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Methylated Reprimo Cell-Free DNA as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for Gastric Cancer
Full text linkRestrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly reversed the slow decline of the diagnosis and mortality rates of gastric cancer (GC). This scenario highlights the importance of developing cost-effective methods for mass screening and evaluation of treatment response. In this study, we evaluated a non-invasive method based on the circulating methylated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of Reprimo (RPRM), a tumor suppressor gene associated with the development of GC. Methylated RPRM cfDNA was analyzed in three de-identified cohorts: Cohort 1 comprised 81 participants with GC and 137 healthy donors (HDs); Cohort 2 comprised 27 participants with GC undergoing gastrectomy and/or chemotherapy analyzed at the beginning and after three months of treatment; and Cohort 3 comprised 1105 population-based participants in a secondary prevention
program who underwent esophagogastroduodenal (EGD) endoscopy. This cohort includes 180 normal participants, 845 participants with premalignant conditions (692 with chronic atrophic gastritis [AG] and 153 with gastric intestinal metaplasia/low-grade dysplasia [GIM/LGD]), 21 with high-grade dysplasia/early GC [HGD/eGC], and 59 with advanced GC [aGC]). A nested case-control substudy was performed using a combination
of methylated RPRM cfDNA and pepsinogens (PG)-I/II ratio. The dense CpG island of the promoter region of the RPRM gene was bisulfite sequenced and analyzed to develop a fluorescence-based real-time PCR assay (MethyLight). This assay allows the determination of the absolute number of copies of methylated RPRM cfDNA. A targeted sequence of PCR amplicon products confirmed the gastric origin of the plasma-isolated samples. In Cohort 1, the mean value of GCs (32,240.00 copies/mL) was higher than that of the HD controls (139.00 copies/mL) (p < 0.0001). After dividing this cohort into training–validation subcohorts, we identified an area under the curve of 0.764 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.683–0.845) in the training group. This resulted in a cut-off value of 87.37 copies/mL (sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 80.2%). The validation subcohort predicted sensitivity of 66.67% and a specificity of 83.33%. In Cohort 2 (monitoring treatment response), RPRM levels significantly decreased in responders (p = 0.0042) compared to non-responders. In Cohort 3 (population-based participants), 18.9% %, 24.1%, 30.7%, 47.0%, and 71.2% of normal, AG, GIM/LGD, HGD/eGC, and aGC participants tested positive for methylated RPRM cfDNA, respectively. Overall sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing normal/premalignant conditions vs. GC were 65.0% (95% CI 53.52% to 75.33%) and 75.9% (95% CI 73.16% to 78.49%), respectively, with an accuracy of 75.11% (95% CI 72.45% to 77.64%). Logistic regression analyses revealed an OR of 1.85 (95% CI 1.11–3.07, p = 0.02) and an odds ratio (OR) of 3.9 (95% CI 1.53–9.93, p = 0.004) for the risk of developing GIM/LGD and HGD/eGC, respectively. The combined methylated RPRM cfDNA and PG-I/II ratio reached a sensitivity of 78.9% (95% CI 54.43% to 93.95%) and specificity of 63.04% (95% CI 52.34% to 72.88%) for detecting HGD/eGC vs. three to six age- and sex-matched
participants with premalignant conditions. Our results demonstrate that methylated RPRM cfDNA should be considered a direct biomarker for the non-invasive detection of GC and a predictive biomarker for treatment response.Versión Publicad
Biomater. Rethinking the Possibilities of Matter and our Relationship with Waste
No full textThe project addresses the relationship between humans and the materials with which they have articulated their artificial environment. the installation, developed with organic materials such as seaweed, citrus peel, paper and reused textile material, alludes to grouped forms, volumes and agglomerations coloured with natural pigments obtained from vegetables such as turmeric, beetroot and purple corn, spirulina and earth from different sources. On several occasions, the work was mounted in specific sizes and bases, depending on the exhibition space in Santiago, London and Paris. The fragility and possible degradation to which the work will be exposed over time favour (by opposition) a reflection on the synthetic materials we have created throughout our history as humanity
Intersectionality, racism, and mental health of migrants arriving at borders in Latin America: a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with key informants of the cases of Ecuador and Chile
No full textBackground
Migration is a social determinant of health, as human mobility is associated with the health outcomes of those who move. Social sciences research on migration and health needs to transition from an individual approach to models that reveal how place, processes of racialization, and structural elements impact immigrant health. We aim to describe, from the key informant's perspective in depth, the case of intersectionality, racism, and gender and related perceived effects on Venezuelan migrants' mental health at two relevant Latin American borders.
Methods
The present study is a multisite observational cross-sectional qualitative project on two selected borders, the northern borders of Chile (Antofagasta, Iquique, Arica) and Ecuador (Tulcán, Nueva Loja). In-depth semi-structured interviews with key informants were collected in (n = 30) Chile from May to December 2022 and in Ecuador (n = 30) from October to December 2022. 22 participants were men, and 38 were women, and in-depth interviews were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.
Findings
We found structural axes (i.e., socioeconomic, migration status, gender) of power that intersect in migrants' and refugees’ conditions and experiences in their access to health and mental health care.
Interpretation
We proposed the notions of intersectionality and racism to deliberately connect complex and dynamic concepts relevant to migrant and refugee health research, such as the racism faced by historically racialized populations based on their phenotypes, social class, and/or nationality and socioeconomic and gender inequalities.Versión publicad
Ecografía muscular en la unidad de cuidados intensivos: valores basales y tasa de cambio de la masa muscular diafragmática: un estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal
No full textActividad de Grado presentada a la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del Desarrollo para optar al grado académico de Magíster en Terapia Física y rehabilitación (MAKI)Introducción: La inmovilidad en UCI y la ventilación mecánica provocan pérdida acelerada de masa muscular, afectando especialmente al diafragma. La ecografía musculoesquelética permite evaluar estos cambios de forma no invasiva y sin cooperación del paciente. Sin embargo, la falta de estandarización limita su aplicación clínica. Este estudio busca describir los valores ecográficos del diafragma durante la primera semana de hospitalización en UCI, aportando información útil para el contexto chileno.
Objetivo: Determinar valores basales e identificar la tasa de cambio de la masa muscular diafragmática durante la primera semana en adultos hospitalizados en UCI.
Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal de cohorte en dos centros de UCI en Santiago de Chile. Se incluyeron adultos hospitalizados con posibilidad de evaluación ecográfica en las primeras 48 horas, excluyéndose pacientes con antecedentes neuromusculares o condiciones que impidieran las mediciones. Se midieron variables clínicas y sociodemográficas, y se realizaron ecografías diafragmáticas por kinesiólogos capacitados. Las imágenes fueron analizadas con ImageJ y los datos procesados con STATA 15.0. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, prueba de Wilcoxon y regresión lineal múltiple, considerando un nivel de significancia del 5%.
Resultados: De 155 pacientes evaluados, 60 cumplieron los criterios. Se realizaron 151 mediciones, generando 1.819 imágenes. La mediana de edad fue 53,7 años; 70% eran hombres. El grosor diafragmático disminuyó 8,9%, la excursión 15% y la fracción de engrosamiento 24,5%. La ecointensidad aumentó 19,8% (todas con p < 0,001). Se observaron asociaciones diferenciales entre centros, especialmente entre IMC y grosor, y entre días en VM y excursión.
Conclusiones: La ecografía evidenció deterioro progresivo de la masa muscular diafragmática durante la primera semana de hospitalización. Se confirma su utilidad como herramienta sensible y reproducible para el monitoreo temprano en pacientes críticos. Se recomienda estandarizar los protocolos y ampliar la muestra para mejorar la validez externa de futuros estudios
Más allá del reloj: Aproximaciones filosóficas al concepto de tiempo. Columnas de opinión
No full textEste libro es el resultado de un Proyecto de Innovación y Fortalecimiento de la Docencia del Centro de Innovación Docente (CID) titulado Columnas de Opinión: explorando las dimensiones filosóficas del tiempo en la actualidad. Fue desarrollado en la asignatura Track de Humanidades Más allá del reloj: aproximaciones filosóficas al concepto de tiempo durante el segundo semestre del año 2024. El propósito de este proyecto fue promover habilidades de lecto-escritura en los estudiantes a través de la creación de columnas de opinión sobre el tema del tiempo, a partir de una comprensión profunda y significativa de los contenidos filosóficos del curso.Este recurso reúne las columnas de opinión creadas por los estudiantes de un curso Track sobre el concepto de tiempo. Forma parte de un proyecto de innovación docente enfocado en fortalecer las habilidades de lecto-escritura, especialmente la argumentación escrita. A través de este ejercicio, los estudiantes vinculan teorías filosóficas del tiempo con temas actuales, sus intereses y experiencias personales
Adherence to the EAT-Lancet Diet Among Urban and Rural Latin American Adolescents: Associations with Micronutrient Intake and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
Full text linkBackground/Objectives: Adolescents in Latin America are experiencing rising rates of overweight/obesity and non-communicable diseases, while public health nutrition efforts targeting this group remain limited. This study explores adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and its relationship with micronutrient adequacy and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption. Methods: Cross-sectional data from national nutrition surveys of 19,601 adolescents across six Latin American countries were analyzed. Data on sociodemographics, anthropometrics, and dietary habits were collected using standardized questionnaires and 24 h dietary recalls or food records. Nutrient intake was estimated via statistical modeling, and nutrient adequacy ratios were based on age- and sex-specific requirements. UPF intake was classified using the NOVA system, and adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was assessed with the Planetary Health Diet Index. Results: Overall adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was low (mean score: 28.3%). Rural adolescents had higher adherence than urban adolescents, and those aged 10–13 and 17–19 showed better adherence compared to adolescents aged 14–16. Adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds adhered more than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Adherence varied from 20.2% in Argentina to 30.2% in Brazil and Chile. Higher adherence was associated with lower UPF intake. Among urban adolescents, greater adherence was linked to a higher risk of inadequate riboflavin, niacin, and cobalamin intake, a trend not observed in rural adolescents. Conclusions: Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet is low among Latin American adolescents, particularly in urban areas. Public health efforts should prioritize reducing UPF consumption, improving access to nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate foods, and supporting fortified staple foods.Versión Publicad
Molecular Interplay Between Non-Coding RNAs and Connexins and Its Possible Role in Cancer
Full text linkNon-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are sequences that do not encode for proteins and play key roles in different cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that principally allow intercellular communication. In pathological conditions such as cancer, there is a deregulation in the expression and/or function of ncRNAs and Cxs, which in turn leads to an enhancement in the aggressive phenotype, such as a greater proliferative and invasive capacity. This suggests a plausible interplay between ncRNAs and Cxs. Based on that, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding this relationship and to analyze how it may influence the development of aggressive traits in cancer cells and the clinicopathological features of cancer patients. Finally, we discuss the potential of ncRNAs and Cxs as promising clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting.
Keywords: cancer; connexins; non-coding RNAs.Versión Publicad
Towards Regenerative Planetary Computing to Tackle Novel Entities
Full text linkThe impact of new entities on our planetary system is devastating. Methodological practices focused on sustainable design processes, based on reducing the adverse effects of what we do on our environment, are no longer sufficient. We urgently need to implement regenerative practices that allow us to mitigate and restore the damage we have done to our planet through integrating ecosystems, communities, and biological and digital technologies. at the same time, we must be able to operate and solve hyper-local problems in close communion with our bioregions to integrate complex systems that promote regeneration and care for the planet
Interser. Bio-Textile as a Sustainable Alternative for the Fashion Industry
Full text linkInterser is an innovative bio-textile made from macroalgae sourced from the coasts of chile, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. This sustainable material has a regenerative life cycle, contributing significantly to the local ecosystem and the economic and social development of the communities in the Biobío region of Chile. The project integrates multiple disciplines in a collaborative and pioneering approach that promotes the advancement of bio-textile manufacturing and the use of local raw material
Escasa adherencia a una dieta saludable y sustentable detectada en adolescentes en américa latina: urgente necesidad de nuevas políticas públicas
No full textLa transformación de los ecosistemas alimentarios es fundamental para enfrentar de manera conjunta los desafíos relacionados con la salud pública, la seguridad y soberanía alimentaria, así como la sostenibilidad ambiental. Este documento es fruto de una revisión de las dietas de adolescentes en seis países de América Latina, donde evidenciamos que la adherencia promedio de los adolescentes al
patrón alimentario propuesto por la Comisión EAT-Lancet alcanza apenas un 28,3% . Este patrón alimentario se caracteriza por desincentivar el consumo de alimentos de origen animal, principalmente carnes rojas, así como alimentos con alto grado de procesamiento. Prevalecen alimentos naturales y principalmente de origen vegetal, con bajo grado de procesamiento. A partir de aquello, proponemos tres políticas públicas para aportar a la solución del problema de la malnutrición en el grupo de adolescentes, que tienen una particularidad, benefician a toda la población: (I) fomentar sistemas alimentarios y entornos escolares que propician una alimentación basada en Guías Alimentarias locales, con el fin de garantizar una alimentación saludable y sustentable; (II) implementar subsidios para alimentos naturales y mínimamente procesados asociadas a una mejor salud humana y ambiental; y (III) reforzar las políticas regionales que limitan la disponibilidad y el acceso a productos comestibles y bebibles ultraprocesados (PCBU), mediante herramientas como el etiquetado nutricional y ambiental frontal de advertencia, impuestos saludables, restricciones a la publicidad, y limitaciones en la presencia de estos productos en entornos escolares. La puesta en marcha de estas medidas podría contribuir significativamente a mejorar el patrón alimentario en la población adolescente, pero, además, reducir la carga de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, promover la equidad social y disminuir la huella ecológica del sistema alimentario.Versión Publicad