Plant-Based Oil-in-Water Food Emulsions: Exploring the Influence of Different Formulations on Their Physicochemical Properties.

The global focus on incorporating natural ingredients into the diet for health improvement encompasses ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) derived from plant sources, such as flaxseed oil. ω-3 PUFAs are susceptible to oxidation, but oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions can serve to protect PUFAs from this phenomenon. This study aimed to create O/W emulsions using flaxseed oil and either soy lecithin or Quillaja saponins, thickened with modified starch, while assessing their physical properties (oil droplet size, ζ-potential, and rheology) and physical stability. Emulsions with different oil concentrations (25% and 30% w/w) and oil-to-surfactant ratio (5:1 and 10:1) were fabricated using high-pressure homogenization (800 bar, five cycles). Moreover, emulsions were thickened with modified starch and their rheological properties were measured. The physical stability of all emulsions was assessed over a 7-day storage period using the TSI (Turbiscan Stability Index). Saponin-stabilized emulsions exhibited smaller droplet diameters (0.11-0.19 µm) compared to lecithin (0.40-1.30 µm), and an increase in surfactant concentration led to a reduction in droplet diameter. Both surfactants generated droplets with a high negative charge (-63 to -72 mV), but lecithin-stabilized emulsions showed greater negative charge, resulting in more intense electrostatic repulsion. Saponin-stabilized emulsions showed higher apparent viscosity (3.9-11.6 mPa·s) when compared to lecithin-stabilized ones (1.19-4.36 mPa·s). The addition of starch significantly increased the apparent viscosity of saponin-stabilized emulsions, rising from 11.6 mPa s to 2117 mPa s. Emulsions stabilized by saponin exhibited higher stability than those stabilized by lecithin. This study confirms that plant-based ingredients, particularly saponins and lecithin, effectively produce stable O/W emulsions with flaxseed oil, offering opportunities for creating natural ingredient-based food emulsions.

Association between Sarcopenia and Nutritional Status in Chilean Older People Aged 65 Years and Older.

In 2018 the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) updated the definition of sarcopenia, with loss of muscle strength being the primary feature. The objective is to describe and associate sarcopenia and nutritional status in a group of Chilean older adults aged 65 years and older. METHODS: Descriptive, associative and comparative study, with a cross-sectional design and a quanti-qualitative approach. A number of 155 institutionalized and community-dwelling Chilean older people aged 65 years and older participated in the study (year 2018). Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the algorithm proposed by the EWGSOP2. Muscle strength, muscle quantity and physical performance were assessed; Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were used. Variables were described according to sex and age groups (65-69; 70-79; and ≥80 years). The association between sarcopenia and nutritional status was studied by the application of multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age and sex. RESULTS: 49.7% and 5.2% of older adults had probable sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia, respectively; 52.9% and 7% had malnutrition by excess and by deficit, respectively, according to their BMI; and 33.5% had malnutrition according to the MNA. Participants with obesity had 3.2 times more risk of presenting sarcopenia, versus subjects with normal nutritional status (OR: 3.2; 95% CI; 1.24; 8.26). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia, as defined by the criteria of the EWGSOP2, depends on the nutritional status according to BMI in older people, with obese individuals being at greater risk of suffering from sarcopenia. Nearly 50% had probable sarcopenia, a condition that could be detected early with the purpose of taking preventive measures, such a nutritional approach.

Impact of the Simulated Gastric Digestion Methodology on the In Vitro Intestinal Proteolysis and Lipolysis of Emulsion Gels.

The aim of this work was to study the impact of the methodology of in vitro gastric digestion (i.e., in terms of motility exerted and presence of gastric emptying) and gel structure on the degree of intestinal proteolysis and lipolysis of emulsion gels stabilized by whey protein isolate. Emulsions were prepared at pH 4.0 and 7.0 using two homogenization pressures (500 and 1000 bar) and then the emulsions were gelled by heat treatment. These gels were characterized in terms of texture analysis, and then were subjected to one of the following gastric digestion methods: in vitro mechanical gastric system (IMGS) or in vitro gastric digestion in a stirred beaker (SBg). After gastric digestion, the samples were subjected to in vitro intestinal digestion in a stirred beaker (SBi). Hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness were significantly higher in gels at pH 7.0. The degree of proteolysis was higher in samples digested by IMGS-SBi (7-21%) than SBg-SBi (3-5%), regardless of the gel's pH. For SBg-SBi, the degree of proteolysis was not affected by pH, but when operating the IMGS, higher hydrolysis values were obtained for gels at pH 7.0 (15-21%) than pH 4.0 (7-13%). Additionally, the percentage of free fatty acids (%FFA) released was reduced by 47.9% in samples digested in the IMGS-SBi. For the methodology SBg-SBi, the %FFA was not affected by the pH, but in the IMGS, higher values were obtained for gels at pH 4.0 (28-30%) than pH 7.0 (15-19%). Our findings demonstrate the importance of choosing representative methods to simulate food digestion in the human gastrointestinal tract and their subsequent impact on nutrient bioaccessibility.

Exploring Determinants of Sexual Satisfaction in a Chilean Representative Sample.

This article examines the relationship between sexual satisfaction and gender, age, social status, being in stable relationships, intercourse frequency, and satisfaction with physical attractiveness (physical appearance and sex appeal). A self-report questionnaire was applied in a representative sample of 767 residents of Santiago (Chile), over 18 years old and that have had, at least, one sexual relation (with penetration) during their lives. Higher sexual satisfaction was predicted negatively by age and positively by higher satisfaction with sex appeal, higher intercourse frequency and having a stable relationship. Among women, the principal predictors are satisfaction with sex appeal and intercourse frequency. Among men to the above, it is necessary to add satisfaction with physical appearance and having a stable relationship - at odds with supposed higher relevance for women of body satisfaction and sensibility to social relationships. Discussion emphasizes the controversial nature of the gender differences found regarding the Latin American culture.

Validation of the Sexual Personal Well-being Index (PWI-Sex).

Objective: The purpose of this study is the validation of a proposed additional item for the PWI-7 scale for measuring sexual satisfaction as a dimension of Personal Well-being.Methodology: An adaptation of the PWI-7 questionnaire was administered to adult inhabitants of urban areas of Santiago, Chile. Analysis consisted of exposition of descriptive statistics, item-scale correlation, item-item correlation, multiple linear regression with the Overall Life Satisfaction Scale (OLS), moderation analysis and, confirmatory factor analysis. All analyses were divided by gender due to significant differences in sexual satisfaction found in literature reviewed.Results: All items were significantly and positively associated with the PWI. Internal consistency was satisfactory for Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.884 for males and α = 0.877 for females). After conducting a Confirmatory Factor Analysis using maximum likelihood (ML) as estimator, adequate levels of adjustment were obtained.Discussion: Results indicate that adding a new item on sexual satisfaction might be a contribution for the measurement of life satisfaction. The scale shows adequate internal consistency once the item is added and the new item on sexual satisfaction has a better fit than the one regarding satisfaction with spiritual life. Factor structure was invariant for males and females.

[Validation of the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) in vulnerable users of health care services in Santiago, Chile]. / Validación del índice de bienestar personal (PWI) en usuarios vulnerables de servicios de salud en Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Personal well-being calculates quality of life in terms of the necessary conditions required to live well. AIM: To validate the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) in a representative sample of vulnerable users of the public health system in Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A probabilistic and multistage sample consisting of 400 individuals aged 44 ± 18 years (61% females) belonging to the lower income group of the National Health Fund (FONASA), residents of Gran Santiago was surveyed. Internal consistency and correlation between items and scale were examined. Structure was analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The seven-item PWI is a good indicator of subjective well-being in the population under study, considering internal consistency, factor loadings, relation with overall life satisfaction and goodness of fit. The indicators mostly associated with personal well-being are the socioeconomic level followed by relationships with the community, health conditions and achievements. CONCLUSIONS: The 7-item version of the PWI is suitable for application in vulnerable health service users.

Validación del índice de bienestar personal (PWI) en usuarios vulnerables de servicios de salud en Santiago, Chile / Validation of the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) in vulnerable users of health care services in Santiago, Chile

Background: Personal well-being calculates quality of life in terms of the necessary conditions required to live well. Aim: To validate the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) in a representative sample of vulnerable users of the public health system in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods. A probabilistic and multistage sample consisting of 400 individuals aged 44 ± 18 years (61% females) belonging to the lower income group of the National Health Fund (FONASA), residents of Gran Santiago was surveyed. Internal consistency and correlation between items and scale were examined. Structure was analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The seven-item PWI is a good indicator of subjective well-being in the population under study, considering internal consistency, factor loadings, relation with overall life satisfaction and goodness of fit. The indicators mostly associated with personal well-being are the socioeconomic level followed by relationships with the community, health conditions and achievements. Conclusions: The 7-item version of the PWI is suitable for application in vulnerable health service users.

Bienestar Subjetivo y Calidad de Vida en la Infancia en Chile / Subjective Well-being and Children's Quality of Life in Chile / O Bem-estar Subjetivo e a Qualidade da Vida na Infância no Chile

El artículo presenta los resultados de la Encuesta Internacional sobre Bienestar Subjetivo infantil (ISCWeB), aplicada en Chile en el año 2012. El cuestionario fue aplicado a una muestra de 2.734 niños y niñas, de 8, 10 y 12 años, residentes de las tres principales zonas urbanas del país. Los resultados dan cuenta de una alta satisfacción con la vida, existiendo diferencias al considerar las variables nivel socioeconómico y sexo, así como también distintos aspectos. Los ámbitos mejor evaluados corresponden a la familia, bienes materiales, y salud; en detrimento de aspectos como el barrio y el colegio. Asimismo, se observa que el conocimiento y percepción de que se respetan los derechos de los niños y niñas, disminuye con la edad. Las conclusiones enfatizan la necesidad de profundizar en el estudio de esta temática.

The article presents the results of International Survey on Children's Well-being (ISCWeB), carried out in Chile in 2012. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 2.734 children, of 8, 10 and 12 year-old, residents of the three mayor urban areas of the country. Results show high levels of life satisfaction; however differences exist considering socio-economic and gender variables, as well as different aspects. Best rated aspects correspond to family, goods and health, detrimental to neighborhood and school. It is also noted that knowledge and perception that the Children's Rights are respected, decreases with age. Conclusions emphasize the need of further research on this subject.

O artigo apresenta os resultados da Pesquisa Internacional sobre Bem- Estar Subjetivo Infantil (ISCWeB), aplicada no Chile, em 2012. O questionário foi aplicado numa amostra de 2.734 crianças, de 8, 10 e 12 anos, moradores das três maiores áreas urbanas do pai. Os resultados mostram uma alta satisfação com a vida, havendo diferenças quando se consideram as variáveis socioeconômicas e de gênero e, também, diferentes aspectos. As áreas melhor avaliadas correspondem à família, aos bens materiais, e à saúde, em detrimento do bairro e da escola. Nota-se, também, que o conhecimento e a percepção que os direitos das crianças sejam respeitados diminuem com a idade. Os resultados emfatizan a neccesidade dum estudio mais aprofundado sobre este assunto.

Conocimiento y evaluación acerca de las mutuales de seguridad en Chile / Public knowledge and evaluation of occupational safety and health insurance institutions in Chile

Este artículo presenta el nivel de conocimiento y evaluación de las mutuales de seguridad, aseguradoras privadas de accidentes laborales y enfermedades profesionales en Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta telefónica a 300 trabajadores dependientes residentes en hogares ubicados en las zonas urbanas de Santiago de Chile. Los hogares fueron seleccionados de forma aleatoria sobre la base de un listado público de teléfonos de hogares. Los resultados muestran que la mayor parte de los encuestados sabe en qué consisten estas instituciones, pero aproximadamente un tercio afirma no tener conocimiento del sistema. Las evaluaciones más altas respecto a la información recibida de las mutuales están en el área de beneficios no relacionados al trabajo (por ejemplo, descuentos en establecimientos educacionales y tiendas) y a las coberturas en salud en caso de accidente. Para aquellos usuarios que han sufrido un accidente laboral, las valoraciones más altas están en el área de atención médica y rehabilitación, mientras las más bajas se encuentran en las prestaciones asociadas a traslado hacia los centros asistenciales, así como de los procedimientos administrativos asociados al tratamiento del accidente. Se concluye que resulta necesario promover el conocimiento de las actividades de las mutuales y mejorar las estrategias de promoción de actividades de prevención de accidentes ocupacionales con el objeto de hacer más eficiente su rol público. De igual manera, la información recolectada permite identificar los procedimientos de apoyo al tratamiento de accidentes como una de las áreas de mejora en el marco de la atención de salud ocupacional.

This article presents the level of public knowledge and evaluation towards Mutuales de seguridad -private occupational safety and health insurance institutions- in Chile. The sample is composed by phone interviews to 300 adult dependent workers living in households located in urban areas of Santiago de Chile. Households were selected through random dialling. The results show a high proportion of workers declaring to know what these institutions are, while about a third declares not to have information about them. Regarding information provided by mutuales, they report higher satisfaction-with information associated to benefits non-related to health and safety (for instance, discounts) and with those associated with the coverage in case of accident. For those who have suffered an occupational accident, the most valued areas of the service are the medical attention and the rehabilitation process, while the least valued areas are the process of transportation from the site of accident to the medical centre and the administrative process associated to the accident's treatment. These results highlight the need for better strategies to promote activities aiming to prevent occupational accidents. They also make clear that there is space for improvement in the area of support activities related to accidents treatment.