Repositorio Académico de la Universidad Católica del Maule
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Tabrizicola caldifontis sp. nov., isolated from hot spring sediment sample
No full textA Gram-stain-negative, ovoid to rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, designated YIM 73028T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from a hot spring in Tibet, China. Phylogenetic analysis (based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences) indicated that strain YIM 73028T belongs to the genus Tabrizicola and showed the highest sequence similarity to the type strain of Tabrizicola aquatica (97.0%). Growth occurred at 30–50 °C (optimum, 37–45 °C) and pH 6.5–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5). The respiratory isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified amino lipid and unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were C18:1 ω7c, C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl, C16:0 and C18:0. The genomic DNA G + C content was 65.7%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain YIM 73028T and type species of Tabrizicola aquatica was lower than 95–96% threshold recommended for distinguishing novel prokaryotic species. Based on the phenotypic, physiological, chemotaxonomic, genotypic, and phylogenetic data, strain YIM 73028T represents a novel species of the genus Tabrizicola, for which the name Tabrizicola caldifontis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 73028T (= KCTC 52713T = CGMCC 1.16151T)
Relationship between body mass index and fat mass percentage with proprioception in children
No full textBackground/Objectives: Childhood obesity is linked to motor and sensorimotor impairments, including proprioceptive deficits. While research has predominantly focused on lower limb proprioception, less is known about the impact on upper limbs. This study investigated the relationship between body mass index, body fat percentage, and proprioception of children aged 11–12 years. Methods: A quantitative, correlational, observational design was employed. BMI was calculated from weight and height measurements, body fat percentage was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and proprioception was measured using an active repositioning test with inertial sensors in 44 children. Results: Significant correlations were found between BMI and positional errors in the shoulder (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), elbow (r = 0.36, p = 0.007), and knee (r = 0.42, p = 0.002). Regarding body fat percentage, significant correlations were observed with positional errors in the shoulder (r = 0.28, p = 0.031), elbow (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and knee (r = 0.29, p = 0.030). Regression analysis showed that BMI and body fat percentage significantly predicted positional errors in the shoulder, elbow, and knee. In the shoulder joint, girls demonstrated lower positional errors compared to boys, influenced by both BMI (β = −1.36, p = 0.015) and body fat percentage (β = −3.00, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher BMI and body fat percentage are associated with shoulder, elbow, and knee joint proprioceptive deficits. Interventions targeting weight reduction and proprioceptive training may mitigate these deficits and promote sensorimotor function in children
Analysis of the psychometric evidence of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) & measurement invariance across relationship status & age generations in a Chilean sample
No full textBackground
Inconsistencies in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) factor structure and current research and clinical guidelines highlight the need for continued exploration of its psychometric evidence. Furthermore, only one study has assessed its measurement invariance (MI), while the only FSFI psychometric study conducted in Chile lacks quality and representativity.
Aim
Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FSFI (ie, structural and convergent validity, and reliability) in a Chilean sample of women, while also examining MI across relationship status and age groups.
Method
A sample of 2595 sexually active adult women (Mage = 32.10, SDage = 10) was derived from a broader Chilean study (Chilean National Sex and Sexuality Study). We used a confirmatory factor analysis to determine its structural validity, sexual satisfaction (SS) dimensions to establish its convergent validity, and Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega to assess the reliability of its scores.
Outcomes
Measures of goodness-of-fit.
Results
Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor structure. Internal consistency indices for all FSFI dimensions ranged from good to excellent. MI was achieved across socio-demographic variables at the factor covariance level. Convergent validity indicated modest-to-moderate effects in satisfaction differences based on relationship status. Among other findings, Chilean women in a relationship had significantly higher satisfaction with their sexual communication and compatibility than those who were single, which is consistent with previous findings. Meanwhile, women at risk of experiencing sexual problems scored significantly lower across all SS dimensions than those not at risk.
Clinical Implications
This study provides evidence that the FSFI is a valid, reliable, and invariant tool for the clinical practice in the sexual health of Spanish-speaking Latino Americans, especially that of Chilean women’s sexual function (SF) and problems.
Strengths & Limitations
This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the FSFI’s psychometric validity evidence, demonstrating its reliability and validity across diverse Chilean women while also offering its first assessment of MI and confirming its suitability for clinical and research use in Spanish-speaking Latino women. Conversely, this study’s main caveat lies in having a predominantly younger, cisgender, and heterosexual sample.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, this study’s findings support the FSFI as a valuable research tool for female SF and well-being, particularly within the Chilean population. This study significantly expands the applicability of the FSFI and underscores its MI across sociodemographic factors, as well as its applicability in the Spanish-speaking Latino-American sociodemographic context, particularly the Chilean one
The relationship between leadership self-perception and emotional ability in Physical Education students in Chile
No full textIntroducción: Este estudio explora la relación entre la autopercepción de liderazgo y las habilidades emocionales en estudiantes de Pedagogía en Educación Física en Chile.
Objetivos: a) determinar las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario de Prácticas de Liderazgo Estudiantil (S-LPI) en estudiantes de Educación Física, y b) Relacionar los tipos de liderazgo con la habilidad emocional en el estudiantado de la carrera de Pedagogía en Educación Física de Chile.
Metodología: el enfoque del estudio es cuantitativo, correlacional con un diseño no experimental. La muestra estuvo constituida por 359 estudiantes de cinco universidades utilizando el Inventario de Prácticas de Liderazgo Estudiantil (S-LPI) y la Escala de Metaconocimiento Emocional (TMMS-19).
Resultados: se encontraron correlaciones en todas las dimensiones se relacionan entre las variables, con valores que van desde r=.163 hasta r=.473.
Discusión: Se destaca que los estudiantes en años avanzados presentan mayores competencias en liderazgo en comparación con los de primer año. También se observan diferencias en claridad emocional según el sexo, con mujeres mostrando mayor claridad, resultados similares en investigaciones anteriores en la misma población.
Conclusiones: Este análisis contribuye a comprender cómo el desarrollo del liderazgo y la habilidad emocional puede influir en la formación pedagógica en el ámbito de la Educación Física
Workload, job, and family satisfaction in dual-earning parents with adolescents: the mediating role of work-to-family conflict
No full textIntroduction: The study examined the direct and indirect effects of parents’ workload, work-to-family conflict (WtoFC), job satisfaction, and family satisfaction among dual-earning parents and their adolescent children.
Methods: A total of 516 dual-earning parents and one adolescent child were enlisted for the study using non-probabilistic sampling. Mothers and fathers completed assessments about workload, WtoFC, and the Overall Job Satisfaction Scale, while all three family members responded to the Satisfaction with Family Life Scale.
Results: The data were analyzed using the mediation Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling. The findings revealed a negative association between mothers’ workload and family satisfaction. Moreover, both parents’ workloads reduce adolescents’ family satisfaction. Both parents’ workload was positively associated with their WtoFC. Additionally, WtoFC was found to significantly mediate across intraindividual and interindividual domains, linking workload and job satisfaction in parents and workload and family satisfaction for parents and their adolescent children.
Discussion: These empirical insights underscore the critical need to mitigate workload and WtoFC to enhance parental job satisfaction and family satisfaction of all family members. The study’s practical implications provide the audience with actionable insights that can be applied to workplace practices, empowering them to make informed decisions
Mental Illness in Chile: institutional framework from 1852 to 1928
No full textLa salud mental en Chile, y la concepción sobre esta, fue testigo de una serie de transformaciones durante el siglo XIX e inicios del siglo XX, producto de hallazgos y reformas que se implementaron en otros continentes y que también aterrizaron en el país.
Objetivo: Esta investigación analizó la evolución de las instituciones mentales en Chile durante el periodo 1852–1928.
Método: El acceso al pasado se realizó desde una aproximación historiográfica, con un trabajo de archivo que
priorizó el uso de fuentes primarias.
Resultados: Primero, se evidencia una considerable influencia desde el extranjero en la fundación de las
instituciones de salud mental en Chile y en los avances, tendencias y formas de llevar a cabo el cuidado y tratamiento de las enfermedades mentales. Segundo, se observó un cambio en la concepción hacia la población que padecía de algún trastorno mental: en un inicio, una consideración punitiva, vinculada al encierro o abandono, y posteriormente una consideración más humanitaria, donde pasaron a ser vistos como sujetos con derechos, lo que conllevó modificaciones en el trato que recibían, la infraestructura de las instituciones asilares, los tratamientos, entre otros. Tercero, en el periodo se fundaron tres establecimientos para enajenados, los cuales no contaban con el espacio y recursos suficientes para brindar tratamiento a todos los ciudadanos que presentaban psicopatologías, sin embargo, cada vez se les brindó mayor atención, lo cual se respalda con la evolución de las prestaciones que se brindaban al interior de estos establecimientos y la promulgación de leyes que buscaron favorecer a las personas que padecían enfermedades mentales.
Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten comprender
el estado actual de la salud mental en Chile, con una preocupación hacia esta, pero con un déficit presupuestario e institucional que se remiten a sus hitos fundacionales en Chile hacia el siglo XIX
Secondary metabolites of lichens: The untapped biomedical and pharmaceutical potential of antimicrobial molecules
No full textLichens are formed through a mutualistic interaction between one main fungal species, known as the mycobiont, and algae and/or cyanobacteria species, known as the photobionts. Lichens, particularly the mycobiont component, are known to produce various secondary metabolites which have distinct physiological roles in order to protect from biotic and abiotic stress. This review explores the antimicrobial potential of lichen-derived secondary metabolites, highlighting their efficacy against a variety of microorganisms. Based on a exhaustive analysis of the scientific literature, we discuss the mechanisms of action and potential applications of these metabolites in the fight against antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases. Lichen-derived compounds, such as diffractaic, lobaric, protolichesterinic, salazinic and usnic acid, exhibit diverse antimicrobial properties, demonstrating activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi and yeasts, often with significant minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Some of them also show promise as antiviral agents. In addition, certain metabolites show synergism with conventional antibiotics, which could enhance their efficacy. Finally, the interaction of molecules present in culture supernatants of lichens and inorganic ions, in the form of nanoparticles, presenting antimicrobial activity, is also described. This literature review highlights the therapeutic potential of lichen metabolites in the fight against various microbial infections, making them valuable targets for future research and drug development
Ethical analysis of the fair selection of participants in Human Papillomavirus prevention research
No full textIntroduction: human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer. The transmission of this virus occurs primarily through sexual contact. Therefore, research supported by ethical principles must equitably select both men and women as participants, given that both groups benefit from the findings.
Objective: to analyze the selection of participants in studies on HPV infection prevention from an ethical perspective.
Methods: a narrative review was conducted following the recommendations of Cronin, Ryan, and Coughlan. The databases WoS, PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL Complete were consulted, identifying 530 articles. After removing duplicates and applying predefined eligibility criteria, 19 manuscripts were selected.
Results: a significant proportion of the studies originated from Africa. The participants were predominantly women, students, and individuals aged between 27 and 36 years. The findings reveal a bioethical concern regarding the exclusion of certain groups from research, which may cause or exacerbate health disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Conclusions: access to research must include both men and women to gather information that supports the development of inclusive regulations and policies for the entire population. Groups underrepresented in research do not adequately benefit from the advantages such studies generate
The implementation of the biopsychosocial model: individuals with alcohol use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder
No full textIntroduction
This extensive literature review investigates the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), focusing on the neurobiological changes associated with their co-occurrence. Given that these disorders frequently coexist, we analyze mechanisms through which alcohol serves as a coping strategy for PTSD symptoms, particularly highlighting the drinking-to-cope self-medication model, which suggests that alcohol use exacerbates PTSD symptoms and complicates recovery.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify studies examining the intersection of the biopsychosocial model with PTSD, AUD, and associated neural alterations.
Results
Findings demonstrate that chronic PTSD is associated with progressive dysfunction in the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and white matter pathways. Also, our findings underscore alterations within the reward system, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis that contribute to the pathophysiology of AUD. Our results support the notion that a biopsychosocial framework is essential for contemporary addiction treatment, particularly in the context of alcohol addiction and PTSD.
Conclusion
PTSD frequently leads individuals to use alcohol as a maladaptive coping strategy, ultimately resulting in neuroadaptive alterations across critical brain regions. These neurobiological changes contribute to the development and maintenance of AUD. The findings reiterate the necessity of employing a biopsychosocial model in treating individuals grappling with both PTSD and AUD. This model allows for a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors that influence recovery
Climate change and epigenetics: unraveling the role of methylation in response to thermal instability in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis
No full textLow temperatures are one of the critical conditions affecting the performance and distribution of plants. Exposure to cooling results in the reprogramming of gene expression, which in turn would be mediated by epigenetic regulation. Antarctica is known as one of the most severe ecosystems, but several climate models predict an increase in average temperature, which may positively impact the development of Antarctic plants; however, under warmer temperatures, plants' vulnerability to damages from low-temperature events increases. Here, we evaluated the impact of these events on the acclimation process, with a focus on how methylation influences the induction of cold response genes. According to the results, an increase in the number of methylations in the promoter regions is associated with lower expression of these genes. Similarly, in populations where this relationship is observed, individuals acclimated to the projected climate change condition are more vulnerable, as their average temperature is lower in the face of a cold event compared to individuals acclimated to the current antarctic condition. This research is the first report highlighting the role of methylation in response to cold and its influence on the transcriptional responses of the antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis facing climate change projections