Tables and food composition databases (FCT/FCDB) are tools used for dietetic evaluation. Objective: to identify different FCT used as an instrument to estimate the nutrient intake in Ecuador. The collection of data was made through key informants -self completed questionnaires-, supplemented with institutional web research. An analysis of content was performed to the identified FCT/FCDB by general and methodological variables. Referenced tables were: Ecuadorian-1965 (70%), INCAP (60%), México (60%). 7 FCT and 3 FCDB were reported, 8 from Latin America and 2 from Spain. One table was constructed by direct method (Ecuadorian-table), 7 by indirect, and 1 had no Information. 6 FCT/FCDB defined the nutrients, 9 expressed values per (100g/ edible portion). In order to asses a proper ingest in Ecuador, it is necessary to have an updated ecuadorian FCT, Ecuadorian-1965 shows few analyzed foods and, not updated analytic techniques. The authors recommend the usage of FCT-INCAP, due to its food list reflects similarities with ecuadorian foods. In addition, INCAP disposes of a FCDB in which ecuadorian recipes can be included.

Las tablas y bases de datos de composición de alimentos (TCA/BDCA) son herramientas de valoración dietética. Objetivo: identificar las diferentes TCA empleadas como instrumento para estimar ingesta de nutrientes en Ecuador. La recogida de información se realizó a través de informadores-clave, cuestionarios auto-administrados, complementadas con búsquedas webs institucionales. A las TCA/BDCA identificadas se realizó análisis de contenido sobre variables generales y metodológicas. TCA referidas: Ecuatoriana-1965 (70%), INCAP (60%), México (60%). Se reportaron 7 TCA y 3 BDCA, 8 Latinoamericanas y 2 Españolas. Una TCA elaborada por método-directo (ecuatoriana), 7 por método-indirecto, 2 sin-información. 6 TCA/BDCA definieron nutrientes, 9 refirieron valores (100g/ porción-comestible). Para realizar una correcta estimacion de ingesta, es necesario contar con una TCA ecuatoriana actualizada. Ecuatoriana-1965 presenta pocos alimentos analizados y, métodos analíticos no-actualizados. Las autoras aconsejan el uso de TCA-INCAP, dado que la lista de alimentos refleja similitud con alimentos ecuatorianos. Además INCAP dispone BDCA para incorporar recetas.

A Survey to known the carrion beetles associated to corpses was done in an urban forest from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. A single piglet carcass was sampled. Four species were collected Dichotomius amplicollis(Harold, 1869) (Scarabaeidae), Nicrophorus olidus Matthews, 1888 (Silphidae), Omorgus rubricans Robinson, 1946, and Trox spinulosus dentibius Robinson, 1940 (Trogidae), the last one as the most abundant species (123 specimens). Highest abundance of trogids was unusual for these kinds of studies, so more fieldwork needs to be done to explain these data.

Acinetobacter baumannii is considered an important pathogen in our hospital environment having a well-known capacity to acquire different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Previous studies in our laboratory had exposed the high dispersion of class 2 integrons in this species. In the present study, we analyzed 7 multiresistant intI2 positive A. baumannii isolates, 6 of which were found to harbour the Tn7::In2-8 element. Our results demonstrate the unusually high distribution of Tn7::In2-8 among different A. baumannii clones from Chile, suggesting a particular behavior of these elements at geographical level.

Acinetobacter baumannii, patógeno de importancia clínica en el ámbito hospitalario, es reconocido como un microorganismo que posee la capacidad de evolucionar rápidamente hacia la multirresistencia. Estudios previos efectuados en nuestro laboratorio han demostrado la alta dispersión de los integrones de clase 2 en aislamientos de esta especie. En el presente trabajo se analizaron 7 aislamientos de Acinetobacter baumannii multirresistentes portadores de la integrasa de clase 2, 6 de los cuales portaban el inusual arreglo Tn7::In2-8. Nuestros resultados muestran una elevada frecuencia de dispersión del elemento Tn7::In2-8 en diferentes clones circulantes en Chile, lo que sugiere un comportamiento geográfico particular.

Com o advento do surfactante, dos corticosteróides prénatais e dos avanços na tecnologia, a sobrevida dos recém-nascidos de extremo baixo peso tem melhorado dramaticamente. As taxas de displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) variam amplamente entre unidades, e vários estudos, avaliando resultados de múltiplas intervenções, têm mostrado alguma melhoria na prevalência da DBP. A implementação de potenciais boas práticas na DBP tem sido adoptada por muitos serviços nas últimas décadas. Objectivo: Comparar cinco unidades portuguesas de cuidados intensivos neonatais no que se refere as práticas clínicas no tratamento dos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso, para desenvolver e melhorar as boas práticas na prevenção da DBP. População e métodos: Foram estudados 256 recém-nascidos com a idade gestacional inferior a 30 semanas e/ou peso ao nascer inferior a 1250 g, admitidos nas cinco unidades portuguesas (centros 1 a 5) entre 1 de Janeiro de 2004 e 31 de Dezembro de 2006. Foram excluídos os recém-nascidos com malformações major, hemorragia intraventricular grau IV na primeira semana de vida e com doença metabólica ou neuromuscular. Definimos DBP como a dependência do oxigénio às 36 semanas de idade pós-concepcional. A ecessidade de melhorar determinada prática foi considerada significativa sempre que se verificava uma melhoria superior a 10% na prevalência da DBP ajustada para a prática, idade gestacional e peso ao nascer, comparada com a prevalência ajustada só para a idade gestacional e peso ao nascer. Resultados: A prevalência global da DBP foi de 12,9%. Os resultados mostram que o uso de corticosteróides pré-natais deve ser melhorado nos centros 2, 4 e 5; a política de fluidos deve ser melhorada no centro 5; o uso de oxigénio deve ser melhorado nos centros 1 e 3; a prevenção da sépsis deve ser melhorada nos centros 1 e 2. O tratamento do canal arterial patente deve ser melhorado no centro 2. Conclusão: Neste estudo, a implementação de boas práticas para reduzir a lesão pulmonar nos recém-nascidos, de acordo com cada unidade, deve ser dirigida ao aumento da prescrição de corticosteróides pré-natais, ao uso de menor FiO2, ao uso criterioso de líquidos na primeiras semanas de vida, à prevenção do canal arterial patente e da sépsis. Guidelines, recomendações ou protocolos são necessários na melhoria da qualidade na prevenção da DBP.

With the advent of surfactant, prenatal corticosteroids (PNC) and advances in technology, the survival rate of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants has improved dramatically. Rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) vary widely among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and many studies using multiple interventions have shown some improvement in BPD rates. Implementing potentially better practices to reduce BPD has been an effort made over the last few decades. Aim: To compare five Portuguese NICUs in terms of clinical practices in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, in order to developbetter practices to prevent BPD. Patients and methods: 256 preterm neonates, gestational age (GA) < 30 weeks and/or birthweight (BW) < 1250g admitted to five Portuguese NICUs (centers 1 to 5) between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2006, were studied. VLBW infants with major malformations, grade IV intraventricular haemorrhage in the first week of life and metabolic or neuromuscular disease were excluded. BPD was defined as oxygen dependency at 36 weeks of postconceptional age. We considered a practice to be improved as clinically significant whenever a decrease greater than 10% in the prevalence of BPD adjusted for the practice, GA and BW was achieved compared to BPD prevalence adjusted only for GA and BW. Results: The overall prevalence of BPD was 12.9%. Our results revealed that PNC use should be improved in centers 2, 4 and 5; fluid policy in center 5; oxygen therapy in centers 1 and 3 and sepsis prevention in centers 1 and 2. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment should be improved in center 2. Conclusion: The implementation of potentially better practices to reduce lung injury in neonates in Portuguese NICUs, according to each NICU, must be addressed to increase the prescription of PNC, to use a lower FiO2, to be careful with fluid administration in the first weeks of life and to prevent PDA and sepsis. It is necessary to follow guidelines, recommendations or protocols to improve quality in the prevention of BPD.

Background: Lichtenstein hemioplasty is one of de most popular methods for inguinal hernia repair, due to its low rate of complications and recurrence. However it has some postoperative problems such as pain and local chronic irritations attributed to sutures for mesh fixation. Aim: To report the short term results of the use of a biodegradable adhesive to fix the mesh in Lichtenstein technique, instead of sutures. Material and Methods: Prospective study of 13 patients aged 25 to 62 years (11 men) with inguinal hernia, 5 bilateral, who were subjected to 18 hernia repair procedures, using Lichtenstein tension-free technique. The mesh fixed with the tissue adhesive, N-butyl-cyanocrylate. According to Nyhus hernia classification, 50% were type II, and 39% type Ilia. Femoral and recurrent hernias were excluded. A lineal analogue scale, from 0 to 10 was used to evaluate postoperative pain. The median follow-up was 8 months (range 1-18 months). Results: Mean hospital stay was 1.5 days. Mean pain score was 1.8 + 1.1 in the first postoperative day, and 0 at the 7th day. All had a good postoperative evolution. One patient had a hematoma that resolved spontaneously. No adhesive-related complications and no recurrences were seen. Conclusions: Good short term results were obtained using the he adhesive N-butyl-cyanocrylate, to fix the mesh in Lichtenstein hernioplasty

La hernioplastia de Lichtenstein es en la actualidad una de las técnicas más utilizadas en la reparación de hernia inguinal por su baja morbilidad y recurrencia y la reproducibilidad de sus resultados. Sin embargo, no está exenta de problemas postoperatorios como dolor e irritación local crónica atribuidos a las suturas para la fijación de la malla. El propósito del presente trabajo es mostrar los resultados a corto plazo utilizando en esta técnica un adhesivo biodegradable como medio de fijación, en reemplazo de suturas. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo de 13 pacientes con hernia inguinal, 5 de ellas bilaterales, operados con la técnica de Lichtenstein, con un total de 18 hernioplastias. Para la fijación de la malla de polipropileno se empleó N-butil-cianocrilato. La edad media del grupo fue 45,8 años, con extremos de 25 y 62. El 84,6% fueron de sexo masculino. El 50% y 39% eran, respectivamente, hernias tipo II y Illa de Nyhus. Se excluyeron las hernias crurales y recidivadas. Se incluye una escala lineal análoga de 0 a 10 para evaluación del dolor postoperatorio. Seguimiento a corto plazo, media 8 meses, con extremos de 1 a 18 meses. Resultados: Estadía hospitalaria media 1,46 días. Escala lineal del dolor media 1er día 1,8 + 1,1 y 7º día 0. Evolución satisfactoria en todos los casos. Un paciente presenta hematoma leve en postoperatorio inmediato, de resolución espontánea. No hubo complicaciones mayores ni atribuibles al adhesivo. Sin recurrencias hasta cierre del estudio. Conclusiones: El N-butil-cianocrilato, para fijación de la malla en la técnica de Lichtenstein, presentó buenos resultados inmediatos, reforzando los beneficios y características de libre de tensión de la técnica, evitando la morbilidad del uso de suturas. Por otra parte, los costos de suturas y cantidad de adhesivo son comparables en su utilización

Antes da recomendação em larga escala de biossólido em plantações florestais, é preciso compreender seus efeitos no solo e na planta. Assim, a fertilidade do solo, o estado nutricional e o crescimento de um povoamento de Eucalyptus grandis fertilizado com biossólido foram avaliados em um experimento na Estação Experimental de Ciências Florestais de Itatinga (SP), ESALQ/USP. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro blocos e nove tratamentos: (1) Testemunha; (2) Adubação mineral; (3) 5 t ha-1 de bios. + K; (4) 10 t ha-1 de bios. + K; (5) 10 t ha-1 de bios.; (6) 10 t ha-1 de bios. + K + P; (7) 15 t ha-1 de bios. + K; (8) 20 t ha-1 de bios. + K, e (9) 40 t ha-1 de bios. + K. Foram analisadas quimicamente amostras de solo (camadas de 0-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm) e de folhas. A produção de madeira foi avaliada por meio da colheita e pesagem de árvores. Até 32 meses após a aplicação do biossólido, 36 meses pós-plantio, constataram-se aumentos do pH, dos teores de C orgânico, de P-resina e de Ca trocável nas três camadas, diretamente associados às doses de biossólido aplicadas. Os teores de S-SO4(2-) e K trocável diminuíram 13 meses após a aplicação do biossólido e, 19 meses depois, os teores estavam aumentados. O Al trocável diminuiu com o aumento das doses de biossólido, nas três camadas amostradas. A aplicação de biossólido influiu positivamente na nutrição das plantas, proporcionando uma produção de madeira igual à obtida no tratamento que só recebeu adubação mineral (1,5 t ha-1 de calcário dolomítico e, em kg ha-1, 98 de N, 79,5 de P2O5, 165 de K2O, 1,3 de B e 1,2 de Zn), quando a dose de biossólido foi equivalente a 12 t ha-1.

Before recommending biosolids at large scale for forest plantations it is necessary to have an ample understanding of its effects on soil and plant. Thus, it was evaluated the soil fertility, nutritional status and growth of a Eucalyptus grandis plantation fertilized with biosolid (bios). The trial was established at the Experimental Station of Forest Sciences of Itatinga - ESALQ/USP (São Paulo State, Brazil). The experimental design was in complete randomized blocks, with 4 replicates. There were nine treatments, namely: (1) control; (2) mineral fertilization; (3) 5 t ha-1 bios + K; (4) 10 t ha-1 bios + K; (5) 10 t ha-1 bios; (6) 10 t ha-1 bios + K + P; (7) 15 t ha-1 bios + K; (8) 20 t ha-1 bios + K; and (9) 40 t ha-1 bios + K. Soil samples (layers 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm) and leaves were chemically analyzed. The stem wood production was evaluated at harvest by weighing the trees. The pH, soil organic carbon, resin-P, and exchangeable Ca increased in the three soil layers up to 32 months after the biosolid application (36 months after planting) in direct association with the increasing biosolid rates. The S-SO4(2-) and exchangeable K decreased 13 months after the biosolid application and increased again 19 months later. The exchangeable Al in the three sampled soil layers decreased as biosolid dose was increased. The application of 12 t ha-1 of biosolid had a positive influence on plant nutrition and led to a wood yield equivalent to the mineral fertilization treatment (1.5 t ha-1 lime, and in kg ha-1, 98 N, 79.5 P2O5, 165 K2O, 1.3 B, and 1.2 Zn).

In 1999, on the occasion of the application of the first vaccine dose during the state vaccination campaign against hepatitis B virus (HBV), 390 individuals from the town of Rio Branco, Acre, aged two or more years were selected for the determination of the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV. HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc IgG) were determined on this occasion and anti-HBs antibodies were also assessed 30 days after the third vaccine dose. At the time of vaccination, 39% of the individuals were still susceptible to HBV, while 61% presented serologic evidence of previous HBV contact or previous vaccination. The individuals with previous HBV contact were significantly older (p<0.001) than those without HBV markers. Of the 192 individuals who returned for reexamination, 30 days after the third dose, 158 (82.3%) had received three vaccine doses, and only 60 (31.2%) belonged to the group without HBV markers. In these individuals, the seroconversion rate after the third dose was 92% (55/60). In conclusion, we found considerable HBV in this population, indicating the need for pursuing the immunization programs. We also found high rates of vaccination coverage in the Western Brazilian Amazon region.

A retrospective study was performed to determine the clinical features, frequency of adverse events and the requirement of therapeutic interventions in 113 children during interhospital transfer in the area covered by Medical Emergency Service based at Higueras Hospital, Talcahuano. Transport care was provided by a general paramedical nursing team. Trauma with or without head injury (29.2%) respiratory (26.5%), non-traumatic neurological disorders (17%) and neonatal transfers (13.3%) were the reasons for interhospital transfer. The incidence of significant adverse events was 12.4%, mainly related to oxygen desaturation. The most commonly observed intervention during transfer was the increase in the fraction of inspired oxygen

Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas, frecuencia de efectos adversos y la necesidad de intervenciones terapéuticas durante el traslado interhospitalario de pacientes pediátricos. Pacientes y método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en 113 transportes interhospitalarios de niños (edad media 3,8 años) realizados por el Sistema de Atención Médico de Urgencia (SAMU) del Hospital Higueras de Talcahuano. Resultados: El trauma con o sin compromiso encefálico (29,2%), la patología respiratoria que requiere ventilación asistida (26,5%), la patología neurológica no traumática (17%) y la patología neonatal (13,3%) constituyeron las principales causas de traslado. Los eventos adversos se presentaron en 12,4% de los traslados siendo el más habitual la desaturación de oxígeno con la consiguiente necesidad de aumentar su fracción inspirada

Pacientes com a forma digestiva da doença de Chagas frequentemente apresentam gastrite crônica. Tendo em vista que o microrganismo Helicobacter pylori é hoje considerado a causa mais comum de gastrite crônica no homem, propôs-se a realização deste trabalho para se verificar a possibilidade de esta bactéria estar também associada com as alterações inflamatórias da mucosa gástrica em pacientes com a forma digestiva da doença de Chagas. Fragmentos de duas regiões diferentes da mucosa antral foram obtidos endoscopicamente de 17 pacientes chagásicos com megaesôfago e ou megacolon. Os fragmentos foram processados rotineiramente para inclusão em parafina e cortes de 5 |im de espessura foram corados pela H & E para análise histológica e pela carbolfucsina para a identificação do H. pylori. A bactéria foi encontrada em 16 (94,1%) pacientes, todos eles apresentando gastrite crônica. Gastrite crônica superficial foi observada em 9 (52,9%) enquanto que gastrite crônica atrófica estava presente em 8 (47,1%) pacientes. H. pylori estava presente em todos os pacientes com gastrite crônica atrófica e em 8 (88, 8%) pacientes com gastrite crônica superficial. Conclue-se que o microrganismo H. pylori deve ser considerado como possível fator ligado à etiopatogênese da gastrite crônica superficial e atrófica frequentemente observadas em pacientes com a forma digestiva da doença de Chagas.

Patients with the digestive form of Chagas'disease frequently present chronic gastritis. As the microorganism Helicobacter pylori is now accepted as the most common cause of human chronic gastritis, the present work was undertaken to verify a possible relationship between the presence of this bacterium and inflammatory changes of antral mucosa in chagasic patients. Seventeen chagasics, with megaesophagus and or megacolon were studied. Fragments from two different regions of antral mucosa were obtained by endoscopy, fixed in 4% neutral formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. The sections were stained by haematoxylin and eosin for histology analysis, and by carbolfuchsin for H. pylori identification. H. pylori was found in 16 (94.1%) chagasic patients, all of them presenting chronic gastritis. Superficial gastritis was seen in 9 (52.9%) while atrophic gastritis was present in 8 (47.1%) patients. H. pylori was present on gastric mucosa of 8 (100%) patients with atrophic gastritis and of 8 (88.8%) patients with superficial gastritis. We concluded that the microorganism H. pylori should be considered a possible factor connected with the etiopathogenesis of chronic superficial and atrophic gastritis frequently observed in patients with the digestive form of Chagas' disease.