Pesticide Residues and Health Risk Assessment in Tomatoes and Lettuces from Farms of Metropolitan Region Chile.

Over the last years, the detection of pesticide residues in the official food surveillance programs of Chile has been increased, mainly in fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuces. The Metropolitana Region of Chile presents the highest detections in the country. The lack of evaluations of toxicological risks in human health have increased uncertainty of the potential effects of pesticides exposures in the Chilean population. This research aims to determinate health risks assessment of pesticide residues associated to tomatoes and lettuces produced in Metropolitana Region. The findings of this study reveal that tomatoes and lettuces cultivated in the MR show more than 50% of samples with one or multiple pesticides residues. From the total samples, 16% were over the Chilean Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). The main pesticides detected in tomatoes and lettuces were methamidophos, methomyl, difenoconazole, cyprodinil and boscalid. The results obtained using the official data of the Ministry of Health of Chile (MINSAL) compared to the World Health Organization (WHO), describe relevant risks through the Estimated Daily Intakes (EDI), Hazard Quotients (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) for the Chilean population due to high concentrations of methamidophos, methomyl and cyprodinil. More restrictions for the use of methamidophos, methomyl, difenoconazole, cyprodinil and boscalid and effective control programs should be implemented in order to mitigate the impacts on the Chilean population.

Insulin increases cholesterol uptake, lipid droplet content, and apolipoprotein B secretion in CaCo-2 cells by upregulating SR-BI via a PI3K, AKT, and mTOR-dependent pathway.

The actions of insulin on intestinal cholesterol absorption and lipoprotein secretion are not well understood. Herein, we determined the effects of insulin on the levels of cholesterol transporter scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR-BI), cellular cholesterol uptake, intracellular lipid accumulation, and lipoprotein secretion in a cellular model of human intestinal epithelium. METHODS: CaCo-2 cells were cultured to postconfluency in Transwell filters and stimulated with glucose (25 mM) in the presence or absence of insulin (100 nM) at their basolateral surface. SR-BI mRNA and protein levels were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblot, respectively. Polarized localization of SR-BI was determined by cell surface proteins biotinylation and streptavidin precipitation. Activities of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and SR-BI were pharmacologically antagonized. Cholesterol uptake was assessed by NBD-cholesterol incorporation. Apolipoprotein (apo) B concentration was quantified by ELISA. Subcellular localization of neutral lipids (BODIPY) and SR-BI (immunofluorescence) was determined by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: In polarized CaCo-2 cells, insulin increased SR-BI at the mRNA and protein levels. SR-BI was exclusively present at apical cell surface, as indicated by biotinylation and confocal microscopy analysis. Glucose did not modify SR-BI abundance or subcellular localization. Effects of insulin on SR-BI levels were abrogated by PI3K, AKT, or mTOR pharmacological antagonism. Cholesterol uptake, neutral lipid abundance, and apo B secretion were increased by insulin in CaCo-2 cells, and these effects were prevented by SR-BI pharmacological antagonism with block lipid transport-1. CONCLUSIONS: insulin promotes cholesterol uptake, intracellular lipid store, and apo B-containing lipoproteins secretion by SR-BI-dependent mechanisms in a model of human intestinal epithelium.

Early Bidirectional Glenn Procedure as Initial Surgical Palliation for Functionally Univentricular Heart with Common Arterial Trunk.

We report an unusual case of a 2-month-old baby with a diagnosis of common arterial trunk and double outlet right ventricle with a remote type ventricular septal defect. Taking into consideration the physiologic moment and anatomic findings of the patient, we planned and successfully performed a bidirectional Glenn procedure as its first palliative procedure.

APOA5 Q97X mutation identified through homozygosity mapping causes severe hypertriglyceridemia in a Chilean consanguineous family.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) has been linked to defects in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, LMF1 and GBIHBP1 genes. However, a number of severe HTG cases are probably caused by as yet unidentified mutations. Very high triglyceride plasma levels (>112 mmol/L at diagnosis) were found in two sisters of a Chilean consanguineous family, which is strongly suggestive of a recessive highly penetrant mutation. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic locus responsible for the severe HTG in this family. METHODS: We carried out a genome-wide linkage study with nearly 300,000 biallelic markers (Illumina Human CytoSNP-12 panel). Using the homozygosity mapping strategy, we searched for chromosome regions with excess of homozygous genotypes in the affected cases compared to non-affected relatives. RESULTS: A large homozygous segment was found in the long arm of chromosome 11, with more than 2,500 consecutive homozygous SNP shared by the proband with her affected sister, and containing the APOA5/A4/C3/A1 cluster. Direct sequencing of the APOA5 gene revealed a known homozygous nonsense Q97X mutation (p.Gln97Ter) found in both affected sisters but not in non-affected relatives nor in a sample of unrelated controls. CONCLUSION: The Q97X mutation of the APOA5 gene in homozygous status is responsible for the severe hypertriglyceridemia in this family. We have shown that homozygosity mapping correctly pinpointed the genomic region containing the gene responsible for severe hypertriglyceridemia in this consanguineous Chilean family.

Analysis of Multi-Pesticide Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment in Fresh Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) from Local Supermarkets of the Metropolitan Region, Chile.

In recent years, the official authorities in Chile have reported transgressions in the maximum residue levels of pesticides in fresh vegetables. There is no official information about traceability, pesticide levels, and potential health risks. The aim of this study was to analyse pesticide residues and their corresponding dietary risk assessments in tomatoes from supermarkets in the Metropolitan Region. Pesticides were extracted using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe, QuEChERS method, and their concentrations were determined by using chromatography with HPLC-FL/UV and GC-MS/ECD/NPD, following the Analytical Quality Control and Method Validation Procedures for Pesticides Residues Analysis in Food and Feed, SANTE guide and ISO 17025:2017 standard. In addition, a dietary risk assessment was carried out by comparing Chilean data to international references. The results reported that 9% of the samples had pesticide residue levels above the maximum residue levels permitted in Chile. All the scenarios evaluated revealed the highest estimated daily intake and hazard quotients for methamidophos and chlorpyrifos. Both the active substances used were acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and were neurotoxic under chronic risk assessment. The results showed the highest chronic hazard index in the Chilean scenario for all age groups and genders. The evidence obtained revealed that methamidophos, methomyl, and chlorpyrifos should be restricted for their use in Chilean agriculture.

Early Extubation in a Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program Located at High Altitude.

BACKGROUND: Early extubation is performed either in the operating room or in the cardiovascular intensive care unit during the first 24 postoperative hours; however, altitude might possibly affect the process. The aim of this study is the evaluation of early extubation feasibility of patients undergoing congenital heart surgery in a center located at 2,691 m (8,828 ft.) above sea level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing congenital heart surgery, from August 2012 through December 2018, were considered for early extubation. The following variables were recorded: weight, serum lactate, presence or not of Down syndrome, optimal oxygenation and acid-base status according to individual physiological condition (biventricular or univentricular), age, bypass time, and ventricular function. Standardized anesthetic management with dexmedetomidine-fentanyl-rocuronium and sevoflurane was used. If extubation in the operating room was considered, 0.08 mL/kg of 0.5% ropivacaine was injected into the parasternal intercostal spaces bilaterally before closing the sternum. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-eight patients were operated and 81% were early extubated. Mean pre- and postoperative SaO2 was 92% and 98%; postoperative SaO2 for Glenn and Fontan procedures patients was 82% and 91%, respectively. Seventy-three percent of patients who underwent Glenn procedure, 89% of those who underwent Fontan procedure (all nonfenestrated), and 85% with Down syndrome were extubated in the operating room. Reintubation rate in early extubated patients was 3.6%. CONCLUSION: Early extubation is feasible, with low reintubation rates, at 2,691 m (8,828 ft.) above sea level, even in patients with single ventricle physiology.

Pesticide residues in ready-to-eat leafy vegetables from markets of Santiago, Chile, and consumer's risk.

The detection of pesticide residues in leafy vegetables has been a relevant concern in Chile over the last years. There is also a priority at the national level to propose a methodology to assess health risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pesticide residues in ready-to-eat leafy vegetables in order to evaluate different models for health risk assessment. The models considered data of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of Chile (MINSAL). The Hazard Quotients and Hazard Indexes for the pesticides evaluated in all models decreased in the following order: methamidophos>lambda-cyhalothrin> chlorpyrifos. From a food safety perspective, the investigated samples suggest the presence of a greater health risk to consumers when compared using the official data of MINSAL, which needs appropriate attention.

Visión del profesorado de educación física hacia su asignatura en Chile / Physical education teacher's vision towards its subject in Chile

RESUMENEN: El propósito de este estudio es determinar cómo los profesores de Educación Física perciben su asignatura, en cuánto a los factores que afectan la calidad de la clase, las condiciones del establecimiento educacional, y el apoyo que se recibe de la autoridad educativa, según sexo y establecimiento educacional en donde los docentes se desempeñan. Se encuestó a 93 profesores de Educación Física, de 6 Regiones de Chile, pertenecientes a establecimientos Municipales, Particulares Subvencionados y Particulares Privados. Los resultados más significativos revelan que el profesorado de Educación Física considera que el factor predominante sobre la calidad de la clase tiene relación con la falta de motivación por parte de los estudiantes, y el que menos afecta es el poco conocimiento de algunas áreas por parte de los docentes. Profesores y Profesoras consideran que sus establecimientos cuentan con las condiciones para desarrollar una buena clase y también tienen el apoyo de las autoridades educativas. Como conclusión, se logró identificar que no existen grandes diferencias en cuanto a la visión del profesor de Educación Física en Chile según sexo, sin embargo, se detectaron mayores diferencias según tipo de establecimiento donde los docentes se desempeñan.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to determine how Physical Education teahers perceive their subject, in terms of the factors that affects the quality of the class, the conditions of educational establishment, and the support received from the educational authority, according to the sex and the educational establishment where teachers work. 93 Physical Education teachers from 6 different regions of Chile, belonging to Municipal establishments, particular subsidized and private individuals, were surveyed. The most significant results reveal that physical education teachers believe that the factor that most affects the quality of the class, is related to the lack of motivation from the students, and the factor which least affects is the little knowledge about some areas on the part of teachers. Teachers consider that their establishments have the conditions to develop a good lesson and also have the support from educational authorities. As conclusion, it was possible to identify that does not exist great differences in terms of the vision of Physical education teacher in Chile according to the sex, however, huge differences were detected according to the type of establishments where the teachers work

Características psicométricas de la escala infantojuvenil de perfeccionismo en estudiantes de enseñanza básica (primaria) en Chile

El estudio busca validar una traducción chilena de la escala CAPS, de origen español, en estudiantes chilenos de primaria, analizando características psicométricas. Participaron 1195 estudiantes chilenos, entre 10 y 17 años (M= 12.5; D.E.=1.38); el instrumento utilizado fue la escala infantojuvenil de perfeccionismo (CAPS). Se analizó la dimensionalidad del test, confiabilidad y rangos de frecuencia en la muestra. Los resultados dan cuenta de tres dimensiones, con un nivel de confiabilidad general alto, alfa de Cronbach .89; y un nivel adecuado en las dimensiones, valores alfa entre .722 y .794; asimismo se observa que el perfeccionismo orientado a esfuerzo (PAO-E) sería la característica de mayor puntuación en esta muestra, y el socialmente prescrito (PSP), el de menor puntuación. Se concluye que el instrumento tiene adecuadas características psicométricas, además el perfeccionismo socialmente prescrito, rasgo negativo del fenómeno, se observa menos desarrollado en el grupo participante, lo que fortalecería el desarrollo socioemocional

The present study seeks to validate a Chilean adaptation of the CAPS scale, of Spanish origin, in Chilean primary school students, through the analysis of psychometric characteristics. The participants were 1195 Chilean students between the ages of 10 and 17 years old (M = 12.5; D.E. = 1.38); the instrument used was the child-adolescent perfectionism scale (CAPS). The dimensionality, reliability, and frequency ranges of the test were analyzed in the sample. The results give an account of three dimensions, with a high general reliability level of .89, according Cronbach's alpha; and an adequate level in its dimensions, alpha values between .722 and .794. It is also observed in the sample that the effort-oriented perfectionism (EOP) is the characteristic with the highest score, while the socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) characteristic the lowest. It is concluded that the instrument has adequate psychometric characteristics, and that the socially prescribed perfectionism, a negative feature of the phenomenon, according to what is observed, is less developed in the participating group, which would strengthen socio-emotional development

Effects of high iron and glucose concentrations over the relative expression of Bcl2, Bax, and Mfn2 in MIN6 cells.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Hyperglycemia is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced ß-cell mass due to the reduced expression of genes such as Mfn2 as well as the participation of the Bcl2 gene family, responsible for increased apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of different iron and/or glucose concentrations over Mfn2, Bax, and Bcl2 expressions in a ß-pancreatic cell line (MIN6 cells). MIN6 cells were pre-incubated with different iron and/or glucose concentrations, and the relative mRNA abundance of the Bcl2/Bax ratio and of Mfn2 genes was measured by qRT-PCR. Heme oxygenase (HO) activity, iron uptake, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione content were also determined. The Bcl2/Bax ratio increased and Mfn2 expression decreased in MIN6 cells after glucose stimulation. These effects were higher when glucose and iron were incubated together. Additionally, treatment with glucose/iron showed a higher HO activity. Our study revealed that high glucose/Fe concentrations in MIN6 cells induced an increase of the Bcl2/Bax ratio, an indicator of increased cell apoptosis.

Cross-talk between body iron stores and diabetes: iron stores are associated with activity and microsatellite polymorphism of the heme oxygenase and type 2 diabetes.

To assess the relationship between the length of (GT)n repeats in HO-1 gene promoter and heme oxygenase (HO) enzymatic activity in mononuclear cells with iron (Fe) stores in type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM2) patients and metabolic syndrome (MS) subjects, we studied 163 patients with DM2, 185 with MS, and 120 controls subjects. We evaluated iron status (hemoglobin and serum Fe, ferritin, and transferrin receptor), and we determined the length of (GT)n repeats in HO-1 gene promoter by capillary electrophoresis and HO enzymatic activity in mononuclear cells and assessed the relationship between these results and Fe stores. Only 1/163, 6/185, and 7/120 had iron deficiency anemia in DM2 patients, MS subjects, and controls, respectively. No iron overload (ferritin>200 µg/L) was detected in all the subjects studied. DM2 patients had higher iron deposits, total body iron, and heme oxygenase activity (a suggestion of high oxidative stress condition) than MS subjects and controls. In DM2, we found a positive association between serum iron and HO activity. There were no difference in allelic frequency between the three groups; however, among DM2 and MS patients, the frequency of short/medium (SM) genotype of (GT)n repetition was increased and medium/medium (MM) genotype of (GT)n repetition was lower than controls. These results imply that DM2 patients and individuals with MS carrying SM repeats might have higher susceptibility to develop diabetes consequences. This increased susceptibility could be Fe-mediated oxidative stress.

Productos finales de glicación avanzada (AGEs) y su importancia en enfermedades crónicas relacionadas con la nutrición / Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and its importance in chronic diseases related to nutrition

Maillard reaction occurs when reducing sugars react in a non-enzymatic way with amino groups from proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Products of this reaction are known as Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). These products are formed from endogenous sources (within the body) and exogenously (produced in food preparation, as well as those supported in their formation by tobacco smoke). In the food industry this reaction is known as “browning” and is directly related to cooking time of these, affecting its color and flavor. After food preparation and the formation of exogenous AGEs, these are absorbed in the digestive tract and are part of the pool of total body AGEs. AGEs alter structure and function of molecules and increase oxidative stress in biological systems. AGEs generally refers to non-reactive terminal products as CML (3,4-Ne carboxymethyl-lysine), but alsoincludes intermediate or precursor of AGEs as 3DG (3-deoxyglucosone), or MGO (methyl -glyoxal) and its derivatives. Glycation corresponds to a non-enzymatic glycosylation. This process contributes to protein post-translational modification. This process causes quantitative and qualitative changes in the extracellular matrix components which can affect cell adhesion, growth, and others. The process of protein glycation has been associated with development mechanisms of various diseases and complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy associated with diabetes, macrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, and aging.

Tromboelastografía como guía para terapia transfusional en paciente con síndrome de Turner, hipoplasia de arco aórtico y coartación aórtica sometido a aortoplastia con «técnica de deslizamiento¼: reporte de un caso / Thromboelastography as a guide for transfusion therapy in a patient with Turner's syndrome, hypoplasia of the aortic arch and aortic coarctation, undergoing aortoplasty with sliding technique: Case report

Una de las lesiones más comunes en el grupo de cardiopatías congénitas es la hipoplasia del arco aórtico y la coexistencia de coartación aórtica en niños mayores, lo cual es de muy difícil manejo. Recientemente se describió una técnica para tratar esta patología que requiere extensas líneas de sutura y un preciso manejo de las alteraciones de coagulación asociadas con el empleo de circulación extracorpórea. Presentamos el caso de una niña de 8 años y 9 meses de edad con síndrome de Turner, coartación aórtica e hipoplasia de arco aórtico, que ingresó para plastia del arco por deslizamiento y que recibió terapia transfusional guiada mediante tromboelastografía.

One of the most frequent lesions in congenital heart disease is hypoplasia of the aortic arch and the co-existence of aortic coarctation in older children, which is very difficult to treat. A new technique for treating this condition was recently described and it requires extensive suture lines and an accurate management of coagulation disorders associated with the use of extracorporeal circulation. We present a case of an 8 years and 9 months old girl with Turner’s syndrome, aortic coarctation and aortic arch hypoplasia that was admitted for sliding arch aortoplasty and received thromboelastography guided transfusion therapy.