to relate the integron presence with a certain resistance pattern. The patterns of bands obtained with the technique ERIC-PCR revealed a great genetic variety among the analyzed isolations, defining diverse genotypes, distributed in the different services of the hospital where they were isolated

La resistencia antimicrobiana es codificada por algunos elementos genéticos que generan un flujo horizontal, particularmente, en ambientes que están sometidos a una fuerte presión selectiva, como ocurre en el ambiente hospitalario. En tal sentido, los bacilos gramnegativos, en el último tiempo, han cobrado importancia como agentes de infección nosocomial. Objetivo. Investigar la presencia de integrones en aislados clínicos de bacilos gramnegativos y su relación con el fenotipo de resistencia, Material y Métodos. Se analizaron 88 aislados clínicos de distintos servicios del Hospital Torres Galdames, durante el período: junio a diciembre de 2004. Fueron identificadas de acuerdo con su perfil bioquímico y se determinó la susceptibilidad a antimicrobianos mediante el método de difusión en agar. La presencia de integrones se detectó mediante RPC. Se realizó un análisis de cluster para estudiar la relación entre el fenotipo de resistencia y la presencia de integrones. Las cepas fueron genotipificadas mediante ERIC-PCR. Resultados. Dieciocho por ciento de las cepas aisladas correspondió a Proteus mirabilis, 17% a Escherichia coli y 32% a bacilos gramnegativos no fermentadores. La mayoría de los aislados presentó una elevada resistencia a los antimicrobianos evaluados: ampicilina 83%, cefalotina 82%, ceftriaxona 82%, ciprofloxacina 81%, gentamicina 81% y cotrimoxazol 82%. De las 88 cepas, 75% presentó integrones, siendo más común la clase 2. Los resultados del análisis de cluster no revelaron una clara relación entre la presencia de éstos y el perfil de resistencia para los antimicrobianos ensayados. Con la información disponible no fue posible relacionar la presencia de integrones con un determinado patrón de resistencia. Los patrones de bandas obtenidos con la técnica de ERIC-PCR revelaron una gran variedad genética entre las cepas analizadas, definiendo diversos genotipos, distribuidos en los diferentes servicios de origen de los aislados

Los accidentes escorpiónicos que involucran al género Tityus son la causa más común de los envenenamientos ocurridos en el Estado Mérida. Para estudiar la ocurrencia de estos accidentes de acuerdo a los distritos sanitarios del Estado, se evaluaron el registro de morbilidad mensual EPI15 y mortalidad EPI13, y la memoria y cuenta de la Coordinación de Epidemiología del Estado Mérida; los años revisados comprenden desde 1994 hasta 2003. En los reportes, se detectó que la mayoría de los accidentes ocurrieron en los distritos sanitarios de Mérida, Tovar y El Vigía. Sin embargo, las muertes registradas (11) ocurrieron en niños con edades iguales o menores a los 9 años y en los distritos sanitarios de Tovar y El Vigía, lo que hace suponer que pudieron ser ocasionadas por la especie Tityus zulianus, que es la más abundante en la zona.

The highest number of accidents caused by scorpion stings in Mérida State, Venezuela, are caused by the genus Tityus. This study intended to find epidemic data on the occurrence of scorpionism in the Sanitary Districts of the State from 1994 to 2003. The data were gathered from the records of the Epidemiologic Coordination of the region. The monthly mortality EPI15 and mortality EPI13, respectively, were reviewed and evaluated. The data demonstrated that the highest incidence was registered in the Tovar, Vigía and Mérida districts. Eleven fatal accidents were recorded only in the Tovar and Vigía districts. All fatalities (100%) involved children younger than ten years of age. The authors suspect that all of the cases could be caused by the Tityus zulianus scorpion, which is the most abundant species in the region.

Advanced electrochemical oxidation processes (AEOPs) constitute promising technologies for the treatment of organic pollutants in waters. They are based on the production of oxidant hydroxyl radical (·OH) from water oxidation on the surface of a high O2-overvoltage anode and/or from Fenton’s reaction between added Fe2+ and hydrogen peroxide electrogenerated at the cathode by two-electron O2 reduction. In this paper, fundamentals of AEOPs such as anodic oxidation, electro-Fenton, photoelectro-Fenton and peroxi-coagulation are described, and comparative degradation of aqueous solutions with aromatic pollutants, such as aniline, 4-chlorophenol and several chlorophenoxyacetic and chlorobenzoic acids, in 0.05 M Na2SO4 + H2SO4 of pH 3.0 by these techniques using an undivided electrolytic cell with an O2-diffusion cathode under galvanostatic conditions is discussed. The decay kinetics of chlorophenoxyacetic acids and the evolution of their aromatic intermediates and generated carboxylic acids are also reported to clarify their mineralization processes by the different AEOPs. Anodic oxidation with a Pt anode yields poor decontamination of pollutants, while alternative anodic oxidation with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode leads to total mineralization of all solutions due to the greater production of ·OH on the BDD surface. Electro-Fenton with a Pt anode has high oxidation ability at short electrolysis times, but the formation of stable Fe3+-oxalate complexes limits the degradation of aromatic contaminants. These products are completely oxidized in electro-Fenton with a BDD anode or photodecomposed by the action of UVA light in photoelectro-Fenton with a Pt anode. Peroxi-coagulation with an Fe anode also gives fast degradation with generation of small amounts of stable Fe3+ complexes, since organics are mainly retained in the Fe(OH)3 precipitate formed.

In this survey we examined 87 domestic animal stool samples in order to detect the possible presence of microsporidia in animals in close contact with humans in Galicia (NW, Spain). The detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi spores was confirmed in faecal samples from two dogs and one goat by polymerase chain reaction. None of the positive samples for microsporidia in the staining method were amplified with species-specific primers for Encephalitozoon intestinalis, E. hellem and E. cuniculi. Four rabbits faecal samples reacted with anti-E. cuniculi serum. Our results could indicate the importance of domestic animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidial human infections.