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In the present work, a preliminary CFD analysis of a novel design of particle receiver for CSP applications was performed. The particle receiver is a new lab-scale prototype consisting in a thin fluidized bed in which the walls are made of glass to permit thermal radiation to pass through. The working fluid is air and the thermal performance has been studied for the case in which i) only gas flows through the receiver (no particles) and ii) particles are placed in the receiver. The addition of the particles enhances the heating process by increasing the heat transfer coefficient from the heated wall to both the bed of particles and the gas resulting in an increase of more than 55 % in the air temperature at the outlet of the receiver. Then, the bed dynamics have been studied in detailed as a function of the superficial gas velocity and the static bed height of the system. The analysis comprises the time evolution of the temperature of the gas and solid phases, the position of the centre of mass (that can be increased by more than 25 % during the heating process) and the bubble characteristics. It has been found that when the gas velocity is increased by 66 % the average temperature of the solids is only decreased 10 %; while, for the static bed height, when the number of particles is increased 3 times the average temperature of the particles is increased by 18 %.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of extracts of edible mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes against Rhyssomatus nigerrimus. Methanol:water extracts (70:30) of P. ostreatus and L. edodes were made and evaluated in two in vitro tests (exposure and immersion toxic effect) against R. nigerrimus. Subsequently, the toxicity test of the extracts against Artemia salina was evaluated. These extracts were subjected to colorimetric tests and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed a mortality effect against R. nigerrimus of 50% for the P. ostreatus 2 extracts at a concentration of 20% in the immersion test. Likewise, in the toxic effect test, 90% mortality was observed after five days of exposure to a concentration of 10%. On the other hand, for the toxicity test, the extract that showed the values with the highest mortality against A. salina was P. ostreatus, starting with 80% mortality at 100μg/mL. The functional groups present in the extracts were saponins, coumarins, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the presence of more than 7 compounds in the mushroom extracts evaluated is reported. This study demonstrates the insecticidal activity of P. ostreatus and L. edodes fungal extracts and indicates the importance of using different in vitro tests to elucidate the mechanism of action for future studies.

Abstract We calculate the ratios R τ/P ≡ Γ (τ → Pν τ [γ]) /Γ (P → μν μ [γ]) (P = π, K) at one loop following a large-N C expansion where Chiral Perturbation Theory is enlarged by including the lightest resonances and respecting the short-distance behavior dictated by QCD. We find δR τ/π = (0.18 ± 0.57)% and δR τ/K = (0.97 ± 0.58)%, where the uncertainties are induced fundamentally by the counterterms. We test the lepton universality, obtaining |g τ /g μ | π = 0.9964 ± 0.0038 and |g τ /g μ | K = 0.9857 ± 0.0078, and analyze the CKM unitarity, getting results at 2.1σ and 1.5σ from unitarity via |V us /V ud | and |V us |, respectively. We also update the search for non-standard interactions in τ decays. As a by-product, we report the theoretical radiative corrections to the τ → Pν τ [γ] decay rates: δ τπ = −(0.24 ± 0.56)% and δ τK = −(0.15 ± 0.57)%.

In the last years, the study of vitamin D has raised due to the increase in the incidence of people who have deficient levels of this vitamin. Few foods contain vitamin D3 naturally, the main source of obtaining the ultraviolet (UV)solar radiation, which triggers the synthesis on the skin’s surface. In this study, the effective UV solar irradiance for the synthesis of pre-vitamin D3 was determined in Rosario city, Argentina, using three methods: a) ProportionalityCoefficient, b) Herman’s equation and c) TUV model. The values were compared in clear sky conditions at solar noon.The Solar Exposure Times (TES) that reach the minimum doses of solar UV radiation for the synthesis of pre-vitamin D3 and erythema were calculated, along the period june 2019 - may 2020. The variation of the TES to accumulate the minimum dose of pre-vitamin D3 and erythema with a photoexposure of 25 % of the body (face, neck and arms) is discussed

Abstract Excessive use of insecticides has led to resistance of some pathogenic organisms (nematodes, bacteria and fungi), environmental contamination, and the presence of hazardous residues. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate synthetic metabolites derived from previous studies with edible mushrooms against the soybean weevil Rhyssomatus nigerrimus Fahraeus (Curculonidae) because of the relevance of pest control in an economically important crop. Furthermore, this is one of the first studies where edible fungal molecules are evaluated for the control of these insects. Initially, two in vitro tests (toxic effect and immersion) were evaluated against R. nigerrimus. In these tests, sensitivity and viability were determined in the 2% Tween control in water. For these two tests, the synthetic metabolites pentadecanoic acid (PNA), palmitic acid (PMA), stearic acid (STA), linoleic acid (LNA), β-sitosterol (βT) were evaluated individually as well as in combinations, “the fraction of standards (E1)”. Based on the results obtained, the dip test was selected to evaluate the mixtures of two standards (1. PMA + βT, 2. PMA + PNA, 3. PMA + LNA, 4. PMA + STA, 5. STA + βT, 6. STA + PNA, 7. STA + LNA, 8. PNA + βT, 9. PNA + LNA, 10. LNA + βT), three (1. PNA + βT + LNA, 2. PNA + βT + STA, 3. STA + LNA + PNA and 4. STA + LNA + βT) and four (PNA, βT, LNA and STA). The results showed that the mixture of three standards caused a higher percentage of mortality relative to the control group: l. PNA + βT + LNA and 2. PNA + βT + STA with 54.44 and 48% mortality of R. nigerrimus insects exposed for 15 days. These results show the importance of evaluating mixtures of molecules against R. nigerrimus.

Abstract This article describes BabyIAXO, an intermediate experimental stage of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO), proposed to be sited at DESY. IAXO is a large-scale axion helioscope that will look for axions and axion-like particles (ALPs), produced in the Sun, with unprecedented sensitivity. BabyIAXO is conceived to test all IAXO subsystems (magnet, optics and detectors) at a relevant scale for the final system and thus serve as prototype for IAXO, but at the same time as a fully-fledged helioscope with relevant physics reach itself, and with potential for discovery. The BabyIAXO magnet will feature two 10 m long, 70 cm diameter bores, and will host two detection lines (optics and detector) of dimensions similar to the final ones foreseen for IAXO. BabyIAXO will detect or reject solar axions or ALPs with axion-photon couplings down to g aγ ∼ 1.5 × 10 −11 GeV −1, and masses up to m a ∼ 0.25 eV. BabyIAXO will offer additional opportunities for axion research in view of IAXO, like the development of precision x-ray detectors to identify particular spectral features in the solar axion spectrum, and the implementation of radiofrequency-cavity-based axion dark matter setups.

El objetivo fue evaluar la adición de clorhidrato de zilpaterol (CZ, genérico) en la dieta de ovinos de pelo de engorda, sobre variables hematológicas y bioquímicas como indicadores del estado de salud. Treinta y dos (32) corderos de pelo cruzados (Dorper x Pelibuey) se bloquearon por peso inicial y cuatro tratamientos y se asignaron aleatoriamente dentro de cada bloque: T1= dieta basal (grupo testigo), T2= dieta basal más 0.10 mg·kg-1 de PV d-1 de CZ (Grofactor®, Virbac México, Guadalajara, México), T3= dieta basal más 0.20 mg·kg-1 de PV d-1 de CZ y T4= dieta basal más 0.30 mg·kg-1 de PV d-1 de CZ. Se tomaron muestras de sangre los días 1, 15 y 30 del estudio. El perfil hematológico se estimó en muestras de sangre fresca, mientras que metabolitos, electrolitos y hormonas en muestras de suero. El diseño experimental fue bloques completos al azar y se efectuó análisis de polinomios ortogonales para determinar la tendencia de las respuestas a los niveles de CZ. Los niveles de colesterol y urea fueron mayores (P

Abstract The present study analyzed the volatile compounds emitted by Glycine max (cv. FT-Cristalina-RCH) soybean plants: healthy plants and plants damaged mechanically or by the Mexican soybean weevil Rhyssomatus nigerrimus. The SPME method was used to compare the volatile profile of soybean plants in four different conditions. The volatile profile of G. max plants infested by R. nigerrimus was qualitatively and quantitatively different from that of healthy and mechanically damaged plants. Emission of 59 compounds was detected in the four treatments. Of these compounds, 19 were identified by comparison of the Kovats index, mass spectrum and retention times with those of synthetic standards. An increase in concentration of the volatiles (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and the compound 1-octen-3-ol was observed when the soybean plants were mechanically damaged. The compounds mostly produced by the soybean plant during infestation by male and female R. nigerrimus were 1-octen-3-ol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E)-β-ocimene, salicylaldehyde, unknown 10, linalool, methyl salicylate, (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate (ester 5), ketone 2 and geranyl acetone. Behavioral effects of the identified compounds during the insect-plant interaction and their conspecifics are discussed.

Introduction and Objectives: Metabolic fatty liver disease (MAFLD) includes a wide spectrum of presentations, ranging from simple steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis to liver cirrhosis, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma; the etiology of this is multifactorial, with few studies on risk factors in the Mexican population. Objective: Determine the frequency of risk factors in patients with MAFLD in a liver disease center: CEIHET, Mexico. Material and methods: An observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study selected 587 records from the CEIHET, Hidalgo, of patients with a diagnosis of MAFLD, from January 2017 to May 2020. Determine the frequency of risk factors. Statistical analysis was performed through measures of central tendency, dispersion and correlation. Results: 587 files were analyzed, 56% (n = 329) women; mean age of 51.4 years. The group with simple steatosis had a mean age of 38 years, while in advanced liver cirrhosis, it was 63 years (p 0.005). In schooling, basic education was found for liver cirrhosis in 73.12% (n = 215), and, in previous stages, it was 21.84% (n = 64). In the AHF and APP, type 2 diabetes is shown as the main risk factor with 65.92% (n = 387) and 58.77% (n = 345), respectively; 6 out of 10 patients had two or more risk factors. 77.3% (n = 454) of patients did not meet the standards of adequate physical activity. Regarding BMI, 73% of patients with simple steatosis were overweight or obese, while, with liver cirrhosis, it was present in 98% without ascites or edema. Discussion: A prevalence of fatty liver disease of 55.75% was found, being the main reason for liver Disease consultation, constituting the major cause of liver damage in females. The age of patients increases in direct proportion to the severity of liver damage. Of relevance is education, showing RR of 9.2 (p = 0.001), which indicates that the lower the level of education, a later detection is carried out. 77.3% of these patients did not comply with the physical activity standards established by the WHO. When studying the BMI, we noticed the presence of overweight/obesity in at least 88% of the population, correlating with that established in studies in the USA, where the Latino population has the highest BMI and in the highest frequency. Conclusions: The present study shows that sedentary lifestyle, overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes are the main determining factors for the presence of MAFLD in the Mexican population, and therefore the importance of its detection and management, to prevent its progression and improve the quality of life of patients.The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Abstract We have revisited the computations of the flavor violating leptonic decays of the $$\tau $$ τ and $$\mu $$ μ leptons into three lighter charged leptons in the Standard Model with massive neutrinos. We were driven by a claimed unnaturally large branching ratio predicted for the $$\tau ^-\rightarrow \mu ^- \ell ^+ \ell ^-$$ τ-→μ-ℓ+ℓ- ($$\ell =\mu , e$$ ℓ=μ,e ) decays (Pham, Eur Phys J C 8:513 1999), which was at odds with the corresponding predictions for the $$\mu ^-\rightarrow e^- e^-e^+$$ μ-→e-e-e+ processes (Petcov, Sov J Nucl Phys 25:340 1977). In contrast with the prediction in [17], our results are strongly suppressed and in good agreement with the approximation made in Ref. [15], where masses and momenta of the external particles were neglected in order to deal with the loop integrals. However -as a result of keeping external momenta and masses in the computation of the dominant penguin and box diagrams- we even find slightly smaller branching fractions. Therefore, we confirm that any future observation of such processes would be an unambiguous manifestation of new physics beyond the Standard Model.

We consider extremal polynomials with respect to a Sobolev-type p-norm, with 1 < p < ∞ and measures supported on compact subsets of the real line. For a wide class of such extremal polynomials with respect to mutually singular measures (i.e. supported on disjoint subsets of the real line), it is proved that their critical points are simple and contained in the interior of the convex hull of the support of the measures involved and the asymptotic critical point distribution is studied. We also find the nth root asymptotic behavior of the corresponding sequence of Sobolev extremal polynomials and their derivatives.

This study evaluates the impact of two plant sterol (PS) enriched fruit beverages (0.6 g /100 ml), without (MfB) or with GOS (MfB-G) (1.2 g/100 ml) on the resistance against oxidative stress induced by non-conventional (cholesterol oxidation products (COPs)) and conventional (H2O2) oxidant compounds, as well as their impact on C. elegans longevity. Nematodes fed with both beverages (0.005–0.25%, v/v) showed similar improved oxidative stress resistance against COPs and H2O2. This effect was dependent on daf-16 transcription factor, although GOS showed an additional beneficial effect independent to daf-16. In addition, both beverages extended nematode lifespan, independently of the presence of GOS. Longevity assays using daf-16 and daf-2 mutant strains revealed that the observed effect was potentially linked to the insulin-IGF-1 pathway. These results provide new in vivo evidence for the potential use of PS enriched fruit beverages in the prevention of oxidative stress underlying many diseases.

Abstract The rare τ − → η (′) π − ν τ decays, which are suppressed by G-parity in the Standard Model (SM), can be sensitive to the effects of new interactions. We study the sensitivity of different observables of these decays in the framework of an effective field theory that includes the most general interactions between SM fields up to dimension six, assuming massless neutrinos. Owing to the strong suppression of the SM isospin breaking amplitudes, we find that the different observables would allow to set constraints on scalar interactions that are stronger than those coming from other low-energy observables.

With the rise of urban population, many initiatives are focused upon the smart city concept, in which mobility of citizens arises as one of the main components. Updated and detailed spatial information of outdoor environments is needed to accurate path planning for pedestrians, especially for people with reduced mobility, in which physical barriers should be considered. This work presents a methodology to use point clouds to direct path planning. The starting point is a classified point cloud in which ground elements have been previously classified as roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs and stairs. The remaining points compose the obstacle class. The methodology starts by individualizing ground elements and simplifying them into representative points, which are used as nodes in the graph creation. The region of influence of obstacles is used to refine the graph. Edges of the graph are weighted according to distance between nodes and according to their accessibility for wheelchairs. As a result, we obtain a very accurate graph representing the as-built environment. The methodology has been tested in a couple of real case studies and Dijkstra algorithm was used to pathfinding. The resulting paths represent the optimal according to motor skills and safety.

In the first paragraph of section 4, the sentence “Without loss of generality, we assume the CP-conserving scenario” is incorrect.

We report the measurement of the one-dimensional charged kaon correlation functions using 600GeV/c Σ−, π− and 540GeV/c p beams from the SELEX (E781) experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. K±K± correlation functions are studied for three transverse pair momentum, kT, ranges and parameterized by a Gaussian form. The emission source radii, R, and the correlation strength, λ, are extracted. The analysis shows a decrease of the source radii with increasing kaon transverse pair momentum for all beam types.

In this paper an exhaustive bibliographical revision of the mathematical methods used for the optimal selection and location of reactive power compensating elements is developed, the results obtained by different authors for different objective functions are analyzed and a scientific problem in the conflict that the electric variables show when analyzed individually is identified; thus demonstrating the need to analyze this problem in a multi-criteria way and taking into account topologies of distribution grids with distributed generation and energy storage. This research demonstrates that reactive power compensation in distribution grids with distributed resources is a problem that must be analyzed from multiple criteria that consider several objective functions to be optimized; thus achieving a global solution that contemplates an optimal location and dimensioning of reactive power compensating elements that contribute to the joint improvement of the voltage profiles, minimization of power losses, harmonic mitigation, increased line capacity, voltage stability and power factor improvement, all of them to a minimum investment cost. A theoretical heuristic is also proposed to solve the described problem, based on the multicriteria optimization method.

Predicción de la mortalidad en la carretera del lince ibérico en el sur de España: un nuevo método utilizando el algoritmo MaxEnt En los últimos años, el tamaño de población del lince ibérico (Lynx pardinus) y su área de distribución han aumentado de forma significativa. Actualmente, la especie habita zonas en las que había estado extinto durante décadas y en las que se han identificado nuevos puntos negros de mortalidad en carretera. La conservación de esta especie requiere que se haga una evaluación exhaustiva del riesgo de muerte en carretera en su posible distribución futura. En este estudio se emplea el algoritmo MaxEnt para identificar las carreteras donde hay mayor riesgo de atropellar un lince ibérico. Más de 1.150 tramos de carreteras fueron evaluados en Andalucía (sur de España). En el modelo se utilizaron variables relacionadas con las carreteras y el hábitat circundante. En total, 1.395 km de los 7.384 km evaluados (el 18,9 %) se han calificado como de alto riesgo. Nuestros resultados podrían ayudar a planificar futuras estrategias de conservación. Hasta donde conocemos, esta es la primera vez que se utiliza el algoritmo MaxEnt para predecir de forma espacialmente explícita la mortalidad de fauna silvestre en carreteras.

La historia de la construcción no siempre ha estado repleta de éxitos en el desarrollo de nuevos sistemas constructivos, sin embargo, todos ellos han servido para desarrollar los avances que hoy en día conocemos. A finales del siglo XIX y principios de XX, la incipiente industria comenzará a dotar de nuevos materiales hacia la optimización constructiva. La arquitectura industrial hará uso de todos estos nuevos productos, formulándose como crisol de experimentación y desarrollo. El estudio de estos elementos prefabricados que materializaron las edificaciones hoy abandonadas de la línea ferroviaria Teruel-Alcañiz, permite, además de comprobar su estrategia para hacer frente a la ejecución de un elevado número de edificaciones en tempo y presupuesto limitados, afrontar bajo su conocimiento futuros trabajos de intervención.

FRAGMENTO 1 DENOMINACIONES Muchos han sido los nombres que a través de la literatura se le han dado a estos compuestos de acción un tanto similar a la de la Progesterona. Así se los ha llamado: Gestágenos, Gestógenos, Progestángenos, Progestógenos, Progestínicos, Compuestos Progestacionales, Agentes Progestacionales Anovulatorios, etc.

Land surface albedo, a key parameter to derive Earth's surface energy balance, is used in the parameterization of numerical weather prediction, climate monitoring and climate change impact assessments. Changes in albedo due to fire have not been fully investigated on a continental and global scale. The main goal of this study, therefore, is to quantify the changes in instantaneous shortwave albedo produced by biomass burning activities and their associated radiative forcing. The study relies on the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MCD64A1 burned-area product to create an annual composite of areas affected by fire and the MCD43C2 bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) albedo snow-free product to compute a bihemispherical reflectance time series. The approximate day of burning is used to calculate the instantaneous change in shortwave albedo. Using the corresponding National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) monthly mean downward solar radiation flux at the surface, the global radiative forcing associated with fire was computed. The analysis reveals a mean decrease in shortwave albedo of −0.014 (1σ = 0.017), causing a mean positive radiative forcing of 3.99 Wm−2 (1σ = 4.89) over the 2002–20012 time period in areas affected by fire. The greatest drop in mean shortwave albedo change occurs in 2002, which corresponds to the highest total area burned (378 Mha) observed in the same year and produces the highest mean radiative forcing (4.5 Wm−2). Africa is the main contributor in terms of burned area, but forests globally give the highest radiative forcing per unit area and thus give detectable changes in shortwave albedo. The global mean radiative forcing for the whole period studied (~0.0275 Wm−2) shows that the contribution of fires to the Earth system is not insignificant.

La utilización de dispositivos de ecografía de bolsillo a la cabecera del paciente, por el propio internista, va a redefinir probablemente la exploración física y la aproximación al diagnóstico en Medicina Interna. La comercialización reciente de ecógrafos portátiles, que pueden transportarse en el bolsillo de la bata, permite la realización de ecografías a pie de cama y profundizar en los hallazgos obtenidos con la historia clínica y la exploración física en tiempo real, mejorando la toma de decisiones a la cabecera del paciente. Además proporciona una ayuda importante en la realización de determinadas pruebas diagnósticas como toracocentesis y paracentesis. El desarrollo e implantación de esta tecnología puede revolucionar la aproximación médico-paciente en los próximos años.

Antecedentes: Los hemangiomas hepáticos gigantes (HHG) son aquellos con un tamaño superior a 4 cm. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los hallazgos clínicos del HHG, sus factores de riesgo, el abordaje diagnóstico y el manejo, y comparar esta información con la del hemangioma convencional. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo del periodo 1990-2008 de pacientes con diagnóstico, sea por imagen o histopatología, de hemangioma hepático atendidos en nuestro hospital. De cada paciente se revisó su expediente para extraer información médica y/o quirúrgica. Resultados: De 57 pacientes con hemangioma hepático, 41 (72%) eran mujeres y 32 (56%) tenían un HHG. La mediana de tamaño fue de 4.49 cm. Con respecto a los HHG, el 31.2% estaban asintomáticos; el síntoma más común fue dolor. Tanto los síntomas como el uso de anticonceptivos orales fueron más comunes en pacientes con HHG. Nueve pacientes con HHC fueron sometidos a cirugía: 2 biopsias abiertas por duda diagnóstica, una enucleación y 6 resecciones. Conclusiones: Los HHG son más prevalentes en mujeres y, cuando son sintomáticos, el dolor es la manifestación más frecuente. El diagnóstico habitualmente se hace por imagen, pero a veces se requiere abordaje quirúrgico por duda diagnóstica. El uso de anticonceptivos orales es probablemente un factor de riesgo de más peso para el HHG que para el hemangioma convencional; esta asociación necesita ser estudiada más a fondo.

Background: Giant hepatic hemangiomas (GHHs) are those that are larger than 4 cm in size. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe GHH clinical findings, their risk factors, diagnostic approach and management, and to compare these data with those of conventional hemangiomas. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with hemangiomas, whether by imaging studies or histopathology, at our hospital within the time frame of 1990-2008. The medical records of each patient were reviewed to obtain clinical and surgical data. Results: Of the 57 patients with liver hemangioma, 41 (72%) were women and 32 (56%) had GHH. Liver hemangioma median size was 4.49 cm. In regard to the patients with GHH, 31.2% were asymptomatic and when symptoms presented, pain was the most common. Both symptoms and oral contraceptive exposure were more common in the GHH patients. Nine patients with GHH underwent surgery: 2 open biopsies due to diagnostic uncertainty, one enucleation, and 6 resections. Conclusions: GHHs are more prevalent in women and when symptomatic, pain is the most frequent complaint. Diagnosis is usually made through imaging studies, but when there is diagnostic doubt, surgical exploration is sometimes needed. Oral contraceptive use is most likely more of a risk factor for GHH than for conventional hemangioma, but this association needs to be studied further.

A partir de entrevistas realizadas a distintos maestros constructores de chimeneas industriales de ladrillo, pertenecientes a las escuelas valenciana y murciana, que recurren a estilos y sistemas de ejecución muy diferentes, se ha procedido a describir los sistemas empleados en España para la construcción de estos monolitos industriales. Los sistemas abordados implementan los conocimientos de la Historia de la Construcción española, con un elemento que tuvo una corta vida, pero que fue esencial en la evolución industrial y son clave a la hora de enfrentarnos a una posible restauración del elemento.

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest a tight association between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in humans. The intake of antioxidants may influence Bone Mineral Density by acting as free radical scavengers, preventing oxidation-induced damage to bone cells. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score and bone mineral density in a sample of healthy women. Methods: A total of 280 women were grouped into three major groups: women aged ≤ 35 years; women aged 36-45, and finally women aged >45 years. Calcaneous Bone Mineral Density (g/cm²) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data on the eating habits of each participant were collected with a structured 24-hour diet recall questionnaire. A Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score was used to calculate antioxidant-nutrient intake. Results: A significant and positive association was observed among Bone Mineral Density and dietary intake of vitamin C and selenium. Zinc intake was significantly related to Bone Mineral Density in the youngest group. Low antioxidant consumers were considered individuals whose Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score was lower or equal than the median (3.5), and high antioxidant consumers were those whose Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score were higher than 3.5. Bone Mineral Density was higher in the participants defined as high antioxidant consumers in all aged groups. Conclusion: The study showed that there is an association between Bone Mineral Density and the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score in all the women studied. Therefore, new therapies for osteoporosis based on higher dietary antioxidant intakes might be developed basing on the results obtained in this study.Antecedentes: Varias líneas de evidencia sugieren que existe una estrecha relación entre el estrés oxidativo y la patogénesis de la osteoporosis en humanos. La ingesta de nutrientes antioxidantes puede influenciar la densidad mineral ósea al neutralizar los radicales libres, previniendo el daño oxidativo a las células de hueso. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es establecer la asociación entre un Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta y la densidad mineral ósea en una muestra de mujeres sanas. Métodos: Un total de 280 mujeres participaron en el estudio. Las participantes fueron agrupadas por edad en tres categorías: edad ≤ 35 años; edad entre 36 y 45 años y con edad superior a 45 años. Las medidas de la densidad mineral ósea (g/cm²) del calcáneo fueron realizadas por absorciometría dual de rayos X. Los datos sobre los hábitos alimentarios de cada participante fueron recogidos mediante recordatorios de 24 horas. El Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta se utilizó para calcular la ingesta total de nutrientes antioxidantes. Resultados: La ingesta de vitamina C y selenio está asociada significativamente a la densidad mineral ósea. En el grupo de mujeres de edad inferior, la ingesta de zinc está relacionada con la masa ósea. Los individuos cuyo Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta es inferior o igual a la mediana (3,5) son considerados de bajo consumo antioxidante, y aquellos individuos cuyo Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta es superior a 3,5 se consideran de alto consumo antioxidante. En todos los grupos estudiados, la densidad mineral ósea fue significativamente superior en los sujetos cuya dieta tiene un alto consumo de nutrientes antioxidantes. Conclusión: El trabajo muestra que existe una asociación entre la densidad mineral ósea y el Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta en todos los grupos de mujeres estudiadas. Por lo tanto, basándose en los resultados de este estudio, se pueden desarrollar nuevas terapias para la osteoporosis basadas en una ingesta elevada de nutrientes antioxidantes.

Forest structure and dynamics vary across the Amazon Basin in an east-west gradient coincident with variations in soil fertility and geology. This has resulted in the hypothesis that soil fertility may play an important role in explaining Basin-wide variations in forest biomass, growth and stem turnover rates. Soil samples were collected in a total of 59 different forest plots across the Amazon Basin and analysed for exchangeable cations, carbon, nitrogen and pH, with several phosphorus fractions of likely different plant availability also quantified. Physical properties were additionally examined and an index of soil physical quality developed. Bivariate relationships of soil and climatic properties with above-ground wood productivity, stand-level tree turnover rates, above-ground wood biomass and wood density were first examined with multivariate regression models then applied. Both forms of analysis were undertaken with and without considerations regarding the underlying spatial structure of the dataset. Despite the presence of autocorrelated spatial structures complicating many analyses, forest structure and dynamics were found to be strongly and quantitatively related to edaphic as well as climatic conditions. Basin-wide differences in stand-level turnover rates are mostly influenced by soil physical properties with variations in rates of coarse wood production mostly related to soil phosphorus status. Total soil P was a better predictor of wood production rates than any of the fractionated organic- or inorganic-P pools. This suggests that it is not only the immediately available P forms, but probably the entire soil phosphorus pool that is interacting with forest growth on longer timescales. A role for soil potassium in modulating Amazon forest dynamics through its effects on stand-level wood density was also detected. Taking this into account, otherwise enigmatic variations in stand-level biomass across the Basin were then accounted for through the interacting effects of soil physical and chemical properties with climate. A hypothesis of self-maintaining forest dynamic feedback mechanisms initiated by edaphic conditions is proposed. It is further suggested that this is a major factor determining endogenous disturbance levels, species composition, and forest productivity across the Amazon Basin.

Introduction: Emotions have a powerful effect on our choice of food and eating habits. It has been found that in some people there is relationship between eating, emotions and the increased energy intake. This relationship should be measurable to better understand how food is used to deal with certain mood states and how these emotions affect the effectiveness of weight loss programs. Objective: To develop and analyze the psychometric characteristics of a questionnaire on emotional eating for obesity easy to apply in clinical practice. Subjects and methods: A ten-item questionnaire called Emotional-Eater-Questionnaire (EEQ) was developed and administered to a total of 354 subjects (body mass index, 31 ± 5), aged 39 ± 12, who were subjected to a weight-reduction program. The questionnaire was specifically designed for obesity. Analysis of the internal structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity with Mindful-Eater-Questionnaire (MEQ) were conducted. Results: After principal components analysis, the questionnaire was classified in three different dimensions that explained 60% of the total variance: Disinhibition, Type-of-food and Guilt. Internal consistency showed that Cronbach's alpha was 0.773 for the "Dishinibition" subscale, 0.656 for the "Type of food" subscale and 0.612 for the "Guilt" subscale. The test-retest stability was r = 0.70. The data showed that the percentage of agreement between the EEQ and the MEQ was around 70% with a Kappa index of 0.40; P < 0.0001. Conclusion: We have presented a new questionnaire, which classifies individuals as a function of the relation between food intake and emotions. Such information will permit personalised treatments to be designed by drawing up early strategies from the very beginning of treatment programmes.Introducción: Las emociones tienen un poderoso efecto sobre la elección de alimentos y los hábitos alimentarios. Existe una relación entre comer, emociones y el aumento del aporte calórico. Esta relación debería ser medible para comprender mejor cómo utilizamos los alimentos en determinados estados de ánimo y cómo las emociones afectan a la eficacia de los programas de pérdida de peso. Objetivo: Desarrollar y analizar las características psicométricas de un cuestionario para identificar la ingesta emocional en la obesidad de fácil aplicación en la práctica clínica. Material y métodos: Se ha desarrollado y administrado un cuestionario de diez ítems llamado Cuestionario-de-Comedor-Emocional (CCE) a un total de 354 sujetos (Índice de Masa Corporal: 31 ± 5), (Edad: 39 ± 12 años), pertenecientes a un programa de reducción de peso. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de la estructura interna del cuestionario, de la consistencia interna, la fiabilidad testretest y la validez convergente con el Mindful-Eater-Questionnaire (MEQ). Resultados: El análisis de componentes principales del cuestionario encontró tres dimensiones diferentes que explicaban el 60% de la varianza: desinhibición, tipo de alimento y culpa. La consistencia interna mostró que el alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,773 para la subescala "Desinhibición", 0,656 para "Tipo de alimentos" y 0,612 para "culpa". La estabilidad test-retest fue de r = 0,70. Los datos mostraron que el porcentaje de acuerdo entre el CCE y MEQ era del 70% con un índice Kappa de 0,40, P < 0,0001. Conclusión: Hemos presentado un nuevo cuestionario, que clasifica a los individuos en función de la relación entre la ingesta de alimentos y las emociones. Esta información permitirá el diseño de tratamientos personalizados desde el inicio para la obesidad.

Introducción: Los reemplazos dietéticos (RD) se han utilizado para substituir una o dos comidas al día. Sin embargo, pocos estudios aleatorios han valorado su eficacia a largo plazo. Objetivo: Valorar el efecto de los RD sobre la pérdida de peso a largo plazo (≥ 1 año), en personas con sobrepeso y obesidad, con y sin diabetes. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de todos los ensayos clínicos aleatorios de uno o más años de intervención, publicados hasta Noviembre del 2010, y registrados en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, EBSCO host y SciELO. Los términos MeSH utilizados fueron "weight loss", "overweight", "obesity" y "diabetes", además del término "meal replacement". Para evaluar la calidad de los estudios, se utilizó la escala de GRADE. Resultados: Se encontraron siete ensayos clínicos aleatorios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Sólo cuatro de los estudios mostraron mayor pérdida de peso con las dietas con RD, en tres no se observaron diferencias significativas. Los dos estudios de mayor calidad presentaron resultados inconsistentes. Conclusión: No existe evidencia suficiente que respalde la eficacia del uso de RD sobre la pérdida de peso a largo plazo. Por lo que se requiere estudios mejor diseñados, con seguimiento a largo plazo.Meal replacement (MR) has been frequently used to substitute one or more meals during the day. However, few randomized long-term studies have assessed its efficacy. Objective: To asses meal replacement use and its effectiveness on long-term weight loss (> 1 year) in overweight and obese people with or without diabetes. Methods: A search of randomized clinical trials with an intervention period equal to or more than a year, published on Pubmed, EBSCO host and SciELO through November 2010 was performed. Mesh terms such as "meal replacement", "weight loss," "overweight," "obesity" and "diabetes" were used, plus the term "meal replacement." GRADE scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. It was observed that four of the studies showed a major weight loss in meal replacement groups, but in the other four studies no significant difference in weight loss was found. Conclusion: The evidence of the beneficial effect of meal replacement on long-term weight loss is inconclusive. These results warrant longer and better design studies.

El Síndrome de Wilkie es una causa poco frecuente de obstrucción intestinal alta, resultante de la compresión del duodeno entre la aorta abdominal y la arteria mesentérica superior (AMS). Sus causas se pueden clasificar en cinco grupos: síndromes consuntivos, trastornos de la alimentación, postoperatorio, trauma severo y deformidades, enfermedades o traumatismos de la columna vertebral. Los síntomas incluyen náuseas, vómitos, pérdida ponderal, saciedad precoz, distensión abdominal y dolor epigástrico. Historicamente el estudio con bario y la arteriografía eran las pruebas diagnósticas utilizadas; más recientemente el angioTAC ha demostrado mayor sensibilidad. Los criterios diagnósticos son: duodeno dilatado, compresión duodenal por la AMS y ángulo aortomesentérico menor de 20 grados. Los pacientes con un cuadro agudo suelen responder al tratamiento conservador (descompresión, corrección de las alteraciones hidroelectrolíticas, apoyo nutricional); sin embargo aquellos con cuadros crónicos habitualmente requieren ser intervenidos. La duodenoyeyunostomía es el procedimiento de elección (tasa de éxito superior al 90%).Wilkie syndrome is an unusual form of high gastrointestinal obstruction resulting from compression of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The conditions that cause this syndrome can be classified into five categories: severe wasting diseases, severe injuries, diseases, deformity or trauma to the spine, dietary disorders and posoperative state. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, distention postprandrial, epigastric pain and weight loss. Barium meal and arteriography were used as diagnostic tools, now CT-angiography is being used and shown higher diagnostic sensitivity. The diagnostic criteria are: dilated duodenum, compression of the duodenum by the SMA and aortomesenteric angle

Objetivos: El objetivo principal del estudio fue comparar la aceptación, adherencia, tolerancia y seguridad de varias pautas cortas para el tratamiento de la infección tuberculosa latente (TIT), frente a una estándar de 9 meses, en tratamiento directamente observado (TDO) y confrontarlas con resultados previos de una pauta estándar en tratamiento autoadministrado por el paciente. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo realizado en un centro penitenciario de tamaño medio. El período de inclusión abarcó 10 años, de enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2009. Se utilizaron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión de los Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) y los recogidos en el Programa de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis en el Medio Penitenciario. Se utilizaron 4 pautas de TIT según la preferencia del paciente y posibles interacciones con otros tratamientos. La pauta incluía isoniazida (H) en dosis de 300 mg/dia 9 meses (9H), la pauta II rifampicina más pirazinamida durante 2 meses 2 veces por semana, (2R2Z2) la pauta III rifampicina más isoniazida durante 3 meses (3RH) y la pauta IV rifampicina durante 4 meses (4R). Se administró el tratamiento de forma estricta en TDO por el personal de enfermería. Resultados: Se incluyen 902 pacientes, aceptando el tratamiento 810 (89,80%), distribuidos de la siguiente forma: 400 en la pauta 9H, y 410 con las pautas cortas (316 en la pauta 2R2Z2, 82 en la pauta 3RH y 12 en la pauta 4R. No aceptaron el TIT 92 (10,20%) pacientes. Finalizaron el TIT 271 (67,75%) con 9H, y 314 (76,60%) con las pautas cortas. Finalizaron con 2R2Z2, 232 pacientes (73,42%), con 3RH 70 (85,40%) y 12 (100%) con 4R. No finalizan el TIT con la pauta 9H 129 (32,25%) pacientes por los siguientes motivos (63 por abandono voluntario, 35 por reacciones adversas, 26 por libertad o traslado, 2 por causa desconocida, 1 por enfermedad tuberculosa en un paciente VIH- y 1 por suicidio). No finalizan el TIT con las pautas cortas 96 (23,41%) pacientes, por los siguientes motivos (36 por abandono voluntario, 54 por reacciones adversas, 1 por libertad o traslado, 3 por causa desconocida, 1 por brote psicótico en enfermo psiquiátrico y 1 por hepatitis aguda no filiada). Se aprecian diferencias significativas en las tasas de finalización del TIT al comparar la pauta estándar 9H y las pautas cortas. Se observa una mayor probabilidad de finalización, estadísticamente significativa, con las pautas cortas: p: 0,006; Odds Ratio: 1.56 (LC95%: 1.14-2.12). Este diferencia en la finalización se debe a que la pauta 9H presenta un mayor número de abandonos voluntarios sin motivo aparente (p: 0.002; OR: 2.03 [1.30-3.15]) y un mayor número de abandonos por conducción a otro centro o libertad (pObjectives: The main aim of the study is to compare the acceptance, adherence, tolerance and safety of short course therapies in comparison to a standard 9 month treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in directly observed therapy (DOT) and contrast this with previous results from a standard therapy in patient self-administered treatment. Materials and methods: Retrospective longitudinal study carried out at a medium sized prison. Period of inclusion covers 10 years, from January 2000 to December 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) inclusion and exclusion criteria were used, as well as the ones included in the Program for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in the Prison Environment. 4 LTBI therapies according to the preference of the patient and possible interactions with other treatments were utilised. Therapy I consisted of isoniazid (H) in doses of 300 mg/day for 9 months (9H), therapy II with rifampicin for 2 months, twice a week, (2R2Z2) therapy III with rifampicin and isoniazid for 3 months (3RH) and therapy IV with rifampicin for four months (4R). Treatment was administered under strict DOT conditions by nursing staff. Results: 902 patients were included, of which 810 accepted the treatment (89.90%), distributed as follows: 400 in the 9H therapy, and 410 with short course therapies (316 in the 2R2Z2, 82 in the 3RH therapy and 12 in the 4R therapy). 92 patients (10.20%) did not accept LTBI therapy, 271 patients (67.75%) concluded the LTBI treatment with 9H, and 314 (76.60%) with short courses. 232 patients (73.42%) concluded the 2R2Z2, 85.40% with the 3RH 70 therapy and 12 (100%) with the 4R treatment. 129 patients (32.25%) did not complete the LTBI 9H therapy (63 due to voluntary withdrawal, 35 due to adverse reactions, 26 for release or transfer, 2 for unknown reasons, 1 due to tuberculosis in a HIV-patient and 1 due to suicide). 96 patients (23.41%) did not conclude the short course therapies (36 due to voluntary withdrawal, 54 due to adverse reactions, 1 due to release or transfer, 3 for unknown reasons, 1 due to a psychotic episode, and 1 due to hepatitis of unknown aetiology). Significant differences could be discerned in the LTBI therapy conclusion rates when comparing the standard 9H and short course therapies. A greater, statistically significant, probability is observed with the short course therapies: p: 0.006; Odds Ration: 1.56 (LC95%: 1.14-2.12). This difference is a result of the 9H therapy presenting a greater number of voluntary withdrawals for no apparent reason (p: 0.002; OR: 2.03 [1.30-3.15]) and a greater number of withdrawals as a result of transfers to another prison or release (p

Background and aims: more than half of patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) do not achieve a sustained viral response (SVR) to current antiviral therapy due to primary non-response, relapse or intolerance. Factors related to each of these unfavorable outcomes are different and the last two may be partially prevented. Our aim was to identify basal criteria to predict the risk of primary failure. Patients and methods: we included 251 consecutive patients (152 males) from a single centre, infected with HCV genotype 1 and not previously treated. SVR was achieved in 141 patients and primary failure in 110. Results: high vs. low viral load (> 400,000 IU/mL, OR = 6.17; 95% CI: 2.50-15.23), high serum GGT (> 60 IU/mL, OR = 4.25; 95% CI: 2.49-7.24), low serum cholesterol (< 178 mg/dL, OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.75-4.92) and older age (> 47 yrs., OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.08-2.96) were associated to the risk of primary failure in the lineal logistic regression analysis. From the 58 patients carrying all the first three negative criteria, 46 (79.3%) were primary non-responders. Conclusions: the negative basal profile identified in this study is based on easily available data and provides information about the risk of primary therapeutic failure, and may help to decide whether antiviral therapy should be offered to a single patient.

Este artículo muestra los trabajos de inspección, diagnóstico y propuesta de intervención sobre la estructura de madera vista de la plaza Mayor de Chinchón (Madrid). Se emplearon técnicas de reconocimiento visual y otras de tipo no destructivo y pseudo-no destructivo como la microfotografía, xilohigrometría, medición de la velocidad de ultrasonidos, arranque de tornillos y resistografía. Los trabajos permitieron identificar la especie leñosa original, caracterizar la madera estructural, señalar los daños y lesiones de diverso tipo que presenta y, finalmente, realizar una peritación estructural. Todo ello sirvió de base para establecer una propuesta de intervención basada en los datos obtenidos y los principios generales internacionalmente reconocidos, aplicados al caso particular. Aunque el estado general de la madera es relativamente bueno gracias a actuaciones realizadas anteriormente, se propusieron sugerencias de intervención constructiva y tratamientos contra daños bióticos y abióticos. Ha sido realizado por el Grupo de Investigación en Estructuras y Tecnología de la Madera de la Universidad de Valladolid (http://www.uva.es/maderas), que está integrado por profesionales e investigadores multidisciplinares, con experiencia en los campos de la construcción y restauración arquitectónica y la tecnología de la madera.

Long-term studies using the RAINFOR network of forest plots have generated significant insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of forest carbon cycling in Amazonia. In this work, we map and explore the landscape context of several major RAINFOR plot clusters using Landsat ETM+ satellite data. In particular, we explore how representative the plots are of their landscape context, and test whether bias in plot location within landscapes may be influencing the regional mean values obtained for important forest biophysical parameters. Specifically, we evaluate whether the regional variations in wood productivity, wood specific density and above ground biomass derived from the RAINFOR network could be driven by systematic and unintentional biases in plot location. Remote sensing data covering 45 field plots were aggregated to generate landscape maps to identify the specific physiognomy of the plots. In the Landsat ETM+ data, it was possible to spectrally differentiate three types of terra firme forest, three types of forests over Paleovarzea geomorphologycal formation, two types of bamboo-dominated forest, palm forest, Heliconia monodominant vegetation, swamp forest, disturbed forests and land use areas. Overall, the plots were generally representative of the forest physiognomies in the landscape in which they are located. Furthermore, the analysis supports the observed regional trends in those important forest parameters. This study demonstrates the utility of landscape scale analysis of forest physiognomies for validating and supporting the finds of plot based studies. Moreover, the more precise geolocation of many key RAINFOR plot clusters achieved during this research provides important contextual information for studies employing the RAINFOR database.

Leaves in tropical forests come in an enormous variety of sizes and shapes, each of which can be ultimately viewed as an adaptation to the complex problem of optimising the capture of light for photosynthesis. However, the fact that many different shape "strategies" coexist within a habitat demonstrate that there are many other intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved, such as the differential investment in support tissues required for different leaf lamina shapes. Here, we take a macrogeographic approach to understanding the function of different lamina shape categories. Specifically, we use 106 permanent plots spread across the Amazon rainforest basin to: 1) describe the geographic distribution of some simple metrics of lamina shape in plots from across Amazonia, and; 2) identify and quantify relationships between key environmental parameters and lamina shape in tropical forests. Because the plots are not randomly distributed across the study area, achieving this latter objective requires the use of statistics that can account for spatial auto-correlation. We found that between 60–70% of the 2791 species and 83 908 individual trees in the dataset could be classified as having elliptic leaves (= the widest part of the leaf is on an axis in the middle fifth of the long axis of the leaf). Furthermore, the average Amazonian tree leaf is 2.5 times longer than it is wide and has an entire margin. Contrary to theoretical expectations we found little support for the hypothesis that narrow leaves are an adaptation to dry conditions. However, we did find strong regional patterns in leaf lamina length-width ratios and several significant correlations with precipitation variables suggesting that water availability may be exerting an as yet unrecognised selective pressure on leaf shape of rainforest trees. Some support was found for the hypothesis that narrow leaves are an adaptation to low nutrient soils. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between the proportion of trees with non-entire laminas (dissected, toothed, etc.) and mean annual temperature once again supporting the well documented association that provides a basis for reconstructing past temperature regimes.

Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a disease of the reproductive tract that may cause miscarriage in females, infection of the sexual organs in males and infertility in both sexes. The prevalence of brucellosis in dogs is unknown and little has been done to control the disease, except in certain breeds and some commercial dog kennels. In the course of a free neuter program in Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires province, prevalence of antibodies to Brucella sp., bacteriological isolation and clinical observations were performed. Of 224 dogs studied, 33 (14.7%) were found positive for the rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT), 24 (10.7%) of which were confirmed by IELISA. Of the 33 RSAT positive, 17 (51.5%) blood cultures were done, and B. canis were isolated from 2 cases. Since infected dogs have been shown to remain bacteremic for prolonged periods, our results also suggest a risk of human infections in this area.La brucelosis canina causada por Brucella canis es una infección que afecta el tracto reproductivo de los perros y que puede provocar abortos en las hembras, infección de los órganos sexuales en los machos e infertilidad en ambos sexos. Se desconoce la prevalencia de esta enfermedad y las medidas de control se aplican sólo en algunos criaderos comerciales. Durante un programa de castración gratuita de perros llevado a cabo en el Partido de Lomas de Zamora (Gran Buenos Aires) se realizaron estudios clínicos, serológicos y bacteriológicos en 224 animales. En la población estudiada, la prueba de microaglutinación rápida en portaobjetos (RSAT) resultó positiva en suero de 33 (14,7%) perros y fueron confirmadas por IELISA en 24 (10,7%) de ellos. A 17 de los 33 perros positivos mediante RSAT (51,5%) se les practicaron hemocultivos y en 2 casos se aisló B. canis. Debido a que los perros infectados permanecen bacteriémicos durante períodos prolongados, constituyen un riesgo para la salud pública.

Chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIPO) is a rare entity characterized by recurrent clinical episodes of intestinal obstruction in which no mechanical cause is identified. There are multiple causes for this syndrome but two main groups can be distinguished: a) secondary to a systemic non-gastrointestinal disease; and b) primary or idiopathic originated from alterations in the components of the intestinal wall. The latter forms are the most uncommon and their diagnosis is generally difficult. In the present article, we describe nine patients with CIPO that were diagnosed in our center over the last six years. Four of them were diagnosed with primary or idiopathic form of CIPO and another four were clearly secondary to a systemic disease. The ninth case, which was initially diagnosed as secondary, is probably also a primary form of the disease. The number of patients diagnosed in our center, even thought small, makes us to hypothesize that the prevalence of CIPO is probably greater than is generally believed and that the reasons of its rarity are the incomplete understanding of its physiopathology and the difficulties to achieve a correct diagnosis.

Understanding the relationships between plant traits and ecosystem properties at large spatial scales is important for predicting how compositional change will affect carbon cycling in tropical forests. In this study, we examine the relationships between species wood density, maximum height and above-ground, coarse wood production of trees ≥10 cm diameter (CWP) for 60 Amazonian forest plots. Average species maximum height and wood density are lower in Western than Eastern Amazonia and are negatively correlated with CWP. To test the hypothesis that variation in these traits causes the variation in CWP, we generate plot-level estimates of CWP by resampling the full distribution of tree biomass growth rates whilst maintaining the appropriate tree-diameter and functional-trait distributions for each plot. These estimates are then compared with the observed values. Overall, the estimates do not predict the observed, regional-scale pattern of CWP, suggesting that the variation in community-level trait values does not determine variation in coarse wood productivity in Amazonian forests. Instead, the regional gradient in CWP is caused by higher biomass growth rates across all tree types in Western Amazonia. Therefore, the regional gradient in CWP is driven primarily by environmental factors, rather than the particular functional composition of each stand. These results contrast with previous findings for forest biomass, where variation in wood density, associated with variation in species composition, is an important driver of regional-scale patterns in above-ground biomass. Therefore, in tropical forests, above-ground wood productivity may be less sensitive than biomass to compositional change that alters community-level averages of these plant traits.

Background: hyperferritinemia is often found in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and is predictive of poorer response to antiviral therapy. Objective: to investigate changes in ferritinemia during and after antiviral therapy. Patients and methods: serum ferritin levels were measured in 262 CHC patients (163 males, mean age 48.5 years ± 10.1) before and during antiviral therapy, and six months post-treatment in all 154 patients whit undetectable serum HCV-RNA after therapy completion. Results: baseline serum ferritin was higher in patients with primary therapeutic failure than in those reaching sustained viral response (330 ± 291 ng/mL vs. 211 ± 192 ng/mL, p = 0.002). Serum ferritin transiently increased during therapy from baseline (257 ± 242 ng/mL vs. 875 ± 630 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Six months after finishing therapy, serum ferritin decreased under baseline values both in sustained responders (117 ± 102 ng/mL vs. 211± 192 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, in relapsers (217 ± 174 ng/mL vs. 257 ± 221 ng/mL, p = 0.047). Conclusions: baseline serum ferritin may predict response to antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C. Combined antiviral therapy induces a marked increase in serum ferritin that falls below baseline values after sustained viral response, suggesting that the cause of hyperferritinemia in many patients is HCV infection itself rather than iron overload.Antecedentes: la hiperferritinemia es frecuente en los enfermos con hepatitis crónica C (HCC) y reduce las probabilidades de respuesta al tratamiento antiviral. Objetivo: investigar las variaciones de la ferritina sérica durante y después del tratamiento y su relación con la respuesta al mismo. Pacientes y métodos: la ferritina sérica se ha medido en 262 enfermos con HCC (163 hombres, edad media 48,5 años ± 10,1) antes y durante el tratamiento antiviral, y a los 6 meses de finalizado en los 154 enfermos con viremia indetectable al final del tratamiento. Resultados: la ferritina sérica basal era más alta en enfermos con fracaso terapéutico primario que en los que consiguieron respuesta viral sostenida (RVS) (330 ± 291 ng/ml vs. 211 ± 192 ng/ml, p = 0,002). La ferritina sérica aumentó transitoriamente durante el tratamiento (257 ± 242 ng/ml vs. 875 ± 630 ng/ml, p < 0,001). La ferritina sérica descendió a valores inferiores a los basales seis meses después de finalizado el tratamiento en los pacientes con RVS (117 ± 102 ng/ml vs. 211± 192 ng/ml, p < 0,001) y, en menor grado, en los que sufrieron recidiva viral (217 ± 174 ng/ml vs. 257 ± 221 ng/m, p = 0,047). Conclusiones: una ferritina sérica basal elevada se asocia con mayor riesgo de fracaso terapéutico en la HCC. El tratamiento antiviral induce un marcado incremento de la ferritina sérica que vuelve a valores por debajo de los basales en los enfermos que obtienen R vs. Esto sugiere que la causa de hiperferritinemia en la mayoría de los enfermos es la propia infección por VHC y no la sobrecarga de hierro.

Antecedentes y objetivos: casi todos los datos sobre la eficacia del tratamiento antiviral combinado en la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) genotipo 4, que es poco frecuente en España, se han obtenido en países del Oriente Próximo. Aportamos nuestra experiencia en pacientes tratados en España con criterios homogéneos. Pacientes y métodos: en el periodo 2001-2007 hemos tratado a 30 enfermos con hepatitis crónica por VHC genotipo 4 (20 varones) con interferón pegilado α-2b (26 casos) o α-2a (4 casos) y ribavirina en dosis ajustada al peso. En todos los casos se conoce el resultado del tratamiento y se dispone de bioquímica y datos virológicos basales, y en 24 de biopsia hepática. Hemos comparado estos resultados con los obtenidos en 355 pacientes infectados por VHC genotipo 1. Resultados: diez pacientes (33,3%) obtuvieron respuesta viral sostenida (RVS: ARN del VHC negativo en sangre a los 6 meses de finalizado el tratamiento), 12 no respondieron (fracaso viral primario), 4 recidivaron y 4 abandonaron por intolerancia. Estos resultados son muy similares a los obtenidos en el grupo de genotipo 1 (RVS: 35,1%). Conclusión: el genotipo 4 del VHC debe considerarse como tan "difícil de tratar" como el genotipo 1. La mayor eficacia del tratamiento en otras zonas geográficas (Oriente Próximo) pueden deberse a la diferente distribución de los subtipos virales existentes.Introduction: nearly all the data on the efficacy of combined antiviral therapy on chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 have been obtained in countries of Middle East. Genotype 4 is quite unusual in Spain. We report our experience in a group of Spanish patients treated with homogeneous criteria. Patients and methods: between 2001 and 2007 we have treated 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 (20 males) with pegylated Interferon a-2b (26 cases) or a-2a (4 cases) combined with ribavirin at a weight-adjusted dose. Results of therapy are known in all patients and liver biopsy is available in 24 cases. Results: ten patients (33.3%) obtained sustained viral response (SVR: HCV-RNA undetectable in blood 6 months after the end of therapy), 12 were primary non-responders, 4 relapsed after reaching undetectable HCV-RNA at the end of therapy and 4 interrupted the treatment due to severe adverse events. These results are very close to those obtained in 355 patients infected with HCV genotype 1. Conclusion: HCV genotype 4 should be considered as "difficult to treat". The better results of therapy in other geographical areas (Middle East) may be due to a different distribution of the subtypes of HCV genotype 4.