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An explicitly correlated six-dimensional potential energy surface for the SiCSi + H2 complex
No full textThe first six-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) for the SiCSi + H2 complex is presented in this work. This surface is developed from a large number of ab initio energies computed at the explicitly correlated coupled-cluster level of theory together with the augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence triple zeta basis set (CCSD(T)-F12/aug-cc-pVTZ). These energies are fitted to an analytical function through a procedure that combines spline, least-squares, and kernel-based methods. Two minimums of similar depths were found at the equilibrium geometry of the SiCSi molecule. The dependence of the PES on the bending angle is analyzed. Furthermore, a reduced four-dimensional PES averaged over the H2 orientation is presented. Finally, the six-dimensional PES is used for computing the second virial coefficient of the SiCSi + H2 pair using classical and semi-classical methods.Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Intelligence quotient–genotype association in dystrophinopathies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textAims: Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are associated with intelligence quotients (IQs) lower than the normative values, and it is suggested that IQ is negatively correlated with the number of affected isoforms (i.e., Dp427, Dp140 and Dp71). Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the IQ, and the IQ–genotype association according to the altered dystrophin isoforms, in the population with BMD or DMD. Methods: A systematic search in Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to March 2023. Observational studies that determined the IQ and/or the IQ by genotype in the population with BMD or DMD were included. Meta-analyses of IQ, IQ by genotype and IQ–genotype association by comparing IQ according to the genotype were conducted. The results are shown as the mean/mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Fifty-one studies were included. The IQ in BMD was 89.92 (85.84, 94.01) and in DMD was 84.61 (82.97, 86.26). Moreover, the IQ for Dp427−/Dp140+/Dp71+ and Dp427−/Dp140−/Dp71+ was 90.62 (86.72, 94.53) and 80.73 (67.49, 93.98) in BMD, while the IQ for Dp427−/Dp140+/Dp71+, Dp427−/Dp140−/Dp71+ and Dp427−/Dp140−/Dp71− was 93.05 (89.42, 96.67), 81.78 (77.23, 86.32) and 49.19 (40.47, 57.90) in DMD. Finally, in DMD, Dp427−/Dp140−/Dp71+ vs Dp427−/Dp140+/Dp71+ and Dp427−/Dp140−/Dp71− vs Dp427−/Dp140−/Dp71+ were associated with −10.73 (−14.66, −6.81) and −36.14 (−48.87, −23.41) points, respectively. Conclusions: The IQ in BMD and DMD was lower than the normative values. Moreover, in DMD, there is a synergistic association between the number of affected isoforms and IQ. © 2023 The Authors. Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Neuropathological Society.Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, UCLM, (2018-CPUCLM-7939); European Regional Development Fund, ERDFUniversidad Autónoma de Chil
Higher physical activity level and perceived social support is associated with less psychological distress in people with anxiety
No full textIntroduction. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in first world societies, generating discomfort in the people who suffer from it, and high expenses and economic losses in the society. The physical activity (PA) performed, together with the perceived social support (PSS) by people with anxiety could be related to the psychological distress of people with anxiety. Objectives. To study the relationships between mental health and its dimensions, through Golberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), and the level of PA (PAL) and the PSS in the Spanish adult population with anxiety. Hypothesis. A higher PAL, and a higher PSS, is related to a lower psychological distress in this population. Design and Methodology. This study included 1,661 adults with anxiety, residents in Spain. It was a cross-sectional study with data obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey. A Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied to examine the data distribution of the variables. The median and interquartile range were used to characterize the sample for continuous variables, and absolute and relative frequencies were used for categorical variables. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to examine the differences between sexes. Dependence between PAL and sex was studied using the chi-square statistic. A Krustal–Wallis test was used to evaluate the existence of differences in the baseline medians on the GHQ-12, according to PAL level. Finally, the correlations between mental health and its dimensions with PAL and the Duke-UNC-11 scores were analysed, obtaining Spearman’s rho and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results. Moderate inverse correlations were found between the GHQ-12 and: PAL (rho: −0.219); PSS (r: −0.347). PAL and PSS presented moderate inverse correlations with successful coping (rho: −0.206 and r: −0.325), self-esteem (rho: −0.222 and r: −0.333) and stress (rho: −0.158 and r: −0.288). Conclusions. Greater PAL and social support are associated with reduced psychological distress in people with anxiety. Copyright 2023 Pereira-Payo et al.Angel Denche-Zamorano, (FPU20/04201); European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR; Universidad de Las Américas Chile, UDLA, (FPU20/04143); Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte, MECD, (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033); European Social Fund Plus, ESFUniversidad Autónoma de Chil
Potential Neuroprotective Role of Calretinin-N18 and Calbindin-D28k in the Retina of Adult Zebrafish Exposed to Different Wavelength Lights
No full textThe incidence rates of light-induced retinopathies have increased significantly in the last decades because of continuous exposure to light from different electronic devices. Recent studies showed that exposure to blue light had been related to the pathogenesis of light-induced retinopathies. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying changes induced by light exposure are not fully known yet. In the present study, the effects of exposure to light at different wavelengths with emission peaks in the blue light range (400–500 nm) on the localization of Calretinin-N18 (CaR-N18) and Calbindin-D28K (CaB-D28K) in adult zebrafish retina are studied using double immunofluorescence with confocal laser microscopy. CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 are two homologous cytosolic calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) implicated in essential process regulation in central and peripheral nervous systems. CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 distributions are investigated to elucidate their potential role in maintaining retinal homeostasis under distinct light conditions and darkness. The results showed that light influences CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 distribution in the retina of adult zebrafish, suggesting that these CaBPs could be involved in the pathophysiology of retinal damage induced by the short-wavelength visible light spectrum. © 2022 by the authors.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG; Ruhr-Universität Bochum, RUBUniversidad Autónoma de Chil
Reliability of maximal respiratory nasal pressure tests in healthy young adults
No full textIntroduction Sniff nasal inspiratory (SNIP) and expiratory pressure (SNEP) may complement the assessment of respiratory muscle strength. Thus, specifying their reliability is relevant to improving the clinical consistency of both tests. Objective To assess the reliability of SNIP and SNEP in healthy young adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included self-reported healthy aged 18 to 29 years. SNIP was performed using a plug to occlude one nostril, while SNEP was conducted using a facemask. Participants performed 20 SNIP and SNEP maneuvers with 30-second intervals in between. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC) assessed the reliability of SNIP and SNEP. Analyses were conducted between the highest peak pressure and the first reproducible maneuver in men and women. Results The total sample comprised 32 participants: 16 men and 16 women. The ICC, SEM, and MDC for SNIP maneuvers were 0.994 (95%CI 0.988 to 0.997), 1.820 cmH2O, and 5.043 cmH2O, respectively. For SNEP, these parameters were 0.950 (95%CI 0.897 to 0.976), 6.03 cmH2O, and 16.716 cmH2O. The SNIP and SNEP in men showed ICC of 0.992 (95% CI 0.977 to 0.997) and 0.877 (95%CI 0.648 to 0.957), SEM of 2.07 and 7.66 cmH2O, and MDC of 5.74 and 21.23 cmH2O. In women, SNIP and SNEP presented ICC of 0.992 (95% CI 0.977 to 0.997) and 0.957 (95%CI 0.878 to 0.985), SEM of 1.15 and 6.11 cmH2O, and MDC of 3.19 and 16.95 cmH2O. Also, 60% of the highest SNIPs occurred among the 11th and 20th maneuvers in men and women. In men, 55% of the highest SNEPs occurred among the 11th and 20th maneuvers; this value was 50% in women. Conclusion SNIP and SNEP showed excellent reliability. The reliability of SNIP and SNEP in men was good and excellent, respectively, whereas both tests had excellent reliability in women. Also, women reached the highest peak pressure faster than men in both tests. © 2023 de Lima et al.Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Phenolic, Polysaccharides Composition, and Texture Properties during Ripening and Storage Time of New Table Grape Cultivars in Chile
No full textThe aim of this study is to determine the phenolic and polysaccharidic composition, texture properties, and gene expression of new seedless table grape cultivars Timco™ and Krissy™ and compare them to the traditional table grape variety Crimson Seedless (Vitis vinifera L.), during ripening and in commercial postharvest conditions. According to the results, phenolic compounds were present in very different proportions. The total anthocyanins responsible for skin color increased during maturation and the majority anthocyanin in the three cultivars was peonidin-3-glucoside, followed by malvidin-3-glucoside. The phenolic compounds presented a different behavior (decreasing or increasing) during postharvest. The total skin soluble polysaccharides decreased during ripening and postharvest in Crimson Seedless and Krissy™ and remained constant from technological maturity to postharvest storage in Timco™. In all cultivars, the majority soluble polysaccharide fraction was that with a molecular mass between 500 and 35 KDa. The skin mechanical properties of table grapes were good parameters for differentiating varieties, with better results for the new cultivars, compared to the traditional Crimson Seedless, especially in postharvest. Genes involved in the flavonoid pathway and cell wall metabolism in skins exhibited an increase in expression from veraison to remaining constant at the end of the berry ripening. © 2023 by the authors.ANID-Chile; FONDEQUIP, (EQM130129); Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, FONDECYT, (1181142)Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Learning Experiences of Future Healthcare Support Workers Enrolled in a Dual Mode Vocational Training Programme
No full textBackground: With life expectancy increasing, there is a growing need to train healthcare support workers who provide care for dependent people in healthcare centres and at home. This qualitative study, based on Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy, aimed to understand the learning experiences of future healthcare support workers currently enrolled in an intermediate, dual modality vocational training programme with regard to caring for dependent people. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants, who were all students enrolled in an intermediate level vocational training programme in care for dependent people. Fourteen in-depth interviews and one focus group session were conducted with the students. Atlas.ti 8.0 software was used to analyse the participants’ accounts. Results: The students highlighted the vocational nature of their studies and the need to feel competent and useful as a healthcare support worker for dependent people. Practice-based learning and the need for training in core competences are complementary and essential elements of the training process. Conclusions:The participants’ previous experiences were key in determining their academic trajectory and reflect their motivation and interest to learn. However, they feel vulnerable, unprotected, and lack training in psychosocial skills. Educational institutions should focus training programmes on the practice and development of psychosocial skills that motivate students to acquire transversal competences. © 2023 by the authors.Universidad de Almería UALtransfierE2022, (TRFE-SI-2022/009)Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Oligo-Carrageenan Kappa Increases Expression of Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Photosynthesis, C, N, and S Assimilation, and Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
No full textTo analyze the effect of oligo-carrageenan (OC) kappa in the stimulation of growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, plants were sprayed on leaves with an aqueous solution of OC kappa at 1 mg mL−1, 5 times every 2 days and cultivated for 5 or 15 additional days. Plants treated with OC kappa showed an increase in rosette diameter, fresh and dry weight, and primary root length. Plants treated with OC kappa once and cultivated for 0 to 24 h after treatment were subjected to transcriptomic analyses to identify differentially expressed genes, mainly at 12 h after treatment. Transcripts encoding proteins involved in growth and development and photosynthesis were upregulated as well as enzymes involved in primary metabolism. In addition, plants treated with OC kappa once and cultivated for 0 to 96 h showed increased levels of transcripts encoding enzymes involved in C, N, and S assimilation at 6 and 12 h after treatment that remain increased until 96 h. Therefore, OC kappa increased the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in photosynthesis, C, N, and S assimilation, and growth in A. thaliana. © 2023 by the authors.Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, FONDECYT, (11200329)Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Comparison of Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors with and without Persistent Depressive Symptoms: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study
No full textAlthough breast cancer treatments reduce mortality, their adverse effects can increase depression which impacts one's quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) seems to improve the QoL of breast cancer survivors (BCS). However, an unanswered question is the influence of PA on the QoL in BCS with depressive symptoms. Thus, we analyzed the influence of PA on the QoL in BCS with persistent depressive symptoms during 12 months of follow-up. The sample included 70 female BCS. Depression and QoL domains (i.e., functional capacity, physical limitations, body pain, general health status, vitality, social and emotional aspects, and mental health) were assessed at baseline and follow-up periods by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and SF-36, respectively. Habitual PA was assessed by Baecke's questionnaire. Our results indicate a prevalence of 17.1% of depressive symptoms. Non-depressives BCS improved their physical limitations and general health status domains over time, but there were no observed differences in depressive BCS. BCS with persistent depressive symptoms (baseline and follow-up) showed worse QoL scores than non-depressives in all domains, regardless of confounding factors. When adjusted for PA, the difference between BCS depressives and non-depressives lost its significance in the functional capacity domain. In conclusion, habitual PA practice positively influenced the functional capacity domain of the QoL in BCS.Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Study of Cannabis Oils Obtained from Three Varieties of C. sativa and by Two Different Extraction Methods: Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities
No full textCurrently, much effort is being placed into obtaining extracts and/or essential oils from Cannabis sativa L. for specific therapeutic purposes or pharmacological compositions. These potential applications depend mainly on the phytochemical composition of the oils, which in turn are determined by the type of C. sativa and the extraction method used to obtain the oils. In this work, we have evaluated the contents of secondary metabolites, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD), in addition to the total phenolic, flavonoids, and anthraquinone content in oils obtained using solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SCF). Different varieties of C. sativa were chosen by using the ratio of THC to CBD concentrations. Additionally, antioxidant, antifungal and anticancer activities on different cancer cell lines were evaluated in vitro. The results indicate that oils extracted by SLE, with high contents of CBD, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, exhibit a high antioxidant capacity and induce a high decrease in the cell viability of the tested breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The observed biological activities are attributed to the entourage effect, in which CBD, phenols and flavonoids play a key role. Therefore, it is concluded that the right selection of C. sativa variety and the solvent for SLE extraction method could be used to obtain the optimal oil composition to develop a natural anticancer agent. © 2023 by the authors.Biological Testing Laboratory; Chemical Synthesis Laboratory of the Chemistry Department of the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María; Universidad de Valparaíso and Empresa LabSunUniversidad Autónoma de Chil