Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life for Chilean teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the academic year-end.

Introduction: Schoolteachers have reported multiple demands contributing to poor perceptions regarding their quality of life and high rates of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few studies about the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life from the end of the academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: Evaluate musculoskeletal disorders rates and their association with quality of life perceptions among teachers from the last academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods: A total sample of 161 Chilean schoolteachers was included in a cross-sectional study musculoskeletal disorders prevalence was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated through the Short-Form 12 Health Survey Instrument. A logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life perceptions adjusted by gender, age, and contract type. Results: 98% of teachers have suffered from some type of musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months, and 64% have had six or more painful regions. Women showed a higher musculoskeletal disorders rate than men. The group of teachers with the most musculoskeletal disorders (≥p50) saw significantly greater risk of low scores on the physical (OR: 2.16; p < 0.05) and mental components (OR: 4.86; p < 0.01) of quality of life, regardless of gender, age, and contract type. Conclusion: High musculoskeletal disorders rates suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders in order to protect teachers' mental and physical health, considering the effects of the school year and the COVID-19 health crisis.

Tobacco consumption and quality of life among teachers: a bidirectional problem.

Objective: This study aimed to assess a bidirectional relationship between tobacco consumption and quality of life among Chilean teachers. Participants and methods: A total sample of 647 Chilean teachers was included in a cross-sectional study (71.8% female). Teachers completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, tobacco consumption habits, and the SF-36 questionnaire to assess quality of life. Logistic regression models were employed for statistical analysis of quality of life (physical component summary; mental component summary), and tobacco consumption habits, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 34.2% of teachers were smokers, with the majority (68.7%) being under 45 years old. Smoking teachers demonstrated lower quality of life scores, particularly mental health and emotional problems dimensions, and mental component summary (p < 0.05) versus nonsmoking teachers. Teachers with tobacco consumption had a higher risk of low mental component summary (OR: 1.74; p < 0.001), and those with low mental component summary were more likely to be smokers (OR: 1.77; p < 0.002). Conclusion: These findings indicate that tobacco consumption adversely affects the quality of life of Chilean teachers, especially their mental health. Psychological support should be provided to help teachers cope with work stress and tobacco consumption.

A pulmonary rehabilitation program is an effective strategy to improve forced vital capacity, muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity similarly in adults and older people with post-severe COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: It is internationally known that our population is aging. At the same time, some patients with COVID-19, due to their symptoms, required mechanical ventilation (MV) and subsequent pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This study aimed to compare the effects of a multimodal PR program "ADULT" versus "OLDER" people with COVID-19 who were on MV. METHODS: The intervention consisted of an 8-week hybrid PR program (2x week). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured at the beginning and end of PR, upper and lower limb strength was obtained through hand grip strength (HGS) and the sit-to-stand test (STST), respectively, and functional exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). RESULTS: The main results were an increase in the FVC in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.27), an increase in HGS in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.52), in the same way, the number of repetitions on the STST increased in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.55). Finally, the distance covered on the 6MWT increased in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: The PR program is an effective strategy to improve FVC, muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity similarly in adults and older people with post severe COVID-19 who required MV.

Submandibular Skinfold Thickness Cut-off Values in Relation to Body Mass Index and Percentage Body Fat Among Chilean Adolescents.

The present study evaluates submandibular skinfold (SMS) cutoff values to estimate excess weight for BMI and percentage body fat (%BF) among Chilean adolescents. The results show an optimal area under the cutoff curve value of 83% among girls and 91% in boys to estimate SMS concerning %BF and BMI. The SMS cutoff value estimating obesity by %BF was 10 mm among girls and 9 mm among boys, 10 mm among girls, and 7 mm among boys by BMI. Our results showed that SMS is significantly associated with anthropometric parameters for obesity.

Uso de Hidróxido de Sodio como Alternativa en Técnica de Diafanización de Diente / Use of Sodium Hydroxide as an Alternative in Tooth Clearing Technique

Con el objetivo de conservar material cadavérico, se han creado diferentes técnicas y/o soluciones donde una técnica es la diafanización dental para estudiar la morfología interna del diente. Esta técnica consta en trasparentar el tejido calcificado del diente haciendo visible los conductos radiculares al inyectar una mezcla colorante en ellos. Se han descrito diferentes variantes de la técnica de diafanización como la técnica de Okumura y la técnica de Robertson, pero ambas técnicas utilizan reactivos tóxicos o de difícil acceso, por lo que se ha realizado una búsqueda de reactivos de bajo costo y fácil acceso para realizar la técnica de diafanización, reportándose que la técnica de diafanización por maceración con KOH es válida para diafanizar dientes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue utilizar NaOH en la técnica de diafanización dental por maceración, como una variante de KOH al ser una base de similar característica que el KOH. Se utilizaron 13 dientes (siete tercer molares, cinco premolares y un canino) para realizar tres variantes de la técnica de diafanización: técnica de Robertson, por maceración con KOH y por maceración con NaOH utilizando barra agitadora y agitador magnético en los dientes. Con la técnica de Robertson se obtuvo un diente completamente transparentado, mientras que los dientes diafanizados por maceración, tanto con KOH y NaOH, se transparentaron menos, aunque se hicieron visibles los conductos radiculares, por lo que el uso de NaOH en la técnica de diafanización por maceración es válida, aunque requiere más tiempo que la maceración por KOH.

SUMMARY: To preserve cadaveric material, different techniques, and solutions have been created where one technique is dental diaphanization to study the internal morphology of the tooth. This technique consists of making the calcified tooth tissue transparent and making the root canals visible by injecting a dye mixture into them. Different variants of the diaphanization technique have been described, such as the Okumura and the Robertson techniques. However, both techniques use toxic or difficult-to-access reagents, so a search has been made for low- cost and easily accessible reagents to perform the diaphanization technique, reporting that the diaphanization technique by maceration with KOH is valid for the diaphanization of teeth. This study aimed to use NaOH in the dental clearing technique by maceration as a variant of KOH since it is a base with similar characteristics to KOH. Thirteen teeth (seven third molars, five premolars, and one canine) were used to perform three variants of the diaphanization technique: Robertson technique, KOH maceration, and NaOH maceration using a stirring bar and magnetic stirrer on the teeth. With the Robertson technique, a completely transparent tooth was obtained, while the teeth cleared by maceration, with both KOH and NaOH, were less transparent, although the root canals became visible. Therefore, using NaOH in the diaphanization technique by maceration is valid, although it requires more time than KOH maceration.

Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior and Quality of Life in the Chilean Population: ENCAVI Results, 2015-2016.

Regular physical activity (PA) is indicated to be one of the main healthy habits that allow populations to achieve a good quality of life (QoL); however, levels of physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior (SB) have risen worldwide, with negative health effects. The aim of this study is to analyze PI and SB levels, as well as their association with QoL in the Chilean population. A secondary analysis was performed based on the database from the 2015-2016 National Quality of Life Survey (ENCAVI) in Chile, using the modules for sociodemographic characteristics, health, and PA. Contingency tables and logistic regressions were conducted to determine the association between PI (low-intensity PA, LIPA; low-moderate PA, LMPA), SB (P75), and QoL adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Approximately 84%, 83%, and 47% of the participants presented LIPA, LMPA, and moderate-high SB, respectively. Participants that presented high PI and SB had lower QoL scores than those who were more active (p < 0.05). We observe that, in people with PI (LIPA), there is a higher risk of a low QoL regarding mental and physical components (OR 1.941; OR 1.189, p < 0.001) among females (OR 1.473; OR 1.513, p < 0.001) and those of a low educational level (OR 2.170; OR 1.410 p < 0.001). People with PI (LMPA) increased their risk for a low QoL in regard to mental and physical components (OR 1.750; OR 1.458, p < 0.001) among females (OR 1.528; OR 1.507, p < 0.001) and those of a low educational level (OR 2.195; OR 1.402 p < 0.001). We observe that people with SB (P75) increased their risk of a low QoL concerning physical and mental components (OR 1.475; OR 1.257, p < 0.001) for those of the female gender (OR 1.615; OR 1.563, p < 0.001) and a low educational level (OR 2.248; OR 1.423 p < 0.001). High levels of PI in both intensities and SB impact QoL in the Chilean population. It is crucial to generate public policies for more PA, especially for females and those of lower educational levels.

Use of the speed achieved on the 6MWT for programming aerobic training in patients recovering from severe COVID-19: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who suffered severe COVID-19 need pulmonary rehabilitation. Training may be prescribed objectively based on the maximum speed in the six-minute walk test. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a personalized pulmonary rehabilitation program based on the six-minute walk test speed for post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Observational quasi-experimental study. The pulmonary rehabilitation program consisted of 8 weeks of training, twice a week for 60 minutes per session of supervised exercise. Additionally, the patients carried out home respiratory training. Patients were evaluated by exercise test, spirometry and the Fatigue Assessment Scale before and after the eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. RESULTS: After the pulmonary rehabilitation program, forced vital capacity increased from 2.47 ± 0.60 to 3.06 ± 0.77 L (p < .001) and the six-minute walk test result increased from 363.50 ± 88.87 to 480.9 ± 59.25 m (p < .001). In fatigue perception, a significant decrease was observed, from 24.92 ± 7.01 to 19.10 ± 7.07 points (p < .01). Isotime evaluation of the Incremental Test and the Continuous Test showed a significant reduction in heart rate, dyspnoea and fatigue. CONCLUSION: The eight-week personalized pulmonary rehabilitation program prescribed on the basis of the six-minute walk test speed improved respiratory function, fatigue perception and the six-minute walk test result in post-COVID-19 patients.KEY MESSAGESCOVID-19 is a multisystem disease with common complications affecting the respiratory, cardiac and musculoskeletal systems.The 6MWT speed-based training plan allowed for increased speed and incline during the eight-week RP program.Aerobic, strength and flexibility training reduced HR, dyspnoea and fatigue in severe post-COVID-19 patients.

Análisis de los textos escolares del estudiante de ciencias naturales en primer ciclo básico desde la perspectiva de la terminología anatómica internacional / Analysis of science and biology school textbooks in primary from the perspective of international anatomical terminology

A pesar de los esfuerzos por generar una terminología unificada, hoy en día aún se implementan términos morfológicos obsoletos en diferentes contextos, como por ejemplo, los textos escolares, que son herramientas ampliamente utilizadas por el sistema escolar chileno. Se analizó la terminología morfológica utilizada en textos del estudiante de enseñanza básica (1° básico a 6° básico) propuestos por el Ministerio de Educación de Chile. Este análisis se realizó comparando los términos hallados en los textos mencionados, con la terminología morfológica propuesta por la federación internacional de terminología anatómica. Además, se propone una traducción al español para aquellos términos que se encuentran erróneos en los textos analizados. Los resultados muestran que de un total de 254 términos el 35,8 % es incorrecto. De estos, los más mencionados por los textos son: sistema locomotor, sistema circulatorio, brazo, entre otros. Frente a esto, se concluye que es importante que los textos escolares utilizados en el sistema educativo sean revisados por expertos, para evitar obstáculos en el aprendizaje de la anatomía.

SUMMARY: Despite efforts to generate a unified terminology, obsolete morphological terms are still used in different contexts, such as school textbooks, which are tools widely used by the Chilean school system. The morphological terminology used in texts for elementary school students (grades 1 to 6) proposed by the Chilean Ministry of Education was analyzed. This analysis was carried out by comparing the terms found in the school texts with the morphological terminology proposed by the international federation of anatomical terminology. In addition, a translation into Spanish is proposed for those terms that are found to be erroneous in the texts analyzed. The results show that out of a total of 254 terms, 35.8 % are incorrect. Among the terms with errors, the most mentioned by the texts are: locomotor system, circulatory system, arm, among others. In view of this, we conclude that it is important that the textbooks used in the educational system be reviewed by experts to avoid obstacles in the learning of anatomy.

Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Teachers during the Second COVID-19 Wave.

There is a strong background indicating that the teaching profession is one of the most stressful and that their mental health has deteriorated even further during the pandemic. However, there is a little background about the impact of the COVID-19 infection peaks and teachers' mental health. To this end, 313 teachers were recruited. Via online questionnaires, an evaluation was performed on their depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms on the DASS-21 scale. Teachers' sociodemographic and socio-personal data were also analyzed. A binary logistic regression was used to analyze the variables which could be associated with each of the symptoms. High rates of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were observed among teachers (67%, 73%, and 86%, respectively). Among teachers who were affected by the work-family balance (89%), there was also an increased risk of symptoms of anxiety (OR: 3.2) and stress (OR: 3.5). Depression symptom risk was higher among women (OR: 2.2), and teachers under 35 years old had a risk of presenting all three symptoms (depression OR: 2.2; anxiety OR: 4.0; stress OR 3.0). In contrast, teaching in private educational establishments was a protective factor for anxiety symptoms (OR: 0.3). The results suggest that the second COVID-19 wave profoundly affected teachers' mental health. Urgent interventions are thus needed to aid teachers' mental health.

Eight Weeks of Supervised Pulmonary Rehabilitation Are Effective in Improving Resting Heart Rate and Heart Rate Recovery in Severe COVID-19 Patient Survivors of Mechanical Ventilation.

Background and Objectives: Patients who survive severe COVID-19 require significant pulmonary rehabilitation. Heart rate (HR) has been used as a safety variable in the evaluation of the results of interventions in patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of this research was to analyse HR during a pulmonary rehabilitation program in post-severe COVID-19 patients who survived mechanical ventilation (MV). The study includes the initial and final evaluations and aerobic training sessions. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (58 ± 13 years, 11 men) were trained for 8 weeks. A 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) was performed and, subsequently, a supervised and individualised training plan was created. Resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate recovery (HRR), heart rate at minute 6 (HR6 min) and the product of HR6 min and systolic blood pressure (HR6 minxSBP) were measured at 6 MWT. In addition, HR was measured at each training session. Results: After 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation, patients decreased their RHR from 81.95 ± 9.36 to 73.60 ± 9.82 beats/min (p < 0.001) and significantly increased their HRR from 12.45 ± 10.22 to 20.55 ± 7.33 beats/min (p = 0.005). HR6 min presented a significant relationship with walking speed and walked distance after the pulmonary rehabilitation period (r = 0.555, p = 0.011 and r = 0.613, p = 0.011, respectively). HR6 minxSBP presented a significant relationship with walking speed and walked distance after training (r = 0.538, p = 0.014 and r = 0.568, p = 0.008, respectively). In the pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, a significant decrease in HR was observed at minutes 1, 6 and 15 (p < 0.05) between sessions 1 and 6 and at minute 1 between sessions 1 and 12. Conclusions: Eight weeks of individualised and supervised pulmonary rehabilitation were effective in improving RHR and HRR in COVID-19 patients surviving MV. HR is an easily accessible indicator that could help to monitor the evaluation and development of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in COVID-19 patients who survived MV.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Life in Chilean Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Teaching professionals have reported multiple conditions associated with low quality of life (QoL) perception. Various studies have also reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In this context, there are few studies regarding the association between low QoL perception and MSD suffering in teachers. Objective: Therefore, in this study the aim was evaluate MSD prevalence and its association with teachers' QoL perception. Participants and Methods: A total sample of 544 Chilean teachers were included in a cross-sectional study. MSD prevalence was evaluated via the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and QoL perception via the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Instrument. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between MSD and QoL perception adjusted for gender and age. Results: A total of 91% of teachers have had some MSD in the last 12 months, and 28.86% have had 6 or more painful regions. Females showed greater MSD prevalence than males. Teachers who reported no MSD had higher QoL scores compared to teachers with MSD. The group of teachers with the most MSD (≥p75) saw significant increases in the risk of having low scores in the physical (OR: 2.82) and mental components (OR: 2.65) of QoL. By contrast, teachers without MSD have a buffer effect for their QoL (physical OR: 0.2; mental OR: 0.44). Conclusions: High MSD prevalence suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders to protect teachers' mental and physical health, considering the multiple risk factors to which teachers are exposed given their work conditions in Chile and worldwide.

Association between Emotional Exhaustion and Tobacco Consumption in Teachers.

Teachers have been reported as having high levels of emotional exhaustion (EE). It has also been observed that tobacco consumption (TC) is higher during stressful events. However, there is little evidence about the association between EE and TC among teachers. A total of n = 560 teachers took part in this study, where 71.79% (n = 402) were women. For data gathering, the EE dimension of the Maslach Inventory for teachers was used, along with a TC questionnaire and the sociodemographic data of the participants. A binary logistical regression model was used for statistical analysis. Regarding TC, over 30% of teachers declared that they smoked; 65% of the teachers presented medium-high EE and 31% of teachers presented high EE. Teachers who said they were smokers had a greater risk of presenting high EE (OR: 1.7, p < 0.05), along with younger teachers (≤44 years; OR: 2.1, p < 0.01). In addition, teachers with high EE also have a high risk of TC. The present study reports an association between TC and high EE category among teachers, regardless of gender. An important association is also observed between the under-45 age group and high EE. These results indicate that teachers should have psychological support and interventions aiding them with facing work stress and TC habits, especially for younger teachers.

Profile of morphology teachers in Chilean universities / Perfil de los docentes de morfología en universidades chilenas

SUMMARY: University teaching in Chile has been influenced in recent decades by changes to the education system, which has increased universities and academic offerings and, therefore, the demand for new instructors. Teaching morphological sciences has not been exempt from these changes, with new instructors needed to fill the growing offerings of programs that include anatomy, embryology and histology. The aim was to understand the profile of the academics teaching morphology in Chile in 2020. A voluntary online survey was applied to 213 university morphology teachers, in which information was collected on professional and academic training, geographical distribution, gender, continuing academic education and employment situation. Overall, the results show that 65.9 % of instructors were men and 35.1 % women, and most (34.6 %) had between 5 and 10 years in morphology, and a master's degree was predominant (53.27 %). In the area of anatomy, 46 % of instructors were physiotherapists and 24.6 % dentists, whereas in the areas of histology and embryology, the group was diverse. In terms of employment, 49.06 % stated they worked full time, mainly in teaching.41.31 % of the instructors were concentrated in the Metropolitan Region. There was no association between gender and graduate training, maximum academic degree attained, type of workday or academic profile, but there was one by disciplinary area. The conclusion drawn is that morphology teachers in Chilean universities are part of a wide range of professionals dedicated to different disciplinary areas, with master's degree and/or specialization, located mainly in the Metropolitan Region. This multidisciplinary profile demonstrates the mainstreaming of morphology teaching in Chile.

RESUMEN: La docencia universitaria en Chile se ha visto influenciada en las últimas décadas por modificaciones del sistema educativo, las cuales generaron un incremento de universidades y oferta académica y, por ende, demanda de nuevos docentes. La enseñanza de las ciencias morfológicas no ha quedado exenta de estos cambios, teniendo que enfrentar la necesidad de nuevos docentes requeridos para suplir la creciente oferta de programas que incluyen a la anatomía, embriología e histología. El objetivo fue conocer el perfil de los académicos que realizaron docencia de morfología en Chile el año 2020. Se aplicó una encuesta online voluntaria a 213 académicos universitarios de morfología, en la cual se recopiló información sobre formación profesional, académica, distribución geográfica, género, perfeccionamiento académico y situación laboral. Los resultados, en general, muestran que el 65,9 % de los docentes eran hombres y un 35,1 % mujeres, los que en su mayoría (34,6 %) tenían entre 5 y 10 años vinculados a la morfología y donde prevalecía el grado académico de magíster (53,27 %). En el área de la anatomía el 46 % de los docentes correspondió a kinesiólogos y el 24,6 % a odontólogos, mientras que, en las áreas de histología y embriología el grupo fue misceláneo. En el ámbito laboral el 49,06 % declaró tener jornada completa, destinada principalmente a la docencia. El 41,31 % de los docentes se concentró en la Región Metropolitana. No hubo asociación entre género y formación de postgrado, máximo grado académico alcanzado, tipo de jornada y perfil académico, pero si hubo por área disciplinar. Se concluye que los docentes de morfología en Chile pertenecen a un amplio espectro de profesionales dedicados a distintas áreas disciplinares, con formación de magíster y/o especialización, ubicados principalmente en la Región Metropolitana. Este perfil multidisciplinar demuestra la transversalidad de la docencia morfológica en Chile.

Shoulder Pain in COVID-19 Survivors Following Mechanical Ventilation.

COVID-19 has caused a certain proportion of patients to be hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) and may cause musculoskeletal and neurological deficits following intubation and mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to quantify and describe the presence of shoulder pain in patients released from hospitals after suffering COVID-19. Patients with positive Apley tests were sent to a physiatrist for a clinical evaluation, ultrasound and electromyography (EMG). This evaluation was completed with a pain scale, joint range and shoulder muscle strength evaluations. Of the one-hundred-sixteen patients, seventy eight entered the respiratory rehabilitation program. Twenty patients were sent to the multidisciplinary shoulder team for positive Apley scratch tests. Of these twenty patients, one had only an EMG, ten had only ultrasounds, seven had an EMG and ultrasound and two did not need complementary tests. The twenty patients were sent to the physical therapist, with all presenting pain and diminished joint range and muscle strength in the affected shoulder. In this context, shoulder pain could be associated with the prone position in the ICU. We suggest time control and position change for patients on mechanical ventilation in a prone position with COVID-19.

Teacher Teleworking during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Association between Work Hours, Work-Family Balance and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Teachers worldwide had to reinvent their work routine according to teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic, a work format that negatively impacts individuals' physical and mental health. This study evaluates the association between work hours, work-family balance and quality of life (QoL) among teachers during the Chilean health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers from across Chile were contacted via email and social media to answer an online survey. QoL was evaluated via the SF-36 questionnaire, work hours and work-family balance in the pandemic. A total of 336 teachers from across Chile participated in this study. Teachers had a low QoL score, associated with age (p < 0.05). Teachers who were ≤44 showed lower deterioration risks in the Physical Component Summary (OR: 0.54) than the ≥45-year-old age group; simultaneously, the younger group (≤44 years) had a greater risk (OR: 2.46) of deterioration in the Mental Component Summary than teachers over 45 years. A total of 78.7% of teachers reported having increased their work hours during the COVID-19 pandemic due to teleworking and 86% indicated negative effects on their work-family balance. Pandemic work hours and negative work-family balance increase the risk of reducing the Mental Component Summary (OR: 1.902; OR: 3.996, respectively). Teachers presented low median QoL scores, especially in the Mental Component Summary, suggesting that it would be beneficial to promote a better workload distribution for teachers in emergency contexts, considering the adverse effects of teleworking.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated With Quality of Life and Body Composition in Urban and Rural Public School Teachers.

Introduction: Teachers have been reported to be a labor group with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), stress, and strong deterioration of quality of life (QoL). However, little information exists about the association between MSD, QoL, and body composition in rural and urban teachers. Objective: The aim was to study the association of MSD with QoL perception and body composition of urban and rural teachers. Participants and Methods: Participants are comprised a representative sample of urban and rural public schoolteachers from the Valparaiso Region, Chile. MSDs were evaluated with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptoms validated for the Chilean population. QoL perception was evaluated with the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36). Body composition was measured via bioimpedance. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between MSD, QoL, and body composition, adjusted for age and gender. Results: A total of 88.9% (urban 90%; rural 87%) of teachers felt pain in some body area, 71.2% of them with limitations; 39% of teachers presented body fat obesity, with the highest rate in rural women. The body area with the greatest MSD prevalence was the neck and shoulders (68.6%). Significant differences were observed between teachers with >p75 of MSD (over six pain regions) and those with ≤p75 (six or fewer painful regions; p < 0.05) on six QoL scales and on physical health components (PCSs) and mental health (MCS) in urban teachers. However, rural teachers presented no differences. The association between teachers with >p75 MSD and low QoL perception was significant (p < 0.05) in PCS and MCS. Furthermore, the regression model presents a significant association between rural areas and low PCS perception. Conclusions: Urban and rural teachers present high rates of MSD and obesity. Teachers with higher rates of MSD have their mental and physical QoL affected, making workplace intervention in MSD necessary to prevent teacher health deterioration.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Teacher Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study from before and during the Health Crisis.

BACKGROUND: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers were already reporting a low quality of life (QoL) perception, with a significant impact on mental and physical health due to various stress factors associated with work overload. The objective of this study was to evaluate the QoL impact on Chilean teachers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis was performed following a longitudinal design on a sample of 63 Chilean teachers in pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic timeframes. QoL perception, along with teachers' sociodemographic data, was evaluated via the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables presented no significant variations in pre-pandemic and pandemic comparisons. QoL, however, showed a significant decrease during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic measurement (p < 0.01). In each gender, there were significant differences between pre-pandemic and pandemic timeframes, with a greater impact among women in the mental and physical component summary variables and seven of the eight QoL scales (p < 0.01). Between age categories, people under 45 presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between pre-pandemic and pandemic timeframes in all summary dimensions and measurements. In conclusion, Chilean teachers' QoL perception has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings could be related to work overload due to teleworking or feelings of uncertainty, loneliness, and fear that the pandemic and its associated confinements will worsen.

Association between air flow limitation and body composition in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Body composition (BC) influences respiratory system mechanics, provoking air flow limitation (AFL). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of AFL in small- and medium-caliber airways with BC in young adults. METHODS: Eighty-three individuals were recruited (40 men and 43 women). To determine AFL, the following measurements were taken: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% (FEF25-75%), airway resistance (Raw), and specific airway resistance (sRaw). The measured BC variables were body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), and fat-free mass (FFM). Binary logistical regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the AFL variables and %BF, BMI, and %FFM, adjusting for weight and gender. RESULTS: Among men, a relationship was observed between Raw and %BF (r = 0.728; p < 0.0001) and sRaw and BMI (r = 0.617; p < 0.0001). Among women, significant relationships were reported between Raw and BMI (r = 0.615; p < 0.0001) and sRaw and BMI (r = 0.556; p < 0.0001). Among participants with a BMI over 30 kg/m2, higher risks of increased Raw (OR = 26.8; p = 0.009) and sRaw (OR = 9.3; p = 0.002) were observed. Furthermore, higher %BF was associated with greater risks for increased Raw (OR = 14.04; p = 0.030) and sRaw (OR = 4.14; p = 0.028). In contrast, increased %FFM (OR = 0.14; p = 0.025) was a protective factor for lung function. CONCLUSION: Increased %BF is associated with increased AFL in small-caliber airways. Furthermore, increased %FFM is associated with decreased risk for Raw and sRaw in women. Therefore, evidence indicates that increased %FFM is a protective factor for adequate lung function.

Comparison of Haptic and Biometric Properties, Bacterial Load, and Student Perception of Fixative Solutions: Formaldehyde Versus Chilean Conservative Fixative Solution with and without Formaldehyde in Pig Kidneys.

One of the most widely used solutions to fix and preserve organic tissues is formaldehyde, despite reservations regarding its toxicity and the fact that formaldehyde-embalmed bodies lose their original characteristics. Anatomy laboratories have been replacing formaldehyde with solutions that retain the characteristics of fresh tissue. For this purpose, alternative solutions with a very low concentration of formaldehyde or without any formaldehyde have been analyzed. The objective of this study was to compare biometry, coloration, haptic properties, and bacterial load on animal specimens (pig kidneys) embalmed with formaldehyde, and with Chilean Conservative Fixative Solution with and without formaldehyde (formaldehyde chCFS and formaldehyde-free chCFS). Also, the perception of health and biological science students toward specimens treated with different solutions was assessed. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in specimens' retraction, or bacterial load. Students showed a preference for organs embalmed in formaldehyde chCFS and formaldehyde-free chCFS; indicating that with these treatments they could better visualize structures and that the prosections had greater flexibility and the colors were more similar to those of fresh tissue. Additionally, students recommended the material embalmed in formaldehyde chCFS and formaldehyde-free chCFS for anatomy learning. In contrast, students indicated that formaldehyde-fixation negatively affected their practical experience. In conclusion, embalming with formaldehyde chCFS or formaldehyde-free chCFS provides an advantageous practical experience over the use of formaldehyde and may be an alternative to replace the use of formaldehyde in anatomy laboratories.