Primeros datos sobre la duración del periodo de incubacion de los huevos de Tarentola mauritanica en Cordoba (sur de España)

Abstract

The time it takes the Tarentola mauritanica eggs to hatch in a locality in the South of Spain, counted from the moment of laying, has been much less than quoted in this respect so far for this species. The following results have been obtained: 4, 5, 8, 10 and 12 days (maximum). The possible generalization of this reproductive strategy is being discussed, as well as the possible advantages that it presents over the classical oviparity model.

[Computerized measurement and modelling of the pulmonary pressure-volume curve (author's transl)]

The authors studied the expiratory transpulmonary pressure-pulmonary volume (PV) curve obtained under quasi-state conditions in a population of 20 pathological subjects. The signals were processed digitally using a microcomputer. A "filtering" of the curve made it possible to discard the points corresponding to sudden pressure variations resulting from oesophageal peristalsis. Then the data were processed using the different models proposed in the literature to define the shape of the PV curve. The best fit was obtained with the hyperbolo-sigmoidal model proposed by MURPHY and ENGEL [39]. This is due to a general characteristic of curve modelling : the quality of the fit is closely related to the number of parameters. However, except for the asymptotes VM and Vm, the five parameters of the hyperbolo-sigmoidal model have no physiological meaning. Another reason for this model being particularly successful is that it fits well sigmoidal curves and that we studied the PV curve from total lung capacity to residual volume, that is on a volume range where the curve may be much sigmoidal in pathological cases. Finally, this study showed that the use of this model can be simplified and allows to determine automatically lung compliance at any point of the PV curve. The method can be used easily in any laboratory where routine functional examinations are performed.

[Factors influencing the house dust mite population IV. Altitude]

A study has been carried out on house-dust mites present in the buildings of 3 towns in Catalunya (Spain), with different altitudes: Reus (altitude, 76 m); L'Ametlla (altitude, 321 m); and Puigcerdá (altitude, 1.202 m). The period studied was between october, 1975 and september 1976. From this study, a negative correlation has been observed between the number of mites in house dust and the altitude of the town. This supports the results obtained by other authors. The decrease in the number of mites with increases in altitude is due to a decrease in the number of mites belonging to the Pyroglyphidae family. This family was present in all samples of house-dust studied, and generally in a greater number than other groups of mites. Of the three species of Pyroglyphidae more frequently present in house dust (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae and Euroglyphus maynei), D. pternyssinus was the most abundant as well as the most affected variations of R.H and temperature resulting from the variations of the altitude. D. farinae and E. maynei were found in low levels suggesting inadequate conditions of temperature and R.H. in the houses studied. Even if E. maynei was the most abundant species in Puigcerdá, this is due more to the decreased incidence of D. pteronyssinus than to an increase in the number of E. maynei.

Fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in critically ill patients

The concentration of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products (FDP/fdp) was measured using a direct latex agglutination tests in 40 critically ill patients with pulmonary arteriography and possible acute pulmonary embolism. All of them were admitted with signs of severe heart and/or respiratory insufficiency, and 12 (30%) of the patients required mechanical ventilation. The concentration of FDP/fdp was significantly higher in 28 of 29 patients with positive arteriography (mean 145 microgram/ml), that in those whose arteriography was negative (in every cases the FDP/fdp level was lower than 10 microgram/ml). To help differentiate pulmonary embolism from other acute heart or pulmonary diseases, the authors measured the FDP/fdp in 10 patients with bacterial pneumonia, 24 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 4 patients with extrinsic asthma, and 18 normal control subjects. The authors found high levels of FDP/fdp (more than 10 microgram/ml) in only 2 patients with pneumonia and in 6 with myocardial infarction. In no case was the level of FDP/fdp higher than 40 microgram/ml. On the other hand, in patients with pulmonary embolism, 23 (79%) had levels higher than 40 microgram/ml. The study indicates that this test is a helpful screening method for pulmonary embolism, especially in situations where other emergency diagnosis tests are inconclusive or impractical; it also provides justification for beginning anticoagulant therapy and for recommending pulmonary arteriography.

[Perineal ectopic testis]

The authors present three cases of perineal, testicle ectopia, two of which were diagnosed and treated in the Urology Department of the "La Fe" Hospital. The other observation was diagnosed and treated by one of us privately. The treatment was surgical in all the cases and good results were obtained in them all. They discuss the etiopathogeny, clinical characteristics and the uselessness of hormone treatment.

[Pseudophysaloptera kahmanni n. sp. (Nematoda: Physalopteridae), a parasite of the stomach of the dormouse Eliomys quercinus ophiusae Thomas, 1925 (Rodentia: Gliridae) in Formentera (Balearic Islands) (author's transl)]

A new Nematode Physalopteridae, Pseudophysaloptera kahmanni n. sp., parasitizing the stomach of the dormouse Eliomys quercinus ophiusae Thomas, 1925 (Rodentia: Gliridae) in Formentera (Balearic Islands, Spain) is described. It is the first and only species of the genus Pseudophysaloptera Baylis, 1934 to be known parasitizing Rodents in the nature.