Myotonometry in machinery operators and its relationship with postural ergonomic risk.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between occupational ergonomic risk, personal characteristics, and working conditions with the biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone in the paravertebral muscles of electric pallet jack and forklift operators in the industrial sector. METHODS: A total of 75 industrial sector machine operators were evaluated in 2021. Personal characteristics and working conditions were assessed through a questionnaire. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone were obtained using the Myoton Pro device. Stiffness in paravertebral muscles was compared based on the operated machine and observed ergonomic risk. A multilevel linear regression model was employed to quantify the relationship, with mean differences and 95% CI calculated. RESULTS: Very high ergonomic risk was found in 75% of the electric pallet truck drivers. In this group with the highest ergonomic risk, an association between biomechanical properties and older workers was observed. Additionally, among electric pallet truck drivers, stiffness (mean difference 335.9 N/m, 95% CI: 46.4 (3.4 to 110.0), P < 0.05) and paravertebral muscle tone (mean difference 17.5 Hz, 95% CI: 1.4 (0.1 to 3.4), P < 0.05) showed statistically significant differences in the very high ergonomic risk category compared to the high-risk category. No significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed variables among forklift drivers. CONCLUSIONS: Workers operating electric pallet trucks with very high ergonomic risk according to the REBA method and aged over 40 yr are associated with increased muscle stiffness and tone.

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.

Competencias digitales docentes: reporte de autopercepción en ciencias de la salud

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de competencia digital en académicos que ejercen la docencia entre el primer y el quinto año en carreras del área de la salud mediante un cuestionario basado en la autopercepción durante el primer semestre del año 2023. Materiales y métodos: El diseño de investigación aplicado en este estudio fue descriptivo y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 63 profesores que realizan docencia en carreras del área de la salud de la Universidad Viña del Mar, Chile. Se aplicó el cuestionario "DigCompEdu Chek-in" para valorar las competencias digitales docentes, con un formato de respuesta en escala de Likert. El instrumento considera las dimensiones compromiso profesional, recursos/pedagogía digital, evaluación y retroalimentación, empoderamiento a los estudiantes y facilitar la competencia digital de los estudiantes. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un formulario virtual en Google Forms. Los datos se analizaron utilizando estadística descriptiva, que incluyó promedios, desviación estándar, coeficiente de variación, porcentajes y frecuencias. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los docentes, en su conjunto, obtuvieron una calificación promedio de 3,4 en el instrumento completo, con una desviación estándar de 1,2. Esto indica que los profesores se sitúan en un rango intermedio en términos de competencia digital docente (CDD), lo que sugiere que tienen una percepción moderada de su competencia digital. Conclusiones: Los profesionales, en su rol docente, deben sentirse habilitados para abordar cuestiones de seguridad en línea, emplear herramientas de evaluación digital y personalizar la enseñanza mediante la tecnología. Al hacerlo, podrán proporcionar una educación más completa y relevante en la era digital actual. Por tanto, la formación en CDC en los profesores puede constituir un criterio de calidad educativa y de mejora en la preparación de los estudiantes para un mundo marcado por la competencia digital.

Objective: To determine the level of digital skills among academics who teach firstto fifth-year students of health sciences programs using a self-perception questionnaire during the first semester 2023. Materials and methods: The study used a descriptive and cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 63 professors of health sciences programs at Universidad de Viña del Mar, Chile. Digital teaching skills were assessed using the DigCompEdu CheckIn questionnaire and a Likert scale response format. The instrument considered the dimensions professional commitment, digital resources/pedagogy, evaluation and feedback, student empowerment and facilitating students' digital skills. Data were collected using Google Forms and analyzed with descriptive statistics that included means, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, percentages and frequencies. Results: The results show that the professors, as a whole, achieved an average score of 3.4 in the complete instrument, with a standard deviation of 1.2. This indicates that professors are in an intermediate range in terms of digital teaching skills, thus suggesting that they have a moderate perception of their digital skills. Conclusions: Professionals, in their teaching role, should feel empowered to address online security issues, use digital assessment tools and customize teaching through technology. By doing so, they will be able to provide a more comprehensive and high-quality education in today's digital age. Therefore, training in digital teaching skills among professors may be a criterion for improving educational quality and students' training in a world where digital skills play a key role.

Validation of the Scale on Parental Feeding Behaviors (ECOPAL) for Caregivers of Mexican Children.

Parental feeding practices can be crucial to preventing childhood obesity. This study aimed to validate a self-applicable instrument for evaluating the diverse parental feeding behaviors of Mexican caregivers based on the theoretical constructs of coercive control, structure, and autonomy support. The scale's content validity achieved significant values when assessed by expert judges, with moderate intensity in congruence (Kendall's W = 0.462; p = 0.000) and clarity (Kendall's W = 0.369; p = 0.001). The participants were 1185 Mexican adults (32.7 ± 7.6 years of age, 97% women, and 90% mothers) responsible for the main meal of at least one child (4.8 ± 3 years old). The data were subdivided randomly for an exploratory factor analysis (n = 581) and a confirmatory factorial analysis (n = 604). The first analysis grouped the items into 11 factors, with an accumulated variance of 63.9%. In the confirmatory analysis, a 10-factor model showed a better fit (CMIN = 1531.5, p < 0.001, CMIN/df = 2.20, RSEA = 0.045, CFI = 0.92, TLI, 0.91, and NFI = 0.87). The factors in this model were (1) the disposition of non-recommended foods, (2) nutritional education, (3) pressure to eat, (4) praise for healthy eating, (5) monitoring of consumption, (6) structured offer of fruits and vegetables, (7) consumption conditioning, (8) overt restriction, (9) guided choices, and (10) covert restriction. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.816. Therefore, this scale presents good psychometric properties with which to evaluate the frequency of child caregivers' feeding behaviors in the context of ten different feeding practices in Mexico's urban areas and contributes to the knowledge of current practices in the Mexican population. It also evaluates changes resulting from future interventions that promote eating practices that favor the formation of healthy eating habits.

Enhanced Polyphenols Recovery from Grape Pomace: A Comparison of Pressurized and Atmospheric Extractions with Deep Eutectic Solvent Aqueous Mixtures.

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are emerging as potent polyphenol extractors under normal atmospheric conditions. Yet, their effectiveness in hot pressurized liquid extraction (HPLE) must be studied more. We explored the ability of various water/DES and water/hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) mixtures in both atmospheric solid liquid extraction (ASLE) and HPLE (50%, 90 °C) for isolating specific polyphenol families from Carménère grape pomace. We assessed extraction yields based on total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and recovery of targeted polyphenols. The HBDs ethylene glycol and glycerol outperformed DES in atmospheric and pressurized extractions. Ethylene glycol exhibited a higher affinity for phenolic acids and flavonols, while flavanols preferred glycerol. Quantum chemical computations indicated that a high-water content in DES mixtures led to the formation of new hydrogen bonds, thereby reducing polyphenol-solvent interactions. HPLE was found to be superior to ASLE across all tested solvents. The elevated pressure in HPLE has caused significant improvement in the recovery of flavanols (17-89%), phenolic acids (17-1000%), and flavonols (81-258%). Scanning electron microscopy analysis of post-extraction residues suggested that high pressures collapse the plant matrix, thus easing polyphenol release.

Relationship between mental fatigue and burnout syndrome in remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review.

This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence available in the literature addressing the relationship between mental fatigue and burnout associated with teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic through an integrative review. This review searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Embase, ScienceDirect, and SciELO using the DeCS and MeSH health sciences descriptors. The included articles were published between March and December 2021, during the pandemic. Of a total of 224 results, 215 articles were excluded and 9 were considered for the preparation of this integrative review. Mental fatigue was related to technostress, somatic symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia (p < 0.05), and loss of motivation (p < 0.05). Burnout was positively associated with work overload, high interdependence, and lower role clarity. The presence of a stressful factor and a protective factor was evidenced in burnout: intrusive leadership and workaholism, respectively. Greater exhaustion was observed in workers belonging to generation X (41 to 55 years old). Mental fatigue is related to exhaustion in the productive, physical, and psychological dimensions of individuals. Addiction to work has moderated this phenomenon, however, it is urgent to limit and optimize work hours as well as promote disconnection and rest among workers within the framework of a healthy work policy.

Este estudo pretendeu analisar as evidências científicas disponíveis na literatura sobre a relação entre fadiga mental e esgotamento associados ao teletrabalho em tempos de pandemia de covid-19 mediante uma revisão integrativa. Esta revisão incluiu a pesquisa nos seguintes bancos de dados: PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Embase, Science Direct e SciELO. Usando os descritores DeCs e MeSH de ciências da saúde, os artigos incluídos foram datados entre março e dezembro de 2021, durante a pandemia. De um total de 224 resultados, 215 artigos foram excluídos, e 9 foram considerados para a elaboração desta revisão integrativa. A fadiga mental foi relacionada ao tecnoestresse, à presença de sintomas somáticos, como ansiedade e insônia (p < 0,05) e à perda de motivação (p < 0,05). O esgotamento foi positivamente associada à sobrecarga, alta interdependência e falta de clareza quanto à função do trabalhador. Evidenciou-se a presença de um fator estressante e de um fator protetor em relação ao esgotamento, como a liderança intrusiva e o vício no trabalho, respectivamente. Observou-se maior exaustão nos trabalhadores da geração X (41 a 55 anos). Concluiu-se que a fadiga mental está relacionada à exaustão nas dimensões produtiva, física e psicológica dos sujeitos. A dependência do trabalho moderou esse fenômeno, porém, é urgente limitar e otimizar as horas de trabalho, bem como promover a desconexão e o descanso dos trabalhadores no âmbito de uma política de trabalho saudável.

Desempeño de PSI/PORT y SOFA para predicción de ventilación mecánica invasiva en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Performance of PSI/PORT and SOFA in predicting mechanical invasive ventilation in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia / Desempenho de PSI/PORT e SOFA para prever ventilação mecânica invasiva na pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2

Resumen Introducción: Son escasas las publicaciones sobre aplicación de escalas pronósticas para predecir el uso de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el desempeño de las escalas PSI/PORT y SOFA para predecir el uso de VMI en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 del 01 de abril al 31 de mayo de 2020. Se realizó análisis de curvas ROC, calculando el área bajo la curva de las escalas PSI/PORT y SOFA, así como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos. Resultados: Se incluyó a 151 pacientes, con edad de 52 años (IQR 45-64); 69.5% eran hombres. Del total, 102 pacientes necesitaron VMI (67.5%). Las áreas bajo las curvas ROC para predecir VMI fueron: SOFA 0.71 (IC 95% 0.64-0.78) y PSI/PORT 0.78 (IC 95% 0.71-0.85). Al compararlas, no hubo significancia estadística (p = 0.08). Conclusiones: Las escalas SOFA y PSI/PORT pueden infraestimar la necesidad de VMI en la neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. En nuestro estudio, SOFA y PSI/PORT no tuvieron un buen desempeño para predecir el uso de VMI en pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Introduction: There are few publications on the application of prognostic scales to predict the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Therefore, the study's objective was to evaluate the performance of PSI/PORT and SOFA in predicting the use of IMV in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Material and methods: A retrospective study that included hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia from April 01, 2020, to May 31, 2020. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for PSI/PORT and SOFA scores, as well as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Results: 151 patients were included, aged 52 years (IQR 45-64); 69.5% were men. Of the total, 102 patients required IMV (67.5%). Area under the curve to predict IMV were: SOFA 0.71 (95% CI 0.64-0.78) and PSI/PORT 0.78 (95% CI 0.71-0.85). When comparing them, there was no statistical significance (p = 0.08). Conclusions: In patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, SOFA and PSI/PORT may underestimate the need for IMV. In our study, SOFA and PSI/PORT score performed fair in predicting IMV use in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Resumo Introdução: Existem poucas publicações sobre a aplicação de escalas prognósticas para prever o uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) na pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o desempenho do PSI/PORT e SOFA para prever o uso de IMV em pacientes com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes internados com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2 entre 1o de abril de 2020 e 31 de maio de 2020. Foi realizada análise da curva ROC, calculando a área sob a curva PSI/PORT e SOFA, bem como a sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 151 pacientes, com idade de 52 anos (IQR 45-64); 69.5% eram homens. Do total, 102 pacientes necessitaram de VMI (67.5%). As áreas sob as curvas ROC para predizer VMI foram: SOFA 0.71 (IC 95% 0.64-0.78) e PSI/PORT 0.78 (IC 95% 0.71-0.85). Ao compará-los, não houve significância estatística (p = 0.08). Conclusões: SOFA e PSI/PORT podem subestimar a necessidade de VMI na pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. Em nosso estudo, SOFA e PSI/PORT não tiveram bom desempenho na previsão do uso de VMI em pacientes hospitalizados com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2.

Análisis de las respuestas cognitivas relacionadas con el diagnóstico de cáncer en pacientes mexicanos / Cognitive response related to cancer diagnosis in Mexican patients

Resumen La evaluación subjetiva ha sido descripta como una variable mediadora para la respuesta emocional. Se presenta con diferentes contenidos y estilos. El estilo cognitivo se refiere a la manera en que se piensa sobre el estresor, por ejemplo: la rumiación (pensamientos intrusivos, repetitivos, que generan malestar emocional), la evitación (intentos por no pensar en el estresor) y el compromiso cognitivo (enfocados en búsqueda de sentido o solución). En base a esta respuesta emocional, se busca explorar y describir los pensamientos relacionados con el cáncer en un grupo de diez pacientes con la enfermedad. En un estudio cualitativo, se les pidió a diez pacientes con cáncer que indicaran los cinco pensamientos más frecuentes desde su diagnóstico. Se analizó el contenido mediante la técnica top down (teoría a contenido) y, a partir de los estilos de respuestas cognitivas, se clasificó el contenido de los pensamientos reportados por estilo de pensamiento (rumiación, compromiso cognitivo o evitación), por temporalidad (pasado, presente y futuro) y por valencia (positiva o negativa). Posteriormente, se hizo el análisis bottom up (contenido a teoría). Se hicieron tablas cruzadas para identificar los contenidos según el estilo de pensamiento, la temporalidad y la valencia. En los pensamientos con estilo rumiativo, el enfoque temporal se dirigía en su mayoría al futuro y al pasado, mientras que el compromiso cognitivo se enfocaba en el presente. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa mediante una prueba de chi cuadrado. Dentro de los temas relacionados con la incertidumbre, se refirieron a la muerte, al pronóstico de la enfermedad, a la respuesta de la familia y a las finanzas (en el futuro) y a las causas y culpa (en el pasado).

Abstract Cancer has been defined by the World Health Organization as "a disease caused by abnormal cells growing uncontrollably in the body, going beyond their usual boundaries, invading adjoining parts of the body and spreading to other organs". Being diagnosed with cancer has been described as an experience with diverse emotional reactions and difficulties in adaptation, having psychological consequences, being most common depression, anxiety and psychological distress; but also, some patients present positive consequences after having a cancer diagnosis, such as post traumatic growth, which includes positive changes presented after the disease experience. Subjective appraisal about cancer has been defined as a mediating variable for the emotional response presented after a stressor, such as cancer diagnosis, treatment, or important changes during disease process (initiating and finalizing treatment, presenting relapse or remission, as well as when having control studies). The subjective appraisal can be presented with different thought content and styles. Thought style is referred as the way thoughts about the stressor are presented, it has been classified as rumination (thoughts that are intrusive and repetitive that also increase psychological distress), cognitive engagement (thoughts associated with problem solving and meaning finding) or avoidance (aiming to stop thinking about stressor or feeling associated with it). Depending on the thought style presented at a stressor, could be the emotional response (anxiety, depression, distress, post-traumatic growth). The aim of the present study was to describe the thoughts (style, content, valence and temporality) related to cancer diagnosis in a group of ten oncologic patients. To identify if differences between thought style, valence and temporality were presented. The study design is qualitative from a phenomenological point of view. Ten oncologic (different cancer type, clinical stage and treatment) patients were asked to write the five more frequent thoughts since their cancer diagnosis. Each thought was classified by: thought style, valence, and temporality (top-down, classifying the thoughts according to theory). The same thoughts were also classified in semantic units (bottom-up, classifying the thoughts according to their own contents), generating concerns from the content. Cross tabs were made to identify contents and temporality for thought style and valence, which were analyzed by chi square to identify differences between thought style, temporality and valence. The most common thought style was cognitive engagement, followed by rumination (almost same frequency). On what respects to thought style and temporality, rumination was more focused on past (causes and attributions of cancer) and future (uncertainty about death and treatment effectiveness); meanwhile, cognitive engagement was focused on present (to enjoy present moment and focus on daily actions). Chi square was made to identify if this difference was significant, showing temporality was significantly different in cognitive engagement and rumination. The concerns identified in study participants were uncertainty about future and disease, family (communication and wellness of the family), finances (due to expensive treatments), causes and guilt about having cancer. Thoughts that were more centered in present, were more likely to be associated with cognitive engagement. Cognitive engagement has been described previously as an important variable associated with post traumatic growth. Thoughts centered in the past and present were more associated with rumination. Rumination has been associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of mediating role of thought style in disease adaptation, emotional response to the disease, and the relation of this adaptation with the perception of quality of life in cancer patients, the design of psychological interventions aiming on promoting cognitive engagement by problem solving skills, meaning finding, and focusing on present could be a research line derived from present studies results.

Retroalimentación estudiantil sobre herramientas sincrónicas y asincrónicas empleadas en ciencias de la salud en la pandemia por COVID-19 / Student feedback on synchronous and asynchronous tools used in health sciences in pandemic by COVID-19

Introducción: El actual escenario por pandemia ha promovido la rápida migración de asignaturas a la modalidad virtual y a la interacción mediante recursos pedagógicos tecnológicos sincrónicos y asincrónicos. Aunque los estudiantes presentan afinidad con el uso de herramientas virtuales, se requiere recoger la retroalimentación respecto de fortalezas y debilidades en la modalidad empleada. El objetivo fue evaluar la estructura de un curso de morfología y fisiología en un entorno virtual de acuerdo con dimensiones pedagógicas, tecnológicas, y de materiales y recursos.Sujetos y métodos.Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el cual participaron 125 estudiantes de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud que cursaban la asignatura de Estructura y Función. Se implementó la asignatura en modalidad virtual en la plataforma Moodle © , incluyendo recursos sincrónicos y asincrónicos. Se evaluó la retroalimentación de los estudiantes mediante un cuestionario y el rendimiento.Resultados.Se evaluaron positivamente las dimensiones pedagógicas y tecnológicas, y los materiales empleados, y se obtuvo una puntuación de 3 ± 0,15. Sin embargo, un 67% de los estudiantes consideró excesiva la demanda temporal requerida y un 61% no cursaría otra asignatura en formato virtual. La aprobación promedio fue de un 76%, y las notas finales oscilaron entre un 4,4 y un 5,2 para las carreras evaluadas.Conclusiones.Es necesario evaluar si el rendimiento obtenido se consolida en el mediano plazo e incorporar herramientas de la plataforma para monitorizar los tiempos que los estudiantes invierten en la resolución de actividades. Se propone implementar capacitaciones previas en los estudiantes sobre el uso de la plataforma, así como priorizar recursos de mayor síntesis y menor duración. (AU)

Introduction: The current pandemic scenario has promoted the rapid migration of subjects to the virtual modality and to interaction through synchronous and asynchronous technological pedagogical resources. Although students have an affinity with the use of virtual tools, it is required to collect feedback regarding strengths and weaknesses in the modality used. The objective was evaluate the structure of a morphology and physiology course in a virtual environment according to pedagogical, technological, and material and resource dimensions.Subjects and methods.Descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 125 students from the School of Health Sciences participated, taking the subject of Structure and Function. The subject was implemented in virtual mode on the Moodle © platform, including synchronous and asynchronous resources. Student feedback was assessed using a questionnaire and performance.Results.The pedagogical technological, and material dimensions used were positively evaluated, obtaining a score of 3.0 ± 0.15 However, 67% of the students considered the required temporary demand excessive and 61% would not take another subject in virtual format. The average approval was 76% and the final grades ranged between 4.4 and 5.2 for the evaluated careers.Conclusions.It is necessary to evaluate whether the performance obtained is consolidated in the medium term and to incorporate platform tools to monitor the time that students invest in solving activities. It is proposed to implement prior training in students on the use of the platform, as well as prioritize resources of greater synthesis and shorter duration. (AU)

Characterization and general health conditions of workers in a Chilean industrial area: a worrying reality.

Introduction: Within the occupational field, changes in the characteristics of work have revealed risks associated with static, repetitive work and litle physical activity, which together with individual health conditions of workers can trigger diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives: To obtain a preliminary characterization of workers in an industrial area, including their health and working conditions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, developed with 69 men who worked in the industrial area of Viña del Mar, Chile. A clinical and occupational evaluation was carried out with the application of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as well as the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Results: The following risk factors were identified: 53.6% of the workers were smokers, 92.8% presented low levels of physical activity, and 70.3% reported feeling pain in body segments that were physically required during their work tasks. Among all workers, 63% were overweight according to their body mass index and 62% presented high systolic pressure. Pain was mostly detected in the spine, and it was slightly associated with forklif operation by older workers (t-test p < 0.05). Conclusions: Workers were in the presence of cardiovascular and occupational risks. It is necessary to promote timely education and training on health conditions and to evaluate risks associated with machinery operation in order to prevent work-related pain.

Introdução: No âmbito ocupacional, as mudanças no estilo de trabalho têm mostrado riscos associados ao trabalho estático, repetitivo e à pouca atividade física, fatores que, somados às condições individuais de saúde dos trabalhadores, podem favorecer o aparecimento de doenças e distúrbios musculoesqueléticos. Objetivos: Obter uma caracterização preliminar dos trabalhadores da indústria, incluindo a saúde e as condições de trabalho. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 69 homens que trabalham na indústria de Viña del Mar, Chile. Realizaram-se avaliação clínica e ocupacional e aplicaram-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física juntamente com o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Resultados: Identificaram-se os seguintes fatores de risco: 53,6% dos trabalhadores era tabagista, 92,8% apresentava baixo nível de atividade física, 70,3% declarou sentir dor em segmentos corporais necessários à realização de tarefas do trabalho. Dos trabalhadores, 63% tinha sobrepeso, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal, e 62% apresentava pressão sistólica alta. As dores foram detectadas principalmente na coluna vertebral e estavam ligeiramente associadas à operação de empilhadeira por trabalhadores mais velhos (teste t p < 0,05). Conclusões: Os trabalhadores encontravam-se diante de riscos cardiovasculares e ocupacionais. É necessário promover educação e treinamento adequados em relação às condições de saúde e avaliar os riscos associados à operação de equipamentos, a fim de evitar dores relacionadas ao trabalho.

Diversity of insect antimicrobial peptides and proteins - A functional perspective: A review.

The innate immune response of insects provides a robust line of defense against pathogenic microbes and eukaryotic parasites. It consists of two types of overlapping immune responses, named humoral and cellular, which share protective molecules and regulatory mechanisms that closely coordinate to prevent the spread and replication of pathogens within the compromised insect hemocoel. The major feature of the humoral part of the insect immune system involves the production and secretion of antimicrobial peptides from the fat body, which is considered analogous to adipose tissue and liver in vertebrates. Previous research has identified and characterized the nature of antimicrobial peptides that are directed against various targets during the different stages of infection. Here we review this information focusing mostly on the diversity and mode of action of these host defense components, and their critical contribution to maintaining host homeostasis. Extending this knowledge is paramount for understanding the evolution of innate immune function and the physiological balance required to provide sufficient protection to the host against external enemies while avoiding overactivation signaling events that would severely undermine physiological stability.

Diseño y análisis de propiedades psicométricas del Inventario de Estilos de Pensamiento en Respuesta al Cáncer (IEPRaC) / Design and psychometric properties analysis of the Thought Style in Response to Cancer Inventory (IEPRaC)

Una de las variables que ha sido definida como mediadora para la respuesta emocional ante el cáncer es el estilo de pensamiento. En contextos patológicos (por ejemplo, rumiación en depresión), y también en contextos normativos, se ha sugerido que el estilo de pensamiento puede predecir el ajuste ante un estresor. Existen instrumentos para evaluar de manera independiente los estilos de pensamiento (rumiación, evitación experiencial), pero ninguno está adaptado para población oncológica y ninguno incluye los tres estilos de pensamiento (rumiación, evitación y compromiso cognitivo). Objetivo: diseñar y estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento que mida estilos de pensamiento en respuesta al diagnóstico oncológico. Método: Estudio instrumental, dividido en dos fases: la primera, elaboración de reactivos y jueceo de expertos y la segunda, análisis de propiedades psicométricas. Resultados: La versión final cuenta 15 ítems. La estructura interna resultó de tres factores, obtenidos a partir de un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio y corroborada mediante un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio. Los valores de alfa de cronbach de las escalas resultaron adecuadas: la de Rumiación resultó de 0,87, la de Compromiso cognitivo de , 0,82 y de 0,72 la de evitación. Todos los ítems cuentan con evidencias de validez de contenido y propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias. La escala de Compromiso cognitivo fue la que obtuvo la puntuación media mayor y la de Rumiación mostró la menor. Conclusión: El Inventario de Estilos de Pensamiento en Respuesta al Cáncer (IEPRaC) cuenta con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para ser utilizado en población oncológica mexicana (AU)

Thought style has been defined as one of the mediating variables to emotional response at a cancer diagnosis. It has been reported in pathological contexts (rumination in depression), but also in normative ones, it has been suggested that thought styles can predict adjustment to a stressor. There are measurement scales used to assess thought style independently (rumination, experiential avoidance), but none of them is adapted for oncologic population and none of them include all three thought styles. Aim: To design and assess psychometric properties of a scale of thought styles in response to a cancer diagnosis. Method: Instrumental Study, divided in two phases: the first, item elaboration and expert judge; the second, psychometric properties analysis. Results: Final version counts with 15 items. Intern Structure resulted in three factors, obtained by an Exploratory Factorial Analysis and corroborated by a Confirmatory Factorial Analisis. Cronbach’s alphas for the subscales resulted appropriate: for rumination 0.87, for cognitive engagement 0.82 and 0.72 for avoidance. All items have evidence for content validity and adequate psychometric properties. Results of Cognitive Engagement subscale had the higher mean and Rumination subscale was the lowest. Conclusion: Thought style in response to a cancer diagnosis scale (IERPaC) has adequate psychometric properties to be used in Mexican oncologic patients (AU)

Desorden músculo esquelético en extremidad superior: valoración de riesgos e intervención en trabajadores del área industrial / Skeletal muscle disorder in the upper limb: risk assessment and intervention in workers in industrial area

Resumen: Los trabajadores del área industrial están expuestos a desórdenes músculo esqueléticos (DME). Objetivos: Evaluar los factores de riesgo de una actividad laboral valorando los efectos de una intervención sobre los trabajadores. Material y Métodos: Estudio experimental sobre 69 trabajadores varones. Se aplicó cuestionario nórdico y ortopedia, lista chequeo TMERT, OCRA y RULA. Se implementó aplicación móvil para capacitar a trabajadores en manejo de signos-síntomas sugerentes de DME. Resultados: Un 89,6% de los trabajadores presentó dolor. Factores de riesgo considerados por la lista de chequeo, fueron “alto”, “elevado” y “crítico” respectivamente para los puestos de trabajo examinados. Un 54,35% de los trabajadores utilizó la aplicación móvil. Evolución positiva fue en promedio un 40% para mano y hombro, 80% para compromiso bicipital y túnel carpiano y 100% de epicondilitis. Conclusiones: Se sugiere promover programas de intervención preventiva y profundizar estudio sobre efecto de pausas y rotación de puestos de trabajo (AU)

Objectives: Evaluate the risk of work activity evaluating the effects of an intervention on workers. Material and Methods: Experimental study on 69 male workers. Nordic and orthopedic questionnaire, TMERT, OCRA and RULA check list were applied. A mobile application was implemented to train workers in the management of signs and symptoms suggestive of musculoskeletal disorder. Results: 89.6% of the workers presented pain. Risk factors considered by the TMERT, OCRA, and RULA check list were “high”, “elevated”, and “critical” respectively for the jobs examined. 54.35% of the workers used the mobile application. Positive evolution was on average 40% for hand and shoulder, 80% for bicipital involvement and carpal tunnel and 100% for epicondylitis. Conclusions: It is suggested to promote preventive intervention programs and to deepen the study on the effect of breaks and job rotation (AU)

Apoyo y barreras sociales en el comportamiento alimentario de mujeres con obesidad / Support and social barriers received and given in the food behavior of obesity women

Resumen Una de las principales causas de la obesidad es la alimentación. La alimentación forma parte del medio social, y algunas de las variables sociales vinculadas con el bienestar y la salud son el apoyo y las barreras sociales. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las diferencias en comportamiento alimentario, así como apoyo y barreras sociales recibidas y proporcionadas en mujeres con obesidad vs. normopeso en un contexto natural de alimentación. Participaron cinco mujeres con obesidad y cinco normopeso, quienes fueron videograbadas por cuatro días consecutivos durante el momento de la "comida" en su hogar. El alimento fue registrado y pesado; las conductas de alimentación, de apoyo y las barreras sociales fueron registradas a partir de catálogos de observación sistemática elaborados exprofeso. Los resultados mostraron que las mujeres con obesidad ingirieron más frecuentemente, y en mayor cantidad, bebidas endulzadas, antojitos mexicanos fritos y comida rápida. Además, fueron objeto de más barreras instrumentales que les impedían alimentarse saludablemente. En conclusión, es necesario abordar el medio social en el que la alimentación tiene lugar, ya que el tipo de interacciones sociales pueden jugar un papel importante en la alimentación.

Abstract One of the main causes of obesity is food. Food is part of the social environment and some of the social variables that have been linked to well-being and health are support and social barriers. Therefore, the aim was to analyze the differences on eating behavior, support and social barriers received and given between obesity women vs. normal weight women in the natural feeding context. Five women with obesity and five with normal weight participated, who were videotaped with their consent four consecutive days during the feeding time of the "food" in their home; food was recorded and weighed. We recorded eating behaviors, and behaviors of support and social barriers from a systematic observation catalog prepared exprofeso. The results showed that women with obesity ingested a greater frequency and quantity of sweetened beverages, fried Mexican snacks and fast food. In addition, they received a greater frequency of instrumental barriers to eat healthy. In conclusion, it is necessary to address the social environment in which food takes place, since the type of social interactions may be playing an important role in food.

Desarrollo y evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas de la escala Etapas de Cambio en la Reducción del Sobrepeso Infantil (ECARSI) / Development and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Stage to Change in the Reduction of Childhood Overweight Scale (SCROS)

INTRODUCCIÓN: el sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil alrededor del mundo siguen en aumento; sin embargo, los padres de niños con sobrepeso y obesidad suelen subestimarlos, por lo cual no se preocupan por los riesgos que se asocian al sobrepeso y la obesidad, lo cual obstaculiza su tratamiento oportuno. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del presente trabajo fue desarrollar y evaluar las características psicométricas de la escala "Etapas de cambio para la reducción del sobrepeso Infantil" (ECARSI). MÉTODO: participaron un total de 484 mujeres con hijos en edad escolar, clasificados con sobrepeso el 34,1 % y con obesidad el 65,9 %, quienes respondieron la escala. Se realizaron análisis de discriminación de ítems y de consistencia interna por medio de la alfa de Cronbach y el análisis factorial exploratorio. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo una consistencia interna, por medio de la alfa de Cronbach, de 0,789 con 16 elementos; el AFE arrojó 4 factores con valores propios mayores de 1, que explican el 62,89 % de la varianza total. Los ítems se agruparon en las siguientes dimensiones: Precontemplación (4 ítems), Contemplación (4 ítems), Preparación (4 ítems) y Acción (4 ítems). CONCLUSIONES: la ECARSI cuenta con adecuados índices de confiabilidad y evidencias de validez para evaluar la etapa de disposición al cambio en que se encuentran los padres de los niños(as) con sobrepeso y obesidad, lo cual permitirá un mejor tamizaje para determinar el tipo de intervención más pertinente para cada niño(a) y su familia

OBJECTIVES: the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the "Stage of change in the reduction of childhood overweight" scale by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and its reliability. This questionnaire is a new measure to identify the stage of awareness of the problem, and the willingness to change, in parents of children with overweight and obesity, based on the transtheoretical model by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983). METHOD: the study involved 484 women with school-aged children, of which 65.9 % were classified with obesity, and 34.1 % with overweight. RESULTS: the SCROS psychometric characteristics were assessed, obtaining an internal consistency of 0.789 using Cronbach's alpha with 16 elements (items). By means of the Exploratory Factor Analysis four factors were obtained with eigen values higher than one, which explained 62.89 % of the total variance. The items were grouped in the following dimensions: Preparation (4 items), Precontemplation (4 items), Contemplation (4 items), and Action (4 items). CONCLUSIONS: the SCROS is a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate the stage in which parents of children with overweight and obesity problems are located, which will allow us to design more suitable interventions for these children and their families

Affirmative action programs and network benefits in the number of board positions.

Whereas governments are increasingly considering affirmative action programs to increase corporate board diversity, the effect of such programs can be superficial as they do not address the underlying problem, which is women's access to and inclusion in relevant corporate networks. To address this issue, we study the relationship among affirmative action programs (binding gender quotas and non-binding gender targets), director networks, and the number of board positions individual directors hold given their gender. We use personal, professional, and network characteristics of 25,127 unique directors from 2,435 public firms in 32 European countries over the period of 2000 through 2017. We find that in the absence of affirmative action programs, women directors benefit less from their networks than men directors suggesting the existence of a gender gap in network benefits. After the passage of binding gender quotas, this gender gap in network benefits narrows between women and men directors. Overall, this research suggests that binding gender quotas make director networks a more salient tool for hiring women and may help in leveling the playing field in the way these networks are used for achieving top management positions.

Talleres y evaluaciones de proceso: una herramienta que mejora el rendimiento en asignaturas integradas / Workshops and Process Evaluations: Tools that Improve Performance in Integrated Subjects / Workshops e avaliações de processo: uma ferramenta que melhora o rendimento em disciplinas integradas

Resumen Introducción: una tendencia actual en la educación superior es fusionar materias y articular las asignaturas integradas; sin embargo, hay menor rendimiento y un incremento de la reprobación. Se ha descrito como favorable la aplicación de evaluaciones de procesos como instrumentos de enseñanza y aprendizaje en ciencias de la salud, criterio pertinente de considerar en asignaturas de gran volumen de contenidos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue valorar el efecto de la evaluación del proceso sobre una asignatura integrada de anatomía y fisiología en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud y su relación con el rendimiento. Materiales y métodos: estudio experimental con 144 estudiantes de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud en la asignatura de Estructura y Función, distribuidos en dos grupos: control y experimental. Se diseñó e implementó una intervención metodológica para evaluar su efecto en el rendimiento académico. Resultados: la intervención del proceso en el grupo control experimental mejoró el rendimiento comparado con el grupo control tanto en el promedio como en las evaluaciones parciales de cada unidad (t-test < 0.05). En el grupo experimental se registró un incremento del rendimiento entre el 59 % y el 83 % de los estudiantes. Adicionalmente, la mejora progresiva modificó la condición de reprobación a aprobación en un 27 % de los estudiantes tras la intervención (Anova: p < 0.05). Conclusión: la incorporación de evaluaciones de proceso parece ser una favorable herramienta para descomprimir las materias, aplicar lo aprendido, realizar seguimiento a las metodologías de estudio y mejorar el rendimiento de los estudiantes.

Abstract Introduction: A current trend in higher education is to merge subjects together to create one integrated or joint subject. However, an important effect of this integration has been reduced student performance and an increase in subject failures. A possible way to combat this issue may be through a favorable relationship that has been described between the application of process evaluations as teaching and learning instruments in health sciences, especially for the subjects that have a large volume of content. The objective of this study was to assess the effect that this evaluation may have on students' performance in the integrated subject of anatomy and physiology in Health Sciences. Materials and methods: This was an experimental study consisting of 144 students from the School of Health Sciences who were studying the subject of Structure and Function and were distributed amongst two groups: control and experimental. A methodological intervention was designed and implemented to assess its effect on academic performance. Results: The intervention of this process in the experimental control group showed an improvement in students' performance compared to that of the control group both in the average and in the partial evaluations of each unit (t-test < 0.05). In the experimental group, there was an increase in performance between 59% and 83% of the total number of students. Additionally, the progressive improvement modified the condition of disapproval to that of approval in 27% of the students after the intervention, Anova p < 0.05. Conclusion: The incorporation of process evaluations seems to be a favorable tool to decompress subjects taught in schools, to apply what students have initially learned, to follow up on the study methodologies, and improve overall student performance.

Resumo Introdução: uma tendência atual na educação superior é fusionar disciplinas e articular as disciplinas integradas; no entanto, há menor desempenho e um incremento da reprovação. Se tem descrito como favorável a aplicado de avaliações de processos como instrumentos de ensino e aprendizagem em ciências da saúde, critério pertinente de considerar em disciplinas de grande volume de conteúdo. O objetivo é valorar o efeito da avaliação do processo sobre uma disciplina integrada de anatomia e fisiologia em estudantes de ciências da saúde e sua relação com o desempenho. Materiais e métodos: estudo experimental com 144 estudantes da Escola de Ciências da Saúde na disciplina de Estrutura e Função, distribuídos em dois grupos: controle e experimental. Se desenhou e implementou uma intervenção metodológica para avaliar seu efeito no desempenho académico. Resultados: a intervenção do processo no grupo controle experimental melhorou o desempenho comparado com o grupo controle tanto na média quanto nas avaliações parciais de cada unidade (t-test < 0.05). No grupo experimental se registrou um incremento do desempenho entre o 59% e o 83% dos estudantes. Adicionalmente, a melhora progressiva modificou a condição de reprovação a aprovação em um 27% dos estudantes após a intervenção (Anova: p < 0.05). Conclusão: a incorporado de avaliações de processo parece ser uma ferramenta favorável para descomprimir as matérias, aplicar o aprendido, realizar seguimento as metodologias de estudo e melhorar o rendimento dos estudantes.

Uso de mapas conceptuales en Razonamiento Clínico como herramienta para favorecer el rendimiento académico / The Usage of Conceptual Maps in the Subject Clinical Reasoning as a Tool for Improving Academic Performance

Introducción: Las dificultades presentes en la educación en ciencias de la salud son experimentadas por docentes y estudiantes en las asignaturas disciplinares. Los profesores requieren entregar y evaluar gran volumen de contenidos y los alumnos deben asimilar estos rápidamente para obtener un adecuado rendimiento. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la creación de mapas conceptuales sobre el rendimiento, en la asignatura Razonamiento Clínico de la carrera de kinesiología de una universidad privada de la V región, Chile. Métodos: Estudio cuasi experimental, en el que participaron dos grupos: control y experimental. En el grupo experimental se aplicó la intervención con la incorporación de la herramienta de creación de mapas conceptuales en dos unidades temáticas. Se evaluó el rendimiento pre- y posintervención. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por dos grupos de estudiantes de Kinesiología (n = 55), que cursaron la asignatura Razonamiento Clínico del séptimo semestre, correspondiente al primer semestre de 2017 de la malla curricular en la carrera de kinesiología, en una universidad privada de la ciudad de la V región, Chile. Resultados: El rendimiento pre- y posintervención indicó una diferencia significativa en las calificaciones correspondientes a las unidades II y III en el grupo experimental (t-test pareado p < 0,0001). Al comparar el desempeño entre ambos grupos: control y experimental, este último obtuvo un promedio de notas significativamente superior al grupo control en las unidades II y III (t-test, p < 0,0001). La unidad I no presentó diferencias notables entre el grupo control con respecto al experimental (ANOVA/Bonferroni post hoc test, p > 0,05). Conclusiones: La estrategia de crear mapas conceptuales incrementa el rendimiento en la asignatura Razonamiento Crítico para abordar problemas clínicos. La creación de mapas conceptuales favorece el aprendizaje y permite identificar habilidades que denotan mayor dificultad en los estudiantes. Se propone la incorporación de estos mapas en formación sistemática como herramienta de enseñanza y evaluación(AU)

Introduction: The difficulties present in health sciences education are experienced by teachers and students in disciplinary subjects. Teachers need to deliver and evaluate large volumes of content and students must assimilate these quickly in order to obtain adequate performance. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of creating conceptual maps on performance, in the subject Clinical Reasoning of the Kinesiology major of a private university of the V Region, Chile. Methods: Quasiexperimental study with the participation of two groups, a control group and an experimental group. In the experimental group, the intervention was applied with the incorporation of the tool for creating conceptual maps in two thematic units. Pre- and post-intervention performance was evaluated. The study population consisted of two groups of students of Kinesiology (n=55), who attended the subject Clinical Reasoning of the seventh semester, corresponding to the first semester of 2017, of the curriculum in the Kinesiology major at a private university in the city of the V region, Chile. Results: The pre- and post-intervention performance indicated a significant difference in the qualifications corresponding to units II and III in the experimental group (paired t-test p<0.0001). When comparing the performance between both groups, control and experimental, the latter obtained an average of significantly higher scores than the control group in units II and III (t-test, p < 0.0001). Unit I did not show notable differences between the control group and the experimental group (ANOVA/Bonferroni post hoc test, p > 0.05). Conclusions: The strategy of creating conceptual maps increases the performance in the subject Critical Reasoning, for the addressing of clinical problems. The creation of conceptual maps favors learning and allows the identification of skills that denote greater difficulty in students. The incorporation of these maps in systematic training is proposed as a teaching and evaluation tool(AU)

Defensins: Transcriptional regulation and function beyond antimicrobial activity.

Defensins are one the largest group of antimicrobial peptides and are part of the innate defence. Defensins are produced by animals, plants and fungi. In animals and plants, defensins can be constitutively or differentially expressed both locally or systemically which confer defence before and a stronger response after infection. Immune signalling pathways regulate the gene expression of defensins. These pathways include cellular receptors, which recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns and are found both in plants and animals. After recognition, signalling pathways and, subsequently, transcriptional factors are activated. There is an increasing number of novel functions in defensins, such as immunomodulators and immune cell attractors. Identification of defensin triggers could help us to elucidate other new functions. The present article reviews the different elicitors of defensins with a main focus on human, fish and marine invertebrate defensins.