RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos fisiológicos, sedativos e analgésicos da administração peridural de ropivacaína isolada ou associada à morfina ou à metadona. Para tal, 24 cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia receberam acepromazina, e a anestesia foi induzida e mantida com propofol e isoflurano (FiO2 = 1,0), respectivamente. De acordo com o protocolo peridural, formaram-se três grupos de igual número: GR (ropivacaína - 2,0mg/kg); GRMETA (ropivacaína - 2,0mg/kg e metadona - 0,3mg/kg) e GRMORF (ropivacaína - 2,0mg/kg e morfina - 0,1mg/kg). Registraram-se os parâmetros fisiológicos intraoperatórios e os graus de sedação e analgesia pós-operatórios. No GR constataram-se maiores médias de pressões arteriais 30 minutos após a anestesia epidural em relação ao GRMETA (sistólica e média) e ao final do procedimento cirúrgico comparativamente ao GRMORF (sistólica, diastólica e média). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos relativamente à analgesia e ao grau de sedação pós-operatórios. A administração epidural de ropivacaína é segura e eficaz e proporciona boa analgesia, independentemente da sua associação com morfina ou metadona.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological, sedative and analgesic effects of epidural administration of ropivacaine sole or associated to morphine or methadone. Twenty-four bitches were submitted to ovariohysterectomy and received acepromazine and after, propofol and isoflurane (FiO 2 = 1.0) for anesthesia induction and maintenance, respectively. Based on established epidural protocol (L7-S1), three groups were formed: GR (ropivacaine - 2.0mg/kg); GRMETA (ropivacaine - 2.0mg/kg and methadone - 0.3mg/kg) and GRMORF (ropivacaine - 2.0mg/kg and morphine - 0.1mg/kg). Intraoperative physiological parameters and degrees of postoperative sedation and analgesia were recorded. In the GR, the means of arterial pressures, 30 minutes after epidural anesthesia, were higher compared with GRMETA (systolic and mean) and, at the end of the clinical procedure, compared to GRMORF (systolic, diastolic and mean). Differences between groups were not observed for postoperative analgesia and degree of sedation. Epidural administration of ropivacaine is safe and effective and provides good analgesia regardless of its association with morphine or methadone.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to describe the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic cardiological findings in a group of patients with oral clefts. METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional study on 70 children (age range from 13 days to 19 years) with oral clefts who attended the multidisciplinary program of a university hospital from March 2013 to September 2014. The patients were evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist and underwent detailed anamnesis, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. RESULTS: Sixty percent of the patients were male; 55.7% presented with cleft lip and palate, and 40.0% presented with health complaints. Comorbidities were found in 44.3%. Relevant pregnancy, neonatal, family and personal antecedents were present in 55.7%, 27.1%, 67.2%, and 24.3% of the patients, respectively. Regarding the antecedents, 15.2% of the patients presented with a cardiac murmur, 49.0% with a familial risk of developing plurimetabolic syndrome, and 6% with family antecedents of rheumatic fever. Electrocardiographic evaluation showed one case of atrioventricular block. Echocardiograms were abnormal in 35.7% of the exams, including 5 cases of mitral valve prolapse — one of which was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease. CONCLUSION: The finding of a family risk of developing plurimetabolic syndrome and a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease indicates that patients with oral clefts may be more prone to developing acquired heart disease. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of anamnesis and methodological triangulation (clinical-electrocardiographic-echocardiographic) in the investigation of patients with oral clefts and emphasize that cardiological follow-up to evaluate acquired and/or rhythm heart diseases is necessary. This strategy permits comorbidity prevention and individualized planned treatment.

RESUMO Objetivou-se comparar as alterações cardiorrespiratórias e a analgesia pós-operatória promovidas pela dexmedetomidina e pelo tramadol, quando associados ao midazolam, em felinas. Para tal, foram selecionadas 18 gatas hígidas, divididas em dois grupos randomizados: GDM, tratadas com dexmedetomidina (10µg/kg) e GTM, tratadas com tramadol (2mg/kg), ambos associados a midazolam (0,2mg/kg,) IM. Após 15 minutos, procedeu-se à indução anestésica com propofol (1,46±0,79mL), mantendo-se a anestesia com isoflurano. As felinas foram submetidas à ovário-histerectomia, registrando-se as variáveis cardiorrespiratórias 15 minutos após a MPA (M0), 15 minutos após a indução (M15) e sequencialmente a cada cinco minutos, até o término do procedimento cirúrgico (M20, M25, M30, M35 e M40). A avaliação da dor iniciou-se 30 minutos após o término do procedimento cirúrgico (MP30) e sequencialmente em intervalos de 30 minutos (MP60, MP90, MP120). A partir do MP120, as avaliações foram registradas a cada hora (MP180, MP240 e MP360). A associação dexmedetomidina-midazolam infere diminuição inicial de frequência cardíaca (FC) sem significado clínico e está relacionada à sedação mais pronunciada, à analgesia menor e menos duradoura e a episódios de êmese, quando comparada à associação tramadol-midazolam. Ambos os protocolos denotaram estabilidade cardiorrespiratória e podem ser considerados seguros em felinas submetidas à ovário-histectomia.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory changes and post-operative analgesia provided by dexmedetomidine or tramadol, associated with midazolam, in female cats. For that purpose, 18 healthy cats were assigned to two randomized groups: GDM, which received dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg) and GTM, which received tramadol (2 mg/kg), both associated with midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) IM. After 15 minutes, anesthesia was induced with propofol (1.46±0.79 mL) and maintained with isofluorane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and cardiorespiratory variables were registered 15 minutes after pre-anesthetic medication (M0), 15 minutes after anesthetic induction (M15), and every five minutes until the end of the surgical procedure (M20, M25, M30, M35 e M40). Pain evaluation started 30 minutes after the surgery (MP30) and sequentially at thirty-minute intervals (MP60, MP90, MP120). After MP120, each evaluation was registered at every hour (MP180, MP240 e MP360). Dexmedetomidine-midazolam association results in decreases on initial heart rate (HR) without clinical relevance and it is related to pronounced sedation, poor and less durable antinociception and vomiting events, when compared to tramadol-midazolam association. Both protocols indicate cardiorespiratoy stability and safety in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

A fim de comparar as abordagens abdominais, pela linha mediana ventral e lateral direita em cadelas pré-púberes e adultas submetidas a ovariossalpingo-histerectomia, utilizaram-se 28 cadelas hígidas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais de igual número: grupo abordagem mediana ventral (AMV) e grupo abordagem lateral direita (ALD), com sete animais adultos e sete animais pré-púberes em cada grupo. O procedimento cirúrgico foi dividido em nove manobras cirúrgicas distintas, e o tempo para conclusão de cada uma delas, suas facilidades e dificuldades, assim como o tempo cirúrgico total, foram determinados. O tempo médio desde o início da incisão da pele até a entrada na cavidade peritoneal foi menor nas cadelas adultas (P≤0,001) e pré-púberes (P≤0,001) do grupo AMV, mas o tempo médio para identificação uterina foi menor nas cadelas pré-púberes (P≤0,001) do grupo ALD. O tempo cirúrgico total foi menor utilizando-se a abordagem lateral direita (grupo ALD) nas cadelas adultas (P≤0,001) e pré-púberes (P≤0,001). Seu uso não se relacionou com complicações cirúrgicas e facilitou a identificação uterina, possibilitando redução no tempo cirúrgico total. Assim, a abordagem lateral direita demonstrou ser uma alternativa segura em cadelas adultas e pré-púberes submetidas à OSH eletiva.

In order to compare the abdominal approaches, through the ventral midline and right lateral in pre-pubertal adult female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectory we used 28 otherwise healthy dogs, divided into two experimental groups of equal number: Ventral Median Approach Group (VMA) and Right Side Approach Group (RSA), with seven adult animals and seven pre-pubertal animals in each group. The surgical procedure was divided into nine different surgical maneuvers, and the time required for completion of each of them, their strengths and difficulties, as well as the total surgical time were determined. The time from the start of the skin incision to the entrance into the peritoneal cavity was lower in adult female dogs (P≤0.001) and pre-pubertal (P≤0.001) in the VAM group, but the time for uterine identification was lower in pre-pubertal female dogs (P≤ 0.001) in the RSA group. The total surgical time was shorter using the right lateral approach (RSA group) in adult (P≤ 0.001) and pre-pubertal (P≤0.001) female dogs. Thus, the right-side approach has proved to be a safe alternative in adult and pre-pubertal dogs undergoing elective OSH. Its use was not associated with surgical complications, and facilitated uterine identification, allowing a reduction in the total surgical time.

This study describes a case of accidental poisoning with Melia azederach in cattle in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The clinical signs were staggering gait -mainly in the pelvic limbs- indifference to stimulus, permanent decubitus and death. The histopathological study of the skeletal muscle samples obtained from necropsy showed different degrees of segmental degeneration and fragmentation of muscle fibers. Some myofibers evidenced myofibrillar lisis and homogeneous, slightly eosinophilic, sarcoplasm stain. In the small intestine, severe lymphocyte necrosis in the Peyer's patches was observed. The latter was also noticeable in the splenic white pulp, in the lymphoid follicles of the mesenteric lymph node, and in the bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue. Muscle enzymes were higher than the reference values. Considering epidemiologic data, clinical signs, pathological findings and results from complementary laboratory analysis, M. azederach poisoning in cattle was diagnosed

El presente trabajo describe un caso de intoxicación accidental de bovinos por Melia azederach en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los signos clínicos observados fueron dificultad en la marcha, especialmente de miembros pelvianos, indiferencia al estímulo, decúbito permanente y muerte. El estudio histopatológico de las muestras de músculo esquelético obtenidas en la necropsia reveló diversos grados de degeneración y fragmentación segmentaria de las miofibras. Algunas de las fibras musculares evidenciaron pérdida de las estriaciones y tinción homogénea, débilmente eosinofílica, del sarcoplasma. En el intestino delgado se observó marcada necrosis linfocitaria en las placas de Peyer, siendo también evidente en linfocitos de la pulpa blanca del bazo, folículos linfoides del linfonódulo mesentérico y tejido linfoide asociado a los bronquios. Las enzimas musculares se encontraron muy por encima de sus valores normales. Sobre la base de los datos epidemiológicos, signos clínicos, hallazgos anatomopatológicos y resultados de análisis complementarios de laboratorio se arribó al diagnóstico de intoxicación por M. azedarach

Avaliaram-se as ventilações mecânica controlada a volume e espontânea, por meio das variáveis hemogasométricas, cardiovasculares e ventilométricas. Distribuíram-se 28 coelhos nos grupos: GIVC (isofluorano e ventilação controlada a volume), GIVE (isofluorano e ventilação espontânea), GSVC (sevofluorano e ventilação controlada a volume) e GSVE (sevofluorano e ventilação espontânea). Induziu-se por máscara, com isofluorano (GIVE e GIVC) ou sevofluorano (GSVE e GSVC) a 1,5 CAM, em oxigênio a 100%. Para manutenção anestésica, reajustou-se para 1 CAM. No GIVC e no GSVC, administrou-se rocurônio, na dose de 0,6mg/kg, seguida de infusão contínua na mesma dose de 0,6mg/kg/h. No GIVE e no GSVE, foi administrado NaCl 0,9% em vez de rocurônio. Iniciou-se a ventilação controlada ajustando-a de maneira a obter capnometria entre 35 e 45mmHg. Mensuraram-se os parâmetros 60 minutos após a indução anestésica (M0), 15 minutos após o bolus de rocurônio ou NaCl 0,9% (M15) e a cada 15 minutos (M30, M45 e M60). Evidenciou-se hipercapnia e acidose em GIVC, GSVC e GSVE. Concluiu-se que a ventilação mecânica controlada a volume não foi capaz de manter a normocapnia em coelhos, gerando acidose, principalmente quando se utilizou sevofluorano. O uso do isofluorano demonstrou maior estabilidade anestésica que o sevofluorano nesta.

The volume-controlled mechanical ventilation and spontaneous ventilation, through haemogasometric, cardiovascular and spirometry variables were evaluated. Twenty-eight rabbits were distributed into two groups: GIVC (isoflurane and volume-controlled ventilation), GIVE (isoflurane and spontaneous ventilation), GSVC (sevoflurane and volume-controlled ventilation) and GSVE (sevoflurane and spontaneous ventilation). Induction was performed by mask with isoflurane (GIVE and GIVC) or sevoflurane (GSVE and GSVC) at 1.5 MAC in 100% oxygen. To maintain anesthesia, MAC was reset to 1. In GIVC and GSVC groups, rocuronium was administered at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg followed by its continuous infusion (0.6 mg/kg/h). In GSVE and GIVE, 0.9% NaCl was administered instead of rocuronium. Controlled ventilation was started by adjusting the capnometry in order to obtain values between 35 and 45 mmHg. Parameters were measured 60 minutes after induction of anesthesia (M0), 15 minutes after the bolus of rocuronium or 0.9% NaCl (M15) and every fifteen minutes (M30, M45 and M60). Hypercapnia and acidosis was evident in GIVC, GSVC and GSVE. We concluded that the volume-controlled mechanical ventilation was not able to maintain normocapnia in rabbits, producing acidosis in them, especially when using sevoflurane. The use of isoflurane showed greater stability than the sevoflurane anesthetic in the species studied.

The objective of this study was to investigate renal function in a cohort of 98 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) followed up at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Clinical and laboratory characteristics at the time of the most recent medical examination were analyzed. Renal function was evaluated by the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by the criteria of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI). We compared patients with normal GFR to patients with decreased GFR (<60 mL·min-1·(1.73 m²)-1) and hyperfiltration (>120 mL·min-1·(1.73 m²)-1). Comparison between patients according to the use of hydroxyurea and comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters according to GFR were also carried out. Average patient age was 33.8 ± 13.3 years (range 19-67 years), and 57 (58.1%) patients were females. The comparison of patients according to GFR showed that patients with decreased GFR (<60 mL·min-1·(1.73 m²)-1) were older, had lower levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets and higher levels of urea and creatinine. Independent risk factors for decreased GFR were advanced age (OR = 21.6, P < 0.0001) and anemia (OR = 39.6, P < 0.0001). Patients with glomerular hyperfiltration tended to be younger, had higher levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets and lower levels of urea and creatinine, with less frequent urinary abnormalities. Hydroxyurea, at the dosage of 500-1000 mg/day, was being administered to 28.5% of the patients, and there was no significant difference regarding renal function between the two groups. Further studies are required to establish the best therapeutic approach to renal abnormalities in SCD.

Causticizing system is an important part of the recuperation cycle of the Kraft pulp production process. In this system, the Na2CO3 in green liquor from the recovery boiler is converted in NaOH which is a component of the digester cooking liquor. The system is composed by one extinction reactor, where CaO is added to green liquor, followed by three reactors. Three semi-empirical models of CENIBRA's causticizing system are proposed to simulate the stationary state. The mass balance is developed considering three types of reaction rate equations, whose coefficients were estimated using industrial data. The following assumptions are used: CSTR reactors, instantaneous slaking reaction, constant temperature and rate reactions as functions of NaOH and Na2CO3 concentrations. The premise is that all non-modeled factors and the system specificities are included in the estimated coefficients. The obtained models were validated using new industrial data and good agreement was achieved.

Neste artigo propomos uma adaptação de um algoritmo baseado na evolução biológica para a obtenção do controle ótimo do problema do custo médio a longo prazo para sistemas lineares com saltos markovianos. Não há na literatura um método que forneça, comprovadamente, o controle ótimo do problema, nem estudos comparativos de diferentes métodos. O algoritmo empregado diferencia-se dos algoritmos genéticos básicos por substituir os operadores evolutivos por um sorteio de acordo com uma distribuição probabilística. Comparamos o algoritmo proposto com um método bastante utilizado para esta classe de problema, levando em consideração a relação entre os custos obtidos, o tempo de CPU e a quantidade de problemas em que o critério de parada estabelecido foi atingido.

In this paper we propose an adaptation of an algorithm based on biological evolution to obtain optimal control for the long run average cost problem for Markov jump linear systems. There is no in the literature a method that provides, proven, the optimal control of the problem, nor comparatives studies of different methods. The algorithm employed differs from the genetic algorithms to replace the basic operators for rolling a drawing according to a probability distribution. Comparing the proposed algorithm with a widely used method for this class of problem, leading into account the cost obtained, CPU time and amount of problems in which the stopping criterion set has been reached.

A criação de ovinos tem se desenvolvido nas últimas décadas, entretanto ainda são escassas informações sobre a composição e potencial patogênico da microbiota cérvico-vaginal de ovelhas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer os microrganismos constituintes da microbiota cérvico-vaginal de ovelhas, bem como sua susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Foram realizadas coletas em 60 animais sadios, pertencentes a rebanhos de Petrolina e região. Foi realizado o isolamento bacteriano em ágar sangue e ágar MacConkey, sendo os microrganismos identificados de acordo com características morfológicas, tintoriais e bioquímicas. As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de difusão em disco para determinar o perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos: sulfametazina, enrofloxacina, doxiciclina, tetraciclina, penicilina, amoxicilina, cefalotina e lincomicina. Foram obtidos 94 isolados, sendo constatada uma maior frequência de Staphylococcus spp. (32,97%), Escherichia coli e Micrococcus spp., sendo observado ainda, isolados de Acinetobacter spp., Shigella spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. e Streptococcus spp. Os isolados apresentaram alta sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos testados sendo observado o menor percentual de sensibilidade para lincomicina. A presença de microrganismos oportunistas de potencial patogênico, na microbiota, como Staphylococcus spp e Escherichia coli, remete a uma análise criteriosa em relação ao diagnóstico de infecções genitais. Os isolados bacterianos obtidos neste estudo são sensíveis à maioria dos grupos de drogas antimicrobianas testadas, demonstrando o potencial de utilização desses princípios ativos, além da disponibilidade de escolha, visto a ausência de multirresistência.

Sheep farming has developed in recent decades; however there is still little information on the composition and pathogenic potential of cervical-vaginal flora of sheep. The purpose of the present study was to determine the main constituents of microorganisms in the cervical-vaginal flora of sheep and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Samples were taken from 60 healthy sheep belonging to herds in the region of Petrolina, Pernambuco. Bacterial isolation was performed on blood agar and MacConkey agar, and the microorganisms were identified according to morphology, Gram staining and biochemical characteristics. The samples were subjected to disk diffusion test for determination of sensitivity to the following antimicrobial drugs: sulfamethazine, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalothin and lincomycin. We obtained 94 isolates and found a higher frequency of Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Micrococcus spp., and also observed isolates of Acinetobacter spp., Shigella spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Streptococcus spp. The isolates were highly sensitive to the antibiotics tested, with the lowest percentage of susceptibility to lincomycin. The presence of opportunistic microorganisms of a potential pathogenic microbiota, such as Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli, refers to a careful analysis in the diagnosis of genital infections. The bacterial isolates obtained in this study are sensitive to most groups of antibiotics tested, demonstrating the potential use of these active ingredients, plus the availability of choice, given the lack of multidrug resistance.

Os exames macroscópico e microscópico de testículos e epidídimos de 53 ovinos deslanados da região semi-árida do estado do Piauí revelaram34 (64,1%) animais acometidos por processos patológicos, assim distribuídos: um animal (1,9%) apresentou hipoplasia testicular, 35 (66,0%) mostraram alterações degenerativas, sendo 13 (24,5%) casos de degeneração testicular, três (5,7%) de cisto intraepitelial no epidídimo e 19 (35,8%) de cisto de retenção congênita no epidídimo; 11 (20,7%) de alterações inflamatórias, sendo cinco (9,4%) de epididimite, quatro (7,5%) de orquite e dois (3,8%) de granuloma espermático. Os animais com hipoplasia testicular, degeneração testicular e alterações inflamatórias foram classificados como subférteis.

The gross and histological examinations of testis and epididymis of 53 crossbred hairy rams in the semi-arid region of Piaui State showed 34 (64.1%) animals with pathologic changes: one animal presented (1.9%) testicle hipoplasia; 35 (66%) degenerative changes, being 13 (24.5%) related to testicular degeneration, three (5.7%) to intraepithelial cysts in the epididymal epithelia and 19 (35.8%) to retention cysts in the epididymis; 11 (20.7%) inflammatory alterations, being five (9.4%) related to epididymitis, four (7.5%) to orchitis and two (3.8%) to spermatic granulomas. The animals with hypoplasic testicle, testicular degeneration and inflammatory alterations were classified as sub-fertile.

Studies performed during the last five years have shown the existence of 74 prehistoric rock-avalanches in the northern Neuquén Andes (36°-38°S). These are mainly related to volcanic grounds of Pliocene to Pleistocene age corresponding to the Hualcupén Formation. In this work we describe their main characteristics and general homogeneous morphology. They are also characterized by a single tectonic control associated with the occurrence of their break-away and mainly postglacial ages, fact revealed by their systematic position into previous glacial valleys and limited radiometric ages. The obstruction produced by these features altered the shape of the valleys giving to local lakes. Eighteen percent of the cases are characterized by landslide dams preserved nowadays while only six percent by ephemeral ones. Two of the dams were actually catastrophically collapsed: the Cerro Pelán and Navarrete rock-avalanches: The former in Barrancas river valley with the consequent formation of the Carrilauquen lake and the later with the generation of Navarrete lake. The Carrilauquen´s dam broke during historical times (29/12/1914) forming an outburst-flood that passed from the Barrancas valley to the Colorado river valley destroying their local economy and reaching after 1,500 km the Atlantic coast. The highest computed volumes in the entire region for the deposits related to rock-avalanches correspond to Varva Co Campos avalanche (3 km3). Cosmogenic isotopes have revealed its age and the age of the neighbor deposit of Varvar Co Tapia rock-avalanche, resulting in 30 ka and 60 ka respectively. Further cosmogenic isotope data revealed that the Cerro Pelán avalanche is only 2 ka. A wrong assumption, presently revaluated, was related to the assignment of these deposits to glacial accumulations because of their chaotic structure, their hummocky topography and the induced dams. Finally, several topographic, geomorphological and seismotectonic criteria are exposed to prove a seismic trigger for these avalanches. Graphics and one table are used to display the distribution of their deposits and its close association with the orogenic front at these latitudes and the crustal seismicity of the region.

Estudios realizados en el último lustro, determinaron la ocurrencia de setenta y cuatro grandes deslizamientos prehistóricos, concentrados en la región septentrional neuquina entre los 36° y 38°S. Están desarrollados en un contexto geológico y geomorfológico representado por las lavas y piroclastos de la Formación Hualcupén de edad pliocena y un paisaje de planicies estructurales lávicas resultante de su degradación. Se exponen sus principales características, con énfasis en sus rasgos y su notable homogeneidad geomórfica. Se reconoció un control estructural regular en la localización de sus desprendimientos, su asignación a una edad general postglaciaria, sin descartar su contemporaneidad (singlacial), por su ocurrencia general a partir de los abruptos laterales de valles glaciarios previos (artesas) y el hallazgo de sus acumulaciones en su interior. Esto último modificó el relieve interno de esos valles con el desarrollo de un paisaje local irregular (hummocky), el endicamiento de sus cursos (40% de los casos) y la consecuente generación de lagunas permanentes (dieciocho) o efímeras (dieciséis). En las cincuenta restantes, no hubo modificaciones significativas. Sólo en dos de los bloqueos, aconteció el posterior colapso catastrófico del muro natural endicante: Cerro Pelán y Navarrete. En el primero acaecido en el valle fluvial del río Barrancas se generó la laguna Carrilauquen. Su ruptura, que ocurrió en tiempos históricos (29/12/1914), originó un gigantesco aluvión (outburst flood) que asoló el valle, proyectándose por el valle del río Colorado y destruyendo su incipiente economía. Su trayectoria (1.500 km) alcanzó el litoral atlántico. Entre las avalanchas de rocas el mayor volumen movilizado se encuentra la de la laguna Varvar Co Campos con 3 km3. Se dispone de tres edades absolutas a partir de isótopos cosmogénicos: Varvar Co Tapia y Varvar Co Campos (60 ka y 30 ka, respectivamente) y cerro Pelán (2,1 ka). Previamente, los diamictons resultantes habían sido erróneamente interpretados como depósitos de till, debido a su irregular morfología, su "caótica" estructura sedimentaria y los endicamientos generados. En esta presentación se modifica radicalmente ese concepto y con ello las extensiones previas asignadas al englazamiento pleistoceno. Se exponen diversos argumentos (topográfico-geomórficos y sismotectónicos), que avalan la intervención de un inductor sísmico como el desencadenante de los deslizamientos analizados, aunque no se descarta la incidencia de factores condicionantes previos (mayor humedad, estructura, meteorización, pérdida del "apoyo" glaciario (debuttressing). Una reconocida y llamativa concentración de deslizamientos en la parte sur del volcán Domuyo, deja lugar a la probabilidad de una participación coetánea de tremores de origen volcánico asociada a la desestabilización sismotectónica propuesta para el área cordillerana. Se analizan relaciones espaciales entre los deslizamientos, localización de sus desprendimientos, distribución de epicentros sísmicos actuales y las estructuras neotectónicas distinguidas (Sistema de fallas de Antiñir-Copahue) y su concentración en una zona que muestra una gran densidad de registros sísmicos instrumentales. Se presenta un ordenamiento numérico de las avalanchas de rocas, junto a sus denominaciones y las correspondientes modificaciones morfológicas ocurridas en el interior de las artesas.

Utilizou-se uma reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) previamente desenvolvida para a amplificação de parte da região única longa 27 (UL27) do genoma de herpesvírus bovino 1.1 (BoHV-1), que codifica a glicoproteína B, buscando a diferenciação entre isolados de BoHV-1.1 e BoHV-5. Os produtos de PCR gerados a partir de isolados de BoHV-1.1 e BoHV-5 mostraram padrão de amplificação diferenciado em seus tamanhos moleculares. Analisando as seqüências de nucleotídeos dos produtos de PCR obtidos de dois isolados de BoHV-5, juntamente com as seqüências dos produtos de PCR obtidos de um isolado de BoHV-1.1 e de três isolados de BoHV-1.2, previamente depositados no GenBank, verificou-se que a diferença observada na amplificação se deve ao número de repetições de G-C presentes no final da região codificadora da gB, particularmente nas seqüências 5'-G(A/T)CC-3'. A análise dessas seqüências-motivo desponta como uma ferramenta auxiliar na diferenciação entre isolados de BoHV-1.1, BoHV-1.2 e BoHV-5.

A previously-developed PCR was used for the amplification of part of the UL27 region of the BoHV-1.1 genome, which codes for glycoprotein B, seeking the differentiation between BoHV-1.1 and BoHV-5 isolates. The PCR products generated from the BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 isolates showed a pattern of differentiated amplification of their molecular size. The PCR of the BoHV-5 products were sequenced and the results compared with the sequence of the BoHV-1.1 and BoHV-1.2 isolates previously deposited in the GenBank. It was verified that the difference between the PCR products is due to greater number of repetitions of G-C present at the end of the gB codifier region. The most common repeat sequences were 5'-G(A/T)CC-3'. The analysis of these repetitions was shown to be an auxiliary tool in the differentiation between BoHV1.1, BoHV-1.2 and BoHV-5 isolates.

The efficacy of erythromycin was assessed in the treatment of 14 children aged 4 to 13 years with refractory chronic constipation, and presenting megarectum and fecal impaction. A double-blind, placebo- controlled, crossover study was conducted at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital. The patients were randomized to receive placebo for 4 weeks followed by erythromycin estolate, 20 mg kg-1 day-1, divided into four oral doses for another 4 weeks, or vice versa. Patient outcome was assessed according to a clinical score from 12 (most severe clinical condition) to 0 (complete recovery). At enrollment in the study and on the occasion of follow-up medical visits at two-week intervals, patient score and laxative requirements were recorded. During the first 30 days, the mean ± SD clinical score for the erythromycin group (N = 6) decreased from 8.2 ± 2.3 to 2.2 ± 1.0 while the score for the placebo group (N = 8) decreased from 7.8 ± 2.1 to 2.9 ± 2.8. During the second crossover phase, the score for patients on erythromycin ranged from 2.9 ± 2.8 to 2.4 ± 2.1 and the score for the patients on placebo worsened from 2.2 ± 1.0 to 4.3 ± 2.3. There was a significant improvement in score when patients were on erythromycin (P < 0.01). Mean laxative requirement was lower when patients ingested erythromycin (P < 0.05). No erythromycin-related side effects occurred. Erythromycin was useful in this group of severely constipated children. A larger trial is needed to fully ascertain the prokinetic efficacy of this drug as an adjunct in the treatment of severe constipation in children.

The transformation of methylcyclohexane at 723 K over on a USHY sample and on an FCC catalyst composed of 30% USHY and 70% matrix containing 25% Al2O3 was studied. With both samples, C2-C7 alkenes and alkanes, cyclopentane and methylcyclopentane (cracking products), dimethylcyclopentanes and ethylcyclopentane (isomers) and aromatics appeared as primary products. The activity and selectivity of fresh samples as well as the influence of coke deposits on porosity and selectivity are discussed.