Universidad del Desarrollo

About: Universidad del Desarrollo is a education organization based out in Santiago, Chile. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Entrepreneurship. The organization has 2695 authors who have published 3578 publications receiving 52302 citations.

Exosome-like vesicles in Apis mellifera bee pollen, honey and royal jelly contribute to their antibacterial and pro-regenerative activity.

Abstract: Microvesicles are key players in cellular communication. As glandular secretions present a rich source of active exosomes, we hypothesized that exosome-like vesicles are present in Apis mellifera hypopharyngeal gland secretomal products (honey, royal jelly and bee pollen), and participate in their known antibacterial and pro-regenerative effects. We developed an isolation protocol based on serial centrifugation and ultracentrifugation steps and demonstrated the presence of protein-containing exosome-like vesicles in all three bee-derived products. Assessing their antibacterial properties, we found that exosome-like vesicles had bacteriostatic, bactericidal and biofilm-inhibiting effects on Staphylococcus aureus Furthermore, we demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) internalize bee-derived exosome-like vesicles and that these vesicles influence the migration potential of the MSCs. In an in vitro wound-healing assay, honey and royal jelly exosome-like vesicles increased migration of human MSCs, demonstrating their inter-kingdom activity. In summary, we have discovered exosome-like vesicles as a new, active compound in bee pollen, honey and royal jelly.

Children's views on evacuation drills and school preparedness: Mapping experiences and unfolding perspectives

Abstract: Introduction and purpose of this study Colegio Ingles is the largest and oldest school in the city of Iquique, the capital of Chile's northern Tarapaca Region. In accordance with the School Evacuation Plan, a drill was held in 2013 with the entire student body (n = 1600). The majority of the students had experienced the 2014 Pisagua earthquake. Considering the school's exposure to natural disasters and the experience of its students, we studied the perspectives of k-12 students relative to their school's evacuation plan for a major disaster, such as an earthquake and a tsunami. Materials and methods The study applied a qualitative methodology for in-depth exploration and insight into the students’ perceptions of the school evacuation plan. The methods applied were: (i) focus groups and (ii) individual mapping exercises. The participants recruited (n = 31), included children between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. The collected information was analyzed through a thematic analysis using NVivo 11 software. Results The results flagged significant issues that had not been considered during the development of the school evacuation plan, such as the family dimension, which in some cases is contradictory with the school evacuation plan, as well as the need of redefining the safe zones from a multidimensional perspective. Conclusions More participation from children in the local planning of the school evacuation plan was seen as necessary in order to strengthen their preparedness in case of disaster, integrating their school evacuation plan and their family ones.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with severe hypoxemia in pediatric ARDS

Abstract: Purpose The D allele of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of a 287-bp sequence in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with an increased activity of this enzyme. Its role in susceptibility to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been well defined. We hypothesized that ACE I/D genotype in pediatrics is associated with ARDS and plasma levels of angiotensin II.