Abstract In this work, the results of a multi-technique characterization of a type of pottery production with high cultural and economic relevance from the only potter town in Argentina are presented and correlated. Raw materials, a prepared paste, and ceramic samples were studied. Chemical, structural, textural, microstructural, and thermal features were assessed and described in terms of the raw materials characteristics, fabrication, and firing conditions. Some distinctive properties of this Casira ceramic production, like the thermal expansion coefficient and other technological properties, are reported for the first time. This allowed the establishment of characteristic behaviors of the ceramics under study, which also constitute the basis for their traceability.

RESUMEN El cuidado infantil de buena calidad atenúa los efectos de la adversidad social. La prevención en salud es parte de él. Se presenta un programa innovador de formación de referentes de salud en centros de cuidado infantil que atienden a poblaciones vulnerables en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Este consistió en una capacitación para personal de centros de cuidado infantil, seguido de la implementación, durante 4 meses, de un plan de mejoras elaborado por cada participante para su centro, con apoyo de consultoría permanente. Veintiséisparticipantes de 19 centros completaron el programa. Se alcanzaron 35 de 49 objetivos planteados en los planes, incluida la certificación en reanimación cardiopulmonar, la capacitación del personal y las familias, el desarrollo de políticas del centro y la mejora de la gestión de recursos. Es posible mejorar los cuidados preventivos en los centros de cuidado infantil mediante una intervención sencilla y de bajo costo, incluso en condiciones desfavorables.

Abstract Introduction: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is associated with different sleep disorders, which in turn causes a significant decline quality of life. Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) is a frequently used instrument to quantify EDS, but it has not been validated in Chile. Aim: Transcultural and psychometric validation of ESS Chilean version. Material and Method: ESS-CL was initially adapted and applied to a pilot group on two separate occasions. Reliability was assessed via Cronbach's alpha and test-retest. ESS-CL was applied to 94 patients with diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 100 control to assess its sensitivity. Results: Reliability values (Cronbach's alpha and test-retest) were 0.732 y 0.837 respectively. The ability to discriminate OSA was 67%. Conclusion: The ESS-CL is a valid and reliable instrument. A score higher than 11 points is associated with a greater risk of OSA. It is a useful and accessible tool for patients in whom OSA is suspected.

Resumen Introducción: La somnolencia diurna excesiva se asocia a distintos desórdenes del sueño y determina un deterioro significativo de la calidad de vida. La escala de somnolencia de Epworth (ESE) es un instrumento frecuentemente utilizado en la práctica clínica para cuantificar somnolencia diurna, pero no ha sido validada en Chile. Objetivo: Validación transcultural y psicométrica de la ESE en Chile (ESE-CL), y evaluación de su sensibilidad y especificidad en el contexto de pacientes con apneas del sueño (SAHOS). Material y Método: Se realizó una adaptación transcultural y validación inicial en un grupo piloto (58 personas), aplicando en dos ocasiones separadas el mismo instrumento (ESE-CL). Se analizó el nivel de confiabilidad con alfa de Cronbach y con test retest. Para evaluar su sensibilidad se aplicó la ESE-CL a 94 pacientes con SAHOS y 100 controles. Resultados: Los valores de confiabilidad alfa de Cronbach y test re-test fue de 0,732 y 0,837, respectivamente. La capacidad de discriminación de SAHOS de la escala de somnolencia de Epworth versión chilena fue de 67%. Conclusión: La ESE-CL es un instrumento válido y confiable. Un puntaje mayor a 11 se asocia a tener mayor riesgo de padecer SAHOS y constituye una herramienta útil y de fácil aplicación clínica ante pacientes con sospecha de SAHOS.

The present study focuses on the assessment of natural vegetal extracts in the inhibition of bacteria altering Vienna sausages whose growth becomes evident in the vacuum packed product after two to three weeks of refrigerated storage causing packages to swell. The different natural extracts were obtained by means of steam stripping, microwave assisted extraction and ultrasound assisted extraction. Apart from these extracts, commercial essential oils, pure compounds present in the vegetal kingdom and solutions were also evaluated. For each of the extracts, microbial sensitivity tests were carried out in order to assess the inhibitory/bactericidal effect against Leuconostoc mesenteroides MS1. It has been found that the essential oils obtained from Citrus lemon peels and Aloysia polystachya, Eucalyptus cinerea and Laurus nobilis leaves can be used as bactericides against the growth of Leuconostoc mesenteroides MS1. In addition, it has been found that eugenol/sunflower oil concentrations greater than 18.5% w/w, 0.75% w/w salicylic acid, 0.75% w/w hydroquinone; and Just commercial essential oils of lavender, peppermint and geranium also presented a bactericidal effect against it. These natural extracts used as natural antimicrobials represent an alternative to common chemical food preservatives against the Leuconostoc mesenteroides MS1 strain.

El presente estudio se focaliza en la evaluación de extractos vegetales naturales en la inhibición de bacterias que alteran las salchichas de Viena, cuyo crecimiento se evidencia en el producto envasado al vacío después de dos o tres semanas de almacenamiento refrigerado, lo cual produce hinchazón en los envases. Los diferentes extractos naturales fueron obtenidos mediante extracción con vapor de agua, extracción asistida por microondas y extracción asistida por ultrasonido. Además, se evaluaron aceites esenciales comerciales, compuestos puros presentes en el reino vegetal y soluciones. Para cada uno de los extractos se realizaron ensayos de sensibilidad microbiana para evaluar el efecto inhibitorio/bactericida contra Leuconostoc mesenteroides MS1. Se ha encontrado que los aceites esenciales obtenidos de cáscaras de Citrus lemon y de hojas de Aloysia polystachya, Eucalyptus cinerea y Laurus nobilis,pueden ser utilizados como potenciales bactericidas contra el crecimiento de Leuconostoc mesenteroides MS1. Además, concentraciones de eugenol/aceite de girasol mayores a 18.5 % p/p, ácido salicílico 0.75 % p/p, hidroquinona 0.75 % p/p; aceites esenciales comerciales Just de lavanda, menta y geranio presentaron efectos bactericidas contra la misma. Estos extractos naturales utilizados como antimicrobianos naturales representan una alternativa a los conservantes comunes de alimentos de síntesis química contra la cepa Leuconostoc mesenteroides MS1.

As transformações de queima de cerâmicas tradicionais (à base de argila) são de interesse tecnológico e arqueológico, e são geralmente reportadas qualitativa ou semi-qualitativamente. Estes tipos de sistemas apresentam uma importante complexidade, especialmente para técnicas de difração de raios X, devido à presença de fases totalmente cristalinas, de baixa cristalinidade e amorfas. Neste artigo apresentamos os resultados de análise de Rietveld qualitativa e quantitativa de difração de raios X de amostras totalmente cristalinas (caulinita, quartzo, cristobalita, feldspato e/ou mulita), de baixa cristalinidade (metacaulinita e/ou pré-mulita tipo espinélio) e evolução de fases vítreas de cerâmica triaxial (argila-quartzo-feldspato) após queima em ampla faixa de temperaturas entre 900 e 1300 ºC. A metodologia empregada para determinar as abundâncias de fases de baixa cristalinidade e amorfas é baseada em uma combinação de método de padrões interno se o uso de modelo nanocristalino no qual a ordem de longo alcance é perdida, respectivamente. Uma caracterização preliminar de sinterização foi feita por evolução de retração, densidade e porosidade em função da temperatura de queima. Análise simultânea termogravimétrica e térmica diferencial (TG-ATD) foi feita para avaliar as temperaturas reais em que ocorrem as transformações químicas. Finalmente, foi feita uma análise quantitativa baseada no método de refinamento de Rietveld dos difratogramas de raios X. A decomposição de caulinita em metacaulinita foi determinada quantitativamente; a formação intermediária (980 ºC) de alumino-silicato tipo espinélio foi também quantificada; a fusão incongruente de feldspato potássico foi observada e quantificada juntamente com a mulitização final e formação de fase amorfa (vítrea). A metodologia usada para analisar os difratogramas de raios X provaram ser adequadas para avaliar quantitativamente as transformações térmicas que ocorrem em um sistema complexo como as cerâmicas triaxiais. As fases determinadas podem ser facilmente correlacionadas com as variáveis de processo e as propriedades dos materiais. Essas correlações podem ser empregadas para caracterização, projeto e controle de processamento de materiais.

The firing transformations of traditional (clay based) ceramics are of technological and archeological interest, and are usually reported qualitatively or semiquantitatively. These kinds of systems present an important complexity, especially for X-ray diffraction techniques, due to the presence of fully crystalline, low crystalline and amorphous phases. In this article we present the results of a qualitative and quantitative X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis of the fully crystalline (kaolinite, quartz, cristobalite, feldspars and/or mullite), the low crystalline (metakaolinite and/or spinel type pre-mullite) and glassy phases evolution of a triaxial (clay-quartz-feldspar) ceramic fired in a wide temperature range between 900 and 1300 ºC. The employed methodology to determine low crystalline and glassy phase abundances is based in a combination of the internal standard method and the use of a nanocrystalline model where the long-range order is lost, respectively. A preliminary sintering characterization was carried out by contraction, density and porosity evolution with the firing temperature. Simultaneous thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis was carried out to elucidate the actual temperature at which the chemical changes occur. Finally, the quantitative analysis based on the Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns was performed. The kaolinite decomposition into metakaolinite was determined quantitatively; the intermediate (980 ºC) spinel type alumino-silicate formation was also quantified; the incongruent fusion of the potash feldspar was observed and quantified together with the final mullitization and the amorphous (glassy) phase formation.The methodology used to analyze the X-ray diffraction patterns proved to be suitable to evaluate quantitatively the thermal transformations that occur in a complex system like the triaxial ceramics. The evaluated phases can be easily correlated with the processing variables and materials properties. These correlations can be employed for materials characterization, design and processing control.

Projeto assistido por computador (CAD) é bem conhecido por várias décadas e empregado na fabricação cerâmica desde o início, mas usualmente empregado na primeira parte dos processos na concepção do projeto, nem na prototipagem, nem nas fases de fabricação. As máquinas de prototipagem rápida, também conhecidas como impressoras 3D têm a capacidade de produzir, em poucas horas, peças utilizando materiais plásticos de alta resistência, com grande precisão e similaridade com relação ao original, com base em modelos digitais inéditos produzidos por meio de modelagem com softwares de projeto específico ou a partir da digitalização das peças existentes, utilizando os chamados scanners 3D. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver a metodologia utilizada em todo o processo de construção de uma parte em cerâmica da inter-relação entre as técnicas tradicionais e novas tecnologias para a fabricação de protótipos. E para aproveitar os benefícios que nos permitem esta nova tecnologia de reprodução. A experiência baseou-se na geração de uma peça complexa, em formato digital, que serviu como modelo. Um icosaedro regular de 15 cm, complexo o suficiente para não sugerir a produção do modelo por meio das técnicas tradicionais cerâmicas (manual ou mecânica). A partir deste modelo digital, um molde de gesso feito na maneira tradicional para colagem por barbotina de massas à base de argila, secagem livre ao ar, queimada e esmaltada de maneira tradicional. Esta experiência mostrou a hipótese de trabalho e abre a possibilidade de novas linhas de trabalho a níveis acadêmicos e tecnológicos que serão explorados em um futuro próximo. Esta tecnologia oferece uma grande variedade de opções para lidar com o aspecto formal de uma peça a ser executada no campo do projeto, arquitetura, projeto industrial, a cerâmica tradicional, a arte cerâmica, etc., que permitem ampliar as possibilidades formais, economizar tempo e, portanto, os custos na elaboração das matrizes necessárias e adequadas para cada exigência.

Computer assisted designing (CAD) is well known for several decades and employed for ceramic manufacturing almost since the beginning, but usually employed in the first part of the projectual ideation processes, neither in the prototyping nor in the manufacturing stages. The rapid prototyping machines, also known as 3D printers, have the capacity to produce in a few hours real pieces using plastic materials of high resistance, with great precision and similarity with respect to the original, based on unprecedented digital models produced by means of modeling with specific design software or from the digitalization of existing parts using the so-called 3D scanners. The main objective of the work is to develop the methodology used in the entire process of building a part in ceramics from the interrelationship between traditional techniques and new technologies for the manufacture of prototypes. And to take advantage of the benefits that allow us this new reproduction technology. The experience was based on the generation of a complex piece, in digital format, which served as the model. A regular 15 cm icosahedron presented features complex enough not to advise the production of the model by means of the traditional techniques of ceramics (manual or mechanical). From this digital model, a plaster mold was made in the traditional way in order to slip cast clay based slurries, freely dried in air and fired and glazed in the traditional way. This experience has shown the working hypothesis and opens up the possibility of new lines of work to academic and technological levels that will be explored in the near future. This technology provides a wide range of options to address the formal aspect of a part to be performed for the field of design, architecture, industrial design, the traditional pottery, ceramic art, etc., which allow you to amplify the formal possibilities, save time and therefore costs when drafting the necessary and appropriate matrixes to each requirement.

Transformações mineralógicas causadas por queima são estudadas pelo método semiquantitativo de difração de raios X. O desaparecimento do mineral original e o neomineral foram avaliados quantitativamente. Além disso, a quantificação de fase não cristalina foi alcançada acima de 1000 ºC, sendo usado quartzo como padrão. Este estudo descreve um calcário branco argentino comercial, o qual é submetido a uma queima cerâmica tradicional, com base na sua importância tecnológica, ele atua como modelo para outras argilas com base cerâmica. Os materiais foram submetidos a tratamento térmico entre 700 ºC e 1000 ºC. Uma caracterização preliminar da sinterização foi avaliar a evolução da retração e da porosidade. Análise simultânea termogravimétrica e térmica diferencial foi realizada para determinar as temperaturas em que ocorrem mudanças químicas. Finalmente, foi feita uma analise quantitativa com base no refinamento Rietveld dos padrões de difração de raios X, para caracterizar as fases cristalinas na argila e nos materiais obtidos após os tratamentos térmicos. As reações químicas que ocorrem são propostas. As fases identificadas após a queima na temperatura tradicional de trabalho (1040 ºC) são quartzo, plagioclásio, e o espinélio tipo aluminio-silicato, juntamente com metacaulim não detetado e algum teor de fase vítrea. Foi também determinada gehlenita em temperaturas intermediarias (900 ºC). A presença e a decomposição de carbonatos (calcita e dolomita) foram também avaliadas e demonstrada sua atuação nas características da sinterização.

Mineralogical transformations caused by firing are usually studied by XRD methods only semi-quantitatively. In this work the original mineral disappearance and the neo-mineralization were evaluated quantitatively. Furthermore an indirect non crystalline phase quantification was performed under 1100 ºC was also carried out using the quartz content as internal standard. This study specifically discusses the behavior of an Argentinean white calcareous earthenware commercial when subjected to traditional ceramic firing, besides the technological importance of this particular material, it acts as a model for other clay based ceramic materials. Materials were subjected to thermal treatments between 700 ºC and 1100 ºC. A preliminary sintering characterization was carried out by contraction and porosity evolution. Simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) was carried out to elucidate the actual temperature at which the chemical changes occur. Finally, a quantitative analysis based on the Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns was performed to characterize the crystalline phases present in both the clay and in the materials obtained after different thermal treatments. The actual chemical reactions are proposed. The phases identified after firing at traditional working temperature (1040 ºC) are quartz, plagioclase, and the Spinel type alumino-silicate, accompanied by the non-diffracting un-reacted metakaolin and some amount of amorphous glassy phase. At intermediate temperatures (900 ºC) the presence of gehlenite was also detected. The carbonates (calcite and dolomite) presence and decomposition were also evaluated and demonstrated to determine the sintering characteristics of this material.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the results with those of a previous study by the same author in 1993 when 741 type II diabetic patients were recruited. We determined the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the impact of the new diagnostic criteria and stricter control of diabetes on the results obtained. Methods: The study sample was obtained by hazard selection of 741 type II diabetic patients, from the total diabetic patients visited in the interval between January 1 and December 1 in 2005. Results: We observed a decrease in the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy between the two studies. In the first study the incidence was 39.41% while in the present study it was 27.55%. The diabetic macular edema prevalence was similar in both studies (7.15% in the past and 7.90% in the present study). There was also a decrease in the number of blind patients (11.20% in 1993 and 4.90% in the current study). The number of patients treated with laser photocoagulation increased (13.49% in the current study as compared to 6.20% in the previous study). Statistic analysis revealed the risk factors for retinopathy: diabetes mellitus duration, elevated HbA1C levels and the need for insulin treatment. Conclusions: A better control of diabetes mellitus may lead us to observe an increase in visual acuity, and a better control of diabetic retinopathy. The incidence of diabetic retinopathy certainly decreased between the study periods; however the overall incidence of diabetes in the community has increased during the last few years, making firm conclusions difficult.

Objetivo: Comparar los resultados obtenidos en una muestra de población de 741 pacientes diabéticos tipo II en el año 1993 con una muestra actual de 741 pacientes diabéticos tipo II, determinando la prevalencia de retinopatía diabética, y valorando el impacto sobre la misma de los nuevos criterios diagnósticos y el mayor control de los pacientes diabéticos. Métodos: Estudio transversal en el que la muestra fue recogida mediante selección al azar de 741 pacientes afectos de diabetes mellitus tipo II del total del archivo de pacientes visitados regularmente a lo largo del período comprendido entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre del año 2005. Resultados: Se observa un descenso de prevalencia de retinopatía diabética del 39,41% en el primer estudio al 27,55% actual, manteniéndose igual el edema macular (7,15% en el primer estudio y 7,90% en el actual). Se ha observado un descenso en el número de pacientes ciegos, de un 11,20% a un 4,90%. Asimismo los pacientes tratados previamente con fotocoagulación láser aumentaron en el estudio actual, un 13,49% frente a un 6,20%. En el estudio estadístico los factores de riesgo son: el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes, el tratamiento con insulina de la misma, y los niveles elevados de HbA1c. Conclusiones: El mayor control ejercido sobre los pacientes diabéticos nos permite observar una mejoría en la agudeza visual. Observándose también que aumenta el número de pacientes tratados. Por otro lado al existir un mayor número de pacientes diabéticos conocidos, se produce un efecto de disminución de la prevalencia de la retinopatía.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of (F18)2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (PET-18FDG) in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized questionnaire of one hundred consecutive PET-18FDG oncologic studies (72 men and 22 women, with a median age of 67 years) was sent to all involved referring physicians. The questionnaire was designed to determine how the results of the PET-18FDG imaging changed the patients management. The changes were categorized as intramodality and intermodality. RESULTS: The three leading causes of referral were lung cancer (34%), colorectal cancer (24%) and solitary lung nodules (15%). PET changed patients management in 53 out of 97 evaluated cases (55%) (intramodality management in 5 and intermodality management in 48). Curative surgery was changed to chemotherapy plus radiotherapy in 17 patients (17.5%). PET had some decision-making value in 69% patients and avoided unnecessary aggressive diagnostic procedures in 56%. CONCLUSIONS: PET has shown to be a useful diagnostic tool in the oncological setting. It improves the initial staging of neoplasms, especially of patients with lung cancer, and characterizes the tumour recurrence, particularly in colorectal neoplasms. PET selects the most appropriate treatment in each case, avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto clínico de la PET en la actitud terapéutica de los pacientes oncológicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Hemos incluido en este trabajo los cien primeros estudios oncológicos consecutivos de PET con 18FDG de cuerpo completo (75 varones/22 mujeres, edad media de 67 años) procedentes de un mismo hospital público de nuestra comunidad. El impacto de la PET se calculó mediante los resultados de una encuesta enviada a cada uno de los médicos solicitantes de la prueba. Este cuestionario se diseñó fundamentalmente para valorar el tipo de cambio de tratamiento (intramodalidad/intermodalidad) ocasionado tras los hallazgos de la PET. RESULTADOS: Las tres neoplasias estudiadas más frecuentes fueron: carcinoma broncogénico (34%), neoplasia colo-rectal (24%) y nódulo pulmonar solitario (15%). La PET cambió la actitud terapéutica inicialmente prevista en 53 (55%) de los 97 casos evaluados (tipo intramodalidad en 5 e intermodalidad en 48). Diecisiete pacientes (17.5%) candidatos a cirugía curativa fueron finalmente tratados con un tratamiento sistémico de quimioterapia con o sin radioterapia. Los médicos encuestados consideraron que la PET constituía una herramienta diagnóstica útil en el 69% de los casos y que evitaba maniobras diagnósticas agresivas en 56%. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestra serie de pacientes, la PET con FDG ha sido una herramienta diagnóstica de gran utilidad. Mejora la estadificación inicial de las neoplasias, en especial del carcinoma broncogénico y estadifica de forma más precisa la recidiva tumoral de diferentes tipos de tumores, especialmente de la neoplasia colo-rectal. De este modo, la PET ayuda a seleccionar el tratamiento óptimo en cada caso, evitando cirugías innecesarias.

Objective: to ascertain the epidemiological characteristics, clinical symptoms, and evolution of drug-induced hepatitis over the last 22 years. Experimental design and subjects: an observational, retrospective study between 1982 and 1993, and prospective study between 1994 and 2003. All patients in our department diagnosed with having drug-induced hepatitis were studied analyzing epidemiological (age, sex, cases per year, hospitalization) and clinical features (previous liver disease, hepatic symptoms, laboratory results), and follow-up (complete recovery or chronicity). Results: a total of 61 patients were diagnosed as having drug-induced hepatitis, 26 men and 35 women (57%), mean age 52.4 years ± 17 years, of which 72.2% were older than 40 years. A total of 43% were admitted to hospital. In 87% of cases, two or more drugs were involved, the most frequent being antituberculosis (19 cases), psychotropic (26 cases), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (45 cases). Evolution showed that 94% of patients recovered after the withdrawal of suspected causal drugs. Conclusions: the incidence of drug-induced hepatitis is higher in patients over 40 years of age, it being more common in females. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, psychotropic, and anti-tuberculosis agents were the main drugs involved. Most patients made a complete recovery after withdrawal of the suspected causal drug.

Objetivo: conocer las características epidemiológicas, manifestaciones clínicas y la evolución de las hepatitis producidas por fármacos en los últimos 22 años. Diseño experimental y pacientes: estudio observacional, retrospectivo entre 1982 y 1993 y prospectivo entre 1994 y 2003, donde incluimos todos los pacientes atendidos en nuestro Servicio que fueron diagnosticados de hepatitis por fármacos. Analizamos los factores epidemiológicos -edad, sexo, número de casos por año, ingresos hospitalarios-, clínicos -antecedentes de enfermedad hepática, manifestaciones clínicas-, analíticas y evolutivos -evolución a curación o cronicidad. Resultados: diagnosticamos un total de 61 pacientes con hepatitis por fármacos, 26 hombres y 35 mujeres, con edad media 52.4 ± 17 años y edades superiores a los 40 años en el 72,2%. Se produjo ingreso hospitalario en el 43% de los casos. En la mayoría de los pacientes (87%) existían dos o más fármacos siendo los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, neurofármacos y antituberculosos, los que con más frecuencia encontramos implicados en la aparición de la enfermedad hepática. La evolución a curación se produce en el 94% de los casos. Conclusiones: las hepatitis por fármacos se presentan más frecuentemente en edades superiores a los 40 años (72%) y en mujeres (57%), siendo los fármacos más frecuentemente implicados los antiinflamatorios (45 casos), neurofármacos (26 casos) y antituberculosos (19 casos). La mayoría de los casos evolucionó a la curación.

Case Report: A female 23 years old, from Equador, was referred to us because of a vision decrease in her left eye. Fundus exploration demonstrated an immflamatory chorioretinal lesion with associated periphlebitis. Serology results showed positive for PPD. A vitreous biopsy was carried out together with tuberculosis prophylactic treatment with isoniacide (300 mg/day); the clinical findings improved. Finally, PCR test was positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis. In consequence, therapeutic treatment for tuberculosis was initiated. Discussion: Due to the current increase in prevalence of tuberculosis, we should always take this into account as a possible etiology when dealing with cases of chorioretinitis.

Caso Clínico: Paciente mujer de 23 años de edad de origen ecuatoriano, con pérdida de agudeza visual en el ojo izquierdo. En el fondo de ojo se observó un foco de coriorretinitis con periflebitis asociada. En la serología practicada presentó PPD positivo. Se realizó biopsia vítrea, instaurándose tratamiento profiláctico de tuberculosis con isoniacida (300 mg/día), que produjo mejoría del cuadro clínico. Finamente la PCR en vítreo fue positiva para ADN de Mycobacterium tuberculosis, iniciándose tratamiento terapéutico de tuberculosis. Discusión: En la actualidad ante un paciente con corioretinitis, hemos de tener presente la posible etiología por tuberculosis, dado el aumento de su prevalencia.

Objective/Methods: We present two cases of patients with chronic endophthalmitis. The treatment included intraocular lens exchange, total capsulectomy and posterior vitrectomy through the limbus. In both cases, samples of the vitreous were taken and sent to the laboratory together with the intraocular lens and remmants of posterior capsule for culture and antibiogram. Results/Conclusions: Microbiologic examination and culture were positive in two cases for Bacillus subtilis, which is not actually identified in literature as an etiologic agent for chronic endophthalmitis.

Objetivo/Método: Presentamos dos casos clínicos de pacientes con endoftalmitis crónica, en los que se practicó recambio de lente intraocular asociado a capsulectomía, vitrectomía media posterior por vía límbica anterior. En ambos casos se obtuvo muestra de vítreo que se remitió al laboratorio, junto a la lente intraocular y restos de la cápsula posterior para cultivo y antibiograma. Resultados/Conclusiones: El estudio microbiológico fue positivo en dos casos para Bacillus subtilis, este germen actualmente no se ha asociado a endoftalmitis crónica en la literatura.