Abstract In order to determine the effect of three collections of Tithonia diversifolia (mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17), collected in the eastern region of Cuba, on the ruminal microbial population of cattle, an experiment under in vitro conditions was developed. The control treatments with Cynodon nlemfuensis (star grass) were compared: star grass + mv-12; star grass + mv-14 and star grass + mv-17. The three collections were included at a rate of 20 % of the dry matter. The crude protein content was 19-23 % of the dry matter. With the materials mv-14 and mv-17 higher populations of cellulolytic bacteria were obtained, at three and six hours after starting fermentation with respect to that obtained with star grass. The three collections doubled the population of proteolytic bacteria three hours after starting fermentation, while at six hours only mv-12 produced effects in this bacterial group. The methane values were 37.4, 32.6, 33.2 and 32.33 g/kg of digested organic matter for the control, and the treatments mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17, respectively. Although they did not differ between plant materials, mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17 produced less methane than the star grass treatment only (P = 0.0477). It is concluded that the treatments mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17 caused modifications in the ruminal ecosystem, by increasing the population of total cellulolytic organisms and proteolytic bacteria; in addition to reducing the protozoan population. The methane estimated from crude protein concentration also decreased.

Resumen Para determinar el efecto de tres colectas de Tithonia diversifolia (mv-12, mv-14 y mv-17), recogidas en la región oriental de Cuba, en la población microbiana ruminal de vacunos, se desarrolló un experimento en condiciones in vitro. Se compararon los tratamientos control con Cynodon nlemfuensis (pasto estrella): pasto estrella + mv-12; pasto estrella + mv-14 y pasto estrella + mv-17. Las tres colectas se incluyeron a razón del 20 % de la materia seca. El contenido en proteína bruta fue de 19-23 % de la materia seca. Con los materiales mv-14 y mv-17 se obtuvieron mayores poblaciones de bacterias celulolíticas, a las tres y seis horas después de iniciada la fermentación con respecto a lo obtenido con pasto estrella. Las tres colectas duplicaron la población de bacterias proteolíticas a las tres horas de comenzar la fermentación, mientras que a las seis horas solamente el mv-12 produjo efectos en este grupo bacteriano. Los valores de metano fueron 37.4, 32.6, 33.2 y 32.33 g/kg de materia orgánica digerida para el control, y los tratamientos mv-12, mv-14 y mv-17, respectivamente. Aunque no difirieron entre materiales vegetales, mv-12, mv-14 y mv-17 produjeron menos metano que el tratamiento con pasto estrella solamente (P = 0.0477). Se concluye que los tratamientos mv- 12, mv- 14 y mv-17 propiciaron modificaciones en el ecosistema ruminal, al incrementar la población de organismos celulolíticos totales y bacterias proteolíticas; además de reducir la población de protozoos. El metano estimado a partir de la concentración en proteína bruta también disminuyó.

RESUMO Uma gata, sem raça definida, de oito anos de idade, foi atendida inicialmente com uveíte bilateral, com aparência pseudotumoral em íris. Foi realizado teste para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), da leucemia felina (FeLV) e de Toxoplasma gondii, obtendo-se resultados negativos. O exame histopatológico da conjuntiva superior do olho esquerdo revelou amastigotas compatíveis com Leishmania spp. Foi realizada paracentese, e promastigotas foram isoladas no humor aquoso, cultivadas em meio NNN bifásica. Reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) confirmou diagnóstico positivo para Leishmania infantum. Tratamento com alopurinol (10mg/kg/BID/PO) foi iniciado, e um repelente natural de insetos foi prescrito. Seis meses de tratamento com alopurinol associado aos medicamentos tópicos iniciais ajudaram a melhorar os sinais oculares. Leishmaniose deve ser considerada como um diagnóstico diferencial nos gatos que apresentam uveíte com aparência pseudotumoral de íris. Até o presente momento, este é o primeiro relato de leishmaniose felina com manifestação exclusivamente ocular da doença no Brasil cujo diagnóstico foi confirmado por meio de análise de humor aquoso.

ABSTRACT An 8-year-old domestic short hair female cat initially presented with bilateral uveitis with pseudotumoral appearance. The patient tested negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Histopathology of a granulomatous lesion on the upper left conjunctiva revealed amastigotes compatible with Leishmania spp. Aqueous humor was aspired and the diagnosis was confirmed after isolation of promastigotes cultivated in biphasic NNN medium and by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leishmania infantum. Treatment with allopurinol (10mg/kg/ BID/PO) was commenced and a natural insect repellent was prescribed. Six months of treatment with allopurinol associated with the initial topical medications helped to improve ocular signs. Leishmaniasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats presenting uveitis with pseudotumoral appearance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of feline leishmaniasis with ocular manifestation in Brazil, in which diagnosis was confirmed by aqueous humor analysis.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os resultados de 34 olhos submetidos ao enxerto conjuntival pediculado (ECP) em ceratites ulcerativas profundas (n=5), em ceratites ulcerativas com colagenólise (n=2), descemetocele (n=7), perfuração corneal (n=15) e prolapso de íris (n=5). Os impactos do grau de uveíte e da integridade da córnea foram correlacionados com presença e ausência de visão por tabelas de contingência. Raças braquicefálicas foram acometidas em 91,11% dos casos. O número de córneas consideradas perfuradas [20/34 (58,82%)] foi maior que o de córneas íntegras [14/34 (41,17%)]. Ao 50º dia de pós-operatório, o número de olhos visuais que apresentavam córneas íntegras previamente às cirurgias (n=13) não diferiu significativamente dos olhos com córneas perfuradas (n=12) (P=0,05). Avaliações relativas ao grau de uveíte, revelaram que a metade dos casos foi considerada severa [17/34 (50%)] e na outra metade as uveítes foram consideradas discretas. Dos 17 casos que apresentaram uveíte severa, oito recuperaram a visão. Já nos 17 olhos onde a uveíte foi considerada leve, 15 mantiveram a visão ao final do período de avaliação. Apesar de a integridade da córnea não se correlacionar com a severidade da uveíte (P=0,48), constatou-se que o número de olhos visuais com uveíte discreta foi significativamente maior que os olhos com uveíte severa (P=0,006). Neste estudo, a taxa geral de sucesso visual após ECP foi de 73,52% e a integridade da córnea não exerceu impacto significativo sobre a manutenção da visão. Todavia, olhos acometidos por uveítes severas apresentaram menor chance de recuperar a visão.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the results of 34 eyes of dogs presenting deep corneal ulcer (n=5), colagenolytic corneal ulcer (n=2), descemetocele (n=7), corneal perforation (n=15), and iris prolapse (n=5) that were corrected by the bulbar conjuntival pedicle graft (CPG). The uveitis score and the corneal integrity were correlated with the presence or absence of vision by contingency tables. Brachycephalic breeds accounted for 91.11% of all cases. The number of perforated corneas [20/34 (58.82%)] were higher than the non-perforated ones [14/34 (41.17%)]. At post-operative day 50, the number of visual eyes with non-perforated corneas before surgery (n=13) did not differ significantly from the eyes with perforated corneas (n=12) (P = 0.05). In half of the cases, uveitis score was considered severe [17/34 (50%)], and in the other half, mild. Eight out of 17 eyes classified with severe uveitis regained vision. In 17 eyes where uveitis score was considered mild, 16 regained vision at the end of the study. Although corneal integrity was non-correlated with the uveitis score (P = 0.48), the number of visual eyes scored with mild uveitis were significantly larger than the eyes with severe uveitis (P = 0.006). In this study, the overall success visual rate after CPG was 73,52% % and the corneal integrity did not play an important role regarding maintenance of vision. However, eyes presenting severe uveitis score had less chance to regain vision.

In order to determine propagation characteristics and initial growth of Brugmansia suaveolens, cuttings were extracted from the basal and intermediate sections of the central stem with the application of concentrations of 0, 50 and 100 ppm of naphthaleneacetic acid. The appearance of callus and roots, diameter of the sprout, plant height and percentage of bud germination at 10, 15, 30 and 45 d was recorded. In the best treatments, initial growth was later controlled up to 320 d, from the sprout appearance in the measures of plant height and stem diameter. Therefore, linear and non-linear models were applied. The number of leaves and length of branches was also registered with the application of an analysis of variance for different sampling times. Cuttings taken from the basal section had less days for the appearance of the callus, with a mean of 7.5. They reached a height of 17.25 cm at 45 d. In growth, the quadratic model showed better adjustment for plant height with rates between 0.15 and 0.11 cm/d. For sprout diameter, the linear model was superior, with a rate of 0.024 mm/d. There was a predominance of green leaves and regarding the length of branches, differences were found for different seasons. It is concluded that the species did not stop its growth during the first 320 d after planting. Emission, growth of branches, and number of leaves were also important elements for growth.

Para determinar las características de propagación y crecimiento inicial de Brugmansia suaveolens, se evaluaron estacas extraídas de las secciones basal e intermedia del tronco central con aplicación de concentraciones de 0, 50 y 100 ppm de ácido naftalèn acético. Se registró la aparición de callo y raíces, diámetro del brote, altura de la planta y porcentaje de prendimiento a los 10, 15, 30 y 45 d. En los mejores tratamientos, se controló posteriormente el crecimiento inicial hasta los 320 d, desde la aparición del brote en las medidas altura de la planta y diámetro del tallo. Se aplicaron para ello modelos lineales y no lineales. Se registró también el número de hojas y longitud de ramas con la aplicación de un análisis de varianza para diferentes épocas de muestreo. Las estacas extraídas de la sección basal presentaron menor número de días para la aparición del callo, con promedio de 7.5. Alcanzaron altura de 17.25 cm a los 45 d. En crecimiento, el modelo cuadrático mostró mejor ajuste para la altura de la planta con tasas entre 0.15 y 0.11 cm/d. Para el diámetro del brote, fue superior el modelo lineal, con tasa de 0.024 mm/d. Hubo predominio de hojas verdes y con respecto al largo de ramas se constataron diferencias para las diferentes épocas. Se concluye que la especie no detuvo su crecimiento durante los primeros 320 d posteriores a la plantación. La emisión, el crecimiento de ramas, y el número de hojas fueron también elementos importantes para el crecimiento.

Under dry conditions the establishment of eight varieties of Cenchrus purpureus, obtained by crossing and tissue culture in the Institute of Animal Science, Cuba, was evaluated. A random block design with five replications was applied. The varieties were: 115 (control), 442, 423, 30, H-48, 457, H-31 and 452. The highest number of stems/bunch was observed in materials H-31 (8.1), 452 (8.2), 423 (7.6) and H-48 (7.5) and the highest percentage of dead stems (P = 0.0002) at 423 (22 %) and H-48 (15 %). The varieties with the highest height (P <0.0001) were the 30 (170.0cm), 457 (160.4 cm) and H-48 (156.4cm), and had lower height 442 (89.8cm). The highest number of leaves (P <0.0001) was observed in H-31 (231.7) and 452 (210.1) and the lowest in 30 (102.4). The percentage of green leaf of the total (P <0.0001) was higher for the H-31 (51.3 %) and the lowest for 115 (30.3 %), 423 (29.9 %) and H-48 (31.2 %). The highest number of internodes per stem was found in 115 (16.4), followed by 30 (13.7), and was lower in 442 (6.9) and 452 (8.7) (P <0.0001). The best yield (P = 0.0010) was 442 (7.1t / ha DM), and the worst was 115 (2.1t / ha DM) and 457 (1.7t / ha DM). In 442, 451 and H-31 outstanding values in several of the evaluated indicators were registered. This was not the case for H-48 and 30. It is concluded that the varieties studied showed differences in their growth at the establishment time, although this was not affected. It is recommended to continue the evaluation under cutting or grazing

En condiciones de secano se evaluó el establecimiento de ocho variedades de Cenchrus purpureus, por cultivo de tejido en el Instituto de Ciencia Animal de Cuba. Se aplicó un diseño de bloques al azar con cinco réplicas. Las variedades fueron: 115 (control), 442, 423, 30, H-48, 457, H-31 y 452. La mayor cantidad de tallos/plantón se observó en H-31(8.1), 452 (8.2), 423 (7.6) y H-48 (7.5) y el mayor porcentaje de tallos muertos (P = 0.0002) en 423 (22 %) y H-48 (15 %). Las variedades con mayor altura (P < 0.0001) fueron el 30 (170.0 cm), 457 (160.4 cm) y H-48 (156.4 cm), y tuvo menor altura el 442 (89.8 cm). La mayor cantidad de hojas (P < 0.0001) se observó en el H-31 (231.7) y 452 (210.1) y la menor, en el 30 (102.4). El porcentaje de hoja verde del total (P < 0.0001) fue más alto en H-31 (51.3 %) y el más bajo, para el 115 (30.3 %), 423 (29.9 %) y H-48 (31.2 %). La mayor cantidad de entrenudos por tallo se encontró en el 115 (16.4), le siguió el 30 (13.7), y fue menor en el 442 (6.9) y 452 (8.7) (P < 0.0001). El mejor rendimiento (P = 0.0010) fue en el 442 (7.1t/ha MS), y los peores en el 115 (2.1 t/ha MS) y 457 (1.7 t/ha MS). En 442, 451 y H-31 se registraron valores destacados en varios de los indicadores evaluados. No fue así para el H-48 y 30. Se concluye que las variedades estudiadas presentaron diferencias en su crecimiento en el momento del establecimiento, aunque este no se afectó. Se recomienda continuar la evaluación de todas ellas durante el corte o pastoreo

The experiment was conducted to compare different methods of planting Cenchrus purpureus cv. Cuba CT-115 under production conditions, as well as to measure the effect of grazing on the productive stability of this crop. The study was performed at Viñales Livestock Enterprise, located in Pinar del Río province, Cuba. A randomized block design with four replications was used, with the following treatments: 1) no soil preparation and plantation by plowing method with tractor; 2) soil preparation, plantation on furrow and covered with oxen and 3) soil preparation and plantation by plowing with tractor. In the establishment, the worst performance was obtained when the plantation was carried out without prior soil preparation. With this treatment, the production of other grasses (0.142 kgDM /m²) and weeds (0.154 kgDM/m²) was higher (P <0.01). The performance of the grazing treatments under study, after one year, showed that the plowing plantation with soil preparation was the best, with height of 183.9 cm, weight of 9.70 kg DM/m² and lower incidence of other grasses(0.547 kg DM/m²) and weeds (0.053 kg DM/m²). It is concluded that soil preparation is necessary, when the plantation method by plowing is applied, and that the cover of seed must be adequate

Se condujo el experimento para comparar diferentes métodos de plantar Cenchrus purpureus vc. Cuba CT- 115 en condiciones de producción, así como para medir el efecto del pastoreo en la estabilidad productiva de este cultivo. El estudio se realizó en la Empresa Pecuaria Viñales, ubicada en la provincia Pinar del Río, Cuba. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con cuatro réplicas, con los siguientes tratamientos: 1) sin preparación del suelo y plantación a vuelta de arado con tractor; 2) preparación de suelo, plantación en surco y tapado con bueyes y 3) preparación del suelo y plantación a vuelta de arado con tractor. En el establecimiento, el peor comportamiento se obtuvo cuando la plantación se efectuó sin previa preparación del suelo. Con este tratamiento, la producción de otros pastos (0.142 kgMS/m²) y malezas (0.154 kgMS/m²) fue mayor (P < 0.01). El comportamiento de los tratamientos en estudio al pastoreo, después de pasado un año, indicó que la plantación a vuelta de arado con preparación del suelo fue la mejor, con altura de 183.9 cm, peso de 9.70 kg MS/m y menor incidencia de otros pastos (0.547 kg MS/m²) y malezas (0.053 kg MS/m²). Se concluye que es necesaria la preparación del suelo, cuando se aplica el método de plantación a vuelta de arado, y que el tapado de la semilla debe ser adecuado

In order to know the growth characteristics of Mansoa alliaceae, the initial growth up to 320 days were recorded, from the appearance of the shoot in the height of the plant, stem diameter, in which linear and nonlinear models were evaluated. The number of leaves and branches length was recorded, in which analysis of variance was applied for the different sampling times. It was also determined whether precipitation influenced growth. Linear models presented better fit for plant height and shoot diameter. Green leaves predominated, which showed significant differences in all sampling times. The branches length was different for the different times. It is concluded that the species did not stop its growth during the first 320 days after planting. The emission and branches growth and the number of leaves were also important elements of growth

Para conocer las características de crecimiento de Mansoa alliaceae se registró el crecimiento inicial hasta los 320 días, desde la aparición del brote en las medidas altura de la planta, diámetro del tallo, en las que se evaluaron modelos lineales y no lineales. Se registró el número de hojas y longitud de ramas, en los que se aplicó análisis de varianza para las diferentes épocas de muestreo. También se determinó si las precipitaciones influyeron en el crecimiento. Los modelos lineales presentaron mejor ajuste para la altura de la planta y el diámetro del brote. Predominaron las hojas verdes, que mostraron diferencias significativas en todas las épocas de muestreo. El largo de ramas fue diferente para las diferentes épocas. Se concluye que la especie no detuvo su crecimiento durante los primeros 320 días posteriores a la plantación. La emisión y crecimiento de ramas y el número de hojas fueron también elementos importantes del crecimiento

This study was developed in Mera, Santa Clara and Pastaza cantons, located in Pastaza province, Ecuador, to identify accessions used by agricultural producers in animal feeding and to know its performance, in function of the use frequency, related to the canton, ethnicity of the producer, main source of economical incomes, type of farm production, years of experience, and other types of uses. A survey was applied to 214 producers, for 30% of the founded in their farms. Socioeconomic aspects, ecosystem description of the place and use of the plants in their farms were considered. Samples of the species used in animal feeding were collected and they were transported to the Amazon State University herbarium. The analysis of the results by means of the proportions square application, in function of the report frequency of each species, showed chi square of Pearson significance differences in the canton component, ethnicity of the producer, main source of economical incomes, and other type of species use. The analysis of report frequencies, applying Duncan test, stated that the species Axonopus scoparius, Bactris gasipaes, Bracharia brizanta, Colocasia sculenta, Cymbopogon citratus, Manhiot sculenta, Musa sp., Penisetum purpureum, Pouteria caimito, Psidium guajava, Saccharum officinarum L. and Zea mayz, showed different performances, while Axonopus scoparius showed differences in higher number of analysis. It is concluded that the geographical, cultural and economical factors, influence in the use report frequency, having in several species, animal feeding as alternative to other established uses

Este estudio se desarrolló en los municipios Mera, Santa Clara y Pastaza, ubicados en la provincia de Pastaza, Ecuador, para identificar accesiones utilizadas por productores agropecuarios en alimentación animal y conocer su comportamiento, en función de la frecuencia de uso, con relación al cantón, etnia del productor, principal fuente de ingresos económicos, tipo de producción de la finca, años de experiencia, y otros tipos de usos. Se aplicó una encuesta a 214 productores, para 30 % de los encontrados en sus fincas. Se contemplaron aspectos socioeconómicos, descripción ecosistémica del lugar y uso de las plantas en sus fincas. Se recolectaron muestras de las especies utilizadas en la alimentación animal y se transportaron al herbario de la Universidad Estatal Amazónica. El análisis de los resultados mediante la aplicación de cuadros de proporciones, en función de la frecuencia de reporte de cada especie, mostró diferencias significativas chi cuadrado de Pearson en los componentes cantón, etnia del productor, principal fuente de ingresos económicos y otros tipos de uso de las especies. El análisis de frecuencias de reporte, aplicando la dócima de Duncan, establece que las especies Axonopus scoparius .Bactris gasipaes, Bracharia brizanta, Colocasia sculenta, Cymbopogon citratus, Manhiot sculenta, Musa sp., Penisetum purpureum, Pouteria caimito, Psidium guajava, Saccharum officinarum L. y Zea mayz, muestran comportamientos diferentes, mientras que Axonopus scoparius presentó diferencias en mayor número de análisis. Se concluye que los factores geográfico, cultural y económico, inciden en la frecuencia de reporte de uso, teniendo en varias especies, la alimentación animal como alternativa a otros usos establecidos

OBJETIVOS: determinar la estructura de la mortalidad evitable en Medellín entre 2004 a 2009 y de los Años Potenciales de Vida Perdidos (APVP). METODOLOGIA: en un estudio descriptivo con información del DANE, se utilizó el Inventario de Causas de Mortalidad Evitable (ICME) propuesto por Gómez 2006. Se calcularon las tasas medianas ajustadas de mortalidad evitable por edad, sexo y año, cuyo denominador utilizado fue el de la población de Medellín correspondiente al periodo indicado. Se calcularon los APVP para cada causa evitable sumando para todas muertes el resultado obtenido de diferenciar la esperanza de vida, la de Colombia en el 2009 y la edad de la muerte. Estos APVP se ajustaron por el método directo, con población estándar la de Colombia. RESULTADOS:en el sexenio, el 48,9% de las defunciones (35.046) se consideraron evitables, con predominio de las relacionadas con las medidas mixtas, 875,1 por cada cien mil habitantes, preferiblemente en los hombres y a los 36 años o menos en el 50% de los casos. En este grupo, las causas violentas constituyeron el 58% de las defunciones en una relación de 7 a 1 a favor de los hombres. Los APVP para 2009 se incrementaron con respecto a los años anteriores en un 22,9%. CONCLUSION: se observó un gradiente positivo de la mortalidad evitable, esto es, a años más recientes mayor es el indicador de la misma. En el período de estudio las tasas de mortalidad evitable para los hombres, en general y en cada año fueron mayores que las de las mujeres.

OBJECTIVE:determining the structure of avoidable mortality and Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) in Medellín between 2004-2009). METHODOLOGY it was under taken a descriptive study which used data from the DANE and the inventory of Causes of Avoidable Mortality (ICME) proposed by Gómez 2006. Median rates of avoidable mortality adjusted for age, sex and year were calculated, where the population of Medellin between 2004 and 2009 was used as denominator. YPLL were calculated for each cause of Avoidable death by summing the difference between the life expectancy of Colombia in 2009 and the age of death. These YPLL were adjusted by the direct method using the standard population of Colombia. RESULTS : In the six years of the study, 48.9% of the deaths (35,046) were considered avoidable. The main cause of avoidable mortality was mixed measures (875.1 per hundred thousand in habitants); which was higher among men with a median age of 36 years old or less. In this group, the violent causes accounted for 58% of deaths, showing a ratio of 7: 1 in favor of men. In 2009, the YPLL showed and increase of 22,9% in comparison with the previous year. CONCLUSION: This study observed a positive gradient of avoidable mortality, that is, a more recent years the greater is the indicator itself. In the study period, the avoidable mortality rates were higher for men than for women.

Objective: a) to evaluate the appropriateness of histological criteria as proposed by Morson as indicators for surgery; and b) to compare the adequacy of Morson's criteria with Haggitt's levels as indicators for surgery in the case of malignant sessile lesions. Material and methods: we carried out a prospective, protocolized study of 42 patients with polyps with invasive carcinoma (IC) who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy from 1979 through 2008. We applied the histological criteria proposed by Morson to all the patients included in the series. Results: we treated 24 polyps with IC and favorable histological criteria (FC) and 18 polyps showing unfavorable histological criteria (UC). All polyps with FC were treated by means of colonoscopic polypectomy. None of the patients showed signs of disease after a mean follow-up period o f 9.67 yrs. Patients with polyps with UC were recommended to undergo surgery. The presence of unfavorable histological criteria in the polypectomy sample was clearly associated with an unfavorable patient outcome and showed a 100% sensitivity level, a negative prognostic value (NPV) of 100%, and a false negative (FN) percentage of 0% for the prognosis of the disease. We found 12 sessile polyps (Haggitt's level 4). Colonoscopic polypectomy was the treatment employed in 9 out of 12 cases. All patients are free from disease (mean follow-up 7.3 yrs). If Haggitt's level criteria had been applied, all 12 patients would have undergone surgery. This means 58% more patients than following Morson's criteria. Conclusions: Morson's criteria are considered an adequate diagnostic tool for the indication of surgery in patients with malignant adenomas. Haggitt's invasion levels do not accurately discriminate the necessity for surgery in case of malignant sessile lesions.

Background: The Hamilton scale, applied by an external evaluator and the self rating Beck inventory for depression, can give discrepant results in psychiatric patients with depression. Aim: To compare depression scores obtained with the Hamilton scale and the Beck inventory in general medical patients. Patients and methods: Patients attending an outpatient clinic of a University Hospital were studied. Clinical psychiatric diagnoses were based on DSM-III. Hamilton scale was applied to 100 patients and 80 answered the Beck depression inventory. Results: Patients with major depression obtained the higher scores with both scales. However, Beck inventory had false positive and false negative results. Moreover, some patients overstated their depressive symptoms. Conclusions: self assessment of depression can be distorted by anxiety and somatic symptoms. (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 627-33)