A Study on a Polymeric Foam Based on Pulse Proteins and Cellulose Fibrils.

Biofoams are a challenge for scientists in terms of innovation. Incorporation of cellulose fibrils (CF), might help improve the microstructure of foams, thus this study focuses on studying the impact of CF on the foaming properties and rheology of lentil protein (LP) foams at various pH and CF concentrations. Additionally, LP-CF mixtures were transformed into solid foams, and their microstructure, physical properties, and morphology were evaluated. CF concentration significantly impacted on LP-CF foam properties, primarily due to high viscosity values. Increased CF concentration resulted in improved FS values (up to 77 min) at all pH values. This is likely attributed to associative interactions and coacervates formation. Also, foam microstructure could be related to apparent viscosity, suggesting the role of viscosity in preserving the integrity of the wet foam structure during freezing and lyophilization processes. However, elevated viscosity values might negatively impact properties such as foaming capacity and produce denser microstructures. The microstructure and morphology analysis revealed that certain foams exhibited a sponge-like structure with open pores and semi-spherical shapes, supported by CF fibers extending and forming layers. However, the structure itself was irregular. While others exhibited non-uniform, irregular pore size, and shape, along with a denser structure. These findings contribute to understanding the behavior of LP-CF mixtures, although additional investigations on mechanical properties, biodegradability, and hydrophobicity are necessary to reach their full potential for various applications.

Humoral and cellular response induced by a second booster of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in adults.

BACKGROUND: The Omicron variant has challenged the control of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its immuno-evasive properties. The administration of a booster dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine showed positive effects in the immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2, effect that is even enhanced after the administration of a second booster. METHODS: During a phase-3 clinical trial, we evaluated the effect of a second booster of CoronaVac®, an inactivated vaccine administered 6 months after the first booster, in the neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 (n = 87). In parallel, cellular immunity (n = 45) was analyzed in stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells by flow cytometry and ELISPOT. FINDINGS: Although a 2.5-fold increase in neutralization of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 was observed after the second booster when compared with prior its administration (Geometric mean units p < 0.0001; Geometric mean titer p = 0.0002), a poor neutralization against the Omicron variant was detected. Additionally, the activation of specific CD4+ T lymphocytes remained stable after the second booster and, importantly, equivalent activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes against the Omicron variant and the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 were found. INTERPRETATION: Although the neutralizing response against the Omicron variant after the second booster of CoronaVac® was slightly increased, these levels are far from those observed against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and could most likely fail to neutralize the virus. In contrast, a robust CD4+T cell response may confer protection against the Omicron variant. FUNDING: The Ministry of Health, Government of Chile, the Confederation of Production and Commerce, Chile and SINOVAC Biotech.NIHNIAID. The Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy.

Reflexiones desde la ética medioambiental sobre el problema demográfico / Reflections about the demographic problem from environmental ethics

Se revisa sucintamente el contexto histórico y algunas facetas del problema demográfico a escala planetaria tal como ha sido planteado recientemente por actores internacionales relevantes, preguntando si estos documentos abordan la complejidad del problema de manera amplia, incluyendo factores reflexivos y axiológicos tomados de la ética medioambiental. Se concluye que estos documentos no abordan el problema demográfico de manera integral, sino solo desde un punto de salud sexual y reproductiva.

The historical context and certain aspects of the demographic problem are considered, in a world wide scale, on the basis of the approach recently utilized by relevant international actors. The question is wheter the content of the documents produced do encompass the entiry complexity of the issue - reflexive, axiologic and environmental ethics included- in a comprensive manner. It is concluded that those documents do not approach the demographic issue in an integral way: they are restricted to the sexual and reproductive approach.

Los paradigmas de prevención de consumo y/o abuso de sustancias psicoactivas y la escena preventiva estatal chilena / Prevention of drugs consumption and/or abuse paradigms and goverment policy in Chile

Se resumen los modelos de prevención de abuso y/o consumo de sustancias psicoactivas ilícitas, comparando sus bondades desde una óptica sanitaria. Se ejemplifica con el caso chileno, del que se muestra brevemente su historia en los últimos lustros. Se analizan sentidos de las políticas al respecto. Se concluye que el mejor modelo es de reducción de daños, por considerar aspectos mayormente aspectos sanitarios y éticos inherentes a la condición humana.

The prevention of illicit psicoactive substances consumption and/or abuse models are summarized, comparing their effectiveness, from a sanitary viewpoint. The Chilean case is used as an example, and a brief historical review covering the last twenty years is shown. The political meanings of those policies is analized. It is concluded that harm reduction is the best model, because it considers the ethical and health aspects inherent in human nature.

Médicos europeos, simbolismo y organicidad decimonónica de la medicina chilena / European doctors, symbolism and institutionalization of nineteenth century`s chilean medicine

Este texto trata del desarrollo de la medicina científica chilena en los primeros años de vida republicana del país, describiéndose casos particulares de influencia de médicos extranjeros en este proceso, su confluencia a la coyuntura política nacional en el período 1810-1840, tratando de reconocer factores que determinaron la afluencia al país de estos personajes trascendentales para la medicina chilena. Usando tanto biografías como textos de estos inmigrantes, se hace una síntesis que incluye, contextos y situaciones políticas en sus países de origen, su destino en Chile y métodos de obtención de influencia y prestigio generadores de cambios institucionalizadores para la medicina científica chilena durante este período.

Hacia el diseño de mensajes culturalmente relevante...

Título completo: "Hacia el diseño de mensajes culturalmente relevantes para la prevención del consumo de drogas ilícitas en jóvenes de 19 a 25 años de distintas universidades de Santiago: una aproximación desde el discurso hacia la prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas ilícitas en universitarios." Tesis para optar al grado de Magíster en Salud Pública, 2004; prof. guía, María Teresa Valenzuela.

Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of esophageal achalasia: multicenter study.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has become the standard treatment option for achalasia. The incidence of esophageal perforation reported is about 5%-10%. Robotically assisted Heller myotomy (RAHM) is emerging as a safe alternative to LHM. Data comparing the two approaches are scant. The aim of this study was to compare RAHM with LHM in terms of efficacy and safety for treatment of achalasia. A total of 121 patients underwent surgical treatment of achalasia at three institutions. A retrospective review of prospectively collected perioperative data was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (RAHM), 59 patients, and group B (LHM), 62 patients. All the operations were completed using minimally invasive techniques. There were 63 women and 58 men, with a mean age of 45 +/- 19 years (14-82 years). Fifty-one percent of patients in group A and 95% of patients in group B reported weight loss. Duration of symptoms was equal for both groups. Dysphagia was the main complaint in both groups (P = NS). There was no difference in preoperative endoscopic treatment in both groups (44% versus 27%, P = NS). Operative time was significantly shorter for LHM in the first half of the experience (141 +/- 49 versus 122 +/- 44 minutes, P < .05). However, in the last 30 cases there was no difference in operative time between the groups (P = NS). Intraoperative complications (esophageal perforation) were more frequent in group B (16% versus 0%). The incidence of postoperative heartburn did not differ by group. There were no deaths. At 18 and 22 months, 92% and 90% of patients had relief of their dysphagia. This study suggests that RAHM is safer than LHM, because it decreases the incidence of esophageal perforation to 0%, even in patients who had previous treatment. At short-term follow-up, relief of dysphagia was equally achieved in both groups

Representaciones sociales de sustancias psicoactivas ilícitas en universitarios de la ciudad de Santiago / Social representations of illicit psicoactives substances on Santiago city college students

Este trabajo aborda el consumo, tráfico y prevención del abuso de sustancias psicoactivas ilícitas desde el análisis del contenido del discurso de los jóvenes universitarios de Santiago sujetos del estudio. Mediante la metodología cualitativa de la investigación se explora dicho fenómeno social a modo de establecer un sustrato teórico sobre el cual actuar en materias de prevención del abuso de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas ilícitas. Los resultados fueron contextualizados con los documentos oficiales de prevención del consumo de los dos grandes paradigmas en estas materias: reducción de daños y sociedad libre de drogas. Se conocen las creencias, el acceso al consumo y la presencia social de las drogas ilícitas en la sociedad. Se rechazan el prohibicionismo, la estigmatización y el velamiento de información como elementos presentes que distorsionan la relación de los jóvenes con estas sustancias. Se esbozan modelos de consumo para este grupo poblacional.