Consumption of ultra-processed food and its association with obesity in Chilean university students: A multi-center studyUltra-processed food and obesity in Chilean university students.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between the consumption of three categories of ultra-processed food (sugary beverages, sweet, and salty snacks) and body mass index (BMI) among Chilean university students. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center, descriptive study among 2,039 students from 6 Chilean universities. Food consumption was surveyed using a validate food survey. That height and body weight were objectively measured to calculate BMI for determining weight status, and also, tobacco use and physical activity were measured. RESULTS: An intake equal to or higher than 1 serving of sugary beverage a day was associated with greater odds of obesity in university students (OR:1.32 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.74]), 2 servings/day (OR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.50]), and 3 servings/day (OR: 1.39 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.80]). Neither consumption of sweet nor salty snacks (≥1 servings/day) related to differential odds of obesity: (OR: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.42, 1.64]) and (OR: 1.79 [95% CI: 0.93, 3.41]), respectively. CONCLUSION: In a sample of Chilean university students, consumption of sugary beverages, and not consumption of sweet or salty snacks, was associated with obesity.

Potential of rhizobacteria native to Argentina for the control of Meloidogyne javanica / Potencial de rizobacterias nativas de Argentina para el control de Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract Biocontrol of the nematode Meloidogyne javanica was studied using the Argentinean strains Pseudomonas fluorescens MME3, TAE4, TAR5 and ZME4 and Bacillus sp. B7S, B9T and B19S. Pseudomonas protegens CHA0 was used as a positive control. Egg hatching and juvenile mortality were evaluated in vitro by exposure of nematodes to bacterial suspensions or their cell-free supernatants (CFS). The effect of bacteria on nematode infestation of lettuce was also studied. results showed that most of the tested strains and CFS reduced egg hatching and juvenile survival in vitro. The bacterial suspension of Bacillus sp. B9T produced the lowest hatching of eggs. Juvenile mortality was higher when M. javanica was exposed to Bacillus sp. than to Pseudomonas spp. suspensions. Except for CFS of B9T, all filtrates inhibited hatching at levels similar to or higher than the biocontrol strain P. protegens CHA0. The CFS of CHA0 showed the highest level of juvenile mortality followed by Bacillus sp. strains and P. fluorescens TAE4. None of the inoculated rhizobacteria reverted the negative effect of infestation on the aerial dry weight of lettuce plants. However, inoculation impacted on reproduction of M. javanica by reducing the development of galls and egg masses on roots and diminishing the number of individuals both on roots and in the substrate, as well as the reproduction factor. These results show that most of the analyzed native strains can control the nematode M. javanica. Among them, P. fluorescens TAE4 and Bacillus sp. B9T showed the most promising performances for the biocontrol of this pathogen and have a potential use in the formulation of commercial products.

Resumen Se estudiaron las cepas argentinas Pseudomonas fluorescens MME3, TAE4, TAR5 y ZME4 y Bacillus sp. B7S, B9T y B19S para el control del nematodo Meloidogyne javanica. Pseudomonas protegens CHA0 se utilizó como control positivo. La eclosión de huevos y la mortalidad de juveniles se evaluaron in vitro al exponerlos a suspensiones bacterianas y a sus sobrenadantes libres de células (SLC). Asimismo, se estudió la inoculación bacteriana sobre la infestación del nematodo en lechuga. Los resultados in vitro indicaron que la mayoría de las cepas, así como sus SLC redujeron la eclosión y la supervivencia de M. javanica. La suspensión de Bacillus sp. B9T produjo los menores niveles de eclosión. La mortalidad de juveniles fue mayor al exponerlos a suspensiones de Bacillus sp. respecto de Pseudomonas spp. Los SLC inhibieron la eclosión de huevos en niveles similares o superiores a P. protegens CHA0, excepto por el de B9T. La exposición a SLC de CHA0 registró la mayor mortalidad, seguido por las cepas de Bacillus sp. y P. fluorescens TAE4. La inoculación bacteriana no revertió el efecto de la infestación sobre el peso seco aéreo de las plantas, sin embargo, afectó la multiplicación de M. javanica lo que redujo el desarrollo de agallas y las masas de huevos, y disminuyó el número de individuos presentes tanto en la raíz como en el sustrato, así como el factor de reproducción. Los resultados indican que la mayoría de las cepas nativas evaluadas son capaces de controlar a M. javanica. Entre ellas, P. fluorescens TAE4 y Bacillus sp. B9T, se presentan como las más promisorias para el control de este patógeno, con potencialidad para ser utilizadas en la formulación de productos biológicos.

Factores que diferencian el consumo frecuente y esporádico de marihuana en estudiantes universitarios / Factors differentiating frequent and sporadic marijuana use in college students

Resumen Aunque el consumo de marihuana es altamente prevalente entre universitarios de Argentina, poco se sabe respecto a los factores que permiten distinguir a los consumidores frecuentes de marihuana de quienes consumen esporádicamente. Por esta razón, en el presente trabajo se indagó sobre las posibles variaciones en los contextos de consumo, motivos de consumo, normas percibidas y estrategias conductuales de protección entre universitarios con consumo frecuente o esporádico de marihuana, y se analizó la utilidad de este conjunto de variables para distinguir entre estos los tipos de consumidores mencionados. Para ello, se contó con una muestra de 1083 estudiantes universitarios argentinos que completó una encuesta en línea sobre el consumo de sustancias. En particular, este trabajo se realizó con la submuestra que reportó consumir marihuana en los últimos 30 días (n = 158; 51.3 % mujeres). Dicha encuesta interrogaba sobre el consumo de marihuana y las consecuencias negativas asociadas, así como por motivos de consumo, normas sociales percibidas y estrategias conductuales de protección. Como resultado, los consumidores frecuentes presentaron mayor cantidad de consecuencias negativas (M = 4.92) que los consumidores esporádicos (M = 1.82; p < .05), y se halló un perfil distintivo en un conjunto de variables. A nivel multivariado, los motivos de animación (OR = 1.230; p < .05), las estrategias conductuales de protección (OR = .941; p < .05), el consumo en solitario (OR = 2.024; p < .05) y el consumo en fiestas universitarias (OR = 2.669; p < .05) discriminaron significativamente entre ambas clases de consumidores. En general, los hallazgos revelaron subpoblaciones heterogéneas de consumidores de marihuana que difieren no solo en el consumo y sus consecuencias, sino también en los contextos de consumo y en un conjunto de variables relevantes. Estas subpoblaciones distintivas requieren de intervenciones diferentes y específicas.

Abstract Although marijuana use is highly prevalent among university students in Argentina, little is known about the factors that distinguish frequent marijuana users from sporadic users. For this reason, the present study investigated the possible variations in the contexts of consumption, motives for consumption, perceived norms, and protective behavioral strategies among university students with frequent or sporadic marijuana use, and analyzed the usefulness of this set of variables to distinguish between these two types of users. For this purpose, a sample of 1083 Argentine university students completed an online survey on substance use. In particular, this work was conducted with the subsample that reported using marijuana in the last 30 days (n = 158; 51.3 % female). The survey asked about marijuana use and associated negative consequences, as well as motives for use, perceived social norms, and protective behavioral strategies. As a result, frequent users had a higher number of negative consequences (M = 4.92) than sporadic users (M = 1.82; p < .05), and a distinctive profile was found on a set of variables. At the multivariate level, cheerleading motives (OR = 1.230; p < .05), protective behavioral strategies (OR = .941; p < .05), solo use (OR = 2.024; p < .05), and college party use (OR = 2.669; p < .05) discriminated significantly between the two classes of users. Overall, the findings revealed heterogeneous subpopulations of marijuana users that differ not only in use and its consequences, but also in contexts of use and in a set of relevant variables. These distinct subpopulations require different and specific interventions.

Tobacco consumption in Chilean university students and associations with anthropometry, eating habits and sleep quality multicentric study.

Tobacco Consumption (TC) is one of the main causes of the deterioration of health; however, there are few studies linking its consumption with diet and nutrition among university students. The objective of this study is to test the association of smoking with anthropometry, diet and sleep quality among Chilean university students. Cross-sectional study. University students (n = 1454) from the North, South and Central parts of Chile were evaluated. A self-assessment survey was used to evaluate healthy and unhealthy eating habits. Nutritional status was evaluated by Body Mass Index (BMI). Two surveys were used to assess sleep quality: the Questionnaire of Insomnia and the Epworth Scale. Finally, participants were consulted about Tobacco Consumption: 30% of the students consume tobacco and have a higher score in unhealthy food consumption, less frequent weekly breakfast consumption (< 0.01), lower daily fruit (< 0.01) and vegetables (< 0.05) consumption, higher alcohol consumption (< 0.05) and daily junk food consumption (< 0.05) compared to non-consuming students. Men who consume tobacco present greater insomnia (< 0.001), sleep latency (< 0.001) and daytime sleepiness (< 0.05) compared to non-consumers; and women who consume tobacco have a higher weight (< 0.001) and BMI (< 0.01). When performing logistic regression, tobacco consumption is positively associated with major alcohol consumption (< 0.001), whereas fish (< 0.05) and vegetable (< 0.05) consumption was negatively associated. In conclusion, students of both sexes who smoke have more unfavorable health factors and a poorer quality of life.

Visibilizando a las cirujanas en Chile / Making female surgeons visible in Chile

Resumen Introducción: La cirugía ha sido tradicionalmente considerada una especialidad masculina. Se desconoce si el aumento en el número de médicas en las últimas décadas ha producido un aumento significativo en el número de cirujanas. Objetivo: Analizar y visibilizar la participación actual e histórica de las mujeres en Medicina y en Cirugía General en Chile. Materiales y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de la cohorte de médicas/os y cirujanas/os egresados de escuelas de medicina chilenas desde el año 1970, complementado con estudio de corte transversal para conocer la información actual de las cirujanas y residentes. Las fuentes de datos fueron los Registros de la Superintendencia de Salud, CONACEM y el Catastro de la Asociación de Cirujanas. Resultados: Ha existido un aumento sostenido de médicas egresadas sobrepasando a sus pares masculinos a partir de 2018. Las cirujanas representan el 15% del total de cirujanas y cirujanos, y este número se ha duplicado por década a partir de los años 70. Actualmente, 33% de los residentes en formación son de género femenino. Las áreas más comunes de desarrollo son cirugía general (35%), y dentro de las subespecialidades: mama, plástica y cabeza y cuello. Conclusión: Las mujeres siguen siendo minoría en cirugía; sin embargo, se ha producido un aumento progresivo y se espera siga la misma tendencia. Es necesario visibilizar la importancia de las cirujanas para que sirvan como modelo a nuevas generaciones de estudiantes y así poder aumentar la representación femenina en la especialidad.

Introduction: Surgery traditionally has been considered a male discipline. It is unknown if the increase in the number of female doctors in the last decades has increased the number of female surgeons. Aim: Is to analyze and make visible the historical and current participation of women in Medicine and Surgery in Chile. Materials and Method: Retrospective cohort study of all medical doctors and surgeons graduated from chilean Universities since 1970 to date, and cross-sectional study to know current information of female surgeons and residents. Source of data were the Registries of Health Superintendence, CONACEM and the Registry of the Female Surgeon Association. Results: There has been a steady increase in the number of graduated female doctors in Chile, surpassing male doctors since 2018. Female surgeons are 15% of all surgeons, and the number has duplicated every decade since 1970s. Currently, 33% of the residents are female. Main area of developing is general surgery (35%), and within subspecialties: Breast, Plastics, and Head and Neck. Conclusions: Women are still underrepresented in Surgery: however, there has been a steady increase and that trend is expected to continue. It is necessary to make visible the importance of female surgeons to be able to increase female representation.

Consumo de frutas, verduras y legumbres en universitarios chilenos / Consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes among Chilean university students

RESUMEN Recomendaciones internacionales indican que se deben consumir diariamente 400 g/día o su equivalente a 5 porciones de frutas, verduras o legumbres. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia de consumo de frutas, verduras y legumbres en estudiantes universitarios chilenos. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal. Fueron evaluados estudiantes universitarios (n= 1454) del norte, centro y sur de Chile. Ellos completaron una encuesta alimentaria que se utiliza para determinar hábitos alimentarios saludables (frutas, verduras y legumbres). El 78% era de sexo femenino. Al analizar la frecuencia de consumo de frutas, verduras y legumbres según universidad, sólo frutas y verduras mostraron de diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p< 0,01). El 70% de los estudiantes no cumple con la recomendación de consumo de frutas; 72% con la de verduras y 77% con la de legumbres. En mujeres, un 6,3% del total de la muestra cumple con la recomendación de frutas y en hombres el valor alcanza al 8,4%; en verduras se observa que la recomendación alcanza al 29,5% en mujeres y 21,3% en hombres, y en legumbres, es 2,4% en mujeres y 5% en hombres. Se observa un bajo consumo de frutas, verduras y legumbres en universitarios muy lejos de las recomendaciones internaciones.

ABSTRACT International recommendations indicate that 400 g/ day or its equivalent to 5 servings of fruits, vegetables or legumes should be consumed daily. Our aim was to determine patterns of consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes among Chilean university students. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study. University students (n= 1454) from the north, center and south of Chile were evaluated. A self-assessment survey was used to evaluate healthy eating habits (fruits, vegetables and legumes). Seventy-eight percent of participants were women. When analyzing the consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables and legumes according to different universities, only fruits and vegetables showed a statistically significant difference (p< 0.01). Seventy percent of students do not meet recommended amounts for fruit consumption; 72% for vegetables and 77% for legumes. Among women, 6.3% of the total sample met the recommendation for fruit, while, for men, the value was 8.4%; for vegetables, we observed that 29.5 and 21.3% of women and men, respectively, met the recommendation; for legumes, 2.4% of women and 5% of men met the recommendation. There was a low consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes among university students, with levels far from the international recommendations.

The offspring of rats selected for high or low ethanol intake at adolescence exhibit differential ethanol-induced Fos immunoreactivity in the central amygdala and in nucleus accumbens core.

Adolescents exhibit, when compared to adults, altered responsivity to the unconditional effects of ethanol. It is unclear if this has a role in the excessive ethanol intake of adolescents. Wistar rats from the third filial generation (F3) of a short-term breeding program which were selected for high (STDRHI) vs. low (STDRLO) ethanol intake during adolescence, were assessed for ethanol-induced (0.0, 1.25 or 2.5 g/kg) Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) in the central (Ce), basolateral (BLA) and medial (Me) amygdaloid nuclei; nucleus accumbens core and shell (AcbC, AcbSh), ventral tegmental area (VTA), as well as prelimbic and infralimbic (PrL, IL) prefrontal cortices. Following i.p. administration of saline, and across the structures measured, Fos-ir was significantly greater in STDRHI than in STDRLO rats. Across both lines, baseline Fos-ir was significantly lower in BLA than in any other structure, whereas PrL, IL and Shell did not differ between each other and exhibited significantly greater level of baseline neural activation than Ce, Me, AcbC and VTA. STDRLO, but not STDRHI, rats exhibited ethanol-induced Fos-ir in Ce. STRDHI, but not STDRLO, rats exhibited an ethanol-induced Fos-ir depression in AcbC. Key maternal care behaviors (i.e., grooming of the pups, latency to retrieve the pups, time spent in the nest and time adopting a kiphotic posture) were fairly similar across lines. There were significant intergenerational variations in the amount self-licking behaviors in STDRHI dams as well as an increased amount of exploration of the cage in these animals, when compared to STDRLO counterparts. These results indicate that short term selection for differential alcohol intake during adolescence yields heightened neural activity at baseline (i.e., after vehicle) in STRDHI vs. STDRLO adolescent rats, and differential sensitivity to ethanol-induced Fos immunoreactivity in Ce and in AcbC. It is unlikely that rearing patterns explained the neural differences reported, between STDRHI and STDRLO rats.

Caracterización del estado nutricional, hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida de estudiantes universitarios chilenos: estudio multicéntrico / Lifestyles, body mass index and sleep patterns among university students

Background Health surveys in Chile show a worrisome high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among adults. Aim To characterize the nutritional status, food intake and sleep patterns in university students of both genders. Material and Methods Cross sectional study in seven Chilean universities. Students from six universities answered a feeding habits survey, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All were weighed and their height was measured. Results A total of 1,418 students aged 21 ± 3 years (22% males) were evaluated. Three percent were classified as underweight, 68% as normal weight, 24% as overweight and 4% as obese. Thirty three percent of males and 28% of females smoked. Twenty six percent consumed at least one glass of alcoholic beverages on the weekend, and only 18% of males and 5% of females were physically active. Men consumed unhealthy foods with a significantly higher frequency than females. Twenty seven percent had mild daytime somnolence, 24% had moderate daytime somnolence, 50% had subclinical insomnia, 19% moderate insomnia, and 1.4% had severe insomnia. Conclusions In this group of students a high frequency of unhealthy lifestyles and malnutrition caused by excess was observed. Also a high prevalence of insomnia, daytime somnolence, and inadequate sleep amounts were recorded.

Anxiety response and restraint-induced stress differentially affect ethanol intake in female adolescent rats.

Anxiety disorders are more likely to occur in women than in men, usually emerge during adolescence and exhibit high comorbidity with alcohol use disorders (AUD). Adolescents with high levels of anxiety or heightened reactivity to stress may be at-risk for developing AUD. An approach to analyze if high levels of inborn anxiety predict greater ethanol drinking is to assess the latter variable in subjects classified as high- or low-anxiety responders. The present study assessed ethanol drinking in adolescent, female Wistar, rats classified as high-, low- or average-anxiety responders and exposed or not to restraint stress (RS, Exp. 1). Classification was made through a multivariate index derived from testing anxiety responses in an elevated plus maze and a light-dark box tests. RS was applied after animals had been initiated to ethanol drinking. Intake of sweetened ethanol was unaffected by level of anxiety response. Adolescents with high levels of inborn anxiety exhibited significantly higher intake of unsweetened ethanol than counterparts with standard levels of anxiety, yet this effect was inhibited by RS exposure. Experiment 2 assessed FOS immunoreactivity after RS. Stress induced a significant increase in FOS immunoreactivity at the paraventricular nucleus, yet this effect was unaffected by level of anxiety response. Female adolescents with high levels of basal anxiety may be at-risk for exhibiting increased predisposition for ethanol intake and preference. The study also indicates that stress may exert differential effects on adolescent ethanol intake as a function of the level of anxiety response.