Abstract In order to associate the size of sexual ornaments with reproductive and productive characters in hens from the three-way cross Campero Casilda, the comb (CI: length x height) and wattle indices (BI: length x width) were calculated. Individual data were graphed in a Cartesian system (X: IC; Y: IB) which was divided into four quadrants by two lines that intersect each axis at the level of their mean values. Birds with extreme values of both indices (Quadrant I (CI):> CI> IB and Quadrant III (CIII): <CI <IB) were identified and, for each of them, the productive characters at sexual maturity, four indicators of bone development at 30 and 71 weeks, the dynamic patterns of body weight and egg weight and the ratio of feed conversion to eggs in the first part of the laying cycle, were recorded. Birds with greater development of sexual ornaments (a) were precocious and began laying with eggs of lower weight, but with similar regularity and uniformity and presented (b) greater length of the tarsus and femur in both ages, greater diameter of the tarsus at 30 weeks and greater length of the tibia at 71 weeks of age, (c) higher exponential growth rate between the sixth and twentieth week but similar global growth pattern, (d) lower asymptotic egg weight, lower maturation rate for the character and lower theoretical weight of the first egg and (e) higher number of eggs of lower weight and similar feed conversion ratio between 26 and 35 weeks. Size combination of sexual ornaments is presented as an alternative for the early selection of the breeders.

Resumen Con el objetivo de asociar el tamaño de los ornamentos sexuales con caracteres reproductivos y productivos en gallinas del cruzamiento de tres vías Campero Casilda se calcularon, en 97 aves de 30 semanas, los índices de cresta (IC: longitud x alto) y barbilla (IB: longitud x ancho). Los datos individuales se graficaron en un sistema de ejes cartesianos (X: IC; Y: IB) el que se dividió en cuatro cuadrantes mediante dos rectas que intersectan a cada eje a nivel de los valores medios. Se identificaron las aves con valores extremos de ambos índices (Cuadrante I (CI): > IC > IB y Cuadrante III (CIII): < IC < IB) y, para cada una de ellas, se registraron los caracteres productivos a la madurez sexual, cuatro indicadores de desarrollo óseo a las 30 y 71 semanas, los patrones dinámicos del peso corporal y el peso del huevo y la relación de conversión en huevos en la primera parte del ciclo de postura. Las aves con mayor desarrollo de los ornamentos sexuales (a) fueron más precoces y comenzaron la postura con huevos de menor peso, pero con similar regularidad y uniformidad, presentando (b) mayor longitud del tarso y del fémur en ambas edades, mayor diámetro del tarso a las 30 semanas y mayor longitud de la tibia a las 71 semanas de edad (c) mayor tasa de crecimiento exponencial entre la sexta y la vigésima semana pero similar patrón de crecimiento global,(d) menor peso asintótico del huevo, menor tasa de maduración para el carácter y menor peso teórico del primer huevo y (e) mayor número de huevos de menor peso y similar relación de conversión entre las 26 y 35 semanas. La combinación del tamaño de los ornamentos sexuales se presenta como una alternativa para la selección temprana de los reproductores.

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the factors associated with pregnancy-induced arterial hypertension (PIH) in women living at altitude. Methods: The research was observational, analytical of cases and controls. It was carried out at the Regional Maternal and Child Teaching Hospital El Carmen de Huancayo, Peru, located at 3,259 meters above sea level. The sample was calculated using Epidat 3.0. 80% power level, with frequency of 27% for cases, 17% for controls, precision of 5% and odds ratio (OR) = 2. X2 was used for statistical analysis squared, binomial logistic regression, and multivariate. Results: 940 (100%) pregnant women were included, with a mean age of 36.7 years ± 5.8 years (range: 15 to 44 years). The most frequent clinical manifestations of pregnant women with PIH were: edema (63.1%), headache (61.9%), epigastric pain (51.4%), ringing in the ears (41.9%), hyperreflexia (26, 4%), and scotomas (19.8%). The risk factors associated with a higher probability of PIH compared to normotensive pregnant women were: obesity (78.1% vs 39.2%); OR = 3.54; 95% CI: 2.31-5.42; p = 0.000); and extreme age (27.1% vs 17.3%; OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05 - 2.319; p = 0.000). Conclusions: The most frequent symptoms in PIH are edema, headache, and epigastric pain. The factors associated with a higher risk of PIH were obesity and extreme age in pregnant women living at high altitudes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: : Determinar los factores asociados a la hipertensión arterial inducida por el embarazo (HIE) en personas que viven en la altura. Métodos: La investigación fue de tipo observacional, analítico de casos y controles. Se realizó en el Hospital Regional Docente Materno Infantil El Carmen de Huancayo, Perú ubicado a 3 259 m.s.n.m. El cálculo de la muestra se realizó mediante el Epidat 3.0. nivel de potencia del 80%, con frecuencia del 27% para los casos, 17% para los controles, precisión del 5% y odds ratio (OR) = 2. Para el análisis estadístico se empleó el X2 cuadrado, la regresión logística binomial y multivariado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 940 (100%) gestantes, con promedio de edad de 36.7 años ± 5.8 años (rango: 15 a 44 años). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes de las embarazadas con HIE fueron: edemas (63,1%), cefalea (61,9%), epigastralgia (51,4%), zumbido de oídos (41,9%), hiperreflexia (26,4%), y escotomas (19,8%). Los factores de riesgo asociados a una mayor probabilidad de HIE en comparación con las embarazadas normotensas fueron: la obesidad (78,1% vs 39,2%); OR= 3,54; IC95%: 2,31-5,42; p=0.000); y edad extrema (27,1% vs 17,3%; OR= 1,56; IC95%: 1,05 - 2,319; p=0.000). Conclusiones: Los síntomas más frecuentes en la HIE son edemas, cefalea y epigastralgia. Los factores asociados a mayor riesgo de HIE fueron la obesidad, y la edad extrema en gestantes que viven en la altura.

ABSTRACT A regional statistical analysis has been established for an improved estimate of extreme frequency precipitation in the steppe area of northwestern Algeria. This analysis made it possible to determine three homogeneous regions by using methods based on statistical procedures, such as the analysis of the ascendant hierarchical classification and the L-moments method. The regions thus defined accurately reflect the climatological differences and specific characters influencing precipitation patterns in the study area. The generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution has been identified as the most appropriate distribution for modeling annual maximum daily rainfall quantiles according to the L-moments ratio plot and fit-quality tests. Rainfall indices combined with the regional growth curves can evaluate in a reasonable way the maximum rainfall quantiles at the stations by using the mean maximum precipitations of the observation series. The regional approach has considerably reduced the differences caused by the disparity of the values taken by the shape parameter of the GEV distribution as a function of the observation sites, and the estimation of high quantiles becomes more spatially consistent in a region. Different forms of growth curves are characteristic for the three regions. The error reflected by the bias and root mean square error (RMSE) are below 16 and 25%, respectively, for a 100-year return period. The study provides an assessment of the maximum daily rainfalls that can be useful in the study of floods and the design of hydrotechnical works.

RESUMEN Se presenta un análisis estadístico regional para una estimación mejorada de las precipitaciones de frecuencia extrema en la zona esteparia del noroeste de Argelia. Este análisis permitió determinar tres regiones homogéneas utilizando métodos basados en procedimientos estadísticos, como el análisis de la clasificación jerárquica ascendente y el método de momentos L. Las regiones así definidas reflejan con precisión las diferencias climatológicas y los caracteres específicos que influyen en los patrones de precipitación en el área de estudio. La distribución del valor extremo generalizado (GEV, por sus siglas en inglés) ha sido identificada como la distribución más apropiada para modelar los cuantiles de lluvia diarios máximos anuales de acuerdo con la gráfica de relación momentos-L y las pruebas de calidad de ajuste. Con los índices de lluvias combinados con las curvas de crecimiento regional se pueden evaluar de manera razonable los cuantiles máximos de lluvias en las diferentes estaciones, utilizando las precipitaciones medias máximas de la serie de observaciones. El enfoque regional ha reducido considerablemente las diferencias causadas por la disparidad de los valores tomados por el parámetro de forma de la distribución del GEV en función de los sitios de observación, y la estimación de cuantiles altos se vuelve más consistente espacialmente en una región. Diferentes formas de curvas de crecimiento son características de las tres regiones. El error reflejado por el error cuadrático medio de sesgo y raíz está por debajo de 16 y 25%, respectivamente, para un periodo de retorno de 100 años. El presente estudio proporciona una evaluación de las lluvias diarias máximas que puede ser útil para el estudio de inundaciones y el diseño de obras hidrotécnicas.

Abstract The quality of the information in meteorological data time series has always been a concern for the scientific community. The scarcity of information requires the use of data fill-in techniques and methods that frequently ignore the orographic features of the study area, as well as the method accuracy, leading to inaccurate results with important consequences. In this context, this paper seeks to evaluate two methods for filling rainfall data, namely Normal Ratio and Linear Regression Model (LRM), applied to two morphostructural zones in the south central region of Chile, through an error analysis of a 32-year series of precipitation data. Both methods were compared considering 65 of 112 stations across the region, located on the coastal plain and central valley. Subsequently, two time-consistent base stations were defined, one for each area; pluviometric and proximity criteria, as well as the amount of information available, were applied to choose five neighboring stations. After calculating the correlation between stations, using a probability analysis by quartiles and the Shapiro-Wilk test the normality of the LRM models was confirmed, as well as the homogeneity of the adjusted predictions and residuals. The Normal Ratio method evaluated rainfall estimates by weighting mean annual rainfall in the neighboring stations, where each weighting factor corresponds to the ratio between the precipitation figure recorded in the auxiliary station and the mean annual rainfall of the respective station. The performance of each method was assessed using the following estimators: Mean Error, Coefficient of Determination (CoD), Mean Squared Error (MSE), RootMean-Square Error (RMSE), Sum of Squared Residuals (SSR), Mean Relative Error (MRE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The statistical analysis reveals a greater range of temporal variation in precipitation in the Central Valley relative to the Coastal Zone, except for one station, and a positive relationship between altitude and a broader pluviometric range. LRM shows greater data dispersion at station Chiguayante; moreover, according to the CoD, this is the station with the lowest prediction potential. In most of the cases analyzed, we found an inverse relationship between the sum of squared residuals (SSR) and the number of annual precipitation data available in each station. The estimators SSR, MSE, and RMSE penalize large residuals, revealing that for the 32-year series studied, The Normal Ratio yields better performance and lower prediction error in the target stations in both morphostructural areas, with Dichato as the station with the lowest mean error and Mayulermo as the station with the lowest mean relative error, for both methods in the sample selected. As Dichato was the station with the greatest Euclidean distance from the base, the distance is discarded as a major predictive factor, contrary to our findings regarding data dispersion. The analysis of residuals (SSR, MSE, RMSE) indicated that the Linear Regression Model is influenced by outliers. However, these values were considered, since eliminating the extreme values, as is usually done in regression analysis, may result in losing relevant information about maximum and minimum precipitation that is useful in the analysis of extreme climatic events such as drought. The efficiency of both methods for predicting actual values was evaluated through the estimators SSR and CoD, showing that in the present analysis, the Normal Ratio involves a higher CoD and a lower residual variability. Although regression remains a widely used and recommended method, the Normal Ratio should be reconsidered for the prediction of missing data in precipitation series in areas of south central Chile with records available for neighboring stations that could support the equation for the data required. The quadratic estimators MSE and RMSE allow inferring that those stations showing a lower mean error, where the predictive methods analyzed were most successful, were the stations where precipitation showed a more stable behavior around the mean. The dimensionless estimators MRE and MAPE confirmed the advantage of the Normal Ratio and determined that the best mean performance of the prediction was related to data dispersion rather than to the Euclidean distance between stations and the base station. The two methods evaluated offer a simple way to estimate meteorological data when the information available is insufficient; however, the Normal Ratio demonstrated a better performance relative to LRM for estimating missing precipitation data, regardless of the geomorphological area selected.

Resumen Una de las principales preocupaciones de los científicos al trabajar con datos temporales es la calidad de la información. Los datos meteorológicos, que son entradas de modelos y predicciones hidroclimáticas, generalmente carecen de series completas. El uso de técnicas de relleno frecuentemente ignora las características orográficas del área de estudio y la precisión del método, produciendo alteraciones en los resultados con importantes consecuencias. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los métodos de relleno de datos pluviométricos razón normal y modelo de regresión lineal (LRM, por sus siglas en inglés), por medio de un análisis del error de estimación aplicado a un registro de 32 años de precipitaciones en dos unidades morfoestructurales distintas localizadas en la región del Biobío, Centro Sur de Chile: la planicie costera y el valle central. Los resultados evidenciaron que el método de Razón Normal presenta menor variabilidad en los errores de estimación y una mejor aproximación a los datos reales para ambas zonas.

Resumen Introducción: la escala SAMe-TT2R2 ha sido propuesta para predecir la calidad de la anticoagulación con antagonistas de la vitamina K. Objetivo: validar la capacidad discriminativa de la escala SAMe-TT2R2 en una cohorte de pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular de la vida real. Métodos: estudio observacional de pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular tratados con antagonistas de la vitamina K al menos seis meses. Se consideró buen control de anticoagulación un tiempo en rango terapéutico ≥ 65% estimado con el método de Rosendaal. Se evaluó la asociación entre puntuación SAMe-TT2R2 y el control de anticoagulación con regresión logística binaria. La capacidad de discriminación se analizó mediante el cálculo del valor del área bajo la curva ROC. Resultados: se incluyeron 241 pacientes de edad media 78,6±8,6 años, 53% mujeres. La media del tiempo en rango terapéutico fue 59,4±25,4%, menor según aumentó la puntuación SAMe-TT2R2. En general, la escala no mostró capacidad para discriminar los pacientes con adecuado control de anticoagulación: área bajo la curva ROC 0,57 (IC95%:0,49-0,64, p=0,06). Solo fue útil para las puntuaciones extremas, con probabilidad de buen control del 65,1% vs. 34,9%, p=0,01 para valor 0 y del 0% vs. 100%, p=0,03 para ≥ 4. La razón de disparidad de tener un tiempo en rango terapéutico <65% para puntuación ≥2 fue de 1,22 (IC95%:0,73-2,02, p=0,44). Conclusión: en una cohorte de pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular y datos de la vida real la escala SAMe-TT2R2 no mostró, globalmente, capacidad discriminatoria para control adecuado de anticoagulación con antagonistas de vitamina K. Solo se mostró útil para clasificar correctamente los casos con puntuaciones extremas.

Abstract Introduction: The SAMe-TT2R2 score has been proposed to predict the quality of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. Objective: To validate the discriminatory power of the SAMe-TT2R2 score real-life in a patient cohort with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Material and methods: An observational study was conducted on patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with vitamin K antagonists for at least six months. Good anticoagulation control was considered a time in the therapeutic range of ≥ 65%, estimated with the Rosendaal method. The relationship between the SAMe-TT2R2 score and the anticoagulation control was evaluated using a binary logistic regression. The discriminatory power was determined using the calculation of the value of the area under the ROC curve. Results: The study included total of 241 patients, with a mean age of 78.6±8.6 years, and 53% women. The mean time in the therapeutic range was 59.4±25.4%, low according to the increase in the SAMe-TT2R2 score. In general, the scale did not appear to have the power to discriminate patients with adequate anticoagulation control, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.49-0.64, P=.06). It was only useful for extreme scores, with a probability of good control of 65.1% vs. 34.9%, P=.01 for a value of 0, and of 0% vs. 100%, P=.03 for ≥ 4. The disparity ratio of having a time in the therapeutic range of <65% for a score ≥2 was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.73-2.02, P=.44). Conclusion: In a cohort of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and with real-life data, the SAMe-TT2R2 scale, did not, on the whole, show discriminatory power for the adequate control of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. It only showed to be useful to correctly classify the cases with extreme scores.

Abstract A network of seven Pinus lumholtzii chronologies was developed for the Sierra Madre Occidental for seasonal rainfall reconstruction. Some dendrochronological parameters such as average mean sensitivity (0.25 - 0.38), series inter-correlation (0.52 - 0.66), signal-to-noise ratio (1.16 - 18.51) and first-order autocorrelation (0.01 - 0.30) had similar values as compared to other chronologies from associated conifer species. The first principal component values (PC1) explained over 80% of the seasonal November-June rainfall data and a precipitation reconstruction was developed for the common period (1890-2001). Similarly, the longest chronology (El Sauz) was used to reconstruct seasonal rainfall for the last 346 years (1668-2013), detecting extreme droughts in the periods 1665-1688, 1695-17118, 1890-1896, and 1948-1963. The association between the ring-width indices of the P. lumholtzii regional chronology and El Niño Southern Oscillation indices was similar to the ones obtained with other conifer species from the region. The advantage of expanding the network of P. lumholtzii chronologies is that its dendroclimatic potential is comparable to those of species better known for this purpose; its wide ecological distribution, and the existence of stands with low anthropogenic disturbances, favors the presence of old specimens. For its suitable climatic response the P. lumholtzii dendrochronological network is fundamental to reconstruct climate in sites with poor climatic data.

Resumen Se desarrolló una red de siete cronologías de Pinus lumholtzii en la Sierra Madre Occidental para el desarrollo de reconstrucciones históricas de precipitación estacional. Los valores de los parámetros dendrocronológicos en general fueron similares a los de series de crecimiento desarrolladas con otras coníferas en esta región: sensibilidad media (0.25 - 0.38), inter-correlación entre series (0.52 - 0.66), relación señal/ruido (1.16 - 18.51) y autocorrelación de primer orden (0.01 - 0.30). El primer componente (PC1) que incluyó las cronologías involucradas se utilizó para realizar una reconstrucción de precipitación acumulada noviembre-junio en el período común de las series (1890-2001), donde el crecimiento anual explicó más de 80% de la precipitación ocurrida en dicho período; asimismo, se utilizó la cronología residual del sitio Sauz para reconstruir la precipitación acumulada de los últimos 346 años (1668-2013), la cual detectó períodos extremadamente secos (1665-1688, 1695-1718, 1767-1778, 1890-1896, 1948-1963). La respuesta de las cronologías de esta especie a fenómenos atmosféricos de circulación general, como El Niño Oscilación del Sur (ENSO, por sus siglas en ingles), también fue similar a la obtenida con cronologías de especies con probado potencial dendroclimático. La ventaja de extender la red dendrocronológica de P. lumholtzii se fundamenta en que su potencial dendroclimático es equiparable con el de especies tradicionalmente usadas con este fin; su amplia distribución y el poco disturbio antropogénico que han sufrido sus poblaciones favorece la posibilidad de encontrar individuos longevos. Por su excelente sensibilidad climática, la red dendroclimática de P. lumholtzii es fundamental para estudios dendroclimáticos, particularmente en regiones donde se carece de registros climáticos instrumentales.

OBJECTIVE: Describe changes in the population structure of Colombia's municipalities in relation to internal displacement in response to armed violence METHODS: A descriptive ecological study was carried out. Secondary sources were consulted, taken from the Consolidated Registry of Displaced Population and from the National Administrative Department of Statistics, to calculate expulsion and reception rates for population displaced by violence from 2002 to 2010. Based on these rates, four groups were created of municipalities in the extreme quartile for each rate during the entire period, which were classified as high expulsion, low expulsion, high reception, and low reception. Subsequently, population pyramids and structure indicators were constructed for each group of municipalities for two comparative reference years (1985 and 2010 RESULTS: Municipalities with high expulsion or reception rates experienced a slower epidemiological transition, with lower mean ages and aging indices. The high expulsion group had the least regression, based on the Sundbärg index. In the high reception group, the masculinity ratio decreased the most, especially among the economically active population, and it had the highest population growth CONCLUSIONS: Population dynamics in Colombia have been affected by armed violence and changes in these dynamics are not uniform across the country, leading to important social, economic, and cultural consequences. This study is useful for decision-making and public policy making.

OBJETIVO: Describir la evolución de la estructura poblacional de los municipios de Colombia de acuerdo con su situación de desplazamiento interno como consecuencia de la violencia armada MÉTODOS: Para llevar a cabo la investigación se desarrolló un estudio ecológico descriptivo. Se consultaron fuentes secundarias tomadas del Registro Único de Población Desplazada y del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística con el fin de calcular las tasas de expulsión y recepción de población desplazada por la violencia en los años comprendidos entre el 2002 y el 2010. En base a estas tasas se construyeron cuatro grupos de municipios clasificados de la siguiente manera: alta expulsión, baja expulsión, alta recepción y baja recepción con aquellos municipios que en ese período permanecieron todos los años en el cuartil extremo de cada tasa. Posteriormente se tomaron dos puntos de corte comparativos en el tiempo 1985 y 2010. Se construyeron pirámides poblacionales e indicadores de estructura para cada uno de los grupos de municipios RESULTADOS: Los municipios expuestos a altas tasas de expulsión y de recepción presentaron una transición epidemiológica más lenta, con una edad media e índice de envejecimiento menores. El índice de Sundbärg permitió establecer que el grupo de alta expulsión fue el que menos regresión presentó. El grupo de alta recepción fue el que más disminuyó su índice de masculinidad sobre todo en la población ecomómicamente activa y fue el que más creció CONCLUSIONES: La dinámica poblacional ha sido afectada por la violencia armada y no tiene una distribución regular a lo largo del territorio colombiano lo que genera consecuencias sociales, económicas y culturales trascendentales. Este estudio es útil para la toma de decisiones y la construcción de política pública.

Emulsifying properties of sodium caseinate -locust bean gum Maillard conjugates produced at different temperatures (54 - 96 ºC), protein/polysaccharide ratios (0.3 - 1.0) and reaction times (1 - 24 hours) were evaluated. Conjugate formation was confirmed by formation of color and high molecular weight fractions and the decrease of the αs- and β-casein bands. The emulsions stabilized by Maillard conjugates showed good stability. The mean droplet diameter (d32) tended to decrease with the increase of incubation time and temperature, except at extreme conditions (24 hours and 90 ºC or 96 ºC) when the partial degradation of the conjugates was probably favored, resulting in phase separation of emulsions. The emulsion viscosity decreased with the increase in the protein/polysaccharide ratio and with the degradation of the conjugates. The conditions used in the experimental design made the optimization of the conjugate production viable, which showed greater emulsifier properties than the pure protein under acid conditions.

Información sobre la ecología e historia de vida de varias especies de rivulidos no ha sido estudiada, por lo tanto se analiza la biología reproductiva de dos especies neotropicales (Austrolebias vandenbergi y Neofundulus ornatipinnis) que habitan pozos semipermanentes y temporales en el Gran Chaco Boliviano. Las recolectas se realizaron al inicio y al final de la estación lluviosa. Dimorfismo sexual, fecundidad absoluta, diámetro de los ovocitos y proporción sexual fue determinada para cada especie de rivulido. Machos en las dos especies presentaron mayor tamaño de longitud estándar y altura del cuerpo cuando fue comparado con las hembras. Austrolebias vandenbergi tuvo menor fecundidad por hembra y huevos más pequeños que N. ornatipinnis, pero hembras en ambas especies presentaron una relación estrecha y positiva entre fecundidad y tamaño cuerpo. La presencia de varios estadios gonadales sugiere un desove fraccionado, lo cual es una estrategia reproductiva que promueve la viabilidad y sobrevivencia de estos peces en hábitats de extremas condiciones. La proporción sexual no varió entre machos y hembras de A. vandenbergi (1:1), pero en N. ornatipinnis la proporción sexual fue dominada por las hembras (1:1.8). Este estudio representa uno de los primeros que investiga aspectos de la biología reproductiva de A. vandenbergi y N. ornatipinnis, lo cual es importante para la conservación de rivulidos en regiones tropicales.

The dry Chaco, a semiarid thorn forest, is experiencing some of the highest deforestation rates globally, coupled with the fact that small-bodied fish are at the highest risk of extinction, the killifish inhabiting this region may be some of the most threatened taxa. Yet, aspects of ecology and life history for Neotropical killifishes in the Bolivian Gran Chaco region are completely lacking, and basic life-history data is of critical importance for the design and implementation of conservation measures. Collections were conducted during the early (January 2011) and late (March-April 2011) rainy season using an area-based sampler and dip net surveys. Fish standard length and body depth were measured as well as the number of oocytes per size class, mean oocyte diameter per size class, and total fecundity for the females of each species. A total of 490 specimens of rivulids were captured; Austrolebias vandenbergi: 85 females, 105 males and 39 juveniles, and N. ornatipinnis: 62 females, 113 males, 86 juveniles. Sexual size dimorphism, absolute fecundity, oocyte developmental stages, oocyte diameter, and population sex ratios were determined for each species. Both species exhibited sexual size dimorphism. Male A. vandenbergi exhibited longer standard length (mean±SD; males: 27.07±3.89mm, females: 23.6±2.02mm) and body depth (males: 8.9±1.7mm, females: 7.2±1.1mm) as compared to females. Male N. ornatipinnis had a similar pattern for both standard length (males: 26.0±7.1mm, females: 19.1±5.83mm) and body depth (males: 5.6±1.9mm, females: 4.7±1.0mm). Austrolebias vandenbergi had fewer and smaller oocytes per female (47±31.6) than N. ornatipinnis (206±131.2). There was a positive relationship between fecundity and female body size in both species. The presence of multiple developmental stages of oocytes (immature, maturing, and mature) suggest that both species of rivulids exhibit fractional spawning, a reproductive strategy that enhances reproductive success in these extreme habitats. Neofundulus ornatipinnis exhibited a higher mean oocyte diameter for all three developmental stages (immature, maturing, and mature) as compared to A. vandenbergi. Austrolebias vandenbergi exhibited an equal adult sex ratio (males:females, 1:1), but there was a slight female biased ratio for N. ornatipinnis (males:females, 1:1.8). These results provide fundamental and valuable information for ensuring rivulid conservation in tropical regions, and also improve the knowledge on the biology and ecology of these poorly known species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first contribution on the reproductive biology of two Neotropical annual rivulid fishes (Austrolebias vandenbergi and Neofundulus ornatipinnis) inhabiting semi-permanent and ephemeral ponds in the Gran Chaco of Southeastern Bolivia.

Introduction: a series of 16 patients with extreme morbid obesity, who were operated on with Portie IV technique in "Calixto García" general university hospital, was presented. Objectives: to present Portie IV technique and to underline the use of the clinical method in its surgical conception, taking into account the collection, evaluation and implementation in extreme morbid obesity and the comorbidities of each patient. Methods: from February 2007 through February 2012, sixteen bariatric metabolic surgeries were performed in patients with extreme morbid obesity; all of them were applied the Portie IV gastrobiliary pancreatic shunt surgical technique. The following variables were collected: age, sex, type of obesity, major and minor comorbidities, perioperative events and complications. The results of the analyzed variables were shown in absolute, mean and percentage figures. Results: females predominated in 2:1 ratio with respect to males, and type V obesity (3:1) with respect to type IV obesity, the most affected age group was 28-37 years-old (50%). Among the comorbidities, blood hypertension, dyslipidemia and obstructive apnea of the sleep were present in 100% of cases. The average surgical time was 245 minutes. The most frequent complication was vomiting in 4 (25%) patients out of 16, mortality (6.2%) representing one patient out of 16. Conclusions: the short, medium and long-term results of the surgical treatment of the extreme morbid obesity by using Portie IV technique have been satisfactory, safe and effective in their change of lifestyles.

Introducción: se presenta una serie de 16 pacientes con obesidad mórbida extrema operados con la técnica Portie IV en el hospital universitario general Calixto García. Objetivo: exponer la técnica Portie IV y destacar el uso del método clínico en su concepción quirúrgica atendiendo a la recolección, evaluación y aplicación en su diseño del tipo de obesidad mórbida extrema y las comorbilidades de cada paciente. Métodos: entre febrero de 2007 y febrero de 2012, se realizaron 16 cirugía bariátrica metabólica en pacientes con obesidad mórbida extrema a todos se le aplicó la técnica quirúrgica de derivación gastrobiliopancreática Portie IV. Se recogieron las variables: edad, sexo, tipo de obesidad, comorbilidades mayores y menores, eventos perioperatorios y complicaciones. Los resultados de las variables analizadas se muestran en cifras absolutas, medias y porcentaje. Resultados: el sexo femenino predominó en una relación 2-1 con respecto al masculino y la obesidad tipo V (3-1) con respecto a la obesidad tipo IV, el grupo de edad más afectado de los pacientes fue el de entre 28 y 37 años de edad (50 %). Dentro de la comorbilidades la hipertensión arterial, la dislipidemia y la apnea obstructiva del sueño estuvieron presentes en 100% de los casos. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 245 minutos. La complicación más frecuente fue el vómito en 4 pacientes de 16 (25 %), mortalidad (6,2 %), 1 paciente de 16. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos a corto, mediano y largo plazo en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad extrema con la técnica Portie IV han sido satisfactorios, seguros y efectivos en el cambio de sus estilos de vida.

A urbanização da orla costeira do litoral leste e sul-oriental do estado do Rio de Janeiro vem sofrendo uma ocupação continuada, devido à expansão da zona urbana, principalmente das cidades como Niterói, Cabo Frio e Macaé, impulsionada pela facilidade de acesso após à construção da ponte sobre a baía da Guanabara entre Rio de Janeiro e Niterói em 1974, pela atração de trabalhadores decorrentes da exploração de petróleo na Bacia de Campos e pelo crescimento do turismo e da segunda residência. Essa ocupação, regra geral, não obedece a um critério de segurança contra eventos oceanográficos extremos, de modo que há uma tendência de construção muito próxima da orla oceânica com episódios de destruição de estradas e residências sob condições de tempestades. A vulnerabilidade da orla tenderá, no entanto, a aumentar em decorrência de um aumento de intensidade e frequência de tempestades e de um aumento do nível do mar por efeito das mudanças climáticas. Nesse sentido a possibilidade de proteção por meio de alimentação artificial de praias tem sido aventada com alguma frequência, ficando a questão da falta de identificação de fontes de sedimentos. O presente trabalho apresenta uma primeira abordagem na identificação de potenciais jazidas de areia na plataforma continental interna defronte ao litoral leste e sul-oriental do estado do Rio de Janeiro, considerando as características granulométricas das diferentes praias urbanas e dos sedimentos da zona submarina, para o direcionamento subsequente de estudos mais detalhados de avaliação do potencial das jazidas. Para este fim foram coletadas e analisadas granulometricamente amostras da face da praia nas principais praias urbanas da área de estudo e comparado com as caraterísticas granulométricas de amostras da plataforma continental interna, obtidas ao longo de uma série de expedições precedentes. A identificação da adequação de sedimentos da plataforma com os de cada praia considerada foi feito através do emprego do diagrama de James (1975) que, a partir do diâmetro médio e desvio padrão dos sedimentos avalia o volume dos mesmos que permanecerão na praia e o que será transportado, permitindo assim avaliar a adequação ou não da potencial fonte de empréstimo. Ao longo de todo o setor, de cerca de 200km de extensão, foram identificadas onze áreas, próximas à isóbata de -20m, representando potenciais estoques de material para utilização em projetos de recuperação.

The occupation of the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, eastward of the Guanabara Bay, have been submitted to a strong and continuous occupation, first due to the expansion of second residences as in Armação dos Buzios, Cabo Frio, Arraial do Cabo, Saquarema and Maricá with a sharp increase after the construction of a bridge over the Guanabara Bay on 1974, allowing an easy and rapid connection between the city of Rio de Janeiro and the east coast, stimulating the tourism, the expansion of the metropolitan area of Niteroi and the urbanization of the coastal area in general. Northward of Cape Frio, the exploration of offshore oil in the Campos Basin at the end of the decade of 1970, with the city of Macaé as the main hub, triggered an additional boom of occupation with expansion to the town of Rio das Ostras. The construction of houses and buildings in the immediate proximity to the beaches, as a valued location in the urbanization process, resulted in a vulnerability which became apparent after the localized destruction of proprieties through coastal erosion after a few extreme events. The coastal vulnerability tends to increase with climate changes due to the expected increase of intensity and frequency of storms as also the increase of the sea level. In this sense, the possibility of protection through beach nourishment has been suggested with some frequency which focuses on the necessity of an inventory of suitable sources of sand. This paper presents an initial approach to identify potential sources of suitable material on the inner continental shelf in front of the east and south-eastern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro. For this purpose the grain size characteristics of sands of the different urban beaches were compared with the characteristics of bottom sediments of the inner continental shelf. Sediments were collected at the beach face of the potentially most endangered beaches and submitted to a conventional grain size analysis through dry sieving. The grain size distribution of the inner continental sediments where already available from prior expeditions. The comparison and classification of compability was made through the applications of the overfill ratio diagram from James (1975) which allows an evaluation of the amount of borrow material which will be retained on the beach in relation of the amount of sand deposited, considering the mean grain size and standard deviation of the beach and of the borrow material. Eleven areas offshore of the 200 km long coastline were identified, representing areas to be submitted to a detailed investigation through seismic profiling and coring in order to evaluate the amount of material available for beach nourishment followed by an evaluation of the impact of the morphological modification of the sea floor over the wave propagation as also over the impact of dredging to the benthic community.

Background. Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) II score as well as other scoring systems was developed during the last decade in neonatal intensive care units in order to predict morbidity and mortality risk. Today, risk-adjusted severity of illness is frequently used in clinical research and quality assessments. The objective was to evaluate the clinical risk index in very low birth weight newborns with the CRIB II score in a tertiary hospital during 2007-2009. Methods. We performed a case-control study in 52 patients who died (cases) and 52 survivors (controls). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed by obtaining mean and standard deviation. We also performed odds ratio with 95% confdence interval and ROC curves in order to obtain cutoff points for sensitivity and specifcity. Results. Mean gestational age was 28.5 weeks. Average weight was 865 g. Factors associated with increased risk of mortality were male gender, low Apgar score, temperature <36°C, intraventricular hemorrhage and high frequency ventilation. The most frequent cause of mortality (90%) was extreme prematurity. Intraventricular hemorrhage was the most common direct cause (40.3%) followed by septic shock (19.2%), air leak (11.5%), hyaline membrane disease (9.6%) pulmonary hemorrhage (9.6%) and enterocolitis (3.8%). Conclusions. The CRIB II scale is a useful tool for predicting neonatal mortality.

Introducción. Las escalas de riesgo son herramientas para cuantificar el riesgo inicial y facilitar y validar la comparación de resultados entre hospitales. Pueden ser de mucha utilidad para evaluar la calidad y los costos de los cuidados proporcionados y establecer un patrón aceptable de funcionamiento en las Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer los factores de riesgo para la mortalidad neonatal en menores de 1500 g utilizando la escala CRIB II. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles durante el período 2007-2009. Se analizaron las variables que contempla el CRIB II por medio del cálculo de promedios y desviaciones estándar, además de la razón de momios con el intervalo de confanza al 95% y las curvas ROC para puntos de corte de sensibilidad y especifcidad. Resultados. Se analizaron 52 casos (fallecidos) y 52 controles (sobrevivientes). La edad promedio fue 28.5 semanas de gestación y el peso promedio 865 g. Los factores de riesgo para el aumento de la mortalidad fueron: sexo masculino, Apgar bajo al minuto, Apgar bajo a los 5 minutos, temperatura <36 °C, hemorragia intraventricular y ventilación de alta frecuencia. La prematurez extrema fue la causa base más frecuente de mortalidad (90%). La hemorragia intraventricular fue la causa directa más frecuente (40.3%) seguida de choque séptico (19.2%), fuga aérea (11.5%), enfermedad de membrana hialina (9.6%), hemorragia pulmonar (9.6%) y enterocolitis (3.8%). Conclusiones. La escala predictiva CRIB II es de utilidad para el pronóstico de la mortalidad neonatal.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly important public health problem in developing countries. We studied 111 tuberculosis patients confirmed by mycobacteria isolation between 1998 and 2000 in Rio Grande, in south Brazil. One-hundred-thirteen pulmonary and extrapulmonary clinical materials were examined through culture by the Ogawa-Kudoh method and through smear examination by the Ziehl-Nielsen or Kinyoun methods. The identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was done through the usual phenotypical methods. The proportion method (indirect technique) was used to determine the resistance of isolates. The man/woman ratio was 2.6:1, 75% were white, and the group had a mean age of 39.7±12.7. Risk factors were present in 38.7% (34 men and 9 women, p=0.2), with a mean age of 35 (p=0.002); infection by HIV was the most frequent (28.8%), followed by alcoholism (16.2%) and injected drug use (15.3%). The frequency of M. tuberculosis isolates was 99.1%. Pulmonary disease occurred in 88.3% of the cases, extrapulmonary in 9.9% and 1.8% in both. There was an association between extrapulmonary tuberculosis and the presence of risk factors (p=0.0001). Resistance to isoniazid was found in 4% of the isolates and to isoniazid and rifampin in 2%, all being patients with some risk factors. The profile of tuberculosis in the population of this study followed the pattern described for developing regions of the world.

Se estudió la demografía y ecología de anidación de dos poblaciones de Iguana iguana que enfrentan explotación severa y alteración del hábitat, en la Depresión Momposina, Colombia. Los atos de transectos lineales fueron analizados con el modelo de Fourier para estimar la densidad de grupos sociales. El tamaño promedio de grupo y la densidad general de iguanas varió dentro y entre poblaciones (1.05 - 6.0 grupos/ha, y 1.5 - 13.7 iguanas/ha respectivamente). Las estimaciones de densidad fueron mucho menores que las reportadas en áreas más protegidas en Panamá y Venezuela. Las densidades de las iguanas fueron considerablemente mayores en sitios localizados a lo largo de los ríos (2.5 iguanas/grupo) que en sitios en el margen de las ciénagas (1.5 iguanas/grupo), probablemente debido a diferencias en la vegetación. No hubo correlación entre las estimaciones de densidad y la de abundancia relativa (número de iguanas vistas/hora/persona), debido a diferencias en detectabilidad de los grupos de iguanas entre los sitios. La proporción sexual hallada (1:2.5 machos: hembras), es probablemente el resultado del sistema de apareamiento polígamo de esta especie, en vez de indicar un verdadero sesgo demográfico. Se monitoreó 34 nidos los cuales sufrieron poca depredación por vertebrados. Sin embargo si fueron afectados por inundaciones, pisoteo por ganado e infestación por larvas de mosca Phoridae. El tamaño de huevos por nidada en estas poblaciones fue de 29.4 menor que cualquier otro reporte de la literatura, con la excepción de las poblaciones de Iguana que habitan la isla altamente xérica de Curaçao, implicando que las hembras adultas en nuestra área son inusualmente pequeñas. Probablemente éste es el resultado de la explotación prolongada y excesiva de estas poblaciones en vez de ser una respuesta adaptativa a condiciones ambientales extremas.

We studied the demography and nesting ecology of two populations of Iguana iguana that face heavy exploitation and habitat modification in the Momposina Depression, Colombia. Lineal transect data was analyzed using the Fourier model to provide estimates of social group densities, which was found to differ both within and among populations (1.05 - 6.0 groups/ha). Mean group size and overall iguana density estimates varied between populations as well (1.5 -13.7 iguanas/ha). The density estimates were far lower than those reported from more protected areas in Panama and Venezuela. Iguana densities were consistently higher in sites located along rivers (2.5 iguanas/group) than in sites along the margin of marshes, probably due to vegetational differences (1.5 iguanas/group). There was no correlation between density estimates and estimates of relative abundance (number of iguanas seen/hour/person) due to differing detectabilities of iguana groups among sites. The adult sex ratio (1:2.5 males:females) agreed well with other reports in the literature based upon observation of adult social groups, and probably results from the polygynous mating system in this species rather than a real demographic skew. Nesting in this population occurs from the end of January through March and hatching occurs between April and May. We monitored 34 nests, which suffered little vertebrate predation, perhaps due to the lack of a complete vertebrate fauna in this densely inhabited area, but nests suffered from inundation, cattle trampling, and infestation by phorid fly larvae. Clutch sizes in these populations were lower than all other published reports except for the iguana population on the highly xeric island of Curaçao, implying that adult females in our area are unusually small. We argue that this is more likely the result of the exploitation of these populations rather than an adaptive response to environmentally extreme conditions.