A revisited history of cacao domestication in pre-Columbian times revealed by archaeogenomic approaches.

Humans have a long history of transporting and trading plants, contributing to the evolution of domesticated plants. Theobroma cacao originated in the Neotropics from South America. However, little is known about its domestication and use in these regions. In this study, ceramic residues from a large sample of pre-Columbian cultures from South and Central America were analyzed using archaeogenomic and biochemical approaches. Here we show, for the first time, the widespread use of cacao in South America out of its native Amazonian area of origin, extending back 5000 years, likely supported by cultural interactions between the Amazon and the Pacific coast. We observed that strong genetic mixing between geographically distant cacao populations occurred as early as the middle Holocene, in South America, driven by humans, favoring the adaptation of T. cacao to new environments. This complex history of cacao domestication is the basis of today's cacao tree populations and its knowledge can help us better manage their genetic resources.

Potential association of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs TcV and TcVI with the digestive form of Chagas disease.

The relationship among genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi and clinical forms of Chagas disease remain elusive. In order to assess the possible association between different T. cruzi Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) and the clinical pictures of the disease, 205 chronic patients from Salta province, Argentina, were analysed. One hundred and twenty-two of these patients were clinically categorized as: cardiac 38.5% (47/122), digestive 15% (18/122), cardio-digestive 16% (20/122) and asymptomatic 30% (37/122). From each patient, blood samples were taken for both, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting kDNA and blood culture analyses. The presence of T. cruzi kDNA was detected in 43% (88/205) of the patients. T. cruzi DTUs were identified in 74% (65/88) of the kDNA positive patients by PCR-hybridization using specific probes. We detected the presence of DTUs TcI, TcII, TcV and TcVI. Single infections (i.e. presence of only one DTU in the sample) were detected in 38.64% of the samples (34/88), while mixed infections were 35.23% (31/88). TcV was the most prevalent DTU (60.3%- 53/88). The association analyses showed, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, that TcV and TcVI were associated with the digestive form of Chagas Disease (Fisher p = .0001).

Acretismo placentario: un diagnóstico emergente. Abordaje quirúrgico no conservador / Placental accreta: an emerging diagnosis. Approach non-conservative surgical

RESUMEN El espectro de acretismo placentario es un fenómeno infrecuente del embarazo cuya incidencia ha aumentado considerablemente y que está caracterizado por el anclaje anormal de las vellosidades coriónicas al miometrio, lo cual aumenta la morbi-mortalidad materna durante la resolución quirúrgica. Según las capas uterinas comprometidas, serán clasificadas como placenta acreta (contacta miometrio), increta (penetra miometrio) y percreta (compromete todo el miometrio y/o eventualmente órganos adyacentes), siendo su mayor factor de riesgo: la cesárea anterior y la placenta previa. En este artículo se realizó una revisión bibliográfica abarcando definiciones, diagnóstico y las nuevas tendencias en manejo quirúrgico no conservador propuesto en la nueva guía de la Federación Internacional de Ginecología y Obstetricia publicada en 2018 y elaborando una discusión respecto a ellas.

SUMMARY Placenta accreta spectrum is an uncommon phenomenon of pregnancy whose incidence has increased considerably over time and is characterized by the abnormal anchoring of the chorionic villi to the myometrium, which increases maternal morbidity and mortality during surgical resolution. According to the compromised uterine layers, they will be classified as placenta accreta (contacts myometrium), increta (penetrates myometrium) and percreta (compromises the entire myometrium and / or possibly adjacent organs), being previous caesarean section and placenta previous its major risk factor. In this review, we included definitions, diagnosis, and the new topics in non-conservative surgical management developed by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecolgy published in 2018, and developing a discussion of the topic.

Risk factors associated with drug use before imprisonment in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of drug abuse before prison admission and to identify associated sociodemographic and family history risk factors, according to gender, in prisons of Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis was carried out with data from the First National Prisoner Census 2016, using a questionnaire of 173 items that was applied to the whole prison population of Peru. The types of drugs used before admission were analyzed according to characteristics of the penitentiary population, and generalized linear models were used to calculate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals to identify possible factors associated with drug use. RESULTS: Out of a population of 76,180 prisoners, 71,184 (93.4%) answered the survey (men 67,071, 94.2%). The overall prevalence of drug consumption before admission was 24.4% (25.3 % in men and 9.1% in women), the highest prevalence in the 18-29 age group (36.3% in men and 14.9% in women). The most commonly used drugs were marijuana (58.2%), coca paste/cocaine or crack (40.3%) and inhalants (1%). The factors most strongly associated with consumption were having a family member who consumed drugs (59.8%), history of previous imprisonment (59.1%), unemployment (48.4%), relationships at school with classmates who had problems with the law (46.9%), background of a family member who attended a penitentiary (38.4%), and history of running away from home before age 15 (35.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In Peru, drug use is higher in the prison population than in the general population, and there are differences according to sex in the prevalence of drug use and associated factors prior to admission to a prison. The study demonstrated that childhood events, such as child abuse, having a family member imprisoned, having a family member who used drugs, or who previously abused alcohol, are factors associated with drug use in the penitentiary population. Some of these risk factors are modifiable, so it is important to consider these in the design of social and health policies focused on specific subpopulations to prevent drug use and crime.

Epidemiological surveillance in dairy farms in the Pastaza province of Ecuador. / Vigilancia epidemiológica en predios lecheros de la provincia de Pastaza, Ecuador.

A survey was carried out on dairy cattle farms in Pastaza province to analyse the degree of compliance with epidemiological surveillance activities (based on the main technical aspects in Ecuador's Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practices) and to assess the reduction of the risk of introducing disease into dairy cattle. Visits were made to 70 dairy and dual-purpose beef/dairy farms, where the survey was conducted to evaluate technical aspects relating to epidemiological surveillance and the risk of introducing disease. In only one of the nine areas of application covered in the guide was compliance with technical requirements greater than 70%: milking and milk handling (78.59%). In the following areas, a compliance rate of 40-65% was achieved: records and traceability; siting of livestock farms and infrastructure, facilities and equipment; use and quality of water and animal feed; and management of veterinary products and agricultural pesticides. In the remaining areas, the compliance rate was less than 20%. On average, there was only 27.96% compliance with the technical elements evaluated. The results show that current guidelines for good dairy farming practices can be used to evaluate basic aspects of epidemiological surveillance and of the reduction of the risk of introducing disease into dairy farms. They also reveal shortcomings in these aspects in the Amazonian province of Pastaza, which need to be addressed appropriately to reduce their negative impact on animal health.

Les auteurs décrivent une étude réalisée dans les exploitations bovines laitières de la province de Pastaza (Équateur) afin de déterminer le niveau de conformité des activités de surveillance épidémiologique et d'atténuation du risque d'introduction de diverses maladies animales. L'enquête portait sur les principales exigences techniques décrites dans le Guide de bonnes pratiques d'élevage en production laitière. À cette fin, 70 exploitations bovines laitières ou mixtes ont été inspectées pour évaluer leurs performances en termes de surveillance épidémiologique et d'atténuation du risque d'introduction de maladies. Parmi les neuf domaines opérationnels décrits dans le Guide, seules la traite et la gestion du lait étaient conformes à plus de 70 % des exigences techniques (78,59 %). Pour les domaines suivants, la conformité portait sur 40 % à 65 % des exigences techniques : enregistrement et traçabilité ; agencement des élevages et des infrastructures, installations et équipements ; utilisation et qualité de l'eau et des aliments donnés aux animaux ; gestion des produits à usage vétérinaire et des insecticides à usage agricole. Les autres opérations étaient conformes à moins de 20 % des exigences techniques. En moyenne, 27,96 % seulement des exigences techniques évaluées étaient respectées. Les résultats de l'étude démontrent que les guides de bonnes pratiques d'élevage en production laitière peuvent servir de base pour évaluer les principaux aspects de la surveillance épidémiologique et des mesures d'atténuation des risques d'introduction de maladies dans les cheptels laitiers ; d'autre part, l'étude a révélé des défaillances concernant ces aspects dans la province amazonienne de Pastaza, auxquelles il conviendra de prêter l'attention nécessaire afin de limiter leur impact négatif sur la santé animale.

Con el objetivo de realizar un análisis del grado de cumplimiento de las actividades de vigilancia epidemiológica y la reducción de riesgo de entrada de enfermedades en los predios productores de leche bovina de la provincia Pastaza, tomando como base los principales aspectos técnicos contemplados en la Guía de Buenas Prácticas Pecuarias de Producción de Leche, se visitaron 70 predios lecheros y de doble propósito, en los que se realizó una encuesta que incluía aspectos relacionados con la vigilancia epidemiológica y el riesgo de introducción de enfermedades. De las nueve áreas establecidas en la guía, solo cumple más del 70% de los aspectos técnicos el área de ordeño y manejo de la leche (78,59%). Cumplen entre el 40% y el 65% las siguientes áreas: documentos y trazabilidad; ubicación de las explotaciones pecuarias e infraestructura, instalaciones y equipos; uso y calidad del agua y de la alimentación animal; y manejo de productos de uso veterinario y plaguicidas de uso agrícola; el resto cumplen menos de un 20%. De media, se cumple solo el 27,96% de los elementos técnicos evaluados. Los resultados demuestran que, a partir de las guías establecidas para las buenas prácticas pecuarias de producción de leche, se pueden evaluar los aspectos básicos de vigilancia epidemiológica y de reducción de riesgos de introducción de enfermedades en los predios lecheros, y que en la provincia amazónica de Pastaza existen deficiencias en estos aspectos, a los cuales es necesario brindar la atención adecuada para reducir el impacto negativo que ejercen en la sanidad animal.

Parasitosis intestinales en Altragracia de la Montaña, Estado Miranda, Venezuela: Influencia del programa para la eliminación de oncocercosis / Intestinal parasites in Altragracia de la Montaña, Miranda State, Venezuela: Influence of the program for onchocerciasis elimination

El objetivo general de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales y sus características epidemiológicas en cuatro comunidades de la parroquia Altagracia de la Montaña, Estado Miranda (Venezuela). Se desarrolló un estudio de corte transversal con una muestra constituida por 492 en su mayoría niños, en febrero de 2011. Previo consentimiento informado, se realizó una encuesta clínico-epidemiológica, extracción de sangre y exámenes coproparasitológicos con los métodos directo, Kato y cultivo en agar. El 60% de la población tenía al menos un parásito de transmisión hídrica y/o alimentos contaminados por heces de humanos y/o animales. La elevada frecuencia de protozoarios intestinales, especialmente Blastocystis sp., con predominio entre quienes viven con fallas en la disposición de excretas y baja calidad del agua para consumo humano, demuestran la persistencia de parasitosis intestinales como problema de salud pública; sin embargo, la influencia indirecta de la administración semestral de ivermectina y educación sanitaria con visión etnográfica impartida por el Programa para la Eliminación de Oncocercosis en Bucarito, una de las comunidades evaluadas, tuvo como efecto colateral no sólo disminuir la prevalencia de helmintos intestinales, sino de los protozoarios, a pesar de estar sometida a los mismos factores de riesgo que las comunidades restantes.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their epidemiological characteristics in four rural communities from Altagracia de la Montaña, Miranda State (Venezuela). A cross sectional study was conducted in February 2011 where 492 subjects were evaluated, mostly children. Informed consent was previously obtained. A clinical and epidemiological survey was done. Patients voluntarily brought a fresh stool sample for analysis with direct smear, Kato and agar culture; blood was extracted for eosinophil count. 60% of the evaluated people had at least one parasite transmitted by water or food contaminated by human or animal feces. The high prevalence of protozoa, specially Blastocystis sp., among those who live under poor living conditions such as inadequate feces disposal and low quality of drinking water, shows the persistence of intestinal parasites as a public health problem; nevertheless, indirect influence of ivermectin treatment every six months and health education with an ethnographic orientation given by the Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme in Bucarito, one of the evaluated communities, had an unexpected outcome not only diminishing the prevalence of helminthes but also the prevalence of intestinal protozoa, being this community under the same risk factors as the rest of the evaluated communities.

Percepciones de las personas que participan en el programa adulto mayor dependiente de la Fundación Cerro Navia Joven: una mirada desde la ocupación / Perceptions of people that participate in the dependent elderly program of the Cerro Navia Foundation: an occupational point of view

Chile se encuentra siendo testigo de una creciente problemática asociada al envejecimiento poblacional: el aumento de las necesidades de cuidado en personas mayores en situación de dependencia. A partir de esto, existen iniciativas que buscan dar respuesta a esta realidad, siendo una de ellas el Programa de Adultos Mayores Dependientes de la Fundación Cerro Navia Joven, experiencia de carácter comunitaria en la que una persona mayor voluntaria realiza semanalmente una visita domiciliaria, junto a un equipo especializado, a personas mayores que se encuentran en situación de dependencia y su cuidador/a, pertenecientes a la misma comuna. Frente a esto, esta investigación tiene como propósito el conocer cuáles son las percepciones de las personas participantes de este programa, conformada por la tríada persona mayor en situación de dependencia, su cuidador/a y la persona mayor voluntaria. Para esto, se realizó un estudio de tipo cualitativo, utilizando la entrevista como instrumento de recolección de la información. El análisis de datos se realizó empleando la técnica del análisis de contenido. Dentro de los resultados se identificaron factores como cambios asociados a la rutina, valoración del rol de voluntario/a, acompañamiento, establecimiento de vínculo, percepción de los beneficios de las visitas, motivación, percepción de los cuidados y del apoyo social, los que fueron analizados bajo la mirada de la ocupación.

We are witnessing a growing problem associated with an aging population: increased care needs in older people in situations of dependency. Given this, there are initiatives that seek to respond to this reality, one being the Dependent Elderly Program of the Cerro Navia Joven Foundation, a community experience in which an elderly volunteer does a weekly home visit, accompanied by a specialized team, to elderly people who are in a dependency situation and the caregiver, from the same neighborhood. Thus, this research aims to compile the perceptions of the participants of this program, formed by the triad dependent elderly, caregiver and elderly volunteer. For this, a qualitative study was conducted using the interview as a tool for collecting information. The data analysis was carried out using the content analysis technique. Amongst the results were identified factors such as changes associated to routine, assessment of the role of the volunteer, assistance, linkage establishment, perception of benefits of the visits, motivation, perception of care and social support, which were analyzed under the point of view of the occupation.

Efecto del acondicionamiento de la dentina con ácido poliacrílico al 15 % sobre la resistencia de unión de los cementos resinosos autoadhesivos / Effect of dentin conditioning with polyacrylic acid 15% on bond strenght of the self-adhesive resin cements

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto del ácido poliacrílico al 15% (APA) aplicado por 10 y 20 segundos (s) en la dentina humana sobre la resistencia de unión de los cementos resinosos autoadhesivos. METODOLOGÍA: Se dividieron aleatoriamente veintisiete terceras molares en nueve grupos Maxcem Elite control (ME1), Maxcem Elite más APA aplicado por 10s (ME2), Maxcem Elite más APA por 20s (ME3), BisCem control (BC1), BisCem más APA por 10s (BC2), BisCem más APA por 20s (BC3), RelyX U200 control (RU1), RelyX U200 más APA por 10s (RU2), RelyX U200 más APA por 20s (RU3). Se cementaron discos de resina sobre la dentina y las muestras fueron almacenadas en agua destilada por 24h, luego se seccionaron para obtener microbarras de un área transversal de 1mm2 (n=30 por grupo). RESULTADOS: Los especímenes fueron evaluados con la prueba de microtensión. Los valores de la media y de la desviación estándar para cada grupo fueron: ME1=10.17MPa (±1.73), ME2=18.62 (±1.60), ME3=22.92 (±2.13), BC1=8.17 (±1.31), BC2=14.56 (±1.94), BC3=17.52 (±1.92), RU1=13.71 (±1.70), RU2=22.91 (±2.26) y RU3=30.42 (±1.50). Estos valores fueron analizados con las pruebas ANOVA de un factor y HDS de Tukey mostrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0.001) entre todos los grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: El acondicionamiento de la dentina con ácido poliacrílico al 15% incrementa significativamente la resistencia de unión de los cementos resinosos autoadhesivos, obteniéndose mejor resistencia en la aplicación por 20 segundos. (AU)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of 15% polyacrylic acid (PAA) for 10 and 20 seconds applied to human dentin on the bond strength of three self-adhesive resin cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty seven third molars were randomly divided into nine groups: Maxcem Elite control (ME1), Maxcem Elite + PAA applied for 10s (ME2), Maxcem Elite + PPA for 20s (ME3), BisCem control (BC1), BisCem + PAA for 10s (BC2), BisCem + PAA for 20s (BC3), RelyX U200 control (RU1), RelyX U200 + PAA for 10s (RU2), RelyX U200 + PPA for 20s (RU3). Resin disc were luted to dentin; after 24h of storage in distilled water, the samples were sectioned for obtaining microbar specimens whit a cross-sectional area of 1mm2 (n=30 per group). Specimens were submitted to the microtensile bond strength test. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation result of each group were: ME1 = 10.17MPa (± 1.73), ME2 = 18.62 (± 1.60), ME3 = 22.92 (± 2.13), BC1 = 8.17 (± 1.31), BC2 = 14.56 (± 1.94), BC3 = 17.52 (± 1.92), RU1 = 13.71 (± 1.70), RU2 = 22.91 (± 2.26) and RU3 = 30.42 (± 1.50). These values were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HDS shown statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) among all groups. CONCLUSION: Dentin conditioning with 15% polyacrylic acid significantly increases the bond strength of the self-adhesive resin cements, obtaining better resistance in the application for 20 seconds. (AU)

Real-time evaluation of two light delivery systems for photodynamic disinfection of Candida albicans biofilm in curved root canals.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) combined with endodontic treatment has been recognized as an alternative approach to complement conventional root canal disinfection methods on bacterial biofilms. We developed an in  vitro model of bioluminescent Candida albicans biofilm inside curved dental root canals and investigated the microbial reduction produced when different light delivery methods are employed. Each light delivery method was evaluated in respect to the light distribution provided inside curved root canals. After conventional endodontic preparation, teeth were sterilized before canals were contaminated by a bioluminescent strain of C. albicans (CEC789). Methylene blue (90 µM) was introduced into the canals and then irradiated (λ = 660 nm, P = 100 mW, beam diameter = 2 mm) with laser tip either in contact with pulp chamber or within the canal using an optical diffuser fiber. Light distribution was evaluated by CCD camera, and microbial reduction was monitored through bioluminescence imaging. Our findings demonstrated that the bioluminescent C. albicans biofilm model had good reproducibility and uniformity. Light distribution in dental tissue was markedly dependent on the light delivery system, and this strategy was directly related to microbial destruction. Both light delivery systems performed significant fungal inactivation. However, when irradiation was performed with optical diffuser fiber, microbial burden reduction was nearly 100 times more effective. Bioluminescence is an interesting real-time analysis to endodontic C. albicans biofilm inactivation. APDT showed to be an effective way to inactivate C. albicans biofilms. Diffuser fibers provided optimized light distribution inside curved root canals and significantly increased APDT efficiency.

Characterization of Hybrid Bioactive Glass-polyvinyl Alcohol Scaffolds Containing a PTHrP-derived Pentapeptide as Implants for Tissue Engineering Applications.

Hybrid foam (BG-PVA) with 50 % Bioactive glass (BG) and 50 % polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was prepared by sol-gel process to produce scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The pore structure of hydrated foams was evaluated by 3-D confocal microscopy, confirming 70% porosity and interconnected macroporous network. In this study, we assessed the putative advantage of coating with osteostatin pentapeptide into BG-PVA hybrid scaffolds to improve their bioactivity. In vitro cell culture experiments were performed using mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line. The exposure to osteostatin loaded-BG-PVA scaffolds increase cell proliferation in contrast with the unloaded scaffolds. An in vivo study was selected to implant BG-PVA scaffolds, non-coated (Group A) or coated (Group B) with osteostatin into non critical bone defect at rabbit femur. Both groups showed new compact bone formation on implant surface, with lamellae disposed around a haversian canal forming osteons-like structure. We observed signs of inflammation around the implanted unloaded scaffold at one month, but resolved at 3 months. This early inflammation did not occur in Group B; supporting the notion that osteostatin may act as anti-inflammatory inhibitor. On the other hand, Group B showed increased bone formation, as depicted by many new trabeculae partly mineralized in the implant regenerating area, incipient at 1 month and more evident at 3 months after implantation. PVA/BG hybrid scaffolds present a porous structure suitable to support osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Our in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that osteostatin coating improves the osteogenic features of these scaffolds.

The caveolin-1 connection to cell death and survival.

Caveolins are a family of membrane proteins required for the formation of small plasma membrane invaginations called caveolae that are implicated in cellular trafficking processes. In addition to this structural role, these scaffolding proteins modulate numerous intracellular signaling pathways; often via direct interaction with specific binding partners. Caveolin-1 is particularly well-studied in this respect and has been attributed a large variety of functions. Thus, Caveolin-1 also represents the best-characterized isoform of this family with respect to its participation in cancer. Rather strikingly, available evidence indicates that Caveolin-1 belongs to a select group of proteins that function, depending on the cellular settings, both as tumor suppressor and promoter of cellular traits commonly associated with enhanced malignant behavior, such as metastasis and multi-drug resistance. The mechanisms underlying such ambiguity in Caveolin-1 function constitute an area of great interest. Here, we will focus on discussing how Caveolin-1 modulates cell death and survival pathways and how this may contribute to a better understanding of the ambiguous role this protein plays in cancer.

Importancia de alteración cromosómica en parejas, como causa de aborto recurrente: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Chromosomal alterations in couples with recurrent miscarriage: systematic review of the literature

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de alteraciones genéticas en uno o ambos progenitores de parejas con aborto recurrente. Método: Se buscaron artículos en inglés en las bases de datos MEDLINE y PUBMED entre los años 1990 y 2013 que reportaran estudio de cariograma en parejas con aborto recurrente y que no se hubieran sometido a técnicas de reproducción asistida. Resultados: La frecuencia de alteraciones cromosómicas fue variable en los distintos trabajos analizados con variaciones importantes en el número de pacientes incluidos. Aunque los trabajos analizados usaron diferentes números para definir el aborto recurrente, no hubo diferencias en la frecuencia de alteraciones genéticas al considerar 2 o más abortos versus 3 o más. La translocación recíproca fue la alteración más frecuentemente encontrada. Las alteraciones cromosómicas fueron más frecuentes en mujeres que en hombres. Conclusión: El análisis cromosómico es fundamental en el estudio de las parejas con aborto recurrente. En aquellas parejas portadoras de alguna alteración, es esencial que se realice un consejo genético adecuado y se debe sugerir la realización de diagnóstico prenatal en embarazos futuros.

Objective: To determine the frequency of genetic alterations in couples with recurrent miscarriage. Methods: We searched articles in English in MEDLINE and PUBMED databases between 1990 and 2013, which reported karyotype analysis in couples with recurrent miscarriage and that had not been subjected to assisted reproduction techniques. Results: The frequency of chromosomal alterations differ among different studies, furthermore we found a significant variation in the number of patients included. Although articles studied used different numbers to define recurrent miscarriage, there were no significant differences in the frequency of genetic alterations among couples with at least 2 or at least 3 miscarriages. The reciprocal translocation alteration was the most frequently found genetic alteration. Chromosomal alterations were more frequent in women. Conclusion: Chromosomal analysis is essential in the study of couples with recurrent miscarriage. In those couples carriers of some alteration, is essential to perform a genetic counseling and should be offered prenatal diagnosis in future pregnancies.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and liver enzymes in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Talca, Chile.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia that together predict the development of diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the relationship between liver enzyme levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in subjects with and without MS. Alanine-aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate-aminotransferase (ASAT), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and hs-CRP were measured in 510 subjects, aged 40 to 65 years old. Patients were selected from 1007 subjects from the Research Program for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Talca, Chile. Results showed that women with MS presented higher liver enzyme levels than those who did not have MS. This was not observed in male patients for the enzymes ALAT and ASAT. However, GGT and hs-PCR levels were higher in male and female patients with MS than in those without MS. In conclusion, it is important to search for the presence of MS when diagnosing fatty liver. Moreover, the presence of liver disease in patients with MS should be further investigated.

Hacia la construcción de las prácticas comunitarias de terapeutas ocupacionales en Chile, desde una mirada socio histórica, desde 1972 hasta la actualidad / Towards the construction of the occupational therapists community practices in Chile, from a social historic view, from 1972 until nowadays

Esta investigación, muestra la construcción de prácticas de Terapeutas Ocupacionales que, desde diversas perspectivas, han realizado trabajo comunitario en Chile, pretendiendo comprender su desarrollo en distintos contextos históricos desde 1972 hasta la actualidad, rescatando relatos en base a la experiencia, que den cuenta de la relación entre contextos socio históricos y prácticas comunitarias. La metodología utilizada para este estudio fue cualitativa. Se recopiló información mediante once entrevistas semiestructuradas y un grupo de discusión. Posteriormente, se analizó la información a través de Teoría Fundada, en diferentes categorías, abierta y axial con un eje central en discusión con planteamientos teóricos. Los hallazgos de este estudio, permiten concluir que los contextos socio históricos determinan las formas de hacer prácticas comunitarias en Chile; y éstas, a su vez, influyen en la interacción con la comunidad favoreciendo o dificultando su participación social. El Terapeuta Ocupacional es parte de ese contexto sociohistórico por lo que su identidad, equipo de trabajo y su práctica comunitaria está configurada y construida desde ahí, sin embargo, el no hacer consciente sus prácticas y cómo éstas se han construido, no permitiría establecer la dimensión política de su hacer. Ocuparse de la ocupación, junto con la cotidianeidad en el campo comunitario implica una comprensión de la realidad socio-histórica, determinando las prácticas comunitarias de los Terapeutas Ocupacionales así como la construcción de comunidad.

This investigation will show the process of constructing Occupational Therapy practices that have been realized from various perspectives via community work in Chile, attempting to understand its development in the different social and historical periods since 1972 until the present time, emphasizing experience accounts, wich make clear the relation between social and historical contexts and practices. The methodology employed in this work was qualitative with information based on eleven semi-structured interviews and a discussion group. The information was analyzed using the Grounded Theory, through opened and axial categories, related to a central theoretical axis. The findings conclude that the social and historical contexts determine the way of doing community practice in Chile, and these affect the interaction with community, favoring or making difficult their social participation. The therapist is part of that social and historical context. Therefore, his identity, work team and community practice are constructed there. Nevertheless, if he does not become conscious of his practice and how it has been constructed, he will not build the political dimension of his work. To be in charge of daily occupation in the community field involves an understanding of the social and historical reality, determining the community practices of the Occupational Therapists and likewise the construction of community.

Significados asociados a la actividad delictiva en hombres que se encuentran privados de libertad, en Centro de Detención Preventiva Santiago Sur / Meanings associated to criminal activities in men who are deprived of their liberty, in Centro de Detencion Preventiva Santiago Sur

El presente estudio pretende comprender los significados que las personas transgresoras de ley, le otorgan a su propia actividad delictiva, específicamente al robo, mediante la identificación y relación de los temas emergentes durante este estudio, con constructos teóricos. La identificación y comprensión de estos temas, se realiza en torno a una visión general de Terapia Ocupacional. Para abordar esta investigación, de carácter cualitativo, se contextualiza el tema a estudiar en Centro de Detención Preventiva Santiago Sur, siendo los participantes hombres entre 27 y 35 años, que cumplen condena por delito de robo. La información recopilada, se extrae a partir de cinco entrevistas semi estructuradas, para ser luego analizadas a través de la Teoría Fundada, que permite revisar los fenómenos emergentes y ponerlos en discusión con los planteamientos teóricos. Los hallazgos obtenidos, señalan que los significados asociados al robo, se pueden relacionar a distintos fenómenos como; factores psicosociales de riesgo, inicio delictual e influencia y pertenencia a redes sociales, conducta exploratoria, procesos psicosociales, interacción simbólica y mapa significativo propio, identidad personal, acción preconcebida y motivaciones del robo, autoconcepto y autoeficacia.

The following Seminar is orientated to understand the meanings that people outside the law give to their own criminal activities, primarily stealing, through the identification and connection between the emerging issues and the theoretical constructs made through this study. The identification and understanding of this topic is developed focusing on Occupational Therapy general views. To develop this qualitative research, the project takes place in Centro de Detención Preventiva ( Preventive detention center) Santiago Sur, Chile, with men between the ages of 27 and 35 years old, which are convicted for robbery. The information was collected from five semi-structured interviews, and analyzed with the Grounded Theory. This allows the review of emerging phenomena and compares them with the theoretical approach. The results indicate that the meanings related to stealing are correlated with different phenomena, like: psychosocial risk factors, criminal initiation and the influence of being part of social networks, exploratory behavior, psychosocial development, symbolic interaction and meaningful map, personal identity, premeditated action and motivation for stealing, self-concept and self-efficiency. After discovering and understanding the phenomena from the participant’s point of view, it is clear to see two different ways for understanding the act of stealing, which differ from the meaning that the person gives to the act. On one hand, they see themselves as thieves and participate with the role. And on the other, they do not see themselves as thieves, they find an identity with the job, becoming the main activity in their lives. The analysis and results of the meanings associated to the act of robbery can be interesting for Occupational Therapy. This research includes key elements for this discipline and its development, including the motivation and personal subjectivity, bounds, relationships and the context for their development, making all together the...

Hematoma espinal extramedular / Extramedular spinal hematoma

Las colecciones hemorrágicas espinales extramedulares son de difícil diagnóstico imagenológico, requieren interpretación oportuna y exacta, ya que pueden ocasionar compresión sobre la médula o cauda equina y ser potencialmente catastróficas. Retrospectivamente revisamos cuatro casos de paciente remitidos a nuestras instituciones, dos en edad pediátrica (8 y 15 años) y dos adultos (40 y 43 años). A todos se les practicó estudio de resonancia magnética (RM) al ingreso, en dos de ellos se realizó un estudio de control y dos fueron sometidos a cirugía. Hacemos una revisión del tema y de los hallazgos imagenológicos por RM

Sex pheromone of South American tortricid moth Argyrotaenia sphaleropa.

By means of electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the sex pheromone of Argyrotaenia sphaleropa was identified as a mixture of (Z)-11-tetradecenal, (Z)-11,13-tetradecadienal, (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate, and (Z)-11,13-tetradecadienyl acetate in the ratio of 1:4:10:40. Best trap catches were obtained with mixtures of (Z)-11-tetradecenal and (Z)-11,13-tetradecadienal in the ratio of 1:4 to 1:9.

[Cryptosporidiosis in the Andean region of Colombia: seroprevalence and recognition of antigens]. / La criptosporidiosis en la región andina de Colombia: seroprevalencia y reconocimiento de antígenos.

The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the seroprevalence of cryptosporidiosis among urban and rural inhabitants in several departments of the Andean region of Colombia. The antigen recognition of Cryptosporidium parvum was also studied with sera. Between June 1996 and October 1998 1,778 serum samples were collected from people selected through convenience sampling. The detection of anti-C. parvum antibodies (IgM, IgA, and IgG) was carried out with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and antigen recognition was done with immunoblotting. A prevalence of 83.3% was found, and the antibody percentages were 72.2% for IgM, 27.7% for IgA, and 27.6% for IgG. Higher seropositivity percentages were found among women, persons less than 30 years old, and residents of rural areas. IgM seroprevalence decreased with age, while IgG and IgA seroprevalences increased with age. These three immunoglobulin isotypes most frequently recognized the antigens from 51 to 69 kDa, which can be considered immunodominant. Of note was the immunoreactivity of IgM and IgA to protein fractions from 12 to 14 kDa and from 42 to 48 kDa, respectively, which could indicate exposure to the parasite. These results indicate that cryptosporidiosis is endemic in the Andean region of Colombia, and that it is possible to attribute many cases of diarrheal syndrome to C. parvum.

Infiltración meningoencefalica en pacientes del Instituto de Enfermedades Neoplasicas / Infiltration meningoencefalica in patient of the Institute of Illnesses Neoplasicas

La metástasis meníngea por cáncer ha sido siempre un problema latente que enfrenta el médico oncólogo, de allí nace la importancia de su estudio. El propósito de este trabajo es determinar la presencia de células neoplásicas en las muestras de líquido céfalico raquídeo evaluando durante los años 1992-1995 en el Instituto de Enfermedades Neoplásicas; estudiar qué neoplasia fue la que presentó mayor frecuencia de infiltración en el sistema nervioso central; evaluar las características citológicas y bioquímicas de dichas muestras y las características clínicas de los pacientes con líquido céfalo raquídeo anormal. De las 6077 muestras en estudio se identificarón células neoplásicas en 314 (5 por ciento) que correspondierón a 149 pacientes; de los cuales 30 no tuvieron datos completos, por lo que fueron excluidos del presente estudio. Los pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas presentaron mayor frecuencia de infiltración meningoencefálica (86.6 por ciento) que los pacientes con tumores sólidos (13.4 por ciento). De las neoplasias hematológicas, la leucemia linfática aguda fue la más frecuente (50.4 por ciento) seguida de linfomas con un 39.8 por ciento. En tumores sólidos el retinoblastomas tuvo una mayor incidencia de infiltración meningoencefálica con 37.5 por ciento, seguido por el cáncer de mama con un 25 por ciento. En cuanto al estudio citológico de las muestras de LCR, se observó a mayor pleocitosis mayor porcentaje de células neoplásicas. En el estduio bioquímico se demostró que el dosaje de proteínas brinda un mejor índice en el diagnóstico de compromiso meningoencefálico.