Effect of In Vitro Micropropagation on the Chemical, Antioxidant, and Biological Characteristics of Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., an Endemic Plant of the Atacama Desert Andean Region.

The species Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., commonly called "chachacoma", is widely used as a medicinal plant by the Andean communities of Northern Chile. Ethanolic extracts of S. nutans and the main compound, 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl) acetophenone, have shown interesting biological activity. However, due to the high-altitude areas where this species is found, access to S. nutans is very limited. Due to the latter, in this work, we carried out micropropagation in vitro and ex vitro adaptation techniques as an alternative for the massive multiplication, conservation, and in vitro production of high-value metabolites from this plant. The micropropagation and ex vitro adaptation techniques were successfully employed, and UHPLC-DAD analysis revealed no significant changes in the phenolic profile, with acetophenone 4 being the most abundant metabolite, whose antioxidant and antibacterial activity was studied. Independently of the applied culture condition, the ethanolic extracts of S. nutans presented high activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. This successful initiation of in vitro and ex vitro cultures provides a biotechnological approach for the conservation of S. nutans and ensures a reliable and consistent source of acetophenone 4 as a potential raw material for pharmacological applications.

Isolation and Identification of Bacteria from Three Geothermal Sites of the Atacama Desert and Their Plant-Beneficial Characteristics.

The Region of Arica and Parinacota (Atacama Desert) offers several unexplored remote sites with unique characteristics that would allow for the formulation of new bioproducts for agriculture. Among them, Jurasi Hot Springs, Polloquere Hot Springs, and Amuyo Lagoons represent a group of open pools fed by thermal water springing from the mountains. Their microbiomes remain unspecified, providing a unique opportunity to characterize the endemic community of these sites and develop new bioproducts for sustainable agriculture. Bacteria were isolated from the sediments of these geothermal sites and characterized by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, microbiological characterization, and agricultural functional characterization. A total of 57 bacteria were isolated from three geothermal sites north of the Atacama Desert. The sequence analysis showed that the isolates belong to several bacterial genera, including Pantoea, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, among others. The functional characterization revealed the presence of PGP traits, hydrolytic enzymes, and biocontrol activity against phytopathogenic fungi. These bacteria possess the potential to develop new biobased products for agriculture in arid conditions.

Design of ß-Keto Esters with Antibacterial Activity: Synthesis, In Vitro Evaluation, and Theoretical Assessment of Their Reactivity and Quorum-Sensing Inhibition Capacity.

This work proposes the design of ß-keto esters as antibacterial compounds. The design was based on the structure of the autoinducer of bacterial quorum sensing, N-(3-oxo-hexanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C6-HSL). Eight ß-keto ester analogues were synthesised with good yields and were spectroscopically characterised, showing that the compounds were only present in their ß-keto ester tautomer form. We carried out a computational analysis of the reactivity and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties of the compounds as well as molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations with the LasR and LuxS quorum-sensing (QS) proteins, which are involved in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The results show that all the compounds exhibit reliable ADME properties and that only compound 7 can present electrophile toxicity. The theoretical reactivity study shows that compounds 6 and 8 present a differential local reactivity regarding the rest of the series. Compound 8 presents the most promising potential in terms of its ability to interact with the LasR and LuxS QS proteins efficiently according to its molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations. An initial in vitro antimicrobial screening was performed against the human pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as well as the phytopathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Compounds 6 and 8 exhibit the most promising results in the in vitro antimicrobial screening against the panel of bacteria studied.

Diversity of Culturable Bacteria from Endemic Medicinal Plants of the Highlands of the Province of Parinacota, Chile.

Endemic medicinal plants that grow at altitudes in northern Chile have been traditionally used for therapeutic applications by Aymara doctors. Several studies have analyzed the biological properties of these plants for therapeutic purposes. The aim was to characterize at molecular and biochemical levels the bacteria that live in the rhizosphere and roots from endemic medicinal plants that grow between 3681-5104 m.a.s.l. in the province of Parinacota. Thirty-nine bacteria were isolated from nine medicinal plants under our laboratory conditions. These bacteria were characterized by Gram stain, hydrolase production, plant-growth promotion, anti-fungal and antibacterial activities, and 16S rDNA sequencing. A phylogenetic study revealed the presence of three major phyla, Actinomycetota (46.2%), Bacillota (43.6%), and Pseudomonadota (10.3%). The rhizobacteria strains associated with the Aymara medicinal plant exhibited several interesting biological activities, such as hydrolytic enzymes, plant-growth-promoting traits, and antibacterial and antifungal properties, indicating their potential for developing new bio-based products for agricultural or clinical applications. These results are promising and highlight the need to point toward the search for explanations of the bio-molecular basis of the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants.

Trastornos del sueño en emergencias y desastres / Sleep disorders in emergencies and disasters

Los trastornos del sueño son frecuentes en la población y una causa importante de morbilidad. El objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar las alteraciones del sueño en periodos de emergencia y desastres. A lo largo de la historia, la esfera biopsicosocial y el sueño de las personas ha sido abrumada por múltiples eventos a gran escala, tales como desastres naturales, tragedias provocadas por el hombre, conflictos bélicos, crisis sociales y pandemias, cuya experiencia puede derivar en problemas de salud a corto, mediano y/o largo plazo. En los estudios analizados, se ha observado el impacto negativo de las emergencias y desastres en el sueño, por lo que ha cobrado gran relevancia la difusión y promoción de medidas que incentiven el buen dormir. Debido a la llegada del COVID-19 y a la situación de confinamiento por periodos prolongados en el hogar para prevenir su propagación, han surgido importantes consecuencias a nivel social. Ciertos factores ocupacionales y características de los desastres se asocian a mayor comorbilidad, un alto riesgo de experimentar agotamiento físico, trastornos psicológicos e insomnio en grupos altamente vulnerables, como lo son los profesionales de la salud, rescatistas y socorristas. El insomnio es el trastorno de sueño más frecuente en la población general y su empeoramiento en el contexto de pandemia por COVID-19 representa un nuevo problema en salud pública. Es por ello, que es indispensable promover campañas de prevención de salud física y mental orientados a la pesquisa precoz y manejo de patologías de la esfera psicosocial, dentro de las posibilidades socioeconómicas.

Sleep disorders are common in the population and are major cause of morbidity. The objective of this review is to assess sleep disturbances in times of emergency and disasters. Throughout history, the biopsychosocial field and sleep have been affected by multiple large-scale events, such as natural disasters, man-caused tragedies, armed conflicts, social crises and pandemics, the experience of which can lead to short, medium and/or long term health problems. In several studies, the negative impact of emergencies and disasters on sleep have been analyzed, emphasizing the importance of the diffusion and promotion of measures that encourage good sleep. The arrival of COVID-19 and consequent home confinement for prolonged periods caused important social consequences. Certain occupational factors and characteristics of disasters are associated with greater comorbidity: a high risk of experiencing physical exhaustion, psychological disorders and insomnia, especially in highly vulnerable groups, such as health professionals, rescuers and first aids-responders. Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder in the general population and its worsening in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a new public health problem. It is essential to promote physical and mental health prevention campaigns, aimed at early screening and management of pathologies in the psychosocial sphere, within socioeconomic possibilities.

The Endophytic Pseudomonas sp. S57 for Plant-Growth Promotion and the Biocontrol of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes.

Oregano from Socoroma (Atacama Desert) is characterized by its unique organoleptic properties and distinctive flavor and it is produced using ancestral pesticide-free agricultural practices performed by the Aymara communities. The cultivation in this zone is carried out under extreme conditions where the standard production of different crops is limited by several environmental factors, including aridity, high concentration of salts, and boron among others. However, oregano plants are associated with microorganisms that mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses present in this site. In this work, the S57 strain (member of the Pseudomonas genus that is closely related to Pseudomonas lini) was isolated from roots of oregano plants, which are grown in soils with high content of non-sodium salts and aluminum. This bacterium stimulates the growth of Micro-Tom tomato plants irrigated with saline-boric water. Moreover, it controls the growth of phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea and the nematode Meloidogyne incognita under saline-boric conditions. Together with the high levels of bacterial biomass (~47 g/L), these results allow the establishment of the bases for developing a potential new agricultural bioproduct useful for arid and semiarid environments where commercial biological products show erratic behavior.

Facially expressive humanoid robotic face.

Realistic humanoid robots have emerged in the last two decades but the emotional intelligence of these machines has been limited. To teach humanoids how to emotionally communicate with humans, researchers have been increasingly relying on machine learning algorithms. While the software used to implement machine learning algorithms is largely open source, facially expressive humanoid robots are expensive and inaccessible to most people, thus limiting the number of researchers in this field. This paper aims to aid potential artificial intelligence researchers by providing a relatively inexpensive, open-source robot that can serve as a platform for research into emotional communication between humans and machines. Eva, the robot described in this paper, is an adult-sized humanoid head that can emulate human facial expressions, head movements, and speech through the use of 25 muscles, including 12 facial muscles that can produce a maximum skin displacement of 15 mm.

Redescription of Dichelyne ( Cucullanellus) Dichelyneformis (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) and Description of a New Congeneric Species in Eleginops maclovinus (Pisces: Eleginopsidae) Collected in the Bay of Corral, Chile.

Dichelyne ( Cucullanellus) dichelyneformis ( Szidat, 1950 ) Petter, 1974 , was collected in the intestine of the rock cod, Eleginops maclovinus, in the Bay of Corral, Chile, and redescribed based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The correct arrangement of caudal papillae and post deirids, the shape of gubernaculum, and the morphology and number of denticles surrounding the oral opening are described for the first time. These characteristics along with the excretory pore position, size of spicules, and presence of a nodular thickening near the distal end of the spicules differentiate D. ( C.) dichelyneformis from the other congeners reported in South America and in the Antarctic. The new congeneric species found in E. maclovinus differs from D. ( C.) dichelyneformis based on the larger males, larger and more numerous denticles with a smooth surface, weakly developed sclerotized plates in esophastome, excretory pore and deirids posterior to nerve ring, shorter gubernaculum and spicules with no thickening on their distal region, lower spicules/body length ratio (10.4-15.1%), and a papilla-like phasmids closer to pairs 8 and 10.

Relaciones de pareja homosexual y heterosexual: un estudio comparativo

Esta investigación tiene el propósito de evaluar y comparar a personas heterosexuales y homosexuales, con relaciones de pareja estables, respecto a los componentes de la teoría triangular del amor, tácticas de resolución de conflictos, ajuste con la pareja y bienestar psicológico. Participaron 157 adultos jóvenes chilenos, 77 homosexuales (30 lesbianas y 47 gays) y 80 heterosexuales (45 mujeres y 35 hombres). Se utilizaron la Escala de Ajuste Diádico, la Escala Triangular del Amor de Sternberg, la Flourishing Scale de Diener y el Conflict Resolution Style Inventory de Kurdek. Los resultados muestran algunas diferencias significativas en tácticas de resolución de conflicto, componentes del amor y ajuste en la pareja, según la orientación sexual; además existen diferencias entre las mujeres que conviven y no conviven.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare heterosexual and homosexual people who are in stable relationships, with respect to the components of the triangular theory of love: conflict resolution tactics, couple adjustment and psychological wellbeing. The participants were comosed of 157 young adults Chileans: 77 homosexuals (30 lesbians and 47 gay men) and 80 heterosexuals (45 women and 35 men). The instruments used were the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale, the Flourishing Scale of Diener and Conflict Resolution Style Inventory of Kurdek. The results show that there are significant differences in some conflict resolution tactics, components of love between partners, and couple adjustment according to sexual orientation. In addition, there are also differences between women living and not living with a partner.

Burnout en médicos residentes de especialidades y subespecialidades: estudio de prevalencia y variables asociadas en un centro universitario / Burnout in resident doctors of specialties and subspecialties: study of prevalence and associated variables in a university center

Introducción: El burnout es un síndrome caracterizado por agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y bajo sentido de logro personal. Los médicos residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad constituyen una población de riesgo por la alta carga laboral y la interferencia con su vida personal. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la prevalencia de burnout y su asociación con variables sociodemográficas, en residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta electrónica a los residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la PUC, que incluyó el "Inventario de Burnout de Maslach" (22 preguntas divididas en 3 dimensiones). Se sumaron los puntos de cada dimensión y se clasificó a los residentes en riesgo de burnout al presentar altos índices de agotamiento emocional y/o despersonalización. El análisis estadístico incluyó un análisis univariado y multivariado. Resultados: 415 encuestas fueron contestadas (tasa de respuesta 86 por ciento). El 38,3 por ciento de los residentes cumplió criterios de burnout, con un 41,9 por ciento en residentes de especialidad y 24,1por ciento en residentes de subespecialidad. En el análisis por subgrupos, la mayor prevalencia se encontró en especialidades quirúrgicas (55,3por ciento). Los residentes extranjeros, los programas de especialidad (comparados con subespecialidad) y los programas de especialidades quirúrgicas se asociaron de manera independiente a burnout (OR 3,8 IC95 por ciento 1,4-10,5, p=0,01; OR 2,3 IC95 por ciento 1,3-4,1, p<0,01 y OR 1,7 IC95 por ciento 1,1-2,7; p=0,02, respectivamente). La carga laboral horaria no se asoció de manera independiente a burnout (p=0,19). Conclusión: Los residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad presentan una alta prevalencia de burnout. Adicionalmente, ser extranjero, el pertenecer a un programa de especialidad y los programas de especialidades quirúrgicas se asocian de manera independiente a burnout.(AU)

Introduction: Burnoutis a pathological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low sense of personal accomplishment. Residents from medical specialties and subspecialties constitute a population at risk for high work overload and interference in personal life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and its associations with sociodemographic variables, in specialty and subspecialty residents of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Methods: An electronic survey was answered by residents of specialty and subspecialty of PUC. It included the "Maslach Burnout Inventory" (which consists of 22 questions divided into 3 dimensions). The points of each dimension were added and burnout was defined as a high score on depersonalization or emotional exhaustion subscales. Statistical analysis included an univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 415 surveys were answered (response rate 86 percent). 38.3 percent of residents met criteria for burnout, with a percentage of 41.9 percent for specialty residents and 24.1 percent for subspecialty residents. In the subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence was found in surgical specialties (55.3 percent). Foreign residents, medical residency programs (compared to sub specialization programs) and surgical programs were independently associated with burnout (OR 3.8 IC95 percent1.4-10.5, p=0.01; OR 2.3 IC95 percent 1.3-4.1, p<0.01 y OR 1.7 IC95% 1.1-2.7; p=0.02, respectively). There was no independent association between duty hours and burnout (p=0.19). Conclusion: Specialty and subspecialty residents have a high prevalence of burnout. Additionally, foreign residents, participation in a speciality residency (compared to subspecialties programs) and surgical residencies are independently associated to burnout. (AU)

FREQUENCY OF ANTI- Toxocara spp. ANTIBODIES IN INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED BY THE CENTRO DE SALUD FAMILIAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION WITH Toxocara canis EGGS IN DOG FECES, IN THE COASTAL NIEBLA TOWN, CHILE.

The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in individuals attended by the Centro de Salud Familiar in the coastal Niebla town, Chile, was related to the host and to environmental factors. IgG anti- Toxocara antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit (SCIMEDX Corporation, USA). Samples with undetermined absorbance values were subjected to an additional ELISA standardized by the Instituto de Salud Pública, Chilean Health Ministry, a commercial ELISA (NOVATEC, Germany), and a commercial Western blot kit (LDBio Diagnostics, France). Hematological exams were performed using an automated blood counter and blood smears. Dog feces were collected from the ground along the main road in Niebla, including rural and urban locations. Ninety (25.4%) of the 355 examined individuals were positive by the ELISA test. The frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies and the infection risk were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among those individuals ≥ 40 years old with respect to the 20-39 years old group, in individuals from rural locations, those who did not have a safe drinking water supply in the house or who presented blood eosinophilia. The proportion of positive samples of dog feces and the mean number of Toxocara canis eggs/g of feces in urban and rural areas were similar (p > 0.05).

Evaluación de la carga laboral en residentes Chilenos de especialidades y subespecialidades médicas / Workload assessment in Chilean residents of specialties and medical subspecialties

Introducción: La sobrecarga laboral horaria es un importante problema en los programas de especialización médica. Se asocia a mayor prevalencia de depresión, burnout, deserción, e impacta en la calidad de vida de los residentes. Nuestro objetivo fue cuantificar las horas semanales de carga laboral horaria en residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta electrónica a los residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2013). Esta incluyó autorreporte de horas semanales trabajadas (jornada habitual, turnos presenciales y turnos de llamada). Para el análisis se consideraron solo las horas presenciales (jornada habitual y turnos presenciales Resultados: se obtuvieron 415 respuestas (tasa de respuesta 86%). Los residentes de especialidad reportaron una jornada de 52,8 ± 20,3 horas semanales más un promedio de 22,6 ± 22,5 horas de turnos presenciales semanales. Los residentes de programas de subespecialidad reportaron una jornada de 55,9 ± 22,2 horas semanales más un promedio de 23 ± 3,9 horas de turnos presenciales semanales. De los 53 programas evaluados, el 22,6 por ciento sobrepasó el límite recomendado por la Dirección de Postgrado PUC (80 horas semanales). Cinco programas reportaron 90-100 horas semanales (todas especialidades o subespecialidades quirúrgicas) y 7 programas reportaron 80-90 horas semanales (3 subespecialidades médicas, 1 subespecialidad quirúrgica, 2 especialidades médicas y 1 especialidad quirúrgica). Conclusión: los residentes de especialidades y subespecialidades médicas en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile están sometidos a una carga horaria significativa. Los programas quirúrgicos presentaron la mayor sobrecarga horaria presencial, con un promedio mayor al recomendado a nivel internacional. (AU)

Introduction: Residents work hours' overload constitutes an important problem in medical postgraduate residency programs. It has been associated to an increased prevalence of depression, burnout, attrition and affects quality of life of residents. The aim of our study was to quantify the duty hours in residents of specialty and subspecialty at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Methods: An electronic survey was performed to residents of specialty and subspecialty at PUC (2013). It included an auto report of the duty hours worked in a week (regular working day, night shifts and on call shifts). We only included for analysis the face hours (regular working day and night shifts). Results: 415 surveys were answered (response rate 86percent). Specialty residents reported 52.8 ± 20.3 regular working hours per week plus an average of 22.6 ± 22.5 hours of night shifts. Subspecialty residents reported 55.9 ± 22.2 regular working hours per week plus an average of 23 ± 3.9 hours of night shifts. From the 53 evaluated programs, 22.6 percent exceeded the limit recommended in the PUC Postgraduate Office (80 hours per week). Five programs reported 90-100 hours per week (all were surgical specialties and subspecialties) and 7 programs reported 80-90 hours per week (3 medical subspecialties, 1 surgical subspecialty, 2 medical specialties and 1 surgical specialty). Conclusion: The residents of specialty and subspecialty from medical postgraduate programs at PUC are subject to a significant workload. The surgical programs present the highest time workload, with a greater average than the internationally recommended.(AU)

Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) effects of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook (Myrtaceae) / Efectos tóxicos e IGR de Eucalyptus citriodora Hook (Myrtaceae)

In addition to eucalyptin the methanol extract from leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae) afforded the known compounds apigenin, chrysin, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin; together with betulinic acid, oleanolic, ursolic acid, and two remaining complex mixtures of unidentified flavonoids and triterpenes. These compounds together with triterpenes mixtures, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts showed antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth regulatory activities against fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] an important pest of corn, and yellow mealworm [Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)] a pest of stored grains. The most active compounds were chrysin, eucalyptin, quercetin, luteolin, and betulinic and oleanolic acids and the mixtures of flavonoids and triterpenes (M1 and M2). These compounds and mixtures had IGR activity between 0.2 to 5.0 ug/mL and insecticidal effects between 5.0 and 10.0 μg/mL.The extracts were insecticidal to larvae, with lethal doses between 20-100 ug/mL. These compounds appear to have selective effects on the pre-emergence metabolism of the Lepidoptera, since in all treatments of the larvae of S. frugiperda the pupation was shortened and this process showed precociousness in relation to control. Thus, these substances may be useful as potential natural insecticidal agents.

Extracto metanolico de hojas de Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae) proporcionó además de eucalyptin, flavonoides tales como apigenina, crisina, luteolina, naringenina, quercetina; los triterpenos, ácido oleanólico, ácido ursólico betulínico, y dos mezclas complejas de flavonoides y triterpenos no identificados M1 y M2. Los flavonoides, triterpenos y mezclas de triterpenos, extractos de acetato de etilo y hexano mostraron efectos antialimentarios, insecticida y actividad reguladora de crecimiento (IGR) frente al gusano cogollero [Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)], una plaga importante del maíz y frente al gusano de la harina [Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)], una plaga de los granos almacenados. Los compuestos más activos fueron crisina, eucalyptin, quercetina, luteolina, ácido betulínico y ácido oleanólico y las mezclas de flavonoides y triterpenos (M1 y M2). Estos compuestos y mezclas mostraron actividad IGR entre 0,2 y 5,0 ug/mL y efectos insecticidas entre 5,0 y 10,0 μg/mL. Los extractos mostraron carácter insecticida para las larvas a dosis letales entre 20-100 ug/mL. Estas muestras parecen tener efectos selectivos sobre el metabolismo de pre-emergencia de los lepidópteros, ya que en todos los tratamientos de las larvas de S. frugiperda el tiempo de la pupación se acortó; este proceso muestra precocidad en relación con el control, las substancias ensayadas en este trabajo pueden ser útiles como potenciales agentes insecticidas naturales.

Measuring the educational environment in ambulatory settings / Medición del ambiente educacional en contextos ambulatorios

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Students' perceptions of their educational environment (EE) have been studied in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. The Ambulatory Care Learning Educational Environment Measure (ACLEEM) is an inventory that was recently developed to measure the EE in postgraduate ambulatory settings. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the inventory. METHODS: A mixed methodology was used to develop the ACLEEM including: Grounded theory (8 focus groups); a two-round Delphi technique to identify consensus; and a pilot study. The inventory was refined to 50-items after the pilot study and it was prospectively administered to a large cohort of clerks and residents in Chile during 2010-2011. Psychometric measurements included factor analysis followed by Varimax rotation for construct validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficients for internal consistency and Generalizability theory for test reliability. RESULTS: Four-hundred and eleven students responded: 151 clerks (83.9% of the target population) and 260 residents (74% of the target population) from 31 postgraduate programs. The factor analyses showed an eight factor instrument. ACLEEM was found highly reliable with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 and D-study revealed a reliable outcome for residency programs with at least 15 respondents with a G coefficient of 0.831. The EE perceived by residents and clerks was positive without differences between groups: 152.52 ± 23.36 (76.26%) and 150.61 ± 24.62 (75.30%), respectively (p = 0.761). CONCLUSIONS: The 50-item ACLEEM inventory is a multidimensional and valid instrument requiring only 15 respondents for reliable RESULTS: We recommend using it to measure the EE in the ambulatory postgraduate Spanish-speaking programs

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre el ambiente educacional (AE) han sido estudiadas en programas de pregrado y posgrado. El cuestionario Ambulatory Care Learning Educational Environment Measure (ACLEEM) es un instrumento desarrollado para medir el ambiente educacional en programas de posgrado ambulatorios. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de este instrumento. MÉTODOS: Se utilizó metodología mixta para desarrollar el instrumento ACLEEM, incluyendo: teoría fundada (8 grupos focales) y panel Delfi de 2 rondas (consenso). Se realizó un estudio piloto y luego se refinó el cuestionario a 50 ítems, que fue administrado prospectivamente en una cohorte de internos y residentes chilenos durante los años 2010-2011. Las evaluaciones psicométricas incluyeron análisis factorial seguido de rotación Varimax (validez de constructo), coeficiente alfa de Cronbach (consistencia interna) y teoría de la generalizabilidad (confiabilidad). RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 411 respuestas: 151 internos y 260 residentes (tasa de respuesta: 83,9% y 74%, respectivamente) correspondientes a rotaciones de internado y 31 programas de posgrado en Medicina. El análisis factorial mostró un instrumento de 8 categorías. ACLEEM presentó una alta confiabilidad (alfa de Cronbach 0,94) y un estudio de generalizabilidad que mostró resultados confiables en programas con al menos 15 encuestados (coeficiente G de 0,831). El ambiente educacional percibido por los residentes e internos fue positivo, sin diferencias entre ambos grupos: 152,52 ± 23,36 (76,26%) y 150,61 ± 24,62 (75,30%), respectivamente (p = 0,761). CONCLUSIONES: El cuestionario ACLEEM de 50 ítems es un instrumento multidimensional y válido, que requiere solo 15 encuestados para contar con resultados confiables. Recomendamos su uso para medir el ambiente educacional en programas de posgrado ambulatorios de habla hispana

[Health and humanization Diploma: the value of reflection and face to face learning]. / Diplomado de salud y humanización: el valor de la reflexión y el aprendizaje presencial.

BACKGROUND: In a rapidly changing culture like ours, with emphasis on productivity, there is a strong need to find the meaning of health care work using learning instances that privilege reflection and face to face contact with others. The Diploma in Health and Humanization (DSH), was developed as an interdisciplinary space for training on issues related to humanization. AIM: To analyze the experience of DSH aiming to identify the elements that students considered key factors for the success of the program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a focus group with DSH graduates, identifying factors associated with satisfaction. Transcripts were coded and analyzed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: DSH graduates valued a safe space, personal interaction, dialogue and respect as learning tools of the DSH. They also appreciates the opportunity to have emotional interactions among students and between them and the teacher as well as the opportunity to share personal stories and their own search for meaning. DISCUSSION: DSH is a learning experience in which their graduates value the ability to think about their vocation and the affective interaction with peers and teachers. We hope to contribute to the development of face to face courses in the area of humanization. Face to face methodology is an excellent teaching technique for contents related to the meaning of work, and more specifically, to a group of learners that require affective communication and a personal connection of their work with their own values and beliefs.

Diplomado de salud y humanización: el valor de la reflexión y el aprendizaje presencial / Health and humanization Diploma: the value of reflection and face to face learning

Background: In a rapidly changing culture like ours, with emphasis on productivity, there is a strong need to find the meaning of health care work using learning instances that privilege reflection and face to face contact with others. The Diploma in Health and Humanization (DSH), was developed as an interdisciplinary space for training on issues related to humanization. Aim: To analyze the experience of DSH aiming to identify the elements that students considered key factors for the success of the program. Material and Methods: We conducted a focus group with DSH graduates, identifying factors associated with satisfaction. Transcripts were coded and analyzed by two independent reviewers. Results: DSH graduates valued a safe space, personal interaction, dialogue and respect as learning tools of the DSH. They also appreciates the opportunity to have emotional interactions among students and between them and the teacher as well as the opportunity to share personal stories and their own search for meaning. Discussion: DSH is a learning experience in which their graduates value the ability to think about their vocation and the affective interaction with peers and teachers. We hope to contribute to the development of face to face courses in the area of humanization. Face to face methodology is an excellent teaching technique for contents related to the meaning of work, and more specifically, to a group of learners that require affective communication and a personal connection of their work with their own values and beliefs.

Anisakid parasites in commercial hake ceviche in southern Chile.

The objective of this research was to determine the occurrence of anisakid nematode larvae in hake ceviche sold in restaurants in Valdivia (39°48'S, 73°14'W) and Niebla (39°49'S, 73°22'W), Chile. Between August and November 2012, 78 portions of ceviche were collected (6 from each of the 13 restaurants that sell this product). Each portion was weighed and divided into approximately 30-g samples, which were placed in petri dishes with 0.15 M NaCl. All samples were manually shredded and then examined with a stereomicroscope. Muscles of 41 southern hake (Merluccius australis), a fish sold fresh in Valdivia, also were examined by candling to determine the presence of anisakid larvae. The presence of Pseudoterranova larvae in ceviche sold in Chile was identified for the first time. The pH of ceviche ranges from 4.1 to 4.8, which favors the presence of viable anisakid larvae that tolerate the acid pH similar to that found in the stomach of their mammalian host. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean density of anisakid larvae in ceviche were found between localities. Larvae were detected in ceviche from 3 of 6 restaurants in Valdivia and 4 of 7 restaurants in Niebla. Of the 78 examined portions of ceviche, 21.8% had larvae. The prevalence of viable larvae was 16.7 and 7.1% in the examined portions from Valdivia and Niebla, respectively. In the 41 hake muscle samples from Valdivia, the prevalence (4.9%), mean abundance (0.1), and mean density (0.03) was the same for Pseudoterranova and Anisakis larvae. No inspection processes or pretreatments are currently in place for raw fish to achieve safe conditions for ceviche in restaurants from Valdivia and Niebla.

Development of ACLEEM questionnaire, an instrument measuring residents' educational environment in postgraduate ambulatory setting.

BACKGROUND: Students' perceptions of their educational environment (EE) have been studied in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Postgraduate EE has been measured in hospital settings. However, there are no instruments available to measure the EE in postgraduate ambulatory settings. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop the "ambulatory care learning education environment measure" (ACLEEM). METHODS: A mixed methodology was used including three stages: (1) Grounded theory (focus groups); (2) Delphi technique to identify consensus; and (3) Pilot study. RESULTS: Three quota samples of approximately 60 stakeholders were formed, one as focus groups and two as Delphi panels. Eight focus groups were carried out including 58 residents (Latin-American Spanish speakers). The results were analysed and 173 items were offered to a National Delphi panel (61 residents and teachers). They reduced in two rounds the number of important items to 54. The 54-item questionnaire was then piloted with 63 residents and refined to the final version of the ACLEEM with 50 items and three domains. CONCLUSIONS: The 50-item inventory is a valid instrument to measure the EE in postgraduate ambulatory setting in Chile. Large-scale administration of the ACLEEM questionnaire to evaluate its construct validity and reliability are the next steps to test the psychometric properties of the instrument.

Evaluación del ambiente educacional en programas de especialización médica / Evaluation of the educational environment in medical specialty programs

Background: The Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in postgraduate medical education. Aim: To evaluate the EE perceived by the residents of a postgraduate training program using the PHEEM. Material and Methods: The PHEEM was applied in 2010-2011 in 35 specialty programs. We calculated their individual results and compared means of both global and individual domain scores of the PHEEM, by gender, university of origin and nationality. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and D study (Generalizability theory) were performed for reliability. Results: Three hundred eighteen residents were surveyed (75.7% of the total universe). The mean score of the PHEEM was 105.09 ± 22.46 (65.7% of the maximal score) which is considered a positive EE. The instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.934). The D study found that 15 subjects are required to obtain reliable results (G coefficient = 0.813). There were no significant differences between gender and university of origin. Foreigners evaluated better the EE than Chileans and racism was not perceived. The programs showed a safe physical environment and teachers with good clinical skills. The negative aspects perceived were a lack of information about working hours, insufficient academic counseling, and scanty time left for extracurricular activities. Conclusions: This questionnaire allowed us to identify positive aspects of the EE, and areas to be improved in the specialty programs. The PHEEM is a useful instrument to evaluate the EE in Spanish-speaking participants of medical specialty programs.

Prevalence, intensity, and abundance of infection and pathogenesis caused by diphyllobothriosis in vulnerable, native fish and introduced trout in Lake Panguipulli, Chile.

Diphyllobothriosis in fish from freshwater ecosystems in southern Chile was first reported in 1949. Infection by plerocercoids of Diphyllobothrium latum and Diphyllobothrium dendriticum occurs in introduced trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and native fish. We determined the prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of seasonal infection and tissue damage produced by Diphyllobothrium spp. in native fish (Percichthys trucha, Odontesthes mauleanum, and Basilichthys australis) and introduced trout (O. mykiss) from Lake Panguipulli, Chile. Prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of D. latum infection were significantly greater in trout than they were in native fish. Prevalence and mean abundance were similar in O. mauleanum and P. trucha, but they were greater than those in B. australis. Prevalence and abundance were similar among seasons between sexes for the four hosts. For all host species, except P. trucha, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between host length and the abundance of plerocercoids. Infections in muscle tissue were present in 61% of trout compared with 23% in O. mauleanum and 12% in P. trucha, suggesting a greater risk for human infection when consuming trout. In general, prevalence of infection by D. dendriticum was lower than was D. latum prevalence. Encapsulation of plerocercoids was common and severe in 71% of the trout examined. Only slight encapsulation of plerocercoids was found in the native O. mauleanum, and no encapsulation was observed in P. trucha or B. australis. The greater concentration of plerocercoids in the walls of the digestive tract of trout suggests a more-rapid immune response in trout than in native fish. The low frequency of encapsulation of plerocercoids in native fish would mean greater tissue damage in the natives than that observed in the trout because they are free to migrate among the viscera, potentially endangering these native fish populations in regions where Diphyllobothrium spp. are endemic.