Hydrochemical characterization, spatial distribution, and geochemical controls on arsenic and boron in waters from arid Arica and Parinacota, northern Chile.

The livelihood of inhabitants from rural agricultural valleys in the arid Arica and Parinacota Region, northernmost Chile, strongly depends on water from high altitude rainfall and runoff to lower elevation areas. However, elevated arsenic, boron, and other potentially harmful elements compromise water quality, especially in rural areas. Samples (n = 90) of surface, underground, cold, geothermal springs, and treated and raw tap water were studied to assess water quality and to determine the main geochemical controls on water composition, origin, and geochemical evolution along dominant flowpaths. Water from major river basins across the region (Lluta, San Jose, Codpa-Chaca, Camarones and Altiplanicas) were collected for hydrogeochemical analysis of a suite of major and trace elements, δD and δ18O. Our new dataset was supplemented by hydrochemical data (n > 1500 data points) from secondary sources. Results show that 72% of the collected samples had As >10 µg/L (WHO drinking water provisional guideline) and affected 44% of the studied waters used for drinking (n = 32). Based on Chilean irrigation guidelines, elevated salinity (EC > 0.75 mS/cm) affected 80% of sampled waters, which were also impacted by high B (89% > 0.75 mg/L), and As (31% > 50 µg/L). Water composition was strongly controlled by geothermal water and freshwater mixing in high altitude areas. Magnitude and fate of As and B concentration was determined by the geothermal input type. Highest As (~21 mg/L) was associated with circum-neutral Na-Cl waters in Camarones basin, while lower As (~5 mg/L) with acid SO4 waters in Lluta basin. Additionally, evaporative concentration and sediment-water interactions were shown to control the level of As in surface and groundwaters downstream. This works provides a comprehensive analysis and a conceptual model of geochemical controls on regional water compositions, contributing to better understanding the geochemical processes underpinning the water quality challenges in northern Chile.

Evaluación de fuerza de concordancia de hallazgos de endometriosis en RM y laparoscopía: análisis de una serie de casos / Assessment concordance of endometriosis findings on MRI and laparoscopy: analysis of a series of cases

OBJETIVO: Evaluar concordancia de sitios de hallazgos de endometriosis profunda encontrados por RM y laparoscopia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, no experimental, concordancia intertécnica. Se recolectaron datos en nuestra institución de todos los informes de RM de pelvis que incluyeran la palabra "endometriosis", entre mayo de 2015 y abril de 2018 (36 meses), identificando 339 registros. Se establecieron criterios de inclusión. De los 339 registros, 62 pacientes fueron excluidas por cirugía antes de la RM. Otras 243 pacientes fueron excluidas porque no presentaban registro de protocolo quirúrgico posterior a la RM. 34 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio, lo que equivale al 10% de las RM estudiadas. Se revisaron las ubicaciones de los implantes endometriósicos informados en RM y se correlacionaron con los hallazgos encontrados en la cirugía. Se confecciono tabla para identificar la presencia/ausencia de implantes en las ubicaciones descritas en la literatura. Análisis estadístico mediante software Stata, aplicando kappa ponderada con intervalo de confianza de 95%. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad de las pacientes llevadas a cirugía fue de 38 años. Los lugares con correlación moderada-importante (0.41-0.80) correspondieron a útero, recto-sigmoides, ovario, vagina y fondos de saco. CONCLUSIÓN: La RM de Pelvis es fundamental en la evaluación de pacientes con endometriosis en las que se plantea un manejo quirúrgico, con el objetivo de caracterizar la ubicación, forma y número de lesiones, y así lograr un satisfactorio tratamiento laparoscópico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess inter-observer reliability of sites of deep endometriosis findings found by MRI and laparoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, non-experimental study, inter-observer reliability. Data were collected at our institution from all pelvic MRI reports that included the word "endometriosis", between May 2015 and April 2018 (36 months), identifying 339 records. The following were established as inclusion criteria. Of the 339 records, 62 patients were excluded for surgery prior to MRI. Another 243 patients were excluded because they had no record of the surgical protocol after the MRI. 34 patients met the study inclusion criteria, equivalent to 10% of the MRIs studied. The locations of the endometrial implants reported on MRI were reviewed and correlated with the findings found in the surgery. A table was prepared to identify the presence / absence of implants in the locations described in the literature. Statistical analysis using Stata software, applying weighted kappa with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The average age of the patients undergoing surgery was 38 years. The places with a moderate-important correlation (0.41-0.80) corresponded to the uterus, recto-sigmoid, ovary, vagina, and recto-uterine pouch. CONCLUSION: Pelvic MRI is essential in the evaluation of patients with endometriosis in whom surgical management is proposed, in order to characterize the location, shape and number of lesions, and thus achieve satisfactory laparoscopic treatment.

Pitfalls en RM de próstata multiparamétrica / Pitfalls in multiparametric prostate MRI

Resumen: La resonancia magnética multiparamétrica (RMmp) de próstata ha tenido un desarrollo importante en los últimos años dado la alta prevalencia del cáncer de próstata y la necesidad de tener información imagenológica concreta para el correcto manejo de los pacientes urológicos. Otras técnicas de imágenes aportan información parcial sobre la morfología de la próstata, pero es la RMmp de próstata la técnica imagenológica que nos entrega mayor información, a través de secuencias morfológicas y funcionales, para detectar lesiones clínicamente significativas y disminuir el número de biopsias, predecir riesgo de agresividad de los tumores, estadificación local y ayudar al urólogo a realizar biopsias dirigidas cognitivas o por fusión RM/US. En este artículo se pretende mostrar casos representativos de errores frecuentes al momento de informar una resonancia magnética de próstata. Damos algunas recomendaciones para evitar estos errores y mejorar los informes radiológicos. Es común al comenzar a realizar informes de RMmp de próstata tener dudas sobre la correcta interpretación de los hallazgos. Ofrecemos a través de este articulo imágenes representativas de los principales errores en la búsqueda de patología neoplásica y algunas sugerencias para evitarlos. Desde el punto de vista académico se pueden dividir en pitfalls de condiciones anatómicas y patologías benignas que pueden simular un tumor. En el caso de pitfalls anatómicos mostramos casos referentes al estroma fibromuscular anterior hipertrófico, cápsula quirúrgica engrosada, plexo venoso peri-prostático, complejo neurovascular y pseudolesión posterior en zona periférica. Dentro de las condiciones benignas se encuentra la hiperplasia prostática benigna, procesos inflamatorios/infecciosos y otras condiciones que pueden simular tumor. Respecto a pitfalls relacionados con la hiperplasia prostática benigna podemos señalar hiperplasia de la zona de transición / central ("moustache-sign"), proliferación estromal en la zona de transición y nódulos adenomatosos ectópicos u extruidos en la zona periférica (ZP). Pitfalls inflamatorios/infecciosos corresponden a casos de prostatitis focal, prostatitis aguda, prostatitis con abscesos y prostatitis granulomatosa. Otros errores frecuentes de dificultad en la interpretación corresponden a casos de calcificaciones y hemorragia.

Abstract: Multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (RMmp) of the prostate has had an important development in recent years given the high prevalence of prostate cancer and the need to have specific imaging information for the correct management of urological patients. Other imaging techniques provide partial information about the morphology of the prostate, but it is the mp-MRI of the prostate that gives us more information, through morphological and functional sequences, to detect clinically significant lesions and reduce the number of biopsies, predict risk of aggressiveness of the tumors, local staging and help the urologist to perform cognitive biopsies or by MR / US fusion. This article aims to show representative cases of frequent errors when reporting an MRI of the prostate. We give some recommendations to avoid these errors and improve radiological reports. It is common to start making mp-MRI of the prostate reports having doubts about the correct interpretation of the findings. We offer through this article representative images of the main errors in the search for neoplastic pathology and some suggestions to avoid them. From the academic point of view they can be divided into pitfalls of anatomical conditions and benign pathologies that can simulate a tumor. In the case of anatomical pitfalls, we show cases related to the hypertrophic anterior fibromuscular stroma, thickened surgical capsule, peri-prostatic venous plexus, neurovascular complex and posterior pseudo-injury in the peripheral area. Among the benign conditions is benign prostatic hyperplasia, inflammatory / infectious processes and other conditions that can simulate tumor. Regarding pitfalls related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, we can indicate hyperplasia of the transition / central zone ("mustache-sign"), stromal proliferation in the transition zone and ectopic or extruded adenomatous nodules in the peripheral zone. Inflammatory / infectious pitfalls correspond to cases of focal prostatitis, acute prostatitis, prostatitis with abscesses and granulomatous prostatitis. Other frequent errors of difficulty in interpretation correspond to cases of calcifications and hemorrhage.

Programa de autopsias virtuales o "virtuopsias" en el Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile. Un importante eslabón para la generación de nuevo conocimiento y mejoramiento continuo / Virtual autopsy program or "virtuopsias" at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile. An important link for the generation of new knowledge and continuous improvement

Most of today ́s medical knowledge of current advances in medicine are based on autopsy findings and patological studies conducted during the 19th century. At the end of the 60s, autopsies began to decline in many countries, for multivariate reasons. Nowadays, autopsies are almost no longer performed unless legal reasons are present. The so important and didactic Pathological Anatomy Meetings are not being held anymore either. These instances played a particularly important role, bringing together and gathering experts and apprentices from different medical areas and disciplines. Unfortunately they have been disappearing from hospitals. However, physicians still seem to need them, as many times there is urgent need to get reliable information about the etiology of thepatients' symptoms and the ultimate causes that led him or her to death. The relevance of this information for generating new knowledge and proposing new diagnostic or therapeutic tools for continuous improvement, both in the field of healthcare and training is indisputable. Unfortunately, we still face situations in which a patient dies in the midst of many doubts regarding the ultimate cause of death. At the University of Chile Clinical Hospital, a so-called Adverse Event Meetings have been held every Thursday for several years. A lot of time is spent trying to elucidate what could have happened, in an attempt to detect errors that could have been corrected A team of doctors, midwives and nurses, analyze all the adverse events reported, step by step. In spite of this, there are situations where doubts still persist, once the meeting is over. Currents advances in imaging, immune-histochemistry, molecular and genetic study techniques can make possible today to obtain most important information without the need for a traditional autopsy. These technologies, appear then as a substitute for traditional autopsies, since the realization of some of these post-mortem studies would allow to elucidate many diagnostic doubts, improving diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures in case we are faced to similar cases in the future. The idea of performing the so called "virtual autopsies" in the University of Chile Clinical Hospital, is not very original, as others have been performing this procedure, in other hospital around the world. They already exist in several countries under the name of virtual autopsies or "virtuopsias". It is not an innovation of ours. This Virtual Autopsy Program does not imply to discard the classic autopsy, which probably should still be the first option for legal or very difficult cases, without a clear cause of death. The indication of performing virtual autopsies should be considered in all those circumstances where there is an important clinical doubt and when a classic autopsy is difficult to perform, whatever the reason for this is. (AU)

Interactive effects of aluminum and cadmium on phenolic compounds, antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plantlets cultivated in vitro.

To evaluate the potential role of phenolic compounds in Al and Cd stress tolerance mechanisms, Vaccinium corymbosum cv. Legacy plantlets were exposed to different metal concentrations. The present study used an in vitro plant model to test the effects of the following treatments: 100µM Al; 100µMAl + 50µMCd; and 100µMAl + 100µMCd during periods of 7, 14, 21 and 30 days. The oxidative damage was determined by the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The antioxidant activity values were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power test (FRAP). Additionally, the phenolic compound concentrations were determined using HPLC-DAD. The exposure to Al and Cd increased the MDA and H2O2 contents differentially, while the antioxidant capacity values showed differences between DPPH and FRAP with the largest changes in FRAP relative to Cd. SOD had the highest activity in the first 7 days, leading to a significant increase in phenolic compounds observed after 14 days, and chlorogenic acid was the major compound identified. Our results revealed that phenolic compounds seem to play an important role in the response to ROS. Therefore, the mechanisms of tolerance to Al and Cd in V. corymbosum will be determined by the type of metal and time of exposure.

D-serine released by astrocytes in brainstem regulates breathing response to CO2 levels.

Central chemoreception is essential for adjusting breathing to physiological demands, and for maintaining CO2 and pH homeostasis in the brain. CO2-induced ATP release from brainstem astrocytes stimulates breathing. NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonism reduces the CO2-induced hyperventilation by unknown mechanisms. Here we show that astrocytes in the mouse caudal medullary brainstem can synthesize, store, and release D-serine, an agonist for the glycine-binding site of the NMDAR, in response to elevated CO2 levels. We show that systemic and raphe nucleus D-serine administration to awake, unrestrained mice increases the respiratory frequency. Application of D-serine to brainstem slices also increases respiratory frequency, which was prevented by NMDAR blockade. Inhibition of D-serine synthesis, enzymatic degradation of D-serine, or the sodium fluoroacetate-induced impairment of astrocyte functions decrease the basal respiratory frequency and the CO2-induced respiratory response in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest that astrocytic release of D-serine may account for the glutamatergic contribution to central chemoreception.Astrocytes are involved in chemoreception in brainstem areas that regulate breathing rhythm, and astrocytes are known to release D-serine. Here the authors show that astrocyte release of D-serine contributes to CO2 sensing and breathing in brainstem slices, and in vivo in awake unrestrained mice.

The Current Status of the Distribution Range of the Western Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis (Curculionidae: Solytinae) in Northern Mexico.

The distribution range of the western pine beetle Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is supported only by scattered records in the northern parts of Mexico, suggesting that its populations may be marginal and rare in this region. In this study, we review the geographical distribution of D. brevicomis in northern Mexico and perform a geometric morphometric analysis of seminal rod shape to evaluate its reliability for identifying this species with respect to other members of the Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) complex. Our results provide 30 new records, with 26 distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental and 4 in the Sierra Madre Oriental. These records extend the known distribution range of D. brevicomis to Durango and Tamaulipas states in northern Mexico. Furthermore, we find high geographic variation in size and shape of the seminal rod, with conspicous differences among individuals from different geographical regions, namely west and east of the Great Basin and between mountain systems in Mexico.

Effect of cadmium on phenolic compounds, antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plantlets grown in vitro.

Cadmium (Cd(2+)) can affect plant growth due to its mobility and toxicity. We evaluated the effects of Cd(2+) on the production of phenolic compounds and antioxidant response of Vaccinium corymbosum L. Plantlets were exposed to Cd(2+) at 50 and 100µM for 7, 14 and 21 days. Accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the antioxidant enzyme SOD was determined. The profile of phenolic compounds was evaluated using LC-MS. The antioxidant activity was measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power test (FRAP). Cd(2+) increased the content of MDA, with the highest increase at 14 days. The presence of Cd(2+) resulted in changes in phenolic compounds. The main phenolic compound found in blueberry plantlets was chlorogenic acid, whose abundance increased with the addition of Cd(2+) to the medium. The changes in the composition of phenolic compounds showed a positive correlation with the antioxidant activity measured using FRAP. Our results suggest that blueberry plantlets produced phenolic compounds with reducing capacity as a selective mechanism triggered by the highest activity of Cd(2+).

Comparison of orthologous cytochrome P450 genes relative expression patterns in the bark beetles Dendroctonus rhizophagus and Dendroctonus valens (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) during host colonization.

Bark beetles of the genus Dendroctonus are important components of coniferous forests. During host colonization, they must overcome the chemical defences of their host trees, which are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP or P450) enzymes to compounds that are readily excreted. In this study, we report the relative expression (quantitative real-time PCR) of four orthologous cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6BW5, CYP6DG1, CYP6DJ2 and CYP9Z20) in Dendroctonus rhizophagus and Dendroctonus valens forced to attack host trees at 8 and 24 h following forced attack and in four stages during natural colonization [solitary females boring the bark (T1); both male and female members of couples before oviposition (T2); both male and female members of couples during oviposition (T3), and solitary females inside the gallery containing eggs (T4)]. For both species gene expression was different compared with that observed in insects exposed to single monoterpenes in the laboratory, and the expression patterns were significantly different amongst species, sex, gut region and exposure time or natural colonization stage. The induction of genes (CYP6BW5v1, CYP6DJ2v1 and CYP9Z20v1 from D. rhizophagus, as well as CYP6DG1v3 from D. valens) correlated with colonization stage as well as with the increase in oxygenated monoterpenes in the gut of both species throughout the colonization of the host. Our results point to different functions of these orthologous genes in both species.

Phenotypic and Genetic Variations in Obligate Parthenogenetic Populations of Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The study of phenotypic and genetic variation of obligate parthenogenetic organisms contributes to an understanding of evolution in the absence of genetic variation produced by sexual reproduction. Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann undergoes obligate parthenogenesis in Mexico City, Mexico, due to the unavailability of the host plants required for sexual reproduction. We analysed the phenotypic and genetic variation of E. lanigerum in relation to the dry and wet season and plant phenology. Aphids were collected on two occasions per season on a secondary host plant, Pyracantha koidzumii, at five different sites in the southern area of Mexico City, Mexico. Thirteen morphological characteristics were measured from 147 to 276 individuals per site and per season. A multivariate analysis of variance was performed to test the effect of the season, site and their interaction on morphological traits. Morphological variation was summarised using a principal component analysis. Genetic variation was described using six enzymatic loci, four of which were polymorphic. Our study showed that the site and season has a significant effect on morphological trait variation. The largest aphids were recorded during cold temperatures with low relative humidity and when the plant was at the end of the fruiting period. The mean genetic diversity was low (mean H e = .161), and populations were genetically structured by season and site. Morphological and genetic variations appear to be associated with environmental factors that directly affect aphid development and/or indirectly by host plant phenology.

[Orbital emphysema after Valsalva maneuver. Report of one case]. / Enfisema orbitario espontáneo tras la maniobra de Valsalva.

Orbital emphysema is a rare complication of orbital and facial trauma, involving the sinuses and occasionally the nasal cavity. Most cases occur as a result of trauma but spontaneous orbital emphysema has been reported. Clinical manifestations are often delayed until the upper airway pressure increases as when blowing or coughing. Along with the fracture, the rupture of the underlying mucosa is essential for emphysema to manifest. We report a 29-years-old male who consulted in the emergency room due to eyelid swelling after a Valsalva maneuver, a couple of hours after suffering a facial injury secondary to a fall. In the presence of eyelid emphysema, the patient underwent craniofacial imaging studies, confirming an ethmoidal lamina papyracea fracture.

Enfisema orbitario espontáneo tras la maniobra de Valsalva / Orbital emphysema after Valsalva maneuver. Report of one case

Orbital emphysema is a rare complication of orbital and facial trauma, involving the sinuses and occasionally the nasal cavity. Most cases occur as a result of trauma but spontaneous orbital emphysema has been reported. Clinical manifestations are often delayed until the upper airway pressure increases as when blowing or coughing. Along with the fracture, the rupture of the underlying mucosa is essential for emphysema to manifest. We report a 29-years-old male who consulted in the emergency room due to eyelid swelling after a Valsalva maneuver, a couple of hours after suffering a facial injury secondary to a fall. In the presence of eyelid emphysema, the patient underwent craniofacial imaging studies, confirming an ethmoidal lamina papyracea fracture.

Analysis of the genotypic diversity of strains of Helicobacter pylori isolated from pediatric patients in Mexico.

Genotypic differences in Helicobacter pylori play an important role in infection. We characterized the diversity of the cagA, cagE, babA2, and vacA genes in H. pylori strains isolated from pediatric patients and the relationship between these genes and clinical disease. Additionally, we employed the Neighbor-net algorithm to predict the behavior of the genotypes of the strains isolated from patients. Of 93 patients analyzed, 32 were positive for infection. A total of 160 H. pylori strains (five isolates per positive patient) were analyzed. A total of 91% and 83% of strains possessed the cagA and cagE genes, respectively. For the vacA gene, 84% of strains possessed the s1 allele, 15% the s2 allele, 81% the m1 allele and 13.8% the m2 allele. The babA2 gene was present in 79% of strains. Infection with H. pylori strains with the vacA (s1m1) genotype was associated with risk of esophagitis and gastritis (p=0.0001). The combination of cagA and vacA (s1m1) was significantly associated with abdominal pain (p=0.002); however, EPIYA type was not significantly associated with abdominal pain. A total of 16 different genotypes were identified; the most common genotype was vacAs1m1cagA+cagE+babA2+ (47.5%). A total of 84% of pediatric patients were infected by at least two and up to five different genotypes. The network recovered two genotype groups (A: strains with vacAs1 and B: strains with vacAs2). The presence of multiple paths in the network suggests that reticulate events, such as recombination or reinfection, have contributed to the observed genotypic diversity.

Características clínicas y demográficas de pacientes oncológicos del Hospital Base Valdivia con complicaciones infecciosas. Enero-Julio 2013 / Clinical and demographic description of Oncological Patients with ongoing infectious complications in Hospital Base Valdivia. January - July 2013

El cáncer constituye la segunda causa de muerte en Chile y las infecciones constituyen uno de los principales gatillantes del deceso. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es describir las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes oncológicos del Hospital Base Valdivia (HBV) que presentaron complicaciones infecciosas entre el periodo enero-julio de 2013. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de serie de casos que incluyó a todos los pacientes oncológicos hospitalizados que presentaron complicaciones infecciosas entre enero-julio de 2013, excluyendo a quienes rechazaran el consentimiento informado o tuvieran fichas clínicas incompletas. Se aplicaron instrumentos para determinar estado nutricional y nivel socioeconómico. Análisis computacional con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se pesquisaron 38 pacientes con un total de 52 infecciones. Dieciséis eran hombres y 22 mujeres, edad promedio 59 años. La mayoría pertenecía a estratos socioeconómicos bajos y poseía estudios básicos. Las neoplasias subyacentes más frecuentes fueron el cáncer de mama y cervicouterino. Dieciséis pacientes se encontraban en etapa IV y cerca de 2/3 estaban desnutridos. De las 52 infecciones 31 fueron localizadas, mientras 21 tuvieron respuesta sistémica, 2 pacientes fallecieron debido a la infección. Los sitios más frecuentes de afección fueron: árbol bronquial, tracto genitourinario y cavidad oral. Clínicamente se determinó que 44 de los cuadros fueron bacterianos, 3 fúngicos, 3 virales y 2 combinados. Discusión: Llama la atención el predominio de pacientes provenientes de niveles socioeconómicos y educacionales bajos. Si bien las infecciones pueden corresponder a cuadros potencialmente fatales en pacientes oncológicos, la mayoría de nuestros casos correspondieron a cuadros leves.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Chile and infections are one of the main-triggering of death. The main objective of this research is to describe clinical and demographic characteristics of oncological patients of Hospital Base Valdivia with ongoing infectious complications between January-July 2013. Material and methods: series of cases, we reviewed the medical records of all oncological patients who had infectious complications between January-July 2013, excluding those who rejected the invitation or had incomplete medical records. Also, tools for determining nutritional status and socioeconomic status were applied. Data went through computational analysis with determination of descriptive statistics. Result: 38 patients were included with total of 52 infections. Sixteen were men and 22 women, average age was 59 years. Most belonged to lower socioeconomic strata and only had basic education. The most common underlying neoplasms were breast and cervical cancer. Sixteen patients were in stage IV and about two-thirds were malnourished. 31 of the 52 infections were localized, while in 21 there was systemic response, 5 progressed to sepsis and 2 to septic shock, 2 patients died because of their infections. The most common sites of infection were: bronchia, genitourinary tract and oral cavity. Clinically it was determined that 44 were bacterial infections, 3 fungal, 2 viral and 2 combined. Discussion: it draws our attention the predominance of patients from low socioeconomic and educational levels. While infections may correspond to potentially fatal complications in cancer patients, the majority of our cases were mild.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica temprana y tardía por colecistitis aguda: relación en la estadía hospitalaria: Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Chile 2011 / Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: relationship with length of hospital stay: Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Chile 2011

INTRODUCCIÓN: La colecistitis aguda es la inflamación aguda de la vesícula biliar, cuya resolución es mayoritariamente mediante colecistectomía laparoscópica (CL), siendo el momento de intervención aún controvertido. OBJETIVO: Determinar la relación entre el momento de intervención y la estadía postoperatoria de los pacientes colecistectomizados. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico. Se analizaron las fichas clínicas de pacientes intervenidos por colecistectomía laparoscópica en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke de Viña del Mar, entre Enero y Octubre de 2011. Criterios de inclusión: Edad entre 18 a 80 años, diagnóstico de colecistitis aguda e indicación de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Criterios de Exclusión: Pacientes según clasificación American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) IV ó V. Las variables consideradas fueron: edad, género, ASA, cirugía abdominal previa, estadía hospitalaria, tiempo operatorio y complicaciones. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron los datos de 88 pacientes, 57 de ellos fueron intervenidos posterior a 72 horas de iniciados sus síntomas (CL tardía) y 31 pacientes antes de 72 horas desde el inicio de su sintomatología (CL temprana). La mediana de la estadía hospitalaria en el grupo CL tardía fue de nueve días y en el grupo CL temprana de tres días, diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0,00001). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación a las características demográficas, clínicas, tiempo operatorio, complicaciones, ni estadía postoperatoria. DISCUSIÓN: Dada la menor estadía hospitalaria total, no influyendo en la estadía postoperatoria, tiempo operatorio ni complicaciones parece conveniente la realización de una CL antes de 72 horas iniciados los síntomas de los pacientes con colecistitis aguda.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is an acute inflammation of the gallbladder, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) being the treatment of choice, although, timing of the intervention still remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between timing of intervention and postoperative stay of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Medical records of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital in Viña del Mar, Chile between January and October 2011 were analized. Inclusion criteria: Age between 18 and 80 years old; diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and indication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Exclusion criteria: Patient according to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA) 4 or 5. The variables considered were: age, gender, ASA score, previous abdominal surgery, hospital stay, operative time and occurrence of complications. RESULTS: Data of 88 patients was analyzed. 31 of them were operated within 72 hours of beginning of symptoms (late LC) and 57 patients after 72 hours (early LC). The median hospital stay in late LC group was nine days and in the early LC group three days (IQR 2-4), which was statistically significant (p = 0.00001). No other significant differences were found in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics, operative time, complications, and postoperative stay. DISCUSSION: Regardless a lack of difference in postoperative stay, operative time and complication rate, it seems advisable to perform LC within72 hours of symptom onset in patients with acute cholecystitis, given the reduction of total hospital stay.

Consenso chileno sobre Abobotulinumtoxina A (Dysport®): indicaciones, técnicas / Chilean Consensus for on abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport®): indications, techniques

Botulinum neurotoxin is widely used to treat a variety of movement disorders, especially dystonia and spasticity. There botúlica different preparations of botulinum type A, that because biologics are difficult to compare. AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport ®) has recently been introduced in Chile for treating dystonia and spasticity. The aim of this paper is to provide a review by experts on the existing evidence and propose a practical guide to the use of the drug. Methods and Results: A group of Chilean experts met on 6 and 7 July 2012 to review AbobotulinumtoxinA doses along with injection protocols for dystonia, spasticity and other movement disorders. We worked in two groups, one composed of neurologists who reviewed the on dystonias and other by physiatrists who reviewed the indications for spasticity. Conclusions: Finally, there is a proposal in terms of dose, injection points and recommendations for dystonia and spasticity...

La neurotoxina botulínica es ampliamente usada para tratar una variedad de trastornos del movimiento, especialmente la distonía y la espasticidad. Existen diferentes preparados de toxina botúlica tipo A, que por ser productos biológicos resultan difícilmente comparables. La abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®) ha sido introducida en Chile recientemente para el tratamiento de la distonía y la espasticidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es entregar una revisión hecha por expertos sobre la evidencia existente y plantear una guía práctica para el uso del medicamento. Métodos y Resultados: Un grupo de expertos chilenos se reunieron el 6 y 7 julio de 2012 para revisar las dosis abobotulinumtoxin A, junto con los protocolos de inyección para la distonía, la espasticidad y otros trastornos del movimiento. Se trabajó en dos grupos, uno compuesto por neurólogos que revisaron las indicaciones en distonías y otro por fisiatras que revisaron las indicaciones para espasticidad. Conclusiones: Finalmente, se realiza una propuesta en cuanto a dosis, puntos a inyectar y recomendaciones para la distonia y espasticidad...

Atriplex atacamensis and Atriplex halimus resist As contamination in Pre-Andean soils (northern Chile).

The Pre-Andean area of Chile exhibits saline soils of volcanic origin naturally contaminated with arsenic (As), and we hypothesise that revegetation with resistant species may be a valid alternative for soil management in this area. Thus, the xerophytic and halophytic shrubs Atriplex halimus and Atriplex atacamensis were cultivated in containers for 90 days in Pre-Andean soil, As-soil, (111±19 mg As kg(-1), pH8.4±0.1) or control soil (12.7±1.1 mg As kg(-1), pH7.8±0.1) to evaluate As accumulation and resistance using stress bioindicators (chlorophylls, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiols). Sequential extraction of As-soil indicated that 52.3% of As was found in the most available fraction. The As distribution was significantly different between the species: A. halimus translocated the As to leaves, whilst A. atacamensis retained the As in roots. At 30 and 90 days, A. halimus showed similar As concentrations in the leaves (approximately 5.5 mg As kg(-1)), and As increased in stems and roots (up to 4.73 and 16.3 mg As kg(-1), respectively). In A. atacamensis, As concentration was lower (2.6 in leaves; 3.2 in stems and 6.9 in roots in mg As kg(-1)). Both species exhibited a high concentration of B in leaves (362-389 mg kg(-1)). If the plants are used for animal feed, it should be considered that A. halimus accumulates higher concentration of As and B in the leaves than A. atacamensis. Neither plant growth nor stress bioindicators were negatively affected by the high levels of available As, with the exception of MDA in the leaves of A. halimus. The results indicate that these plants resist contamination by arsenic, accumulating mainly the metalloid in the roots and can be recommended to generate plant cover in As-contaminated soils in the Pre-Andean region, under saline conditions controlled, preventing the dispersion of this metalloid via wind and leaching.

"Estilos de vida en adolescentes de nivel medio superior de una comunidad semiurbana" / "Lifestyles in teen top-middle level of a semi-urban comunity"

Se propuso identificar los estilos de vida en adolescentes de una comunidad semiurbana, buscando respuesta a la pregunta: ¿Cuáles son los factores que se identifican en el instrumento Fantastic, en los estudiantes de la comunidad de Ixtlahuaca? Se trabajó con la variable de estilos de vida, ocupando el instrumento FANTASTIC. La muestra la conforman 1088 estudiantes, 603 hombres y 485 mujeres. La religión de mayor prevalencia es la católica con 844. Del instrumento se obtuvo una fiabilidad de .79, con 6 factores identificados: sentimientos negativos y estrés, satisfacción y pensamiento positivo, alimentación dañina, relajación y sueño, alcohol y tabaco, cafeína. Se concluye que se requiere manejo de hábitos saludables, prevención de adicciones y alimentación.

The proposal was to identify lifestyles among adolescents in a semi-urban community, seeking answers to the question: What are the factors that are identified in the Fantastic instrument in students Ixtlahuaca community? We worked with the lifestyle variable, holding the instrument FANTASTIC. The sample is formed by 1088 students, 603 men and 485 women. The most prevalent religion is Catholic with 844. The instrument yielded a reliability of .79, with 6 factors identified: negative feelings and stress, satisfaction and positive thinking, harmful food, relaxation and sleep, alcohol and snuff, caffeine. It is concluded that it is required management of healthy habits, addictions and alimentation prevention.

Fístula aortocava como complicación de aneurisma aórtico abdominal / Aortocaval fistula as a complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Aortocaval fistula (ACF) is an infrequent complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Diagnosis is suspected by the presence of a continuous abdominal bruit and pulsatile abdominal mass, with variable signs of venous congestion and acute heart failure. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is useful in establishing the diagnosis, showing early enhancement of inferior vena cava and, in some cases, identifying the arteriovenous comunication. Surgical treatment is usually complex, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Endovascular treatment seems to be a promising alternative for the management of these patients. We report a case of ACF treated with open surgery and a literature review of this rare condition.

La fístula aortocava (FAC) es una complicación infrecuente del aneurisma aórtico abdominal (AAA). El diagnóstico se sospecha por la detección de un soplo continuo en el hemiabdomen inferior, asociado a masa abdominal pulsátil y signos variables de congestión venosa e insuficiencia cardíaca. La tomografía computada multicorte (TCM) permite confirmar el diagnóstico, evidenciando contraste de la vena cava inferior en fase arterial e identificando la zona anatómica de la comunicación arteriovenosa, en algunos casos. La reparación quirúrgica suele ser compleja, reportándose una alta morbi-mortalidad asociada. El uso de técnicas endovasculares pareciera mejorar el pronóstico de esta entidad. Reportamos un caso de FAC tratado mediante cirugía abierta. Se incluye una revisión de la literatura respecto a esta rara condición.

Análisis de variables clínicas en pacientes con obstrucción arterial aguda en Hospital Gustavo Fricke / Clinical variables analysis in patients with acute arterial obstruction in Gustavo Fricke’s Hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obstrucción arterial aguda (OAA) de extremidades es un cuadro grave, con una mortalidad cercana al 20 por ciento, por lo que requiere un diagnostico etiológico y manejo oportuno. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar sobrevida y variables clínicas según etiología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional analítico de casos de OAA no traumáticos atendidos entre años 2003 y 2007 en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, con seguimiento vía registro civil y telefónico para obtener datos actualizados. RESULTADOS: Hubo 65 episodios de OAA en 60 pacientes durante el período. Se registraron 42 embolías (64,6 por ciento), 17 trombosis (26,1 por ciento), y 6 trombosis de by pass (9,2 por ciento). Se apreciaron diferencias significativas en edad (p=0,031) y género (p=0,033). El tabaquismo presentó un LR(+) de 2,61 y claudicación intermitente LR(+) 6,67para predecir etiología trombótica. El antecedente de accidente cerebrovascular presentó un LR(+) 4,65, el de arritmia LR(+) 12,05 y el de insuficiencia cardíaca LR(+) 8,76 para predecir etiología embólica. La sobrevida libre de amputación a 6 meses fue 90 por ciento. La sobrevida a 5 años fue 54,2 por ciento, siendo 37,8 por ciento en el grupo con embolía y 81,8 por ciento en el con trombosis (p<0,001). Pacientes con OAAde etiología embólica tenían un OR de 5,42 (IC95 por ciento 1,53-19,12) de fallecer comparados con pacientes con etiología trombótica. DISCUSIÓN: Las variables clínicas analizadas se comportarían como factores predictores de la etiologia de OAA, y por tanto del pronóstico y sobrevida de los pacientes. La mayor mortalidad del grupo de embolías se puede explicar por mayor edad, comorbilidades cardiovasculares, y embolías fatales a otros territorios.

INTRODUCTION: The acute arterial obstruction (AAO) of a limb is a severe condition, with almost 20 percent mortality, and therefore requires an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze survival rates according to etiology and clinical variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytic observational study of non-traumatic AAO cases treated between 2003 and 2007 at Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, confirming survival through the Office of Civil Registration and telephonic follow up. RESULTS: There were 65 episodes of AAO in 60 patients during this period; 42 of these were embolism episodes (64.6 percent), 17 thrombosis episodes (26.1 percent) and 6 by-pass thrombosis (9.2 percent). There was significant difference in age (p=0.031) and gender (p=0.033). Smoking had a LR (+) of 2.61 for predicting thrombotic etiology whereas intermitent claudication had a LR (+) of 6.67. History of stroke, arrhythmia, and heart failure showed LR (+) for predicting embolic etiology of 4.65, 12.05, and 8.76 respectively. The amputation-free survival at 6 months was 90 percent. The 5 years survival was 54.2 percent 37.8 percent in the group with embolic etiology and 81.8 percent for thrombosis etiology (p <0.001). Patients with AAO with embolic etiology had an OR of 5.42 (IC95 percent 1,53-19,12) for decease compared with patients with thrombotic etiology. DISCUSSION: The clinical variables analyzed were proven to be good predictors for AAO etiology, hence for patients´ prognosis and survival. Higher mortality in the embolic etiology group could be explained by older age, cardiovascular comorbidities, and fatal stroke in other territories.