Resumen Introducción: Los procedimientos dentales han sido asociados a bacteriemia y endocarditis infecciosa. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de endocarditis infecciosa a partir de procedimientos odontológicos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo retrospectivo cuantitativo. Se incluyeron historias clínicas de pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa a los cuales se les registró identificación general, sexo, edad, estrato socioeconómico, reporte de procedimiento odontológico, tipo de procedimiento odontológico, endocarditis infecciosa no especificada y reporte de procedimiento médico-quirúrgico. Adicionalmente, se registró información sobre el tipo de procedimiento médico-quirúrgico o condición médica relacionada. Los datos fueron compilados en hoja de cálculo para su procesamiento en software estadístico (SPSS ver. 25). Resultados: De 154 casos de endocarditis infecciosa registrados, solo en uno (0.7%) se reportó procedimiento odontológico del tipo endodoncia previo a la hospitalización. La causa relacionada más comúnmente reportada fue cateterismo para hemodiálisis (37%) seguido de bacteriemia no específica (22%) y condición cardiovascular asociada a válvulas cardíacas y marcapasos (18.8%). En el 15.6% de los casos se reportó como endocarditis infecciosa no especificada. Los microorganismos más comúnmente aislados pertenecen al género Staphylococcus, seguido de Streptococcus. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de endocarditis bacteriana relacionada con procedimientos odontológicos fue menor del 1%. Los procedimientos médico-quirúrgicos siguen siendo la causa más común de endocarditis bacteriana.

Abstract Introduction: Dental procedures have been associated with bacteriemia and infective endocarditis. Objective: To determine the prevalence of infective endocarditis from dental procedures. Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective quantitative study was carried out. Records of infective endocarditis of which the general identification, sex, age, socioeconomic status, dental procedure report, type of dental procedure and non-specified infective endocarditis information was collected. Additionally, information was recorded on the type of medical/surgical procedure or medical condition that was associated. Categorical variables are presented as absolute and relative frequencies. The data were compiled in a spreadsheet for processing in statistical software (SPSS ver. 25). Results: Of the 154 cases of infective endocarditis registered, only 1 case (0.7%) reported an endodontic-type dental procedure prior to hospitalization. The most reported related cause was catheterization for hemodialysis (37%) followed by unspecified bacteriemia (22%) and cardiovascular condition associated with heart valves and pacemakers (18.8%). In 15.6% of the cases, it was reported as non-specific infective endocarditis. The most isolated microorganisms belonged to the genus Staphylococcus followed by Streptococcus. Conclusions: The frequency of bacterial endocarditis related to dental procedures was less than 1%. Medical-surgical procedures remain the most common cause of bacterial endocarditis.

Biochar from slow pyrolysis under controlled conditions is favorable in the transformation of waste into materials that serve as soil conditioners, and/or environmental remediation. Thus, this work aimed to produce and characterize biochar from cassava waste under different temperature conditions and evaluate interactions with Ca2+ and Pb2+ for agricultural and environmental applications. To investigate the efficiency of the interaction of biochar with nutrients (Ca) and contaminants (Pb), the influence of pH and contact time were evaluated. There was an increase in pH, pHzpc (zero point charge), and condensed aromatic structures in BC, due to the increase in pyrolysis temperature. Also, biochar demonstrated a Pb2+ adsorbed amount of 2.03 to 2.37 mg g-1 and a Ca2+ release capacity of 0.655 to 0.765 mg g-1. In this way, biochar produced from residues of cassava waste can be a viable strategy to enhance agricultural production and reduce environmental contaminants.

Abstract Background: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism in children. An association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH vitamin D) and the development of the disease have been detected. The aim of this study was to describe 25OH vitamin D levels in patients aged 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in three pediatric endocrinology outpatient centers in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with retrospective data collection. We evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, presence of comorbidities, and frequency of vitamin D deficiency. Results: Sixty patients were included. The 25OH vitamin D levels were sufficient in 65% of the cases according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria and in 10% of the cases according to the Endocrine Society criteria. Serum calcium and phosphorus values were normal in 53% and 45% of the patients, respectively. All patients had normal magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels. No differences were found in the exploratory analysis when comparing 25OH vitamin D levels, thyroid antibody levels, and thyroid volume. Conclusions: In this chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis population, we did not find an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to IOM or the Endocrine Society criteria compared with previous data from the general population. No statistically significant differences were found in the exploratory analysis.

Resumen Introducción: La tiroiditis linfocítica crónica o tiroiditis de Hashimoto es la causa más frecuente de hipotiroidismo adquirido en la edad pediátrica. Se ha detectado una asociación entre concentraciones bajas de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OH vitamina D) y el desarrollo de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las concentraciones de 25OH vitamina D en pacientes de 5 a 18 años con diagnóstico de tiroiditis linfocítica crónica en tres centros de consulta externa de endocrinología pediátrica enMedellín,Colombia. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de corte transversal con recolección retrospectiva de la información. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, particularidades del diagnóstico, presencia de comorbilidad y frecuencia de deficiencia de vitamina D. Resultados: Se incluyeron 60 pacientes. La concentración de 25OH vitamina D fue suficiente en el 65% de los casos según los criterios de Institute of Medicine (IOM) y en el 10% de los casos según los criterios de la Endocrine Society. Los valores de calcio y fósforo sérico fueron normales en el 53% y el 45% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Todos los pacientes presentaron concentraciones normales de magnesio y paratohormona. No se encontraron diferencias en el análisis exploratorio al comparar la concentración de 25OH vitamina D, de anticuerpos tiroideos y el volumen tiroideo. Conclusiones: En esta población con tiroiditis linfocítica crónica no se encontró una mayor prevalencia de deficiencia de 25OH vitamina D según los criterios del IOM y de la Endocrine Society en comparación con datos previos de la población general. En el análisis exploratorio no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

Abstract: This study seeks to analyze whether the online program named “Freely Creative,” a continuing education program offered at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (Medellín, Colombia), is an effective online teaching tool in times of COVID-19. By means of a descriptive, deductive methodology, the present study performs an inferential analysis based on statistical data. The results show that the use of a digital platform, with groups of participants belonging to different socioeconomic strata and with different levels of education, is an educational alternative to enhance knowledge around creativity, innovation, and leadership. It is concluded that the “Freely Creative” program is indeed an effective online teaching strategy that positively influences students, making it a reference point for other accessible distance education programs in times of pandemic.

Resumen: Este estudio tiene como propósito analizar si el programa online de formación continua, denominado “Libremente Creativos”, ofrecido por la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana en Medellín (Colombia), se constituye en una estrategia de docencia online en tiempos del COVID-19. La metodología responde a una del tipo descriptiva, con método deductivo y realiza un análisis inferencial, a partir de datos estadísticos. Los resultados demuestran que el uso de una plataforma digital, con grupos de participantes pertenecientes a distintos estratos socioeconómicos y con diferentes niveles de formación, se constituye en una alternativa educativa para potencializar conocimientos alrededor de la creatividad, la innovación y el liderazgo. Se concluye que este programa es una estrategia de docencia online que impacta, de forma positiva, a los usuarios y que se convierte en un referente, para opciones educativas de accesibilidad, de forma remota, en tiempos de pandemia.

Alkaline extractions from humic material are used to risk assessment in soils. However, there are questions about the type of extraction most suitable for this evaluation. Thus, this work evaluated different soil extractions in search of realistic environmental conditions (simulated rain). The parameters obtained revealed significant differences between the levels and structural characteristics of organic matter, depending on the extractant used, reinforcing the importance of developing methodologies and analytical procedures that minimize structural changes and may be more representative of the molecular structures of organic matter found in soils. The results showed that the material extracted by simulated rain is similar to the fulvic acids of the soil organic matter extracted by alkaline extraction showing the importance of this type of extraction for risk assessment studies in soils.

The metal concentrations in water, sediments and mollusks (Tagelus plebeius) of the Manguaba Lagoon and the influence of humic substances from water and sediments in the distribution of these metals were investigated in this work. The mean metal concentrations in water were: Mg (89.0 ± 0.11), Ca (32.0 ± 0.10), Fe (0.97 ± 0.02), Mn (0.52 ± 0.01), Zn (0.33 ± 0.10) and Pb (0.22 ± 0.02) mg L-1. The Pb concentrations were above the Brazilian legislation limit. All sediment data were below maximum limit established by the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA, Brazil) of the Ministry of the Environment, and the concentration ranges for metals were: Fe (1199-60000), Mg (339-8870), Ca (461-3838), Cr (< LOQ-39.5) and Pb (< LOQ-12.5) mg kg-1 (LOQ: limit of quantification). None of the principal contaminants (Cr, Pb and Cd) was determined in Tagelus plebeius, being a positive fact once the population nearby Manguaba Lagoon consumes large amounts of this mollusk. According to the results, the influence of humic substances in the contaminant retention is evident as they become unavailable for absorption by mollusks of Manguaba Lagoon.

Resumen Introducción: La medición del clima de seguridad (CS) en las instituciones de salud es parte fundamental del desarrollo de una política de seguridad del paciente (PSP). Existe poca información acerca de la medición de clima de seguridad en las unidades quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Medir las dimensiones del CS en las unidades quirúrgicas de seis instituciones de salud colombianas según las características del personal. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. El cuestionario sobre seguridad del paciente en los hospitales (HSOPS) más la adición de un módulo para unidades quirúrgicas se aplicó al personal de seis hospitales de III nivel de Medellín (Colombia). Se midió el porcentaje de respuestas positivas para cada dimensión del CS. Se analizaron las diferencias por profesión y tipo de contratación. Resultados: Se incluyeron 442 participantes. El personal de las unidades quirúrgicas percibe un CS débil en respuesta no punitiva al error y carga de trabajo (49,4 % y 59,3 % de respuestas positivas respectivamente). Se encontraron diferencias entre personal médico y de enfermería con puntajes más bajos de percepción de CS en enfermería para aquellas dimensiones relacionadas con cuidado del paciente. Los anestesiólogos presentan puntajes bajos en el reporte de eventos. Existen además diferencias según el tipo de contrato de trabajo. Conclusiones: A pesar de la implementación de políticas de seguridad del paciente, persiste la percepción de una cultura punitiva frente al error, con una carga de trabajo elevado. El reconocimiento de las diferencias entre los grupos en las unidades quirúrgicas permitirá focalizar intervenciones que fortalezcan la seguridad del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: The safety climate (SC) measurement in the hospitals, is essential for the development of a patient safety policy (PSP). Information about SC in the operating rooms is scarce. Objective: To measure the dimensions of SC in Colombian Operating Rooms according to characteristics of surgical staff. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety and an additional module for operating rooms were administered to healthcare workers in 6 high-complexity hospitals in the Metropolitan Area of Medellín (Colombia). The positive responses percentage for each dimension was measured. Differences by profession and type of contract were analyzed. Results: A total of442 participants were included. The workers in the operating rooms perceive a weak SC in terms of non-punitive response to error and workload (49.4% and 59.3% positive responses, respectively). Differences were found between physicians and nurses with lower scores in nursing for dimensions related to patient care. Anesthesiologists present low scores in events reporting. There are also differences by the type of work contract. Conclusion: Despite the PSP, the perception of a punitive culture to error, with a high workload. Recognizing differences between the groups within the surgical units helps to focus interventions strengthening the patient safety.

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de evaluar la tolerancia al cadmio (Cd) de tres cepas de microalgas de los géneros Ankistrodesmus, Chlorella y Scenedesmus se determinó la cinética de crecimiento, concentración de pigmentos y peso seco total en medios contaminados con 0.0 - 15.0 mg L-1 de Cd y se calculó la concentración letal media (CL50). Para las cepas Scenedesmus sp. y Chlorella sp., más tolerantes, se cuantificó la remoción de Cd en medios con 1.0 y 7.0 mg L-1 del contaminante. Siendo el mayor porcentaje de remoción de cadmio el 32% para Scenedesmus sp. Chlorella sp. presentó buena remoción en cultivos con niveles bajos del metal en el medio y Ankistrodesmus sp. fue la microalga con menor tolerancia al cadmio. Así mismo, se encontró que Scenedesmus sp. presentó la mayor tolerancia al cadmio generando 36.15 µg mL-1 de biomasa seca a 3.5 mg L-1 de Cd y una CL50 de 20.89 mg L-1 Cd.

ABSTRACT In order to assess tolerance to cadmium (Cd) for three Colombian native strains of microalgae belonging to the genus Ankistrodesmus, Chlorella and Scenedesmus the growth kinetics, the concentration of pigments, the total dry weight in media contaminated with cadmium in ranges between 0.0 - 15.0 mg L-1 , and the median lethal concentration (LC50) were determined. Additionally, for the more tolerant strains, Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp., removal of Cd in media enriched with 1.0 and 7.0 mg L-1 contaminant was quantified. The study found that Scenedesmus sp was the strain that had the highest tolerance to cadmium generating 36.15 µg mL-1 of dry biomass at 3.5 mg L-1 of Cd and LC50 20.89 mg L-1 Cd after 12 days of culture. The highest percentage of removal of cadmium was 32% for Scenedesmus sp. Chlorella sp. presented good removal of Cd in cultures with low levels of metal and Ankistrodesmus sp. was the microalgae with less tolerance.

Resumo Este trabalho teve por objetivo sintetizar in situ pelo método Pechini, pós do compósito magnetoelétrico Sr0,61Ba0,39Nb2O6/NiFe2O4 (SBN61/NFO), na proporção 50/50 molar, visando obter amostras sinterizadas com controle de crescimento anormal de grãos da fase SBN61. As amostras de SBN61/NFO foram caracterizadas por análise termogravimétrica, difratometria de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão. Refinamento pelo método de Rietveld foi utilizado para quantificar as fases presentes nas amostras sintetizadas e o resultado revelou redução de fases espúrias no compósito SBN61/NFO quando comparado só com o SBN61. O compósito SBN61/NFO após sinterização apresentou densidade relativa acima de 98%, excelente dispersão das fases NFO e SBN61, baixo grau de percolação da fase NFO e microestrutura sem crescimento anormal de grãos da fase SBN61.

Abstract This work involved the in situ synthesis, by the Pechini method, of powders of the magnetoelectric composite Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6/NiFe2O4 (SBN61/NFO), in a 50/50 ratio, to obtain sintered samples with control of abnormal grain growth of the SBN61 phase. The SBN61/NFO samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The phases in the synthesized samples were quantified by the Rietveld refinement method and the result revealed that the SBN61/NFO composite contained fewer spurious phases than the SBN61 phase alone. After sintering, the SBN61/NFO composite showed a relative density of 98.6%, excellent dispersion of the NFO and SBN61 phases, a low degree of percolation of the NFO phase, and microstructure without abnormal grain growth of the SBN61 phase.

Resumen En los ambientes hospitalarios, existen varios problemas relacionados con las infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud (HAI, por sus siglas en inglés), los tejidos hospitalarios contaminados, pueden contribuir a la propagación y transmisión de los HAIs, debido a la retención de virus y bacterias. Las nanopartículas metálicas antibacterianas sumergidas en tejidos hospitalarios permiten reducir los microorganismos. Este documento presenta una vigilancia tecnológica de las principales propiedades del nanotextil antibacteriano para uso en ambientes hospitalarios, basados en estándares internacionales. Inicialmente, la ecuación de búsqueda se determinó "antibacteriano" Y "nanopartícula". Posteriormente, se seleccionaron las principales propiedades, mediante la revisión de diferentes autores. Luego, las propiedades se relacionaron con los estándares internacionales. Finalmente, se presentan los resultados encontrados asociados a los materiales utilizados para el desarrollo de materiales no tejidos y sus propiedades para ambientes hospitalarios, tamaños de muestras y también el equipo necesario para la caracterización.

Abstract In hospital environments, there are several problems related to Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), contaminated hospital textiles, can contribute to the spread and transmission of (HAIs), due to retention of viruses and bacteria. The antibacterial metallic nanoparticles immersed in hospital textiles can allow reduction of microorganisms. This paper presents a technological surveillance of the principal properties of antibacterial nanotextiles to be used in hospital environments, based on international standards. Initially, the search equation was determined for “antibacterial” AND “nanoparticle.” Subsequently, the main properties were selected, by means of a multiple authors’ review. Afterwards, the properties were related to international standards. Finally, we present the results found associated to the materials used to develop nonwoven textiles, and their properties for hospital environments, the sizes of samples and also the equipment required for characterization.

Resumo Nos ambientes hospitaleiros, existem vários problemas relacionados com as infecções associadas à atenção da saúde (HAI), os tecidos hospitalários contaminados, podem contribuir à propagação e transmissão dos HAIs, devido à retenção de vírus e bactérias. As nano partículas metálicas antibacterianas submergidas em tecidos hospitalários permitem reduzir os microorganismos. Este documento apresenta uma vigilância tecnológica das principais propriedades do nano têxtil antibacteriano para uso em ambientes hospitalários, baseados em padrões internacionais. Inicialmente, a equação de busca determinou-se "antibacteriano" e "nano partícula". Posteriormente, selecionaram-se as principais propriedades, mediante a revisão de diferentes autores. Posteriormente, as propriedades relacionaram-se com os padrões internacionais. Finalmente, apresentam-se os resultados encontrados associados aos materiais utilizados para o desenvolvimento de tecidos não tecidos e suas propriedades para ambientes hospitaleiros, tamanhos de amostras e também a equipe necessária para a caracterização.

O presente documento foi preparado por um grupo de especialistas, membros das Sociedades de Cardiologia, Endocrinologia, Medicina Interna, Nefrologia e Diabetes dos países da América Latina, para que sirva de diretriz para médicos que cuidam de pacientes com diabetes, hipertensão e fatores de risco concomitantes ou complicações de ambas as condições. Embora o conceito de síndrome metabólica seja atualmente muito discutido, a alta prevalência na América Latina do conjunto de alterações metabólicas que a compõem sugere que a síndrome metabólica é uma entidade nosográfica útil no contexto da medicina latino-americana. Devido a isso, no presente documento presta-se especial atenção a essa síndrome com a finalidade de alertar aos médicos sobre uma população particularmente de alto risco, que, por ser subestimada, não é tratada de forma adequada para os fatores de risco que constituem a síndrome metabólica. As recomendações deste documento são o resultado de apresentações e debates que ocorreram durante um encontro de dois dias em Bucaramanga (Colômbia), em outubro de 2012. Todos os participantes aprovaram as decisões finais. Os autores reconhecem que a publicação e difusão das diretrizes não serão suficientes para alcançar as mudanças recomendadas tanto em estratégias diagnósticas como terapêuticas, por isso programaram intervenções que permitirão identificar as barreiras do conhecimento, as atitudes e comportamento, o que permitirá tanto aos médicos como aos pacientes uma adequada adesão às recomendações sugeridas nestas diretrizes. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):205-25

The present document has been prepared by a group of experts, members of cardiology, endocrinology, internal medicine, nephrology and diabetes societies of Latin American countries, to serve as a guide to physicians taking care of patients with diabetes, hypertension and comorbidities or complications of both conditions. Although the concept of metabolic syndrome is currently disputed, the higher prevalence in Latin America of that cluster of metabolic alterations has suggested that metabolic syndrome is a useful nosography entity in the context of Latin American medicine. Therefore, in the present document, particular attention is paid to this syndrome in order to alert physicians on a particular high-risk population, usually underestimated and undertreated. These recommendations result from presentations and debates by discussion panels during a 2-day conference held in Bucaramanga, in October 2012, and all the participants have approved the final conclusions. The authors acknowledge that the publication and diffusion of guidelines do not suffice to achieve the recommended changes in diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, and plan suitable interventions overcoming knowledge, attitude and behavioural barriers, preventing both physicians and patients from effectively adhering to guideline recommendations. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):205-25

Compósitos polímero/cerâmica à base de poli (fluoreto de vinilideno), PVDF, e cerâmicas ferroelétricas de titanato zirconato de chumbo modificado com lantânio, PLZT, foram sintetizados a partir da dispersão de partículas de cerâmica na solução polimérica. A temperatura de secagem dos materiais, para a evaporação dos solventes usados na dissolução da matriz polimérica e na mistura com as partículas cerâmicas, foi um parâmetro controlado visando obter compósitos com a maior concentração de fase β, na qual o polímero apresenta ferroeletricidade. Através dessa rota, foi possível obter filmes de compósitos com grande fração de fase β para todas as temperaturas de secagem, apesar de constar na literatura a pouca existência dessa fase em filmes de PVDF preparados a partir da solução, com altas temperaturas de secagem. Observou-se que a concentração da fase β nos compósitos se mostrou não somente uma função da temperatura de secagem do material, mas também uma função da concentração de dopantes cerâmicos, de modo que independente da temperatura, se conseguiu obter concentrações de fases β superiores a 90%, com concentrações de cerâmica acima de 20% em peso.

Polymer/ceramic composites based on poly (vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and ferroelectric ceramics of lanthanum modified lead zirconate titanate, PLZT, were prepared from the dispersion of ceramic particles in to the polymer solution. The temperature used for evaporation of solvent used in the dissolution of the polymer matrix and mixed with the ceramic particles, were a controlled parameter in order to obtain composites with the highest concentration of β phase, in which the polymer has ferroelectricity. Through this route, it was possible to obtain composite films with high β-phase fraction for all temperatures, besides in the literature just few concentration of this phase were reported when using the solution method for the preparation of PVDF films. It was observed that the concentration of β phase in the composite showed not only a function of the temperature, but also a function of the doping concentration ceramic, so that independent of temperature, it was possible to obtain concentrations of the β-phase higher than 90%, at concentrations over 20% in weight of ceramic.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi otimizar o procedimento para extração de substâncias húmicas de turfa, utilizando fluxo contínuo, com diferentes extratores (NaOH, KOH e Na4P2O7). A influência do extrator na capacidade de complexação das substâncias húmicas por macro e micronutrientes também foi investigada. Os resultados mostraram que a extração por fluxo contínuo é eficaz, reduzindo o tempo necessário para o passo de extração e, além disso, indicando que as substâncias húmicas apresentaram elevada afinidade para os nutrientes essenciais Ca2+ e Mg2+. Além disso, as maiores capacidades de complexação foram obtidas quando utilizou o extrator Na4P2O7, mostrando não só a eficiência desse composto como agente de extração, mas também a sua aplicação promissora no processo, uma vez que a sua elevada capacidade de complexação permite disponibilizar os nutrientes complexados, bem como diminuir a quantidade de estes nutrientes que podem ser lixiviados, contribuindo, assim, para evitar contaminação do meio ambiente.

The aim of the present work was to optimize a procedure for extraction of humic substances (HS) from peat, using continuous flow with different extractants (NaOH, KOH and Na4P2O7). The influence of extractant on the complexing capacity of humic substances for macro and micronutrients was also investigated. Our results showed that the extraction by flow is efficient, reducing the time required in the extraction step and, furthermore, indicating that the extracted HS have a high affinity for the essential nutrients Ca and Mg. Moreover, an enhanced complexation was achieved by using Na4P2O7, demonstrating not only the efficiency of this compound as extractant, but also its promising application in the process, since its high complexing capacity allows to make available the complexed nutrients as well as diminishing the amount of these nutrients that could be lixiviated, thus contributing to prevent environmental contaminations.

Objetivo. La relación peso-longitud y el factor de condición son indicadores del estado fisiológico en peces y pueden estar relacionados con la reproducción y los períodos de alimentación. Se realizó una evaluación de estos parámetros en Hoplosternum littorale en el reservorio Santo Anastácio, localizado en la ciudad de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron ciento-cincuenta y cinco muestras entre octubre de 2009 y marzo de 2010 utilizando redes de enmalle, y se registraron datos de longitud (cm), peso total (g), sexo y estado de maduración de órganos sexuales. Resultados. La relación peso-longitud presentó un crecimiento alométrico negativo (2.72). Para el análisis del factor de condición, la determinación del sexo y la clasificación del estado gonadal fueron analizados únicamente en 70 individuos. En noviembre se presentaron los valores más altos del factor de condición, y los más bajos se presentaron en febrero, sin diferencia en la proporción sexual (χ²=13.683, p=0.057). Durante todo el tiempo del estudio se capturaron hembras maduras. Conclusiones. Los resultados indican que la especie H. littorale presenta deficiencias en el crecimiento y cambios en la estrategia reproductiva en el ambiente hipereutrófico que habitan.

Objective. The length-weight relationship and condition factor of fish are indicators of physiological well-being and may be related to reproduction and feeding periods. These attributes were evaluated for a population of Hoplosternum littorale sampled in the Santo Anastácio Reservoir (Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil). Materials and methods. One hundred and fifty-five specimens were collected with gillnets between October 2009 and March 2010, and standard length (cm), total weight (g), sex and gonadal maturation stage were registered. Results. The observed length-weight relationship indicated negative allometric adjustment (2.72). Only seventy individuals were evaluated for the condition factor analysis, sexual determination and gonadal state classification. Condition factor values peaked in November and plummeted in February, no statistical differences in sex ratio (χ²=13.683; p=0.057) were observed. Mature females were collected throughout the study period. Conclusions. The results indicate that the population of H. littorale in the Santo Anastácio reservoir presents growth deficiency and changes in reproductive strategy in this hypereutrophic environment.

Colombobalanus es un género monotípico con una única especie Colombobalanus excelsa, que se encuentra presente en cinco localidades de los andes de Colombia y actualmente está categorizada como vulnerable (VU). Analizamos la diversidad y estructura genética de poblaciones de C. excelsa localizadas en cuatro remanentes de bosque que se encuentran ubicados en una región cafetera en el departamento del Huila, Colombia. Fueron colectadas muestras de 10 árboles de cada remanente de bosque para un total de 40 muestras que fueron analizadas utilizando 7 marcadores microsatélites. Los análisis realizados fueron, diversidad genética (He), estructura genética (F ST), distancia genética, y el índice de similaridad de Jaccard. Catorce alelos fueron encontrados para la población, con una heterocigocidad de (He) of 0.2797 y una estructura genética de (F ST) of 0.049. Los valores de diversidad genética y las diferencias entre las poblaciones estudiadas en términos de distancia y estructura, al igual que el índice de similaridad, sugieren que los cuatro remanentes de bosque pertenecieron a una población panmítica de C. excelsa que tuvo un flujo genético continuo en un pasado reciente. Los resultados además nos permiten concluir que la poca cantidad de alelos encontrados en estas poblaciones con respecto a otras poblaciones del país, podría estar indicando un clásico cuello de botella en estos remanentes de bosque, donde quedan pocos individuos semilleros de C. excelsa como consecuencia de los disturbios causados por la actividad humana.

Colombobalanus is a genus with a single species Colombobalanus excelsa, currently categorized as vulnerable (VU) and known from only five localities in the Colombian Andes. We analyzed the diversity and genetic structure of four C. excelsa forest remnants in one locality in the coffee-producing area of the southeastern corner of Department of Huila, Colombia . Samples from ten trees were collected from each forest remnant for a total of 40 sample leaves, which were analyzed using 7 microsatellite markers. The resulting data matrix was used to perform genetic diversity (He), genetic structure (F ST), and genetic distance analyses, as well as the Jaccard similarity index. Fourteen alleles were found for the entire population, with a heterozygosity (He) of 0.2797 and a genetic structure (F ST) of 0.049. These indices suggest that the forest remnants are members of a panmictic population with historical patterns of genetic flow. The results also allow us to conclude that the low number of alleles found in these populations compared with other populations in the country show a signature of historical bottleneck in these forest remnants, where few individuals were seedlings of C. excelsa due to the disturbances caused by human activity.