Abstract Introduction: tinnitus is defined as the conscious perception of a sound, in the absence of a corresponding external acoustic stimulus. It has been related to multiple comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, with no solid evidence at present. There are various ways to experience tinnitus, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, intermittent or persistent onset, from mild quality of life deterioration to disabling forms. Knowing the various pathologies present in tinnitus, especially hearing loss, becomes relevant when confronting patients with this pathology. Aim: To characterize tinnitus and its main audiometric findings in patients treated at the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Herminda Martin of Chillán Clinical Hospital in Chile. Material and Method: Retrospective study. Patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of tinnitus between the years 2015-2017 were included. Epidemiological information, comorbidities, clinical presentation of tinnitus according to laterality and frequency, associated hearing loss and audiometric findings were obtained. Results: 249 patients were included. Most were women (70%), with an onset average age of tinnitus between 60 to 79 years (52%). The accompanying otorhinolaryngological symptoms were in less than 10% of the cases. The main comorbidities were high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and autoimmune pathologies. 52% of tinnitus was unilateral presentation and in 66% it was continuous. 43% had hypoacusis objectified on the audiogram, regardless of whether they had the sensation of hearing loss. Conclusion: Tinnitus is a complex and multifactorial pathology, in this sense, the presence of objective hearing loss in audiometry was present in 43% of patients, being one of the main causes to be ruled out by the doctor in the patient's first confrontation.

Resumen Introducción: El tinnitus se define como la percepción consciente de un sonido, en ausencia de un estímulo acústico externo correspondiente. Se ha relacionado a múltiples comorbilidades como hipertensión arterial (HTA), diabetes mellitus (DM) e hipoacusia, sin evidencia sólida en la actualidad. Hay diversas formas de experimentar el tinnitus, ya sea de comienzo unilateral o bilateral, intermitente o persistente, con deterioro de la calidad de vida, leve hasta formas invalidantes. El conocer las diversas patologías presentes en el tinnitus, en especial la hipoacusia, toma relevancia al momento de enfrentar a pacientes con dicha patología. Objetivo: Caracterizar el tinnitus y sus principales hallazgos audiométricos en pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico Herminda Martín de Chillán, Chile. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de tinnitus entre los años 2015-2017. Se obtuvo información epidemiológica, comorbilidades, presentación clínica del tinnitus en función de lateralidad y frecuencia, hipoacusia asociada y hallazgos audiométricos. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio a 249 pacientes, la mayoría mujeres (70%) con una edad promedio de inicio de su tinnitus entre 60-79 años (52%). Entre las principales comorbilidades se encuentran la hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y patologías autoinmunes; los síntomas otorrinolaringológicos acompañantes estuvieron en menos del 10% de los casos. En relación a la caracterización del tinnitus, el 52% fue de inicio unilateral y el 66% de forma continua. La hipoacusia objetivada en el audiograma estuvo presente en el 43% de los pacientes con tinnitus. Conclusión: El tinnitus es una patología compleja y multifactorial, en este sentido, la presencia de hipoacusia objetiva en la audiometría estuvo presente en un 43% de los pacientes, siendo una de las principales causas a descartar por el médico en el primer enfrentamiento del paciente.

SUMMARY From 1995 onwards the association between hypertensive pregnancies and cardiovascular disease has generated a great volume of epidemiologic and clinical evidence. The purposes of this review are several. To demonstrate the consistence and weight of the scientific evidence. To integrate cardiovascular risks/diseases and obstetric complications through the link of endothelial dysfunction. To advocate postpartum follow-up after a hypertensive pregnancy as a window of opportunity to benefit the health of mothers and offsprings. To include the obstetrical history as a risk factor for coronary disease. To propose questionnaires adaptable to local practices to incorporate cardiovascular and obstetrical indexes in two stages of a woman's lifetime. The time has come for obstetrical teams, cardiologists and patients to play a preventive role regarding cardiovascular risks and diseases.

RESUMEN Desde 1995 hasta la fecha la asociación entre patologías derivadas los embarazos hipertensivos y las enfermedades cardiovasculares ha generado un gran volumen de potentes evidencias epidemiológicas y clínicas. Los propósitos de esta revisión son varios. Mostrar la consistencia y magnitud de la evidencia científica. Integrar los riesgos/enfermedades cardiovasculares y los problemas obstétricos a través de la disfunción endotelial. Preconizar el seguimiento postparto de la hipertensa embarazada, como una ventana de oportunidad para beneficiar la salud de las mujeres y sus hijos. Incluir la historia obstétrica como factor de riesgo de enfermedad coronaria. Proponer cuestionarios adaptables a las prácticas locales para facilitar la pronta incorporación de los índices de riesgo obstétrico y cardiovascular en dos etapas de la vida de una mujer. Ha llegado el momento para que los equipos obstétricos, cardiológicos y las pacientes jueguen un rol en la prevención de los riesgos y enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Abstract The process for obtaining a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) is described. This PSA is formed by an acrylate copolymer of 2-ethylhexyl (2-EHA) / methyl methacrylate (MMA) in an 80:20 ratio which was polymerized by emulsion polymerization technique. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPZnO) were added to this copolymer, which were previously synthesized, and surface modified with 3-aminopropyltretoxysilane (APTES) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to improve its dispersion in the copolymer matrix. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and T-peel adhesion tests. In addition, the antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. pyogenes as well as the cytotoxicity in human cells (HeLa) were determined. The results demonstrated that the ZnO nanoparticles incorporation enhanced the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the antimicrobial activity of PSA copolymer as well as its surface adhesion. It was confirmed that NPZnO modification with APTES increased its antimicrobial activity. Regarding adhesive behavior, PSA with unmodified NPZnO showed a greater peel resistance. This indicates that these nanoparticles enhances the cohesive force and induces a better high temperature performance, which is beneficial for the final application. Finally, cytotoxicity results showed that the incorporation of NPZnO to PSA decreases the cell viability, however this PSA is not toxic according to the standard ISO 10993 test for in vitro cytotoxicity.

Resumen Se describe el proceso para obtener un adhesivo sensible a la presión (PSA). Este PSA está formado por un copolímero de acrilato de 2-etilhexil (2-EHA) / metacrilato de metilo (MMA) en una relación 80:20 que se polimerizó mediante una técnica de polimerización en emulsión. Se añadieron nanopartículas de óxido de zinc (NPZnO) a este copolímero, que se sintetizaron previamente y se modificaron superficialmente con 3-aminopropil-3-toxisilano (APTES) y dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO) para mejorar su dispersión en la matriz de copolímero. Los nanocompuestos obtenidos se caracterizaron por espectroscopía infrarroja (FTIR), calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC) y pruebas de adhesión al delaminado. Además, se determinó la actividad antimicrobiana contra S. aureus y S. pyogenes, así como la citotoxicidad en células humanas (HeLa). Los resultados demostraron que la adición de las nanopartículas de NPZnO al copolímero incrementa la temperatura de transición vítrea (Tg) así como las propiedades antimicrobianas del adhesivo mejorando a su vez su adhesión superficial. Con respecto al comportamiento adhesivo, el PSA con NPZnO sin modificar mostró una mayor resistencia al delaminado, esto quiere decir que las nanopartículas incrementan la fuerza cohesiva y proporcionan resistencia a temperaturas elevadas, lo cual sería beneficioso a su aplicación final. Finalmente, los resultados de citotoxicidad mostraron que la incorporación de NPZnO al PSA disminuye la viabilidad celular, sin embargo no se considera tóxico acorde a la norma ISO 10993 test for in vitro cytotoxicity.

Resumen: Este artículo da cuenta de las acciones colectivas, entendidas como nuevas formas de resistencia, que ha desplegado la Asociación Nacional de Mujeres Rurales e Indígenas (ANAMURI), una organización social de mujeres rurales y asalariadas del agro que surge en Chile durante la década de 1990. Basado en fuentes escritas, orales, documentos y observación directa en reuniones y congresos de la organización, el artículo aborda la variada gama de estrategias para hacer frente a la precarización laboral de las “temporeras” que trabajan en agro-exportación.

Abstract: This article gives an account of the collective actions understood as new forms of resistance that have been developed by the National Association of Rural and Indigenous Women (ANAMURI) a social organization of rural women and wage workers of the agricultural sector that emerged in Chile in the 1990s. From written and oral sources, documents and direct observations at meetings and congresses of the organization, this paper addresses the wide range of strategies to face the precarious working conditions of "seasonal workers" working in agro-export sector.

In Chile, high cost treatments required by selected medical conditions are financed by the State, according to Law 20.850. A bylaw under discussion by the Senate regulates clinical trials, posing complex issues that will endanger local interest in front-line research: 1. The exclusive and mandatory control bestowed to the Institute of Public Health during all stages of the trials and also the surveillance of institutions performing clinical trials, overriding their Clinical Research Review Boards; 2.The 10 year period during which any adverse event is assumed to have been caused by the medication or devise evaluated by the trial, unless the contrary is proven in a judicial process; 3. Individuals submitted to the trials are entitled to free post trial access to the treatment received during the study, financed by the trial supporting entities and as long as the drug or devise is considered to be useful. While agreeing with the need to have a National Registry of Clinical Trials, we predict that the mentioned critical issues in the bylaw will lead to difficulties and unnecessary judicial processes, thus limiting clinicians’ interest in performing research. We propose to modify the bylaw, excluding responsibilities on events associated with the natural evolution of the medical condition, with patients’ ageing or with comorbidities and clinical events considered unpredictable when the protocol was accepted. We recommend that the free post trial access should be a joint decision involving the patient and the attending physician, taking in consideration that the volunteer has been exposed to risks and burdens, or when discontinuation of treatment entails a vital risk until the treatment under study has been approved and becomes available in the national market.

In Chile, high cost treatments required by selected medical conditions are financed by the State, according to Law 20.850. A bylaw under discussion by the Senate regulates clinical trials, posing complex issues that will endanger local interest in front-line research: 1. The exclusive and mandatory control bestowed to the Institute of Public Health during all stages of the trials and also the surveillance of institutions performing clinical trials, overriding their Clinical Research Review Boards; 2. The 10 years period during which any adverse event is assumed to have been caused by the medication or device evaluated by the trial, unless the contrary is proven in a judicial process; 3. Individuals submitted to the trials are entitled to free post trial access to the treatment received during the study, financed by the trial supporting entities and as long as the drug or device is considered to be useful. While agreeing with the need to have a National Registry of Clinical Trials, we predict that the mentioned critical issues in the bylaw will lead to difficulties and unnecessary judicial processes, thus limiting clinicians’ interest in performing research. We propose to modify the bylaw, excluding responsibilities on events associated with the natural evolution of the medical condition, or with patients’ ageing, or with comorbidities and clinical events considered unpredictable when the protocol was accepted. We recommend that the free post trial access should be a joint decision involving the patient and the attending physician, taking in consideration that the volunteer has been exposed to risks and burdens, or when discontinuation of treatment entails a vital risk until the treatment under study has been approved and becomes available in the national market.

En Chile los tratamientos de alto costo requeridos por seleccionadas condiciones médicas son financiados por el Estado, de acuerdo a la Ley 20.850, que se hizo efectiva desde noviembre de 2015. Un reglamento de esta ley -actualmente en discusión por el Senado- incluye la regulación de los ensayos clínicos y plantea importantes aspectos que van a poner en riesgo la realización de investigaciones clínicas avanzadas: 1. El control exclusivo y mandatorio otorgado al Instituto de Salud Pública durante todas las etapas de los ensayos y la vigilancia de las instituciones que los realizan, que sobrepasa las atribuciones de los Comités de Ética Científica Institucionales; 2. El período de hasta 10 años después de la aparición de cualquier efecto adverso, durante el cual se asume causado por el medicamento o dispositivo evaluado en el ensayo, mientras no se demuestre lo contrario en un proceso judicial; 3. Los participantes de los estudios tienen derecho a continuar con el tratamiento recibido durante el estudio una vez terminado este, financiado por las entidades que patrocinan los estudios y mientras el fármaco o dispositivo se considere útil. Estamos de acuerdo con la necesidad de contar con un Registro Nacional de Ensayos Clínicos. Sin embargo, predecimos que los aspectos críticos del reglamento causarán dificultades y procesos judiciales innecesarios, lo que limitará el interés de los clínicos en realizar investigación. Proponemos que el reglamento debe modificarse a fin de excluir responsabilidades sobre eventos asociados con la evolución natural de la condición clínica, el envejecimiento del paciente, comorbilidades y con eventos clínicos no predecibles cuando se aceptó el estudio. Recomendamos que el acceso gratuito posterior al estudio debe constituir una decisión conjunta del paciente y su médico tratante, considerando los riesgos y la carga a que se expuso el paciente, o al riesgo vital secundario a la suspensión del tratamiento del estudio mientras no esté disponible en el mercado nacional.

This paper presents discoveries of a FONDECYT (N° 1120425) investigation that intended to know how men and women have experienced and how they have been part of the structural, social and cultural changes occurred in different places of Central Chile in the last fifty years, giving priority to qualitative methods as interviews to men and women of different ages and the use of the genealogical method for three generations in two groups of relationship residents in irrigated and unirrigated land.

Este artículo da cuenta de hallazgos de una investigación FONDECYT (N°1120425) que se propuso conocer cómo hombres y mujeres han experimentado y han sido parte de los cambios estructurales, sociales y culturales ocurridos en diferentes lugares de Chile Central a partir de la segunda mitad del siglo XX hasta la actualidad. Para ello se ha privilegiado técnicas cualitativas como entrevistas en profundidad a hombres y mujeres de distintas edades y la aplicación del método genealógico a tres generaciones en dos grupos de parentesco residentes en áreas de riego y secano.

Este artigo relata os resultados de uma pesquisa FONDECYT (No. 1120425), que é a de saber como os homens e mulheres têm experimentado e sido parte das mudanças estruturais, sociais e culturais acontecidos em diferentes partes do Chile Central desde a segunda metade do século XX até o presente. Para isso temos privilegiado técnicas qualitativas tais como entrevistas em profundidade com homens e mulheres de diferentes idades e a aplicação do método genealógico a três gerações em dois grupos de parentesco residentes em áreas irrigadas e sem irrigação.

These notes carry a quick tour to the questions raised by the social sciences and humanities, reviewing changes in the institutions that sheltered, issues and problems encountered, the relationship between social knowledge production change, modernization, culture, environment over recent decades and, finally, raises some new questions that deserve standardized formats for measuring results in the production of knowledge that has been assigned to our country and its scientific institutions and universities.

Estas notas realizan un rápido recorrido a las preguntas planteadas por las ciencias sociales y humanidades, revisando los cambios en las instituciones que las cobijaron, los temas y problemas que se plantearon, la relación entre producción de conocimientos, cambio social, modernización, cultura y medio ambiente, a lo largo de las últimas décadas y, por último, se plantean algunas de las dudas que merecen los nuevos formatos estandarizados de medición de resultados en la producción de conocimientos a los que ha adscrito nuestro país y sus instituciones científicas y universidades.

Estas notas realizam um rápido percurso às questões levantadas pelas ciencias sociais e humanas, revendo as mudanças nas instituições que as abrigaram, questões e problemas encontrados, a relação entre a produção de conhecimento, mudança social, modernização, cultura e meio ambientenas últimas décadase, finalmente, levanta algunas das duvidas que merecemos novos formatos padronizados para medir os resultados na produção de conhecimento que foram atribuídos ao nosso paíse suas instituições científicase universidades.

Background: During the years 2008 and 2009, 1,191 biomedical articles authored by Chilean investigators working in Chile were indexed in PubMed. Aims: To evaluate the potential visibility of those articles, according to scientometric indexes of the journals where they were published. Methods: Those journals where the articles had been published were identified and each journal’s Impact Factor (JIF), 5-year JIF, SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), SCImago Quartiles (Q) for 2010 and the Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP) for 2008-2009 were identified. Results: Three hundred and twelve articles (26,2%) were dedicated to experimental studies in animals, tissues or cells and they were classified as “Biomedicine”, while 879 (73,8%) were classified as “Clinical Medicine”; in both areas the main type of articles were original reports (90% and 73.6%, respectively). Revista Médica de Chile and Revista Chilena de Infectología concentrated the greater number of publications. Articles classified in Biomedicine were published more frequently in English and in journals with higher scientometric indexes than those classified in Clinical Medicine. Conclusions: Biomedical articles dealing with clinical topics, particularly case reports, were published mostly in national journals or in foreign journals with low scientometric indexes. It can be partly attributable to the authors’ interest in reaching local readers. The evaluation of research productivity should combine several scientometric indexes, selected according to the field of research, the institution's and investigators’ interests, with a qualitative and multifactorial assessment.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a spectrum of diseases ranging from frank dislocation of the hip to mild acetabular dysplasia. DDH screening for detection is performed routinely in our country using pelvic x-ray at 3 months of age. The radiographic measured acetabular index is used to evaluate the dysplastic hip, at initial presentation and during follow-up. Objective: Evaluation of the intra- and inter-observer variability, among medical professionals, when measuring acetabular index. Methods: Four reviewers (a children orthopedic surgeon, a general practitioner, a pediatrician and a radiologist) performed acetabular index measurement in 100 radiographs (200 hips), on three occasions, separated each by one month (600 total measurements). An independent observer evaluated the measurement reproducibility. The intra-class correlation coefficient to determine significant differences was used. Results: The intra-observer variability was less than the inter-observer variability. The intra-observer variability was similar among the different assessors, ± 1.5 degrees. The inter-observer variability was ± 3.4 degrees. Conclusions: A high concordance among measurements was reported, evidencing a high reproducibility of the acetabular index; this index is a reliable method for the diagnosis and follow-up of acetabular dysplasia.

Introducción: La Displasia del desarrollo de la cadera (DDC) es un espectro de enfermedades que abarca desde la luxación franca de la cadera hasta la displasia acetabular leve. El screening de detección de DDC se realiza de rutina en nuestro país, mediante una radiografía de pelvis a los 3 meses. El índice acetabular medido en estas radiografías se utiliza para evaluar la cadera displásica, tanto en la presentación inicial como durante el seguimiento posterior. Objetivo: Evaluar la variabilidad tanto intra como inter observador en la medición del índice acetabular, entre profesionales médicos. Material y Métodos: Cuatro evaluadores (un cirujano-ortopédico infantil, un médico general, un pediatra y un radiólogo) realizaron la medición del índice acetabular en 100 radiografías de screening (200 caderas), en tres ocasiones, separadas por un mes cada una (600 mediciones totales). Un observador independiente evaluó la reproductibilidad en la medición. Se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación intraclase para determinar diferencias significativas. Resultados: La variabilidad intra observador fue menor que la interobservador. La variabilidad intra observador fue similar para los diferentes evaluadores, ± 1,5°. La variabilidad inter observador fue de ± 3,4°. Conclusiones: Demostramos una alta concordancia entre las mediciones, determinando una alta reproductibilidad del índice acetabular. El índice acetabular es un método seguro para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de displasia acetabular.

Background: In Brazil, a mixture of cereals known as "Human Ration" (HR) has been consumed as a substitute for meals due to effects in satiation and weight loss. Methods: This paper evaluated the effect of HR consumption for 45 days as a breakfast replacement, on body composition, biochemical profile and eating behavior in women (n = 20) between 18-45 years old and with BMI between 27-35 kg/m². Results: The intake of HR did not promote significant changes in the body composition as well as in the mean serum values of glucose, HDL, VLDL, TC/HDL, AST and ALT. However, a significant change was noticed in the levels of TC, LDL and triglycerides (p < 0.05). Average daily intake of calories and macronutrients of the volunteers during the period of HR consumption did not differ from their habitual ingestion (p > 0.05). Regarding the consumption of total fibers, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in intake at breakfast during the period of HR consumption when compared to the usual intake. The consumption of HR did not intervene in the sensations of satiation, hunger and prospective intake among the subjects, presenting only instantaneous significant alterations throughout the study. Conclusion: The results are clinically relevant, since they may contribute to the reduction of risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Introducción: En Brasil, una mezcla de cereales conocidos como "Ração Humana" (HR) se ha consumido como sustituto de las comidas debido a los efectos en la saciedad y en la pérdida de peso. Métodos: Se evaluó el efecto del consumo de HR durante 45 días, sustituyendo el desayuno, en la composición corporal, perfil bioquímico y en la conducta alimentaria en mujeres (n = 20) entre 18-45 años de edad y con IMC entre 27-35 kg/m². Resultados: La ingesta de HR no promovió cambios significativos en la composición corporal, así como en los valores medios de glucosa, colesterol HDL, VLDL, CT/HDL, AST y ALT en el suero. Sin embargo, se observaron cambios significativos en las concentraciones de CT, LDL y los triglicéridos (p < 0,05). La ingesta media diaria de calorias y macronutrientes de los voluntarios durante el periodo de consumo de HR no difirieron de su ingesta habitual (p > 0,05). Respecto al consumo de fibras total, se observó un aumento significativo sólo para el desayuno (p < 0,05) en el periodo de consumo de HR en comparación con la ingesta habitual. El consumo de la HR no intervino en las sensaciones de saciedad, en el hambre y en la ingesta prospectiva entre los sujetos, presentando solamente alteraciones significativas durante todo el estudio. Conclusión: Los resultados son clínicamente relevantes, ya que pueden contribuir a la reducción de factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles.

Background: Biomedical research is a fundamental tool for the development of a country, requiring human and financial resources. Aim: To define some current characteristics of biomedical research, in Chile. Methods: Data on entities funding bio-medical research, participant institutions, and the number of active investigators for the period 2007-2009 were obtained from institutional sources; publications indexed in PubMedfor2008-2009 were analysed. Results: Mostfinancial resources invested in biomedical research projects (approximately US$ 19 million per year) came from the "Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica" (CONICYT), a state institution with 3 independent Funds administering competitive grant applications open annually to institutional or independent investigators in Chile. Other sources and universities raised the total amount to US$ 26 million. Since 2007 to 2009, 408 investigators participated in projects funded by CONICYT. The main participant institutions were Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, both adding up to 84% of all funded projects. Independently, in 2009,160 research projects -mainly multi centric clinical trials- received approximately US$ 24 million from foreign pharmaceutical companies. Publications listed in PubMed were classified as "clinical research" (n = 879, including public health) or "basic biomedical research" (n = 312). Conclusions: Biomedical research in Chile is mainly supported by state funds and university resources, but clinical trials also obtained an almost equivalent amount from foreign resources. Investigators are predominantly located in two universities. A small number of MD-PhD programs are aimed to train and incorporate new scientists. Only a few new Medical Schools participate in biomedical research. A National Registry of biomedical research projects, including the clinical trials, is required among other initiatives to stimulate research in biomedical sciences in Chile.

The beneficial effect of vermicompost on yield of some cultivars has been documented, but there is little information about its effect when it is combined with stress-inducing factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of vermicompost and water stress on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield with the hypothesis that vermicompost modifes the soil-plant system and diminishes the effect of water defcit. In greenhouse, the yield of two common bean cultivars (drought-susceptible and tolerant to drought) was assessed in soil with or without 1.5 % and 3 % of vermicompost, with irrigation in the complete cycle and its suspension, starting from flowering. The experimental design was completely randomized with factorial arrangement and five replications. Production of inforescence, pods, and seeds were evaluated. Under both conditions of irrigation and cultivars, the addition of 3 % of vermicompost increased the total of inflorescence by 31 %, the number of produced pods by 36 %, 16 % that of harvested pods, 34 % in number of seeds and 33 % in seed biomass (yield) per plant. Negative effect of suspending irrigation was observed on the number of pods and seeds and on seed yield; however, with 3 % of vermicompost susceptible and tolerant cultivar increased the number of pods by 17 and 15 %, as well as the amount of seeds by 28 and 48 %, and seed yield by 15 and 50 %. Interactions between factors showed different reaction of cultivars to water stress, vermicompost, and their combination. It was observed that vermicompost in substrate modifes the soil-plant system and diminishes the negative reaction of common bean crops to water stress, since it significantly increases their yield.

El efecto benéfico del vermicompost en el rendimiento de algunos cultivos se ha documentado, pero hay poca información acerca de su efecto cuando se combina con factores que inducen estrés. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer el efecto combinado del vermicompost y el défcit de humedad en el rendimiento de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), con la hipótesis de que el vermicompost modifica el sistema suelo-planta y disminuye el efecto del défcit de humedad. En invernadero se evaluó el rendimiento de dos cultivares de frijol (sensible y tolerante a sequía) en suelo sin y con 1.5 y 3 % de vermicompost, con riego en el ciclo completo y su suspensión a partir de la floración. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar con arreglo factorial y cinco repeticiones. Se evaluó la producción de inflorescencias, vainas y semillas. En ambas condiciones de riego y cultivares, 3 % de vermicompost incrementó 31 % el número de inforescencias, 36 % el número de vainas producidas, 16 % las vainas cosechadas, 34 % el número y 33 % la biomasa (rendimiento) de semillas por planta. El efecto negativo de la suspensión de riego se observó en el número de vainas y semillas y en el rendimiento de semilla; sin embargo, con 3 % de vermicompost el cultivar susceptible y tolerante incrementó 17 y 15 % el número de vainas, 28 y 48 % el número de semillas y 15 y 50 % el rendimiento de semillas. Las interacciones entre los factores mostraron reacción distinta de los cultivares al défcit de humedad, vermicompost y su combinación. Se mostró que el vermicompost en el sustrato modifca el sistema suelo-planta y disminuye la reacción negativa al défcit de humedad del frijol, ya que incrementa signifcativamente su rendimiento.

This review analyses the changes in immunological tolerance, and the systemic and local hemodynamic changes observed along human pregnancy. To underscore the conceptual importance of tolerance and adaptation the background isprovided by the two main advocates ofthese ideas: Gandhi and Darwin. The cognate factors that determine immunological tolerance (IT), systemic (SA) and local adaptation (LA) are múltiple; IT = desensitisation to paternal antigens, absence of HLA-A, roles of HLA-G, natural killer cells and their receptors; SA = decreased vascular resistance, plasma volume expansión, increased cardiac output and plasma renin activity; LA = prostacyclin, nitric oxide, kallikrein-kinin system, vasodilator arm of the renin angiotensin system, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A possible role of vasodilators in the crucial process of trophoblast invasión and uterine artery transformation is supported. The relevance ofan adequate adaptation to pregnancy is highlighted not only by the intragestational complications derivedfrom a defective process, such as intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and preeclampsia -its foremost expression- but also by the long term cardiovascular complications ofthe mother and her offspring.