Chilean Supreme Court ruling on the protection of brain activity: neurorights, personal data protection, and neurodata.

This paper discusses a landmark ruling by the Chilean Supreme Court of August 9, 2023 dealing with the right to mental privacy, originated with an action for constitutional protection filed on behalf of Guido Girardi Lavin against Emotiv Inc., a North American company based in San Francisco, California that is commercializing the device "Insight." This wireless device functions as a headset with sensors that collect information about the brain's electrical activity (i.e., neurodata). The discussion revolves around whether neurodata can be considered personal data and whether they could be classified into a special category. The application of the present legislation on data (the most obsolete, such as the Chilean law, and the most recent EU law) does not seem adequate to protect neurodata. The use of neurodata raises ethical and legal concerns that are not fully addressed by current regulations on personal data protection. Despite not being necessarily considered personal data, neurodata represent the most intimate aspects of human personality and should be protected in light of potential new risks. The unique characteristics of neurodata, including their interpretive nature and potential for revealing thoughts and intentions, pose challenges for regulation. Current data protection laws do not differentiate between different types of data based on their informational content, which is relevant for protecting individual rights. The development of new technologies involving neurodata requires particular attention and careful consideration to prevent possible harm to human dignity. The regulation of neurodata must account for their specific characteristics and the potential risks they pose to privacy, confidentiality, and individual rights. The answer lies in the reconfiguration of human rights known as "neurorights" that goes beyond the protection of personal data.

On pharmacological neuroenhancement as part of the new neurorights' pioneering legislation in Chile: a perspective.

The so-called neurorights are emerging human rights, or rather reconfigurations of already existing human rights, seeking to address the impact of the possible misuse of neurotechnologies, which have the potential to become more invasive and harmful in the future if not regulated. The aim of specifying neurorights is to protect the dignity and autonomy of the individual in the face of neurotechnological advances. Recently, Chile proposed a Constitutional reform inspired by the neurorights, opening a debate. One of the proposed neurorights is fair and equitable access to cognitive enhancement, which will be the specific object of this perspective article. Starting from the legal proposal, we analyse and discuss some perspectives on cognitive enhancement, or "neuroenhancement", which could be considered as part of enhancement neurotechnologies, pointing out that pharmacological enhancers, or "smart drugs", might be considered as part of these enhancers. We present a classification of the different types of cognitive enhancements as it has been proposed in the literature, into which pharmacological cognitive enhancement can be included, concluding that there is currently no agreement amongst scholars and lawyers about the ethical consideration of pharmacological cognitive enhancement. We therefore argue that it is necessary for the legislator to explicitly address the issue in the proposed regulations, in order to take a clear position on the topic, as it has been done in the United Kingdom, where the pharmacological neuroenhancers have been explicitly excluded from the regulation. If pharmacological neuroenhancers are going to be considered neurotechnologies, then new law proposals should seek harmonization with the already existing legislation regulating pharmacological health and consumer rights (both globally, taking into account international drug laws, and locally, according to each country's internal regulations) and of course, with the whole system of fundamental rights. Finally, we briefly discuss the ethical problem of equitable access to this new type of neurotechnologies (as part of the neurorights) and leave the debate open for new insights from the scientific community on the possible consequences of including (or not) pharmacological neuroenhancers as neurotechnologies for cognitive enhancement in the framework of the ethical and legal debate.

Infrecuente complicación de páncreas ectópico: obstrucción intestinal por pseudoquiste pancreático en píloro / Infrequent complication of heterotopic pancreas: intestinal obstruction by pancreatic pseudocyst in pylorus

Resumen: Presentamos un caso un hombre de 53 años con antecedentes de reflujo gastroesofágico y pirosis con varias visitas al servicio de urgencias por vómitos, con antecedentes de consumo crónico de alcohol. La TC sin y con contraste endovenoso mostró a nivel del píloro una lesion ovoidea de paredes gruesas con captación similar al tejido pancreático, con un gran componente quístico bien delimitado que condiciona una obstrucción intestinal. La ecografía confirma la presencia de una lesión quística con ecos móviles en su interior. Tras la realización de antrectomía, el estudio histológico revela un pseudoquiste pancreático sobre páncreas ectópico, siendo esta presentación muy infrecuente, con pocos casos descritos hasta la fecha. Conclusión: Los hallazgos clínico-radiológicos con TC y US de páncreas ectópico pueden orientar el diagnóstico, aunque no son concluyentes. El diagnóstico definitivo se realiza mediante estudio histológico.

Abstract: A 53 year-old male with a past history of chronic alcohol intake, presents with an intestinal obstruction. A CT scan shows an ovoid tumor in pylorus with a great cystic component, thick wall and delimited rim, causing gastric retention. Its walls have similar enhancing pattern as the pancreatic tissue. Ultrasound revealed the presence of a cystic tumor with mobile echoes inside. After antrectomy the histological study reports pancreatic pseudocyst hosted in ectopic pancreas. This is an unusual presentation and only a few cases have been reported. Conclusion: The clinical and radiographic findings of ectopic pancreas are non-specific. Definitive diagnostic requires histological study.

Seasonal Abundance of Psyllid Species on Carrots and Potato Crops in Spain.

Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) can transmit the phloem restricted bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso). In Europe, Lso causes severe losses to carrot and represents a threat to the potato industry. A rising concern is Lso transmission from carrot to potato and within potato, and this has driven the need for monitoring populations of psyllid species which could serve as vectors on both crops. This would provide a fundamental understanding of the epidemiology of Lso. Different sampling methods were used to survey populations of psyllid species in commercial carrot and potato fields in central and eastern mainland Spain from 2015 to 2017. Two psyllid species, Bactericera trigonica and Bactericera nigricornis were found on carrot and potato crops. In carrot fields the most abundant species was B. trigonica (occurring from crop emergence to harvest); whereas in potato crops the most abundant psyllid species was B. nigricornis. Depending on field location, the maximum psyllid populations occurred between June and October. Since B. nigricornis was found on both carrot and potato and is the only psyllid species able to feed and reproduce on both these crops in Europe, there is the potential risk of Lso transmission from carrot to potato.

MLML2R: an R package for maximum likelihood estimation of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation proportions.

Accurately measuring epigenetic marks such as 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) at the single-nucleotide level, requires combining data from DNA processing methods including traditional (BS), oxidative (oxBS) or Tet-Assisted (TAB) bisulfite conversion. We introduce the R package MLML2R, which provides maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) of 5-mC and 5-hmC proportions. While all other available R packages provide 5-mC and 5-hmC MLEs only for the oxBS+BS combination, MLML2R also provides MLE for TAB combinations. For combinations of any two of the methods, we derived the pool-adjacent-violators algorithm (PAVA) exact constrained MLE in analytical form. For the three methods combination, we implemented both the iterative method by Qu et al. [Qu, J., M. Zhou, Q. Song, E. E. Hong and A. D. Smith (2013): "Mlml: consistent simultaneous estimates of dna methylation and hydroxymethylation," Bioinformatics, 29, 2645-2646.], and also a novel non iterative approximation using Lagrange multipliers. The newly proposed non iterative solutions greatly decrease computational time, common bottlenecks when processing high-throughput data. The MLML2R package is flexible as it takes as input both, preprocessed intensities from Infinium Methylation arrays and counts from Next Generation Sequencing technologies. The MLML2R package is freely available at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=MLML2R.

[Staff burnout and psychosocial risk factors in a long-stay hospital in Spain]. / Burnout y factores de riesgo psicosocial en el personal de un hospital de larga estancia.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between psychosocial risks and burnout syndrome in a long-stay hospital in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, applying the Spanish version of the MBI-HSS and the F-Psico 3.1 questionnaire of Spain's National Institute of Work Safety and Health. The predictive variables were sociodemographic characteristics, modulators, and psychosocial risk factors. The outcome variables were prevalence of burnout and the effects on his subscales. Associations between variables were measured by odds ratio. Burnout was directly associated with psychosocial risks related to workload, psychological demands, participation/supervision, role performance and social support, and consumption of anxiolytics. Meanwhile, protective factors were having children, feeling valued by patients and coworkers, satisfaction at work, optimism, and social support. The associations found on depersonalization were similar but weaker. Low personal fulfillment was directly associated with the psychosocial risks related to length of workweek, limited autonomy and variety/content of work, and role performance and social support. Low personal fulfillment was the subscale with the most modulating and protective sociodemographic variables included marital status, children, night shift, feeling valued by patients and family members, social support, self-efficacy, and optimism. According to our results, there is an association between psychosocial risks and burnout syndrome. Individuals with greater work satisfaction, self-efficacy, and optimism cope better with stress and are less vulnerable to psychosocial risks and burnout.

Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la relación entre los riesgos psicosociales y el burnout en un hospital español de media-larga estancia. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 2017, aplicando la versión española del MBI-HSS y el cuestionario F-Psico 3.1 del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo. Variables predictoras: características sociodemográficas, moduladoras y factores de riesgo psicosocial. Variables resultado: prevalencia de burnout y afectación de sus subescalas. La asociación entre variables se cuantificó con odds ratio. El cansancio emocional se asoció positivamente a los riesgos psicosociales vinculados a carga de trabajo, demandas psicológicas, participación/supervisión, desempeño de rol, relaciones/apoyo social y al consumo de ansiolíticos; fueron factores protectores los hijos, sentirse valorado por pacientes y compañeros, satisfacción laboral, optimismo y apoyo social. Las asociaciones halladas para la despersonalización fueron similares, pero más débiles. La baja realización personal se asoció positivamente a los riesgos psicosociales vinculados al tiempo trabajado, autonomía, variedad/contenido del trabajo, desempeño de rol y apoyo social; fue la subescala que mostró mayor número de variables sociodemográficas/moduladoras protectoras: estado civil, tener hijos, trabajar de noche, sentirse valorado por pacientes y familiares, ilusión por el trabajo, apoyo social, autoeficacia y optimismo. Según nuestros resultados, existe asociación entre los riesgos psicosociales y el burnout. Los individuos con mayor satisfacción laboral, autoeficacia y optimismo, afrontan mejor el estrés y son menos vulnerables a los riesgos psicosociales y al burnout.

Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a relação entre os riscos psicossociais e a síndrome de burnout em um hospital espanhol de meia-longa permanência. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 2017, aplicando a versão espanhola do MBI-HSS e o questionário F-Psico 3.1 do Instituto Nacional de Segurança e Higiene no Trabalho. Variáveis preditoras: características sociodemográficas, moduladoras e fatores de risco psicossocial. Variáveis de resultado: prevalência de burnout e afetação das subfaixas. A associação entre variáveis foi quantificada com odds ratio. A fatiga emocional foi associada positivamente aos riscos psicossociais vinculados a uma carga de trabalho, demandas psicológicas, participação/supervisão, desempenho de funções, relações/apoio social e consumo de ansiolíticos; por outro lado, foram fatores protetores: os filhos, se sentir valorados por pacientes e companheiros de trabalho, satisfação laboral, otimismo e apoio social. As associações encontradas para a despersonalização foram similares, entretanto mais débeis. A baixa realização pessoal foi associada positivamente aos riscos psicossociais vinculados ao tempo trabalhado, autonomia, variedade/conteúdo do trabalho, desempenho de funções e apoio social; foi a subfaixa que mostrou maior número de variáveis sociodemográficas/moduladoras protetoras: estado civil, ter filhos, trabalhar de noite, sentir-se valorizado por pacientes e membros da família, ilusão pelo trabalho, apoio social, auto-eficácia e otimismo. Segundo nossos resultados, existe uma associação entre os riscos psicossociais e a síndrome de burnout. Os indivíduos com maior satisfação laboral, auto-eficácia e otimismo afrontam melhor o stress e são menos vulneráveis aos riscos psicossociais e ao burnout.

Burnout in the staff of a chronic care hospital.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of Burnout in a medium or long-stay hospital, to monitor its evolution and to highlight the importance of cut-off points used to avoid distortions in the interpretation of the results. METHODS Two cross-sectional studies (2013-2016) were carried out, applying the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to the staff of a chronic care hospital (n = 323). Result variables were: Burnout prevalence and a high degree of affectation of the subscales and predictor variables: sociodemographic characteristics and factors that trigger and modulate the syndrome. The association between variables was quantified using odds ratio. RESULTS The participation rate went from 31.5% to 39.3%. The professionals presented a mean level of Burnout in both moments, observing a lower degree of affectation of the depersonalization subscales and personal accomplishment in the 2016 cut-off. The average score of the subscales in 2016 was 21.5 for emotional fatigue, 4.7 for depersonalization and 41.7 for personal fulfillment, compared to the values of emotional fatigue = 21.6, depersonalization = 6.9 and personal fulfillment = 36.3 obtained in 2013. The emotional fatigue score was slightly higher than the mean value of the national studies (19.9), while the rest of the values were similar to the mean values of the studies considered. The prevalence of Burnout and the interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points considered. In both studies, sociodemographic variables showed little significance, while social support and interpersonal relationships were associated with the degree of burnout among professionals. CONCLUSIONS Our prevalence of Burnout was similar to that of other studies consulted, although the emotional component is more marked in our environment. The interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points applied, due to the cross-cultural differences.

Burnout in the staff of a chronic care hospital / Burnout en el personal de un hospital de crónicos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of Burnout in a medium or long-stay hospital, to monitor its evolution and to highlight the importance of cut-off points used to avoid distortions in the interpretation of the results. METHODS Two cross-sectional studies (2013-2016) were carried out, applying the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to the staff of a chronic care hospital (n = 323). Result variables were: Burnout prevalence and a high degree of affectation of the subscales and predictor variables: sociodemographic characteristics and factors that trigger and modulate the syndrome. The association between variables was quantified using odds ratio. RESULTS The participation rate went from 31.5% to 39.3%. The professionals presented a mean level of Burnout in both moments, observing a lower degree of affectation of the depersonalization subscales and personal accomplishment in the 2016 cut-off. The average score of the subscales in 2016 was 21.5 for emotional fatigue, 4.7 for depersonalization and 41.7 for personal fulfillment, compared to the values of emotional fatigue = 21.6, depersonalization = 6.9 and personal fulfillment = 36.3 obtained in 2013. The emotional fatigue score was slightly higher than the mean value of the national studies (19.9), while the rest of the values were similar to the mean values of the studies considered. The prevalence of Burnout and the interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points considered. In both studies, sociodemographic variables showed little significance, while social support and interpersonal relationships were associated with the degree of burnout among professionals. CONCLUSIONS Our prevalence of Burnout was similar to that of other studies consulted, although the emotional component is more marked in our environment. The interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points applied, due to the cross-cultural differences.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Estimar la prevalencia de Burnout en un hospital de media-larga estancia, monitorizar su evolución y evidenciar la importancia de los puntos de corte utilizados para evitar sesgos en la interpretación de los resultados. MÉTODOS Se realizaron dos estudios transversales (2013-2016), aplicando la versión española del cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory al personal de un hospital de crónicos (n = 323). Fueron variables resultado: prevalencia de Burnout y alto grado de afectación de las subescalas y variables predictoras: características sociodemográficas y factores desencadenantes y moduladores del síndrome. La asociación entre variables se cuantificó mediante odds ratio. RESULTADOS El índice de participación pasó del 31,5% al 39,3%. Los profesionales presentaron un nivel medio de Burnout en ambos momentos, observándose menor grado de afectación de las subescalas de despersonalización y realización personal en el corte realizado en 2016. La puntuación media de las subescalas en 2016 fue 21,5 para el cansancio emocional, 4,7 para la despersonalización y 41,7 para la realización personal, frente a los valores de cansancio emocional = 21,6, despersonalización = 6,9 y realización personal = 36,3 obtenidos en 2013. La puntuación de la escala de cansancio emocional fue ligeramente superior al valor promedio de los estudios nacionales (19,9), mientras que el resto de valores fueron similares a los valores promedio de los estudios considerados. La prevalencia de Burnout y la interpretación de los resultados variaron significativamente en función de los puntos de corte considerados. En ambos estudios, las variables sociodemográficas mostraron escasa significación, mientras que el apoyo social y las relaciones interpersonales se asociaron al grado de Burnout de los profesionales. CONCLUSIONES Nuestra prevalencia de Burnout fue similar a la de otros estudios consultados, aunque el componente emocional es más marcado en nuestro medio. La interpretación de los resultados varió significativamente en función de los puntos de corte aplicados, debido a las diferencias transculturales.

Burnout y factores de riesgo psicosocial en el personal de un hospital de larga estancia / Staff burnout and psychosocial risk factors in a long-stay hospital in Spain / Burnout e fatores de risco psicossocial em funcionários de um hospital de longa permanência

Resumen: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la relación entre los riesgos psicosociales y el burnout en un hospital español de media-larga estancia. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 2017, aplicando la versión española del MBI-HSS y el cuestionario F-Psico 3.1 del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo. Variables predictoras: características sociodemográficas, moduladoras y factores de riesgo psicosocial. Variables resultado: prevalencia de burnout y afectación de sus subescalas. La asociación entre variables se cuantificó con odds ratio. El cansancio emocional se asoció positivamente a los riesgos psicosociales vinculados a carga de trabajo, demandas psicológicas, participación/supervisión, desempeño de rol, relaciones/apoyo social y al consumo de ansiolíticos; fueron factores protectores los hijos, sentirse valorado por pacientes y compañeros, satisfacción laboral, optimismo y apoyo social. Las asociaciones halladas para la despersonalización fueron similares, pero más débiles. La baja realización personal se asoció positivamente a los riesgos psicosociales vinculados al tiempo trabajado, autonomía, variedad/contenido del trabajo, desempeño de rol y apoyo social; fue la subescala que mostró mayor número de variables sociodemográficas/moduladoras protectoras: estado civil, tener hijos, trabajar de noche, sentirse valorado por pacientes y familiares, ilusión por el trabajo, apoyo social, autoeficacia y optimismo. Según nuestros resultados, existe asociación entre los riesgos psicosociales y el burnout. Los individuos con mayor satisfacción laboral, autoeficacia y optimismo, afrontan mejor el estrés y son menos vulnerables a los riesgos psicosociales y al burnout

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between psychosocial risks and burnout syndrome in a long-stay hospital in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, applying the Spanish version of the MBI-HSS and the F-Psico 3.1 questionnaire of Spain's National Institute of Work Safety and Health. The predictive variables were sociodemographic characteristics, modulators, and psychosocial risk factors. The outcome variables were prevalence of burnout and the effects on his subscales. Associations between variables were measured by odds ratio. Burnout was directly associated with psychosocial risks related to workload, psychological demands, participation/supervision, role performance and social support, and consumption of anxiolytics. Meanwhile, protective factors were having children, feeling valued by patients and coworkers, satisfaction at work, optimism, and social support. The associations found on depersonalization were similar but weaker. Low personal fulfillment was directly associated with the psychosocial risks related to length of workweek, limited autonomy and variety/content of work, and role performance and social support. Low personal fulfillment was the subscale with the most modulating and protective sociodemographic variables included marital status, children, night shift, feeling valued by patients and family members, social support, self-efficacy, and optimism. According to our results, there is an association between psychosocial risks and burnout syndrome. Individuals with greater work satisfaction, self-efficacy, and optimism cope better with stress and are less vulnerable to psychosocial risks and burnout.

Resumo: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a relação entre os riscos psicossociais e a síndrome de burnout em um hospital espanhol de meia-longa permanência. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 2017, aplicando a versão espanhola do MBI-HSS e o questionário F-Psico 3.1 do Instituto Nacional de Segurança e Higiene no Trabalho. Variáveis preditoras: características sociodemográficas, moduladoras e fatores de risco psicossocial. Variáveis de resultado: prevalência de burnout e afetação das subfaixas. A associação entre variáveis foi quantificada com odds ratio. A fatiga emocional foi associada positivamente aos riscos psicossociais vinculados a uma carga de trabalho, demandas psicológicas, participação/supervisão, desempenho de funções, relações/apoio social e consumo de ansiolíticos; por outro lado, foram fatores protetores: os filhos, se sentir valorados por pacientes e companheiros de trabalho, satisfação laboral, otimismo e apoio social. As associações encontradas para a despersonalização foram similares, entretanto mais débeis. A baixa realização pessoal foi associada positivamente aos riscos psicossociais vinculados ao tempo trabalhado, autonomia, variedade/conteúdo do trabalho, desempenho de funções e apoio social; foi a subfaixa que mostrou maior número de variáveis sociodemográficas/moduladoras protetoras: estado civil, ter filhos, trabalhar de noite, sentir-se valorizado por pacientes e membros da família, ilusão pelo trabalho, apoio social, auto-eficácia e otimismo. Segundo nossos resultados, existe uma associação entre os riscos psicossociais e a síndrome de burnout. Os indivíduos com maior satisfação laboral, auto-eficácia e otimismo afrontam melhor o stress e são menos vulneráveis aos riscos psicossociais e ao burnout.

Implicancias étccas y jurídicas en el desarroll de la biotecnología transgénicca: reflexiones en torno a la tramitación de la ley de obtentores vegetales en Chile / Ethical and lgall implications of the development of transgenc biotechnologyy: reflections on the transaction of the law of vegetable breeders in Chile / Implicções éticaas e jrídicas no desenvolvimento da biotecnologia traansgênica: reflexões ao redor a tramitação da lei de obtentores vegetais no Chile

Recientemente ha sido aprobada por la Cámara de Diputados en Chile la tramitación de la Ley de Obtentores Vegetales (Ley Monsanto). Esta investigación pretende un análisis analítico, crítico e interpretativo de un proyecto de ley que debiera seguir ciertos parámetros éticos. Los derechos de obtentores vegetales son un sistema de propiedad intelectual para la protección específica de nuevas variedades de plantas. Para que una variedad pueda ser protegida, debe ser nueva, distinta, uniforme y estable. Los derechos de obtentor se rigen bajo la Unión Internacional para la Protección de las Obtenciones Vegetales (UPOV). Chile ha adherido a UPOV en acta 1978 en 1996, y lo implementa mediante la Ley de Obtentores de Nuevas Variedades Vegetales, No. 19.342 de 1994. Sin embargo, Chile firmó un acuerdo de Libre Comercio con Estados Unidos, donde se compromete a incorporarse a la versión de UPOV 1991. Esta iniciativa ha causado gran resquemor en la sociedad civil chilena y en el mundo político. Grandes son también las aristas éticas en torno a esta iniciativa, desde que la normativa privatizaría las semillas y concentraría la propiedad de estas en pocas empresas, entre las cuales se presumen intereses económicos de Monsanto. Además, el proyecto de ley estaría violando el convenio 169 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) sobre biodiversidad. Por otro lado, en Chile no existe un catastro de recursos "fitogenéticos" adecuado. Respeto a la discusión bioética, esta normativa no considera reflexiones en torno a los principios de precaución, solidaridad, multiculturalidad, responsabilidad y sustentabilidad con el medio ambiente en el contexto global. Consideramos que una adecuada legislación en torno a los transgénicos puede sin duda ayudar al progreso con equidad.

Recently, the Congress Chamber in Chile has approved the legal procedure for the law of protection of new varieties of plants, colloquially named Monsanto Law. The rights of plant breeders are a system of intellectual property for specific protection of new varieties of plants. For a variety to be protected, it must be new, different, uniform and stable. The rights of breeders are ruled under the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Chile has adhered to UPOV act 1978 in 1996 and has been implemented by the law of New Plant Varieties Breeders Nº 19.342 of 1994. Nevertheless, Chile signed a free-trade agreement with the United States since January 1, 2004 compromising to incorporate UPOV 1991. This legal initiative has caused some fear in Chilean civil society and the political world. Great are also the ethical edges around this initiative, since the normative will privatize the seeds and concentrates the property in a few companies, assuming economic interests by Monsanto multinational. Furthermore, the project law would be violating the agreement 169 by the International Work Organization (IWO) about biodiversity. On the other hand, there is no adequate registry for "plant genetic" resources in Chile. Referring to ethical discussion, we can point put that this normative do not consider reflections about the principles of precaution, solidarity, responsibility and sustainability with the environment. Furthermore, an adequate legislation about transgenic organisms may without doubt help to progress with equity.

Foi recentemente aprovada pela Câmara dos Deputados do Chile a tramitação da lei de Obtentores Vegetais (Lei Monsanto). Esta pesquisa busca uma análise analítica, crítica e interpretativa de um projeto de lei que deveria seguir certas normas éticas. Os direitos dos obtentores vegetais são um sistema da propriedade intelectual para a proteção específica de novas variedades vegetais. Para que uma variedade pudera ser protegida, que deve ser nova, distinta, uniforme e estável. Os direitos do obtentor são regidos pela União Internacional para a Proteção das Obtenções Vegetais (UPOV). Chile aderiu à UPOV em acta 1978, em 1996, e implementada pela Lei de Obtentores de Novas Variedades Vegetais, No. 19,342 de 1994. No entanto, Chile assina um acordo de Livre Comércio com os Estados Unidos, onde ele concorda em se juntar a versão do UPOV de 1991. Esta iniciativa tem causado grande ressentimento na sociedade civil chilena e no mundo político. Grandes também são as bordas éticas em torno desta iniciativa, uma vez que as normas privatizam as sementes e concentram a propriedade desses em poucas empresas, entre as quais se presumem interesses econômicos da Monsanto. Além disso, o projeto de lei violaria o convenia 169 da Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) sobre a biodiversidade. Por outro lado, no Chile não existe um cadastro de recursos "fito genéticos" adequado. Respeito ao debate bioético, esta legislação não considera reflexões sobre o princípio da precaução, solidariedade, multiculturalismo, responsabilidade e sustentabilidade com o meio ambiente no contexto global. Consideramos que uma legislação adequada sobre os transgênicos pode certamente ajudar a o progresso com equidade.

Resilience and related factors during female Ecuadorian mid-life.

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting on resilience (capacity to overcome life adversity) and the menopausal transition are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess resilience and related factors in mid-aged Ecuadorian women. METHOD: This was a cross sectional study in which 904 women aged 40-59 completed the 14-item Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (WYRS) and a general socio-demographic questionnaire containing personal and partner data. Lower total WYRS scores indicate less resilience. Internal consistency of the tool was also assessed. RESULTS: Median age of all surveyed women was 49 years. A 51.1% were postmenopausal, 43.8% lived high altitude, 43.5% were abdominally obese, 12.6% used hormone therapy and 80.8% had a partner. Internal consistency was high for the WYRS tool (Cronbach's alpha: 0.94). Multiple linear regression analysis determined that lower total WYRS scores (less resilience) correlated with high altitude residency, more severe hot flushes, sedentarism, higher abdominal circumferences and having a partner with erectile dysfunction. Contrary to this, higher WYRS scores correlated with higher parity and sexual activity. CONCLUSION: As assessed with the WYRS tool, lower resilience of this mid-aged Ecuadorian female sample was related to various female and partner lifestyle and health issues, not necessarily related per se to the ageing process. More research using the tool is warranted.

Assessment of sexual function of mid-aged Ecuadorian women with the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index.

BACKGROUND: Assessing sexuality is a difficult task, hence used tools should be straight forward and easy to use. OBJECTIVE: To assess sexual function in mid-aged Ecuadorian women. METHOD: In this cross sectional study, 904 otherwise healthy women 40-59 years completed the short 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) and a general socio-demographic questionnaire containing personal/partner data. Internal consistency of the tool was also assessed. RESULTS: Median age of the whole sample was 49 years, 51.1% were postmenopausal, 43.8% lived at high altitude, 12.6% used hormone therapy (HT), 58.5% presented hot flushes, 43.5% were abdominally obese and 80.8% had a partner. Overall, 72.4% of surveyed women reported sexual activity (n=655/904) with 65% of these presenting total FSFI-6 scores equal or below 20 the calculated median (lower sexual function). A 10.2% of those having a partner were sexually inactive. Internal consistency of tool was high (Cronbach's alpha=0.91). Total FSFI-6 scores positively correlated with coital frequency and female and partner educational level and inversely with female age, waist circumference, hot flush intensity and partner age (bivariate analysis). Multiple linear regression analysis determined that lower scores (lower sexual function) were related to high altitude, history of sexual abuse, sedentarism, hot flush intensity, partner age and sexual dysfunction whereas partner educational level, coital frequency and female parity were significantly related to higher scores (better sexual function). CONCLUSION: As assessed with a consistent, short, and easy to use tool lower sexual function of this mid-aged series was related to several female and partner factors. More research with this tool is warranted.

PKA-dependent and independent cAMP signaling in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts differentiation.

Adipogenesis is stimulated in 3T3-L1 fibroblast by a combination of insulin, dexamethasone, and methylisobutylxanthine (MIX). Mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) precedes differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblast to adipocytes. MIX increases cAMP content, which is the activator of protein kinase A (PKA). However, PKA-independent cAMP signaling has also been described. In this paper, it was found that H89, an inhibitor of PKA, was able to block MCE but not differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblast. Consistently, MCE did not occur in the absence of MIX in the differentiation mixture but was recovered by overexpression of a catalytic subunit of PKA. In addition, the transfection of 3T3-L1 fibroblast with a dominant-negative mutant of PKA inhibited MCE. On the other hand, differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblast to adipocytes did not occur when MIX was not present in the differentiation mixture and it could not be recovered by overexpression of a catalytic subunit of PKA. Differentiation was restored by addition of either dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or 8 CPT-2 Me-cAMP. The latter activates cAMP-EPAC but not PKA signaling. These results indicate that cAMP-PKA-independent signaling, is required for 3T3-L1 fibroblasts differentiation to adipocytes and MIX signaling through cAMP-PKA is necessary for MCE, although MCE is not essential for adipogenesis.

Radiocirugía: principios y aplicaciones en la práctica clínica

En los últimos años, la introducción de la radiocirugía, en combinación con la microneurocirugía y la neurorradiología intervencionista, ha hecho posible eltratamiento eficaz, de patologías de tipo vascular y tumoral al igual que trastornos funcionales, hasta hace poco intratables o tratables a costa de una elevada morbimortalidad para el paciente. En el presente artículo se hace una revisión de los conceptos básicos de física y radioterapia que debe conocer el médico para tener acceso en forma lógica y segura a esta tecnología. Se revisan las opciones de tratamiento con radiocirugía disponibles hoy día, sus indicaciones, resultados y efectos colaterales. El tema tratado posee enorme importancia para los médicos en general ya que desde hace poco esta tecnología ya está disponible en el país.

Factores que influyen en la presencia de colecistitis y colelitiasis en los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Enrique Garcés, de abril de 1985 a marzo 1986 / Factors that influence in the presence of colecistitis and colelitiasis in the patients taken care of in the service of Surgery of the Hospital Enrique Garcés, of April of 1985 to March 1986

El presente trabajo se realizó tomando en cuenta la alta incidencia e colecistitis y colelitiasis que se presentó en los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de cirugía del Hospital Enrique Garcés en el Período comprendido de abril del 85 a marzo del 86. Para el desarrollo del mismo hemos tenido serias limitaciones como: la falta de bibliografía, como trabajos de investigación sobre el tema objeto de nuestro estudio; cabe mencionar la dificultad para la obtención de información estadística de otras instituciones de salud como son el Hospital Eugenio Espejo y el Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín. A Pesar de las limitaciones mencionadas hemos superado los problemas tratándo que el presente trabajo de investigación, se acerque lo más posible a la realidad y pueda servir de guía para futuras investigaciones...