Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Macadamia Nuts (<i>Macadamia integrifolia</i>) Cultivated in Venezuela

Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) grown in Venezuela have showed an average total fat content of 70%. Oleic acid (18:1) was the main monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (51.3%), followed by palmitoleic acid (16:1, 22.6%). The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), C18:2 and C18:3 represented 5.4%. Thus, MUFAs and PUFAs together constituted more than 80% of the total fatty acids present. Trans-vaccenic acid was also present (3%). As regards to other phytochemical compounds, tocopherols and tocotrienols were not found in the sample, but the presence of squalene was detected.The antioxidant activity (44.2%) of the extract was produced by the phytochemicals present.

The Space of Bounded p(&#183;)-Variation in Wiener’s Sense with Variable Exponent

In this paper, we proof some properties of the space of bounded p(·)-variation in Wiener’s sense. We show that a functions is of bounded p(·)-variation in Wiener’s sense with variable exponent if and only if it is the composition of a bounded nondecreasing functions and h?lderian maps of the variable exponent. We show that the composition operator H, associated with , maps the spaces into itself if and only if h is locally Lipschitz. Also, we prove that if the composition operator generated by maps this space into itself and is uniformly bounded, then the regularization of h is affine in the second variable.

The association of Triatoma maculata(Ericsson 1848) with the gecko Thecadactylus rapicauda(Houttuyn 1782)(Reptilia:Squamata:Gekkonidae):a strategy of domiciliation of the Chagas disease peridomestic vector in Venezuela?

Objective:To investigate the bioecological relationship between Chagas disease peridomestic vectors and reptiles as source of feeding.Methods:In a three-story building,triatomines were captured by direct search and electric vacuum cleaner search in and outside the building.Then,age structure of the captured Triatoma maculata(T.maculata) were identified and recorded.Reptiles living in sympatric with the triatomines were also searched.Results:T.maculata were found living sympatric with geckos(Thecadactylus rapicauda) and they bit residents of the apartment building in study.A total of 1 448 individuals of T.maculata were captured within three days,of which 74.2%(1 074 eggs) were eggs,21.5%were nymphs at different stages,and 4.3%were adults.Conclusions:The association of T.maculata and T.rapicauda is an effective strategy of colonizing dwellings located in the vicinity of the habitat where both species are present;and therefore,could have implications of high importance in the intradomiciliary transmission of Chagas disease.

Interactions between a Root Knot Nematode (<i>Meloidogyne exigua</i>) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Coffee Plant Development (<i>Coffea arabica</i>)

This paper focuses on parasitic root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne exigua) and how to decrease their pathogenic effect on coffee plants (Coffea arabica), by examining the behaviour of and the interactions between nematodes, coffee plant and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM). The experiment was carried out at the seedling stage, with six (6) treatments (plants with M. exigua, plants with arbuscular mycorrhizae, plants with both organisms, and the same time, first mycorrhizae plants, then nematodes were inoculated and vice versa). After 5 months the measured variables were: dry biomass (roots and shoot), nematode knots caused by M. exigua in root, nematode juvenile (J2) found in 100.0 g of soil, and mycorrhizal percentage. Plant nutrients (P and N) contents were analysed. Significant differences were found in all the variables, but concentration N content in plants. Plants with mycorrhizae and plants with mycorrhizae and then inoculated with nematodes have the same behaviour. Control plants and plants with nematode and then inoculated with mycorrhizae behave similarly. It is thought that arbuscular mycorrhizae are formed before the nematode infestation, allowing coffee plants to regain the energy lost by the parasitic interaction. AM may help coffee plants with lignifications of the plant cell wall cuticle. As the cuticle thickens it is more difficult for nematodes to penetrate and enter into plant roots. Therefore, arbuscular mycorrhizae help coffee plants to uptake and transport nutrients, improving its nutritional status and stabilizing nematode attacks. It is suggested that symbiotic interactions help neutralize parasitic interactions.

Study of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles with Anti-gp63 IgG Antibody for the Detection of Glycoprotein gp63 in Membrane Surface of <i>Leishmania</i>Genus Parasites

In this work we present the preparation and functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of presence of gp63 glycoprotein in the surface of Leishmania genus parasites. AuNPs were prepared by induced laser ablation in a clean and biologically suitable media. The nanoparticles were functionalized with anti-gp63 lgG antibody in order to study the interaction with the glycoprotein component gp63 (63 kDa) present on the membrane surface of Leishmania genus parasites. The functionalized AuNPs showed potential as a spectrometric indicator of the parasite existence, both by the detection of the presence of the gp63 in solution and through the specific interaction with the parasites in vitro. The specificity of the study opens a new line of research on the use of modified nanoparticles in the development of a fast and easy assay for Leishmaniosis diagnostics.

Uniformly Bounded Set-Valued Composition Operators in the Spaces of Functions of Bounded Variation in the Sense of Riesz

We show that the lateral regularizations of the generator of any uniformly bounded set-valued composition Nemytskij operator acting in the spaces of functions of bounded variation in the sense of Riesz, with nonempty bounded closed and convex values, are an affine function.

Introduction, Establishment, and Invasion of Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in the Savannas of Venezuela and Colombia

The invasion process involves overcoming certain barriers with negative effects on the biodiversity and ecosystem function. This is the case of the African dung beetle Digitonthophagus gazella, which was introduced in the United States and other countries in Central and South America to help in dung removal activity. The distribution of D. gazella has been documented in the Americas, but in Venezuela there is little information. Trying to understand the process of invasion of the Colombian-Venezuelan savannas and measure their potential impact, the information stored in collections and literature was collected. Five new state records were reported for Venezuela, as well as four scenarios of the process of introduction and establishment of this species in the region. Although the amount of records has increased, the number of individuals sampled is still incipient. The possible areas of invasion and the potential negative effects that the presence of this species exerts in these regions are also discussed. In addition, potential areas of invasion and negative effects of this species are discussed. Results emphasize the importance of generating models of the invasive process in order to design programs that monitor the effects incurred by the presence of D. gazella on native species and propose control and mitigation mechanisms.

The Space of Bounded p(·)-Variation in the Sense Wiener-Korenblum with Variable Exponent

In this paper we present the notion of the space of bounded p(·)-variation in the sense of Wiener-Korenblum with variable exponent. We prove some properties of this space and we show that the composition operator H, associated with , maps the into itself, if and only if h is locally Lipschitz. Also, we prove that if the composition operator generated by maps this space into itself and is uniformly bounded, then the regularization of h is affine in the second variable, i.e. satisfies the Matkowski’s weak condition.

Locally Defined Operators and Locally Lipschitz Composition Operators in the Space WBVp(·)([a, b])

We give a neccesary and sufficient condition on a function such that the composition operator (Nemytskij Operator) H defined by acts in the space and satisfies a local Lipschitz condition. And, we prove that every locally defined operator mapping the space of continuous and bounded Wiener p(&#183;)-variation with variable exponent functions into itself is a Nemytskij com-position operator.

Intracerebral Microdialysis in Neurosurgery for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Report of 2 Preliminary Cases

Neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders, notably for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), was initiated in Venezuela in the decade of 1970, and consisted since that time in the classic stereotactic anterior cingulotomy. In order to know further about the physiopathology of this disorder, we performed intracerebral microdialysis in 2 patients who were operated on. The aim was to measure changes in extracellular neurotransmitters within the basal ganglia. The microdialysis probes were stereotactically placed in the right caudate nucleus and in the dorsomedial nucleus of the right thalamus. The microdialysis was done before the left cingulotomy, during the pause and after the right cingulotomy. Glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) changes were similar in the caudate nucleus of both patients, whereas in the dorsomedial nucleus the changes were opposite among the 2 patients. Although this study does not bring enough data to explain such differences yet, the existence of dynamic changes in the neurochemistry of the basal ganglia during cingulotomy shows that intracerebral microdialysis can help in the understanding of the pathophysiology of OCD and eventually in the design of new surgeries with better results.

Functions of Bounded （p（·), 2)-Variation in De la Vallee Poussin-Wiener’s Sense with Variable Exponent

In this paper we establish the notion of the space of bounded ?(p(&sdot;), 2)variation in De la Vallée Poussin-Wiener’s sense with variable exponent. We show some properties of this space and we show that any uniformly bounded composition operator that maps this space into itself necessarily satisfies the so-called Matkowski’s conditions.

A New Analysis of an Implicit Mimetic Scheme for the Heat Equation

A mimetic finite difference scheme for the transient heat equation under Robin’s conditions is presented. The scheme uses second order gradient and divergence mimetic operators, on a staggered grid, to approximate the space derivatives. The temporal derivative is replaced by a first order backward difference approximation to obtain an implicit formulation. The resulting scheme contains nonstandard finite difference stencils. An original convergence analysis by the matrix’s method shows that the proposed scheme is unconditionally stable. A comparative study against standard finite difference schemes, based on central difference or first order one side approximations, reveals the advantages of our scheme without being its implementation more expensive or difficult to achieve.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Its Manifestations and Management a Case Report

Introduction: Thyroid states can be associated with psychiatric manifestations, be it hypothyroid, hyperthyroid or even euthyroid. The effect of depression is significant in subclinical hypothyroidism. Sometimes, its signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from Major Depressive Disorder. Our immunological system and early embryologic origins also play a role in the coexistence of other comorbidities like Pernicious Anemia. Case: A 35-year-old Hispanic female presented with significant low mood, somnolence, weight gain, increased hunger, cold intolerance and epigastric pain. It is important to note the variety of clinical manifestations of our hypothyroidism patient to understand its associations and help us with a better approach to treatment. Discussion: Standard approaches to treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism will depend mostly on laboratory findings such as TSH levels and free T4. Individualized therapy chosen for our patient was based on his mood symptoms, laboratory findings and coexistence of Pernicious Anemia. The use of daily 0.025 mg of levothyroxine, 10 mg of escitalopram oxalate and weekly injections of cyanocobalamin were treatments of choice. Conclusion: During follow up of our patient, we can conclude that Levothyroxine and Escitalopram Oxalate were able to improve hypothyroidism symptoms, reduce thyroglobulin and peroxidase antibodies and improve mood symptoms including cognitive functions. In addition to this, weekly cyanocobalamin injections were integrated into the management. As parietal cell antibodies decreased, gastrointestinal symptoms also disappeared. By addressing the concerns of our patient, we improved quality of care, and this is reflected in the patient’s wellbeing in physical and psychological.

Endoscopic mucosal ablation-an alternative treatment for colonic polyps:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Endoscopic resection of non-invasive lesions is now the standard of care for lesions in the GI tract.However,resection techniques require extensive training,are not available in all endoscopy centers and are prone to complications.Endoscopic mucosal ablation(EMA)is a combination of resection and ablation techniques and it may offer an alternative in the management of such lesions.CASE SUMMARY In this case series we report the successful treatment of three flat colonic polyps using the EMA technique.Two lesions were treatment naïve and 1 was a recurrence after an endoscopic mucosal resection.The sizes ranged from 2 to 4 cm.All three polyps were ablated successfully with no immediate or delayed complications.The recurrence rate at 1 year of follow up was 0%.CONCLUSION Based on this initial experience,we conclude that EMA is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of non-invasive colonic polyps when endoscopic resection techniques are not available.

Channel Response to Gravel Mining Activities in Mountain Rivers

s: The removal of bed material from active river channels usually affects the bed profile of the streambed, causing progressive degradation upstream and downstream of the extraction site. These effects can extend for kilometers affecting hydraulic structures located in the vicinity of the river reach. In this paper, the geomorphic effects of gravel mining are reviewed and summarized. Some cases in Venezuelan streams are presented to illustrate the problem. To describe the processes of erosion and sedimentation in a gravel extraction pit, a recent developed mathematical model for the simulation of flow and sediment transport in gravel-cobble bed streams is applied to a hypothetical case of gravel mining in a river channel. A simple rectangular dredge pit is imposed as initial condition in the channel bed, and changes in bed elevations and grain size distribution of bed material are calculated by using the numerical model. The process of deposition within the pit, and the downstream and upstream migration of the erosion wave are well simulated by the model and closely resemble the phenomena observed in laboratory experiments. The response of the friction coefficient to the changes in flow and bed elevations shows the importance in modeling adequately flow resistance and sediment transport in gravel-cobble bed streams.

SUSY QM in a One-Dimensional Box and Local Observable Quantities

We investigate several Hamiltonians for a free particle in a one-dimensional box, in the context of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. Specifically, we study this problem with the Neumann boundary condition, the periodic and antiperiodic boundary condition, and some mixed and complex boundary conditions. This is achieved by using an approach recently proposed which expresses the factorization of the partner Hamiltonians in terms of the probability density and current for the ground-state eigenfunction of one of them.

Origin of the Caribbean Plate Conference Siguenza, Spain, May 29-June 2, 2006

An international research conference, entitled ＂Geology of the area between North and South America, with focus on the origin of the Caribbean Plate＂, took place in Siguenza, Spain, from May 29-June 2, 2006. Fifty five people from 11 countries attended the meeting, which was chaired by Drs. Albert W. Bally, Mafia Antonieta Lorente and David G. Roberts. Siguenza authorities and volunteers lent a great deal of enthusiastic support, while BP, Repsol, Shell, Statoil and SEPM provided financial encouragement.

<i>In Situ</i>Analysis of Copper Alloys by Femtosecond Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Constrains on Matrix Effects

Direct analysis of copper-base alloys using laser ablation techniques is an increasingly common procedure in cultural heritage studies. However, main discussions remain focused on the possibility of using non-matrix matched external reference materials. To evaluate the occurrence of matrix effects during in situ microanalysis of copper-base materials, using near infrared femtosecond laser ablation techniques (NIR fs-LA-ICP-MS), two bronzes, i.e., (Sn-Zn)-ternary and (Sn)-binary copper-matrix reference materials, as well as a reference synthetic glass (NIST-SRM-610) have been analyzed. The results have been compared to data obtained on a sulfide-matrix reference material. Similar values in relative sensitivity averages of 63Cu, 118Sn and 66Zn, as well as in 118Sn/63Cu and 66Zn/63Cu ratios were obtained, for all analyzed matrix types, i.e., copper-base-, silicate-, and sulfide-reference materials. Consequently, it is possible to determinate major and minor element concentrations in copper alloys, i.e., Cu, Sn and Zn, using silicate and sulfide reference materials as external calibrators, without any matrix effect and over a wide range of concentrations (from wt.% to ppm). Equally, Cu, Sn and Zn concentrations can be precisely determined in sulfides using homogeneous alloys (reference) materials as an external calibrator. Thus, it is possible to determine Cu, Sn and Zn in copper-base materials and their ore minerals, mostly sulfides, in a single analytical session, without requiring specific external calibrators for each matrix type. In contrast, immiscible elements in copper matrix, such as Pb and Fe show notable differences in their relative sensitivity values and ratios for different matrix-materials analyzed, implying that matrix-matched external calibrations remain to be applied for their trace quantification.

<i>Trypanosoma evansi</i>: A Qualitative and Quantitative Ultrastructural Analysis of the Spleen during Experimental Murine Infections

A murine model is used to study qualitatively and quantitatively the splenic ultrastructural changes induced by two Trypanosoma evansi strains derived from naturally infected local equine hosts (Equusasinus and E. caballus);T. evansi causes ultrastructural modifications in the spleen of the infected mice. The modifications include tissular disorganization, fibrosis, mitochondrial swelling, apoptosis and necrosis. The initial phases of the infection are quite similar, whereas the final phases differ qualitatively depending on the strain’s source. The ultrastructural quantitative changes were studied in the reticular splenocytes covering alterations in the area of the cytoplasm and nucleus. Analysis of the results shows the induction of various splenic alterations caused by local T. evansi strains. Also, it was documented that discriminative time modulation, as well as progressive tissular, cellular and subcellular changes, are more associated with derived infections from E. caballus strain.