Resumen Antecedentes: las tecnologías móviles pueden coadyuvar en el cambio de comportamientos alimentarios en personas con exceso de peso. Sin embargo, la evidencia con aplicaciones móviles adaptadas en el contexto latinoamericano es limitada. Objetivo: evaluar cambios antropométricos y satisfacción personal en una intervención educativa para personas con exceso de peso, la cual incluyó el uso de una aplicación móvil (NutriMetas). Materiales y métodos: estudio experimental clásico con diseño de pre-post prueba en personas con exceso de peso (IMC >25,0 y ≤34,9 kg/m2). Los participantes asistieron a sesiones de educación nutricional y registraron sus metas en la aplicación NutriMetas (grupo experimental, n=26) o en papel (grupo control, n=26). Se utilizaron modelos de regresión mixto multinivel para evaluar diferencias antropométricas (peso, IMC, circunferencia de cintura y porcentaje de grasa) entre los grupos. Resultados: el grupo experimental obtuvo una pérdida de peso promedio de 2,1±2,6 kg, en comparación con 0,7±1,6 kg para el grupo control (p=0,08). La interacción entre grupo y tiempo mostró una tendencia a la significancia en el IMC (p=0,064) y en la pérdida de peso (p=0,082), que podría ser de importancia desde el punto de vista clínico. Los atributos de apariencia, efectividad, eficiencia y facilidad de aprendizaje de NutriMetas fueron valorados favorablemente por la mayoría de los participantes. Conclusiones: el uso de NutriMetas como parte de una intervención educativa resultó ser una herramienta efectiva para los pacientes.

Abstract Background: Mobile technologies can enhance dietary changes in patients affected by overweight and obesity. Evidence of mobile applications designed and adapted to the Latin American context is, however, limited. Objective: To evaluate the use of the mobile app NutriMetas as part of a group nutrition education intervention, including anthropometric changes, and satisfaction with the mobile application. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled study, in which all participants attended group nutrition education sessions, and recorded their goal progress with NutriMetas (experimental group, n=26) or on paper (control group, n=26). Multilevel mixed models were used to assess anthropometric changes (weight, BMI, body fat percentage and waist circumference between groups). Results: The experimental group had a mean weight-loss of 2.1±2.6 kg in comparison to 0.7±1.6 kg for the control group (p=0.08). Attributes of appearance, effectiveness, efficiency, and ease of use of NutriMetas were rated favorably by a majority of program participants. Conclusions: NutriMetas mobile application was an effective tool when used as part of the group weight loss nutrition intervention.

Abstract Background: Colonic vascular lesion secondary to verapamil overdose is mediated by free radicals, forming vascular microtrombos and endotoxin generation, being a difficult diagnosis. Clinical Case: A 27-year-old female is admitted with an acute abdomen of 4 days after an event referred for a suicidal attempt due to an overdose of verapamil, operating surgically where there is a right transmural colon necrosis, performing a right hemicolectomy with terminal ileostomy. Conclusions: Recognize and properly treat an acute abdomen, not always reach an adequate diagnosis, so a thorough history could conclude.

Resumen Antecedentes: La lesión vascular colónica secundaria a la sobredosis de verapamilo, es mediada por radicales libres, formando microtrombos vasculares y generación de endotoxinas, siendo un diagnostico difícil. Caso Clínico: Femenino de 27 años, ingresa con abdomen agudo de 4 días posteriores a un evento remitido de intento suicida por sobredosis de verapamilo, interviniéndose quirúrgicamente donde se halla necrosis colónica transmural derecha, realizando hemicolectomía derecha con ileostomía terminal. Conclusiones: Reconocer y tratar de forma adecuada un abdomen agudo, no siempre se suele llegar a un adecuado diagnostico, por lo cual una minuciosa anamnesis lograría concluirlo.

ABSTRACT Objective Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. Thus, genetic variants related with these conditions may modulate its development. We evaluated the effect of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on metabolic syndrome risk in a cohort of Chilean subjects. Subjects and methods A total of 152 subjects, 83 with MetS (51.2 ± 9.6 years) and 69 without MetS (49.5 ± 9.3 years) of both genders were included, according to the ATP III update criteria. The rs4340 Insertion/Deletion (I/D), rs699 (T>C) and rs5186 (A>C) of the ACE, AGT and AGTR1 genes, respectively, were genotyped. Results After adjusting for age and gender, we observed the DD genotype of rs4340 associated with MetS (p = 0.02). Specifically, the DD genotype was associated with MetS risk in women (OR = 4.62, 95%CI, 1.41 – 15.04; p < 0.01). In males, the AA genotype for rs5186 variant was associated with an increased risk for developing MetS when compared with women carrying the same genotype (OR = 3.2; 95%CI, 1.03 – 9.89; p = 0.04). In subjects without MetS, DD genotype was associated with increased waist circumference (p = 0.023) while subjects with MetS carrying the rs5186 TT genotype showed higher levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.031). Conclusion The present study contributes data highlighting the role for RAS polymorphisms in predisposing to metabolic syndrome in Chilean subjects.

Apanteles nr. Aristoteliae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an endoparasitoid of the leafroller Amorbia sp. (Lepdidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae. In this study, the life cycle, parasitism, sex ratio, and longevity of adults of this parasitoid were determined under laboratory conditions (22 ± 2 ºC, 60 ± 5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 16:8h [light:dark]). The life cycle of this parasitoid was 42.45 ± 0.76 days. The duration of development stages of egg-larva, pupa and adult was 14.04 ± 0.05, 9.22 ± 0.07, and 19.36 ± 0.74 days, respectively. Each A. nr. aristoteliae female parasitized 73.33 ± 7.55 Amorbia sp. larvae. The sex ratio of F1 generation was 95.1% males (n = 912). Longevity of adults was significantly different (U = 564, P = 0.01) between mated males (27 ± 2.55 days) and virgins (19.75 ± 0.70 days) but not (U = 182, P = 0.3) between mated females that were exposed to parasitization during all its life (26.4 ± 2.88 days), and virgins (23.13 ± 1.4 days). In order to obtain a better understanding about life parameters of A. nr. aristoteliae, future studies that include different rearing conditions (e.g., temperature and space) are needed.

Apanteles nr. aristoteliae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) es un endoparasitoide de larvas del enrollador de las hojas Amorbia sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). En este estudio se determinó, bajo condiciones de laboratorio (22 ± 2 ºC, 60 ± 5% de humedad relativa y un fotoperiodo de 16:8 h [luz: oscuridad]) el ciclo de vida, parasitismo, proporción sexual y longevidad de adultos de este parasitoide. La duración del ciclo de vida fue de 42.45 ± 0.76 días. El tiempo de desarrollo de los estados de huevo-larva, pupa y adulto fue de 14.04 ± 0.05, 9.22 ± 0.07 y 19.36 ± 0.74 días, respectivamente. A lo largo de toda su vida, cada hembra de A. nr. aristoteliae parasitó 73.33 ± 7.55 larvas del enrollador de las hojas Amorbia sp. La proporción sexual de la generación F1 fue de 95.1% machos (n = 912). La longevidad de los adultos fue significativamente distinta (U = 564, P = 0.01) entre los machos apareados (27 ± 2.55 días) y vírgenes (19.75 ± 0.70 días), pero no (U = 182, P = 0.3) entre las hembras apareadas y que fueron sometidas a parasitación durante toda su vida (26.4 ± 2.88 días) y vírgenes (23.13 ± 1.4 días). Con el fin de obtener un mejor conocimiento de los parámetros de vida del parasitoide A. nr. aristoteliae, es necesario realizar futuros estudios que incluyan diferentes condiciones de cría (ej., temperatura y espacio).

Propolis is a non-toxic natural substance with multiple pharmacological properties including anticancer, antioxidant, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory among others. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and botanical characterization of Chilean propolis samples and to evaluate their biological activity against the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Twenty propolis samples were obtained from beekeeping producers from the central and southern regions of Chile. The botanical profile was determined by palynological analysis. Total phenolic contents were determined using colorimetric assays. Reverse phase HPLC and HPLC-MS were used to determine the chemical composition. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. All propolis samples were dominated by structures from native plant species. The characterization by HPLC/MS, evidenced the presence of quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, rutine, pinocembrin, coumaric acid, caffeic acid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester, that have already been described in these propolis with conventional HPLC. Although all propolis samples inhibited the mutans streptococci growth, it was observed a wide spectrum of action (MIC 0.90 to 8.22 µgmL-1). Given that results it becomes increasingly evident the need of standardization procedures, where we combine both the determination of botanical and the chemical characterization of the extracts. Research conducted to date, describes a promising effectiveness of propolis in the prevention of caries and other diseases of the oral cavity, making it necessary to develop studies to identify and understand the therapeutic targets or mechanisms of molecular action of the various compounds present on them.

In the present research, characterization of the components of total dietary fiber of 3 varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), 3 varieties of kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus L.) and 3 varieties of cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen), was carried out. For further studies, the following varieties of each andean crop were chosen due to their high content of soluble dietary fiber quinoa: Salcedo INIA variety, kiwicha: Morocho variety and cañihua: Cupi variety. These cereals were processed by milling and sieving to obtain brans which were analyzed for their dietary fiber content and components. These operations allowed concentrating the soluble dietary fiber in the brans. The soluble and insoluble dietary fibers were isolated using two different methods: extraction with neutral solution and extraction with basic solution. The first method consisted in extracting with water the fractions of soluble dietary fiber of the brans. These fractions were purified by physicochemical methods and lyophilized to obtain fractions rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. In the second method basic solution was used to obtain fractions rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Once the fractions rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber were prepared, physicochemical and techno functional properties of these fractions were evaluated. The yield of the two methods of extraction was calculated, as well. The results of this research demonstrated that the most adequate method of extraction of the dietary fiber fractions is the method which uses neutral solvents.

Se evaluó el contenido de fibra dietaria y sus componentes en 3 variedades de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), 3 variedades de kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus L.) y 3 variedades de cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen). Las siguientes variedades de cada grano andino fueron elegidas por su alto contenido de fibra dietaria soluble (FDS): quinua: variedad Salcedo INIA, cañihua: variedad Cupi y kiwicha: variedad Morocho. Estas variedades fueron molidas y tamizadas para obtener salvados ricos en fibra dietaria soluble e insoluble (FDI). Se probó dos métodos para aislar la fibra soluble e insoluble: método neutro y método alcalino. El método neutro consistió en solubilizar en agua las fracciones de FDS presentes en los salvados; posteriormente las fracciones solubles se purificaron por diversos procedimientos fisicoquímicos, luego de los cuales se realizó la operación de liofilización para la obtención de las fracciones ricas en FDS y FDI. Por otro lado, el método alcalino utilizó otro medio como disolvente para realizar el aislamiento de la FDS, como fue el reactivo de hidróxido de sodio al dos por ciento; los residuos de las fracciones de FDS y FDI fueron liofilizados. Una vez aisladas las fracciones ricas en FDI y FDS por los métodos neutro y alcalino, a partir de los salvados concentrados, se evaluaron sus propiedades fisicoquímicas y tecnofuncionales; además, se determinó el rendimiento de ambos métodos de extracción de fibra. Finalmente, con los resultados que se obtuvo en esta investigación, se demostró que el método más adecuado para la extracción de las fracciones de FDI y FDS fue el que utiliza el - procedimiento neutro.

Dental caries is an infectious disease of worldwide public health concern. Among the bacteria involved in this pathology are Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and organisms belonging to the genera Actinomyces and Lactobacillus. The pharmaceutical industry is focussing on the discovery of new antibacterial products after a greater resistance to those already known. Propolis has been used since ancient times, so their effects against various microorganisms have been already investigated. In our study, we evaluated the antimicrobial effect of 6 commercial ethanolic propolis extracts on the bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum. This bacterium was isolated after its identification by Polymerase Chain Reaction using species specific primers, and after growing microbiological samples from cavities of patients diagnosed with dental caries and with indication of tooth extraction. L. fermentum was detected in 9 of 40 patients, corresponding to 22%. The susceptibility study, carried out by microplate dilution, found antimicrobial activity in four of the six ethanolic extract of propolis used. These differ in the effective concentration against the microorganism, which can be attributed to factors such as the botanical origin, geographic location and harvest season. Among the results, it was noticed that these polyphenols showed concentrations ranging between 9 ± 0.3 and 85 ±2.1 mg/mL. The chromatographic analysis allowed the identification of caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempherol, apigenin, pinocembrin, galangin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). Our study demonstrates the antimicrobial action of propolis on L. fermentum, the patogen related to caries development.

La caries dental es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más prevalentes en el mundo. Entre las bacterias involucradas en esta patología se encuentran Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces spp. y Lactobacillus spp. La industria farmacéutica ha volcado sus esfuerzos al descubrimiento de nuevos productos antibacterianos ante el aumento de resistencia a los ya conocidos. El propóleos se ha utilizado como tal, desde tiempos antiguos, por lo que se ha investigado su efecto contra variados microorganismos. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto antimicrobiano de seis extractos etanólicos comerciales de propóleos, sobre la bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum. Ésta fue aislada luego de su identificación mediante PCR con el uso de primers especie específicos, posterior al cultivo microbiológico de muestras de caries de pacientes con indicación de extracción de pieza dental, y se detectó en 9 de 40 pacientes, correspondiendo a un 22%. El estudio de susceptibilidad se realizó mediante dilución en microplacas y se comprobó la actividad antimicrobiana en cuatro de los seis extractos etanólicos de propóleos utilizados, difiriendo en la concentración efectiva contra el microorganismo, lo que puede ser atribuido a factores como el origen botánico, el lugar geográfico y la estación de recolección. Los propóleos mostraron concentraciones de polifenoles que variaron entre 9 ± 0,3 y 85 ± 2,1 mg/mL. El análisis cromatográfico permitió detectar la presencia de ácido cafeico, miricetina, quercetina, kaempferol, apigenina, pinocembrina, galangina y ácido cafeico fenil éster (CAPE). Nuestro estudio demuestra la acción antimicrobiana del propóleos sobre L. fermentum, patógeno relacionado al desarrollo de caries.

The systematic screening of more than 250 molecules against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro has previously shown that interfering with phospholipid metabolism is lethal to the malaria parasite. These compounds act by impairing choline transport in infected erythrocytes, resulting in phosphatidylcholine de novo biosynthesis inhibition. A thorough study was carried out with the leader compound G25, whose in vitro IC50 is 0.6 nM. It was very specific to mature parasites (trophozoïtes) as determined in vitro with P. falciparum and in vivo with P. chabaudi -infected mice. This specificity corresponds to the most intense phase of phospholipid biosynthesis activity during the parasite cycle, thus corroborating the mechanism of action. The in vivo antimalarial activity (ED50) against P. chabaudi was 0.03 mg/kg, and a similar sensitivity was obtained with P. vinckei petteri, when the drug was intraperitoneally administered in a 4 day suppressive test. In contrast, P. berghei was revealed as less sensitive (3- to 20-fold, depending on the P. berghei-strain). This difference in activity could result either from the degree of synchronism of every strain, their invasion preference for mature or immature red blood cells or from an intrinsically lower sensitivity of the P. berghei strain to G25. Irrespective of the mode of administration, G25 had the same therapeutic index (lethal dose 50 (LD50)/ED50) but the dose to obtain antimalarial activity after oral treatment was 100-fold higher than after intraperitoneal (or subcutaneous) administration. This must be related to the low intestinal absorption of these kind of compounds. G25 succeeded to completely inhibiting parasitemia as high as 11.2% without any decrease in its therapeutic index when administered subcutaneously twice a day for at least 8 consecutive days to P. chabaudi -infected-rodent model. Transition to human preclinical investigations now requires a synthesis of molecules which would permit oral absorption.