Influence of Body Image, Risk of Eating Disorder, Psychological Characteristics, and Mood-Anxious Symptoms on Overweight and Obesity in Chilean Youth.

This study investigates the relationship between body image, eating disorders, psychological characteristics, and mood and anxiety symptoms in Chilean youth, with nutritional status, particularly overweight and obesity. With a sample of 1001 participants from five regions of Chile, aged 15 to 23 years. The Eating Disorder Inventory 3 (EDI-3), the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scales (MBSRQ_AS), and the Symptom Inventory Derogatis Revised (SCL90-R) and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to analyze these variables. A model including nine exogenous (independent) variables and ten endogenous variables, based on a literature review, was evaluated by path analysis. The results show a significant association between factors such as sex, family history of overweight, self-classification by weight, and body dissatisfaction with body mass index (BMI). Eating behaviors such as overeating, and lack of appetite were also found to be influenced by interpersonal sensitivity, overweight preoccupation, and drive for thinness. The study underscores the importance of promoting a positive body image and addressing overweight/obesity from a combined health psychology and public health perspective, highlighting the need for interventions that consider nutritional status, and in particular overweight and obesity, as a phenomenon with multifactorial causes and maintainers.

Esquizofrenia resistente al tratamiento. I, concepto e impacto clínico / Treatment resistant schizophrenia. I, concept and clinical impact

La esquizofrenia es una psicosis crónica que se caracteriza por tres dominios sintomáticos: síntomas positivos, síntomas negativos y síntomas cognitivos. Se estima que afecta al 1 % de la población. El desarrollo de la psicofarmacología y del tratamiento de la esquizofrenia ha permitido distinguir genios evolutivos según la respuesta terapéutica. En este sentido es que se delinea el concepto de esquizofrenia resistente al tratamiento (ERT). Se estima ERT en un 30 % aproximadamente de los sujetos que padecen esquizofrenia. La identificación temprana y adecuada de este subgrupo de individuos se relaciona con una mejor respuesta. Este artículo es una narrativa sobre el concepto de ERT y su impacto clínico.

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychosis characterized by three symptom domains: positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive symptoms. Its prevalence is about 1 % of the general population. The development of psychopharmacology and schizophrenia treatment have made possible the distinction between different clinical courses and outcomes according to treatment response. This is the basis for the concept of treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which can be present in 30 % of schizophrenic patients. Early and adequate identification of this subgroup is related to better outcomes. Authors analyze the previously mentioned concept and its clinical impact.

Estudio de utilización de psicofármacos en usuarios de la policlínica del Hospital Vilardebó con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia (años 2006 y 2016) / Study of the use of psychotropic drugs in users of the Vilardebó Hospital polyclinic with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (2006 and 2016)

El tratamiento farmacológico de demostrada eficacia en la esquizofrenia es el antipsicótico. Sin embargo, en muchas ocasiones se requiere medicación concomitante que depende de comorbilidades y efectos adversos. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, longitudinal, retrospectivo, considerando el año 2006 y 2016, en una población de usuarios con esquizofrenia de la Policlínica del Hospital Vilardebó, analizando los tratamientos con psicofármacos. Se diferenciaron los tratamientos según monoterapia antipsicótica y polifarmacia con 2 antipsicóticos, y polifarmacia con más de 2 antipsicóticos, antidepresivos, estabilizantes del humor, benzodiacepinas y anticolinérgicos. La población inicial en 2006 fue de 621 pacientes y 398 pacientes continuaban en tratamiento en 2016. Mantuvieron el trata-miento con antipsicóticos 377 pacientes; 184 mantuvieron benzodiacepinas; 59 se mantuvieron con anticolinérgicos; 49, con estabilizantes del humor y 47, con antidepresivos. La monoterapia antipsicótica se presentó en torno al 50 % de la población estudiada. Se deberían revisar aquellas prácticas que se infieren a partir de este estudio, como el uso prolongado de anticolinérgicos, benzodiacepinas, y polifarmacia con más de 2 antipsicóticos, que está extendida en los usuarios con esquizofrenia. El tratamiento con clozapina fue el más estable y no parece aumentar la mortalidad en estos pacientes

Antipsychotics are the proved effective therapy for schizophrenia. However, on many occasions, associated drugs are required depending on comorbidities and side effects. A retrospective longitudinal quantitative study of drug prescription for 2006 and 2016 in patients with schizophrenia diagnosis was carried out in an outpatient clinic at Hospital Vilardebó. Treatments were classified as antipsychotic monotherapy, two antipsychotic drugs polypharmacy and polypharmacy with two antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs. Initial population in 2006 included 621 patients, 398 were still being treated in 2016. Antipsychotic drugs were still being received in 377 patients, benzodiazepines in 184, anticholinergic drugs in 59, mood stabilizers in 49, and anti-depressants in 47. Antipsychotic monotherapy was 50% of the population. Those practices that can be inferred from this study, with lengthy use of anticholinergic drugs, benzodiazepines, and the use of more than 2 antipsychotic drugs in patients with schizophrenia diagnosis should be revised. Clozapine therapy was the most stable and does not seem to increase mortality.

NMDAR in cultured astrocytes: Flux-independent pH sensor and flux-dependent regulator of mitochondria and plasma membrane-mitochondria bridging.

Glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) is critical for neurotransmission as a Ca2+ channel. Nonetheless, flux-independent signaling has also been demonstrated. Astrocytes express NMDAR distinct from its neuronal counterpart, but cultured astrocytes have no electrophysiological response to NMDA. We recently demonstrated that in cultured astrocytes, NMDA at pH6 (NMDA/pH6) acting through the NMDAR elicits flux-independent Ca2+ release from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and depletes mitochondrial membrane potential (mΔΨ). Here we show that Ca2+ release is due to pH6 sensing by NMDAR, whereas mΔΨ depletion requires both: pH6 and flux-dependent NMDAR signaling. Plasma membrane (PM) NMDAR guard a non-random distribution relative to the ER and mitochondria. Also, NMDA/pH6 induces ER stress, endocytosis, PM electrical capacitance reduction, mitochondria-ER, and -nuclear contacts. Strikingly, it also produces the formation of PM invaginations near mitochondria along with structures referred to here as PM-mitochondrial bridges (PM-m-br). These and earlier data strongly suggest PM-mitochondria communication. As proof of the concept of mass transfer, we found that NMDA/pH6 provoked mitochondria labeling by the PM dye FM-4-64FX. NMDA/pH6 caused PM depolarization, cell acidification, and Ca2+ release from most mitochondria. Finally, the MCU and microtubules were not involved in mΔΨ depletion, while actin cytoskeleton was partially involved. These findings demonstrate that NMDAR has concomitant flux-independent and flux-dependent actions in cultured astrocytes.

Characterization of Bacteriophages against Pseudomonas Syringae pv. Actinidiae with Potential Use as Natural Antimicrobials in Kiwifruit Plants.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is the causal agent of a bacterial canker in kiwifruit plants and has caused economic losses worldwide. Currently, the primary strategies to control this pathogen include the use of copper-based compounds and even antibiotics. However, the emergence of isolates of Psa that are resistant to these agrochemicals has raised the need for new alternatives to control this pathogen. Bacteriophages have been proposed as an alternative to control bacterial infections in agriculture, including Psa. Here, we show the isolation and characterization of 13 phages with the potential to control Psa infections in kiwifruit plants. The phages were characterized according to their host range and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern. Four phages were selected according to their lytic effect on the bacteria and their tolerance to different environmental conditions of pH (4-7), temperature (4-37 °C), and solar radiation exposure (30 and 60 min). The selected phages (CHF1, CHF7, CHF19, and CHF21) were sequenced, revealing a high identity with the podophage of Psa phiPSA2. In vitro assays with kiwifruit leaf samples demonstrated that the mixture of phages reduced the Psa bacterial load within three hours post-application and was able to reduce the damage index in 50% of cases. Similarly, assays with kiwifruit plants maintained in greenhouse conditions showed that these phages were able to reduce the Psa bacterial load in more than 50% of cases and produced a significant decrease in the damage index of treated plants after 30 days. Finally, none of the selected phages were able to infect the other bacteria present in the natural microbiota of kiwifruit plants. These results show that bacteriophages are an attractive alternative to control Psa infections in kiwifruit plants.

Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Indole-Producing Isolates of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Obtained From Chilean Kiwifruit Orchards.

In recent years, Chilean kiwifruit production has been affected by the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), which has caused losses to the industry. In this study, we report the genotypic and phenotypic characterization of 18 Psa isolates obtained from Chilean kiwifruits orchards between 2012 and 2016 from different geographic origins. Genetic analysis by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using four housekeeping genes (gyrB, rpoD, gltA, and gapA) and the identification of type III effector genes suggest that the Chilean Psa isolates belong to the Psa Biovar 3 cluster. All of the isolates were highly homogenous in regard to their phenotypic characteristics. None of the isolates were able to form biofilms over solid plastic surfaces. However, all of the isolates formed cellular aggregates in the air-liquid interface. All of the isolates, except for Psa 889, demonstrated swimming motility, while only isolate Psa 510 demonstrated swarming motility. The biochemical profiles of the isolates revealed differences in 22% of the tests in at least one Psa isolate when analyzed with the BIOLOG system. Interestingly, all of the isolates were able to produce indole using a tryptophan-dependent pathway. PCR analysis revealed the presence of the genes aldA/aldB and iaaL/matE, which are associated with the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-acetyl-3-L-lysine (IAA-Lys), respectively, in P. syringae. In addition, IAA was detected in the cell free supernatant of a representative Chilean Psa strain. This work represents the most extensive analysis in terms of the time and geographic origin of Chilean Psa isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Psa being able to produce IAA. Further studies are needed to determine the potential role of IAA in the virulence of Psa during kiwifruit infections and whether this feature is observed in other Psa biovars.

In situ antimicrobial behavior of materials with copper-based additives in a hospital environment.

Copper and its alloys are effective antimicrobial surface materials in the laboratory and in clinical trials. Copper has been used in the healthcare setting to reduce environmental contamination, and thus prevent healthcare-associated infections, complementing traditional protocols. The addition of copper nanoparticles to polymer/plastic matrices can also produce antimicrobial materials, as confirmed under laboratory conditions. However, there is a lack of studies validating the antimicrobial effects of these nanocomposite materials in clinical trials. To satisfy this issue, plastic waiting room chairs with embedded metal copper nanoparticles, and metal hospital IV pools coated with an organic paint with nanostructured zeolite/copper particles were produced and tested in a hospital environment. These prototypes were sampled once weekly for 10 weeks and the viable microorganisms were analysed and compared with the copper-free materials. In the waiting rooms, chairs with copper reduced by around 73% the total viable microorganisms present, showing activity regardless of the microorganism tested. Although there were only low levels of microorganisms in the IV pools installed in operating rooms because of rigorous hygiene protocols, samples with copper presented lower total viable microorganisms than unfilled materials. Some results did not have statistical significance because of the low load of microorganisms; however, during at least three weeks the IV pools with copper had reduced levels of microorganisms by a statistically significant 50%. These findings show for the first time the feasibility of utilizing the antimicrobial property of copper by adding nanosized fillers to other materials in a hospital environment.

Cronoterapia y psiquiatría: aspectos a considerar en la clínica / Chronotherapy and psychiatry: issues to consider clinic

Se ha demostrado que las funciones fisiológicas oscilan durante ciclos de 24 horas (circadianos), menos de 24 horas (ultradianos) y mayores de 24 horas (infradianos), lo que se denomina ritmos biológicos (cronobiología). El presente artículo hace énfasis en cómo los ritmos biológicos pueden incidir en la respuesta a los medicamentos y la terapéutica psiquiátrica (cronofarmacología, cronoterapia). Esta variable de estudio podría ofrecer nuevos márgenes en la eficacia y seguridad de los medicamentos y hacer su uso más racional.

It has been shown that physiological functions oscillate during cycles of 24 hours (circadian), of less than 24 (ultradian) and larger than 24 hours (infradian). These are called biological rhythms (chronobiology). This article emphasizes on how biological rhythms may influence response to drugs and psychiatric treatment (chronopharmacology, chronotherapy). The study of this variable could offer new perspectives on efficacy and safety of drugs in order to pursue a more rational use of them.

[Validation of the sino-nasal outcome test in Chile]. / Encuesta de síntomas SNOT-20 para rinitis alérgica y rinosinusitis: validación en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are common diseases that affect quality of life of pediatric and adult patients. AIM: To adapt and validate the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 indicators (SNOT-20) survey in Chilean subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a psychometric validation study, an adapted version of the SNOT-20 adapted version was applied to 181 volunteers on two different occasions, three weeks apart. Feasibility (response time and perceived difficulty), reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity (concurrent validity, correlating results with an independent instrument; predictive validity assessing its sensitivity to detect changes and discriminate validity, assessing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves), were assessed. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to confirm the presence of previously described underlying constructs. RESULTS: Eighty percent of participants considered SNOT-20 easy to complete. This task was completed in less than 5 minutes. Cronbach's alpha was 0.946. Temporal stability on a healthy subgroup was strong with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92. SNOT-20 had a correlation coefficient of 0.82 with an independent instrument and its score significantly decreased after 3 weeks of treatment (p = 0.003). The area under ROC curve was 0.895. Factor analysis identified four principal components which possessed identical structure as previously described. CONCLUSIONS: SNOT-20 survey was valid, reliable and easy to implement among Chilean subjects.

Encuesta de síntomas SNOT-20 para rinitis alérgica y rinosinusitis: validación en Chile / Validation of the sino-nasal outcome test in Chile

Background: Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are common diseases that affect quality of life of pediatric and adult patients. Aim: To adapt and validate the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 indicators (SNOT-20) survey in Chilean subjects. Material and Methods: In a psychometric validation study, an adapted version of the SNOT-20 adapted version was applied to 181 volunteers on two different occasions, three weeks apart. Feasibility (response time and perceived difficulty), reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity (concurrent validity, correlating results with an independent instrument; predictive validity assessing its sensitivity to detect changes and discriminate validity, assessing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves), were assessed. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to confirm the presence of previously described underlying constructs. Results: Eighty percent of participants considered SNOT-20 easy to complete. This task was completed in less than 5 minutes. Cronbach's alpha was 0.946. Temporal stability on a healthy subgroup was strong with an intraclass correlation coefficient of0.92. SNOT-20 had a correlation coefficient of0.82 with an independent instrument and its score significantly decreased after 3 weeks of treatment (p = 0.003). The area under ROC curve was 0.895. Factor analysis identified four principal components which possessed identical structure as previously described. Conclusions: SNOT-20 survey was valid, reliable and easy to implement among Chilean subjects.