Repositorio Institucional
Nuestra plataforma Reúne, conserva y difunde la producción intelectual en formato digital de estudiantes, académicos e investigadores de la Universidad del Desarrollo. Es una plataforma web colaborativa diseñada y administrada por el Sistema de Bibliotecas, en el que participan las unidades académicas como proveedoras de contenido, ejerciendo el rol de editor en su respectiva “comunidad” Leer Más...
¿Qué estás buscando?
Recent Submissions
Oligosymptomatic B cell lymphoma presenting as an ANA-positive polyarthritis with PET/CT full-body infiltration
(2025) Karsulovic, Claudio; Oportus, J.; Hojman, Lia
The radiologist versus commercial medicine and potential ethical conflicts
(2025) Salas Ibarra, Sofía Patricia; Micolich, Constanza
The medical profession has, as its primary interest, the well-being of the patient over economic, prestige, or any other interests, so the latter always correspond to secondary interests. However, we frequently see that the physicians’ financial relationships with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries constitute genuine conflict of interest that may jeopardize the health and well-being of the population, as well as the trust that society has in the medical profession. Given this scenario, in this article we will update the definitions for conflict of interest in clinical practice in general and in the field of radiology and imaging in particular; we will identify those areas where this is most likely to occur, such as requesting unnecessary examinations or carrying out management not based on the best evidence, those related to the way in which professional practice is organized, and also those related to clinical research. We will conclude with some recommendations for eliminating conflict of interest, or at least to managing them in a better way, thus preserving the autonomy and professional integrity of radiology specialists.
La profesión médica tiene como interés primordial el bienestar del paciente por sobre el interés económico, de prestigio o cualquier otro, de modo que estos últimos siempre corresponden a intereses secundarios. No obstante, con cierta frecuencia vemos que las relaciones financieras de los médicos con la industria farmacéutica y de dispositivos médicos constituyen reales conflictos de intereses que pueden poner en riesgo la salud y el bienestar de la población, así como también la confianza que la sociedad tiene en la profesión médica. Dado este escenario, en el presente artículo actualizaremos las definiciones sobre conflicto de intereses en la práctica clínica en general y en particular en el ámbito de la especialidad de radiología e imágenes, e identificaremos aquellas áreas en las que es más posible que esto ocurra, como por ejemplo al solicitar exámenes innecesarios o realizar una gestión no basada en la mejor evidencia, aquellos relacionados con la forma en que se organiza la práctica profesional y también los relacionados con la investigación clínica. Finalizaremos con algunas recomendaciones para eliminar los conflictos de intereses o, al menos, poder manejarlos de mejor manera para así preservar la autonomía y la integridad profesional de los especialistas en radiología
Risk Factors for Failure of Non-operative Management in Isolated Unilateral Non-displaced Facet Fractures of the Subaxial Cervical Spine: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(2025) Cirillo, Ignacio; Ricciardi, Guillermo Alejandro; Cabrera, Juan Pablo; Lopez Muñoz, Felipe; Romero Valverde, Lyanne; Joaquim, Andrei; Carazzo, Charles; Yurac, Ratko
Study Design: systematic review.
Objective: To evaluate risk factors associated with failure of non-operative management of isolated unilateral facet fractures of the subaxial cervical spine in neurologically intact patients.
Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted in order to determine risk factors associated with failure of non-operative management in isolated unilateral facet fractures of the subaxial cervical spine without facet and/or vertebral displacement, in neurologically intact patients. Our research was in line with the PRISMA Statement and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023405699).
Results: A total of 1639 studies were identified through a database search on May 5, 2023. In total, 7 studies from the databases were included, along with 1 study found through a manual citation search. The evidence showed high clinical heterogeneity, a serious risk of bias according to the ROBINS-I tool, and a predominance of retrospective cohort studies. In comparison to less complex facet fractures, lateral floating mass fractures were found to have 5.41 times higher odds of failure of non-operative management (OR = 5.41; 95% CI = 1.32, 22.19). We calculated the potential association between lower absolute fracture height and non-operative treatment success [Fracture height (percentage) Mean Difference = 17.51 ( 28.22, 6.79 95% CI); Absolute height Mean Difference: 0.46 ( 0.60, 0.31 95% CI)]. Other risk factors were not included in the meta-analysis due to lack of data. The level of certainty was rated as “very low”.
Conclusions: Lateral floating mass cervical facet fractures and larger fracture fragment size (measured either in absolute terms or as a percentage) are significant risk factors for failure of non-operative treatment.
Human inborn errors of immunity: 2024 update on the classification from the International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee
(2025) Poli Harlowe, María Cecilia; Aksentijevich, Ivona; Aziz, Ahmed; Cunningham, Charlotte; Hambleton, Sophie; Klein, Christoph; Morio, Tomohiro; Picard, Capucine; Puel, Anne; Rezaei, Nima; Seppänen, Mikko; Somech, Raz; Su, Helen; Sullivan, Kathleen; Torgerson, Troy; Meyts, Isabelle; Tangye, Stuart
This report provides an updated classification of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) involving 508 different genes and 17 phenocopies. Of these, we report 67 novel monogenic defects and 2 phenocopies due to neutralizing anti-cytokine autoantibodies or somatic mutations, which either have been discovered since the previous update (published June 2022) or were reported earlier but have been recently confirmed and/or expanded. The new additions were made after rigorous review of new genetic descriptions of IEIs by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Expert Committee using criteria established to define IEI. Although similar pathogenic variants in one gene, in terms of both classes of mutation (missense, nonsense, etc.) and impact on protein function, can result in a spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, they are herein classified according to the most consistently reported phenotype. In addition, because different variants in a single gene can result in recognizable diseases due to gain or loss of function, such cases are classified according to their clinical manifestations as a distinct entry in the same or a different table depending on the associated phenotype. This report will serve as a valuable resource for clinical immunologists and geneticists involved in the molecular diagnosis of individuals with heritable and acquired immunological disorders. Moreover, we expect this report to also serve as a valuable resource for all disciplines of medicine, since patients with IEIs may be first seen by rheumatologists, hematologists, allergists, dermatologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, and pulmonologists, depending upon their spectrum of presenting clinical features. Finally, expanding the known monogenic and related causes of human immune diseases requires dissection of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, which reveals fundamental requirements for specific genes, pathways, processes, and even cell types. Such knowledge may not only contribute to improved patient diagnosis and management but also pave the way to the development and implementation of therapies that target the cause-rather than the symptoms-of these conditions.
The 2024 update of IUIS phenotypic classification of human inborn errors of immunity
(2025) Aziz, Ahmed; Jeddane, Leïla; Moundir, Abderrahmane; Poli Harlowe, María Cecilia; Aksentijevich, Ivona; Cunningham, Charlotte; Hambleton, Sophie; Klein, Christoph; Morio, Tomohiro; Picard, Capucine; Puel, Anne; Rezaei, Nima; Seppänen, Mikko; Somech, Raz; Su, Helen; Sullivan, Kathleen; Torgerson, Troy; Tangye, Stuart; Meyts, Isabelle
Here, we report the 2024 update of the phenotypic classification by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) expert committee (EC) on inborn errors of immunity (IEI), which accompanies and complements the 2024 genotypic classification. The aim of this classification is to help diagnosis for clinicians at the bedside and focuses on clinical features and basic laboratory phenotypes of specific IEI. In this update, 559 IEI are described, including 67 novel monogenic defects and 2 new phenocopies. This phenotypic classification is presented in the form of decision trees when possible, with essential clinical or immunological phenotype entries.
A minimal One Health approach? Lessons from the salmon aquaculture crisis in Chile
(2025) Aguilera, Bernardo; Lecaros Urzúa, Juan Alberto; Olivares, Jorge
This paper explores the application of the One Health approach through an analysis of the response to the 2007 crisis in Chile's salmon aquaculture industry. To evaluate the extent to which the case aligns with a "minimal" One Health framework, we draw on four key dimensions of this framework (methodological, epistemic, ontological, and ethical) and contrast the case with the response to the 2009 Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands. We conclude that the Dutch response to Q fever, characterized by limited institutional collaboration, a narrow disciplinary focus, and an anthropocentric ethical stance, fell short of even a minimal One Health approach. In contrast, the response by the Aquaculture Health Management Program (PGSA) to Chile's salmon aquaculture crisis represents a more integrated approach, involving multisectoral collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and concern for animal and environmental health. While the Chilean case does not fully achieve a strong One Health model, it demonstrates the practical benefits of adopting a minimal One Health perspective, including reduced antibiotic use and improved disease control. The paper concludes that One Health should be understood as a flexible, problem-solving framework, and that clarity regarding its core dimensions is essential for strengthening One Health approaches.
Análisis de la carga de entrenamiento e indicadores de variabilidad y estrés fisiológico durante una temporada en fútbol femenino de élite
(2025) González-Vargas, M.; Gallardo-Pérez, J.; González-Escobar, A.
El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la carga e indicadores de variabilidad y estrés fisiológico durante un periodo de 43 semanas a 24 jugadoras (21,1 ± 3,0 años; 61,7 ± 5,1 kg; 159,3 ± 6,0 cm) de primera división del fútbol femenino chileno. El estudio fue cuantitativo de corte longitudinal. La carga e índices de monotonía y Strain fueron evaluados con el método PSE-sesión. Los resultados indicaron que la carga e indicadores de monotonía y strain tuvieron mayor impacto en periodos de preparación. Hubo diferencias significativas al comparar los periodos de preparación, competitivo y transición. (F = 6,657; p = 0,001; TE = 0,41). Se concluye que la periodización semanal es diferente entre los periodos de preparación y competitivo, mostrando una mayor ondulación de las cargas el período competitivo, pero que en periodos de preparación hay menor variabilidad y mayor estrés fisiológico que puede inducir la aparición de lesiones por sobrecarga.
Diseño y validación del cuestionario de prácticas de enseñanza de escritura académica
(2025) Strocchi, María Verónica; Tapia-Ladino, Mónica; Fuentealba-Carrasco, Pablo
La escritura académica constituye una competencia clave en el contexto universitario. No obstante, se cuenta con escasa evidencia sobre su enseñanza, especialmente, en asignaturas disciplinares. A partir de esta necesidad se plantea como objetivo la construcción y validación exploratoria de las propiedades psicométricas de las subescalas que conforman el Cuestionario de prácticas de enseñanza de escritura académica (versión para estudiantes). La investigación adoptó un enfoque instrumental e involucró a 1109 universitarios chilenos. Las subescalas se elaboraron a partir de una fase cualitativa previa y de la revisión de literatura. Para obtener evidencias de la validez de contenido y respuesta, el instrumento fue revisado por 9 especialistas y piloteado con 30 alumnos. Para analizar su estructura interna se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial exploratorio y también se efectuó un análisis de confiabilidad. Los hallazgos demostraron índices adecuados, resultando un instrumento compuesto por 43 ítems distribuidos en siete dimensiones/factores: 1) importancia, 2) contexto, 3) planificación, 4) implementación, 5) evaluación, 6) retroalimentación y 7) autoaprendizaje. Se concluye que el instrumento podría aportar información para el desarrollo de la didáctica en el área
Exploring teacher job satisfaction in five Latin American countries: A Multi-level analysis using TALIS 2018
(2025) Lazcano Castro, Christian; Galilea Izquierdo, Sara; Wenderoth, Stefanie; Rojas, Armando; Ortúzar, María Soledad
This study investigates teacher job satisfaction in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, using data from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey. Through multi-level analysis, it examines individual and organizational factors influencing job satisfaction. Findings indicate that teacher cooperation and self-efficacy enhance job satisfaction, while workplace stress detracts from it. Positive teacher-student relationships and stakeholder involvement are identified as essential organizational factors. These results underscore the importance of supportive environments and collaborative practices in improving teacher well-being and retention. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, offering insights to boost job satisfaction and educational quality across diverse educational settings
Traceable and Biocompatible Carbon Dots from Simple Precursors: A Pre-Deployment Safety Baseline
(2025) Silva, Christian; Innocenzi, Plinio; Malfatti, Luca; Fiori, Federico; Blanco, Francisca; Hormazabal, Juan; Gangas, María; Diaz, Oscar; Balic, Iván
Carbon dots (CDs) are promising for agro-environmental applications; however, clear connections between synthesis, photophysical properties, size, and biosafety are often not well established. In this study, we map these relationships for glucose–arginine CDs (GA-CDs). By using microwave and hydrothermal routes at precursor ratios of 1:3, 1:9, and 1:15, we produced sub-10 nm nanoparticles (analyzed by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy) that exhibit tunable absorption and emission properties, as well as surface properties (demonstrated through UV–Vis spectroscopy, 3D photoluminescence, and FTIR analysis). The hydrothermal 1:9 condition yielded the narrowest size distribution and red-shifted photoluminescence. Across biological models spanning plants, insects, plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR), and human cells, GA-CDs were well tolerated, with no adverse changes detected in plant stress markers, aphid feeding behavior or fecundity, or PGPR growth. In A549 cells, viability remained stable up to a concentration of 0.125 mg mL−1, while exposure to 0.5 mg mL−1 reduced viability, establishing a practical operating range. These results provide a clearer picture of how the structure and properties of carbon dots derived from arginine and glucose are correlated to their safety. The GA-CDs are, therefore, useful, and traceable tools for agro-environmental research. The findings support their use as biocompatible nanomaterials for studying interactions among plants, insects, and microbes in agriculture.
Evolución de las tasas de egreso hospitalario por colesteatoma del oído medio en el periodo 2020 a 2023 en Chile
(2026) Vera, Francisca; Cabello, Rodolfo; Hidalgo, Matías; Ávila, Agustín; Flores, Elizabeth
Introducción: El colesteatoma del oído medio es un quiste invasivo, caracterizado por la acumulación de queratina descamada y detritos. En Chile no está clara su epidemiología. Objetivo: Calcular la tasa de egreso hospitalario por colesteatoma del oído medio durante el periodo 2020-2023 en Chile. Metodología: Estudio
observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo, sobre la tasa de egreso hospitalario por colesteatoma del oído medio en población total en Chile, según las variables sexo, edad y duración de estadía hospitalaria. No se requirió evaluación por un comité ético científico. Resultado: Se estudiaron 1.359 casos, determinando una tasa de egreso hospitalario del periodo de 1,93 casos por 100.000 habitantes, con una tendencia al alza en el periodo estudiado. Destaca un predominio en hombres jóvenes hasta los 19 años, mientras que, a partir de los 45 años, predomina en mujeres. Se establece una media de estadía hospitalaria de 1,82 días. Discusión: El aumento de la tasa puede deberse al impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 y la redistribución de recursos. Esto mismo
pudo afectar a la diferencia de tasas entre ambos sexos. El predominio de hombres jóvenes y mujeres mayores se puede deber a la mayor incidencia de colesteatoma congénito y disfunción de la tuba auditiva, respectivamente. Por último, la mayor estadía hospitalaria en personas mayores puede explicarse por la mayor prevalencia de comorbilidades. Conclusión: Se presenta una tendencia similar a otros países y sugieren que factores anatómicos y fisiológicos influyen en la enfermedad. Se requieren más estudios para establecer adecuadas estrategias de manejo.
Introduction: Bronchus middle ear cholesteatoma is an invasive cystic lesion characterized by the accumulation of desquamated keratin and debris. In Chile the epidemiology of this condition remains unclear. Objective: To calculate the hospital discharge rate for middle ear cholesteatoma during the period 2020-2023 in Chile. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was conducted on the hospital discharge rate for middle ear cholesteatoma in the total population, according to sex, age, and length of hospital stay. Scientific ethics committee approval was not required. Result: A total of 1.359 cases were analyzed, determining an hospital discharge rate of 1,93 cases per 100.000 inhabitants during the study period, with an increasing trend over the years studied. A predominance in young males up to 19 years of age was observed, whereas from 45 years onward, females predominated. The mean length of hospital stay was 1,82 days. Discussion: The increase in hospital discharge rate may be attributed to the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the redistribution of healthcare resources. This may also have influenced the differences in rates between sexes. The predominance of young males and older females may be explained by the higher incidence of congenital cholesteatoma and Eustachian tube dysfunction, respectively. Finally, the longer hospital stay in older individuals may be explained by the higher prevalence of comorbidities. Conclusion: A trend similar to that observed in other countries is presented, suggesting that anatomical and physiological factors influence the disease. Further studies are required to establish appropriate management strategies.
Exploring contextual factors for management and prevention of running-related injuries: runners and experts’ perspectives
(2025) Besomi, Manuela; Roa-Alcaino, Sonia; Lombardi, Angela; Vélez-Rivera, Rocío; Leppe Zamora, Jaime; Bolling, Caroline
Running is one of the most accessible and popular physical activities worldwide; however, injuries are the main barrier to sustaining running practice. While quantitative studies have explored prevalence and risk factors, a critical gap exists in understanding subjective experiences, perceptions and contextual influences on injury management and prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of runners and experts regarding injury perception, management and prevention, as well as the contextual influence of these processes. Using a secondary data analysis approach, this study drew from qualitative semistructured interviews with Chilean runners (n=15) and running experts (n=6). Thematic analysis, guided by an interpretivist approach, uncovered intrinsic factors (identity, motivation, stress and self-learning) and extrinsic factors (environment, information sources, marketing, peer advice, professional guidance, racing, stereotype and clothing) that shaped runners’ behaviours. Less experienced runners associated injury risk with asphalt surfaces, faced challenges in discerning online information reliability and found motivation in peer advice. Experts emphasised the multifactorial nature of running-related injuries, including previous injuries and training-related factors. Both groups acknowledged a global tendency among runners to resist rest when discomfort arose. This research contributed to a nuanced understanding of injury perception, management and prevention, bridging scientific knowledge with individual experiences. Clinicians may use this information to enhance the therapy alliance and set realistic expectations about the runner’s rehabilitation process.
Trends in initiation of regular cigarette smoking in 28 European countries, 1940-2019: retrospective reconstruction from repeated cross-sectional surveys
(2025) Teshima, Ayaka; Bannon, Olivia; Filippidis, Filippos; Feliu, Ariadna; Gallus, Silvano; Peruga, Armando; Martínez, Cristina; Fernández, Esteve
In the European Union (EU), one in five youth currently smoke, with over half establishing regular smoking by age 18. Yet, evidence on the historical trends of smoking initiation remains scarce despite its importance for tobacco control. Using four waves of the Special Eurobarometer survey (2012-20; n = 110 753, aged ≥15), we retrospectively estimated trends in initiation rates (IRs) of regular cigarette smoking in the EU from 1940 to 2019 among individuals aged 10-24 by sex, region, and country for each calendar decade. EU-wide smoking IRs have decreased compared to the peak period, with narrowing disparities by sex and region. For males, the IRs have declined from 5.7% (95% CI = 5.6-5.9) in the 1970s to 3.2% (95% CI = 3.0-3.3) in the 2010s, and for females from 3.9% (95% CI = 3.7-4.0) in the 1990s to 2.4% (95% CI = 2.3-2.5) in the 2010s. The decline was more pronounced among young adults aged 18-24 than minors aged 10-17, with minors' IRs surpassing those of young adults during the 2010s. Marked declines occurred among young adults in all regions, while among minors, a clear decrease was observed only for males in Northern Europe. Concerningly, the IRs among minors have trended upward in Eastern Europe for both sexes. Despite declining youth smoking initiation, an unacceptably high number of European youth still begin smoking regularly before the legal age of 18. Stricter and comprehensive tobacco control policies targeting youth, along with smoke-free generation initiatives, could substantially reduce future tobacco use and smoking-related mortality.
Human Infection by Zoonotic Eye Fluke Philophthalmus lacrymosus, South America
(2025) Weitzel, Thomas; Cordero, Esteban M.; Mujica, Trinidad; Aravena, Carolina; Phillips, Brianne E.; Yabsley, Michael J.; Lewbart, Gregory A.; Páez-Rosas, Diego; Jercic, María Isabel; Capasso, Sofía
We report a case of severe conjunctivitis in a traveler infected with a Philophthalmus lacrymosus eye fluke, probably acquired on the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. This zoonotic parasite is endemic in Brazil and Venezuela, where it has been reported in birds and capybaras.
Gestational hypothyroxinemia causes an inflammatory environment at maternal-fetal tissues and fetal brain with impaired hippocampal dendritic spine maturation in the offspring
(2025) González, Enrique; Rangel, Andreina; Opazo, María; Espinoza, Sebastián; Elgueta, Daniela; Cancino, Gonzalo; Mery, Elena; Ardiles, Álvaro; Duarte, Luisa; Soto, Jorge; Carreño, Leandro; Simon, Felipe; Bueno, Susan; González, Pablo; Kalergis, Alexis
Gestational hypothyroxinemia (HTX) is associated with cognitive impairments and autism traits in offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Prenatal inflammation impairs cortical development and induces diverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Since thyroid dysfunction elicits inflammation, we sought to investigate whether HTX triggers prenatal pro-inflammatory responses. Using a mouse model of gestational HTX, we found elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-17 A in maternal serum, placental tissues, and embryonic brains at embryonic day (E)14 compared to euthyroid (EUT) dams. We also found increased proportions of dendritic cells, NK cells, M1-like macrophages, and monocytes in the placental tissues of HTX dams. Furthermore, gestational HTX exposure led to reduced Tbr2⁺ progenitors, increased Tbr1⁺ neurons, and an expanded Iba1⁺ microglial population in HTX-exposed embryos compared to EUT-exposed embryos. At postnatal day (P)55, the offspring gestated under HTX exhibited reduced hippocampal dendritic spine density and maturity compared to the progeny gestated under EUT. Notably, restoring T4 levels during HTX induction (HTX + T4 dams) prevented these alterations during pregnancy and in the offspring of HTX + T4 dams. These findings show that gestational HTX causes inflammation during pregnancy and has neurodevelopmental effects on the progeny, opening new pathways related to how maternal HTX impairs neurodevelopment in the offspring.
Arsenic Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
(2026) López, Claudia; Rubilar, Paola; Muñoz, María P.; Hirmas, Macarena; Iglesias, Verónica
Introduction: Arsenic exposure has been identified as a possible risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In Arica, research has been conducted to relate
arsenic exposure to the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, highlighting the need to explore other events, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this study aimed to evaluate the association between current urinary arsenic concentration and the prevalence of NDDs in children from Arica.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the FONIS project #SA22I0119. The sample consists of 450 children born between 2013 and 2016.
The outcome variable, diagnosis of NDDs, was measured through parent self-reporting.
The exposure variable corresponds to the current concentration of urinary inorganic arsenic, corrected by creatinine. A logistic regression model adjusted for confounding variables was used.
Results: According to parent self-report, the prevalence of ADHD was 9.1%, ASD 5.3%, and NDDs 12%. The mean urinary inorganic arsenic concentration was 19.8 μg/g creatinine, and 7.6% of the children had levels ≥35 μg/g creatinine. After adjusting for tutors’education, number of household members, sex, and indigenous origin, those children with urinary arsenic ≥ 35 μg/g creatinine were more likely to present some NDDs (OR: 2.93; 95% CI 1.11, 7.75). For ADHD, the association was also elevated (OR = 3.85; 95% CI 1.44, 10.29).
Conclusion: The findings suggest an association between arsenic exposure and the prevalence of NDDs in children. These results contribute to the evidence of arsenic’s effect on the neurodevelopment of the child population.
From the Atacama to Patagonia: Understanding the Effects of Extreme Temperatures on Birth Weight Across Climate Regions in Chile
(2025) Blanco, E.; Conejeros, J.D.; Rubilar, Paola; Jiménez, R.; Guiñez, P.; Matute, M. I.; Smith, P.
Exposure to extreme temperatures during pregnancy can have adverse effects on birth weight, however, there is little evidence from Latin America. We used birth records in 2011–2020. Mean, minimum, and maximum daily temperatures were obtained from meteorological stations in 26 municipalities representing
different climatic zones of Chile. We explored different windows of exposure (entire pregnancy, trimester, and gestational week) and calculated temperature percentiles based on climatic zone for each window. The 50th percentile served as the reference for comparison. General additive models and distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM) adjusted for month and year of last menstrual cycle, maternal and paternal: age, education, and employment. Exposure to cold mean temperatures (≤10th percentile) in the total pregnancy period and each trimester was associated with a lower mean birth weight ( 28.7 g for the total period, 45.9, 36.1, and 83.4 g for trimester 1, 2, and 3, respectively), whereas exposure to warm mean temperatures was associated with higher birth weight (21.3 g for >90th percentile). For extreme temperatures, exposure to both cold (≤10th percentile for minimum) and hot (>90th percentile for maximum) in the total pregnancy period related to lower birth weight: 48.7 g (95% CI 49.7; 47.6) and 17.48 g (95% CI 18.5; 16.4), respectively, with similar effects by trimester. In DLNM, consistent effects were observed later in pregnancy. Lower birthweight was observed with exposure to extreme cold and heat, while warmer mean temperatures were associated with higher birthweight. Findings from Chile underscore regional impacts of climate change on child health.
Genomic variation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae influences paraquat response through differential oxidative stress and vacuolar adaptations
(2025) Rubilar, Juan; Szenfeld, Benjamín; Cubillos, Francisco; Klein, Andrés
The conserved genetics between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammals makes yeast an ideal model for studying the biological effects of paraquat (PQ), an herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) risk in humans. To determine how genetic background influences PQ toxicity, we treated four diverse yeast strains (NA, SA, WA, and WE) and assessed their physiological (growth curves), molecular (superoxide and peroxide levels), and cellular (vacuolar morphology/disaggregation) responses. PQ significantly reduced the specific growth rate (µMax) in WE and WA strains, while SA and NA remained unaffected. Superoxide and peroxide levels increased across all strains to varying degrees, with SA and WE exhibiting the highest accumulation. Furthermore, we found an inverse association between superoxide levels and µMax. PQ also induced strain-dependent vacuolar morphology shifts, from a single large organelle to fragmented vacuoles, with the susceptible WE strain displaying the most extreme disaggregation. Given the known link between lysosomal dysfunction and pesticide-induced PD, we investigated correlations between predicted missense variants in vacuolar genes and PQ responses. This analysis identified associations between fen2 variants, the human SLC17A5 ortholog, and vacuolar disaggregation. Validation using a fen2-deleted strain (Δfen2) confirmed its mechanistic role, showing increased vacuolar fragmentation, elevated oxidative markers, and compromised growth upon PQ exposure. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that PQ susceptibility is intrinsically linked to intracellular superoxide levels and that fen2 plays a critical role in the vacuolar adaptive response to oxidative stress. The mechanisms employed by the most resistant strains may inform the development of novel therapeutics for PQ-exposed individuals.
Morbilidad neonatal en prematuros tardíos: diferencias semana a semana
(2025) Novoa-Pizarro, José M.; Núñez-Mora, Karla; Piderit-Blanco, Nicolás; Ioulia-Sakovets; Rubio-Jara, Tania; Castillo-Cifuentes, Macarena; Cárcamo-Romero, Juan A.
introducción: Se considera prematuros tardíos a los nacidos entre las semanas 34+0 y 36+6, y son considerados nacidos de bajo riesgo; sin embargo, por su inmadurez fisiológica presentan mayores tasas de morbilidad que los recién nacidos a término. Se infravalora el riesgo de morbilidad de los prematuros tardíos debido a que su sobrevida es muy similar a la de los nacidos a término. objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de complicaciones semana a semana en el periodo
neonatal inmediato de prematuros tardíos y determinar si hay diferencias significativas en morbilidad entre una semana gestacional y la siguiente a partir de las 34 semanas. Material y métodos: Se revisó la información de 9 años de neonatos con 34 o más semanas de gestación nacidos en la Maternidad del Hospital Padre Hurtado, del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur Oriente, en Santiago, Chile. Se estudió la incidencia de hipoglucemia, membrana hialina y pulmón húmedo para
cada edad gestacional. Se analizó la incidencia de dicha morbilidad para cada semana y se comparó con semana siguiente.
resultados: Se estudiaron 57.874 recién nacidos, de los que 2856 eran prematuros tardíos; 4095 eran de 37 semanas de gestación y 50.923 eran de 38-42 semanas. Se observa que hay un significativo mayor riesgo de presentar estas patologías en los nacidos con 34-37 semanas de gestación. Este riesgo disminuye de manera significativa por cada semana gestacional alcanzada. Conclusiones: Los resultados orientan a generar estrategias para intentar prevenir el parto prematuro tardío,
con un adecuado balance riesgo-beneficio tanto para la madre como para el hijo.
Interpretation and analysis of solvent and physico-chemical parameters of choline-amino acid deep eutectic solvents and their aqueous mixtures over the kinetic response
(2025) Campodónico, Paola; Calfuman, Karla; Suárez, Cristian; Alcázar, Jackson; Olivares, Belén
This study underscores the pivotal role of choline-amino acid deep eutectic solvents, [ChCl][AA], in the hydrolysis reaction of p-nitrophenyl laurate (p-NPL), used here as a model reaction to evaluate solvent effects in various aqueous compositions. The [ChCl][AA] analyzed were choline methionine ([ChCl][Met]), and choline proline ([ChCl][Pro]). Hydrolysis reaction was performed both in the absence and presence of the enzyme Candida Antarctica Lipase B (CALB), allowing for detailed examination of how the reaction media influences enzymatic activity. Results indicate that varying solvent compositions significantly affect CALB’s catalytic behavior. A kinetic analysis, along with physicochemical evaluations, supports these findings. Notably, in the non-enzymatic hydrolysis, [ChCl][Met] showed a rate one order of magnitude higher than [ChCl][Pro]. The concentration of the phenolate form also increased with higher molar fractions ( χ ) of [ChCl][AA], implying direct involvement of [ChCl][AA] in phenoxide formation. Conversely, in the enzymatic reaction, [ChCl][Pro] facilitated a rate approximately 3.5 times faster than [ChCl][Met], with rates increasing as χ χ increased. This effect is attributed to the rigid structure of proline, which may induce beneficial conformational changes in CALB. Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that optimal enzymatic performance occurred in media rich in [ChCl] [Met] ( = 0.85), suggesting that such environments impose structural constraints that stabilize CALB. This stability may arise from the formation of a solvation shell near the [ChCl][AA]. Surface tension data further suggest that at specific compositions, 3D assemblies form, mimicking pure [ChCl][AA] behavior. Overall, this study emphasizes the potential of [ChCl][AA] as green solvents in biocatalysis applications.