Effects of plasma urea nitrogen levels on the bovine oocyte ability to develop after in vitro fertilization

The overall aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro development ability of oocytes recovered from 56 Holstein Frisian heifers with low [group 1 (G1): <13 mg /dl], moderate [group 2 (G2): 13-16 mg /dl] and high [group 3 (G3): >16 mg /dl] plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations, to determine whether PUN concentrations affect the competence of oocytes to progress to blastocysts after in vitro fertilization. In vitro oocyte and embryo development was assessed by blastocyst rates, embryo total cell numbers and apoptosis. Blood samples for the determination of PUN were collected 24 h prior to collection of the ovaries at the slaughter. A total of 112 ovaries were collected at a local abattoir and oocytes (n = 697) were aspirated, in vitro matured and fertilized. On day 8, blastocysts were assigned to the terminal dUTP nick end labelling assay. Cleavage rates were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for groups 1 and 2 than for group 3 (i.e. 72.5% and 72.2% vs 61.7%, respectively). The proportion of fertilized oocytes that developed into blastocysts was higher (p < 0.05) for group 1 than for group 3 (34.0% vs 23.0%, respectively). Day 8 blastocysts showed higher total cell counts (p < 0.05) for group 1 than for group 3 (123.7 vs 76.3), and a higher (p < 0.05) total apoptotic cell rate was found in group 3 (25.9 and 19.0 vs 43.2 for G1, G2 and G3, respectively). In conclusion, the ability of oocytes from heifers with increased levels of PUN to develop to the blastocyst stage was significantly reduced when standard routines for in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture were followed. These detrimental effects can be mediated in part through direct effect of urea and/or by the metabolic products on the process of follicle-enclosed oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic development.

Exploring language barriers to Evidence-based Health Care (EBHC) in post-graduate medical students: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Understanding the written English language might be a barrier when teaching Evidence-based Health Care (EBHC) to Spanish-speaking physicians.

AIM

To quantify the magnitude of this potential barrier.

METHOD

Cochrane Review abstracts in English or in Spanish were randomly distributed among first-year residents at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica of Chile. Residents answered investigator-designed questionnaires to measure their comprehension while the time needed to complete the task was recorded.

RESULTS

Groups were similar at baseline. Mean score for those reading in Spanish was 11.9 +/- 2.8 (range 5 to 18) compared to 10.5 +/- 3.8 (range 1 to 17) for those reading in English (p=0.04). Low scores ( pound 9) were twice as frequent for the English group than for the Spanish group (16.7% vs 34.7%; p=0.042). The time to complete the task was also longer for the group reading in English.

CONCLUSION

Language should be taken into account when teaching EBHC to Spanish-speaking physicians.

Organ Donation in Latin America

Recently in Latin America, there has been a strong influence of the "Spanish model" of organ procurement. In 2001, The "Punta Cana Group" was created by Latin American transplantation coordinators with the objective of registering and improving the system of donation and procurement. In many countries there is no universal financial support from the government for medical treatment, including dialysis and transplantation. In other countries there is complete financial support for all of the population, including immunosuppressive drugs. Practically all countries have transplantation laws that follow ethical concepts, such as brain death diagnosis criteria, forms of consent, criteria of allocation, and inhibition of commerce. The rate of potential donors notified in countries that perform transplantations with deceased donors varied from 6 to 47 per million population yearly (pmp/y); The rate of effective donors varied from 1 to 20 pmp. In 2004, the mean rate of effective donors in Latin America was 5.4 pmp. The family refusal rate for the donation of organs varied from 28% in Uruguay to 70% in Peru. In some countries, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Cuba, it was more than 15 pmp, whereas in others countries deceased donors were practically not used. The number of patients on the waiting list for solid organ transplants in 12 Latin American countries is 55,000. Although the donation rate has increased by 100% during the last 10 years, it is lower than that in Europe (15 pmm/y) or the United States (20 pmp/y).

Energy balance and physical activity in obese children attending day-care centres

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate energy balance and physical activity in obese preschool children attending day-care centres.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-four 3-5 years old obese children selected at random from four different day-care centres in Santiago City, Chile. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by doubly labelled water and physical activity as recorded by TRITRAC R3D motion sensor. Energy intake was assessed by measuring food intake while at the centre, along with the recording of additional food intake in the home.

RESULTS

Obese children had a 5.4% higher weighed energy intake than their energy requirements 2001. Energy intake during the week was 7716+/-1092 kJ/day and 7401+/-1023 kJ/day in boys and girls, respectively. Minimal activity was higher in the day-care centres (62%) compared to 52% during the weekend at home. Light activity was higher during the weekend at home than during the week (25 versus 20%), but moderate-intense activity was similar (3-5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in dietary energy provided at the day-care centres helps to balance energy requirements during the week. Obese children had marked sedentary characteristics with regards to physical activity, although children are more active at home in weekends. This situation suggests that educators and parents need to improve children's physical activity levels and nutrition habits.

A pilot study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the administration of AZT/3TC fixed dose combination to HIV infected pregnant women and their infants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of zidovudine and lamivudine (AZT/3TC) given to HIV infected pregnant women and their infants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

METHODS

This open label phase II study enrolled 40 HIV infected antiretroviral naive women >or=20 weeks gestation, CD4 <500 cells x10(6)/l, from two public hospitals.

TREATMENT

fixed dose AZT 300 mg/3TC 150 mg by mouth every 12 hours until labour; AZT 300 mg by mouth every 3 hours until delivery; infants: AZT 4 mg/kg every 12 hours plus 3TC 2 mg/kg every 12 hours for 6 weeks. Blood haematology and chemistry were monitored; adherence evaluated by pills count; efficacy measured by changes in lymphocyte (CD4) and viral load, and by HIV RNA-PCR tests performed at birth, 6 and 12 weeks, to diagnose infant infection. No women breast fed.

RESULTS

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS

mean age 24.48 (SD 3.5) years; gestational age 24.5 (4.5) weeks; AZT/3TC duration 14.4 (4.4) weeks; vaginal delivery: 11/39; caesarean section: 28/39. Entry and pre-labour CD4: 310/486 cells x10(6)/l (p<0.001); entry and pre-labour viral load: 53 818/2616 copies/ml (p<0.001). Thirty nine women tolerated treatment with >80% adherence; one was lost to follow up. Five newborns were excluded from 3TC receipt. All 39 babies were uninfected. Haematological toxicity in newborns was common: anaemia in 27; neutropenia in five (two severe); platelets counts <100000 in two. All values recovered on study completion.

CONCLUSIONS

Fixed dose AZT/3TC is well accepted, gives improvements in CD4 and viral load; no infants were HIV infected. Haematological toxicity in infants needs careful monitoring.

[Intestinal duplication. A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge]

Duplications of the alimentary tract are rare congenital anomalies. The symptoms often mimic other surgical diseases and the diagnostic workup presents low accuracy. The charts of twelve children with intestinal duplications were reviewed. Their ages ranged from 13 days to 12 years (median: 12 months). The majority of the cases were located at ileum (n = 9). These children presented: rectal bleeding (n = 4), intussusception (n = 3), intestinal obstruction (n = 1) and hemoperitoneum (n = 1). All that were symptomatic before 1 year of age presented with intussusception (n = 3/3). All, except one colonic case was cystic. 99mTc abdominal scan was positive in 3 cases presenting rectal bleeding. One child with gastric duplication was diagnosed prenatally. Treatment consisted of enterectomy in all but one case, with no complications. Experience in the diagnostic workup and management is important to achieve a low morbidity rate in this congenital anomaly, which may present delayed manifestations.

Effect of anaerobic pretreatment on environmental and physicochemical characteristics of duckweed based stabilization ponds

Duckweed based stabilization ponds, an alternative for wastewater treatment, are attracting a growing interest from researchers because they are basically a low cost technology, easy to built and operate, and produce tertiary quality effluents. Besides, this technology offers the possibility of resource recovery by producing high quality duckweed protein, which can be of further use. Since the technology is rather new, there are many aspects to be studied before its full-scale implementation. It is necessary to gain sound knowledge of the basic principles of the complex processes occurring in the system, as well as of the practical aspects of design and operation. The presence of a layer of duckweed on the surface is expected to produce different environmental and physicochemical conditions in the water from those found in conventional stabilization ponds. These environmental and physicochemical conditions affect both plant growth and biological treatment processes in the system, therefore it is important to determine their behavior in a duckweed system and how they can be affected by an anaerobic pretreatment. Continuous flow pilot plants composed of seven ponds in series were operated with artificial substrate under two different conditions: with anaerobic pretreatment and without anaerobic pretreatment. The flow was kept constant during the operation. Conditions such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total and ammonium nitrogen, nitrites and nitrates, and phosphorus were evaluated in the system under steady state conditions. The main conclusions from the study include the following: pH, temperature and oxygen profiles are more stable in duckweed ponds than in conventional stabilization ponds; anaerobic pretreatment has a significant effect on the oxygen concentration in the system and on the organic matter removal but not on the nutrient removal.

Antileishmanial activity of an indole alkaloid from Peschiera australis

In this study, we show the leishmanicidal effects of a chloroform fraction (CLF) and a purified indole alkaloid obtained from crude stem extract of Peschiera australis against Leishmania amazonensis, a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World. In a bioassay-guided chemical fractionation, the leishmanicidal activity in CLF completely and irreversibly inhibited promastigote growth. This fraction was also active against amastigotes in infected murine macrophages. Chemical analysis of CLF identified an iboga-type indole alkaloid coronaridine as one of its major compounds. Coronaridine showed potent antileishmanial activity, inhibiting promastigote and amastigote growth. Promastigotes and amastigotes treated with CLF or coronaridine showed pronounced alterations in their mitochondria as assessed by transmission electron microscopy.

Successful prevention of hiv transmission from mother to infant in Brazil using a multidisciplinary team approach

OBJECTIVES

To determine the HIV vertical transmission rate (VTR) and associated risk factors by use of zidovudine and infant care education in Brazil.

METHODS

Since 1995, a prospective cohort of HIV infected pregnant women has been followed at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. A multidisciplinary team was established to implement the best available strategy to prevent maternal-infant HIV transmission. Patients with AIDS or low CD(4) and high viral load received anti-retroviral drugs in addition to zidovudine. Children were considered infected if they had 2 positive PCR-RNA tests between 1 and 4 months of age, or were HIV antibody positive after 18 months. Education regarding infant treatment and use of formula instead of breast feeding was provided.

RESULTS

Between 1995 and August, 2000, HIV status was determined for 145 infants. Compliance with intra-partum treatment, infant treatment and use of formula was 88.2%. Intra-partum zidovudine treatment was completed in 134/145 (92.6%) of patients; 88.1% had rupture of membranes < 4 hours; 85.4% of mothers were asymptomatic. The mean CD(4) count was 428.4 cells and mean viral load 39,050 copies. HIV vertical transmission rate was 4/145 (2.75%; CI: 0.1%-5.4%). The only risk factor significantly associated with transmission was a failure to use zidovudine intra-partum in 2 of the 4 mothers (50% versus 6.4% in non-transmitting mothers). A trend toward low CD(4) and high viral load at entry, and rupture of membranes > 4 hours were associated with increased HIV transmission.

CONCLUSION

HIV vertical transmission in Brazil was reduced to a level similar to other countries with the most effective prevention programs using a multidisciplinary team approach. A high level of compliance for use of anti-retroviral drugs, the provision of health education to mothers, and use of formula for all exposed infants.

Segregation analyses and a genome-wide linkage search confirm genetic heterogeneity and suggest oligogenic inheritance in some Milroy congenital primary lymphedema families

We previously described six families with Milroy congenital lymphedema, only one of which showed possible linkage to a candidate locus on chromosome 5 [Witte et al., 1998]. We have now performed a complex segregation analysis of these families, and performed linkage analyses with the other 387 markers used in our genome-wide search. Our results confirm that Milroy lymphedema is generally inherited as a dominant condition. However, this mode of inheritance, as elucidated from the segregation analyses, did not account for all observed familial correlations. The segregation analysis also suggested that shared environmental or additional genetic factors are important in explaining the observed familial aggregation. The finding of linkage to multiple locations in the largest family studied by multipoint parametric mapping (one of which was confirmed by sib-pair non-parametric mapping), suggests that Milroy congenital lymphedema may be oligogenic in this family.

The biological sciences in mental health nursing: stakeholders' perspectives

To date, relatively little attention has been paid to optimizing the development of education programmes to support safe and effective health care professionals. In particular, the wider stakeholders, particularly health service users, are rarely consulted on the knowledge base expected of practitioners. We report here on an evaluation, involving students, lecturers, nurses and service users, aimed at reviewing the bioscience component of the preregistration mental health nursing course. Students and lecturers agreed that the current common foundation course in bioscience was biased towards the adult branch students, and failed to meet the needs of mental health nurses. The mental health lecturers' solution to the 'bioscience problem' was to curtail the input. In contrast, service users described serious shortfalls in professionals' abilities to inform them of common side-effects of medication; these problems were attributable to inadequate educational preparation. The knowledge deficits identified could be rectified by making pharmacology an important part of the mental health education programme. However, for the curriculum to accommodate applied pharmacology, its supporting bioscience, and essential preparation in psychosocial interventions, some restructuring of the biological science programme for mental health nurses will be necessary. Our findings suggest that such restructuring should be informed by service users' views of their needs.

Dietary fats influence consumption and metabolic measures in male and female laboratory mice

Juvenile and adult male and female Swiss mice in metabolism cages were fed one of four specially-formulated, pelleted diets containing respectively 8% saturated vegetable fat, 8% soya oil, 8% olive oil and 2% soya oil. The identities of the diets were hidden from the experimenter. Subjects were individually housed in metabolism cages and their consumption of food, growth and eliminative activities were measured. Clearly, these non-isocaloric diets differed in palatability, producing complex effects on growth as well as metabolic measures. Many indices were influenced by age, sex, and the duration of dietary exposure. Interactions between factors were common. Dietary fats appear to have subtle effects on the physiology and behaviour of rodents and may account for some differences between studies.

Saddle nose: our approach to the problem

Saddle nose is usually caused by a trauma or by excessive resection of the septal cartilage. Nevertheless, there are other, less frequent causes of injury, such as congenital, syphilis, leishmaniosis, and leprosy. Within this context, it is very likely to see widening of the bony bridge and dropping of the tip of the nose. For this clinical status, we found extremely satisfactory a therapy in which we use a dorsum cartilage graft, followed by narrowing of the nasal bridge and shortening of the nose. To achieve this aim, different kinds of materials were employed. The authors usually prefer rehydrated (0.9% saline solution) human costal cartilage. This material was used in a study of a series of patients with saddle nose in which we used open rhinoplasty and cartilage homografts.

Stability of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in aqueous ammonia in presence of stainless steel

Oligodeoxyribonucleotide phosphorothioates undergo desulfurization in presence of metal in aqueous ammonia at elevated temperatures. The extent of sulfur loss and chain cleavage have been investigated.

Phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity in familial Milroy lymphedema

Familial Milroy lymphedema (ML) is classified as an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by peripheral edema of the lower extremities at birth or in early childhood. The variety of phenotypes are not well described, and the genomic location and functional expression of the gene or genes underlying this and related familial lymphedema syndromes remain largely unknown. In this collaborative study between the University of Arizona and the University of São Paulo, we collected clinical pedigrees on 6 ML families, carried out clinical examination of affected and unaffected individuals, and, in representative affected members of two of the families performed dynamic lymphangioscintigraphy (LAS) of the lower and upper limbs to delineate further the ML lymphangiodysplastic phenotype. To localize the gene for ML, we conducted a genome-wide search in 4 of the families using 387 polymorphic dinucleotide-repeat markers at approximate 10 cM spacing in 54 subjects (affected, unaffected bloodline relatives, and spouses). In all 6 families (86 subjects), we specifically examined the suggested linkage to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C receptor (Flt4) gene localized to the chromosome region 5q34-q35. The findings provide evidence for a spectrum of ML clinical and LAS phenotypes and also suggest ML locus heterogeneity.

[Obesity in Chilean preschool children: anthropometric evolution and socioeconomic determinants]

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity among low-income preschool children has increased in Chile.

AIM

To compare the anthropometric evolution of obese and non obese children from birth and to determine the influence of maternal body composition and socioeconomic variables with childhood obesity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using a case control design, 237 obese, 449 normal and 54 overweight 4 year old low income children, attending 8 public outpatient clinics in Santiago, were studied. Anthropometric data since birth to the moment of the study was gathered from the clinical charts at the clinics.

RESULTS

Z scores for height/age and weight/height were significantly higher at all ages, excepting height/age in boys at the moment of birth. At the moment of the study, obese and overweight children were four and one cm taller than the normal weight controls. Maternal body mass index (odds ratio 3.07), being a first child, having a working mother, to have a telephone at home and birth weight were the variables significantly associated with obesity, according to an adjusted effects analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong association of maternal and offspring obesity implies that the prevention of childhood obesity must consider health actions directed towards mothers as well.

[History of the treatment of fractures of the face]

Throughout most of recorded human history, facial fractures have received either no treatment what so ever or only rudimentary surgical attention. The treatment of facial fractures has made more progress over the past two decades than in the entire two millenia before that. The authors describe how facial fractures have been treated since the New Kingdom in Ancient Egypt until today, with the methods of Stable Internal Fixation.

Echinobothrium raschii n. sp. (Cestoda: Diphyllidea) from Rhinoraja longi (Chondrichthyes, Rajoidei) in the Bering Sea

Echinobothrium raschii n. sp. from the spiral intestine of Rhinoraja longi in the Bering Sea, off the Aleutian Islands of Alaska is described. On the basis of the armature of the rostellum and cephalic peduncle the new species most closely resembles Echinobothrium acanthinophyllum, Echinobothrium acanthocolle, Echinobothrium coronatum and Echinobothrium helmymohamedi. Echinobothrium raschii n. sp. can be differentiated from all but E. coronatum by the possession of a continuous row of 27-36 lateral hooklets per side on the scolex and 21-26 spines per row on the cephalic peduncle. In E. acanthinophyllum there are fewer spines per row on the cephalic peduncle (13) and only 2 groups of 4 lateral hooklets per side instead of a continuous row of lateral hooklets; E. acanthocolle bears only 5 spines per row on the cephalic peduncle and has no lateral hooklets; E. helmymohamedi has 10-12 spines per row on the cephalic peduncle and bears no lateral hooklets. Echinobothrium raschii n. sp. can be distinguished from E. coronatum by number of spines per row on the cephalic peduncle (average 24 vs. 32) and testes number (17-23 vs. 9-11). The combined characters of 2 groups of 23-25 large apical hooks, a continuous alternating row of 27-36 hooklets on each side of the scolex between the groups of large apical hooks, 21-26 spines per row on the cephalic peduncle, and 17-23 testes per segment differentiates E. raschii from all other species of Echinobothrium. The prevalence of infection was 50% and mean intensity of infection was 8.7 worms per host. The current status of the genus Echinobothrium is discussed and a tabulation of the species presented.

5-HT1A receptor antagonists and lordosis behavior

In proestrous rats, serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonists inhibit lordosis behavior within 5-15 min following infusion into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). In the present report, the lordosis-inhibiting effects of the 5-HT1A agonist [(+/-) 8-hydroxy-2- (di-n-propylamino) tetralin) (8-OH-DPAT] were shown to be attenuated with 5-HT1A receptor antagonists. Two compounds, propranolol and pindolol, that function as both beta-adrenergic and 5-HT1A receptor antagonists, and (+) WAY100135 (chiral N-t-butyl-3-(1-(4-(2-methoxy) phenyl)piperazinyl)-1-phenylpropionamide dihydrochloride, quarter hydrate), a more selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, were found to reduce the lordosis-inhibiting effects of 8-OH-DPAT infusion into the VMN. Proestrous rats were co-infused into the VMN with 200 ng 8-OH-DPAT plus 1000 ng or 2000 ng pindolol, 1000 ng or 2000 ng propranolol, or 2000 ng (+) WAY100135. Co-infusion with 1000 ng or 2000 ng pindolol attenuated the inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT; co-infusion of 1000 ng, but not 2000 ng, propranolol, reduced the effects of 8-OH-DPAT; and co-infusion with 2000 ng (+) WAY100135 attenuated the effects of 8-OH-DPAT. Bilateral VMN infusion with 2500 ng (+) WAY100135 facilitated lordosis behavior in suboptimally, hormone-primed ovariectomized rats. These findings strengthen the argument that the inhibitory effect of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on lordosis behavior is the result of their activation of VMN 5-HT1A receptors.

Protective actions of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, DOI, on 5-HT1A receptor-mediated inhibition of lordosis behavior

Sexually receptive proestrous rats were infused bilaterally into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) with 200 ng of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), 1000 or 2000 ng of 5-methoxy-3-(di-n-propylamino) chroman (5-MEO-DPAC), or 1000 or 2000 ng of serotonin (5-HT) plus or minus the 5-HT2A/2C agonist, (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI). DOI protected against the lordosis-inhibiting effects of 5-HT and each of the 5-HT1A agonists. These results substantiate a prior report that 2000 ng DOI could protect against the lordosis-inhibiting action of 200 ng 8-OH-DPAT and demonstrate that such protection is not unique to a single 5-HT1A agonist. Consequently, these results strengthen evidence that functionally significant interactions occur among 5-HT receptors within the VMN.

Hypothalamic infusion of the 5-HT2/1C agonist, DOI, prevents the inhibitory actions of the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, on lordosis behavior

Sexually receptive, intact, proestrous rats were infused bilaterally into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) with 200 ng of the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), with 2000 ng of the 5-HT2/1C agonist, (+/-)-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI), or with both 8-OH-DPAT and DOI. Alone, VMN infusions of 8-OH-DPAT, but not DOI, inhibited lordosis behavior. When 2000 ng DOI was infused simultaneously with 8-OH-DPAT, the inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT were completely abolished. These results suggest that neural sites responsible for the reported facilitatory effects of 5-HT2/1C agonists on lordosis behavior coexist in the VMN with those sites in which 5-HT1A agonists are effective in reducing lordosis behavior. In contrast to the protective action of the 5-HT2/1C receptor agonist following VMN infusion, no protection was seen when both DOI and 8-OH-DPAT were administered intraperitoneally. Thus, the interaction of these two receptor subtypes in the control of lordosis behavior may be different in regions outside the VMN.

Estrogen-progesterone and 8-OH-DPAT attenuate the lordosis-inhibiting effects of the 5-HT1A agonist in the VMN

Ovariectomized rats were treated for 2 consecutive weeks with 25 micrograms estradiol benzoate followed 48 h later with 500 micrograms progesterone. Bilateral infusions of 200 ng 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) inhibited female sexual behavior on the first but not the second week of hormone priming. Such attenuation on the second week of priming did not appear to result from an enhanced receptivity of the female rats since there were no differences in the L/M ratios prior to drug infusion; nor was the attenuation a consequence of infusion-induced VMN damage since neither saline nor 8-OH-DPAT preinfusions prevented the later inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT on lordosis behavior. However, preinfusion with 8-OH-DPAT may have reduced the duration of the inhibition. Hormone priming (without any VMN infusion) also partially attenuated the effect of 8-OH-DPAT. Both hormone priming and treatment with 8-OH-DPAT were required to eliminate the effects of the second 8-OH-DPAT treatment. Thus, the present results suggest that gonadal hormones, alone, slightly attenuate the effects of agonist activation of 5-HT1A receptors involved in the inhibition of lordosis behavior; that agonist activation of 5-HT1A receptors also produces a slight attenuation; but that both treatments together have a robust protective action against the inhibitory effect of a 5-HT1A agonist on female lordosis behavior.

Selective amygdalohippocampectomy: which route is the best? An experimental study in 80 human cerebral hemispheres

Four different approach routes have been used to perform the selective amygdalohippocampectomy for the surgical treatment of epilepsy: transcortical through the middle T2 gyrus [1], translyvian through the deep sylvian fissure, transcortical subpial through the anterior T1 gyrus [2] and transcortical through the first temporal sulcus [3]. The choice between them, based on the advantages and disadvantages of each one, depends upon the different view angles they allow, and the parenchymal and vascular relationships they involve. This requires accurate knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy of this region and its features along the different acceding routes. The authors made an experimental study on 80 adult cerebral hemispheres they randomly submitted to selective amygdalohippocampectomy through these four alternative approach routes. They measured the dimensions of the major temporal limbic structures, namely the amygdala and the hippocampus, and their distances from the brain convexity and the deep sylvian fissure along those acceding routes; they also registered the main distinct microsurgical features of each. The results emerge as anatomical guidelines useful to decide for each case which way is preferable to make amygdalohippocampectomy complete, safer and easier.

[Effect of a participatory method on nutrition education in dentistry]

Based on results of a diagnostic test which measured the knowledge that University of Chile students of 5 different health careers have a food and nutrition (1982), the nutrition program of the school of Dentistry was modified from a traditional system of education (formal classes) to a participative methodology in 1984, a didactic material on nutritional recommendations. An increased level of knowledge as well as motivation was observed in those graduating in 1984, particularly the area of nutritional recommendation and diet, to which the students spent more extra time. We can conclude that the educational methodology that stresses participation and is centered around one person is very effective to teach nutrition in the school of Dentistry.

[Obese women of high and low socioeconomic status diet composition and serum levels of lipoproteins]

We studied plasma lipoproteins in 2 groups of 50 women each, one with a high (A) and the other low socio-economic status (B). Age, caloric intake, energy output and weight for height relation were comparable in both groups. A significant difference was found in plasma levels of triglycerides (A = 138.9 vs B = 104.8 mg/dl), total cholesterol (A = 226.9, B = 178.8 mg/dl) and HDL cholesterol (A = 43.9, B = 50.7 mg/dl). Differences in diet may explain this findings since the protein and fat intake was higher in group A than in group B and fat from animal sources predominated in group A (72%) as compared to B (28%). No significant difference was found in the relation of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids in both groups.

[Various foods of intermediate humidity on the Chilean market]

Water activity, moisture content, pH, total sugars and sodium chloride content of commercial foods with reduced water content found in Chilean supermarkets were determined. The sample included meat, dairy, fruits and confectionary products. Principles involved in the reduction of water activity are discussed for each case.

Ultrasonic recognition of a cystic seminal vesicle with ipsilateral renal agenesis

We report a case of a cystic seminal vesicle detected sonographically during investigation for infertility. The importance of this lesion in cases of ipsilateral renal agenesis and the value of transrectal sonography in its detection are discussed.

[Evaluation of a teaching program of nutrition in agronomy]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of teaching materials on food, nutrition and agriculture, adapted at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, within the scope of a project with AID and the School of Agronomy of the Chilean Catholic University (U. C.) aimed at incorporating the teaching of human nutrition into the curriculum of Latin American agronomists. A one semester course (54 hours) was given to 22 students of the 7th semester of Agronomy and two Ecuatorian agronomists (with AID scholarships). A set of knowledge evaluation instruments was applied at the beginning and at the end of the course. A total of 83.3% of the students passed the final examination (with more than 75% of correct answers). The difference between the initial and final performance was highly significant (p less than 0.001). According to the students' and teachers' opinions, the general textbook and the teachers book contributed effectively to meet the learning objectives whereas the students handbook needed some modifications. In conclusion, the program is an important contribution to the education of agronomists in a new conception of their role in regard to improvement of the nutritional status and quality of life of the rural population. With a few minor modifications, a final version to be used in the countries of the Region, shall soon become available.