Abstract Introduction: Understanding the hydrological balance and canopy structure in forest ecology and reforestation can predict the productivity of plantations. Objectives: To monitor an incident rainfall partitioning in a plantation of Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S. F. Blake and Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. and its relationship with canopy openness and leaf area index. Materials and methods: Incident rainfall partitioning was monitored for one year in a plantation of S. parahyba (4.4-5.4 years) and S. saman (5.8-6.8 years) in Rionegro, Santander, Colombia. Each plantation had linear rain gauges installed under the canopy and around the stem of the trees selected. Results and discussion: Throughfall (Tf), canopy interception losses (I) and stemflow (Sf) in the 12 months corresponded to 77.5, 22.3 and 0.44 %, respectively, in relation to open precipitation for S. parahyba (2 270 mm) and to 84.7, 15.3 and 0.05 %, respectively, for S. saman (2 140 mm). For both species, Ip and effective precipitation were higher (P < 0.05) in the two dry periods of the year, while I and Sf were higher in the two rainy periods. Canopy openness was correlated only with I and Tf in S. saman, while leaf area index was not correlated with any variable. Conclusion: Rainfall partitioning points out different paths in the same studied environment. It is important to analyze the hydrological processes in reforestation environments by taking into account the morphology of the species involved.

Resumen Introducción: En la ecología forestal y reforestación, la comprensión del balance hidrológico y estructura del dosel puede ayudar a predecir la productividad de las plantaciones. Objetivos: Monitorear la redistribución de la precipitación incidente en una plantación de Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S. F. Blake y Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merril y su relación con la apertura del dosel e índice de área foliar. Materiales y métodos: La redistribución de la precipitación incidente se monitoreó durante un año en una plantación de S. parahyba (4.4-5.4 años) y S. saman (5.8-6.8 años) en Rionegro, Santander, Colombia. En cada plantación se instalaron pluviómetros lineales debajo de las copas y alrededor del fuste de los árboles seleccionados. Resultados y Discusión: La precipitación interna (Pi), pérdidas por interceptación del dosel (I) y escurrimiento fustal (Ef) en los 12 meses correspondieron al 77.5, 22.3 y 0.44 %, respectivamente, en relación con la precipitación incidente para S. parahyba (2 270 mm) y al 84.7, 15.3 y 0.05 %, respectivamente, para S. saman (2 140 mm). Para ambas especies, la Pi y la precipitación efectiva fue mayor (P < 0.05) en los dos periodos secos del año, mientras que la I y Ef fueron mayores en los dos periodos lluviosos. La apertura del dosel se correlacionó únicamente con la I y Pi en S. saman, mientras que el índice de área foliar no tuvo correlación con alguna variable. Conclusión: La distribución de la lluvia señala caminos diferentes en el mismo ambiente estudiado. Es importante investigar los procesos hidrológicos en los ambientes de reforestación considerando la morfología de las especies involucradas.

Background: Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-MPN) are chronic hematological disorders characterized by the overproduction of one or more mature myeloid blood cell lineages. Classical Ph-MPN are polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocytopenia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Aim: To assess the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic characteristics of Ph-MPN in Chile. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of all patients referred as MPN from 2012 to 2017. Patients with (9;21) translocation were excluded. Results: Data of 462 cases with a median age of 69 years from 10 public hospitals was reviewed. ET was the most frequently Ph-MNP found. The incidence of Ph-MPN was 1.5 x 100.000 cases. The JAK2 V617F mutation study was performed in 96% of patients and only 30% had a bone marrow biopsy. Thrombotic events were observed in 29% of patients. Bleeding events were observed in 7%. Five-year overall survival was 87%. Conclusions: ET is the most frequent Ph-MPN. The mean incidence was lower than reported in the literature, in part because of a sub diagnosis.

Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is an uncommon indolent B-cell lymphoma, due to the proliferation of lymphoplasmacytic cells, and secretion of a monoclonal IgM protein. Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, management and results of treatment of patients with WM at a public hospital in Chile. Patients and Methods: Review of medical records of 31 patients aged 43 to 85 years (16 males) with WM diagnosed between 2002 and 2017. Clinical features and survival were recorded. Results: All patients had bone marrow compromise, and 31%, extranodal involvement. According to the International Prognostic Score System for WM (IPSSWM) 16, 58 and 26% were at low, intermediate and high risk, respectively. Twenty-five patients (81%) were treated, 32% with plasmapheresis and 36% with rituximab. Four cases (16%) achieved complete remission. Median follow up was 35 months (range 6-159). Estimated overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years was 74% and 53%, respectively. According to IPSSWM, the estimated five-year OS was 80, 92 and 39%, for low, intermediate and high-risk patients, respectively. Conclusions: OS was similar to that reported abroad, except for low risk patients, probably due to the low number of cases and short follow up. An improved survival should be expected with the routine use of immunochemotherapy.

Aplastic anemia (AA) or acquired aplastic anemia is an uncommon and potentially fatal disease. It is defined as reduction of at least two peripheral blood series, associated with persistent bone marrow hypocellularity. It's association with pregnancy is even more uncommon, and it may result in high mortality for the mother and the child. We report an adolescent female with aplastic anemia, which worsened during pregnancy. Her hemoglobin was 5.2 g/dl, her leukocytes were 1,833/ul and her platelets were 19,000/ul. She was initially treated with cyclosporine and horse antithymocyte globulin without hematologic improvement. At 36 weeks of pregnancy methylprednisolone and platelet transfusions were used and a cesarean section was performed. Six month later she continues to require red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

Background: The first line treatment for patients < 40 years old with aplastic anemia (AA) is allogeneic HLA-identical sibling donor transplantation (SCT). Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with a combination of Thymoglobuline (ATG) and cyclosporine is used for older patients or those without a donor. Five year overall survival (OS) for both therapies is > 70%. Aim: To report the experience with SCT and ATG for AA in a public hospital. Patients and Methods: AA was diagnosed in 42 patients between 1998 and 2016, according to Camitta criteria. Thirty eight (90%) received treatment, 7 (18%) under 40 years old received SCT, and 31 (82%) IST. The rest were not treated. OS was calculated from date of diagnosis until last control, death or loss from follow up. Results: Complete or partial hematologic response, was obtained in 71% and 58% of cases with SCT and IS, respectively. Five year OS was 71% and 55% with SCT and IST, respectively. No difference in response was observed between horse and rabbit ATG. Conclusions: SCT from an HLA-identical sibling donor had a high response rate and survival. IST instead, had a lower response and survival, due to an initial high mortality rate.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) during the first stage of orthodontic treatment has an effect on local bone resorption and is detectable at the systemic level by measuring deoxypyridinoline levels (Pyrilinks) in urine. This was a randomized (1:1), double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group trial. 28 adult patients who were going to start orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into the control group (n: 13) and the experimental group (n: 15), the latter of which received LLLT. All of the subjects underwent testing of urine samples: the first one on the day before the beginning of orthodontic treatment (T0), and the second one 5 days after bracket placement to measure Pyrilinks values (Dpd/Cr) in urine. Group differences were evaluated with Student's paired t-test. At the beginning of the study, the Pyrilinks were in the normal range for 53.57 % of the patients, and 46.43 % had elevated values according to the normal ranges. Only taking into account the normal values at (T0), the average Pyrilinks for control group (T0) were 5.75± 1.20 nM/mM, (T1): 6.02±3.00 nM/mM. For experimental group, (T0) was 5.71± 0.72, and it was 6.63± 0.73 in (T1).There were no significant differences in the Pyrilinks changes. (p= 0.75). In the experimental group levels raised statistically significant (p = 0.009). LLLT on patients starting orthodontic treatment with normal Pyrilinks levels have a statistically significant increment on their levels 5 days post irradiation.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar si la aplicación de la terapia láser de bajo nivel (TLBN) durante la primera etapa del tratamiento ortodóncico tiene un efecto sobre la resorción ósea local y es detectable a nivel sistémico midiendo los niveles de desoxipiridinolina en la orina. Se trató de un ensayo aleatorizado (1:1), doble ciego, controlado de forma activa y paralelo. 28 pacientes adultos que iban a iniciar el tratamiento de ortodoncia se dividieron al azar en el grupo control (n: 13) y el grupo experimental (n: 15), el último de los cuales recibió TLBN. Todos los sujetos fueron sometidos a pruebas de muestras de orina: la primera en el día anterior al inicio del tratamiento ortodóncico (T0) y la segunda 5 días después de la colocación del bracket para medir los valores de Pyrilinks (Dpd / Cr) en la orina. Las diferencias grupales se evaluaron con la prueba t de Student pareada. Al inicio del estudio, los Pyrilinks estaban en el rango normal para 53,57 % de los pacientes, y 46,43 % tenían valores elevados según los rangos normales. Sólo teniendo en cuenta los valores normales en (T0), los Pyrilinks medios para el grupo de control (T0) fueron 5,75 ± 1,20 nM / mM, (T1): 6,02 ± 3,00 nM / mM. Para el grupo experimental, (T0) fue de 5,71 ± 0,72, y fue de 6,63 ± 0,73 en (T1). No hubo diferencias significativas en los cambios de Pyrilinks. (P = 0,75). En el grupo experimental los niveles aumentaron estadísticamente (p = 0,009). LLLT en los pacientes que comienzan el tratamiento ortodóncico con niveles normales de Pyrilinks tienen un incremento estadísticamente significativo en sus niveles 5 días después de la irradiación.

Objective: To describe antifungal susceptibility testing surveillance (December 2004-September 2010) in Candida spp., for amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole, at the Laboratorio de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Method: The study was performed utilizing E test and included yeasts from invasive origin and isolates in which antifungal susceptibility testing was asked for by the patient's physician. Results: The yeasts were mainly recovered from urine samples (n: 64), blood cultures (n: 51) and secretions (n: 24). Two hundred ninety three isolates were studied: C. albicans (38%), C. glabrata (30%), C. tropicalis (11%), C. parapsilosis (10%), C. krusei (4%) and others (7%). All Candida species were 100% susceptible to amphotericin B, except C. krusei (1/12). Fluconazole's global susceptibility in C. albicans was 91.8%, but 100% in isolates from blood cultures versus 76% in isolates from urine. C. tropicalis was 93.9% susceptible to fluconazole, C. parapsilosis, 90% and C. glabrata 30.3%. C. krusei had no susceptible isolates to fluconazole. Voriconazole resistance was mainly present in C. glabrata (11.5%). Conclusions: We recommend the study of antifungal susceptibility in isolates from invasive origin, selected urine strains and C. glabrata. Fluconazole remains effective in C. albicans from blood.

Objetivo: Describir la susceptibilidad antifúngica in vitro (anfotericina B, fluconazol y voriconazol) de aislados de Candida spp., observada desde diciembre 2004 a septiembre 2010 en el Laboratorio de Microbiología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Material y Método: Se realizó estudio de susceptibilidad mediante E test® a todas las cepas invasoras y a aquellas en que se solicitara dirigidamente antifungigrama (aislados locales o derivados desde otros centros). Resultados: Se estudiaron 293 aislados, principalmente de muestras de orina (n: 64), hemocultivos (n: 51) y secreciones (n: 24). Las especies correspondieron a C. albicans (38%), C. glabrata (30%), C. tropicalis (11%), C. parapsilosis (10%), C. krusei (4%) y otras (7%). Hubo 100% de susceptibilidad a anfotericina B, excepto en C. krusei (1/12 resistente). La susceptibilidad a fluconazol fue: C. albicans 91,8% (100% en aislados de sangre vs 76% en orina); C. tropicalis, 93,9%, C. parapsilosis, 90% y C. glabrata 30,3%. Candida krusei, no tuvo aislados susceptibles a fluconazol. La resistencia a voriconazol se evidenció fundamentalmente en C. glabrata (11,5%). Conclusiones: Recomendamos realizar estudio de susceptibilidad en aislados de muestras invasoras, casos seleccionados de cepas de orina y ante sospecha de C. glabrata. Fluconazol mantiene efectividad en C. albicans proveniente de sangre.

Objetivos: Se evaluaron seis métodos para calcular la edad a partir del desarrollo dental mediante radiografías panorámicas en pacientes de la Escuela de Odontología de la Universidad del Valle respecto a la edad cronológica. Se determinaron también el dimorfismo sexual y la simetría bilateral del desarrollo, maduración y erupción de los dientes permanentes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal cuantitativo que evaluó la concordancia entre seis métodos para estimar la edad a partir del desarrollo dental (Logan y Kronfeld; Schour y Massler; Moorrees, Fanning y Hunt; Demirjian, Goldstein y Tanner; Ubelaker y Smith) y la edad cronológica a partir de las radiografías panorámicas, con fines forenses. Resultados: Los métodos de Moorrees, Fanning y Hunt y de Smith presentan una mayor correlación (0. 7874 y 0. 7808 respectivamente). Asimismo, el método de Logan y Kronfeld es el que presenta la correlación menor (0. 6879). La muestra estudiada no presentó ni dimorfismo sexual ni asimetría bilateral. Conclusiones: Todos los métodos tenidos en cuenta en este estudio resultan adecuados para calcular la edad de un individuo, sin embargo los métodos de Moorrees, Fanning y Hunt y de Smith presentaron los mayores coeficientes de correlación entre la edad dental y la edad cronológica.

Objectives: This study evaluated six methods used in estimating the age of patients attending the Dental School at Universidad del Valle, evaluating dental development by using panoramic radiographs. Additionally, the study determined the sexual identity of the person and the bilateral symmetry of development, the maturity and the chronological eruption of permanent teeth. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive, quantitative and transversal study that evaluated which of the six methods (Logan & Kronfeld; Schour & Massler; Moorrees, Fanning & Hunt; Demirjian, Goldstein & Tanner; Ubelaker & Smith) for estimating the age of a patient through radiographic evaluation of dental development is the most correlated with the chronological age of the patient, so it can be used for forensic purposes. Results: The Moorrees, Fanning & Hunt and the Smith methods showed high correlation (0. 7874 and 0. 7808, respectively). The Logan & Kronfeld methods presented low correlation (0. 6879). The sample studied did not show sexual dimorphism or bilateral asymmetry. Conclusions: All methods evaluated have a high correlation coefficient between the dental age and the radiographic age. However, the Moorrees, Fanning & Hunt, and Smith methods presented higher correlation coefficients between dental and chronological age.

In Bolivia, no studies have been carried out specifically on hepatitis viruses. Thus, their prevalence and circulation patterns are virtually unknown. A seroepidemiologic study was performed from 1992 to 1996 to generate a preliminary idea of the overall prevalence of infection from hepatitis B, C, D, and E viruses (HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV, respectively) in different Bolivian population groups. Prompted by the data obtained in other areas of Latin America, the study focused on indigenous communities in the Amazon region. In rural areas of the high Andean plateau, HBV infection showed an overall prevalence compatible with medium to low endemicity (11.2%), and no carriers of HCV or HDV antibodies were found. In two high-risk groups in the city of Cochabamba (homeless children and sexual workers), the prevalence of HBV infection was similar (11.6%) and could be considered low by comparison to that of similar population groups in Latin American urban centers. The prevalence of HCV (one positive case, or 0.5%) was similar to that found in similar population groups, although the small number of samples precludes drawing more definite conclusions. As has been noted previously with similar communities in tropical areas of South America, HBV infection is highly endemic in indigenous populations of the Bolivian Amazon (with an overall prevalence of 74.0%), but circulation of HCV has not been detected. It is a well-known fact that HBV is horizontally transmitted and that transmission can take place very early in life, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. By 10 years of age, more than half the population has already had the natural infection that, in approximately 10 more years will have affected virtually the entire population. The very low rate of positivity to HBsAg (1.6%), the absence of viral DNA in samples showing isolated positivity to anti-HBc, and the high prevalence of anti-HBs among individuals who show markers for natural infection (92.4%) suggest vertical transmission plays no role in persistent endemi city. So far, no outbreak of HDV infection has been documented in these communities, but the high endemicity shown by HBV points to the po ssibility of future outbreaks. Results obtained with tests for the detection of antibodies against HEV suggest that this virus is circulating widely in Bolivia and that it could have caused recent outbreaks in Cochabamba state. Vaccination against HBV in endemic populations is recommended as a short-term measure. Also recommended are actively searching for outbreaks and sporadic cases of hepatitis E in the entire country and performing additional research that will help in assessing the public health consequences of the situation described in this article.

En Bolivia no se han realizado estudios específicos sobre los virus de la hepatitis, por lo que su prevalencia y patrones de circulación son prácticamente desconocidos. De 1992 a 1996 se realizó un estudio seroepidemiológico con el fin de adquirir una primera visión de conjunto sobre las prevalencias de las infecciones por virus de la hepatitis B (VHB), C (VHC), D (VHD) y E (VHE) en distintas poblaciones de Bolivia. Sobre la base de los datos obtenidos en otros lugares de América Latina, se prestó atención especial al estudio de las comunidades autóctonas de la región amazónica. En las zonas rurales del altiplano andino, la infección por VHB presentó una prevalencia general que correspondería a una situación de endemia media o baja (11,2%) y no se encontró ningún portador de anticuerpos contra VHC o VHD. En dos poblaciones de alto riesgo de la ciudad de Cochabamba (niños sin hogar y trabajadoras del sexo), la prevalencia de infección por VHB fue similar (11,6%) y podría considerarse baja en comparación con la de otras poblaciones análogas de núcleos urbanos en América Latina. La correspondiente al VHC (un caso positivo, 0,5%) sería parecida a la descrita en esas mismas poblaciones, si bien el escaso número de muestras estudiadas no permite extraer conclusiones más firmes. En concordancia con observaciones anteriores de comunidades similares de zonas tropicales de Suramérica, en las poblaciones autóctonas de la Amazonia boliviana la infección por VHB es sumamente endémica (prevalencia general de 74,0%), pero no se ha detectado la circulación de VHC. Se sabe que la transmisión de VHB es horizontal y tiene lugar desde edades muy tempranas, pero se desconocen los mecanismos de esa actividad. A los 10 años de edad, más de la mitad de la población ya ha experimentado la infección natural que, 10 años más tarde, se habrá difundido a prácticamente toda la población. La tasa muy baja de individuos positivos al HbsAg (1,6%), la ausencia de ADN vírico en las muestras con reactividad aislada a anti-HBc y la alta prevalencia de anti-HBs entre los individuos que presentan marcadores de infección natural (92,4%) excluyen la participación de la transmisión vertical en el mantenimiento de la endemia. Hasta el momento, no se ha documentado ningún brote de infección por VHD en estas comunidades, pero la alta endemia de infección por VHB alerta sobre el riesgo de posibles brotes en el futuro. Los resultados obtenidos con las pruebas de anticuerpos contra VHE sugieren que este virus circula ampliamente en Bolivia y que podría haber producido brotes recientes en el departamento de Cochabamba. Se recomienda vacunar contra VHB en las poblaciones endémicas como medida de corto plazo; buscar activamente en todo el país brotes y casos esporádicos de hepatitis E y continuar realizando estudios que permitan evaluar las repercusiones sanitarias de la situación documentada en este estudio.