Timpanoplastias: factores asociados al resultado anatómico y auditivo / Tympanoplasty: factors associated with anatomical and audiometric results

INTRODUCCIÓN: La timpanoplastia es una cirugía frecuente en otorrinolaringología. Su mayor indicación es la perforación timpánica, y con menor frecuencia la otitis adhesiva. Su objetivo primario o anatómico es restaurar la integridad timpánica, previniendo infecciones, y secundario o auditivo es preservar o mejorar la audición. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes operados de timpanoplastia en nuestro hospital. Se registraron características biodemográficas, de la patología del oído, de la cirugía y se analizaron los resultados anatómicos y auditivos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 182 pacientes, la mayoría de sexo femenino (57,1%), edad promedio de 36,1 años. La principal indicación fue la perforación timpánica (89,0%), seguida de otitis adhesiva (7,1%). La mayoría de las timpanoplastias correspondió a cirugía primaria (84,1%), tipo I (62,6%), por abordaje endoaural (83,5%) y técnica medial o Austin (90,1%). El injerto más utilizado fue el compuesto de cartílago-pericondrio (87,9%). El éxito anatómico fue 84,6% y el auditivo 66,8%. Los pacientes operados de miringoplastia (sin elevación de colgajo timpanomeatal) presentaron mejor resultado auditivo (p = 0,003). No se identificaron factores asociados a mejor resultado anatómico. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados anatómicos y auditivos obtenidos son comparables a lo publicado en la literatura. Se requieren más estudios prospectivos para definir factores asociados a un mejor resultado anatómico y auditivo

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is a frequent surgery in otolaryngology. Its main indication is tympanic perforation, followed by adhesive otopathy. Its main and (or) anatomic objective is to restore the tympanic membrane's integrity, preventing infections, and its secondary or audiometric objective is to preserve or improve hearing. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of all patients submitted to tympanoplasty at our hospital. Biodemographic, ear pathology and surgery characteristics were registered, and anatomic and audiometric success rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included, most female (57.1%), with average age of 36.1 years. The main surgical indication was tympanic perforation (89.0%), followed by adhesive otopathy (7.1%). Most tympanoplasties were primary surgeries (84.1%), type I (62.6%), performed by endoaural approach (83.5%) using medial or Austin technique (90.1%). Compound cartilage-perichondrium grafts were most frequently used (87.9%). The anatomic success rate was 84.6%, and the audiometric success rate was 66.8%. Patients who underwent myringoplasty (without raising of tympanomeatal flap) presented a better audiometric result (p = .003). No factors associated with better anatomical results were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our anatomic and audiometric results are comparable to those previously published. Further prospective studies are required to define factors associated with improved anatomic and audiometric results

Tympanoplasty: factors associated with anatomical and audiometric results. / Timpanoplastias: factores asociados al resultado anatómico y auditivo.

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is a frequent surgery in otolaryngology. Its main indication is tympanic perforation, followed by adhesive otopathy. Its main and (or) anatomic objective is to restore the tympanic membrane's integrity, preventing infections, and its secondary or audiometric objective is to preserve or improve hearing. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of all patients submitted to tympanoplasty at our hospital. Biodemographic, ear pathology and surgery characteristics were registered, and anatomic and audiometric success rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included, most female (57.1%), with average age of 36.1 years. The main surgical indication was tympanic perforation (89.0%), followed by adhesive otopathy (7.1%). Most tympanoplasties were primary surgeries (84.1%), type I (62.6%), performed by endoaural approach (83.5%) using medial or Austin technique (90.1%). Compound cartilage-perichondrium grafts were most frequently used (87.9%). The anatomic success rate was 84.6%, and the audiometric success rate was 66.8%. Patients who underwent myringoplasty (without raising of tympanomeatal flap) presented a better audiometric result (p=.003). No factors associated with better anatomical results were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our anatomic and audiometric results are comparable to those previously published. Further prospective studies are required to define factors associated with improved anatomic and audiometric results.

Correction: Maintaining close canopy cover prevents the invasion of Pinus radiata: Basic ecology to manage native forest invasibility.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210849.].

Maintaining close canopy cover prevents the invasion of Pinus radiata: Basic ecology to manage native forest invasibility.

Pine invasion is a global threat that is occurring in native forests of diverse regions of the world. This process is arising in a scenario of rapid forest deforestation and degradation. Therefore, elucidate which forests attributes explain invasibility is a central issue in forest ecology. The Coastal Maulino forest is an endemic forest of central Chile, which has suffered a large history of disturbance, being replaced by large extensions of Pinus radiata plantations. This land transformation conveys high rates of pines invasion into native remnants. In this study we examined to what extent structural features of forest patches explains invasibility of this forest-type. Within eight forest fragments, we sampled 162 plots (10 x 10 m2 each). We quantified seedling pine density and related these estimates with tree cover, litter depth, PAR radiation, and diversity of the resident community. Our results indicate that canopy cover was the most important variable to determine seedling pine density within forest fragments. Our investigation highlights the importance to conserve the forests cover to reduce significantly their invasibility. This action can be effective even if we cannot avoid pine plantations in the region as a source of a massive seed dispersal to forests with well conserved canopy.

Valoración de dos modelos de coordinación entre pediatría de Atención Primaria y Salud Mental Infanto-juvenil / Assessment of two models of coordination between primary care pediatrics and child and adolescent mental health / Valoració de dos models de coordinació entre pediatria d’atenció primàriai salut mental infantil i juvenil

Se realiza un estudio comparativo cuantitativo transversal con el objetivo de analizar las diferencias entre dos modelos de coordinación entre Pediatría de Atención Primaria y Salud Mental Infanto-Juvenil: «modelo de referente» versus «modelo de proximidad». Se recogieron el total de las derivaciones de niños de 0 a 14 años agrupándolas de acuerdo al modelo de coordinación. Se observan diferencias significativas en diferentes variables estudiadas, concluyéndose que el modelo «de proximidad» es una alternativa de coordinación válida y con efectos positivos de cambio

A cross-sectional quantitative comparative study is conducted to analyze the differences between two models of coordination between primary care pediatrics and child and adolescent mental health services. All patient referrals of children from 0 to 14 years of age were studied and were grouped according to the model of coordination being used. The result shows significant differences between the groups in terms of the studied variables different, concluding that the «proximity» model is a valid coordination alternative that can lead to positive effects

Es realit­za un estudi comparatiu quantitatiu transversal amb l'objectiu d'analitzar les diferčncies entre dos models de coordinació entre pediatria d'atenció primŕria I salut mental infantil I juvenil: "model de referent" davant el "model de proximitat". Es van recollir el total de les derivacions de nens de 0 a 14 anys I es van agrupar d'acord al model de coordinació. S'observen diferčncies signi­ficatives en diferents variables estudiades I s'arriba a la conclusió que el model "de proximitat" és una alternativa de coordinació vŕlida I amb efectes positius de canvi

Actualización de los hábitats larvarios de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) en Camagüey, Cuba / Updating the larval habitats of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Camagüey, Cuba

Resumen:Actualmente varias enfermedades de origen vectorial tienen una gran relevancia médico-veterinaria, debido a las adaptaciones que han desarrollado las especies involucradas en su transmisión. Se llevó a cabo una encuesta entomológica durante 2013 con el objetivo de actualizar los conocimientos ecológicos de las poblaciones de Aedes aegypti presentes en tres Áreas de Salud de Camagüey, Cuba. Se cuantificó en cada depósito o receptáculo positivo las larvas y pupas según ubicación en las viviendas, determinando el porcentaje de representatividad. Se calculó el Índice Pupal por Depósitos específicos (ÍPDe). Los totales de viviendas así como los depósito permanentes y útiles positivos fueron comparados entre estaciones climáticas, utilizando la prueba no paramétrica de Chi2 en tablas de contingencia de 2 X 2, mientras que la relación existente entre el total de viviendas positivas y los depósitos positivos permanentes y útiles, fue explorada a través del test de proporciones de hipótesis, con un nivel de significación de P ≤ 0.05. A. aegypti colonizó 73 tipos de depósitos siendo permanentes y útiles el 23.2 %. Este número incluyó el 76 % de los depósitos positivos. Hubo mayor colecta en el exterior en tanques bajos y toneles con importante producción pupal (ÍPDe = 3.04 y 1.75, respectivamente), así como diferencias significativas durante la estación lluviosa al comparar el número de viviendas positivas (PUIA: Chi2 = 32.89; P = 0.00; PUE: Chi2 = 127.44; P = 0.00 and PUJAM: Chi2 = 127.44; P = 0.00), y depósitos permanentes y útiles (PUIA: Chi2 = 30.37; P = 0.00; PUE: Chi2 = 37.26; P = 0.00 and PUJAM: Chi2 = 81.82; P = 0.00). Estos datos refuerzan la prioridad que tienen en las acciones de vigilancia y control, por la comunidad en sus respectivas viviendas.

Abstract:Several illnesses of vectorial origin have a great medical and veterinary relevance, due to the adaptations developed by the species involved in their transmission. To support preventive programs with updated ecological information of A. aegypti populations, an entomological survey was carried out in three Health Areas of Camagüey, Cuba, during low and high rain seasons of 2013. For this, we assessed the type and number of positive containers, quantified larvae and pupae in positive containers, according to the container location in or outside the house. Both the container representativeness percentage and the pupal index by specific containers were calculated (PIsC). The total of houses as well as the positive habitual-use and non-disposable containers were compared among weather seasons, using the non parametric Chi2 test. The existent relationship between the total of positive houses and the habitual-use and non-disposable container was explored through the test of proportions hypothesis, with a level of significance of P ≤ 0.05. A. aegypti colonized 73 different types of containers, being habitual-use and non-disposable a 23.2 %. This number included 76 % of the positive containers. The greatest larvae collections were obtained in exterior water tanks and barrels, with important pupal production (PIsC = 3.04 and 1.75, respectively), and as well as significant differences towards the rainy season respect to positive houses (PUIA: Chi2 = 32.89; P = 0.00; PUE: Chi2 = 127.44; P = 0.00 and PUJAM: Chi2 = 127.44; P = 0.00), and the habitual-use and non-disposable container (PUIA: Chi2 = 30.37; P = 0.00; PUE: Chi2 = 37.26; P = 0.00 and PUJAM: Chi2 = 81.82; P = 0.00). These data reinforce the priority given to the control and surveillance actions conducted by the community in their respective houses. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1487-1493. Epub 2016 December 01.

Prevalencia de los trastornos psicológicos en edad pediátrica. Efecto del sexo y la edad / Prevalença dels trastorns psicològics en edat pediàtrica / Prevalence of psychological disorders in childhood

Se pretende determinar la prevalencia de los diferentes trastornos psicológicos en una muestra clínica de niños y adolescentes (0 a 14 años) valorados en Pediatría de Atención Primaria y el efecto del sexo y la edad. Se realiza un estudio descriptivo con el total de las valoraciones realizadas (712) entre los años 2013 a 2015. El sexo y la edad son variables que determinan la presencia o ausencia de los trastornos. Los trastornos que presentan un incremento con la edad dependiendo del sexo son los trastornos afectivos, los de ansiedad, los de conducta y los de déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH). Estos resultados permitirán una adecuación de los programas de coordinación, colaboración y atención a la población infantil y juvenil, así como la adaptación de los programas formativos

Effect of sex and age. This study aims to determine the prevalence of different psychological disorders in a clinical sample of children and adolescents (0-14 years of age) who were assessed at Primary Care Pediatric examining the effects of sex and age. A descriptive study was carried out with all the assessments (712) made between the years of 2013 and 2015. Sex and age are variables that determine the presence or absence of disorders. Disorders that show an increase with age depending on sex include affective disorders, anxiety, behavior disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These results allow for the adaptation of coordination and collaboration programs and aimed at children and the young population child and youth population to better suit the needs of these groups, and for the adaptation of training programs

Efecte del sexe i l’edat. Es pretén determinar la preva­lença dels diferents trastorns psicològics en una mostra clínica de nens i adolescents (0 a 14 anys) valorats a pediatria d’atenció primària i l’efecte del sexe i de l’edat. Es realitza un estudi descriptiu amb el total de les valoracions realitzades (712) entre els anys 2013 a 2015. El sexe i l’edat són variables que determinen la presència o absència dels trastorns. Els trastorns que presenten un increment amb l’edat depenent del sexe són els trastorns afectius, els d’ansietat, els de con­ducta i els de dèficit d’atenció amb hiperactivitat. Aquests resultats permetran una adequació dels programes de coordi­nació, col·laboració i atenció a la població infantil i juvenil, així com l’adaptació dels programes formatius

Relación entre estilos parentales, intensidad psicopatológica y tipo de sintomatología en una muestra clínica adolescente / Relationship between parenting styles, psychopathological intensity and type of symptoms in a adolescents clinical sample

Se realizó una investigación con el objetivo de analizar la relación entre los estilos parentales percibidos, la intensidad de la psicopatología presentada y las dimensiones sintomáticas internalizante-externalizante en una muestra clínica de adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 18 años. Los resultados hallados indican que la intensidad psicopatológica está asociada con la edad, a mayor edad mayor intensidad, y con el género femenino. Solamente dos dimensiones del estilo parental percibido se hallaron relacionadas con la intensidad psicopatológica: el control psicológico de forma negativa y el humor, de forma positiva. Al contrario que en otros estudios consultados, la dimensión control psicológico apareció vinculada con sintomatología externalizante y no con la internalizante

An investigation was conducted to analyze the relationship between perceived parenting styles, presented intensity psychopathology and externalizing-internalizing dimensions in a clinical sample of adolescents aged 13 to 18. The results found indicate that the psychopathological intensity is associated with age, with older age and over intensity; and with female gender. Only two dimensions of perceived parenting style were found related to psychopathological intensity: psychological control negatively and humor positively. As opposed to other studies consulted, the psychological control dimension appeared linked to externalizing symptoms and not with internalizing

[Updating the larval habitats of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Camagüey, Cuba]. / Actualización de los habitats larvarios de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) en Camagüey, Cuba.

Several illnesses of vectorial origin have a great medical and veterinary relevance, due to the adaptations developed by the species involved in their transmission. To support preventive programs with updated ecological information of Ae. aegypti populations, an entomological survey was carried out in three Health Areas of Camagüey, Cuba, during low and high rain seasons of 2013. For this, we assessed the type and number of positive containers, quantified larvae and pupae in positive containers, according to the container location in or outside the house. Both the container representativeness percentage and the pupal index by specific containers were calculated (PIsC). The total of houses as well as the positive habitual-use and non-disposable containers were compared among weather seasons, using the non parametric Chi2 test. The existent relationship between the total of positive houses and the habitual-use and non-disposable container was explored through the test of proportions hypothesis, with a level of significance of P ≤ 0.05. Ae. aegypti colonized 73 different types of containers, being habitual-use and non-disposable a 23.2 %. This number included 76 % of the positive containers. The greatest larvae collections were obtained in exterior water tanks and barrels, with important pupal production (PIsC = 3.04 and 1.75, respectively), and as well as significant differences towards the rainy season respect to positive houses (PUIA: Chi2 = 32.89; P = 0.00; PUE: Chi2 = 127.44; P = 0.00 and PUJAM: Chi2 = 127.44; P = 0.00), and the habitual-use and non-disposable container (PUIA: Chi2 = 30.37; P = 0.00; PUE: Chi2 = 37.26; P = 0.00 and PUJAM: Chi2 = 81.82; P = 0.00). These data reinforce the priority given to the control and surveillance actions conducted by the community in their respective houses.

Factores de riesgo y protectores en el suicidio. Un estudio de casos y controles mediante la autopsia psicológica / Risk and protective factors in suicide. A case-control study using the psychological autopsy

Las tasas, los métodos y algunos de los factores de riesgo en el suicidio parecen depender de las diferencias geográficas y culturales, lo que implica la elaboración de estudios en zonas específicas de alto riesgo cara a la implementación de estrategias preventivas. Este estudio busca determinar los factores de riesgo y protectores en el suicidio en la Comarca de Antequera-Málaga (España). Se realiza en un estudio de caso y controles mediante la autopsia psicológica con 40 casos de suicidio y 80 controles poblacionales emparejados en género, edad y zona de residencia. El modelo multivariante hallado está compuesto por los siguientes factores: el presentar antecedentes familiares de suicidio y agregación de desordenes mentales en la familia, un diagnóstico de trastorno de la personalidad y conflictos familiares en el mes previo al suicidio. Estos factores permiten discriminar poblaciones de riesgo cara a la implementación de programas preventivos (AU)

Rates, methods and some of the risk factors of suicide seem to depend on geographical and cultural differences, which involve conducting research in specific high-risk areas facing the implementation of preventive strategies. This study seeks to determine the risk and protective factors of suicide in the region of Antequera-Málaga (Spain). Is performed on a case-control study using the psychological autopsy of 40 cases of suicide and 80 population controls matched on gender, age and area of residence. The multivariate model found is composed of the following factors: the antecedents of suicide and mental disorders aggregate in families, a diagnosis of personality disorder and family conflict in the month prior to suicide. These factors discriminate risk populations facing the implementation of preventive programs (AU)

Chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Adesmia bijuga Phil., Fabaceae, one critically endangered species in Central Chile / Composición química del aceite esencial de las hojas de Adesmia bijuga Phil., Fabaceae, una especie en peligro critico en Chile central

The essential oil chemical profile of Adesmia bijuga Phil. leaves, an endemic Chilean species from Maule Region central Chile with a critically endangered situation, was investigated for first time. This essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). As a result, 29 components were identified; representing 94.8 percent of the oil composition. The major constituents were spathulenol (24.3 percent), cadalene (9.6 percent), alpha-copaene (8.5 percent) and ledol (8 percent).

La composición química del aceite esencial de las hojas frescas de Adesmia bijuga Phil., una especie chilena endémica de la Región del Maule, Chile central, en peligro crítico, fue investigada por primera vez. El aceite esencial fue aislado por hidrodestilación y analizado por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). Como resultado, se identificaron 29 compuestos, representando 94,8 por ciento de la composición del aceite. Los constituyentes mayoritarios fueron espatulenol (24,3 por ciento), cadaleno (9.6 por ciento), alfa-copaeno (8.5 por ciento) y ledol (8 por ciento).

Medicinal plants of Chile: evaluation of their anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity.

The extracts of several plants of Central Chile exhibited anti-Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes activity. Most active extracts were those obtained from Podanthus ovatifolius, Berberis microphylla, Kageneckia oblonga, and Drimys winteri. The active extract of Drimys winteri (IC50 51.2 microg/mL) was purified and three drimane sesquiterpenes were obtained: polygodial, drimenol, and isodrimenin. Isodrimenin and drimenol were found to be active against the trypomastigote form of T. cruzi with IC50 values of 27.9 and 25.1 microM, respectively.

The history of dengue outbreaks in the Americas.

Dengue is a viral disease usually transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Dengue outbreaks in the Americas reported in medical literature and to the Pan American Health Organization are described. The outbreak history from 1600 to 2010 was categorized into four phases: Introduction of dengue in the Americas (1600-1946); Continental plan for the eradication of the Ae. aegypti (1947-1970) marked by a successful eradication of the mosquito in 18 continental countries by 1962; Ae. aegypti reinfestation (1971-1999) caused by the failure of the mosquito eradication program; Increased dispersion of Ae. aegypti and dengue virus circulation (2000-2010) characterized by a marked increase in the number of outbreaks. During 2010 > 1.7 million dengue cases were reported, with 50,235 severe cases and 1,185 deaths. A dramatic increase in the number of outbreaks has been reported in recent years. Urgent global action is needed to avoid further disease spread.

Dengue research opportunities in the Americas.

Dengue is a systemic arthropod-borne viral disease of major global public health importance. At least 2.5 billion people who live in areas of the world where dengue occurs are at risk of developing dengue fever (DF) and its severe complications, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Repeated reemergences of dengue in sudden explosive epidemics often cause public alarm and seriously stress healthcare systems. The control of dengue is further challenged by the lack of effective therapies, vaccines, and point-of-care diagnostics. Despite years of study, even its pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. This article discusses recent advances in dengue research and identifies challenging gaps in research on dengue clinical evaluation, diagnostics, epidemiology, immunology, therapeutics, vaccinology/clinical trials research, vector biology, and vector ecology. Although dengue is a major global tropical pathogen, epidemiologic and disease control considerations in this article emphasize dengue in the Americas.

Biomass, resin and essential oil content and their variability in natural populations of the Chilean crude drug “bailahuén” (Haplopappus spp) / Biomasa, contenido de resina y aceite esencial y su variabilidad en poblaciones naturales de las especies de droga cruda chilena “bailahuén” (Haplopappus spp)

Bailahuén (Haplopappus rigidus, Haplopappus baylahuen, Haplopappus multifolius and Haplopappus taeda; Asteraceae) are medicinal shrubs native to the Andes Mountains of Chile widely used to treat hepatic ailments. At present, exploitation of bailahuén is based on wild collections, affecting the abundance of natural populations. Variability of biomass production and concentration of active compounds in different wild populations of the four Haplopappus species was studied in order to select the best plant material for cultivation. Resins were extracted with dichloromethane and essential oils by distillation. Biomass production of the populations was highest for H. baylahuen and H. rigidus compared with the other species, reaching between 0.56 and 1.61 kg and 1.11-1.48 kg per plant, respectively. No differences were found among populations of the same species. In some H. rigidus populations, the resin content was about a third of the dry weight, whereas plants of H. multifolius had mean values of about 8 percent. In H. baylahuen (11.3-27.7 percent) the resin content of leaves differed significantly among populations, whereas the essential oil ranged from 0.02-0.38 mL*100g DM-1 in H. baylahuen, 0.03-0.5 mL*100 g DM-1 for H. rigidus, and 0.08-0.35 mL*100 g DM-1 for H. taeda. Resin content in stems differed only among H. baylahuen (6.3-15.5 percent) and H. rigidus (10.7-21.2 percent) populations. No significant differences in essential oil content among species could be detected because of the large amount of variation observed among populations. The variation between plants of the same population may indicate favorable selection potential for future breeding programs.

Bailahuén (Haplopappus rigidus, Haplopappus baylahuen, Haplopappus multifolius y Haplopappus taeda; Asteraceae) son arbustos medicinales de la Cordillera de los Andes Chilena ampliamente usados para tratar malestares hepáticos. Actualmente, la explotación del bailahuén se basa en la recolección silvestre, afectando su abundancia. La variabilidad en diferentes poblaciones silvestres de las cuatro especies de Haplopappus fue usada en orden a determinar la potencialidad para seleccionar el mejor material vegetal para cultivo en producción de biomasa y contenido de principios activos. La resina se extrajo por inmersión en diclorometano y el aceite esencial por destilación. Los mayores rendimientos de biomasa se observaron en H. rigidus y H. baylahuen, con valores poblacionales que fluctuaron entre 1,11-1,48 y 0,56-1,61 kg planta-1, respectivamente, sin presentar diferencias entre poblaciones de la misma especie. El contenido de resinas alcanzó en algunas poblaciones de H. rigidus hasta un tercio del peso seco, mientras que en H. multifolius fue de aproximadamente 8 por ciento. En hojas, sólo se observaron diferencias significativas en el contenido de resinas entre poblaciones de H. baylahuen (11,3-27,7 por ciento). El contenido de aceites esenciales en hojas permitió diferenciar poblaciones de H. baylahuen (0,02-0,38 mL*100g MS-1), H. rigidus (0,03-0,50 mL*100g MS-1) y H. taeda (0,08-0,35 mL*100g MS-1). En tallos, el contenido de resina difirió significativamente entre poblaciones de H. baylahuen (6,3-15,6 por ciento) y H. rigidus (10,7-21,2 por ciento). La alta variación del contenido de aceite esencial entre poblaciones no permitió establecer diferencias entre especies. La variación entre poblaciones de la misma especie sugiere un buen pronóstico para futuras selecciones y mejoramiento genético.

National linguistic validation of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Assessment of disability caused by tinnitus in Chilean Spanish-speaking population.

INTRODUCTION: The psycho-emotional assessment is of utmost importance for evaluation of patients with tinnitus. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), is the most known and validated test for this purpose. OBJECTIVES: We propose a linguistic validation of the THI, in order to obtain reliable answers in our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a translation of the original English questionnaire and assessed its feasibility by applying it in a group of patients with tinnitus. Statistical analysis included internal validity (Cronbach's alpha) and linear correlation tests (Pearson coefficient). RESULTS: We evaluated 60 patients with a mean age of 59 years. We obtained a Cronbach's alpha index of 0.97 for the whole questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted version of the THI shows satisfactory levels of internal consistency for the assessment of disability caused by tinnitus.

Evaluación funcional de la vía aérea / Functional asessment of airway

Airway function study includes a variety of tests involving various sub-specialties of medicine and related professions. We describe the methods that assess: 1) upper airway (nose to larynx): rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and nasopharingolaryngoscopy, 2) central airways (trachea and main bronchi): bronchoscopy, imaging study and Flow / Volume curve, 3) distal or peripheral airway: spirometry, bronchodilator response assessment, airway hyper responsiveness and measurement of airway resistance (plethysmography, interrupted resistence and impulse oscillometry).

El estudio de la función de la vía aérea abarca una gran variedad de exámenes que implican a diversas subespecialidades de la medicina y profesiones relacionadas. Se describen los métodos que evalúan: 1) vía aérea superior (nariz hasta laringe): rinomanometría, rinometría acústica y nasofarigolaringoscopía, 2) vía aérea central (tráquea y bronquios mayores): bronconcoscopia, estudio de imágenes y curva flujo/volumen, 3) vía aérea distalo periférica: espirometría, evaluación de respuesta a broncodilatador y de hiperreactividad bronquial y medición de la resistencia de la vía aérea (pletismografía, resistencia interrumpida y oscilometría de impulso).

[Integrated prevention and control strategy for dengue in Mesoamerica]. / La estrategia para la prevención y el control integrado del dengue en Mesoamérica.

Dengue in the Americas is a public health problem in ascent. The control strategies have not been effective when sustained in the intensive use of insecticides and poor community participation. The Mesoamerican Initiative for the Prevention and the Integrated Control of Dengue synthesizes the works generated by the Integrated Strategy of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the risks stratification strategy designed by the countries of the Mesoamerican region. The objective is to progressively reduce the incidence of dengue cases until a 50% reduction is reached over a five years period. This document describes the elements for the risk stratification, the activities for prevention and control organized by levels of intensity and frequency and the indicators used to pursuit the objectives. To face the dispersion of the problem a concentration of efforts for control in the areas of greater risk is presented; the opportunity in the detection of cases is highlighted to tackle the fast dissemination of the infection; focus on the most productive breeding sites is proposed to battle against the vast dissemination of the breeding sites; and the severity of the infection must be addressed by capable clinical human resources. This strategy was designed along with the national representatives of the control programs to create master plans that provided the basis for the integrated prevention and control of dengue in the Mesoamerican region.