Background: The presence of toxic metals in human populations is strongly associated with chronic diseases. Aim: To determine levels of lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury and inorganic arsenic (AsIn) in the general population aged over 5 years in Antofagasta, Chile. Material and Methods: People living in Urban Antofagasta for at least five years were considered eligible. Biological samples were obtained to measure heavy metals. Results: One thousand two hundred three participants with a median age of 43 years (656 women) were studied. Their mean time of residence in the city was 30 years, and 52% smoked. Eight percent of the adult population and 12% of children had AsIn values above 35 µg/L, while 75% of the population had levels below 21.9 µg/L. The other metals were below the risk levels defined by the health authority (10 µg/L for chromium, 10 µg/L for mercury, 2 µg/L for cadmium, 5 and 10 μg/dL for blood lead for children and adults, respectively). The factors associated with high levels of AsIn in adults were male sex, living more than 200 meters from monitoring points, and low schooling. In children, the associated variables were high intake of seafood products and having a caregiver with less than 8 years of schooling. Contrary to expectations, the greatest risk of presenting altered levels of the metals occurred in the population living more than 500 meters from the identified risk sources (90% of the population). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that all potential sources of exposure to AsIn should be evaluated, and surveillance actions should be established to reduce involuntary exposure to this metalloid.

Background The consumption of illicit drugs in Chile has increased over the years generating abuse and dependence problems and becoming a public health problem. Aim To build and disseminate a figure in which health personnel can quickly visualize illicit drugs and their common names, and thus be able to associate them with the effects and risks that are expected in the patient. Material and Methods A bibliographic review and compilation of information obtained from dealers and drug abusers. Results A figure and a table were developed. The former illustrates the classification and common names of drugs, while the second indicates the mechanisms of action and effects expected in the body according to each drug of abuse. Conclusions Illicit drugs have several popular names and various mechanisms of action. When confronting drug consumption this information is crucial to provide an adequate treatment and withdrawal management. However, it is important to keep in mind that this work only represents a management guide and that treatment should always focus on the condition and clinical manifestations of the patient.

Phyllomedusa bicolor or Kambo is a frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. It can release through its skin a substance used in healing rituals that are common among South-American tribes, as well as in urban people of America and Europe. We report a 41-year-old female patient who, during a healing ritual consumed ayahuasca (a drink obtained from the mixture of Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis and Mimosa hostilis) and 12 hours later received the poison of Kambo Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) on superficial right shoulder skin burns. The ritual included a minimum of six-liter water intake over a few hours period. She evolved with clouding of sensorium, motor agitation, frequent vomiting, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She presented lethargic to the emergency room, with a weak pupillary light reflex, generalized stiffness, moving all four limbs. Laboratory showed severe hyponatremia (120 mEq/L) and a creatine kinase level of 8,479 UI/L, that increased 107,216 IU/L within few days. An admission CT Brain scan was normal. The toxicological screening did not identify the presence of other substances. During hospitalization the patient developed severe psychomotor agitation controlled by a dexmedetomidine infusion, hyponatremia, low plasma osmolality (248 mOsm/kg), and disproportionately high urinary osmolality (448 mOsm/kg), suggestive of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome (SIADH). With correction of hyponatremia, the patient gradually recovered consciousness. Rhabdomyolysis was assumed to be secondary to seizure and managed by volume and bicarbonate infusions with a positive response.

ABSTRACT Determination of fracture toughness in hybrid composites, fiber-metal laminates, FML (Fiber Metal Laminates) is very important to perform an analysis of structural integrity to estimate damage tolerance and residual strength of the material against the propagation of a crack This evaluation should be done in both naval and aircraft structures using FML CARALL compounds (CArbon Reinforced Aluminum Laminates) type. In this work, the experimental determination of fracture toughness is presented in terms of the parameter J using compact specimens C (T) on the laminated composite with foils of 6061-O in one case and 1050 on the other one and carbon fibers NCT- 301 embedded in epoxy resin for both materials. The results indicate that the adaptation of the elasto-plastic fracture toughness techniques are acceptable to for determining J toughness on CARALL type compounds [3-4]. A comparative analysis among the two type of composite materials reveals the differences in the response to crack propagation.

RESUMEN La determinación de la tenacidad a la fractura en materiales compuestos híbridos y laminados fibra-metal - FML (Fiber Metal Laminates) - resulta muy importante para poder realizar un análisis de integridad estructural que permita estimar la tolerancia al daño y la resistencia remanente del material frente a la propagación de una fisura. Dicha evaluación debe realizarse tanto en estructuras aeronáuticas como navales que utilizan compuestos FML del tipo CARALL (CArbonReinforcedAluminumLaminates). En este trabajo se presenta la determinación experimental de la tenacidad a la fractura en términos del parámetro J utilizando probetas compactas C (T) en dos tipos de material compuesto laminado con láminas de aluminio 6061-O en un caso y láminas de aluminio 1050 en otro y fibras de carbono NCT-301 embebidas en resina epoxy para ambos materiales. Los resultados indican que la adaptación de las técnicas de ensayo de tenacidad a la fractura elastoplástica utilizadas son aceptables para la determinación de la tenacidad J en compuestos del tipo CARALL. Por su parte el análisis comparativo entre los dos tipos de material compuesto utilizado permite observar las diferencias en la respuesta a la propagación de fisuras.

ABSTRACT In the welding of austenitic stainless steels, the determination of delta ferrite (δ-ferrite) is very important to assess the susceptibility of weld metal to hot cracking, one of the major problems related to weldability, metallurgical and mechanical behavior of this type of steels. The determining δ-ferrite in the weld metal can be performed with predictive methods from the chemical composition of weld metal provided by the welding consumable (the diagram of Schaeffler, Delong, WRC 1988, WRC1992), by metallography and using nondestructive testing technique by magnetic determination of ferrite. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the predictive determination of δ-ferrite and the magnetic method using austenitic stainless electrodes for SMAW process using different classifications and diameters. The filler metals used correspond to different batches of such consumables and it has used a standardized methodology for magnetic determination. The correlation between the two methods seems to work best for NF values between 4 and 8. Errors and the correlation between the two methods applied to determine NF are not acceptable when the electrodes deposit solder metals with high NF values, greater than 18.

RESUMEN En la soldadura de aceros inoxidables austeníticos la determinación de ferrita delta (ferrita-δ) resulta muy importante para poder conocer la susceptibilidad que presenta el metal de soldadura a la fisuración en caliente, uno de los problemas más importantes en relación con la soldabilidad, el comportamiento metalúrgico y mecánico de este tipo de aceros. La determinación de ferrita-δ en el metal de soldadura puede realizarse con métodos predictivos a partir de la composición química del metal aportado por el consumible de soldadura (Diagramas de Schaeffler, DeLong, WRC 1988 y WRC 1992) en forma metalográfica y a través de una técnica de ensayo no destructiva utilizando un medidor magnético para la determinación de ferrita. En este trabajo se presenta un análisis comparativo entre la determinación predictiva de ferrita-δ y el método magnético utilizando electrodos inoxidables austeníticos para proceso SMAW de diferentes composiciones y diámetros. Los aportes utilizados corresponden a distintos lotes de fabricación de dichos consumibles y se ha utilizado una metodología estandarizada para la determinación magnética. La correlación entre ambos métodos parece funcionar mejor para valores de NF entre 4 y 8. Los errores y la correlación entre los dos métodos aplicados para determinar NF no resultan aceptables cuando los electrodos depositan metales de soldadura con valores altos de NF, mayor que 18.

El propósito del presente estudio es analizar las estrategias para afrontar el divorcio o separación, empleadas por las personas que pertenecen al Ejército Nacional y la Armada Nacional de Colombia, o porquienes han sido sus esposas o esposos. Participaron 124 personas, hombres y mujeres, militares y civiles entre los 20 y 60 años, que cumplieron con los criterios seleccionados para la muestra, como estar divorciados por un periodo mayor de seis meses y menor de tres años, con mínimo un hijo. Estas estrategias se evaluaron con el inventario de respuestas de Afrontamiento (CRI-A) para población Adulta de Moos (1993), traducido y adaptado por Isabel Mikulic y Melina Crespi, 1998. Los resultados muestran el predominio del empleo de estrategias de afrontamiento en función a la adaptación de las personas y su proceso de estrés en su vida cotidiana.

O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas em situação de divórcio ou separação, empregadas por membros do Exército Nacional e da Marinha Nacional da Colômbia, ou por aqueles que hajam sido seus cônjuges. Participaram124 pessoas, homens e mulheres, militares e civis, com idades entre 20 e 60 anos, que atenderam aos requisitos de seleção da amostra, como estarem divorciados por um período maior que 6 meses e menos que 3 anos, com no mínimo um filho. As estratégias de enfrentamento foram avaliadas com o inventário de respostas de enfrentamento (CRI-A) para população adulta de Moos, 1993, traduzido e adaptado por Isabel Mikulic e Melina Crespi, 1998. Os resultados mostram a predominância do emprego de estratégias de enfrentamento em relação à adaptação das pessoas e ao processo de estresse que as mesmas enfrentam em suas vidas diárias.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the coping strategies used by people from the Army and National forces of Colombia or their ex-spouses, during their divorce or separation process. Participants were 124 men and women, militaries and civilians between the ages of 20 and 60 years, who achieved the criteria selected for the sample such as, being divorced for a period longer than six months and less than three years and also, with at least one child. Coping strategies were assessed with the inventory of coping responses (CRI-A) for adults, designed by Moos in 1993, translated and adapted by Isabel Mikulic and Melina Crespi in 1998. Results show the predominance of the use of coping strategies according to the people's adaptation and the stress process that they face in their daily lives.

Le objectif de cette étude est d'analyser les stratégies de confrontation utilisés contre divorce ou de séparation, employées par des personnes qui appartenir aux forces de l'Armée et des Forces Militaires de la Colombie, ou ceux qui ont été leurs épouses ou maris. L'étude a impliqué 124 personnes, hommes et femmes, militaires et civils entre les âges de 20 et 60 ans, qui ont accompli les critères sélectionner pour l'prélèvements comme étant divorcé pour une période de plus de six mois et moins de trois ans, avec au moins un enfant. Les stratégies d'affrontement ont été évalués à l'inventaire de confronter les réponses (CRI-A) pour les adultes faites par Moos en 1993, traduit et adapté par Isabel Mikulic et Melina Crespi en 1998. Les résultats montrent la prédominance de la utilisation des stratégies de confrontation, avec la finalité de l'adaptation du peuple et le processus de stress auxquels ils sont confrontés dans leur vie quotidienne.

Background: Pesticides are widely used to increase crop yields and vector control. However, both acute and chronic exposure have health consequences. There is paucity of information about the global occurrence of pesticide poisonings. Aim: To characterize the reports of pesticide exposures received by a University Poison Information Center. Material and Methods: All pesticide exposures reported in Chile between 2006 and 2013 were analyzed. A data-collection sheet provided by the International Programme on Chemical Safety of the World Health Organization, was used to collect information. Results: In the study period, 13,181 reports were analyzed. The main age groups exposed were preschoolers and adults. Sixty one percent of exposures occurred accidentally and 24.8% were suicide attempts. Exposures to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors was reported in 29.3% of cases, to superwarfarin rodenticides in 28.5% and to pyrethroids in 24.0%. An increased risk of suicide attempts with pesticides was observed among women, when compared with men (odds ratio: 1.5; 95% confidence intervals: 1.4-1.6; p < 0.001). The risk was higher among teenage girls. Conclusions: The amount of cases under acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor exposure, the most toxic pesticides currently in use should be highlighted. Workers should be educated and all cases should be reported to take actions aiming at reducing these events.

Background: Exposure to Biological Agents during work is an emergent type of occupational risk. Aim: To characterize occupational biological risk exposure among Chilean workers which have been registered by the Toxicology Information Center, between January 2006 and December 2009. Material and Methods: All incoming calls reporting exposure to biological agents during the studied period were analyzed. The information obtained from the caller was registered using the Communication Record Instrument of the WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS INTOX). Results: In the studied period, 77 calls were received. The mean age of exposed patients was 35 ± 15 years and 57% of them were females. The most common involved agents were vaccines for veterinary use (42%) followed by Loxosceles laeta bites in 16%. The main routes of exposure were injections, cuts and needle stick injuries in 39% and stings and bites in 38%. The highest exposure rates were observed in Southern Chile due to self-inoculation of veterinary vaccines used in the salmon industry (22.7/100.000 actual workers). Fifty-eight percent of calls were from health care workers, and 51% of them were from health care facilities. Sixty percent of exposures occurred during summer and spring. There was a fourfold higher risk of calls involving women exposed to bites or stings (odds ratio (OR) 4.5 (CI95 1.5-13.9, p < 0.01). Men had a fourfold higher risk of being exposed to vaccines or medications for veterinary use (OR 4.2, CI95 1.4-12.6 p < 0.01). Conclusions: Most calls involving an exposure to a biological agent were caused by self-inoculation of veterinary medications.

Rain-induced cracking in fruits of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a problem in most producing areas of the world and causes significant economic losses. Different orchard management practices have been employed to reduce the severity of this problem, although a complete solution is not yet available. Fruit cracking is a complex phenomenon and there are many factors that seem to be involved in its development. During the last decade, genomic and biochemical approaches have provided new insights on the different mechanisms that could be involved in the differential susceptibility shown by commercial cultivars. For instance, sweet cherry genome and transcriptome sequencing information have provided new opportunities to study the expression and structure of genes involved in cracking, which may help in the development of new tolerant cultivars. The present review summarizes, discuss, and integrate most of the recently generated information in cultural practices, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics in relation to cracking in sweet cherries.

Background: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic and antipyretic drug widely used across the world. Its ingestion is one of the most common causes of drug overdose. In the United States is the first cause of acute hepatitis in adults. Aim: To describe the epidemiological profile of paracetamol overdose in Chile. Material and Methods: Cross sectional retrospective study that included all the phone call inquiries received at the Poison Control Center of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (CITUC) during 2009. Results: Nine hundred fifty nine inquiries involving acute paracetamol exposures were received. Women represented a 63.1% of the cases. Half of the cases were suicide attempts, of which 74.8% were women. Accidental exposures occurred mainly in children. In 29.3% of the patients, the exposure was considered to involve a hepatotoxic dose. Women had 2.7 times the risk of men to ingest a toxic dose of paracetamol with suicidal purpose (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 2.1-3.6; p < 0.001). Adolescents had 3.4 times the risk of the general consultants (OR: 3.4; 95% Cl: 2.4-4.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Paracetamol overdose is common in Chile. Authorities should carry out preventive measures. Antidotes and the capacity to measure plasma levels of paracetamol should be available in healthcare centers.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la bioequivalencia de dos formulaciones de tabletas de metformina de 850 mg: Glucophage® del Laboratorio Merck Santè (producto de referencia) y metformina de Laboratorios Winthrop Pharmaceuticals de Colombia SA (producto de prueba), en voluntarios colombianos sanos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, cruzado, en dos períodos y con un tiempo de lavado de dos semanas, en 24 voluntarios sanos, hombres y mujeres, que recibieron una dosis única de metformina de 850 mg, con 240 ml de agua, después de 12 horas de ayuno. Luego de la administración del medicamento, se recolectaron muestras de sangre durante 24 horas y las concentraciones plasmáticas de metformina se determinaron con un método de HPLC validado. Se calcularon los parámetros farmacocinéticos: Cmax, AUC0-96h, AUC0-∞, y Tmax. Las formulaciones se consideraron bioequivalentes si la relación de la media transformada a ln de Cmax y AUC0-∞ estaba dentro del rango de bioequivalencia de 80% a 125%. Resultados: El Anova de los datos transformados a ln de Cmax y AUC0-∞ indicaron que ninguno de los efectos analizados (formulación, período, variación intra e intersujetos y arrastre) fueron estadísticamente significativos. La media (±SD) de los parámetros obtenidos para los productos de prueba y de referencia, respectivamente, fueron: Cmax 1217.38 (± 251.72) ng/ml vs. 1305.25 (± 301.06) ng/ml, AUC0-96h 1363.49 (± 315.51) ng.h/ml vs. 1584.82 (± 368.75) ng.h/ml, AUC0-∞, 7155.75 (± 1440.74) ng.h/ml vs. 7777.08 (± 1896.49) ng.h/ml, and Tmax 2.57 (± 0.93) h vs. 2.22 (± 0.94) h. El intervalo de confianza de la relación logarítmica del AUC0-∞ y Cmax se encontró dentro del rango de 80% a 125%. Conclusiones: En este estudio en voluntarios sanos colombianos, la comparación de una formulación de prueba de tabletas de metformina de 850 mg, con una formulación de referencia, cumplió los criterios de bioequivalencia teniendo como base los parámetros farmacocinéticos AUC0-∞ and Cmax.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the bioavailability of two formulations of metformin 850 mg tablets: Glucophage® from Merck Santè laboratories (reference product) and Metformin from Winthrop Pharmaceuticals de Colombia SA (test product) in healthy Colombian volunteers. Methods: A random, double blind, two-period, two-week wash out period, crossover study was performed in 24 healthy male and female volunteers for a single 850-mg dose of metformin tablets administrated with 240 ml of water after 12 hours of fasting. Once the drug was administrated, blood samples were collected before and within 24 hour, and plasma metformin concentration was determined by using a validated HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax, AUC0-96h, AUC0-∞, and Tmax were determined. The formulations were considered bioequivalent if the logarithmic mean ratios of ln-transformed Cmax and AUC0-∞ values were within the equivalence range of 80%-125%. Results: ANOVA analysis of the ln-transformed Cmax and AUC0-∞ indicated that none of the effects examined (formulation, period, within and between-subjet variances and carry over) was statistically significant. The mean (±SD) of Cmax 1217.38 (± 251.72) ng/ml vs. 1305.25 (± 301.06) ng/ml, AUC0-96h 1363.49 (± 315.51) ng.h/ml vs. 1584.82 (± 368.75) ng.h/ml, AUC0-∞, 7155.75 (± 1440.74) ng.h/ml vs. 7777.08 (± 1896.49) ng.h/ml, and Tmax 2.57 (± 0.93) h vs. 2.22 (± 0.94) h were obtained with test and reference formulations, respectively. These pharmacokinetic parameters presented differences with the results from other published papers. The 90% confidence interval of the logarithmic ratio of AUC0-∞ and Cmax was within the range of 80-125%. Conclusions: In this study in healthy Colombian volunteers, a single 850-mg dose of metformin tablet test formulation met the criteria for bioequivalence to the reference formulation based on pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0-∞ and Cmax.

La fibrilación auricular, una arritmia frecuente, muestra en el ECG la sustitución de las ondas p por ondas f, algunas de mayor amplitud. Estas últimas se asocian a crecimiento auricular (factor predictivo en el manejo de FA); cuando no se dispone de eco-cardiógrafo en emergencias, es necesario un método diagnóstico alternativo para el crecimiento auricular en pacientes inestables; Proponemos como test diagnóstico: Crecimiento auricular (>40mm)>>0nda f gruesa (>0,1mV)". Nuestro estudio analítico toma como universo a pacientes atendidos por el servicio de cardiología del HCV de Cochabamba-Bolivia de 2005 a 2009, 1000 pacientes de forma aleatoria simple, muestra de 150 pacientes. La tasa de prevalencia de FA 15%(IC95%:13;17); sexo predominante masculino, 54,7%(RR=1(X2=0 y valor de p >0,05-No significativo)); edad con rango de 17-81 años, mediana de 53 años ((IC95%:50;56)(RIC = 21 años)); Clasificando se encontró onda f gruesa en 65%(IC95%:57;73) y crecimiento auricular izquierdo en 88%(IC95%:83;93); La correlación Crecimiento auricular>>Onda f gruesa encontrada dio un OR=1,5; ó 0,5 veces más posibilidad de presentar onda f gruesa en crecimiento auricular. Se encontró cardiomiopatía chagásica y reumática asociados, representando el 65%. Validez interna del test: S=66%; E=44%; VPP=90% y VPN = 15%, la capacidad para determinar crecimiento auricular con el test positivo (S) es baja, aceptable, pero la probabilidad de tener test positivo en crecimiento auricular (VPP) es muy alta; validez externa: Índice kappa = 0,6-Reproductibilidad inter-observador moderada, comparada con la eco-cardiografía. Se obtuvo mayor aplicación en cardiopatía chagásica (S=70%, E=57%, VPP=94%).

The atrial fibrillation (FA), a frequent arrhythmia, the ECG replaces the waves p with waves f, some of them, these last ones associate to atrial growth (factor predictive in the handling of AF); The Clinical Hospital Viedma (CHV), departmental center of reference, it doesn't have echo-cardiograph in emergencies, is necessary a new alternative diagnosis method for the atrial growth in unstable patient; We propose a diagnosis test: "atrial growth (>40mm) >>Wave thick f (>0,1mV)". Our descriptive-analytic and traversal study, taking of the universe, patients assisted by the cardiology service in the HCV of Cochabamba-Bolivia from 2005 to 2009 (4700-patient), a sample of 1000 patients, a simple aleatory way, we work with 150 patients (representative). Results: rate of prevalence of AF, 15%(IC95%:13;17); Masculine predominant sex, 54,7%(RR=1(X2=0 and value of p >0,05-no significant)); Age with 17-81 year-old range, mediana=53 anos(CI95%:50;56) and journey intercuartil (IQR)=21 years; Classifying was thick wave f in 65%(CI95%:57;73) and atrial left growth in 88%(IC95%:83;93); The correlation atrial growth>>Wave thick f", we obtained a OR=1,5; or 0,5 times more possibility to present wave thick f in atrial growth. We find Chagas myocardiophaty and pathologies rheumatic associates, both 65%; Internal validity of the test: S=66%; E=44%; PPV=90% and PNV=15%, the capacity to determine atrial growth with the positive test (S) it is acceptable, but the probability of having positive test in atrial growth (PPV) it is very high; External validity: Index kappa = moderated 0,6-Reproductibilidad inter-observer, compared with the echo-cardiography. Bigger application was obtained in Chagas myocardiopathy (S=70%, E=57%, PPV=94%).

In the last decades there has been an important decrease in infant mobidity and mortality, but these achievements are not equally distributed across the whole population. Children are one of the most susceptible groups due to their unique vulnerabilities to environmental factors. Unhealthy environments, indoor pollution, poor drainage, inadequate waste disposal, and many others, are significant environmental risk factors to children. Currently, Chile is experiencing an advanced demographical transition, a situation that requires a precise approach to guarantee that the population has an adequate health status. It is important to take care of children, since their present health status will condition their health as adults. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units are structures specialized in pediatric conditions related to the environment, formed by an interdisciplinary and highly specialized team. These centers provide assistance, information and treatment, promote research, edúcate health care providers or the public, and report problems to authoríties. Health authoríties should emphasize the importance ofhavíng a safe environment for children and encourage efforts to reduce exposure to environmentalhazards promoting healthy behaviors, education and awareness at all levéis of society .

Objetivo: Determinar si los polimorfismos de nucleótido único encontrados en la secuencia del receptor β-2 adrenérgico β2AR) se asocian con el parto pretérmino espontáneo. Método: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles no pareado en el que se determinaron y compararon las frecuencias alélicas, genotípicas y haplotípicas de cuatro polimorfismos, -47 C/T, -20 C/T, Arg16Gly y Gln27Glu del gen del β2AR, entre 35 mujeres con parto pretérmino (casos) y 105 mujeres con parto a término (controles). El estudio se hizo con pacientes de tres instituciones hospitalarias de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Se aisló el ADN genómico de sangre periférica, se amplificó el segmento del gen mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y se determinaron los polimorfismos por secuenciación directa. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas de las frecuencias alélicas de los loci polimórficos -47 C/T, -20 C/T, Arg16Gly y Gln27Glu entre el grupo de casos (21.5%, 21.5%, 51.5% y 21.5%, respectivamente) y los controles (21.5%, 21.5%, 57% y 21.5%, respectivamente (p>0.05). Las frecuencias genotípicas también fueron similares entre las pacientes con parto pretérmino y las de parto a término (p>0.05 para todos los genotipos). De los 16 posibles haplotipos, resultantes de la combinación entre los distintos alelos, sólo se presentaron tres en toda la población de estudio (CCGG, TTGC, TTAC). Las frecuencias haplotípicas tampoco tuvieron diferencias significativas entre los grupos comparados (p>0.05). Conclusión: No se observó una asociación entre el parto pretérmino y cualquiera de los polimorfismos o sus haplotipos. Estos resultados no apoyan una participación de los polimorfismos del β2AR en el trabajo de parto pretérmino espontáneo en estas pacientes.

Objective: To determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms found in the sequence of the β-2 (β2AR) adrenergic receptor are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery. Method: A case-control study in which the allelic, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of four polymorphisms, -47 C/T, -20 C/T, Arg16Gly, and Gln27Glu of the β2AR gene, were determined and compared between 35 women with preterm delivery (cases) and 105 women with term delivery (controls). The study was performed with patients of three hospitals in the city of Medellín, Colombia. The genomic DNA of peripheral blood was isolated, the segment of the gene was amplified by means of the chain reaction of polymerase (PCR), and the polymorphisms were determined by direct sequence method. Results: No significant differences for the allelic frequencies were found for polymorphic loci -47 C/T, -20 C/T, Arg16Gly, and Gln27Glu between the cases group (21.5%, 21.5%, 51.5% and 21.5%, respectively) and controls (21.5%, 21.5%, 57% and 21.5%, respectively; p>0.05). The genotype frequencies were also similar between patients with preterm delivery and those with term delivery (p>0.05 for all the genotypes). Only three of the 16 possible haplotypes (CCGG, TTGC, and TTAC), from the combination between the different alleles, appeared in the participants of this study. The haplotype frequencies were not significantly different between the compared groups either (p>0.05). Conclusion: No association was observed between preterm delivery and any of the polymorphisms or its haplotypes. These results do not support a role of the polymorphisms of the β2AR in spontaneous preterm delivery for these patients.

Background: Loxoscelism is caused by the bite of spider Loxosceles laeta. It can cause a cutaneous or systemic syndrome. Aim: To determine the epidemiológica! and clinical features of patients bitten by the Chilean recluse spider (Loxosceles laeta). Material and Methods: All communications received at a telephonic orientation center for intoxications during 2005 were analyzed, selecting those who involved patients with symptoms that suggested loxoscelism (i.e., pain, burning sensation, blue area, hematuria, fever or myalgia). These were derived to the emergency room for confirmation of the diagnosis. Forty-eight hours after the initial communication, patients were contacted by phone to find out about the definitive diagnosis. The variables analyzed were: gender, age, geographical location, time since exposure, part of the body involved, clinical signs and definitive diagnosis. Results: Of 2,831 telephonic consultations with suspected loxoscelism, the diagnosis was confirmed in 287. All of these patients had cutaneous loxoscelism and only 7.3% of them developed visceral loxoscelism. Fifty six percent of patients with loxoscelism presented two or more clinical signs. The most common were a blue area, pain and a burning sensation, in 69%, 58% and 38% of patients, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients developed signs within the first 12 hours. All patients with visceral syndrome presented with hemoglobinuria. No cases of loxoscelism were registered in areas located southern than the Xth region of Chile. There were no fatalities attributed to loxoscelism. Conclusions: Most cases of loxoscelism of this series were cutaneous. The population must be educated about the clinical signs of spider bite to seek early and adequate medical treatment