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BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is one of the main risk factors for Lung Cancer (LC) development. However, about 10-20% of those diagnosed with the disease are never-smokers. For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) there are clear differences in both the clinical presentation and the tumor genomic profiles between smokers and never-smokers. For example, the Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) histological subtype in never-smokers is predominately found in young women of European, North American, and Asian descent. While the clinical presentation and tumor genomic profiles of smokers have been widely examined, never-smokers are usually underrepresented, especially those of a Latin American (LA) background. In this work, we characterize, for the first time, the difference in the genomic profiles between smokers and never-smokers LC patients from Chile. METHODS: We conduct a comparison by smoking status in the frequencies of genomic alterations (GAs) including somatic mutations and structural variants (fusions) in a total of 10 clinically relevant genes, including the eight most common actionable genes for LC (EGFR, KRAS, ALK, MET, BRAF, RET, ERBB2, and ROS1) and two established driver genes for malignancies other than LC (PIK3CA and MAP2K1). Study participants were grouped as either smokers (current and former, n = 473) or never-smokers (n = 200) according to self-report tobacco use at enrollment. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a higher overall GA frequency for never-smokers compared to smokers (58 vs. 45.7, p-value < 0.01) with the genes EGFR, KRAS, and PIK3CA displaying the highest prevalence while ERBB2, RET, and ROS1 the lowest. Never-smokers present higher frequencies in seven out of the 10 genes; however, smokers harbor a more complex genomic profile. The clearest differences between groups are seen for EGFR (15.6 vs. 21.5, p-value: < 0.01), PIK3CA (6.8 vs 9.5) and ALK (3.2 vs 7.5) in favor of never-smokers, and KRAS (16.3 vs. 11.5) and MAP2K1 (6.6 vs. 3.5) in favor of smokers. Alterations in these genes are comprised almost exclusively by somatic mutations in EGFR and mainly by fusions in ALK, and only by mutations in PIK3CA, KRAS and MAP2K1. CONCLUSIONS: We found clear differences in the genomic landscape by smoking status in LUAD patients from Chile, with potential implications for clinical management in these limited-resource settings.

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Fragaria chiloensis is a Chilean native species that softens intensively during its ripening. Its softening is related to cell wall disassembly due to the participation of cell wall degrading enzymes. Softening of F. chiloensis fruit can be accelerated by ABA treatment which is accompanied by the increment in the expression of key cell wall degrading genes, however the molecular machinery involved in the transcriptional regulation has not been studied until now. Therefore, the participation of two MADS-box transcription factors belonging to different subfamilies, FchAGL9 and FchSHP, was addressed. Both TFs are members of type-II MADS-box family (MIKC-type) and localized in the nucleus. FchAGL9 and FchSHP are expressed only in flower and fruit tissues, rising as the fruit softens with the highest expression level at C3-C4 stages. EMSA assays demonstrated that FchAGL9 binds to CArG sequences of RIN and SQM, meanwhile FchSHP interacts only with RIN. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed FchAGL9-FchAGL9 and FchAGL9-FchSHP interactions. Hetero-dimer structure was built through homology modeling concluding that FchSHP monomer binds to DNA. Functional validation by Luciferase-dual assays indicated that FchAGL9 transactivates FchRGL and FchPG's promoters, meanwhile FchSHP transactivates those of FchEXP2, FchRGL and FchPG. Over-expression of FchAGL9 in C2 F. chiloensis fruit rises FchEXP2 and FchEXP5 transcripts, meanwhile the over-expression of FchSHP also increments FchXTH1 and FchPL; in both cases there is a down-regulation of FchRGL and FchPG. In summary, we provided evidence of FchAGL9 and FchSHP participating in the transcription regulation associated to F. chiloensis's softening.

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Among mammals, bats harbour the greatest taxonomic diversity of ectoparasitic arthropods. This is mainly due to their high mobility, wide distribution range and gregarious social behaviour. In Chile, 17 species of bats have been reported; however, their ectoparasitic arthropofauna has been little studied. There are currently 12 taxa recorded, belonging to two classes and associated with only four species of bats. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of parasitic flies associated with bats in three ecoregions: Atacama Desert, Chilean Matorral and Valdivian temperate forest. During 2021, using mist nets, bats were captured in Anzota caves (Atacama Desert ecoregion), Huelquén and Alto Jahuel (Chilean Matorral ecoregion), Cherquenco and San Patricio (Valdivian temperate forest). Each bat was carefully checked during a 15-min interval for the collection of ectoparasites. The arthropods were deposited in vials with 96% ethanol. A total of 26 bats corresponding to three species (Vespertilionidae: Histiotus magellanicus Philippi, 1866, Myotis arescens (Osgood, 1943); Phyllostomidae: Desmodus rotundus (Geoffroy, 1810)) were captured from which a total of 142 ectoparasitic arthropods were collected. Bat flies were separated/identified under a stereomicroscope. Additionally, from the fieldwork, we report the presence of other ectoparasites associated with Chilean bats. In our study, we report new host-parasite associations between Trichobius parasiticus Gervais, 1844 (Diptera: Streblidae) on D. rotundus, and Basilia silvae (Brèthes, 1913) (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) in M. arescens in Chile. Our study extended the latitudinal range of distribution for B. silvae to Araucanía region, and we report for first time T. parasiticus in the country. Additionally, partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene were obtained from these specimens. Although there is slight morphological variation in the specimens of T. parasiticus, phylogenetic analyses suggest that they correspond to the same species. The sequences generated for B. silvae represent the first for the species. Authors recommend the use of an integrative approach in the identification of ectoparasites in poorly studied ecoregions and hosts. The integration of different markers is necessary to determine more precisely the phylogenetic relationships between South American populations and species of the genera Basilia and Trichobius.

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Species distribution modeling helps understand how environmental factors influence species distribution, creating profiles to predict presence in unexplored areas and assess ecological impacts. This study examined the habitat use and population ecology of the Chilean dolphin in Seno Skyring, Chilean Patagonia. We used three models-random forest (RF), generalized linear model (GLM), and artificial neural network (ANN)-to predict dolphin distribution based on environmental and biotic data like water temperature, salinity, and fish farm density. Our research has determined that the RF model is the most precise tool for predicting the habitat preferences of Chilean dolphins. The results indicate that these dolphins are primarily located within six kilometers of the coast, strongly correlating with areas featuring numerous fish farms, sheltered waters close to the shore with river inputs, and shallow productive zones. This suggests a potential association between dolphin presence and fish-farming activities. These findings can guide targeted conservation measures, such as regulating fish-farming practices and protecting vital coastal areas to improve the survival prospects of the Chilean dolphin. Given the extensive fish-farming industry in Chile, this research highlights the need for greater knowledge and comprehensive conservation efforts to ensure the species' long-term survival. By understanding and mitigating the impacts of fish farming and other human activities, we can better protect the habitat and well-being of Chilean dolphins.

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PURPOSE: To describe adherence to sustainable healthy diets among a sample of 958 Chilean pre-schoolers (3-6 years) and explore associations between adherence and child and maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. METHODS: Children's adherence to sustainable healthy diets was calculated from single multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls using the Planetary Health Diet Index for children and adolescents (PHDI-C). Higher PHDI-C scores (max score = 150 points) represent greater adherence. Adjusted linear regression models were fitted to explore associations between PHDI-C scores and child and maternal characteristics. RESULTS: Children obtained low total PHDI-C scores (median 50.0 [IQR 39.5-59.8] points). This resulted from low consumption of nuts & peanuts, legumes, vegetables, whole cereals, and vegetable oils; a lack of balance between dark green and red & orange vegetables, inadequate consumption of tubers & potatoes and eggs & white meats, and excess consumption of dairy products, palm oil, red meats, and added sugars. Mean PHDI-C total score was significantly higher (50.6 [95%CI 49.6, 51.7] vs 47.3 [95%CI 45.0, 49.5]) among children whose mothers were ≥ 25 years compared to those with younger mothers. Positive associations were observed between scores for fruits and maternal education, vegetables and maternal age, added sugars and child weight status, while negative associations were observed between fruits and child age, and vegetable oils and maternal education. Scores for dairy products PHDI-C component were lower among girls. CONCLUSION: Adherence to sustainable healthy diets was low among this sample of Chilean children and was significantly associated with maternal age, being lower among children whose mothers were younger.

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BACKGROUND: In the working population, there are risks of overload due to physical, mental, and emotional demands. No instrument is available in Spanish to measure these three types of work fatigue (WF) separately. This paper adapts the Three-Dimensional Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI) (2015), which is of American origin and measures and differentiates these three different types of WF. It has adequate psychometric properties at its root, as do the subsequent German (2018), Lebanese (2022), and Chinese (2023) adaptations. METHODS: A total of 1100 workers (average age = 40 years) from economic sectors such as security and transportation of valuables, secondary and university educational institutions, and healthcare centers participated. They responded to the 3D-WFI, the Health-Related Quality of Life Index, and the Individual Strength Checklist for concurrent validity effects, together with items with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: A confirmatory factor analysis with the total sample 3D-WFI supports its three-dimensionality; Cronbach's alpha and Omega values are adequate by dimensions: for physical work fatigue (α = 0.92, Ω = 0.92), for mental work fatigue (α = 0.94. Ω = 0.94), and emotional work fatigue (α = 0.95, Ω = 0.95). The 3D-WFI correlates significantly with the Checklist Individual Strength (0.743), and a pattern of significant relationships is found between WF and antecedent variables (e.g., being exposed to heat and noise, emotional labor, concentration, and workwear), as well as some consequences of WF (for example, mental health, absenteeism, work satisfaction, and sleep quality). CONCLUSIONS: We contribute here to the cross-cultural validity of the 3D-WFI, which can be used reliably and validly in the Chilean and probably Latin American working population. Some WF predictor variables are confirmed, as well as WF impacts on the absenteeism, health, and quality of life among workers.

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Azamethiphos is used in the salmon industry to treat sea lice and is subsequently discharged into the sea, which may affect non-target species (NTS). A rise in seawater temperature could enhance the sensitivity of NTS. Thus, in the present investigation, the combined effects of azamethiphos (0 µg L-1, 15 µg L-1 and 100 µg L-1) and temperature (12 °C and 15 °C) was assessed over time (7 days) in the gonads and gills of the oyster Ostrea chilensis, assessing its oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls) and total antioxidant capacity. Our results indicated that in gonads and gills, lipid peroxidation levels increased over time during exposure to both pesticide concentrations. Protein carbonyl levels in gills increased significantly in all experimental treatments; however, in gonads, only pesticide concentration and exposure time effected a significant increase in protein damage. In both, gill and gonad temperature did not influence oxidative damage levels. Total antioxidant capacity in gonads was influenced only by temperature treatment, whereas in the gills, neither temperature nor azamethiphos concentration influenced defensive responses. In conclusion, our results indicated the time of pesticide exposure (both concentrations) had a greater influence than temperature on the cellular damage in this oyster.

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Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the primary grain legume cultivated worldwide for direct human consumption due to the high nutritional value of its seeds and pods. The high protein content of common beans highlights it as the most promising source of plant-based protein for the food industry. Additionally, landraces of common bean have great variability in nutritional traits, which is necessary to increase the nutritional quality of elite varieties. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to nutritionally characterize 23 Chilean landraces and 5 commercial varieties of common bean to identify genotypes with high nutritional value that are promising for the food industry and for genetic improvement programs. The landrace Phv23 ('Palo') was the most outstanding with high concentrations of minerals such as P (7.53 g/kg), K (19.8 g/kg), Mg (2.43 g/kg), Zn (52.67 mg/kg), and Cu (13.67 mg/kg); essential amino acids (364.8 mg/g protein); and total proteins (30.35 g/100 g seed). Additionally, the landraces Phv9 ('Cimarrón'), Phv17 ('Juanita'), Phv3 ('Araucano'), Phv8 ('Cabrita/Señorita'), and Phv4 ('Arroz') had a high protein content. The landrace Phv24 ('Peumo') stood out for its phenolic compounds (TPC = 218.1 mg GA/100 g seed) and antioxidant activity (ORAC = 22,167.9 µmol eq trolox/100 g extract), but it has moderate to low mineral and protein concentrations. In general, the concentration of nutritional compounds in some Chilean landraces was significantly different from the commercial varieties, highlighting their high nutritional value and their potential use for the food industry and for genetic improvement purposes.

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Chile had a violent military coup (1973-1990) that resulted in 3,000 victims declared detained, missing or killed; many are still missing and unidentified. Currently, the Human Rights Unit of the Forensic Medical Service in Chile applies globally recognised forensic anthropological approaches, but many of these methods have not been validated in a Chilean sample. As current research has demonstrated population-specificity with extant methods, the present study aims to validate sex estimation methods in a Chilean population and thereafter establish population-specific equations. A sample of 265 os coxae of known age and sex of adult Chileans from the Santiago Subactual Osteology Collection were analysed. Visual assessment and scoring of the pelvic traits were performed in accordance with the Phenice (1969) and Klales et al. (2012) methods. The accuracy of Phenice (1969) in the Chilean sample was 96.98%, with a sex bias of 7.68%. Klales et al. (2012) achieved 87.17% accuracy with a sex bias of -15.39%. Although both methods showed acceptable classification accuracy, the associated sex bias values are unacceptable in forensic practice. Therefore, six univariate and eight multivariate predictive models were formulated for the Chilean population. The most accurate univariate model was the ventral arc at 96.6%, with a sex bias of 5.2%. Classification accuracy using all traits was 97.0%, with a sex bias of 7.7%. This study provides Chilean practitioners a population-specific morphoscopic standard with associated classification probabilities acceptable to accomplish legal admissibility requirements in human rights and criminal cases specific to the second half of the 20th century.

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