Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de las muertes por dengue durante un brote en el norte del Perú / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of dengue deaths during an outbreak in northern Peru

Con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes fallecidos por dengue durante el 2017 en Piura, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de revisión de 24 historias clínicas. El 67% de los casos fueron mujeres y tres (12,5%) estaban embarazadas. La diabetes (12,5%) y la hipertensión (16,7%) fueron las comorbilidades más frecuentes. Sólo en el 12,5% se reportó dengue previo. El tiempo transcurrido desde asistencia sanitaria hasta la muerte fue de 4,10 (DE: 5,34) días. Se hicieron transfusiones de glóbulos rojos en el 45,8% de los casos, plasma en el 25%, plaquetas en el 16,8% y crioprecipitado en el 16,8%. También fueron frecuentes la terapia con cristaloides (91,7%) y el tratamiento con fármacos vasoactivos (70,8%). En conclusión, la mortalidad del dengue grave fue mayoritaria en las mujeres adultas y el tiempo de atención desde el primer establecimiento de salud hasta una unidad especializada fue prolongada.

Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients who died from dengue during 2017. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of the information related to cases of dengue deaths in the department of Piura. Results: We reviewed 24 medical records. Sixty-seven percent were women and 3 (12.5%) were pregnant. Diabetes (12.5%) and hypertension (16.7%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Previous dengue fever was reported in only 12.5%. The time from health care and death was 4.10 ± 5.34 days. Red blood cell transfusions were performed in 45.8%, plasma in 25%, platelets in 16.8% and cryoprecipitate in 16.8% of cases. Crystalloid therapy (91.7%) and treatment with vasoactive drugs (70.8%) were also frequent. In conclusion, mortality from severe dengue fever was predominantly in adult women, and the time of care from the first health facility to a specialized unit was prolonged.

El costo esperado de cáncer en Chile / The expected cost of cancer in Chile

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a public health priority in Chile. AIM: To estimate the expected annual cost of cancer in Chile, due to direct costs of health services, working allowances and indirect costs for productivity losses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook an ascendent costing methodology to calculate direct costs. We built diagnostic, treatment and follow-up cost baskets for each cancer type. Further, we estimated the expenditure due to sick leave subsidies. Both estimates were performed either for the public or private sector. Costs related to productivity loss were estimated using the human capital approach, incorporating disease related absenteeism premature deaths. The time frame for all estimates was one year. RESULTS: The annual expected costs attributed to cancer was $1,557 billion of Chilean pesos. The health services expected annual costs were $1,436 billion, 67% of which are spent on five cancer groups (digestive, hematologic, respiratory, breast and urinary tract). The expected costs of sick leave subsidies and productivity loss were $48 and $71 billion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer generates costs to the health system, which obliges health planners to allocate a significant proportion of the health budget to this disease. The expected costs estimated in this study are equivalent to 8.9% of all health expenditures and 0.69% of the Gross Domestic Product. This study provides an updated reference for future research, such as those aimed at evaluating the current health policies in cancer.

Efecto de las Técnicas Instrumentales KineticXer® en la Modificación de Parámetros Séricos y Mecánicos en Usuarios Sedentarios con Dolor Lumbar Inespecífico / Effect of KineticXer® Instrumental Techniques in the Modification of Serum and Mechanical Parameters in Sedentary Users with Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Introducción. El dolor lumbar es una de las causas mas comunes de discapacidad en el mundo, existen diferentes tratamientos conservadores dentro de la kinesiología para el manejo de este. La presente investigación describe los efectos de la aplicación de técnicas de liberación miofascial instrumental y, cómo éstas modifican parámetros mecánicos y la expresión de parámetros séricos, tales como: Leucocitos, Bilirrubina y Fierro en estudiantes sedentarios que presenten dolor lumbar inespecífico de la Universidad de las Américas. Objetivo. Describir el efecto de la técnica de liberación miofascial instrumental en la modificación de parámetros mecánicos y séricos en usuarios sedentarios con dolor lumbar inespecífico. Métodos. Analítico experimental. Resultado. Fueron intervenidos 14 participantes sedentarios con dolor lumbar inespecífico, los resultados no fueron significativos en los cambios serios, por el contrario, fueron significativo en los cambios mecánicos. Conclusión. Las técnicas de liberación miofascial instrumental pueden ser una herramienta eficaz para el manejo del dolor lumbar inespecífico, pero faltan mas estudios para demostrar sus efectos a nivel sérico.

Introduction. Low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in the world, there are different conservative treatments within kinesiology for its management. The present research describes the effects of the application of instrumental myofascial release techniques and how they modify mechanical parameters and the expression of serum parameters, such as: Leukocytes, Biliverdin and Iron in sedentary students with non-specific lumbar pain from the University of Las Américas. Objective. To describe the effect of the instrumental myofascial release technique in the modification of mechanical and serum parameters in sedentary users with nonspecific low back pain. Methods. Case series Results. 14 sedentary participants with non-specific lumbar pain were operated on, the results were not significant in the serious changes, on the contrary, they were significant in the mechanical changes. Conclusion. Instrumental myofascial release techniques can be an effective tool for the management of nonspecific low back pain, but more studies are needed to demonstrate their effects at the serum level.

Perception of discrimination against immigrants compared to Chilean-born and its relationship with access to services and health outcomes / Percepción de discriminación en inmigrantes comparados a nacidos en Chile y su relación con acceso a servicios y resultados de salud

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES Compare self-perceived discrimination between immigrants and locals in Chile and analyze the relationship between immigration and perceived discrimination and immigration, discrimination and health outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and social capital. METHODS Cross-sectional study, using population-based survey (CASEN2017). We selected 2,409 immigrants (representative of N = 291,270) and 67,857 locals (representative of N = 5,438,036) over 18 years of age surveyed. We estimated logistic regression models, considering the complex sample, with discrimination, self-rated health, medical treatment, healthcare system membership, complementary health insurance, medical consultation and problems when consulting as dependent variables, immigration and discrimination as main exposure variables, and social capital and sociodemographic variables as covariates of the models. RESULTS Immigrants were more likely to perceive discrimination in general compared to locals (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.9-2.9). However, this does not occur for all specific reasons for discrimination; skin color and physical appearance were the most frequent causes of discrimination in immigrants. The interaction between immigration and discrimination was significantly related to worse self-rated health outcomes and treatment for pathologies, disfavoring discrimination against immigrants. In both locals and immigrants, discrimination was not associated with health care access outcomes, except for problems during consultation in locals (OR = 1.61; 95%CI 1.4-1.8). CONCLUSIONS In Chile, experiences of discrimination are intertwined with other forms of rejection and social exclusion, so it is urgent to raise awareness among the population to prevent these discriminatory practices, especially in health care and daily use places. It is essential to address discrimination in order to have an impact on intermediate variables and health outcomes. The extension of the results to the entire immigrant population could be very useful to deepen the problem and improve the estimates made.

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS Comparar la autopercepción de discriminación entre inmigrantes y locales en Chile y analizar la relación entre inmigración y discriminación percibida e inmigración, discriminación y resultados de salud, ajustando por características sociodemográficas y capital social. MÉTODOS Estudio transversal, utilizando encuesta poblacional (CASEN2017). Se seleccionaron 2.409 inmigrantes (representativos de N = 291.270) y 67.857 locales (representativos de N = 5.438.036) mayores de 18 años encuestados. Se estimaron modelos de regresión logística, considerando la muestra compleja, con discriminación, salud autoevaluada, tratamiento médico, pertenencia al sistema de salud, seguros complementarios de salud, consulta médica y problemas al consultar como variables dependientes, inmigración y discriminación como variables de exposición principal, y capital social y variables sociodemográficas como covariables de los modelos. RESULTADOS Inmigrantes tuvieron mayor posibilidad de percibir discriminación en general comparado con locales (OR = 2,31; IC95% 1,9-2,9). Sin embargo, esto no ocurre para todos los motivos específicos de discriminación; color de piel y apariencia física fueron las causas de discriminación más frecuentes en inmigrantes. La interacción entre inmigración y discriminación se relacionó significativamente con peores resultados de salud autoevaluada y tratamiento por patologías, en desfavor de los inmigrantes discriminados. Tanto en locales como en inmigrantes la discriminación no se asoció con resultados de acceso a atención en salud, excepto problemas durante la consulta en locales (OR = 1,61; IC95% 1,4-1,8). CONCLUSIONES En Chile, las experiencias de discriminación se entrelazan con otras formas de rechazo y exclusión social, por lo cual es urgente concientizar a la población para prevenir estas prácticas discriminatorias, sobre todo en la atención en salud y lugares de uso cotidiano. Abordar la discriminación es indispensable para lograr impactar en variables intermedias y resultados de salud. La extensión de los resultados a toda la población inmigrante podría ser de amplia utilidad para profundizar la problemática y mejorar las estimaciones realizadas.

Evolution of the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli isolated as a cause of infection in patients admitted to a iv-level hospital in Lima, Peru

The levels and evolution of antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli during 01/2009-06/2010 (Period 1), 01/2012-06-2013 (Period 2) and 07/2013-12/2014 (Period 3) were analyzed. Identification, susceptibility levels to 13 antibiotics and the presence of extendedspectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) were determined. Overall, 9,918 microorganisms were isolated as a cause of infection. Of these 3,016 (30.4%) were E. coli, with 1,770 (59%), 992 (33%) and 254 (8%), from the Medicine and the Surgery Departments and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), respectively. There was a significant increase (p=0.0002) of E. coli throughout considered periods. The isolates presented high levels of resistance (>60%) to cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole, being only susceptible to imipenem (0.3% of resistance) and tigecycline. Overall the analysis of evolution of antimicrobial resistance showed that resistance to cephalosporins and amikacin significantly increased, while, the ones of piperacillintazobactam, cotrimoxazole and gentamicin had significantly decreased. Nevertheless, the ICU isolates showed an inverse scenario for cephalosporins. These findings agree with an increase of ESBLs on the Medicine (56% to 66%; p<0.0001) and on the Surgery (54% to 62%; p=0.0197) departments, with a parallel decrease in the ICU (76% to 68%). In summary, high levels of antimicrobial resistance have been reported among E. coli, with worrisome levels of ESBL. A continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance levels in the area is needed.

Caso Clínico: Enfermedad de Paget del Pezón / Clinical Case Report: Paget's Disease of the Nipple

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Paget del pezón es infrecuente y representa del 1 al 3 % de las neoplasias de mama. Está asociada con un carcinoma invasivo o in situ en el 82 al 94 % de los casos. Se presenta entre los 55 a 64 años de edad. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 58 años con zona de descamación de 1 cm2 indolora en pezón derecho y tumor de 4 cm2 en mama izquierda, ecografía y mamografía BI-RADS III. Biopsia incisional de pezón derecho que reportó enfermedad de Paget, con ampliación de márgenes. Se completó estudios de extensión con resonancia magnética que reportó lesión retro-areolar sospechosa en mama derecha y lesión nodular maligna en mama izquierda. EVOLUCIÓN: Se realizó cuadrantectomía central más neo-pezón en mama derecha, y en mama izquierda cuadrantectomía superoexterna con vaciamiento ganglionar axilar bilateral, el reporte de patología fue mama derecha negativa para malignidad, mama izquierda hiperplasia intraductal atípica con focos de carcinoma intraductal. Se administró 25 sesiones radioterapia, tras un año de seguimiento se mantiene sin recurrencia. CONCLUSIÓN: La enfermedad de Paget es poco frecuente, pero debe considerarse como diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes sobre los 55 años, su tratamiento estandarizado es quirúrgico, la adyuvancia con radioterapia aún es motivo de discusión. El autoexamen de mama, el acudir a controles periódicos a partir de los 40 años además de realizar una ecografía y mamografía nos lleva a diagnósticos tempranos con un elevado porcentaje de cirugías más conservadoras.(au)

BACKGROUND: Paget's disease of the nipple is uncommon and represents 1 to 3% of breast malignancies. It is associated with invasive or in situ carcinoma in 82 to 94% of cases. It occurs between 55 to 64 years old. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 58 year old woman with a painless 1cm2 scaling skin lesion in the right nipple and a 4cm2 tumor in the left breast, ultrasound and mammograghy classified as BIRADS III. Incisional biopsy of the right nipple that reported Paget's¬ disease, with extension of surgical margins of resection. MRI extension studies were made; they reported suspicious retroaereolar lesion in the right breast and malignant nodular lesion in the left breast. EVOLUTION: We performed central quadrantectomy with nipple reconstruction in the right breast, and superoexternal quadrantectomy in the left breast, with bilateral axillary lymph node dissection, the pathology report was negative for malignancy in the right breast, in the left breast atypical intraductal hiperplasia with foci of intraductal carcinoma. The patient received 25 radiotherapy sessions. After one year of follow-up there is no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Paget's disease is rare, but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients over 55 years, its standardized treatment is surgery, adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy is still a matter of discussion. Breast self-exam, regular checkups in people over 40 years old, ultrasound and mammogram lead to early diagnosis with a higher percentage of conservative surgeries.(au)

Evaluation of the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index in Chilean patients with rheumatoid arthritis / Evaluación del Health Asessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQDI) en pacientes chilenos con artritis reumatoide

ABSTRACT Background: The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQDI) is one of the main instruments used to evaluate functional status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of HAQDI in Chilean RA population. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was applied to 98 patients with RA aged 44 ± 12 years (90% women). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha statistic for internal consistency. Construct validity was assessed by comparing total HAQDI value and eight HAQDI domains with multiple parameters of disease activity. Discriminant validity was evaluated by classifying disease activity in low, medium or high and evaluating HAQDI value in each category. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. To assess construct validity, principal components analysis was performed using varimax rotation. Results: There were no issues in the comprehensibility of the questionnaire. Mean HAQDI score was 1.57 ± 0.66. Standardized Cronbach's Alpha was 0.883. Correlations between Chilean HAQ domains had a p value less than 0.001, and values ranged from 0.317 to 0.597. Activity parameters, DAS 28 and CDAI were significantly correlated with HAQDI domains. Mean HAQDI values were 0.98 ± 0.59,1.45 ± 0.57, and 1.90 ± 0.56 for mild, moderate and severe disease activity. A principal components analysis identified two factors that accounted for 70.0% of total variability. Conclusions: This study shows that the Spanish version of HAQDI is reliable and valid and can be used in Chilean patients with RA.

Antecedentes: El Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index es uno de los principales instrumentos utilizados para evaluar incapacidad funcional en la artritis reumatoide (AR). Objetivo: Evaluar la fiabilidad y validez del HAQDI en la población chilena con AR. Material y Método: El cuestionario fue respondido por 98 pacientes con AR de 44 ± 12 años de edad (90% mujeres). La confiabilidad se evaluó usando la estadística alfa de Cronbach. La validez de constructo se evaluó comparando el valor total de HAQDI y de cada uno de sus dominios con múltiples parámetros de actividad de la enfermedad. La validez discriminante se evaluó clasificando la actividad de la enfermedad en bajo, medio o alto y evaluando el valor de HAQDI en cada categoría. Se determinaron efectos de piso y techo. Se realizó un análisis factorial utilizando rotación de varimax. Resultados: El valor promedio del HAQDI fue de 1,57 ± 0.66. El alfa estandarizado de Cronbach fue 0,883. Las correlaciones entre dominios de HAQDI tuvieron un valor p < 0,001 con valores entre 0,317 y 0,597. Los parámetros de actividad se correlacionaron significativamente con los dominios HAQDI. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el puntaje de HAQDI en relación con los grados de actividad de la enfermedad. Los valores medios de HAQDI fueron 0,98 ± 0,59, 1,45 ± 0,57 y 1,90 ± 0,56 para actividad leve, moderada y severa, respectivamente. El análisis de componentes principales identificó dos factores que representaron el 70.0% de la variabilidad total. Conclusiones: La versión española de HAQDI es confiable y válida en pacientes chilenos con AR.

Estudio Transversal: Cáncer de Mama en Pacientes del Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga, 2017 / Cross-Sectional: Breast Cancer in Patients of the Hospital of Specialties José Carrasco Arteaga, 2017

INTRODUCCIÓN: A nivel mundial el cáncer de mama según la Organización Mundial de la Salud ocupa el primer lugar, representando el 22.7% de los cánceres femeninos. En el Ecuador esta patología se encuentra en primer lugar con una prevalencia del 32.7%. El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer la realidad de los tumores mamarios tratados en la Unidad de cirugía oncológica del Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga, siendo esto un reflejo de lo que ocurre en la población. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional transversal para analizar la prevalencia de los tumores mamarios diagnosticados en pacientes de la unidad de cirugía oncológica del Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga. Se incluyeron variables como edad y tipo histológico. Se analizaron los datos con estadística descriptiva utilizando el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 22.0. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 118 pacientes en el estudio. Los porcentajes de diagnóstico de patología benigna y maligna fueron 42% versus 58% respectivamente. Del total de pacientes diagnosticadas con tumor mamario, el 22.88% tuvieron entre 40 ­ 49 años, seguido del 22.03% entre 50 ­ 59 años. El tipo patología maligna más frecuente fue el carcinoma ductal infiltrante (75%). CONCLUSIONES: El cáncer de mama ocurre con mayor frecuencia en mujeres premenopáusicas. El carcinoma ductal infiltrante el tipo histológico más común. Se requiere fomentar políticas de prevención que permitan realizar un diagnóstico oportuno y mejoren la supervivencia.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide breast cancer according to the World Health Organization ranks first, representing 22.7% of female cancers. In Ecuador, it is also in first place with a prevalence of 32.7%. The aim of this study was to know the reality of breast tumors treated in the Oncology Surgery Unit of the Hospital of Specialties José Carrasco Arteaga, which is a reflection of what happens in the population. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study to analyze the prevalence of breast tumors diagnosed in patients of the Oncological Surgery Unit of the Hospital of Specialties José Carrasco Arteaga. Variables such as age and histological type were included. All the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using the statistical package SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: 118 patients were included in the study. The percentages of diagnosis of benign and malignant pathology were 42% versus 58% respectively. Of the total of patients diagnosed with breast tumor: 22.88% had between 40 - 49 years, followed by 22.03% between 50 - 59 years. The most frequent malignant pathology was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (75%). CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer occurs more frequently in pre-menopausal women, with infiltrating ductal carcinoma as the most common histological type. It is necessary to promote prevention policies that allow timely diagnosis and improve patient survival.

Evaluación económica para Ia toma de decisiones sobre cobertura en salud: ¿qué debe saber el profesional de la salud? / Economic evaluation for decisions in health care: ¿what should the health professional know?

Los sistemas de salud enfrentan el gran desafío de mejorar la salud de las personas en un escenario de continuos cambios en el perfil epidemiológico, de nuevas tecnologías en salud y de restricción de recursos. En este contexto, el sistema se ve obligado a priorizar en base a un conjunto de elementos que den cuenta del valor que tiene una nueva intervención para ese sistema de salud. La evaluación económica es uno de los elementos técnicos que informa este juicio de valor. El presente artículo introduce la evaluación económica en salud al médico clínico, desde la perspectiva de un sistema de salud que busca lograr el máximo de salud con los recursos disponibles. Se contextualiza este instrumento en el proceso de evaluación de tecnologías en salud y se discute su relevancia en el actual contexto chileno.

Health care face the challenge of improving population in the context of continous epidemiological changes, development of new technologies and budget constraints. The system is forced to prioritize interventions based on a set of elements related to the value of a new intervention in that health system. Economic evaluation is one among different technical elements needed to arrive at a value judgement. This article to introduce the clinical physician to health economic evaluation with a perspective of obtaining the maximal health benefits given the available resources. The value of this instrument in the evaluation of health technologies and the implications for the current Chilean situation are discussed.

South american oollaboration in scientific publcations on leishmaniasis: bibliiometric analysis in scopus (2000-2011) / Colaboración Sudamericana en publicaciones científicas sobre leishmaniasis: análisis bibliométrico en SCOPUS (2000-2011)

Objectives: Evaluate the production and the research collaborative network on Leishmaniasis in South America. Methods: A bibliometric research was carried out using SCOPUS database. The analysis unit was original research articles published from 2000 to 2011, that dealt with leishmaniasis and that included at least one South American author. The following items were obtained for each article: journal name, language, year of publication, number of authors, institutions, countries, and others variables. Results: 3,174 articles were published, 2,272 of them were original articles. 1,160 different institutional signatures, 58 different countries and 398 scientific journals were identified. Brazil was the country with more articles (60.7%) and Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) had 18% of Brazilian production, which is the South American nucleus of the major scientific network in Leishmaniasis. Conclusions: South American scientific production on Leishmaniasis published in journals indexed in SCOPUS is focused on Brazilian research activity. It is necessary to strengthen the collaboration networks. The first step is to identify the institutions with higher production, in order to perform collaborative research according to the priorities of each country.

Objetivos: Evaluar la producción y la red de colaboración de investigación sobre leishmaniasis en Sudamérica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico usando la base de datos SCOPUS. La unidad de análisis fueron los artículos originales de investigación publicados desde el año 2000 hasta 2011, realizados sobre leishmaniasis y que incluyeron al menos un autor sudamericano. Se obtuvieron para cada artículo: nombre de la revista, idioma, año de publicación, número de autores, instituciones, países y otras variables. Resultados: 3174 artículos fueron publicados, 2.272 de ellos eran artículos originales. Se identificaron 1.160 firmas institucionales diferentes, 58 países y 398 revistas científicas. Brasil fue el país con más artículos (60,7%) y la Fundación Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) tuvo 18% de la producción brasileña, convirtiéndose en el núcleo Sudamericano de la mayor red científica de Leishmaniasis. Conclusiones: La producción científica de Sudamérica sobre Leishmaniasis publicada en revistas indexadas en SCOPUS se centra en la actividad de la investigación brasileña. Es necesario fortalecer las redes de colaboración, el primer paso para ello es la identificación de las instituciones con mayor producción con el fin de llevar a cabo la investigación en colaboración de acuerdo con las prioridades de cada país.

Potencialidad de Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) para estudios dendrocronológicos en la selva central del Perú / Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) potential for dendrochronological studies in the Selva Central of Perú

Despite the progress made during the past 20 years, searching dendrochronological potential in tropical and subtropical tree species, tropical dendrochronology, is still in a development stage. The aim of this research was to determine the potential of C. odorata for dendrochronological studies in the Selva Central of Perú. The tree-ring anatomical characteristics were carefully examined and we were able to develop a 215 year (1 795-2 009) tree-ring chronology and correlate it with precipitation records. The tree-ring chronology was developed based on 47 series of 27 trees. Tree rings are clearly delimited by large pore diameters in earlywood and small ones in latewood associated with marginal and paratracheal parenchyma. The tree-ring chronology was related to precipitation records from Satipo and significant correlations were found with the previous rainy season and late dry season of the current growth period. Moreover, we found close relationship between tree growth and total precipitations of the hydrological period (December to September) for the interval 1 990-2 009. These results demonstrate the influence of rainfall at different stages of C. odorata radial growth. The good discrimination of annual rings, strong relationship with precipitation, the wide range and longevity of trees (200 years) make C. odorata a very promising species for dendrochronological studies in tropical and subtropical forest of America.

En este trabajo determinamos el potencial de Cedrela odorata para estudios dendrocronológicos en la Selva Central del Perú. Para ello, analizamos las características anatómicas que definen los anillos de crecimiento, desarrollamos una cronología de ancho de anillos y relacionamos el crecimiento de los árboles con los registros de precipitación. La cronología de ancho de anillos está compuesta por 47 series de 27 árboles y cubre el período 1795-2009. Los anillos están claramente delimitados por porosidad semicircular, asociados a bandas de parénquima marginal y paratraqueal. El crecimiento de los árboles estuvo relacionado con las precipitaciones de la estación lluviosa previa y con las de finales de la estación seca del corriente período de crecimiento. Así mismo, observamos una estrecha relación entre el crecimiento y las precipitaciones totales, considerando el ciclo hidrológico de diciembre a setiembre, para el periodo 1990-2009. Estos resultados indican la influencia de las precipitaciones en el crecimiento radial de C. odorata. La buena discriminación de los anillos anuales, la fuerte relación con la precipitación, el amplio rango de distribución y la longevidad de los árboles, hacen de C. odorata una especie promisoria para estudios dendrocli-matológicos y dendroecológicos en los bosques tropicales y subtropicales de América.

La investigación en salud y la evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias en Chile / Health research and Health Technology Assessment in Chile

Health research is considered an essential element for the improvement of population health and it has been recommended that a share of the national health budget should be allocated to develop this field. Chile has undertaken efforts in the last decades in order to improve the governmental structure created to promote the development of health research, which has increased human resources and funding opportunities. On the other hand, the sustained economic growth of Chile in the last decades suggests that the health expenditure will maintain its increasing trend in the following years. This additional funding could be used to improve coverage of current activities performed in the health system, but also to address the incorporation of new strategies. More recently, health technology assessment (HTA) has been proposed as a process to support decisions about allocation of resources based on scientific evidence. This paper examines the relationship between the development of health research and the HTA process. First, it presents a brief diagnosis of the situation of health research in Chile. Second, it reviews the conceptual basis and the methods that account for the relationship between a HTA process and the development of health research. In particular, it emphasizes the relevance of identifying information gaps where funding additional research can be considered a good use of public resources. Finally, it discusses the challenges and possible courses of action that Chile could take in order to guarantee the continuous improvement of an articulated structure for health research and HTA.

Equidad en Salud y Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias en Chile / Equity in Health and Health Technology Assessment in Chile

Equity has been recognized as one of the driving principles of many health systems in the world. In Latin America, Chile has led the explicit inclusion of equity in their health policies, which is reflected in its recent health reform. On the other hand, Chile faces the challenge of defining and implementing a policy for health technology assessment (HTA), which should be consistent with the equity principles that underlie the Chilean national health system. This paper reviews the equity concept emphasizing the relevance of socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, it examines how international HTA agencies have explicitly included this element in the evaluation and decision processes. It presents the English case, which highlights the elements of procedural justice rather than adopting a normative position regarding equity. Finally, it examines the methods that have been developed aiming to make explicit consideration of equity in HTA. It concludes that the methodological development to incorporate equity elements with empirical basis is recent and limited. The consideration of equity is, in most of the cases, left to the instances of deliberative participation.

Examining the Link between Equity-Centered Health Policies, Autonomy and Decision-Making Process in Low and Middle Income Countries.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to examine the main underlying social values that define health policy decisions. We focus on LMICs, many of which are at an early stage of implementation of these evidence-based policy processes. This review aimed at analyzing the ethical and procedural principles that underlie these social values, their potential conflict and the challenges of implementing a decision-making process according to these values in LMIC. Methods: Broad scoping search of international literature (December 2012) in PubMed, Cinahl, ISI Web of knowledge, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. Search terms were “social values”, “healthcare/ health” and “low and middle income countries” (terms adapted according to each database). There was no pre-defined limit of year or language. We excluded “grey literature” documents only. From a total of 252 hits, we finally selected and fully read 51 of them. Results: The translation of health policy decisions from high-income countries to LMICs is complex, as they have differences that might affect the expected outcomes. Decisions should primarily aim at improving population health. The measurement of socioeconomic status and social inequalities in health, which is also context-specific, it is another primary objective in decisions about healthcare policies. Autonomy and equity might conflict in scenarios of limited budget. However, individual autonomy should be limited when affects other´s individuals autonomy and social welfare. Evidence and transparency in the decision process is highly valued, and expenditure in information for decision-making should be promoted since it increases population health. Conclusion: High-quality research evidence is paramount to implement health policies consistent with social values and the resources needed to produce relevant evidence can be considered a good use of public resources. A framework for decision-making should be anchored at least in three first order social values, improvement of population health, improving equity (in access to healthcare and health) and transparency.

Un índice neutrófilo/linfocito elevado se asocia a peor pronóstico en cancer de colon etapa II resecado / An elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in stage II resected colon cancer

Background: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an effective marker of inflammation ana can have prognostic value in surgical patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on perioperative complications ana overall ana disease-free survival in patients undergoing elective resection for stage II colon cancer. Material and Methods: Data was obtained from clinical charts, preoperative blood results and hospital records of all patients undergoing an elective curative resection for colon cancer, between 2000 and 2007. Preoperative NLR was calculated. Follow-up was obtained from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database, clinical records and questionnaires. Uni and multivariable analysis were performed to identify associations, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: One hundred twenty two patients with a mean age of69years (52% males), were evaluated. Median follow-up was 73 months, and overall survival for 1 and 5years was 95% and 68%, respectively. On a multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, tumor depth invasion, use of adjuvant therapies and American Society of Anesthesiology preoperative risk score, an NLR > 5 was associated with an increased perioperative complication rate (odds ratio: 3,06, p = 0,033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a worse overall and disease-free survival for patients with NLR greater than five. Conclusions: A preoperative NLR of five or more is associated with greater perioperative morbidity and worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing resection for elective stage II colon cancer.

Estrategia para fortalecer las capacidades de investigación en salud en universidades públicas regionales: rol del canon y del Instituto Nacional de Salud / Strategy to strengthen health research capabilities in regional public universities: the role of the mining canon and the Instituto Nacional de Salud

El desarrollo de investigación científica en salud requiere de un sistema de investigación sostenido, articulado y coherente con las prioridades de investigación; este sistema de investigación implica la existencia de financiamiento tanto interno como externo, y de disponer recursos humanos competentes. El canon minero es un derecho constitucional, parte de él ha sido destinado para el desarrollo de investigación científica y aplicada por las universidades públicas (UP). El Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) tiene entre sus funciones promover, gestionar y difundir el desarrollo de investigación en salud a nivel nacional. Como parte de estas funciones se conformó un equipo técnico para brindar asesoría técnica a las UP para el desarrollo de investigación con fondos del canon minero, mediante la adecuación local de protocolos de investigación promovidos por el INS y asumidos por los docentes-investigadores de la universidad. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo describir la realidad de investigación de las UP peruanas que cuentan con fondos del canon minero, y presentar la intervención que el INS viene realizando para fortalecer las capacidades de investigación, iniciando con desarrollar propuestas de investigación que potencialmente puedan obtener financiamiento de parte del canon.

The development of scientific health research requires a sustained and articulated research system that is consistent with the research priorities, as well as both internal and external funding, and availability of competent human resources. The Mining Canon, a constitutional right, has been partly used to foster applied scientific research in public universities (PU). In addition, the National Health Institute (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD - INS) is devoted, among others, to promoting, managing and disseminating health research development at a national level. As part of these activities, a technical team was created to provide technical assistance to PU for research development using Mining Canon funds by making local adjustments to research protocols promoted by the INS and assumed by the professors-researchers at the Universities. This article aims at describing the reality of research at Peruvian public universities that have access to Mining Canon funds, as well as to elaborate on the work the INS is carrying out in order to strengthen research capabilities, starting with the development of research proposals that could potentially be funded by the Mining Canon.

Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of manual probing depth

The periodontal probe remains the best clinical diagnostic tool for the collection of information regarding the health status and the attachment level of periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of probing depth (PD) measurements made with a manual probe. With the approval of an Ethics Committee, 20 individuals without periodontal disease were selected if they presented at least 6 teeth per quadrant. Using a Williams periodontal probe, three calibrated thesis-level students (k > 0.6) assessed PD at 6 sites per tooth, from the gingival margin to the bottom of the periodontal sulcus (rounded to the next 0.5 mm). Initial and repeated measurements were performed by the same three examiners. The intra-examiner agreement (± 1 mm > 90%) was 99.85%, 100%, and 100% for the three examiners, respectively. When the variables vestibular/lingual surfaces, mesial/distal surfaces, or superior/inferior jaws were evaluated, no significant differences in reproducibility were detected at the inter-examiner level (p < 0.05). At this level, the only significant differences observed were in the three examiners' measurements of the anterior and posterior sites. While high intra-examiner reproducibility was detected, inter-examiner level proved to be low. We can conclude that measurement of PD with a manual periodontal probe produced high reproducibility in healthy individuals. The operator's position can affect the reproducibility of repeated measures of PD. Calibration and operator training, rather than operator experience, were fundamental for reproducibility. Other factors, such as individual technique and probing depth force, can affect inter-examiner reproducibility.