Introducción: el aumento de problemas de salud mental, especialmente por ansiedad, estrés y depresión en estudiantes universitarios, se ve incrementado debido a los niveles de presión académica, por lo que resulta esencial investigar estos temas y considerar la promoción de la salud, específicamente la actividad física como factor protector. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la relación entre la actividad física y los niveles de ansiedad, estrés y depresión en estudiantes de una universidad chilena.Metodología: se incluyeron 344 estudiantes de pregrado de una universidad chilena, de entre 17 y 45 años, que autorizaron su participación mediante firma de consentimiento informado. La muestra se seleccionó por conveniencia, los instrumentos utilizados fueron un cuestionario sociodemográfico, BPAAT y DASS-21. Para comparación de grupos se usó la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis (variables politómicas) y para la correlación de variables cuantitativas se aplicó la prueba de correlación de Spearman.Resultados: un 61.2 % de los participantes fueron mujeres, quienes son insuficientemente activas en comparación con los hombres. Aunque el 71.4 % de los estudiantes reportó tener acceso a espacios para la práctica de actividad física, solo un 45.2 % es suficientemente activo. En la población femenina se observa que existe más sintomatología de ansiedad, estrés y depresión con respecto al género masculino. Las correlaciones indican que a mayor frecuencia de actividad física, los síntomas de ansiedad, estrés y depresión disminuyen.Conclusión: la actividad física podría servir como una herramienta efectiva para mejorar la salud mental y reducir el malestar psicológico en estudiantes universitarios, con especial énfasis en grupos que presentan menores niveles de participación, como las mujeres, con el fin de fortalecer su bienestar psicológico y enfrentar el impacto del estrés académico.
Los intervalos de referencia (IR) son una herramienta esencial para apoyar la toma de decisiones clínicas. Estos pueden presentar variaciones intra e interindividuales asociadas a diferencias genéticas y factores medioambientales. Dado que la población de Chile está compuesta por múltiples grupos étnicos, estas variables adquieren aún mayor relevancia. El objetivo del presente estudio es establecer IR para diferentes parámetros hematológicos en la población chilena y la etnia mapuche. Se seleccionó una muestra de 356 adultos (entre 18 y 65 años), de los cuales 146 pertenecían a la etnia mapuche, utilizando el método indirecto a posteriori a partir de la base de datos del laboratorio clínico UC Temuco. El análisis se realizó considerando el sexo y la etnia. Los valores atípicos se detectaron mediante la prueba de Tukey, mientras que los IR se establecieron aplicando el método no paramétrico recomendado por la IFCC. La mediana de edad de la muestra global de la población general fue de 35 años en mujeres y 36 años en hombres. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) por sexo en los parámetros dependientes de la hemoglobina y del recuento de plaquetas. En el análisis por etnicidad, se observaron diferencias significativas en el recuento de glóbulos rojos, hemoglobina y hematocrito (p<0,0001). Este estudio demuestra que los intervalos de referencia hematológicos varían según el sexo y la etnicidad, lo cual debería ser considerado en una población multiétnica. Este hallazgo contribuye a un mejor conocimiento de las características individuales de cada persona, facilitando una interpretación clínica más precisa.
In reviewing the nomenclature of genus-group names of the Chrysomelinae of the Americas, we uncovered six issues that we resolve here: (1) We explain priority between Stilodes and Leptinotarsa. Both were described in the same work: Chevrolat, 1836. In synonymizing the two genera, Flowers (2004) became the First Reviser and gave priority to Stilodes. We restore genus Leptinotarsa Chevrolat, 1836 as distinct from Stilodes Chevrolat, 1836. (2) The work in which Phaedon Megerle von Mühlfeld, 1823 was described is suppressed for the purposes of zoological nomenclature, making the next person to use the name, Latreille, 1829, the valid authority for Phaedon. (3) Euparocha Dejean, 1836 is a nomen nudum, and while Motschulsky likely intended to keep Dejean's spelling, Euparochia Motschulsky, 1860 is the correct original spelling. (4) Lioplacis Agassiz, 1846 is an unjustified emendation of Leioplacis Chevrolat, 1843, and Lioplacis Chevrolat is a subsequent usage of the unjustified emendation. Lioplacis is not in prevailing usage, therefore Leioplacis Chevrolat, 1843 remains the correct original spelling. (5) The accent on Dr Juan Brèthes' name is often incorrect or missing. Brèthes described Henicotherus in volume 32 of the Revista Chilena de Historia Natural. Volume 32 claims it was published in 1928 but was published in 1929. The authority for Henicotherus is therefore Brèthes, 1929. (6) The authority previously known only as "Demay", 1838 refers to Dr Aloysius François De Mey (1793-1870); we provide a short biography, portrait, and updated list of the species described by De Mey, 1838. ResumenAl revisar la nomenclatura de los géneros de Chrysomelinae de las Américas, descubrimos seis problemas que resolvemos aquí: (1) Explicamos la prioridad entre Stilodes y Leptinotarsa. Ambos fueron descritos en la misma obra: Chevrolat, 1836. Al sinonimizar ambos géneros, Flowers (2004) se convirtió en el Primer Revisor y dio prioridad a Stilodes. Restauramos el género Leptinotarsa Chevrolat, 1836 como distinto de Stilodes Chevrolat, 1836. (2) La obra en la que se describió Phaedon Megerle von Mühlfeld, 1823 fue suprimida para los fines de nomenclatura zoológica, por eso la siguiente persona en utilizar el nombre, Latreille, 1829, es la autoridad válida para Phaedon. (3) Euparocha Dejean, 1836 es un nomen nudum, y aunque Motschulsky probablemente quería mantener la ortografía de Dejean, Euparochia Motschulsky, 1860 es la ortografía original correcta. (4) Lioplacis Agassiz, 1846 es una enmienda injustificada de Leioplacis Chevrolat, 1843. Lioplacis no tiene un uso predominante, por lo tanto, Leioplacis Chevrolat, 1843 sigue siendo la ortografía original correcta. (5) El acento en el nombre de Brèthes a menudo es incorrecto o falta, el describió Henicotherus en el volumen 32 de la Revista Chilena de Historia Natural. El volumen 32 afirma que se publicó en 1928, pero se publicó en 1929. Por lo tanto, la autoridad de Henicotherus es Brèthes, 1929. (6) La autoridad anteriormente conocida sólo como “Demay”, 1838 se refiere al Dr Aloysius François De Mey (1793–1870); proporcionamos una breve biografía, un retrato y una lista actualizada de las especies descritas por De Mey, 1838.
The article analyzes how tooth loss among older adults is not merely a clinical issue but a social and emotional phenomenon marked by shame, stigma, and structural inequality in oral health in Chile. From a qualitative, narrative approach with a descriptive scope and a hermeneutic (interpretive) orientation, 12 interviews were conducted in the commune of Cerro Navia, in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, between August and September 2024. The narratives reveal that tooth loss affects self-esteem, identity, and social participation. Shame manifests in behaviors such as covering the mouth, avoiding smiling, speaking in public, or attending social gatherings, leading to social isolation and psychological suffering. The testimonies show that lack of financial resources and limited access to public dental care exacerbate this distress, forcing many individuals to resign themselves to tooth loss. This condition, in addition to limiting nutrition and everyday functioning, becomes a social marker of class, reinforcing moral judgments associated with poverty and poor hygiene. The study concludes that shame cannot be understood solely as an individual emotion, but rather as a social device that reproduces inequalities and exclusions. An integrated approach to oral health is proposed, ensuring equitable access to treatment, dignity, and quality of life, while recognizing its direct link to mental health. El artículo analiza cómo la pérdida dental en adultos mayores no es solo un problema clínico, sino un fenómeno social y emocional marcado por la vergüenza, el estigma y la desigualdad estructural en la salud oral chilena. Desde un enfoque cualitativo de tipo narrativo, con un alcance descriptivo y una orientación hermenéutica (interpretativa), se realizaron 12 entrevistas en la comuna Cerro Navia, en la Región Metropolitana de Chile, entre agosto y septiembre de 2024. En los relatos se evidencia que la ausencia de dientes impacta en la autoestima, la identidad y la participación social. La vergüenza se manifiesta en conductas como cubrirse la boca, evitar sonreír, hablar en público o asistir a reuniones, lo que genera aislamiento social y sufrimiento psíquico. Los testimonios muestran que la falta de recursos económicos y el limitado acceso a atención dental pública profundizan este malestar, obligando a muchas personas a resignarse a la pérdida dental. Esta condición, además de limitar la alimentación y la funcionalidad cotidiana, se convierte en un marcador social de clase, reforzando juicios morales asociados a la pobreza y la falta de higiene. La investigación concluye que la vergüenza no puede comprenderse únicamente como una emoción individual, sino como un dispositivo social que reproduce desigualdades y exclusiones. Se propone un enfoque integral en salud oral que garantice acceso equitativo a tratamientos, dignidad y calidad de vida, reconociendo su vínculo directo con la salud mental.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder in which cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative stress act as synergistic contributors to cognitive decline and neuronal damage. Multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) capable of modulating both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress pathways are promising candidates for disease-modifying therapies. A series of conformationally locked 7-aryl tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives was synthesized via a tandem cross-metathesis/Michael/annulation strategy. These compounds feature a stable intramolecular O-H···O=C hydrogen bond that enforces a quasi-planar geometry and modulates the electronic properties of the aryl substituent. The compounds were evaluated for their AChE inhibitory activity using Ellman's assay and for antioxidant capacity using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Molecular docking studies were performed to analyze binding modes within AChE's aromatic gorge, while density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to assess the thermodynamics of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and ionization potential (IP) related to antioxidant behavior. All derivatives exhibited micromolar AChE inhibition (IC50 = 33-54 µM), with structure-activity relationships driven by the electronic nature and π-polarizability of the 7-aryl ring. Docking results revealed a conserved, π-dominated binding pose within the enzyme's active site. ORAC measurements showed substituent-dependent radical-scavenging activity consistent with the electronic trends observed in enzyme inhibition. DFT calculations indicated a thermodynamic preference for hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from benzylic C-H over phenolic O-H cleavage, supporting the observed antioxidant profile. This study identifies 7-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines as a novel, mechanistically coherent scaffold for the development of dual-acting neuroprotective agents targeting both cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease. Their tunable electronic properties and preorganized geometry offer a promising foundation for further optimization within the multitarget therapeutic framework.
Environmental factors are often detrimental; however, certain environments enhance immune resilience. Notably, children raised on traditional farms show reduced allergies and asthma prevalence. Here, we investigated how a beneficial environment, using farm dust (FD) extract, influenced lung immune function in ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation. FD exposure reduced allergic lung inflammation and increased monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) recruitment. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that FD-exposed MDMs had altered gene expression, including dampened Ccl8 and major histocompatibility complex class II expression, impairing eosinophil recruitment and antigen presentation. RNA sequencing and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing confirmed FD-induced epigenetic reprogramming ex vivo, on bone marrow-derived macrophages. This modulation, seen in both human and murine cells, relied on histone deacetylase activity sustained by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ signaling. These findings suggest that beneficial environmental exposures can reprogram immune cells and may offer a previously unidentified strategy for asthma prevention.
Quillaja saponaria is an endemic Chilean tree of ecological and economic importance currently threatened by climate change and increasing extraction pressure. Ionizing radiation represents a potential tool to support mutation breeding or radiostimulation strategies however, its effective application requires an accurate characterization of species specific radiosensitivity. This study aimed to characterize radiosensitivity in Q. saponaria by comparing conventional LD50 based approaches with growth based and multivariate methods, and to define biologically meaningful LD50 and GR50 estimates. Seeds of Q. saponaria were exposed to increasing doses of ionizing radiation. Radiosensitivity was assessed through germination assays, seedling emergence and survival, and morphometric measurements conducted 90 days after sowing. LD50 estimates were obtained from emergence and survival data, whereas GR50 values were derived from individual morphometric traits. In addition, a multivariate approach based on Principal Component Analysis was applied to integrate multiple growth related variables into a single radiosensitivity index. Seed germination exhibited high resistance to ionizing radiation and did not show a dose dependent response, rendering it unsuitable for LD50 estimation. Seedling emergence and final survival displayed dose dependent patterns, but temporal variability and functional limitations reduced their reliability as radiosensitivity indicators. Morphometric traits exhibited clear and gradual dose response relationships, allowing GR50 estimation. However, GR50 values varied widely among individual traits, ranging from 167 to 347 Gy, reflecting organ and process specific radiosensitivity. Integration of morphometric variables through Principal Component Analysis yielded a multivariate GR50 value of 89 Gy, capturing the combined phenotypic impact of radiation on early seedling development. Growth based multivariate integration provides a more robust and biologically meaningful framework for radiosensitivity assessment than conventional binary endpoints. The Principal Component Analysis offers an integrative radiosensitivity estimator, supporting its use as a reference threshold for future studies based on ionizing radiation in woody species.
Study DesignMulticenter, cross-sectional study of cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of a patient-reported outcome measure.ObjectiveTo adapt and validate the Spanish version of the AO Spine Patient-Reported Outcome Spine Trauma (PROST) questionnaire for assessing functional outcomes in patients with traumatic spinal injuries.MethodsThe translation followed Beaton's standardized cross-cultural adaptation process: forward translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review, and final version development. Adult patients (≥18 years) with spinal trauma within the last 13 months were recruited from 4 Level 1 trauma centers across Latin America. Exclusion criteria included polytrauma (ISS >15), complete paralysis (ASIA A-B), and cognitive impairment. Participants completed the Spanish PROST and the SF-36. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Spearman's correlation between PROST and SF-36 domains. Internal consistency was assessed via Cronbach's alpha.ResultsA total of 108 patients were included (mean age 46 ± 15.8 years; 57% male). The Spanish PROST showed excellent internal consistency (α > 0.96). It showed a strong correlation with the SF-36 Physical Functioning domain (rs = 0.83; P < 0.0001) and moderate to strong correlations with Vitality, Mental Health, Bodily Pain, and Social Functioning (rs = 0.54-0.64; P < 0.0001). Moderate correlations were also found with Role Physical and Role Emotional.ConclusionThe Spanish AO Spine PROST is a valid, reliable tool for assessing functional outcomes in spinal trauma patients. These findings support its use in both clinical practice and research settings within Spanish-speaking populations.
Describir los resultados clínicos y económicos de una serie de casos de estudio tratados con el protocolo de higiene de la herida (HH), asociado al uso de hidrofibra con plata, ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA) y cloruro de bencetonio (BEC) en heridas de difícil cicatrización en América Latina. Estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo y descriptivo de cinco casos clínicos. Se incluyeron heridas de difícil cicatrización con sospecha de biofilm. El desenlace primario fue la reducción del área de la herida, mientras que los desenlaces secundarios incluyeron frecuencia de cambios, control clínico de infección/biofilm y costos directos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y evaluación económica. Un caso permitió el análisis intraindividual comparativo con sulfadiazina de plata. La reducción media del área de las heridas fue de 92,6% (desviación estándar (DE)±6,0%) en una mediana de seis semanas de seguimiento, con área media inicial de 98,7 cm2 y final de 3,6 cm2. La frecuencia de cambios de apósito se redujo de 3,8 a 1,5 veces por semana, con un ahorro medio de US[Formula: see text]50,21 por semana en comparación con el tratamiento convencional, equivalente a una reducción de costos de 25,8%. En el caso de quemadura eléctrica con diseño intraindividual, el protocolo con hidrofibra alcanzó el 80% de cicatrización en 7 días frente al 40% con sulfadiazina de plata, con una razón de costo-efectividad incremental (ICER, por sus siglas en inglés) de −US[Formula: see text]4,65 por cicatrización. La aplicación sistemática del protocolo de HH asociado al uso de hidrofibra con plata, EDTA y BEC demostró ser eficaz para la reducción del área de la herida, disminución de la frecuencia de cambios de apósito, y optimización de los costos y recursos.
Cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and mortality. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the relationship between equation-estimated cardiorespiratory fitness and all-cause mortality in the Chilean population of both genders according to data from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey (NHS). Data from 4,749 participants from the 2009-2010 NHS were analysed after 10.9 years of follow-up. Fitness was estimated with the Myers et al. equation and classified into quintiles. All-cause mortality records were obtained from the Chilean Civil Registry and Identification until 2020. Cox regression models adjusted for confounding variables (demographics, nutritional status, lifestyle and comorbidities) were used to assess the association between fitness and mortality. During the 10.9 years (IQR: 10.8; 11.4) of follow-up 506 (10.6%) people died. Compared to the lowest fitness quintile (<7 METs) those classified in the highest quintile (>12 METs) had a 95% lower risk of mortality (HR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.09) and the risk of mortality was 28% lower for every 1-METs increase in fitness (HR: 0.72 95% CI: 0.69, 0.75). All these associations were independent of confounders. We conclude that a higher level of fitness is associated with a lower risk of mortality independent of confounding factors in the Chilean population after 10.9 years of follow-up. El fitness cardiorrespiratorio disminuye el riesgo de enfermedades cardiometabólicas, de cáncer y la mortalidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la relación entre el fitness cardiorrespiratorio estimado con ecuación y la mortalidad por todas las causas en población chilena de ambos sexos, según los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2009-2010. Se analizaron datos de 4.749 participantes de la ENS 2009-2010 tras 10,9 años de seguimiento. El fitness se estimó con la ecuación de Myers et al. y se clasificó en quintiles. Registros de mortalidad por cualquier causa se obtuvieron del Registro Civil e Identificación de Chile hasta el año 2020. Para evaluar la asociación entre fitness y mortalidad se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Cox ajustados por variables de confusión (demográficas, estado nutricional, estilos de vida y comorbilidades). Durante los 10,9 años (RIQ: 10,8; 11,4) de seguimiento, 506 personas (10,6%) fallecieron. En comparación al quintil más bajo de fitness (<7 MET), las personas clasificadas en el quintil más alto (>12 MET) presentaron un 95% menos riesgo de mortalidad (HR: 0,05; 95% IC: 0,03; 0,09) y el riesgo de mortalidad fue un 28% menor por cada 1-MET de incremento en fitness (HR: 0,72 95% IC: 0,69; 0,75). Todas estas asociaciones fueron independientes de factores de confusión. Se concluye que un mayor nivel de fitness se asocia con un menor riesgo de mortalidad, independientemente de factores confundentes, en población chilena después de 10,9 años de seguimiento.
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In this work, we formulate a systematic expectation-value framework for dynamical systems whose probability densities evolve according to linear partial differential equations, such as the Fokker-Planck and Liouville equations. The approach is based on expectation-calculus identities associated with the Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem and the Conjugate Variables Theorem, allowing the derivation of evolution equations directly for arbitrary observables and fluctuations without explicitly solving the full probability-density equation. The resulting relations provide a classical Ehrenfest-type formulation for observable dynamics and fluctuations under linear probability-density evolution. While the resulting equations are not closed in general, since they typically involve higher-order moments, correlations, or derivatives, the formalism offers a unified operational framework for studying observable dynamics under suitable approximations or closure assumptions. We illustrate the procedure with examples involving Fokker-Planck and Liouville dynamics and discuss the scope, limitations, and possible applications of the framework in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. In particular, we emphasize that the method is intended as a systematic observable-based formulation for systems governed by linear evolution equations, rather than as a universal closure scheme for arbitrary nonequilibrium dynamics.
The global rise of obesity has accelerated the onset of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) also among youth. Early detection of impaired β-cell function in at-risk populations is crucial for prevention; however, reference standards for children and adolescents remain scarce. We aimed to establish population-based percentile distributions specific to developmental stage and weight status for multiple markers of β-cell function in Chilean youth, thereby addressing this critical gap. Cross-sectional study in 988 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, and waist circumference; weight status was classified using WHO 2007 standards. Participants were stratified into three developmental groups: Tanner 1-2 (G1), Tanner 3-5 (G2), and adolescents ≥ 16 years (G3). Fasting glucose and insulin were measured; insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were estimated using HOMA. Disposition index (DI) was calculated. G2 participants exhibited higher insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β levels, alongside lower HOMA-S levels compared to G1 and G3. Across all developmental groups, β-cell function varied by weight status: normal-weight individuals displayed more favourable insulin profiles than those with overweight or obesity. DI declined significantly with excess weight in G3, although values remained below 1.0 across groups. Fasting glucose was consistently within the normal range, independent of weight status. Our findings suggest that differences in β-cell function may be present even in the context of normal fasting glucose, indicating that glycaemia alone may not fully capture early variations in glucose-insulin dynamics. Since pubertal stage and adiposity significantly influenced these results, incorporating development- and weight-specific considerations may improve the interpretation of metabolic markers during growth. These findings support the need for more nuanced approaches to characterise metabolic variability in youth.
Occipitocervical dissociation refers to dislocation or subluxation of the occipitocervical region. It is a rare injury caused by high-energy trauma that may go unnoticed. It is usually associated with vascular injuries and can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of choice due to its wide availability and routine use in initial trauma assessment. Magnetic resonance imaging is essential for accurately identifying and characterizing ligamentous injuries. Numerous classifications and measurements are available for diagnosis, and all remain valid today. It requires urgent treatment to prevent additional injury.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are a cornerstone strategy to mitigate the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), primarily driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use. ASPs aim to optimize antimicrobial therapy by ensuring appropriate indication, agent selection, dosing, route of administration, and duration of treatment. Through these interventions, ASPs improve clinical outcomes, reduce adverse drug events, decrease selective pressure for resistant organisms, and contribute to healthcare cost containment. Effective implementation requires a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, pharmacists, microbiologists, nurses, and information technology specialists, and must be tailored to local epidemiology and healthcare system capacity in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. This narrative review describes the development and evolution of the national antimicrobial stewardship policy in Chile, based on a review of publications indexed in SciELO, official documents from the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), and relevant national legislation. In Chile, antimicrobial stewardship initiatives began in the late 1990s with regulatory measures mandating prescription-only dispensing of antimicrobials and the introduction of national technical standards for rational antimicrobial use. After that, Chile adopted a comprehensive One Health approach and implemented national AMR action plans aligned with WHO strategies. Substantial progress has been achieved across hospital, primary care, veterinary, and aquaculture settings, including expanded ASP coverage, strengthened regulatory frameworks, national surveillance systems for antimicrobial consumption and resistance, and incorporation of stewardship indicators into institutional performance metrics. Despite these advances, challenges related to workforce capacity, technological infrastructure, and long-term monitoring persist and must be addressed to further consolidate national ASP implementation.
Wildlife gut microbiota (GM) comprises a dynamic microbial community that plays a key role in host adaptation, ecological interactions and health. Human landscape disturbances (e.g., habitat loss and fragmentation) may alter the diversity and composition of wildlife GM. Therefore, it is important to understand whether these changes are driven by habitat loss, fragmentation per se, or a combination of fragmentation and additional disturbances (e.g., human activities, interaction with domestic animals). We reviewed recent literature (2013-2023) concerning the effects of human landscape disturbance on wildlife GM alpha diversity, focusing on studies employing quantitative or qualitative landscape metrics. Of 119 reviewed studies, 62.2% (n = 74) used some type of landscape metrics, 58% (n = 69) incorporated landscape disturbance as a variable in their analyses, and 49.5% (n = 59) reported significant differences in at least one alpha diversity index. Among studies on free-ranging wildlife that found significant differences in any alpha diversity index (n = 52), 69.2% (n = 36) employed landscape metrics, and 55.8% (n = 29) explicitly described the type of disturbance associated with changes in GM alpha diversity index, with higher values in less disturbed landscapes compared to more disturbed landscapes (binomial sign test; p = 0.04). With respect to host species exhibiting significant variations in their GM alpha diversity index due to human landscape disturbance, there is an overrepresentation of species classified as "Least Concern" and an underrepresentation of species from certain regions, particularly South America. Despite growing research interest in this field, the available studies remain insufficiently extensive to establish clear overall patterns and trends, both globally and across different taxonomic groups. This review identifies methodological and geographical biases and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive studies in this field, considering host species ecology and quantitative landscape metrics as a substantial contribution for predicting ecosystem-level responses and informing effective conservation efforts.
Bacteriophage-based products are gaining attention as effective tools to reduce harmful germs in food and combat antimicrobial resistance throughout the food production process. However, in South America, their use is still limited because of complicated regulations and inconsistent evidence requirements. This review aims to (i) explore the current scientific and technological landscape of using bacteriophages in South American food systems, (ii) identify main regulatory challenges that impact their classification, approval, and use, and (iii) highlight the need for consistent international guidelines, especially from Codex Alimentarius, to help safely and effectively incorporate phage-based products in food. Research on phage-based products is growing, but it is not consistent across different regions. There are more patents and advancements in biotechnology, but they are limited to certain areas. Although progress is being made, the regulatory frameworks are still unclear, especially when it comes to how these products are classified, labeled, and monitored for safety. To address these gaps, risk-based guidelines are needed. These should define product categories and claims, set safety standards, and include rules for tracking products and monitoring them after they hit the market. Creating a new Codex Alimentarius project on phage-based products could help establish global guidelines that promote safe use, reduce uncertainty in regulations, and improve trade in food markets around the world.
Aging is characterized by reduced physiological resilience, linked to declines in both cardiac autonomic control (assessed via Heart Rate Variability, HRV) and immune function (immunosenescence, inflammaging). While static immune-autonomic links are known, how baseline immune status dynamically influences autonomic responses to acute stress in aging remains unclear. This study investigated the association between baseline immune cell profiles and dynamic HRV changes during rest, acute exercise, and recovery in older adults. We quantified baseline lymphocyte subsets and assessed HRV during an exercise test. Using Bayesian mixed-effects models, we found that while exercise significantly altered HRV as expected, baseline levels of specific immune cell subsets (e.g., B-cells, T-cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and NK cells) were significantly associated with the pattern and magnitude of exercise-induced HRV changes. This indicates that the pre-existing immune state modulates the dynamic cardiac autonomic response to stress. Our findings highlight the critical role of immune-autonomic crosstalk in shaping physiological resilience in aging, offering insights into heterogeneity in exercise responses and suggesting potential avenues for personalized health strategies.
A clinical variant of NREM arousal disorder is described manifesting with predominantly injurious, and exclusively sleep-related scratching without any conscious awareness, and without a history of dermatologic disease. Four patients were clinically evaluated and underwent videopolysomnography (vPSG). Case 1, a 30-year-old woman had a 20-yr history of non-injurious arm scratching/rubbing during sleep. vPSG: forearm rubbing against the chin during N2/N3. Two years later she developed restless bladder symptoms and leg movements before sleep onset. Serum ferritin level: 20.7 Intravenous iron therapy resulted in full control of bedtime leg movements, restless bladder symptoms, and nocturnal scratching. Case 2, a 28-year-old married man had a 1.5-yr history of perianal scratching with excoriations/bleeding during sleep, without other parasomnia. Medical and dermatologic evaluations were negative. vPSG: arousal index of 34/hr, with multiple episodes of perianal scratching. Paroxetine, 20 mg with clonazepam as (0.5-1.0 mg) at bedtime induced 50 % efficacy. Case 3, a 26-year-old African-American female had NREM parasomnias, vigorous sleep-related scratching with keloid formation, and major depression. Medical history was negative. vPSG: arousal index: 28/hr, without abnormal behaviors. Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): mean sleep latency, 3.6 min, no REM sleep. Idiopathic hypersomnia and NREM parasomnias were diagnosed. Sleep-related scratching and NREM parasomnias responded fully to bedtime clonazepam, 0.5 mg. Case 4, a 50-year-old female had longstanding injurious sleep-related scratching, sleep terrors, and sleep bruxism. vPSG: 55 % sleep efficiency; arousal index: 25/hr, without abnormal behaviors or apneas. MSLT: no objective sleepiness. These cases of sleep-related scratching disorder represent a heterogeneous presumed variant of NREM arousal disorder with various comorbidities, and with full/partial control from diverse therapies.