Work engagement and sense of coherence as predictors of psychological distress during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between sense of coherence, work engagement, and work environment variables as predictors of the level of psychological distress during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study collected between April 22 and December 16, 2020, using non-probabilistic snowball sampling. The study variables and instruments were socio-demographic variables, work engagement (UWES-9 scale), sense of coherence (Antonovsky SOC-13 scale), and psychological distress (GHQ-12 scale). Multivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed including the scores of the three questionnaires and other variables such as effectiveness, safety, stress, health perception, and sex. Finally, the CHAID technique was applied to create a segmentation tree. Results: 72.7 % of participants had high levels of psychological distress, more predominantly among women, with work stress and low sense of coherence acting as the most influential mediators in generating psychological distress, and even more so when both were combined. Low work engagement and the availability of safe and effective means to prevent infection were predictors of psychological distress among workers. Conclusion: During the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, factors that contributed to psychological distress in the Chilean population were identified. These included a fair or poor perception of health, being a woman, work-related stress, availability of safety measures, low level of work engagement, and low level of sense of coherence. Identifying these factors may help prevent similar effects in future phases of the current pandemic or in future pandemics.

Phylogenomic, structural, and cell biological analyses reveal that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia replicates in acidified Rab7A-positive vacuoles of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Acanthamoeba species are clinically relevant free-living amoebae (FLA) ubiquitously found in soil and water bodies. Metabolically active trophozoites graze on diverse microbes via phagocytosis. However, functional studies on Rab GTPases (Rabs), which are critical for controlling vesicle trafficking and maturation, are scarce for this FLA. This knowledge gap can be partly explained by the limited genetic tools available for Acanthamoeba cell biology. Here, we developed plasmids to generate fusions of A. castellanii strain Neff proteins to the N- or C-termini of mEGFP and mCherry2. Phylogenomic and structural analyses of the 11 Neff Rab7 paralogs found in the RefSeq assembly revealed that eight of them had non-canonical sequences. After correcting the gene annotation for the Rab7A ortholog, we generated a line stably expressing an mEGFP-Rab7A fusion, demonstrating its correct localization to acidified macropinocytic and phagocytic vacuoles using fluorescence microscopy live cell imaging (LCI). Direct labeling of live Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ESTM1D_MKCAZ16_6a (Sm18) cells with pHrodo Red, a pH-sensitive dye, demonstrated that they reside within acidified, Rab7A-positive vacuoles. We constructed new mini-Tn7 delivery plasmids and tagged Sm18 with constitutively expressed mScarlet-I. Co-culture experiments of Neff trophozoites with Sm18::mTn7TC1_Pc_mScarlet-I, coupled with LCI and microplate reader assays, demonstrated that Sm18 underwent multiple replication rounds before reaching the extracellular medium via non-lytic exocytosis. We conclude that S. maltophilia belongs to the class of bacteria that can use amoeba as an intracellular replication niche within a Stenotrophomonas-containing vacuole that interacts extensively with the endocytic pathway.IMPORTANCEDiverse Acanthamoeba lineages (genotypes) are of increasing clinical concern, mainly causing amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis among other infections. S. maltophilia ranks among the top 10 most prevalent multidrug-resistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogens and is a recurrent member of the microbiome hosted by Acanthamoeba and other free-living amoebae. However, little is known about the molecular strategies deployed by Stenotrophomonas for an intracellular lifestyle in amoebae and other professional phagocytes such as macrophages, which allow the bacterium to evade the immune system and the action of antibiotics. Our plasmids and easy-to-use microtiter plate co-culture assays should facilitate investigations into the cellular microbiology of Acanthamoeba interactions with Stenotrophomonas and other opportunistic pathogens, which may ultimately lead to the discovery of new molecular targets and antimicrobial therapies to combat difficult-to-treat infections caused by these ubiquitous microbes.

Risk perception of healthcare workers in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Objectives: To validate the items of the Emotional Impact Questionnaire coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) related to risk perception, estimating its degree, among healthcare workers in the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic, identifying possible associated factors.Methods: cross-sectional study in 1872 healthcare workers of Brazil. The population was characterized by sociodemographic and occupational information, knowledge about COVID-19, quality of information received, risk perception and preventive measures about the disease, and sense of coherence. Results: Being divorced, having a chronic disease, spending more than 1 h per day getting informed about COVID-19, and always or almost always wearing a mask regardless of symptoms, as well as self-perception of health were associated with high-risk perception. An inverse association was found between risk perception, sense of coherence and not knowing if one has had occasional contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: Risk perception is influenced by emotions, experiences, and knowledge. Sense of coherence and resilience have a role in reducing risk perception. Understanding risk perception is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar scenarios.

Toward sustainability and resilience in Chilean cities: Lessons and recommendations for air, water, and soil issues.

Achieving sustainability and resilience depends on the conciliation of environmental, social, and economic issues integrated into a long-term perspective to ensure communities flourish. Many nations are transitioning toward both objectives, while at the same time addressing structural concerns that have not allowed them to look after the environment in the past. Chile is one of these nations dealing with such challenges within a particular administrative context, an increasing environmental awareness, and a set of unique and complex geophysical boundaries that impose a plethora of hazards for cities, ecosystems, and human health. This paper presents recent accomplishments and gaps, mostly from an environmental perspective, on issues related to air pollution, the urban water cycle, and soil contamination, in the path being followed by Chile toward urban sustainability and resilience. The focus is on the bonds between cities and their geophysical context, as well as the relationships between environmental issues, the built environment, and public health. The description and diagnosis are illustrated using two cities as case studies, Temuco and Copiapó, whose socioeconomic, geographical, and environmental attributes differ considerably. Particulate matter pollution produced by the residential sector, drinking water availability, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and soil contamination from the mining industry are discussed for these cities. Overall, the case studies highlight how tackling these issues requires coordinated actions in multiple areas, including regulatory, information, and financial incentive measures. Finally, the policy analysis discusses frameworks and opportunities for Chilean cities, which may be of interest when conceiving transitional paths toward sustainability and resilience for other cities elsewhere.

Co-occurrence of heterogeneous Flavobacterium psychrophilum isolates within the same Chilean farm and during the same infectious outbreak.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is a pathogenic bacterium affecting Chilean salmonid farms. High antigenic and genetic diversity exists among Chilean F. psychrophilum isolates, but the distribution thereof among farms is poorly understood. These epidemiological data are key for developing isolate-specific vaccines. The present study isolated F. psychrophilum in diseased Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from five freshwater farms between 2018 and 2019. Each farm only raised one salmonid species and was geographically separated from and did not share culturing water with the other farms. Antigenic and genetic analyses were conducted to shed light on the possibility of isolates coexisting within the same farm during outbreaks. A total of 68 Chilean F. psychrophilum isolates were recovered from skin lesions, gills, fins, kidney and spleen of moribund and live fish. Among the 68 Chilean isolates, mPCR-serotyping indicated three major serotypes (i.e. 23.5% type 0; 47.1% type 2; and 26.5% type 4) and, to a lesser degree, serotype 1 (2.9%). Sixteen antigenic groups were detected by slide agglutination. Genetic characterizations by 16S rRNA alleles identified 71% of the isolates as the virulent genogroup CSF259-93 allele. A predominant serotype was associated with each farm, with types 0 and 4 related to Atlantic salmon and types 1 and 2 to rainbow trout. Notwithstanding, several antigenic groups coexisted within some farms. Likewise, the experimental intramuscular challenges (n = 20) demonstrated that the type-2 isolates from rainbow trout were the most pathogenic among isolates recovered from infectious outbreaks in Atlantic salmon, especially as compared to those from types-0 and -4. These results allow us to suggest that prevention measures, specifically vaccines, should be developed according to dominant isolates and with specificity to each farm, that is the use of autogenous or site-specific vaccines.

Optimizing the Production of gp145, an HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Vaccine Candidate and Its Encapsulation in Guanosine Microparticles.

We have developed a pipeline to express, purify, and characterize HIV envelope protein (Env) gp145 from Chinese hamster ovary cells, to accelerate the production of a promising vaccine candidate. First in shake flasks, then in bioreactors, we optimized the growth conditions. By adjusting the pH to 6.8, we increased expression levels to 101 mg/L in a 50 L bioreactor, nearly twice the previously reported titer value. A battery of analytical methods was developed in accordance with current good manufacturing practices to ensure a quality biopharmaceutical. Imaged capillary isoelectric focusing verified proper glycosylation of gp145; dynamic light scattering confirmed the trimeric arrangement; and bio-layer interferometry and circular dichroism analysis demonstrated native-like properties (i.e., antibody binding and secondary structure). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used as a multi-attribute platform for accurate mass determination, glycans analysis, and protein identification. Our robust analysis demonstrates that our gp145 product is very similar to a reference standard and emphasizes the importance of accurate characterization of a highly heterogeneous immunogen for the development of an effective vaccine. Finally, we present a novel guanosine microparticle with gp145 encapsulated and displayed on its surface. The unique properties of our gp145 microparticle make it amenable to use in future preclinical and clinical trials.

Extensive Cryptic Diversity and Ecological Associations Uncovered among Mexican and Global Collections of Naegleria and Vermamoeba Species by 18S Ribosomal DNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer, and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Sequence Analysis.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are phagocytic protists that play crucial roles in microbial communities as significant microbial grazers. However, our current knowledge of their diversity, ecology, and population genetic structures is marginal due to the shallow and biased sampling of ecosystems and the use of few, poorly resolving molecular markers. Thirty-two FLA were isolated from soil and water samples collected across representative ecosystems of the State of Morelos in Central Mexico, including the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) from the state capital. We classified our isolates as members of Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, Naegleria, and Tetramitus by 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing. Vermamoeba isolates were recovered exclusively from the DWDS samples. In contrast, Naegleria strains displayed a broad distribution in soil and water samples across the natural ecosystems. We used a combination of phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from our isolates and a comprehensive set of reference sequences to analyze the currently known diversity of Naegleria spp. Significant associations were uncovered between the most prevalent lineages of Naegleria and Vermamoeba and broad ecological and geographical variables at regional and global levels. The population structure and cryptic diversity within the Naegleria galeacystis-Naegleria americana and Vermamoeba vermiformis species complexes were thoroughly analyzed. Our results prove that the genus Vermamoeba, which was previously thought to consist of only one species, actually encompasses at least seven widely distributed species, as indicated by consistent evidence from Bayesian phylogenetics, two species-delimitation programs, and population genetics analyses. IMPORTANCE Our study sheds new light on the population genetic structure of V. vermiformis and diverse Naegleria species. Using improved molecular markers and advanced analytical approaches, we discovered that N. americana, previously considered a single species, actually contains multiple distinct lineages, as revealed by COI sequencing. These lineages are highly differentiated, with little gene flow between them. Our findings demonstrate that the genus Vermamoeba holds multiple cryptic species, requiring a significant taxonomic revision in light of multilocus sequence analyses. These results advance our understanding of the ecology, molecular systematics, and biogeography of these genera and species complexes at both regional and global scales. This study has significant implications for diagnosing amoebal infections and evaluating health risks associated with FLA in domestic and recreational waters.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of rehabilitation area professionals: A systematic review.

Background: The role of the physiotherapist is vital in the recovery of post-COVID-19 patients, but fear of contagion is a possible feeling among healthcare professionals. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health effects that COVID-19 has had on healthcare workers, including rehabilitation care, in times of pandemic. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA format in the Pubmed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases between July and September 2022. Keywords included were "healthcare providers," "COVID-19," "Mental Health," and "Psychological Distress." Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in this review. The study population was healthcare professionals including the rehabilitation services. In total, 4 studies reported exclusively on anxiety and stress levels in physiotherapists providing care during the pandemic. Conclusions: The mental health of healthcare professionals has been compromised during the pandemic. However, initially, research was only focused on physicians and nurses, so the need arises to include those professionals, such as physiotherapists, who are also in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=367664, identifier: CRD42022367664.

Use of preventive measures, beliefs and information received about COVID-19 and their effects on mental health, in two stages of the pandemic in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both physical and mental health. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects on mental health in two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 and February 2021) in the population of Colombia. METHODS: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study along two periods, April 2020 and February 2021. The sample (N = 1309) was extracted from the Colombian population, only including individuals over the age of 18 and residing in Colombia during the pandemic. The IMPACTCOVID-19 questionnaire was used, previously validated in Spain and cross-culturally adapted to the Colombian population, which included sociodemographic data, use of preventive measures, information received and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for psychological distress (PD). Participants had to sign an informed consent before taking part in the investigation. RESULTS: A higher level of PD was observed among women (M = 3.99, SD = 3.39) (p < .001), in those who lived without a partner (M = 3.83, SD = 3.47) (p = .036), and in those with a worse perception of health (M = 6.27, SD = 3.51) (p < .001). PD decreased in the second period from M = 3.99 (SD = 3.36) to M = 2.98 (SD = 3.30) (p < .001), coinciding with a higher use of preventive measures, less distress caused by COVID-19 and greater confidence in healthcare professionals and clinical structures. In the second period, the time spent in getting informed decreased, but the sources of information were the same, principally social media and official sources. CONCLUSIONS: Better information on the effects and preventive measures to prevent the pandemic improves confidence in the health system and its professionals, reducing the level of PD. There is a need for quality information on social networks and an adaptation of telemedicine to address the pandemic effects on mental health.Key messagesPsychological distress (PD) decreased in February 2021, as compared to April 2020, due to a greater use of preventive measures against COVID-19, and the confidence on the recommendations made by health officials and professionals.Higher PD has been found in women and people who lived without a partner, in line with studies performed in other countries.The accessibility to quality information on the pandemic should be promoted by the Official Health Authorities, thus counteracting data that could be classified as "fake news".

Work Engagement, Work Environment, and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ecuador.

Work environments can interfere with the mental health of workers as generators or reducers of psychological distress. Work engagement is a concept related to quality of life and efficiency at work. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between work environment factors and work engagement among the Ecuadorian general population during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their levels of psychological distress. For this purpose, a cross-sectional, descriptive study using a set of questionnaires was performed. Sociodemographic and work environment data, work engagement (UWES-9 scale) scores, and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scores were collected. The variables that predicted 70.2% of psychological distress during the first phase of the pandemic were being female, with a low level of vigour (work engagement dimension), being stressed at work, and low job satisfaction. The sample showed an intermediate level of engagement in both the global assessment and the three dimensions, being higher in those without psychological distress. With effective actions on work environment factors, mental health effects may be efficiently prevented, and work engagement may be benefited. Companies can reduce workers' psychological distress by providing safe and effective means to prevent the risk of contagion; reducing the levels of work conflict, work stress, or workload; and supporting their employees with psychological measures in order to maintain ideal working conditions.

COVID-19 information received by the Peruvian population, during the first phase of the pandemic, and its association with developing psychological distress: Information about COVID-19 and distress in Peru.

ABSTRACT: It is suspected that the information the population has about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) determines both its preventive measures and its effects on mental health. The internet and social media are the sources that have largely replaced the official and traditional channels of information. The objective of this study is to analyse the influence of the sources used by the population in Peru to obtain information on COVID-19 and its association with developing psychological distress (PD) and preventive measures against contagion.1699 questionnaires were analysed. A previously validated instrument adapted to Peru was used. Participants were questioned about the information received regarding COVID-19, its sources, time of exposition, assessment, or beliefs about it. Mental health was measured with the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed, developing a classification and regression tree for PD based on beliefs and information about the pandemic.The most used source of information on COVID-19 in Peru was social media and this is associated with developing PD, both in the general population and among health professionals. The quality of the information about treatments for COVID-19 is associated with PD in the general population, whereas prognosis generates more distress among healthcare professionals. The biggest concern is transmitting the virus to family members, close persons, or patients, with more confidence in health professionals than in the health system.The health authorities should use the social media to transmit quality information about COVID-19 and, at the same time, to gather in real time the opinions on the implemented preventive measures. For all, this it is necessary to have higher credibility in the population to increase the confidence in the health system, looking at basic aspects for compliance with prevention measures and improvement of mental health.

Relationship Between Psychological Distress, Burnout and Work Engagement in Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The psychological distress that the COVID-19 pandemic has produced has generated negative effects on workers, and in one way or another this has affected their work engagement within companies. The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between psychological distress, burnout and work engagement in workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA methodology, taking articles from the Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases from the beginning of the pandemic until November 2022. The methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for non-randomised studies. Results: 24 articles were selected. All the articles found an association between psychological distress, burnout or other factors and work engagement. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on work engagement and a negative relationship with psychological distress and burnout, hence the importance of companies taking measures to minimise levels of psychological distress and burnout.

Caracterización y fisiopatología del Sars-Cov-2, Revisión de la literatura actual / Characterization and pathophysiology of sars-cov-2, actual literature review

RESUMEN La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es causada por un nuevo betacoronavirus conocido como síndrome respiratorio agudo severo coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Para el 22 de junio del 2021, el número de casos confirmados en todo el mundo había superado los 178 millones, con más de 3 millones de muertes. La fisiopatología de la COVID-19 a partir de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 no está del todo dilucidada. En el presente artículo se exponen los hallazgos encontrados después de la búsqueda en la literatura científica realizada en la base de datos PubMed entre octubre de 2020 y abril de 2021 en la cual se incluyeron 71 artículos, con el objetivo de la revisión fisiopatológica completa, detallada y actualizada del SARS-CoV-2, abordando temas como la caracterización y ciclo de vida del virus, el mecanismo de transmisión, la cinética viral y la respuesta inmune, junto con la dinámica fisiopatológica de la infección. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(2): 61-75.

ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new betacoronavirus named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). On June 22nd, 2021, the number of confirmed cases worldwide exceeded 178 million, resulting in more than 3 million deaths. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 from the infection of SARS-CoV-2 is not entirely elucidated. This review presents the findings after the research in the scientific literature carried out in the PubMed database between October 2020 and April 2021, in which 71 articles were included, with the aim of a complete, detailed and updated pathophysiological review of SARS-CoV-2, addressing issues such as the characterization and life cycle of the virus, the transmission mechanism, viral kinetics and immune response, along with the pathophysiological dynamics of the infection. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(2): 61-75.

The social and psychological health of children is associated with Mediterranean diet adherence items, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lifestyle.

INTRODUCTION: Background: Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, physical activity (PA) patterns, and physical fitness are associated with physical, social, and psychological health in children. Objective: the purpose of this study was to determine the association of items of MD adherence, fitness components, and lifestyle with psychological and social health in Chilean schoolchildren. Material and methods: this cross-sectional study included 615 schoolchildren, both girls (n = 271, 11.7 ± 1.00 years old) and boys (n = 344, 11.8 ± 1.1 years old). Anthropometric parameters, fitness components, lifestyle, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and self-esteem were measured. Results: HRQoL showed an association with cardiorespiratory fitness (ß: 0.12, p < 0.001) and PA (ß: 0.32, p = 0.023). Self-esteem was inversely associated with screen time (ß: -1.35, p < 0.001). Moreover, social health presented a positive association with PA after school (ß: 0.06, p = 0.037). In relation to MD adherence items, HRQoL was linked to the items "Takes a fruit or fruit juice every day" (ß: 1.93, p = 0.004) and "Consumes fresh or cooked vegetables ˃ 1 time/day" (ß: 1.12, p = 0.018). Self-esteem was associated to "Consumes a dairy product ˃ 1 time/day" (ß: 3.30, p = 0.030). Social health was inversely related to "Eats at a fast food restaurant ≥ 1 time/week" (ß: -0.26, p = 0.003) and positively to "Consumes pasta or rice almost every day" (ß: 0.35, p = 0.049). Conclusion: MD adherence items, fitness, and lifestyle were linked to psychological and social health, therefore it is necessary to develop preventive strategies for schoolchildren to change in a positive way these modifiable lifestyle behaviors.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (DM), los patrones de actividad física (AF) y la condición física están asociados a la salud física, social y psicológica de los niños. Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre ítems de adherencia a la DM, componentes de la condición física y el estilo de vida con la salud psicológica y social de los escolares chilenos. Material y métodos: este estudio transversal incluyó a 615 escolares, niñas (n = 271, 11,7 ± 1,00 años) y niños (n = 344, 11,8 ± 1,1 años). Se midieron parámetros antropométricos, componentes de la condición física, estilo de vida, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y autoestima. Resultados: la CVRS mostró asociación con la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (ß: 0,12, p < 0,001) y la PA (ß: 0,32, p = 0,023). La autoestima, por su parte, se relacionó de manera inversa con el tiempo frente a la pantalla (ß: -1,35, p < 0,001). Además, la salud social presentó una asociación positiva con la AF después de la escuela (ß: 0,06, p = 0,037). En relación a los ítems de adherencia a la DM, la CVRS se vinculó a los ítems "Toma una fruta o jugo de fruta todos los días" (ß: 1,93, p = 0,004) y "Consume verduras frescas o cocidas ˃ 1 vez/día" (ß: 1,12, p = 0,018). La autoestima se asoció a "Consume un producto lácteo ˃ 1 vez/día" (ß: 3,30, p = 0,030). La salud social se vinculó inversamente con "Come en un restaurante de comida rápida ≥ 1 vez/semana" (ß: -0,26, p = 0,003) y positivamente con "Consume pasta o arroz casi todos los días" (ß: 0,35, p = 0,049). Conclusión: los ítems de adherencia a la DM, la condición física y el estilo de vida se relacionaron con la salud psicológica y social de los escolares, por lo que es necesario desarrollar estrategias preventivas para modificar de manera positiva estas conductas de estilo de vida modificables.

Archaeogenomic distinctiveness of the Isthmo-Colombian area.

The recently enriched genomic history of Indigenous groups in the Americas is still meager concerning continental Central America. Here, we report ten pre-Hispanic (plus two early colonial) genomes and 84 genome-wide profiles from seven groups presently living in Panama. Our analyses reveal that pre-Hispanic demographic events contributed to the extensive genetic structure currently seen in the area, which is also characterized by a distinctive Isthmo-Colombian Indigenous component. This component drives these populations on a specific variability axis and derives from the local admixture of different ancestries of northern North American origin(s). Two of these ancestries were differentially associated to Pleistocene Indigenous groups that also moved into South America, leaving heterogenous genetic footprints. An additional Pleistocene ancestry was brought by a still unsampled population of the Isthmus (UPopI) that remained restricted to the Isthmian area, expanded locally during the early Holocene, and left genomic traces up to the present day.

Improvements in Chilean patients with obesity following a 5-month multidisciplinary exercise program: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a multidisciplinary exercise program on physical fitness, metabolic profile and nutritional status of obese patients. METHODS: Seventeen women and four men (N.=21, age 18 to 60 years), with severe obesity (BMI=35-40 kg/m2, N.=7), morbid obesity (BMI=40-50 kg/m2, N.=9), and super obesity (BMI>50 kg/m2, N.=5), took part in a physical exercise program with nutritional and psychological support. The intermittent physical exercise program was applied three times per week (1 hour/session), with 4-8 exercises with weights. Three series were carried out for 60 s each, with increasing intensity leading to exhaustion at the end of the period and with 1-2 min recovery between series. Outcomes include the BMI, waist contour, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise capacity, maximum dynamic strength, hand grip strength, basal glucose and lipid profiles. RESULTS: The patients decreased in weight and BMI (P<0.05). Morbid (N.=9) and super obese (N.=5) improved their cardiorespiratory fitness (P=0.005 and 0.040) and lowered their triglycerides (-25.70% and -15.38%; P=0.008). Hand grip strength improved in the super obese (P<0.001). Descriptively, patients with super obesity had the largest improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-modal lifestyle and exercise interventions improve the condition especially in super obese patients. The improved health status may improve the outcome of secondary steps in weight loss, such as bariatric surgery. The program was feasible to be executed and patients compliant to the intervention.

Characterization of Salmonella enterica isolates causing bacteremia in Lima, Peru, using multiple typing methods.

In this study, different molecular typing tools were applied to characterize 95 Salmonella enterica blood isolates collected between 2008 and 2013 from patients at nine public hospitals in Lima, Peru. Combined results of multiplex PCR serotyping, two- and seven-loci multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes, serotyping, IS200 amplification and RAPD fingerprints, showed that these infections were caused by eight different serovars: Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Typhi, Choleraesuis, Dublin, Paratyphi A, Paratyphi B and Infantis. Among these, Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Typhi were the most prevalent, representing 45, 36 and 11% of the isolates, respectively. Most isolates (74%) were not resistant to ten primarily used antimicrobial drugs; however, 37% of the strains showed intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (ISC). Antimicrobial resistance integrons were carried by one Dublin (dfra1 and aadA1) and two Infantis (aadA1) isolates. The two Infantis isolates were multidrug resistant and harbored a large megaplasmid. Amplification of spvC and spvRA regions showed that all Enteritidis (n = 42), Typhimurium (n = 34), Choleraesuis (n = 3) and Dublin (n = 1) isolates carried the Salmonella virulence plasmid (pSV). We conclude that the classic serotyping method can be substituted by the multiplex PCR and, when necessary, sequencing of only one or two loci of the MLST scheme is a valuable tool to confirm the results. The effectiveness and feasibility of different typing tools is discussed.

Percepción de un grupo de adultos mayores con presbifagia sobre el fenómeno de la alimentación y las propiedades organolépticas de los alimentos / Perception of feeding phenomenon and organoleptic properties of food by a group of elderly people with presbyphagia

El envejecimiento conlleva cambios fisiológicos y no fisiológicos que afectan la percepción del adulto mayor sobre el fenómeno de la alimentación, sin embargo, las investigaciones internacionales podrían no representar a la población chilena, existiendo escasa información acerca de la percepción del adulto mayor con presbifagia y los factores que influyen en su alimentación. El objetivo del presente estudio cualitativo y de diseño fenomenológico es conocer la percepción de los adultos mayores con presbifagia sobre el fenómeno de la alimentación, abarcando factores fisiológicos y no fisiológicos, junto a las propiedades organolépticas de los alimentos que prefieren. Para ello se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada a ocho adultos mayores con presbifagia asistentes a un Centro de Actividades Prácticas (muestreo por saturación). El discurso se procesó mediante codificación axial en dos niveles: formación de códigos (a través de citas del entrevistado), memos (conceptos de los investigadores) y la codificación selectiva, mediante la integración de los códigos en familias, aplicando el método de comparaciones constantes, utilizando Atlas.ti 6. Los resultados indican que en la alimentación intervienen factores sociales y psicológicos. Las propiedades organolépticas que influyen en la percepción del adulto mayor son: tamaño, consistencia, sabor, temperatura e intensidad del color, las cuales afectan la elección de los alimentos. En conclusión la percepción del adulto mayor con presbifagia sobre la alimentación, está influenciada por factores fisiológicos y no fisiológicos, los cuales determinan la preferencia de propiedades organolépticas y elección de alimentos. Además de encontrarse influenciada por hábitos alimentarios adquiridos y ubicación geográfica(AU)

Aging involves physiological and non-physiological changes that affect the perception of the elderly on the phenomenon of food, however, international investigations could not represent the Chilean population, because of the little information about the perception of the elderly with presbyphagia and the factors that influence their diet. The purpose of this qualitative study with phenomenological design is to know the perception of older adults with presbyphagia about food phenomenon, considering physiological and non-physiological factors along with the organoleptic properties of foods that they prefer. For this, a semistructured interview was applied to eight older adults with presbyphagia attending at the Practical Activities Center (sampling by saturation). The speech was processed through axial coding in two levels: formation of codes (through appointments of the interviewee), memos (concepts of researchers) and selective coding, through the integration of family codes, applying the method of constant comparisons, using Atlas.ti 6. The results indicate that social and psychological factors are involved in feeding. Organoleptic properties that influence the perception of the elderly are: size, consistency, taste, temperature and intensity of the color, which affect the choice of food. In conclusion the perception of the elderly with presbyphagia food, is influenced by physiological and non-physiological factors which determine the preference of organoleptic properties and food choices. In addition to being influenced by acquired habits and geographic location(AU)

Non-Criteria or Seronegative Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (Obs-APS) is one of the most commonly identified causes of recurrent pregnancy loss and its accurate diagnosis is a requirement for optimal treatment. Some patients do not fulfill the revised Sapporo classification criteria, the original APS classification criteria, and are considered to be non-criteria Obs-APS. In these patients with non-criteria, there is controversy about their inclusion within the spectrum of APS and eventually their treatment as having Obs-APS. A subset of patients may also have clinical characteristics of Obs-APS even though lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-ß2-glycoprotein I (aß2GPI) antibodies are consistently negative. These patients are recognized as seronegative Obs-APS. We reviewed evidence of non-criteria Obs-APS and discuss a case of a woman with a diagnosis of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and non-criteria Obs-APS with four consecutive pregnancy losses. After an accurate diagnosis the patient received prenatal counseling and benefited from the optimal treatment of Obs-APS that led to a successful pregnancy. The applicability of this successful experience about outcomes in women with non-criteria, or seronegative, Obs-APS is also evaluated.

Cobalamin Protection against Oxidative Stress in the Acidophilic Iron-oxidizing Bacterium Leptospirillum Group II CF-1.

Members of the genus Leptospirillum are aerobic iron-oxidizing bacteria belonging to the phylum Nitrospira. They are important members of microbial communities that catalyze the biomining of sulfidic ores, thereby solubilizing metal ions. These microorganisms live under extremely acidic and metal-loaded environments and thus must tolerate high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is a cobalt-containing tetrapyrrole cofactor involved in intramolecular rearrangement reactions and has recently been suggested to be an intracellular antioxidant. In this work, we investigated the effect of the exogenous addition of cobalamin on oxidative stress parameters in Leptospirillum group II strain CF-1. Our results revealed that the external supplementation of cobalamin reduces the levels of intracellular ROSs and the damage to biomolecules, and also stimulates the growth and survival of cells exposed to oxidative stress exerted by ferric ion, hydrogen peroxide, chromate and diamide. Furthermore, exposure of strain CF-1 to oxidative stress elicitors resulted in the transcriptional activation of the cbiA gene encoding CbiA of the cobalamin biosynthetic pathway. Altogether, these data suggest that cobalamin plays an important role in redox protection of Leptospirillum strain CF-1, supporting survival of this microorganism under extremely oxidative environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of cobalamin against oxidative stress may help to develop strategies to make biomining processes more effective.