Transcriptomic profiles and diagnostic biomarkers in the Mediterranean seagrasses Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa reveal mechanistic insights of adaptative strategies upon desalination brine stress.

Seawater desalination by reverse osmosis is growing exponentially due to water scarcity. Byproducts of this process (e.g. brines), are generally discharged directly into the coastal ecosystem, causing detrimental effects, on benthic organisms. Understanding the cellular stress response of these organisms (biomarkers), could be crucial for establishing appropriate salinity thresholds for discharged brines. Early stress biomarkers can serve as valuable tools for monitoring the health status of brine-impacted organisms, enabling the prediction of long-term irreversible damage caused by the desalination industry. In this study, we conducted laboratory-controlled experiments to assess cellular and molecular biomarkers against brine exposure in two salinity-sensitive Mediterranean seagrasses: Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa. Treatments involved exposure to 39, 41, and 43 psu, for 6 h and 7 days. Results indicated that photosynthetic performance remained unaffected across all treatments. However, under 43 psu, P. oceanica and C. nodosa exhibited lipid oxidative damage, which occurred earlier in P. oceanica. Additionally, P. oceanica displayed an antioxidant response at higher salinities by accumulating phenolic compounds within 6 h and ascorbate within 7 d; whereas for C. nodosa the predominant antioxidant mechanisms were phenolic compounds accumulation and total radical scavenging activity, which was evident after 7 d of brines exposure. Finally, transcriptomic analyses in P. oceanica exposed to 43 psu for 7 days revealed a poor up-regulation of genes associated with brassinosteroid response and abiotic stress response, while a high down-regulation of genes related to primary metabolism was detected. In C. nodosa, up-regulated genes were involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and reproduction, while down-regulated genes were mainly associated with photosynthesis and ribosome assembly. Overall, these findings suggest that 43 psu is a critical salinity-damage threshold for both seagrasses; and despite the moderate overexpression of several transcripts that could confer salt tolerance, genes involved in essential biological processes were severely downregulated.

Conocimiento de la anticoncepción de emergencia en mujeres adolescentes de enseñanza media de la comuna de Hualqui, Chile / Emergency contraception knowledge in female adolescent secondary education students from Hualqui commune, Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN Dado que el conocimiento sobre la anticoncepción de emergencia puede ser de gran utilidad en la promoción de la salud sexual y salud reproductiva, especialmente en los adolescentes, la deficiencia del mismo podría disminuir su prescripción y uso. OBJETIVO Describir el conocimiento sobre los métodos anticonceptivos de emergencia de un grupo de mujeres adolescentes estudiantes de enseñanza media de la comuna de Hualqui, Chile. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se encuestó a 115 mujeres adolescentes estudiantes de primer a cuarto año de enseñanza media del liceo San Juan Bautista de Hualqui, Octava Región de Chile. Se exploraron antecedentes generales de salud sexual y salud reproductiva, y conocimientos sobre la anticoncepción de emergencia, su uso y formas de adquisición. RESULTADOS La edad promedio fue de 16,1 años. El 39% de las estudiantes eran sexualmente activas, y en promedio iniciaron su vida sexual a los 15,3 años y tuvieron 2,1 parejas sexuales. El método anticonceptivo que más utilizaban fue el anticonceptivo hormonal inyectable (31,1%), seguido de la anticoncepción oral combinada (20,0%). Con respecto a la anticoncepción de emergencia, el 80,9% declaró saber de su entrega liberada, mientras que el 11,1% declaró haberlos usado alguna vez. El 91,3% de las encuestadas consideró necesario tener mayor información. CONCLUSIÓN Las adolescentes participantes del estudio mostraron algún grado de conocimiento respecto a la anticoncepción de emergencia, pese a no utilizarla habitualmente. No obstante, la mayoría expresó la necesidad de tener mayor acceso a información relacionada al tema.

BACKGROUND Given that knowledge about emergency contraception can be very useful in promoting sexual health and reproductive health, especially in adolescents, its deficiency could decrease its prescription and use. AIM To describe the knowledge about emergency contraceptive methods of a group of female adolescent secondary education students from the Hualqui commune, Chile. METHOD A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. 115 adolescent women students from first to fourth year of high school at San Juan Bautista high school in Hualqui, Eighth Region of Chile, were surveyed. General sexual health and reproductive health backgrounds, and knowledge of emergency contraception, its use, and forms of acquisition were explored. RESULTS The average age was 16,1 years. 39% of the students were sexually active, and on average started their sex life at 15,3 years and had 2,1 sexual partners. The most widely used contraceptive method was injectable hormonal contraception (31,1%), followed by combined oral contraception (20,0%). Regarding the emergency contraception, 80,9% stated that they knew of their free delivery, while 11,1% stated that they had ever used them. 91,3% of respondents considered it necessary to have more information. CONCLUSIONS The adolescents participating in the study showed some degree of knowledge regarding emergency contraception, despite not using it regularly. However, the majority expressed the need for greater access to information related to the topic.

Sufrimiento psicológico en hombres y mujeres con síntomas de depresión / Psychological suffering in men and women with symptoms of depression

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio descriptivo comparativo era determinar si existían diferencias en la expresión de sufrimiento psicológico en una muestra de 269 personas con edades entre los 18 y 58 años (M= 31.2), distribuidas en 4 grupos de acuerdo con el sexo y el reporte o no de síntomas de depresión. Para evaluar sufrimiento se utilizó la Entrevista de Percepción del Paso del Tiempo, el Cuestionario de Depresión de Hombres, la Escala Zung de Depresión para las mujeres y la Escala de Salud Mental Self Reporting Questionare (SRQ). Se utilizó el estadístico ANOVA para determinar la diferencia de medias y un análisis pos hoc para identificar la dirección de la diferencia. Los resultados indican que, aunque las mujeres reportaron puntajes más altos en la escala de depresión, los hombres reportan significativamente más sufrimiento psicológico, y que este es independiente del reporte del puntaje de depresión obtenido.

Abstract The hardiness is a variable of great importance in the protection of health, so the validation and adaptation of instruments to evaluate it are necessary. The objective of the research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hardiness Questionnaire (non-work version) for a sample of the Cuban population. An instrumental study was carried out based on the quantitative research paradigm. The sample selection was made based on a cluster sampling that included 400 subjects residing in six provinces of the country. The standard age chosen was 48 (±14.7) ; 54.5 % of the simple was for females. Three models were estimated, the one who showed better scores was the trifactorial one (control, implication and challenge) with a factor of a second order (hardiness) reduced from the elimination of two reactive. Some acceptable figures of reliability were obtained, both global (a=0.83) and as in each dimension: control and challenge (a=0.77) and implication (a=0.70). The recurrent validity brings evidence of the value of the subscales control and commitment.

Opinión de los profesionales de la salud sobre un documento de registro de directivas de adecuación de esfuerzo terapéutico en pediatría / Opinion of health professionals on a document to record guidelines for the adequacy of therapeutic efforts in pediatrics / Opinião dos profissionais de saúde sobre um documento de registro de diretrizes de adequação do esforço terapêutico em pediatria

Resumen: Introducción: en la asistencia médica de niños con enfermedades que amenazan o limitan la vida (EALV), en ocasiones, es necesario realizar adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico (AET). La Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (UCPP-CHPR) implementó un procedimiento de toma de decisiones sobre AET y registro en la historia clínica. Objetivo: conocer la opinión de los profesionales de la salud respecto a la utilidad del documento de registro de AET, las principales dificultades encontradas y el interés en capacitarse al respecto. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, mediante encuesta a médicos y licenciados de enfermería del CHPR entre el 23 de octubre y el 12 de noviembre de 2018. Se contó con el aval del Comité de Ética. Resultados: 75,4% (181/240) de los encuestados había asistido a niños con registro de AET; ocasionalmente: 73,5%, frecuentemente: 21,5%. Consideraron útil contar con registros de AET: 30%, y muy útil: 58%. Expresaron encontrar dudas éticas, clínicas o legales, ocasionalmente: 51,4%, frecuentemente: 27,6%; las principales dudas: responsabilidad al cumplir las directivas y la falta de firma de los padres. Las principales dificultades referidas fueron que los padres no cuentan con el documento durante la atención y que éstos están angustiados y solicitan "hacer todo". La mayoría de los profesionales expresó que sería útil o muy útil recibir más información o capacitación sobre las directivas de adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico (DAET). Conclusiones: la mayoría de los profesionales encuestados habían participado en la atención de niños con registro de AET. Consideraron útil, o muy útil, contar con estos registros, pero expresaron tener dudas clínicas, éticas o legales ocasionalmente.

Summary: Introduction: during the medical care of children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions (EALV), sometimes is necessary to adequate the therapeutic effort (ATE). The pediatric palliative care unit of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center (PPCU- PRHC) implemented a decision-making procedure on ATE and its registration in the clinical history. Objective: to know: the opinion of health care professionals regarding the utility of the ATE registration document, the main difficulties found, and the interest in training activities. Material and method: descriptive, cross-sectional study, by means of a survey of physicians and nurses working in the PRHC, between 23 / 10-12 / 11/2018. It was endorsed by the Ethics Committee. Results: 75.4% (181/240) of the respondents had attended children with ATE documents, occasionally: 73.5%, frequently: 21.5%. They considered it useful to have ATE records: 30% and very useful: 58%. They expressed to find ethical, clinical and / or legal doubts, occasionally: 51.4%, frequently: 27.6%; the main doubts: responsibility when fulfilling the directives and the lack of signature of the parents. The main difficulties referred to were: that the parents do not have the document at the consultation, and that they are distressed and ask to "do everything". Most professionals expressed that it would be useful or very useful to receive more information and/ or training on ATE. Conclusions: most of the professionals surveyed had participated in the care of children with ATE registration. They considered it useful or very useful to have these records, but they expressed occasional clinical, ethical and/ or legal doubts.

Resumo: Introdução: na assistência médica de crianças com enfermidades que ameaçam ou limitam a vida (EALV), em algumas ocasiões, é necessário adequar o esforço terapêutico (AET). A Unidade de Cuidados Paliativos pediátricos do Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (UCPP- CHPR) implementou um procedimento para a tomada de decisões sobre AET e registro no prontuário do paciente. Objetivo: conhecer a opinião dos profissionais de saúde em relação à utilidade do documento de registro de AET, as principais dificuldades encontradas, e o interesse em capacitar-se no tema. Material e método: estudo descritivo, transversal, com entrevistas a médicos e enfermeiras do CHPR, no período 23 de outubro - 12 de novembro de 2018. O estudo obteve a aprovação do Comitê de ética. Resultados: 75,4% (181/240) dos entrevistados haviam atendido crianças com registro de AET - ocasionalmente: 73,5%, frequentemente: 21,5%. Consideraram - útil contar com registros de AET: 30% e muito útil: 58%. Declararam encontrar dúvidas éticas, clínicas e/ou legais: ocasionalmente: 51,4%; frequentemente: 27,6%; as principais dúvidas foram: responsabilidade no cumprimento das diretrizes e a falta da assinatura dos pais. As principais dificuldades relatadas foram: os padres não dispõem do documento durante a atenção, estão angustiados e solicitam "fazer tudo". A maioria dos profissionais declarou que seria útil ou muito útil receber mais informação e/ou capacitação sobre as DAET. Conclusões: a maioria dos profissionais entrevistados havia participado no cuidado de crianças com registro de AET. Consideraram útil ou muito útil contar com estes registros, porém expressaram ter dúvidas clínicas, éticas e/ou legais em algumas oportunidades.

[Temporal trend of premature mortality for external causes in Chile between 1997-2014]. / Evolución temporal de la mortalidad prematura por causas externas en Chile entre 1997-2014.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is a change in the causes of mortality towards noncommunicable diseases and external causes. However, there are no updated studies on the trend of premature mortality due to external causes (PMEC) in Chile and the underlying sociodemographic variables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trend of PMEC in Chile between 1997-2014 and analyze its distribution according to sociodemographic variables. METHODS: Ecological mixed study. The cause of death and demographic data of mortality databases and official population estimates of the government of Chile were used. The PMEC and main subcauses (traffic accidents, self-inflicted injuries and aggressions) were considered in the population between 15-64 years. Annual crudes and adjusted rates (direct method) were estimated between 1997-2014. The trend of adjusted rates was evaluated using Prais-Winsten regression. RESULTS: There were 102.559 deaths from external causes during the period studied (22.1% of total mortality). The cases were concentrated in men (85.3%), in the group of 25-44 years (44.8%) and at the basic instruction level-without instruction (48,4%). The PMEC trend decreased significantly in general population (ß=-1.18x100,000 inhab., 95%CI: -1.58,-0.78) and men (ß=-2.25x100,000 inhab. 95%CI: -2.79;-1.7). In women, there were no significant changes in PMEC, however an increase in PM due to aggressions was observed (ß=0.03x100,000 inhab. 95%CI: 0.002,0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, a decrease in MPCE could be observed, especially that caused by traffic accidents. However, it has not been possible to reduce in women, alerting the increase in MP due to aggressions.

OBJETIVO: Actualmente existe un desplazamiento de las causas de mortalidad hacia las enfermedades no transmisibles y causas externas. Sin embargo, no hay estudios actualizados sobre la tendencia de la mortalidad prematura por causas externas (MPCE) en Chile y sus variables sociodemográficas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la tendencia de la MPCE en Chile entre 1997-2014 y analizar su distribución según variables sociodemográficas. METODOS: Estudio ecológico mixto. Se utilizó la causa de muerte y los datos demográficos de las bases de mortalidad y estimaciones de población oficiales del gobierno de Chile. Se consideró la MPCE y las causas específicas principales (accidentes de tránsito, lesiones autoinflingidas y agresiones) en la población entre 15-64 años. Se estimaron tasas anuales crudas y ajustadas (método directo) entre 1997-2014. Se evaluó la tendencia de las tasas ajustadas utilizando regresión de Prais-Winsten. RESULTADOS: Hubo 102.559 muertes por causas externas durante el período estudiado (22,1% de la mortalidad total). Los casos se concentraron en hombres (85,3%), en el grupo de 25-44 años (44,8%) y en el nivel de instrucción básico-sin instrucción (48,4%). La tendencia de la MPCE disminuyó significativamente en la población general (ß =-1,18x100.000 habs. IC95%:-1,58;-0,78) y en hombres (ß=-2,25x100.000 habs. IC95%:-2,79;-1,7). En mujeres no hubo cambios significativos en la MPCE, no obstante, se observó un aumento en la MP por agresiones (ß=0,03x100.000 habs. IC95%:0,002;0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Durante el período de estudio se pudo observar una disminución de la MPCE, especialmente la causada por accidentes de tránsito. Sin embargo, no se ha logrado reducir en mujeres, alertando el aumento en la MP por agresiones en este grupo.

Evolución temporal de la mortalidad prematura por causas externas en Chile entre 1997 - 2014 / Temporal trend of premature mortality for external causes in Chile between 1997 -2014

OBJETIVO: Actualmente existe un desplazamiento de las causas de mortalidad hacia las enfermedades no transmisibles y causas externas. Sin embargo, no hay estudios actualizados sobre la tendencia de la mortalidad prematura por causas externas (MPCE) en Chile y sus variables sociodemográficas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la tendencia de la MPCE en Chile entre 1997-2014 y analizar su distribución según variables sociodemográficas. MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico mixto. Se utilizó la causa de muerte y los datos demográficos de las bases de mortalidad y estimaciones de población oficiales del gobierno de Chile. Se consideró la MPCE y las causas específicas principales (accidentes de tránsito, lesiones autoinflingidas y agresiones) en la población entre 15-64 años. Se estimaron tasas anuales crudas y ajustadas (método directo) entre 1997-2014. Se evaluó la tendencia de las tasas ajustadas utilizando regresión de Prais-Winsten. RESULTADOS: Hubo 102.559 muertes por causas externas durante el período estudiado (22,1% de la mortalidad total). Los casos se concentraron en hombres (85,3%), en el grupo de 25-44 años (44,8%) y en el nivel de instrucción básico-sin instrucción (48,4%). La tendencia de la MPCE disminuyó significativamente en la población general (ß =-1,18x100.000 habs. IC95%:-1,58;-0,78) y en hombres (ß=-2,25x100.000 habs. IC95%:-2,79;-1,7). En mujeres no hubo cambios significativos en la MPCE, no obstante, se observó un aumento en la MP por agresiones (ß=0,03x100.000 habs. IC95%:0,002;0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Durante el período de estudio se pudo observar una disminución de la MPCE, especialmente la causada por accidentes de tránsito. Sin embargo, no se ha logrado reducir en mujeres, alertando el aumento en la MP por agresiones en este grupo

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is a change in the causes of mortality towards noncommunicable diseases and external causes. However, there are no updated studies on the trend of premature mortality due to external causes (PMEC) in Chile and the underlying sociodemographic variables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trend of PMEC in Chile between 1997-2014 and analyze its distribution according to sociodemographic variables. METHODS: Ecological mixed study. The cause of death and demographic data of mortality databases and official population estimates of the government of Chile were used. The PMEC and main subcauses (traffic accidents, self-inflicted injuries and aggressions) were considered in the population between 15-64 years. Annual crudes and adjusted rates (direct method) were estimated between 1997-2014. The trend of adjusted rates was evaluated using Prais-Winsten regression. RESULTS: There were 102.559 deaths from external causes during the period studied (22.1% of total mortality). The cases were concentrated in men (85.3%), in the group of 25-44 years (44.8%) and at the basic instruction level-without instruction (48,4%). The PMEC trend decreased significantly in general population (ß=-1.18x100,000 inhab., 95%CI: -1.58,-0.78) and men (ß=-2.25x100,000 inhab. 95%CI: -2.79;-1.7). In women, there were no significant changes in PMEC, however an increase in PM due to aggressions was observed (ß=0.03x100,000 inhab. 95%CI: 0.002,0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, a decrease in MPCE could be observed, especially that caused by traffic accidents. However, it has not been possible to reduce in women, alerting the increase in MP due to aggressions

Acute Consumption of an Energy Drink Does Not Improve Physical Performance of Female Volleyball Players.

To determine the acute effect of an energy drink (ED) on physical performance of professional female volleyball players. 19 females (age= 22.3 ± 4.9 yr.; height= 171.8 ± 9.4 cm; weight= 65.2 ± 10.1 kg) participated in a randomized, crossover, double-blind study to measure grip strength, vertical jump and anaerobic power in 3 different sessions (ED, placebo [PL] or no beverage [CTL]). For each session, participants arrived in a fasted state, consumed a standardized breakfast meal, and 1 hr later completed the 3 baseline performance tests without having ingested the beverage. After completing the premeasurements, the athletes drank 6 ml/kg of body weight of the ED or PL and in the CTL condition no beverage was consumed. Posttest measurements were taken 30 min after the ingestion of liquids. A 3 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant within-session and measurement time interactions for each performance test. Regardless of the measurement time, right hand grip strength was significantly higher in the ED condition (34.6 ± 0.9 kg) compared with PL (33.4 ± 1.1 kg) and CTL (33.6 ± 1.0 kg) (p < 0.05). Regardless of the beverage ingested, averaged right hand grip strength, taking into account all 3 testing conditions, increased from pre to posttesting (Pre = 33.8 ± 0.9 kg vs. Post = 33.9 ± 1.0 kg; p = 0.029), as did the averaged fatigue index, obtained from the anaerobic power test (Pre = 65.9± 2.2% vs. Post = 68.7± 2.0%; p= 0.049). The acute ingestion of an ED did not improve physical performance of professional Costa Rican female volleyball players.

Effects of exercise on oxidative stress in rats induced by ozone.

Oxidative stress (OS) induced by acute exercise is reduced by chronic exercise. Ozone (O(3)) exposure produces OS. The aim of this study was to determine if aerobic exercise (AE) reduced OS produced by O(3). A pilot experiment was performed with male Wistar rats submitted to AE (trained to swim 90 min/day). Adaptation to exercise was demonstrated three weeks after training by means of changes in reduced nitrates (NO(x)) in plasma. Therefore, two-week training was chosen for the following experiments. Six of twelve trained rats were exposed to O(3) (0.5 ppm, 4 h/day, one hour before exercise). Two groups of sedentary animals (n = 6 each) were used as controls, one of which was exposed to O(3). At the end of the experiments NO(x), 8-isoprostane (8-IP), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and carbonyls (CBs) were measured in plasma. CBs did not change in any group. O(3)-induced OS was manifested by reduced NO(x) and SOD activity, as well as increased 8-IP and MDA. Exercise significantly blocked O(3) effects although SOD was also decreased by exercise (a greater drop occurring in the O(3) group). It is concluded that AE protects against OS produced by O(3) and the effect is independent of SOD.