Background: Factors associated with candidiasis and colonization in HIV-positive children and adolescents in developing countries are not well understood. Aim: To identify the factors associated with oral Candida colonization and candidiasis in institutionalized HIV-positive children and adolescents in Tijuana, México, as well as the response of the isolates to antifungals. Materials and Methods: Sample of the oral mucosa of 30 HIV positive children and adolescents were obtained to isolate and identify Candida species by culture and metabolic profile. Antifungal drugs susceptibility was determined according to CLSI. Indicators of immunological and virologic failure were classified in accordance to WHO criteria. Results: Six Candida species were identified from oral mucosa, 53% colonizers and 47% in candidiasis. Factors associated with candidiasis and oral colonization were viral load (p = 0,001), CD4+ counts (p = 0,002) and HAART regimen (p ≤ 0,014). The most prevalent species was C. glabrata (33%), but C. albicans (27%) was more resistant to fluconazole (p = 0,001). Itraconazol resistant species were identified in regimens that include an NNRTI (p = 0,041). Conclusion: HIV-positive children and adolescents living in an orphanage showed high prevalence of colonizing Candida spp. and resistance to antifungals, related to NNRTI.

Resumen Introducción: Se desconocen los factores asociados a la candidiasis oral en población pediátrica con infección por VIH de los países en desarrollo. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la colonización por Candida, candidiasis oral y la susceptibilidad in vitro a antifúngicos, en niños y adolescentes con infección por VIH institucionalizados en la ciudad de Tijuana, México. Materiales y Métodos: Se examinó la cavidad oral de 30 niños y adolescentes con infección por VIH, se obtuvo una muestra de la mucosa oral para identificar las especies de Candida mediante cultivo y auxonograma. La susceptibilidad a los antifúngicos se determinó de acuerdo al CLSI. Los indicadores del estado inmunológico y falla virológica se clasificaron conforme a la OMS. Resultados: Se identificaron seis especies de Candida, 53% colonizantes y 47% causantes de candidiasis. Los factores asociados a candidiasis fueron alta carga viral (p = 0,001), menor recuento de LTCD4+ (p = 0,002) y esquema TARAA (p ≤ 0,014). La especie prevalente fue C. glabrata (33%); sin embargo, C. albicans (27%) fue más resistente a fluconazol (p = 0,001). Las especies resistentes a itraconazol se identificaron en esquemas que incluyen un INNTR (p = 0,041). Conclusiones: Los niños y adolescentes con infección por VIH institucionalizados mostraron una prevalencia elevada de Candida spp. colonizante y resistencia a los antifúngicos relacionada con los INNTR .

Abstract: Introduction: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare congenital lung di sease, and in the most of cases, prenatal diagnosis is feasible. There are discrepancies regarding pre natal management and postpartum treatment. Objective: To analyze prenatally diagnosed CCAM in our hospitals, in order to evaluate ultrasound findings with fetal and postnatal evolution. Patients and Method: Retrospective study of all cases diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound between 2005 and 2016 in two reference hospitals. The ultrasounds were performed using high-resolution ultrasound scanners, Toshiba Xario and Voluson 730 Expert Pro, with follow-up from diagnosis to delivery. The variables analyzed included gestational age at diagnosis, the characteristics of the lung lesion, associated malformations, cytogenetic study, the evolution of pregnancy, type of delivery, presence of respiratory distress, need for complementary imaging tests, pediatric clinical course, and necessary postnatal treatments. It was considered a resolution the total disappearance of the lesion in the pre natal ultrasound or that the postnatal chest X-ray showed no lesion. Results: 17 cases were prenatally diagnosed. The evolution ranges from the prenatal resolution of the lesion to the persistence after bir th. Three patients voluntarily decided to have an abortion due to ultrasound findings of poor progno sis. Of the fourteen remaining cases there were no cases of fetal or neonatal deaths, one case required surgery after birth and four patients had mild symptoms during the first year of life. One case of false negative with neonatal death has been reported which necropsy reported as CCAM type 0. Conclu sions: This pulmonary malformation presents good prognosis, excluding cases with fetal hydrops. Two-dimensional ultrasound is usually enough for diagnosis and follow-up. Computed tomography is the technique of choice to confirm the resolution of lesions after birth. Surgical treatment is pre ferable over conservative management, although it is unknown if the potential complications of this disease, even when asymptomatic, justify surgical morbidity.

Resumen: Introducción: La malformación adenomatoidea quística (MAQ) es una patología congénita del pul món poco frecuente y su diagnóstico prenatal es factible en la mayoría de los casos. Existen discrepan cias en cuanto al manejo prenatal y tratamiento postparto. Objetivo: Analizar una seriede casos de MAQ diagnosticados prenatalmente, evaluando los hallazgos ecográficos y la evolución fetal y post natal. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los casos diagnosticados prenatalmente por ecografìa entre 2005 y 2016 en dos hospitales de referencia. Los exámenes de ultrasonido fueron realizados utilizando ecógrafos de alta resolución, Toshiba Xario y Voluson 730 Expert Pro, con se guimiento desde el diagnóstico hasta el parto. Las variables analizadas incluyeron la edad gestacional en el momento del diagnóstico, las características de la lesión pulmonar, las malformaciones asocia das, el estudio citogenético, la evolución del embarazo, el tipo de parto, presencia de distrés respira torio, necesidad de pruebas de imagen complementarias, evolución clínica pediátrica y tratamientos postnatales necesarios. Se consideró resolución la desaparición total de la lesión ecográfica prenatal o que la radiografía torácica postnatal no mostrara lesión alguna. Resultados: Se identificaron pre natalmente 17 casos. La evolución varía desde la resolución prenatal de la lesión hasta la persistencia de la misma tras el nacimiento. Tres pacientes decidieron abortar voluntariamente por hallazgos ecográficos de mal pronóstico. De los catorce casos restantes no hubo ningún caso de muerte fetal ni neonatal, un caso requirió cirugía tras el nacimiento y cuatro pacientes presentaron sintomatología leve durante el primer año de vida. Se ha reportado un caso de falso negativo con muerte neonatal, que la necropsia informó como MAQ tipo 0. Conclusiones: Esta malformación pulmonar presenta buen pronóstico, excluyendo los casos con hidrops fetal. La ecografía bidimensional suele ser sufi ciente para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento. La tomografía computarizada es la técnica de elección para confirmar la resolución de las lesiones tras el nacimiento. El tratamiento quirúrgico es preferible sobre el manejo conservador, aunque se desconoce si las complicaciones potenciales de esta patolo gía, aun siendo asintomática, justifican la morbilidad quirúrgica.

Resumo A eficiência da irradiação sonora em estrutura possui relação direta com seu movimento vibratório. Absorvedores dinâmicos de vibrações (ADVs) são uma opção viável de baixo custo para redução de vibrações em estruturas de forma passiva. São sistemas secundários fixados ao sistema primário (estrutura) com propósito de reduzir as vibrações do sistema primário. Neste trabalho foi utilizado um procedimento de Análise Modal Experimental (AME) para obter experimentalmente as frequências naturais e a localização dos pontos adequados para fixação dos ADVs em uma viga de concreto. Posteriormente, foram projetados e construídos ADVs para redução de vibração em uma banda de frequência onde a resposta do sistema auditivo humano é mais sensível. A melhor configuração de projeto para os ADVs foi avaliada quanto à sensibilidade dos mesmos com relação à alteração do fator de perda do material viscoelástico utilizado. Obteve-se redução superior a 36% ao longo da banda de frequência considerada, e superior a 70 % na região da frequência de ressonância na qual os ADVs estavam sintonizados.

Abstract The efficiency of sound irradiance in structure has direct relation with its vibratory movement. Dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) are a low cost viable option for reducing vibrations in passive structures. Secondary systems attached to the primary system (structure) in order to reduce vibration. In this work it was used an experimental modal analysis procedure (EMA) for vibratory responses through impulsive excitations to determine the natural frequencies and the location of points suitable for attachment of DVAs in a concrete beam. Later it was designed and built DVAs to reduce vibration in a frequency band where the response of the human auditory system is more sensitive. The best project configuration for DVAs was evaluated for sensitivity thereof with respect to the change of the loss factor of the viscoelastic material used. Obtained reduction of more than 36% over the considered frequency band and over 70% in the region of the resonance frequency in which the DVAs were tuned.

Abstract Bread volume is the most important characteristic in bread quality of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and should be maintained in diverse environmental conditions, which should be taken into account in genetic breeding. The evaluation of quality in different environments is complicated, thus the objective of the present study was to determine the stability of bread volume of wheat varieties for drought conditions from a set of unbalanced data, and to determine if the MIXED procedure of SAS can be used as a tool in the selection of stable genotypes. With field experiments, under rainfall conditions and the handling of samples in the laboratory, a set of unbalanced data was obtained that was analyzed with statistical models in MIXED. In the goodness of fit tests the highest value of the information criterion of Akaike corresponded to the reduced model of the variance of stability, thus the stability of the varieties was estimated with this model. The varieties Juchi F200, Romoga F96, Náhuatl F2000 and Tlaxcala F2000 were the most stable. Furthermore, by combining the stability with the bread volume it was determined that the varieties Náhuatl F2000 and Juchi F2000 were the most desirable, given that in addition to their stability, they produced bread with volumes of 867.8 and 864.1 cm3. The estimation of the stability of genotypes using MIXED was useful when diverse environments were incorporated, as it was easy and fast. Another advantage was that when a numerical value of stability was assigned to each genotype, it was possible to categorize, compare and select.

Resumen El volumen de pan es la característica más importante en la calidad panadera del trigo harinero (Triticum aestivum L.) y debe mantenerse en condiciones ambientales diversas, lo cual es necesario considerar en el mejoramiento genético. La evaluación de la calidad en ambientes diferentes es complicada, por ello el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la estabilidad del volumen de pan de variedades de trigo para secano desde un conjunto de datos desbalanceados; y determinar si el procedimiento MIXED del SAS puede ser una herramienta en la selección de genotipos estables. Con experimentos de campo, en ambientes de secano y al manejo de muestras en laboratorio se obtuvo un conjunto de datos desbalanceados que se analizaron con modelos estadísticos en MIXED. En las pruebas de bondad de ajuste el valor mayor del criterio de información de Akaike correspondió al modelo reducido de la varianza de la estabilidad, por lo cual la estabilidad de las variedades se estimó con este modelo. Las variedades Juchi F2000, Romoga F96, Náhuatl F2000 y Tlaxcala F2000 fueron las más estables. Al combinar la estabilidad con el volumen de pan se determinó que las variedades Náhuatl F2000 y Juchi F2000 fueron las más deseables, pues además de su estabilidad, originaron pan con volúmenes de 867.8 y 864.1 cm3. La estimación de la estabilidad de genotipos mediante MIXED fue útil cuando se incorporaron ambientes diversos, ya que fue fácil y rápida. Otra ventaja fue que, al asignar un valor numérico de estabilidad a cada genotipo, se puedo categorizar, comparar y seleccionar.

SUMMARY Chronic placental abruption is due to intra or retroplacental insidious bleeding that causes progressive separation from the uterine wall. It is a rare condition and can occur in low risk patients. Chronic abruption imaging poses differential diagnosis with infectious TORCH chorioamnionitis. Fetal prognosis is ominous especially in the presence of oligohydramnios. We present four cases with a common ultrasound appearance, fetal growth restriction, Doppler abnormalities and pathological confirmation.

Resumen El desprendimiento crónico de placenta se caracteriza por la aparición de un sangrado venoso crónico intra o retroplacentario que produce la separación paulatina de la misma. Es poco frecuente y se puede presentar en pacientes sin factores de riesgo. La imagen ecográfica plantea diagnóstico diferencial con la corioamnionitis. El pronóstico fetal es malo especialmente si se asocia con oligoamnios. Se presentan cuatro casos caracterizados por imagen ecográfica característica, retraso del crecimiento fetal, alteración del Doppler, y confirmación anatomopatológica.

Background: Early identification of pregnant women at risk of developing intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, among other complications would allow more intensive surveillance to reduce the risk of severe disease. We aimed to study whether low levels of maternal serum markers PAPP-A and BHCG are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in an obese population. Methods: Cases were obtained from a cohort of 9111 patients who attended first trimester screening. We included women with PAPP-A and/or BHCG below the 5th percentile. A randomized group of women with serum markers above the 5th percentile was used as control group. Results were adjusted for age, parity, smoking status, BMI or reproductive techniques. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 20,7%. We found 382 women with PAPP-A below the 5th percentile, 325 with BHCG below the 5th percentile, 50 with both markers low, and recruited 1417 controls. The cases with low PAPP-A were significantly more likely to experience abortion, preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm birth, or gestational diabetes. Low BHCG was significantly associated with gestational hypertension. Low BHCG and PAPP-A in the same patient correlated with abortion, early preeclampsia and preterm birth. Conclusions: Low levels of maternal serum markers correlate with adverse pregnancy outcomes in an obese population. We recommend to develop further calculators of obstetric risk to improve positive predictive value and to establish a maternal-fetal surveillance plan.

Objetivo: La detección precoz del riesgo de complicaciones de la gestación como preeclampsia, parto pretérmino, y aborto, permitiría evitar morbimortalidad y secuelas. Hemos estudiado la relación entre niveles bajos de PAPP-A y BhCG con malos resultados obstétricos en una población con alta prevalencia de obesidad. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes que acudieron para tamizaje de aneuploidías el I trimestre. Los casos fueron las pacientes con MoM PAPPA y/o BhCG por debajo del percentil 5 y el grupo control una muestra aleatorizada de pacientes con marcadores normales. Se ajustó por obesidad, edad, paridad, tabaquismo, y técnicas de reproducción. Resultados: La cohorte estuvo formada por 9111 pacientes. Se obtuvieron 382 casos con MoM PAPP-A inferior al percentil 5 y 325 con MoM BhCG por debajo del percentil 5, y 50 casos con ambos marcadores por debajo del percentil 5. Se tomaron 1417 controles. La prevalencia de obesidad fue del 20,7% y de sobrepeso el 28,4%. Los niveles bajos de PAPP-A se relacionaron con abortos, preeclampsia, crecimiento intrauterino retardado, pequeños para la edad gestacional, parto pretérmino y diabetes gestacional. Los niveles de BhCG por debajo del percentil 5 se relacionaron con la enfermedad hipertensiva gestacional. Los niveles de ambos marcadores por debajo del percentil 5 tuvieron relación significativa con aborto, preeclampsia precoz y parto pretérmino. Conclusión: Los niveles bajos de PAPP-A y BhCG se relacionan con malos resultados obstétricos en una población de alta prevalencia de obesidad.

Abstract: Rainfed bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in Mexico faces marketing limitations due to its inadequate industrial quality, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors and by its interaction. The aim of this research was to identify the contribution of these factors in the quality of genotypes introduced from the USA and Canada, and use them as a genetic source in the rainfed wheat program of the National Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research Institute (INIFAP). Sixteen genotypes were planted in eight places under rainfed conditions. The evaluation of the industrial quality included hectoliter weight, grain hardness and grain protein, sedimentation volume, dough strength, extensibility, and bread volume. Grain hardness and protein content were affected 60 and 56 % by the genotype, whereas the effect on the hectoliter weight, volume of sedimentation, dough strength and bread volume were due to the locations, since they accounted for 48, 45, and 38 % of the total variation, respectively. For dough strength, the participation of environmental and genotypical variances had similar contributions of 40 and 37 %. The genotypes Keene, SD3249, HY437, BW725, Blue sky and Kulm stood out for their volumes of bread higher than 873 mL, since combined, they presented high percentages of protein, and strong and extensible or balanced gluten; HY439 and HY632 were related to values higher than 15.9 % of protein content in grains. Based on this, in the introduced germplasm, there are genotypes that must be used as parents in the crossing plan of the rainfed bread wheat breeding program to improve the bread volume, firmness and extensibility of the dough, and protein content in the grain.

Resumen: El trigo harinero (Triticum aestivum L.) de temporal en México enfrenta limitaciones en su comercialización por su calidad industrial inadecuada, la cual es influenciada por factores genéticos y ambientales y por su interacción. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar la contribución de estos factores en la calidad de genotipos introducidos, de EE.UU. y Canadá, y utilizarlos como fuente genética en el programa de trigo de temporal del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP). Se sembraron 16 genotipos en ocho sitios en condiciones de secano. La evaluación de la calidad industrial incluyó peso hectolítrico, dureza y contenido de proteína del grano, volumen de sedimentación de la harina, fuerza, relación tenacidad/extensibilidad de la masa y volumen de pan. La dureza y contenido de proteína fueron afectados 60 y 56 % por el genotipo, mientras que el efecto en el peso hectolítrico, volumen de sedimentación, fuerza de la masa y volumen de pan se debió a las localidades, pues explicaron 48, 45, y 38 % de la variación total, respectivamente. Para la fuerza de la masa la participación de las varianzas ambientales y genotípicas tuvieron una contribución similar de 40 y 37 %. Los genotipos Keene, SD3249, HY437, BW725, Blue sky y Kulm destacaron por sus volúmenes de pan superiores a 873 mL, debido a que conjuntaron porcentajes altos de proteína, gluten fuerte y extensible o balanceado; HY439 y HY632 se asociaron con los valores mayores a 15.9 % de contenido de proteína en grano. Con base en lo anterior en el germoplasma introducido existen genotipos que deben utilizarse como progenitores dentro del plan de cruzamientos del programa de trigo harinero de secano para mejorar el volumen de pan, fuerza y extensibilidad de la masa, y contenido de proteína en grano.

Este trabalho descreve a caracterização molecular de oito amostras de herpesvírus equino 1 isoladas do sistema nervoso central de equinos que morreram com sinais neurológicos no estado de Minas Gerais. As amostras de EHV-1 foram isoladas em cultivo celular, e a caracterização molecular foi feita por genotipagem e identificação do marcador neuropatogênico por meio das técnicas de PCR, restrição enzimática e sequenciamento. A caracterização molecular desses isolados pode ser a base para o desenvolvimento de novas formulações vacinais com maior eficácia para a prevenção de doença neurológica causada pelo EHV-1.

O Brasil possui o quarto maior rebanho equino do mundo, e o Estado de Minas Gerais detém o maior número de equinos do país. Portanto, um diagnóstico preciso das doenças neurológicas dos equinos é prioridade no estado. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, utilizando a Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR), os agentes infecciosos responsáveis por enfermidades que afetam o sistema nervoso central (SNC) de equinos. De janeiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2011, foi realizado um levantamento dos casos de encefalites e encefalomielites em equinos no Estado de Minas Gerais, utilizando-se amostras de SNC de equinos que morreram com sinais neurológicos. Das 217 amostras de SNC, 47 (21,7%) foram positivas para o vírus da raiva pelo método de imunofluorescência indireta e inoculação em camundongos. Nas 170 amostras negativas para o vírus da raiva, o herpes-vírus equino-1 (EHV-1) foi diagnosticado em 20 (11,8%) e o herpes-vírus suíno-1 (SHV-1), em uma amostra por meio de PCR, e o vírus encefalite de Saint Louis (SLEV), em outra amostra, através de transcrição reversa (RT) e PCR (RT-PCR). Constatou-se que o vírus da raiva é o principal agente causador de encefalite em equinos, apesar do crescente número de casos de encefalomielite associados ao EHV-1 no Estado de Minas Gerais.

Brazil has the fourth largest equine herd in the world and the State of Minas Gerais has the largest equine population in the country. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of cases of neurologic diseases is a priority in Minas Gerais. The aim of this study was to identify by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) infectious agents associated with neurological disease in the central nervous system (CNS) of horses. A survey of encephalitis and encephalomyelitis in horses in Minas Gerais State was performed on samples of CNS from horses that died with neurological signs from January 2009 to January 2011. Forty seven CNS samples from 217 (21.7%) horses were positive for rabies virus by the indirect immunofluorescence assay and mouse inoculation. Among the 170 samples that were negative for rabies, EHV-1 was detected in 20 (11.8%) and the swine herpesvirus-1 (SHV-1) was detected in one sample by PCR, and the Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) was identified in another sample by reverse transcription (RT) and PCR (RT-PCR). Rabies virus is the most common causative agent of encephalitis in horses, despite the increasing number of cases of encephalitis associated with EHV-1 in the State of Minas Gerais.

Objective: To determine the perinatal outcome in fetal growth restriction were umbilical artery Doppler end diastolic flow was absent. Methods: A retrospective study performed at the Canary Islands University Hospital. All consecutive cases between 2004 and 2011 were included. We excluded twin pregnancies. Data was abstracted for maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis and delivery, mode of delivery, Apgar and perinatal adverse outcomes. Results: Fifty seven patients were included. Forty three percent had a pregnancy complicated by hypertension and 19% diabetes. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 30+4 weeks. We found 89% and 21% absent umbilical artery end diastolic flow and reverse flow respectively. Oligohydram-nios was seen in 28% of the cases. Fetal weight was below the third percentile in 26% of the cases. Fetal demise occurred in 3 cases. Mode of delivery was cesarean section in 80% of the cases. We found a rate of 17% perinatal mortality. At 1 to 6 years follow up 35% of the children had no sequelae. Conclusion: Absent end diastolic umbilical flow is associated with a high risk of perinatal mortality. Up to 65% of the children will show some type of sequelae. The optimal gestational date for fetal extraction should be individualized after multidisciplinary counseling.

Objetivo: Estudiar los resultados perinatales de fetos diagnosticados con flujo umbilical ausente en diástole en el Hospital Universitario de Canarias, España. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de gestantes con Doppler fetal umbilical con flujo diastólico ausente entre 2004 y 2011, excluyendo embarazos gemelares. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad y enfermedades maternas, edad gestacional al diagnóstico y parto, vía de parto, Apgar y estado del recién nacido. Resultados: Se recogieron 57 casos. Hubo un 43% de gestantes hipertensas y 19% de diabéticas. La edad gestacional media al diagnóstico fue de 30+4 semanas. En el 89% de los casos se observó redistribución del flujo y en el 21% el Doppler umbilical fue reverso. El 28% se acompañó de oligoamnios y en el 26% el peso fetal estimado inferior al percentil 3. Hubo 3 muertes fetales. En el 80% de los casos la vía de parto fue por cesárea. La supervivencia fue del 83% con una tasa de mortalidad perinatal del 17%. En el seguimiento entre 1 y 6 años encontramos un 35% de niños sin secuelas. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, el Doppler con flujo umbilical ausente en diástole se relaciona con alto riesgo de morbimortalidad perinatal. El 65% de los niños tendrán secuelas de algún tipo en el seguimiento entre 1 a 6 años. El momento óptimo para la extracción fetal debe ser individualizado y resuelto junto con el consejo pediátrico y participación de los padres.

A quantificação de compostos butílicos de estanho (BTs) em matrizes ambientais pode ser afetada pela ocorrência de interferentes encontrados em matrizes complexas tais como sedimentos e tecidos biológicos. O presente estudo investigou o efeito matriz em procedimentos analíticos para quantificação e especiação de BTs (TBT, DBT e MBT) em sedimentos e em dois tecidos (brânquias e fígado) de peixe, utilizando a técnica de cromatografia a gás com detecção fotométrica de chama pulsante (GC-PFPD). Diferentemente dos sedimentos avaliados, um efeito matriz significativo foi observado para os tecidos de peixe investigados, indicando que a quantificação de BTs deve ser realizada através da curva construída na matriz para evitar, dessa forma, erros de quantificação e redução da precisão analítica.

Butyltin (BTs) quantification in environmental matrices can be affected by interfering species found primarily in complex matrices, such as sediment and biota tissues. This study investigated matrix effects in analytical procedures for butyltin (TBT, DBT and MBT) quantification and speciation in sediments and in two fish tissues (gill and liver) by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD) analysis. Unlike sediment samples, tissues exhibited a significant matrix effect, thus, the quantification should be made by curve over matrix to avoid quantification errors and loss of analytical accuracy.

Animal-plant interactions are important in the life history of many animal and plant species but our knowledge is often limited. We documented a maternity nest of the poorly studied Amazon red squirrel. The nest was located in a bromeliad and contained two young, a male and a female. We measured nest and forest characteristics and also documented a predation atempt on the adult female while we observed the nest and squirrels.

Las interacciones entre animales y plantas son importantes en la historia natural de muchas especies de organismos pero nuestro conocimiento es, a menudo, limitado. Documentamos un nido de maternidad de la pobremente estudiada ardilla roja amazónica. El nido estaba localizado en una bromelia y contenía dos crías, un macho y una hembra. Medimos las características del nido y del bosque y también documentamos un intento de depredación de la hembra adulta mientras observábamos el nido y las ardillas.

O ermitão Clibanarius vittatus é um organismo típico de regiões intertidais estuarinas sendo considerado um possível bioindicador da presença de tributilestanho (TBT) nesses ambientes. Por esta razão, este estudo apresenta o desempenho analítico e a validação do método para quantificação de TBT em tecidos de C. vittatus por cromatografia gasosa com detector fotométrico de chama pulsante (GC-PFPD), após extração com solvente apolar (tolueno) e derivatização com reagente de Grignard. Os limites de detecção do método (LOD) foram 2,0 e 2,8 ng g-1 para TBT e DBT (dibutil estanho), respectivamente, e seus limites de quantificação (LOQ) 6,6 e 8,9 ng g-1 para TBT e DBT, respectivamente. O método foi aplicado em amostras do Estuário de Santos, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. As concentrações de TBT e DBT variaram de 26,7-175,0 ng g-1 a 46,2-156,0 ng g-1, respectivamente. As concentrações encontradas saopreocupantes uma vez que efeitos tóxicos (tais como a alteração endócrina) têm sido relatados em outros organismos, mesmo em níveis inferiores aos registrados no presente estudo.

The hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus is a typical organism from intertidal regions being considered as a good bioindicator of tributyltin presence at these environments. Thus this study presents the analytical performance and validation method for TBT quantification in tissues of C. vittatus by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD) after extraction with an apolar solvent (toluene) and Grignard derivatization. The limits of detection of the method (LOD) were 2.0 and 2.8 ng g-1 for TBT and DBT (dibutyltin), respectively, and its limits of quantification (LOQ) were 6.6 and 8.9 ng g-1 for TBT and DBT, respectively. The method was applied to samples from Santos Estuary, São Paulo State, Brazil. TBT and DBT concentrations ranged from 26.7 to 175.0 ng g-1 and from 46.2 to 156.0 ng g-1, respectively. These concentrations are worrisome since toxic effects (such as endocrine disruption) have been reported for other organisms even under lower levels of registred at this study.

Background: Fetal ventriculomegaly is the most sensitive sonographic sign for central nervous system anomalies. Neonatal morbidity and mortality depends on the etiology of the ventriculomegaly and the presence of other malformations. Isolated non-progressive ventriculomegaly is associated with 70% favorable results, with a great disparity among studies. Aims: To establish the relationships between ventriculomegaly and perinatal outcome. Methods: The authors reviewed 60 cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal ventriculomegaly in the Canary Islands University Hospital. An ultrasonographic measurement of the lateral ventricles of 10 mm or more was considered as ventriculomegaly. Fetal and maternal serology was performed as well as fetal karyotyping. Results: 23 patients decided to terminate the pregnancy due to unfavorable prognosis. In 28 cases outcome was favorable. 70% of isolated ventriculomegaly corresponded to healthy newborns. 10% of the fetuses had aneuploidies. Conclusion: Prognosis is favorable if ventriculomegaly is isolated and non-progressive. Measurement of the lateral ventricle does not predict outcome. Disparity of results in literature makes it necessary for each Hospital to rely on their own data and guidelines to assess parents on the fate of the pregnancy.

Antecedentes: La ventriculomegalia fetal es un signo ecográfico muy sensible para las alteraciones del sistema nervioso central fetal. La morbilidad asociada a la misma depende principalmente de la etiología y de la presencia de otras malformaciones asociadas. Si es aislada y no progresiva se puede preveer un resultado posnatal favorable hasta en el 70% de los casos aunque hay una gran disparidad de cifras entre distintos centros y autores. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre ventriculomegalia y pronóstico perinatal. Método: Se han revisado 60 casos diagnosticados mediante ecografía prenatal en el Hospital Universitario de Canarias siguiendo los criterios ecográficos de ventriculomegalia (astas posteriores mayores de 10 mm). Se realizaron cariotipos y serología materna y en líquido amniótico para completar el estudio. Resultados: Hubo un total de 23 interrupciones voluntarias de la gestación y 28 recién nacidos sin secuelas (47%). Un 70% de las ventriculomegalias aisladas correspondieron a recién nacidos sin secuelas. El 10% de las ventriculomegalias aparecieron en fetos con aneuploidías. Conclusión: El pronóstico fue favorable en los casos de ventriculomegalia no progresiva y aislada. La medida de la ventriculomegalia no predice el resultado. La variabilidad de resultados en la literatura obliga a cada centro a disponer de sus protocolos y datos para aconsejar a la pareja que ha de tomar una decisión sobre el futuro de su embarazo.