Proteomic Analysis of Domestic Cat Blastocysts and Their Secretome Produced in an In Vitro Culture System without the Presence of the Zona Pellucida.

Domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida exhibit reduced implantation capacity. However, the protein expression profile has not been evaluated in these embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein expression profile of domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were generated: (1) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro (zona intact, (ZI)) and (2) domestic cat embryos cultured in vitro without the zona pellucida (zona-free (ZF group)). The cleavage, morula, and blastocyst rates were estimated at days 2, 5 and 7, respectively. Day 7 blastocysts and their culture media were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The UniProt Felis catus database was used to identify the standard proteome. No significant differences were found in the cleavage, morula, or blastocyst rates between the ZI and ZF groups (p > 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed 22 upregulated and 20 downregulated proteins in the ZF blastocysts. Furthermore, 14 proteins involved in embryo development and implantation were present exclusively in the culture medium of the ZI blastocysts. In conclusion, embryo culture without the zona pellucida did not affect in vitro development, but altered the protein expression profile and release of domestic cat blastocysts.

Environmental enrichment affects behavioral and pharmacological response to antidepressants in CF1 mice.

It has been described that environmental enrichment (EE) exerts beneficial effects on cognitive and emotional performances, dendritic branching, synaptic density, neurogenesis and modulation of neurotrophic systems and neurotransmitters in rodents. However, the influence of EE on pharmacological and behavioral responses in animal models of psychiatric disorders has not been fully established. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of exposure to EE on mice behavior in the open field test (OFT) and forced swimming tests (FST), as well as the response to antidepressant drugs (fluoxetine 30 mg/kg and bupropion 30 mg/kg, p.o.). CF1 mice were exposed to an enriched housing condition at different developmental stages: from mating to postnatal day (PND) 55 (lifelong enrichment), from mating to PND21 (perinatal enrichment) and from PND21 to PND55 (post-weaning enrichment). At PND58 the male offspring were evaluated in the OFT and FST. BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus was determined through qPCR. Mice exposed to perinatal enrichment remained longer in the peripheral zone of the OFT and performed fewer grooming than mice housed under standard condition, and these effects were independent of drug treatment. Post-weaning and lifelong enrichment increased grooming behavior. Bupropion reduced grooming in all groups except in perinatal enriched. In turn, fluoxetine decreased grooming only in post-weaning enriched group. None of the enriched housing conditions altered the immobility time in the FST, which indicates that EE had no antidepressant-like effect. However, all enriched housing conditions abolished the anti-immobility effect of bupropion. None of the EE protocols affected BDNF hippocampal expression. The main conclusion is that mice behavior in the OFT is sensitive to alterations in the housing environment and depends on the developmental stage of exposure. Bupropion and fluoxetine yielded divergent responses depending on the housing condition, which suggests that EE modulates monoaminergic neurotransmission pathways.

Remote Sensing and Ecological Variables Related to Influenza A Prevalence and Subtype Diversity in Wild Birds in the Lluta Wetland of Northern Chile.

The Lluta River is the northernmost coastal wetland in Chile, representing a unique ecosystem and an important source of water in the extremely arid Atacama Desert. During peak season, the wetland is home to more than 150 species of wild birds and is the first stopover point for many migratory species that arrive in the country along the Pacific migratory route, thereby representing a priority site for avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance in Chile. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) in the Lluta River wetland, identify subtype diversity, and evaluate ecological and environmental factors that drive the prevalence at the study site. The wetland was studied and sampled from September 2015 to October 2020. In each visit, fresh fecal samples of wild birds were collected for IAV detection by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, a count of wild birds present at the site was performed and environmental variables, such as temperature, rainfall, vegetation coverage (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index-NDVI), and water body size were determined. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was built to assess the association between AIV prevalence and explanatory variables. Influenza positive samples were sequenced, and the host species was determined by barcoding. Of the 4349 samples screened during the study period, overall prevalence in the wetland was 2.07% (95% CI: 1.68 to 2.55) and monthly prevalence of AIV ranged widely from 0% to 8.6%. Several hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes were identified, and 10 viruses were isolated and sequenced, including low pathogenic H5, H7, and H9 strains. In addition, several reservoir species were recognized (both migratory and resident birds), including the newly identified host Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis). Regarding environmental variables, prevalence of AIV was positively associated with NDVI (OR = 3.65, p < 0.05) and with the abundance of migratory birds (OR = 3.57, p < 0.05). These results emphasize the importance of the Lluta wetland as a gateway to Chile for viruses that come from the Northern Hemisphere and contribute to the understanding of AIV ecological drivers.

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of highly pathogenic A/H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b virus in Chile, 2022.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A/H5N1 viruses continue to pose a significant threat to animal and human health worldwide. In late 2022, the first confirmed case of HPAI A/H5N1 infection in wild birds in Chile near the Chilean-Peruvian border was reported. Active surveillance by our group in the adyacent Lluta river estuary revealed an increase in A/H5N1 prevalence coinciding with the arrival of migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere. Genomic analysis of A/H5N1-positive samples demonstrated a close genetic relationship to strains detected in Peru during the same period, which originated from A/H5N1 viruses causing outbreaks in North America. Notably, we identified genetic mutations that did not correlate with known enhanced transmission or binding traits to mammalian receptors. In summary, this study provides valuable genomic insights into the A/H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in wild birds in Chile, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and response strategies to mitigate the threat posed by these highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in South America.

Extracellular vesicle-microRNAs mediated response of bovine ovaries to seasonal environmental changes.

BACKGROUND: Among the various seasonal environmental changes, elevated ambient temperature during the summer season is a main cause of stress in dairy and beef cows, leading to impaired reproductive function and fertility. Follicular fluid extracellular vesicles (FF-EVs) play an important role in intrafollicular cellular communication by, in part, mediating the deleterious effects of heat stress (HS). Here we aimed to investigate the changes in FF-EV miRNA cargoes in beef cows in response to seasonal changes: summer (SUM) compared to the winter (WIN) season using high throughput sequencing of FF-EV-coupled miRNAs. In addition to their biological relevance, the potential mechanisms involved in the packaging and release of those miRNAs as a response to environmental HS were elucidated. RESULTS: Sequencing analysis revealed that an average of 6.6% of the EV-RNA mapped reads were annotated to bovine miRNAs. Interestingly, miR-148a, miR-99a-5p, miR-10b, and miR-143 were the top four miRNAs in both groups accounting for approximately 52 and 62% of the total miRNA sequence reads in the SUM and WIN groups, respectively. A group of 16 miRNAs was up-regulated and 8 miRNAs were down-regulated in the SUM compared to the WIN group. Five DE-miRNAs (miR-10a, miR-10b, miR-26a, let-7f, and miR-1246) were among the top 20 expressed miRNA lists. Sequence motif analysis revealed the appearance of two specific motifs in 13 out of the 16 upregulated miRNAs under HS conditions. Both motifs were found to be potentially bonded by specific RNA binding proteins including Y-box binding proteins (YBX1 and YBX2) and RBM42. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that FF EV-coupled miRNA profile varies under seasonal changes. These miRNAs could be a good indicator of the cellular mechanism in mediating HS response and the potential interplay between miRNA motifs and RNA binding proteins can be one of the mechanisms governing the packaging and release of miRNAs via EVs to facilitate cellular survival.

[Obesity, weight-related stigma and its association with the perception of quality of life in Chilean university students]. / Obesidad, estigma relacionado con el peso y su asociación con la percepción de la calidad de vida en estudiantes universitarios chilenos.

Introduction: Introduction: little attention has been paid to the effect of exposure to weight-related stigma on the quality of life of young Chileans with obesity. Objective: to identify the prevalence of weight-related stigma and to analyze its association with obesity and the perception of quality of life in university students from Valparaíso, Chile. Methods: correlational type study and cross-sectional design. Two hundred and sixty-two university students participated, from 18 to 29 years old, matriculated in the Faculty of Health Sciences of a public university in Valparaíso, Chile. Quality of life was assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF scale, weight-related stigma with the Brief Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI), and nutritional status with body mass index (BMI) classification. The application of the questionnaires was on-line and the answers were anonymous. Multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the variables, adjusted for gender and age. Results: the prevalence of stigma related to weight was 13,2 % in eutrophic, 24,4 % in overweight and 68,0 % in obese. Weight-related stigma, rather than obesity itself, is associated with poorer perceived physical health (OR: 4.30; 95 % CI: 2.10-8.80), psychological health (OR: 4.51; 95 % CI: 2.20-9.26), social relationships (OR: 3.21; 95 % CI: 1.56-6.60) and environment (OR: 2.86; 95 % CI: 1.33-6.14). Conclusion: students exposed to stigmatizing situations related to weight had a worse perception of their quality of life compared to those not stigmatized.

Introducción: Introducción: el efecto de la exposición al estigma relacionado en la calidad de vida de los jóvenes con obesidad ha recibido poca atención. Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia de estigma relacionado con el peso y analizar su asociación con la obesidad y la percepción de la calidad de vida en estudiantes universitarios de Valparaíso, Chile. Metodología: estudio de tipo correlacional y diseño transversal. Participaron 262 estudiantes universitarios, de 18 a 29 años de edad, matriculados en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad pública de Valparaíso, Chile. La calidad de vida se evaluó con la escala WHOQOL-BREF; el estigma relacionado con el peso, con el Inventario breve de Situaciones Estigmatizantes (SSI); y el estado nutricional, con la clasificación del índice de masa corporal (IMC). La aplicación de los cuestionarios fue en línea y las respuestas fueron anónimas. Se realizaron modelos de regresión logística múltiple para evaluar la asociación entre las variables, ajustados por sexo y edad. Resultados: la prevalencia de estigma relacionado con el peso fue del 13,2 % en eutróficos, 24,4 % en sobrepesos y 68,0 % en obesos. El estigma relacionado con el peso, más que la obesidad en sí misma, se asoció con una peor salud física percibida (OR: 4,30; 95 % IC: 2,10-8,80), salud psicológica (OR: 4,51; 95 % IC: 2,20-9,26), relaciones sociales (OR: 3,21; 95 % IC: 1,56-6,60) y ambiente (OR: 2,86; 95 % IC: 1,33-6,14). Conclusiones: los estudiantes expuestos a situaciones estigmatizantes relacionadas con el peso tuvieron una peor percepción de su calidad de vida en comparación con aquellos no estigmatizados.

A Novel Homozygous Mutation of AIRE Gene in a Patient With Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type I.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I (APS1) shows common features such as mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and hypoadrenalism. The clinical manifestations and their onset are highly variable. Besides endocrine abnormalities, patients can present with dental problems, keratoconjunctivitis, fever, rash, chronic diarrhea, and autoimmune hepatitis. We discuss the case of a 5-year-old female who presented initially with a new-onset seizure due to severe hypocalcemia and was diagnosed with primary hypoparathyroidism. Because she also had a history of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, chronic diarrhea, and the presence of autoantibodies tested positive, the diagnosis of APS1 was suspected. Genetic testing detected a novel pathogenic homozygous AIRE mutation, which confirmed the diagnosis. She began multidisciplinary treatment with antifungals, calcium supplements, and parathyroid hormone analogs.

Intervenciones en obesidad infantil. Una revisión sistemática de la literatura / Interventions in child obesity. A systematic review of the literatura / Intervenções em obesidade infantil. Uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Resumen Antecedentes: se observa un aumento creciente en la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población infantil y se multiplican iniciativas para su prevención y control. Objetivo: caracterizar las intervenciones en obesidad infantil publicadas en literatura científica reciente. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de investigaciones empíricas cuantitativas sobre intervenciones en obesidad infantil, en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus y Scielo entre los años 2013 y 2019. Se seleccionaron 30 artículos que describían 30 intervenciones distintas. Resultados: las intervenciones se centraron en promover una alimentación saludable y ejercicio físico, con énfasis en la reducción del peso corporal y medidas antropométricas como principales variables de resultado. La duración se concentró entre los 4 y 6 meses y se desarrollaron mayoritariamente en contextos escolares. Conclusiones: los estudios coinciden en la importancia de abordar la problemática a un nivel individual, grupal y comunitario, y cautelar la pertinencia de las intervenciones en función de la especificidad social y cultural del grupo objetivo. Persisten desafíos en relación con el diseño de intervenciones fundamentadas teóricamente, promover la adherencia a los programas y extender periodos de seguimiento para conocer su efectividad en el largo plazo.

Abstract Background: There is a growing increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the child population and initiatives for their prevention and control are multiplying. Objective: To characterize the interventions in child obesity published in recent scientific literature. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of quantitative empirical research on interventions in child obesity was carried out in the Web of Science, Scopus and Scielo databases between the years 2013 and 2019. A total of 30 articles describing 30 different interventions were selected. Results: The interventions were mainly focused on promoting a healthy diet and physical exercise, with an emphasis on reducing body weight and anthropometric measures as the main outcome variables. The duration was concentrated between 4 and 6 months and they were developed mainly in school contexts. Conclusions: The studies agree on the importance of addressing the problem at an individual, group and community level and ensuring the relevance of the interventions based on the social and cultural specificity of the target group. Challenges persist in relation to the design of theoretically-based interventions, promoting adherence to programs, and extending follow-up periods to determine their long-term effectiveness.

Resumo Antecedentes: observa-se um aumento crescente na prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade na população infantil e se multiplicam iniciativas para sua prevenção e controle. Objetivo: caracterizar as intervenções em obesidade infantil publicadas em literatura científica recente. Materiais e Métodos: realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de pesquisas empíricas quantitativas sobre intervenções em obesidade infantil, nas bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus e Scielo entre os anos 2013 e 2019. Selecionaram-se 30 artigos que descreviam 30 intervenções distintas. Resultados: as intervenções se centraram em promover uma alimentação saudável e exercício físico, com ênfase na redução do peso corporal e medidas antropométricas como principais variáveis de resultado. A duração se concentrou entre os 4 e 6 meses e se desenvolveram maioritariamente em contextos escolares. Conclusões: os estudos coincidem na importância de abordar a problemática a um nível individual, grupal e comunitário, e cautelar a pertinência das intervenções em função da especificidade social e cultural do grupo objetivo. Persistem desafios em relação com o desenho de intervenções fundamentadas teoricamente, promover a aderência aos programas e estender períodos de seguimento para conhecer sua efetividade no longo prazo.

Percepción de las vías del parto de mujeres en edad reproductiva: una revisión de la literatura / Perception regarding the delivery routes of women in reproductive age: a literature review

OBJETIVO: Explorar la percepción de mujeres en edad reproductiva con respecto a las vías del parto reportada en la evidencia disponible. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistematizada de artículos en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Library y Biblioteca Virtual de Salud. La búsqueda se realizó entre agosto y noviembre del año 2020. Los términos MeSH usados fueron "Perception", "Delivery Obstetric", "Cesarean Section" y "Woman", junto con los términos DECS "Percepción", "Parto Obstétrico", "Cesárea" y "Mujeres". Además, se utilizaron los términos libres "Perceptions", "Vaginal Delivery", "Obstetric Deliveries", "Abdominal Deliveries", "Caesarean Section" y "Womens Groups". En la totalidad de las bases de datos utilizadas se aplicaron como límites de búsqueda "Last 5 Years" y "Free Full Text". RESULTADOS: Respecto a la percepción de las vías de parto, se constató la preferencia de la vía vaginal sobre la cesárea. Además, se evidenciaron factores que influyen en el proceso, tales como miedo, experiencia previa, influencia de terceros, religión, cultura, nivel socioeconómico y zona demográfica. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia revisada sugiere que las mujeres prefieren la vía del parto vaginal sobre la cesárea, siendo el miedo el factor más influyente al momento de su elección, seguido por los factores asociados a experiencias previas, el nivel socioeconómico y las creencias.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perception of women of reproductive age regarding delivery routes reported in the available evidence. METHOD: A systematized review of articles in PubMed, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Biblioteca Virtual de Salud databases, was carried out. The search was conducted between August and November 2020. MeSH descriptors "Perception", "Delivery Obstetric", "Cesarean Section" and "Woman", along with DECS descriptors "Percepciones", "Parto Obstétrico", "Cesárea" and "Mujeres", were used. Also, free terms "Perceptions", "Vaginal Delivery", "Obstetric Deliveries", "Abdominal Deliveries", "Caesarean Section" and "Womens Groups". In the totality of databases limits of search "Last 5 years" and "Free Full Text", were used. RESULTS: Regarding the perception of the delivery routes, the preference of the vaginal route over caesarean section was verified. In addition, factors that influence the process such as fear, previous experience, influence of third parties, religion, culture, socioeconomic level and demographic area were evidenced. CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed evidence suggests that women prefer the vaginal delivery route over caesarean section with fear being the most influential factor at the time of their choice, and secondly, the factors associated with previous experiences, socioeconomic level and beliefs.

Dysregulation of Lysyl Oxidases Expression in Diabetic Nephropathy and Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are amino oxidase enzymes that catalyze the oxidative deamination of lysine and hydroxylysine residues to form allysine, the first step towards the development of the final cross-linking reaction in collagens, a crucial macromolecule that reinforces extracellular matrices. Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices that are essential components of the glomerular filtration barrier, which also support tubular epithelial cells. Lysyl oxidases are post-translational enzymes indispensable for tissue architecture, participating actively in the development and function of kidneys. The differential expression and dysregulation of these enzymes promote diabetic nephropathy, one of the major complications observed in end-stage renal diseases. In addition, these enzymes act as transcription factors that trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition responsible for the generation of different cancers. In the kidney, the expression studies in physiological conditions identified LOXL1 and LOXL2 as constituent proteins of glomerular basement membranes. Besides, LOX and LOXL2 are upregulated in fibrosis and renal cell carcinoma. The current review summarizes the physiological expression of LOXs enzymes in the nephrons, including glomerulus and tubules. Their roles in renal diseases are particularly highlighted in diabetic nephropathy and renal cell carcinoma, two pathophysiological conditions where these enzymes have been demonstrated to participate. The focus of the present study is to describe and discuss the current understanding in this field. The current potential of LOXs enzymes as a biomarker and pharmacological target to kidney diseases that involves extracellular matrix cross-linking enzymes is also discussed. LOXs isoforms and their capacity as therapeutic targets could be used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes and in treating these renal complications.

Efecto de la terapia de arte con arcilla como abordaje terapéutico no farmacológico en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson: una revisión integrativa / Effect of clay art therapy as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach in patients with Parkinson's disease: an integrative review

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es un trastorno neurodegenerativo que altera significativamente la capacidad motora, el estado de ánimo y la calidad de vida del individuo. La terapia farmacológica actual se centra en el manejo de la sintomatologia, por lo que la terapia de arte, destacando la arcilla, se ha propuesto recientemente como una terapia adyuvante no farmacológica para atenuar muchas de las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad. Por esta razón, se planteó como objetivo principal evaluar la evidencia científica reciente acerca del efecto de dicha terapia sobre las funciones motoras, afectivas y conductuales en los pacientes con EP. Para lograrlo, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO host, Scielo, Elsevier, Science Direct y Scholar Google, empleando como palabras clave "Parkinson's disease" y "clay art therapy" y el operador booleano "AND". Se consideraron los trabajos publicados entre enero del 2008 y diciembre del 2019 y, tras establecer los criterios de inclusión, cuatro estudios fueron elegibles. Esta revisión demuestra el efecto beneficioso de la terapia de arte con arcilla como un abordaje no farmacológico complementario para mejorar las funciones afectivas y conductuales (depresión, ansiedad, pensamientos obsesivo-compulsivos, fobia y angustia) de los pacientes con EP. Sin embargo, las escalas implementadas en los estudios seleccionados no son suficientes para evaluar un impacto significativo sobre el estado motor o destreza manual de los pacientes, así como su efecto sobre la sintomatologia según el estadio de la enfermedad. Por esto, es menester ampliar las investigaciones en este campo para poder establecer de manera más concluyente el efecto global que produce la intervención artística de manipulación de arcilla sobre esta patología.

SUMMARY Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that significantly alters the motor capacity, mood and quality of life of the individual. Current pharmacological therapy focuses on the management of symptoms, so art therapy, highlighting clay, has recently been proposed as a non-pharmacological adjuvant therapy to attenuate many of the clinical manifestations of the disease. For this reason, the main objective was to evaluate the recent scientific evidence on the effect of art therapy with clay on motor, affective and behavioral functions in patients with PD. To achieve this, a bibliographic search was carried out in the databases PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO host, Scielo, Elsevier, Science direct and Scholar Google, using as keywords "Parkinson's disease" and "clay art therapy" and the Boolean operator 'AND". Studies published between January 2008 and December 2019 were considered and, after establishing the inclusion criteria, 4 studies were eligible. This review demonstrates the beneficial effect of clay art therapy as a complementary non-pharmacological approach to improve affective and behavioral functions (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, phobia and distress) of people with PD. However, the scales implemented in the selected studies are not sufficient to assess a significant impact on the motor state or manual dexterity of the patients, as well as its effect on the symptoms according to the stage of the disease. For this reason, it is necessary to expand research in this field in order to establish more conclusively the global effect that the artistic intervention of clay manipulation produces on this pathology.

Effect of Perioperative Active Body Surface Warming Systems on Analgesic and Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia is a common complication of surgery, and active body surface warming (ABSW) systems are used to prevent adverse clinical outcomes. Prior data on certain outcomes are equivocal (ie, blood loss) or limited (ie, pain and opioid consumption). The objective of this study was to provide an updated review on the effect of ABSW on clinical outcomes and temperature maintenance. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating ABSW systems compared to nonactive warming controls in noncardiac surgeries. Outcomes studied included postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption (primary outcomes) and other perioperative clinical variables such as temperature changes, blood loss, and wound infection (secondary outcomes). We searched Ovid MEDLINE daily, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science from inception to June 2019. Quality of evidence (QoE) was rated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Subgroup analysis sought to determine the effect of preoperative + intraoperative warming versus intraoperative warming alone. Metaregression evaluated the effect of year of publication, use of neuromuscular blockers, anesthesia, and surgery type on outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-four articles (3976 patients) were included. Pooled results demonstrated that ABSW maintained normothermia compared to controls, during surgery (30 minutes postinduction [mean difference {MD}: 0.3°C, 95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.2-0.4, moderate QoE]), end of surgery (MD: 1.1°C, 95% CI, 0.9-1.3, high QoE), and up to 4 hours postoperatively (MD: 0.3°C, 95% CI, 0.2-0.5, high QoE). ABSW was not associated with difference in pain scores (<24 hours postoperatively, moderate to low QoE) or perioperative opioid consumption (very low QoE). ABSW increased patient satisfaction (MD: 2.2 points, 95% CI, 0.9-3.6, moderate QoE), reduced blood transfusions (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6, 95% CI, 0.4-1.0, moderate QoE), shivering (OR = 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1-0.4, high QoE), and wound infections (OR = 0.3, 95% CI, 0.2-0.7, high QoE). No significant differences were found for fluid administration (low QoE), blood loss (very low QoE), major adverse cardiovascular events (very low QoE), or mortality (very low QoE). Subgroup analysis and metaregression suggested increased temperature benefit with pre + intraoperative warming, use of neuromuscular blockers, and recent publication year. ABSW seemed to confer less temperature benefit in cesarean deliveries and neurosurgical/spinal cases compared to abdominal surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: ABSW is effective in maintaining physiological normothermia, decreasing wound infections, shivering, blood transfusions, and increasing patient satisfaction but does not appear to affect postoperative pain and opioid use.

Estudio de la diversidad taxonómica y funcional de los macroinvertebrados en un río de montaña Andino

Introducción: La estructura, diversidad taxonómica y diversidad funcional del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos son estimadores sensibles a las variaciones del medio circundante. El ambiente físico es un factor fundamental, donde el sustrato y la dinámica hidráulica modifican la disponibilidad de recursos, la estructuración, el funcionamiento de la comunidad y del ecosistema. Objetivo: Determinar la estructura, diversidad taxonómica y diversidad funcional del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados bajo diferentes condiciones abióticas en el río Hato Laguna, tributario del Lago de Tota. Métodos: Se recolectaron 120 muestras biológicas en cuatro momentos de muestreos en dos tramos en el río. Se midieron in situ profundidad, velocidad del flujo, ancho de canal y rugosidad del sustrato. Los rasgos funcionales evaluados fueron: longitud corporal, forma corporal, tipo de respiración, movilidad, gremio trófico y grupos funcionales alimenticios. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 38 taxones; los órdenes Diptera, Coleoptera y Trichoptera presentaron la mayor riqueza de familias y géneros. Hubo mayor abundancia de Orthocladiinae, Andesiops sp. y Simulium sp. en condiciones de alta velocidad del flujo en los tramos altos; Nectopsyche sp. fue abundante en los tramos bajos relacionados con menores velocidades y mayor ancho del canal. Según los índices de diversidad taxonómica se presentó variación por tramos y muestreos sin observarse tendencias. En los tramos altos, el gremio trófico MOPF (colectores), respiración por tegumento y tamaño del cuerpo pequeño fueron característicos. En los tramos bajos, el ensamblaje fue de tipo raspador con respiración por branquias y forma del cuerpo aplanada. La riqueza, divergencia y equidad funcional fueron mayores en el tramo alto. En el Análisis de Correspondencia Canónica, los mayores valores de ancho y velocidad se relacionaron con categorías adherido al sustrato y endobentónico, mientras que valores bajos de ancho y rugosidad se relacionaron con las categorías de forma del cuerpo aplanado, recurso alimentario micrófitas y tamaño del cuerpo máximo. Conclusiones: El sistema presentó variación en las condiciones abióticas, en la estructura, diversidad taxonómica y funcional de los macroinvertebrados. Se resalta el papel de la velocidad del flujo como una variable determinante de la estructura y función del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados. Asimismo, se destaca la diversidad funcional como una expresión de los rasgos descritos, por lo cual se relaciona en los tramos altos con la dominancia de taxones como Orthocladiinae, Chironominae, Simulium sp.y Andesiops sp.

Introduction: The structure, taxonomic diversity and functional diversity of the aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages are estimators sensitive to variations in the surrounding environment. The physical environment is a key factor, where the substrate and hydraulic dynamics modify the availability of resources, the structuring, the functioning of the community and the ecosystem. Objective: Determine the structure, taxonomic diversity and functional diversity of the macroinvertebrate assemblages under different abiotic conditions in the Hato Laguna river, a tributary of Lake Tota. Methods: 120 biological samples were collected in four sampling events in two reaches in the river. Depth, flow velocity, channel width and roughness of the substrate were measured in situ. The functional traits evaluated were: body length, body shape, type of breathing, type of locomotion, trophic guild and functional feeding groups. Results: A total of 38 taxa were identified; Diptera, Coleoptera and Trichoptera orders presented the highest abundance of families and genera. Orthocladiinae, Andesiops sp. and Simulium sp. were more abundant groups under high-velocity conditions in the upper reaches. Nectopsyche sp. was abundant in the lower sections related to lower velocity and greater channel width. According to the taxonomic diversity indices, variation by reaches and samplings was presented without observing trends. In the upper reaches, the MOPF trophic guild (collectors), in tegument respiration, and small body size were characteristic. In the lower reaches, the assembly was of the scraper type with gill breathing and flattened body shape. The richness, divergence and functional evenness were higher in the upper reaches. In the Canonical Correspondence Analysis, the highest values of width and speed were related to categories attached to the substrate and endobenthic, while low width and roughness were related to the categories of flattened body shape, microphytes food resource, and maximum body size. Conclusions: The system presented a variation in the abiotic conditions, in the structure, taxonomic and functional diversity of the macroinvertebrates. The role of the flow velocity as a determining variable of the structure and function of the community is highlighted. Likewise, functional diversity stands out as an expression of the described traits, which is why it is related in the upper reaches with the dominance of taxa such as Orthocladiinae, Chironominae, Simulium sp. and Andesiops sp.

[Calculating the risk of acquiring measles of chileans traveling abroad]. / Riesgo de contagio de sarampion para un viajero chileno en 2017.

BACKGROUND: There is always a risk of importing infectious diseases when travelling abroad. AIM: To estimate the effective risk of a Chilean of acquiring measles during a travel by countries where measles outbreaks have been reported, considering the present level of immunity in the country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Previously established mathematical models using differential equations were applied to calculate the risk of acquiring measles of people traveling to endemic areas. RESULTS: The probability of acquiring measles of a voyager is 8.11 x 10-8. CONCLUSIONS: These estimations help decision making about preventive measures for travelers to endemic measles areas.

Riesgo de contagio de sarampion para un viajero chileno en 2017 / Calculating the risk of acquiring measles of chileans traveling abroad

Background: There is always a risk of importing infectious diseases when travelling abroad. Aim: To estimate the effective risk of a Chilean of acquiring measles during a travel by countries where measles outbreaks have been reported, considering the present level of immunity in the country. Material and Methods: Previously established mathematical models using differential equations were applied to calculate the risk of acquiring measles of people traveling to endemic areas. Results: The probability of acquiring measles of a voyager is 8.11 x 10-8. Conclusions: These estimations help decision making about preventive measures for travelers to endemic measles areas.

Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en niños escolares chilenos: prevalencia y factores de riesgo / Prevalence and risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in chilean schoolchildren

Resumen: Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia de trastornos respiratorios del sueño (TRS) en escolares chilenos y estudiar factores de riesgo asociados. Pacientes y Método: Estudio transversal y descriptivo. Se enviaron cuestionarios a los padres de niños de 1° año básico de colegios de la Región Metropolitana (Santiago), Región del Biobío (Concepción, Chillán, Yumbel) y Región de Magallanes (Porvenir y Puerto Natales). Se consignaron datos antropométricos, desempeño escolar, características del hogar, contaminantes intradomiciliarios, antecedentes médicos y síntomas actuales de asma, rinitis alérgica y dermatitis atópica. Se determinó estado nutricional según zIMC. Se aplicó un cuestionario de sue ño pediátrico validado en español (pediatric sleep questionnaire, PSQ). Resultados: 564 encuestas fueron analizadas, la edad mediana fue 6 años (rango 5 a 9), 44,9% sexo masculino. La prevalencia de TRS fue 17,7% (n = 100): 6% en Vitacura (Metropolitana), 28,7% en Chillán (Biobío) y 36,4% en Puerto Natales (Magallanes) (p = 0,001). El grupo con TRS tuvo mayor proporción de hombres (54,5 vs 42,8%, p = 0,033), menor rendimiento académico (promedio general 6,36 ± 0,48 vs 6,56 ± 0,34, p = 0,001), menor educación superior materna (44,4 vs 69,9%, p = 0,001) y mayor exposición a contaminantes intradomiciliarios que aquellos sin TRS. Posterior al análisis multivariado se mantu vieron como predictor de TRS el haber presentado síntomas de rinitis en últimos 12 meses (OR 4,79; IC 95% 2,20-10,43) y el nivel educacional básico o medio de la madre (OR 3,51; IC 95% 1,53-8,02). Conclusiones: Los escolares chilenos presentan una alta prevalencia de TRS, con diferencias demo gráficas. Se asoció a factores de riesgo social, a factores más específicos de daño pulmonar y a peor cantidad y calidad del sueño.

Abstract: Objectives: To describe the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Chilean schoolchil dren and study associated risk factors. Patients and Method: We carried out a transversal and des criptive study. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of children attending first year of elementary school in the Metropolitan Region (Santiago), the Biobío Region (Concepción, Chillán, Yumbel) and the Magallanes Region (Porvenir and Puerto Natales). Anthropometric data, school performan ce, household characteristics, indoor pollutants, medical history, and current symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were recorded. The nutritional status was determined accor ding to z-BMI. A pediatric sleep questionnaire validated in Spanish (PSQ) was applied. Results: 564 questionnaires were analyzed, the median age was six years (range 5 to 9), 44.9% male. The SDB prevalence was 17.7% (n = 100): 6% in Vitacura (Metropolitan Region), 28.7% in Chillán (Biobío Region), and 36.4% in Puerto Natales (Magallanes Region) (p = 0.001). The group with SDB had a higher proportion of men (54.5 vs 42.8%, p = 0.033), lower academic performance (overall grade point average 6.36 ± 0.48 vs 6.56 ± 0.34, p = 0.001), lower maternal higher education (44.4% vs 69.9%, p = 0.001), and higher exposure to indoor pollutants than those without SDB. After the multivariate analysis, symptoms of rhinitis in the last 12 months (OR 4.79, 95% CI 2.20-10.43) and lower maternal educational level (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.53-8.02) remained as predictors of SDB. Con clusions: Chilean schoolchildren have a high prevalence of SDB with demographic differences. It was associated with social risk factors, more specific factors of lung damage, and worse sleep quality and quantity.

[Prevalence and risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in chilean schoolchildren]. / Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en niños escolares chilenos: prevalencia y factores de riesgo.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Chilean schoolchil dren and study associated risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We carried out a transversal and des criptive study. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of children attending first year of elementary school in the Metropolitan Region (Santiago), the Biobío Region (Concepción, Chillán, Yumbel) and the Magallanes Region (Porvenir and Puerto Natales). Anthropometric data, school performan ce, household characteristics, indoor pollutants, medical history, and current symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were recorded. The nutritional status was determined accor ding to z-BMI. A pediatric sleep questionnaire validated in Spanish (PSQ) was applied. RESULTS: 564 questionnaires were analyzed, the median age was six years (range 5 to 9), 44.9% male. The SDB prevalence was 17.7% (n = 100): 6% in Vitacura (Metropolitan Region), 28.7% in Chillán (Biobío Region), and 36.4% in Puerto Natales (Magallanes Region) (p = 0.001). The group with SDB had a higher proportion of men (54.5 vs 42.8%, p = 0.033), lower academic performance (overall grade point average 6.36 ± 0.48 vs 6.56 ± 0.34, p = 0.001), lower maternal higher education (44.4% vs 69.9%, p = 0.001), and higher exposure to indoor pollutants than those without SDB. After the multivariate analysis, symptoms of rhinitis in the last 12 months (OR 4.79, 95% CI 2.20-10.43) and lower maternal educational level (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.53-8.02) remained as predictors of SDB. Con clusions: Chilean schoolchildren have a high prevalence of SDB with demographic differences. It was associated with social risk factors, more specific factors of lung damage, and worse sleep quality and quantity.

Use of N-acetylcysteine plus simethicone to improve mucosal visibility during upper GI endoscopy: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Upper GI endoscopy (UGE) is essential for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases. Mucus and bubbles may decrease mucosal visibility. The use of mucolytics could improve visualization. Our aim was to determine whether premedication with simethicone or simethicone plus N-acetylcysteine is effective in improving visibility during UGE. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 2 control groups: no intervention and water 100 mL (W); and 3 intervention groups: simethicone 200 mg (S); S + N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 500 mg (S+NAC500); and S + NAC 1000 mg (S+NAC1000). The solution was ingested 20 minutes before UGE. Gastric visibility was evaluated in 4 segments with a previously described scale. A score of less than 7 points was defined as adequate visibility (AV). Water volume was used to improve visibility, and adverse reactions were evaluated as a secondary outcome. Multiple group comparison was performed using non-parametric one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Two hundred thirty patients were included in the study, 68% female, mean age 49 years. The most common indication for UGE was epigastric pain/dyspepsia (33%). AV was more frequent in the S+NAC500 and S+NAC1000 groups (65% and 67%) compared with no intervention (44%, P = .044) and water (41%, P = .022). The gastric total visibility scale (TVS) was significantly better in the S+NAC500 and S+NAC1000 groups compared with water (P = .03 and P = .008). Simethicone was not different from no intervention and water. S+NAC1000 required less water volume to improve visibility. No adverse reactions from the study drugs were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with S+NAC500 and S+NAC1000 improves visibility during UGE. The use of simethicone did not show improvements in gastric visibility. TVS was worse in patients using water alone. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT 01653171.).

Variability in the response of canine and human dendritic cells stimulated with Brucella canis.

Brucella canis is a small intracellular Gram-negative bacterium whose primary host is the dog, but it also can cause mild human brucellosis. One of the main causes of an inefficient immune response against other species of Brucella is their interaction with dendritic cells (DCs), which affects antigen presentation and impairs the development of an effective Th1 immune response. This study analysed the cytokine pattern production, by RT-qPCR and ELISA, in human and canine DCs against whole B. canis or its purified LPS. Human and canine DCs produced different patterns of cytokines after stimulation with B. canis. In particular, while human DCs produced a Th1-pattern of cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-12, and TNF-α), canine cells produced both Th1 and Th17-related cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IFN-γ). Thus, differences in susceptibility and pathogenicity between these two hosts could be explained, at least partly, by the distinct cytokine patterns observed in this study, where we propose that human DCs induce an effective Th1 immune response to control the infection, while canine DCs lead to a less effective immune response, with the activation of Th17-related response ineffective to control the B. canis infection.