Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Monofloral Honeys from Chile.

Honey is a mixture of compounds produced by bees that has been appreciated by humanity since the creation of the oldest civilizations. It has multiple uses and can be a highly nutritional and healing substance. It has been used in traditional medicine as a natural alternative for the treatment of diverse clinical conditions. This is due to its reported bioactive properties. The objective of this article is to exhibit and analyze the biological properties of different types of honey originating from Chile based on their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, focusing primarily on recompiling experimental studies made on monofloral honey of plant species present in the Chilean territory. The result of this bibliographical review shows that Chilean honey possesses remarkable bioactive properties, mainly antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, with a few studies on its anti-inflammatory activity. Most of these results were attributed to monofloral honey belonging to ulmo (Eucryphia cordifolia) and quillay (Quillaja saponaria Molina) plant species. These properties are related to the presence of several bioactive components, such as phenolic components (mainly flavonoids), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), enzymes, proteins, and carbohydrates. The biodiversity of the flora and the environmental conditions of the Chilean territory are responsible for the wide range of bioactive compounds and biological properties found in Chilean honey. Further studies must be made to uncover the medicinal potential of these native honeys.

Reproductive and Obstetric Outcomes Following a Natural Cycle vs. Artificial Endometrial Preparation for Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The proportion of frozen embryo transfer cycles has consistently grown in recent decades. Some adverse obstetric outcomes after frozen embryo transfer could possibly be explained by different approaches in endometrial preparation. The aim of the present study was to investigate reproductive and obstetric outcomes after frozen embryo transfer, comparing different endometrial preparation strategies. Methods: This retrospective study included 317 frozen embryo transfer cycles, of which 239 had a natural or modified natural cycle and 78 underwent artificial endometrial preparation. After excluding late abortion and twin pregnancies, the outcomes of 103 pregnancies were analyzed, 75 of which were achieved after a natural cycle/modified natural cycle, and 28 were achieved after an artificial cycle. Results: The overall clinical pregnancy rate/embryo transfer was 39.7%, the miscarriage rate was 10.1%, and the live birth rate/embryo transfer was 32.8%, without significant differences in reproductive outcomes between natural/modified cycle and artificial cycle groups. The risks of pregnancy-induced hypertension and abnormal placental insertion were significantly increased in pregnancies achieved after the artificial preparation of the endometrium (p = 0.0327 and =0.0191, respectively). Conclusions: Our study encourages the use of a natural cycle or modified natural cycle for endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer in order to ensure the presence of a corpus luteum able to orchestrate maternal adaptation to pregnancy.

Reconocimiento docente de los valores éticos y morales en la formación curricular de la carrera de odontología de la Universidad de Viña del Mar, Chile / Teaching recognition of ethical and moral values in the curriculum training of the dentistry career of the Universidad de Viña del Mar, Chile

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la coherencia entre lo declarado por los programas de estudios de pregrado en la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad de Viña del Mar, en relación a los valores éticos y morales y, cómo son reconocidos efectivamente por los docentes en los estudiantes. El diseño de investigación corresponde a un estudio descriptivo y transversal. Para esto se adaptaron dos instrumentos, el primero: "cuestionario sobre percepción en la categorización de valores" que busca determinar la importancia que le dan los docentes a los valores. Mientras que en el segundo: "Encuesta sobre valores en estudiantes de odontología" solicita que cada docente evalúe la frecuencia con que se manifiestan ciertos valores éticos y morales en sus estudiantes. Se consideraron los 28 académicos que constituyen la totalidad del universo de docentes clínicos de los cursos de 4to y 5to años de la carrera de odontología en el año 2019. Se discuten los resultados comparándolos con experiencias similares en otras instituciones. Los resultados muestran la percepción y el reconocimiento de los valores por parte del cuerpo docente en los estudiantes, donde se identificó que los valores incorporados de mejor manera son la dignidad, el trato humano y el dialogo; mientras que la autocrítica y el conocimiento fueron los menos incorporados, estos son clave para establecer reflexión y mejoras en los planes de estudio. Se marca el punto de inicio para la generación de futuras líneas de investigación que incorporen otros aspectos como la perspectiva de los pacientes, los estudiantes, así como también continuar recabando información para utilizar metodologías que puedan contribuir a la integración de valores y poner en debate la importancia de ellos en la formación de pregrado.

The aim of this article is to determine the coherence between what is declared by the undergraduate study programs in the Dentistry career at the University of Viña del Mar, in relation to ethical and moral values and how they are effectively recognized by teachers in the students. The research design corresponds to a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Two instruments were adapted for this, the first: "questionnaire on perception in the categorization of values" that seeks to determine the importance that teachers give to values. While in the second: "Survey on values in dentistry students" requests that each teacher evaluates the frequency of certain ethical and moral values which are manifested in their students. 28 academics constituting the entire universe of clinical teachers of the 4th and 5th year courses of dentistry career in 2019 were considered. The results were discussed, comparing them with similar experiences in other institutions. Results show the perception and recognition of the values by the teaching staff in the students. These values incorporated in the best way were dignity, humane treatment and dialogue; while self-criticism and knowledge were the least incorporated. These are key values to establish a reflection and subsequent improvements in the study plans. This article marks a starting point for the generation of future lines of research that incorporate other aspects such as the perspective of patients, students, as well as continuing to collect information to use methodologies that can contribute to the integration of values and put them into a debate about the importance of them in undergraduate training.

Development of a PHBV nanoparticle as a peptide vehicle for NOD1 activation.

NOD1 is an intracellular receptor that, when activated, induces gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors promoting macrophages and neutrophils recruitment at the infection site. However, iE-DAP, the dipeptide agonist that promotes this receptor's activation, cannot permeate cell membranes. To develop a nanocarrier capable of achieving a high and prolonged activation over time, iE-DAP was encapsulated in nanoparticles (NPs) made of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). The physicochemical properties, colloidal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and cellular uptake of iE-DAP-loaded PHVB NPs were analyzed. Results evidenced that physicochemical properties of iE-DAP-loaded NPs remained stable over time, and NPs were efficiently internalized into cells, a process that depends on time and concentration. Moreover, our results showed that NPs elicited a controlled cargo release in vitro, and the encapsulated agonist response was higher than its free form, suggesting the possibility of activating intracellular receptors triggering an immune response through the release of NOD1 agonist.

Medical thesis publication and academic productivity of pediatric residents at the Medical University of Marseille: Associated factors and evolution over 20 years.

BACKGROUND: In many countries, as in France, medical training is not complete until the defense of a thesis, based on a research project; however, the publication of research work is not mandatory. This study investigated the evolution of the publication pattern of pediatric residents and identified the possible factors associated with an increased productivity, by investigating both thesis and non-thesis-related publications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric residents who graduated from the Medical University of Marseille in France over a 20-year period (1996-2015). Their theses were retrieved from the French database of university theses (SUDOC). Their publications were collated by scanning the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Non-thesis-related publications were included up to 1 year after the medical thesis defense and medical thesis publications were included without date limits. For each thesis or publication, the resident's characteristics, the supervisor's characteristics, the thesis characteristics, and bibliometric features were retrieved. RESULTS: Out of the 148 graduated residents, 110 (74%) published articles (thesis-related article with no publication deadline and non-thesis-related articles with a publication deadline of up to 1 year postgraduation): 76 residents (51%) published their medical thesis and 88 residents (60%) published at least one non-thesis-related article. In multivariate analysis, publishing the thesis was significantly associated with a shorter dissertation length (43 vs. 84 pages [median]; p=0.009**) and with a thesis supervisor more experienced in supervising theses (P=0.01**). The thesis publication rate increased significantly over the years (P=0.005**), with the number of theses published tripling. Dissertation length significantly decreased over the years (linear slope=-4.13 pages/year; P<0.0001***). In multivariate analysis, the number of publications per resident was significantly higher when the resident had also completed a scientific thesis (ß=1.62; P=0.007**), when he or she had published more papers during the post-residency period (ß=0.40; P<0.0001***) and when he or she graduated at an older age (ß=0.24; P=0.04*). CONCLUSION: The thesis publication rate of pediatric residents has improved significantly in 20 years; however, these results are from a single-center study. Publishing the thesis was significantly associated with shorter dissertation length and a more experienced thesis supervisor.

ICSI Versus Conventional IVF in Women Aged 40 Years or More and Unexplained Infertility: A Retrospective Evaluation of 685 Cycles with Propensity Score Model.

This study compared the cumulative live birth rates following Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) versus conventional in vitro fertilization (cIVF) in women aged 40 years or more and unexplained infertility. A cohort of 685 women undergoing either autologous conventional IVF or ICSI was retrospectively analyzed. The effects of conventional IVF or ICSI procedure on cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates were evaluated in univariate and in multivariable analysis. In order to reduce potential differences between women undergoing either IVF or ICSI and to obtain unbiased estimation of the treatment effect, propensity score was estimated. ICSI was performed in 307 couples (ICSI group), whereas cIVF was performed in 297 couples (cIVF group), resulting in 45 and 43 live deliveries, respectively. No differences were observed in morphological embryo quality, in the number of cleavage stage embryos, in the number of transferred embryos, and in the number of vitrified embryos. As for the clinical outcome, no differences were observed in pregnancy rate, cumulative pregnancy rate, live birth rate, cumulative live birth rate, and abortion rate. The present results suggest that ICSI is not associated with increased likelihood of a live birth for unexplained, non-male factor infertility, in women aged 40 years or more.

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy with a novel ENPP1 mutation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI) is a heritable ectopic mineralization disorder resulting in diffuse arterial calcifications and/or stenosis, mostly caused by mutations in the ENPP1 gene. Here we present a case report of GACI in a male infant with a new familial mutation of the ENPP1 gene and the clinical outcome after biphosphonates therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: The clinical presentation was characterized by a severe early-onset of hypertension refractory to multiple therapy. To investigate this atypical hypertension, a renal Doppler ultra-sonography was performed and diffuse echo-bright arteries were detected; then a low-dose whole-body computed tomography demonstrated extensive arterial calcifications, suggesting GACI. A novel homozygous mutation c.784A > G (p.Ser262Gly) was detected in the ENPP1 gene. The infant was administered four courses of bisphosphonates: arterial calcifications were found to decrease but severe refractory hypertension was persistent. Although GACI can be a rapidly fatal illness and frequently results in death in infancy, the patient was 24 months of age at the time of writing this report. CONCLUSIONS: Three points of interest: the first one is to remind clinicians of this rare and atypical etiology in neonates with severe hypertension and in fetuses with cardiomyopathy and non-immune hydrops fetalis. The second point is the identification of a novel mutation in the ENPP1 gene associated with a clinical presentation of GACI. The third point is the fairly favourable outcome of our patient after bisphosphonates therapy, with calcifications regression but not hypertension.

Intracellular trafficking and cellular uptake mechanism of PHBV nanoparticles for targeted delivery in epithelial cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology is a science that involves imaging, measurement, modeling and a manipulation of matter at the nanometric scale. One application of this technology is drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles obtained from natural or synthetic sources. An example of these systems is synthetized from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), which is a biodegradable, biocompatible and a low production cost polymer. The aim of this work was to investigate the uptake mechanism of PHBV nanoparticles in two different epithelial cell lines (HeLa and SKOV-3). RESULTS: As a first step, we characterized size, shape and surface charge of nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Intracellular incorporation was evaluated through flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy using intracellular markers. We concluded that cellular uptake mechanism is carried out in a time, concentration and energy dependent way. Our results showed that nanoparticle uptake displays a cell-specific pattern, since we have observed different colocalization in two different cell lines. In HeLa (Cervical cancer cells) this process may occur via classical endocytosis pathway and some internalization via caveolin-dependent was also observed, whereas in SKOV-3 (Ovarian cancer cells) these patterns were not observed. Rearrangement of actin filaments showed differential nanoparticle internalization patterns for HeLa and SKOV-3. Additionally, final fate of nanoparticles was also determined, showing that in both cell lines, nanoparticles ended up in lysosomes but at different times, where they are finally degraded, thereby releasing their contents. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, provide novel insight about PHBV nanoparticles internalization suggesting that for develop a proper drug delivery system is critical understand the uptake mechanism.

[Men and the paternal function in Caribbean families.]. / Les hommes et la fonction paternelle dans la famille antillaise.

It has previously been noted that one of the essential features of Caribbean families is the dominant position of women. Compared with the Western model of the nuclear family, these "matrifocal" families can give the impression that men and fathers are only marginally present or completely absent from the family scene, thus encouraging clinicians to view these families as deficient or pathological and their children as being "single-parented". Following a review of historical and economic factors contributing to this particular organization of the Afro-Caribbean family, this article uses three clinical cases studies to highlight the following points : 1) extended matrifocal families can resourcefully respond to the child's fundamental socialization needs ; 2) the paternal role can be and is often fulfilled in these families in a variety of ways (by fathers as well as others persons or social groups) which appropriately meet the developmental needs of the child ; and 3) when Caribbean families' ability to "father" the child is disrupted (through social isolation, emigration, developmental problems), mental health professionals should try to promote the (re)construction of an extended family network which applies more flexible concepts of "fatherhood" than those dictated by the nuclear family model.

[Theoretical basis of semiology in pediatric psychiatry. II. Semiologic activity in pediatric psychiatry]. / Les bases théoriques de la sémiologie en pédopsychiatrie. II. L'activité sémiologique en pédopsychiatrie.

This paper considers how the theoretic concepts used in child psychiatry intervene during the first psychiatric consultations with a child and his/her family. Most often, the child does not ask for relief from his/her troubles. Therefore the state of mind of the clinician is of great importance with regard to the balance between objectivity and subjectivity. There are two main ways to deal with the child during the consultation: a direct one with no standardization, and an indirect one using standardized support. Evaluation scales are used to quantify symptoms. The relationships between the theoretic models and practices are illustrated through clinical examples. Knowledge resulting from population studies, and those resulting from the individual observation which are dealing with intersubjectivity, must always be confronted in order to set up the most appropriate therapeutic scheme.

[Theoretical bases of semiology in pediatric psychiatry. I. Theoretical models]. / Les bases théoriques de la sémiologie en pédopsychiatrie. I. Les modèles théoriques.

This paper is the first part of a study on the theoretic concepts used in child psychiatry and their functioning during the first consultations with a child and his family. These models have different origins (medicine, psychology, education) and contribute to the true specificity of child psychiatry, which must take into account both the developmental aspect as in pediatrics, and the peculiarity of the human psyche. This gives a special stamp to child psychopathology and some usual ways of thinking (like normality, comparability) are quickly inoperative. The five main theoretic models available in child psychiatry are recalled: the model of the medical semiology which describes symptoms and gives them value, the clinical-anatomical model which tries to set up relationships between structure and function, the developmental and cognitive model which emphasizes the psychomotor and intellectual abilities of the child, the affective model (psychoanalysis and attachment) which studies his/her emotional development, and the environmental model which set the child in his/her conditions of growth. These models only support the thoughts of the consultant who must keep in mind the psychic development as a whole and try to aggregate all his findings in the various fields to extract the main features underlying the child's difficulties.

[Severe rumination in infants]. / Mérycismes graves du nourrisson.

Rumination or merycism is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Six boys, aged 5 to 14 months, were hospitalized for growth retardation (-2 to -4 SD) and vomiting. In 5 of 6, mothers noticed the vomiting but not rumination. Diagnosis was based on clinical observation only. No significant abnormalities were found by other investigations. A short nutritional rehabilitation followed by mothering performed by the nurses resulted in a weight gain of 1 to 2.3 kg over the next 15 to 90 days. Rumination results from an affective deficiency of the infant and his mother as well. It appears as a destructive autoerotic reaction whose basis is depressive. Characteristic of the infant's recovering stage is a holding response when taken in the arms. However, various psychological perturbations persist after treatment.

[An infant's "forbidden games" (related to six cases of severe merycism)]. / Jeux interdits du nourrisson (à propos de six cas de mérycisme grave).

Merycism (pondering, in Anglo-Saxon Literature) is an affectation that has become rare in infants but which is still news because of its potential severity. Although psychosomatic by nature, it compromise the vital prognosis if the diagnosis isn't made and appropriate psychotherapeutical measures taken in good time. Based on six cases of severe merycism, the author studies the sign-language and the diagnostic in order to specify the positive elements that must have brought about the illness. A psychopathological hypothesis of the aberrant behavior leading to this "heavy thinking" is put forth. The various psychopathological mechanisms at play in this problem are then shown based on how frustratingly isolated the baby is. Finally, treatment by intensive nurturing and its behavioral components is described as well as the evolution to a half-way point. The ending goes back to the affective meaning of the problem.

[A case of congenital insensitivity to pain with destructive arthropathies of the limbs and spine. Discussion on nosology and physiopathology of the disease]. / Etude d'un cas d'insensibilité congénitale à la douleur avec arthropathies destructrices des membres et du rachis. Discussion à ce propos de la nosologie et de la physiopathologie de l'affection.

A seventeen year old boy presented with destructive arthropathy of the lower limbs and discovertebral spaces. Past history yielded recurrent episodes of indolent fractures and progressive knee and ankle deterioration. The patient denied any pain sensation in the past and at examination. Other neurological tests were normal. Beta-endorphin level was elevated in the CSF. Response to the cold pressor test was modified after injection of Naloxone. The nosology and physiopathology of congenital insensitivity to pain are discussed.

[The dexamethasone suppression test in child and adolescent psychiatry]. / Le test de freinage par la dexaméthasone en psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent.

The dexamethasone suppression test was performed on 67 children and adolescents who were hospitalized in the child psychopathology unit of Herold Hospital (Paris). We used the DSM-III diagnostic criteria. After 10 preliminary trials using 2 mg/1.73 m2 of dexamethasone, 63 trials were conducted with a dosage of 1 mg/1.73 m2. In 19 cases of anorexia nervosa, non-suppression was associated with the weight reduction, with no other significance attached to the results. In 30 pubertal cases, 11 out of the 20 depressed patients escaped from dexamethasone suppression while none of the 10 non-depressed patients did. Those 5 adolescents who were categorized as depressed with psychotic features all escaped suppression. Criteria of specificity and more specifically the role of weight loss, are discussed. In 8 prepubertal patients (under Thirteen) the 4 depressed cases showed no escape response but this response was noted in 2 out of the 4 other children. These results suggest the presence of neuroendocrinological alterations in depressed pubertal children similar to those observed in some depressed adults. We could not find similar alterations in our small sample of non pubertal children.