Complete genome sequence of a novel secovirid infecting cassava in the Americas.

We report the complete genome sequence of a field isolate of a novel bipartite secovirid infecting cassava in Colombia, provisionally named "cassava torrado-like virus" (CsTLV). The genome sequence was obtained using Oxford Nanopore Technology, and the 5' ends were confirmed by RACE. The RNA1 is 7252 nucleotides (nt) long, encoding a polyprotein of 2336 amino acids (aa) containing the typical "replication block", conserved torradovirus motifs, and a Maf/Ham1 domain, which is not commonly found in viral genomes. The RNA2 is 4469 nt long and contains two overlapping ORFs encoding proteins of 226 and 1179 aa, showing the characteristic genome arrangement of members of the genus Torradovirus.

First report of Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus and Cassava Mosaic Disease in Laos.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has been traditionally grown as a subsistence crop in Laos, but in recent years cassava cultivation in this country has expanded and is becoming a 'cash crop' for farmers (Malik et al., 2020). This also means that cassava vegetative seed (stakes) is rapidly multiplied and distributed. One of the most important diseases affecting cassava in the world is the Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), caused by several species of begomoviruses and disseminated by infected stakes or vectored by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Legg et al., 2014). Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV), a bipartite begomovirus, is the virus species causing CMD in Southeast Asia (SEA) and is widespread in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and south China (Siriwan et al., 2020). During field surveys on July 12 to 14, 2020, the team in south Laos, surveyed 8 fields along the border with Cambodia, in the southern provinces of Attapeu and Champassack and identified CMD symptoms (Supplementary Figure 1A) in only one of the fields, located at Kong District of the Champassack province (GPS coordinates 13.94325, 105.99102). From these 8 fields, samples were collected from every third plant in an X pattern. Photographs from each sampled plant were taken and uploaded into CIAT's PestDisPlace platform (https://pestdisplace.org), for CMD symptom confirmation (Supplementary Figure 1B). Leaf samples were sent to the laboratory for PCR using primers SLCMV-F 5'-ATGTCGAAGCGACCAGCAGATATAAT-3' and SLCMV-R 5'-TTAATTGCTGACCGAATCGTAGAAG-3' targeting the AV1 gene (Dutt et al., 2005), following the protocol described in Siriwan et al. (2020) and primers SLCMV-B-F1 5'-ACCGGATGGCCGCGCCCCCCTCT-3' and SLCMV-B-606R 5'-CACCTACCCTGTTATCGCTAAG-3' targeting part of the BV1 gene. Out of 60 samples collected for the field in Kong district, eleven (18.3%) resulted PCR positive to SLCMV (to DNA-A and DNA-B) but only four plants (6.7%) showed symptoms of CMD (see Supplementary Figure 1B and 1C). None of the samples in the other seven fields had CMD symptoms nor was SLCMV detected in any of these plants. Furthermore, the presence of CMD symptoms in the old leaves of the plants in the affected field suggests that the virus was introduced with contaminated stakes. The complete bipartite genome of one isolate (Champ1), was amplified by Rolling Circle Amplification and sequenced with the nanopore MinION technology as described by Leiva et al. (2020). The sequences were submitted to GenBank under accession nos MT946533 (DNA-A) and MT946534 (DNA-B). A phylogenetic tree for SLCMV and a link to the open SLCMV Nextstrain map (Hadfield et al., 2018) is included in Supplementary Figure 2. The sequences of the DNA-A and DNA-B components of the Champ1 isolate were nearly identical to those of anisolate of SLCMV from Ratanakiri, Cambodia (99.72% for DNA-A and 99.82 for DNA-B; Wang et al., 2016). Phylogenetic analysis (Supplementary Figure 2), grouped isolate Champ1 with those that form the cluster of SEA isolates that contain the shorter version of the rep gene (Siriwan et al., 2020). This short version of rep present a deletion of 7 amino acids at the C-terminus, which is involved in host responses to SLCMV (Wang et al., 2020). The confirmation of CMD and SLCMV in the border between Laos and Cambodia should be followed by disease containment and management strategies, particularly given that the majority cassava varieties grown in Laos are from neighbor countries, most of which have already reported the presence of CMD. Acknowledgements We thank all staff from the CIAT's Cassava Program and the Plant Protection Center of Laos in Vientiane. We acknowledge financial support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) (https://www.cgiar.org/funders/).

[Factors associated with depression in Chilean adults. Results of the 2016-2017 National Health Survey]. / Factores asociados a depresión en población chilena. Resultados Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a highly prevalent disease in Chilean adults. AIM: To identify sociodemographic, biomedical, and psychosocial factors related with depression in a representative sample of the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from the National Health Survey 2016-2017 which included 5,291 participants aged > 15 years. Depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-SF). Association between sociodemographic data, health and psychosocial variables and depression was analyzed using Poisson regression with robust error. RESULTS: The probability of depression was higher in women than in men (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.13 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.65, 2.75]). In both genders, the probability was higher in people with frailty (women: PR = 10.0 [95% CI: 1.86, 18.1] and men: PR = 3.38 [95% CI: 2.72; 4.20]), severe chronic pain (women: PR = 2.84 [95% CI: 1.93, 4.18 and men: PR = 6.41 [95% CI: 3.59, 9.40]), presence of two or more diseases (women: PR = 4.15 [95% CI: 2.78, 6.20 and men: PR = 2.60 [95% CI: 1.39, 3.81]), perception of permanent stress (women: PR = 11.0 [95% CI: 6.13, 16.0], men: PR = 21.0 [95% CI: 10.2, 31.7]), financial stress (women: PR = 2.57 [95% CI: 1.87, 3.27] men: PR = 4.27 [95% CI: 2.48, 6.06] and poor or very poor perception of health (women: PR = 5.02 [95% CI: 1.92, 8.12], men: 2.09 [95% CI: 0.49, 3.69]). In men, the probability of depression was higher for widowers than married man (PR = 5.58 [95% CI: 2.5, 8.25]), presence of goiter (PR = 4.03 [95% CI: 1.99, 6.07]) and low social support (PR = 1.95 [95% CI: 1.18; 2.72]). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with a higher probability of depression are diverse in nature. Among these being women, frailty, chronic pain, multimorbidity and high perception of stress are important factors.

[Total sugar consumption and its association with obesity in Chilean adults]. / Consumo de azúcares totales y su asociación con obesidad en población chilena - Resultados del estudio GENADIO.

BACKGROUND: Sugar intake is a risk factor for the development of obesity. AIM: To investigate the association between total sugar intake and obesity markers in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 396 participants of the GENADIO study. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio, and % body fat) were measured through standardized protocols. Total sugar intake was determined from a 7-days weighted food daily. Sugar intake expressed in g/day was categorized into quartiles. RESULTS: Higher sugar intake was associated with a higher BMI, WC and HC but not with body fat %. One quartile increment in sugar intake was associated with 1.50 kg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49; 2.50] higher body weight, 0.34 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.01; 0.69] higher BMI, 1.23 cm [95% CI: 0.11; 2.34] higher WC, 1.39 cm [95% CI: 0.28; 2.50] higher HC and 0.02 the waist-to-hip ratio [95% C: 0.01; 0.02]. CONCLUSIONS: Total sugar intake was associated with higher adiposity levels in these Chilean adults.

[Older people in Chile: the new social, economic and health challenge for the 21st century]. / Personas mayores en Chile: el nuevo desafío social, económico y sanitario del Siglo XXI.

Ageing will be one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century worldwide. In the last 40 years, Chile has tripled its older adult population. As a result, by 2050 the country will have the highest proportion of older adults in Latin America. This remarkable growth reinforces the need to identify their current situation and to revise what is the society doing to maintain older people as active members. In this context, this narrative revision aimed to describe the sociodemographic, epidemiologic and sociocultural profile of the older Chilean adults. Besides, programs and public policies focused on the improvement of their quality of life were identified.

[Comparison between self-reported and device measured physical activity according to nutritional status]. / Comparación de los niveles de actividad física medidos con cuestionario de autorreporte (IPAQ) con medición de acelerometría según estado nutricional.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown if nutritional status could influence the accuracy of self-reported physical activity (PA) levels. AIM: To compare PA measured using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and by accelerometry (ActiGraph) according to nutritional status in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study that used information from the GENADIO project carried out in Chile between 2009-2011. The sample consisted of 322 people. PA levels and sitting time were determined through the IPAQ self-report questionnaire and ActiGraph accelerometers (GTM1). The nutritional status was determined according to body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Compared with the measurement made with accelerometry, the IPAQ self-report questionnaire underestimated the levels of light PA, total PA and sedentary time in -171.5, -54.8 and -40.6 min / day, respectively. However, IPAQ overestimated the levels of moderate PA and vigorous PA in 91.0 and 47.3 min/day respectively, compared with accelerometry. Compared with normal weight, obese subjects reported higher levels of moderate PA (105.5 and 48.9 min/day, respectively) and vigorous PA (54.1 and 38.3 min/day respectively). Total PA had a greater delta of underestimation between IPAQ and accelerometer measurements in normal weight than in obese subjects (-122.1 vs -16.5 min/day, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of PA by means of a self-report questionnaire was discrepant with its objective measurement with an accelerometer. The discrepancy is even higher in obese people.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with cancer]. / Nivel de actividad física y sedentarismo en personas con diagnóstico de cáncer en Chile.

BACKGROUND: One of the side effects of cancer treatment is a low level of physical activity (PA) due to fatigue and pain. AIM: To quantify PA levels in Chilean people with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the National Health Survey 2016-2017 including 6,233 participants, comparing those with and without a self-report of cancer was conducted. Levels of PA and sitting time were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: 3% of participants [confidence intervals (CI): 2.6; 3.9] reported having cancer and 34% [95% CI: 22.7; 46.7] of these reported being physically inactive, compared to 25% [95% CI: 22.5; 27,3] of those without cancer. Participants with cancer performed 56 and 77 minutes/day lower vigorous and total PA than participants without cancer. No differences between groups were observed for commuting PA, moderate PA and sedentary time. Lower level of PA was independent of the years elapsed since the diagnosis of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: People with cancer are less physically active than their counterparts without the disease.

[Association of menopause with cardiovascular risk. Analysis of data from the 2016-17 Chilean national health survey]. / Menopausia y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres chilenas.

BACKGROUND: Menopause exposes women to an increased cardiovascular risk. AIM: To determine the association between menopause and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adult women using data from the National Health Survey (NHS) 2016-2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 2,139 women over 40 years of age participating in the NHS 2016-2017, with information about menopause and cardiovascular risk factors was used. Expansion factors were applied to this sample, obtaining an expanded sample of 3,733,191 participants. Laboratory values (blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL and total cholesterol) and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height and waist circumference) were analyzed. The presence of hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were also recorded. RESULTS: Sixty seven percent of surveyed women were menopausal and had higher systolic blood pressure than non-menopausal participants. Menopause was significantly associated with hypertension (Odds ratio (OR): 2.43 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.71; 3.45], p < 0.01) and diabetes (OR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.32; 3.19], p < 0.01). However, no association was observed with obesity, abdominal obesity or MetS. CONCLUSIONS: In these women, a positive association was identified between menopause and hypertension as well as diabetes.

[Association between cognitive impairment and depression in Chilean older adults]. / Diagnóstico médico de depresión se asocia a sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores.

BACKGROUND: Depression has been previously associated with cognitive impairment in high income country populations. However, its association in the Chilean population has not been investigated. AIM: To investigate the association between depression and cognitive impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 1384 Chilean adults aged > 60 years, participating in the National Health Survey 2009-2010 was analyzed. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini Mental Examination score. The medical diagnosis of depression was self-reported. The association between depression and cognitive impairment was assessed using a logistic regression. RESULTS: Depression was positively associated with cognitive impairment. However, the magnitude of the association was higher in men (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.02 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.44; 6.61], p < 0.01]) than in women (OR = 2.23 [95%CI: 1.03; 3.43], p = 0.04). Older adults who were diagnosed for the first time with depression after 65 years of age, showed a stronger association with cognitive impairment (OR = 6.65 [95% CI: 2.39; 10.9], p < 0.01) than those diagnosed before 55 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the association between depression and cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to elucidate the nature and potential mechanisms that link depression with cognitive impairment.

[Association between FTO gene rs9939609 and adiposity markers in Chilean children]. / Asociación entre el polimorfismo rs9939609 del gen FTO y marcadores de adiposidad en población infantil chilena.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered a chronic inflammatory disease with an important genetic component. Although several studies have reported an association between the FTO (fat-mass associated gene) and adiposity in children, there is limited evidence in the Chilean population. OBJECTIVE: To deter mine the association between the polymorphism rs9939609 of the FTO gene and markers of adipo sity in Chilean children. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study which included 361 children aged between 6 and 11 years (50% were girls). Between March and June 2008, clinical data and blood sample collection was carried out. The rs9939609 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the FTO gene, was determined using the genomic DNA extracted from leukocytes, using the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany).The adiposity markers included were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat, and WC/H index; which were later compared adjusted by sex, age, and Tanner stage. Linear regression analyses were conducted to detect the association between the polymorphism and obesity markers. RESULTS: After adjusting the models by age, sex, and Tanner stage, we found a significant association between the polymorphism and markers of adiposity. For each extra copy of the risk allele, we found an increase of 2.47 kg body weight (95% CI: 1.39-3.55); 1.06 kg/m2 BMI (95% CI: 0.56-1.54); 2.55 cm WC, (95% CI: 1.26-3.85); and 1.98% body fat (95% CI: 0.78-3.19). When converting adiposity markers to z-score, we found that WC/height index shows the strongest association with the risk allele FTO. CONCLUSION: This study supports the association between the rs9939609 SNP of the FTO gene and overall and central adiposity markers in Chilean children.

Sociodemographic patterns of urine sodium excretion and its association with hypertension in Chile: a cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the main factors (sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and health status) associated with high Na excretion in a representative population of Chile. DESIGN: Na excretion (g/d), a valid marker of Na intake, was determined by urine analysis and Tanaka's formulas. Blood pressure was measured by trained staff and derived from the mean of three readings recorded after 15 min rest. The associations of Na excretion with blood pressure and the primary correlates of high Na excretion were determined using logistic regression. SETTING: Chileans aged ≥15 years.ParticipantsParticipants (n 2913) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. RESULTS: Individuals aged 25 years or over, those who were obese and those who had hypertension, diabetes or metabolic syndrome were more likely to have higher Na excretion. The odds for hypertension increased by 10·2 % per 0·4 g/d increment in Na excretion (OR=1·10; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·14; P < 0·0001). These findings were independent of major confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, adiposity, sitting behaviours and existing co-morbidities such as diabetes were associated with higher Na excretion levels in the Chilean population. These findings could help policy makers to implement public health strategies tailored towards individuals who are more likely to consume high levels of dietary salt.

Association of leisure time and occupational physical activity with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), both occupational (OPA) and during leisure time (LTPA), with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults. 5,157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. OPA and LTPA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association between both PA with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors was determined using logistic regression. Our findings showed a significant trend between higher LTPA and lower odds for obesity (OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.53; 0.76], central obesity 0.52 [0.44; 0.61]) and other cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes (OR: 0.72 [0.55; 0.94]), hypertension (OR: 0.59 [0.50; 0.71]) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.62 [0.50; 0.78]). In contrast, OPA was only associated with lower odds of diabetes (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.98]) and hypertension (0.85 [0.74; 0.98]). In conclusion, LTPA was associated with a lower risk of all major cardiovascular risk factors, whereas OPA was only associated with a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension.

Evaluation of phytotoxicity of effluents from activated sludge and constructed wetland system for wastewater reuse.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity of wastewater treated with horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands (CWs) and activated sludge (AS) system using disinfection treatment such chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) system. To assess the impact of the reuse of different effluents (HSSF-Cl, HSSF-UV, AS-Cl and AS-UV), bioassays using seeds of Raphanus sativus (R. sativus) and Triticum aestivum (T. aestivum), were performed on both Petri dishes and soil. Different treated wastewater concentrations were varied (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) and the percentage of germination inhibition (PGI), percentage of epicotyl elongation (PEE) and germination index (GI) were determined. Positive effects (PGI and PEE <0% and GI >80%) of HSSF-Cl, HSSF-UV, AS-Cl and AS-UV effluents on germination and epicotyl elongation of R. sativus and T. aestivum were observed in Petri dishes bioassays. However, toxic effects of HSSF-Cl, HSSF-UV and AS-Cl on seeds germination and epicotyl elongation of both plant species were detected in soil samples (PGI and PEE >0% and GI <80%). Only R. sativus seeds to be irrigated with AS-UV achieved GI values above 86% for all concentrations evaluated. These results indicated that AS-UV effluent had a positive effect on seeds germination and can be recommended for treated wastewater reuse in agricultural irrigation.

[Association of the TCF7L2 (RS7903146) genotype with adiposity and metabolic markers in the Chilean adult population]. / Asociación del polimorfismo rs7903146, del gen TCF7L2, con marcadores de adiposidad y metabólicos en población chilena - resultados del estudio GENADIO.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes etiology has a strong genetic component. More than 20 genetic variants have been associated with diabetes and other metabolic markers. However, the polymorphism rs7903146 of the TCF7L2 gene has shown the strongest association. AIM: To investigate the association of TCF7L2 (rs7903146) genotype with adiposity and metabolic markers in the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The association of TCF7L2 (rs7093146) with adiposity and metabolic markers was studied in 301 participants. The outcomes of the study were adiposity markers (body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass and waist circumference) and metabolic markers (blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and leptin). RESULTS: There was an association between the polymorphism TCF7L2 genotype and fasting blood glucose. The latter increased by 4.86 mg/dl per each copy of the risk allele [(95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.48; 9.24), p = 0.03] in the unadjusted adjusted model. However, this association was slightly attenuated in the fully adjusted model [4.38 mg/dl (95% IC: 0.16; 8.60), p = 0.04)]. There were no associations between the TCF7L2 genotype and any other metabolic or adiposity outcome. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the association between the TCF7L2 (rs7903146) and fasting glucose in the Chilean population. However, further studies are needed to confirm the association between the TCF7L2 and diabetes risk in the Chilean population.

[Association between adiposity and asthma]. / ¿Existe asociación entre asma y adiposidad en la población adulta chilena?

BACKGROUND: In people with asthma, adiposity is associated with more symptoms and less control of the disease whereas on those without asthma adiposity is associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. AIM: To investigate the association between asthma and adiposity markers in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 5,499 adults older than 15-years-old from the Chilean National Health Survey 20162017 were analyzed. Quintiles of body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used as a proxy of adiposity. The association between asthma and quintiles of BMI and WC was determined by logistic regression. RESULTS: A higher BMI and WC was associated with a higher odds for asthma. This trend remained significant even after adjusting the models for socio-demographic factors, physical activity and smoking (Odds Ratio [OR] BMI: 1.13 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.04; 1.22], p < 0.01 and OR WC: 1.15 [95% IC: 1.06; 1.25], p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher BMI and WC were positively associated with asthma.

[Factors associated with cognitive impairment in older adults in Chile]. / Factores asociados al deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores en Chile.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for the development of cognitive impairment are not well known. AIM: To identify socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors associated with cognitive impairment in older Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data analysis of 1,384 participants ≥ 60 years who participated in the National Health Survey of Chile 2009-2010. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors were used as exposure variables of interest. Cognitive impairment was assessed using an abbreviated version of the Mini Mental test and defined as a score < 13 points of a maximum of 19. A logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: In this sample, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 11.6 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 8.8; 15.2]. The factors associated with cognitive impairment were age (Odds ratio (OR) for > 76 years: 4.89, p < 0.01), male sex (OR: 2.42, p = 0.02), lower education (OR: 21.6, p < 0.01), physical inactivity (OR: 2.07, p = 0.02), sedentary behavior (OR: 2.23, p = 0.01), sleeping > 9/hours/day (OR: 2.98, p = 0.01), consumption of < 5 portions/day of fruit and vegetables (OR: 2.02, p = 0.05), having an unhealthy lifestyle (OR: 6.10, p = 0.0001), being underweight (OR: 3.67, p < 0.01), obesity (OR: 3.32, p = 0.03), having hearing impairment (OR: 2.26, p = 0.02), having a visual impairment (OR: 3.89, p < 0.01), a history of depression (OR: 3.03, p = 0.01) and having a physical disability (OR: 5.63, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 14 factors associated with cognitive impairment. Although some of these factors were non-modifiable such as age and sex, most of them could be modified by implementing prevention programs aiming to improve lifestyle behaviors in older adults in Chile.

[Factors associated with falls in older adults in chile. Analysis of the National Health Survey 2009-2010]. / Factores asociados a caídas en adultos mayores chilenos: evidencia de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: A decrease in functional capacity due to ageing is one of the main risk factors for falls in older people. AIM: To investigate factors associated with falls in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the self-reports of falls of 1,334 people aged ≥ 60 years who answered the National Health Survey 2009-2010. Falls during the last 12 months were recorded. Lifestyle, socio-demographic and health status were analyzed. A Poisson regression with robust variance estimates was performed to identify factors associated with falls. RESULTS: Falls during the preceding year were reported by 37% of respondents (95% confidence intervals (CI): 32-42]. Fall frequency was higher in women (Prevalence ratio (PR):1.30 [95% CI:1.11; 1.53], p < 0.01) and those aged ≥ 75 years (PR:1.29 [95% CI:1.04; 1.61], p = 0.02). Hearing impairment (PR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.07; 1.61], p < 0.01), impaired vision (PR:1.46 [95% CI:1.20; 1.77], p < 0.01), low self-reported wellbeing (PR: 1.41 [95% CI: 1.03; 1.94], p = 0.03) and disability (PR: 1.54 [95% CI:1.32; 1.79], p < 0.01) were associated with falls. However, multimorbidity (having ≥ 3 diseases) was negatively associated with falls (PR: 0.79 [95% CI: 0.63; 0.99], p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among older people, female sex, being aged > 75 years and having disability, hearing or vision impairment are risk factors for falls.

[Association between sleep duration and cognitive impairment in older people]. / ¿Cuál es la asociación entre el tiempo destinado a dormir y el desarrollo de deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores chilenos?

Background Sleep duration may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Aim To investigate the association between sleep duration and cognitive function in Chilean older adults. Material and Methods We analyzed information from 1,384 participants aged > 60 years participating in the National Health Survey 2009-2010 who were assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and self-reported their average daily sleep hours. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between MMSE and sleep duration. Results Compared to those participants who reported sleeping 7 hours per day, those that reported sleeping < 5 hours had a higher odd for cognitive impairment (Odds ratio (OR): 3.66 [95% confidence intervals (CI: 1.69; 7.95], p < 0.01). Similarly, those who reported sleeping > 8 hours per day also showed a higher odd for cognitive impairment (OR: 2.56 [95% CI: 1.32; 4.95], p < 0.01). This association was even stronger for people who reported more than 10 hours of sleep per day (OR: 4.46 [95% CI: 1.32; 4.95], p < 0.01). Conclusions Long and short sleep duration is associated with cognitive impairment in older adults in Chile independent of major confounding factors.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviours are associated with cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults]. / Actividad física y tiempo sedente se asocian a sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en población adulta mayor chilena.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors could promote healthy ageing. AIM: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior and cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 1,390 participants from the National Health Survey (2009-2010). The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to diagnose cognitive impairment. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Logistic regression was performed to investigate the associations. RESULTS: Compared with older adults with lower levels of PA (< 48 min/day), those with middle (48-248 min/day) and higher (>248 min/day) levels of PA had lower odds for cognitive impairment (Odds ratio (OR): 0.57 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.33; 0.82], p < 0.01 and 0.58 [95% CI: 0.32; 0.83], p < 0.01, respectively). Participants who reported spending more than 8 hours/day sitting had a high odds for cognitive impairment compared to those who spent < 4 hours/day (OR: 3.70 [95% CI: 1.37; 6.03], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both PA and sedentary behavior were independently associated with cognitive decline independent of major confounding factors in Chilean older adults.

[Lifestyles of Chilean housewives. Analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean Health Survey]. / Caracterización de los estilos de vida en dueñas de casa chilenas. Análisis de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Housewives represent a important proportion of the Chilean population. However, there is limited evidence about their lifestyles. AIM: To characterize lifestyles and determine the level of compliance with healthy lifestyles guidelines of housewives in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Housewives from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey were included. The variables studied included levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, diet, hours of sleep and smoking. Compliance with healthy lifestyle behaviors was evaluated through logistic regression, granting a value of 1 for compliance and 0 for non-compliance. A healthy lifestyle was defined as meeting at least four healthy behaviors. RESULTS: Housewives aged > 55 years had a higher BMI and waist circumference compared to those aged < 40 years. Housewives were also more likely to report moderate alcohol consumption and were more likely to meet a healthier lifestyle score (Odds ratio = 1.52 [95% confidence intervals: 1.09 to 2.11], p = 0.013). No significant age trends were observed for other lifestyle behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Housewives had high levels of central obesity, excess body weight and high levels of salt intake but low alcohol intake. Their healthy lifestyles behaviors increased along with increasing age.