Plants as a cost-effective source for customizable photosynthetic wound dressings: A proof of concept study.

Oxygen is essential for tissue regeneration, playing a crucial role in several processes, including cell metabolism and immune response. Therefore, the delivery of oxygen to wounds is an active field of research, and recent studies have highlighted the potential use of photosynthetic biomaterials as alternative oxygenation approach. However, while plants have traditionally been used to enhance tissue regeneration, their potential to produce and deliver local oxygen to wounds has not yet been explored. Hence, in this work we studied the oxygen-releasing capacity of Marchantia polymorpha explants, showing their capacity to release oxygen under different illumination settings and temperatures. Moreover, co-culture experiments revealed that the presence of these explants had no adverse effects on the viability and morphology of fibroblasts in vitro, nor on the viability of zebrafish larvae in vivo. Furthermore, oxygraphy assays demonstrate that these explants could fulfill the oxygen metabolic requirements of zebrafish larvae and freshly isolated skin biopsies ex vivo. Finally, the biocompatibility of explants was confirmed through a human skin irritation test conducted in healthy volunteers following the ISO-10993-10-2010. This proof-of-concept study provides valuable scientific insights, proposing the potential use of freshly isolated plants as biocompatible low-cost oxygen delivery systems for wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Cooperative housing under a grant-of-use in Catalonia and health: pre-post analysis.

BACKGROUND: Housing is considered a social determinant of health. In Catalonia and Spain, ensuring affordable housing is challenging and cooperative housing under a grant-of-use emerges as an alternative, challenging traditional housing models. This study aims to quantify its impact on health before and after moving to the cooperative house. METHODS: A longitudinal study of individuals in cooperative housing projects in Catalonia (July 2018-April 2023) was conducted. Data, including sociodemographic, housing information, and health-related details, were collected through baseline and follow-up surveys. RESULTS: Seventy participants (42 women, 28 men) showed positive changes in housing conditions during follow-up. Improved perceptions of health, mental health, and social support were observed. Despite limitations in sample size and short follow-up, initial findings suggest improvements in health. CONCLUSIONS: Cooperative housing under a grant-of-use in Catalonia appears promising for improving health and living conditions. Further research is warranted to explore its full potential as an alternative amid housing challenges in the region.

Peritrophin-like Genes Are Associated with Delousing Drug Response and Sensitivity in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi.

Caligus rogercresseyi is the main ectoparasite that affects the salmon industry in Chile. The mechanisms used by the parasite to support its life strategy are of great interest for developing control strategies. Due to the critical role of insect peritrophins in host-parasite interactions and response to pest control drugs, this study aimed to identify and characterize the peritrophin-like genes present in C. rogercresseyi. Moreover, the expression of peritrophin-like genes was evaluated on parasites exposed to delousing drugs such as pyrethroids and azamethiphos. Peritrophin genes were identified by homology analysis among the sea louse transcriptome database and arthropods peritrophin-protein database obtained from GenBank and UniProt. Moreover, the gene loci in the parasite genome were located. Furthermore, peritrophin gene expression levels were evaluated by RNA-Seq analysis in sea louse developmental stages and sea lice exposed to delousing drugs deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and azamethiphos. Seven putative peritrophin-like genes were identified in C. rogercresseyi with high homology with other crustacean peritrophins. Differences in the presence of signal peptides, the number of chitin-binding domains, and the position of conserved cysteines were found. In addition, seven peritrophin-like gene sequences were identified in the C. rogercresseyi genome. Gene expression analysis revealed a stage-dependent expression profile. Notably, differential regulation of peritrophin genes in resistant and susceptible populations to delousing drugs was found. These data are the first report and characterization of peritrophin genes in the sea louse C. rogercresseyi, representing valuable knowledge to understand sea louse biology. Moreover, this study provides evidence for a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of C. rogercresseyi response to delousing drugs.

Transcriptome and morphological analysis in Caligus rogercresseyi uncover the effects of Atlantic salmon vaccination with IPath®.

It is known that iron transporter proteins and their regulation can modulate the fish's immune system, suggesting these proteins as a potential candidate for fish vaccines. Previous studies have evidenced the effects of Atlantic salmon immunized with the chimeric iron-related protein named IPath® against bacterial and ectoparasitic infections. The present study aimed to explore the transcriptome modulation and the morphology of the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi in response to Atlantic salmon injected with IPath®. Herein, Atlantic salmon were injected with IPath® and challenged to sea lice in controlled laboratory conditions. Then, female adults were collected after 25 days post-infection for molecular and morphological evaluation. Transcriptome analysis conducted in lice collected from immunized fish revealed high modulation of transcripts compared with the control groups. Notably, the low number of up/downregulated transcripts was mainly found in lice exposed to the IPath® fish group. Among the top-25 differentially expressed genes, Vitellogenin, Cytochrome oxidases, and proteases genes were strongly downregulated, suggesting that IPath® can alter lipid transport, hydrogen ion transmembrane transport, and proteolysis. The morphological analysis in lice collected from IPath® fish revealed abnormal embryogenesis and inflammatory processes of the genital segment. Furthermore, head kidney, spleen, and skin were also analyzed in immunized fish to evaluate the transcription expression of immune and iron homeostasis-related genes. The results showed downregulation of TLR22, MCHII, IL-1ß, ALAs, HO, BLVr, GSHPx, and Ferritin genes in head kidney and skin tissues; meanwhile, those genes did not show significant differences in spleen tissue. Overall, our findings suggest that IPath® can be used to enhance the fish immune response, showing a promissory commercial application against lice infections.

Energy poverty influences urban outdoor air pollution levels during COVID-19 lockdown in south-central Chile.

The effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on ambient air pollution levels in urban south-central Chile, where outdoor air pollution primarily originates indoors from wood burning for heating, may differ from trends in cities where transportation and industrial emission sources dominate. This quasi-experimental study compared hourly fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matter measurements from six air monitors (three beta attenuation monitors; three low-cost sensors) in commercial and low/middle-income residential areas of Temuco, Chile between 2019 and 2020. The potential impact of varying annual meterological conditions on air quality was also assessed. During COVID-19 lockdown, average monthly ambient PM2.5 concentrations in a commercial and middle-income residential neighborhood of Temuco were up to 50% higher (from 12 to 18 µg/m3) and 59% higher (from 22 to 35 µg/m3) than 2019 levels, respectively. Conversely, PM2.5 levels decreased by up to 52% (from 43 to 21 µg/m3) in low-income areas. The fine fraction of PM10 in April 2020 was 48% higher than in April 2017-2019 (from 50% to 74%) in a commercial area. These changes did not appear to result from meterological differences between years. During COVID-19 lockdown, higher outdoor PM2.5 pollution from wood heating existed in more affluent areas of Temuco, while PM2.5 concentrations declined among poorer households refraining from wood heating. To reduce air pollution and energy poverty in south-central Chile, affordability of clean heating fuels (e.g. electricity) should be a policy priority.

[Subacute encephalopathy associated with relapsing polychondritis. Report of one case]. / Encefalopatía subaguda en una paciente con policondritis recidivante. Caso clínico.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation and destruction of cartilages, with preference for auricular, nasal and laryngotracheal cartilages. RP may also affect proteoglycan-rich structures, such as, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. The central nervous system (CNS) is involved in less than 3% of patients. We report a 32-year-old female with RP associated with a progressive subacute encephalopathy characterized by behavioral disturbances, auditory and visual hallucinations. The EEG showed generalized slow activity and a mononuclear pleocytosis with increased protein was found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple supra and infratentorial nodular inflammatory lesions. After initiating treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, a significant improvement in chondritis and neurological status was observed.

Development of a photosynthetic hydrogel as potential wound dressing for the local delivery of oxygen and bioactive molecules.

The development of biomaterials to improve wound healing is a critical clinical challenge and an active field of research. As it is well described that oxygen plays a critical role in almost each step of the wound healing process, in this work, an oxygen producing photosynthetic biomaterial was generated, characterized, and further modified to additionally release other bioactive molecules. Here, alginate hydrogels were loaded with the photosynthetic microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, showing high integration as well as immediate oxygen release upon illumination. Moreover, the photosynthetic hydrogel showed high biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, and the capacity to sustain the metabolic oxygen requirements of zebrafish larvae and skin explants. In addition, the photosynthetic dressings were evaluated in 20 healthy human volunteers following the ISO-10993-10-2010 showing no skin irritation, mechanical stability of the dressings, and survival of the photosynthetic microalgae. Finally, hydrogels were also loaded with genetically engineered microalgae to release human VEGF, or pre-loaded with antibiotics, showing sustained release of both bioactive molecules. Overall, this work shows that photosynthetic hydrogels represent a feasible approach for the local delivery of oxygen and other bioactive molecules to promote wound healing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As oxygen plays a key role in almost every step of the tissue regeneration process, the development of oxygen delivering therapies represents an active field of research, where photosynthetic biomaterials have risen as a promising approach for wound healing. Therefore, in this work a photosynthetic alginate hydrogel-based wound dressing containing C. reinhardtii microalgae was developed and validated in healthy skin of human volunteers. Moreover, hydrogels were modified to additionally release other bioactive molecules such as recombinant VEGF or antibiotics. The present study provides key scientific data to support the use of photosynthetic hydrogels as customizable dressings to promote wound healing.

Epidemiology of Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injury and COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Consequences: Experience in a Reference Center in Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Work-related traumatic brain injury is a frequent cause of chronic morbidity, mortality, and high treatment costs. Its causes are highly environmentally determined and were affected by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe traumatic brain injury (TBI) epidemiology in working population and evaluate its modifications during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a 2-year retrospective epidemiological analysis of TBI patients hospitalized in a tertiary work-related hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In the prepandemic period, TBI patients were predominantly men, with a bimodal age distribution. Crash accidents were the leading work-related traumatic brain injury cause. During COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, there was a positive correlation between street traffic and TBI rate, presenting increased motor crash accidents as a cause of TBI. CONCLUSIONS: These results are relevant for planning and focalization of resources for TBI prevention.

Gender-based inequalities in the effects of housing on health: A critical review.

Gender and its power relations are produced and reproduced in the housing sphere, leading to inequalities in living conditions and, therefore, in gender inequalities in health outcomes. The aim of the study is to review the published literature on gender, housing and health, to critically evaluate the incorporation of the gender perspective, and to incorporate this perspective into the conceptual framework of housing and health. Using the critical review method, we conducted a literature review in MEDLINE, Scopus, WOS and Redalyc, without restriction of publication date, including studies published up to October 2020. We analyzed the gender perspective in health research using the Gender Perspective in Health Research Questionnaire and described the results according to main housing dimensions. Of the 20,988 articles identified, we selected 90 for full-text analysis, of which 18 were included in the feminist research category, 27 in gender-sensitive, 31 in sex difference and 14 did not include any gender perspective. Regarding the association between housing and health, most studies analyzed affordability (36%) and physical conditions (32%), and trends in health outcomes by gender varied according to each exposure analyzed, although overall the effects were worse for women and non-binary or trans people. To date, very few studies consider the gender perspective. It is urgent to address gender relations in housing and health studies, and to open an interdisciplinary and intersectoral agenda to address this complex relationship.

Neglected housing insecurity and its relationship with renters health: the case of Barcelona, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze by gender the relationship of forced displacements due to neglected housing insecurity with the physical and mental health of renters in Barcelona in 2019, distinguishing between economic (EHI) and legal (LHI) housing insecurity. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the Survey of the Living Conditions of Renters in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area 2019 (1021 women; 584 men). Self-reported health and mental well-being were the dependents variables; the main explanatory variable was neglected housing insecurity. We used adjusted robust Poisson regression models to compare health outcomes among people affected by neglected housing insecurity and those who were not affected. RESULTS: We observed that the probability of worse health outcomes are greater in those affected by EHI, followed by those affected by LHI, both compared to those who have not been affected by housing insecurity. This association are mainly observed in mental health of renters affected by EHI, even after adjusting for socioeconomic and other housing variables (in women PR: 1,17, CI95%: 1,03-1,33; in men PR: 1,21, CI95%: 1,01-1,43). CONCLUSIONS: Neglected housing insecurity is associated with worse mental health. Enhancing the visibility of neglected housing insecurity and raising awareness of its effects on health is urgently needed to tackle this massive but hidden problem.

Trypsin Genes Are Regulated through the miRNA Bantam and Associated with Drug Sensitivity in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi.

The role of trypsin genes in pharmacological sensitivity has been described in numerous arthropod species, including the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi. This ectoparasite species is mainly controlled by xenobiotic drugs in Atlantic salmon farming. However, the post-transcriptional regulation of trypsin genes and the molecular components involved in drug response remain unclear. In particular, the miRNA bantam family has previously been associated with drug response in arthropods and is also found in C. rogercresseyi, showing a high diversity of isomiRs. This study aimed to uncover molecular interactions among trypsin genes and bantam miRNAs in the sea louse C. rogercresseyi in response to delousing drugs. Herein, putative mRNA/miRNA sequences were identified and localized in the C. rogercresseyi genome through genome mapping and blast analyses. Expression analyses were obtained from the mRNA transcriptome and small-RNA libraries from groups with differential sensitivity to three drugs used as anti-sea lice agents: azamethiphos, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin. The validation was conducted by qPCR analyses and luciferase assay of selected bantam and trypsin genes identified from in silico transcript prediction. A total of 60 trypsin genes were identified in the C. rogercresseyi genome, and 39 bantam miRNAs were differentially expressed in response to drug exposure. Notably, expression analyses and correlation among values obtained from trypsin and bantam revealed an opposite trend and potential binding sites with significant ΔG values. The luciferase assay showed a reduction of around 50% in the expression levels of the trypsin 2-like gene, which could imply that this gene is a potential target for bantam. The role of trypsin genes and bantam miRNAs in the pharmacological sensitivity of sea lice and the use of miRNAs as potential markers in these parasites are discussed in this study.

The wastewater microbiome: A novel insight for COVID-19 surveillance.

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology is a tool to face and mitigate COVID-19 outbreaks by evaluating conditions in a specific community. This study aimed to analyze the microbiome profiles using nanopore technology for full-length 16S rRNA sequencing in wastewater samples collected from a penitentiary (P), a residential care home (RCH), and a quarantine or health care facilities (HCF). During the study, the wastewater samples from the RCH and the P were negative for SARS-CoV-2 based on qPCRs, except during the fourth week when was detected. Unexpectedly, the wastewater microbiome from RCH and P prior to week four was correlated with the samples collected from the HCF, suggesting a core bacterial community is expelled from the digest tract of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. The microbiota of wastewater sample positives for SARS-CoV-2 was strongly associated with enteric bacteria previously reported in patients with risk factors for COVID-19. We provide novel evidence that the wastewater microbiome associated with gastrointestinal manifestations appears to precede the SARS-CoV-2 detection in sewage. This finding suggests that the wastewaters microbiome can be applied as an indicator of community-wide SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.

Tackling the Molecular Drug Sensitivity in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi Based on mRNA and lncRNA Interactions.

Caligus rogercresseyi, commonly known as sea louse, is an ectoparasite copepod that impacts the salmon aquaculture in Chile, causing losses of hundreds of million dollars per year. This pathogen is mainly controlled by immersion baths with delousing drugs, which can lead to resistant traits selection in lice populations. Bioassays are commonly used to assess louse drug sensitivity, but the current procedures may mask relevant molecular responses. This study aimed to discover novel coding genes and non-coding RNAs that could evidence drug sensitivity at the genomic level. Sea lice samples from populations with contrasting sensitivity to delousing drugs were collected. Bioassays using azamethiphos, cypermethrin, and deltamethrin drugs were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity and to collect samples for RNA-sequencing. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on samples exposed to each drug to evaluate the presence of coding and non-coding RNAs associated with the response of these compounds. The results revealed specific transcriptome patterns in lice exposed to azamethiphos, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin drugs. Enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology terms showed specific biological processes and molecular functions associated with each delousing drug analyzed. Furthermore, novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified in C. rogercresseyi and tightly linked to differentially expressed coding genes. A significant correlation between gene transcription patterns and phenotypic effects was found in lice collected from different salmon farms with contrasting drug treatment efficacies. The significant correlation among gene transcription patterns with the historical background of drug sensitivity suggests novel molecular mechanisms of pharmacological resistance in lice populations.

Encefalopatía subaguda en una paciente con policondritis recidivante: caso clínico / Subacute encephalopathy associated with relapsing polychondritis: report of one case

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation and destruction of cartilages, with preference for auricular, nasal and laryngotracheal cartilages. RP may also affect proteoglycan-rich structures, such as, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. The central nervous system (CNS) is involved in less than 3% of patients. We report a 32-year-old female with RP associated with a progressive subacute encephalopathy characterized by behavioral disturbances, auditory and visual hallucinations. The EEG showed generalized slow activity and a mononuclear pleocytosis with increased protein was found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple supra and infratentorial nodular inflammatory lesions. After initiating treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, a significant improvement in chondritis and neurological status was observed.

Empathetic orientation in dentistry students from Latin America: literature review / Orientación empática en estudiantes de odontología de Latinoamérica: revisión de la literatura

Empathy, defined as ‘the capacity to relate to someone else’s perspective or mental state’, has a strong impact on the physician-patient relationship and has the potential to improve the quality of health care. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) measures empathy in terms of quantity. It was created to assist medical students, physicians, and people related to health care in general and it has been validated into Spanish showing adequate psychometric properties. The concern for empathy in dentistry students is related to the need for training not only technically, but also socially skilled professionals, since social abilities have a strong impact on performance as well as in the patient’s appreciation and satisfaction. The goal of this report is to show all the studies using the JSE scale for measuring empathy in dentistry students from Latin America. The reviewed studies show the empathy levels vary in Latin-American dentistry students when comparing gender and class year variables. Also, there is a tendency to find higher empathy levels when it comes to women’s performance and that of those soon to be graduate. However, the criteria did not account for more than 20 percent of the variance of empathy in these studies. Therefore, it would be necessary to keep researching in this field, taking different predictor variables into consideration in order to understand what factors are associated with the presence and intensity of empathy, and their impact in clinical practice.

La empatía, definida como la "Identificación mental y afectiva de un sujeto con el estado de ánimo de otro" tiene un fuerte impacto en la relación médico-paciente y tiene el potencial de mejorar la calidad de la atención en salud. La Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), es una escala que mide cuantitativamente la empatía. Fue creada para estudiantes de medicina, médicos y estudiantes y trabajadores de otras carreras de la salud y fue validada al idioma castellano demostrando propiedades psicométricas adecuadas. La preocupación por la empatía en los estudiantes de odontología se relaciona con la necesidad de formar profesionales competentes, no sólo en el aspecto técnico, sino también en las habilidades sociales, las que tienen un gran impacto en el rendimiento, así como en la apreciación y satisfacción del paciente. El objetivo de la presente revisión es presentar todos los estudios en que se ha aplicado la escala JSE en estudiantes de odontología de Latinoamérica. Según lo encontrado, la empatía presenta un comportamiento variable en los estudiantes de odontología latinoamericanos, al comparar variables sexo y año de la carrera, existiendo una tendencia a mostrar mayores niveles de empatía en el sexo femenino y en los cursos superiores, sin embargo, en ninguno de los estudios estas variables explicaron más allá del 20 por ciento de la varianza de la empatía. Por lo mismo, resulta necesario seguir investigando sobre este tema, considerando otras variables predictivas a fin de entender qué factores están asociados a la presencia e intensidad de la empatía y su impacto en la práctica clínica.

Adaptation and validation of Child Oral Impact on Daily Performance index in 11-14-year-old Chilean school children / Adaptación y validación del índice Child Oral Impact on Daily Performance en escolares chilenos de 11 a 14 años

The health condition of a population is often rated through clinical indicators. However, the psychological and social impact of diseases on quality of life has been noticed of late. Objective: to adapt, in cultural terms, the Child- Oral Impact on Daily Performance (C-OIDP) questionnaire in its self- administered form and evaluate its psychometric properties among Chilean teenagers aged 11-14 from the city of Licantén, Chile, in 2013. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on scales validation. Face validity was determined by experts opinion, criterion validity by correlation with measures of self rated health and dental treatment needs, internal consistency using the Cronbach's alpha, and temporal stability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test- retest within a 10-day window. The sample consisted of 203 students aged 11 to 14 years from the urban sector of Licantén city. Results: Five experts determined proper face validity of the C-OIDP scale. Regarding criterion validity, statistically significance association (p<0.05) were found, positive for treatment need and negative for oral health satisfaction. Internal consistency scale showed an alpha = 0.719, all items showed correlations of 0.32 to 0.54 with the rest of the scale. The temporal stability gave an ICC=0.82. . Conclusion: the cultural adaptation of the self-administered C-OIDP questionnaire for Chilean students aged 11 to 14 years showed adequate psychometric properties, so it is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the oral health impact on quality of life in this population.

Tradicionalmente el estado de salud oral de una población es evaluado mediante indicadores clínicos. Sin embargo, se ha venido reconociendo la importancia del impacto psicosocial de las enfermedades en la calidad de vida de la población. Objetivo: Adaptar culturalmente el cuestionario Child- Oral Index Daily Performance (C-OIDP) en su versión auto-administrada y evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas en adolescentes chilenos de 11 a 14 años de la ciudad de Licantén, año 2013. Metodología: Estudio de validación de escalas. Se determinó validez de fachada mediante opinión de expertos; de criterio mediante correlación con medidas de autopercepción de salud y necesidad de tratamiento; consistencia interna mediante Alpha de Cronbach; y estabilidad temporal mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC) para test-retest en un intervalo de 10 días. La muestra estuvo constituida por 203 escolares de 11 a 14 años del sector urbano de la ciudad de Licantén. Resultados: Cinco expertos determinaron una adecuada validez de fachada de la escala COIDP. Se hallaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05), positivas para necesidad de tratamiento y negativas para autosatisfacción con estado de salud bucal. La consistencia interna de la escala mostró un alpha=0,719, todos los ítems presentaron correlaciones de 0,32 a 0,54 con el resto de la escala. La estabilidad temporal mostró un ICC=0,82. El C-OIDP mostró un promedio de 0.9704+/-0.89. Conclusión: La adaptación cultural del cuestionario autoadministrado C-OIDP para escolares chilenos de 11 a 14 años demostró propiedades psicométricas adecuadas, por lo que representa un instrumento válido y confiable para medir el impacto de la salud bucal sobre la calidad de vida en esta población.