Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of bixa orellana in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated to benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Bixa Orellana (BO) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) presenting moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. One thousand four hundred and seventy eight patients presenting moderate LUTS associated to BPH were interviewed, from whom we selected 136 to fulfill the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. Assignation was performed at random in blocks of four to receive B0 at a dose of 250 mg 3 times a day or placebo (Pbo) for 12 months, 68 patients were assigned to each group. From the patients in the study we obtained data of demographic, epidemiologic, symptom score, uroflowmetry and post void residual urine variables. RESULTS: Basically both groups were compared clinically, demographically and biochemically. Throughout the study variations of symptom score, mean delta symptom score during each visit and the final average delta were similar for both groups (BO - 0.79 ± 1.87 and Pbo - 1.07 ± 1.49) (p = 0.33). Similarly variations of Qmax mean, Qmax average delta and final average delta were similar (BO 0.44 ± 1.07 and Pbo 0.47 ± 1.32) (p = 0.88). Variations of post void residual urine mean, post void residual urine average delta in each visit and the final average delta were similar for both groups (BO 4.24 ± 11.69 and Pbo 9.01 ± 18.66) (p = 0.07). No differences were found in the answers of clinically significant improvement assessed with relative risk and risk differences, even though the proportion of adverse effects was similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with BPH that present moderate LUTS did not show any benefit receiving BO when compared to placebo.

La Oscurana (Cajamarca), un bosque relicto más para conservar en las vertientes occidentales andinas del norte del Perú

Se presenta un análisis de la composición florística, formas de vida, importancia y estrategias para la conservación de un bosque relicto de la Vertiente Occidental Andina del norte del Perú, descrito por primera vez y denominado La Oscurana (caserío El Nogal, distrito Bolívar, provincia San Miguel de Pallaques, Cajamarca; 6°90'S y 79°08'O, 2000-2800 m). El análisis preliminar incluye 85 familias, 169 géneros y 258 especies de plantas vasculares, de las cuales 15 familias corresponden a Pteridophyta y 70 a Magnoliophyta. En los ámbitos genérico y específico las Asteraceae son las mejor representadas de las Magnoliopsida y las Orchidaceae de las Liliopsida. Las formas de vida predominantes en cuanto a familia se reúnen en seis categorías: hierbas con 29 familias (34%), arbustos con 14 (16%), árboles con 9 (11%), trepadoras/lianas con 9 (11%), hierbas/arbustos con 7 (8%) y hierbas/epífitas con 5 familias (6%). Se encontró que además de albergar una diversidad excepcional y brindar utilidad económica local, muchas de las especies no están registradas en las vertientes occidentales andinas del norte y del sur. Por la importancia que posee y por ser uno de los últimos bosques relictos existentes, la conservación legal de éste frágil ecosistema es urgente. Se propone que debe ser declarada zona de protección o intangible y que su conservación debe ser integral, involucrando a científicos, Estado, gobiernos regionales, gobiernos locales y población.

Floristic composition, the life forms, the importance and strategies for the conservation of a newly discovered relict forest in the north of Peru, called La Oscurana, are analyzed (El Nogal Hamlet, Bolívar District, San Miguel de Pallaques Province, Cajamarca Department; 6° 90' S y 79° 08' W, 2000-2800 m). The preliminary analysis includes 85 families, 169 genera and 258 species of vascular plants, 15 families are Pteridophyta and 70 Magnoliophyta. The family with the most genera and species are the Asteraceae in the Magnoliopsida, and the Orchidaceae in the Liliopsida. The predominant life forms of the families can be divided in 6 different categories: herbs 29 (34%), shrubs 14 (16%), trees 9 (11%), lianas 9 (11%), herbs/shrubs 7 (8%) and epiphytes 5 (6%). The exceptional diversity and the local economic use are discussed. The conservation of this fragile and important ecosystem is urgent. It is one of the last existing relict forests in the region. The forest should be declared as a protected zone. Scientists, state officials, members of the regional government and the local people should work out together in the conservation plan.

Aplicación de la biorretroalimentación y de una estrategia derivada del entrenamiento autogénico en el tratamiento del asma bronquial / Aplication of bifeedback and of strategy derived from autogenic training in the treatment of bronquial asthma

Este es un informe preliminar de los resultados obtenidos al aplicar un método derivado del entrenamiento autogénico, solo o combinado con biorretroalimentación electromiográfica, como auxiliares en el tratamiento del asma bronquial. Se presentan los resultados obtenidos en 9 pacientes, en quienes se comparan algunas variables clínicas del asma antes y después del tratamiento. Estas son: crisis, silbido, dificultad respiratoria, despertares nocturmos e inhalación del broncoldilatador. Los datos se sometieron a la prueba de contraste de Wilcoxon y todas las diferencias resultraron significativas