Formación investigativa de docentes universitarios para el aprendizaje sincrónico durante la covid-19 / Investigative training of university professors for the synchronous learning during covid-19 i:en

Introducción: Las capacitaciones permanentes durante la pandemia posibilitaron el aprendizaje en la educación superior. Objetivo: Describir la formación investigativa y la función pedagógica en docentes universitarios desde la complejidad psicosocial del aprendizaje sincrónico durante la covid-19. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio desde julio del 2020 hasta febrero del 2022 en la Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga de Ica, en Perú. La formación investigativa consistió en 2 modalidades: talleres de formación y cursos de posgrado, y se registró la participación de las áreas académicas de ciencias de la salud, ingenierías y letras y humanidades. Se describió mediante un dendrograma la función pedagógica entre dos grupos de profesores (con asistencia permanente o no). Resultados: En los talleres de formación, 52,0 % de los asistentes correspondió al área académica de ciencias de la salud, 35,0 % a letras y humanidades y 13,0 % a ingenierías; mientras la participación activa fue de 22,2 % en ingeniería, 8,9 % en ciencias de la salud y 4,1 % en letras y humanidades. En cambio, el porcentaje para los cursos de posgrado fue de 41,0 en ciencias de la salud, 30,0 en letras y humanidades y 29,0 en ingenierías, con participación activa de 6, 4 y 3 docentes, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas en la evaluación interna entre los cursos de posgrado (p<0,00915). Conclusiones: La asistencia fue menor en los cursos de posgrado al ser más riguroso el proceso de aprendizaje; sin embargo, fue mayor la participación activa. Existió mayor similitud en la función pedagógica cuando la asistencia fue permanente.

Introduction: Ongoing trainings during the covid-19 pandemic enabled learning in higher education. Objective: To describe the investigative training and pedagogical function in university professors from the psychological complexity of synchronous learning during covid-19. Methods: A study was carried out from July, 2020 to February, 2022, at San Luis Gonzaga National University in Ica, Peru. The investigative training consisted of two modalities: training workshops and postgraduates courses. Participation was recorded in the academic areas of health sciences, engineering and arts and humanities. A dendrogram was used to describe the pedagogical function between two groups of university professors (those who had permanent attendance and those who did not). Results: In the training workshops, 52.0% of the participants corresponded to the academic area of health sciences, 35.0% to arts and humanities and 13.0% to engineering; while active participation was 22.2% in engineering, 8.9% in health sciences and 4.1% in arts and humanities. On the other hand, the percentage for graduate courses was 41.0 in health sciences, 30.0 in arts and humanities, and 29.0 in engineering, with active participation of 6, 4 and 3 professors, respectively. There were no significant differences in the internal evaluation between the postgraduate courses (p<0.00915). The dendrogram indicated greater similarity in university professors with permanent attendance. Conclusions: There was lower attendance in postgraduates courses as the learning process was more rigorous and demanding; however, active participation was higher. There was greater similarity in the pedagogical function when attendance was permanent.

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

ABSTRACT Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97-265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50-120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p < 0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1 483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97-265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50-120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto-socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá-lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 97-265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50-120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes.

Virus respiratorios y características clínico-epidemiológicas en los episodios de infección respiratoria aguda / Respiratory viruses and clinical- epidemiological characteristics in episodes of acute respiratory infection

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia viral y las características clínico-epidemiológicas en los episodios de infección respiratoria aguda de pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja en Lima, se analizó la información de los episodios de pacientes que requirieron al menos una prueba de inmunofluorescencia directa desde el 1 de enero del 2017 al 31 de diciembre del 2018. Se identificaron 1153 episodios en 707 pacientes. La mediana de la edad fue de 1 año y el 55% fueron del sexo masculino. La frecuencia viral fue del 13,4%; el virus respiratorio sincitial se identificó en el 10,7% de los episodios. La frecuencia viral fue mayor en los menores de 1 año (16,2%); en aquellos con enfermedad congénita respiratoria (38,9%) y durante el otoño (24,2%). Los síntomas más comunes fueron tos (70,3%) y fiebre (53,4%); y los principales diagnósticos fueron neumonía viral (31,8%) y bronquiolitis (23,4%). Se concluye que la frecuencia viral respiratoria estuvo relacionada con la edad, estacionalidad y patología preexistente.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the viral frequency and clinical-epidemiological characteristics in the episodes of acute respiratory infection in patients of the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja in Lima, the information of the episodes of patients who required at least one direct Immunofluorescence test from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 was analyzed. 1153 episodes were identified in 707 patients. The median age was 1 year and 55% were male. The viral frequency was 13.4%; respiratory syncytial virus was identified in 10.7% of the episodies. The viral frequency was higher in children under 1 year of age (16.2%); in those with congenital disease respiratory (38.9%) and during the autumn (24.2%). The most common symptoms were cough (70.3%) and fever (53.4%); and the main diagnoses, viral pneumonia (31.8) and bronchiolitis (23.4%). It is concluded that the respiratory viral frequency was related to age, seasonality and pre-existing pathology.

Virus respiratorios y características clínico-epidemiológicas en los episodios de infección respiratoria aguda / Respiratory viruses and clinical- epidemiological characteristics in episodes of acute respiratory infection

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia viral y las características clínico-epidemiológicas en los episodios de infección respiratoria aguda de pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja en Lima, se analizó la información de los episodios de pacientes que requirieron al menos una prueba de inmunofluorescencia directa desde el 1 de enero del 2017 al 31 de diciembre del 2018. Se identificaron 1153 episodios en 707 pacientes. La mediana de la edad fue de 1 año y el 55% fueron del sexo masculino. La frecuencia viral fue del 13,4%; el virus respiratorio sincitial se identificó en el 10,7% de los episodios. La frecuencia viral fue mayor en los menores de 1 año (16,2%); en aquellos con enfermedad congénita respiratoria (38,9%) y durante el otoño (24,2%). Los síntomas más comunes fueron tos (70,3%) y fiebre (53,4%); y los principales diagnósticos fueron neumonía viral (31,8%) y bronquiolitis (23,4%). Se concluye que la frecuencia viral respiratoria estuvo relacionada con la edad, estacionalidad y patología preexistente.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the viral frequency and clinical-epidemiological characteristics in the episodes of acute respiratory infection in patients of the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja in Lima, the information of the episodes of patients who required at least one direct Immunofluorescence test from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 was analyzed. 1153 episodes were identified in 707 patients. The median age was 1 year and 55% were male. The viral frequency was 13.4%; respiratory syncytial virus was identified in 10.7% of the episodies. The viral frequency was higher in children under 1 year of age (16.2%); in those with congenital disease respiratory (38.9%) and during the autumn (24.2%). The most common symptoms were cough (70.3%) and fever (53.4%); and the main diagnoses, viral pneumonia (31.8) and bronchiolitis (23.4%). It is concluded that the respiratory viral frequency was related to age, seasonality and pre-existing pathology.

Nivel de actividad física y sedentarismo en personas con diagnóstico de cáncer en Chile / Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with cancer

Background: One of the side effects of cancer treatment is a low level of physical activity (PA) due to fatigue and pain. Aim: To quantify PA levels in Chilean people with cancer. Material and Methods: Analysis of the National Health Survey 2016-2017 including 6,233 participants, comparing those with and without a self-report of cancer was conducted. Levels of PA and sitting time were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: 3% of participants [confidence intervals (CI): 2.6; 3.9] reported having cancer and 34% [95% CI: 22.7; 46.7] of these reported being physically inactive, compared to 25% [95% CI: 22.5; 27,3] of those without cancer. Participants with cancer performed 56 and 77 minutes/day lower vigorous and total PA than participants without cancer. No differences between groups were observed for commuting PA, moderate PA and sedentary time. Lower level of PA was independent of the years elapsed since the diagnosis of cancer. Conclusions: People with cancer are less physically active than their counterparts without the disease.

Caracterización de los estilos de vida en dueñas de casa chilenas: análisis de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 / Lifestyles of Chilean housewives: analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean Health Survey

Background: Housewives represent a important proportion of the Chilean population. However, there is limited evidence about their lifestyles. Aim: To characterize lifestyles and determine the level of compliance with healthy lifestyles guidelines of housewives in Chile. Material and Methods: Housewives from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey were included. The variables studied included levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, diet, hours of sleep and smoking. Compliance with healthy lifestyle behaviors was evaluated through logistic regression, granting a value of 1 for compliance and 0 for non-compliance. A healthy lifestyle was defined as meeting at least four healthy behaviors. Results: Housewives aged > 55 years had a higher BMI and waist circumference compared to those aged < 40 years. Housewives were also more likely to report moderate alcohol consumption and were more likely to meet a healthier lifestyle score (Odds ratio = 1.52 [95% confidence intervals: 1.09 to 2.11], p = 0.013). No significant age trends were observed for other lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions: Housewives had high levels of central obesity, excess body weight and high levels of salt intake but low alcohol intake. Their healthy lifestyles behaviors increased along with increasing age.

¿Cuál es la prevalencia de obesidad metabólicamente saludable en población chilena? / What is the prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity in Chile?

RESUMEN La obesidad es un importante factor de riesgo cardiovascular. No obstante, no todas las personas obesas tienen un perfil metabólico alterado ni todas las personas normo-peso poseen un perfil metabólico normal. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de diferentes fenotipos metabólicos asocia-dos al estado nutricional en Chile. Métodos: se incluyeron 1.733 participantes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010. El estado nutricional (obesidad o normo-peso) fue determinado a través del IMC mientras que la condición metabólica (saludable o no) en base a cuatro parámetros: glicemia, presión arterial, colesterol HDL y triglicéridos. Con estos parámetros de determinaron 4 fenotipos, entre ellos, MUNO: metabólicamente no saludable no obeso y MHO: obeso metabólicamente saludable. Resultados: La prevalencia de MHO fue de 3,3% mientras que un 17,4% presentaba MUNO. Adicionalmente, la prevalencia de MHO disminuyó en la medida que aumentó la edad y la mayor proporción de individuos metabólicamente saludables se encontraba en el grupo de altos ingresos y con un nivel educacional superior (técnico-universitario). Conclusión: Se evidencia una baja prevalencia de MHO, así como también una alta prevalencia de individuos MUNO en la población chilena. Futuras acciones preventivas deberían no sólo considerar el estado nutricional sino también la condición metabólica de la población.

ABSTRACT Obesity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. However, not all obese individuals have an unhealthy metabolic pro-file and vice versa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different metabolic phenotypes by nutritional status in Chile. Methods: 1,733 individuals from the National Health Survey 2009-10 were included in this study. Nutritional status (obesity or normal-weight) was determined by BMI whereas metabolic profile was determined through four parameters: Glycaemia, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Four metabolic phenotypes were derived, among them: MUNO: metabolically unhealthy and non-obese and MHO: metabolically healthy obesity. Results: The prevalence of MHO in the Chilean population was 3.3% while the prevalence of MUNO was 17.4%. Moreover, the prevalence of MHO decreased as age increased and a greater proportion of metabolically healthy individuals were in the highest gross income group and in the technical-university educational level. Conclusion: This study shows a low prevalence of MHO and a higher prevalence of MUNO in the Chilean population. Future preventive actions should take into account not only the nutritional status, but also the metabolic profile of the population.

Apoyo parental para realizar actividad física en escolares de 6 años de edad: influencia sobre el estado nutricional y fitness / Parental support for physical activity in schoolchildren and its influence on nutritional status and fitness

Resumen: Introducción: Los padres son modelos fundamentales para trasmitir y enseñar hábitos de vida salu dable a sus hijos. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la influencia del apoyo económico, motivacional y acompañamiento de los padres a sus hijos para realizar actividad física (AF) y su relación con el estado nutricional y capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en los escolares. Sujetos y Método: Estudio de corte transversal que incluyó a 70 escolares de seis años. Los padres completaron el cuestionario "The Parental Influence on Physical Activity Scale". Las variables antropométricas se midieron según la Norma Técnica Ministerial chilena para la supervisión de niños de 0 a 9 años, la intensidad de la AF se midió con acelerómetros triaxiales GT3X y la estimación del VO2máx se realizó utilizando el test Course de Navette. Resultados: El índice de masa corporal fue de 17,9 ± 2,9 kg/m2, la prevalencia de obesidad y el VO2máx fueron de 57,1%, y 38,05 ± 16,9 ml/kg/min, respectivamente. La AF moderada durante la clase de educación física (EF) fue significativamente mayor en niños en comparación a niñas (p < 0,006). El apoyo económico y motivacional de los padres no influyó significativamente en el peso corporal, IMC, perímetro de cintura, intensidad de la AF y VO2máx de los niños. Los niños acompañados por sus padres presentaron diferencias significativas con la AF moderada realizada en EF en comparación con quienes no eran acompañados (p = 0,023). Conclusiones: Acompañar a los hijos a realizar AF influye en la AF moderada que realizan los escolares en EF. Se debería continuar con este tipo de estudio y medir la AF diariamente.

Abstract: Introduction: Parents are key models for transmitting and teaching healthy lifestyle habits to their children. Our objective was to determine the influence of the economic and motivational support, and parental involvement in their children physical activity (PA) and its relationship with nutritio nal status and cardiorespiratory fitness. Subjects and Method: Cross-sectional study which included 70 six-year-old schoolchildren. Parents completed the "The Parental Influence on Physical Activity Scale" questionnaire. Anthropometric variables were measured according to the Chilean Ministerial Technical Standard for the supervision of children from 0 to 9 years old; PA intensity was measured with triaxial accelerometers GT3X and the VO2max estimation was performed using the Navette Course test. Results: The average body mass index was 17.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2, the obesity prevalence and VO2max were 57.1%, and 38.05 ± 16.9 ml/kg/min, respectively. Moderate PA during the physical education (PE) class was significantly higher in boys compared to girls (p < 0.006). The economic and motivational support of the parents did not significantly influence the body weight of the children, BMI, waist circumference, PA intensity, and VO2max. Children supported by their parent showed significant differences with moderate PA performed in PE compared to those who were not suppor ted by parents (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Parental support of their children in performing physical activity influences the levels of moderate PA that they do during PE classes. This type of study should be continued and the PA should be measured daily.

Tiempo destinado a estar sentado y niveles de adiposidad ¿Cuál es su efecto sobre el desarrollo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2? / The joint effect of sitting time and obesity on the odds of developing type 2 diabetes

Background: Obesity and sedentary behavior are risk factors acting independently in the development of type 2 diabetes. Aim: To investigate whether the association between diabetes and obesity is modified by the levels of sitting time (ST) in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: We included 4,611 participants from the cross-sectional 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey in this study. Diabetes was determined as fasting glucose levels ≥126 mg/dl. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured using standardized protocols. Sitting time was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association among diabetes, obesity and ST was determined using logistic regression. Results: The odds for diabetes increased by 3.1-fold in people with high levels of ST and obesity in comparison to those with low levels of ST and normal BMI (Odds ratio (OR): 4.17 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.87 to 6.05], P < 0.01). The odds for diabetes increased by 2.7- fold in highly sedentary subjects with central obesity (OR: 3.73 [95% IC: 2.61 to 5.33], P < 0.01) in comparison to those with low levels of ST and normal WC. Conclusions: Elevated levels of sitting time and obesity are associated with a higher odds of developing diabetes.

Factores asociados a sedentarismo en Chile: evidencia de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 / Correlates of sedentary behaviors in Chile: evidence from the National Health Survey 2009-2010

Background: Sedentary behaviors are one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To identify factors associated with high sedentary behaviors in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: We included 5,040 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. Physical activity level and sedentary behavior (sitting time) were measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Highly sedentary behaviors were determined as > 4 hours per day of sitting time. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of highly sedentary behavior. Results: Forty seven percent of the study population reported spending more than 4 hours per day sitting. The prevalence was higher in women. The main factors associated with high sedentary behavior were: high income levels (Odds ratio (OR):1.91 [95% Confidence intervals (CI:1.61-2.27]); being woman (OR:1.39 [95% CI:1.24-1.56]): having central obesity (OR:1.15 [95% CI:1.02-1.30]), being physically inactive (OR:2.35 [95% CI:2.06-2.68]), and living in an urban area (OR:1.92 [95% CI:1.63-2.26]). Other factors associates with high sedentary behavior were: being smoker, having a television set, computer and private car at their homes. Participants reporting a poor self-reported health and wellbeing and those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome were more likely to be highly sedentary. Conclusions: The main factors associated with high levels of sedentary behavior are socio-demographic issues, lifestyles and health status.

Sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding for SpCTx: a lethal factor from scorpionfish venom ( Scorpaena plumieri )

Background: Lethal factors are multifunctional oligomeric proteins found in the venomous apparatus of Scorpaeniformes fish. These toxins elicit not only an array of biological responses in vitro but also cardiovascular disorders and strong hemolytic, nociceptive and edematogenic activities in vivo. This work describes the cloning and molecular identification of two toxin subunits, denominated Sp-CTx- and Sp-CTx-, from scorpionfish venom ( Scorpaena plumieri ). Methods: The primary structures were deduced after cDNA amplification by PCR with primers from conserved sequences described in Scorpaeniformes toxins. Following DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, the tridimensional structures of both subunits were modeled. Results: The translated sequences (702 amino acids, each subunit) show homology with other lethal factors, while alignment between Sp-CTx- and Sp-CTx- shows 54% identity. The subunits lack N-terminal signal sequences and display masses of approximately 80 kDa each. Both Sp-CTx subunits display a B30.2/SPRY domain at the C-terminal region with typically conserved motifs as described in these toxins. Secondary structure prediction identified six -helices 18 residues long in both and subunits, some of them amphiphilic with their N-terminal flanked by many basic residues, creating a cationic site associated with the cytolytic activity of these toxins. Antimicrobial potential sites were identified in Sp-CTx and share some features with other peptides presenting variable and broad-spectrum activity...

Sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding for SpCTx: a lethal factor from scorpionfish venom ( Scorpaena plumieri )

Lethal factors are multifunctional oligomeric proteins found in the venomous apparatus of Scorpaeniformes fish. These toxins elicit not only an array of biological responses in vitro but also cardiovascular disorders and strong hemolytic, nociceptive and edematogenic activities in vivo. This work describes the cloning and molecular identification of two toxin subunits, denominated Sp-CTx-α and Sp-CTx-ß, from scorpionfish venom ( Scorpaena plumieri ). Methods: The primary structures were deduced after cDNA amplification by PCR with primers from conserved sequences described in Scorpaeniformes toxins. Following DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, the tridimensional structures of both subunits were modeled. Results: The translated sequences (702 amino acids, each subunit) show homology with other lethal factors, while alignment between Sp-CTx-α and Sp-CTx-ß shows 54% identity. The subunits lack N-terminal signal sequences and display masses of approximately 80 kDa each. Both Sp-CTx subunits display a B30.2/SPRY domain at the C-terminal region with typically conserved motifs as described in these toxins. Secondary structure prediction identified six α-helices 18 residues long in both α and ß subunits, some of them amphiphilic with their N-terminal flanked by many basic residues, creating a cationic site associated with the cytolytic activity of these toxins. Antimicrobial potential sites were identified in Sp-CTx and share some features with other peptides presenting variable and broad-spectrum activity. A phylogenetic tree built to represent these toxins supports the proximity between scorpionfish, lionfish and stonefish. Conclusion: The study identified a putative toxin protein whose primary structure is similar to other fish toxins and with potential for production of antivenom against scorpionfish envenomation in Brazil. As a prelude to structure-function studies, we propose that the toxin is structurally related to pore-forming marine toxins.(AU)

Factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de hipertensión arterial en Chile / Risk factors associated with hypertension: analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean health survey

Background: High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, affecting 27% of the Chilean population in 2010. Aim: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of hypertension. Material and Methods: Analysis of the database of the 2009-2010 National Health Survey in which 4,901 participants were included. Socio-demographic factors, physical activity, eating habits, well-being and comorbidities were analyzed. Results: Women had a lower risk of developing hypertension than men (Odds ratio (OR): 0.69, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.59-0.81, p < 0.01). In both men and women, the risk is greater over the age of 25 years (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.55-5.43, p < 0.01). The risk is greater in subjects who were overweight (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.31-1.98, p < 0.01), obese (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 2.56-3.95, p < 0.01), or had central obesity (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.85-2.72, p < 0.01). Subjects with a family history of hypertension and diabetes also have a higher risk. Conclusions: Identifying the risk factors associated with hypertension allows public health policies to be tailored to its prevention.

Factores asociados al desarrollo de obesidad en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 / Risk factors for obesity: analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean health survey

Background: Chile has one of the highest obesity rates in Latin America. However, the factors that could explain this high prevalence of obesity are unknown. Aim: To determine the main risk factors for the development of obesity in Chile. Material and Methods: We included 1,398 obese and 1,478 normal weight participants of the National Health Survey 2009-2010. The risk factors considered were socioeconomic variables, diet, physical activity, comorbidities and general wellbeing. Results: The main factors associated with a higher risk of being obese were age, high salt consumption and high alcohol intake. Education, income and living in rural settings were protective for women and risk factors for men. The probability of being obese increases in women that sleep less than seven hours per day or have a poor health. Sedentariness and lack of physical activity were risk factors among men. Conclusions: The identification of these risk factors may help to implement public health interventions to tackle obesity in Chile.

Menor peso corporal, de índice de masa corporal y de perímetro de cintura se asocian a una disminución en factores de riesgo cardiovascular en población chilena: Findings from the Chilean health surveyç / Effects of a lower body weight or waist circumference on cardiovascular risk

Background: Overall and central obesity are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Aim: To investigate the association of body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with cardiovascular risk factors in Chile. Material and Methods: We included 5,157 participants from the National Health Survey 2009-2010. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and low HDL-cholesterol) were defined using international recommendations. BMI and WC were measured using standardized protocols. Results: A five percent lower body weight, BMI and WC were associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. For each 5% reduction in body weight, the risk for hypertension decreased by 8 and 9% in women and men respectively. Similar risk reductions were observed for diabetes (9 and 11% respectively), metabolic syndrome (23 and 30% respectively), low HDL cholesterol (13 and 13% respectively), high triglyceride levels (16 and 18% respectively) and total cholesterol (8 and 10% respectively). Similar findings were observed for BMI and WC. Conclusions: Lower body weight, BMI or WC are associated with important reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. A 5% reduction in these adiposity markers could be a perfectly feasible goal for lifestyle interventions.