Desperdicio de alimentos en comedores escolares de una región de la zona centro sur de Chile: Percepciones de manipuladoras de alimentos del Programa de Alimentación Escolar

Introducción: Los desperdicios de alimentos en los comedores escolares son un problema que afecta al uso de recursos naturales, humanos y económicos. Objetivo: Identificar las opiniones y percepciones de manipuladoras de alimentos sobre factores relacionados al desperdicio de alimentos y posibles estrategias para disminuirlo en comedores escolares del Programa de Alimentación Escolar de la Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas en Chile. Métodos: Diseño cualitativo mediante técnica de grupos focales, con 33 participantes. Se aplicó un protocolo de investigación cualitativo que incluyó consentimiento informado, caracterización sociodemográfica, pauta de observación y guion con las dimensiones exploradas. Cada grupo contó con moderador experto y un observador. Se grabó y transcribió el audio de cada sesión y se analizó mediante ATLAS. Ti, versión 8. Resultados: Según las manipuladoras, los alimentos menos consumidos por los estudiantes son las legumbres, verduras frescas, productos marinos y algunas salsas. Estiman que el desperdicio de alimentos oscila entre los 25 a 100 Kilos al día. Las mujeres identifican factores claves en el rechazo de los alimentos por parte de los escolares; estética, olor y sabor del plato; repetitividad del menú; y aspectos culturales. Como estrategias para reducir el desperdicio proponen variar el menú, incorporar alimentos conocidos por los escolares, educar a los padres en la importancia de ofrecer alimentos y preparaciones saludables y sostenibles; fomentar la participación de toda la comunidad educativa en el proceso alimentario. Conclusiones: El estudio reveló que el desperdicio de alimentos en los comedores escolares es un problema complejo que requiere una intervención multidimensional que involucre a todos los actores del sistema alimentario escolar.

Introduction: Food waste in school canteens is a problem that affects the use of natural, human and economic resources. Objective: Identify the opinions and perceptions of food handlers about food waste factors and possible strategies to reduce them in school canteens of the School Feeding Programme of the Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas in Chile. Methods: Qualitative design using a focus group technique with 33 participants. A qualitative research protocol that included informed consent, sociodemographic characterisation, observation guidelines, and a script with the dimensions explored was applied. Each group had an expert moderator and an observer. The audio of each session was recorded, transcribed, and analysed using ATLAS. Ti, version 8. Results: According to the handlers, the foods least consumed by the students are legumes, fresh vegetables, seafood, and some sauces. They estimate that food waste ranges from 25 to 100 kg per day. Women identify critical factors in the rejection of food by schoolchildren: aesthetics, smell, and taste of the dish; repetitiveness of the menu; and cultural aspects. As strategies to reduce waste, they propose varying the menu, incorporating foods familiar to schoolchildren, educating parents about the importance of offering healthy and sustainable food and preparations, and encouraging the participation of the entire educational community in the food process. Conclusions: The study revealed that food waste in school canteens is a complex problem that requires a multidimensional intervention that involves all actors in the school food system.

Effect of Music Therapy on Parent-Infant Bonding Among Infants Born Preterm: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Parent-infant bonding contributes to long-term infant health but may be disrupted by preterm birth. Objective: To determine if parent-led, infant-directed singing, supported by a music therapist and initiated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), improves parent-infant bonding at 6 and 12 months. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in level III and IV NICUs in 5 countries between 2018 and 2022. Eligible participants were preterm infants (under 35 weeks' gestation) and their parents. Follow-up was conducted across 12 months (as part of the LongSTEP study) at home or in clinics. Final follow-up was conducted at 12 months' infant-corrected age. Data were analyzed from August 2022 to November 2022. Intervention: Participants randomized to music therapy (MT) plus standard care or standard care alone during NICU admission, or to MT plus standard care or standard care alone postdischarge, using computer-generated randomization (ratio 1:1, block sizes of 2 or 4 varying randomly), stratified by site (51 allocated to MT NICU, 53 to MT postdischarge, 52 to both, and 50 to neither). MT consisted of parent-led, infant-directed singing tailored to infant responses and supported by a music therapist 3 times per week throughout hospitalization or 7 sessions across 6 months' postdischarge. Main Outcome and Measure: Primary outcome was mother-infant bonding at 6 months' corrected age, measured by the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), with follow-up at 12 months' corrected age, and analyzed intention-to-treat as group differences. Results: Of 206 enrolled infants with 206 mothers (mean [SD] age, 33 [6] years) and 194 fathers (mean [SD] age, 36 [6] years) randomized at discharge, 196 (95.1%) completed assessments at 6 months and were analyzed. Estimated group effects for PBQ at 6 months' corrected age were 0.55 (95% CI, -2.20 to 3.30; P = .70) for MT in the NICU, 1.02 (95% CI, -1.72 to 3.76; P = .47) for MT postdischarge, and -0.20 (95% CI, -4.03 to 3.63; P = .92) for the interaction (12 months: MT in NICU, 0.17; 95% CI, -2.71 to 3.05; P = .91; MT postdischarge, 1.78; 95% CI, -1.13 to 4.70; P = .24; interaction, -1.68; 95% CI, -5.77 to 2.41; P = .42). There were no clinically important between-group differences for secondary variables. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, parent-led, infant-directed singing did not have clinically important effects on mother-infant bonding, but was safe and well-accepted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03564184.

Techno-Economic Comparison of Integration Options for an Oxygen Transport Membrane Unit into a Coal Oxy-Fired Circulating Fluidized Bed Power Plant.

The inclusion of membrane-based oxygen-fired combustion in power plants is considered an emerging technology that could reduce carbon emissions in a more efficient way than cryogenic oxygen-fired processes. In this paper, a techno-economic assessment was developed for a 863 MWel,net power plant to demonstrate whether this CCS technique results in a reduction in efficiency losses and economic demand. Four configurations based on oxygen transport membranes were considered, while the benchmark cases were the air combustion process without CO2 capture and a cryogenic oxygen-fired process. The type of driving force through the membrane (3-end or 4-end), the point of integration into the oxy-fuel combustion process, the heating system, and the pollutant control system were aspects considered in this work. In comparison, the efficiency losses for membrane-based alternatives were lower than those in the cryogenic oxygen-fired process, reaching savings of up to 14% net efficiency. Regarding the specific energy consumption for CO2 capture, the configuration based on the oxygen transport membrane unit with 4-end mode and hot filtration presented 1.01 kWel,net,·h/kgCO2 captured with 100% CO2 recovery, which is an improvement of 11% compared with the cases using cryogenic oxygen. Comparing economic aspects, the specific investment costs for cases based on the oxygen transport membrane unit varied between 2520 and 2942 $/kWel,net·h. This was between 39.6 and 48.2% above the investment for the reference case without carbon capture. However, its hypothetical implantation could suppose a savings of 10.7% in terms of investment cost compared with cryogenic oxygen-based case. In terms of the levelized cost of electricity and the cost of CO2 avoidance, the oxygen transport membrane configurations achieved more favorable results compared with the cryogenic route, reaching savings up to 14 and 38%, respectively. Although oxygen transport membrane units are currently not mature for commercial-scale applications, the results indicated that its application within carbon capture and storage technologies can be strongly competitive.

Development and Validation of a Set of Instruments to Measure Food Environments.

BACKGROUND: There is worldwide interest in measuring local food environments (FEs). The aim of this study was to develop and validate a set of instruments to evaluate FEs in Chile. METHODS: Based on the development and validation of four instruments to measure FEs, a literature review, an evaluation by experts, and the implementation of a pilot tool in the FEs of schoolchildren from nine public schools in the commune of Chillán, Chile, were used. RESULTS: A tool to evaluate FEs was provided, based on three dimensions: availability, variety, and advertising of healthy foods. A total of 1928 foods points of purchase were evaluated. The reliability was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. Some 74% of the foods' points of purchase were store locations. The reliability of the four instruments was high to acceptable (store: 0.90; institution: 0.77; street food: 0.74; restaurant: 0.68). Unhealthy foods were highlighted by the scores obtained: store (6.08 ± 4.07; range: 0-13), restaurant (3.95 ± 1.75; range: 0-10), street food (1.18 ± 1.56; range: 0-7), and institution FEs (3.38 ± 2.78; range: 0-9). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this tool can provide information to governments for incorporating structural measures to ensure adequate availability, variety, and advertising of healthy foods in different FEs.

Consumo de frutas y verduras en mujeres Jefas de Hogar. Un estudio cualitativo

RESUMEN Introducción: La ingesta de frutas y verduras (FV) es reconocida como un factor protector de la salud cardiovascular y ciertos tipos de cáncer. Objetivo: identificar las opiniones de mujeres chilenas, asociadas al consumo de FV. Métodos: estudio de investigación cualitativa, mediante el empleo del análisis del discurso y la interpretación del lenguaje. La muestra estuvo constituida por 40 mujeres de edades entre los 20 y 65 años, con Nivel Socioeconómico (NSE) medio y medio bajo que participaban en el Programa Mujeres Jefas de Hogar (PMJH) en Chillán. A través de cuatro grupos de discusión se identificaron las opiniones de mujeres en torno a motivaciones, barreras, gastos asociados y conocimientos respecto al consumo de FV. Resultados: Entre las principales motivaciones para el consumo de FV por parte de las mujeres, se encontraron los beneficios para la salud y calidad de vida. Respecto a los obstáculos para no consumir FV, se encontró el costo económico. Las mujeres manifestaron conocer las recomendaciones de consumo, reconociendo el papel del personal de salud. Las mujeres destacaron a los niños como principales consumidores de FV en el hogar. Conclusiones: Las mujeres reconocen la importancia de consumir FV para mantener un óptimo estado de salud, sin embargo, el precio condiciona su consumo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is a recognized protective factor for cardiovascular health and certain types of cancer. Objective: to identify the opinions of Chilean women associated with the consumption of FV. Methods: Qualitative research study, using discourse analysis and language interpretation. The sample consisted of 40 women aged between 20 and 65 from a medium to low-medium socioeconomic level who participated in the Female Headed Household survey (abbreviation per name in Spanish, PMJH) in Chillán. Through four discussion groups, the opinions of women regarding motivations, barriers, associated costs, and knowledge regarding the consumption of FV were identified. Results: Among the main motivations for the consumption of FV by women were benefits for health and quality of life. Regarding the obstacles to not consuming FV, economic cost was noted; women stated knowing dietary recommendations, recognizing the role of health personnel. Women highlighted children as the main consumers of PV in the home. Conclusions: Women recognized the importance of consuming VF to maintain optimal health, however, price determined consumption

Estimation of methane production through the anaerobic digestion of greenhouse horticultural waste: A real case study for the Almeria region.

The methane production of greenhouse horticultural waste (GHW) from Almeria (Spain), from where fruits and vegetables are exported to all parts of Europe, was calculated in this work through a combination of experimental and theoretical methods. To this end, eight samples of GHW were collected and characterized in a waste treatment plant. The collection of samples was fairly distributed throughout the year to ensure a representative characterization. The amount of methane produced in a hypothetical anaerobic digestion process was predicted through empirical models fed by experimental data. The experimental characterization revealed that GHW contained an adequate content of volatile matter (65.72% TS), but a high value for total dry matter (53.46%) and lignin content (9.36%), as well as a low moisture content (46.54%) and C/N ratio (17.46). Inhibiting compounds were also observed in the characterization, such a S (0.43%) and Cl (1.41%). The methane production predicted was 0.229 Nm3 CH4/kg volatile matter, which may seem low in comparison to other waste potentially usable for anaerobic digestion. Nonetheless, the co-digestion of GHW with other waste could be an interesting alternative to enhance methane production and solve seasonality issues. Suitable pre-treatment can be also explored to increase the usability of GHW in anaerobic digestion. All in all, this work establishes a theoretical basis for potential solutions to manage the GHW produced in Almeria.

Biogas upgrading to biomethane as a local source of renewable energy to power light marine transport: Profitability analysis for the county of Cornwall.

In this work, the use of biomethane produced from local biogas plants is proposed as renewable fuel for light marine transport. A profitability analysis is performed for three real biogas production plants located in Cornwall (United Kingdom), considering a total of 66 different scenarios where critical parameters such as distance from production point to gas grid, subsidies, etcetera, were evaluated. Even though the idea is promising to decarbonize the marine transport sector, under the current conditions, the approach is not profitable. The results show that profitability depends on the size of the biogas plant. The largest biogas plant studied can be profitable if feed-in tariffs subsidies between 36.6 and 45.7 €/MWh are reached, while for the smallest plant, subsidies should range between 65 and 82.7 €/MWh. The tax to be paid per ton of CO2 emitted by the shipping owner, was also examined given its impact in this green route profitability. Values seven times greater than current taxes are needed to reach profitability, revealing the lack of competitiveness of renewable fuels vs traditional fuels in this application. Subsidies to make up a percentage of the investment are also proposed, revealing that even at 100% of investment subsidized, this green approach is still not profitable. The results highlight the need for further ambitious political actions in the pursuit of sustainable societies.

Characterization of emissions of condensable particulate matter under real operation conditions in cement clinker kilns using complementary experimental techniques.

Historically, the emission of particles from clinker kiln stacks has been one of the main environmental concerns in cement manufacturing processes. Up to now, environmental regulations have only focused on determining and controlling filterable particulate matter (FPM) in industrial emission sources. However, in recent years a growing interest in determining and analysing condensable particulate matter (CPM) has been evidenced due to the significant and established contribution of CPM to total emissions of particulate matter (PM). In this work, total PM (FPM + CPM) emissions from a clinker kiln in a cement manufacturing process have been characterized. A series of tests were performed to simultaneously collect FPM and CPM using a sampling train patented by University of Seville. The results showed very low level of emissions compared to regulatory limits. The average FPM and CPM concentrations obtained in the kiln were in the same order of magnitude, at 3.4 mg/Nm3 and 2.8 mg/Nm3, respectively. The CPM analysed was predominantly inorganic and represented 46% of total PM emissions. In addition, a microscopic morphological analysis was carried out on the samples and confirmed the presence of CPM with a size of less than 2 µm, as well as establishing the principal constituent elements of the same. The main element components were Al, Ca, Fe, Si, C and O. Compounds such as CaCO3, alite, ferrite and dolomite were detected with analytical characterization techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD), providing a better understanding of the sources of contamination within CPM.

A comprehensive analysis of cooking solutions co-benefits at household level: Healthy lives and well-being, gender and climate change.

Three billion people (>40% of the world's population) lack access to clean cooking solutions, including 2.5 billion people that still rely on the traditional use of biomass for cooking. In urban contexts, the rate of access to clean cooking solutions is normally higher than in rural contexts due to greater availability of these solutions. The relevance of providing access to clean cooking solutions (SDG 7) is linked to several associated co-benefits that contribute to a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this paper shows a comprehensive analysis of multiple co-benefits of a clean cooking solution intervention. Health (SDG 3), gender (SDG 5) and climate change (SDG 13) co-benefits were analysed and compared through a cost-benefit analysis using a comprehensive approach in a case study in the Casamance Natural Subregion, located in Western Africa. The most important co-benefits were related to gender (SDG 5), representing 60-97% of the total economic benefits. Climate change co-benefits (SDG 13) were also relevant, representing 3-40% of the total economic benefits. Health co-benefits (SDG 3) were very limited for this case study, representing <1% of the total economic benefits. Considering these results, implications for urban settings were discussed in the light of the "making the available clean" or "making the clean available" strategies.

Factores familiares relacionados con habilidades sociales en adolescentes de una institución educativa estatal en Lima / Family factors related to social skills in teenagers of a educational institution in Lima

Objetivo: este estudio analiza los factores familiares relacionados a habilidades sociales en adolescentes de una Institución Educativa Estatal en Lima. Marco teórico: la familia es el elemento natural y fundamental de la sociedad y tiene de-recho a la protección de la sociedad y del Estado, de tal manera, que es el lugar primordial donde se comparten y gestionan los riesgos sociales de sus miembros. Las habilidades sociales constituyen conductas emitidas por un individuo en un contexto interpersonal que expresa sus sentimientos, actitudes, deseos de un modo adecuado a la situación. Material y métodos: estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, correlacional y transversal; la mues-tra fue de 236 adolescentes de una institución educativa estatal en Lima, siendo seleccio-nada mediante muestreo probabilístico aleatorio. Se realizó la recolección de datos a través de la aplicación de cuestionarios que incluyeron al Apgar Familiar y el Test de Habilidades Sociales, el análisis de los datos se efectuó aplicando estadística descriptiva e inferencial a través de Chi cuadrada. Resultados: los factores familiares de los adolescentes son en unos 66% desfavorables y un 34% favorables, como consecuencia de la estructura familiar el 47% son monoparentales, a su vez el 51% tiene disfunción moderada y el 66,00% trato inadecuado. En relación a las habilidades sociales las adolescentes presentan un 32% de nivel promedio, seguida del 20% de promedio bajo, el 18% bajo y 6% muy bajo. Los resultados del análisis correlacional evidencian una relación significativa entre los factores familiares y las habilidades sociales de las adolescentes

The macrophage cytoskeleton acts as a contact sensor upon interaction with Entamoeba histolytica to trigger IL-1ß secretion.

Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) is the causative agent of amebiasis, one of the major causes of dysentery-related morbidity worldwide. Recent studies have underlined the importance of the intercellular junction between Eh and host cells as a determinant in the pathogenesis of amebiasis. Despite the fact that direct contact and ligation between Eh surface Gal-lectin and EhCP-A5 with macrophage α5ß1 integrin are absolute requirements for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1ß release, many other undefined molecular events and downstream signaling occur at the interface of Eh and macrophage. In this study, we investigated the molecular events at the intercellular junction that lead to recognition of Eh through modulation of the macrophage cytoskeleton. Upon Eh contact with macrophages key cytoskeletal-associated proteins were rapidly post-translationally modified only with live Eh but not with soluble Eh proteins or fragments. Eh ligation with macrophages rapidly activated caspase-6 dependent cleavage of the cytoskeletal proteins talin, Pyk2 and paxillin and caused robust release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1ß. Macrophage cytoskeletal cleavages were dependent on Eh cysteine proteinases EhCP-A1 and EhCP-A4 but not EhCP-A5 based on pharmacological blockade of Eh enzyme inhibitors and EhCP-A5 deficient parasites. These results unravel a model where the intercellular junction between macrophages and Eh form an area of highly interacting proteins that implicate the macrophage cytoskeleton as a sensor for Eh contact that leads downstream to subsequent inflammatory immune responses.

Women's Select Health Issues in Underserved Populations.

The purpose of this article is to review women's health issues that affect underserved populations. Certain groups have a lack of health care resources or inability to access resources. Individuals encounter barriers to accessing health care due to socioeconomic status, transportation, intimate partner issues, and distrust of the health care system. These factors lead to health care disparities and a lack of appropriate care or quality care as it pertains to breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, and obtaining contraceptive care. Identifying available resources in response to community-based needs assessment is among the tools available to combat these inequalities.

Bebidas azucaradas: Representaciones de escolares con sobrepeso y obesidad / Sugar-sweetened beverage: Representations of overweight and obese schoolchildren

RESUMEN El objetivo fue indagar las representaciones de escolares con sobrepeso y obesidad con respecto al consumo de bebidas azucaradas y las consecuencias de su ingesta para la salud. El estudio fue de tipo cualitativo hermenéutico de casos, con técnicas de recolección de información de grupos focales. Se realizó en estudiantes de 8 a 12 años de edad, con sobrepeso y obesidad de escuelas rurales y urbanas de la Provincia de Ñuble. Se observó una asociación entre el sabor de las bebidas azucaradas y el placer que les provocó su consumo, realizado especialmente en el hogar y asociada a la época estival. Los niños manifestaron conocer las consecuencias del consumo excesivo de bebidas azucaradas y reconocieron a sus padres como los principales responsables para el consumo de estos productos. Revelaron que los tiempos de ocio, especialmente en el hogar, favorecían el consumo de bebidas azucaradas.

ABSTRACT The objective was to investigate the representations and beliefs among overweight and obese schoolchildren regarding consumption and health consequences of sugar-sweetened beverages. This was a qualitative hermeneutical study of cases using focus group information collection techniques. The study was conducted among overweight and obese schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 from rural and urban schools from Ñuble Province. These were associations between representations of sugar-sweetened beverage flavor and the pleasure it produced when consumed, especially at home and during the summer season. Children expressed knowing the consequences of excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and identified their parents as being primarily responsible for the consumption of these products. They revealed that leisure time, especially at home, encouraged sugar-sweetened beverage intake.

Evaluación de una intervención educativa para la prevención de la obesidad infantil en escuelas básicas de Chile / Evaluation of an education intervention for childhood obesity prevention in basic school in Chile

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar una intervención integral en educación nutricional y actividad física para prevenir la obesidad infantil en escolares de educación básica de nivel socioeconómico bajo de la comuna de Macul en Chile, mediante seguimiento longitudinal de dos años (2008 y 2009) de los niños. La intervención consistió en capacitación de los profesores en nutrición, implementación de material educativo basado en guías alimentarias chilenas, aumento de 3 a 4 horas semanales en clases de educación física, para lo cual se contrataron profesores especialistas. Se midieron peso, talla y test de caminata de 6 minutos (TC6M). Se calculó índice de masa corporal (IMC), puntaje Z IMC, prevalencias de normalidad, sobrepeso y obesidad de niños (criterios OMS 2007). Se midieron los cambios entre línea base y periodos en Z IMC y TC6M/talla y cambios en conocimientos nutricionales mediante cuestionarios. No hubo diferencia significativa del puntaje Z IMC entre los periodos inicial y final ni en la evolución del estado nutricional de los niños. El conocimiento alimentario mejoró en forma significativa entre las dos mediciones. Hubo un incremento significativo del TC6M/talla (10 metros entre inicio y final, p < 0,001). Se concluye que aún cuando mejoró el conocimiento nutricional y la condición física de los niños, hubo una estabilización del puntaje Z IMC en el período de estudio. Se requieren nuevas intervenciones educativas adecuadas a la realidad de cada comunidad para obtener un impacto positivo en la prevención de obesidad infantil en escuelas (AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate a comprehensive intervention in nutrition education and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity in primaryschool children of low socioeconomic status in Macul county in Chile, with a two year follow-up (2008 and 2009) of the children. The interventionconsisted in teacher nutrition training in healthy eating and the implementation of educational material based on Chilean dietary guidelines. In addition, there was an increase in physical education classes to 3-4 hours per week and physical education teachers were recruited for that purpose. Weight, height and six minutes walk test (6MWT) were measured and body mass index (BMI), BMI Z score, prevalence of normal, overweight and obese children were calculated with WHO 2007reference. Changes between baseline and BMI Z in each period and 6MWT/height, and changes in nutrition knowledge through questionnaires were measured. There was no significant difference in BMI Z score between the initial and final periods and in the evolution of the nutritional status of children. Nutrition knowledge improved significantly between the two measurements. There was a significant increase in 6MWT/height (10 meters between baseline and follow-up, p < 0.001). We conclude that although there was an improvement in nutrition knowledge and physical fitness of children, there was a stabilization of BMI Z score in the period of the study. New educational interventions are required according to the reality of each community to obtain a positive impact to prevent childhood obesity in primary schools (AU)

[Evaluation of an education intervention for childhood obesity prevention in basic schools in Chile]. / Evaluación de una intervención educativa para la prevención de la obesidad infantil en escuelas básicas de Chile.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a comprehensive intervention in nutrition education and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity in primary school children of low socioeconomic status in Macul county in Chile, with a two year follow-up (2008 and 2009) of the children. The intervention consisted in teacher nutrition training in healthy eating and the implementation of educational material based on Chilean dietary guidelines. In addition, there was an increase in physical education classes to 3-4 hours per week and physical education teachers were recruited for that purpose. Weight, height and six minutes walk test (6MWT) were measured and body mass index (BMI), BMI Z score, prevalence of normal, overweight and obese children were calculated with WHO 2007reference. Changes between baseline and BMI Z in each period and 6MWT/height, and changes in nutrition knowledge through questionnaires were measured. There was no significant difference in BMI Z score between the initial and final periods and in the evolution of the nutritional status of children. Nutrition knowledge improved significantly between the two measurements. There was a significant increase in 6MWT/height (10 meters between baseline and follow-up, p < 0.001). We conclude that although there was an improvement in nutrition knowledge and physical fitness of children, there was a stabilization of BMI Z score in the period of the study. New educational interventions are required according to the reality of each community to obtain a positive impact to prevent childhood obesity in primary schools.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar una intervención integral en educación nutricional y actividad física para prevenir la obesidad infantil en escolares de educación básica de nivel socioeconómico bajo de la comuna de Macul en Chile, mediante seguimiento longitudinal de dos años (2008 y 2009) de los niños. La intervención consistió en capacitación de los profesores en nutrición, implementación de material educativo basado en guías alimentarias chilenas, aumento de 3 a 4 horas semanales en clases de educación física, para lo cual se contrataron profesores especialistas. Se midieron peso, talla y test de caminata de 6 minutos (TC6M). Se calculó índice de masa corporal (IMC), puntaje Z IMC, prevalencias de normalidad, sobrepeso y obesidad de niños (criterios OMS 2007). Se midieron los cambios entre línea base y periodos en Z IMC y TC6M/talla y cambios en conocimientos nutricionales mediante cuestionarios. No hubo diferencia significativa del puntaje Z IMC entre los periodos inicial y final ni en la evolución del estado nutricional de los niños. El conocimiento alimentario mejoró en forma significativa entre las dos mediciones. Hubo un incremento significativo del TC6M/talla (10 metros entre inicio y final, p < 0,001). Se concluye que aún cuando mejoró el conocimiento nutricional y la condición física de los niños, hubo una estabilización del puntaje Z IMC en el período de estudio. Se requieren nuevas intervenciones educativas adecuadas a la realidad de cada comunidad para obtener un impacto positivo en la prevención de obesidad infantil en escuelas.

Pulsed local-field fluorescence microscopy: a new approach for measuring cellular signals in the beating heart.

In cardiac research, single-cell experimental models have been extensively used to study the molecular mechanisms of intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis. The results of these studies are usually extrapolated to the tissue level assuming that the phenomena studied at the cellular level are either similar in the intact organ, or only slightly modified by variables that exist at the whole-heart level. The validity of these assumptions has rarely been confirmed experimentally. Common obstacles associated with the study of intracellular Ca(2+) signals in beating hearts include motion artifacts and spatio-temporal limitations of the recording system. In this work, action potentials and intracellular Ca(2+) signals were measured in beating hearts from young rats, with spatio-temporal resolutions similar to cellular studies using a novel pulsed local-field fluorescence technique. This method was based on maximizing emitted fluorescence to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). The fluorescence emission of the indicator molecules was synchronized with brief (<1 ns), high-power (400 W) laser pulses, and the common mode noise of the fluorescence signal was differentially cancelled. To follow rapidly evolving signals, a highly sensitive and fast detection system was used (10 kHz). The spatial resolution was improved using a small (50-200 microm diameter) multimode fiberoptic. Mechanical artifacts were effectively reduced by inserting the fiberoptic into a "floating" glass micropipette sealed to the heart wall with negative pressure. Our results demonstrate that local-field fluorescence microscopy offers an outstanding experimental approach for studying physiological signals at the whole-organ level with the high spatio-temporal resolution common to normal cellular approaches.

Detección del Síndrome de Alcohol Fetal en niños desnutridos en el Instituto Dominicano de Alimentación y Nutrición / Detection of the fetal alcohol syndrome in malnutrition children at the Dominican Institute of Nutrition and Alimentation

La presente investigación fue llevada a cabo con el propósito fundamental de identificar el Síndrome de Alcohol Fetal en los niños desnutridos que fueron tratados en la Clínica Nutricional del Instituto Dominicano de Alimentación y Nutrición, durante el período comprendido entre el 14 de enero y el 21 de febrero del año 1994, en el interés de conocer la dimensión de esta enfermedad, para de esta manera, poder ofrecer un marco de referencia riguroso, que permita un mayor conocimiento y un mejor tratamiento de dicho padecimiento. Para tales fines, seleccionamos, en forma casuística, un universo compuesto por los 453 pacientes que asistieron a la consulta del citado centro de salud, durante el período de referenda, en busca de tratamiento médico para resolver sus problemas nutricionales. Cabe destacar, que nuestra actuación en cada consulta, estuvo enmarcada dentro de la técnica conocida como Observación-participante, la cual nos permitió satisfactoriamente jugar un rol protagónico en la detección de la enfermedad. De cada 453 pacientes de problemas nutricionales, 15 de ellos presentaron estigmas correspondientes al Síndrome de Alcohol Fetal, para una frecuencia relativa de un 3.3//. El 93.3// de los casos, exhibió el filtrum hipoplástico, mientras que en el 66.7//, se verificó la existencia de labios con bordes delgados presentandose, por último, la micrognatia en el 60// de la población muestral. Todas las madres de estos pacientes admitieron haber consumido bebidas alcoholicas de manera regular y consistente durante el período de gestación, llegando incluso, a ingerir desde una cerveza hasta cinco tragos de ron diariamente

Ausencia de vibrio parahaemolyticus en pescado crudo / Abscence of vibrio parahemolyticus in raw fish

Se analizaron 389 muestras de pescado colectadas por los Promotores de la Secretaria de Salud a lo largo de un año. Se analizaron 329 muestrs de pescado por la técnica de Nava y 60 muestras por la técnica de la FDA; no se obtuvieron aislamientos positivos de Bibrio parahaemolyticus aún en la época de verano en la cual se tiene la mayor incidencia del microorganismo de acuerdo a datos bibliográficos. Se señala que aunque el microorganismo pudo estar presente en los pescados analizados, debido al tamaño de la muestra analizada y al manejo inadecuado de los pescados desde la pesca hasta su venta se propicia un incremento de la flora asociada lo que dificulta el aislamiento de Vibrio parahaemolyticus por las técnicas utilizadas