Prevalencia de queilitis actínica en pescadores artesanales,Valdivia, Chile / Prevalence of actinic cheilitis in artisanal fishermen, Valdivia, Chile

El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en determinar la prevalencia de Queilitis Actínica en pescadores artesanales de la ciudad de Valdivia, Chile. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal durante los meses de noviembre 2014 a abril 2015. La muestra fueron 180 pescadores previamente seleccionados a través de una muestra aleatoria simple, quienes fueron evaluados mediante un examen clínico y además completaron un cuestionario referente a datos personales y hábitos de salud. El 38,8 % de los pescadores artesanales presentó Queilitis Actínica. El 64,4 % de los pescadores revisados no utiliza protección solar mientras trabaja y todos los casos se ubicaron en el labio inferior. Los pescadores artesanales de la ciudad de Valdivia presentaron una prevalencia de Queilitis Actínica superior a las reportadas a nivel nacional. Nuestros resultados sugieren la implementación de políticas de salud pública centrados en la prevención de Queilitis Actínica en pescadores artesanales de la ciudad de Valdivia.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of actinic cheilitis in fishermen in the city of Valdivia, Chile 2015. A descriptive observational cross-sectional study was realized from November 2014 to April 2015. The sample included 180 fishermen, previously selected through a simple random sample. The subjects were evaluated by clinical examination and also completed a questionnaire on personal data and health habits. Of the total fishermen surveyed 38.8 % presented Actinic cheilitis. Furthermore, 64.4 % of the fishermen interviewed reported they do not use sun protection while working and all cases were located in the lower lip. The fishermen in Valdivia showed a higher prevalence of Actinic cheilitis than that found nationally. Our results suggest the implementation of public health policies focusing on the prevention of actinic cheilitis in artisanal fishermen in the city of Valdivia.

Dental students' evaluations of an interactive histology software.

This study assessed dental students' evaluations of a new Interactive Histology Software (IHS) developed by the authors and compared students' assessment of the extent to which this new software, as well as other histology teaching methods, supported their learning. The IHS is a computer-based tool for histology learning that presents high-resolution images of histology basics as well as specific oral histologies at different magnifications and with text labels. Survey data were collected from 204 first-year dental students at the Universidad Austral de Chile. The survey consisted of questions for the respondents to evaluate the characteristics of the IHS and the contribution of various teaching methods to their histology learning. The response rate was 85 percent. Student evaluations were positive for the design, usability, and theoretical-practical integration of the IHS, and the students reported they would recommend the method to future students. The students continued to value traditional teaching methods for histological lab work and did not think this new technology would replace traditional methods. With respect to the contribution of each teaching method to students' learning, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found for an evaluation of IHS, light microscopy, and slide presentations. However, these student assessments were significantly more positive than the evaluations of other digital or printed materials. Overall, the students evaluated the IHS very positively in terms of method quality and contribution to their learning; they also evaluated use of light microscopy and teacher slide presentations positively.

Chilean miners commuting from sea level to 4500 m: a prospective study.

The development of mining activities in North Chile involves a great number of workers intermittently exposed to high altitude for a long period of time (chronic intermittent hypoxia, CIH). A 2(1/2)-year prospective study aimed to characterize this model of exposure to CIH and to know whether this condition may progressively lead to a chronic pattern. Twenty-nine miners, aged 25 +/- 5 yr, working 7 days at HA (3800 to 4600 m) and resting 7 days at sea level (SL) were studied. Subjects underwent a physical examination, EKG, hematological status, maximal exercise test, ventilatory and cardiac response to hypoxia (F(iO2) = 0.114) at rest and exercise, pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia by echocardiography, and 24-h monitoring of EKG and arterial pressure. Basal evaluations were performed at SL before the first exposure to hypoxia. HA measurements were daily AMS score, sleep status, and 24-h monitoring of EKG and arterial pressure. All these measurements were repeated after a mean period of 12, 19, and 31 months. Hematocrit increased but reached values lower than those observed in chronic permanent exposure. Systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures measured at SL did not change, but were higher in hypoxia. Right ventricle showed a slight dilatation. Exercise performance at SL declined with exposure to CIH to reach a 12.3% decrease after 31 months of CIH, associated with a 6.8% decrease in maximal heart rate. Signs of ventilatory acclimatization were observed after 12 months. Symptoms of AMS and sleep disturbances were still seen on the first 2 days at HA, whatever the time of exposure to CIH. In conclusion, CIH induced a clear acclimatization process. Subjects did not reach a health status comparable to that seen in permanent residents at HA and remained at risk of acute altitude-induced illnesses.

Mal agudo de montaña a 3.500 y 4.250 m: un estudio de la incidencia y severidad de la sintomatología / Acute mountain sickness at 3.500 and 4.250 m: a study of symptom incidence an severity

Background: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) refers to signs and symptoms associated with hypobaric hypoxia. Its reported incidence is highly variable. Aim: To determine the incidence of AMS symptoms and severity at 3,500 and 4,250 m above sea level. Subjects and methods : A population of 362 soldiers without former exposure to altitude was studied. AMS symptoms, were assessed by an extensively used standard questionnaire (Lake Louise), applied 36-72 hours after exposure to high altitude. Results : A group of 200 recruits ascended to Putre (3,500 m) and a second group (162) ascended to Alto Pacollo (4,250 m). The incidence of AMS was 28 percent and 60 percent respectively (p<0.05). Headaches and sleeping difficulties were the most frequent symptoms at both altitudes. Furthermore, severe digestive problems and dizziness were described in a high proportion of individuals at both 3,500 and 4,250 m. Conclusions: The prevalence of AMS in this study is similar to that reported elsewhere at equivalent altitudes