DNA damage in a Chilean population exposed to pesticides and its association with PON1 (Q192R and L55M) susceptibility biomarker.

The active ingredients in pesticides are known to be genotoxic that can cause mutations, chromosomal aberrations, or other types of DNA damage. Early detection of genotoxicity reduces the risk of developing diseases such as cancer or suffering from reproductive disorders. In turn, the genotoxic risk depends on the intrinsic capability of the individual to metabolize and eliminate the xenobiotic from the organism. This study aimed to determine if two polymorphisms of paraoxonase-1 (PON1), which is involved in the metabolism of several organophosphate (OP) pesticides, are predictors of susceptibility to DNA damage in agricultural workers and inhabitants of rural areas chronically exposed to pesticides. A cross-sectional study was made considering three groups: agricultural workers (occupational exposure, OE, n = 85), rural inhabitants (environmental exposure, EE, n = 60), and an unexposed group conformed by people living far from agricultural areas (U, n = 33). The level of individual DNA damage was measured using the comet assay, and genotyping was done to determine the PON1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrilcholinesterase activities were also measured to determine exposure to OP. Individuals belonging to EE and OE groups displayed higher levels of DNA damage compared with U group (p < .001). OP exposure was the main predictor of genotoxicity (ß = 16.19; 95% CI: 1.85, 30.52), instead of PON1 polymorphisms (ß = -12.20; 95% CI: -27.87, 3.48). These results confirm the genotoxic effects of pesticide exposure and suggest that the catalytic efficiency of PON1 to metabolize OP pesticides becomes negligible in individuals with a history of long-term environmental or occupational exposure to these substances.

Determinación del intervalo de referencia para subpoblaciones linfocitarias CD3+, CD4+ y CD8+ y el índice CD4+/CD8+ en la población chilena adulta

Resumen Introducción: En varios estudios se ha documentado la influencia de factores étnicos en la distribución de las subpoblaciones linfocitarias; sin embargo, los intervalos de referencia utilizados en Chile fueron obtenidos de un estudio realizado en Países Bajos el año 1997. Objetivo: Determinar el intervalo de referencia para subpoblaciones linfocitarias CD3+, CD4+ y CD8+, además del índice CD4+/CD8+ en la población chilena. Metodología: Se analizó un total de 200 muestras de sangre total obtenida de hombres y mujeres adultos sanos, utilizando el método establecido por el CLSI estandarizado en el protocolo EP28-A3c desde la etapa pre analítica en adelante. Resultados: Los rangos de referencia para CD3+, CD4+ y CD8+ fueron 54,7-81,6% (789-2732 céls/μL), 28,1-57,7% (447-1703 céls/μL) y 15,1-38,8% (226-996 céls/μL), respectivamente. El índice CD4+/CD8+ fue de 0,84-3,77. Discusión: Los valores de referencia de las subpoblaciones linfocitarias en la población chilena sana son diferentes de los que se usan actualmente en Chile. Estas observaciones muestran datos locales que pudieran tener implicaciones para el tratamiento de la infección por VIH, y los rangos de referencia encontrados en este estudio pudieran ser usados para entender la situación local de algunos pacientes. Conclusiones: Otros estudios deberán ser realizados para confirmar estas observaciones dada la falta de datos previos y debido a que este es el primer estudio en población chilena.

Abstract Background: Several studies have documented the influence of ethnic factors on the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations; however, the reference intervals used in Chile were obtained from a study carried out in the Netherlands in 1997. Aim: To determine the reference interval for CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations, as well as the CD4+/CD8+ index in the Chilean population. Methods: A total of 200 whole blood samples obtained from healthy adult men and women were analyzed using the method established by CLSI standardized in protocol EP28-A3c from the pre-analytical stage onwards. Results: The reference ranges for CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ were 54.7-81.6% (789-2732 cells/μL), 28.1-57.7% (447-1703 cells/μL) and 15.1-38.8% (226-996 cells/μL), respectively. The CD4+/ CD8+ index was 0.84-3.77. Discussion: The reference values for lymphocyte subpopulations in the healthy Chilean population are different from those currently used in Chile. These observations show local data that could have implications for the treatment of HIV infection and the reference ranges found in this study could be used to understand the local situation of some patients. Conclusions: Others studies must be done to confirm these observations due to lack of previous data and because this is the first study in Chilean population.

Biometric analysis of healthy coronary arteries in a Chilean population: an angiographic study / Análisis biométrico de arterias coronarias sanas en población chilena: un estudio angiográfico

SUMMARY: Thorough knowledge and understanding of coronary arteries and their anatomy is essential when performing cardiac surgery such as a coronary bypass. Coronary angiography is a minimally invasive method used to evaluate the anatomy and obtain different measurements of the coronary arteries. This study was designed to evaluate the endoluminal diameter, trunk length and anatomical distribution of coronary arteries in Chilean subjects without apparent angiographic lesions. Measurements were carried out by 3 trained examiners using Leonardo® software program in 238 Chilean subjects of both sexes with an age-range of 45 to 78 years. Ostium and the distal luminal segments diameters were measured, as well as trunk length of both right and left coronary arteries. Ostium of the anterior interventricular artery, dominance and tortuosity were also registered. In the right coronary artery, the diameters (3.8 ± 1.2 mm and 3.6 ± 1.0 mm) differed according to sex and dominance, and the length (35.2 ± 12.5 mm) differed according to age. In the left coronary artery, the diameters (4.9 ± 1.1 mm and 4.7 ± 1.0 mm) were greater in males than in females. The left coronary artery showed greater diameters and length than the right coronary artery. The prevalence of right arterial dominance was 88.0 %. Patients with right arterial dominance presented greater distal caliber in the right coronary artery than those with left arterial dominance (p<0.05), especially in older patients. Significant arterial tortuosity was observed in seven subjects.

RESUMEN: Un factor clave durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos cardiacos tal como el bypass coronario, es el conocimiento exhaustivo de las arterias coronarias y su anatomía. La angiografía coronaria es un método mínimamente invasivo que se utiliza para evaluar la anatomía y obtener diferentes medidas. El presente estudio fue diseñado para evaluar el diámetro endoluminal, la longitud del tronco y la distribución anatómica de las arterias coronarias en sujetos chilenos sin lesiones angiográficas significativas. Las mediciones fueron realizadas en 238 sujetos chilenos de ambos sexos con un rango etario entre 45 a 78 años. Tres examinadores preparados llevaron a cabo las mediciones utilizando el software Leonardo®. Se midieron los ostios y los diámetros luminales distales de los troncos coronarios derecho e izquierdo, como también las longitudes del tronco de las arterias coronarias derecha e izquierda. Además, se identificaron los ostios de la arteria interventricular anterior, dominancia y tortuosidad. En la arteria coronaria derecha, los diámetros (3,8 ± 1,2 mm y 3,6 ± 1,0 mm) se observaron variaciones según el sexo y la dominancia, y la longitud (35,2 ± 12,5 mm) difirió según la edad. En la arteria coronaria izquierda, los diámetros (4,9 ± 1,1 mm y 4,7 ± 1,0 mm) fueron mayores en los hombres que en las mujeres. La arteria coronaria izquierda mostró mayor diámetro y longitud que la arteria coronaria derecha. La prevalencia de dominancia arterial derecha fue del 88,0 %. Los pacientes con dominancia arterial derecha presentaron mayor calibre distal en la arteria coronaria derecha que aquellos con dominancia arterial izquierda (p <0,05), especialmente en pacientes mayores. En siete sujetos se observó una tortuosidad arterial significativa.

Location and course of the mandibular canal in dentate patients: morphometric study using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The morphometric characteristics of the mandibular canal (MC) may vary according to the characteristics of the population studied. Correct location of the MC is fundamental for the indication and planning of different dental treatments, and it is therefore essential to have clinical parameters indicating its approximate location. The aim of this study was to describe the location and course of the MC by morphometric relations in the mandibular body, from the mental foramen to distal of the first molar, in dentate adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 55 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of male and female patients, aged over 18 years and with fully dentate to the first molar. In each CBCT we selected five coronal sections (A-E) of the mandibular body at different levels using the teeth as references. We determined different morphometric measurements in each section to relate the MC with the corticals of the mandibular body (m1, m2, m3, m4), their orientation to lingual (F) and the thickness of the mandibular corticals (B1, B2 and B3). RESULTS: The distance between the MC and the alveolar crests was greater in males than in females in all the sections. In general, in all the hemiarches, the MC courses away from the vestibular cortical of the mandible (and in some cases significantly towards the lingual cortical) from anterior to posterior in the mandibular body. In the left hemiarch of dentate females the MC describes a descent in the molar zone within the mandibular body. Any intervention in the mandible must be carried out with extreme caution to avoid damaging the vasculo-nervous bundle which passes through the MC. CONCLUSIONS: Cone-beam computed tomography is the best tool currently available for the planning and execution of surgical procedures, and is the only tool in clinical use which allows the precise course of the MC to be identified.

La paradoja de la inmigración: las madres haitianas y latinoamericanas en Chile / The Immigration Paradox: Haitian and Latin American Mothers in Chile

Introducción: Existe información internacional sobre las diferencias en parto prematuro y peso al nacer para madres migrantes de diferentes etnias originarias. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar parto prematuro y peso al nacer de madres de nacionalidad diferente, cuyos partos ocurrieron en Chile. Materiales y métodos Se utilizó la base de datos nacional del Departamento de Informática del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Se incluyeron los recién nacidos del período Septiembre 2012 a Diciembre 2016. Se evaluaron los datos perinatales básicos, parto prematuro, bajo peso al nacer y su relación con la edad gestacional de nacidos de madres chilenas y de otras nacionalidades. Resultados En el periodo estudiado hubo 1.048490 nacimientos, de los cuales 50995 son de madres extranjeras. El porcentaje de nacidos antes de 37 semanas en madres de Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú y Venezuela es entre un 4.8 y 7.3 %, versus 8% en madres chilenas. Los percentiles 10 para el peso al nacer entre 30 y 40 semanas para madres chilenas y Haitianas (en paréntesis) expresados en gramos: 1045 (1102), 1195 (1160), 1360 (1370), 1550 (1503), 1750 (1508), 2000 (1669), 2235 (1982), 2500 (2237), 2810 (2607), 2970 (2710), 3080 (2858). Los z-score de madres Haitianas fueron significativamente menores después de las 35 semanas. Conclusiones La paradoja de la inmigración se verifica en la experiencia nacional, con tasas de natalidad prematuras y bajo peso al nacer más favorables para las madres extranjeras en comparación con las mujeres chilenas y con sus países de origen. Las madres afro-caribeñas tuvieron nacimientos con peso menor, en edades gestacionales donde se toman decisiones frecuentes, con diferencias de hasta un 20 % entre las 35- 37 semanas.

SUMMARY The immigration paradox: Haitian and Latin American mothers in Chile Introduction There is international information on the differences in preterm birth and birth weight for migrant mothers of different ethnicities. The objective is to evaluate prematurity and birth weight of mothers of different national origin, whose deliveries occurred in Chile. Materials and methods The national database of the Department of Informatics of the Ministry of Health of Chile was used. Newborns from the period of September 2012 to December 2016 were included. Basic perinatal data, preterm birth, low birth weight and their relationship with the gestational age of babies born to mothers of local origin and other nationalities were evaluated. Results 1,048,490 births, 50,995 foreign mothers were studied. The percentage of those born before 37 weeks of mothers from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela is between 4.8 and 7.3%, compared to nationals with 8%. The 10th percentiles for birth weight from 30 to 40 weeks for Chilean and Haitian mothers (in parentheses) were (g): 1045 (1102), 1195 (1160), 1360 (1370), 1550 (1503), 1750(1508 ), 2000 (1669), 2235 (1982), 2500 (2237), 2810 (2607), 2970 (2710), 3080 (2858). The z-scores of Haitian mothers were significantly lower. Conclusions The immigration paradox is verified in the national experience, with preterm birth rates and low birth weight more favorable to foreign mothers compared to chileans Afro-Caribbean mothers had births with a lower weight, at gestational ages where relevant decisions are made, with differences of up to a 20% between 35-37 weeks.

Consumers' attitudes before and after the introduction of the Chilean regulation on food labelling.

The aim of the present study is to understand how the attitudes towards food labelling in the Chilean population have changed after the introduction of the Chilean law on food labelling and advertising. A computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted in 2012 and 2016, employing the same procedures. The difference in outcomes between 2012 and 2016 was assessed using a logistic regression model. One hundred and sixty-seven subjects responded to both the 2012 and 2016 survey editions (respondents). For both the unadjusted and adjusted analyses, the respondents in 2016 were more likely to be involved in a programme to lose weight and to consider food labelling the most effective intervention introduced to date to promote healthy nutrition. However, no significant differences were reported in both self-reported and objectively assessed understandings of front-of-pack-labelling. Evidence suggests a positive perception among Chileans regarding the effectiveness of the new law.

Assessment of Gastritis and Gastric Cancer Risk in the Chilean Population Using the OLGA System.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the first cancer-related cause of death in Chile; however, no plan for GC early detection has been implemented in this country. The OLGA system characterizes gastritis from stages 0 to IV according to the risk of developing GC based on H. pylori infection, atrophy, metaplasia and GC. In this study, the performance of the OLGA system was evaluated in 485 Chilean patients receiving routine endoscopy to improve the detection of early GC or preneoplastic lesions. The results showed that OLGA scores, atrophy, metaplasia and GC increased significantly with age (p < 0.001). Conversely, H. pylori infection was higher in younger groups (p < 0.05). All gastric lesions were more frequent in men than women. The majority of patients with atrophy also had metaplasia (99%, p < 0.0001). Patients with H. pylori infection had more gastric atrophy and metaplasia than those without infection (p < 0.05). Of the 485 patients, 21 (4.3%) had GC, being 2.3 times more frequent among men than women and about 2/3 (14) were in OLGA stage ≥2. In addition, 19 (90%) GC patients had atrophy and 18 (85%) had metaplasia (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the OLGA system facilitated the evaluation of GC precursor lesions particularly in patients with an OLGA score > 2 between 45 and 56 years old, because this group showed atrophy and intestinal metaplasia more frequently. Therefore, biennial endoscopic surveillance of patients with an OLGA >2 can be an important health policy in Chile for diagnosing GC in its early stages and reducing mortality over the next two decades.

Prevalencia y distribución de signos degenerativos en cóndilo de la ATM presentes en radiografías panorámicas en población chilena / Prevalence and distribution of degenerative signs in ATM condyle in panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population

La articulación temporomandibular (ATM), como todas las articulaciones, es afectada por enfermedades inflamatorias o degenerativas, traumatismos, malformaciones, infecciones, quistes y tumores. La artrosis u osteoartrosis (OA) es la enfermedad degenerativa más frecuente de las articulaciones del cuerpo humano, incluyendo la ATM. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de signos imagenológicos de trastornos degenerativos en el proceso condilar de la ATM, presentes en radiografías panorámicas digitales (RPD) de población chilena. Para ello se realizó un estudio de corte transversal que utilizó 651 radiografías de individuos adultos, en las que se buscó la presencia de los siguientes signos imagenológicos de osteoartrosis: esclerosis, pérdida de la cortical, erosión, osteofitos y quistes endocondrales. La prevalencia de signos radiográficos de OA fue de un 35 % (n=230); donde el 50 % de los individuos con signos de OA fueron mayores de 50 años, mientras la diferencia se distribuyó de forma homogénea en los distintos rangos etáreos. El signo más prevalente fue el osteofito (25 %) y la pérdida de cortical fue la menos observada (3 %). Además, la esclerosis presentó una prevalencia del 6 %, la erosión del 4 % y los quistes endocondrales del 6 %. Por su parte la frecuencia de signos observada en hombres fue mayor, detectándose un aumento en relación directa con la edad independiente del sexo. La radiografía panorámica por su accesibilidad, baja dosis de radiación y constituir un examen de rutina, constituye un medio apropiado para pesquizar hallazgos de signos degenerativos de la ATM.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), like all joints, is affected by inflammatory or degenerative diseases, traumatisms, malformations, infections, cysts and tumors. Osteoarthrosis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease of the joints of the human body, including the temporomandibular joint. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of imaging signs of degenerative disorders in the TMJ condyle, present in digital panoramic radiographs in Chilean population. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 651 radiographs of adult individuals. The presence of the following imaging signs of osteoarthrosis was recorded: sclerosis, cortical loss, erosion, osteophytes and endochondral cysts. The prevalence of radiographic signs of OA was 35 % (n = 230); where 50 % of the individuals with signs of OA were older than 50 years, while the difference was distributed homogeneously in the different age ranges. The most prevalent sign was osteophyte (25 %) and cortical loss was the least observed (3 %). In addition, sclerosis presented a prevalence of 6 %, erosion of 4 % and endochondral cysts of 6 %. On the other hand, the frequency of signs observed in men was greater, detecting an increase in direct relation with age independent of sex. The data of this study allows us to conclude that the prevalence of OA in the studied population was 35 % with a higher representation in men and older people. Both the value of the prevalence of OA and that corresponding to each sign are affected by the modality of radiographic analysis and methodological considerations.

Identification of a Rare Germline Heterozygous Deletion Involving the Polycistronic miR-17-92 Cluster in Two First-Degree Relatives from a BRCA 1/2 Negative Chilean Family with Familial Breast Cancer: Possible Functional Implications.

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as novel gene expression regulators. Recent evidence strongly suggests a role for miRNAs in a large variety of cancer-related pathways. Different studies have shown that 18.7 to 37% of all human miRNA genes are clustered. miR-17-92 polycistronic cluster overexpression is associated with human hematolymphoid and solid malignancies including breast cancer (BC). Here, we report the identification of rs770419845, a rare 6 bp deletion located within the polycistronic miR-17-92 cluster, in two first-degree relatives from a Chilean family with familial BC and negative for point mutations in BRCA 1/2 genes. The deletion was identified by Sanger sequencing when 99 BRCA1/2 mutation-negative BC cases with a strong family history were initially screened. In silico analysis predicts that rs770419845 affects the secondary structure and stability of the pre-miR-17-pre-miR-18 region and the entire 17-92 cluster. The deletion was screened in 458 high-risk BRCA1/2-negative Chilean families and 480 controls. rs770419845 was not detected in any control but identified in a single family with two cases of BC and other cancers. Both BC cases, the mother and her daughter, carried the deletion. Based on bioinformatic analyses, the location of the deletion and its low frequency, we presume rs770419845 may be a pathogenic variant. Functional studies are needed to support this hypothesis.

Prevalence and morphometric analysis of idiopathic osteosclerosis in a Chilean population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence and morpho-metric parameters of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) in a Chilean population. IO is an intraosseous growth of compact, benign, unilocular, non-expandable bone that is referred to as an anatomical variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using 1000 digital panoramic radiographs of adults in which data on the location (maxillary/ mandibular, right/left hemiarcades), shape, position to the dental apex, and the prevalence of IOs were observed in relation to gender and age. The morphometric parameters evaluated were area, height, width, and the linear distances of the IO up to the midline and at the base of the mandible. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 2.8% (27 individuals), with the majority of cases in women (66.7%) in the second, third, and fifth decades of life, but without significant differences. All cases were present in the mandible (100%), usually in the left hemiarcade (59.3%), molar (48.2%) and premolar (44.4%) regions; at the height of the dental apices (65.5%), with an irregular shape (40.7%) and round (37%). The area of the IOs was 33.9 ± 20.1 mm2, with a height of 7.7 ± ± 3.1 mm, width of 6.6 ± 3.1 mm, and the distance from the IO to the mandible median line was 26.6 ± 10.7 mm and 9.7 ± 3.7 mm to the mandibular base. CONCLUSIONS: All the data observed corroborate with previous studies; the IO does not present a large difference in the Chilean population evaluated compared to pre-vious studies carried out in other populations. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 272-278).

Localization of the mental foramen through digital panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population / Localización del foramen mental a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales en una población chilena

SUMMARY: The purpose of the current research was to describe the location of mental foramen (MF) through digital panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population sample. A cross sectional study was carried out in which 500 radiographs taken at a university clinic in Temuco, Chile, were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were applied and the radiographs were analyzed by two previously calibrated examiners. The antero-posterior and supero-inferior positions of the MF were established in relation to longitudinal axes of premolars and the height of their apices, respectively. The distances from the center of the MF to the inferior margin of the mandible, the midline and the height of the dental apices were measured. In total, 163 radiographs were analyzed (93 female, 70 male). On both left and right sides, the MF was most commonly found between the longitudinal axes of premolars (58.49 % and 65.43 %) and below of the apices (94.34 % and 95.68 %), with no significant differences for sex and age. On the right side the mean distance to the inferior margin of the mandible (D1) was 11.87±1.46 mm; to the midline (D2) it was 24.46±2.99 mm and to the height of the apices (D3) it was 5.03±8.44 mm. On the left side the same distances were 11.98±1.62 mm, 25.85±2.87 mm and 4.09±2.21 mm respectively. In conclusions, the distances measured from the MF to anatomical landmarks are smaller in women, however significant differences were only found for D1 (right and left sides) and D3 (left side). D2 was the only distance found to diminish with age (left side).

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la localización del foramen mental (FM) a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales en una población chilena. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en el cual se analizaron 500 radiografías tomadas en una clínica universitaria de la ciudad de Temuco. Se aplicaron criterios de exclusión y las radiografías incluidas fueron analizadas por dos examinadores previamente calibrados. La posición antero-posterior y supero-inferior del FM se estableció de acuerdo a los ejes longitudinales de los premolares y la altura de sus ápices respectivamente. También se midió la distancia desde el centro del FM hasta el borde inferior de la mandíbula, hasta la línea media y hasta la altura de los ápices dentarios. En total, 163 radiografías fueron analizadas (93 mujeres, 70 hombres). Tanto para el lado derecho como izquierdo, la ubicación más frecuente del FM fue entre los ejes longitudinales de los premolares (58,49 % y 65,43 %) y debajo de los ápices (94,34 % y 96,68 %), sin diferencias significativas por sexo y edad. En el lado derecho la distancia promedio desde el FM hasta el borde inferior de la mandíbula (o D1) fue 11,87±1,46 mm; a la línea media (o D2) fue 24,46±2,99 mm y a la altura de los ápices fue de 5,03±8,44 mm. En el lado izquierdo el promedio de las mismas distancias fueron 11,98±1,62 mm, 25,85±2,87 mm y 4,09±2,21 mm respectivamente. En conclusión, las distancias medidas desde el centro del FM hacia referencias anatómicas son menores en mujeres, sin embargo solo se encontraron diferencias significativas para D1 (en el lado derecho e izquierdo) y D3 (en el lado izquierdo). D2 fue la única distancia encontrada que disminuye con la edad (lado izquierdo).

Diferencias en la conducta de emparejamiento entre mujeres jóvenes universitarias de Santiago de Chile en relación con el consumo de píldoras anticonceptivas orales / Differences in mating behavior among university young women of Santiago de Chile in relation to the consumption of oral contraceptive pills

Durante los últimos años en Chile se ha detectado una masificación en el uso de anticonceptivos orales. Sin embargo, en Chile y al igual que en casi todos los países latinoamericanos prácticamente no se han investigado sus implicancias sobre la conducta humana. Específicamente, este estudio evaluó el impacto del uso de estos anticonceptivos sobre la conducta de emparejamiento en un grupo de 164 mujeres jóvenes universitarias, con una media de edad igual a 19 años y provenientes de cuatro universidades chilenas. Para ello se utilizó la adaptación chilena del Cuestionario de Componentes del Valor de Pareja que está compuesto por 22 ítems que se responden en una escala Likert de siete valores. Los resultados señalan diferencias entre las mujeres que consumen píldoras anticonceptivas (PA) y las que no lo hacen. Las consumidoras presentan los mayores valores del índice general del cuestionario sobre los componentes del valor de pareja y las subescalas de historia de relaciones de pareja, apreciación desde el sexo opuesto y apariencia. Estos resultados indican que las mujeres consumidoras de la PA se autoperciben y creen que el sexo contrario las evalúa como atractivas y muestran una vida sexual más diversificada, no mostrando diferencias en los otros aspectos relevantes para el valor de pareja no vinculados centralmente al atractivo físico. En definitiva, los resultados parecen indicar que el consumo de anticonceptivos hormonales no modifica la conducta social y parental de las mujeres, aunque su uso parece estar asociado con una mayor autopercepción de atractivo y mayor diversidad sexual.

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills (PAs from now on), have been available on the world market for five decades. At present, the use of PA is massifier worldwide, being consumed by more than 100 million women on the planet. In recent years, in Latin America has been detected a dramatic increase in the use of oral contraceptives, and Chile is not the exception. In this sense, it is probable that the increase in the consumption of PAs in Chile is linked to the increase of women who decide to pursue higher studies and to develop professional careers. Concurrently, a wide field of research has been focused on the physiological and psychological effect of the consumption of oral contraceptives on human behavior, being mating behavior one of the main topics of research. However, in Chile as in most Latin American countries there is a lack of studies on the implications of the consumption of oral contraceptives on human behavior. In the present study, we investigated in a group of 164 university young women (Mean ± Standard Deviation: 19.27± 2.88 years) of Chile the impact of the use of oral contraceptives on mating behavior. Accordingly, we have applied a validated psychometric test to assessed mate value, one of the more relevant components of mating behavior i.e., the Mate Value Questionnaire. Mate value can be defined as a construct that incorporates a number of physical, psychological, and social dimensions that are related to an individual's ability to find, attract, and successfully retain a partner. This questionnaire is composed by 22 items and 7 subscales that are answered in a Likert Scale of 7 values. The Mate Value Questionnaire showed a high reliability (α = .85). According with previous studies that showed a decrease in sexual satisfaction and desire on women that consume oral contraceptives, we predicted a decrease of mating behavior and, then, a decrease on Mate Value for those women that use oral contraceptives. This effect was expected for all subscales of this questionnaire with the exception of relationship history subscale since women that consume oral contraceptives reported to have more diverse sexual partners on previous studies. The results show differences between women who use oral contraceptives (n = 87 women: 19.60 ± 2.89 years) in comparison to those who do not (n = women: 18.90 ± 2.84 years). However, the differences were, in general, opposed to our expectations being the consumers of oral contraceptives who presented the highest values of the general index of the Mate Value Questionnaire, and, concretely, for the subscales of relationship history, views of the opposite sex, and looks. In addition, we have failed into found any differences between groups in subscales that were not associated to physical appearance, such as wealth, sociality and fear of failure. The results suggest that the use of hormonal contraceptives does not modify the social and parental behavior of the women, although their use seems to be associated with a greater self-perception of attractiveness and greater diversity in sexual life. This study provides new information that will increase the understanding and discussion about the hypothetical effect that would or would not, the consumption of the PA on the pairing behavior. It is important to point out that the field of research on changes in the sexual preferences of women, derived from hormonal states, is in an important discussion process. Therefore, we believe that it is critical to carry out research in the future in order to elucidate the real robustness of this phenomenon, improving our understanding about the behavioral effects of consuming oral contraceptives.

Prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the mandibular incisive canal through panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population / Prevalencia y características morfométricas del canal incisivo mandibular a través de radiografías panorámicas en población chilena

The mandibular incisive canal (MIC) is a continuation of the mandibular canal, anterior to the mental foramen, containing the neurovascular bundle of the teeth in anterior mandibular segment. The aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence and analyze the morphometric parameters of MIC in a Chilean population through digital panoramic radiographs. A cross-sectional study was performed using 500 digital panoramic radiographies of adult individuals. The prevalence of MIC was set in different sexes, age groups and proximity to teeth; in addition to the morphometric parameters of length, width (diameter) and distances of MIC to dental element and the mandibular base. General MIC prevalence was 53 % (265 cases), 49.9 % in women and 57 % in men. In the age groups, prevalence was higher in men, MIC was predominantly associated to first premolars (98.2 % - women; 90 % - men), however a relevant number (42.6 % women; 55.1 % - men) was close to the canines. The MIC length ranged from 2.6 to 18 mm (median - 5 to 8 mm), the width of 0.8 to 5.4 mm (median - 2 to 3 mm), the distance to other elements from 0.6 to 12 , 5 mm (medians - 5 to 7 mm) and the margin of the mandible from 4.1 to 16.7 mm (median - 8 to 10 mm). The length decreases in older age groups regardless of sex. Width and distance the mandibular base was larger in men compared to women.

El canal incisivo mandibular (MIC) es una continuación del canal mandibular, anterior al agujero mentoniano, que contiene la rama neurovascular de los dientes en el segmento mandibular anterior. El objetivo de este estudio fue calcular la prevalencia y analizar los parámetros morfométricos del MIC en una población chilena mediante radiografías panorámicas digitales. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal utilizando 500 radiografías panorámicas digitales de individuos adultos. La prevalencia de MIC se estableció en diferentes géneros, grupos de edades y proximidad a los dientes; Además de los parámetros morfométricos de longitud, ancho (diámetro) y distancias de MIC al diente y a la base mandibular. La prevalencia general de MIC fue de 53 % (265 casos), 49,9 % en mujeres y 57 % en hombres. En los grupos de edad, la prevalencia fue mayor en los hombres, el MIC se asoció predominantemente a los primeros premolares (98,2 % - mujeres, 90 % - hombres), sin embargo un número relevante (42,6 % mujeres y 55,1 % hombres) estaba cerca de los caninos. La longitud del MIC osciló entre 2,6 y 18 mm (medianas de 5 a 8 mm), el ancho de 0,8 a 5,4 mm (medianas de 2 a 3 mm), la distancia a otros elementos de 0,6 a 12,5 mm (medianas de 5 a 7 mm) y al borde de la mandíbula de 4,1 a 16,7 mm (medianas de 8 a 10 mm). El largo disminuye en los grupos de mayor edad independientemente del sexo. Ancho y distancia a la base mandibular fue mayor en hombres que en mujeres.

Genetic Variants of Cytochrome CYP2D6 in Two Mixed Chilean Populations.

OBJECTIVES: It is known that the interindividual and interethnic variability of the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 plays an important role in the presentation of adverse drug reactions and concerning lack of therapeutic effects in humans. However, there are few data available from mixed populations of Latin America, including the Chilean. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the frequencies of CYP2D6 variants in two samples of hospitals from the northern (Hospital San José, HSJ) and eastern (Clínica Las Condes, CLC) parts of Santiago, Chile, with different degrees of Amerindian admixture (HSJ: 34.5%; CLC: 15.9%). METHODS: We used polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction endonuclease digestion (PCR-RFLP) to genotype 7 CYP2D6 alleles in 250 healthy unrelated individuals of Chilean Mestizo background. The detection of allele CYP2D6*5 and the duplication of this gene was performed by long-PCR. RESULTS: The degrees of Amerindian admixture are reflected in the observed frequencies of the CYP2D6*1 (HSJ: 58.26%; CLC: 41.06%), CYP2D6*2 (HSJ: 28.10%; CLC: 40.65%), and CYP2D6*4 (HSJ: 8.26%; CLC: 12.60%) alleles; the frequencies of CYP2D6*1 (p = 0.0002) and CYP2D6*2 (p = 0.0036) are significantly different between the samples. Four individuals (CLC: 0.41%; HSJ: 1.24%) could not be assigned to a genotype. We identified 3.25% of the genotypes which predict a poor metabolizer phenotype in CLC and 1.65% in HSJ. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate ethnic group-dependent genetic differences in the vulnerability to treatment with the large variety of drugs metabolized by the enzyme CYP2D6.

Análisis histopatológico de casos de cáncer oral en instituciones de las regiones chilenas del Maule y Bío-Bío entre los años 2001-2011 / Histopathological analysis of oral cancer cases in health institutions of Maule and Bío-Bío Chilean regions between the years 2001-2011

El carcinoma oral de células escamosas (COCE) es una neoplasia epitelial invasiva con diferentes grados de diferenciación y una propensión a metástasis. La evidencia acumulada para el COCE en Chile es escasa, y más aún para la séptima región del Maule y octava región del Bío-Bío, por lo tanto el motivo de esta investigación es presentar un análisis histopatológico de pacientes diagnosticados de COCE que aporte al conocimiento de la realidad local y nacional. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, que incluyó a una muestra por conveniencia (COCE n = 33) de instituciones de la séptima y octava región de Chile. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 65 años. La ubicación anatómica más frecuente para el COCE fueron los labios (36,4 por ciento), seguido de la lengua (27,3 por ciento) y el piso de la boca (9,1 por ciento). Predominaron los COCE moderadamente diferenciados (51,5 por ciento), con un patrón de invasión tumoral infiltrante (81,8 por ciento) y una respuesta inmune moderada/marcada (75,8 por ciento). En estas regiones el COCE afecta principalmente a personas mayores, se ubica en una zona anatómica fácilmente accesible para el examen, lo que debería permitir el diagnóstico en etapas iniciales. Son necesarios profesionales con conocimientos de posgrado o especialización en patología y medicina oral en los centros de atención pública.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC) is an invasive epithelial neoplasm with varying degrees of differentiation and propensity to metastasise. Chilean evidence for OSCC is scarce, and even more so for the Seventh (Maule) and Eighth (Bío-Bío) regions. Hence, the present study is carried out to evaluate the histopathological features of OSCC patients to contribute to local and national knowledge. A retrospective observational study was conducted on a convenience sample (n = 33) from health care institutions of Seventh and Eighth Chilean regions. The mean age of patients was 65 years. The most common OSCC anatomical locations were lips (36.4 percent), followed by the tongue (27.3 percent), and the floor of the mouth (9.1 percent). Moderately differentiated OSCC predominated (51.5 percent), with a pattern of infiltrating tumour invasion (81.8 percent) and a moderate/strong immune response (75.8 percent). In these Chilean regions, OSCC mainly affects older people and is located in an easily accessible area for anatomical examination, which should allow early diagnosis. Professionals with post-graduate knowledge or expertise in Pathology and Oral Medicine are needed in public health care centres.

Validación del test de troponinas en plasma a partir de una población sana: una experiencia local / Validation of normal values for troponin i plasma levels in a chilean population

Introducción: Las troponinas corresponden a proteínas estructurales del miocardiocito, su presencia en plasma se utiliza como marcador de injuria miocárdica. El test troponinas en plasma se utiliza actualmente para detectar daño miocárdico en pacientes en quienes se sospecha un infarto agudo al miocardio; para este propósito se toma como referencia valores de referencia validados en poblaciones de Inglaterra o Estados Unidos. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio obtener valores de referencia para nuestra población local. Métodos y resultados: Se efectuó una determinación de troponina I en 500 sujetos sanos, se obtuvo el valor promedio de troponina I para esta población y el valor percentil 99 para esta población que se considera internacionalmente como el valor de referencia para determinar el límite normal, el valor P99 resultó significativamente menor en mujeres respecto a hombres. Conclusión: En conclusión, se han obtenido valores de referencia para aplicar el test de troponina I en nuestro medio local.

Background: Troponins are myocardiocyte proteins; their plasma level is used as a marker for myocardial injury. In the diagnosis of myocardial infarction values currently used as cut points are those validated elsewhere (USA, UK). Aim: In this study we aimed to determine normal limits of Troponin I in a sample of Chilean subjects. Methods and results: 500 healthy subjects had their troponin I levels measured, computing the mean and 99 percentile (p99) values. Both parameters were significantly lower in females compared to males (mean ± SD 0.089 +/- 0.047 vs 0.102 +/- 0.063, p<0.01; p99 0.02 vs 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: These troponin I values may be used to assess the likelihood of myocardial infarction in Chilean subjects.

Prevalence of the 35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene in two samples of non-syndromic deaf subjects from Chile

Hearing loss is the most common inherited sensorial deficiency in humans; about 1 in 1000 children suffer from severe or profound hearing loss at birth. Mutations in the GJB2 gene are the most common cause of prelingual, non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness in many populations; the c.35delG mutation is the most common in Caucasian populations. The frequency of the c.35delG mutation was estimated in two samples of deaf patients from Santiago, Chile. Unrelated non-syndromic sensorioneural deaf patients were examined: Group 1 consisted of 47 unrelated individuals with neurosensory deafness referred to the Chilean Cochlear Implant Program; Group 2 included 66 school children with prelingual deafness attending special education institutions for deaf people. Individuals with profound to moderate isolated neurosensory hearing loss with unknown etiology were included. The presence of the c.35delG mutation was evaluated by the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method (PCR), and in some cases it was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing of the coding region of the GJB2 gene. Deaf relatives were present in 20.3% of the cases. We found 19.5% (22/113) patients with the c.35delG mutation, 6 of them homozygous; these rates are similar to frequencies found in other Latin American countries.

Alteración de pruebas hepáticas en pacientes chilenos con enfermedades hepáticas agudas y crónicas / Liver enzyme alteration in Chilean patients with acute and chronic liver diseases

Background: Liver function tests are a useful tool in clinical practice to identify patterns that are characteristic of liver enzyme alterations associated to liver diseases. Objective: To perform a descriptive analysis of liver enzyme abnormalities among Chilean population affected by chronic or acute liver diseases, compared with international reports. Material and Methods: Prospective study with > 18 year-old patients who were under medical care in the Hepatology department at the Clinic of the Pontificia Universidad Católica and at Posta Central hospital, between 2005- 2009. All of them had at least one evaluation of liver function test during this period. Results: 348 patients were evaluated: 49 non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 28 primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), 74 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 10 hemochromatosis, 147 chronic hepatitis C (HCV), 5 chronic hepatitis B (HBC) and 34 severe alcoholic hepatitis. Piruvic and Oxaloacetic Aminotransferase levels were: NASH 89.9 and 62.7 IU/L, PBC 105.5 and 96 IU/L; AIH 412 and 360IU/L; Hemochromatosis 106 and 75.9 IU/L, HCV 178 and 166 IU/L, HVB 337.2 and 89.6 IU/L, and in alcoholic hepatitis, 67 and 168 IU/L. Levels of alkaline phosphatase in PBC were 518 IU/L, with a maximum level of 2206. Conclusions: This study describes the transaminase abnormalities in a subgroup of patients with known hepatic disease. Future studies will be useful to determine if there are substantial differences between the Chilean population compared to other populations.

Antecedentes: El estudio de la bioquímica hepática es una herramienta útil en la práctica clínica para identificar ciertos patrones que orientan a determinadas patologías. Objetivos: Realizar un análisis descriptivo en población chilena del comportamiento de las pruebas hepáticas en pacientes en pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas agudas y crónicas frecuentes y compararlas con lo reportado en literatura internacional. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo realizado en pacientes mayores de 18 años en control en los centros de gastroenterología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica y la Posta Central, entre los años 2005 y 2009. Se realizaron análisis de pruebas hepáticas completas en al menos una ocasión. Resultados: Se evalúan 348 pacientes que se desglosan según patología en 49 esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (EHNA), 28 cirrosis biliar primaria (CBP), 74 hepatitis autoinmune (HAI), 10 hemocromatosis, 147 hepatitis crónica C (HVC), 5 hepatitis crónica B (HVB) Y 34 hepatitis alcohólica grave. Los niveles de aminotransferasas pirúvica (SGPT) y oxaloacética (SGOT) promedio fueron: EHNA 89,9 y 62,7 UI/L, CBP 105,5 y 96 UI/L; HAI 412 y 360 UI/L; Hemocromatosis 106 y 75,9 UI/L, HCV 178 y 166 UI/L, HVB 337,2 y 89,6 UI/L y en hepatitis OH 67 y 168 UI/L. Los niveles de Fosfatasas Alcalinas en CBP promedio fueron 518 UI/L, con máximo 2.206. Conclusiones: Se describen las alteraciones de transaminasas en un subgrupo de pacientes portadores de patología hepática conocida. Estudios futuros permitirán determinar si existen diferencias sustanciales en población chilena con respecto a lo descrito en otras poblaciones.