Inter-continental variability in the relationship of oxidative potential and cytotoxicity with PM2.5 mass.

Most fine ambient particulate matter (PM2.5)-based epidemiological models use globalized concentration-response (CR) functions assuming that the toxicity of PM2.5 is solely mass-dependent without considering its chemical composition. Although oxidative potential (OP) has emerged as an alternate metric of PM2.5 toxicity, the association between PM2.5 mass and OP on a large spatial extent has not been investigated. In this study, we evaluate this relationship using 385 PM2.5 samples collected from 14 different sites across 4 different continents and using 5 different OP (and cytotoxicity) endpoints. Our results show that the relationship between PM2.5 mass vs. OP (and cytotoxicity) is largely non-linear due to significant differences in the intrinsic toxicity, resulting from a spatially heterogeneous chemical composition of PM2.5. These results emphasize the need to develop localized CR functions incorporating other measures of PM2.5 properties (e.g., OP) to better predict the PM2.5-attributed health burdens.

An overview of air pollution research in Chile: Bibliometric analysis and scoping review, challenger and future directions.

This study provides a comprehensive overview and bibliometric analysis of air pollution research in Chile from 1980 to 2022. The analysis reveals a significant increase in scientific production, a 9.2 annual growth rate, and an H-index of 60. The research spans 33 countries and is influenced by environmental sciences, meteorology, and atmospheric sciences journals. The top ten authors account for 33.49 % of all publications, with local institutions contributing more than 35 %. The University of Chile and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile are significant contributors. The most cited articles focus on health impacts and various pollutant sources, emphasizing air pollution as a critical public health concern. The study also emphasizes environmental science, meteorology, and atmospheric science, focusing on topics such as air pollution and health, pollutants, models, sources and chemistry, and social sciences. The findings are affirmed through rigorous discussion and review, providing a roadmap for future research, guiding decision-making processes, and expanding the knowledge frontier in the field.

The oxidative potential of airborne particulate matter in two urban areas of Chile: More than meets the eye.

Oxidative potential (OP) has gained attention as a parameter that can reveal the ability of different properties of particulate matter (PM) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as one single value. Moreover, OP is also believed to be a predictor of toxicity and hence the health effects of PM. This study evaluated the OP of PM10, PM2.5,and PM1.0samples using dithiothreitol assays in two cities of Chile (Santiago and Chillán). The results showed that the OP was different between cities, PM size fractions, and seasons. Additionally, OP was strongly correlated with certain metals and meteorological variables. Higher mass-normalized OP was observed during cold periods in Chillán and warm periods in Santiago and was associated with PM2.5 and PM1. On the other hand, volume-normalized OP was higher during winter in both cities and for PM10. Additionally, we compared the OP values to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale and found cases of days that were classified as having "good" air quality (supposed to be less harmful to health) showing extremely high OP values that were similar to those on days that were classified as "unhealthy". Based on these results,we suggest using the OP as a complementary measure to the PM mass concentration because it includes important new information related to PM properties and compositions that could help improvecurrent air quality management tools.

Protomedicatos y lazaretos como instituciones de control de la higiene pública en Chile entre 1879 y 1920 / Colleges of royal physicians and isolation hospitals to control public hygiene in Chile from 1879 to 1920

El presente artículo indaga la aparición de dos instituciones de control de la higiene pública en Chile entre los años 1879 y 1920: los protomedicatos y lazaretos. El objeto de estudio utiliza como caso la presencia de la viruela en La Araucanía. Se abordan las características y contexto que adquirió la instalación de estos dispositivos que permitieron al Estado de Chile operacionalizar el asunto de la higiene pública, lo que interpeló a los profesionales de la salud para avanzar a mayores niveles de perfeccionamiento del ejercicio profesional de la medicina. El Estado liberal positivista de fines de siglo XIX comprendió que el tema de la higiene no era solamente una cuestión de responsabilidad individual, sino que tenía una dimensión social, pública y medio ambiental. No sólo había personas que eran higiénicas, sino también ambientes higiénicos y antihigiénicos. Por tanto, se estudia la higiene, el tribunal del protomedicato, la hoja sanitaria, lazaretos, médicos y vacunadores; quienes estuvieron en permanente tensión con las autoridades del gobierno central debido a los insuficientes recursos proporcionados por el Estado para la atención de los enfermos contagiados con viruela. El estudio se orienta desde una metodología cualitativa con un diseño historiográfico con alcances descriptivos densos. Se han utilizado fuentes primarias y secundarias disponibles en archivos en Chile y Alemania. Los resultados evidencian que la presencia de viruela apareció violentamente en el centro sur de Chile en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y permaneció en la Araucanía hasta la primera mitad del siglo XX. La violencia con que se desarrolló la viruela generó miedo e incertidumbre afectando a personas de diferentes clases sociales, y tuvo como una de sus causas principales las precarias condiciones de salubridad de la población.

This article investigates the emergence of two institutions for the control of public hygiene in Chile between 1879 and 1920: colleges of royal physicians and isolation hospitals using the case of smallpox in La Araucanía, a region located in the South of Chile. We cover the characteristics and context of these institutions that allowed the State of Chile to address the problems of public hygiene and to prompt health professionals to professionalize the practice of medicine. The liberal positivist state of the late nineteenth century understood that the issue of hygiene was not only a matter of individual responsibility but had a social, public, and environmental dimension. People practiced hygiene alongside the existence of hygienic and anti-hygienic environments. Therefore, hygiene, the royal colleges of physicians, health records, isolation hospitals, doctors, and vaccinators are studied. All of these components of the health care system of the time were in permanent tension with the central government authorities due to the insufficient resources provided by the state for the care of infected patients with smallpox. The study follows a qualitative methodology with a descriptive historiographic design. We used archival primary and secondary sources available in Chile and Germany. The results show that the presence of smallpox appeared ferociously in South-Central Chile in the second half of the 19th century and remained in La Araucanía until the first half of the 20th century. The extent to which smallpox spread, spawning fear and insecurity in people of different social classes, had as one of its leading causes the precarious conditions of health and hygiene of the population.

Resultados a largo plazo de artroplastia de cadera en pacientes en diálisis por insuficiencia renal crónica. Mortalidad y supervivencia del implante en el Registro Nacional de Uruguay desde el año 2000 / Long-term results of hip arthroplasty in patients on dialysis for chronic renal failure. Mortality and implant survival in the National Registry of Uruguay since 2000

Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de mortalidad, revisión y valoración funcional en la artroplastia de cadera en pacientes dializados en Uruguay. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de una cohorte histórica de artroplastias de cadera en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica tratados con hemodiálisis o diálisis peritoneal entre el 1/1/2000 y el 31/12/2013; análisis de supervivencia mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier. Se realizó además, la evaluación funcional y radiológica de los pacientes vivos. Ciento cuarenta y una artroplastias de cadera, 42 por artrosis (29,8%) y 99 por fracturas (70,2%), edad 72,3 (DE: 12,1) años (18,9-93,1), 72 mujeres (51,1%) y 69 varones (48,9%), 75 artroplastias izquierdas (53,2%) y 66 derechas (46,8%). Predominó el abordaje anterolateral (115, 81,6%) respecto al posterolateral (26, 18,4%). Resultados: La mortalidad a los 30, 180 días, uno y 5 años en pacientes diagnosticados por artrosis fue del 2,4, 7,1, 9,5 y 47,6%, respectivamente, y en pacientes con fractura del 7,1, 18,2, 29,3 y 82,6%, respectivamente. Se realizaron 5 revisiones protésicas, 3 por luxación recidivante, una por aflojamiento aséptico y una artroplastia resección por infección. Doce pacientes estaban vivos al último control, la puntuación media según la escala de Merle D́Aubigne-Postel fue 6,4 en el preoperatorio y 11 al final del seguimiento. El índice de Barthel promedio en el seguimiento fue 72,8. Discusión: La mortalidad a mediano y largo plazo de estos pacientes fue muy alta, mucho mayor que la observada en los pacientes sometidos al mismo procedimiento que no están en diálisis. La revisión es excepcional, y la evaluación funcional de los pocos pacientes vivos muestra malos resultados clínico-radiológicos

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of mortality, revision and functional assessment after hip arthroplasty in dialysis patients in Uruguay. Methods: An observational analytical study of a historical cohort of hip arthroplasties was performed on patients with chronic kidney disease treated with haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis between 1/1/2000-31/12/2013; survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method. Functional and radiological evaluation of the live patients was also carried out. One hundred and forty-one hip arthroplasties, 42 for osteoarthritis (29.8%) and 99 for fractures (70.2%), age 72.3 (SD: 12.1) years (18.9-93.1), 72 women (51.1%) and 69 men (48.9%), 75 left arthroplasties (53.2%) and 66 right (46.8%). The anterolateral approach (115, 81.6%) predominated over the posterolateral approach (26, 18.4%). Results: Mortality at 30, 180 days, 1 and 5 years of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis was 2.4, 7.1, 9.5 and 47.6%, respectively, and of patients with fracture it was 7.1, 18.2, 29.3 and 82.6%. Five prosthetic revisions were performed, 3 due to recurrent dislocation, one due to aseptic loosening, and one resection arthroplasty due to infection. Twelve patients were alive at the last control, the average score according to the scale of Merle D'Aubigne-Postel was 6.4 preoperatively, and 11 at the end of the follow-up. The average Barthel index at follow-up was 72.8. Discussion: The mortality in the medium and long term of these patients was very high, much higher than that observed in patients undergoing the same procedure not on dialysis. The review is exceptional, and the functional evaluation of the few living patients shows poor clinical-radiological results

Long-term results of hip arthroplasty in patients on dialysis for chronic renal failure. Mortality and implant survival in the National Registry of Uruguay since 2000. / Resultados a largo plazo de artroplastia de cadera en pacientes en diálisis por insuficiencia renal crónica. Mortalidad y supervivencia del implante en el Registro Nacional de Uruguay desde el año 2000.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of mortality, revision and functional assessment after hip arthroplasty in dialysis patients in Uruguay. METHODS: An observational analytical study of a historical cohort of hip arthroplasties was performed on patients with chronic kidney disease treated with haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis between 1/1/2000-31/12/2013; survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method. Functional and radiological evaluation of the live patients was also carried out. One hundred and forty-one hip arthroplasties, 42 for osteoarthritis (29.8%) and 99 for fractures (70.2%), age 72.3 (SD: 12.1) years (18.9-93.1), 72 women (51.1%) and 69 men (48.9%), 75 left arthroplasties (53.2%) and 66 right (46.8%). The anterolateral approach (115, 81.6%) predominated over the posterolateral approach (26, 18.4%). RESULTS: Mortality at 30, 180 days, 1 and 5 years of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis was 2.4, 7.1, 9.5 and 47.6%, respectively, and of patients with fracture it was 7.1, 18.2, 29.3 and 82.6%. Five prosthetic revisions were performed, 3 due to recurrent dislocation, one due to aseptic loosening, and one resection arthroplasty due to infection. Twelve patients were alive at the last control, the average score according to the scale of Merle D'Aubigne-Postel was 6.4 preoperatively, and 11 at the end of the follow-up. The average Barthel index at follow-up was 72.8. DISCUSSION: The mortality in the medium and long term of these patients was very high, much higher than that observed in patients undergoing the same procedure not on dialysis. The review is exceptional, and the functional evaluation of the few living patients shows poor clinical-radiological results.

Exploring atmospheric stagnation during a severe particulate matter air pollution episode over complex terrain in Santiago, Chile.

A severe air quality degradation event occurred in the Santiago Metropolitan Area (SMA), Chile, in June 2014. Meteorological and air quality measurements from 11 stations in the area as well as numerical simulations using the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model were used to explain the main reasons for the occurrence of elevated particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The conditions were characterized with formation of a coastal low in central Chile between the southeastern anticyclone and a high-pressure system over Argentina. At a local scale, these conditions generated a depression at the base of the inversion layer, an increase in the vertical thermal stability, lower humidity and low-wind conditions, which were conducive to a decrease in pollutant dispersion and insufficient ventilation of the polluted air. Measurements and simulations using the WRF model revealed a vertical structure of the boundary layer during these stagnant conditions and provided a basis for a trajectory analysis. The back-trajectory calculation showed that the transport of air parcels was contained in the valley during the highest concentrations. The analysis also enabled the definition of the threshold values of a simple indicator of air pollution (ventilation coefficient, VC), which confirmed the evolution of the episode and divided the observed daily concentrations into two groups, with one including values above the limits prescribed by the national air quality standards (NAQS) and the other including values below these limits. For the SMA, the daily PM concentrations above the NASQ limits were associated with an overall mean threshold value of VC below 500 m2 s-1 (for PM2.5) and 300 m2 s-1 (for PM10). To apply the VC analysis to other pollutants and different geographic locations, different threshold values should be evaluated.

Lección MOODLE de anatomía e histología de la placenta humana / MOODLE lesson of the anatomy and histology of the human placenta

RESUMEN: La falta de muestras biológicas humanas existentes, debido principalmente a las limitaciones ético-morales relacionadas con su obtención, ponen en relieve la necesidad de buscar otras alternativas de enseñanza y aprendizaje de las ciencias morfológicas. En este sentido, la implementación de lecciones a través de la plataforma MOODLE proporciona la oportunidad al estudiante de interactuar en un entorno que simula una situación de aprendizaje propio del laboratorio tradicional. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue generar una lección MOODLE sobre la anatomía e histología placentaria humana, como complemento a la clase teórica presencial, para estudiantes de la carrera de Obstetricia y Puericultura. Para tal cometido, se realizó búsqueda de información, imágenes y recursos TIC en bibliotecas e internet. Paralelamente, se llevó a cabo un proceso de captura fotográfica de muestras histológicas de placenta, así como también la grabación de un alumbramiento. Posteriormente, se procedió a la articulación y montaje de las actividades en la plataforma MOODLE con un enfoque constructivista. Además, se elaboró una encuesta de satisfacción, la cual fue validada por 3 expertos. La muestra estuvo constituida por 137 estudiantes de la carrera de Obstetricia. Se confeccionó un laboratorio virtual MOODLE de anatomía e histología de la placenta humana, el cual esta constituido por múltiples actividades con orientación clínica, las cuales permiten autoevaluarse. El laboratorio virtual nos ha ayudado ha subsanar la carencia de muestras humanas y los resultados de la encuesta de satisfacción aplicada a los estudiantes señalan una valoración positiva de la iniciativa.

SUMMARY: The lack of existing human biological samples, mainly due to the ethical-moral restrictions related to obtaining these, highlights the need to search for other teaching and learning alternatives in morphological science. In this sense, the implementation of lessons by means of the MOODLE platform provides the students with the opportunity to interact in a setting that simulates a learning situation that belongs to traditional laboratories. The purpose of this work was to generate a MOODLE lesson on the anatomy and histology of the human placenta, as a complement of the traditional theoretical classroom for students of Obstetrics. To that end, TIC information, images, and resources were sought in libraries and in the Internet, and at the same time a set of histological photographs of placenta samples was made, as well as a video recording of a placental delivery. Later, the coordination and set up of activities was made in the MOODLE platform with a constructivist approach. Furthermore, a satisfaction survey was prepared which was validated by three experts. The total sample consisted of 137 students in the 2th year of obstetrics. A virtual MOODLE laboratory of the anatomy and histology of the human placenta was made, which is constituted by multiple activities with a clinical orientation that allow self-evaluation. The virtual laboratory has helped overcome the lack of human samples, and results of the satisfaction survey applied to the students indicate a positive evaluation of this initiative.

Eritema multiforme asociado a herpes virus: reporte de caso / Erythema multiform associated with herpes virus: case report

El eritema multiforme (EM) es una reacción de hipersensibilidad que afecta a la piel y / oa las membranas mucosas, en respuesta a infecciones, fármacos u otras comorbilidades. La presentación de EM puede ser Menor (EM leve, caracterizada por presentar lesiones diana) o Mayor (EM severa, que también ocurre con afectación de las membranas mucosas). Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 36 años de edad que presenta una emergencia de HNAL con fiebre, malestar, prurito y lesiones dolorosas en la cavidad oral, lesiones múltiples en miembros superiores e inferiores, pene y región perianal. El diagnóstico fue EM Major. Las lesiones ulcerosas en la cavidad oral y las lesiones diana en las manos fueron las más destacadas.

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a hypersensitivity reaction that affects the skin and/or mucous membranes, in response to infections, drugs, or other comorbidities. Presentation of EM can be Minor (Mild EM, characterized for presenting target lesions) or Major (Severe EM, that occurs also with mucous membranes involvement). The case of a 36 year old male patient presenting to emergency of HNAL with fever, malaise, itching and painful ulcer type lesions in oral cavity, multiple target lesions in upper and lower limbs, penis, and perianal region is reported. The diagnosis was EM Major. Ulcerous lesions in oral cavity and target lesions in hands were the most salient.

Trends and threshold exceedances analysis of airborne pollen concentrations in Metropolitan Santiago Chile.

Pollen is one of the primary causes of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in urban centers. In the present study, the concentrations of 39 different pollens in the Santiago de Chile metropolitan area over the period 2009-2013 are characterized. The pollen was monitored daily using Burkard volumetric equipment. The contribution of each type of pollen and the corresponding time trends are evaluated. The concentrations of the pollens are compared with the established threshold levels for the protection of human health. The results show that the total amount of pollen grains originating from trees, grasses, weeds and indeterminate sources throughout the period of the study was 258,496 grains m-3, with an annual average of 51,699 ± 3,906 grains m-3 year-1. The primary source of pollen is Platanus orientalis, which produces 61.8% of the analyzed pollen. Grass pollen is the third primary component of the analyzed pollen, with a contribution of 5.82%. Among the weeds, the presence of Urticacea (3.74%) is remarkable. The pollination pattern of the trees is monophasic, and the grasses have a biphasic pattern. The trends indicate that the total pollen and tree pollen do not present a time trend that is statistically significant throughout the period of the study, whereas the grass pollen and weed pollen concentrations in the environment present a statistically significant decreasing trend. The cause of this decrease is unclear. The pollen load has doubled over the past decade. When the observed concentrations of the pollens were compared with the corresponding threshold levels, the results indicated that over the period of the study, the pollen concentrations were at moderate, high and very high levels for an average of 293 days per year. Systematic counts of the pollen grains are an essential method for diagnosing and treating patients with pollinosis and for developing forestation and urban planning strategies.

A five-year study of particulate matter (PM2.5) and cerebrovascular diseases.

Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, are the second leading cause of mortality and the leading cause of morbidity in both Chile and the rest of the world. However, the relationship between particulate matter pollution and strokes is not well characterized. The association between fine particle concentration and stroke admissions was studied. Data on hospital admissions due to cerebrovascular accidents were collected from the Ministry of Health. Air quality and meteorological data were taken from the Air Quality database of the Santiago Metropolitan Area. Santiago reported 33,624 stroke admissions between January 1, 2002 and December 30, 2006. PM2.5 concentration was markedly seasonal, increasing during the winter. This study found an association between PM2.5 exposure and hospital admissions for stroke; for every PM2.5 concentration increase of 10 µg m(-3), the risk of emergency hospital admissions for cerebrovascular causes increased by 1.29% (95% CI 0.552%-2.03%).

Ozone weekend effect in Santiago, Chile.

The study examined weekday-weekend differences in ozone, NO(x) (NO and NO(2)) and VOC concentrations in Santiago, Chile, from 1999 to 2007. The results provide evidence for the occurrence of an atmospheric phenomenon that produces higher ozone concentrations during weekends despite lower concentrations of ozone precursors. This phenomenon is known as the weekend effect (WE). The overall ozone decrease since the spring of 2004 was a consequence of the implementation of several urban pollution control measures. Although these measures caused a decline in the number of days that exceed the national standard from two-thirds to one-third of summer days, the WE, which became statistically significant beginning in September 2004, could not be eliminated. Furthermore, VOC/NO(x) ratios decreased during the same period (2004), especially in the most industrialized area of Santiago. Similarly, under these regimes, the VOC/NO(x) ratios were higher on Sundays than on weekdays and caused higher ozone concentrations on Sundays.

Variabilidad genética de Aedes Aegypti en algunas áreas del Perú usando single stranded comformational polymorphism (SSCP) / Genetic variability of Aedes aegypti in some Peruvian areas using Single Stranded Conformational Polymosphism (SSCP)

Aedes aegypti es el vector responsable de la transmisión del virus del dengue, su distribución geográfica se haampliado rápidamente debido principalmente a la intervención de los seres humanos. Objetivo: Analizar la variabilidad genética de este mosquito mediante la comparación del Segundo Espaciador Transcrito Interno (ITS 2) perteneciente al ADN ribosomal (rADN). Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron muestras de ocho localidades (Jaén, Tingo María, Iquitos, Lambayeque, el distrito de El Rimac, Sullana y Zarumilla) y uno de la provincia de Huaquillas (Ecuador). El análisis de la variabilidad se determinó usando la técnica conocida como SSCP (Single Stranded Conformation Polymorphism). Resultados: El estudio muestra que existe variabilidad genética entre las poblaciones analizadas, principalmente entre las muestras localizadas en la costa del Perú (Zarumilla, El Rímac, Sullana) y Huaquillas y las muestras del nororiente (Tingo María, Iquitos, Jaén y Lambayeque) Conclusión: Se determinaron dos variantes genéticas entre las poblaciones de Aedes aegypti: Costeña y Nororiental, que probablemente provienen de dos ancestros diferentes y cuyo ancestro común sufrió de aislamiento por distancia. Se observó que no existe relación entre las distancias genéticas y las distancias geográficas indicando que la migración de estas poblaciones es el resultado de la intervención de los seres humanos que diseminan al vector y no por la migración activa del mosquito. Se plantea el papel de la Cordillera de los Andes en la migración y separación de las poblaciones de Aedes.

Aedes aegypti is the responsible vector for transmission of dengue fever virus, and its geographical distribution has been widely broadened, mainly because of human intervention. Objectives: To analyze the mosquito genetic variability comparing the Second Internal Trascribed Spacer (ITS-2) from the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Materials and Methods: Samples from seven Peruvian sites (Jaen, Tingo Maria, Iquitos, Lambayeque, Rimac district in Lima, Sullana, and Zarumilla) and one site from Ecuador (Huaquillas Province) were assessed. Variability analysis was determined using the SSCP (Single-Stranded Conformational Polymorphism) technique. Results: The study shows that there are genetic variability between the analyzed populations, mainly between the samples from the Peruvian northern and central coast (Zarumilla, Sullana, and Rímac) as well as in the Ecuador sample (Huaquillas) and the samples from the northeastern region in Peru (Tingo Maria, Iquitos, Jaen, and Lambayeque). Conclusions: Two genetic variants were determined for Aedes aegypti populations: Coastal and northeastern, which probably come from different lineages, and whose common ancestor became isolated because of the distance. It was observed that there is no relationship between genetic distances and geographical distances, indicating that the migration of the mosquito populations is a consequence of human intervention disseminating the vector and not because of active mosquito migration. We propose that there is a role for the Andes Mountains with respect to Aedes populations migration and separation.

Adaptación a un esquema de entrenamiento físico en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica avanzada / Adaptation to a physical training protocol of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

El ejercicio físico es un elemento básico en la rehabilitación en pacientes con EPOC. Sin embargo, los resultados son variables, lo que puede deberse a las diferentes estrategias de entrenamiento utilizadas. En 22 pacientes con EPOC avanzada (VEF, 35,6 ñ 15,7 por ciento: edad 63 ñ 15 años; x ñ DS) Evaluamos su adaptación a un esquema de entrenamiento (E) en bicicleta ergométrica que consistió en aplicar inicialmente una carga inicial de 30 por ciento de la máxima previamente determinada (CM) y aumentarla en 15 a 20 por ciento en las sesiones siguientes cuando el paciente era capaz de mantenerla por 45 minutos, hasta alcanzar la meta de 75 por ciento de la CM. La intensidad del E se midió en watts calculando el área bajo la curva de la relación entre las cargas aplicadas y el número de sesiones de entrenamiento. El efecto del E se evaluó a través de los cambios en la carga y el VO2 máximos, la duración de un ejercicio submáximo, la frecuencia cardíaca, (FC), disnea, fatiga de las extremidades inferiores y lactato sanguíneo para una misma carga y tiempo de ejercicio. La CM de E fue 61 ñ 23 por ciento (x ñ DS) del máximo. Seis pacientes no fueron capaces de alcanzar la carga establecida como meta. En los restantes ésta se alcanzó en un número variable de sesiones (12 ñ 7). La intensidad del entrenamiento fue de 952 ñ 325 watt. El E produjo un aumento de la CM (p<0,02) y del tiempo de ejercicio (p<0,0001) y una disminución significativa de la FC, disnea, fatigabilidad y lactato sanguíneo. La duración del ejercicio se correlacionó con la reducción de la disnea (r= -0,448; p<0,05) y la intensidad del entrenamiento con la disminución de la fatiga (r= -0,5176; p = 0,014) y también del lactato sanguíneo (r= -0,488; p = 0,021). Los resultados demuestran que aún cuando la adaptación al esquema de entrenamiento fue variable de acuerdo a la capacidad individual y no pudo ser aplicada a todos los pacientes, la mayoría de ellos obtuvo efectos beneficiosos

Calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica e impacto del entrenamiento físico / Quality of life in patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and the impact of physical training

Background: Health related quality of life (QoL) is severely impaired in COPD patients as a consequence of dyspnea and limited exercise tolerance, which lead to physical deconditioning and muscle atrophy resulting in weakness and fatigue. Psychosocial factors such as depression and anxiety also contribute to this impairment. Aim: To evaluate: a) the impact of COPD on quality of life, and b) the effect of 10 weeks of exercise training on exercise performance and on QoL. Patients and methods: The Spanish version of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) was applied to 55 COPD patients (FEV1 37 ñ 13 percent pred) for the assessment of QoL and in 30 of them submitted to exercise training for 10 weeks. Exercise performance was evaluated by measuring: six-minute walking distance, maximal workload (Wmax), maximal O2 consumption (VO2max) as well as endurance time, blood lactic acid, dyspnea and leg fatigue during a submaximal exercise. Trained patients were evaluated before and after training. Results : COPD patients showed a reduction (mean ñ SD) in the four domains of the CRQ: dyspnea (3.1 ñ 0.9); fatigue (4.3 ñ 1.3); mastery (4.65 ñ 1.3), emotional function (4.1 ñ 0.97), and in Wmax and VO2max (52 ñ 16 Watt and 970 ñ 301 ml/min). No significant relationship between the impairment in exercise tolerance and in QoL was observed. Exercise training significantly improved the four domains of QoL (p < 0.0001), Wmax (p < 0.05), VO2max (p < 0.02) and endurance time (p < 0.001). Isotime exercise measurements of dyspnea, leg fatigue and lactic acid decreased after training (p < 0.001, each). No significant relation between changes in QoL and changes in exercise performance were observed. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that QoL is seriously impaired in patients with COPD and confirm: (a) the lack of relationship of QoL to the usually measured physiological parameters, and (b) the beneficial effect of exercise training on QoL through the reduction of symptoms. These findings stresses the need of measuring quality of life in our patients if we want to evaluate the impact of therapeutic procedures on well-being from the patients' perspective

Left main crumpling during left anterior descending angioplasty: hitherto unreported location for the "accordion effect".

Vessel wall shortening and deformity due to "arterial telescoping" is a not infrequent reversible phenomenon that occurs during coronary angioplasty and is associated with the advancement of a stiff wire through elongated and tortuous segments, with straightening of the artery and deep guiding catheter introduction beyond the coronary ostium. We present the first described case of the accordion effect involving the left main coronary artery. On detecting arterial crumpling, it is essential to make a differential diagnosis between the accordion syndrome and PTCA potential complications (spasm, thrombosis and dissection), to avoid further therapeutic intervention.

Entrenamiento selectivo de los músculos respiratorios en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca crónica / Selective training of respiratory muscles in patients with chronic heart failure

Background: Patients with chronic heart failure have a lower inspiratory muscle strength and fatigue endurance. Aim: To assess the effects of selective training of respiratory muscles in patients with heart failure. Patients and methods : Twenty patients with stable chronic heart failure, aged 58.3 ñ 3 years with an ejection fraction of 28 ñ 9 percent, were subjected to respiratory muscle training with threshold valves. The load was fixed in 30 percent of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) in 11 and in 10 percent of PImax in nine. Two sessions of 15 minutes, 6 days per week, during 6 weeks were done. Degree of dyspnea (Mahler score), maximal oxygen uptake, distance walked in 6 minutes, respiratory muscle function and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured before and after training. Results: Both training loads were associated to an improvement in dyspnea (+2.7 ñ 1.8 and +2.8 ñ 1.8 score points with 30 percent Plmax and 10 percent PImax respectively), maximal oxygen uptake (from 19 ñ 3 to 21.6 ñ 5 and from 16 ñ 5 to 18.6 ñ 7 ml/kg/min with 30 percent PImax and 10 percent PImax respectively, p< 0.05), PImax (from 78 ñ 22 to 99 ñ 22 and from 72 ñ 34 to 82.3 cm H20 with 30 percent Plmax and 10 percent PImax respectively), sustained PImax (from 63 ñ 18 to 90 ñ 22 and from 58 ñ 3 to 69 ñ 3 cm H20 with 30 percent PImax and 10 percent PImax respectively), and maximal sustained load (from 120 ñ 67 to 195 ñ 47 and from 139 ñ 120 to 192 ñ 154 g with 30 percent PImax and 10 percent PImax respectively). The distance walked in 6 min only increased in subjects trained at 30 percent PImax (from 451 ñ 78 to 486 ñ 68 m). Conclusions: Selective training of respiratory muscles results in a functional improvement of patients with chronic heart failure

Potencia de los músculos inspiratorios en insuficiencia cardíaca crónica y en enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Respiratory muscle power output in patients with chronic heart failure and patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease

Background: The maximal pressure generated by inspiratory muscles (PIMax) is an index of their strength which is diminished in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Although inspiratory muscle power output (IMPO), which includes both strength and velocity of shortening, has been shown to be reduced in COPD, there is no information regarding IMPO in CHF. Aim: To measure Impo in patients with CHF and COPD. Patients and methods: We studied 9 CHF patients with functional capacity II and III and 9 patients with severe COPD. Eight normal subjects of similar ages were included as controls. Power output was measured using the incremental threshold loading test. Results: Maximal IMPO was significantly reduced in both groups of patients. Power output developed with each increasing load was also diminished, basically as a consequence of a reduction in insp. The degree of dyspnea at the end of the test was greater in COPD than in CHF patients and normal subjects. For a given level of power, dyspnea was also greater in patients than in normals subjects. There was no decrease in SpO2 during the test. Conclusions: IMPO is equally reduced in COPD and CHF patients. Power output is better related to dyspnea than PIMax, probably because of the inclusion of shortening velocity

Marcadores bioquímicos de granos de Chenopodium quinoa Willd / Biochemical markeers in Chenopodium quinoa Willd GRAINS

La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa) pertenece al género Chenopodium que es el principal taxa dentro de la familia Chenopodiaceae y tiene una distribución mundial, con más de 120 especies que se han cultivado continuamente en los andes sudamericanos. Se dice que la quinua es una sola especie, no obstante su amplia variación en Perú, Bolivia y Ecuador. Nuestro objetivo fue buscar marcadores bioquímicos proteicos en cada clase de proteínas del grano de quinua. Las variedades utilizadas en nuestro estudio fueron nueve: Caeneca (Ca), Tahuaco J. (Ta), Kancolla (Ka), Kamiri (Kr), Blanca de Juli (BJ), Salcedo Jira (SJ), Chucapaca (CH), Sajama (Sa) y Utusaya (U). A los granos de quinua de cada variedad se les extrajo las proteínas utilizando los siguientes bufferes: proteínas totales (Tris-borato 0, 125M, pH 6,8 + SDS 5 por ciento + 2-ME 2 por ciento); albúminas (agua destilada); globulinas (NaCI 0,5M); gliadinas (2-Propanol 55 por ciento + 2-ME y SDS 5 por ciento) y glutelinas (SDS 1 por ciento + 2-ME 2 por ciento). La cuantificación de proteínas se hizo con el método colorimétrico de Bradford y las fracciones se separaron utilizando SDS-PAGE 15. Los resultados demuestran que el perfil de bandas encontradas en cada fracción de proteínas puede servir como marcadores entre las variedades, siendo las más notorias las bandas de la fracción de gliadinas con las que se pueden diferenciar las variedades Caeneca (picos = 50 y 42 KDa), Tahuaco J. (picos = 96 y 4 KDa), Kancolla (picos = 98;48 y 20 KDa), Kamiri (pico = 40 KDa), Chucapaca (picos = 88; 54; 44; 37 y 23KDa) y Utusaya (picos = 74; 13 y 11 KDa).