ABSTRACT Marine pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) in the ocean has been very high research in recent years, and their effects over different marine organisms such as zooplankton have been recognized. The crescent literature requires review and harmonization of the methodologies to unify criteria of comparison. Literature on microplastic ingestion in marine organisms is just beginning to be published, so it is of great importance to establish unified techniques for the extraction methodologies of microplastics ingested by zooplankton to determine the abundance and characteristics of MPs. Databases were used to find specific techniques for digestion of organic material from marine organisms, and four specific techniques were chosen for zooplankton degradation. Samples collected at one station in the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, Colombia were done. The chosen techniques were evaluated in four aspects: 1) The efficiency of digestions was evaluated on zooplankton samples, 2) The efficiency of digestion different duration and temperature conditions was assessed, 3) Evaluate the effect physics of digestions on microplastics, 4) Quantifying MPs from the ingestion rate. Fifty individuals were chosen from the sample to evaluate each technique. The most abundant groups corresponding to the families Paracalanidae, Corycaedae and Oncaeidae, and the phylum Chaetognatha were used. The best technique obtained was Md Amin et al (2020) with our modifications, this technique uses HNO3 65 % at 80 °C of temperature during one hour, in bottles of 2 mL lid with heat resistant. The organic matter was totally degraded, not changes on the physic integrity of MPs were observed, and the ingestion rates were similarly reported for other authors in these organisms.

RESUMEN Existe un incremento de publicaciones por conocer la problemática de la contaminación marina por microplásticos (MPs), donde ya se reconocen algunos de los efectos que pueden tener en el zooplancton. Este aumento de publicaciones requiere que se revisen las metodologías para unificar criterios de comparación, por lo que es de gran importancia unificar técnicas para las metodologías de extracción de los microplásticos ingeridos por el zooplancton para determinar la abundancia y las características de los MPs. A partir de una búsqueda en bases de datos, se escogieron cuatro técnicas específicas para la degradación de la materia orgánica representada por el zooplancton. Las técnicas fueron evaluadas en cuatro aspectos: 1) Eficiencia de la degradación de la materia orgánica, 2) Duración y condiciones de temperatura para el procesamiento, 3) Efecto físico de la digestión sobre los microplásticos, 4) cuantificar los MPs a partir de la tasa de ingestión. Se emplearon cincuenta individuos para cada uno de los grupos más abundantes correspondientes a las familias Paracalanidae, Corycaeidae y Oncaeidae, y al filo Chaetognatha. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la mejor técnica fue la de Md Amin et al (2020) con modificaciones, en la que no se observaron alteraciones en la integridad de los MPs y la tasa de ingestión fue similar a la que se reporta para estos organismos.

RESUMEN El craneofaringioma es un tumor de histología benigna que, sin embargo, puede provocar graves secuelas por su ubicación y crecimiento en la región selar y supraselar. Se caracteriza por ser localmente agresivo dado su capacidad de invadir localmente, y por presentar una alta tasa de recurrencia. Histológicamente se describen dos tumores distintos, previamente considerados subtipos. El craneofaringioma adamantinomatoso es el más frecuente en niños y es causado por una mutación activante del gen CTNNB1, que codifica para una forma mutante de β-catenina. Por otro lado, el craneofaringioma papilar se presenta casi exclusivamente en adultos, y se asocia a mutaciones en el oncogen BRAF y activación de la vía de señalización MAPK. Los síntomas de ambos tipos tumorales son secundarios al déficit hormonal, a hidrocefalia o alteración visual. El tratamiento debe realizarse en centros con alta experiencia e involucra la participación de un equipo multidisciplinario, buscando un balance entre una resección amplia y la protección de la funcionalidad del hipotálamo. La radioterapia ha demostrado disminuir la recidiva tumoral. Actualmente existen nuevos tratamientos médicos basados en terapias targets moleculares.

ABSTRACT Craniopharyngioma is a tumor of benign histology, although it can cause serious sequelae due to its location and growth in the sellar and suprasellar region. It is characterized by being aggressive due to its ability to invade locally, and by its high recurrence rate. Histologically, two distinct tumors have been acknowledged, which were previously considered subtypes. The adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma is the most frequent in children and is caused by an activating mutation of the CTNNB1 gene, which codes for a mutant form of β-catenin. Whereas, papillary craniopharyngioma develops almost exclusively in adults, and it is associated with mutations in the BRAF oncogene and activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. The symptoms of both of these tumor types are secondary to hormonal deficits, hydrocephalus or visual disturbances. Treatment should be performed in centers with experience in them, achieving a balance between a wide resection and protection of hypothalamic function. Radiotherapy has proven to reduce tumor recurrence, with a current focus on the development of medical treatments based on molecular targets.

ABSTRACT Objective: Pituitary stalk thickening (PST) is a rare condition in pediatric patients. Data on PST in Latin American pediatric populations are scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize a comprehensive cohort of pediatric patients diagnosed with PST in Chile between 2020 and 2022. Subjects and methods: Retrospective review of medical records from 2020 to 2022 of patients under 18 years old diagnosed with PST, defined as a pituitary stalk width ≥ 3 mm at the pituitary insertion and/or ≥ 4 mm at the optic chiasm. A literature review was also performed to compare the identified cases with previously published ones. Results: Nine patients with PST were identified. Their mean age at diagnosis was 10.36 years (range 2.4-17 years). The patients’ main manifestations were polydipsia and polyuria (100%) and poor growth (77.8%). Eight patients had germ cell tumors, while one patient had Langerhans cell histiocytosis. At the time of diagnosis, all patients had arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency, along with a deficiency in at least one anterior pituitary hormone. Germ cell tumor markers were negative in all patients. A biopsy-confirmed diagnosis was obtained in all cases. Four patients required a second biopsy. The frequency of PST due to germ cell tumors was four patients/year during the study period, which is twice the expected frequency in Chile. Conclusion: This study, characterizing the largest cohort of pediatric patients with PST in Latin America, found germ cell tumors to be the main etiology of this condition. It is important to focus diagnostic procedures on obtaining a correct diagnosis and promptly initiating appropriate treatment in patients with PST. Regional cooperation is essential for gathering data from larger cohorts to enhance our understanding of pediatric PST and improve patient outcomes. Objective (PST scarce 202 methods 1 andor or chiasm ones Results 1036 10 36 10.3 range 2.417 2417 2.4 17 2 2.4-1 years. . years) 100% 100 (100% 77.8%. 778 77.8% 77 8 (77.8%) histiocytosis AVP (AVP hormone biopsyconfirmed biopsy confirmed patientsyear year period Conclusion America outcomes 20 103 10. 417 2.41 241 24 2. 2.4- (100 77.8 7 (77.8% 41 (10 77. (77.8 (1 (77. ( (77 (7

Resumo Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados ao abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo em mães adolescentes durante os primeiros seis meses de vida do bebê. Método: trata-se de um estudo de coorte com 105 mães adolescentes acompanhadas aos dois, quatro e seis meses de vida de seus filhos. Uma abordagem epidemiológica, apoiada por um paradigma positivista, foi adotada. As variáveis de exposição escolhidas foram aquelas diretamente relacionadas ao aleitamento materno e a condições sociodemográficas, familiares, maternas e infantis. Os dados usados foram coletados através de entrevistas e analisados por estatísticas bivariadas e multivariadas. A razão de risco (RR) foi calculada com um intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Os testes foram realizados, admitindo um erro tipo I de 5%. A confidencialidade dos dados foi garantida. Resultados: as incidências acumuladas de abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo foram de 33,3%, 52,2% e 63,8%, aos dois, quatro e seis meses de vida dos bebês, respectivamente. As variáveis que permaneceram no modelo multivariado final foram percepção materna da qualidade de seu leite (HR=11,6; 95% IC 3,6-37,5), uso de chupeta (HR=1,9; 95% IC 1,2-3,3) e tempo de primeira sessão de aleitamento materno depois do nascimento (HR=1,4; 95% IC 0,5-12,9). Conclusão: a maior taxa de abandono ocorre antes do quarto mês de vida dos bebês. Mães adolescentes que julgaram seu leite como ruim e bebês que usam chupeta são fatores que favorecem o abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo. A determinação dos fatores associados ao abandono do aleitamento materno pode permitir sua gestão oportuna, especialmente em populações mais vulneráveis.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the factors associated with the abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding in adolescent mothers during the first 6 months of the infant’s life. Method: this is a cohort study of 105 adolescent mothers followed at the child’s 2-, 4- and 6-months of age. The epidemiological approach was adopted, supported by the positivism paradigm. Exposure variables were those directly related to breastfeeding and sociodemographic, family, maternal and child conditions. Data were collected by interview and analyzed by bivariate and multivariate statistics. The Hazard Ratio (HR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The tests were performed, admitting an error type I of 5%. The confidentiality of data was ensured. Results: the cumulative incidences of exclusive breastfeeding abandonment were 33.3%, 52.2% and 63.8%, at 2, 4 and 6 months, respectively. The variables that remain in the final multivariate model were maternal perception of milk quality (HR=11.6; 95%CI 3.6-37.5), pacifier use (HR=1.9; 95%CI 1.2-3.3), and time of first breastfeeding session (HR=1.4; 95%CI 0.5-12.9). Conclusion: the highest abandonment rate occurs before the fourth month. A perception of having poor-quality milk by the adolescent mother and pacifier use are factors that favor the abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding. Determining the factors associated with breastfeeding abandonment may allow their timely management, especially in more vulnerable populations.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los factores relacionados con el abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva en madres adolescentes durante los primeros seis meses de vida del bebé. Método: se trata de un estudio de cohorte de 105 madres adolescentes con un seguimiento a los dos, cuatro y seis meses de vida de sus hijos Se adoptó un enfoque epidemiológico, basado en un paradigma positivista. Las variables de exposición escogidas fueron aquellas directamente relacionadas con la lactancia materna y con las condiciones sociodemográficas, familiares, maternas e infantiles. Los datos utilizados fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas y analizados por estadística bivariada y multivariada. El riesgo relativo (RR) se calculó con un intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Las pruebas se realizaron asumiendo un error tipo I del 5%. Se garantizó la confidencialidad de los datos. Resultados: las incidencias acumuladas de abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva fueron del 33,3%, 52,2% y 63,8%, a los dos, cuatro y seis meses de vida de los bebés, respectivamente. Las variables que permanecieron en el modelo final multivariado fueron la percepción materna de la calidad de su leche (HR=11,6; IC 95% 3,6-37,5), uso de chupete (HR=1,9; IC 95% 1, 2-3,3) y momento de la primera lactancia (HR=1,4; IC 95% 0,5-12,9). Conclusión: la mayor tasa de abandono de LME se manifiesta antes del cuarto mes de vida de los bebés. Las madres adolescentes que perciben su leche inadecuada y los bebés que usan chupete son factores que favorecen el abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva. Determinar las causas relacionadas con el abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva pueden permitir su adecuada gestión, especialmente en poblaciones más vulnerables.

Resumen Se reporta por primera vez en el valle del Magdalena el ostrácodo Cytheridella ilosvayi Daday, 1905. Esta especie había sido reportada en Colombia solamente en Casanare, región oriental del país. En marzo del 2018, durante la época de aguas bajas, se recolectaron 7.000 ejemplares hembras extraídas de las raíces de la macrófita Eichhornia crassipes en la ciénaga de San Silvestre (Santander), ubicada en la región andina.

Abstract The ostracod species Cytheridella ilosvay Daday, 1905, is reported for the first time for the Magdalena valley. This species has been described in Colombia only in Casanare. A total of 7,000 specimens, all females, were collected from the roots of the macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes in the Ciénaga San Silvestre in Santander during the low water season in March 2018.

ResumenLas plantas carnívoras del género Utricularia, capturan un amplio ámbito de organismos acuáticos. La mayoría se desarrollan en ambientes con carencias de nutrientes y tienen la capacidad de cambiar las condiciones de su microambiente. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue estudiar la selectividad, en la captura de zooplancton por Utricularia foliosa en la Ciénaga de Paredes; entre febrero y noviembre 2014. Se determinó si existe selección en los recursos alimentarios de la planta con el índice de Czekanowski y el grado de selección, a través de los índices de Savage e Ivlev. Se estableció la relación existente entre los patrones de captura y selección del zooplancton, con variables físicoquímicas y la disponibilidad de nutrientes en la Ciénaga. En nuestros resultados, el índice de Czekanowski evidenció selección, en los recursos alimentarios de la planta, durante todo el pulso de inundación, con valores entre 0.28 y 0.41. Se encontró selección positiva significativa, con el índice de Savage, para los géneros Lecane sp., Alona sp., Ceriodaphnia sp., y Bosmina sp. (p < 0.05). Se obtuvieron resultados similares, con el índice de Ivlev. La intensidad en la selección de los géneros varió entre periodos hidrológicos y por periodos de aguas altas y bajas. Se identificó que los cambios en la concentración de amoniaco y nitrato, además de la variación en la conductividad eléctrica de la ciénaga influencian la captura que realiza U. foliosa. Este es el primer trabajo que permite dar un acercamiento al entendimiento de la selección de recursos alimentarios dentro de la especie a través de índices de selectividad y uno de los pocos para el género.

Abstract:Utricularia is a genus of carnivorous plants that capture a wide range of aquatic organisms. Most of these plants grow in environments with nutrients deficiency and have the ability to change the conditions of their microenvironment. The aim of this research was to study the selectivity in the zooplankton capture by Utricularia foliosa in the Ciénaga de Paredes. Our study was undertaken between February and November, 2014. We tried to determine if there is selection in the plant’s food resources by the Czekanowski’s index, and the selection degree by the Savage and Ivlev’s indexes. Additionally, we studied the possible relation between the patterns of zooplankton capture and selection, with physicochemical variables in the swamp. The Czekanowski’s index showed a food selection in plant resources throughout the flood pulse, with values between 0.28 and 0.41. We also found a significant positive selection with Savage’s index for Lecane sp., Alona sp., Ceriodaphnia sp., and Bosmina sp. (p < 0.05); similar results were obtained with Ivlev’s index. The intensity in the selection of each captured genus varied significantly between hydrological periods and between high and low water levels in the swamp. It was possible to identify some changes in the ammonia and nitrate concentration and some variability in the electric conductivity of the swamp, which influenced the captures made by U. foliosa. This is the first paper that allows an approach to understand the selection of food resources for the species, using a selectivity index, and one of the few for the genus. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 1297-1310. Epub 2016 September 01.

The nociceptive trigeminal system is a component of the somatosensory system capable of distinguishing four basic variables of stimuli causing tissue damage: quality, time course, location and intensity. A-delta and C fibers, which are related to nociception, are present in dental pulp. Several classifications of pain are used, based on various criteria: quality of the sensation, transmission velocity along fibers, body part where it is expressed, and location of the nociceptor. According to their evolution, pulpal conditions are classified into reversible pulpitis, transitional pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis and necrotic pulp. Pulpal pain has been classified according to the following variables: quality: sharp or continuous; cause: provoked or spontaneous; course: intermittent or continuous; location: limited to a region, radiating or referred; and intensity: mild, moderate or severe. The capacity of the nociceptive sensory system to distinguish the mode, time course, location and intensity of the stimulus makes it possible to recognize the different stages of a pulpal inflammatory process.

El sistema trigeminal nociceptivo es un componente del sistema sensorial somestésico que tiene la capacidad de discriminar cuatro variables básicas de los estímulos que provocan daño tisular, ellas son: cualidad, curso temporal, localización e intensidad. Las fibras A delta y C, vinculadas a la nocicepción están presentes en la pulpa dental. Se utilizan varias clasificaciones del dolor, atendiendo a diversos criterios: calidad de la sensación, velocidad de transmisión por las fibras, en relación con el lugar del cuerpo donde se exprese, y a la ubicación del nociceptor. La evolución de las condiciones pulpares se clasifican como: pulpitis reversible, pulpitis transicional, pulpitis irreversible y pulpa necrótica.Según su cualidad, el dolor pulpar puede ser punzante o continuo; atendiendo a su aparición, provocado o espontáneo; por su curso, intermitente o continuo; por su localización puede ser limitado a una región, irradiado y referido; y en relación con su intensidad se considera leve, moderado o severo. La capacidad del sistema sensorial nociceptivo en cuanto a discriminar la modalidad, curso temporal, localización e intensidad del estímulo, permite conocer las diferentes etapas de un proceso inflamatorio pulpar.

Introduction: educational programs play an important role in the modification of harmful habits and behavior. Elderly persons should acquire the knowledge required for oral self-care, thus improving their quality of life. Objective: evaluate the results of the "Healthy smile" program. Methods: adescriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a universe of 74 persons aged 60 and over. The variables considered were age and sex. The data obtained were organized on the basis of the following criteria: knowledge about oral and general health, main oral and dental diseases, performance of the oral self-examination, effects of smoking and alcoholism, intake of sugared, hot and spicy foods, and the importance of oral hygiene. Data collection was performed by the authors based on a questionnaire applied during the first stage of the research and using absolute values and percentages for the analysis of results. Results: the 70-79 age group and female sex are the best represented variables, with 36.5 % and 59.5 %, respectively. Knowledge about the harmful effects of the following actions behaved in the manner indicated: alcoholism 91.9 %, smoking 95.9 %, intake of sugared foods 97.7 % and intake of hot and spicy foods 90.5 %. Knowledge about oral self-examination and oral hygiene was 78.4 and 91.9 %, respectively. Conclusions: the "Healthy smile" educational program was effective to broaden the knowledge of elderly persons about the activities included in the program.

Introducción: los programas educativos juegan un papel importante ya que permiten modificar hábitos y conductas perjudiciales para la salud. Las personas de la tercera edad deben adquirir los conocimientos necesarios para realizar el auto cuidado de la salud bucal mejorando así su calidad de vida. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados del programa "Sonríe con salud". Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte transversal, con un universo de 74 personas de 60 años y más. Las variables estudiadas fueron: la edad, sexo. Se aplicó una encuesta. Las respuestas se agruparon atendiendo a si poseían o no, conocimientos acerca de la relación entre salud bucal y salud general, las principales enfermedades buco-dentales, realización del autoexamen bucal, efecto del tabaquismo y alcoholismo, ingestión de los alimentos azucarados, calientes, picantes y la importancia de la higiene bucal. La recolección de la información, la realizaron los autores empleando como fuente primaria el cuestionario aplicado en la primera etapa de la investigación. Se utilizaron los valores absolutos y el porcentaje en el análisis de los resultados. Resultados: el grupo de edad de 70 a 79 años fueron los más representados (36,5 %) y el sexo femenino con un 59,5 %. Se elevaron los conocimientos relacionados con el efecto perjudicial del alcoholismo al 91,9 % y el tabaquismo al 95,9 %; acerca de la ingestión de alimentos azucarados se elevan al 97,7 % al igual que los alimentos calientes y picantes en un 90,5 %, relativo al autoexamen bucal se superan los conocimientos de su realización al 78,4 % y referente a la higiene bucal se elevan al 91,9 %. Conclusiones: el programa educativo "sonríe con salud" resultó eficaz, al elevar el nivel de conocimientos de los ancianos que recibieron las actividades previstas en el programa.

Background: The interests that motivate medical students to study this career are diverse and they may change during the seven years of study. In Chile, 22 universities offer medicine and the number of graduated students has increased by more than 50% over the last 10 years. Aim: To determine the motivational profile of medical students at admission, and at the end of their career. Subjects and Methods: A voluntary anonymous survey was applied to 275 first and 140 seventh year medical students from one traditional public and two private schools. Results: The main reason for applying to medical school was social interest (68.7%), followed by interest in science and academia. Thirty six percent of students from seventh year would not study medicine again. In the seventh year, the interest in medical care persists in 88% of students, followed by academic interests in 64%. Only 24% had research interests. Fifty nine and 57% of students projected their medical work in private and public hospital settings, respectively. Only 11% projected themselves as doing research. Sixty nine percent of students would like to receive more information about post graduate education. Conclusions: There is a low interest in research and a high percentage of seventh year students that would not apply to medicine again. Medical schools should perform a systematic analysis of students' interests to improve faulty areas.

Crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional (PIG) e um rápido ganho de peso durante a primeira e segunda infâncias estão fortemente ligados à ocorrência de doenças crônicas, incluindo a síndrome metabólica, o que está relacionado ao ambiente intrauterino e a alterações epigenéticas da programação fetal. A síndrome metabólica envolve uma circunferência abdominal > ao percentil 90 para a idade, sexo e raça, níveis mais altos de pressão sanguínea, triglicérides e glicose em jejum, e níveis baixos de HDL-colesterol. A resistência à insulina pode estar presente já no primeiro ano de vida, e a obesidade e/ou o diabetes tipo 2 são mais prevalentes em crianças nascidas PIG do que naquelas nascidas AIG. A programação de respostas adaptativas em crianças nascidas PIG inclui uma associação com uma pressão sanguínea mais alta, alterações na função endotelial e propriedades arteriais, e doença coronariana. Intervenções precoces devem ser direcionadas à nutrição apropriada, antes e durante a gravidez, promoção da amamentação e prevenção de ganho rápido de peso durante a infância e promoção de um estilo de vida saudável.

Being born small-for-gestational age and a rapid increase in weight during early childhood and infancy has been strongly linked with chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, which has been related to intrauterine life environment and linked to epigenetic fetal programming. Metabolic syndrome includes waist circumference > 90th percentile for age, sex and race, higher levels of blood pressure, triglycerides and fasting glucose, and low levels of HDL-cholesterol. Insulin resistance may be present as early as 1 year of age, and obesity and/or type 2 diabetes are more prevalent in those born SGA than those born AGA. The programming of adaptive responses in children born SGA includes an association with increased blood pressure, changes in endothelial function, arterial properties and coronary disease. Early interventions should be directed to appropriate maternal nutrition, before and during pregnancy, promotion of breast feeding, and prevention of rapid weight gain during infancy, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The stomatologic care to pregnants is essential due to different factors that in a way or in another may to accelerate the progression of initial diseases or already established, considered as a priority group by the National Group of Integral Stomatologic Care, included in the maternal-child program of Public Health Ministry. Due to significance to maintain the pregnant always healthy, thus preventing the alterations in them and in their babies, our aim was to show some considerations for the integral and systematic stomatologic care during pregnant, taking into account the risk and disease severity according to the pregnancy trimester. For its design authors made bibliographic reviews, assessing previous papers, stomatologists criteria, family physicians, gynecologists-obstetricians and from the pregnant. Present paper concludes alerting stomatologists for a change in behavior in the profession involving a fluent and direct communication with family physicians and the pregnants, so a promotion community work allows to guarantee a curative and preventive appropriate care in that sense.

La atención estomatológica a las gestantes se hace imprescindible por diferentes factores que pueden acelerar la progresión de enfermedades iniciales o ya establecidas, por ello se les ha dado prioridad como grupo del Programa Nacional de Atención Estomatológica Integral, insertado dentro del Programa Materno Infantil del MINSAP. Por la importancia que reporta mantener a la gestante siempre sana, así como prevenir alteraciones en ella y en el futuro bebé, nos propusimos exponer algunas consideraciones para la atención estomatológica integral y sistemática durante el embarazo, según el riesgo, severidad de la enfermedad y trimestre de gestación. Fueron realizadas revisiones bibliográficas, se valoraron trabajos anteriores en esa localidad, criterios de estomatólogos, médicos de la familia, ginecoobstetras y de la propia embarazada. Este trabajo concluyó que es importante lograr un cambio de conducta en los estomatólogos, que involucre una comunicación fluida y directa con los médicos de la familia y las gestantes, de manera que un trabajo comunitario de promoción, permita garantizar una adecuada atención preventiva y curativa en este sentido.

En un bosque montano natural de roble (Quercus humboldtii Bonpl.) y en plantaciones forestales de pino pátula (Pinus patula Schltdl. y Cham.) y de ciprés (Cupressus lusitanica Mill.) de Piedras Blancas, Antioquia, Colombia, fueron medidos durante dos años los flujos de nutrientes a través de la hojarasca. En cada ecosistema se emplearon 20 trampas de hojarasca (0,5m² cada una) con el fin de recoger el material desprendido del dosel para su posterior separación en fracciones y análisis químico. Las cantidades de hojarasca fina siguieron el orden: pino pátula (8362,47kg·ha-1·año-1), roble (7877,20kg·ha-1·año-1) y ciprés (3725,97kg·ha-1·año-1). Las cantidades de nutrientes que retornaron a través de la hojarasca foliar de la especie dominante en cada bosque fueron C>N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P en bosque de roble, C>N>P>Ca>Mg>K>S en plantación de pino pátula, y C>Ca>N>K>S>Mg>P en plantación de ciprés. Los resultados muestran un menor retorno de elementos hasta el piso del bosque en las plantaciones de coníferas y un retorno real posiblemente más lento como producto de los mayores valores de la relación C/N del material foliar de las especies de coníferas.

In a natural montane oak forest (Quercus humboldtii Bonpl.) and in pine (Pinus patula Schltdl. y Cham.) and cypress (Cupressus lusitanica Mill.) plantations in Piedras Blancas, Antioquia, Colombia, nutrient litterflow was measured over two years. On each ecosystem twenty litter traps (0.5m² each one) were used to collect litterfall to be subsequently separated into fractions and chemically analyzed. Fine litterfall quantities followed the order pine plantation (8362.47kg·ha-1·year-1), oak forest (7877.20kg·ha-1·year-1) and cypress plantation (3725.97kg·ha-1·year-1). Nutrients returning to the forest floor through leaf litter of the dominant species on each forest were C>N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P in oak forest, C>N>P>Ca>Mg>K>S in pine plantation, and C>Ca>N>K>S>Mg>P in cypress plantation. Results show a lower nutrients return reaching forest floor in pine and cypress plantations, and probably a slower real nutrient return as the result of higher C/N ratio values from leaf litter from coniferous species.

Em um bosque montano natural de carvalho-roble (Quercus humboldtii Bonpl.) e em plantações florestais de pinus pátula (Pinus patula Schltdl. e Cham.) e de cipreste (Cupressus lusitanica Mill.) de Piedras Blancas, Antioquia, Colombia, foram medidos durante dois anos os fluxos de nutrientes a través da serapilheira. Em cada ecossistema foram empregadas 20 armadilhas de serapilheira (0,5m² cada uma) com o fim de recolher o material desprendido do dossel para sua posterior separação em frações e análise química. As quantidades de serapilheira fina seguiram a seguinte seqüência: pinus pátula (8362,47kg·ha-1·ano-1), carvalho-roble (7877,20kg·ha-1·ano-1) e cipreste (3725,97kg·ha-1·ano-1). As quantidades de nutrientes que retornaram através da serapilheira foliar da espécie dominante em cada bosque foram C>N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P em bosque de carvalho-roble, C>N>P>Ca>Mg>K>S em plantação de pinus pátula, e C>Ca>N>K>S>Mg>P em plantação de cipreste. Os resultados mostram um menor retorno de elementos até o piso do bosque nas plantações de coníferas e um retorno real possivelmente mais lento como produto dos maiores valores da relação C/N do material foliar das espécies de coníferas.

Introduction: In Mexico acute pancreatitis is an important cause of morbility and mortality. We here describe the characteristics of patients managed with that diagnosis at the Hospital General de Mexico. Material and methods: Retrospective, descriptive and observational study. Patients with acute pancreatitis were seen between January 1996 to December 2000. Results: The acute pancreatitis prevalence found in the hospital setting was 5%. We identified 104 patients, 62% men, with mean age 37 yrs. In 74% of cases seen, we made a correct early diagnosis upon admission. The biliary (49%) and the alcoholic (37%) were the most frequent causes. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom at onset (94%). High leukocyte count (78%), followed by serum lipase (74%) was the most sensitive laboratory test. Only 34% of patients studied had an adequate nutritional status. 54% of patients presented severe pancreatitis. The mean number of hospital days was 17 and 44% required ICU management. Thirty five percent required surgery where necrosectomy was performed and a mortality of 67% was found. The total mortality rate was 21%. Conclusions: The correct clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is frequent. It is a more common finding than severe pancreatitis, but it does not increase the morbility and mortality in our patient population.

Introducción: la pancreatitis aguda constituye una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en México. Se describen las características de la población manejada con ese diagnóstico en el Hospital General de México. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional. Se obtuvieron los datos de los pacientes con pancreatitis aguda manejados del 1 de enero de 1996 al 31 de diciembre de 2000. Resultados: la prevalencia de pancreatitis aguda entre la población hospitalaria es de 3%. Se identificaron 104 pacientes, 62% hombres, con edad promedio de 37 años. En 74% se sospechó correctamente el diagnós tico al ingreso. Las causas más frecuentes fueron la biliar (49%) y la alcohólica (37%). El síntoma de inicio más común fue el dolor abdominal (94%). El estudio de laboratorio más sensible fue la presencia de leucocitosis (78%), seguido por la lipasa sérica (74%). Sólo 34% de los pacientes tuvieron un adecuado estado nutricional. El 54% de los pacientes presentaron pancreatitis severa. Los días promedio de hospitalización fueron 17 y 44% necesitaron manejo en la UCI. El 35% de los pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía, en los que se realizó necrosectomía la mortalidad fue de 67%. La mortalidad total fue de 21%. Conclusión: el diagnóstico clínico correcto de la pancreatitis aguda es frecuente. La pancreatitis severa es más común, pero no incrementó la morbilidad y la mortalidad en la muestra.

This study analyzes some basic aspects of the biological dynamics of lutjanid larvae in the northeastern part of the Colombian Caribbean. They had a wide distribution in the study area, and the highest abundances and indices of occurrence were found at the stations off Riohacha, between 6 and 18 nautical miles from the coast. July, October and May had the highest values, with an average of 12.90, 7.67 and 22.47 larvae/10 m², respectively; the highest temperatures and lowest salinities were also recorded during these months.

Este estudio provee información de algunos aspectos básicos acerca de la dinámica biológica de las larvas de pargos. Se analiza la distribución y abundancia de las larvas de peces lutjánidos en la zona nororiental del Caribe colombiano, las cuales se distribuyeron ampliamente en el área de estudio, presentando sus mayores abundancias e índices de ocurrencia en las estaciones situadas frente a Riohacha, entre las 6 y 18 mn de la costa. Los meses de julio, octubre y mayo presentaron los valores más altos en el área de estudio, con un promedio de 12.90, 7.67 y 22.47 larvas/10 m² respectivamente, coincidiendo con altas temperaturas y bajas salinidades.