Enhancing Selenium Accumulation in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Strain 6S Using a Proteomic Approach for Aquafeed Development.

It is known that selenium (Se) is an essential trace element, important for the growth and other biological functions of fish. One of its most important functions is to contribute to the preservation of certain biological components, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, providing protection against free radicals resulting from normal metabolism. The objective of this study was to evaluate and optimize selenium accumulation in the native yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 6S. Sodium selenite was evaluated at different concentrations (5-10-15-20-30-40 mg/L). Similarly, the effects of different concentrations of nitrogen sources and pH on cell growth and selenium accumulation in the yeast were analyzed. Subsequently, the best cultivation conditions were scaled up to a 2 L reactor with constant aeration, and the proteome of the yeast cultured with and without sodium selenite was evaluated. The optimal conditions for biomass generation and selenium accumulation were found with ammonium chloride and pH 5.5. Incorporating sodium selenite (30 mg/L) during the exponential phase in the bioreactor after 72 h of cultivation resulted in 10 g/L of biomass, with 0.25 mg total Se/g biomass, composed of 25% proteins, 15% lipids, and 0.850 mg total carotenoids/g biomass. The analysis of the proteomes associated with yeast cultivation with and without selenium revealed a total of 1871 proteins. The results obtained showed that the dynamic changes in the proteome, in response to selenium in the experimental medium, are directly related to catalytic activity and oxidoreductase activity in the yeast. R. mucilaginosa 6S could be an alternative for the generation of selenium-rich biomass with a composition of other nutritional compounds also of interest in aquaculture, such as proteins, lipids, and pigments.

Lipid Production from Native Oleaginous Yeasts Isolated from Southern Chilean Soil Cultivated in Industrial Vinasse Residues.

In this research, six strains of oleaginous yeasts native to southern Chile were analyzed for their biotechnological potential in lipid accumulation. For this purpose, the six strains, named PP1, PP4, PR4, PR10, PR27 and PR29, were cultivated in a nitrogen-deficient synthetic mineral medium (SMM). Then, two strains were selected and cultivated in an industrial residual "vinasse", under different conditions of temperature (°C), pH and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Finally, under optimized conditions, the growth kinetics and determination of the lipid profile were evaluated. The results of growth in the SMM indicate that yeasts PP1 and PR27 presented biomass concentrations and lipid accumulation percentages of 2.73 and 4.3 g/L of biomass and 36.6% and 45.3% lipids, respectively. Subsequently, for both strains, when cultured in the residual vinasse under optimized environmental conditions, biomass concentrations of 14.8 ± 1.51 g/L (C/N 80) and 15.83 ± 0.57 g/L (C/N 50) and lipid accumulations of 28% and 30% were obtained for PP1 and PR27, respectively. The composition of the triglycerides (TGs), obtained in the culture of the yeasts in a 2 L reactor, presented 64.25% of saturated fatty acids for strain PR27 and 47.18% for strain PP1. The saturated fatty acid compositions in both strains are mainly constituted of fatty acids, myristic C 14:0, heptadecanoic C 17:0, palmitic C 16:0 and stearic C 18:0, and the monounsaturated fatty acids constituted of oleic acid C 18:1 (cis 9) (28-46%), and in smaller amounts, palmitoleic acid and heptadecenoic acid. This work demonstrates that the native yeast strains PP1 and PR27 are promising strains for the production of microbial oils similar to conventional vegetable oils. The potential applications in the energy or food industries, such as aquaculture, are conceivable.

Obesity Is Associated with Changes in Laboratory Biomarkers in Chilean Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is reported that patients with obesity are more frequently hospitalized for COVID-19, and evidence exists that obesity is a risk factor, regardless of other comorbidities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of obesity with changes in laboratory biomarkers in hospitalized Chilean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 202 hospitalized patients (71 with obesity and 131 without obesity) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (days 1, 3, 7, 15) data were obtained. We performed a statistical analysis, assuming significance with a value of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences in chronic respiratory pathology are observed between patients with and without obesity. The inflammatory markers CPR, ferritin, NLR, and PLR are elevated during the evaluated period, while changes in leukocyte populations are present on day 1 (eosinophils) and day 3 (lymphocytes). Finally, a persistent elevation of D-dimer level is observed, presenting significant differences on day 7 between patients with and without obesity. Obesity had a positive correlation with admission to the critical patient unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity hospitalized for COVID-19 present marked elevations of inflammatory and hemostasis parameters, with a correlation between obesity, changes in laboratory biomarkers, and the risk of adverse clinical outcomes also observed.

Protist-Lactic Acid Bacteria Co-Culture as a Strategy to Bioaccumulate Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Protist Aurantiochytrium sp. T66.

Thraustochytrids are aquatic unicellular protists organisms that represent an important reservoir of a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are involved in the regulation of the immune system. In this study, we explore the use of co-cultures of Aurantiochytrium sp. and bacteria as a biotechnological tool capable of stimulating PUFA bioaccumulation. In particular, the co-culture of lactic acid bacteria and the protist Aurantiochytrium sp. T66 induce PUFA bioaccumulation, and the lipid profile was evaluated in cultures at different inoculation times, with two different strains of lactic acid bacteria capable of producing the tryptophan dependent auxins, and one strain of Azospirillum sp., as a reference for auxin production. Our results showed that the Lentilactobacillus kefiri K6.10 strain inoculated at 72 h gives the best PUFA content (30.89 mg g-1 biomass) measured at 144 h of culture, three times higher than the control (8.87 mg g-1 biomass). Co-culture can lead to the generation of complex biomasses with higher added value for developing aquafeed supplements.

Bioconversion of Cheese Whey and Food By-Products by Phaeodactylum tricornutum into Fucoxanthin and n-3 Lc-PUFA through a Biorefinery Approach.

This study investigates the potential of utilizing three food wastes: cheese whey (CW), beet molasses (BM), and corn steep liquor (CSL) as alternative nutrient sources for the cultivation of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a promising source of polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the carotenoid fucoxanthin. The CW media tested did not significantly impact the growth rate of P. tricornutum; however, CW hydrolysate significantly enhances cell growth. BM in cultivation medium enhances biomass production and fucoxanthin yield. The optimization of the new food waste medium was conducted through the application of a response surface methodology (RSM) using hydrolyzed CW, BM, and CSL as factors. The results showed a significant positive impact of these factors (p < 0.005), with an optimized biomass yield of 2.35 g L-1 and a fucoxanthin yield of 3.64 mg L-1 using a medium composed of 33 mL L-1 of CW, 2.3 g L-1 of BM, and 2.24 g L-1 of CSL. The experimental results reported in this study showed that some food by-products from a biorefinery perspective could be utilized for the efficient production of fucoxanthin and other high-added-value products such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Eating Patterns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the eating patterns of preschool- and school-aged children with ASD, as provided by their families, in the La Araucanía Region of Chile. It involved a cross-sectional study with 72 families with children diagnosed with ASD aged between 2 and 12 years old. Food selectivity, appetite, body mass index (BMI) and frequency of food consumption were studied. The research determined that 97.67% present food selectivity, corresponding to alterations in the frequency of consumption of specific food groups. Moreover, 93.06%, 90.28%, 80.56% and 62.50% of children in the study do not meet the daily recommendations for fruit, fish, water and vegetable consumption, respectively. Therefore, it is important for these findings to be considered when designing and carrying out educational interventions regarding food in families with children with ASD for greater assertiveness and effectiveness in improving health.

Clinical simulation with dramatization, a teaching-learning strategy for undergraduate students of nutrition and dietetics

At present, education in Health Sciences requires interaction with real patients, which is made more complex due to the need to ensure their health safety. For this reason, new teaching methodologies are now being implemented, which help to improve and protect safe care. Objective: This study was carried out using a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive design. Materials and Methods: The sample was non-probabilistic and consisted of 87 undergraduate students. A questionnaire was used, with 18 statements divided into 3 dimensions: dimension 1, simulation structure, with six questions reflecting aspects related to its implementation; dimension 2, learning, with seven questions related to aspects of effective communication, trust, learning and respect for diversity; dimension 3, feedback for learning, with five questions, including feedback by the teacher and the simulated patient, as well as their own views with regard to participating in another similar experience again. A five-point Likert scale was used. Results: The three dimensions studied, simulation structure, learning and feedback for learning, report a high level of positive perceptions. Conclusion: The simulation strategy is an educational tool in health-related careers that enhances the clinical competencies of the students as well as the relevant theoretical and practical skills and abilities in their learning process, promoting integration of the knowledge acquired in previous subjects(AU)

En la actualidad, la formación en Ciencias de la Salud requiere de la interacción con pacientes reales, lo que se hace más complejo por la necesidad de velar por la seguridad de su salud. Por ello, ahora se están implementando nuevas metodologías docentes que ayudan a mejorar y proteger la atención segura. Objetivo: Este estudio se llevó a cabo con un enfoque cuantitativo con un diseño no experimental, descriptivo. Materiales y métodos: La muestra fue no probabilística a conveniencia y estuvo conformada por 87 estudiantes de pregrado. Se utilizó un cuestionario, con 18 enunciados divididos en 3 dimensiones: dimensión 1, estructura de simulación, con seis preguntas que reflejan aspectos relacionados con su implementación; la dimensión 2, aprendizaje, con siete preguntas relacionadas con aspectos de comunicación efectiva, confianza, aprendizaje y respeto a la diversidad; dimensión 3, retroalimentación para el aprendizaje, con cinco preguntas, que incluye la retroalimentación del docente y del paciente simulado, así como sus propias opiniones con respecto a participar nuevamente en otra experiencia similar. Se utilizó una escala tipo Likert de cinco puntos. Resultados: Las tres dimensiones estudiadas, estructura de simulación, aprendizaje y retroalimentación para el aprendizaje, reportan un alto nivel de percepciones positivas. Conclusión: La estrategia de simulación es una herramienta educativa en carreras afines a la salud que potencia las competencias clínicas de los estudiantes, así como las destrezas y habilidades teóricas y prácticas pertinentes en su proceso de aprendizaje, favoreciendo la integración de los conocimientos adquiridos en materias anteriores(AU)

Weight stigma of nutrition and dietetics students towards people with obesity

ABSTRACT Weight bias is present in different scenarios, one of them is the area of health on the part of its professionals. For this reason, the aim of this descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was to determine whether weight bias towards people with obesity was observed among students of the Nutrition and Dietetics career of the Catholic University of Temuco and to provide corrective measures to prevent the bias. The participants of this study were 94 nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students from different years of study. Students answered the GAMS 27-Obesity. According to the results obtained in this study, future nutritionists have a predisposition to weight bias towards people with obesity, this can have a negative impact on the care of these patients. Implementing corrective measures, during professional training, can prevent weight bias towards people with obesity by future professionals, thus improving their quality of care and positively impacting the health of these people.

RESUMEN El sesgo de peso está presente en diferentes escenarios, uno de ellos es el área de la salud por parte de sus profesionales. Por tal motivo el objetivo de este estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal fue determinar si existe presencia de sesgo de peso hacia las personas con obesidad, por parte de estudiantes de la carrera de Nutrición y Dietética de la Universidad Católica de Temuco y brindar medidas correctivas para prevenir este sesgo. Los participantes de este estudio fueron 94 estudiantes de pregrado en nutrición y dietética, de diferentes generaciones a quienes se les aplicó el GAMS 27-Obesidad. Según los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, los futuros nutricionistas tienen una predisposición al sesgo de peso hacia las personas con obesidad, esto puede repercutir negativamente en el cuidado de estos pacientes. La implementación de medidas correctivas, durante la formación profesional, puede evitar el sesgo de peso hacia las personas con obesidad por parte de los futuros profesionales, mejorando así su calidad asistencial e impactando positivamente en la salud de estas personas.

Airborne bacterial community associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) under different air quality indices in Temuco city, southern Chile.

Temuco (Chile) is one of the most polluted cities in Chile and Latin America. Although the fine fraction of particulate matter (PM2.5) has been extensively studied and monitored due to its negative impact on public health, its microbiological components remain unknown. We explored, the airborne bacterial community in PM2.5 under good, moderate, alert, pre-emergency and emergency indices of air quality (AQIs) established by the Chilean government. Bacterial community relationship with environmental factors (PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, among others), was also evaluated. Significant differences in PM2.5 bacterial community composition associated with AQIs were revealed, using 16S rRNA target sequences of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) bands. Bacterial communities in PM2.5 were mainly clustered (80%) into emergency and pre-emergency samples. The dominant phylum was Proteobacteria and most abundant genus was Novosphingobium, traditionally related to opportunistic respiratory diseases. The main factors associated with community structure were PM2.5, PM10 and carbon monoxide concentrations. This study exposed that bacterial community composition in Temuco varies according to AQIs, with the occurrence of potential opportunistic bacteria on heavily polluted days.

Nutrition education intervention for children with cancer and their parents

ABSTRACT Pediatric cancer in Chile is the leading cause of death resulting from disease in children, with an incidence of 14.5 per 100,000 children under 15 years of age. Overweight or obesity can be a possible side effect of treatment, and parents are key agents in influencing child habits. In this study, an educational program on healthy eating was developed directed at parents of children with cancer with the aim of contributing positively to diet quality. Twelve children with cancer were involved in the research together with their parents/guardians. A nutritional evaluation was carried out considering weight, height, waist circumference and skin folds. Diet was analyzed based on a 24-hour dietary recall, a 3-day diet diary and a frequency consumption survey (initial/final). Six nutrition education sessions were carried out. The results show a high prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity, along with a high intake of candy, pastry products and sugary beverages, coupled with a low intake of fruit, vegetables, fish and water. After conducting educational intervention, a decrease in the consumption of unhealthy foods and an increase in healthy foods was achieved. Children with cancer in our sample had high levels of overweight and obesity and unhealthy eating habits, which is consistent with the results of a large part of studies carried out in this population. This can, however, be positively modified by engaging them and their parents/guardians in nutrition education.

RESUMEN El cáncer pediátrico en Chile es la principal causa de muerte por enfermedad en los niños, y presenta una incidencia de 14,5 por 100.000 niños menores de 15 años. El sobrepeso o la obesidad pueden ser un posible efecto secundario del tratamiento, y en este escenario los padres/tutores son agentes clave para influir en los hábitos del menor. En este estudio se desarrolló un programa educativo sobre alimentación saludable dirigido a padres/tutores de niños con cáncer con el objetivo de contribuir positivamente a la calidad de su dieta. Doce niños con cáncer participaron en la investigación junto con sus padres/ tutores. Se realizó una evaluación nutricional considerando peso, talla, perímetro de cintura y pliegues cutáneos. La dieta se analizó en base a un recordatorio de 24 horas, un diario de dieta de 3 días y una encuesta de frecuencia de consumo (inicial/ final). Se llevaron a cabo seis sesiones de educación nutricional. Los resultados muestran una alta prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad abdominal, asociados una alta ingesta de dulces, productos de pastelería y bebidas azucaradas, junto con una baja ingesta de frutas, verduras, pescado y agua. Luego de realizar la intervención educativa, se logró una disminución en el consumo de alimentos poco saludables y un aumento en los alimentos saludables. Se concluye que los niños con cáncer presentan altos niveles de desnutrición por exceso y hábitos alimentarios poco saludables, lo que concuerda con los resultados de gran parte de los estudios realizados en esta población. Sin embargo, esto puede modificarse positivamente al involucrar a ellos y a sus padres/ tutores en la educación nutricional.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on the composition of rhizobacterial communities of two Chilean Andisol pastures.

The effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on composition of rhizobacterial communities of volcanic soils (Andisols) from southern Chile at molecular level is poorly understood. This paper investigates the composition of rhizobacterial communities of two Andisols under pasture after 1- and 6-year applications of N (urea) and P (triple superphosphate). Soil samples were collected from two previously established sites and the composition of rhizobacterial communities was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). The difference in the composition and diversity between rhizobacterial communities was assessed by nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and the Shannon-Wiener index. In Site 1 (fertilized for 1 year), PCR-DGGE targeting 16S rRNA genes and MDS analysis showed that moderate N application (270 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)) without P significantly changed the composition of rhizobacterial communities. However, no significant community changes were observed with P (240 kg P ha(-1) year(-1)) and N-P application (270 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) plus 240 kg P ha(-1) year(-1)). In Site 2 (fertilized for 6 years with P; 400 kg P ha(-1) year(-1)), PCR-DGGE targeting rpoB, nifH, amoA and alkaline phosphatase genes and MDS analysis showed changes in rhizobacterial communities only at the highest rate of N application (600 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)). Quantitative PCR targeting 16S rRNA genes also showed higher abundance of bacteria at higher N application. In samples from both sites, the Shannon-Wiener index did not show significant difference in the diversity of rhizobacterial communities. The changes observed in rhizobacterial communities coincide in N fertilized pastures with lower soil pH and higher pasture yields. This study indicates that N-P application affects the soil bacterial populations at molecular level and needs to be considered when developing fertilizer practices for Chilean pastoral Andisols.