Oxidative stress in the mollusk Echinolittorina peruviana (Gasteropoda: Littorinidae, Lamarck, 1822) and trace metals in coastal sectors with mining activity.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of coastal waters of sites with mining activity in Echinolittorina peruviana, through oxidative stress biomarkers and heavy metals determination both in water and in tissue. Organisms were collected in the intertidal zone in areas with and without mining activity. Metal concentrations in the water and tissues, and also, the following biomarkers of oxidative stress: antioxidant enzyme activity, superoxide dismutase and catalase, non-enzymatic oxidative capacity (TRAP), oxidative damage to proteins (carbonyls) and TBARS, were measured The concentrations of accumulated metals had the following order Fe > Cu > Cd > Zn > Cr > Mo > As; the highest concentrations of metals in water and tissues were found in Caleta Palito and Chañaral. Results suggest that the coastal waters with mining activity and greatest concentrations of copper and iron induced the greater antioxidant response and oxidative damage to lipids in E. peruviana.

Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates-based Therapeutics-delivery Nanosystems.

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bio-based aliphatic biopolyester produced by bacteria as an intracellular storage material of carbon and energy under stressed conditions. PHAs have been paid attention to due to their unique and impressive biological properties including high biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and different mechanical properties. Under this context, the development of drug-delivery nanosystems based on PHAs has been revealed to have numerous advantages compared with synthetic polymers that included biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxic, and low-cost production, among others. In this review article, we present the available state of the art of PHAs. Moreover, we discussed the potential benefits, weaknesses, and perspectives of PHAs to the develop drug delivery systems.

[Virulence genes and bacteriocins in Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from different clinical samples in Maule Region, Chile]. / Genes de virulencia y bacteriocinas en cepas de Enterococcus faecalis aisladas desde diferentes muestras clínicas en la Región del Maule, Chile.

The presence of virulence genes (VG) and bacteriocins from different clinical samples was studied in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from urinary tract infections (UTI), bacteremia and endodontitis and was correlated with haemolysin and gelatinase activity. We evaluated the presence of VG by PCR in 150 strains of E. faecalis including cylA, aggA, efaA, eep, gelE, esp, as-48, bac31, entL50A/B, entA, entP, entB, enlA andentl071. Haemolysin and gelatinase activity was studied. gelE and cylA genes expressed hemolysin and gelatinase, respectively. This activity was observed in some strains of bacteremia, UTI and endodontitis. The highest number of VG was detected in bacteremic strains, being aggA and entA genes the most frequent. efaA, esp, entA, entL50A/B were associated with their clinical origin (p < 0.05). The most common genetic profile was aggA-eep-enlA-entL50A/B. E. faecalis from UTI, bacteremia and endodontitis presented different gene combinations. Some of the genes studied were related to their clinical origin. The results obtained in this study are similar to those reported in other countries.

Perceived Resources as a Predictor of Satisfaction with Food-Related Life among Chilean Elderly: An Approach with Generalized Linear Models.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to show why perceived resources are a strong predictor of satisfaction with food-related life in Chilean older adults. Design, sampling and participants: A survey was conducted in rural and urban areas in 30 communes of the Maule Region with 785 participants over 60 years of age who live in their own homes. The Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL) scale was used. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used for the regression analysis. RESULTS: The results led to different considerations: First, older adults' perceived levels of resources are a good reflection of their actual levels of resources. Second, the individuals rated the sum of the perceived resources as 'highly important' to explain older adults' satisfaction with food-related life. Third, SWFL was predicted by satisfaction with economic situation, family importance, quantity of domestic household goods and a relative health indicator. Fourth, older adults who believe they have more resources compared to others are more satisfied with their food-related life. Finally, Poisson and binomial logistic models showed that the sum of perceived resources significantly increased the prediction of SWFL. CONCLUSION: The main conclusion is that perceived personal resources are a strong predictor of SWFL in Chilean older adults.

Satisfacción de pacientes con cicatrices atróficas de acné tratados con láser ablativo y/o técnicas quirúrgicas / Satisfaction of patients with atrophic acne scars treated with ablative laser and / or surgical techniques

Las cicatrices atróficas constituyen una complicación frecuente del acné vulgar. Existen múltiples tratamientos quirúrgicos, aunque ninguno ha demostrado ser satisfactorio. Se realizó un estudio transversal retrospectivo de 47 pacientes con cicatrices atróficas de acné intervenidos mediante Cirugía Punch (CP) y/o Láser CO2 10.600 nm (LCO), a quienes se aplicó un cuestionario validado entre Abril y Septiembre de 2014. El 63,8 por ciento recibió tratamiento solo con LCO, el 10,6 por ciento solo con CP y el 25,6 por ciento recibió ambos tratamientos. Respecto al grado de satisfacción, el 9 por ciento refirió un puntaje de 10 luego del procedimiento, el 32 por ciento entre 7-9, el 43 por ciento entre 4-6 y un 17 por ciento entre 0-3. El 66 por ciento de los pacientes refirió que los efectos se mantienen en el tiempo y el 21 por ciento reportó efectos adversos. El tratamiento quirúrgico de las cicatrices atróficas de acné con técnicas como CP y/o LCO consigue grados de satisfacción moderados, con efectos mantenidos a largo plazo y escasos efectos adversos.

Atrophic scars are a common complication of acne vulgaris. There are multiple surgical treatments, but none have proved satisfactory. A retrospective cross-sectional study of 47 patients with atrophic acne scars surgery was performed by Punch Surgery (CP) and / or CO2 Laser 10,600 nm (LCO), a validated questionnaire between April and September 2014 was applied. 63.8 percent received only LCO treatment, only 10.6 percent CP and 25.6 percent received both treatments. Regarding the degree of satisfaction, 9 percent reported a score of 10 after the procedure, 32 percent between 7-9, 43 percent between 4-6 and 17 percent 0-3. 66 percent of patients reported that the effects are maintained over time, and 21 percent reported adverse effects. Surgical treatment of atrophic acne scars with techniques such as CP and / or LCO achieved moderate degree of satisfaction with maintained long-term effects and few adverse effects.

Manifestaciones cutáneas en pacientes con Enfermedad de Parkinson en una población chilena / Cutaneous manifestations in patients with Parkinson's disease In a Chilean population

IINTRODUCCIÓN: Las alteraciones cutáneas asociadas a la Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) constituyen un área poco estudiada. OBJETIVOS: Describir las alteraciones cutáneas de un grupo de pacientes con EP y su asociación a parámetros cutáneos funcionales (sebo y humedad). PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo de pacientes con EP evaluados entre los meses de febrero y octubre del 2010. RESULTADOS: Se observó dermatitis seborreica (DS) en un 9,58 por ciento, no correlacionándose con seborrea (p=0,415), tiempo de evolución (p=0,338) ni severidad de la EP (p=0,787). Además, se observó un 6.84 por ciento de cáncer de piel no melanoma. La sebometría se asoció de forma inversa con la edad y mayores dosis de L-dopa. La higrometría no se asoció con tiempo de evolución, severidad de la EP ni fluctuaciones motoras. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con EP evaluados tienen una mayor frecuencia de cáncer de piel no melanoma y DS, sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para determinar su real asociación.

INTRODUCTION: Skin disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are a poorly studied area. OBJECTIVES: To describe skin changes in a group of PD patients and its association with cutaneous functional parameters (sebum and humidity). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive prospective observational study of PD patients evaluated between February and October 2010. RESULTS: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) was observed in 9.58 percent and not correlated with seborrhea (p = 0.415), duration (p = 0.338) and severity of PD (p = 0.787). In addition, a 6.84 percent of non-melanoma skin cancer was observed. Sebometry was inversely associated with age and higher doses of L-dopa. Humidity was not associated with time of evolution, severity of PD or motor fluctuations. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated patients with PD have a higher frequency of non-melanoma skin cancer and SD. However, more studies are needed to establish their real association.

Genes de virulencia y bacteriocinas en cepas de Enterococcus faecalis aisladas desde diferentes muestras clínicas en la Región del Maule, Chile / Virulence genes and bacteriocins in Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from different clinical samples in Maule Region, Chile

The presence of virulence genes (VG) and bacteriocins from different clinical samples was studied in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from urinary tract infections (UTI), bacteremia and endodontitis and was correlated with haemolysin and gelatinase activity. We evaluated the presence of VG by PCR in 150 strains of E. faecalis including cylA, aggA, efaA, eep, gelE, esp, as-48, bac31, entL50A/B, entA, entP, entB, enlA andentl071. Haemolysin and gelatinase activity was studied. gelE and cylA genes expressed hemolysin and gelatinase, respectively. This activity was observed in some strains of bacteremia, UTI and endodontitis. The highest number of VG was detected in bacteremic strains, being aggA and entA genes the most frequent. efaA, esp, entA, entL50A/B were associated with their clinical origin (p < 0.05). The most common genetic profile was aggA-eep-enlA-entL50A/B. E. faecalis from UTI, bacteremia and endodontitis presented different gene combinations. Some of the genes studied were related to their clinical origin. The results obtained in this study are similar to those reported in other countries.

Desde diferentes muestras clínicas se determinó la presencia de genes codificantes de factores de virulencia (FV) y bacteriocinas en Enterococcus faecalis aislados desde infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU), bacteriemias y endodontitis, correlacionándose con la actividad hemolisina y gelatinasa. En 150 cepas de E. faecalis fue evaluada mediante RPC la presencia de cylA, aggA, efaA, eep, gelE, esp, as-48, bac31, entL50A/B, entA, entP, entB, enlA, y ent1071 determinándose actividad hemolisina y gelatinasa. Los genes cylA y gelE expresaron hemolisina y gelatinasa, respectivamente. Esta actividad fue observada en algunas de las cepas causantes de bacteriemia, ITU y endodontitis. El mayor número de genes estudiados se detectó en cepas bacteriémicas. Los genes aggA y entA, fueron los más frecuentes. Los genes efaA, esp, entL50/AB y entA se asociaron a su origen clínico (p < 0,05). El perfil genético más recurrente fue aggA-eep-enlA-entL50A/B. Enterococcusfaecalis de ITU, bacteriemias y endodontitis presentaron distintas combinaciones génicas. AAlgunos de los genes estudiados se relacionaron con su origen clínico. Los resultados obtenidos son similares a los reportados en otros países.

[Isolation of periodontal bacteria from blood samples and atheromas in patients with atherosclerosis and periodontitis]. / Aislamiento de bacterias periodontopáticas desde hemocultivos y ateromas obtenidos de pacientes con aterosclerosis y periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a common oral disease produced by bacterial species that reside in the subgingival plaque. These microorganisms have been associated to atherosclerosis and it is suggested that periodontitis is a cardiovascular risk factor. AIM: To isolate periodontal bacteria from blood and atheroma samples, from patients with atherosclerosis and periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients with periodontitis and a clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis and 12 patients with periodontitis but without atherosclerosis were studied. Blood samples were obtained immediately before and after scaling and root planing. The samples were incubated in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. One week after scaling, atheromatous plaques were obtained during endarterectomy in the 12 patients with atherosclerosis. These were homogenized and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Microorganisms were identified by means ofPCR. RESULTS: Five patients with and two without atherosclerosis, had bacteremia after scaling and root planing. Bacterial species isolated from blood samples were the same found in periodontic pockets. Four atheromatous plaques of patients with bacteremia yielded positive cultures. The isolated bacteria were the same found in blood samples and periodontal pockets. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteremia occurred in seven of 24 patients after scaling and root planing. In four patients, the same species found in periodontic pockets and blood cultures were detected in atherosclerotic plaques obtained one week after the dental procedure.

Tratamiento laparoscópico del quiste hidatídico hepático / Laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid cysts

Background: Laparoscopic surgery is emerging as a useful alternative for the treatment of liver hydatid cysts. Aim: To report technical data, management protocols, costs and results of laparoscopic management of liver hydatid cysts. Material and Methods: Prospective analysis of 31 patients aged 5 to 73 years (17 females), with 40 cysts, operated between 2006 and 2009. All patients received albendazol for 15 days prior to surgery and for 2 months afterwards. Surgical technique consisted in the evacuation of parasite membrane, partial excision of prominent pericystic membrane and suture of biliary communications. Results: Sixty nine percent of cysts were uni-vesicular, 74 percent were unique and 68 percent were located in the right lobe. Surgical time was 80 min. Two patients were converted to open surgery and 24 percent had postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was six days. Patients were followed for 28 months and in 4 percent the cyst relapsed. No patient died. The mean cost of laparoscopic treatment was US$ 2.107. Conclusions: Laparoscopic technique is a useful surgical alternative for the treatment of liver hydatid cysts.

El objetivo es mostrar los detalles técnicos, protocolo de manejo, costos y resultados del tratamiento laparoscópico de quiste hidatídico hepático (QHH). Se presenta un análisis prospectivo y descriptivo de una serie de 31 casos consecutivos de pacientes portadores de QHH operados entre enero de 2006 y enero de 2009, en el Hospital Regional de Coyhaique. Se incluye a todos los pacientes portadores de QHH tipo I, III, los tipo II y IV sintomáticos, menores a 5 cms según la clasificación de la OmS. Previo a la realización de la cirugía se les indicó 15 días de Albendazol y 2 meses en el post-operatorio. La técnica quirúrgica empleada consistió en la evacuación de la membrana parasitaria, resección parcial de la periquística prominente y sutura de las comunicaciones biliares. Siempre se utilizó drenaje. Los 31 pacientes presentaron 40 quistes, 17 de las cuales fueron mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 37 años. El estudio radiológico reveló que el 68,6 de ellos correspondió a quistes univesiculares, siendo únicos en el 74 por ciento, localizados principalmente en el lóbulo hepático derecho (68 por ciento). El tiempo quirúrgico alcanzó a los 79,83 minutos. Hubo dos conversiones (6,45 por ciento), la morbilidad alcanzó al 24 por ciento. La estadía promedio fue de 6 días. El período de seguimiento fue de 28 meses, con una recidiva de 3,5 por ciento. No hubo mortalidad en esta serie. El costo del tratamiento laparoscópico del QHH promedió los US 2.107. Creemos que la técnica laparoscópica, aplicada con criterio selectivo, es una alternativa útil para el tratamiento de pacientes con hidatidosis hepática, pues sus resultados son comparables a los existentes con cirugía abierta.

Aislamiento de cepas de Escherichia coli desde casos clínicos de infección vaginal: asociación con otros microorganismos y susceptibilidad antibacteriana / Presence of E. coli in vaginal fluids of women with vaginal infection and its antimicrobial susceptibility

Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de Escheríchia coli en fluidos vaginales de mujeres con infección vaginal y analizar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Método: Se estudiaron 425 muestras de mujeres con diagnóstico clínico de infección vaginal (casos) y 100 mujeres sanas (controles). Las muestras vaginales fueron estudiadas mediante los criterios de Amsel y Nugent. Se utilizaron diferentes metodologías para identificar: Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Myco-plasma hominis, Urea plasma urealyticum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mobiluncus sp., Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, enterobacterias, bacilos Gram negativo anaerobios estrictos, Lactobacillus sp. y Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo. Resultados: Se observaron 160 casos de vaginitis y 265 de vaginosis. En los primeros predominó C. albicans y T. vaginalis, aislándose 27 cepas de E. coli en los casos de vaginosis, G. vaginalis y E.E. coli fueron los más comunes. La mayor asociación se observó entre G. vaginalis y E. coli . En 47 casos se aisló únicamente E. coli , y en los controles se observaron 6 cepas de E. coli . El estudio caso-control demostró un OR: 4,7 (95 por ciento IC: 1,91-12,27). Sobre el 90 por ciento de las cepas aisladas de E. coli demostró sensibilidad a cefotaxima, ciprofloxacino y amikacina. Conclusión: E. coli de aislados monomicrobianos podría tener un rol potencial en la patogenia de la infección vaginal.

Objective: To determine the presence of Escheríchia E. coli vaginal fluids of women with vaginal infection and to study its antimicrobial susceptibility. Methods: 425 samples of women with clinical diagnosis of vaginal infection (cases) and 100 healthy women were studied (controls). The vaginal samples were studied by means of the criteria of Amsel and Nugent. Different methodologies were used to identify: Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplas-ma urealyticum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mobiluncus sp., Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, enterobacterias, strict anaerobic Gram negative bacilli, Lactobacillus sp. and coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Results: 160 cases of vaginitis and 265 of vaginosis were observed. In vaginitis predominated C. albicans and T vaginalis, and were isolated 27 E.E. coli strains. In the bacterial vaginosis, G. vaginalis and E. coli were the most common. The greater association was observed between G. vaginalis and E. coli . In 47 cases singleE. coli was isolated. In the controls 6E. coli strains were observed. The study of case-control demonstrated a OR: 4.7 (95 percent Cl: 1.91-12.27). Isolated E. coli demonstrated sensitivity over 90 percent to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and amikacin. Conclusion: SingleE. coli isolated could have a potential role in the pathogenia of the vaginal infection.

Aislamiento de bacterias periodontop ticas desde hemocultivos y ateromas obtenidos de pacientes con aterosclerosis y periodontitis / Isolation of periodontal bacteria from blood samples and atheromas in patients with atherosclerosis and periodontitis

Background: Periodontitis is a common oral disease produced by bacterial species that reside in the subgingival plaque. These microorganisms have been associated to atherosclerosis and it is suggested that periodontitis is a cardiovascular risk factor. Aim: To isolate periodontal bacteria from blood and atheroma samples, from patients with atherosclerosis and periodontitis. Material and methods: Twelve patients with periodontitis and a clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis and 12 patients with periodontitis but without atherosclerosis were studied. Blood samples were obtained immediately before and after scaling and root planing. The samples were incubated in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. One week after scaling, atheromatous plaques were obtained during endarterectomy in the 12 patients with atherosclerosis. These were homogenized and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Microorganisms were identified by means ofPCR. Results: Five patients with and two without atherosclerosis, had bacteremia after scaling and root planing. Bacterial species isolated from blood samples were the same found in periodontic pockets. Four atheromatous plaques of patients with bacteremia yielded positive cultures. The isolated bacteria were the same found in blood samples and periodontal pockets. Conclusions: Bacteremia occurred in seven of 24 patients after scaling and root planing. In four patients, the same species found in periodontic pockets and blood cultures were detected in atherosclerotic plaques obtained one week after the dental procedure.

Carencia de fierro en mujeres jovenes supuestamente normales, incidencia en un grupo de 100 alumnas de la Facultad de Medicina sede occidente. / Iron deficiency in normal young women. Incidence in a group of 100 students of the Faculty of Medicine, occidental branch

Se estudio la carencia de fierro en 100 mujeres jovenes sin antecedentes de embarazos, hemorragias y otra patologia reciente. Se efectuaron tests hematologicos habituales (hemoglobina y hematocrito) que mostraron no reflejar la totalidad del problema ya que solo indicaron 3 a 1% de carencia, en cambio de medicion de ferritina muestra un 50% de carencia probable (bajo 20 mg/ml) y un 26% seguro (-10% mg/ ml). Se recomienda el suplemento de hierro a la dieta