Labyrinthine Bifurcation of the Facial Nerve.

The labyrinthine bifurcation of the facial nerve is extremely rare. Diverse congenital temporal bone anomalies usually coexist, and a detailed preoperative evaluation is needed to detect them. We report a case of labyrinthine bifurcation of the facial nerve detected on the preoperative evaluation of a patient with congenital aural atresia.

Evolución de la incidencia de las enfermedades infecciosas del área ORL en edad pediátrica durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Evolution in the incidence of infectious diseases in the pediatric ENT area during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: La infección por SARS-COV-2 es una enfermedad emergente que se ha convertido en pandemia mundial desde inicios del año 2020. Para disminuir el contagio se han impuesto medidas por parte de los gobiernos como son el confinamiento domiciliario, el uso de mascarillas, el distanciamiento social o la promoción de la higiene de manos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si las medidas adoptadas para frenar la pandemia COVID-19 han producido una disminución de la incidencia de enfermedades infecciosas y sus complicaciones en el área ORL en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en un hospital terciario de pacientes con edades comprendidas entre 0 y 15 años que precisaron ingreso por presentar infecciones cervicales profundas, complicaciones derivadas de otitis media aguda (mastoiditis o parálisis facial) o sinusitis aguda complicada. Resultados Existe una disminución reseñable en el número de ingresos globales en el periodo COVID (9) respecto a la media de los cinco años previos (20,1). Asimismo, existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el número de ingresos de infecciones cervicales (p = 0,027) y de complicaciones derivadas de otitis media aguda (p = 0,029). Discusión/conclusión Se ha observado una disminución del número de ingresos provocados por complicaciones de infecciones del área ORL en pacientes pediátricos tras el inicio de la pandemia COVID-19 en nuestro medio, este hecho podría explicarse por una disminución global del número de infecciones de vía respiratoria superior debido a las medidas higiénicas tomadas por la pandemia COVID-19. (AU)

Introduction: SARS COV-2 infection is an emerging disease that has become a global pandemic since the beginning of 2020. To reduce transmission, measures have been imposed by governments such as home confinement, the use of masks, social distancing or promotion of hand hygiene. The aim of this study is to determine if the measures adopted to reduce the COVID-19 pandemic have produced a decrease in the incidence of infectious diseases and their complications in the ENT area in our center. Material and methods A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in a tertiary hospital of patients aged between 0 and 15 years who required admission due to deep cervical infections, complications derived from acute otitis media (mastoiditis or facial paralysis) or complicated acute sinusitis. Results There is a notable decrease in the number of global admissions in the COVID period (9) compared to the average of the previous 5 years (20.1). Likewise, there are statistically significant differences in the number of admissions for cervical infections (P = .027) and complications derived from acute otitis media (P = .029). Discussion/conclusion A decrease in the number of admissions caused by complications of infections in the ENT area in paediatric patients has been observed after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in our environment, this fact could be explained by a global decrease in the number of infections of the upper respiratory tract due to the hygienic measures taken by the COVID-19 pandemic. (AU)

Dizziness Evaluation and Characterisation of Patients with Posterior Circulation Stroke in the Emergency Department; a Case Series Study.

Introduction: Dizziness is a common scenario in the Emergency Departments (EDs). Among dizziness underlying causes, the posterior circulation stroke is especially relevant due to its mobimortality and concerning misdiagnosis rates. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess dizziness evaluation and baseline characteristics of patients with PS in the ED. Methods: We conducted a 3-year retrospective observational study on PS cases confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Concretely, we analysed the demographic profile of these patients, the initial PS clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup (with emphasis on dizziness evaluation) performed at the ED. Results: During the study period, 85 cases were registered. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease were present in 85.5% and previous visits to the ED due to dizziness were recorded in 16.5%. The main clinical presentation was dizziness, concretely as an acute vestibular syndrome (38.8%) with additional neurological signs or symptoms (80%). Evaluation by the otolaryngologist on call was requested in less than 10% of the cases and included the HINTS protocol use with a sensitivity of 100% for central nervous system underlying causality. A brain CT study was always performed with a sensitivity of 27%. However, 96.47% of patients were primarily admitted to the Neurology hospitalization ward and MRI was always performed in a mean time of 3.21 days confirming the diagnosis. Conclusions: Dizziness is the most frequent symptom of PS. Patients usually present an AVS (associated with additional N-SS or not) and HINTS bedside examination is the most adequate protocol to differentiate a PS from other AVS causes until the diagnostic confirmation via MRI. Interestingly, mainly otolaryngologists seem to use HINTS. However, the use of CT is widespread despite its poor value.

Evolution in the incidence of infectious diseases in the pediatric ENT area during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: SARS COV-2 infection is an emerging disease that has become a global pandemic since the beginning of 2020. To reduce transmission, measures have been imposed by governments such as home confinement, the use of masks, social distancing or promotion of hand hygiene. The aim of this study is to determine if the measures adopted to reduce the COVID-19 pandemic have produced a decrease in the incidence of infectious diseases and their complications in the ENT area in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in a tertiary hospital of patients aged between 0 and 15 years who required admission due to deep cervical infections, complications derived from acute otitis media (mastoiditis or facial paralysis) or complicated acute sinusitis. RESULTS: There is a notable decrease in the number of global admissions in the COVID period (9) compared to the average of the previous 5 years (20.1). Likewise, there are statistically significant differences in the number of admissions for cervical infections (p value=0.027) and complications derived from acute otitis media (p value=0.029). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A decrease in the number of admissions caused by complications of infections in the ENT area in paediatric patients has been observed after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in our environment, this fact could be explained by a global decrease in the number of infections of the upper respiratory tract due to the hygienic measures taken by the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Evolution in the incidence of infectious diseases in the pediatric ENT area during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Evolución de la incidencia de las enfermedades infecciosas del área ORL en edad pediátrica durante la pandemia COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: SARS COV-2 infection is an emerging disease that has become a global pandemic since the beginning of 2020. To reduce transmission, measures have been imposed by governments such as home confinement, the use of masks, social distancing or promotion of hand hygiene. The aim of this study is to determine if the measures adopted to reduce the COVID-19 pandemic have produced a decrease in the incidence of infectious diseases and their complications in the ENT area in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in a tertiary hospital of patients aged between 0 and 15 years who required admission due to deep cervical infections, complications derived from acute otitis media (mastoiditis or facial paralysis) or complicated acute sinusitis. RESULTS: There is a notable decrease in the number of global admissions in the COVID period (9) compared to the average of the previous 5 years (20.1). Likewise, there are statistically significant differences in the number of admissions for cervical infections (p value= 0.027) and complications derived from acute otitis media (p value= 0.029). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A decrease in the number of admissions caused by complications of infections in the ENT area in paediatric patients has been observed after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in our environment, this fact could be explained by a global decrease in the number of infections of the upper respiratory tract due to the hygienic measures taken by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective tinnitus secondary to palatal tremor: Two case reports and brief literature review.

Objective tinnitus is defined as a type of tinnitus perceived by both the patient and external observer. This paper presents two cases of objective tinnitus related to palatal tremor, along with a literature review. Palatal tremor is a condition characterized by soft palate involuntary contractions. Two types of palatal tremor have been described: symptomatic palatal tremor and essential palatal tremor, with different clinical manifestations. Diagnostic workup is based on medical history and physical examination, including direct oropharynx exploration and cavum visualization through nasopharyngoscopy. Brain MRI is mandatory in all cases. If a secondary origin is suspected, additional lab tests should be performed based on clinical suspicion. First-line treatment is botulinum toxin injection into the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles, with velopharyngeal insufficiency being its main adverse effect. Other medications have not been shown to be effective.

Objective Tinnitus Secondary to Palatal Tremor: Two Case Reports.

Tinnitus is defined as a tinnitus perceived both by the patient and external observers. This category represents 1.5% of the total amount of tinnitus evaluated in tertiary healthcare institutions.

Field Performance of Two Methods for Detection of Poliovirus in Wastewater Samples, Mexico 2016-2017.

To enhance our ability to monitor poliovirus circulation and certify eradication, we evaluated the performance of the bag-mediated filtration system (BMFS) against the two-phase separation (TPS) method for concentrating wastewater samples for poliovirus detection. Sequential samples were collected at two sites in Mexico; one L was collected by grab and ~ 5 L were collected and filtered in situ with the BMFS. In the laboratory, 500 mL collected by grab were concentrated using TPS and the sample contained in the filter of the BMFS was eluted without secondary concentration. Concentrates were tested for the presence of poliovirus and non-poliovirus enterovirus (NPEV) using Global Poliovirus Laboratory Network standard procedures. Between February 16, 2016, and April 18, 2017, 125 pairs of samples were obtained. Collectors spent an average (± standard deviation) of 4.3 ± 2.2 min collecting the TPS sample versus 73.5 ± 30.5 min collecting and filtering the BMFS sample. Laboratory processing required an estimated 5 h for concentration by TPS and 3.5 h for elution. Sabin 1 poliovirus was detected in 37 [30%] samples with the TPS versus 24 [19%] samples with the BMFS (McNemar's mid p value = 0.004). Sabin 3 poliovirus was detected in 59 [47%] versus 49 (39%) samples (p = 0.043), and NPEV was detected in 67 [54%] versus 40 [32%] samples (p < 0.001). The BMFS method without secondary concentration did not perform as well as the TPS method for detecting Sabin poliovirus and NPEV. Further studies are needed to guide the selection of cost-effective environmental surveillance methods for the polio endgame.

Resultados evaluativos en la asignatura prótesis removible en relación con los componentes académico, investigativo y laboral. Universidad de Guayaquil, 2017-2018 / Test results in the subject removable prosthesis in relation to the labor, research and academic components. University of Guayaquil, 2017-2018

RESUMEN Fundamento: En la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad de Guayaquil, la asignatura prótesis removible carece de un sistema estructurado para el contenido, que garantice la articulación de los componentes académico investigativo y laboral. Ello puede revertirse a mediano y largo plazo en deficiencias en el desempeño laboral de los futuros profesionales. Objetivo: describir los resultados evaluativos en la asignatura prótesis removible en relación con los componentes académico, investigativo y laboral. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, correlacional, con diseño longitudinal de panel, para realizar un análisis en la asignatura prótesis removible, de la carrera de Odontología, en la Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, durante el curso académico 2017-2018. Las variables fueron los resultados obtenidos en las evaluaciones por 57 estudiantes; y las valoraciones acerca los tres componentes articulados: académico, investigativo y laboral. Se emplearon estadísticos descriptivos de tendencia central y de dispersión, así como la prueba alternativa no paramétrica de los rangos con signo de Wilcoxon. Resultados: se observaron diferencias significativas en el promedio de las calificaciones en ambos trabajos investigativos para cada uno de los grupos. Los tres componentes mostraron un comportamiento similar, aunque quedó evidenciada una acentuada disminución del componente laboral. Conclusión: las calificaciones obtenidas revelan mejores resultados en el conocimiento teórico y en relación a habilidades para la actividad investigativa, no así para las actividades prácticas vinculadas al diseño de las prótesis. La integración de los tres componentes del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje se ve afectada, al no estar debidamente potenciado el componente laboral.

ABSTRACT Foundation: in Odontology studies at the University of Guayaquil, the subject removable Prosthesis lacks a structured system that guarantees the articulation of the labor, research and academic components. That could be reverted at a medium and long terms in deficiencies at working performance in future professionals. Objective: to describe the tests results in the subject removable prosthesis in regards to abor, research and academic components. Methods: a correlational, observation study was developed with panel design, to develop the analysis of the subject removable prosthesis, of the Odontology studies at the University of Guayaquil, Ecuador during the academic year 2017-2018. The variables were the results obtained in the test of 57 students, valuations about the three components articulated: academic, research and labor, so as the alternative non parametric ranking test with Wilcoxon sign. Results: significant differences were observed in the average marks in both research works for each of the groups. The three components had a similar behavior, though there was evidence of a decrease in the labor component. Conclusion: the marks obtained revealed better results in theoretical knowledge related to research abilities, not in the same way in at the job practice linked to prosthesis design. The integration of the three components of the teaching learning process is affected since the labor component isn not properly developed.

Do all roads lead to Rome? Exploring community trajectories in response to anthropogenic salinization and dilution of rivers.

Abiotic stress shapes how communities assemble and support ecological functions. However, it remains unclear whether artificially increasing or decreasing stress levels would lead to communities assembling predictably along a single axis of variation or along multiple context-dependent trajectories of change. In response to stress intensity alterations, we hypothesize that a single trajectory of change occurs when trait-based assembly prevails, while multiple trajectories of change arise when dispersal-related processes modify colonization and trait-filtering dynamics. Here, we tested these hypotheses using aquatic macroinvertebrates from rivers exposed to gradients of natural salinity and artificially diluted or salinized ion contents. Our results showed that trait-filtering was important in driving community assembly in natural and diluted rivers, while dispersal-related processes seemed to play a relevant role in response to salinization. Salinized rivers showed novel communities with different trait composition, while natural and diluted communities exhibited similar taxonomic and trait compositional patterns along the conductivity gradient. Our findings suggest that the artificial modification of chemical stressors can result in different biological communities, depending on the direction of the change (salinization or dilution), with trait-filtering, and organism dispersal and colonization dynamics having differential roles in community assembly. The approach presented here provides both empirical and conceptual insights that can help in anticipating the ecological effects of global change, especially for those stressors with both natural and anthropogenic origins.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.

Pupas Podonominae (Diptera: Chironomidae) de los ríos altoandinos tropicales / Podonominae pupae (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the tropical high Andean rivers

Resumen Podonominae es una subfamilia de Chironomidae cuyos estados inmaduros habitan ríos y arroyos fríos. En América del Sur, la mayoría de las especies han sido reportadas solamente para la subregión Andina/Patagónica. Sin embargo, el conocimiento de su diversidad en áreas tropicales es aún escaso. Estudiamos la riqueza de géneros y morfotipos de pupas y exuvias pupales Podonominae (Diptera: Chironomidae) en los ríos altoandinos de Colombia, Ecuador y Perú y se discutió su distribución geográfica en el área de estudio. Los especímenes fueron recolectados entre 2004 - 2011 en 197 puntos de muestreo, 17 cuencas hidrográficas por encima de los 2 000 msnm. Durante la estación seca, muestras bentónicas y de deriva fueron tomadas en diferentes sustratos. Reconocimos tres géneros:Podonomopsis,ParochlusyPodonomus,con uno, nueve y 14 morfotipos respectivamente. Sólo seis de ellos fueron claramente determinados como especies previamente descritas.Podonomopsisestuvo representado sólo por una especie,P. illiesi, encontrado únicamente en ríos altos de Perú (más de 3 500 msnm). La abundancia y riqueza de morfotipos deParochlusfueron las altas en ríos de Ecuador y Colombia (P.incaicus,Parochlussp. 1 yParochlussp. 2 fueron las especies más comunes). Por el contrario,Podonomusfue más diverso y abundante en ríos de Perú (P. caranqui,P. fittkauiyP. fastigiansfueron las especies más comunes).Encontramos un claro patrón de distribución de morfotipos en el gradiente latitudinal. Primero, se confirmó una evidente disminución en la riqueza de morfotipos en relación a los Andes del Sur. Segundo, se encontraron especies comoPodomopsisilliesi,PodonomusfittkauiyPodomusfastigiansque solamente estuvieron presentes en Perú, pero no en Ecuador y Colombia. Para estas especies, la Depresión de Huancabamba (6°S Latitud, Norte de Perú), pudo representar una importante barrera en su dispersión hacia latitudes más bajas. También se presenta una clave taxonómica para la determinación de géneros y morfotipos.

Abstract The Podonominae is a subfamily of Chironomidae which immature stages inhabit cold streams and brooks. In South America, most of the species have been reported only from the Andean/Patagonian subregion. However, the knowledge of its diversity from high tropical areas is still scarce. We studied the richness of genera and morphotypes of pupae and pupal exuviae of Podonominae (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the high Andean rivers from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and discussed its geographical distribution in the studied area. The specimens were collected between 2004 and 2011 in 197 sampling points, from 17 basins over 2 000 masl. During the dry season, benthic and drift samples were taken in different substrates. We recognized three genera:Podonomopsis,ParochlusandPodonomus,with one, nine and 14 morphotypes, respectively. Only six of them were clearly determined as species previously described.Podonomopsiswas represented only by one species,P.illiesi, only found in high altitude rivers in Perú (above 3 500 masl). Morphotypes richness and abundance ofParochluswere higher in rivers from Ecuador and Colombia (P.incaicus,Parochlussp. 1 andParochlussp. 2 were the most common species). Conversely,Podonomuswas more diverse and abundant in rivers from Perú (P. caranqui,P. fittkauiandP. fastigianswere the most common species). We found a clear pattern of distribution of morphotypes in the latitudinal gradient. First, we confirmed an evident decrease in the morphotypes richness in relation to the South Andes. Second, we found species such asPodomopsisilliesi,PodonomusfittkauiandPodomusfastigiansthat only were present in Perú, but not in Ecuador and Colombia. For these species, the Huancabamba Depression (6°S Latitude, North of Perú), could represent an important barrier in their dispersion toward lower latitudes. A taxonomic key to genera and morphotypes determination was also provided. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 6-27. Epub 2018 March 01.

The Macrophage Activation Induced by Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Protoxin Involves ERK1/2 and p38 Pathways and the Interaction with Cell-Surface-HSP70.

Here, we aimed to further characterize the mechanisms involved in protoxin (p) Cry1Ac-induced macrophage activation. We demonstrated that pCry1Ac induces MAPK ERK1/2, p38, and JNK phosphorylation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Because MAPK activation is mainly triggered via ligand-receptor interactions, we focused on the identification of potential pCry1Ac-receptor proteins. Flow cytometry and confocal analysis showed specific saturable pCry1Ac-binding to the macrophage surface and evidenced its internalization via the clathrin-pathway. We performed immunoprecipitation assays and identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF several possible pCry1Ac-binding proteins, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), vimentin, α-enolase, and actin; whose interaction and presence was confirmed, respectively, by ligand blot and Western blot assays. We also detected cell-surface (cs) pCry1Ac-HSP70 colocalization, so HSP70 was chosen for further characterization. Co-immunoprecipitation with HSP70 antibodies followed by Western blot confirmed the pCry1Ac-HSP70 interaction. Furthermore, pretreatment of RAW264.7 cells with HSP70 antibodies reduced pCry1Ac-induced ERK1 phosphorylation and MCP-1 production; thus suggest the functional participation of csHSP70 in pCry1Ac-induced macrophage activation. csHSP70 also was evaluated in peritoneal-cavity (PerC) macrophages of untreated BALB/c mice, interestingly it was found that the predominant population namely large-peritoneal-macrophages (LPM) displayed csHSP70 + hi. Furthermore, the dynamics of PerC macrophage subsets, LPM, and small-peritoneal macrophages (SPM) were evaluated in response to in vivo pCry1Ac stimuli in presence or not of phenylethynesulfonamide (PES) a functional HSP70 inhibitor. It was found that pCry1Ac increased the proportion of SPM CD11b + F4/80 + lowMHCII + csHSP70 + low and markedly reduced the amount of LPM CD11b + F4/80 + hiMHCII-csHSP70 + hi; while PES, partially suppressed this pCry1Ac-induced effect, further suggesting the participation of HSP70 in macrophage activation process. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 580-598, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ausencia de efecto de la práctica en el deterioro cognoscitivo leve amnésico. Evidencia en un seguimiento cuatro meses después del diagnóstico / Absence of practice effect in amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Evidence in a follow-up four months after diagnosis

Introducción: la forma amnésica del deterioro cognoscitivo leve (DCL-amn) es considerada fenotípica de la enfermedad de Alzheimer en fase prodrómica. Dado el déficit de memoria que caracteriza a los pacientes con DCL-amn, se hipotetiza que su desempeño en tareas de memoria explícita no se vería afectado por el efecto de la práctica al realizar un retest en un tiempo relativamente corto. Objetivo: evaluar la memoria explícita verbal y visual de un grupo de pacientes (N = 13) con DCL-amn, comparando su desempeño en 2 momentos evaluativos: el primero al diagnóstico clínico y el otro cuatro meses después. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio ex post facto descriptivo comparativo con el plan de investigación evolutivo de grupo. Se evaluó la memoria explícita verbal con el Buschke Selective Reminded Test y la memoria explícita visual con la figura compleja de Rey. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 2.0, obteniendo medias y desviaciones estándar y empleando una p < 0,05 como estadísticamente significativa. Resultados: los análisis a partir de la prueba t-student demuestran que las diferencias entre ambos momentos no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05). Conclusiones: los resultados apoyan la evidencia previa de ausencia de efecto de la práctica en las evaluaciones sucesivas en el DCL-amn, que se explica por el déficit crónico de memoria anterógrada que impide hacer aprendizajes significativos, aún ante la exposición repetida a los mismos materiales de prueba y en cortos períodos de retest.

Introduction: The amnestic subtype of mild cognitive impairment (amn-MCI) is considered to be a phenotype of Alzheimer´s disease in the prodromal stages. Given memory deficit that characterizes patients with amn-MCI, it hypothesized that their performance in explicit memory task would not be influenced by the practice effect when a retest is performed over a relatively short time. Objective: To evaluate the explicit verbal and visual memory of a group of patients (N = 13) with amn-MCI, comparing their performance in 2 evaluative moments: the first to the clinical diagnosis and the other four months after. Materials and methods: An ex post facto comparative descriptive study was carried out with a group evolutionary research plan. Verbal explicit memory was evaluated with the Buschke Selective Reminded Test and explicit visual memory with the Complex Figure of Rey. The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program version 2.0, obtaining means and standard deviations and using p <0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The analyzes from the t-student test show that the differences between both moments were not statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusions: The results support the previous evidence of absence of practice effect in the successive evaluations in the amn-MCI, which is explained by the chronic deficit of anterograde memory that prevents significant learning, even in the face of repeated exposure to the same test materials and in short retest periods.

Chironomus alchichica sp. n. (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Lake Alchichica, Mexico.

Morphological analysis of all developmental stages (except female), mitochondrial DNA sequences from cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and cytological analysis of the polytene chromosomes were used to describe a new species of Chironomus found in the littoral and profundal zones of an endorheic, warm-monomictic lake in Mexico. Male imago is distinguished by the shape of superior volsella and by an antennal and bristle ratio lower than two. The pupa is characterized by the spur morphology of abdominal segment VIII. There is also a continuous row of hooklets on abdominal segment II. The larva is distinguished by a combination of antenna, mentum, mandible, and pecten epipharyngis characteristics, and abdominal ventral tubules. Molecular and cytological analysis supported the morphological differences found. The maximum likelihood tree obtained shows that Chironomus alchichica sp. n. clusters together with Chironomus decorus-group sp. 2 Butler et al. (1995) (bootstrap support = 92%), but genetic p-distances within C. alchichica sp. n. (0.004) were lower than the p-distances between other species of the decorus-group (C. decorus-group sp. 2, Chironomus bifurcatus Wülker et al., 2009 and Chironomus maturus Johannsen, 1908) confirming that it is a different species. The new species belongs to thummi cytocomplex, (decorus-group), with chromosome set- 2n = 8 and chromosome arm combinations: AB CD EF G. Karyologically, the species is closest to Chironomus riihimaekiensis Wülker (1973). This species has very compact salivary gland chromosomes with well heterochromatinized centromere regions in chromosomes AB CD G. Several fixed homozygous inversions distinguish arm A of the species from that of C. riihimaekiensis. Arm E differs from that of C. riihimaekiensis by simple fixed homozygous inversion. Some similarities in band sequences of this arm were found with species from the decorus-group as Chironomus blaylocki Wülker et al., 2009 and C. bifurcatus (decorus-group). The position of the key constrictions in chromosome G: Nucleolar organizer (NOR) and Balbiani rings (BRs) is similar to the species of decorus-group. C. alchichica sp. n. has been found in soft sediments rich in organic matter in well mineralized waters (where conductivity >10 mS cm-1) and with a high pH (≥9). The profundal zone is inhabited only during the mixing period, when dissolved oxygen is present.

Local environment rather than past climate determines community composition of mountain stream macroinvertebrates across Europe.

Community assembly is determined by a combination of historical events and contemporary processes that are difficult to disentangle, but eco-evolutionary mechanisms may be uncovered by the joint analysis of species and genetic diversity across multiple sites. Mountain streams across Europe harbour highly diverse macroinvertebrate communities whose composition and turnover (replacement of taxa) among sites and regions remain poorly known. We studied whole-community biodiversity within and among six mountain regions along a latitudinal transect from Morocco to Scandinavia at three levels of taxonomic hierarchy: genus, species and haplotypes. Using DNA barcoding of four insect families (>3100 individuals, 118 species) across 62 streams, we found that measures of local and regional diversity and intraregional turnover generally declined slightly towards northern latitudes. However, at all hierarchical levels we found complete (haplotype) or high (species, genus) turnover among regions (and even among sites within regions), which counters the expectations of Pleistocene postglacial northward expansion from southern refugia. Species distributions were mostly correlated with environmental conditions, suggesting a strong role of lineage- or species-specific traits in determining local and latitudinal community composition, lineage diversification and phylogenetic community structure (e.g., loss of Coleoptera, but not Ephemeroptera, at northern sites). High intraspecific genetic structure within regions, even in northernmost sites, reflects species-specific dispersal and demographic histories and indicates postglacial migration from geographically scattered refugia, rather than from only southern areas. Overall, patterns were not strongly concordant across hierarchical levels, but consistent with the overriding influence of environmental factors determining community composition at the species and genus levels.

Espacios de aprendizaje híbridos. Hacia una educación del futuro en la Universidad de Guayaquil / Hybrid learning spaces. Towards an education of the future at the Guayaquil University

El modelo pedagógico de aprendizaje híbrido es cada vez más utilizado en la educación superior, por el hecho de que promueve cambios significativos en el aprendizaje. El objetivo de este artículo es facilitar una propuesta teórica sobre la metodología clase invertida, para su implementación en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de la Facultad Piloto de Odontología de la Universidad de Guayaquil. Esta concepción implica la apertura a oportunidades efectivas de diálogo y construcción colaborativa de contenidos, así como la promoción de la cultura digital en función de las actividades de colaboración y cooperación entre directivos y profesores para actuar de manera diferente en el aula.

The pedagogical hybrid learning model is increasingly used in higher education, due to the fact that it promotes significant changes in learning. The objective of this article is to facilitate a theoretical proposal on the inverted class methodology, for its implementation in the teaching process of the Dentistry Experimental Faculty of the Guayaquil University. This concept implies opening effective opportunities for dialogue and collaborative content construction, as well as the promotion of digital culture in terms of collaboration and cooperation between managers and teachers to act differently in the classroom.

El aprendizaje basado en problemas en la educación odontológica / Problem based learning in dentistry ducation

El aprendizaje es un tema de discusión constante en el ámbito de las ciencias pedagógicas. Dentro de este, el protagonismo del estudiante es un tema complejo, al cual se presenta como alternativa el aprendizaje basado en problemas. El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión de las investigaciones que apoyan la efectividad del aprendizaje basado en problemas, como método de enseñanza en la educación odontológica. Este concepto fue introducido en la década del 60, en Canadá, como respuesta a los problemas y limitaciones de los enfoques tradicionales de enseñanza. Se exponen y debaten los aspectos teóricos del enfoque de aprendizaje basado en problemas, así como sus diferentes tendencias, extrapolables a la educación odontológica. El aprendizaje basado en problemas puede mejorar el pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes de odontología, enseñándoles a analizar y resolver problemas reales, que los preparen para su futura vida profesional.

Learning is a topic of constant discussion in the pedagogical sciences field. Within this, the student protagonism is a complex subject, which has as an alternative problem based learning. The aim of this article is to review the research supporting the effectiveness of problem based learning as a teaching method in dental education. This concept was introduced in the 1960s in Canada in response to the problems and limitations of traditional approaches to teaching. The theoretical aspects of problem based approach to learning, as well as its different trends, extrapolated to dentistry education, are presented and discussed. Problem based learning can improve dentistry students' critical thinking by teaching them to analyze and solve real problems which prepare them for their future professional life.

Fundamentos teóricos de la Web 2.0 para la docencia en la educación superior / Theoretical Foundations of Web 2.0 for Teaching in Higher Education

Los avatares de la Web 2.0 como filosofía de concepción de los procesos docentes educativos, han cobrado auge en los últimos años. EL objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar teóricamente las herramientas de la Web 2.0 en función de la docencia en el contexto de la educación superior. El estudio se ha realizado con documentos socializados por autores con experiencia en el tema, procedentes de la región y del mundo. La Web 2.0 cuenta con herramientas fundamentales, como cursos en línea masivos y abiertos, ePortafolio, entre otras, las que funcionan como elementos mediadores en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje. Se concluye que la Web 2.0 supone para los docentes de la educación superior un instrumento teórico, cuyo conocimiento y aplicación se revierte en la calidad de la docencia universitaria.

The avatars of Web 2.0 as a philosophy of educational teaching processes conception, have gained momentum in recent years. The objective of this paper is to characterize theoretically the Web 2.0 tools in terms of higher education context teaching. The study was done with documents socialized by experienced authors in the subject, coming from the region and the world. Web 2.0 has fundamental tools, such as massive and open online courses, ePortafolio, among others, which function as mediating elements in the teaching-learning process. It is concluded that the Web 2.0 supposes for higher education teachers a theoretical instrument, whose knowledge and application is reverted in university teaching quality.

El aprendizaje basado en problemas en la educación odontológica / Problem based learning in dentistry ducation

El aprendizaje es un tema de discusión constante en el ámbito de las ciencias pedagógicas. Dentro de este, el protagonismo del estudiante es un tema complejo, al cual se presenta como alternativa el aprendizaje basado en problemas. El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión de las investigaciones que apoyan la efectividad del aprendizaje basado en problemas, como método de enseñanza en la educación odontológica. Este concepto fue introducido en la década del 60, en Canadá, como respuesta a los problemas y limitaciones de los enfoques tradicionales de enseñanza. Se exponen y debaten los aspectos teóricos del enfoque de aprendizaje basado en problemas, así como sus diferentes tendencias, extrapolables a la educación odontológica. El aprendizaje basado en problemas puede mejorar el pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes de odontología, enseñándoles a analizar y resolver problemas reales, que los preparen para su futura vida profesional(AU)

Learning is a topic of constant discussion in the pedagogical sciences field. Within this, the student protagonism is a complex subject, which has as an alternative problem based learning. The aim of this article is to review the research supporting the effectiveness of problem based learning as a teaching method in dental education. This concept was introduced in the 1960s in Canada in response to the problems and limitations of traditional approaches to teaching. The theoretical aspects of problem based approach to learning, as well as its different trends, extrapolated to dentistry education, are presented and discussed. Problem based learning can improve dentistry students critical thinking by teaching them to analyze and solve real problems which prepare them for their future professional life(AU)

Fundamentos teóricos de la Web 2.0 para la docencia en la educación superior / Theoretical foundations of web 2.0 for teaching in higher education

Los avatares de la Web 2.0 como filosofía de concepción de los procesos docentes educativos, han cobrado auge en los últimos años. EL objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar teóricamente las herramientas de la Web 2.0 en función de la docencia en el contexto de la educación superior. El estudio se ha realizado con documentos socializados por autores con experiencia en el tema, procedentes de la región y del mundo. La Web 2.0 cuenta con herramientas fundamentales, como cursos en línea masivos y abiertos, ePortafolio, entre otras, las que funcionan como elementos mediadores en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje. Se concluye que la Web 2.0 supone para los docentes de la educación superior un instrumento teórico, cuyo conocimiento y aplicación se revierte en la calidad de la docencia universitaria(AU)

The avatars of Web 2.0 as a philosophy of educational teaching processes conception, have gained momentum in recent years. The objective of this paper is to characterize theoretically the Web 2.0 tools in terms of higher education context teaching. The study was done with documents socialized by experienced authors in the subject, coming from the region and the world. Web 2.0 has fundamental tools, such as massive and open online courses, ePortafolio, among others, which function as mediating elements in the teaching-learning process. It is concluded that the Web 2.0 supposes for higher education teachers a theoretical instrument, whose knowledge and application is reverted in university teaching quality(AU)