ABSTRACT Argemone mexicana L. is a weed, which is used as a medicinal plant. The biological activity of this plant has been observed on pathogens such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and agricultural crop pests; such activity is attributed to compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids present in the plant. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the methanolic extract of A. mexicana as an insecticide on Bactericera cockerelli. Thirteen metabolites were detected by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; six were reported to have biological activity; the compound identified as 5,7,8,15-Tetrahydro-3,4-dimethoxy-6-methyl[1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6e][2]benzazecin-14(6H)-one is the second most abundant and is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid. The observed mortality at 48 h was 83.6 and 83.9 % dependent on the high doses of 20 and 30 mg/mL; while at 72 h an increase in mortality up to 97.2 % was observed at concentrations of 8-30 mg/mL. LC50 was 7.63 mg/mL and an LC95 of 107.98 mg/mL. Analysis of the methanolic extract of A. mexicana leaves revealed that it can be used as a plant-derived insecticide by causing mortality in B. cockerelli nymphs.

RESUMEN Argemone mexicana L. es una maleza, la cual es utilizada como planta medicinal. La actividad biológica de esta planta se ha observado en patógenos como virus, hongos, bacterias, protozoos y plagas de cultivos agrícolas; dicha actividad se atribuye a compuestos como flavonoides, glucósidos, terpenoides, compuestos fenólicos y alcaloides presentes en la planta. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del extracto metanólico de A. mexicana como insecticida sobre Bactericera cockerelli. Se detectaron 13 metabolitos por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas; siendo seis los que tienen reporte de actividad biológica; el compuesto identificado como 5,7,8,15-Tetrahidro-3,4-dimetoxi-6-metil[1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-e][2]benzazecin-14(6H)-ona es el segundo con mayor abundancia y es un alcaloide de bencilisoquinolina. La mortalidad observada a las 48 h fue de 83.6 y 83.9 % dependiente de las dosis altas de 20 y 30 mg/mL; mientras que a las 72 h se observó un aumento de la mortalidad hasta en un 97.2 % a las concentraciones de 8-30 mg/mL. La concentración letal media fue de 7.63 mg/mL y una LC95 de 107.98 mg/mL. El análisis del extracto metanólico de las hojas de A. mexicana reveló que puede ser empleado como insecticida de origen vegetal al causar mortalidad en ninfas de B. cockerelli.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects a large part of the world population. Knowing the sand fly fauna of a region is of fundamental importance for guiding health surveillance actions related to the prevention and control of leishmaniasis. A total of 86 specimens of sand flies (60 females and 26 males) were collected. Using the classification proposed by Galati (2003), the following species were identified: Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), Migonemyia migonei (França, 1920), Evandromyia cortelezzi (Brethes, 1923), Ev. sallesi (Galvão & Coutinho, 1939), Nyssomyia whitmani (Atunes & Coutinho, 1939), Psathyromyia lutziana (Costa Lima, 1932), Ev. lenti (Mangabeira, 1938), Brumptomyia sp. (França and Parrot, 1921), and Pressatia sp. (Mangabeira, 1942). Using PCR with internal transcribed spacer target to identify infected sand flies, five Lu. longipalpis females were infected with Leishmania spp. Despite the small number of specimens collected, considerable species diversity was found in the study area.

RESUMO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram estabelecer o cultivo massal de W. brasiliensis em condição de laboratório, determinar a sensibilidade para as substâncias-referência (dicromato de potássio, cloreto de sódio e cloreto de potássio) e a estimar a toxicidade aguda (CL50;7d) para os herbicidas glyphosate, diquat, paraquat, imazapyr, 2,4-D, saflufenacil, imazamox, penoxsulam, metsulfuron-methyl e atrazine. Para estabelecimento do cultivo, foram testados três meios: Hoagland’s; 5,0 g L-1 de fertilizante NPK (20;5;20) e o da mistura Latossolo Vermelho + substrato orgânico de planta aquática em decomposição (2:1; v v-1). Após o estabelecimento do cultivo, foram realizados os ensaios de sensibilidade com as substâncias-referência e os ensaios de toxicidade aguda para os herbicidas. A W. brasiliensis apresentou excelente resposta de sensibilidade às substâncias-referência com CL50;7d média de 15,61±2,13 g L-1 para o cloreto de sódio, de 17,02±0,50 g L-1 para o cloreto de potássio e de 52,54±4,27 mg L-1 para o dicromato de potássio. A resposta de toxicidade aguda de W. brasiliensis para o diquat (CL50;7d = 0,07 mg L-1) e paraquat (< 0,05 mg L-1) indica que a planta pode ser considerada extremamente sensível; para o imazapyr, sensível (CL50;7d = 21,10 mg L-1), e para os demais herbicidas testados, pouco sensível. A capacidade de resposta relativa a diferentes grupos de herbicidas somada à resposta padronizada às substâncias-referência e facilidade de cultivo em laboratório indicam potencial para o uso desta planta aquática na avaliação de risco de herbicidas em ambientes aquáticos.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to establish the mass cultivation of Wolffia brasiliensis under laboratory conditions, determine the sensitivity of reference substances (potassium dichromate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride), and estimate the acute toxicity (LC50;7d) for the herbicide glyphosate, diquat, paraquat, imazapyr, 2,4-D, saflufenacil, imazamox, penoxsulam, metsulfuron-methyl, and atrazine. Three media were tested for culture establishment: Hoagland’s medium, 5.0 g L-1 NPK fertilizer (20-5-20), a mixture of Oxisol + organic substrate of decaying aquatic plant (2:1; v v-1). Sensitivity tests with reference substances and acute toxicity for herbicides were carried out after establishing the cultivation. The species W. brasiliensis presented an excellent sensitivity response to reference substances, with means of LC50;7d of 15.61±2.13 g L-1, 17.02±0.50 g L-1, and 52.54±4.27 mg L-1 for sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and potassium dichromate, respectively. The acute toxicity response indicated that W. brasiliensis was extremely sensitive to diquat (LC50;7d = 0.07 mg L-1) and paraquat (LC50;7d < 0.05 mg L-1), sensitive to imazapyr (LC50;7d = 21.10 mg L-1), and little sensitive to the other herbicides. The response capacity for the different groups of herbicides, the standardized response to reference substances, and ease of cultivation in the laboratory indicate the potential for using this aquatic plant in the assessment of herbicide risk in aquatic environments.

The term inflammaging is now widely used to designate the inflammatory process of natural aging. During this process, cytokine balance is altered, presumably due to the loss of homeostasis, thus contributing to a greater predisposition to disease and exacerbation of chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between pro-inflammatory markers and age in the natural aging process of healthy individuals. One hundred and ten subjects were divided into 5 groups according to age (22 subjects/group). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were quantified using the ELISA method. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was analyzed by turbidimetry according to laboratory procedures. The main findings of this study were: a positive correlation between hsCRP and IL-6 as a function of age (110 subjects); women showed stronger correlations; the 51–60 age group had the highest values for hsCRP and IL-6; women presented higher values for hsCRP in the 51–60 age group and higher values for IL-6 in the 61–70 age group; and men showed higher values in the 51–60 age group for hsCRP and IL-6. In conclusion, the natural aging process increased IL-6 and hsCRP levels, which is consistent with the inflammaging theory; however, women presented stronger correlations compared to men (IL-6 and hsCRP) and the 51–60 age range seems to be a key point for these increases. These findings are important because they indicate that early preventive measures may minimize the increase in these inflammatory markers in natural human aging.

In this work, the normal modes of a two-dimensional oscillating system have been studied from a theoretical and experimental point of view. The normal frequencies predicted by the Hessian matrix for a coupled two-dimensional particle system are compared to those obtained for a real system consisting of two oscillating smartphones coupled one to the other by springs. Experiments are performed on an air table in order to largely reduce the friction forces. The oscillation data are captured by the acceleration sensor of the smartphones and exported to file for further analysis. The experimental frequencies compare reasonably well with the theoretical predictions, specifically, within 1.7% of discrepancy.

The increase of water contamination caused by toxic compounds is a matter of primary concern, the case in point is the state of Guanajuato in Mexico, where one of Ihe main contaminants found in wastewater is Cr(VI), a widely used compound in the tanning process. The development of an efficient technology to remove this substance from water is absolutely necessary. In this work a comparative study of different anionic clays and activated carbon as a reference, was proposed to eliminate this pollutant Hydrotalcites were prepared by the coprecipitation method using ultrasound or microwawe irradiation during the crystallization step. The interlayer compounds were: sulfates, nitrates, chlorides and etoxide-acetylacetonate. The solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption and scanning electron microscopy with EDS microanalysis. The amount of sorbed Cr(VI) was determined by UV-vis spectrometry. The best option for Cr(VI) removal was the hydrotalcite with chloride as anion in the interlayer. It was found that the sorption was mainly dependent of the interlayer anion and the preparation method and it was not: a function of the specific area. On the other hand the activated carbon is rapidly saturated and its sorptive capacity is practically null.

El aumento en la contaminación del agua es un asunto de gran reelevancia; en Guanajuato México, uno de los principales contaminantes hayados en aguas residuales es el Cr(VI), ya que este compuesto es ampliamente utilizado en el proceso de curtido; de ahí que el desarrollo de tecnologías eficaces para eliminar este tipo de contaminantes es absolutamente necesario. En este trabajo se realizó un estudio comparativo con diferentes arcillas aniónicas, empleando como referencia al carbon activado, el cual permitió proponer un sistema eficaz de eliminación. Las hidrotalcitas se prepararon por coprecipitacion mediante irradiación de ultrasonido y microondas durante la etapa de cristalización. Se utilizaron como aniones de compensación: sulfatos, nitratos, cloruros y una combinación de etóxido-acetilacetonato. Los sólidos se caracterizaron por difracción de rayos-X, fisisorcion de nitrógeno y microscopía electrónica de barrido con microanálisis EDS. La cantidad de Cr(VI) sorbida se determinó por espectrometría UV-vis. La hidrotalcita clorada resultó en la mejor opción para la eliminación del Cr(VI). Se encontró que la sorción es dependiente principalmente del tipo de anión interlaminar seguida por el método de preparación e independiente del área específica. Por otro lado el carbon activado se satura rápidamente y su capacidad de sorción es prácticamente nulo.

Introduction: In the context of radiotherapy, control of breakthrough cancer pain (BTPc) is particularly challenging. BTPc has been defined by the Spanish Society of Pain (SED), the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Society for Palliative Care (SECPAL) as a sudden and transient exacerbation of pain of great intensity (VAS > 7) and short (less than 20-30 minutes), which appears on the basis of a stable persistent pain when it is reduced to a tolerable level (VAS < 5) by using major opioids. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the intensity of BTPc induced by cancer treatments that included radiotherapy (RT), both exclusive and associated with chemotherapy (RT/CT). Secondly, the efficacy of treatment was evaluated with fentanyl sublingual scheduled for BTPc control. Material and methods: Retrospective, observational study in 110 patients recruited in 19 Spanish Radiotherapy Services. Patients must have BTPc induced by RT or RT/CT, with or without medication prescribed and with an intensity outside a VAS > 6 in the last 24-48 h. Controls were established at baseline and at 3, 7, 15 and 30 days. Results: There was a decrease in mean values ??on the VAS scale as the study progressed (VAS = 6 in the control 0 to VAS = 3 in the control 3) and the differences were significant (p < 0.0001). Treatment satisfaction was rated as good or excellent by 85.3% of patients and 92.7% of researches. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of BTPc treatment with sublingual fentanyl in the context of the radiotherapy cancer treatment, with a significant decrease in VAS from baseline values??. The high satisfaction among physicians and patients with this treatment reflects the efficacy and convenience of sublingual fentanyl in controlling BTPc.

Introducción: en el contexto de la radioterapia, el control del dolor irruptivo oncológico (DIO) supone un reto especial. El DIO ha sido definido por la Sociedad Española del Dolor (SED), la Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica (SEOM) y la Sociedad Española de Cuidados Paliativos (SECPAL) como una exacerbación del dolor súbita y transitoria, de gran intensidad (EVA > 7) y de corta duración (inferior a 20-30 minutos), que aparece sobre la base de un dolor persistente estable cuando este se encuentra reducido a un nivel tolerable (EVA < 5) mediante el uso de opioides mayores. Objetivos: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar la intensidad del DIO inducido por tratamientos oncológicos que incluyeran radioterapia (RT), tanto exclusiva como asociada a quimioterapia (RT/QT). Secundariamente, se evaluó la eficacia del tratamiento con fentanilo sublingual pautado para el control del DIO. Material y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en 110 pacientes reclutados en 19 Servicios de Radioterapia españoles. Los pacientes debían presentar DIO inducido por RT o RT/QT, con o sin medicación pautada y cuya intensidad fuera de una EVA > 6 en las últimas 24-48 h. Se establecieron controles en el momento basal, y a los 3, 7, 15 y 30 días. Resultados: se apreció un descenso en la media de los valores en la escala EVA según avanzó el estudio (EVA = 6 en el control 0 a EVA = 3 en el control 3), y las diferencias fueron significativas (p < 0,0001). La satisfacción con el tratamiento fue calificada como buena o excelente por el 85,3% de los pacientes y por el 92,7% de los investigadores. Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio demuestran la eficacia del tratamiento del DIO con fentanilo sublingual en el contexto del tratamiento oncológico radioterápico, con un descenso significativo en los valores EVA frente al valor basal. La elevada satisfacción de los médicos y pacientes con este tratamiento refleja la eficacia y la comodidad del fentanilo sublingual en el control del DIO.

Cholesteatoma is characterized by anaggregate of keratin debris. It might be congenital or acquired (most frequent). Diffusion weighted techniques (DWI) by magnetic resonance (MR) have recently play a role in diagnostic imaging of cholesteatoma, specifically in cases where computed tomography (CT) is inconclusive, and in post surgical states to differentiate between inflammatory tissue and relapsing or residual disease.

El colesteatoma se caracteriza por el acúmulo de detritus de queratina en el oído/peñasco. Puede ser congénito o adquirido, siendo este último el más frecuente. Recientemente las técnicas de difusión (DWI) por resonancia magnética (RM) han ayudado al diagnóstico por imágenes en los casos en los que la tomografía computada (TC) no es concluyente y, en el escenario posquirúrgico, cuando la TC no logra discriminar entre el tejido inflamatorio y la enfermedad residual o recidivante.

The objective was to characterize the levels of progesterone (P4) and 17β estradiol (E-17β) in blood of 11 Pecari tajacu adult females in captivity. The females were in the presence of males but separated by a wire mesh. Blood samples were taken every 6 days during 3 months. The estimation of the levels of the steroid hormones was carried out by radioimmunoassay in solid phase. Hormonal profiles were plotted against time, to determine the duration of each ovarian cycle and the number of cycles. Nine animals showed estrous cycle and 2 did not. The average duration of the ovarian cycle was 26.8±4.8 days. The average concentration of P4 in the luteal phase was 22.95±4.94 ng/mL, and during the follicular phase was 1.2±0.73 ng/mL (p<0.05). The levels of E-17β in the luteal phase were 6.89±2.79 pg/mL, and 32.17±7.29 pg/mL in the follicular phase (p<0.05). The presence of the ovarian cycles was variable, although the duration was within the range of values established for this species under captivity. The synchrony of the hormonal profiles of P4 and E-17β during the ovarian cycle was inverted.

El objetivo fue caracterizar los perfiles de progesterona (P4) y 17β estradiol (E-17β) sanguíneos de 11 hembras adultas de P. tajacu mantenidas en cautiverio. Las hembras estaban en presencia del macho pero separadas de éste mediante una malla. Las muestras sanguíneas se tomaron cada 6 días durante 3 meses. La estimación de hormonas esteroides se efectuó por radioinmunoanálisis en fase sólida. Los perfiles hormonales fueron graficados con respecto al tiempo para determinar la duración de cada ciclo ovárico y la cantidad de ciclos. Nueve hembras ciclaron y 2 no. La duración promedio del ciclo ovárico fue 26,8±4,8 días. La concentración media de P4 en la fase luteal fue 22,95±4,94 ng/mL, y durante la fase folicular 1,2±0,73 ng/mL (p<0,05). Los niveles de E-17β en la fase luteal fueron 6,89±2,79 pg/mL y 32,17±7,29 pg/mL en la fase folicular (p<0,05). La presentación de los ciclos ováricos fue variable, aunque la duración estuvo dentro de los rangos establecidos para esta especie en cautiverio. La sincronía de los perfiles hormonales de P4 y E-17β fue inversa durante el ciclo ovárico.

This paper presents the design, development and tests made to a fiber optic pressure sensor using the multimodal interference methodology (MMI) thus, we propose an alternative sensor to the ones available which are limited by high robust environments where the use of them is a potential hazard (explosive gases, corrosion and even electromagnetic fields). The range of work for this sensor is 0 to 0.36 psi, the arrangement used is formed by a laser diode, a sensing element, an electronic amplifying circuit, a data acquisition board and a computer. The sensing element used is a SMS fiber optic structure (singlemode-multimode-singlemode, where a multimode fiber is embedded between two singlemode fibers) placed within the contact surface (diaphragm) made of a polymeric material; the body of the sensor was made of nylamid. The bending produced in the diaphragm by the pressure inside the body of the sensor generates changes in the transmitted power response carried inside the fiber.

Se presenta el diseño, fabricación y pruebas realizadas a un sensor de presión de fibra óptica utilizando la metodología de interferencia multimodal (MMI), proponiendo así un sensor alternativo a los sensores existentes los cuales son limitados por ambientes de alto riesgo donde su uso es un peligro latente (gases explosivos, corrosión e inclusive campos electromagnéticos). El rango de trabajo para este sensor es de 0 a 0.36 psi, el arreglo utilizado está conformado de un diodo láser, elemento de sensado, circuito electrónico amplificador, tarjeta de adquisición de datos y una computadora. Como elemento de sensado se utilizó una fibra óptica SMS (por sus siglas en inglés singlemode-multimode-singlemode, formada por una fibra multimodo unida entre dos secciones de fibra monomodo) colocada dentro de una superficie de contacto (diafragma) hecha de material polimérico, el cuerpo del sensor está construido de nylamid. La deflexión producida en el diafragma por la presión dentro del cuerpo del sensor generará cambios en la respuesta de potencia transmitida a través de la fibra.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de extratos etanólicos de Banisteriopsis anisandra. Os testes foram realizados utilizando o método de sobreposição de extratos em meio de cultura para fungos fitopatogênicos Rhizoctonia solani e Fusarium oxysporum e de difusão em disco para os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. Foram testados de extratos etanólicos de folhas preparados por maceração (extrato I) e decocção (extrato II), nas concentrações de 430,0; 215,0 e 107,5 mg/mL. A inibição do crescimento de R. solani e F. oxysporum foi determinada pelo cálculo do índice de velocidade de crescimento micelial (IVCM) e de C. albicans e S. aureus, por meio da medida da halos de inibição. Os extratos que causaram inibição significativa também foram testados nas concentrações de 86,0; 64,5; 43,0 e 21,5 mg/mL para C. albicans e S. aureus. Ambos os extratos mostraram atividade inibitória sobre os microrganismos estudados. Rizoctonia solani apresentou menor IVCM na presença do extrato II (107,5 mg/mL) e Fusarium oxysporum apresentou discreta redução no IVCM na presença do extrato I (107,5 mg/mL) e II (107,5 e 215 mg/mL). Extratos etanólicos I e II inibiram o crescimento de C. albicans, com as maiores taxas de inibição observadas na presença do extrato II (215,0 mg/mL). Para S. aureus a maior atividade inibitória foi observada na presença do extrato II, na concentração de 430 mg/mL. Os resultados mostraram promissora atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de B. anisandra, o que pode contribuir para estudos futuros visando o desenvolvimento de medicamentos para doenças humanas e de plantas causadas por estes microrganismos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro of ethanolic extracts of Banisteriopsis anisandra. Tests were performed using the extracts overlay method in the culture medium for phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum, and disk diffusion for the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Ethanolic extracts from leaves were prepared by maceration (extract I) and decoction (extract II) at 430.0, 215.0 and 107.5 mg/mL. The growth inhibition of R. solani and F. oxysporum was determined by calculating the mycelia growth speed rate (MGSR) and, in relation C. albicans and S. aureus, it was determined by measuring the inhibition halos. Extracts that caused significant inhibition were also tested at 86.0, 64.5, 43.0 and 21.5 mg/mL for C. albicans and S. aureus. Both extracts showed inhibitory activity on the microorganisms studied. Rizoctonia solani showed lower MGSR in the presence of extract II (107.5 mg/mL) and Fusarium oxysporum showed slight MGSR reduction in the presence of extract I (107.5 mg/mL) and II (107.5 and 215 mg/mL). Ethanolic extracts I and II inhibited the growth of C. albicans, with the highest rates of inhibition observed in the presence of extract II (215.0 mg/mL). For S. aureus, the highest inhibitory activity was observed in the presence of ethanolic extract II, prepared by decoction at 430.0 mg/mL. Results showed a promising antimicrobial activity of extracts of B. anisandra, which may contribute to further studies leading to a future development of medicines to treat human and plant diseases caused by these organisms.

As gramíneas forrageiras possuem alta capacidade para produzir palha no sistema de semeadura direta em integração lavoura-pecuária. No entanto, essas plantas podem reduzir o crescimento das culturas, em função de efeitos alelopáticos ou pela competição por nutrientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de resíduos culturais de Brachiaria ruziziensis no crescimento inicial e no acúmulo de nutrientes na parte aérea do algodoeiro, quando foram deixados sobre o solo ou no solo. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, sendo o algodão cultivado com os tratamentos: raízes e parte aérea da braquiária cultivada previamente e deixadas no vaso; parte aérea da braquiária colocada sobre o solo; raízes da braquiária ficaram no solo, mas a parte aérea foi retirada; uma testemunha (sem braquiária). As raízes de braquiária remanescentes no solo causaram diminuição na produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e no crescimento inicial das raízes do algodoeiro. O teor e o acúmulo de N na parte aérea da planta foram menores na presença de raízes de braquiária, porém o teor de P na parte aérea do algodoeiro foi maior, e tanto o teor como o acúmulo de K na parte aérea do algodão foram maiores quando este foi cultivado sobre resíduos da parte aérea da braquiária.

Grasses have a high ability to produce straw under no-tillage system. However, these plants can reduce the growth of crops, caused by allelopathic effects or competition for nutrients. An experiment was conducted to study the early growth and nutrition of cotton as affected by residues of Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) cropped before in the same pots. Cotton was grown in glass-windowed pots with a combination of congo grass roots, with shoot residues being left or not. Cotton growth and N accumulation were decreased in the presence of congo grass roots in the soil, probably due to N immobilization. However, these plants accumulated more P. When residues of congo grass shoots were left on the soil surface, cotton K uptake was increased.

Purpose: To determine the value of Vd/Vt as a predictor of extubation failure in patients with mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care units. Design: A prospective, observational cohort study conducted from 1 September 2010 to 1 March 2011. Setting: General intensive care unit (G-ICU) of a third level university hospital. Patients or participants: The study included patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) for over 12hours, and who in the process of weaning were subjected to low-level pressure support. Exclusion criteria were age under 18 years, ventilation via tracheotomy and patients failing to cooperate for different reasons. During the study, 392 patients were admitted to the G-ICU; of these, 214 required MV. The weaning process was started in 154 cases. Fifty-four patients were excluded from the study, and 24 were not extubated from MV. A total of 76 patients were finally extubated and analyzed. Variables of interest: Vd/Vt was calculated as the ratio (PaCO2-ε CO2)/PaCO2, with the recorded parameters. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the Vd/Vt and extubation failure, with OR=1.52 (95%CI 1.11 to 2.09, p=0.008). The area under the ROC curve with respect to the prediction of extubation failure according to the Vd/Vt value was 0.94 (95%CI 0.86 to 0.98, p<0.0001). Conclusions: Vd/Vt is a powerful predictor of extubation failure in patients on MV.

Objetivo: Comprobar qué valor tiene la fracción de espacio muerto (Vd/Vt) como predictor del fracaso en la extubación de los enfermos que necesitaron ventilación mecánica (VM) ingresados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Diseño: Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo, observacional. Desde el 1 de septiembre de 2010 hasta 1 de marzo de 2011. Ámbito: Unidad de cuidados intensivos generales (UCIG), del complejo hospitalario de tercer nivel Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. Pacientes o participantes: Se han incluido en el estudio aquellos enfermos que recibían VM por un espacio de tiempo superior a las 12 horas; y quienes en el proceso de destete seguían un protocolo de presión soporte de bajo nivel. Han sido criterios de exclusión la edad inferior a 18 años, enfermos ventilados a través de traqueotomía y enfermos considerados no colaboradores por diversas causas. Durante el periodo de estudio, ingresaron en UCIG 392 enfermos. De ellos 214 precisaron ventilación mecánica. En 154 se inició proceso de destete. Fueron excluidos del estudio 54 enfermos y no fueron extubados de VM 24. Finalmente 76 enfermos fueron extubados y analizados. Variables de interés principales: Se calculó Vd/Vt como el cociente (PaCO2-ε CO2)/PaCO2; con los parámetros registrados. Resultados: El análisis de regresión logística mostró una asociación significativa entre la variable Vd/Vt y el fracaso en la extubación con una OR de 1,52 (IC 95%: 1,11-2,09; p=0,008). El área bajo la curva ROC, con respecto a predecir el fracaso en la extubación mediante el valor de Vd/Vt fue de 0,94 (IC 95%: 0,86-0,98; p<0,0001). Conclusiones: Consideramos Vd/Vt un potente predictor del fracaso en la extubación de la VM.

Enrichment of culture media with amino acids improves embryo development. However, little is known about the specific action of each amino acid during embryogenesis. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of L-glutamine (Gln) and tryptophan (Trp) on mouse embryo hatching, expansion and viability in vitro. Blastocysts were collected from 6- to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice (N = 30) and cultured in M2 medium containing either 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mM Trp, 1 mM Gln, or M2 alone. Gln significantly increased (100%; P < 0.05) blastocyst hatching at 24 h compared to M2 alone or Trp; moreover, Trp inhibited blastocyst hatching when compared to M2 alone (P < 0.05) at 72 h. In contrast, the percentage of embryos reaching the state of expanded blastocyst at 48 h was significantly higher in medium with 1 mM Gln (66.6%; P < 0.05) or with 0.125 mM Trp (61.1%; P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, Trp increased the percentage of degenerated blastocysts after 48 h (67.7%; P < 0.05), while Gln preserved blastocyst viability. These results suggest that Gln may enhance blastocyst hatching, expansion and viability in vitro.

The design and evaluation of a methodology for total urine collection in browsing and/or grazing cows is presented. The bag was test using 4 cows (Bos taurus x B. indicus) of 415 kg LW. Grazing/browsing time was 20 hours/day. The device worked well and without urine loss or contamination with faeces. Urine collection was on average: 12.8, 13.6, 11.97 and 12.3 kg/d and no significative differences were found.

Se diseñó y evaluó una metodología de recolección total de orina en la hembra bovina en condiciones de silvopastoreo. Para evaluar las bolsas se utilizaron 4 vacas (Bos taurus x B. indicus) con un peso vivo de 415 kg. El tiempo de pastoreo fue de 20 horas/día. La bolsa diseñada funcionó bien y no se observaron pérdidas de orina ni contaminación de la orina con excretas. La excreción de orina por día fue de 12,8; 13,6; 11,97 y 12,3 kg/día sin diferencias estadísticas.