ABSTRACT The Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is a special type of High Performance Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HPFRCC) characterized by a high tensile ductility with a 2% maximum volume of micro fibres. ECC has a tensile strain-hardening performance that leads to multiple cracking behaviour, thus providing the high ductility to the concrete. One of the main applications of ECC is as structural reinforcement in the construction or rehabilitation of rigid and flexible pavements. In order to adapt the ECC to the Brazilian environment, polypropylene fibres have been used instead to PVA fibres. Moreover, rice husk ash (RHA) has also been used as a partial replacement to cement, aiming to produce an environmentally friendly and a more economically viable version of the ECC. This work presents the results obtained for ECC mixtures containing 10%, 20% and 30% (by volume) of non-processed rice husk ash, as a replacement to cement. An experimental study has been carried out to investigate the tensile behavior and durability issues of these ECCs. The results indicate that the use of RHA is technically viable and that the replacement of 30% cement by RHA leads to the most promising performance in terms of high ductility, resistance to crack propagation, decrease in the water absorption and voids content and heat at hydration.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a leading cause of diarrhea in puppies in several parts of the world. In this study CPV-2 was detected and recovered from puppies showing clinical disease from Montevideo, Uruguay. Samples were processed and used to infect CRFK and MDCK cells in order to isolate the virus. Out of twelve, two samples were positive for CPV-2. A genomic region of 583 bp was amplified and the molecular characterization was performed by sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Two isolated viruses (UY1 and UY2) were CPV-2c-like viruses. The comparison between the cytophatic effect (CPE) of CPV-2 (vaccinal virus) and CPV-2c (isolated virus) on primary canine cells cultures and on CRFK line cells, demonstrated that CPV-2c is less citopathogenic in CRFK than in primary cultures. Our study represents the first report on isolation and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) in cell cultures from South American dogs.

Estetrol is an estrogenic steroid synthesized exclusively by the fetal liver. It crosses over from the placenta to the maternal circulation. It was first described in 1965 by Diczfalusy and from this date onwards, several preclinical investigations have been carried out. In recent years, the interest for estetrol has been growing due to its laboratory synthesis and the demonstration of its good bioavailability together with its long half life, when administered orally to women. A review of its synthesis, metabolism and existing scientific information on its different effects on estrogen sensitive tissues, in a variety of animal models, is here presented.

Estetrol es un esferoide estrogénico sintetizado exclusivamente por el hígado fetal, que traspasa a la circulación materna por la placenta. Descrito por primera vez por Diczfalusy en 1965. Desde esa fecha se han realizado diversas investigaciones preclínicas. En los últimos años, el interés por el estetrol ha aumentado, dado el logro de su síntesis en el laboratorio y la demostración de su buena biodisponibilidad y larga vida media al administrarlo por vía oral a mujeres. Se presenta una revisión de su síntesis, metabolismo y de la información científica existente de sus diferentes efectos en los tejidos estrógeno sensibles en distintos modelos animales.

The primary objective of this investigation was to determine the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of earthworm flour (EW) and compare it with other raw feeding materials already evaluated like wheat bran (BW) and soy cake (CS) in the feeding of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fifteen trout of an average weight of 100 g were placed in duplicate tanks provided with an automated fecal material collecting system. CS and EW flour showed a protein ADC of 90.1% and 90.0%, respectively, when comparing them with BW (57.2%). Energy ADC was superior in CS (75.4 KJ/g) and EW (72.5 KJ/g). The values of the percentage of digestible protein were superior in the EW (63.4%) in comparison with CS (48.3%) and AT (8.8%); digestible energy was superior in EW (17.1 KJ/g) followed by CS (14.9 KJ/g) and AT (2.4 KJ/g). We conclude that the EW flour has an excellent protein and energy digestibility

El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue determinar el coeficiente de digestibilidad aparente (CUDa) de la harina de lombriz (HL) y compararla con otras materias primas ya evaluadas, como el afrecho de trigo (AT) y torta de soja (TS) en la alimentación de truchas arco iris (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Esta experiencia se realizó con 15 individuos por tanque en duplicados, con un peso promedio de 100 g, conectados a un sistema automático de recolección de heces. Las harinas de TS y HL presentaron un CUDa proteica de 90,1 % y 90 %, respectivamente, al compararlas con la del afrecho de trigo (57,2 %). El CUDa energético fue superior en la TS (75,4 KJ/g) y HL (72,5 KJ/g). Los valores del porcentaje de proteína digerible fueron superiores en la HL (63,4 %); en comparación con la TS (48,3 %) y AT (8,8 %). Con respecto a la energía digerible fue del mismo modo superior en la HL (17,1 KJ/g), seguido por la TS (14,9 KJ/g) y el menor valor para el AT (2,4 KJ/g). Se concluye que la harina de lombriz posee un valor elevado de digestibilidad proteica y energética

Biopreservation systems in foods are of increasing interest for industry and consumers. Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria and/or their isolated bacteriocins are considered safe additives (GRAS), useful to control the frequent development of pathogens and spoiling microorganisms in foods and feed. The spreading of bacterial antibiotic resistance and the demand for products with fewer chemicals create the necessity of exploring new alternatives, in order to reduce the abusive use of therapeutic antibiotics. In this context, bacteriocins are indicated to prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria in a food-grade and more natural way, which is convenient for health and accepted by the community. According to their properties, structure, molecular weight (MW), and antimicrobial spectrum, bacteriocins are classified in three different groups: lantibiotics and non-lantibiotics of low MW, and those of higher MW. Several strategies for isolation and purification of bacteriocins from complex cultivation broths to final products were described. Biotechnological procedures including salting-out, solvent extraction, ultrafiltration, adsorption-desortion, ion-exchange, and size exclusion chromatography are among the most usual methods. Peptide structure-function studies of bacteriocins and bacterial genetic advances will help to understand the molecular basis of their specificity and mode of action. Nisin is a good example of commercial success, and a good perspective is open to continue the study and development of new bacteriocins and their biotechnological applications. These substances in appropriate concentrations may be used in veterinary medicine and as animal growth promoter instead usual antibiotics, as well as an additional hurdle factor for increasing the shelf life of minimal processed foods.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of the genital prolapse surgery correction with Gynecare Prolift System. Method: Between June and August 2006, 3 cases of anterior and/or posterior genital prolapse with this new technique were performed, in patients of Urogynecology and Vaginal Surgery Unit of Las Condes Clinic. The prolapse degree was 2 and 4. Results: The correction was obtained in all cases. Intraoperative, immediate and remote postoperative period not registered any complication. The operating time was 55 and 60 minutes for the posterior correction and 90 minutes for anterior and posterior correction. The pain visual analogue scale at 12, 24 and 48 hours was 3. All patients expressed total satisfaction with the surgical results. Conclusions: The surgical correction of the genital prolapse with system Gynecare Prolift is feasible, safe and effective. Only the long term following will allow observing the permanence of these excellent results

Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad, seguridad y eficacia de la corrección quirúrgica del prolapso genital, con sistema Gynecare Prolift. Método: Durante junio y agosto del 2006, se realizó corrección de prolapso genital anterior y/o posterior en tres pacientes de la Unidad de Uroginecología y Cirugía Vaginal de Clínica Las Condes. Correspondían a prolapsos grado 2 y 4. Resultados: Se logró una corrección exitosa en los tres casos, no hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias, ni en el postoperatorio inmediato o tardío. El tiempo operatorio fue de 55 y 60 minutos para los dos casos de corrección posterior y de 90 minutos para el de anterior y posterior. La escala visual análoga del dolor a las 12, 24 y 48 horas, fue de puntuación 3. Todas expresaron su entera satisfacción frente a los resultados logrados. Conclusiones: La corrección quirúrgica del prolapso genital con sistema Gynecare Prolift, es factible, seguro y eficaz. Sólo el seguimiento a largo plazo permitirá objetivar la permanencia de estos excelentes resultados

The objective of this document is to give a practical guide for the treatment of the climacterium, due to the confusion produced by the WHI study in 2002. The hormone replacement therapy must be used when a clear indication for its use exists. The symptomatic patient is the main beneficiary of the treatment. An alternative to estrogens or estrogen/progestin in the effective treatment of symptoms and reduction of fractures does not exist. The indication of a prolonged treatment must be reviewed annually

El objetivo de este documento es entregar una guía práctica de tratamiento del climaterio, debido a la confusión producida por el estudio WHI en 2002. La TH debe ser solo utilizada cuando exista una indicación clara para su uso. La paciente sintomática es la principal beneficiada del tratamiento. No existe un tratamiento alternativo a los estrógenos o estrógeno/progestina tan eficaz en el alivio de la sintomatología y en reducción de fracturas. La indicación de un tratamiento prolongado debe ser revisada anualmente

Background: Endometriosis affects at least 15% of infertile women. The diagnosis is made by direct visualization of implants either at laparoscopy or laparotomy. Elevation of plasma CA-125 levels has been associated with the presence of endometriosis. Aim: To search for a correlation between CA-125 and the presence of endometriosis and its severity, among infertile patients requesting a diagnostic laparoscopy. Patients and methods: A total of 117 women were prospectively enrolled in the study between May 2000 and March 2002. A serum sample for CA-125 was taken immediately before surgery and the value obtained was correlated with the presence or absence of endometriosis and the severity of the disease. Results: Sixty nine patients had endometriosis (59%). Patients with severe endometriosis, or grade IV, showed statistically significant higher levels of CA-125 compared to women without endometriosis or with grades I, II or III of the disease. Discussion: The overall sensibility of CA-125 in detecting patients with endometriosis was low, however, it worked better for patients with advanced disease. Considering the rather low cost and simplicity of the test, we believe that it should be included in the evaluation of infertile couples (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 367-72).

Objetive: To analyze the frequency of endometrial pathology in healthy postmenopausal women who presented abnormal uterine bleeding during HRT. Subject and Methods: The case of 188 postmenopausal women (54,8 + 6.6 years of age and 38,1 months of therapy) presenting abnormal uterine bleeding (irregular or excessive) while using HRT with estrogen and progestin in different schemes (49% sequential continuous; 39% combined continuous; 12% sequential discontinuous). All the patients underwent endometrial aspiration biopsies between January 1996 and October 2002 using a 2 mm (Z sampler) aspiration curette. The samples were preserved in formaline, processed with standard methods and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Results: We found secretor endometrium 28,8%; proliferative endometrium 31,3%; atrophic endometrium 18,0%; hyperplastic endometrium without atypia 4,3%; benign endometrial polyps 2,7%; benign endometrial tissue, inactive or fragment of epithelium 11,7%: endometrial adenocarcinoma 0,5%; and absence of endometrial tissue 2,7%. Conclusions: Aspirative curettage of the endometrium permitted to know the endometrial condition in 97.3% of patients; the remaining 2.7% could correspond to atrophic endometrium of misdiagnosed focal pathology. We conclude that on standard HRT regimens the prevalence of malignant pathology in patients with irregular bleeding is very low

Se presenta un estudio para analizar la incidencia de patología endometrial en mujeres sanas posmenopáusicas que reciben terapia de reemplazo hormonal (TRH) y que presentan sangrado uterino anormal. Se estudiaron 188 mujeres posmenopáusicas que presentaron flujo rojo uterino anormal (irregular o excesivo) durante TRH con estrógenos y progesterona en diferentes esquemas (49% secuencial continuo; 39% combinado continuo; 12% secuencial discontinuo. Al 100% de las pacientes se les realizó en forma ambulatoria un estudio biópsico aspirativo de endometrio. El procedimiento fue bien tolerado y no se observaron complicaciones hemorrágicas o infecciosas. Los resultados histológicos fueron los siguientes: endometrio secretor 28,8%; endometrio proliferativo 31,3%; endometrio atrófico 18,0%; hiperplasia endometrial sin atipías 4,3%; pólipo endometrial benigno 2,7%; tejido endometrial benigno, inactivo o fragmentos de epitelio 11,7%; adenocarcinoma de endometrio 0,5% y ausencia de tejido endometrial 2,7%. La biopsia aspirativa de endometrio permitió conocer la situación endometrial en 97,3% de las pacientes. Muestra insuficiente para diagnóstico se obtuvo en un 2,7% de los casos sugiriendo atrofia endometrial o patología focal no diagnosticada por el método. Se concluye que la baja incidencia de patología maligna de endometrio en nuestro estudio confirma su baja incidencia en mujeres que reciben esquemas adecuados de terapia de reemplazo hormonal

Objetive: To analyze the frequency of endometrial pathology in healthy postmenopausal women who presented abnormal uterine bleeding during hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Material and method: 104 postmenopausal women presenting abnormal uterine bleeding (irregular or excessive) while using HRT with estrogen and progestin in different schemes. All the patients underwent endometrial aspiration biopsies. Results: Endometrial biopsy was well tolerated and no infectious or hemorrhagic complications related to the procedure were observed. Results of endometrial sampling were as followed: secretor endometrium 38.5%; proliferative endometrium 25%; atrophic endometrium 11.5%; hyperplastic endometrium without atypia 4.8%; benign endometrial polyps 2.9%; benign endometrial tissue, inactive or fragment of epithelium 11.5%: endometrial adenocarcinoma 1%; and absence of endometrial tissue 4.8%. No samples with diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia with atypia were found. Conclusions: Aspirative curettage of the endometrium permitted to know the endometrial condition in about 95% of patients. Histologic sample for diagnosis was not obtained in 5% of cases, thus suggesting endometrial atrophy or focal pathology misdiagnosed by the method used. The abscense of premalignant and the low incidence of malignant pathology in our study confirms their low incidence in patients receiving adquate regime of HRT

Se realiza un estudio para analizar la frecuencia de patología endometrial en mujeres posmenopáusicas sanas con sangrado uterino anormal bajo terapia de reemplazo hormonal (TRH). Se estudiaron 104 mujeres posmenopáusicas que presentaron sangrado uterino anormal (irregular o excesivo) durante TRH con estrógenos y progesterona en diferentes esquemas (57% secuencial continuo; 31% combinado continuo; 12% secuencial discontinuo. A todas las pacientes se les realizó una biopsia ambulatoria aspirativa de endometrio. El procedimiento fue bien tolerado y no se observaron complicaciones hemorrágicas o infecciosas. Los resultados histológicos fueron los siguientes: endometrio secretor 38,5%; endometrio proliferativo 25%; endometrio atrófico 11,5%; hierplasia endometrial sin atipias 4,8%; pólipo endometrial benigno 2,9%; tejido endometrial benigno, inactivo o fragmentos de epitelio 11,5%; adenocarcinoma de endometrio 1% y ausencia de tejido endometrial 4,8%. La biopsia aspirativa de endometrio permitió conocer la situación endometrial en alrededor del 95% de las pacientes. Muestra insuficiente para diagnóstico se obtuvo en un 5% de los casos sugiriendo atrofia endometrial o patología focal no diagnosticada por el método. La ausencia de lesiones premalignas y la baja incidencia de patología maligna de endometrio en nuestro estudio confirman su baja incidencia en mujeres que reciben esquemas adecuados de terapia de reemplazo hromonal

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the spontaneous clinical pregnancy rates occurred after laparoscopic salpingoneostomy in 53 infertile patients with hydrosalpinx. The surgeries were performed between May 1994 and October 1998. The tubes were classified as having low, moderate or severe damage during surgery. Women had at least one patent tube after surgery, did not have IVF, and were followed-up for a minimum of one year. Eighteen patients became pregnant resulting in an overall clinical pregnancy rate of 33,9%. Of these, 17 were intrauterine (94.4%) and one ectopic (5.6%). Twelve pregnancies continued to term deliveries (22.6%), and 5/18 had spontaneous abortions. A significant lower pregnancy rate was obtained in the group with severe tubal damage. The average time for achieving pregnancy was 5.6 months (1-28). A considerable proportion of hydrosalpinges can be treated with laparoscopic salpingoneostomy, with good results. Nevertheless, if pregnancy is not achieved after 18 months post tubal repair, other treatments should be suggested.

El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo fue evaluar la tasa de embarazo espontáneo después de la reparación quirúrgica laparoscópica en 53 pacientes con infertilidad por hidrosálpinx. Las cirugías se realizaron entre Mayo de 1994 y Octubre de 1998. Durante la cirugía se clasificó el daño tubario como leve, moderado y severo. Se incluyeron pacientes con al menos una trompa permeable post cirugía, sin fertilización in vitro posterior y con al menos un año de seguimiento. La tasa global de embarazos fue de 33,9% (18/53), 17 intrauterinos (94,4%) y sólo un embarazo ectópico (5,6%). Doce embarazos llegaron a término (22,6%), presentándose abortos espontáneos 5/18. La tasa de embarazo fue significativamente menor en el grupo de mayor daño tubario. El tiempo promedio hasta el embarazo fue de 5,6 meses. La salpingoneostomía laparoscópica es una alternativa válida para pacientes con infertilidad por hidrosálpinx. Sin embargo, de no obtenerse embarazo en los 18 meses posteriores a la cirugía, debe considerarse otra alternativa terapéutica.