We assessed the effect of the Steiner nutrient solution (NS) at 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of its original concentration, in combination with 4, 6 and 8 plants·m-2, in a completely randomized experimental design, on yield and development of Physalis peruviana L. This research was carried out under greenhouse conditions from June 2010 to July 2011. The ecotype Colombia was cultivated in black plastic bags with tezontle stones and drip irrigation. The following variables were evaluated: fruit yield, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruit with and without husk, and average fruit weight. To determine the crop nutrient uptake leaf sampling were taken in the vegetative (VS) and reproductive stage (RS) and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and B were quantified. Quality variables were total soluble solids (TSS; °Brix) and pH of the fruit. Significant differences were found for yield variables. The higher yield was obtained with plants supplied with the complete solution plus 8 plants·m-2. The nutrient solution with 75 and 100 % with 4 plants·m-2 obtained the higher individual weight of fruit. During VS the nutrient solution affected the concentration of N, K, Mg, Fe, and B; and the plant density influenced K concentration in leaf. During RS we found differences in concentration of K, P, Mg, and Mn due to nutrient solution, and Fe was affected by plant density. The TSS and pH of the fruit did not show significant differences

Se evaluó el efecto de la solución nutritiva Steiner (SN) a 25, 50, 75 y 100 % de su concentración original, en combinación con 4, 6 y 8 plantas·m-2 en un diseño experimental completamente al azar sobre el rendimiento y desarrollo de Physalis peruviana L. La investigación se condujo bajo invernadero de junio de 2010 a julio de 2011. Se cultivó el ecotipo Colombia en bolsas de plástico negro con tezontle y riego por goteo. Se evaluaron las variables rendimiento, número de frutos por planta, peso de frutos con cáscara y sin ella, y peso promedio del fruto. Para conocer la absorción nutrimental del cultivo se realizaron muestreos de hoja en etapa vegetativa (EV) y etapa reproductiva (ER), y se determinaron los contenidos de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn y B. Las variables de calidad fueron sólidos solubles totales (SST; °Brix) y pH del fruto. Se observaron diferencias significativas para las variables de rendimiento. El mayor rendimiento se obtuvo con la SN completa con 8 plantas·m-2. Con la SN al 75 y 100 % con 4 plantas·m-2 se obtuvo el mayor peso individual de fruto. En la EV la SN afectó la concentración de N, K, Mg, Fe y B, y la densidad influyó en la concentración de K. Durante la ER hubo diferencias en la concentración de K, P, Mg y Mn, debidas a la SN, y el Fe fue afectado por la densidad. Los SST y el pH del fruto no mostraron diferencias significativas.

The author reports a case of blindness occurred after three scorpion stings in a young woman from the region Ouargla, Algeria. The absence of signs of neurological and cardiovascular envenomation and the functional examinations of eyes is likely to be the consequence of a toxic neuropathy. Two months later, blindness persists and functional prognosis remains reserved.

Acute pulmonary edema (APE) occurring after scorpion sting is the leading cause of death of the victims of scorpion envenomation. The APE origin is still questioned by physicians treating these patients. Based on echocardiographic study of 20 patients with severe envenomation treated in Ouargla Hospital resuscitation ward during the last four years, the APE etiology seems more likely cardiogenic, referring to cardiac symptoms confirmed by echocardiography although other mechanisms may also be involved. This hypothesis is further confirmed by the positive response of patients to the administration of dobutamine.