BACKGROUND. In our clinical setting, a three-staged approach is consistently employed to manage patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs). OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the safety and feasibility of end-colostomies, in particular subtypes of ARMs. METHODS. The medical records of babies born with an ARM treated between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2022 were reviewed. Information regarding the type of ARM, type of colostomy, complications during colostomy formation, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and colostomy closure was recorded. RESULTS. Ultimately, 194 patients were included. Of those, 137 patients had divided colostomies with distal mucus fistulas (DC) and 57 had end-colostomies (EC). Ninety-seven patients (50%) had perineal and vestibular fistulas, including 40 (41%) patients with DC and 57 (59%) with EC. For post-colostomy formation, eight (20%) complications were recorded in the DC group and nine (16%) in the EC group (p=0.78). Wound sepsis presented in six patients with DC and four with EC (p=0.3). Nineteen percent (16/85) of patients who had PSARP developed complications, including 4/37 (11%) with DC and 12/48 (25%) with EC (p=0.16). Of the 72 patients who underwent stoma reversal, six (8%) had complications post-operatively: three in the DC group and three in the EC group. CONCLUSION. For patients with rectoperineal and vestibular fistulas, where divided colostomies are not warranted, end colostomies provide a safe alternative.

Two series of coupled heterocyclic systems have been synthesised and found to be efficacious against the NF54 chloroquine sensitive strain of P. falciparum in an in vitro assay. Quinolines were coupled with benzofurans in the first series and benzothiophenes in the second series. Compounds with an amide linkage are more efficacious by one order of magnitude than the ester equivalent. No other clear pattern was discernible. Compounds were also tested for toxicity using an MTT assay. All compounds tested showed selectivity towards P. falciparum. Barring one, all compounds tested showed greater efficacy than chloroquine against β-hematin inhibition. But no correlation was observed between β-hematin inhibition and efficacy against P. falciparum.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the contribution of the extirpative and reconstructive portions of radical cystectomy (RC) to complications rates, and assess differences between urinary diversion (UD) types. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing patients undergoing UD alone or RC+UD for bladder cancer from 2006 to 2017 using ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The primary outcome was major complications, while secondary outcomes included minor complications and prolonged length of stay. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to assess the association between surgical procedure (UD alone or RC+UD) and outcomes, stratified by diversion type. Lastly, we examined differences in complication rates between ileal conduit (IC) vs. continent UD (CUD). Results: When comparing RC + IC and IC alone, PSM yielded 424 pairs. IC alone had a lower risk of any complication (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.75), venous thromboembolism (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.91) and bleeding needing transfusion (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.32-0.52). This trend was also noted when comparing RC + CUD to CUD alone. CUD had higher risk of complications than IC, both with (56.6% vs 52.3%, p = 0.031) and without RC (47.8% vs 35.1%, p=0.062), and a higher risk of infectious complications, both with (30.5% vs 22.7%, p<0.001) and without RC (34.0% vs 22.0%, p=0.032). Conclusions: RC+UD, as compared to UD alone, is associated with an increased risk of major complications, including bleeding needing transfusion and venous thromboembolism. Additionally, CUD had a higher risk of post-operative complication than IC.

Resumen Propósito: Se ha demostrado que la hidratación juega un papel fundamental en el deporte. El fútbol es un deporte de equipo en el que la integridad de todos los jugadores es vital para su rendimiento; por lo tanto, el estado de hidratación de cada jugador es importante. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue investigar el estado de hidratación de las jugadoras universitarias de fútbol durante la temporada regular. Métodos: Dieciséis jugadoras universitarias de fútbol (edad: 20.4 ± 0.8 años; estatura: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; peso: 65.3 ± 12 kg) proporcionaron muestras de orina durante 9 días para controlar su estado de hidratación, la cual se determinó por la gravedad específica de la orina (Usg). La Usg se analizó en la mañana (AM) y en la tarde antes del entrenamiento o el juego (PM). Resultados: Las 16 jugadoras estaban al menos mínimamente hipohidratadas (Usg > 1.010) en la AM en 5 de los 9 días medidos. Las jugadoras tuvieron valores Usg significativamente más altos en AM en comparación con PM (F (1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); sin embargo, no hubo interacción significativa de tiempo * día (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusión: los datos muestran una alta prevalencia de hipohidratación en esta población específica. Este estado de hidratación subóptimo podría ser motivo de preocupación en términos de rendimiento general. Se deberían hacer esfuerzos para integrar las intervenciones de hidratación y el monitoreo diario para reducir al mínimo la hipohidratación en las jugadoras.

Resumo Objetivo: Foi demonstrado que a hidratação desempenha um papel fundamental no esporte. O futebol é um esporte coletivo no qual a integridade de todos os jogadores é vital para o desempenho da equipe; portanto, o estado de hidratação de cada jogador é importante. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi investigar o estado de hidratação de universitárias jogadoras de futebol do sexo feminino durante a temporada regular. Métodos: Dezesseis universitárias jogadoras de futebol (idade: 20,4 ± 0,8 anos; altura: 163,6 ± 6,9 cm; peso: 65,3 ± 12 kg) forneceram amostras de urina por 9 dias para monitorar seu estado de hidratação. A hidratação foi determinada pela gravidade específica da urina Usg. Sua Usg foi analisado pela manhã (matutino) e à tarde (vespertino) antes do treino ou jogo. Resultados: As 16 jogadoras estavam minimamente hipohidratadas (Usg > 1.010) no período matutino em 5 dos 9 dias medidos. As jogadoras apresentaram valores de Usg significativamente maiores no período matutino em comparação ao vespertino (F (1.250) = 23,09; p <0,0001); no entanto, não houve interação tempo * dia significativa (F (1.250) = 1,98; p = 0,16). Conclusão: os dados mostram uma alta prevalência de hipohidratação nesta população específica. Este estado de hidratação abaixo do ideal pode ser uma preocupação em termos de desempenho geral. Devem ser feitos esforços para integrar intervenções de hidratação e monitoramento diário para minimizar a hipohidratação em jogadoras.

Abstract Purpose: Hydration has been shown to play a pivotal role in sport. Soccer is a team sport in which the integrity of all players is vital for team performance; thus, individual player hydration status is important. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the hydration status of female collegiate soccer players during regular season. Methods: Sixteen collegiate female soccer players (age: 20.4 ± 0.8 years; height: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; weight: 65.3 ± 12 kg) provided urine over 9 days to monitor their hydration status. Hydration was determined by urine specific gravity (Usg). Usg was analyzed in the morning (AM) and in the afternoon before practice/game (PM). Results: All 16 players were at least minimally hypohydrated (Usg > 1.010) in the AM on 5 of the 9 days tested. Players had significantly higher Usg values in the AM as compared to PM (F(1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); however, there was no significant time*day interaction (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusion: Data show a high prevalence of hypohydration occurring in this specific population. This sub-optimal hydration status could be a cause for concern in terms of overall performance. Efforts should be made to integrate hydration interventions and daily monitoring to minimize hypohydration in players.

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of mild cerebral hypoxia on haemoglobin oxygenation (HbO2), cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and cardiovascular physiology. To achieve this goal, four signals were recorded simultaneously: blood pressure, heart rate / electrocardiogram, HbO2 from right hemisphere and changes of subarachnoid space (SAS) width from left hemisphere. Signals were registered from 30 healthy, young participants (2 females and 28 males, body mass index = 24.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2, age 30.8 ± 13.4 years). Results: We analysed the recorded signals using wavelet transform and phase coherence. We demonstrated for the first time that in healthy subjects exposed to mild poikilokapnic hypoxia there were increases in very low frequency HbO2 oscillations (< 0.052 Hz) in prefrontal cortex. Additionally, SAS fluctuation diminished in the whole frequency range which could be explained by brain oedema. Conclusions: Consequently the study provides insight into mechanisms governing brain response to a mild hypoxic challenge. Our study supports the notion that HbO2 and SAS width monitoring might be beneficial for patients with acute lung disease.

RESUMO Grandes estudos multicêntricos demostram que aneurismas intracranianos pequenos são associados a risco de sangramento mínimo. Outras grandes séries têm evidenciado que aneurismas rotos são em sua maioria os pequenos. Neste estudo questionamos até que ponto os aneurismas pequenos não são perigosos. Métodos: Avaliamos 290 novos casos de aneurismas tratados em nossa instituição durante 6 anos (43,7% rotos). Realizamos análises multivariadas com aspectos epidemiológicos dos pacientes, doenças cardiovasculares e três parâmetros angiográficos: maior diâmetro, diâmetro do colo e diâmetro do vaso nutridor do aneurisma. Estimativas de risco foram calculadas utilizando-se modelo de regressão logística. Parâmetros do tamanho aneurismático foram estratificados de acordo com curvas ROC. Também calculamos a razão de chances (odds ratios) de ruptura baseadas nas análises das curvas ROC. Resultados: O maior diâmetro médio para os grupos de aneurismas rotos e não-rotos foi 13.3 ± 1.7mm e 22.2 ± 2.2 (p < 0.001). Análises multivariadas revelaram uma correlação positiva entre ruptura aneurismática e hipertensão arterial (p < 0.001) e uma correlação inversa entre ruptura e as três medidas angiográficas (p < 0.01). Aneurismas da artéria cerebral anterior foram os que mais sangraram (p < 0.05). Análises das curvas ROC demonstram que no maior diâmetro de 15mm, a sensibilidade e especificidade para se predizer ruptura são de 83% e 36%. Baseando-se nessas estratificações, calculamos uma chance de ruptura para aneurismas menores de 15mm de 46% e de 25% para aneurismas maiores. Conclusão: Na população estudada, aneurismas pequenos são mais propensos a romper. Desta forma, a necessidade de intervenção para aneurismas pequenos não deve ser relevada.

ABSTRACT Large multicenter studies have shown that small intracranial aneurysms are associated with a minimal risk of bleeding. Nevertheless, other large series have shown that most ruptured aneurysms are, in fact, the smaller ones. In the present study, we questioned whether small aneurysms are indeed not dangerous. Methods: We enrolled 290 patients with newly-diagnosed aneurysms at our institution over a six-year period (43.7% ruptured). We performed multivariate analyses addressing epidemiological issues, cardiovascular diseases, and three angiographic parameters (largest aneurysm diameter, neck diameter and diameter of the nutrition vessel). Risk estimates were calculated using a logistic regression model. Aneurysm size parameters were stratified according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, we calculated odds ratios for rupture based on the ROC analysis. Results: The mean largest diameter for the ruptured versus unruptured groups was 13.3 ± 1.7 mm versus 22.2 ± 2.2 mm (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between rupture and arterial hypertension (p < 0.001) and an inverse correlation with all three angiographic measurements (all p < 0.01). Aneurysms from the anterior cerebral artery bled more often (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curves, at the largest diameter of 15 mm, the sensitivity and specificity to predict rupture were 83% and 36%, respectively. Based on this stratification, we calculated the chance of rupture for aneurysms smaller than 15 mm as 46%, which dropped to 25% for larger aneurysms. Conclusion: In the population studied at our institution, small aneurysms were more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the need for intervention for small aneurysms should not be overlooked.

This study examined the convergent validity of the visual perceptual Richmond Reversal Rating (RRR) assessment, in relation to visual-spatial abilities of young school-aged children, using known-groups validity and convergent validity hypotheses testing. Seventy-two primary school children (Years 1-3) were assessed with the RRR assessment and the Spatial Awareness Skills Program Test (SASP). The Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated a significant difference between the RRR overall scores and the SAPS grouped scores, H(2) = 6.155, p = .046. Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed a low positive yet significant correlation (r s = .433, p = .000) between the RRR overall scores and the SASP percentile scores, and a significant moderate positive correlation between the RRR overall scores and the SASP scores (r s = .666, p = .000). The results provide evidential support for the convergent validity of the RRR assessment in relation to visual-spatial abilities as measured by the SASP.

RESUMO O revestimento de grânulos de fertilizantes fosfatados com polímeros e magnésio (Mg) é uma tecnologia que pode melhorar a eficiência no uso de fósforo (P) e mitigar os problemas de baixo fornecimento de Mg em lavouras cafeeiras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento e características nutricionais de mudas de café e a eficiência agronômica (EA) de fosfato monoamônico (MAP) revestido com polímeros aniônicos e Mg em comparação com outras tecnologias de fertilizantes fosfatados. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em vasos de 20 L. Duas mudas de café com cinco meses de idade foram transplantadas para cada vaso. O delineamento experimental foi completamente casualizado com 3 repetições. Os seguintes tratamentos, aplicados na dose correspondente a 20 g vaso-1 de P2O5, foram conduzidos: MAP; MAP revestido com polímeros aniônicos (Policote Phós®); MAP revestido com polímeros aniônicos+Mg (Policote Phós_Mg®); Top-Phós®; e Agrocote®. Um controle (sem P) foi preparado. Altura da planta; área foliar; massa seca de folhas, caules, e raízes; massa seca total; razão parte aérea/raíz; peso específico da folha; teores de P e Mg em plantas e suas disponibilidades no solo após o cultivo e índices de eficiência dos tratamentos com adubação fosfatada foram avaliados. A recuperação do P aplicado e a eficiência agronômica dos fertilizantes fosfatados aumentaram na seguinte ordem: MAP = Top-Phós® = Agrocote®<MAP+Policote Phós® = MAP+Policote Phós_Mg®. O revestimento dos grânulos do MAP+Policote Phós_Mg® aumentaram o crescimento, o teor e acúmulo de P e Mg em mudas de café, a disponibilidade destes nutrientes no solo após o cultivo e a eficiência agronômica da adubação fosfatada.

ABSTRACT The coating of phosphate fertilizer granules with polymers and magnesium (Mg) is a technology that can improve phosphorus (P) use efficiency and mitigate problems of low Mg supply in coffee crops. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth and nutrition characteristics of coffee seedlings and the agronomic efficiency (AE) of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) coated with anionic polymers and Mg in comparison with other phosphate fertilizer technologies. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in 20 L pots. Two five-month-old coffee seedlings were transplanted into each pot. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates. The following treatments, applied at a dose corresponding to 20 g pot-1 of P2O5, were carried out: MAP; MAP coated with anionic polymers (Policote Phós®); MAP coated with anionic polymers+Mg (Policote Phós_Mg®); Top-Phós®; and Agrocote®. A control (without P) was prepared. Plant height; leaf area; dry mass of leaves, stems, and roots; total dry mass; shoot/root ratio; specific leaf weight; P and Mg content in plants and their availability in the soil after cultivation and efficiency indicesof the phosphate fertilization treatment were evaluated. The recovery of applied P and the agronomic efficiency of phosphate fertilizers was found to increase in the following order: MAP = Top-Phós® = Agrocote®<MAP+Policote Phós® = MAP+Policote Phós_Mg®. The coating of the MAP+Policote Phós_Mg® granules increased growth, the content and accumulation of P and Mg in coffee seedlings, the availability of these nutrients in the soil after cultivation and the agronomic efficiency of phosphate fertilization.

BACKGROUND. A predominant feature of Schistosoma haematobium infection is urinary egg excretion, and microscopic egg detection remains the accepted standard field diagnostic tool. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis, and the World Health Organization recommends that it should be administered to all children >4 years of age living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas. The frequency of mass drug administration depends on the prevalence rate in the community. Urinary schistosome egg output has a day-to-day and hour-to-hour intrasubject variation. Therefore, it is important to assess possible seasonal variations in egg excretion to improve the planning of drug treatment. OBJECTIVES. To assess the influence of seasonality on urinary schistosome egg excretion in South Africa (SA). METHODS. We performed a prospective cohort study, exploring seasonal variations of S. haematobium egg excretion in 184 girls aged 10 - 12 years from randomly selected schools in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA. The area has a subtropical climate characterised by a cool dry season and a hot humid season. For children, water contact is higher in the latter season. At baseline, 108 girls were examined in the hot season, and 76 in the cold season. In the next year's cold season the untreated patients were re-investigated before treatment. RESULTS. There was a decrease in infection in the group initially tested in the hot season compared with the group tested in the cold season at both time points when adjusted for age and water contact (adjusted odds ratio 3.61 (95% confidence interval 1.14 - 11.44); p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS. This unique study shows that schistosomiasis prevalence determined by microscopy exhibits seasonal variation, with a higher prevalence in the hot rainy season. Precise community prevalence estimations are key in decisions to treat communities. There was significantly lower egg output in the cold season, and sampling in that season may therefore underestimate the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis. The study indicates that sampling in SA should be done in the hot season.

Abstract Background: Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It modulates immune cell function and is an important energy substrate for cells in critically ill patients. Reduction of injury cardiac markers had been observed in patients receiving intravenous glutamine and in a pilot study with oral glutamine. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative oral supplementation of glutamine on postoperative serum levels of cardiac injury markers. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed in 28 Mexican patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal circulation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral glutamine (0.5 g/kg/day) or maltodextrin 3 days before surgery. Cardiac injury markers as troponin-I, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine phosphokinase-Mb were measured at 1, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Results: At 12 and 24 hours serum markers levels were significantly lower in the glutamine group compared with controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively) (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Overall, complications were significantly lower in the glutamine group (p = 0.01, RR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.93). Mortality was observed with 2 cases of multiple organ failure in control group and 1 case of pulmonary embolism in glutamine group (p = 0.50). Conclusion: Preoperative oral glutamine standardized at a dose of 0.5 g/kg/day in our study group showed a significant reduction in postoperative myocardial damage. Lower cardiac injury markers levels, morbidity and mortality were observed in patients receiving glutamine.

Resumen Introducción: la glutamina es el aminoácido libre más abundante en el cuerpo. Modula funciones celulares inmunológicas y es un sustrato importante de energía. Se observó reducción de los marcadores de daño cardiaco en pacientes que recibieron tanto glutamina intravenosa como oral en un estudio piloto. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar el efecto preoperatorio con suplementación de glutamina oral sobre los niveles postoperatorios de los marcadores de lesión cardiaca. Métodos: ensayo clínico aleatorizado con 28 pacientes mexicanos con cardiopatía isquémica y sometidos a bypass cardiopulmonar con circulación extracorpórea. Los pacientes fueron asignados al azar para recibir glutamina oral (0,5 g/kg/día) o maltodextrina 3 días antes de ser operados. La troponina-I, creatinina fosfoquinasa y creatinina fosfoquinasa-Mb fueron medidas a la hora, 12 y 24 horas postoperatorias. Resultados: a las 12 y 24 horas los niveles séricos de marcadores fueron menores en el grupo de glutamina comparado con los controles (p = 0,01 y p = 0,001, respectivamente) (p = 0,004 y p < 0,001, respectivamente). Las complicaciones fueron menores en el grupo de glutamina (p = 0,01, RR = 0,54, 95% IC 0,31-0,93). La mortalidad ocurrió en 2 casos con dos falla orgánica múltiple en el grupo control y 1 caso de tromboembolia pulmonar en el grupo de glutamina (p = 0,50). Conclusión: la administración estandarizada de glutamina oral de manera preoperatoria (0,5 g/kg/día) en nuestro estudio demostró una reducción significativa del daño miocárdico postoperatorio. Los niveles séricos de marcadores cardiacos, la morbilidad y mortalidad fueron menores en los pacientes que recibieron glutamina.

Resumen:En este estudio se calcula un modelo mínimo de velocidades para la Cordillera Volcánica de Guanacaste a partir de 475 sismos locales registrados por el Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico Arenal Miravalles (OSIVAM) entre enero del 2006 y julio del 2014. El modelo consta de seis capas desde la superficie hasta 80 km de profundidad y posee velocidades que varían entre 3,96 y 7,79 km/s. Las correcciones para las estaciones obtenidas varían entre -0,28 a 0,45 y muestran una tendencia de valores positivos sobre el arco volcánico y negativos en el antearco, en concordancia con el espesor de la corteza. La relocalización de los sismos muestra tres grupos principales de epicentros que podrían asociarse con actividad en fallas inferidas. El MMV1D presentado en esta investigación brinda una idea simplificada de la estructura de la corteza y pretende contribuir con el mejoramiento de la localización rutinaria de sismos que realiza el OSIVAM.

Abstract:In this study a minimum 1D model for the Guanacaste Volcanic Arc (CVG) is derived from 475 local earthquakes registered between January 2006 and July 2014 by the Arenal-Miravalles Seismological and Volcanic Observatory (OSIVAM). This velocity model has six layers and covers from the surface to a depth of 80 km. The model has velocities from 3.96 to 7.79 km/s from top to bottom. The station corrections obtained range between -0.28 and 0.45. These corrections show a trend with positive values located over the volcanic arc and negative values located on the forearc, in agreement with the crustal thickness. Three main seismicity clusters were acknowledged from the earthquake relocations, which may be associated with activity on inferred faults. The obtained one dimensional velocity model displays a simplified version for the crustal structure and aim to improve the earthquake location processes performed by the OSIVAM.

Este artículo describe el diseño, implementación y evaluación de un adiestramiento para profesionales de ayuda que trabajan en instituciones de educación superior en Puerto Rico. Está dirigido al desarrollo de destrezas y conocimiento en la evaluación y el manejo del riesgo suicida en estudiantes universitarios-as. Se realizó un diseño cuasiexperimental de medidas repetidas con 39 profesionales de las disciplinas de consejería, psicología y trabajo social. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la pre y posprueba, t (38) = -9.281, p = 0. Los resultados sugieren que un adiestramiento basado en la evidencia que utilice como guía las competencias e incorpore el uso de ejercicios prácticos aumenta el conocimiento y destrezas de intervención de profesionales de la salud mental en la evaluación y manejo de riesgo suicida.

This article describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a suicide risk assessment and management training for professionals working in institutions of higher education in Puerto Rico. We conducted a quasiexperimental design with 39 professionals in counseling, psychology and social work. Statistically significant differences were found between pre and post-tests, t (38) = -9.281, p = 0. Results suggest that an evidence-based training that follows the core competencies and includes practical exercises, increases the knowledge and intervention skills of mental health professionals in the assessment and management of suicide risk.

AbstractThe aim of this research was to determine the fertility of soils of dairy farms at four zones of the Guanacaste volcanic mountain range. The study was conducted during a two-year period (2009-2010) in farms of Guayabo (Bagaces) and Nubes, San Ramón and Florida (Quebrada Grande, Tilarán). A total of 40 soil samples were collected, each one was composed by 20 subsamples. The results revealed that soil pH in Guayabo tended to be lower (p=0.0539) than in Nubes, San Ramón and Florida. Guayabo soils showed higher concentrations (p<0.01) of magnesium (Mg), cupper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) than the soils of the three zones of Tilarán. The soils of Guayabo and San Ramón showed higher values of effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) (p<0.01) than Nubes and Florida soils. According to the general critical levels for the extracting solution used, none of the soils of the analyzed zones reach a pH higher than 5.5, the Tilarán and Guayabo soils were deficient in Mg and P respectively and no zone was deficient in Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. These results revealed that the soils of all the zones had some mineral deficiency and low values of pH, therefore fertilizers and amendments should be applied according to nutritional needs of each farm. Adequate soil nutrition could improve productivity of forage and allowed a higher animal charge capacity per unit of area.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la fertilidad de los suelos de fincas lecheras de cuatro zonas de la Cordillera Volcánica de Guanacaste. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante un periodo de dos años (2009-2010) en fincas de Guayabo (Bagaces) y Nubes, San Ramón y Florida (Quebrada Grande, Tilarán). Un total de 40 muestras de suelo fueron recolectadas, cada una se conformó por 20 sub-muestras. Los resultados revelaron que el pH de los suelos de Guayabo tendieron a ser más bajos (p=0,0539) que los de Nubes, San Ramón y Florida. Los suelos de Guayabo presentaron mayores concentraciones (p<0,01) de magnesio (Mg), cobre (Cu), hierro (Fe) y manganeso (Mn) que los de las tres zonas de Tilarán. Los suelos de Guayabo y San Ramón mostraron mayor capacidad de intercambio catiónica efectiva (CICE) (p<0,01) que los suelos de Nubes y Florida. Según los niveles críticos generales para la solución extractora utilizada, ninguno de los suelos de las zonas analizadas alcanzó un pH mayor a 5,5, los suelos de Tilarán y Guayabo fueron deficientes de Mg y P respectivamente y ninguna zona fue deficiente en Zn, Cu, Fe y Mn. Estos resultados revelaron que los suelos de todas las zonas tuvieron alguna deficiencia mineral y valores bajos de pH, por lo tanto se deben aplicar fertilizantes y enmiendas acordes con las necesidades nutricionales de cada finca. Una nutrición adecuada de los suelos podría mejorar la productividad de forraje y permitir una mayor capacidad de carga animal por unidad de área.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia impairs normal development in children and has wide-ranging social and economic implications. Existing anaemia control strategies primarily target anaemia in infancy. The contribution, however, of anaemia in preschool- and school-aged children as well as its long-term effects has not been extensively evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anaemia in the same children on two occasions at least 18 months apart. METHOD: We carried out a longitudinal study in a rural community of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured using the HaemoCue at baseline when the children were aged 4 - 6 years, and the follow-up assessment was done at age 6 -8 years. HIV screening and helminth testing was offered to all the children. RESULTS: Hb levels at both baseline and follow-up were available for 181 children. The baseline anaemia prevalence was 56.9% (mean Hb 11.2, standard deviation (SD) 1.14) and at follow-up the anaemia prevalence was 41.9% (mean Hb 11.7, SD 1.19). There were 21/180 (11.7%) children with new-onset anaemia at follow-up, while anaemia from baseline persisted in 43/103 (41.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a high burden of anaemia in these school-aged children, which might be reduced with early interventions. Interventions targeting screening and management of anaemia, chronic infections and nutritional deficiencies are recommended.

The availability of a useful tool for simple and timely detection of the most important virulent varieties of Escherichia coli is indispensable. To this end, bacterial DNA pools which had previously been categorized were obtained from isolated colonies as well as selected in terms of utilized phenotype; the pools were assessed by two PCR Multiplex for the detection of virulent E. coli eaeA, bfpA, stx1, stx2, ipaH, ST, LT, and aatA genes, with the 16S gene used as DNA control. The system was validated with 66 fecal samples and 44 wastewater samples. At least one positive isolate was detected by a virulent gene among the 20 that were screened. The analysis of fecal samples from children younger than 6 years of age detected frequencies of 25% LT positive strains, 8.3% eae, 8.3% bfpA, 16.7% ipaH, as well as 12.5 % aatA and ST. On the other hand, wastewater samples revealed frequencies of 25.7% eaeA positive, 30.3% stx1, 15.1% LT and 19.7% aatA. This study is an initial step toward carrying out epidemiological field research that will reveal the presence of these bacterial varieties.