Integrating new variables into a framework to support cacao denomination of origin: a case study in Southwest Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Cocoa quality plays a pivotal role in establishing denominations of origin, with genotypes, geography, climate and soil conditions being key variables. However, these factors have not been comprehensively explored in defining cacao denominations of origin. The present study addresses this gap by laying the foundation for cacao denomination of origin, focusing on the Buenaventura region on Colombia's Pacific coast. Our goal is to provide a holistic understanding of the elements underpinning cacao denomination of origin, emphasizing Buenaventura's unique cocoa quality and geographical significance. RESULTS: Through the Buenaventura case, we propose a robust framework applicable to other cacao-producing regions, elevating the recognition and value of cacao denomination of origin. Our framework encompasses geography, agronomy, genetics, microbial diversity, pests and diseases and cocoa quality. In a pioneering move, we propose a cacao denomination of origin in Colombia, specifically examining Bajo Calima, Sabaletas and Cisneros within Buenaventura region. Buenaventura stands out for its cocoa quality, characterized by fruity flavors attributed to the rich biodiversity of the lowland rainforest. CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates specific geographical indicators for each of the study zones, with Buenaventura identified as a region with natural characteristics to produce fine flavour cocoa products. Each zone exhibited a high differentiation and diversity of cacao cultivars. Buenaventura has the potential to be designated as a future denomination of origin for cacao from the Pacific region of Colombia, characterized by its unique fruity-aroma chocolates. Our framework is adaptable to other cacao-producing regions, facilitating the establishment of denominations of origin within the cocoa industry and agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

MEDICAL-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF INTESTINAL INFECTION BY PROSTHENORCHIS ELEGANS IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES FROM COSTA RICA.

Parasitism is one of the most important diseases in nonhuman primates (NHP). Parasitism by Prosthenorchis elegans can be a threat to health and conservation of NHP in Costa Rica. Surgical management of intestinal acanthocephalan infection in two squirrel monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii) and one white-faced monkey (Cebus imitator) is described as an alternative to the lack of pharmacologic control options when there is a high burden of parasites present. A complete physical evaluation, including medical ultrasound techniques, allow for diagnosis of the parasite and its lesions. When animals present with a high burden of parasites, surgical management has shown to promote good health outcomes and increase the probability of survival.

Perceived importance and interest in research by Chilean primary care providers.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers (PCPs) are relevant stakeholders for primary care research (PCR). OBJECTIVE: We report the perceived importance and interest in PCR of a national sample of Chilean PCPs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study targeting Chilean PCPs. An electronic survey assessing perceived relevance of PCR, research training and experience, training interests, and demographics was disseminated through emails and WhatsApp messages. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted probabilities and 95% confidence intervals for high interest in PCR, high interest in using research methods, and high interest in receiving research training, and predictors of these outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 387 providers completed the online survey. Only 26.4% of PCPs had research experience as a principal or co-investigator. However, most clinicians perceived PCR as very important (92.5%) and were interested in using research methods (90.7%) and receiving training (94.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in these perceptions between provider's discipline, role, sex, age, and geographical location after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Despite few Chilean PCPs have research training, a large majority perceive it as important, are interested in using it in their practice and would like to receive training.

New Brassinosteroid Analogs with 23,24-Dinorcholan Side Chain, and Benzoate Function at C-22: Synthesis, Assessment of Bioactivity on Plant Growth, and Molecular Docking Study.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of brassinosteroids (BRs) analogs with chemical modification in the side alkyl chain is a matter of current interest. Recently, a series of BR analogs with phenyl or benzoate groups in the alkyl chain have been reported. The effect of substitution in the aromatic ring on the biological activities of these new analogs has been evaluated, and the results suggest that the bioactivity is enhanced by substitution with an F atom. In this context, we have synthesized, characterized, and evaluated a series of new analogs of 23,24-bisnorcholenic type in which the benzoate group at the C-22 position is substituted with an F atom at "ortho or para" positions. Plant growth-promoting activities were evaluated by using the rice lamina inclination test and bean second internode biotest. The results obtained with both bioassays indicate that the compound with an F atom in the para position on the aromatic ring is the most active BR analog and in some cases is even more active than brassinolide. The docking study confirmed that compounds with an F atom adopt an orientation similar to that predicted for brassinolide, and the F atom in the "para" position generates an extra hydrogen bond in the predicted binding position.

Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of Advanced Home Visits in Chile.

Home visiting programs are evidence-based interventions that have a myriad outcomes for mothers and newborns. Chile offers these services as part of the Chile Crece Contigo, a nationwide program. However, implementing home visiting programs in community settings is difficult. In this study, we report clinic, provider, and participant engagement with the implementation of advanced home visits (ViDAs) in Chilean primary care clinics. ViDAs include a high number of visits, external supervision, and the use of technology. In this study, qualitative and quantitative data were collected to assess the initial implementation of the home visiting strategy. Qualitative data consisted of individual interviews and focus groups with directors of city health departments, clinic managers, and providers conducting home visits. Quantitative data included clinic, provider, and participant recruitment. City health departments were approached to authorize the participation of primary care clinics in the ViDAs program. Then, clinic directors were invited to approve the implementation of the home visiting program at their health centers. In total, 16 clinics, 42 practitioners, and 185 participants were recruited. A large amount of resources was needed to recruit clinics, providers, and participants. The intervention had low acceptability, low adoption, and a high implementation cost. Initial program implementation experienced several challenges. Identified facilitators and barriers both highlighted the need for community engagement at all levels for the successful implementation of an innovation in Chilean primary care clinics. In addition, this article provides recommendations for practitioners and researchers regarding the conduct of research in community-based settings.

[Evaluation of a clinical orientation Call Center during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Evaluación de un call center de orientación clínica durante los primeros meses de pandemia COVID-19: capacidad de resolución de los llamados.

BACKGROUND: During sanitary emergencies such as the recent pandemic, health services can collapse. In these cases, remote orientation services such as call centers may help to debottleneck these services. AIM: To assess the demand and problem resolution of a clinical guidance telephone service during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The call registry between May and August 2020 of an orientation call center for COVID-19 was analyzed. The number of calls, sociodemographic features of callers, type of enquiry and given indications were described. RESULTS: We analyzed 1,278 telephone calls, corresponding to 655 people. Sixty nine percent of queries were resolved during the call and in 31% of calls, users were referred to face-to-face evaluation. Two percent of these referrals were to an emergency service. CONCLUSIONS: The call center had a high level of resolution, favoring remote consultation and reducing face-to-face care, improving users'accessibility.

A Novel Kinematic Model of the Tibiofemoral Joint Based on a Parallel Mechanism.

This paper presents a complete kinematic model of the tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) based on a RRPP + 4-SPS parallel mechanism, where R, P, and S stand for revolute, prismatic, and spherical joints, respectively. The model accounts for the contact between tibia and femur, and the four major ligaments: anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral, and lateral collateral, with anatomical significance in their length variations. An experimental flexion passive motion task is performed, and the kinematic model is tested to determine its capability to reproduce the workspace of the motion task. In addition, an optimization process is performed to simulate prescribed ligament length variations during the motion task. The proposed kinematic model is capable to reproduce with high accuracy an experimental three-dimensional workspace, and at the same time, to simulate prescribed ligament length variation during the spatial flexion task. Prescribed ligament length variations are achieved through an optimization process of the ligament insertion points. This model can be used to improve the multibody kinematic optimization (MKO) process during gait analysis, and also in the design of rehabilitation devices as well as trajectories to accelerate the recovery of injured ligaments. The model shows potential to predict ligament length variations during different motion tasks, and can serve as a basis to develop complex models for kinetostatic and dynamic analyses without dealing with computationally expensive models.

Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of Hydrated Geranylated Phenols against Botrytis cinerea.

Botrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous fungus that affects hundreds of plants, resulting in economic losses to the horticulture and fruit industry. The search for new antifungal agents is a matter of current interest. Thus, in this work a series of geranylated phenols in which the side alkyl chain has been hydrated have been synthesized, and their activity against B. cinerea has been evaluated. The coupling of phenol and geraniol has been accomplished under microwave irradiation obtaining the highest reaction yields in the shortest reaction times. Hydration of the side chain was carried out in dioxane with p-toluenesulfonic acid polymer-bound as the catalyst. All synthesized compounds were tested against B. cinerea using the growth inhibition assay and EC50 values were determined. The results show that activity depends on the number and nature of functional groups in the phenol ring and hydration degree of the geranyl chain. The most active compound is 1,4-dihydroquinone with one hydroxyl group attached at the end of the alkyl chain. Results from a molecular docking study suggest that hydroxyl groups in the phenol ring and alkyl chain are important in the binding of compounds to the active site, and that the experimental antifungal activity correlates with the number of H-bond that can be formed in the binding site.

Epistemonikos: a comprehensive database of systematic reviews for health decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews allow health decisions to be informed by the best available research evidence. However, their number is proliferating quickly, and many skills are required to identify all the relevant reviews for a specific question. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We screen 10 bibliographic databases on a daily or weekly basis, to identify systematic reviews relevant for health decision-making. Using a machine-based approach developed for this project we select reviews, which are then validated by a network of more than 1000 collaborators. After screening over 1,400,000 records we have identified more than 300,000 systematic reviews, which are now stored in a single place and accessible through an easy-to-use search engine. This makes Epistemonikos the largest database of its kind. CONCLUSIONS: Using a systematic approach, recruiting a broad network of collaborators and implementing automated methods, we developed a one-stop shop for systematic reviews relevant for health decision making.

INTESTINAL AND BLOOD PARASITES IN SCARLET (ARA MACAO) AND GREAT GREEN (ARA AMBIGUA) MACAWS IN WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTERS IN COSTA RICA.

Costa Rica undertakes continuous efforts to recover the native population of macaw species through rehabilitation programs for breeding and releasing birds in protected areas. In the summer of 2018, a total of 107 scarlet (Ara macao) and 93 great green (Ara ambigua) macaws were sampled in four wildlife rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica. Fecal samples representing 200 individuals were analyzed for intestinal parasites, and 23 individuals were sampled for hemoparasites. Ascaridia and Capillaria were found in fecal samples. No hemoparasites were found. The distribution of percentage of infection was analyzed by location, species, and housing type. As part of a health screening prior to release, parasitological examination is recommended.

In vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of the extracts of Ephedra chilensis K Presl aerial parts.

BACKGROUND: Ephedra chilensis K Presl, known locally as pingo-pingo, is a Chilean endemic plant used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and used in other treatments. However, unlike for the other Ephedra species, there have been no reports on the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of this plant. The present study aims to explore the potential applications of E. chilensis extract as a cytotoxic agent against in vitro cancer cell lines and to explore the relationship between this extract and antioxidant activity. METHODS: Total anthraquinone, flavonoid, and phenolic contents, as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and TRAP assays) and cytotoxic effect on several cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, DU-145, and HT-29) were measured for the hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol extracts of E. chilensis. In addition, several correlations among the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effect were evaluated. Finally, GC-MS analyses of the most active extracts were carried out to identify their major components and to relate these components to the cytotoxic effect. RESULTS: Antioxidant activity was found in the EtOH extracts of Ephedra, and the results were correlated with the phenolic content. For the cytotoxic activity, the non-polar extracts of E. chilensis had the highest antiproliferative effect for the MCF-7 and PC-3 cancer lines; the extract was shown to be up to three times more selective than doxorubicin. However, the cytotoxic effect was not correlated with the antioxidant activity. Lastly, the GC-MS analysis showed a high concentration of saturated fatty acids (mainly n-hexadecanoic acid) and terpenoids (mainly 4-(hydroxy-ethyl)-γ-butanolactone). CONCLUSION: The cytotoxic activity and selectivity of the non-polar extracts of E. chilensis for the MCF-7 and PC-3 cell lines could be related to the terpenic compounds and fatty acids of the extracts or to the synergistic effect of all of the compounds in the extracts. These non-polar extracts can be used for the development of new drugs against breast and prostate cancer.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of New and Known Geranylated Phenols against Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands.

A series of new and known geranylated phenol/methoxyphenol derivatives has been tested in vitro as inhibitor agents of mycelial growth of Phytophthora cinnamomi. The activity of tested compounds is correlated with the nature, number, and position of the substituent group on the aromatic ring. Results indicate that the most active geranylated derivatives are those having two hydroxyl groups (or one ⁻OH and one ⁻OCH3) attached to the aromatic ring. Interestingly, these derivatives are as active as Metalaxil®, a commonly used commercial fungicide. Thus, our results suggest that some of these compounds might be of agricultural interest due to their potential use as fungicides against P. cinnamomi. The effect of structure on fungicide activity is discussed in terms of electronic distribution on both the aromatic ring and side geranyl chain. All tested compounds have been synthesized by direct coupling of geraniol and the respective phenol. Interestingly, new digeranylated derivatives were obtained by increasing the reaction time.

Development of mobile technologies for the prevention of cervical cancer in Santiago, Chile study protocol: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, more than 500 women die every year from cervical cancer, and a majority of Chilean women are not up-to-date with their Papanicolau (Pap) test. Mobile health has great potential in many health areas, particularly in health promotion and prevention. There are no randomized controlled trials in Latin America assessing its use in cervical cancer screening. The 'Development of Mobile Technologies for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Santiago, Chile' study aims to determine the efficacy of a text-message intervention on Pap test adherence among Chilean women in the metropolitan region of Santiago. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a parallel randomized-controlled trial of 400 Chilean women aged 25-64 who are non-adherent with current recommendations for Pap test screening. Participants will be randomly assigned to (1) a control arm (usual care) or (2) an intervention arm, where text and voice messages containing information and encouragement to undergo screening will be sent to the women. The primary endpoint is completion of a Pap test within 6 months of baseline assessment, as determined by medical record review at community-based clinics. Medical record reviewers will be blinded to randomization arms. The secondary endpoint is an evaluation of the implementation and usability of the text message intervention as a strategy to improve screening adherence. DISCUSSION: This intervention using mobile technology intends to raise cervical cancer screening adherence and compliance among a Chilean population of low and middle-low socioeconomic status. If successful, this strategy may reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02376023 Registered 2/17/2015. First participant enrolled Feb 22nd 2016.

Increasing access to comprehensive care for Chagas disease: development of a patient-centered model in Colombia.

Worldwide, over 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the pathogen that causes Chagas disease (CD). In the Americas, CD creates the greatest burden in disability-adjusted life years of any parasitic infection. In Colombia, 437 000 people are infected with T. cruzi, of whom 131 000 suffer from cardiomyopathy. Colombia's annual costs for treating patients with advanced CD reach US$ 175 016 000. Although timely etiological treatment can significantly delay or prevent development of cardiomyopathy-and costs just US$ 30 per patient-fewer than 1% of people with CD in Colombia and elsewhere receive it. This represents a missed opportunity for increasing patients' healthy, productive years of life while significantly reducing the economic burden on the health care system. Key barriers are complexities and delays in the diagnosis and treatment process, lack of awareness of CD among both patients and health care professionals, and administrative barriers at the primary care level. In 2015, stakeholders from government, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and patient associations participated in a seminar in the city of Bogotá on eliminating barriers to diagnosis and treatment for CD. The seminar gave birth to a model of care for increasing patient access, including a patient road map that simplifies diagnostic and treatment processes, shifting them from specialists to primary care facilities. The patient road map was implemented in a pilot project in four endemic communities beginning in 2016, with the goal of testing and refining the model so it can be implemented nationally. This article describes key components in the development of a new, recently implemented model of care for CD in Colombia.

En todo el mundo, hay más de 6 millones de personas infectadas por el Trypanosoma cruzi, el agente patógeno causante de la enfermedad de Chagas. En la Región de las Américas, esta es la infección parasitaria que tiene la mayor carga en cuanto a años de vida ajustados en función de la discapacidad. En Colombia, 437 000 personas están infectadas por el T. cruzi; de ese total, 131 000 sufren de miocardiopatía. En ese país, el costo anual de tratar a los pacientes que tienen la enfermedad de Chagas se ubica en US$ 175 016 000. A pesar de que un tratamiento etiológico oportuno puede retrasar o prevenir significativamente la aparición de una miocardiopatía ­a un costo de apenas US$ 30 por paciente­ menos de 1% de las personas con enfermedad de Chagas en Colombia y otros países lo reciben. Esto implica que se pierde la oportunidad de incrementar el número de años de vida saludables y productivos de los pacientes y, al mismo tiempo, reducir significativamente la carga económica que soporta el sistema de atención de salud. Los obstáculos clave son la complejidad y las demoras en los procesos de diagnóstico y tratamiento, la falta de conocimiento sobre la enfermedad de Chagas por parte de los pacientes y de los profesionales de la salud, y las barreras administrativas que existen a nivel de la atención primaria.En el 2015, representantes del gobierno, la comunidad académica, organizaciones no gubernamentales y asociaciones de pacientes participaron en un seminario en Bogotá sobre la eliminación de las barreras al diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Chagas. En este seminario se elaboró un modelo de atención para aumentar el acceso de los pacientes, incluida una hoja de ruta centrada en el paciente que simplifica los procesos de diagnóstico y tratamiento al trasladarlos de los especialistas a los establecimientos de atención primaria. La hoja de ruta centrada en el paciente se aplicó a principios del 2016 como parte de un proyecto piloto que se puso en marcha en cuatro comunidades endémicas con el objetivo de poner a prueba y perfeccionar el modelo para luego poder aplicarlo en todo el país. En este artículo se describen los componentes clave que se usaron para crear un modelo de atención de la enfermedad de Chagas puesto en marcha recientemente en Colombia.

Em todo o mundo, cerca de 6 milhões de pessoas são infectadas pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, o patógeno causador da doença de Chagas. Nas Américas, esta infecção parasitária é responsável pela maior carga de anos de vida perdidos ajustados por incapacidade. Na Colômbia, estima-se que 437 mil pessoas são infectadas pelo T. cruzi, das quais 131 mil têm miocardiopatia. O custo anual para tratar os pacientes com doença de Chagas em estágio avançado chega a US$ 175.016.000. Embora o tratamento oportuno mirando o agente etiológico possa postergar significativamente, ou prevenir, a ocorrência de miocardiopatia, ao custo de apenas US$ 30 por paciente, menos de 1% dos portadores da doença de Chagas é tratado na Colômbia e em outros lugares. Representa uma perda de oportunidade de prolongar os anos de vida saudável e produtiva dos pacientes e de reduzir consideravelmente o ônus econômico ao sistema de saúde. Os principais entraves são a complexidade e a demora do processo de diagnóstico e tratamento, a falta de conhecimento sobre a doença por parte dos pacientes e dos profissionais da saúde e os obstáculos administrativos ao nível da atenção primária. Em 2015, interessados diretos de setores do governo, comunidade acadêmica, organizações não governamentais e associações de pacientes participaram de um seminário realizado na cidade de Bogotá em que discutiram como eliminar as barreiras ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento da doença de Chagas. Deste seminário nasceu um modelo para aumentar o acesso dos pacientes à atenção à saúde, com a preparação de um guia simplificado para o diagnóstico e o tratamento e a transição do atendimento dos serviços especializados aos serviços de atenção primária. Como parte de um projeto-piloto, a partir de 2016, o guia do paciente foi implantado em quatro comunidades endêmicas com o propósito de testar e aprimorar o modelo para que possa ser implantado em todo o país. O presente artigo descreve os principais componentes deste modelo de atenção para a doença de Chagas recém-implantado na Colômbia.

[The impact of a self-directed teaching approach on academic performance of medical students]. / Impacto de la aplicación del enfoque de autorregulación del aprendizaje sobre los resultados en asignaturas de corte científico en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Finis Terrae.

BACKGROUND: Students should be encouraged to become reflexive and develop autonomous, lifelong learning habits. Therefore, teachers should focus on learning strategies which stimulate autonomous learning. AIM: To assess the impact of a self-directed teaching methodology on the academic performance of medical students in cellular biology and biochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2013, 85 students received a traditional teaching methodology and during 2014, 85 students received a self-directed learning methodology. The grades obtained and the number of failures in the courses of cellular biology and biochemistry were compared in both groups. RESULTS: The percentages of students approved at the end of the courses during 2013 and 2014 were 64 and 96% respectively (p < 0.01). The grades obtained by the 2014 students were also significantly higher than those obtained by 2013 students. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that academic performance improves with a self-directed teaching approach.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF CAPTIVE PSITTACINE SPECIES IN PRERELEASE PROGRAMS AT COSTA RICAN RESCUE CENTERS.

With stricter laws regulating the capture and possession of wild animals in Costa Rica, local wildlife-rescue centers have been overwhelmed by an influx of confiscated or relinquished illegal pets, specifically of psittacine species. As part of a nationwide health-assessment program targeting these centers, 122 birds representing five psittacine species ( Ara macao, Amazona autumnalis, Amazona auropalliata, Amazona farinosa, Aratinga finschi) and one hybrid macaw ( Ara macao × Ara ambiguus) were examined and tested between January 2011 and October 2012. Physical examination, hematology, and serum biochemical analyses were performed. Blood and feathers were tested for psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV) and avian polyomavirus (APV) via PCR. A DNA-based prevalence and sequence analysis characterized the strains of PBFDV and APV isolated. Physical abnormalities observed in 36% of the 122 birds examined were limited to thin body condition and poor feather quality. None of the feather abnormalities were characteristic of disease caused by either PBFDV or APV. Results of hematological and biochemical analyses were within normal limits except for five birds with leukocytosis and heterophilia, three birds with uric acid values above 16 mg/dl, and two additional birds with AST values above 400 IU/L. No hemoparasites were detected during blood smear examination. Overall prevalences of 9.8% (12/122) for PBFDV and 3.3% (4/122) for APV were documented, with only one bird testing positive for both PBFDV and APV. Birds from two of the eight centers were negative for both viruses. Findings from this study constitute the beginning of a standardized surveillance program for Costa Rican rescue centers, targeting the management of avian species enrolled in propagation and reintroduction programs and expanding of the spectrum of pathogen surveillance and husbandry recommendations in prerelease centers.

Synthesis of New Hydrated Geranylphenols and in Vitro Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea.

Geranylated hydroquinones and other geranylated compounds isolated from Aplydium species have shown interesting biological activities. This fact has prompted a number of studies where geranylated phenol derivatives have been synthesized in order to assay their bioactivities. In this work, we report the synthesis of a series of new hydrated geranylphenols using two different synthetic approaches and their inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. Five new hydrated geranylphenols were obtained by direct coupling reaction between geraniol and phenol in dioxane/water and using BF3·Et2O as the catalyst or by the reaction of a geranylated phenol with BF3·Et2O. Two new geranylated quinones were also obtained. The synthesis and structural elucidation of all new compounds is presented. All hydrated geranylphenols efficiently inhibit the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. Their activity is higher than that observed for non-hydrated compounds. These results indicate that structural modification on the geranyl chain brings about an enhancement of the inhibition effect of geranylated phenol derivatives.

Synthesis and in Vitro Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea of Geranylated Phenols and Their Phenyl Acetate Derivatives.

The inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of plant pathogen Botritys cinerea have been evaluated for a series of geranylphenols substituted with one, two and three methoxy groups in the aromatic ring. The results show that the antifungal activity depends on the structure of the geranylphenols, increasing from 40% to 90% by increasing the number of methoxy groups. On the other hand, the acetylation of the -OH group induces a change of activity that depends on the number of methoxy groups. The biological activity of digeranyl derivatives is lower than that exhibited by the respective monogeranyl compound. All tested geranylphenols have been synthesized by direct coupling of geraniol and the respective phenol. The effect of solvent on yields and product distribution is discussed. For monomethoxyphenols the reaction gives better yields when acetonitrile is used as a solvent and AgNO3 is used as a secondary catalyst. However, for di- and trimethoxyphenols the reaction proceeds only in dioxane.

[Evaluation of a teaching training program implemented in a faculty of medicine]. / Evaluación de un programa de perfeccionamiento docente implementado en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Finis Terrae.

BACKGROUND: Since 2010, the Faculty of Medicine at Finis Terrae University implemented a training program aiming to train health professionals in effective educational practices. AIM: To evaluate the effect of training in teachers who are in charge of planning courses, conducting classes and learning assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quality of planning, lecture performance and academic performance of students were evaluated in 55 teachers prior and after attending the training course on teaching methodologies and in 47 teachers not attending the course. RESULTS: The percentage of trained teachers complying with the aforementioned indicators was significantly higher than those without training (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in favor of the group of teachers who attended and passed the Diploma. Trained teachers had significantly higher students' approval rate. (Odds ratio 4.5, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The teaching Diploma in Health Sciences improved the planning, teaching and academic performance of teachers.

[Health and humanization Diploma: the value of reflection and face to face learning]. / Diplomado de salud y humanización: el valor de la reflexión y el aprendizaje presencial.

BACKGROUND: In a rapidly changing culture like ours, with emphasis on productivity, there is a strong need to find the meaning of health care work using learning instances that privilege reflection and face to face contact with others. The Diploma in Health and Humanization (DSH), was developed as an interdisciplinary space for training on issues related to humanization. AIM: To analyze the experience of DSH aiming to identify the elements that students considered key factors for the success of the program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a focus group with DSH graduates, identifying factors associated with satisfaction. Transcripts were coded and analyzed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: DSH graduates valued a safe space, personal interaction, dialogue and respect as learning tools of the DSH. They also appreciates the opportunity to have emotional interactions among students and between them and the teacher as well as the opportunity to share personal stories and their own search for meaning. DISCUSSION: DSH is a learning experience in which their graduates value the ability to think about their vocation and the affective interaction with peers and teachers. We hope to contribute to the development of face to face courses in the area of humanization. Face to face methodology is an excellent teaching technique for contents related to the meaning of work, and more specifically, to a group of learners that require affective communication and a personal connection of their work with their own values and beliefs.