A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey.

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

Vitamin K2 enhances the tumor suppressive effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in triple negative breast cancer cells.

K vitamins are well known as essential cofactors for hepatic γ-carboxylation of coagulation factors, but their potential role in chronic diseases including cancer is understudied. K2, the most abundant form of vitamin K in tissues, exerts anti-cancer effects via diverse mechanisms which are not completely understood. Our studies were prompted by previous work demonstrating that the K2 precursor menadione synergized with 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) to inhibit growth of MCF7 luminal breast cancer cells. Here we assessed whether K2 modified the anti-cancer effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell models. We examined the independent and combined effects of these vitamins on morphology, cell viability, mammosphere formation, cell cycle, apoptosis and protein expression in three TNBC cell models (MDA-MB-453, SUM159PT, Hs578T). We found that all three TNBC cell lines expressed low levels of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and were modestly growth inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3 in association with cell cycle arrest in G0/G1. Induction of differentiated morphology by 1,25(OH)2D3 was observed in two of the cell lines (MDA-MB-453, Hs578T). Treatment with K2 alone reduced viability of MDA-MB-453 and SUM159PT cells but not Hs578T cells. Co-treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 and K2 significantly reduced viable cell number relative to either treatment alone in Hs578T and SUM159PT cells. The combination treatment induced G0/G1 arrest in MDA-MB-453 cells, Hs578T and SUM159PT cells. Combination treatment altered mammosphere size and morphology in a cell specific manner. Of particular interest, treatment with K2 increased VDR expression in SUM159PT cells suggesting that the synergistic effects in these cells may be secondary to increased sensitivity to 1,25(OH)2D3. The phenotypic effects of K2 in TNBC cells did not correlate with γ-carboxylation suggesting non-canonical actions. In summary, 1,25(OH)2D3 and K2 exert tumor suppressive effects in TNBC cells, inducing cell cycle arrest leading to differentiation and/or apoptosis depending on the specific cell line. Further mechanistic studies to clarify common and unique targets of these two fat soluble vitamins in TNBC are warranted.

"More Spiritual Health Professionals Provide Different Care": A Qualitative Study in the Field of Mental Health.

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in studies demonstrating the positive effects of the religiosity/spirituality (R/S) approach on patients' physical and mental health. In mental health units, patients want professionals to be sensitive to their spiritual and/or religious needs, which is a fundamental aspect of a holistic approach to patients. Qualitative research with an exploratory and descriptive design with an ethnographic-phenomenological approach through in-depth interviews with sixteen professionals from Spanish mental health units. There is no consensus on the definition of spirituality; however, all of them believe that R/S has a positive influence on the health of patients in coping with illness. They believe that their own R/S may interfere with the professional-patient relationship and their attention to spiritual needs. Few professionals address these needs, citing limitations such as lack of time and lack of specific training in spiritual care. More research is needed on the spiritual care of mental health professionals to define the framework, professional training, and associated challenges in the spiritual care of patients.

Análisis del sistema de salud chileno y su estructura en la participación social / Analysis of the Chilean health system and its structure in social participation

RESUMEN El desarrollo político-económico que ha tenido Chile durante las últimas décadas ha permitido la evolución de su institucionalidad sanitaria, donde se ha mejorado la cobertura, gestión e infraestructura hospitalaria. La organización de la política sanitaria es altamente centralizada y estructurada desde el Estado, ello ha permitido implementar con rapidez diversos programas. La participación, por otro lado, se mantiene dentro de los espacios que la institucionalidad permite, sin embargo, existe una permanente presión de grupos no gubernamentales que piden una gobernanza diferente. Se desea, por lo tanto, pasar de una reactividad participativa en materias sanitarias a una proactividad permanente, aunque ello requiere de una permanente conversación entre el Estado y la ciudadanía. En el artículo se analiza el sistema sanitario chileno y cómo se relaciona con la participación ciudadana subsecuente, evidenciando los elementos, que bajo la realidad social actual, necesitan de un cambio para satisfacer adecuadamente a la población.

ABSTRACT The political-economic development that Chile has had in recent decades has allowed the evolution of its health institutions, where hospital coverage, management, and infrastructure have been improved. The health policy organization is highly centralized and structured by the State, and this has allowed the rapid implementation of several programs. On the other hand, participation is maintained within the spaces allowed by institutionality. However, there is permanent pressure from non-governmental groups asking for different governance. Therefore, moving from a participatory reactivity in health matters to permanent proactivity is desired, although this requires a constant dialogue between the State and citizens. This paper analyzes the Chilean health system and how it relates to subsequent citizen participation, highlighting the elements that, under the current social reality, require a change to satisfy the population adequately.

New insights into vitamin K biology with relevance to cancer.

Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (vitamin K2 family) are essential for post-translational γ-carboxylation of a small number of proteins, including clotting factors. These modified proteins have now been implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes including cancer. Vitamin K intake has been inversely associated with cancer incidence and mortality in observational studies. Newly discovered functions of vitamin K in cancer cells include activation of the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. We provide an update of vitamin K biology, non-canonical mechanisms of vitamin K actions, the potential functions of vitamin K-dependent proteins in cancer, and observational trials on vitamin K intake and cancer.

Analysis of the chilean health system and its structure in social participation / Análisis del sistema de salud chileno y su estructura en la participación social

The political-economic development that Chile has had in recent decades has allowed the evolution of its health institutions, where hospital coverage, management and infrastructure have been improved. The organization of health policy is highly centralized and structured from the State, this has allowed the rapid implementation of various programs. Participation, on the other hand, is maintained within the spaces that the institutionality allows, however, there is permanent pressure from non-governmental groups that ask for a different governance. Therefore, it is desired to move from a participatory reactivity in health matters to a permanent proactivity, although this requires a permanent conversation between the State and the citizenry. The article analyzes the Chilean health system and how it relates to subsequent citizen participation, highlighting the elements that, under the current social reality, need a change to adequately satisfy the population.

El desarrollo político-económico que ha tenido Chile durante las últimas décadas ha permitido la evolución de su institucionalidad sanitaria, donde se ha mejorado la cobertura, gestión e infraestructura hospitalaria. La organización de la política sanitaria es altamente centralizada y estructurada desde el Estado, ello ha permitido implementar con rapidez diversos programas. La participación, por otro lado, se mantiene dentro de los espacios que la institucionalidad permite, sin embargo, existe una permanente presión de grupos no gubernamentales que piden una gobernanza diferente. Se desea, por lo tanto, pasar de una reactividad participativa en materias sanitarias a una proactividad permanente, aunque ello requiere de una permanente conversación entre el Estado y la ciudadanía. En el artículo se analiza el sistema sanitario chileno y cómo se relaciona con la participación ciudadana subsecuente, evidenciando los elementos, que bajo la realidad social actual, necesitan de un cambio para satisfacer adecuadamente a la población.

Inhibition of HAS2 and hyaluronic acid production by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in breast cancer.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) induces growth arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, however the exact mechanisms are unclear. Although the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand dependent transcription factor, is required for growth regulation by vitamin D, the specific target genes that trigger these effects are unknown. Genomic profiling of murine mammary tumor cells with differential VDR expression identified 35 transcripts that were altered by the 1,25D3-VDR complex including Hyaluronan Synthase-2 (Has2). Here we confirmed that 1,25D3 reduces both HAS2 gene expression and hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis in multiple models of breast cancer. Furthermore, we show that the growth inhibitory effects of 1,25D3 are partially reversed in the presence of high molecular weight HA. HAS2 expression and HA production are elevated in immortalized human mammary epithelial cells induced to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through stable expression of TGFß, SNAIL or TWIST and in those expressing oncogenic H-RASV12, indicating that deregulation of HA production may be an early and frequent event in breast tumorigenesis. 1,25D3 also reduces HA secretion and acts additively with an HA synthesis inhibitor to slow growth of cells expressing TGFß, SNAIL and TWIST. Analysis of mammary gland and tumors from Vdr knockout mice suggest that loss of VDR is associated with enhanced HAS2 expression and HA production in vivo. These data define a novel role for 1,25D3 and the VDR in control of HA synthesis in epithelial tissues that likely contributes to its anti-cancer actions.

Combined treatment of menadione and calcitriol increases the antiproliferative effect by promoting oxidative/nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy in breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

The aim of this study was to determine new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative action of menadione + calcitriol (MEN+D) on MCF-7 cells. After 24 h, MEN+D inhibited the cell growth but was not observed with each single treatment. The combined drugs reduced the mitochondrial respiration at that time, as judged by an increase in the proton leak and a decrease in the ATP generation and coupling efficiency. At longer times, 48 or 96 h, either D or MEN reduced the proliferation, but the effect was higher when both drugs were used together. The combined treatment increased the superoxide anion ([Formula: see text]) and nitric oxide (NO•) contents as well as acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) formation. The percentage of cells showing the lower mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was highly increased by the combined therapy. LC3-II protein expression was enhanced by any treatment. In conclusion, the antiproliferative action of MEN+D involves oxidative/nitrosative stress, mitochondrial alteration, and autophagy. This combined therapy could be useful to treat breast cancer cells because it inhibits multiple oncogenic pathways more effectively than each single agent.

Specifically Targeted Electromagnetic Fields Arrest Proliferation of Glioblastoma Multiforme U-87 Cells in Culture.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive primary tumor that arises in the glial cells of the brain. Standardized first-line treatment has considerable morbidity and less than one-year median survival after intervention. Ultra-low intensity electromagnetic fields have been shown to interact with biological organisms without anticipated deleterious side-effects. The aim of the study was to determine if a novel, non-invasive application of non-ionizing radiation has an inhibitory effect on proliferation of glioblastoma multiforme cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: U-87 MG cells were continuously exposed for 54 h to an electromagnetic field tuned to simultaneously interact with DNA/RNA oligonucleotides (mutated alpha-kinase 2 gene/Hsa-miR-381-5p respectively) and proteins (HSP70/CHI3L1). RESULTS: Exposed cells demonstrated a significant inhibition of cell growth and concurrent increase in cell death. CONCLUSION: This technology induces cell death by novel non-cytotoxic mechanisms unlikely to induce side-effects in patients; can be customized for individual tumors and may contribute to the emerging strategy of personalized medicine.

Valoración del mlearning en el proceso de aprendizaje de estudiantes de la Salud / Assessment of m-learning in the process of health students' learning

Introducción: la utilización actual y constante de tecnologías en educación ha configurado una nueva dimensión que genera un apoyo constante en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en educación superior. La aplicación de tecnología de aprendizaje móvil, Mobile learning, dentro del contexto educativo ha establecido nuevos parámetros en la ergonomía educativa facilitándose el acceso continuo a la información. Su posicionamiento genera nuevos paradigmas cuyas valorizaciones deben ser estudiadas de forma adecuada. Objetivo: describir la valoración del mobile learning en el proceso de aprendizaje en alumnos de Salud. Métodos: esta investigación fue de carácter cuantitativa, utilizándose estadística descriptiva. Se recolectó la información mediante encuestas tabulándose en Spss 15 ®. Se obtuvo una muestra de 202 sujetos de carreras de la Facultad de Salud de la Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile. Resultados: los encuestados indicaron que las tecnologías más utilizadas son la laptop (47 por ciento) y el smartphone (42 por ciento), se constituye, además, como las más importantes (laptop con un 56 por ciento y smartphone con un 21 por ciento). Un 28,7 por ciento de quienes utilizan laptop para estudiar la valoran de forma positiva, percepción que baja a un 21 por ciento en la utilización del smartphone (ambas con un p = 0,00). Esta tecnología es utilizada por lo general para buscar información (27 por ciento). Conclusiones: se concluye que las tecnologías móviles adquieren importancia dentro del aprendizaje de los alumnos de educación superior. Las tecnologías tradicionales (pc de escritorio) se utilizan poco. La generación de una red para estudiar es valorada, por lo que la utilización del mobile learning contribuye de forma positiva en el mantenimiento de este tipo de comunicación(AU)

Introduction: The current and contact use of technology in education has configured a new dimension that generates a constant support to the teaching-learning process in higher education. The application of mobile technology learning, Mobile learning, within the educative context has established new parameters in educative ergonomics, which has facilitated the continuous access to information. Its positioning generates new paradigms, whose valorizations should be properly studied. Objective: Describe the assessment of mobile learning in the teaching process of health students. Methods: This research of quantitative character used descriptive statistics. The information was gathered by survey, and tabulated in Spss15 ®. We obtained a sample of 202 majoring subjects from the Health School of Universidad de Desarrollo, Chile. Results: The polled indicated that the most widely used technologies are the laptop (47 percent) and the smartphone (42 percent), which are in turn constituted as the most important (laptop: 56 percent; smartphone: 21 percent). 28.7 percent of those who used a laptop to study assess it positively, a perception that goes down to a 21 percent in the use of the smartphone (both with p= 0.00). This technology is generally used for searching information (27 percent). Conclusions: We have concluded that mobile technologies become important within the learning process of higher education students. The traditional technologies (desktop computer) are scarcely used. The generation of a study network is evaluated, a reason why using mobile learning positively contributes to maintaining this type of communication(AU)

Valoración del mlearning en el proceso de aprendizaje de estudiantes de la Salud / Assessment of m-learning in the process of health students' learning i:en

Introducción: la utilización actual y constante de tecnologías en educación ha configurado una nueva dimensión que genera un apoyo constante en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en educación superior. La aplicación de tecnología de aprendizaje móvil, Mobile learning, dentro del contexto educativo ha establecido nuevos parámetros en la ergonomía educativa facilitándose el acceso continuo a la información. Su posicionamiento genera nuevos paradigmas cuyas valorizaciones deben ser estudiadas de forma adecuada. Objetivo: describir la valoración del mobile learning en el proceso de aprendizaje en alumnos de Salud. Métodos: esta investigación fue de carácter cuantitativa, utilizándose estadística descriptiva. Se recolectó la información mediante encuestas tabulándose en Spss 15 ®. Se obtuvo una muestra de 202 sujetos de carreras de la Facultad de Salud de la Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile. Resultados: los encuestados indicaron que las tecnologías más utilizadas son la laptop (47 por ciento) y el smartphone (42 por ciento), se constituye, además, como las más importantes (laptop con un 56 por ciento y smartphone con un 21 por ciento). Un 28,7 por ciento de quienes utilizan laptop para estudiar la valoran de forma positiva, percepción que baja a un 21 por ciento en la utilización del smartphone (ambas con un p = 0,00). Esta tecnología es utilizada por lo general para buscar información (27 por ciento). Conclusiones: se concluye que las tecnologías móviles adquieren importancia dentro del aprendizaje de los alumnos de educación superior. Las tecnologías tradicionales (pc de escritorio) se utilizan poco. La generación de una red para estudiar es valorada, por lo que la utilización del mobile learning contribuye de forma positiva en el mantenimiento de este tipo de comunicación(AU)

Introduction: The current and contact use of technology in education has configured a new dimension that generates a constant support to the teaching-learning process in higher education. The application of mobile technology learning, Mobile learning, within the educative context has established new parameters in educative ergonomics, which has facilitated the continuous access to information. Its positioning generates new paradigms, whose valorizations should be properly studied. Objective: Describe the assessment of mobile learning in the teaching process of health students. Methods: This research of quantitative character used descriptive statistics. The information was gathered by survey, and tabulated in Spss15 ®. We obtained a sample of 202 majoring subjects from the Health School of Universidad de Desarrollo, Chile. Results: The polled indicated that the most widely used technologies are the laptop (47 percent) and the smartphone (42 percent), which are in turn constituted as the most important (laptop: 56 percent; smartphone: 21 percent). 28.7 percent of those who used a laptop to study assess it positively, a perception that goes down to a 21 percent in the use of the smartphone (both with p= 0.00). This technology is generally used for searching information (27 percent). Conclusions: We have concluded that mobile technologies become important within the learning process of higher education students. The traditional technologies (desktop computer) are scarcely used. The generation of a study network is evaluated, a reason why using mobile learning positively contributes to maintaining this type of communication(AU)

Valores éticos y formación curricular en odontología / Valores éticos e formação curricular em odontologia / Ethical values and curricula training in dentistry

Para identificar los valores éticos de los estudiantes de odontología y relacionarlos con el perfil de egreso, se elaboró una encuesta, aplicada a 1.281 estudiantes de ocho sedes que imparten odontología en Chile. Esta contenía 24 valores y cinco categorías de relevancia, estimando un promedio general por curso y género. En orden de relevancia, valores como felicidad, responsabilidad, sinceridad, respeto y bienestar fueron los más destacados; mientras que innovación, liderazgo, civismo, participación y reconocimiento los menos resaltados. En los primeros, no hay diferencias significativas por curso pero sí por género (p<0,05), excepto en bienestar, mientras que en los menos destacados no hay diferencias significativas por género, pero sí por curso (p<0,05). Del análisis de los perfiles destacan los valores de liderazgo, participación, cooperación y convivencia. Sin embargo, estos se encuentran al final de la escala de preferencia de los alumnos. De los cinco más valorados por los estudiantes, solo responsabilidad y respeto destacan en uno de los perfiles de egreso. En conclusión, los perfiles de egreso profesional deben incorporar valores que fortalezcan el desarrollo ético y tengan en cuenta la impronta valórica de los alumnos, de forma de alinearlos con los definidos por la institución y el propio perfil.

In order to identify ethical values of Dentistry students related to the profile of career ending, a survey was elaborated and applied to 1281 students of 8 sites teaching Dentistry in Chile. This contains 24 values and five relevant categories, estimating a general average by course and gender. In order of relevance, values such as happiness, responsibility, sincerity, respect and wellbeing were most highlighted; while innovation, leadership, civism, participation and acknowledgement were those less highlighted. In the first ones there were no significant differences by course but yes by gender (p<0,05), except wellbeing, while in those less highlighted, there were no significant differences by gender but yes by course (p<0,05). Profile analysis emphasizes the values of leadership, participation, cooperation and coexistence. Nevertheless, those are found at the end of preference scale of students. Of the five most valued by students, only responsibility and respect were highlighted in one profile of career ending. In conclusion, the profile of professional career ending must incorporate values to strengthen ethical development, taking into account the values highlighted by students, conforming them to those defined by the institution and personal profiles.

Para identificar os valores éticos dos estudantes de odontologia e relacioná-los com o perfil do egresso, se elaborou uma enquete aplicada a 1.281 estudantes de oito sedes que oferecem odontologia no Chile. A enquete continha 24 valores e cinco categorias de relevância, estimando uma média geral por curso e gênero. Em ordem de relevância, valores como felicidade, responsabilidade, sinceridade, respeito e bem-estar foram os mais destacados; enquanto que inovação, liderança, civismo, participação e reconhecimento os menos ressaltados. Nos primeiros, não há diferenças significativas por curso, porém sim por gênero (p<0,05), exceto em bem-estar, enquanto que nos menos destacados, não há diferenças significativas por gênero, porém sim por curso (p<0,05). Da análise dos perfis destacam os valores de liderança, participação, cooperação e convivência. No entanto, estes se encontram ao final da escala de preferência dos alunos. Dos cinco mais valorados pelos estudantes, só responsabilidade e respeito se destacam em um dos perfis do egresso. Em conclusão, os perfis do egresso profissional devem incorporar valores que fortaleçam o desenvolvimento ético e tenham em conta o perfil valórico dos alunos, de forma a alinhá-los com os definidos pela instituição e o próprio perfil.

Gene Signatures of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Exposure in Normal and Transformed Mammary Cells.

To elucidate potential mediators of vitamin D receptor (VDR) action in breast cancer, we profiled the genomic effects of its ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) in cells derived from normal mammary tissue and breast cancer. In non-transformed hTERT-HME cells, 483 1,25D responsive entities in 42 pathways were identified, whereas in MCF7 breast cancer cells, 249 1,25D responsive entities in 31 pathways were identified. Only 21 annotated genes were commonly altered by 1,25D in both MCF7 and hTERT-HME cells. Gene set enrichment analysis highlighted eight pathways (including senescence/autophagy, TGFß signaling, endochondral ossification, and adipogenesis) commonly altered by 1,25D in hTERT-HME and MCF7 cells. Regulation of a subset of immune (CD14, IL1RL1, MALL, CAMP, SEMA6D, TREM1, CSF1, IL33, TLR4) and metabolic (ITGB3, SLC1A1, G6PD, GLUL, HIF1A, KDR, BIRC3) genes by 1,25D was confirmed in hTERT-HME cells and similar changes were observed in another comparable non-transformed mammary cell line (HME cells). The effects of 1,25D on these genes were retained in HME cells expressing SV40 large T antigen but were selectively abrogated in HME cells expressing SV40 + RAS and in MCF7 cells. Integration of the datasets from hTERT-HME and MCF7 cells with publically available RNA-SEQ data from 1,25D treated SKBR3 breast cancer cells enabled identification of an 11-gene signature representative of 1,25D exposure in all three breast-derived cell lines. Four of these 11 genes (CYP24A1, CLMN, EFTUD1, and SERPINB1) were also identified as 1,25D responsive in human breast tumor explants, suggesting that this gene signature may prove useful as a biomarker of vitamin D exposure in breast tissue.

The impact of vitamin D in breast cancer: genomics, pathways, metabolism.

Nuclear receptors exert profound effects on mammary gland physiology and have complex roles in the etiology of breast cancer. In addition to receptors for classic steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) interacts with its ligand 1α,25(OH)2D3 to modulate the normal mammary epithelial cell genome and subsequent phenotype. Observational studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is common in breast cancer patients and that low vitamin D status enhances the risk for disease development or progression. Genomic profiling has characterized many 1α,25(OH)2D3 responsive targets in normal mammary cells and in breast cancers, providing insight into the molecular actions of 1α,25(OH)2D3 and the VDR in regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation. New areas of emphasis include regulation of tumor metabolism and innate immune responses. However, the role of VDR in individual cell types (i.e., epithelial, adipose, fibroblast, endothelial, immune) of normal and tumor tissues remains to be clarified. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which VDR integrates signaling between diverse cell types and controls soluble signals and paracrine pathways in the tissue/tumor microenvironment remain to be defined. Model systems of carcinogenesis have provided evidence that both VDR expression and 1α,25(OH)2D3 actions change with transformation but clinical data regarding vitamin D responsiveness of established tumors is limited and inconclusive. Because breast cancer is heterogeneous, analysis of VDR actions in specific molecular subtypes of the disease may help to clarify the conflicting data. The expanded use of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches on a diverse array of in vitro and in vivo model systems is clearly warranted to comprehensively understand the network of vitamin D regulated pathways in the context of breast cancer.

Cumplimiento de tratamientos farmacológicos: una aproximación cualitativa a la realidad pehuenche / Pharmacological treatment compliance: a qualitative approach to the Pehuenche reality

Antecedentes: las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles son un problema creciente en distintos grupos socioeconómicos y etarios. Dentro de las enfermedades crónicas la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes y las dislipidemias son las que presentan mayor dificultad para el control por parte del personal médico. Los principales problemas se concentran en el cumplimiento farmacológico por parte de la población mapuche y pehuenche. Metodología: se aplicó una investigación cualitativa, etnometodológica que estableció las bases teórico-metodológicas sobre las problemáticas relacionadas al concepto de enfermedad y cumplimiento farmacológico. La información se recolectó mediante entrevistas en población pehuenche. Se concluyó el proceso de reclutamiento mediante el punto de saturación de la información. Se efectuó análisis de contenido de tipo semántico estructural. Resultados: la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes y las dislipidemias, así como las enfermedades crónicas, no poseen un precedente cultural e histórico. Éstas se oponen al sistema religioso y compiten con sus instituciones. Por esta razón el tratamiento farmacológico no resulta efectivo, debido al escenario sociocultural particular. Conclusión: las diferencias conceptuales entre la medicina alopática y la cultural pehuenche redundan en problemas de cumplimiento, en especial debido a sus conceptualizaciones de las enfermedades crónicas.

Background: Chronic noncommunicable diseases are a growing problem in different socioeconomic groups and age ranges. Among chronic diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and dyslipidemia, pose a greater monitoring challenge for medical staff, mainly treatment compliance in the Mapuche and Pehuenche people. Methodology: Qualitative, ethnomethodological investigation that provides the theoretical and methodological framework on issues related to the concept of disease and treatment compliance. Information was collected through interviews. The recruitment process was stopped when the saturation point of information was reached. At that point, structural semantic content analysis was performed. Results: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia and other chronic diseases are not culturally and historically defined, contradict religious the system and compete with longstanding institutions. Consequently, drug treatment is not effective in this particular socio-cultural setting. Conclusion: The conceptual differences between allopathic and Pehuenche medicine result in compliance issues, particularly because of their conceptualizations of chronic diseases.

Percepción de rendimiento académico en estudiantes de Odontología / Perception of academic achievement in Odontology students

La investigación se centra en la percepción del rendimiento académico de estudiantes de pregrado de Odontología de la Universidad del Desarrollo, Concepción, Chile, contrastándola con distintas variables vinculadas a este concepto, con el objetivo de establecer una visión completa por medio de las asociaciones estadísticas existentes entre ellas. La investigación es de tipo cuantitativo, comparativo, transversal, se utilizó una encuesta validada por expertos y mediante un pilotaje, de la cual derivó una base de datos analizada mediante el programa SPSS®. Los datos tienen una distribución paramétrica, utilizando el test de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, posteriormente se aplica la prueba de t-Student. Los resultados demuestran que la percepción del redimiendo académico se vincula con variables que se asocian al propio estudiante y a variables que son consideradas exógenas por ellos. Se concluye que la percepción del rendimiento es una construcción socio-educacional constituida por múltiples variables que interaccionan y redundan en un resultado de calificación formal(AU)

This research work focused on the perception of the academic achievement of the undergraduate students of dentistry in Universidad del Desarrollo, Concepcion, Chile, by making a comparison with several variables linked to this concept in order to set an overall vision through the statistical associations among them. This is a cross-sectional, comparative and quantitative research using an expert-validated survey and pilotage from which a SPSS program-analyzed database was derived. Data were distributed parametrically; the Kolmogorov-Smirnow test and the t-Student test were applied. The results proved that the perceptions of academic achievement are linked with variables that are in turn associated to the student and to exogenous variables. It was concluded that the perception of the academic achievement is a social-educational construction made up of many interacting variables that have a bearing on the result of a formal qualification(AU)

Buthionine sulfoximine and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells via induction of reactive oxygen species.

Calcitriol or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is a negative growth regulator of breast cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine, a glutathione-depleting drug, modifies the antiproliferative effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on MCF-7 cells. For comparison, we included studies in MCF-7 cells selected for vitamin D resistance and in human mammary epithelial cells transformed with SV40 and ras. Our data indicate that L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine enhances the growth inhibition of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in all transformed breast cell lines. This effect is mediated by ROS leading to apoptosis. In conclusion, BSO alters redox state and sensitizes breast cancer cells to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated apoptosis.

pH salival, capacidad buffer, proteínas totales y flujo salival en pacientes hipertensos controlados usuarios de diuréticos / Salivary pH, buffer capacity, total proteins and salivary flow in controlled hypertensive patients diuretic users

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es una enfermedad cardiovascular que padece gran parte de la población mundial y nacional, alcanzando en Chile un 26,9 por ciento en el año 2010. El objetivo fue determinar pH salival, capacidad buffer, proteínas totales y flujo salival, en pacientes hipertensos controlados usuarios de diuréticos. Se analizaron 14 muestras de saliva no estimulada de pacientes hipertensos controlados con diuréticos y 10 muestras de saliva no estimulada de personas que no padecían enfermedades sistémicas y no tomaban medicamentos, los valores obtenidos de pH salival, capacidad buffer, flujo salival y proteínas totales fueron determinados en ambos grupos. La mediana obtenida en las muestras de hipertensos controlados con diuréticos, para el pH salival fue de 6,83; para la capacidad buffer fue 4,86; para el flujo salival fue 0,55 ml/min y para las proteínas totales salivales fue de 1,09 g/dL. Para el grupo de pacientes sanos la mediana fue de 6,88 para el pH; 4,25 para la capacidad buffer; 1,8 ml/min para el flujo salival y 0,29 g/dL para las proteínas totales salivales. Además, no se encontró asociación entre el flujo salival (rs = 0,425), capacidad buffer (rs = 0,283) y concentración de proteínas (rs = 0,245) con la dosis del diurético (p > 0,05) . Se encontró que existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el flujo salival y la concentración de proteínas salivales entre el grupo de pacientes hipertensos y de pacientes sanos (U Mann-Wthitney P < 0,005). No existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas de pH salival y capacidad buffer entre pacientes hipertensos controlados y pacientes sanos (U Mann-Wthitney P >0,005). Los pacientes que sufren HTA y están siendo controlados con diuréticos tienen una disminución del flujo salival y un aumento de la concentración de proteínas, no viéndose afectadas las variables de pH y capacidad buffer.

Introduction: Hypertension (HT) is a cardiovascular disease with a high prevalence around the world. In Chile at year 2010 it reached 26.9 percent of the population. Objective: To determine salivary pH, buffering capacity, total proteins and salivary flow in controlled hypertensive diuretic users and a group without systemic diseases. Methods: 14 samples of unstimulated saliva of patients with hypertension treated with diuretics and 10 samples of unstimulated saliva of people without systemic diseases and not taking medication were analyzed. pH, salivary buffering, salivary flow and total protein were determined in both groups. Results: The figures for the treated HT patients were as follows: pH: 6.83, buffer capacity: 4.86, salivary flow: 0.55 ml / min and total salivary proteins: 1.09 g / dL. For those without systemic diseases the results were: pH: 6,88, buffer capacity: 4,25, saliva flow: 1.8 ml / min and total salivary protein: 0.29 g / dL. No association was found between salivary flow (rs = 0.425), buffering capacity (rs = 0.283) and protein concentration (rs = 0.245) with the diuretic dose (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in salivary flow and total salivary protein concentration between the group with hypertension and without. (U Mann-Wthitney P > 0.005). No statistically significant differences in salivary pH and buffering capacity were found among the study groups (U Mann-Wthitney > 0.005). Conclusion: Patients with hypertension and treated with diuretics have a decreased salivary flow and an increased total protein concentration while ph and buffer capacity remained normal.

Genomic vitamin D signaling in breast cancer: Insights from animal models and human cells.

These studies focus on identification of vitamin D regulated pathways that impact development or progression of breast cancer. In mouse experiments, we assessed genomic profiles of glandular tissue and established tumors from MMTV-neu mice fed adequate (250 IU/kg) or high (5000 IU/kg) vitamin D (cholecalciferol). Genomic profiles were also obtained in murine mammary cells that differentially express VDR that were cultured in vitro with 100 nM 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). Ten candidate genes were identified that were commonly regulated in murine cells treated with 1,25D in vitro and in mammary gland of mice fed high dietary vitamin D. In complementary studies, the vitamin D pathway was evaluated in human mammary epithelial cells as a function of transformation. Genes regulated by 1,25D in human mammary epithelial cells included those involved in innate immunity (CD14), differentiation (Bmp6), extracellular matrix remodeling (Plau) and cell survival (Birc3). Transformation reduced VDR content and blunted the induction of some, but not all, target genes by 1,25D in human mammary cells. Collectively, these in vivo and in vitro data demonstrate that vitamin D signaling impacts on common pathways that drive differentiation, alter metabolism, remodel the extracellular matrix and trigger innate immunity in mammary tissue.

Anti-proliferative action of vitamin D in MCF7 is still active after siRNA-VDR knock-down.

BACKGROUND: The active form of Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), has strong anti-proliferative effects, yet the molecular mechanisms underneath this effect remain unclear. In contrast, the molecular mechanism of 1,25D for the regulation of calcium homeostasis has principally been resolved, demonstrating a pivotal role for the vitamin D receptor (VDR). RESULTS: We first addressed the question whether the anti-proliferative effects of 1,25D are influenced by VDR. Knockdown of VDR by siRNA did not affect the anti-proliferative effects of 1,25D in MCF7 breast cancer cells. This unanticipated finding led us to take an alternative approach using genome wide screens to study the molecular mechanisms of 1,25D in proliferation. For that purpose, four independently developed and stable 1,25D resistant MCF7 cell lines were analyzed. Array CGH identified a copy number alteration in a region of 13.5 Mb at chromosome 11q13.4-14.1 common to all four 1,25D resistant cell lines. Expression arrays revealed that no single gene was differentially expressed between the sensitive and resistant cells, but multiple membrane receptor signaling pathways were altered in the 1,25D resistant cell lines. Importantly, in the genome wide experiments neither VDR, CYP24A1 nor other known vitamin D signaling pathway genes were associated with 1,25D resistance. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, siRNA and genome wide studies both suggest that the anti-proliferative effects of 1,25D in MCF7 breast tumor cell lines do not rely on classical Vitamin D pathway per se.