Transparency and Reproducibility in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

Background: Transparency can build trust in the scientific process, but scientific findings can be undermined by poor and obscure data use and reporting practices. The purpose of this work is to report how data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study has been used to date, and to provide practical recommendations on how to improve the transparency and reproducibility of findings. Methods: Articles published from 2017 to 2023 that used ABCD Study data were reviewed using more than 30 data extraction items to gather information on data use practices. Total frequencies were reported for each extraction item, along with computation of a Level of Completeness (LOC) score that represented overall endorsement of extraction items. Univariate linear regression models were used to examine the correlation between LOC scores and individual extraction items. Post hoc analysis included examination of whether LOC scores were correlated with the logged 2-year journal impact factor. Results: There were 549 full-length articles included in the main analysis. Analytic scripts were shared in 30% of full-length articles. The number of participants excluded due to missing data was reported in 60% of articles, and information on missing data for individual variables (e.g., household income) was provided in 38% of articles. A table describing the analytic sample was included in 83% of articles. A race and/or ethnicity variable was included in 78% of reviewed articles, while its inclusion was justified in only 41% of these articles. LOC scores were highly correlated with extraction items related to examination of missing data. A bottom 10% of LOC score was significantly correlated with a lower logged journal impact factor when compared to the top 10% of LOC scores (ß=-0.77, 95% -1.02, -0.51; p -value < 0.0001). Conclusion: These findings highlight opportunities for improvement in future papers using ABCD Study data to readily adapt analytic practices for better transparency and reproducibility efforts. A list of recommendations is provided to facilitate adherence in future research.

A Healthy Brazil Nut Beverage with Opuntia stricta var. dillenii Green Extract: Beverage Stability and Changes in Bioactives and Antioxidant Activity during Cold Storage.

Plant-based beverages are one of the foods that currently arouse a lot of interest in the population due to their composition with compounds beneficial to health in addition to their being used as milk substitutes for people who suffer from food disorders. Also, their fortification with different nutrients or healthy ingredients with the aim of improving plant-based health potential is actually gaining importance in the food industry. For this reason, the aim of the present investigation was the preparation of a healthy Brazil nut beverage enriched with Opuntia stricta var. dillenii pulp green extracts (ODPs), in order to produce a healthy plant-based beverage with improved nutritional characteristics. The microstructural characterization of the Brazil nut beverage, its stability during cold storage for up to 24 days at 5 °C, the composition of bioactive compounds provided via ODP extract (betalains and phenolic compounds), and their antioxidant activity were evaluated in this study. Green ODP extracts (0.5 and 1 g/100 g beverage) were added to a standardized Brazil nut beverage (reduced fat beverage). The characterization of the bioactive composition (betalains and phenolic compounds) of the elaborated beverage was achieved via HPLC (UV-vis and MS-QT of detection), and the antioxidant activity measurements via ORAC were also carried out. Optical microscopy, particle size, and Z potential analysis was conducted to characterize the structure of the Brazil nut beverages as food emulsions in which ODP extract was added. Most of the bioactive compounds from the green ODP extract added to the beverages showed good retention and remained stable throughout the 24 days of storage at 7 °C, with encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 98.34% to 92.35% for betalains and from 93.67% and 81.20% for phenolic compounds. According to the results of this study, Brazil nut beverage seems to be a healthy and efficient food emulsion system to encapsulate ODP extract rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, with high antioxidant activity, making possible the development of a Brazil nut beverage with improved health potential.

Association of Domains of Sedentary Behavior with Cardiovascular Disease Events in The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background: Sedentary behavior is associated with an increased risk for adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of physical activity status. Little is known about this relationship in an ethnically diverse population. The objective of our study is to assess the effects of leisure time and occupational sedentary behavior on multiple cardiovascular outcomes in a multi-ethnic cohort. Methods: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) includes 2619 Caucasian, 1495 Hispanic, 1891 Black, and 804 Chinese-American adults aged 45-84 years and free of clinical CVD at enrollment, Sedentary behavior was self-reported at baseline. Participants were followed for an average of 13.6 years, and 14 types of cardiovascular outcomes were ascertained. Hazards of each cardiovascular outcome were modeled with adjustment for potential confounders, including physical activity. Results: Every one hour per day increase in leisure time sedentary behavior predicts a 6% increase in the adjusted hazards for CVD death ( P < 0.05). Every one hour increase in occupational sedentary time predicts a 21% and 20% decrease in the hazard for PVD and other revascularization, respectively ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Leisure time sedentary behavior was associated with increased hazards for CVD death, but occupational sedentary time appears to be protective of peripheral vascular disease and other revascularization. Condensed Abstract: Sedentary behavior has been consistently associated with an increased risk for adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of physical activity status. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) consists of a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of adults age 45-84, free from CVD at baseline. Greater levels of leisure time sedentary behavior predicted increased hazards for PVD and CVD death after an average follow up of 13.6 years whereas occupational sedentary behaviors predicted reduced PVD. These results underscore the importance of reducing time spent sitting in addition to advocating for meeting physical activity targets across ethnicities.

Pubertal development and pain incidence and characteristics in children: a 1-year prospective cohort study of a national sample.

ABSTRACT: Sex differences in pain become apparent during puberty. However, the influence of key pubertal characteristics and pubertal hormones on pain is largely unknown. We examined the prospective associations between self-reported and hormone-indicated pubertal characteristics and pain incidence and severity in 10- to 11-year-old pain-free youth in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study over 1 year. Puberty was measured at baseline and follow-up with self-report (Pubertal Development Scale [PDS]) and hormonal assessment (salivary dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], testosterone, and estradiol). Pain status (yes/no), intensity, and interference (0-10 numerical rating scale) in the past month were self-reported at follow-up. Pubertal maturity, progression, and asynchrony were examined in relation to pain onset and severity through confounder-adjusted generalized estimating equations modified Poisson and linear mixed regression models. Among 6631 pain-free youth at baseline, 1-year incident pain was 30.7%. In both sexes, higher PDS scores were associated with greater risk of pain onset (relative risk [RR] = 1.10 to 1.27, P s < 0.01). In boys, higher PDS item variance was associated with greater pain incidence (RR = 1.11, 95% CI, 1.03-1.20) and interference (beta = 0.40, 95% CI, 0.03-0.76); higher PDS overall and gonadal scores were associated with higher pain intensity ( P s < 0.05). Associations with hormones were seen in boys only, with each 10-fold higher testosterone levels associated with a 40% lower risk of pain incidence (95% CI, -55% to -22%) and 1.30-point lower (95% CI, -2.12 to -0.48) pain intensity, and higher DHEA levels were associated with lower pain intensity ( P = 0.020). Relationships between pubertal development and pain in peripubertal adolescents are sex specific and puberty measurement specific and warrant further investigation.

Tethering zwitterionic polymer coatings to mediated glucose biosensor enzyme electrodes can decrease sensor foreign body response yet retain sensor sensitivity to glucose.

Foreign body response (FBR) is a major challenge that affects implantable biosensors and medical devices, including glucose biosensors, leading to a deterioration in device response over time. Polymer shields are often used to mitigate this issue. Zwitterionic polymers (ZPs) are a promising class of materials that reduce biofouling of implanted devices. A series of ZPs each containing tetherable epoxide functional groups was synthesised for application as a polymer shield for eventual application as implantable glucose biosensors. The polymer shields were initially tested for the ability to resist fibrinogen adsorption and fibroblast adhesion. All synthesised ZPs showed comparable behaviour to a commercial Lipidure ZP in resisting fibrinogen adsorption. Nafion, a common anionic shield used against electrochemical interferents, showed higher protein adsorption and comparable cell adhesion resistance as uncoated control surfaces. However, a poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (MPC)-type ZP showed similar behaviour to Lipidure, with approximately 50% reduced fibrinogen adsorption and 80% decrease in fibroblast adhesion compared to uncoated controls. An MPC-coated amperometric glucose biosensor showed comparable current density and a 1.5-fold increase in sensitivity over an uncoated control biosensor, whereas all other polymer shields tested, including Lipidure, Nafion and a poly(ethyleneglycol) polymer, resulted in lower sensitivity and current density. Collectively, these characteristics make MPC-polymer shield coatings an appealing possibility for use in implantable glucose sensors and other implanted devices with the aim of reducing FBR while maintaining sensor performance.

Análisis cualitativo de los perfiles de egreso en procesos de aseguramiento de la calidad de carreras de Nutrición y Dietética en Chile

Antecedentes: La evaluación de los perfiles de egreso es uno de los aspectos centrales en la acreditación de carreras en Chile, por cuanto su formulación y aplicación en los procesos formativos influyen en sus niveles de pertinencia y calidad. Objetivo: Evidenciar las fortalezas y debilidades del diseño y aplicación de los perfiles de egreso de las carreras de Nutrición y Dietética en Chile, a partir de los resultados de sus procesos de acreditación. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, cualitativo. Se identificaron, en las resoluciones de acreditación entre los años 2004 y 2016, las fortalezas y debilidades de los perfiles de egreso y las contradicciones entre lo declarado y lo ejecutado por los programas. Las carreras se ordenaron en dos grupos según el tiempo de acreditación: i) de dos a cuatro años y ii) de 5 o más años. Usando el software Atlas.ti 7.0 se determinaron los patrones y diferencias conceptuales en los juicios evaluativos de los perfiles de egreso. Resultados: Existe una alta variabilidad entre carreras en los contenidos y aplicación de los perfiles de egreso. Ella se asocia a las capacidades instaladas en las instituciones y a los tiempos de acreditación de la carrera. Existen carreras con déficit en el cumplimiento de competencias, conocimientos y habilidades. Conclusiones: Los contenidos y aplicación de perfiles de egreso son muy heterogéneos y su aplicación se asocia al tiempo de acreditación de la carrera. Es necesario limitar la alta dependencia a la demanda y estimular mayores compromisos institucionales.

Background: Assessment of the graduate profiles is one of the key aspects of program accreditation in Chile, therefore, their development and application in training processes have an impact on their relevance and quality. Objective: To demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the design and application of graduate profiles of Nutrition and Dietetics degree programs in Chile, on the basis of the outcomes of their accreditation processes. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, qualitative study. Strengths and weaknesses of graduate profiles, and inconsistencies between what was stated and what was actually implemented in the programs were identified in the accreditation resolutions issued between 2004 and 2016. Degree programs were classified in two groups, according to accreditation years: i) two to four years, and ii) five or more years The Atlas.ti 7.0 software was used to determine patterns and conceptual differences in the evaluative judgement of graduate profiles. Results: There was a high variability in the content and application of graduate profiles between degree programs. This was associated with the institutions' installed capacities and with accreditation years awarded to the program. Some programs were not compliant with the required competencies, knowledge and skills. Conclusions: The content and application of graduate profiles are highly heterogeneous, and its application is associated to accreditation years of the program. It is necessary to limit high dependency on demand to encourage stronger institutional commitments.

Association between mild traumatic brain injury, brain structure, and mental health outcomes in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

BACKGROUND: Children that experience a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are at an increased risk of neural alterations that can deteriorate mental health. We test the hypothesis that mTBI is associated with psychopathology and that structural brain metrics (e.g., volume, area) meaningfully mediate the relation in an adolescent population. METHODS: We analyzed behavioral and brain MRI data from 11,876 children who participated in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Mixed-effects models were used to examine the longitudinal association between mTBI and mental health outcomes. Bayesian methods were used to investigate brain regions that are intermediate between mTBI and symptoms of poor mental health. RESULTS: There were 199 children with mTBI and 527 with possible mTBI across the three ABCD Study visits. There was a 7% (IRR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.13) and 15% (IRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.26) increased risk of emotional or behavioral problems in children that experienced possible mTBI or mTBI, respectively. Possible mTBI was associated with a 17% (IRR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.40) increased risk of experiencing distress following a psychotic-like experience. We did not find any brain regions that meaningfully mediated the relationship between mTBI and mental health outcomes. Analysis of volumetric measures found that approximately 2% to 5% of the total effect of mTBI on mental health outcomes operated through total cortical volume. Image intensity measure analyses determined that approximately 2% to 5% of the total effect was mediated through the left-hemisphere of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION: Results indicate an increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems in children that experienced possible mTBI or mTBI. Mediation analyses did not elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between mTBI and mental health outcomes.

Dynamic actuation enhances transport and extends therapeutic lifespan in an implantable drug delivery platform.

Fibrous capsule (FC) formation, secondary to the foreign body response (FBR), impedes molecular transport and is detrimental to the long-term efficacy of implantable drug delivery devices, especially when tunable, temporal control is necessary. We report the development of an implantable mechanotherapeutic drug delivery platform to mitigate and overcome this host immune response using two distinct, yet synergistic soft robotic strategies. Firstly, daily intermittent actuation (cycling at 1 Hz for 5 minutes every 12 hours) preserves long-term, rapid delivery of a model drug (insulin) over 8 weeks of implantation, by mediating local immunomodulation of the cellular FBR and inducing multiphasic temporal FC changes. Secondly, actuation-mediated rapid release of therapy can enhance mass transport and therapeutic effect with tunable, temporal control. In a step towards clinical translation, we utilise a minimally invasive percutaneous approach to implant a scaled-up device in a human cadaveric model. Our soft actuatable platform has potential clinical utility for a variety of indications where transport is affected by fibrosis, such as the management of type 1 diabetes.

Medical devices, smart drug delivery, wearables and technology for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of metabolic disorders which affect how the body uses glucose impacting approximately 9% of the population worldwide. This review covers the most recent technological advances envisioned to control and/or reverse Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), many of which will also prove effective in treating the other forms of diabetes mellitus. Current standard therapy for T1DM involves multiple daily glucose measurements and insulin injections. Advances in glucose monitors, hormone delivery systems, and control algorithms generate more autonomous and personalised treatments through hybrid and fully automated closed-loop systems, which significantly reduce hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes and their subsequent complications. Bi-hormonal systems that co-deliver glucagon or amylin with insulin aim to reduce hypoglycaemic events or increase time spent in target glycaemic range, respectively. Stimuli responsive materials for the controlled delivery of insulin or glucagon are a promising alternative to glucose monitors and insulin pumps. By their self-regulated mechanism, these "smart" drugs modulate their potency, pharmacokinetics and dosing depending on patients' glucose levels. Islet transplantation is a potential cure for T1DM as it restores endogenous insulin and glucagon production, but its use is not yet widespread due to limited islet sources and risks of chronic immunosuppression. New encapsulation strategies that promote angiogenesis and oxygen delivery while protecting islets from recipients' immune response may overcome current limiting factors.

Role of DNA methylation on the association between physical activity and cardiovascular diseases: results from the longitudinal multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of physical activity (PA) and DNA methylation interaction in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rarely simultaneously investigated in one study. We examined the role of DNA methylation on the association between PA and CVD. RESULTS: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort Exam 5 data with 1065 participants free of CVD were used for final analysis. The quartile categorical total PA variable was created by activity intensity (METs/week). During a median follow-up of 4.0 years, 69 participants developed CVD. Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip was used to provide genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in purified human monocytes (CD14+). We identified 23 candidate DNA methylation loci to be associated with both PA and CVD. We used the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to test the complex relationships among multiple variables and the roles of mediators. Three of the 23 identified loci (corresponding to genes VPS13D, PIK3CD and VPS45) remained as significant mediators in the final SEM model along with other covariates. Bridged by the three genes, the 2nd PA quartile (ß = - 0.959; 95%CI: - 1.554 to - 0.449) and the 3rd PA quartile (ß = - 0.944; 95%CI: - 1.628 to - 0.413) showed the greatest inverse associations with CVD development, while the 4th PA quartile had a relatively weaker inverse association (ß = - 0.355; 95%CI: - 0.713 to - 0.124). CONCLUSIONS: The current study is among the first to simultaneously examine the relationships among PA, DNA methylation, and CVD in a large cohort with long-term exposure. We identified three DNA methylation loci bridged the association between PA and CVD. The function of the identified genes warrants further investigation in the pathogenesis of CVD.

Design Considerations for Macroencapsulation Devices for Stem Cell Derived Islets for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes.

Stem cell derived insulin producing cells or islets have shown promise in reversing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), yet successful transplantation currently necessitates long-term modulation with immunosuppressant drugs. An alternative approach to avoiding this immune response is to utilize an islet macroencapsulation device, where islets are incorporated into a selectively permeable membrane that can protect the transplanted cells from acute host response, whilst enabling delivery of insulin. These macroencapsulation systems have to meet a number of stringent and challenging design criteria in order to achieve the ultimate goal of reversing T1D. In this progress report, the design considerations and functional requirements of macroencapsulation systems are reviewed, specifically for stem-cell derived islets (SC-islets), highlighting distinct design parameters. Additionally, a perspective on the future for macroencapsulation systems is given, and how incorporating continuous sensing and closed-loop feedback can be transformative in advancing toward an autonomous biohybrid artificial pancreas.

Meaningful associations in the adolescent brain cognitive development study.

The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is the largest single-cohort prospective longitudinal study of neurodevelopment and children's health in the United States. A cohort of n = 11,880 children aged 9-10 years (and their parents/guardians) were recruited across 22 sites and are being followed with in-person visits on an annual basis for at least 10 years. The study approximates the US population on several key sociodemographic variables, including sex, race, ethnicity, household income, and parental education. Data collected include assessments of health, mental health, substance use, culture and environment and neurocognition, as well as geocoded exposures, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and whole-genome genotyping. Here, we describe the ABCD Study aims and design, as well as issues surrounding estimation of meaningful associations using its data, including population inferences, hypothesis testing, power and precision, control of covariates, interpretation of associations, and recommended best practices for reproducible research, analytical procedures and reporting of results.

Breastfeeding Duration Is Associated With Domain-Specific Improvements in Cognitive Performance in 9-10-Year-Old Children.

Significant immunological, physical and neurological benefits of breastfeeding in infancy are well-established, but to what extent these gains persist into later childhood remain uncertain. This study examines the association between breastfeeding duration and subsequent domain-specific cognitive performance in a diverse sample of 9-10-year-olds enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study®. The analyses included 9,116 children that attended baseline with their biological mother and had complete neurocognitive and breastfeeding data. Principal component analysis was conducted on data from an extensive battery of neurocognitive tests using varimax-rotation to extract a three-component model encompassing General Ability, Executive Functioning, and Memory. Propensity score weighting using generalized boosted modeling was applied to balance the distribution of observed covariates for children breastfed for 0, 1-6, 7-12, and more than 12 months. Propensity score-adjusted linear regression models revealed significant association between breastfeeding duration and performance on neurocognitive tests representing General Ability, but no evidence of a strong association with Executive Function or Memory. Benefits on General Ability ranged from a 0.109 (1-6 months) to 0.301 (>12 months) standardized beta coefficient difference compared to those not breastfed. Results indicate clear cognitive benefits of breastfeeding but that these do not generalize to all measured domains, with implications for public health policy as it pertains to nutrition during infancy.

Análisis cualitativo de los procesos regulatorios de la calidad en los programas de Nutrición y Dietética en Chile

RESUMEN Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer patrones positivos y negativos de los resultados de los procesos de acreditación de las carreras. Asimismo, identificar desde una perspectiva cualitativa, variables relevantes y relaciones entre los criterios usados en su evaluación. Materiales y métodos. El estudio es transversal, descriptivo y cualitativo. Se analizaron veinte resoluciones de acreditación de las carreras de Nutrición y Dietética en Chile, emitidas entre los años 2004 y 2016 por la Comisión Nacional de Acreditación mediante el software ATLAS ti. Se consideraron las tres dimensiones; Propósitos e Institucionalidad; Condiciones de Operación y Resultados; y Capacidad de Autorregulación para establecer una matriz de relaciones con la identificación de patrones positivos y negativos entre criterios. Resultados. Se evidencian fuertes diferencias entre las carreras. Las relaciones positivas y negativas entre los códigos de los criterios perfil de egreso y plan de estudio indican que solo algunas de ellas proveen una formación adecuada. Del mismo modo, las relaciones entre la calificación del cuerpo docente y la investigación revelan casos de docentes sin niveles suficientes. Otros aspectos deficitarios son el nivel con que ingresan los estudiantes y el uso efectivo de diagnósticos y autoevaluaciones. Conclusiones. El estudio provee información relevante para la toma de decisiones y procesos de retroalimentación orientados al urgente mejoramiento y aseguramiento de la calidad de carreras, en particular de sus planes de estudio, calificación de docentes y efectividad de los procesos de aseguramiento de la calidad, dada la creciente importancia de estos profesionales en la salud pública.

ABSTRACT Introduction. The objective of this study is to establish positive and negative patterns based on the results of accreditation processes of degree programs. Similarly, its aim is to identify, from a qualitative perspective, relevant variables and relationships among the criteria used in their evaluation. Materials and methods. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and qualitative study. Twenty accreditation resolutions of Chilean Nutrition and Dietetics degree programs were analyzed using the software ATLAS ti. Resolutions were issued between 2004 and 2016 by the National Accreditation Commission. Three dimensions were considered in order to establish a matrix of relationships associated with the identification of positive and negative patterns among criteria: Purpose and Institutionalism; Operating Conditions and Results; and Self-Regulatory Ability. Results. Major differences were found among the degree programs. Positive and negative relationships between criteria codes, graduate profile and curriculum, indicate that only some degree programs provide an appropriate training. In the same way, the relationship between the teaching staff qualification and research work revealed cases of teachers who were not sufficiently qualified. Other weak aspects were the level of knowledge that students have when they enter university and the effective use of diagnostics and self-assessment tests. Conclusions. This study provides relevant information for decision making and feedback processes oriented at the urgent improvement and quality assurance of degree programs, particularly of curricula, teaching staff qualifications, and effectiveness of the quality assurance processes, given the increasing importance of nutrition professionals in the public health area.

Late massive hemothorax by transection of the pericardiophrenic artery by costal fracture. Report of a case.

Hasta un 8% de los pacientes sometidos a toracotomía urgente tras un traumatismo cerrado presentan una lesión costal que había pasado inadvertida inicialmente. Tal es el caso clínico que presentamos, en el que la lesión costal pasó inadvertida en la evaluación inicial y 72 horas después, al referir el paciente dolor en el hemitórax izquierdo, se solicitó tomografía simple y contrastada de tórax, y se evidenció hemotórax masivo y fracturas de arcos costales 5.º y 6.º izquierdos en su porción lateral, además de fractura de los arcos costales 7.º y 8.º en su porción paraesternal. Se realizó toracotomía exploradora con reparación diafragmática y ligadura de arteria.Up to 8% of patients undergoing urgent thoracotomy after closed trauma present a rib lesion that had initially gone unnoticed, such is the clinical case that we present, passing the inadvertent costal lesion in the initial evaluation, 72 hours later refers to pain level of left hemithorax, simple and contrasted chest tomography was requested, showing massive hemothorax and fractures of left costal arches in its lateral portion of 5th and 6th, in addition to fracture of the 7th and 8th costal arch in its parasternal portion, exploratory thoracotomy was performed with diaphragmatic repair and artery ligation.

¿Qué pasa con la formación de nutricionistas en Chile? / What happening with nutritionist training in Chile?

RESUMEN El propósito de este artículo es analizar la evolución de las carreras y programas de Nutrición y Dietética en Chile. Se verifica un incremento sostenido de la oferta formativa, particularmente en los últimos veinte años, asociado a procesos de mercantilización de la Educación Superior. El aseguramiento de la calidad ha operado a través de la acreditación voluntaria y sus resultados son congruentes con el contexto nacional. La creciente importancia de la alimentación y nutrición en la salud pública del país exige formular cambios en la formación en Nutrición y Dietética, para lo cual se plantean diversas recomendaciones para lograr mayores niveles de pertinencia y el mejoramiento continuo de la calidad.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to analyze the evolution of Nutrition and Dietetics degree programs and majors in Chile. This research demonstrated a sustained increase in the number of training programs, particularly during the last twenty years, due to the process of commodification of higher education. Quality assurance has been implemented by voluntary accreditation, which has shown results consistent with the national context. The growing importance given to food and nutrition in the national public health scenario requires changes in Nutrition and Dietetics academic programs. To this end, different recommendations are made in order to achieve improved relevance standards and continuous quality improvement.

Game of Isomers: Bifurcation in the Catalytic Formation of Bis[1]benzothieno[1,4]thiazines with Conformation-Dependent Electronic Properties.

Two regioisomers of bis[1]benzothieno[1,4]thiazine are unexpectedly obtained by tuning the catalytic conditions of the intermolecular-intramolecular Buchwald-Hartwig amination. Mechanistic insights and evidence of intermediates support a conclusive mechanistic rationale. Furthermore, a computationally based study on the influence of conformational aspects on the HOMO energy level of anellated 1,4-thiazine paves the way to enhance the electronic properties, thus successfully achieving higher luminescent and easier oxidizable syn- syn bis[1]benzothieno[1,4]thiazines.

Year-round phytofiltration lagoon assessment using Pistia stratiotes within a pilot-plant scale biorefinery.

Phytofiltration lagoons are phytoremediation technologies suitable for tropical and sub-tropical regions requiring cost-effective and echo-friendly technologies. A biorefinery of fourth generation has been implemented at pilot plant level in Xalapa, Mexico, and the phytofiltration lagoon, being the first module for provision of treated water and plant biomass for biofuel production plays a key role. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of such phytofiltration lagoon with a working volume of 13,000 L for the removal of nutrients from an urban river polluted with domestic wastewater and the biomass productivity of the macrophyte Pistia stratiotes, during five different experimental periods, comprising 42 days each one. The maximum absolute growth rates (AGR, gdwday-1) registered for P. stratiotes during the Aug-Oct '15 and the March-Apr '16 and Apr-May '16 period were in the range of 13.51±2.66 to 16.54±2.02gdwday-1. The average biomass productivity was 5.808gdwm-2day-1. Productivities were similar during the periods of Aug-Oct '15, Mar-Apr '16 and Apr-May '16 and significantly higher (p<0.05) than those registered in Oct-Nov '15 and Jan-Feb '16. Removal percentages of COD and nutrients varied according to the season. COD was in the range of 47.82±39.3% to 88.00±15.0%. Ammonium N was in the range of 76.78±21% to 98.79±0.9%. Nitrates were removed in the range of 16.92±64%. to 97.14±4.5%. Finally, phosphates were removed very effectively, from 73.72±18.5% to 92.89±4.3%. A hydraulic retention time of 7 days was enough for the effective treatment of the water from the polluted river. It was concluded that the phytofiltration lagoon with P. stratiotes is very feasible within the biorefinery for providing biomass year-round and for treating the polluted water very effectively.

Phosphofructokinase from muscle of the marine giant barnacle Austromegabalanus psittacus: kinetic characterization and effect of in vitro phosphorylation.

The kinetic properties of phosphofructokinase from muscle of the giant cirripede Austromegabalanus psittacus were characterized, after partial purification by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. This enzyme showed differences regarding PFKs from other marine invertebrates: the affinity for fructose 6-phosphate (Fru 6-P) was very low, with an S(0.5) of 22.6+/-1.4 mM (mean+/-S.D., n=3), and a high cooperativity (n(H) of 2.90+/-0.21; mean+/-S.D., n=3). The barnacle PFK showed hyperbolic saturation kinetics for ATP (apparent K(m ATP)=70 microM, at 5 mM Fru 6-P, in the presence of 2 mM ammonium sulfate). ATP concentrations higher than 1 mM inhibited the enzyme. Ammonium sulfate activated the PFK several folds, increasing the affinity of the enzyme for Fru 6-P and V(max). 5'-AMP (0.2 mM) increased the affinity for Fru 6-P (S(0.5) of 6.2 mM). Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate activated the PFK, with a maximal activation at concentrations higher than 2 microM. Citrate reverted the activation of PFK produced by 0.2 mM 5'-AMP (IC(50 citrate)=2.0 mM), producing a higher inhibition than that exerted on other invertebrate PFKs. Barnacle muscular PFK was activated in vitro after exposure to exogenous cyclic-AMP (0.1 mM) as well as by phosphatidylserine (50 microg/ml), indicating a possible control by protein kinase A and a phospholipid dependent protein kinase (PKC). The results suggest a highly regulated enzyme in vivo, by allosteric mechanisms and also by protein phosphorylation.

Tratamiento de la litiasis coledociana / Treatment of lithiasis of common bile duct

En este trabajo se muestran los resultados de los pacientes tratados por litiasis coledociana en los últimos cinco años, en el Hospital Central de las FF.AA. Se trata de 100 casos de los cuales 77 se operaron por laparotomía y 23 por cirugía laparoscópica. En el grupo de los operados por laparotomía, 40 fueron tratados mediante la realización de una coledocotomía, coledocolitotomía y drenaje con tubo de Kehr; en 18 casos los cálculos fueron extraídos por vía trancística. Se realizaron 15 coledocoduodenostomías, una hepaticoyeyunostomía, 2 papilotomías quirúrgicas transduodenales y a un paciente se le realizó una resección hepática izquierda. En el grupo de los tratados por cirugía laparoscópica se resolvieron 15 casos por vía trancística y dos por coledocotomía. Se realizaron 6 conversiones y se observaron dos complicaciones (un bilioma y una litiasis residual). Se realizaron 21 procedimientos de CPER con papilotomía sola o combinada con cirugía. La mortalidad de las series fue 0 y se muestra la morbilidad. Se analizan aspectos técnicos de la vía trancística y la coledocotomía. Finalmente proponemos un algoritmo de tratamiento de la litiasis coledociana de acuerdo a las características del cuadro clínico, edad y terreno del paciente, características anatómicas de la vía biliar y experiencia e infraestructura que dispone el equipo tratante.