Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Phaeoacremonium venezuelense: The first clinical case report in Costa Rica.

Phaeoacremonium is a genus of dematiaceous fungi that rarely causes human infections. We describe a case of subcutaneous infection in a 70-year-old diabetic man with lesions on the dorsum of the one foot. The agent was isolated, and for the final identification we performed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and DNA sequencing. After diagnosis, the patient underwent curettage of the cyst and received 100mg of Itraconazole, twice daily for 6 months. Clinical resolution of the lesion was observed after treatment. This is the first case of infection by Phaeoacremonium venezuelense reported in Costa Rica.

Mitochondrial and ribosomal markers in the identification of nematodes of clinical and veterinary importance.

BACKGROUND: Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show. METHODS: Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed. RESULTS: The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups.

Phylogenomics of Leptospira santarosai, a prevalent pathogenic species in the Americas.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a complex zoonotic disease mostly caused by a group of eight pathogenic species (L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. kirschneri, L. mayottensis, L. noguchii, L. santarosai, L. weilii, L. alexanderi), with a wide spectrum of animal reservoirs and patient outcomes. Leptospira interrogans is considered as the leading causative agent of leptospirosis worldwide and it is the most studied species. However, the genomic features and phylogeography of other Leptospira pathogenic species remain to be determined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we investigated the genome diversity of the main pathogenic Leptospira species based on a collection of 914 genomes from strains isolated around the world. Genome analyses revealed species-specific genome size and GC content, and an open pangenome in the pathogenic species, except for L. mayottensis. Taking advantage of a new set of genomes of L. santarosai strains isolated from patients in Costa Rica, we took a closer look at this species. L. santarosai strains are largely distributed in America, including the Caribbean islands, with over 96% of the available genomes originating from this continent. Phylogenetic analysis showed high genetic diversity within L. santarosai, and the clonal groups identified by cgMLST were strongly associated with geographical areas. Serotype identification based on serogrouping and/or analysis of the O-antigen biosynthesis gene loci further confirmed the great diversity of strains within the species. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, we report a comprehensive genome analysis of pathogenic Leptospira species with a focus on L. santarosai. Our study sheds new light onto the genomic diversity, evolutionary history, and epidemiology of leptospirosis in America and globally. Our findings also expand our knowledge of the genes driving O-antigen diversity. In addition, our work provides a framework for understanding the virulence and spread of L. santarosai and for improving its surveillance in both humans and animals.

Coat Color in Local Goats: Influence on Environmental Adaptation and Productivity, and Use as a Selection Criterion.

This paper aims to review, systematically synthesize, and analyze fragmented information about the importance of coat color in local goats and its relationship with productivity and other important traits. Topics on current research on color expression are addressed, the relationship that has as a mechanism of environmental adaptation, its relationship with the production of meat, milk, and derivates, and the economic value of this characteristic. The use of this attribute as a tool to establish selection criteria in breeding programs based on results reported in the scientific literature is significant, particularly for low-income production systems, where the implementation of classic genetic improvement schemes is limited due to the lack of productive information, which is distinctive of extensive marginal or low scaled production systems around the world.

Proposal of a sustainability index for intermunicipal cooperation on waste management.

The management of solid waste is one of the biggest challenges for sustainability. Aiming at gains of scale, guaranteeing universal access and the technical and economic viability of the services, intermunicipal cooperation has been implemented in several countries, and in Brazil, it presents itself as one of the main instruments of public policies in the sector of sanitation. The main objective of this article is to propose a set of indicators and the construction of an index to evaluate the performance of regionalized management of urban solid waste, applying them to intermunicipal public consortia operating in Brazil. Based on the Delphi methodology, a total of 15 indicators were defined, divided into 5 sustainability dimensions, used for the construction of the Regionalized Urban Solid Waste Management Performance Index (IDGRSU). In Brazil, the performance of regionalized management was classified as Regular for most of the operating consortia analysed. The adequacy of the final disposal in regional sanitary landfills is the common practice among the municipalities, and consequently, the reduction of the areas of dumps represents the main advance in the management. The index developed proved to be an important instrument to support municipalities and consortia for waste management, contributing to the implementation of sustainable strategies and to the development of policies, and its application in other countries is feasible, regardless of the size of the municipalities.

Lower Limb Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation with Flexible Joints and Movement Routines Commanded by Electromyography and Baropodometry Sensors.

This paper presents the development of an instrumented exoskeleton with baropodometry, electromyography, and torque sensors. The six degrees of freedom (Dof) exoskeleton has a human intention detection system based on a classifier of electromyographic signals coming from four sensors placed in the muscles of the lower extremity together with baropodometric signals from four resistive load sensors placed at the front and rear parts of both feet. In addition, the exoskeleton is instrumented with four flexible actuators coupled with torque sensors. The main objective of the paper was the development of a lower limb therapy exoskeleton, articulated at hip and knees to allow the performance of three types of motion depending on the detected user's intention: sitting to standing, standing to sitting, and standing to walking. In addition, the paper presents the development of a dynamical model and the implementation of a feedback control in the exoskeleton.

Genomic Characterization of Three Novel Bartonella Strains in a Rodent and Two Bat Species from Mexico.

Rodents and bats are the most diverse mammal group that host Bartonella species. In the Americas, they were described as harboring Bartonella species; however, they were mostly characterized to the genotypic level. We describe here Bartonella isolates obtained from blood samples of one rodent (Peromyscus yucatanicus from San José Pibtuch, Yucatan) and two bat species (Desmodus rotundus from Progreso, and Pteronotus parnellii from Chamela-Cuitzmala) from Mexico. We sequenced and described the genomic features of three Bartonella strains and performed phylogenomic and pangenome analyses to decipher their phylogenetic relationships. The mouse-associated genome was closely related to Bartonella vinsonii. The two bat-associated genomes clustered into a single distinct clade in between lineages 3 and 4, suggesting to be an ancestor of the rodent-associated Bartonella clade (lineage 4). These three genomes showed <95% OrthoANI values compared to any other Bartonella genome, and therefore should be considered as novel species. In addition, our analyses suggest that the B. vinsonii complex should be revised, and all B. vinsonii subspecies need to be renamed and considered as full species. The phylogenomic clustering of the bat-associated Bartonella strains and their virulence factor profile (lack of the Vbh/TraG conjugation system remains of the T4SS) suggest that it should be considered as a new lineage clade (L5) within the Bartonella genus.

Análisis psicométrico de la Escala de Estrés Percibido (PSS-14 y PSS-10) en un grupo de docentes de Copiapó, Chile / Psychometric Analysis of the Perceived Stress Scales (PSS-14 and PSS-10) in a group of Teachers from Copiapó, Chile

Antecedentes: el estrés percibido hace referencia al grado en que las personas perciben las demandas de su entorno como impredecibles e incontrolables. Las escalas PSS-14 y PSS-10 son los instrumentos más utilizados a nivel mundial para evaluar este constructo. Objetivo: describir las propiedades psicométricas de la EEP de 14 y 10 ítems en docentes chilenos, e indagar la invarianza estructural de sus modelos según el sexo de los/as docentes. Método: se efectuó un estudio instrumental en una muestra de 206 profesores. Resultados: el análisis factorial confirmatorio, a través de un método de máxima verosimilitud robusto (MLR), mostró los mejores indicadores de ajuste en los modelos de dos factores relacionados: en el PSS-14 (χ² = 166.693, gl = 76, p < .001; CFI = .918; TLI = .901; RMSEA = .076) y en el PSS-10 (χ² = 59.979, gl = 34, p < .001; CFI = .968; TLI = .957; RMSEA = .061). Los coeficientes ω de McDonald fueron favorables para los factores de ambas escalas. Asimismo, se constató la invarianza de la estructura de dos factores para hombres y mujeres en los dos instrumentos. Conclusión: se concluye que estos antecedentes avalarían el uso de estos instrumentos en docentes chilenos. Palabras claves: estrés; profesores; validez; confiabilidad; invarianza; Chile.

Background: Perceived stress refers to the degree to which people perceive the demands of their environment as unpredictable and uncontrollable. The PSS-14 and PSS-10 scales are the most widely used instruments worldwide to assess this construct. Objective: To describe the psychometric properties of the EEP 14 and 10 items in Chilean teachers, and to investigate the structural invariance of its models according to teachers' gender. Method: An instrumental study was carried out in a sample of 206 teachers. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis, using a robust maximum likelihood (MLR) method, showed the best fit indicators in the models of two related factors: in the PSS-14 (χ² = 166.693, df = 76, p < .001; CFI = .918; TLI = .901; RMSEA = .076) and in the PSS-10 (χ² = 59.979, df = 34, p < .001; CFI = .968; TLI = .957; RMSEA = .061). The McDonald's ω coefficients were favorable for the factors of both scales. Likewise, the invariance of the two-factor structure for men and women in the two instruments was verified. Conclusion: It is concluded that these antecedents would support the use of these instruments in Chilean teachers. Keywords: stress; teachers; validity; reliability; comparison of invariances; Chile.

Life Satisfaction and Academic Engagement in Chileans Undergraduate Students of the University of Atacama.

The growing problem of mental health in the university population, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, has generated the need to consider positive variables to address this situation. Life satisfaction and academic engagement are two constructs that emerge as conceptual tools oriented in this direction. The present study sought to describe the effect of academic engagement on life satisfaction in a sample of Chilean university students. A cross-sectional co-relational design was used. A total of 370 university students participated, 72.4% female and 27.6% male, aged beitive effect of engagement on life satisfaction was demonstrated, where the dimensions vigor (ß = 0.462; p < 0.01) and dedication (ß = 0.465; p < 0.01) acted as significant predictors (χ2 = 87.077, gl = 32, p < 0.01; χ2/gl = 2.721; CFI = 975; TLI = 0.964; RMSEA = 0.068). The proposed model showed factorial invariance according to sex. The usefulness of employing these constructs as a way to manage the well-being and mental health of students in university institutions is discussed.

Design and Implementation of a Rehabilitation Upper-limb Exoskeleton Robot Controlled by Cognitive and Physical Interfaces.

This paper presents an upper limb exoskeleton that allows cognitive (through electromyography signals) and physical user interaction (through load cells sensors) for passive and active exercises that can activate neuroplasticity in the rehabilitation process of people who suffer from a neurological injury. For the exoskeleton to be easily accepted by patients who suffer from a neurological injury, we used the ISO9241-210:2010 as a methodology design process. As the first steps of the design process, design requirements were collected from previous usability tests and literature. Then, as a second step, a technological solution is proposed, and as a third step, the system was evaluated through performance and user testing. As part of the technological solution and to allow patient participation during the rehabilitation process, we have proposed a hybrid admittance control whose input is load cell or electromyography signals. The hybrid admittance control is intended for active therapy exercises, is easily implemented, and does not need musculoskeletal modeling to work. Furthermore, electromyography signals classification models and features were evaluated to identify the best settings for the cognitive human-robot interaction.

Bienestar psicológico y variables sociodemográficas en una muestra de trabajadores y estudiantes universitarios chilenos / Psychological Wellbeing and Sociodemographic Variables in a Sample of Chilean University Workers and Students

Resumen A partir del concepto de Bienestar Psicológico de Carol Ryff (1989), el objetivo del presente estudio fue describir y comparar este constructo en trabajadores de diversas industrias y estudiantes de educación superior. La muestra fue de 415 participantes, seleccionados mediante muestreo de tipo no probabilístico intencional. Del total de la muestra, el 76.9 % (n = 319) fueron trabajadores de industrias y un 23.1 % (n=96) estudiantes de educación superior. Se utilizó la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff (Diaz et ál, 2006) en su versión adaptada. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre trabajadores y estudiantes. Las mayores diferencias se observan al comparar la muestra según ingresos familiares. Según el sexo y la edad solo se encuentran diferencias en el componente de relaciones positivas. Es posible concluir respecto al importante papel del trabajo sobre el bienestar psicológico y de cómo este varía de acuerdo a las condiciones socioeconómicas del trabajador y del rubro en el cual se desempeña.

Abstract Based on Carol Ryff's (1989) concept of psychological well-being, this study aimed to describe and compare this construct in workers from various industries and higher education students. The sample was of an intentional non-probabilistic type and consisted of 415 participants; 76.9% (n = 319) were workers from three types of industries and 23.1% (n = 96) were higher education students. Data collection was carried out using the adapted version of the Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale (Diaz et al, 2006). The results show significant differences between workers and students. The greatest differences are observed when comparing the sample according to family income. According to sex and age, differences are found only in the positive relationships component. It is possible to conclude the importance of the role of the work on psychological wellbeing and how it varies according to the socioeconomic conditions of the worker and the field in which he/she works.

Tick-borne pathogens in neotropical animals in Trinidad, West Indies.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption. METHODS: Thin blood smears from 43 neotropical animals were examined microscopically for tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplification of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia while the gltA gene was used for Bartonella, and Rickettsia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia, Hepatozoon and Theileria species. RESULTS: Pathogen DNA was amplified from four samples (a deer, collared peccary and two agoutis). Sequencing of the amplified products from the deer and collared peccary revealed 99.8% homology to Anaplasma bovis and 98.8% homology to Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Sequences from two agoutis revealed 90.4% homology to Theileria spp. DNA of Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp. Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the screened samples. An incidental finding in this study was the presence of bacteria in the blood of animals. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the DNA of tick-transmitted pathogens is present at a frequency of about 10% in the study population and suggests that neotropical mammals may serve as a source for the potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. In addition, physicians and hunters should be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens so that these infections can be recognised, diagnosed and treated promptly. Bacteria present in carcasses can pose a food safety hazard and hunters should be trained in proper harvesting and handling of carcasses.

Tendencias sociodemográficas en mortalidad por suicidio en la región de Atacama, Chile, 2010-2017 / Sociodemographic trends in suicide mortality in the Atacama region, Chile, 2010- 2017

La presente investigación buscó caracterizar la población suicida de la Región de Atacama entre los años 2010-2017. Asimismo, pretendió describir los casos en los cuales se constató intentos previos que pasaron por la atención del Sistema de Salud. Se realizó un estudio de tipo epidemiológico descriptivo donde se revisaron estadísticas del Servicio Médico Legal y del Servicio de Salud. El análisis se realizó a partir de los 266 casos registrados y tipificados como suicidios por el Servicio Médico Legal en el periodo estudiado. Se describieron las tasas anuales regionales y comunales, y se compararon los casos por sexo, edad, causa de muerte, estado civil, actividad laboral, nacionalidad, fecha de muerte y presencia de sustancias. Se constató un comportamiento semejante al nacional, evidenciándose una primacía de hombres, solteros, con un promedio de edad de 38,8 años, dedicado a oficios, quienes usaron preferentemente como método el ahorcamiento. Se destaca de manera significativa la ocurrencia de suicidios en el periodo octubre-enero. Se discute respecto a la necesidad de profundizar esta problemática a partir de variables socioambientales, con el fin de explicar las diferencias comunales detectadas, y problematizar los datos a nivel local, en búsqueda de favorecer la prevención.

Suicide is a major global, national, and regional public health problem. The present investigation sought to characterise the suicidal population of the Atacama Region between 2010-2017. It also describes the cases with previous attempts detected by the Health System. The analysis is based on 266 registered cases classified as suicides by the Legal Medical Service in the studied period. The annual regional and city rates are described, and the cases are compared by gender, age, cause of death, marital status, work activity, nationality, date of death and presence of substances. The behaviour observed is similar to the national one, which reflects evidence of a predominance of single men with an average age of 38.8 years, of different trades, who preferably used hanging. The study underscores the occurrence of suicides in the period October-January. The study raises the need to go deep into this problem, considering socio-environmental variables to explain the detected differences between cities and analysing the local data to favour prevention.

Salud Mental y Apoyo Social en habitantes de Copiapó, Chile, en el contexto de la COVID-19 / Mental Health and Social Support in the inhabitants of Copiapó, Chile, in the context of COVID-19

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha venido a cambiar de forma abrupta las formas de vida de buena parte de la población mundial. Conocer la presencia de psicopatología en este contexto se hace relevante para generar políticas públicas de promoción y prevención en salud mental. Objetivo: Establecer la presencia de psicopatología en habitantes de Copiapó, Chile, y determinar su relación con las variables sexo, edad, ocupación y apoyo social percibido. Método: El estudio, de tipo transversal, se efectuó en una muestra de 523 personas, habitantes de la ciudad de Copiapó, Chile. Se aplicaron la Escala de Salud General, GHQ-12, la Escala de Apoyo Social percibido, MSPSS, y un cuestionario de caracterización sociodemográfica. Las técnicas de análisis de datos fueron estadísticos descriptivos de frecuencia, tendencia central y variabilidad, y estadígrafos de asociación no paramétricos, chi-cuadrado y Eta. También se utilizó t de Student y Anova, para los datos de nivel escalar. Resultados: Se evidencia que un 51,82 % de los evaluados presenta sospecha o presencia de psicopatología, asociada a sintomatología de depresión, ansiedad y/o disfunción social. Se constatan diferencias significativas según sexo, edad y ocupación de los sujetos. Junto a ello, se aprecian niveles estadísticamente significativos de apoyo social entre quienes tienen ausencia y presencia de psicopatología. Conclusiones: El estudio logra describir los niveles de psicopatología en el grupo estudiado en tiempos de la COVID 19, evidenciándose su relación con variables de género, edad y ocupación, lo cual tiene implicancias para la focalización de intervenciones considerando los grupos más afectados: mujeres, jóvenes y estudiantes. Además, se destaca el apoyo social como un factor protector de la salud mental.

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has come to abruptly change the ways of life of a large part of the world population. Knowing the presence of psychopathology in this context becomes relevant to generate public politics to promote and prevent mental health. Objective: To establish the presence of psychopathology in the inhabitants of Copiapó, Chile, and determine its relationship with the variables sex, age, occupation and perceived social support. Method: The cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 523 people, inhabitants of the city of Copiapó, Chile. The General Health Scale, GHQ-12, the Perceived Social Support Scale, MSPSS, and a questionnaire of sociodemographic characterization were applied. Data analysis techniques were descriptive statistics of frequency, central tendency and variability, and non-parametric association statistic, chi-square, and Eta. T Student and Anova were also used for the scalar level data. Results: It is evident that 51,82% of those evaluated show suspicion or presence of psychopathology, associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or social dysfunction. Significant differences were found according to sex, age, and occupation subjects' occupation. Along with this, there are statistically significant levels of social support among those who have absence and presence of psychopathology. Conclusions: The study achieve to describe the levels of psychopathology in the group studied at time of COVID-19, evidencing its relationship with variables of gender, age and occupation, which has implications for targeting interventions considering the most affected groups: women, youth and students. In addition, social support is highlighted as a protective factor of mental health.

Genetic structure and temporal environmental niche dynamics of sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] populations in Mexico.

In the past years, several plant breeding programs have been done to select outstanding genotypes of sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) for restoration purposes. Such programs have been focused mainly on agronomic traits; however, little attention has been paid to the genetic structure and environmental adaptation of the selected genotypes. Thus, in this study we evaluated the genetic structure of 85 sideoats grama populations in Mexico. In addition, we modeled the past, present and future environmental niche of the genetic clusters of this species. Ninety sideoats grama populations were genetically analyzed through AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) markers. The environmental niche of the population clusters was modeled by using the maximum entropy method. The genetic analysis separated the populations into two genetically different clusters (p = 0.0003). The differentiation of these lineages can be partially explained by the paleoclimatic events experienced during the last interglacial and glacial maximums. Consequently, the genetic clusters have different environmental niche at the present time. Suitability areas for the distribution of Cluster I are mainly located in the central part of the country while the environmental niche of Cluster II is located in the semiarid region, close to the mountain range of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Thus, selection and restoration programs with sideoats grama must be carried out using local germplasm from each environmental niche. Given the environmental niche of both genetic clusters will suffer changes in the near and mid-century future, climate change must be considered for genotypes selection and restoration programs.

Bienestar psicológico y sentimiento de individuación laboral en trabajadores chilenos / Psychological wellbeing and sense of labor individuation in chilean workers / Bem-estar psicológico e sentimentos de individualização do trabalho em trabalhadores chilenos

La presente investigación estableció la relación entre Bienestar Psicológico y Sentimiento de Individuación Laboral. Además, verificó un modelo predictivo entre ambos constructos. Metodológicamente, ocupó una muestra de tipo no probabilística intencional conformada por 314 trabajadores del sector salud, educación y minería.Bienestar Psicológico fue medido mediante la adaptación española de la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff (Diaz et al, 2006), por su parte, el Sentimiento de Individuación Laboral se describió a través del Cuestionario de Evaluación del Sentimiento de Individuación Laboral (Jorquera, 2016; Jorquera & González, 2018a). El análisis evidencia una estrecha relación entre bienestar psicológico y sentimiento de individuación laboral. El modelo propuesto del Bienestar Psicológico y el Sentimiento de Individuación Laboral mostró una adecuada bondad de ajuste (χ2 = 72,316, gl=30, p<,01; χ2/gl=2,411; CFI=,961; TLI=,942; GFI=,957; SRMR=,053; RMSEA=,067). Se discute respecto a la contribución de los resultados para comprender algunos procesos psicosociales, en el plano laboral, propios de un contexto cultural influido por procesos individualizadores.

The present investigation established the relationship between Psychological Wellbeing and Sense of Labor Individuation. In addition, he verified a predictive model between both constructs. Methodologically, it occupied an intentional non-probabilistic sample made up of 314 workers in the health, education and mining sector. Psychological Wellbeing was measured by the spanish adaptation of the Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale (Diaz et al, 2006), meanwhile, the Sense of Labor Individuation was described through the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Sense of Labor Individuation (Jorquera, 2016; Jorquera & González, 2018a). The analysis shows a close relationship between the Sense of Labor Individuation and Psychological Wellbeing. The proposed model of Psychological Wellbeing and the Sense of Labor Individuation showed an adequate goodness of fit (χ2 = 72,316, gl = 30, p <,01; χ2/gl = 2,411; CFI =,961; TLI =,942; GFI = ,957; SRMR =,053; RMSEA =,067). We discuss the contribution of results to understand some psychosocial processes, in the workplace, typical of a cultural context influenced by individualizing processes.

A presente investigação estabeleceu a relação entre Bem-estar Psicológico e Sentimentos de Individualização do Trabalho. Além disso, verificou um modelo preditivo entre os dois construtos. Metodologicamente, ocupou uma amostra não probabilística intencional composta por 314 trabalhadores dos setores de saúde, educação e mineração. O Bem-estar Psicológico foi medido por meio da adaptação espanhola da Escala de Bem-Estar Psicológico Ryff (Diaz et al, 2006), por sua vez, o Sentimento de Individuação do Trabalho foi descrito por meio do Questionário para Avaliação do Sentimento de Individuação do Trabalho (Jorquera, 2016; Jorquera & González, 2018a). A análise mostra uma relação estreita entre o bem-estar psicológico e o sentimento de individuação no trabalho. O modelo proposto de Bem-estar Psicológico e Sentimento de Individuação do Trabalho mostrou um ajuste adequado (χ2 =72,316, gl = 30, p <0,01; χ2 / gl = 2,411; CFI = 0,961; TLI = 0,942; GFI =,957; SRMR = 0,053; RMSEA = 0,067). Discute-se a respeito da contribuição dos resultados para a compreensão de alguns processos psicossociais, no ambiente de trabalho, típicos de um contexto cultural influenciado por processos individualizantes.

Molecular survey of Bartonella spp. in rodents and fleas from Chile.

The aim of this study was to molecularly survey Bartonella spp. in rodents from the Valdivia Province, Southern Chile and from wild black rat-fleas in Guafo Island, Chilean Patagonia. Thrity-three spleens from synanthropic (Mus musculus, Rattus novergicus and Rattus rattus) and wild (Abrothrix longipilis, Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix sp.) rodents from Valdivia and 39 fleas/flea-pools (Plocopsylla sp. and Nosopsyllus sp.) from R. rattus in Guafo Island were obtained. All samples were screened by high-resolution melting (HRM) real-time PCR for Bartonella ITS locus (190 bp). ITS-Positive samples were further analyzed for two HRM real-time PCR assays targeting Bartonella rpoB (191 bp) and gltA (340 bp) gene fragments. All positive ITS, gltA and rpoB real-time PCR products were purified and sequenced. Bayesian inference trees were built for the gltA and rpoB gene fragments. Bartonella-ITS DNA was detected in 36.3% (12/33) [95% CI (22-53%)] of the tested rodents from Valdivia, being identified in all but O. longicaudatus rodent species captured in this study. ITS DNA was detected in 28% (11/39) [95% CI (16-43%)] of fleas/flea-pools from Guafo Island and identified in both Plocopsylla and Nosopsyllus genera. Sequencing and phylogenic analyses targeting three loci of Bartonella spp. allowed the identification of five genotypes in rodents from Southern Chile, potentially belonging to three different Bartonella spp. Those included Bartonella tribocorum identified from R. rattus, Bartonella rochalimae detected from Abrothix sp., and one novel genotype from uncharacterized Bartonella sp. identified in M. musculus, R. norvegicus, A. longipilis, and Abothrix sp., related to strains previously isolated in Phyllotis sp. from Peru. Additionally, two genotypes of B. tribocorum were identified in fleas from Guafo. In a nutshell, highly diverse and potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. are described for the first time in wild and synanthropic rodents from Chile, and B. tribocorum was detected in wild back rat fleas from Guafo Island.

Synthesis, Follow-Up, and Characterization of Polydopamine-like Coatings Departing from Micromolar Dopamine-o-Quinone Precursor Concentrations.

The understanding of oxidized species derived from the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is a relevant topic for both the medical field (Parkinson's disease) as well as for the field of materials science where the formation process of polydopamine (PDA) films is an active area of research. Polymers that interact strongly with almost all surfaces but have a low electrical conductivity have been obtained by the chemical oxidation of DA. Since electrical conductivity is a desired property for several applications, deposition alternatives such as electrochemical PDA synthesis have been proposed, but the results are still insufficient. In this context, we propose a new PDA chemical-electrochemical deposition process on glassy carbon electrodes. The chemical oxidation step that converts dopamine into dopamine-o-quinone previous to the electrochemical deposition was crucial to decrease the precursor concentration to the micromolar range. The PDA-like films synthesized by this method had high adhesion and low charge-transfer resistance, which was evidenced by impedance measurements and the successful electrodeposition of a polypyrrole coating on top of a PDA-like film. In addition, we observed that anodization of GC surfaces increases sensitivity toward six electroactive couples derived from DA oxidation in the pH regimes studied. These results show the complexity of the intermediates formed during the electrochemical polymerization of PDA.

Propiedades Psicométricas de la Escala de Percepción de Riesgo de VIH en una Muestra de Adolescentes Chilenos, 2018 / http://www.revhabanera.sld.cu/index.php/rhab/article/view/2923

Introducción: La percepción de riesgo es un importante predictor de la conducta de riesgo de contagio por VIH. Dada la escasez de estudios dirigidos a evaluar la validez y confiabilidad de escalas que miden este constructo, se hace necesario avanzar en la validación de este tipo de instrumentos. Objetivo: describir las características psicométricas de la Escala de Percepción de Riesgo de VIH. Material y Método: El estudio, de tipo trasversal, se efectuó en una muestra de 394 adolescentes chilenos. Las técnicas de análisis de datos usadas fueron el alfa de Cronbach, para evaluar confiabilidad, y análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, para establecer la validez de constructo de la escala. Resultados: La confiabilidad del instrumento resultó adecuada, se observó un estadígrafo alfa de Cronbach de 0,77. El análisis factorial exploratorio muestra la emergencia de un factor que explica un 59,52 por ciento de la varianza. Por su parte, el análisis factorial confirmatorio es favorable evidenciándose una adecuada bondad de ajuste (Chi2=5,126, gl=2, p=0,077). Conclusiones: La Escala de Percepción de Riesgo de VIH muestra ser válida y confiable para medir percepción de riesgo de VIH en adolescentes chilenos, por lo cual se confirma la adecuación de este instrumento para ser utilizado con fines diagnósticos e investigativos(AU)

Introduction: Risk perception is an important predictor of the risk of HIV infection. Considering the shortage of studies aimed at assessing the validity and reliability of scales that measure this construct, it is necessary to advance in the validation of this type of instruments. Objective: To describe the psychometric characteristics of the HIV Risk Perception Scale. Material and Method: The cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 394 Chilean adolescents. The data analysis techniques used were Cronbach's alpha to assess reliability, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to establish the construct validity of the scale. Results: The reliability of the instrument was adequate, observing a Cronbach´s alpha statistician of 0,77. The exploratory factor analysis shows the emergence of a factor that explains 59.52 percent of the variance. On the other hand, the confirmatory factor analysis is favorable showing an adequate goodness of fit (Chi2=5,126, gl=2, p=,077). Conclusions: The Lauby, Bond, Eroglu, and Batson HIV Risk Perception Scale proves to be valid and reliable for measuring HIV risk perception in Chilean adolescents, which is why it is concluded regarding the adequacy of this instrument to be used for diagnostic and research purposes(AU)