Linking extraction and purification of maize samples for fumonisin analysis

Fumonisins are produced by several fungal species that are common contaminants of maize. The most abundant naturally occurring fumonisin, fumonisin B1 (FB1), has been shown to induce several animal disease syndromes. The development of analytical methods is therefore important. A new method is described that integrates extraction and purification of maize samples in one step. It efficiency is compared against well-known methods, and shows similar results for naturally contaminated maize. It is concluded that the proposed method can be applied to fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2 (FB2) analysis in maize at least within the concentration range found.

Neonatal exposure of male rats to estradiol benzoate causes rete testis dilation and backflow impairment of spermatogenesis

Estrogens administered to perinatal rodents cause spermatogenesis impairment; this study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms by which estrogens exert this effect. Neonatal male Wistar rats received estradiol benzoate (either 0.5 mg/5g BW or 1 mg/5g BW) and were killed at days 10, 22, 33, 45, and 60. Controls received vehicle. In tubule cross-sections of transverse sections of the right testes, 1) tubular diameter (TD) and seminiferous epithelium height (SEH) were measured, 2) normal and impaired spermatogenesis were classified in terms of the most advanced germ cell type present, including tubules lined by Sertoli cells only. A significant dose-dependent rise in the tubule percentage lined by Sertoli cells only at day 60 reflected spermatogenesis impairment. This was evidenced by the presence of multinucleated germ cells in a thin epithelium and sloughed into an enlarged tubular lumen, which was reflected in a significant dose-dependent increase in TD/SEH values from day 22 onward. TD was significantly greater and SEH significantly lower in tubular segments located at the cranial than the caudal halves of rat testes treated with the high (days 22, 33, and 60) and the low dose (day 33). This indicated distension in cranial tubular segments, perhaps due to the fact that these segments were the closest to the dilated rete testis. Consequently, they showed the highest TD/SEH values and the most regressive features of spermatogenesis (tubules lined by Sertoli cells only). In contrast, caudal segments in rat testes treated with the low dose showing TD/SEH values similar to controls displayed a delayed maturation of spermatogenesis coinciding with the late appearance of mature Leydig cells.

[Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly. Valencia, State of Carabobo, Venezuela]

To assess the nutritional status of 80 elderly living in a geriatric home, a cross-sectional study was designed. 40 men (76.1 +/- 8.2 years) and 40 women (83.1 +/- 6.9 years) were randomly selected. Anthropometric indicators (weight (W), height (H), triceps skinfold (TSF), muscle area (MA), fat area (FA), mid-arm circumference (MAC), arm muscle circumference (AMC) and body mass index (BMI)), biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, ferritin, cholesterol, albumin, zinc and vitamin A) and dietary intake (weighed method) were determined. MAC and AMC in men and PT and FA in women were below 10th percentile. 35.3% did not show signs of undernutrition, 39.7% was at nutritional risk (1 sign) and the other 25% was undernourished (2 or more signs). 8% showed anemia 52% had low values of ferritin, 13% were hypozincemic, 8% had vitamin A deficiency, 29% had hypoalbuminemia and 7.9% hipocholesterolemia. 50% and 48% of men and women had energy intake below 1.5 x BMR (n = 47). Vitamin A, C and zinc adecuacies were below 2/3 RDA. Evidence of the high nutritional risk of this elderly group is provided by alteration of anthropometric, biochemical and dietary indicators. Some other parameters must be assessed (reduced appetite, lack of foods) in order to detect more subtle changes of the nutritional status, and a nutritional intervention should be started immediately.

[Zinc status evaluation in an elderly institutionalized population]

Elderly people is at high nutritional risk for zinc, specially marginal deficit, which could contribute to complications of chronic diseases and undernutrition. The aim of study was to know the zinc status of 83 elderly people (older than 60), from both sexes, living in geriatric home. Zinc serum levels, alkaline phosphatase serum levels; albumin serum levels, energy, proteins and zinc dietary intake and gustative sensitivity were determined. Results expressed as mean +/- DS are the following: serum zinc: 90.89 +/- 19.0 micrograms/dl, alkaline phosphatase: 125.41 +/- 24.2 IU/L, albumin serum: 3.9 +/- 0.76 g/dl energy intake: 1643 +/- 309.9 Kcal/day, protein intake: 59.96 +/- 13.2 g/day, zinc intake 7.9 +/- 3.0 mg/day, only energy and zinc intake were deficient. 18.1% had zinc values under 70 micrograms/dl. There was 54% of positive responses to the taste acuity tests. This results qualify this group as at risk, specially for zinc nutritional.

Evaluation of Osilinus attratus as a bioindicator organism to monitor oil pollution in the Canary Islands

Concentrations of n-alkanes and PAHs in the visceral mass of the marine winkle Osilinus attratus taken from three locations on the southeast coast of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) over a two-year period, were evaluated at monthly intervals in order to assess if this small marine winkle may be used as bioindicador organism. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were applied in order to determine if it was possible to relate sampling areas to potential sources of petroleum contamination.

[Localized fibrous tumor in the parenchyma. Report of 2 cases, one of them multiple and bilateral]

Localized fibrous tumor is an uncommon neoplasm that is usually located in the visceral pleura. Histologically these tumors are composed of randomly arranged fascicles or networks of fusiform cells, among which there is a varying amount of collagen. Most authors consider that these cells originate in submesothelial mesenchymal cells. The condition is normally silent, though hypoglycemia, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy or other symptoms sometimes result. The treatment of choice is total resection and imaging techniques are extremely helpful for establishing surgical strategy, even though surgery is often performed before a histopathologic diagnosis is available. We present 2 patients with intrapulmonary fibromas that were histologically identical to localized fibrous pleural tumors. These tumors are rarely found in the parenchyma and multiple bilateral presentation is exceptional, having been described only once in the literature. One of our patients had a single pulmonary node that happened to be noticed on an X-ray. The other had multiple bilateral nodes that required several surgical procedures; the intraparenchymatous location for this type of tumor has not been described to date. We discuss clinical, therapeutic and histopathological aspects of these tumors and review the literature.

[Epidemiologic and nutritional characteristics of the elderly]

A sample of 1365 elders of both sexes from rural and urban populations was studied. Thirty four percent of the subjects were older that 80 years. 21.6% lived alone, 25% were illiterate and 50% did not finish elementary school. Mental impairment was found in 5.6% and body mass index was normal in 41.4% of subjects. Eighty seven percent did not smoke and 80% were teetotalers. Medical services were requested at least every one year by 15.4% and twice a year by 11.9% of subjects. These numbers will help to design preventive and interventional policies directed to this segment of the population.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the colon. A case report]

A case of primary squamous-cell carcinoma (epidermoid carcinoma) of the colon is presented located in the hepatic flexure. It seems to be the first case registered in Latin America. The pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of the disease are reviewed.

[Clinical experience in diabetes and pregnancy]

We followed patients with pregnancy and diabetes in an outpatient clinic. 240 had gestational diabetes, 16 had type II and 5 type I diabetes. 85% of 110 patients with gestational diabetes had normal glucose tolerance test post partum (AGT). Type I patients were younger (25 years old) than AGT (32) or type II (33) patients. Complications frequently observed among diabetics included hypertension, premature membrane rupture and polyhydroamnios (the latter only among AGT and type II patients). Insulin was required for diabetes control in 14% of cases. Cesarean section was more frequent in diabetics than in a control population (21%): AGT 45%, type II 45% and type I 60%. Larger newborns occurred in 21% of AGT and 22% of type II as compared to 6% in controls. Neonatal mortality was 2.1% in AGT patients (0.8% in controls). Hyperbilirrubinemia, polyglobulia and hypocalcemia were more frequent among newborns of diabetic patients.