Evaluation of the impact of the intensive exploitation of groundwater and the mega-drought based on the hydrochemical and isotopic composition of the waters of the Chacabuco-Polpaico basin in central Chile.

A hydrogeochemical and isotopic study has been carried out to understand the hydrogeological functioning of a small alluvial aquifer in central Chile in a context of mega-drought and intensive exploitation of its waters. Additionally, two mine tailings dams from porphyry copper mining are situated in the area. The prolonged mega-drought, which has lasted for over thirteen years, has resulted in a significant decrease in rainfall recharge and a drop of up to 50 m in piezometric levels, although no serious groundwater contamination problems have yet been detected, except for a rise in nitrate contents (ranging between 23 and 45 mg/L NO3) attributed to return irrigation. Groundwaters are calcium-bicarbonate and calcium-sodium-bicarbonate in composition. The values of δ18O and δ2H of the alluvial aquifer indicate fractionation by evaporation that would be explained by the recirculation of water that occurs in the agricultural areas of the basin, where the excess irrigation water that go back to the aquifer presents fractionation by evaporation. The δ34S and δ18O of dissolved sulfate point to pyrite oxidation, which could be related to the pyrite present in the copper porphyry and recognized in the Andes Cordillera. The 87Sr/86Sr isotopic values of the alluvial aquifer waters are close to the isotopic fingerprint of the volcanic rocks of the Abanico Formation. However, the water from the wells located further downstream in the basin and close to the tailing dams show δ34S and δ18O of dissolved sulfate and 87Sr/86Sr consistent with Miocene intrusive mineralogies of the copper porphyry type. The groundwater chemistry does not show water seepage from the tailings dam. Therefore, a minor contribution of minerals related to the intrusive rocks is proposed, which would originate from the movement of fine particles by the wind from the dams to the valley floor. The 14C activities indicate that groundwater is recent.

Heavy metal pollution index calculation in geochemistry assessment: a case study on Playa Las Petroleras.

This work is aimed to assess potential risk associated with the presence of metals and metalloids in soil at "Playa Las Petroleras" sector, located in Antofagasta (Chile). The zone under study has been affected by four oil spill events. This sector is located in an urban area by the sea. So, it has a great social and environmental relevance. The concentrations of 15 elements in soil samples were assessed, four of them presenting potential ecological risk: As, Co, Cu, and Pb. Nine pollution indices were applied to data: four single pollution indices and five integrated pollution indices to assess soil pollution. The single pollution indices show that the site bears potential ecological and environmental risk due to the presence of Cu, the site being classified as highly contaminated owing to a severe enrichment of this metal. For Co, all the indices allow classifying the site as little or uncontaminated, while the level of As and Pb pollution could be considered as ranging from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. The integrated pollution indices show that average concentrations are highly contaminated mainly owing to the presence of Cu.

El amor en Badiou: ontologia del vacío, la no relación sexual y la verdad / Love in Badiou: ontology of void, non-sexual relationship and truth / O amor em Badiou: ontologia do vazio, da não-sexualidade e da verdade

RESUMEN El objetivo del siguiente artículo de reflexion es ofrecer una lectura del concepto de amor en el pensamiento de Alain Badiou que medie y armonice el trasfondo abstracto y formal de su metaontología con sus conocidas intervenciones sobre este concepto dirigidas al gran público. Se llena con ello un vacío en la literatura que analiza esta region de su pensamiento. El artículo acomete esta tarea en tres momentos: primero se explica la conexión, que se asume que hay entre la teorïa del ser como multiplicidad y la teona lacaniana de la sexuación a fin de senalar la continuidad y limite entre las mismas. Tras ello, situamos el amor en las coordenadas de la teoría del acontecimiento, el sujeto y la verdad. Finalmente, interpretamos la propuesta de Badiou a la luz de algunos elementos que proceden de la teoría del amor de Platon y de lo que llamamos un comunismo de la diferencia o mínimo.

AВSTRAСT The aim of the current reflection article is to offer a reading of the concept of love in Alain Badiou's thought that mediates and harmonizes the abstract and formal background of his metaontology with his well-known interventions on this concept aimed at the general public. This fills a gap in the literature that analyzes this region of his thinking. The article undertakes this task in three moments: First the connection, which is assumed to exist, between the theory of being as multiplicity and the Lacanian theory of sexuation is explained in order to indicate the continuity and limit between them. After that, we place love in the coordinates of the theory of the event, the subject and the truth. Finally we interpret Badiou's proposal in the light of some elements that come from Plato's theory of love and what we call a communism of difference or minimum.

RESUMО O objetivo do artigo de reflexão a seguir é oferecer uma leitura do conceito de amor no pensamento de Alain Badiou que medeia e harmoniza o fundo abstrato e formal de sua metaontologia com suas conhecidas intervenções sobre este conceito dirigidas ao público em geral. Isto preenche uma lacuna na literatura que analisa esta região de seu pensamento. O artigo empreende esta tarefa em três etapas: primeiro, a suposta conexão entre a teoria do eu como multiplicidade e a teoria lacaniana da sexuação é explicada a fim de apontar a continuidade e os limites entre elas. Em seguida, situamos o amor nas coordenadas da teoria do evento, do assunto e da verdade. Finalmente, interpretamos a proposta de Badiou á luz de alguns elementos que provêm da teoria do amor de Platão e do que chamamos um comunismo de diferença ou minimalismo.

Vitamin Supplements as a Nutritional Strategy against Chronic Alcohol Consumption? An Updated Review.

Several studies have shown that blood vitamin levels are low in alcoholic patients. In effect, alcohol use abuse is considered a chronic disease that promotes the pathogenesis of many fatal diseases, such as cancer and liver cirrhosis. The alcohol effects in the liver can be prevented by antioxidant mechanisms, which induces enzymatic as well as other nonenzymatic pathways. The effectiveness of several antioxidants has been evaluated. However, these studies have been accompanied by uncertainty as mixed results were reported. Thus, the aim of the present review article was to examine the current knowledge on vitamin deficiency and its role in chronic liver disease. Our review found that deficiencies in nutritional vitamins could develop rapidly during chronic liver disease due to diminished hepatic storage and that inadequate vitamins intake and alcohol consumption may interact to deplete vitamin levels. Numerous studies have described that vitamin supplementation could reduce hepatotoxicity. However, further studies with reference to the changes in vitamin status and the nutritional management of chronic liver disease are in demand.

Processes explaining the origin and evolution of groundwater composition in the Andean Precordillera and Altiplano of the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile.

In the arid area of northern Chile, groundwater resources in the Andean formations are essential for native populations, ecological services, mining, and other human activities. Validated conceptual hydrogeological models are required for current and future water and land management. This work aims to explain the processes controlling the origin and distribution of recharge and groundwater composition in the Andean Precordillera and Altiplano of the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile, using major solutes in spring, river, and well water, and the stable and radioactive isotopes of water oxygen, hydrogen, and dissolved inorganic carbon. The waters are mainly of the Na-Ca-SO4 type. Processes controlling the chemical evolution of waters are atmospheric dust contribution, evapo-concentration, and enhanced volcanic rock weathering, as well as halite dissolution in some locations. The isotopic composition of Precordillera eastern flank water samples follows an evaporation line, while those in the western flank, in the Altiplano, follow a line that is parallel to the local meteoric line, suggesting unsaturated zone evaporation processes of infiltrated rainfall. δ13CDIC contents (-2 to -27‰) indicate mixing processes, volcanic CO2 in the Altiplano, and calcite dissolution in some sectors. In the western depression, the only recharge is due to water infiltration in creek channels. In the highland areas, 5-25% of precipitation produces recharge. The estimated groundwater renewal time in the Precordillera was 3-14 kyr. The piezometric elevation in the Precordillera due to low-permeability intrusive rocks and local recharge prevents the east-west groundwater transfer from the Altiplano to the western depression and explains why the volcanic CO2 in the Altiplano basins is not observed on the western flank. These results provide new insights for the evolution of water quality in volcanic aquifers in arid environments and provide considerations for estimating groundwater residence times using radiocarbon in areas influenced by volcanic CO2.

Prevalence of Short Root Anomaly in a Group of Puerto Ricans.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of short root anomaly (SRA) in a group of Puerto Ricans at the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics of the University of Puerto Rico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with digital panoramic x-rays of 203 patients (112 females and 91 males; mean age: 17 years) in Puerto Rico. Utilizing the modified Lind's method, 406 maxillary right and left central incisors (1) were measured and evaluated for SRA. Root and crown length and R/C ratio were compared by sex and side. Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between the R/C ratio and age, sex, and side (right/left). All the statistical analyses were evaluated using significance level of .05 (2). RESULTS: The prevalence of SRA was 0.49%. The average root and crown lengths for the maxillary right and left central incisors were 19.47 and 10.28 mm, respectively. Sex was associated with root and crown length, not with the R/C ratio. No differences were observed in the R/C ratio by the side. There were no significant associations between age, sex, and side and R/C ratio in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SRA in our population is lower than any reported in the literature. The R/C ratio in our Hispanic population was the highest compared with those of other ethnicities. Neither the sex nor the side of the incisor was associated with the R/C ratio. These findings are contrary to those of prior reports stating that males have higher R/C ratios than females.

Relationship between ethanol intake and insulin sensitivity metabolism in men with no comorbidities: a systematic review / Relación entre la ingesta de etanol y el metabolismo de la sensibilidad a la insulina en hombres sin comorbilidades: una revisión sistemática

SUMMARY: The association of alcohol consumption with type 2 diabetes has been explained by increased insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory effects, or effects of adiponectin. The aim was to launch a consistent relation between alcohol intake and insulin sensitivity. Several databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from 1990 to April 2020 for studies in English, using MeSH terms and text words involving to alcohol consumption and insulin sensitivity. Protocol registered on PROSPERO CRD42020205107. A total of seven original articles were analyzed, where four collected data through cross-sectional study, two papers with randomized crossover design, and one used a non-randomized study. The protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on type 2 diabetes has been described, where an improvement on insulin levels has been shown in adults between 26.5-57 years old. Our research shows that alcohol effects on blood insulin levels could vary depending of the type of alcoholic drink ingested; and that alcohol intake increased leptin and adiponectin levels, suggesting that alcohol consumption may increase glucose catabolism promoting insulin sensitivity via leptin and adiponectin. However, original studies should consider time of exposure, age, dosage, ethnicity, and alcohol type in order to conclude right affirmations.

RESUMEN: La asociación del consumo de alcohol con la diabetes tipo 2 se ha explicado por una mayor sensibilidad a la insulina, efectos antiinflamatorios o efectos de la adiponectina. El objetivo fue establecer una relación coherente entre la ingesta de alcohol y la sensibilidad a la insulina. Se realizaron búsquedas en varias bases de datos (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus y Web of Science) desde 1990 hasta abril de 2020 en busca de estudios en inglés, utilizando términos MeSH y palabras de textos relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol y la sensibilidad a la insulina. Protocolo registrado en PROSPERO CRD42020205107. Se analizaron un total de siete artículos originales, donde cuatro recopilaron datos a través de un estudio transversal, dos artículos con diseño cruzado aleatorizado y uno utilizó un estudio no aleatorizado. Se ha descrito el efecto protector del consumo moderado de alcohol sobre la diabetes tipo 2, donde se ha demostrado una mejora de los niveles de insulina en adultos entre 26,5 y 57 años. Nuestra investigación muestra que los efectos del alcohol sobre los niveles de insulina en sangre pueden variar según el tipo de bebida alcohólica ingerida; y que la ingesta de alcohol aumenta los niveles de leptina y adiponectina, lo que sugiere que el consumo de alcohol puede aumentar el catabolismo de la glucosa promoviendo la sensibilidad a la insulina a través de la leptina y la adiponectina. Sin embargo, los estudios originales deben considerar el tiempo de exposición, la edad, la dosis, el origen étnico y el tipo de alcohol para concluir afirmaciones correctas.

Recharge and residence times of groundwater in hyper arid areas: The confined aquifer of Calama, Loa River Basin, Atacama Desert, Chile.

Groundwater recharge in hyper arid areas often depends on surface water infiltration and diffuse recharge of highly evaporated precipitation only contribute under favorable conditions. This happens in the Calama basin two-aquifer system, in the Central Andean area of northern Chile. A conceptual model of the groundwater system and its relationship with the Loa River is defined. We focus on the confined aquifer of the Calama basin, combining hydrodynamic, hydrogeochemical and isotopic methods. Radiocarbon (14C) activity data of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), in conjunction with chemical data, are applied to evaluate groundwater residence time within the confined aquifer. The Loa River recharges the Calama basin aquifers in its northeastern part, with water that has chemical and isotopic characteristics inherited from the arid environment and volcanic rocks in its upper basin. In the central and northeastern part of the confined aquifer, minor variations in chloride concentration suggest that the deep aquifer is well confined. The δ18O and δ2H values in groundwater of the confined aquifer show an increasing isotopic fractionation from the recharge area (around -10‰ δ18O) to those in the discharge area (between -8.5‰ and -8‰) in the southwestern part of the aquifer. The 14C activity continuously decreases down flow from the recharge by the Loa River. Adjusted DIC radiocarbon ages indicate a groundwater travel time between 1500 and 4000 years in the confined aquifer of Calama. Despite the limitations and uncertainties of radiocarbon in DIC to estimate groundwater transit times for the confined aquifer and considering complementary chemical and isotopic constraints, the DIC 14C provides acceptable values. The approach may be applicable in other confined aquifers in hyper-arid climates in which the formation of aquifer systems linked to river damming by geological action took place. This information is needed for sound management of the scarce groundwater resources.

First Molecular Characterization of Trichostrongylus colubriformis Infection in Rural Patients from Chile.

PURPOSE: The aim was to characterize the infection by Trichostrongylus spp. in patients from Chile using a combination of molecular detection techniques and phylogenetic analysis relating the findings to clinical and epidemiological reports of the patients METHODS: Strongylid eggs were detected in seven patients by coproparasitological techniques. From each sample a fragment of the ITS-2 ribosomal gene was amplified by PCR, sequenced and analyzed by the Neighbor-Joining method. RESULTS: All the sequences and phylogenetic clusters corresponded to T. colubriformis. Two samples presented a single nucleotide polymorphism showing two possible haplotypes. Six patients presented gastrointestinal symptoms. All of them lived on farms and used sheep manure as fertilizer. CONCLUSION: T. colubriformis was the strongylid involved in the infections of these Chilean patients associated with the presence of livestock and agricultural practices that favor infection by this type of nematode.

Polimorfismo genético ACTN3 R577X en deportistas universitarios chilenos / ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphism in Chilean college athletes

Uno de los principales factores genéticos que influenciarían el rendimiento muscular humano es el gen ACTN3, que codifica la proteína estructural del sarcómero α-actinina-3. El polimorfismo R577X (rs1815739) del gen ACTN3 ha sido asociado con varios indicadores de rendimiento muscular y físico en deportistas y población general, pero este fenómeno ha sido escasamente descrito en poblaciones de Latinoamérica y Chile. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la frecuencia genotípica y distribución alélica de los genotipos de ACTN3 R577X en deportistas universitarios chilenos. 129 deportistas universitarios chilenos representantes de diferentes selecciones deportivas (halterofilia, balonmano, voleibol, rugby, basquetbol, futbol y futsal) participaron como voluntarios. Los análisis moleculares del polimorfismo R577X del gen ACTN3 fueron realizados mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y restricción enzimática (RFLP). La distribución de genotipos del polimorfismo ACTN3 R577X fue RR: 34,8 % (n=45), RX: 50,4 % (n=65), XX: 14,7 % (n=19), y la frecuencia relativa de alelos fue R: 0,601 y X: 0,399. Además, se encontró asociación entre distribución de genotipos (c2= 12,26; 2 gl; p=0,002) y frecuencia relativa de alelos (c2= 11.02; 1 gl; p=0.0009) con el sexo de los participantes. Sin embargo, no hubo asociación al realizar análisis por tipo de deporte practicado. Los hallazgos de la presente investigación sugieren que el polimorfismo R577X del gen ACTN3 está asociado con el sexo en deportistas universitarios chilenos. Además, estos resultados describen de forma inédita la distribución genotípica y frecuencia alélica de esta variante genética en población chilena, mostrando una distribución similar a otros estudios realizados en poblaciones de deportistas en Brasil, Rusia, Estados Unidos y Turquía. No obstante, también muestra diferencias con otras poblaciones generales y de deportistas.

One of the main genetic factors that influence the muscular performance is the gene that encodes the structural protein α-actinin-3 (ACTN3). The R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) of ACTN3 has been associated with indicators of muscle and physical performance in athletes and general population, but this has been scarcely described in the Latin American and Chilean population. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the genotypic frequency and allelic distribution of ACTN3 R577X genotypes in college athletes. A total of 129 unrelated Chilean college athletes representing various sport disciplines (weightlifting, handball, volleyball, rugby, basketball, soccer and futsal) were volunteered for the study. ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). For the total sample the genotypes distribution for R577X polymorphism was RR: 34.8 % (n=45), RX: 50.4 % (n=65), XX: 14.7 % (n=19), and the relative frequency of alleles was R: 0,601 and X: 0,399. Moreover, an association was found between genotype distribution (c2= 12.26; 2 df; p=0.002) and allele frequencies (c2= 11.02; 1 df; p=0.0009) with the sex of the participants. However, there were no associations when performing analysis by type of sports. These findings suggest that the R577X polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene is associated with sex in Chilean college athletes. Furthermore, these results describe in an unprecedented manner, the genotypic distribution and allelic frequency of this genetic variant in Chilean population, showing a similar distribution to other studies conducted in populations of athletes in Brazil, Russia, the United States and Turkey. However, it also shows differences with other general and athletes populations.

The origin of solutes in groundwater in a hyper-arid environment: A chemical and multi-isotope approach in the Atacama Desert, Chile.

The major ion and the multi-isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr, δ11B, δ34S(SO4) and δ18O(SO4)) of groundwater from the Central Depression in northern Chile is investigated to identify the origin of groundwater solutes in the hyper-arid core of the Atacama Desert. The study area is between the Cordillera de Domeyko and the Central Depression, at latitudes 24-25°S, and is characterized by near-zero air moisture conditions, rare precipitation and very limited runoff. Groundwater composition varies from Ca-HCO3 to Ca, Na-SO4 type below elevations of 3400 m a.s.l. The rCl/rBr ratio of meteoric waters and groundwater overlap, but significantly increase in the aquifer as salinity goes up due to evapoconcentration far from the Domeyko Cordillera. The wind-displaced dust originating in the Central Depression (87Sr/86Sr: 0.706558-0.710645; δ34S(SO4): 0 to +4‰) affects the precipitation composition in the highest parts of the Domeyko Cordillera (87Sr/86Sr: 0.706746-0.709511; δ34S(SO4): +1 to +6‰), whose δ34S(SO4) and δ11B values are greatly different from marine aerosols, discarding its contribution to dust at this distance inland. Sr and S isotopic values in groundwater indicate a strong relation with three main geological units: i) Paleozoic rocks contribute high radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to groundwater (0.707011-0.714862), while sulphate isotopic composition is probably acquired from atmospheric dust (>- 1.4‰), ii) Jurassic marine limestones contribute low-radiogenic strontium isotopic ratios to groundwater (<0.70784), while sulphate can be related to oxidized sulphides that change the isotopic signatures of sulphur (<-1.2‰), and iii) mixed salts in the Atacama Gravels contribute lower radiogenic strontium isotopic ratios and sulphate to groundwater (87Sr/86Sr: <0.707324; δ34S(SO4): +0.1 to +7.7). These three processes reflect water-rock interactions. The δ11B of groundwater generally up to +13‰, does not increase along the regional groundwater flow path, discarding fractionation by interaction with clays. These results improve the understanding of the groundwater evolution in hyper-arid systems through a new conceptual model.

Groundwater recharge and hydrodynamics of complex volcanic aquifers with a shallow saline lake: Laguna Tuyajto, Andean Cordillera of northern Chile.

Estimating groundwater recharge in arid regions with seasonal snow cover, as in the Andean Altiplano of northern Chile, is important for sustainable development policies and the effective management of scarce resources in a high water demanding zone, as fragile ecosystems depends on a stable water contribution. This research aims to evaluate and quantify rainfall and snowfall contribution to aquifer recharge while assessing the factors that control the hydrodynamics in such areas, based in the knowledge of the better documented Tuyajto Lake in the Tuyajto catchment/basin. The modeling framework involves an energy balance of the snow cover, a soil water balance and a groundwater flow and chloride transport model. The basin average annual recharge is about 23% of average precipitation. Snowmelt contribution to recharge is important at altitudes above 4700 m a.s.l. during September, while rainfall is more important in February and March, during short intense precipitation events. The hydraulic conductivity of ignimbrites and other volcanic formations are the most important hydrogeological parameters controlling lake level and spring flow rates, while albedo and snowpack surface roughness length on the energy balance causes the greatest variation of lake level. Evaporation is the process controlling the variability of the lake level, as aquifer contribution remains relatively constant and springs flow variability is not enough to cause the observed variations, except during November. Possible buried salts deposits on the eastern edges of Pampa Colorada and Tuyajto Lake, together with volcanic HCl contribution, justify the high measured groundwater chloride concentrations. A recharge 2-3 higher than the current one is necessary to justify a lake level 40 m above its modern value during the Last Glacial period, giving insight into past hydrological changes in the basin due to climate variability. The knowledge gained can be applied to other high altitude volcanic basins with seasonal snow cover.

Groundwater origin and recharge in the hyperarid Cordillera de la Costa, Atacama Desert, northern Chile.

The Cordillera de la Costa is located along the coastline of northern Chile, in the hyperarid Atacama Desert area. Chemical and isotopic analyses of several small coastal springs and groundwater reservoirs between 22.5 °S and 25.5 °S allow understanding groundwater origin, renewal time and the probable timing of recharge. The aquifers are mostly in old volcanic rocks and alluvial deposits. All spring waters are brackish, of the sodium chloride type due to intensive concentration of precipitation due aridity and for deep groundwater to additional water-rock interaction in slowly renewed groundwater and mixing with deep seated brines. The heavy δ18O and δ2H values in spring water are explained by recharge by the arrival of moist air masses from the Pacific Ocean and the originally lighter values in the deep wells can be associated to past recharge by air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean. Current recharge is assumed almost nil but it was significant in past wetter-than-present periods, increasing groundwater reserves, which are not yet exhausted. To explain the observed chloride content and radiocarbon (14C) activity, a well-mixed (exponential) flow model has been considered for aquifer recharge. The average residence time of groundwater feeding the springs has been estimated between 1 and 2kyr, up to 5kyr and between 7 and 13kyr for deep well water, assuming that current recharge is much less than during the previous wetter period. The recharge period feeding the coastal springs could have been produced 1 to 5kyr BP, when the area was already inhabited, and recharge in the Michilla mine was produced during the 10 to 14.5kyr BP CAPE (Central Andean Pluvial Event) pluvial events of the central Andes. The approximate coincidence of turnover time with the past wet periods, as revealed by paleoclimate data, points to significant recharge during them.

Land surface temperature as an indicator of the unsaturated zone thickness: A remote sensing approach in the Atacama Desert.

Land surface temperature (LST) seems to be related to the temperature of shallow aquifers and the unsaturated zone thickness (∆Zuz). That relationship is valid when the study area fulfils certain characteristics: a) there should be no downward moisture fluxes in an unsaturated zone, b) the soil composition in terms of both, the different horizon materials and their corresponding thermal and hydraulic properties, must be as homogeneous and isotropic as possible, c) flat and regular topography, and d) steady state groundwater temperature with a spatially homogeneous temperature distribution. A night time Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image and temperature field measurements are used to test the validity of the relationship between LST and ∆Zuz at the Pampa del Tamarugal, which is located in the Atacama Desert (Chile) and meets the above required conditions. The results indicate that there is a relation between the land surface temperature and the unsaturated zone thickness in the study area. Moreover, the field measurements of soil temperature indicate that shallow aquifers dampen both the daily and the seasonal amplitude of the temperature oscillation generated by the local climate conditions. Despite empirically observing the relationship between the LST and ∆Zuz in the study zone, such a relationship cannot be applied to directly estimate ∆Zuz using temperatures from nighttime thermal satellite images. To this end, it is necessary to consider the soil thermal properties, the soil surface roughness and the unseen water and moisture fluxes (e.g., capillarity and evaporation) that typically occur in the subsurface.

Association of polymorphisms within the Renin-Angiotensin System with metabolic syndrome in a cohort of Chilean subjects

ABSTRACT Objective Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. Thus, genetic variants related with these conditions may modulate its development. We evaluated the effect of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on metabolic syndrome risk in a cohort of Chilean subjects. Subjects and methods A total of 152 subjects, 83 with MetS (51.2 ± 9.6 years) and 69 without MetS (49.5 ± 9.3 years) of both genders were included, according to the ATP III update criteria. The rs4340 Insertion/Deletion (I/D), rs699 (T>C) and rs5186 (A>C) of the ACE, AGT and AGTR1 genes, respectively, were genotyped. Results After adjusting for age and gender, we observed the DD genotype of rs4340 associated with MetS (p = 0.02). Specifically, the DD genotype was associated with MetS risk in women (OR = 4.62, 95%CI, 1.41 – 15.04; p < 0.01). In males, the AA genotype for rs5186 variant was associated with an increased risk for developing MetS when compared with women carrying the same genotype (OR = 3.2; 95%CI, 1.03 – 9.89; p = 0.04). In subjects without MetS, DD genotype was associated with increased waist circumference (p = 0.023) while subjects with MetS carrying the rs5186 TT genotype showed higher levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.031). Conclusion The present study contributes data highlighting the role for RAS polymorphisms in predisposing to metabolic syndrome in Chilean subjects.

Association of polymorphisms within the Renin-Angiotensin System with metabolic syndrome in a cohort of Chilean subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. Thus, genetic variants related with these conditions may modulate its development. We evaluated the effect of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on metabolic syndrome risk in a cohort of Chilean subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 152 subjects, 83 with MetS (51.2 ± 9.6 years) and 69 without MetS (49.5 ± 9.3 years) of both genders were included, according to the ATP III update criteria. The rs4340 Insertion/Deletion (I/D), rs699 (T>C) and rs5186 (A>C) of the ACE, AGT and AGTR1 genes, respectively, were genotyped. RESULTS: After adjusting for age and gender, we observed the DD genotype of rs4340 associated with MetS (p = 0.02). Specifically, the DD genotype was associated with MetS risk in women (OR = 4.62, 95%CI, 1.41 - 15.04; p < 0.01). In males, the AA genotype for rs5186 variant was associated with an increased risk for developing MetS when compared with women carrying the same genotype (OR = 3.2; 95%CI, 1.03 - 9.89; p = 0.04). In subjects without MetS, DD genotype was associated with increased waist circumference (p = 0.023) while subjects with MetS carrying the rs5186 TT genotype showed higher levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: The present study contributes data highlighting the role for RAS polymorphisms in predisposing to metabolic syndrome in Chilean subjects.

Groundwater flow in a closed basin with a saline shallow lake in a volcanic area: Laguna Tuyajto, northern Chilean Altiplano of the Andes.

Laguna Tuyajto is a small, shallow saline water lake in the Andean Altiplano of northern Chile. In the eastern side it is fed by springs that discharge groundwater of the nearby volcanic aquifers. The area is arid: rainfall does not exceed 200mm/year in the rainiest parts. The stable isotopic content of spring water shows that the recharge is originated mainly from winter rain, snow melt, and to a lesser extent from some short and intense sporadic rainfall events. Most of the spring water outflowing in the northern side of Laguna Tuyajto is recharged in the Tuyajto volcano. Most of the spring water in the eastern side and groundwater are recharged at higher elevations, in the rims of the nearby endorheic basins of Pampa Colorada and Pampa Las Tecas to the East. The presence of tritium in some deep wells in Pampa Colorada and Pampa Las Tecas indicates recent recharge. Gas emission in recent volcanoes increase the sulfate content of atmospheric deposition and this is reflected in local groundwater. The chemical composition and concentration of spring waters are the result of meteoric water evapo-concentration, water-rock interaction, and mainly the dissolution of old and buried evaporitic deposits. Groundwater flow is mostly shallow due to a low permeability ignimbrite layer of regional extent, which also hinders brine spreading below and around the lake. High deep temperatures near the recent Tuyajto volcano explain the high dissolved silica contents and the δ(18)O shift to heavier values found in some of the spring waters. Laguna Tuyajto is a terminal lake where salts cumulate, mostly halite, but some brine transfer to the Salar de Aguas Calientes-3 cannot be excluded. The hydrogeological behavior of Laguna Tuyajto constitutes a model to understand the functioning of many other similar basins in other areas in the Andean Altiplano.

Seroprevalencia de infección por trypanosoma cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en 12 departamentos de Honduras, 2013-2015

El tamizaje de mujeres embarazadas para la infección de Trypanosoma cruzi,como componente inicial, en el desarrollo del sistema de vigilancia de latransmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas supone un desafío para elcontrol de esta enfermedad parasitaria, pues las mujeres embarazadasrepresentan un sub-grupo de la población especialmente vulnerable, no solo porformar parte de la epidemiologia de la enfermedad, si no por el riesgo deinfectar a su descendencia.El presente trabajo tiene como propósito inicial, determinar la magnitud delproblema, generando información científica útil, orientando la formulación deconsultas e hipótesis para futuros estudios, que apoyen al fortalecimiento de lacapacidad de atención a las mujeres embarazadas durante el control prenatal, yasí mismo contribuir al aumento de la captación para la detección de casospositivos.Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, cuya pregunta principal a responder fue, cuales la seroprevalencia de la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en mujeresembarazadas, en 12 departamentos de Honduras, desde el año 2013 hastafebrero de 2015Al realizar el análisis de los datos, se determinó que la seroprevalencia deinfección por T. cruzi en mujeres gestantes, es de 1.6%, encontrando lamayoría de casos positivos en los departamentos de Santa Bárbara con 24%,Olancho con 13.3%, La Paz y Yoro con un 11.1% respectivamente...

Impacto del manejo con neuroestimulación en un paciente con síndrome doloroso complejo y cambios tróficos severos. Reporte de caso / Impact of the use of neurostimulation for the management of a patient with complex pain syndrome and severe trophic changes. Case report

Introducción: Causas frecuentes de síndrome doloroso regional complejo (SDRC) son el trauma y la cirugía en extremidades. Algunos casos resultan demuy difícil manejo a pesar de la utilización de altas dosis de analgésicos, antiinflamatorios y terapia física lo cual motiva la búsqueda de terapias intervencionistas que frenen su progresión. Descripción del caso y resultados: Presentamos el caso de un paciente a quien se le diagnosticó SDRC tipo i con cambios tróficos severos y marcada limitación funcional, que fue manejado con múltiples terapias farmacológicas y bloqueos nerviosos sin mejoría evidente, a quien posteriormente se decidió realizar una prueba con neuroestimulación, la cual fue favorable. Meses después se obtuvo una mejoría sustancial ya que presentó mejoría del dolor «de un 100%¼; disminución del edema y retorno progresivo al aspecto normal de la mano, recuperación parcial de la fuerza y disminución de su limitación funcional, explicable por la adición de esta terapia de manera definitiva. Conclusión: La neuroestimulación ejerce un impacto notable sobre la evolución del SDRC con cambios tróficos en pacientes con pobre respuesta al manejo farmacológico indicado. El inicio temprano de esta intervención facilita la recuperación funcional y psicológica al paciente que, usualmente, se encuentra en una etapa productiva de su vida.

Introduction: Limb trauma and surgery are frequent causes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Some cases are very difficult to manage despite the use of high-dose analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy; hence the need to look for interventional therapies to slow its progression. Case description and results: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with CRPS type I with severe trophic changes and marked functional limitation, managed with multiple pharmacological therapies and nerve blocks without apparent improvement. The patient decided to try neurostimulation with favourable results and substantial improvement months later reported as «100% improvement¼ of pain; reduced oedema; progressive recovery of the normal appearance of the hand; partial recovery of strength, and improved function attributable to the use of this additional therapy. Conclusion: Neurostimulation has a noticeable impact on the course of the complex regional pain syndrome accompanied by trophic changes in patients with a poor response to there commended pharmacological management. Early initiation of this intervention facilitates functional and psychological recovery of the patients, who are usually in the productive stage of their lives.

Clinical and echographic long-term follow-up of a retinal macrocyst: a case report.

The purpose of this paper is to report the case of a 62-year-old male diagnosed with a retinal macrocyst secondary to a long-standing retinal detachment in his right eye. At fundoscopy examination, an oval, elevated retinal lesion in the superior nasal quadrant was noted. Ultrasonography was performed, with a B-mode echography showing an oval, anechoic image and a standardized A-mode echography with a reflectivity spike higher than 98%, which was compatible with a retinal macrocyst. The patient refused surgical treatment for the retinal detachment and was followed for 14 months with stable visual acuity and no clinical or echographic changes.