[Prevalence of congenital malformations in newborns in the Araucanía region]. / Prevalencia de malformaciones congénitas en recién nacidos de la región de la Araucanía.

INTRODUCTION: Annually, 7.9 million neonates in the world have developmental anomalies. Together with prema turity, they constitute the main causes of mortality during the first year of life in developed and de veloping countries. In Chile, the estimated prevalence is 3.9% of all live births. There are no reports on the prevalence of malformations in the Araucanía Region. OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence of congenital malformations at birth in neonates hospitalized in a Neonatology Service. PATIENTS AND METHOD: cross-sectional study. Reference population: 54,241 live births at the Regional Hospi tal of Temuco over a 10-year period. Cases came from the neonatology hospital discharge database according to the ICD 10 classification, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed with the STATA 15 software. RESULTS: 949 neonates with one or more congenital malformations were identified. The overall prevalence of neonates with malforma tions was 1.7%, the most prevalent being ventricular septal defect 40.9 x 10,000 live newborns (LNB), atrial septal defect 21.5 x 10,000 LNB, cleft lip and palate 14.0 x 10,000 LNB, congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathies 8.1 x 10,000 LNB, and congenital rectal atresia and stenosis or absence of the anus 7.9 x 10,000 LNB. CONCLUSIONS: the overall prevalence of malformations is similar to that reported for the country. When analyzing by type, we found significantly higher incidences than those repor ted in previous studies.

[Thyroid hormone Levels in very preterm neonates and extremely preterm]. / Niveles de hormonas tiroideas en recién nacidos muy prematuros y prematuros extremos.

INTRODUCTION: The thyroid function of the pretern infant is altered by the relative immaturity of the hypothalamus-pituitary thyroid gland axis, along with other factors such as the incidence of diseases or the use of some drugs. Currently, there is controversy over normal levels of free thyroxine (FT4) in preterm infants. Our objective was to determine the distribution of FT4 and TSH values in newborn younger than 32 weeks or 1500 g of birth weight at 15 days of chronological age, in the neonatology service at Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital, Temuco. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study; the results of FT4 and TSH from a database of 308 newborns, were analyzed, which were categorized into three gestational age ranges, 31-34, 28-30 and 23-27 weeks. It was used Pearson Chi-square for comparisons between categorical variables, and T-Test or ANOVA for categorical-variable ratios. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the average values of FT4 by gestatio nal age ranges (p = 0.000), these were 1.13 ng/dl for the range of 31 to 34 weeks, 1.03 ng/dl for the range of 28 to 30 weeks and 0.92 ng/dl for the range of 23 to 27 weeks; we did not observe significant differences in TSH levels by gestational age categories (p = 0.663). CONCLUSIONS: We established the distribution of FT4 and TSH levels in our population of very preterm and extremely preterm infants, finding differences with previous papers.

Niveles de hormonas tiroideas en recién nacidos muy prematuros y prematuros extremos / Thyroid hormone Levels in very preterm neonates and extremely preterm

INTRODUCCIÓN: La función tiroidea del prematuro se ve alterada por la relativa inmadurez del eje hipotálamo-hipófisis-tiroides, junto a otros factores como la incidencia de enfermedades o el uso de algunos fármacos. Actualmente existe controversia sobre los niveles normales de tiroxina libre (T4L) en recién nacidos prematuros. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la distribución de los valores de hormonas T4L y TSH, en recién nacidos menores de 32 semanas o 1.500g de peso al nacer, a los 15 días de edad cronológica, en el servicio de neonatología Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco. Pacientes y MÉTODO: Estudio de corte trasversal, se analizaron los resultados de T4L y TSH desde una base de datos a 308 recién nacidos, los que fueron categorizados en tres rangos de edad gestacional: 31 a 34, 28 a 30 y 23 a 27 semanas. Se utilizó Chi-cuadrado de Pearson para asociaciones entre variables categóricas, y T-Test o ANOVA para comparaciones entre variables continuas. RESULTADOS: Observamos diferencias significativas entre los valores promedio de T4L por rangos de edad gestacional (p = 0,000), estos fueron 1,13 ng/dl para el rango de 31 a 34 semanas, 1,03 ng/dl para el rango de 28 a 30 semanas y 0,92 ng/dl para el rango de 23 a 27 semanas; no observamos diferencias significativas en los niveles de TSH por categorías de edad gestacional (p = 0,663). CONCLUSIONES: Establecimos la distribución de los niveles de T4L y TSH en nuestra población de recién nacidos muy prematuros y prematuros extremos, encontrando diferencias con reportes anteriores.

INTRODUCTION: The thyroid function of the pretern infant is altered by the relative immaturity of the hypothalamus-pituitary thyroid gland axis, along with other factors such as the incidence of diseases or the use of some drugs. Currently, there is controversy over normal levels of free thyroxine (FT4) in preterm infants. Our objective was to determine the distribution of FT4 and TSH values in newborn younger than 32 weeks or 1500 g of birth weight at 15 days of chronological age, in the neonatology service at Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital, Temuco. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study; the results of FT4 and TSH from a database of 308 newborns, were analyzed, which were categorized into three gestational age ranges, 31-34, 28-30 and 23-27 weeks. It was used Pearson Chi-square for comparisons between categorical variables, and T-Test or ANOVA for categorical-variable ratios. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the average values of FT4 by gestatio nal age ranges (p = 0.000), these were 1.13 ng/dl for the range of 31 to 34 weeks, 1.03 ng/dl for the range of 28 to 30 weeks and 0.92 ng/dl for the range of 23 to 27 weeks; we did not observe significant differences in TSH levels by gestational age categories (p = 0.663). CONCLUSIONS: We established the distribution of FT4 and TSH levels in our population of very preterm and extremely preterm infants, finding differences with previous papers.

Organochlorine chemicals and neurodegeneration among elderly subjects in Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: We previously screened 400 elderly Costa Ricans for neurodegenerative disease. Those reporting occupational pesticide exposure (18%) had an increased Parkinson׳s disease (PD) risk (OR 2.57, 95% CI 0.91-7.26), and worse cognition (Mini-Mental States Exam (MMSE) 24.5 versus 25.9 points, p=0.01). We subsequently measured long-lasting organochlorine pesticides (ß-HCH, DDE, DDT, and dieldrin) in a sub-sample (n=89). Dieldrin and ß-HCH have been linked to PD, and DDE to Alzheimer׳s disease. METHODS: We ran regression models for MMSE and tremor-at-rest to assess associations with pesticides in 89 subjects. RESULTS: The percent of ß-HCH, DDE, DDT (parent compound for DDE), and dieldrin above their limit of detection (LOD) were 100%, 93%, 75%, and 57%, respectively. Tremor-at-rest was found in 21 subjects, and the mean MMSE was 25. Those who reported occupational pesticide exposure (n=36) had more detectable dieldrin samples (p=0.005), and higher mean levels of dieldrin (p=0.01), than those not reporting exposure. Other pesticides did not differ between those with and without self-reported occupational exposure. There was a positive but non-significant trend of higher risk for tremor-at-rest with higher dieldrin (p=0.10 for linear trend). Neither DDE nor DDT showed a relationship with MMSE. However, after excluding two outliers with the lowest MMSE scores, higher DDT levels showed some modest association with lower MMSE (p=0.09 for linear trend). CONCLUSIONS: Our data are limited by small sample size. However, dieldrin was high in our population, has been previously linked to PD, and could be partly responsible for the excess PD risk seen in our population.

Asistencia al duelo neonatal: diez años de experiencia en una unidad de neonatología / Grief support group: ten years of experience in a neonatal unit

Objetivo: La Unidad de Neonatología, se propuso mejorar la calidad de la atención de la familia del recién nacido que fallece. Pacientes y Método: Tras constituirse un Comité de Manejo del Duelo Neonatal, se capacitó al personal al inicio y luego anualmente. Se elaboró un Manual de Procedimientos, aplicado desde marzo de 2000. Se presenta el análisis cuantitativo de los resultados de la aplicación del Manual y el análisis cualitativo del impacto del programa en el personal y en los padres. Resultados: Fallecieron 440 niños entre el 1 de marzo de 2000 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2009. El aviso de muerte inminente se realizó en el 98,8 por ciento de los casos, la presencia de los padres en el momento de la muerte llegó a un 85,9 por ciento, lo que estuvo determinado significativamente por el lugar de residencia y la hora del fallecimiento. El 87,8 por ciento de los padres abrazaron a su hijo, mientras que el 5,8 por ciento sólo lo miraron. Se describe, además, el impacto del programa sobre el personal y las opiniones de los padres en una conversación post-mortem. Conclusión: El programa del Duelo Neonatal mejoró la calidad de la atención a los padres del recién nacido moribundo.

Objective: A Neonatal Unit decided to improve the family quality care of dying newborns. Patients and Method: After a Neonatal Grief Management Committee was established, care providers were immediately trained and followed by annually training programs. A Procedures Manual was elaborated and implemented since March 2000. A quantitative analysis of the Manual application results and a qualitative analysis regarding the program impact on care providers and parents are presented. Results: 440 children died between March 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009. The new of imminent death was delivered in 98.8 percent of cases; the presence of parents at the time of death reached 85.9 percent which was significantly determined by the place of residence and time of death. 87.8 percent of parents hugged their child, while 5.8 percent only looked at him. The program's impact on care providers and the views of parents in post-mortem conversations are described. Conclusion: The Neonatal Grief Program improved the quality care of the parents of dying newborns.

Occupational pesticide exposure and screening tests for neurodegenerative disease among an elderly population in Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides have been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) in many studies, and with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a few. METHODS: We conducted screening tests for neurologic disease and occupational pesticide use in a population-based sample of 400 elderly subjects at two government-run clinics in Costa Rica; 361 subjects who failed the initial screen were given both the mini-mental states exam (MMSE) and a modified version of a 10-item united Parkinson's disease rating motor subscale (UPDRS). Among subjects who failed either test, 144 were then examined by a neurologist. RESULTS: Past occupational pesticide exposure was reported by 18% of subjects. Exposed subjects performed worse on the MMSE than the non-exposed (mean 24.5 versus 25.9, p=0.01, adjusted for age, sex, and education). The exposed had significantly elevated risks of abnormal scores on two UPDRS items, tremor-at-rest (OR 2.58, 1.28-5.23), and finger-tapping (OR=2.94, 95% CI 1.03-8.41). Thirty-three (23%) of those examined by the neurologist were diagnosed with possible/probable PD, 3-4 times the expected based on international data; 85% of these cases had not been previously diagnosed. Among subjects who took the UPDRS, the exposed had an increased risk of PD (OR=2.57, 95% CI 0.91-7.26). No excess risk was found for a diagnosis of AD or mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly subjects with past occupational pesticide exposure performed significantly worse on screening tests for dementia and PD, and had an increased risk of an eventual PD diagnosis. Screening may be particularly appropriate among elderly subjects with past pesticide exposure.

The ground-dwelling arthropod community of Península Valdés in Patagonia, Argentina.

This is the first study based on a planned and intensive sampling effort that describes the community composition and structure of the ground-dwelling arthropod assemblage of Península Valdés (Patagonia). It was carried out using pitfall traps, opened for two weeks during the summers of 2005, 2006 and 2007. A total of 28,111 individuals were caught. Ants(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) dominated this community, followed by beetles (Coleoptera) and spiders (Araneae). The most abundant species were Pheidole bergi Mayr (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) and Blapstinus punctulatus Solier (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Two new species were very recently described as new based on specimens collected during this study: Valdesianacuriosa Carpintero, Dellapé & Cheli (Hemiptera, Miridae) and Anomaloptera patagonica Dellapé& Cheli (Hemiptera, Oxycarenidae). The order Coleoptera was the most diverse taxa. The distribution of abundance data was best described by the logarithmic series model both at the family and species levels, suggesting that ecological relationships in this community could be controlled by a few factors. The community was dominated by predators from a trophic perspective. This suggests that predation acts as an important factor driving the distribution and abundances of surface-dwelling arthropods in this habitat and as such serves as a key element in understanding desert, above-ground community structure. These findings may also be useful for management and conservation purposes in arid Patagonia.

Carcinoma triquilemmal gigante perineal / Giant perineal trichilemmal carcinoma

Antecedentes: El carcinoma triquilemmal es un tumor de escasa presentación originado en las células de la vaina externa del folículo piloso, muy relacionado a las áreas de alta exposición solar. Objetivo: Presentamos un caso de carcinoma triquilemmal perineal en un paciente de 69 años con una latencia de tratamiento de 20 años. Método: Se realizo excéresis total con 3 cm de margen oncológico, necesitando de resección de coxis y rafe anococcígeo por infiltración. Resultados: Basados en el informe histopatológico, el tratamiento quirúrgico fue correcto. Conclusiones: Se debe tener en cuenta la presencia de este tipo de tumores cutáneos dentro de las posibilidades de diagnóstico prequirúrgico en la zona perineal. Es orientador el tiempo de latencia sintomática, no así la secreción y la fetidez, que llevó erróneamente a pensar en un carcinoma escamoso. El tratamiento quirúrgico fue exitoso garantizando exéresis completa y mejoría sintomática.

Background: The trichilemmal carcinoma is a scarcely found tumor. It is originated in the cells of the external sheath of the hair's follicle, and its incidence on areas highly exposed to sun is important. Objective: A case of perineal trichilemmal carcinoma is presented in a 69 year-old patient, with a 20 years long treatment. Method: Total exceresis with 3 margin oncology cm has been done, needing coxis and anococcigeal rafe resection for infiltrative disease. Results: Based on the hystopathological accounts the surgical treatment is considered correct. Conclusions: Among the presurgical diagnosis possibilities, this type of cutaneous perianal tumors must be taken into account. Time of symptomatic latency guided treatment. Though not secretion nor fetidity, which has led to consider it as an squamous cell carcinoma. The surgícal treatment was successful guaranteeing complete resection and symptomatic improvement.

Effect of ultraviolet-B radiation on salt marsh vegetation: Trends of the genus Salicornia along the Americas.

The effects of natural UV-B radiation on growth, photosynthetic and photoprotective pigment composition of different Salicornia species were analyzed in salt marshes at three different sites along the Americas (Puerto Rico, southern Brazil and Patagonia, Argentina). Plants were exposed to different levels of UV-B radiation for 1-2 years in situ as well as in outdoor garden UV-B exclusion experiments. Different UV-B levels were obtained by covering plants with UV-B opaque (blocked 93-100% of ambient UV-B) and UV-B attenuating (near-ambient) filters (reduced 20-25% of UV-B). Unfiltered plants were exposed to natural irradiance. UV-B filters had significant effects on temperature and photosynthetic pigments (due to changes in PAR; 400-700 nm). The growth of Salicornia species was inhibited after 35 to 88 days of exposure to mean UV-B radiation dosages between 3.6 and 4.1 kJ m(-2) day(-1). The highest number of branches on the main shoot (S. bigelovii and S. gaudichaudiana) and longest total length of the branches (S. gaudichaudiana) were observed in the UV-B opaque treatment. Salicornia species responded to increasing levels of UV-B radiation by increasing the amount of UV-B absorbing pigments up to 330%. Chromatographic analyses of seedlings and adult S. bigelovii plants found seven different UV-B absorbing flavonoids that are likely to serve as UV-B filtering pigments. No evidence of differential sensitivity or resilience to UV-B radiation was found between Salicornia species from low-mid latitudes and a previously published study of a high-latitude population.

Relevamiento del adulto mayor en el área programática del Hospital Argerich (GCBA) / Survey of the greater adult in the programmatic area of the Argerich Hospital (GCBA)

Los problemas de salud más frecuentes fueron: Hipertensión arterial: 46 por ciento. Incontinencia urinaria: 30 por ciento. Enfermedad coronaria: 15 por ciento. Caídas: 15 por ciento. Obesidad: 12 por ciento. Problemas de salud no referidos por los pacientes: Incontinencia urinaria: 30 por ciento. Caídas: 37 por ciento. Constipación: 7 por ciento. Trastornos prostáticos: 7 por ciento. Elevada proporción de pacientes con Polofarmacia: Pudiendo ocasionar Caídas e Institucionalizaciones. La gran mayoría eran independientes para las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria, dada su condición de ambulatorios. A partir de este relevamiento se sugieren nuevas líneas de trabajo: Corroborar la adherencia de los hipertensos a la medicación. Evaluar indicaciones de medicaciones y su utilidad terapéutica. Un elevado porcentaje de los pacientes evaluados no tenían médico de referencia. Actualmente continúan ingresando pacientes en el protocolo. (AU)

Relevamiento del adulto mayor en el área programática del Hospital Argerich (GCBA) / Survey of the greater adult in the programmatic area of the Argerich Hospital (GCBA)

Los problemas de salud más frecuentes fueron: Hipertensión arterial: 46 por ciento. Incontinencia urinaria: 30 por ciento. Enfermedad coronaria: 15 por ciento. Caídas: 15 por ciento. Obesidad: 12 por ciento. Problemas de salud no referidos por los pacientes: Incontinencia urinaria: 30 por ciento. Caídas: 37 por ciento. Constipación: 7 por ciento. Trastornos prostáticos: 7 por ciento. Elevada proporción de pacientes con Polofarmacia: Pudiendo ocasionar Caídas e Institucionalizaciones. La gran mayoría eran independientes para las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria, dada su condición de ambulatorios. A partir de este relevamiento se sugieren nuevas líneas de trabajo: Corroborar la adherencia de los hipertensos a la medicación. Evaluar indicaciones de medicaciones y su utilidad terapéutica. Un elevado porcentaje de los pacientes evaluados no tenían médico de referencia. Actualmente continúan ingresando pacientes en el protocolo.

The effect of natural UV-B radiation on a perennial Salicornia salt-marsh in Bahía San Sebastián, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina: a 3-year field study.

The Antarctic ozone hole and a general depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer cause increased levels of ultraviolet-B solar radiation (UV-B) over Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America. For three consecutive growing seasons (1997-2000), we studied the biological impacts (morphology, physiology, demography and phenology) of natural UV-B radiation on a perennial Salicornia ambigua Michx. community in San Sebastian Bay (53 degrees S and 68 degrees W), Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. This is the first UV-B screening experiment on a subantarctic halophytic community. The shortwave UV-B spectrum (280 to 320 nm) was excluded by covering plots with UV-B blocking film (Mylar). These plots were compared to controls covered with UV-B transparent (Aclar) plastic screens, and unscreened plots. Shoot length in Salicornia was not affected by UV-B. Exposure to natural UV-B reduced biomass and density (by 17% and 38%, respectively). Concentration of UV-shielding pigments and cuticle thickness were both significantly higher (25-48% and 21-40%, respectively) in plants receiving ambient UV-B. The increase in cuticle thickness persisted throughout the growing season, whereas pigment concentration was higher at the beginning of the growing season. Also, the number of dead shoots was higher in plants exposed to UV-B. At the end of the growing season (March) shoot mortality was higher in plants exposed to ambient UV-B, and post-flowering senescence was 30 days earlier. Slight changes in the relative composition of Salicornia to Puccinellia were seen. The reduction observed in Salicornia shoot density under ambient UV-B was cumulative over time; 23% in the first growing-season, rising to 38% by the third growing-season. A similar incremental increase in pigment absorption at 305 nm was seen; 25% in the first and 48% in the third growing season.

Fitoplancton en lagunas de estabilización

Describe el rol de las algas en los sistemas de lagunas de estabilización de líquidos cloacales y en el reuso de aguas residuales para la acuicultura, formando parte de la cadena alimentaria y proveyendo oxígeno.En el estudio del fitoplancton se analizaron las lagunas de estabilización de Saladas y Mercedes, de la provincia de Corrientes.Incluye gráficos y biliografía

Fitoplancton en lagunas de estabilización

Describe el rol de las algas en los sistemas de lagunas de estabilización de líquidos cloacales y en el reuso de aguas residuales para la acuicultura, formando parte de la cadena alimentaria y proveyendo oxígeno.En el estudio del fitoplancton se analizaron las lagunas de estabilización de Saladas y Mercedes, de la provincia de Corrientes.Incluye gráficos y bibliografía