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Bioremediation with genetically modified microalgae is becoming an alternative to remove metalloids and metals such as cadmium, a contaminant produced in industrial processes and found in domestic waste. Its removal is important in several countries including Mexico, where the San Luis Potosi region has elevated levels of it. We generated a construct with a synthetic gene for γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and employed it in the chloroplast transformation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In dose-response kinetics with media containing from 1 to 20 mg/L of cadmium, both the transplastomic clone and the wild-type strain grew similarly, but the former removed up to 32% more cadmium. While the growth of both decreased with higher concentrations of cadmium, the transplastomic clone removed 20 ± 9% more than the wild-type strain. Compared to the wild-type strain, in the transplastomic clone the activity of glutathione S-transferase and the intracellular glutathione increased up to 2.1 and 1.9 times, respectively, in media with 2.5 and 10 mg/mL of cadmium. While 20 mg/L of cadmium inhibited the growth of both, the transplastomic clone gradually duplicated. These results confirm the expression of the synthetic gene gshA in the transformed strain as revealed in its increased removal uptake and metabolic response.

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Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades reumáticas son patologías de alta prevalencia, impacto y repercusión, caracterizadas por dolor y limitación funcional. Para valorar la limitación, la historia clínica es el punto de partida, junto con las pruebas específicas necesarias, según el tipo de padecimiento. De forma complementaria, se recomienda el uso de herramientas clinimétricas. Objetivo: Comparar algunas herramientas o cuestionarios usados en las enfermedades reumáticas más prevalentes, revisando la bibliografía para destacar sus aportes y su utilidad en la labor del médico con finalidad clínica o pericial. Método: Se revisan las características básicas de los cuestionarios y herramientas más usadas en: osteoartritis, artritis reumatoide y artritis psoriásica, espondilitis anquilosante y lupus eritematoso sistémico. Se revisa en Medline la experiencia de los autores con algunos cuestionarios en función de la patología y de sus diversos usos. Resultados: Los cuestionarios se utilizan en su mayoría para la valoración de la calidad de vida, la discapacidad y la evolución clínico-terapéutica de los pacientes. No hay acuerdo entre los autores sobre si existe prioridad en el uso de algún cuestionario concreto por patología y se tiende a combinar varios. Los cuestionarios genéricos más utilizados son SF-36, NHP y EQ-5D. Por enfermedades: en artritis reumatoide, HAQy DAS28; en osteoartritis, WOMAC y Knoos; en Lupus, SLEDAI y BICLA, y en espondilitis, BASDAI y ASDAS. Conclusiones: En reumatología los cuestionarios son de uso habitual y resultan de utilidad de forma complementaria a la historia clínica y a las pruebas específicas. La elección por el profesional médico se basa en su experiencia y en la adecuación al objetivo buscado.

Abstract Introduction: Rheumatic diseases are high prevalence, high impact and repercussion pathologies characterised by pain and functional limitation. To assess the limitation, the starting point is the clinical history, together with the specific tests required according to the type of condition. The use of complimentary clinometric tools is recommended. Objective: To compare some tools or questionnaires used in the most prevalent rheumatic diseases, and a review of the literature to highlight their contributions and usefulness in medical practice by the clinician or expert. Method: A review is made of the basic characteristics of the questionnaires and the most used tools in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The experience of the authors is reviewed in Medline, with some questionnaires depending on the pathology and its various uses. Results: The questionnaires are used mainly to assess the quality of life, disability, and clinical-therapeutic evolution of patients. There is no agreement among the authors on whether there is a priority in the use of a specific questionnaire by pathology, and there is a tendency to combine several. The most commonly used generic questionnaires are SF-36, NHP and EQ-5D. For diseases: in rheumatoid arthritis, the HAQ and DAS28; in osteoarthritis, WOMAC and Knoos; in lupus, SLEDAI and BICLA; and in spondylitis, BASDAI and ASDAS. Conclusions: In rheumatology, questionnaires are commonly used, and are useful as a complement to the clinical history and specific tests. The choice by the medical professional is based on their experience and on the adaptation to the objective sought.

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Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a significant problem in countries like Mexico, where San Luis Potosi is among the regions registering severe levels of it. Bioremediation with microalgae capable to absorb and metabolize metals or metalloids like arsenic reduces their toxicity and is a cost-effective approach compared to physical-chemical processes. We evaluated the capability of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to remove arsenate and compared it with an acr3-modified recombinant strain, which we produced by transforming the wild-type strain with Agrobacterium tumefaciens using the construct pARR1 including a synthetic, optimized acr3 gene from Pteris vittata, a hyper-accumulator of arsenic. We monitored the growth of both strains in media with arsenate, containing a standard or a 10-fold decreased amount of phosphate. Comparing both strains in media initially with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/L of arsenate, the acr3-modified strain removed 1.5 to 3 times more arsenic than the wild-type strain. Moreover, the arsenic uptake rate increased 1.2 to 2.3 times when growing the acr3-modified strain in media with decreased phosphate, while the uptake rate for the wild-type strain scarcely changed under the same conditions. These results confirm the expression of the acr3 gene in C. reinhardtii and its potential application to remove arsenic.

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PURPOSE: Current cancer treatment options include surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The quality of the provision of each of them and their effective coordination determines the results in terms of benefit/risk. Regarding the radiation oncology treatments, there are not stabilised quality indicators to be used to perform control and continuous improvement processes for healthcare services. Therefore, the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology has undertaken a comprehensive project to establish quality indicators for use with the information systems available in most Spanish healthcare services. METHODS: A two-round Delphi study examines consensus of several possible quality indicators (n = 28) in daily practice. These indicators were defined after a bibliographic search and the assessment by radiation oncology specialists (n = 8). They included aspects regarding treatment equipment, patient preparation, treatment, and follow-up processes and were divided in structure, process, and outcome indicators. RESULTS: After the evaluation of the defined quality indicators (n = 28) by an expert panel (38 radiation oncologist), 26 indicators achieved consensus in terms of agreement with the statement. Two quality indicators did not achieve consensus. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high degree of consensus in Spanish Radiation Oncology specialists on which indicators in routine clinical practice can best measure quality. These indicators can be used to classify services based on several parameters (patients, equipments, complexity of the techniques used, and scientific research). Furthermore, these indicators allow assess our current situation and set improvements' objectives.

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This paper is focused on the hydrogeochemical characterization of the Negro River along its course, as well as in the proposal of a functioning model for the contamination processes in order to establish potential cause-effect relationships between water quality, geology (ARD), mining activities (AMD) and the tectonic framework as transmission vector of acidity, metals and sulphates. The scenario shows a heavily-contaminated river compared to the unaffected regional background. By graphical and statistical treatments of physico-chemical data of Negro River and the unaffected values of regional background and other AMD/ARD representative rivers' it is possible to conclude that Antamina Mine, is not the cause of the Negro River contamination, without the need of isotopic tracers, but just through the inexistent concentrations of Cu, Bi and Mo found in the waters. In the proposed contamination model, climatic factors (glacial retreat) activate geological (ARD) processes. The tectonic scenario (faults) intervenes as a transport medium of the contamination flux from the sulphide oxidation surface in upper altitudes until the spring in lower altitudes. At the end, it is concluded that this contamination comes from the recent glacial retreat in areas near the Cordillera Blanca that has left massive amounts of sulphide materials exposed to weathering conditions, oxidizing naturally (ARD processes) and finally contributing to the contamination of the Negro River through faults. In this case, we would face an ARD process in the strict sense, which is the direct oxidation of sulphides outcropping in the upper part of the mountain with the generation of sulphates, the release of hydrogen ions and the consequent generation of acid and the dissolution of the metals. This ARD process would come from the glacial retreat, which, through the faults, transports contaminated water until the spring.

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Data in the literature support the existence of a state of limited metastases or oligometastases. Favorable outcomes have been observed in selected patients with such oligometastases that are treated with local ablative therapies, which include surgical extirpation, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and radiofrequency ablation. The role of SBRT in the setting of lymph node oligometastases is still emerging but the early results for local control are promising. However, the biggest challenge is to identify patients who will benefit from treatment of their oligometastatic disease with local aggressive therapy. Patients are initially categorized based upon examination of the initial biopsy, location, stage, and previous treatments received. Appropriate patient management with SBRT requires an understanding of several clinicopathological features that help to identify several subsets of patients with more responsive tumors and a good tolerance to SBRT. In an effort to incorporate the most recent evidence, here the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology presents guidelines for using SBRT in lymph node oligometastases.

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OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis in Cuba and to analyze possible causes leading to a low Down syndrome prevalence in a country where the triple test is not available. METHODS: An analysis of the Cuban program in prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis from 1984 to 2012 was conducted. Results are described, with particular emphasis on indications, abnormal results, types of invasive procedures, and terminations of pregnancy. RESULTS: Cytogenetic prenatal diagnostic analyses (n = 75,095) were conducted; maternal age was the indication for 77.9% of the amniocenteses and chorionic villus samplings. The detection rate of chromosomally abnormal pregnancies was 2.3% for maternal age and increased to 8-9% for other indications. When a chromosomal abnormality was identified, 88.5% terminated the pregnancy. In 2002, the live birth prevalence of Down syndrome was 8.4 per 10,000 live births, and in 2012, 7 per 10,000. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis in Cuba has contributed to a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations. The impact increased because of the demographic trends of the population, the high index of terminations of pregnancy, and the establishment of a network of cytogenetic laboratories throughout Cuba.

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OBJECTIVE: The aims were to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms associated with rhinitis and asthma in Spanish workers and its variations by age, sex, work sector, location in the workplace, smoking habits and the relationship between symptoms in the upper and lower respiratory tract. METHODS: The sample was of 2603 workers in different sectors and regions throughout the country. They agreed and answered the questions regarding respiratory symptoms, with the supervision of the company's physician. RESULTS: Chronic nasal symptoms were present in 438 workers (16.9 %); 193 (7.5 %) had pulmonary symptoms. With nasal and pulmonary symptoms were 124 patients (28.3 %). Likewise, of the 190 workers with pulmonary symptoms, 124 (64.2 %) had also nasal manifestations. We observed variations in nasal symptoms by sex, professional sector, work area and smoking habits, and variations in pulmonary symptoms by work sector. A higher prevalence was noted in the healthcare, postal, and transport sector as opposed to the construction, furniture or metal sector. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of nasal symptoms was higher than that of pulmonary symptoms in the working population. The workers affected by these pathologies were not treated adequately, despite they were presenting symptoms. We observed a relationship between pulmonary and nasal symptoms.

INTRODUCCIÓN: en salud laboral interesa conocer la prevalencia de los síntomas respiratorios relacionados con la rinitis y el asma en trabajadores españoles y sus variaciones por factores demográficos y laborales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue interrelacionar los síntomas respiratorios de vías altas y bajas. MÉTODOS: se solicitó a 2603 trabajadores de distintos sectores y provincias españolas contestar una encuesta que fue supervisada por un médico del trabajo. RESULTADOS: 438 trabajadores presentaron síntomas nasales crónicos (16.9 %) y 193 (7.5 %), síntomas pulmonares. De los 438 con síntomas nasales, 124 (28.3 %) presentaron síntomas pulmonares. Se observaron variaciones en los síntomas nasales por sexo, sector profesional, área de trabajo, tabaquismo y variaciones en los síntomas pulmonares por sector laboral, con mayor prevalencia en el sanitario, postal y transporte, en comparación con los sectores de la construcción, mueble o el metal. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de los síntomas nasales en la población trabajadora fue más elevada que la de los síntomas pulmonares. Los trabajadores afectados estaban infratratados, a pesar de padecer síntomas. Se observó interrelación entre los síntomas pulmonares y nasales de los trabajadores afectados.

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BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in both sexes and the most frequent in the developed countries, if men and women are considered together as a group. It has an important associated morbidity and mortality in all countries and constitutes a public health problem with a high direct and indirect economic cost. The number of workdays lost due to temporary disability (TD) is one of the quantifiable references of these indirect costs. AIMS: To determine the indirect cost associated with TD due to colorectal cancer in Spain during the year 2011, a cost that aids in the prevention cost/benefit estimation. METHODS: The number of TD processes, the number of workdays lost due to TD, and the mean duration of those processes, based on the CIE 9-MC codes related to this pathology, as well as the calculated cost, using the Spanish minimum wage as a reference, during the period of January to December 2011, were all reviewed. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer in Spain during 2011 represented 1,046 TD processes, 202,784 workdays lost, and a mean process duration of 194 days/year. The resulting cost of the pathology due to TD was 4,335,521.92 euros. CONCLUSIONS: These results are beneficial for evaluating the usefulness of implementing public health support strategies for a greater reduction in colorectal cancer prevalence and mortality, and an improvement in quality of life of the affected individuals and their families, together with an economic savings resulting from a reduction in TD as a consequence of this disease.

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INTRODUCTION: The approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a mini-incision has been used progressively to decrease morbidity, achieve prompt patient recovery without an increased risk and shorten the hospital stay. However, the advantages and probable complications of these approaches are not clear. The objective of this paper is to compare the preliminary perioperative results of two groups of patients undergoing THA, one using the standard approach and the second one with a mini-incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 170 patients underwent surgery; they were divided into two groups. In group I (GI) patients an anterolateral mini-incision was performed, and in group II (GII) patients a standard Watson-Jones incision was used. Mean incision length was 8 cm in GI and 20 cm in GII. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between both groups in the clinical and radiographic results and in the complications; however, a significant difference was found in the need for transfusions, wound size and hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that primary THA with a mini-incision was a safe procedure that reduced the operative time without increasing the complications.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether muscle fatigue indices obtained using surface electromyography and calculated in the time and frequency domains would be capable of objectively diagnosing pain and discriminating between subjects with and without pain in the upper trapezius muscle and the lower back muscles. METHODS: Forty-seven individuals underwent a muscle fatigue test for thirty-five seconds at 80% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), while EMG and muscle force data were recorded. The RMS value and the median frequency (MF) were calculated within consecutive one-second windows. Linear regression analysis was used to obtain the slope coefficients and the respective y-axis intercept values, which were considered to be localized muscle fatigue indices. RESULTS: In the frequency domain, the slope coefficients were negative for both muscles, while in the time domain, the coefficient for the upper trapezius was positive and the coefficient for the lower back muscles was negative (p<0.01). Significant differences were also found in the frequency domain between subjects with and without pain in the upper trapezius (p<0.01). The subjects with pain had significantly lower force values than the subjects without pain (p<0.05), in both the upper trapezius and the lower back muscles. CONCLUSION: The force values associated with the fatigue indices (MF slope and y-axis intercept) were able to predict the presence of pain in the upper trapezius (p<0.05), but not in the lower back muscles.

OBJETIVO: A proposta do estudo foi investigar se índices de fadiga, obtidos a partir de eletromiografia de superfície, calculados no domínio do tempo e da frequência, são capazes de diagnosticar a dor objetivamente, discriminando entre sujeitos com e sem dor no trapézio superior e nos músculos lombares. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e sete indivíduos foram submetidos a um teste de fadiga muscular por 35s a 80% da contração voluntária máxima (CVM), enquanto EMG e força muscular foram registradas. O valor RMS e a mediana da frequência (MF) foram calculados em janelas consecutivas de 1s. Análise de regressão linear foi utilizada para obter os coeficientes de inclinação e seus respectivos valores de interseção no eixo y, os quais foram considerados índices de fadiga muscular localizada. RESULTADOS: Os coeficientes de inclinação analisados no domínio da frequência apresentaram comportamento similar, sendo negativos para ambos os músculos, enquanto que, no domínio tempo, o trapézio superior apresentou coeficientes positivos, e músculos lombares, coeficientes negativos (p<0,01). Diferenças significativas também foram identificadas no domínio da frequência entre os sujeitos com e sem dor no trapézio superior (p<0,01). Os indivíduos com dor apresentaram valores de força significativamente menores que os sujeitos sem dor (p<0,05), tanto nos músculos lombares quanto no trapézio superior. CONCLUSÃO: Os valores de força associados aos índices de fadiga (inclinação da MF e intersecção do eixo y) foram hábeis para predizer a presença de dor no trapézio superior (p<0,05), mas não nos músculos lombares.

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OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o potencial da eletromiografia (EMG) de superfície para a avaliação da eficiência neuromuscular e da fadiga muscular localizada dos extensores lombares em indivíduos com escoliose. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 20 indivíduos divididos igualmente em dois grupos, (1) Grupo com Escoliose e (2) Grupo Controle, que foram submetidos a um teste de indução dos músculos extensores lombares a fadiga, o qual constituiu da realização de uma contração voluntária máxima isométrica (CVM), e realização de um teste com esforço a 80 por cento da CVM. Foram coletados simultaneamente sinais de força e eletromiográficos (sinal EMG). O sinal EMG foi processado no domínio da freqüência, utilizando-se a transformada rápida de Fourier (FFT), por meio da mediana da freqüência (MF), e no domínio do tempo, pelo cálculo do valor root mean square (RMS). Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de variância one-way para verificar as diferenças entre os dois grupos. Para verificar a simetria entre os lados direito e esquerdo, foi realizado o teste t pareado. O nível de significância adotado foi 0,05. RESULTADOS: os resultados demonstraram que indivíduos com escoliose apresentaram: (1) simetria de ativação neuromuscular entre os lados; (2) menor eficiência neuromuscular; (3) maior capacidade de resistir a fadiga; e (4) valores de força 42,6 por cento menores que os indivíduos do GC. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que a EMG de superfície corresponde a um efetivo instrumento de avaliação funcional da escoliose, embora o protocolo estabelecido tenha limitado a participação dos indivíduos com escoliose, do ponto de vista da eficiência neuromuscular.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of surface electromyography (EMG) for assessing neuromuscular efficiency and localized muscle fatigue in the lumbar extensors, in individuals with scoliosis. METHODS: Twenty individuals participated in this study, divided equally into two groups: (1) Scoliosis Group and (2) Control Group. These subjects underwent a fatigue induction test on their lumbar extensor muscles, consisting of one maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) followed by a test at 80 percent of the MVIC effort. Force and EMG signals were collected simultaneously. The EMG signal was processed in the frequency domain by means of fast Fourier transforms using the median frequency; and in the time domain by calculating the root mean square value. The data were analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance to investigate the differences between the two groups. Paired t test was used to investigate the symmetry between the right and left sides. The significance level adopted was 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the individuals with scoliosis presented: (1) symmetrical neuromuscular activation between the sides; (2) lower neuromuscular efficiency; (3) greater capacity to resist fatigue; and (4) force values 42.6 percent lower than those of the individuals in the Control Group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that surface EMG is an effective tool for functional assessments of scoliosis, although the protocol established limited the participation of individuals with scoliosis, from the perspective of neuromuscular efficiency.

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Se compara la eficacia analgésica y seguridad de Tramadol, con tres antiinflamatorios no esteroides en el control del dolor postoperatorio. Un total de 160 pacientes sometidas a histerectomía abdominal participaron en este estudio randomizado a doble ciego. Cuatro grupos fueron establecidos: Tramadol, Metamizol, Ketoralaco, Clonixinato de Lisina. Los analgésicos fueron administrados mediante infusión intravenosa continua, y bajo analgésica controlada por el paciente. (ACP). En este estudio de 24 horas, el dolor fue valorado usando la escala análoga visual del dolor. El número de bolos requerido por pacientes, número de pacientes que requirieron analgesia complementaria, presencia de náusea y vómitos, necesidad de antieméticos y una evaluación de la eficacia global tambien fue elevada durante las 24 horas posteriores a la cirugía. Se encontró que la eficacia analgésica de Tramadol fue mayor que los otros tres AINEs, Tramadol fue tambien -estadísticamente significativo- mejor que los otros tres AINEs en relación al número de bolos requeridos (1,6 de tramadol versus 4,4 de Metamizol, 4,5 de Ketorolaco y 5,3 de Clonixinato de Lisina) y los pacientes que requirieron analgesia suplementaria (un paciente de grupo de Tramadol versus 5 de Metamizol, 11 de ketorolaco). Náuseas y vomitos fueron comunes en cuatro grupos, especialmente en los tratados con Metamizol, pero el uso de antieméticos fue significativamente menor con Tramadol y Clonixinato de Lisina. Con relación a los resultados de la eficacia global, calificada por el investigador, como excelente y muy buena fueron obtenidos en el 79,5 por ciento de los pacientes del grupo Tremadol, comparado con 57,5 por ciento, 57,5 por ciento y 50 por ciento en los grupos de Metamizol, Ketorolaco y Clonixinato de Lisina respectivamente (p<0,05) o mejor. Los resultados confirman que Tramado, un analgésico de acción central, es superior en el control de dolor postoperatorio que los AINEs con los que fue comparado.

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OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of a diet based on carbohydrates on the nutritional status of a pediatric population through a study performed in a rural area of the province of Los Ríos (Ecuador). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 871 Ecuadorian children from a rural environment in an ambulatory medical clinic created for the purposes of the study. Basic anthropometric measurements (weigh, height, head circumference and upper arm circumference) and clinical data from physical examination were recorded. The anthropometric measurements were compared with the growth charts used in Spanish children, which were taken as the standard reference measurements. Information on nutrition was obtained from interviews with the mothers. RESULTS: A total of 871 children were evaluated (53 % boys; 47 % girls). Mean age was 6.39 years (range: 0-14 years; mode 4). Comparison of the data obtained with the standard growth charts for the Spanish pediatric population revealed significant differences in body mass index in boys aged 5-14 years and in girls aged 3-12 years and highly significant differences in boys aged 6-13 years and in girls aged 3-12 years. Significant differences in middle upper arm circumference were found in boys and girls aged 1-14 years and highly significant differences were found in boys aged 1-12 years and in girls aged 2-12 years. A middle upper arm circumference of less than 14 cm (slight malnutrition) was found in 6.67 % of boys and in 9.15 % of girls; a middle upper arm circumference of less than 12.5 cm (serious malnutrition) was found in 1.82 % of boys and in 2.82 % of girls. Nutritional interviews revealed that the overall caloric intake was approximately 1,500 cal/ day. Eight percent of calories came from carbohydrates, 15 % from fats and 5 % from proteins. CONCLUSIONS: A poor diet affects the child population's nutritional status qualitatively but not quantitatively. Nutritional deficit favors the prevalence of childhood diseases that could be avoided by suitable feeding and hygiene. Because of the lack of economic and health resources, prevention is the fundamental weapon for maintaining health in underdeveloped countries. Childhood nutritional status is influenced by diet, which in turn is influenced by physical, climatic, cultural and political factors, and by stress, which is provoked by infections and parents' behavior. Nutritional status in children is a clear reflection of the socioeconomic status of a given population.

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When the wild type Cellulomonas flavigena was grown on glycerol, xylose or cellobiose, it produced basal levels of carboxymethyl-cellulase (CMCase), filter-paperase (FPase) and xylanase activities. By comparison, a catabolic derepressed mutant strain of the same organism produced markedly higher levels of these enzymes when grown on the same carbon sources. Sugar-cane bagasse induced both the wild type and the mutant strain to produce three- to eight-time higher levels of FPase and xylanase than was observed with xylose or cellobiose. Continuous culture was used to determine the minimal cellobiose or glucose concentrations that repress the enzyme synthesis in both strains. 2.5 g l(-1) glucose repressed FPase and xylanases from wild type, while 1.6 times more glucose was needed to repress the same activities in the PN-120 strain. In the same way, twofold more cellobiose was needed to reduce by 75% the CMCase and xylanase activities in the mutant compared to the wild type. The FPase in the presence of 4 g l(-1) cellobiose did not change in the same strain. Therefore, its derepressed and feedback resistant characters of PN-120 mutant are evident. On the other hand, isoelectrofocused crude extracts of mutant and wild strains induced by sugar-cane bagasse, did not show differences in protein patterns, however, the Schiffs staining was more intense in the PN-120 than in the wild strain. These results point out that the mutational treatment did not apparently change the extracellular proteins from mutant PN-120 and this could affect their regulation sites, since derepressed and feed-back resistant enzymes may be produced.

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An orthogonal experimental design L9 (3(4)) was used to investigate effects of temperature, pH, C:N ratio (glucose-C, NH4Cl-N) and concentrations of rice flour on production of gibberellic acid by Gibberella fujikuroi in 3.5 l fluidized bioreactors. The gibberellic acid production in a fluidized bioreactor could reach 3.90 g l(-1), more than 3-times greater than previously reported for submerged and solid fermentations. pH, rice flour concentration and C:N ratio were the factors that most influenced the production of gibberellic acid; pH being the most important. The response surface of gibberellic acid production to changes in pH and C:N ratio or rice flour concentration indicated that greatest production was found with a C:N ratio of 36.8 and pH 5 while the optimum concentration for rice flour was 2 g l(-1) and production increased with increased pH. The effect of temperature on the production of gibberellic acid was also significant and greatest production was at 30 degrees C.

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The objective of this work was the evaluation of the technological behavior of seven rice genotypes, using a baking test for bread without gluten, and taking account the influence of particle size and physicochemical properties of the rice on the technological aptitude to produce the bread. Total and insoluble amylose content and hydration were used to make its relationship with bread quality. The genotypes Rico and H-144-7 have contributed to give the best results at baking test while waxy rices gave the lower quality bread. Also we emphasize that a certain relationships can be assumed between hydration and insoluble amylose content with the organoleptic evaluation of breads.

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The combination of lagophthalmia, ectropion of the lower eyelids, distichiasis, euryblepharon, cleft lip/palate, and oligodontia was recently named blepharo-cheilo-dontic (BCD) syndrome. Different combinations of these signs have been found sporadically, with autosomal dominant inheritance. Ectropion of the lower eyelids, lagophthalmia, and bilateral cleft lip/palate appear to be the more common manifestations. We report on two unrelated patients with bilateral cleft lip/palate and lagophthalmia. One of these two patients had familial cleft lip/palate in two generations, probably as a variable expression of an autosomal dominant gene.

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Food consumption and nutritional status were evaluated on 419 children having meals at school located in the surrounding of Santa Fe (Argentina). The protein, energy and calcium content of the meals were analyzed. Anthropometrical evaluation was made by the following indicators: weight to age, height to age and weight to height. Biochemical evaluation to a sample of the children, was made by urea/creatinine and calcium/creatinine indicators. Recommended protein consumption is achieved but a biological efficiency loss is detected, probably due to an insufficient energy intake. School meals provide about 50% of the daily energy requirements. Regarding calcium consumption, the dinner cover about 15% of the recommendations but they achieve 47-49% with the cup of milk. As in the case of energy, the calcium daily intake is insufficient as we can see by the calcium/creatinine indicator which shows that a 60% of the people are below of the normal values. All these results suggest that is necessary to increase the energy intake and calcium consumption to improve the nutritional status.

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