Levels of Small Extracellular Vesicles Containing hERG-1 and Hsp47 as Potential Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Diseases.

The diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still limited. Therefore, this study demonstrates the presence of human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) and heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47) on the surface of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in human peripheral blood and their association with CVD. In this research, 20 individuals with heart failure and 26 participants subjected to cardiac stress tests were enrolled. The associations between hERG1 and/or Hsp47 in sEVs and CVD were established using Western blot, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, ELISA, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The results show that hERG1 and Hsp47 were present in sEV membranes, extravesicularly exposing the sequences 430AFLLKETEEGPPATE445 for hERG1 and 169ALQSINEWAAQTT- DGKLPEVTKDVERTD196 for Hsp47. In addition, upon exposure to hypoxia, rat primary cardiomyocytes released sEVs into the media, and human cardiomyocytes in culture also released sEVs containing hERG1 (EV-hERG1) and/or Hsp47 (EV-Hsp47). Moreover, the levels of sEVs increased in the blood when cardiac ischemia was induced during the stress test, as well as the concentrations of EV-hERG1 and EV-Hsp47. Additionally, the plasma levels of EV-hERG1 and EV-Hsp47 decreased in patients with decompensated heart failure (DHF). Our data provide the first evidence that hERG1 and Hsp47 are present in the membranes of sEVs derived from the human cardiomyocyte cell line, and also in those isolated from human peripheral blood. Total sEVs, EV-hERG1, and EV-Hsp47 may be explored as biomarkers for heart diseases such as heart failure and cardiac ischemia.

Vaccine effectiveness in reducing COVID-19-related hospitalization after a risk-age-based mass vaccination program in a Chilean municipality: A comparison of observational study designs.

BACKGROUND: Case-control studies involving test-negative (TN) and syndrome-negative (SN) controls are reliable for evaluating influenza and rotavirus vaccine effectiveness (VE) during a random vaccination process. However, there is no empirical evidence regarding the impact in real-world mass vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2 using TN and SN controls. OBJECTIVE: To compare in the same population the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on COVID-19-related hospitalization rates across a cohort design, TN and SN designs. METHOD: We conducted an unmatched population-based cohort, TN and SN case-control designs linking data from four data sources (public primary healthcare system, hospitalization registers, epidemiological surveillance systems and the national immunization program) in a Chilean municipality (Rancagua) between March 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021. The outcome was COVID-19-related hospitalization. To ensure sufficient sample size in the unexposed group, completion of follow-up in the cohort design, and sufficient time between vaccination and hospitalization in the case-control design, VE was estimated comparing 8-week periods for each individual. RESULTS: Among the 191,505 individuals registered in the primary healthcare system of Rancagua in Chile on March 1, 2021; 116,453 met the cohort study's inclusion criteria. Of the 9,471 hospitalizations registered during the study period in the same place, 526 were COVID-19 cases, 108 were TN controls, and 1,628 were SN controls. For any vaccine product, the age- and sex-adjusted vaccine effectiveness comparing fully and nonvaccinated individuals was 67.2 (55.7-76.3) in the cohort design, whereas it was 67.8 (44.1-81.4) and 77.9 (70.2-83.8) in the TN and SN control designs, respectively. CONCLUSION: The VE of a COVID-19 vaccination program based on age and risk groups tended to differ across the three observational study designs. The SN case-control design may be an efficient option for evaluating COVID-19 VE in real-world settings.

Trends in vasectomy and sexually transmitted diseases in Chile: findings from robust national databases.

A controversy about the increase or decline of vasectomy is emerging; however, the evidence is still scarce in Latin America. This ecological study analyzed the vasectomy and sexual transmitted diseases (STD) trends over a period of 10 years in Chile and determined if there is any relationship between them. We conducted a mixed ecological study using secondary and representative data on the number of vasectomies and STD cases from 2008 to 2017. Vasectomy rates were calculated for age-specific groups of men aged 20-59 years, and specific STD (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis) for the same period. Multivariate negative binomial regression models were fitted to evaluate rate trends and relationships. The mean vasectomy age was 40.3 years, with no significant differences between the years of the study (p = 0.058). The overall vasectomy rate significantly increased from 2008 to 2017 (p < 0.001), with differences between age groups (p < 0.001). The most significant increase was observed in men aged 30-49 (p < 0.001). The STD rates significantly increased (p < 0.05) during the study period. A significant positive correlation was found between vasectomy and gonorrhea incidence rates (p = 0.008) and an inverse correlation was found with hepatitis B incidence rates (p = 0.002). Vasectomy trends and STD rates significantly increased from 2018 to 2017 in Chile. especially among men aged 30-49 years. The relationship between vasectomy and STD increments suggests a new risk factor for reproductive and sexual health policies to aid controlling the HIV and STD epidemic.

Towards closing socio-economic status disparities in COVID-19 premature mortality: a nationwide and trend analysis in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Socio-economic status (SES) disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality have been reported but complete information and time trends are scarce. In this study, we analysed the years of life lost (YLL) due to COVID-19 premature mortality during the pandemic in Chile and its evolution according to SES and sex compared with a counterfactual scenario [cerebrovascular accidents (stroke)]. METHOD: We used Chile's national mortality databases from 2020 to 2022. YLL and age-standardized YLL and mortality rates by sex and by epidemic waves were determined. The 346 communes were stratified into SES groups according to their poverty index quintile. Negative binomial regression models were used to test trends. RESULTS: In >2 years of the pandemic, the COVID-19 YLL was 975 937, corresponding to 61 174 deaths. The YLL rate per 100 000 inhabitants was 1027 for males and 594 for females. There was a heterogeneous distribution of YLL rates and the regional level. Communes in the most advantaged SES quintile (Q5) had the highest YLL during the first wave compared with those in the lowest SES quintile (Q1) (P < 0.001) but the opposite was true during the second wave. COVID-19 YLL trends declined and differences between Q1 and Q2 vs Q5 converged from the second to the fourth waves (0.33 and 0.15, Ptrend < 0.001 and Ptrend = 0.024). YLL declined but differences persisted in stroke (-0.002, Ptrend = 0.979). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 deaths resulted in a higher impact on premature death in Chile, especially in men, with a heterogeneous geographic distribution along the territory. SES and sex disparities in COVID-19 premature mortality had narrowed by the end of the pandemic.

Trends in vasectomy and sexually transmitted diseases in Chile: findings from robust national databases / Tendencias de la vasectomía y las enfermedades de transmisión sexual en Chile: resultados de bases de datos robustas / Tendências em vasectomia e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis no Chile: resultados de bases de dados robustas

Abstract: A controversy about the increase or decline of vasectomy is emerging; however, the evidence is still scarce in Latin America. This ecological study analyzed the vasectomy and sexual transmitted diseases (STD) trends over a period of 10 years in Chile and determined if there is any relationship between them. We conducted a mixed ecological study using secondary and representative data on the number of vasectomies and STD cases from 2008 to 2017. Vasectomy rates were calculated for age-specific groups of men aged 20-59 years, and specific STD (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis) for the same period. Multivariate negative binomial regression models were fitted to evaluate rate trends and relationships. The mean vasectomy age was 40.3 years, with no significant differences between the years of the study (p = 0.058). The overall vasectomy rate significantly increased from 2008 to 2017 (p < 0.001), with differences between age groups (p < 0.001). The most significant increase was observed in men aged 30-49 (p < 0.001). The STD rates significantly increased (p < 0.05) during the study period. A significant positive correlation was found between vasectomy and gonorrhea incidence rates (p = 0.008) and an inverse correlation was found with hepatitis B incidence rates (p = 0.002). Vasectomy trends and STD rates significantly increased from 2018 to 2017 in Chile. especially among men aged 30-49 years. The relationship between vasectomy and STD increments suggests a new risk factor for reproductive and sexual health policies to aid controlling the HIV and STD epidemic.

Resumen: Se viene surgiendo una controversia sobre el aumento o la disminución de la vasectomía; sin embargo, la evidencia aún es escasa en América Latina. Este estudio ecológico analizó las tendencias de la vasectomía y las enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) durante un período de 10 años en Chile y determinó si existe alguna relación entre ellas. Este es un estudio ecológico mixto que utiliza datos secundarios representativos sobre el número de vasectomías y casos de ETS de 2008 a 2017. Las tasas de vasectomía se calcularon por grupos de edad teniendo en cuenta a hombres entre 20-59 años de edad y ETS específicas (VIH, clamidia, gonorrea, tricomoniasis y sífilis) para el mismo período. Los modelos de regresión binomial negativa multivariante se ajustaron para evaluar las tendencias y las relaciones entre las tasas. La edad media de la vasectomía fue de 40,3 años, sin diferencias significativas entre el período del estudio (p = 0,058). La tasa general de vasectomía tuvo un incremento significativo para el período de 2008 a 2017 (p < 0,001), con diferencias entre los grupos de edad (p < 0,001). El incremento más significativo se observó en hombres de entre 30-49 años (p < 0,001). Las tasas de ETS tuvieron una alza significativa (p < 0,05) durante el período de estudio. Hubo una correlación positiva significativa entre las tasas de vasectomía y las tasas de incidencia de gonorrea (p = 0,008) y una correlación inversa con las tasas de incidencia de hepatitis B (p = 0,002). Se concluye que las tendencias de la vasectomía y las tasas de ETS presentaron un incremento significativo en período de 2008 a 2017 en Chile, especialmente entre los hombres de entre 30-49 años. La relación entre la vasectomía y el incremento de las ETS puede ser un nuevo factor de riesgo para las políticas de salud sexual y reproductiva que puede ayudar a controlar la epidemia del VIH y las ETS.

Resumo: Uma controvérsia sobre o aumento ou declínio da vasectomia está surgindo; no entanto, as evidências ainda são escassas na América Latina. Este estudo ecológico analisou as tendências de vasectomia e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) em um período de dez anos no Chile e determinou se há alguma relação entre elas. Este é um estudo ecológico misto utilizando dados secundários e representativos sobre o número de vasectomias e casos de DSTs de 2008 a 2017. As taxas de vasectomia foram calculadas por grupos etários, considerando homens de 20-59 anos de idade e DSTs específicas (HIV, clamídia, gonorreia, tricomoníase e sífilis) para o mesmo período. Modelos de regressão binomial negativa multivariada foram ajustados para avaliar tendências e relações entre taxas. A média de idade da vasectomia foi de 40,3 anos, sem diferenças significativas entre os anos do estudo (p = 0,058). A taxa geral de vasectomia aumentou significativamente de 2008 a 2017 (p < 0,001), com diferenças entre grupos etários (p < 0,001). O aumento mais significativo foi observado em homens de 30-49 anos (p < 0,001). As taxas de DST aumentaram significativamente (p < 0,05) durante o período de estudo. Houve correlação positiva significativa entre as taxas de vasectomia e as taxas de incidência de gonorreia (p = 0,008) e uma correlação inversa com as taxas de incidência de hepatite B (p = 0,002). As tendências de vasectomia e as taxas de DST aumentaram significativamente de 2008 para 2017 no Chile, especialmente entre homens de 30-49 anos. A relação entre vasectomia e incrementos de DST sugere um novo fator de risco para políticas de saúde sexual e reprodutiva para auxiliar no controle da epidemia de HIV e DST.

The added effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions and lifestyle behaviors on vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19 in Chile: A matched case-double control study.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization approved vaccines have demonstrated relatively high protection against moderate to severe COVID-19. Prospective vaccine effectiveness (VE) designs with first-hand data and population-based controls are nevertheless rare. Neighborhood compared to hospitalized controls, may differ in compliance to non-pharmacuetical interventions (NPI) compliance, which may influence VE results in real-world settings. We aimed to determine VE against COVID-19 intensive-care-unit (ICU) admission using hospital and community-matched controls in a prospective design. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, observational study of matched cases and controls (1:3) in adults ≧18 years of age from May to July 2021. For each case, a hospital control and two community controls were matched by age, gender, and hospital admission date or neighborhood of residence. Conditional logistic regression models were built, including interaction terms between NPIs, lifestyle behaviors, and vaccination status; the model's ß coefficients represent the added effect these terms had on COVID-19 VE. RESULTS: Cases and controls differed in several factors including education level, obesity prevalence, and behaviors such as compliance with routine vaccinations, use of facemasks, and routine handwashing. VE was 98·2% for full primary vaccination and 85·6% for partial vaccination when compared to community controls, and somewhat lower, albeit not significantly, compared to hospital controls. A significant added effect to vaccination in reducing COVID-19 ICU admission was regular facemask use and VE was higher among individuals non-compliant with the national vaccine program, and/or tonroutine medical visits during the prior year. CONCLUSION: VE against COVID-19 ICU admission in this stringent prospective case-double control study reached 98% two weeks after full primary vaccination, confirming the high effectiveness provided by earlier studies. Face mask use and hand washing were independent protective factors, the former adding additional benefit to VE. VE was significantly higher in subjects with increased risk behaviors.

Geographical disparities in obesity prevalence: small-area analysis of the Chilean National Health Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Previous representative health surveys conducted in Chile evidenced a high obesity prevalence rate among adults, especially in female and urban areas. Nevertheless, these have limited utility for targeted interventions and local source allocation for prevention. This study analyzes the increments in obesity prevalence rates in populations ≥15 years of age and the geographic variation at the regional level. We also assessed whether the obesity rates have different patterns on a smaller geographic level than national and regional ones. METHODS: This ecological study analyzed data from two representative national samples of adolescents and adults ≥15 years old, who participated in the last Chilean health surveys, 2009 (n = 5412) and 2016 (n = 6233). Obesity (body mass index≥30 kg/m2) rates were calculated on the national, regional, and Health service (HS) levels, being HS the smallest unit of analysis available. Obesity rates and relative increase to early identify target populations and geographic areas, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), were calculated using the sampling design of the national surveys, at the national and regional level, and by gender, age groups, and socioeconomic status. The Fay-Herriot (FH) models, using auxiliary data, were fitted for obesity rate estimates at the HS level. RESULTS: The relative increase in obesity rate was 37.1% (95%CI 23.3-52.9) at the national level, with a heterogeneous geographic distribution at the regional one. Southern regions had the highest obesity rates in both surveys (Aysén: 35.2, 95%CI 26.9-43.5 in 2009, 44.3 95%CI 37-51.7 in 2016), but higher increases were predominantly in the northern and central areas of the country (relative increase 91.1 95%CI 39.6-110.1 in Valparaiso and 81.6 95%CI 14.4-196.2 in Tarapacá). Obesity rates were higher in females, older age, and lower socioeconomic groups; nevertheless, relative increases were higher in the opposite ones. The FH estimates showed an obesity rates variation at the HS level, where higher rates tend to converge to specific HS areas of each region. CONCLUSION: Obesity rates and relative increase are diverse across subnational levels and substantially differ from the national estimates, highlighting a pattern that converges to areas with low-middle income households. Our results emphasize geographical disparities in obesity prevalence among adults and adolescents.

High Early-onset acromioclavicular secondary pathologies after acute arthroscopic joint reduction: a cohort study.

PURPOSE: The research aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of early secondary acromioclavicular (AC) joint disease in patients undergoing acute arthroscopic AC joint reduction and fixation and early complications of acute surgical treatment in patients with high-grade AC joint dislocation. METHODS: Overall, 102 patients diagnosed with Rockwood type V AC joint dislocation and undergoing arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation were included. Early clinical and radiological complications were evaluated, as well as risk factors of secondary AC joint pathology. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (28%) presented with a secondary AC joint pathology, with 24 and 5 cases of osteolysis and osteoarthritis, respectively. The main complication was a loss of reduction of ≥ 1 mm (78%). Patients aged > 55 years were more likely to develop a secondary AC joint disease (odds ratios (OR) = 10.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42 - 72.55, p = 0.021). Patients with osteolysis (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.16 - 9.27, p = 0.025) or loss of reduction of > 5 mm (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 2.31 - 24.08, p = 0.001) were more likely to develop AC joint pain. Patients with an initial over-reduction were less likely to develop a subluxated AC joint (OR = 0.033, 95% CI 0.0021-0.134, p = 0.001) CONCLUSION: Age > 55 years and female sex were identified as risk factors of early-onset secondary AC joint disease. Osteolysis and a loss of reduction of > 5 mm were risk factors of AC joint pain but not of revision surgery. The main early complication was a loss of reduction of ≥ 1 mm. An initial over-reduction of the distal clavicle was a protective factor to avoid AC joint subluxation.

Development of neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients.

The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are new global problems. The understanding of the host immune response in COVID-19 and its implications in the development of therapeutic agents are new challenges. Here, we evaluated the development of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing (Nt) antibodies in symptomatic hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We followed up 117 COVID-19 confirmed patients from a reference health center for COVID-19 during the epidemic in Santiago de Chile. One and two sequential blood samples from 117 to 68 cases were, respectively, obtained to evaluate the immune response. Immunofluorescence and neutralization assays in Vero E6 cells with a Chilean SARS-CoV-2 strain were performed. Out of the 68 patients, 44% were women and 56% men, and the most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (47.7%) and diabetes (27.4%). The most frequent symptoms or signs related to COVID-19 were dyspnea, cough, fever, myalgia, and headache. In all the study population, 76.1% and 60.7% of patients were positive for IgG and Nt antibodies in the first blood sample. All patients except one were positive for IgG and Nt antibodies in the second sample. IgG and Nt antibodies positivity increased significantly according to the disease evolution periods. Higher Nt antibody titers were observed in the first sample in patients under 60 years of age. Obese and diabetic patients had no increase in Nt antibodies, unlike normal weight and diabetes-free patients. Both hypertensive and normotensive patients showed a significant increase in Nt antibodies. These results show an early and robust immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection during severe COVID-19.

Urinary Extracellular Vesicles as a Source of NGAL for Diabetic Kidney Disease Evaluation in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Tubular damage has a role in Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). We evaluated the early tubulointerstitial damage biomarkers in type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) pediatric participants and studied the correlation with classical DKD parameters. Methods: Thirty-four T1DM and fifteen healthy participants were enrolled. Clinical and biochemical parameters [Glomerular filtration Rate (GFR), microalbuminuria (MAU), albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)] were evaluated. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α), and Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells-5 (NFAT5) levels were studied in the supernatant (S) and the exosome-like extracellular vesicles (E) fraction from urine samples. Results: In the T1DM, 12% had MAU >20 mg/L, 6% ACR >30 mg/g, and 88% had eGFR >140 ml/min/1.72 m2. NGAL in the S (NGAL-S) or E (NGAL-E) fraction was not detectable in the control. The NGAL-E was more frequent (p = 0.040) and higher (p = 0.002) than NGAL-S in T1DM. The T1DM participants with positive NGAL had higher age (p = 0.03), T1DM evolution (p = 0.03), and serum creatinine (p = 0.003) than negative NGAL. The NGAL-E correlated positively with tanner stage (p = 0.0036), the median levels of HbA1c before enrollment (p = 0.045) and was independent of ACR, MAU, and HbA1c at the enrollment. NFAT5 and HIF-1α levels were not detectable in T1DM or control. Conclusion: Urinary exosome-like extracellular vesicles could be a new source of early detection of tubular injury biomarkers of DKD in T1DM patients.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Prevalence in Blood in a Large School Community Subject to a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak affecting 52 people from a large school community in Santiago, Chile, was identified (12 March) 9 days after the first case in the country. We assessed the magnitude of the outbreak and the role students and staff played using self-administered antibody detection tests and a self-administered survey. METHODS: The school was closed on 13 March, and the entire community was placed under quarantine. We implemented a home-delivery, self-administered, immunoglobin (Ig) G/IgM antibody test and survey to a classroom-stratified sample of students and all staff from 4-19 May. We aimed to determine the overall seroprevalence rates by age group, reported symptoms, and contact exposure, and to explore the dynamics of transmission. RESULTS: The antibody positivity rates were 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2-11.8) for 1009 students and 16.6% (95% CI, 12.1-21.9) for 235 staff. Among students, positivity was associated with a younger age (P = .01), a lower grade level (P = .05), prior real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity (P = .03), and a history of contact with a confirmed case (P < .001). Among staff, positivity was higher in teachers (P = .01) and in those previously RT-PCR positive (P < .001). Excluding RT-PCR-positive individuals, antibody positivity was associated with fever in adults and children (P = .02 and P = .002, respectively), abdominal pain in children (P = .001), and chest pain in adults (P = .02). Within antibody-positive individuals, 40% of students and 18% of staff reported no symptoms (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Teachers were more affected during the outbreak and younger children were at a higher risk for infection, likely because index case(s) were teachers and/or parents from the preschool. Self-administered antibody testing, supervised remotely, proved to be a suitable and rapid tool. Our study provides useful information for school reopenings.

Salutogénesis de la alimentación en chile: actores involucrados y brechas detectadas / Nutritional Salutogenesis in Chile: key stakeholders and detected gaps

OBJETIVOS: Conocer los principales actores involucrados y las brechas detectadas en el proceso de aprendizaje alimentario de una población adulta urbana en Santiago de Chile. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: De una muestra de 100 beneficiarios de un CESFAM, se incluyó a quienes tuvieran un alto Índice de Alimentación Saludable (IAS). Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, las cuales fueron grabadas en audio, transcritas de manera textual y analizadas mediante la Teoría Fundamentada. RESULTADOS: Se entrevistó a 16 personas con IAS alto, en su mayoría mujeres. Los principales actores del proceso de aprendizaje alimentario resultan ser los padres, las experiencias adquiridas en el trabajo y la consulta con el profesional nutricionista. Se detectó una brecha de educación alimentaria entre la población general y el equipo de nutricionistas en contextos de atención primaria de salud. CONCLUSIONES: Los padres, los contextos laborales y la consulta con el nutricionista son las principales influencias en el proceso de aprendizaje alimentario. También fueron identificados tres grupos poblacionales (adolescentes femeninas, madres y niños), como poblaciones carentes de intervención nutricional de carácter educativo-preventivo por nutricionistas en el contexto de la atención primaria de salud en Chile, situación que podría perpetuar y mantener los malos hábitos de alimentación de la población general.

OBJECTIVES: To identify key stakeholders involved in the nutritional educational processes and detect gaps in this process in an urban adult population in Santiago, Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a sample of 100 individuals registered at a primary health care facility, those with a high Healthy Eating Index (HEI) were included in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, which were recorded in audio, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed according to Grounded Theory. RESULTS: A total of 16 people with HEI were interviewed, who were mainly women. The main actors involved in the nutritional educational process turned out to be the individuals' parents, workplace experiences, and clinical consultations with professional nutritionists. A nutritional education gap was detected between the general population and teams of nutritionists in primary health care contexts. CONCLUSIONS: Parents, the workplace, and consultations with nutritionists are the main influences in the nutritional learning process. Three population groups (female adolescents, mothers, and children) were also identified as lacking educational and preventive interventions by nutritionists in the primary health care context in Chile; this situation could perpetuate and maintain unhealthy eating habits among the general population.

[Association of health-related quality of life and suicidal risk in adolescents: A cross-sectional study]. / Asociación entre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y riesgo suicida en adolescentes: estudio transversal.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) deterioraton is a risk factor for suicide in adults, however, this aspect has been little studied in adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the asso ciation between HRQoL (measured with EQ-5D-5L) and suicidal risk in adolescents and its capacity for cross-sectional detection of suicidal risk. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 128 adolescents (15-19 years old) from Puerto Aysen (Chile) responded to the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, the Okasha Suicide Scale and two anchoring questions of imminent suicide risk. A suicide risk case was considered to have a > 5 score on the Okasha scale or the affirmative answer to one of the anchoring questions. The index value of EQ-5D-5L was calculated and Odds Ratios (ORs) were estimated with confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusted for confounders. Areas under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) were calculated to assess the discriminatory performance of EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: 21 (16.4%) adolescents were at suicidal risk. Controlling for confounders, the EQ-5D-5L dimensions associated with suicidal risk were pain/ discomfort (OR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.1-6.1) and anxiety/depression (OR: 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.6). The AUC- ROC for both dimensions was 85% (95% CI 0.75-0.91) and 81% for the EQ-5D-5L index value (95% CI 0.72-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL could be a risk factor for suicide in adolescents and in this way, the EQ-5D-5L could help in searching for high risk and hidden cases of suicidal risk.

Asociación entre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y riesgo suicida en adolescentes: estudio transversal / Association of health-related quality of life and suicidal risk in adolescents: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El deterioro de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) es un factor de riesgo de suicido en adultos; no obstante, poco se ha estudiado esta dimensión en adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, medido con el EQ-5D-5L, y riesgo suicida en adolescentes y su capacidad de detección transversal de riesgo suicida. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: 128 jóvenes (15-19 años) de la comuna de Puerto Aysén (Chile) respondieron transversalmente el EQ-5D-5L, la escala de suicidalidad de Okasha y dos preguntas de anclaje de riesgo in minente de suicidio. Se consideró como caso de riesgo suicida a un puntaje > 5 en la escala Okasha o la respuesta afirmativa a una de las preguntas de anclaje. Se calculó el valor índice con los perfiles de salud del EQ-5D-5L. Se estimaron Odds Ratios (OR's) con intervalos de confianza (IC95%), ajustando por confusores y se calcularon áreas bajo la curva ROC (AUC-ROC) para evaluar la capacidad de pesquisa del EQ-5D-5L. RESULTADOS: 21 (16,4%) adolescentes fueron considerados como casos de riesgo suicida. Controlando por confusores, las dimensiones del EQ-5D-5L que se asociaron con riesgo suicida fueron: dolor/malestar (OR: 2,5; IC95% 1,1-6,1) y ansiedad/depresión (OR: 2,2; IC95% 1,3-3,6). El AUR-ROC para ambas dimensiones fue del 0,85% (IC95% 0,75-0,91) y de 0,81% para el valor del índice del EQ-5D-5L (IC95% 0,72-0,89). CONCLUSIONES: La CVRS podría ser un factor de riesgo de suicidio en adolescentes; y el EQ-5D-5L que mide esta dimensión, podría ayudar a pesquisar futuros casos y casos ocultos de riesgo suicida.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) deterioraton is a risk factor for suicide in adults, however, this aspect has been little studied in adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the asso ciation between HRQoL (measured with EQ-5D-5L) and suicidal risk in adolescents and its capacity for cross-sectional detection of suicidal risk. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 128 adolescents (15-19 years old) from Puerto Aysen (Chile) responded to the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, the Okasha Suicide Scale and two anchoring questions of imminent suicide risk. A suicide risk case was considered to have a > 5 score on the Okasha scale or the affirmative answer to one of the anchoring questions. The index value of EQ-5D-5L was calculated and Odds Ratios (ORs) were estimated with confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusted for confounders. Areas under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) were calculated to assess the discriminatory performance of EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: 21 (16.4%) adolescents were at suicidal risk. Controlling for confounders, the EQ-5D-5L dimensions associated with suicidal risk were pain/ discomfort (OR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.1-6.1) and anxiety/depression (OR: 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.6). The AUC- ROC for both dimensions was 85% (95% CI 0.75-0.91) and 81% for the EQ-5D-5L index value (95% CI 0.72-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL could be a risk factor for suicide in adolescents and in this way, the EQ-5D-5L could help in searching for high risk and hidden cases of suicidal risk.

[RADAR: a program for the prevention of suicide in adolescents in the region of Aysen, Chile, preliminary results]. / El programa RADAR para la prevención del suicidio en adolescentes de la región de Aysén, Chile: resultados preliminares.

OBJECTIVE: We present the preliminary results of the implementation of RADAR: a community suicide prevention program in adolescents implemented in two high schools in a south region of Chile. METHOD: In a pilot study, during 2016, we implemented RADAR in two high schools of Puerto Aysen, in in the Region of Aysen of Chile. A total of 409 actors were trained (among students, school teachers, caregivers and health professionals) for the screening and referral of high suicide risk adolescents. RESULTS: Out of a total of 144 students who passed the RADAR screening systems, 29 cases were detected as suicide risk (20%) and 27 of them were opportunely referred to the Emergency Service of the Hospital of Puerto Aysen. In the second RADAR screening campaign, 3 months later, 90% of the cases no longer presented suicide risk. CONCLUSION: These results show the high proportion of ado lescents at risk of suicide who are not visible by the health system and the feasibility of implementing RADAR in the community as an effective suicide prevention intervention.

El programa RADAR para la prevención del suicidio en adolescentes de la región de Aysén, Chile: resultados preliminares / RADAR: a program for the prevention of suicide in adolescents in the region of Aysen, Chile, preliminary results

OBJETIVO: Dar a conocer los resultados preliminares del programa comunitario RADAR (Red para la Atención y Derivación de Adolescentes en Riesgo suicida). MÉTODO: Durante el 2016, RADAR fue implementado como prueba de concepto en dos colegios de Puerto Aysén de la Región de Aysén, Chile. Se capacitó un total de 409 participantes (entre alumnos, profesores de los colegios, apoderados y profesionales de la salud) para la pesquisa y derivación de adolescentes en riego de suicidio. RESULTADOS: De un total de 144 alumnos que pasaron los sistemas de pesquisa de RADAR, se detectaron 29 casos en riesgo suicida (20%) y 27 fueron derivados oportunamente al Servicio de Urgencia del Hos pital de Puerto Aysén. En la segunda campaña de pesquisa de RADAR, 3 meses después, el 90% de los casos ya no presentaba riesgo suicida. CONCLUSIÓN: Estos resultados muestran la alta proporción de adolescentes en riesgo suicida que no son visibilizados por el sistema de salud y la factibilidad de implementar RADAR en la comunidad como una intervención preventiva efectiva.

OBJECTIVE: We present the preliminary results of the implementation of RADAR: a community suicide prevention program in adolescents implemented in two high schools in a south region of Chile. METHOD: In a pilot study, during 2016, we implemented RADAR in two high schools of Puerto Aysen, in in the Region of Aysen of Chile. A total of 409 actors were trained (among students, school teachers, caregivers and health professionals) for the screening and referral of high suicide risk adolescents. RESULTS: Out of a total of 144 students who passed the RADAR screening systems, 29 cases were detected as suicide risk (20%) and 27 of them were opportunely referred to the Emergency Service of the Hospital of Puerto Aysen. In the second RADAR screening campaign, 3 months later, 90% of the cases no longer presented suicide risk. CONCLUSION: These results show the high proportion of ado lescents at risk of suicide who are not visible by the health system and the feasibility of implementing RADAR in the community as an effective suicide prevention intervention.

[Responsiveness of the chilean version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF)]. / Sensibilidad al cambio de la versión español-chileno del cuestionario International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) para incontinencia urinaria femenina.

BACKGROUND: A symptom questionnaire must be able to detect minimal changes after treatment to be clinically useful. AIM: To evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish-Chilean version of the ICIQ-SF questionnaire after medical and surgical procedures for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women consulting at a public Chilean Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 124 women aged 59 ± 10 years who were treated for UI and in whom ICIQ-SF questionnaire was applied in two opportunities (before and after medical or surgical treatment), was analyzed. The sign test for paired samples was used to compare the response of each item of the questionnaire. Responsiveness of the total severity score for UI was assessed by changes of slopes estimated by Generalized Estimating Equations. Slopes of change for every type of treatment were also compared. RESULTS: Sixty two percent of the women underwent surgical treatment. The slope of the total severity score for medical treatment was -4.4 (p-value < 0.001 for change) and 12.6 (p-value < 0.001 for change) for surgical treatment. Changes in surgical treatment were significantly higher than those of medical treatment (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish-Chilean version of the ICIQ-SF questionnaire was able to detect changes as a result of surgical and medical treatment for urinary incontinence in the study population, fulfilling the validity of responsiveness criterion.

[Association between the decline in global fertility rate and the incorporation of women to the workforce]. / Tendencia de la tasa global de fecundidad y el aumento de la fuerza laboral femenina en Chile. 1960-2011.

BACKGROUND: The global fertility rate (GFR) is defined as the mean number of children that a woman could have in a hypothetical cohort, not exposed to death during the fertile period. GFR has fallen from 3.4 to 1.9 children per women in the period 1970-2010. AIM: To explore the relationship between the fall in GFR and the incorporation of women to work in the period 1960-2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the National Statistics Institute was used. GRF was calculated using specific fertility rates for each year considering women aged 15 to 49 years. Work rates were obtained from yearly vital statistics reports. RESULTS: Between 1960 and 2011, GRF decreased from 5.5 to 1.9 in Chile. The first inflection occurred in 1970. In the same period, female workforce increased from 22.4 to 40.2%. CONCLUSIONS: To motivate the participation of female work-force without decrease the GRF allowing population replacement, it is suggested the need to create new public policies with benefits and support from the state.

Sensibilidad al cambio de la versión español-chileno del cuestionario International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) para incontinencia urinaria femenina / Responsiveness of the chilean version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF)

Background: A symptom questionnaire must be able to detect minimal changes after treatment to be clinically useful. Aim: To evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish-Chilean version of the ICIQ-SF questionnaire after medical and surgical procedures for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women consulting at a public Chilean Hospital. Material and Methods: Data of 124 women aged 59 ± 10 years who were treated for UI and in whom ICIQ-SF questionnaire was applied in two opportunities (before and after medical or surgical treatment), was analyzed. The sign test for paired samples was used to compare the response of each item of the questionnaire. Responsiveness of the total severity score for UI was assessed by changes of slopes estimated by Generalized Estimating Equations. Slopes of change for every type of treatment were also compared. Results: Sixty two percent of the women underwent surgical treatment. The slope of the total severity score for medical treatment was -4.4 (p-value < 0.001 for change) and 12.6 (p-value < 0.001 for change) for surgical treatment. Changes in surgical treatment were significantly higher than those of medical treatment (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: The Spanish-Chilean version of the ICIQ-SF questionnaire was able to detect changes as a result of surgical and medical treatment for urinary incontinence in the study population, fulfilling the validity of responsiveness criterion.

Tendencia de la tasa global de fecundidad y el aumento de la fuerza laboral femenina en Chile. 1960-2011 / Association between the decline in global fertility rate and the incorporation of women to the workforce

Background: The global fertility rate (GFR) is defined as the mean number of children that a woman could have in a hypothetical cohort, not exposed to death during the fertile period. GFR has fallen from 3.4 to 1.9 children per women in the period 1970-2010. Aim: To explore the relationship between the fall in GFR and the incorporation of women to work in the period 1960-2011. Material and Methods: Data from the National Statistics Institute was used. GRF was calculated using specific fertility rates for each year considering women aged 15 to 49 years. Work rates were obtained from yearly vital statistics reports. Results: Between 1960 and 2011, GRF decreased from 5.5 to 1.9 in Chile. The first inflection occurred in 1970. In the same period, female workforce increased from 22.4 to 40.2%. Conclusions: To motivate the participation of female work­force without decrease the GRF allowing population replacement, it is suggested the need to create new public policies with benefits and support from the state.