Morfometría geométrica y sus nuevas aplicaciones en ecología y biología evolutiva: Parte 2 / Geometric morphometric and its new applications in ecology and evolutionary biology: Part 2

RESUMEN: La presente revisión entrega una visión actualizada del estudio de la morfometría geométrica y sus aplicaciones más actuales en ecología y biología evolutiva, metodología con una amplia variación en los últimos 5 años de su primera versión en International Journal of Morphology. La Morfometría geométrica es una herramienta que permite evaluar las variaciones morfológicas con factores subyacentes, siendo una herramienta más sensible que la morfometría tradicional, lo que permite detectar mínimos cambios de variación morfológica. Lo que la ha vuelto una herramienta notable para responder preguntas de biología comparada centradas en caracteres anatómicos. En sus comienzos fue una herramienta usada principalmente para responder preguntas taxonómicas, y para diferenciar a nivel de individuos, poblaciones o especies. No obstante, en los últimos años la cantidad de preguntas y problemáticas en las que se aplica, ha diversificado considerablemente, pasando a ser una herramienta muy precisa para responder preguntas de variación morfológica en contextos ecológicos y evolutivos. Ya ha pasado casi media década desde la última revisión del método, por lo que éste trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar los cambios metodológicos y los nuevos enfoques usados en Morfometría geométrica, y presentar una pequeña guía introductoria a éstos nuevos métodos, sus usos y aplicaciones.

SUMMARY: This study provides an updated vision of the study of Geometric Morphometrics and its most recent application in ecology and evolutionary biology, covering a wide variation in methodology occurring in the last 5 years since the first version published in the International Journal of Morphology. Geometric Morphometrics is a tool that allows evaluating morphological variations with underlying factors, with a higher sensitivity than traditional morphology, so that minimum changes of morphological variation can be detected. Therefore, it has turned into an outstanding tool to answer questions of comparative biology focused on anatomic characters. At the beginning, it was a tool mainly used to answer taxonomic questions and for differentiation at individual, population or species level. However, in the last years, the number of questions and problematic on which it is applied, has diversified considerably, turning it into a very accurate tool to answer questions of morphological variation in ecologic and evolutionary contexts. Almost half a decade has elapsed since the last revision of the method, so this work is intended to analyze the methodological changes and the new approaches used in Geometric Morphometrics, including a brief introductory guideline to these new methods, their uses and applications.

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures / Cifoplastia e vertebroplastia no tratamento de fraturas vertebrais por osteoporose / Cifoplastia y vertebroplastia en el tratamiento de fracturas vertebrales por osteoporosis

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare these procedures in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Methods: Patients who underwent vertebral augmentation procedures between March 2010 and October 2016 were selected for the study. Kyphosis, anterior vertebral height, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), number of portals, cement volume, and complications were recorded. The results were analyzed by difference of the means. Results: Sixty-eight patients were selected, accounting for 105 procedures. A statistically significant improvement was observed in VAS and ODI with both procedures (p<0.001) without statistically significant difference between them, regardless of the number of portals or cement applied. There was a high correlation between kyphosis correction and ODI improvement (p =0.012). Conclusions: Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective procedures for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. We found no significant difference between both procedures. The high correlation between improvement of kyphosis and ODI suggests that these procedures are better than conservative treatment to improve the quality of life of patients, however more studies are required to reach a final conclusion. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar esses procedimentos no tratamento de fraturas de compressão secundárias à osteoporose. Métodos: Foram selecionados os pacientes que foram submetidos a procedimentos de reforço vertebral no período de março de 2010 a outubro de 2016. Foram registrados angulações, cunhões, índice de incapacidade de Oswestry (ODI), escala visual analógica (VAS), número de portais. volume de cimento e complicações. Os resultados foram analisados por diferenças médias. Resultados: 68 pacientes foram selecionados com 105 procedimentos. Observou-se uma melhoria estatisticamente significativa no EVA e ODI em ambos os procedimentos (p <0,001), sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre eles, independentemente da quantidade de portais ou cimento aplicado. Uma correlação alta foi encontrada entre a correção da angulação cifótica e a melhora do ODI (p = 0,012). Conclusões: Tanto a vertebroplastia quanto a cifoplastia são procedimentos efetivos para o tratamento de fraturas de compressão. Não encontramos diferenças significativas entre os dois procedimentos. A alta correlação entre a melhora da cifose e o ODI sugere que esses procedimentos são superiores ao tratamento conservador para melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente, porém são necessários mais estudos para chegar a uma conclusão final. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar estos procedimientos en el tratamiento de fracturas por compresión secundarias a osteoporosis. Métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes a quienes se realizaron procedimientos de refuerzo vertebral en el periodo de Marzo de 2010 a Octubre de 2016. Se registró la angulación, acuñamiento, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Escala Visual Análoga (EVA), cantidad de portales, volumen de cemento y complicaciones. Se analizaron los resultados por diferencia de las medias. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 68 pacientes con 105 procedimientos. Se observó una mejoría estadísticamente significativa en el EVA y ODI en ambos procedimientos (p < 0,001), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre estos, independientemente de la cantidad de portales o cemento aplicado. Se encontró una alta correlación entre la corrección de la angulación cifótica y la mejoría del ODI (p = 0,012). Conclusiones: Tanto la vertebroplastia como la cifoplastia son procedimientos eficaces para el tratamiento de las fracturas por compresión. No encontramos diferencias significativas entre ambos procedimientos. La alta correlación entre la mejoría de la cifosis y el ODI sugiere que estos procedimientos son superiores al tratamiento conservador para mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente, sin embargo se requieren más estudios para llegar a una conclusión final. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo comparativo.

Efficacy and safety of lumbar arthroplasty in degenerative disc disease / Eficácia e segurança da artroplastia lombar na doença do disco degenerativo / Eficacia y seguridad de la artroplastia lumbar en la enfermedad degenerativa de disco

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this longitudinal retrospective study is to assess the efficacy and safety of total lumbar disc replacement in patients with degenerative discopathy (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1). Methods: One hundred and forty-three patients with low back pain, with or without radiculopathy, who met the radiographic criteria underwent anterior arthroplasty between 2000 and 2016. The Oswestry disability index (ODI), the visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, success criteria, disc height, and range of motion of the operated segment were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months following surgery. Results: There were 50 men and 93 women, with an average age of 39.5 years, 13 patients (9%) with previous discectomy. The arthroplasty was performed at level L5-S1 in 97 patients (67.8%), at level L4-L5 in 45 patients (31.5%), and at level L3-L4 in 1 patient. Between the preoperative period and 24 months following surgery, the ODI decreased by 53.86%, the VAS for low back pain decreased by 63.83%, and low back pain with radiculopathy decreased by 60.20%, all statistically significant (p ≤ 0.5). Eighty-two percent of the patients were completely satisfied and 18% were satisfied. There was an average increase in disc height of 12 mm (p <0.001). The range of motion of the affected segment increased by 4° to 7° after surgery (p <0.004). Conclusions: Lumbar arthroplasty of a segment is recommended as an effective treatment for patients with degenerative disc disease with low back pain with or without a root component who meet the inclusion criteria. Level of Evidence III, Systematic reviewb of Level III studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Para avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da reposição do disco lombar total em pacientes com discopatia degenerativa (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1). Método: 143 pacientes com dor lombar com ou sem radiculopatia, os quais obedecem a critérios radiográficos, foram submetidos à artroplastia anterior entre 2000 e 2016. Avaliamos antes e após a cirurgia, três, seis, 12 e 24 meses, a Doença de Oswestry (ODI), escala analógico-visual (EVA), satisfação do paciente, critérios de sucesso, altura do disco e amplitude de movimento do segmento operado. Resultados: 50 homens e 93 mulheres. A idade foi de 39,5. 13 pacientes (9%) com dissectomia prévia. Nível L5-S1 97 pacientes (67,8%). Nível L4-L5 45 pacientes (31,5%) e um paciente L3-L4 nível (0,6%). A ODI entre o pré-operatório e os 24 meses pós-operatórios reduziu 53,86%. O EVA na dor lombar reduziu 63,83% nos 24 meses depois, em comparação com dor lombar, e pré-operatória com radiculopatia diminuiu 60,20%,mudança estatisticamente significativa (p ≤ 0,5). 82% completamente satisfeitos e satisfeitos 18%. A altura do disco aumentou 12mm em média (p <0.001). O movimento do segmento afetado aumentou de 4° para 7°, após a cirurgia (p <0,004). Conclusão: A artroplastia lombar de um segmento é recomendada como um tratamento eficaz para pacientes com doença degenerativa do disco, que atendem aos critérios de inclusão e lumbalgia sozinhos ou com um componente radicular. Nível de Evidência III: Revisão sistemáticab de Estudos de Nível III.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad del reemplazo total de disco lumbar en pacientes con discopatía degenerativa (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1), mediante un estudio longitudinal retrospectivo. Métodos: Ciento cuarenta y tres pacientes con lumbalgia, con o sin radiculopatía, cumpliendo criterios radiográficos fueron sometidos a artroplastia por vía anterior entre 2000 y 2016. Se evaluaron antes y tres, seis, 12 y 24 meses después de la cirugía el Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry (ODI), escala analógica visual (EVA), satisfacción del paciente, criterios de éxito, altura discal y rango de movimiento del segmento operado. Resultados: Cincuenta hombres y 93 mujeres. Edad promedio 39,5, 13 pacientes (9%) con discectomía previa. Nivel L5-S1 97 pacientes (67,8%). Nivel L4-L5 45 pacientes (31,5%) y un paciente nivel L3-L4 (0,6%). El ODI entre el preoperatorio y 24 meses postoperatorios redujo 53,86%. La EVA en la lumbalgia redujo 63,83% 24 meses después en comparación con el preoperatorio y lumbalgia con radiculopatía disminuyó 60,20%. Cambio estadísticamente significativo (p ≤ 0,5). El 82% completamente satisfecho y satisfecho 18%. La altura discal aumentó 12 mm promedio (p <0,001). El movimiento del segmento afectado aumentó 4° a 7° después de la cirugía (p <0,004). Conclusión: La artroplastia lumbar de un segmento se recomienda como tratamiento eficaz para pacientes con enfermedad degenerativa discal que cumplen con los criterios de inclusión y lumbalgia sola o con componente radicular. Nivel de Evidencia III; Revisión sistemáticab de Estudios de Nível III.

Sexual dimorphism and population differentiation in the Chilean Neotropical moth Macaria mirthae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae): a wing geometric morphometric example

Abstract Sexual shape dimorphism is the differentiation of male and female organisms based on their shape variation; this definition was proposed for the use of geometric morphometrics analysis where the geometric features of the shape are analyzed without the influence of the size. Macaria mirthae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a moth that inhabits different valleys in the north of Chile principally associated to Acacia macracantha and lately Leucaena leucocephala both trees of the Fabaceae family. The Sexual dimorphism was analyzed in this species in order to corroborate studies on the use of wing as a sexual differentiation trait, and specific influence of localities was also evaluated. A clear shape variation was found where the male wings are more contracted compared to female wings. A climate influence is also suggested that could differentiate the wing shape from the individuals that inhabit two different valleys in the neotropical region of the north of Chile. This research supports previous studies identifying a clear Sexual shape dimorphism in the wing, as a selected trait, suggesting that oviposition and male competition of this group of moths is reflected in their wings. These differences raise the question whether Sexual shape dimorphism can be modulated by natural selection.

Functional results of surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy / Resultados funcionais do tratamento cirúrgico da mielopatia espondilótica cervical / Resultados funcionales del tratamiento quirúrgico de la mielopatía cervical espondilótica

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the functional outcome of surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods: A retrospective study involving 34 patients with CSM, operated from January 2014 to June 2015. The neurological status was assessed using the Nurick and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scales preoperatively and at 12 months. Sex, age, time of evolution, affected cervical levels, surgical approach and T2-weighted magnetic resonance hyperintense signal were also evaluated. Results: A total of 14 men and 20 women participated. The mean age was 58.12 years. The average progression time was 12.38 months. The preoperative neurological state by mJOA was mild in 2 patients, moderate in 16 and severe in 16, with a mean of 11.44 points. The preoperative Nurick was grade II in 14 patients, grade III in 8, grade IV in 10 and grade V in 2. The T2-weighted hyperintense signal was documented in 18 patients (52.9%). The functional outcome according to the mJOA recovery rate was good in 15 patients (44.1%) and poor in 19 (55.9%). The degree of Nurick recovery was good in 20 (58.8%) and poor in 14 (41.2%). Conclusions: Decompressive surgery of the spinal cord has been shown to be effective in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in well-selected patients. Although it is suggested that there are certain factors that correlate with functional outcome, we believe that more prospective randomized studies should be conducted to clarify this hypothesis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o resultado funcional do tratamento cirúrgico da mielopatia espondilótica cervical. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo envolvendo 34 pacientes com MEC submetidos a cirurgia de janeiro de 2014 a junho 2015. O estado neurológico foi avaliado utilizando as escalas de Nurick e da Japanese Orthopaedic Association modificada (mJOA) no pré-operatório e aos 12 meses. Sexo, idade, tempo de evolução, níveis cervicais afetados, via de acesso cirúrgico e sinal de hiperintensidade na ressonância magnética ponderada em T2 também foram avaliados. Resultados: Foram incluídos 14 homens e 20 mulheres. A média de idade foi 58,12 anos. O tempo médio de progressão foi 12,38 meses. O estado neurológico pré-operatório por mJOA foi leve em 2 pacientes, moderado em 16 e grave em 16, com média de 11,44 pontos. O Nurick pré-operatório foi de grau II em 14 pacientes, grau III em 8, grau IV em 10 e grau V en 2. O sinal de hiperintensidade em T2 foi documentado em 18 pacientes (52,9%). O resultado funcional de acordo com a taxa de recuperação mJOA foi bom em 15 pacientes (44,1%) e ruim em 19 (55,9%); o grau de recuperação de Nurick foi bom em 20 (58,8%) e ruim em 14 (41,2%). Conclusões: A cirurgia descompressiva da medula espinal demonstrou ser eficaz no tratamento de mielopatia espondilótica cervical em pacientes bem selecionados. Embora se sugira que há certos fatores que se correlacionam com o resultado funcional, acreditamos que mais estudos prospectivos e randomizados devem ser conduzidos para esclarecer esta hipótese.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el resultado funcional del tratamiento quirúrgico de la mielopatía cervical espondilótica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 34 pacientes con MCE, intervenidos de enero 2014 a junio 2015. Se evaluó el estado neurológico utilizando las escalas de Nurick y de la Japanese Orthopaedic Association modificada (mJOA) en el período preoperatorio y a los 12 meses. Sexo, edad, tiempo de evolución, niveles cervicales afectados, abordaje quirúrgico y el signo de hiperintensidad en IRM potenciada en T2 también fueron evaluados. Resultados: Se intervinieron 14 hombres y 20 mujeres. La edad promedio fue 58,12 años. El tiempo de evolución promedio fue de 12,38 meses. El estado neurológico preoperatorio mJOA fue leve en 2 pacientes, moderado en 16 y severo en 16, con promedio de 11,44 puntos. El Nurick preoperatorio fue grado II en 14 pacientes, grado III en 8, grado IV en 10 y grado V en 2. El signo de hiperintensidad en T2 se documentó en 18 pacientes (52,9%). El resultado funcional según la tasa de recuperación mJOA fue bueno en 15 pacientes (44,1%) y malo en 19 (55,9%); según el grado de recuperación de Nurick fue bueno en 20 (58,8%) y malo en 14 (41,2%). Conclusiones: La cirugía descompresiva de la medula espinal ha mostrado ser efectiva en el tratamiento de la mielopatía cervical espondilótica en pacientes bien seleccionados. Aunque se sugiere que existen ciertos factores que se correlacionan con el resultado funcional, creemos que deberían realizarse más estudios prospectivos y randomizados para aclarar ésta hipótesis.

Egg laying site selection by a host plant specialist leaf miner moth at two intra-plant levels in the northern Chilean Atacama Desert

Egg laying site selection by a host plant specialist leaf miner moth at two intra-plant levels in the northern Chilean Atacama Desert. The spatial distribution of the immature stages of the leaf miner Angelabella tecomae Vargas & Parra, 2005 was determined at two intra-plant levels (shoot and leaflet) on the shrub Tecoma fulva fulva (Cav.) D. Don (Bignoniaceae) in the Azapa valley, northern Chilean Atacama Desert. An aggregated spatial pattern was detected for all the immature stages along the shoot, with an age dependent relative position: eggs and first instar larvae were clumped at apex; second, third and fourth instar larvae were mostly found at intermediate positions; meanwhile the spinning larva and pupa were clumped at basis. This pattern suggests that the females select new, actively growing leaflets for egg laying. At the leaflet level, the immature stages were found more frequently at underside. Furthermore, survivorship was higher for larvae from underside mines. All these results highlight the importance of an accurate selection of egg laying site in the life history of this highly specialized leaf miner. By contrast, eventual wrong choices in the egg laying site selection may be associated with diminished larval survivorship. The importance of the continuous availability of new plant tissue in this highly human modified arid environment is discussed in relation with the observed patterns.

Modelando la varianza de la forma: morfometría geométrica aplicaciones en biología evolutiva / Modelling shape variance: geometric morphometric applications in evolutionary biology

La comparación de caracteres anatómicos entre organismos ha sido un elemento central de la biología comparada. Históricamente, la clasificación taxonómica y la comprensión de la diversidad biológica se han basado en descripciones morfológicas. En base a una revolución matemática cuantitativa, el estudio de la morfología ha tenido un importante énfasis gracias al desarrollo del análisis de la forma mediante la combinación de métodos estadísticos multivariados y nuevas maneras de visualización. El objetivo de la presente revisión es dar una visión actualizada sobre los avances del estudio de la morfometría geométrica (MG) en biología evolutiva, así como introducir a temáticas en fuerte desarrollo (e.g. estabilidad del desarrollo, integración y modularidad morfológicas, entre otras). Se espera proporcionar una visión amplia del uso de la MG en biología evolutiva, destacando la necesidad de aumentar el esfuerzo de investigación en esta disciplina, junto con llamar la atención acerca de la utilidad de la MG como una herramienta efectiva, precisa, amigable y barata para cuantificar y estudiar la variación morfológica.

The comparison of anatomical traits between organisms has been a central topic in comparative biology. Historically, taxanomic classification and biological diversity understanding have been based on morphological descriptions. Derived from a mathematical quantitative revolution, morphological studies have experienced an important renewal due to the development of shape analysis rooted in statistical multivariate methods and novel visualisation techniques. The aim of the present review is to provide an updated perspective regarding the progress in geometric morphometrics (GMM) applied to evolutionary biology, as well as introducing to cutting-edge subjects (e.g. developmental stability, modularity, morphological integration, among other themes). Thus, it is expected to provide a broad point of view with respect to the appliaction of geometric morphometrics in evolutionary biology, highlighting its usefulness as an effective, accurate, user-friendly and inexpensive method to quantify and study shape variation.

Femoral functional adaptation: a comparison between hunter gatherers and farmers using geometric morphometrics / Adaptación funcional del fémur: una comparación entre cazadores-recolectores y agricultores usando morfometría geométrica

The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture has been associated with a gracilization in human form, especially in long bones. This has been interpreted as result of an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and reduced workload in the farming populations. However the majority of these evidences have been based on the application of different biomechanical techniques or the qualitative assessment of distinct morphological traits on attachment sites. Hence, this study tried to address whether is possible to distinguish between two different populations (hunter-gatherers and farmers) by quantifying their femoral morphology applying geometric morphometrics. We compared 16 male left femora belonging to two populations of Native Americans from the same geographic region, yet temporally and behaviorally distinct, in order to test if geometric morphometrics were able to differentiate these based solely on the quantitative analysis of shape. The femora were scanned and then small portions of them were segmented in order to generate comparable 3D models. Hundred twelve equidistant landmarks were collected over the whole femoral sections and a Procrustes analysis was performed in order to obtain shape variables. Several PCAs were carried out to elucidate morphometric associations and cross-validated DAs were applied to distinguish between hunter-gatherers and farmers. These procedures were sequentially repeated using different landmarks subsets in order to try to establish the anatomical locations where bone functional adaptation mostly occurs: a) femoral cortex; b) medullary cavity; c) complete femoral section. The results here presented, showed that geometric morphometrics were able to distinguish between the two distinct lifestyles. Moreover, the contrasting results obtained from the analysis of the femoral cortex and the medullary cavity, suggest that long bone remodelling caused by lifestyle differences, mostly occurs on the outer surface of the femoral shaft. This study also showed a relative gracilization of the farmer as compared to the hunter-gatherers.

La transición desde la caza y la recolección a la agricultura ha sido asociada con una gracilización en la forma humana, especialmente en los huesos largos. Esto ha sido interpretado como resultado de un estilo de vida más sedentario y con menor carga de trabajo en las poblaciones agricultoras. Sin embargo, la mayoría de estas evidencias se han basado en técnicas biomecánicas o en la evaluación cualitativa de rasgos morfológicos en los sitios de inserción muscular. Este estudio intentó distinguir entre dos poblaciones diferentes (cazadores-recolectores y agricultores) mediante la cuantificación de su morfología femoral aplicando morfometría geométrica. Dieciséis fémures masculinos pertenecientes a dos poblaciones nativo americanas de la misma región geográfica, aunque temporal y conductualmente diferentes, fueron comparadas con la finalidad de probar si la morfometría geométrica era capaz de distinguirlas. Los fémures fueron escaneados y pequeñas porciones fueron segmentadas para generar modelos 3D. Se colectaron 112 hitos equidistantes sobre toda la superficie femoral y luego se realizó un análisis de Procusto para obtener variables de la forma. Diversos análisis de componentes principales se llevaron a cabo para establecer asociaciones morfométricas, así como también análisis discriminantes con validación cruzada para distinguir entre cazadores-recolectores y agricultores. Estos procedimientos fueron repetidos utilizando diferentes subconjuntos de hitos para establecer donde ocurre mayoritariamente la adaptación funcional del hueso: a) corteza femoral; b) cavidad medular; c) sección femoral completa. Los resultados aquí presentados mostraron que la morfometría geométrica permite distinguir entre ambos modos de vida. Además, los contrastantes resultados obtenidos del análisis de la corteza femoral y cavidad medular, sugieren que el remodelamiento óseo debido a diferentes estilos de vida ocurren mayoritariamente en la superficie de la diáfisis del fémur. Este estudio también mostró una relativa gracilización de la población agricultora al ser comparada con los cazadores-recolectores.

Biomarkers for screening of lung cancer and pre-neoplastic lesions in a high risk Chilean population

BACKGROUND: The mortality of lung cancer (LC), increases each year in the world, in spite of any advances, in development of new drugs to advance stages of LC. The high incidence of LC has been associated with smoking habit, genetic diversity and environmental pollution. Antofagasta region has been reported to have the highest LC mortality rate in Chile and its inhabitants were exposed to arsenic in their drinking water in concentrations as high as 870 µg/L. Non-invasive techniques such as biomarkers (Automatic Quantitative Cytometry: AQC and DR70) and Auto Fluorescence Bronchoscopy (AFB) might be potentially useful as a supplementary diagnostic approach and early detection. Early detection is one of the most important factors to intervene and prevent cancer progression in LC. This is a work of an ongoing prospective bimodality cancer surveillance study in high risk LC volunteers. Enrolment was done in subjects from Antofagasta and Metropolitan regions. In addition, we enrolled subjects who were suspected of having lung cancer. AQC, DR70 and AFB were used as tools in the detection of pre-neoplastic (PNL) and neoplastic lesions (NL). RESULTS: Half of the samples, classified as suspicious by AFB, were confirmed as metaplasia or dysplasia by histopathology. For LC, DR70 showed a higher sensitivity (95.8%) and specificity (91.9%) than AQC. However, for PNL AQC showed a higher sensitivity (91.9%) than DR70 (27.3%), although both with low PPV values. As a pre screener, both biomarkers might be employed as complementary tools to detect LC, especially as serially combined tests, with a sensitivity of 60% and a PPV of 65.2%. Additionally, the use of parallel combined tests might support the detection of PNL (sensitivity 91.2%; PPV 49.1%). CONCLUSION: This work adds information on cellular and molecular biomarkers to complement imaging techniques for early detection of LC in Latin America that might contribute to formulate policies concerning screening of LC. Supported by INNOVA-CORFO, Chile.

Latitudinal gradient effect on the wing geometry of Auca coctei (Guérin)(Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

Latitudinal gradient effect on the wing geometry of Auca coctei (Guérin) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae). When the environmental conditions change locally, the organisms and populations may also change in response to the selection pressure, so that the development of individuals may become affected in different degrees. There have been only a few studies in which the patterns of wing morphology variation have been looked into along a latitudinal gradient by means of geometric morphometrics. The aim of this work was to assess the morphologic differentiation of wing among butterfly populations of the species Auca coctei. For this purpose, 9 sampling locations were used which are representative of the distribution range of the butterfly and cover a wide latitudinal range in Chile. The wing morphology was studied in a total of 202 specimens of A. coctei (150 males and 52 females), based on digitization of 17 morphologic landmarks. The results show variation of wing shape in both sexes; however, for the centroid size there was significant variation only in females. Females show smaller centroid size at higher latitudes, therefore in this study the Bergmann reverse rule is confirmed for females of A. coctei. Our study extends morphologic projections with latitude, suggesting that wing variation is an environmental response from diverse origins and may influence different characteristics of the life history of a butterfly.

Propuesta de políticas públicas que relacionen el ambiente como determinante del estado de salud poblacional e individual: resumen ejecutivo de propuestas para los candidatos a la presidencia de la república y al parlamento / Public politics proposal considering environment as population and individual health determinant executive summary of proposals to the candidates to the republic presidency and parliament

El Departamento de Medio Ambiente del Colegio Médico de Chile ha concordado una serie de medidas que a su juicio deben ser implementadas por las nuevas autoridades políticas de Chile elegidas, con el fi n de corregir aquellos problemas ambientales que son determinantes de salud poblacional e individual. La implementación de estas medidas deberá impactar positivamente en la salud y calidad de vida de los habitantes de Chile, disminuir la mortalidad aguda y o diferida causada por exposición a diversos contaminantes ambientales. En especial, deberá afectar positivamente a las futuras generaciones al disminuir la exposición prenatal o infantil temprana a agentes que determinan el desarrollo de enfermedades o cambios conductuales más tarde en la vida. Estas proposiciones fueron entregadas a todos los candidatos presidenciales y explicadas en reuniones con cada uno de los 4 candidatos presidenciales que tienen las mejores opciones de de ser electos, de acuerdo a encuestas realizadas en el país.

The Environment Department of the Colegio Médico de Chile (Chilean College of Physicians) agreed a series of measures that should be implemented by the new elected Chilean political authorities, with the purpose of correction the environmental problems which are population and individual health determinants. The implementation of these measures should positively impact Chilean population health and quality of life and decrease acute or delayed mortality caused by exposure to various pollutants. Especially, it should positively affect future generations preventing prenatal or infant exposure to agents determining the development of diseases or behavioural changes later in life. These proposals were delivered to all presidential candidates, and explained in meetings with each of the four presidential candidates with the best perspectives to be elected, according to opinion polls carried out in the country.

Asimetría fluctuante: una herramienta morfo-funcional para medir estabilidad del desarrollo / Fluctuating asymmetry: a morpho-functional tool to measure development stability

La capacidad de un organismo para producir un fenotipo ideal, pese a las perturbaciones encontradas durante su desarrollo, es el mecanismo causal de la estabilidad del desarrollo (ED). Esta capacidad es utilizada para evaluar variedad de tipos de estrés y la capacidad genotípica de corregirlos. La herramienta de medición más utilizada para estimar la ED es la asimetría fluctuante (AF), siendo esta una medida de las pequeñas desviaciones al azar que ocurren entre el lado izquierdo y derecho de rasgos bilateralmente simétricos. El estudio de AF, por su simplicidad de manejo y rapidez en la obtención de resultados, se ha convertido en un foco de interés para la biología, y durante los últimos años el aumento en artículos publicados usando AF para evaluar perturbaciones en la ED ha sido progresivo, pero aun así existen muchas interrogantes de cuales son las causas subyacentes que generan la AF. La presente revisión recopila información sobre el avance en los estudios del uso de la AF, su metodología, mecanismos, ventajas y controversias en el tiempo, y propone que es estrictamente necesario generar una mejor comprensión de esta herramienta, producto de eso, la utilización de modelos más exactos de estudio que signifiquen (o justifiquen) un enfoque unificado en el análisis de los patrones en AF y ED.

The ability of an organism to produce an ideal phenotype, despite the disturbances encountered during its development is the causal mechanism of the developmental stability (DS). This ability is used to evaluate a variety of stress types and the genotypic ability to correct them. The measurement tool mostly used to estimate the DS is the fluctuating asymmetry (FA), this being a small measure of random deviations that occur between the left and right sides of bilaterally symmetrical features. The study of FA management in its simplicity and speed in obtaining results has become the focus of interest in biology, and during the last years, and although there has been a progressive increase in published articles using FA to evaluate disturbances in the DS, many questions remain as to what constitutes the underlying causes that generate FA. This review compiles information on the progress in studies of FA use, its methodology, mechanisms, benefits and controversies in time, and proposes that it is strictly necessary to generate a better understanding of this tool, and as a result the use of more precise study models that justify a unified approach to the analysis of patterns in FA and DS.

Conización bajo anestesia local una buena alternativa

Se presenta un estudio que resume la experiencia obtenida en SOLCA, Quito, de conización cervical practicada con anestésico local, la misma que, en un 23 por ciento fue ejecutada por discordancia entre citología, colposcopia e histopatológico, 29 por ciento porque las biopsias no lograban definir el grado de infiltración tumoral, y 48 por ciento fueron terapéuticas. Este procedimiento reduce morbilidad y principalmente los costos y días de hospitalización.