SpaceANOVA: Spatial Co-occurrence Analysis of Cell Types in Multiplex Imaging Data Using Point Process and Functional ANOVA.

Multiplex imaging platforms have enabled the identification of the spatial organization of different types of cells in complex tissue or the tumor microenvironment. Exploring the potential variations in the spatial co-occurrence or colocalization of different cell types across distinct tissue or disease classes can provide significant pathological insights, paving the way for intervention strategies. However, the existing methods in this context either rely on stringent statistical assumptions or suffer from a lack of generalizability. We present a highly powerful method to study differential spatial co-occurrence of cell types across multiple tissue or disease groups, based on the theories of the Poisson point process and functional analysis of variance. Notably, the method accommodates multiple images per subject and addresses the problem of missing tissue regions, commonly encountered due to data-collection complexities. We demonstrate the superior statistical power and robustness of the method in comparison with existing approaches through realistic simulation studies. Furthermore, we apply the method to three real data sets on different diseases collected using different imaging platforms. In particular, one of these data sets reveals novel insights into the spatial characteristics of various types of colorectal adenoma.

Vegan grade medium component screening and concentration optimization for the fermentation of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502® using Design of Experiments.

Lactobacillus paracasei IMC502® is a commercially successful probiotic strain. However, there are no reports that investigate growth medium composition in relation to improved biomass production for this strain. The major outcome of the present study is the design and optimization of a growth medium based on vegan components to be used in the cultivation of Lactobacillus paracasei IMC502®, by using Design of Experiments. Besides comparing different carbon sources, the use of plant-based peptones as nitrogen sources was considered. In particular, the use of guar peptone as the main nitrogen source, in the optimization of fermentation media for the production of probiotics, could replace other plant peptones (e.g. potato, rice, wheat, and soy) which are part of the human diet, thereby avoiding an increase in product and process prices. A model with R2 and adjusted R2 values higher than 95% was obtained. Model accuracy was equal to 94.11%. The vegan-optimized culture medium described in this study increased biomass production by about 65% compared to growth on De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) medium. Moreover, this approach showed that most of the salts and trace elements generally present in MRS are not affecting biomass production, thus a simplified medium preparation can be proposed with higher probiotic biomass yield and titer. The possibility to obtain viable lactic acid bacteria at high density from vegetable derived nutrients will be of great interest to specific consumer communities, opening the way to follow this approach with other probiotics of impact for human health.

Environmentally Friendly UV Absorbers: Synthetic Characterization and Biosecurity Studies of the Host-Guest Supramolecular Complex.

Isoamyl 4-methoxycinnamate (IMC) is widely used in various fields because of its exceptional UV-filter properties. However, due to its cytotoxicity and anti-microbial degradability, the potential eco-environmental toxicity of IMC has become a focus of attention. In this study, we propose a host-guest supramolecule approach to enhance the functionality of IMC, resulting in a more environmentally friendly and high-performance materials. Sulfobutyl-ß-cyclodextrin sodium salt (SBE-ß-CD) was used as the host molecule. IMC-SBE-ß-CD supramolecular substances were prepared through the "saturated solution method", and their properties and biosecurity were evaluated. Meanwhile, we conducted the AOS tree evaluation system that surpasses existing evaluation approaches based on apoptosis, oxidative stress system, and signaling pathways to investigate the toxicological mechanisms of IMC-SBE-ß-CD within human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells as model organisms. The AOS tree evaluation system aims to offer the comprehensive analysis of the cytotoxic effects of IMC-SBE-ß-CD. Our findings showed that IMC-SBE-ß-CD had an encapsulation rate of 84.45% and optimal stability at 30 °C. Further, IMC-SBE-ß-CD promoted cell growth and reproduction without compromising the integrity of mitochondria and nucleus or disrupting oxidative stress and apoptosis-related pathways. Compared to IMC, IMC-SBE-ß-CD is biologically safe and has improved water solubility with the UV absorption property maintained. Our study provides the foundation for the encapsulation of hydrophobic, low-toxicity organic compounds using cyclodextrins and offers valuable insights for future research in this field.

Dietary Sugar and Anthropometrics among Young Children in the Guelph Family Health Study: Longitudinal Associations.

Purpose: Our understanding of the influence of sugar intake on anthropometrics among young children is limited. Most existing research is cross-sectional and has focused on sugar-sweetened beverages. The study objective was to investigate longitudinal associations between young children's total, free, and added sugar intake from all food sources at baseline with anthropometric measures at baseline and 18 months.Methods: The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial and a family-based health promotion study. Food records and anthropometric data were collected at baseline (n = 109, 55 males; 3.7 ± 1.1 y, mean ± SD) and 18 months (n = 109, 55 males; 5.1 ± 1.1 y) of the GFHS pilots. Associations between sugar intakes and anthropometrics were estimated using linear regression models with generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, household income, and intervention status.Results: Total sugar intake was inversely associated with body weight at 18 months (P = 0.01). There was no effect of time on any other associations between total, free, and added sugar intakes and anthropometrics.Conclusions: Early life dietary sugar intakes may not relate to anthropometric measures in the short term. Further investigation into potential associations between dietary sugar intakes and anthropometric variables over longer time periods is warranted.

Improvement of PbSn Solder Reliability with Ge Microalloying-Induced Optimization of Intermetallic Compounds Growth.

PbSn solders are used in semiconductor devices for aerospace or military purposes with high levels of reliability requirements. Microalloying has been widely adopted to improve the reliability for Pb-free solders, but its application in PbSn solders is scarce. In this article, the optimization of PbSn solder reliability with Ge microalloying was investigated using both experimental and calculation methods. Intermetallic compounds (IMC) growth and morphologies evolution during reliability tests were considered to be the main factors of device failure. Through first-principle calculation, the growth mechanism of interfacial Ni3Sn4 was discussed, including the formation of vacancies, the Ni-vacancies exchange diffusion and the dominant Ni diffusion along the [1 0 0] direction. The doping of Ge in the cell increased the exchange energy barrier and thus inhibited the IMC development and coarsening trend. In three reliability tests, only 0.013 wt% Ge microalloying in Pb60Sn40 was able to reduce IMC thickness by an increment of 22.6~38.7%. The proposed Ge microalloying method in traditional PbSn solder could yield a prospective candidate for highly reliable applications.

Mapping the single cell spatial immune landscapes of the melanoma microenvironment.

Melanoma is a highly immunogenic malignancy with an elevated mutational burden, diffuse lymphocytic infiltration, and one of the highest response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, over half of all late-stage patients treated with ICIs will either not respond or develop progressive disease. Spatial imaging technologies are being increasingly used to study the melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME). The goal of such studies is to understand the complex interplay between the stroma, melanoma cells, and immune cell-types as well as their association with treatment response. Investigators seeking a better understanding of the role of cell location within the TME and the importance of spatial expression of biomarkers are increasingly turning to highly multiplexed imaging approaches to more accurately measure immune infiltration as well as to quantify receptor-ligand interactions (such as PD-1 and PD-L1) and cell-cell contacts. CyTOF-IMC (Cytometry by Time of Flight - Imaging Mass Cytometry) has enabled high-dimensional profiling of melanomas, allowing researchers to identify complex cellular subpopulations and immune cell interactions with unprecedented resolution. Other spatial imaging technologies, such as multiplexed immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics, have revealed distinct patterns of immune cell infiltration, highlighting the importance of spatial relationships, and their impact in modulating immunotherapy responses. Overall, spatial imaging technologies are just beginning to transform our understanding of melanoma biology, providing new avenues for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. These technologies hold great promise for advancing personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes in melanoma and other solid malignancies.

TDRD1 phase separation drives intermitochondrial cement assembly to promote piRNA biogenesis and fertility.

The intermitochondrial cement (IMC) is a prominent germ granule that locates among clustered mitochondria in mammalian germ cells. Serving as a key platform for Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis; however, how the IMC assembles among mitochondria remains elusive. Here, we identify that Tudor domain-containing 1 (TDRD1) triggers IMC assembly via phase separation. TDRD1 phase separation is driven by the cooperation of its tetramerized coiled-coil domain and dimethylarginine-binding Tudor domains but is independent of its intrinsically disordered region. TDRD1 is recruited to mitochondria by MILI and sequentially enhances mitochondrial clustering and triggers IMC assembly via phase separation to promote piRNA processing. TDRD1 phase separation deficiency in mice disrupts IMC assembly and piRNA biogenesis, leading to transposon de-repression and spermatogenic arrest. Moreover, TDRD1 phase separation is conserved in vertebrates but not in invertebrates. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a role of phase separation in germ granule formation and establish a link between membrane-bound organelles and membrane-less organelles.

Co-dependent formation of the Toxoplasma gondii sub-pellicular microtubules and inner membrane skeleton.

One of the defining features of apicomplexan parasites is their cytoskeleton composed of alveolar vesicles, known as the inner membrane complex (IMC) undergirded by intermediate-like filament network and an array of subpellicular microtubules (SPMTs). In Toxoplasma gondii, this specialized cytoskeleton is involved in all aspects of the disease-causing lytic cycle, and notably acting as a scaffold for parasite offspring in the internal budding process. Despite advances in our understanding of the architecture and molecular composition, insights pertaining to the coordinated assembly of the scaffold are still largely elusive. Here, T. gondii tachyzoites were dissected by advanced, iterative expansion microscopy (pan-ExM) revealing new insights into the very early sequential formation steps of the tubulin scaffold. A comparative study of the related parasite Sarcocystis neurona revealed that different MT bundling organizations of the nascent SPMTs correlate with the number of central and basal alveolar vesicles. In absence of a so far identified MT nucleation mechanism, we genetically dissected T. gondii γ-tubulin and γ-tubulin complex protein 4 (GCP4). While γ-tubulin depletion abolished the formation of the tubulin scaffold, a set of MTs still formed that suggests SPMTs are nucleated at the outer core of the centrosome. Depletion of GCP4 interfered with the correct assembly of SPMTs into the forming daughter buds, further indicating that the parasite utilizes the γ-tubulin complex in tubulin scaffold formation .

The predictive value of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) combined with BMI for newly diagnosed diabetes.

PURPOSE: Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) and body mass index (BMI) are significant predictors of new-onset diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the impact and predictive value of combining ePWV and BMI on the incidence of new-onset diabetes. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted on a cohort study by Rich Healthcare (China), involving 211,833 eligible participants. Logistic regression analysis identified factors influencing diabetes occurrence, while ROC curve analysis assessed the predictive value of ePWV, BMI, and their combination for new-onset diabetes. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up period of 3.12 years, 3,000 men (1.41%) and 1,174 women (0.55%) were diagnosed with diabetes. Logistic regression revealed that BMI, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance rate, ePWV, and family history of diabetes are high-risk factors for new-onset diabetes. The combination of ePWV and BMI provided a higher area under the ROC curve (0.822) compared to ePWV or BMI alone. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of ePWV and BMI are independent risk factors for new-onset diabetes. Combining these measures enhances predictive accuracy compared to using either indicator alone.

[First-line management of infertile couple. Guidelines for clinical practice of the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2022]. / Prise en charge de première intention du couple infertile : mise à jour des RPC 2010 du CNGOF.

OBJECTIVE: To update the 2010 CNGOF clinical practice guidelines for the first-line management of infertile couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five major themes (first-line assessment of the infertile woman, first-line assessment of the infertile man, prevention of exposure to environmental factors, initial management using ovulation induction regimens, first-line reproductive surgery) were identified, enabling 28 questions to be formulated using the Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) format. Each question was addressed by a working group that had carried out a systematic review of the literature since 2010, and followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE®) methodology to assess the quality of the scientific data on which the recommendations were based. These recommendations were then validated during a national review by 40 national experts. RESULTS: The fertility work-up is recommended to be prescribed according to the woman's age: after one year of infertility before the age of 35 and after 6months after the age of 35. A couple's initial infertility work-up includes a single 3D ultrasound scan with antral follicle count, assessment of tubal permeability by hysterography or HyFOSy, anti-Mullerian hormone assay prior to assisted reproduction, and vaginal swabbing for vaginosis. If the 3D ultrasound is normal, hysterosonography and diagnostic hysteroscopy are not recommended as first-line procedures. Chlamydia trachomatis serology does not have the necessary performance to predict tubal patency. Post-coital testing is no longer recommended. In men, spermogram, spermocytogram and spermoculture are recommended as first-line tests. If the spermogram is normal, it is not recommended to check the spermogram. If the spermogram is abnormal, an examination by an andrologist, an ultrasound scan of the testicles and hormonal test are recommended. Based on the data in the literature, we are unable to recommend a BMI threshold for women that would contraindicate medical management of infertility. A well-balanced Mediterranean-style diet, physical activity and the cessation of smoking and cannabis are recommended for infertile couples. For fertility concern, it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to less than 5 glasses a week. If the infertility work-up reveals no abnormalities, ovulation induction is not recommended for normo-ovulatory women. If intrauterine insemination is indicated based on an abnormal infertility work-up, gonadotropin stimulation and ovulation monitoring are recommended to avoid multiple pregnancies. If the infertility work-up reveals no abnormality, laparoscopy is probably recommended before the age of 30 to increase natural pregnancy rates. In the case of hydrosalpinx, surgical management is recommended prior to ART, with either salpingotomy or salpingectomy depending on the tubal score. It is recommended to operate on polyps>10mm, myomas 0, 1, 2 and synechiae prior to ART. The data in the literature do not allow us to systematically recommend asymptomatic uterine septa and isthmoceles as first-line surgery. CONCLUSION: Based on strong agreement between experts, we have been able to formulate updated recommendations in 28 areas concerning the initial management of infertile couples.

A Method for Fast Au-Sn Bonding at Low Temperature Using Thermal Gradient.

Flip chip bonding technology on gold-tin (Au-Sn) microbumps for MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) and 3D packaging is becoming increasingly important in the electronics industry. The main advantages of Au-Sn microbumps are a low electrical resistance, high electrical reliability, and fine pitch. However, the bonding temperature is relatively high, and the forming mechanism of an intermetallic compound (IMC) is complicated. In this study, Au-Sn solid-state diffusion (SSD) bonding is performed using the thermal gradient bonding (TGB) method, which lowers bonding temperature and gains high bonding strength in a short time. Firstly, Au-Sn microbumps with a low roughness are prepared by using an optimized process. Then, Au-Sn bonding parameters including bonding temperature, bonding time, and bonding pressure are optimized to obtain a higher bonding quality. The shear strength of 23.898 MPa is obtained when bonding in the HCOOH environment for 10 min at the gradient temperature of 150 °C/250 °C with a bonding pressure of more than 10 MPa. The IMC of Au-Sn is found to be Au-Sn and Au5Sn. The effect of annealing time on the IMC is also investigated. More and more Au5Sn is generated with an increase in annealing time, and Au5Sn is formed after Sn is depleted. Finally, the effect of annealing time on the IMC is verified by using finite element simulation, and the bonding strength of IMC was found to be higher when the bonding temperature is 150 °C at the cold side and 250 °C at the hot side. The temperature in the bonding area can reach 200 °C, which proves that the Au-Sn bonding process is solid-state diffusion because the temperature gradient reaches 2500 °C/cm.

Fatores preditivos no tratamento da PseudoAcantose Nigricans por Laser de Dióxido de Carbono Fracionado e Peeling de Ácido Glicólico / Predictive factors in the treatment of Pseudo-Acanthosis Nigricans by Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Glycolic Acid Peel

Introdução: Acantose nigricans é uma doença dermatológica comum caracterizada por lesões cutâneas aveludadas hiperpigmentadas e hiperceratóticas. Pode ser uma manifestação de doença sistêmica. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores preditivos clínicos e laboratoriais no tratamento da pseudo-acantose nigricans. Pacientes e métodos: Vinte pacientes com pseudoacantose nigricans foram incluídos neste estudo, escolhidos no ambulatório. Todos os casos foram submetidos a laser de CO2 fracionado no lado direito do pescoço e peeling de ácido glicólico 70% no lado esquerdo do pescoço. Cada paciente foi acompanhado por três meses e meio. Resultados: Houve melhora geral no índice de área, gravidade e textura no pescoço dos casos com pseudo-acantose nigricans quando tratados com laser de CO2 fracionado ou peeling de ácido glicólico. Conclusão: Não houve significância estatística ao comparar o efeito do laser ou peeling em diferentes faixas etárias e casos de obesidade ou sobrepeso.

Background: Acanthosis nigricans is a common dermatological disorder characterized by hyperpigmented and hyperkeratotic velvety skin lesions. It can be a manifestation of systemic disease. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and laboratory predictive factors in the treatment of pseudo-acanthosis nigricans. Patients and methods: This study included 20 patients with pseudo-acanthosis nigricans from the outpatient clinic. All cases were subjected to fractional CO2 laser on the right side of the neck and glycolic acid peel 70% on the left side of the neck. Each patient was followed up for three and half months. Results: There was an overall improvement in area index, severity, and texture in the neck of cases with pseudo-acanthosis nigricans treated with fractional CO2 laser or Glycolic acid peel. Conclusion: There was no statistical significance when comparing the effect of laser or peeling on different age groups and obese or overweight cases.

Relación de IMC con marcadores de inflamación y hemoglobina glicosilada en niños y jóvenes con diabetes mellitus 1 / Relationship of BMI with markers of inflammation and glycosylated hemoglobin in children and young adults with diabetes mellitus 1

La diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) es una enfermedad autoinmune que genera dependencia exógena de insulina de forma permanente, presenta inflamación subclínica crónica lo que conlleva a una elevación de marcadores de inflamación como factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), proteína C reactiva (PCR) e interleuquina 6 (IL-6). OBJETIVO: determinar la relación entre el IMC sobre los marcadores de inflamación y el control metabólico en niños y jóvenes con DM1 entre 5 a 15 años de edad. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó un estudio clínico, observacional, exploratorio. A partir de La recolección de datos de fichas clínicas y muestras de sangre en el Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil (IDIMI) del Hospital San Borja Arriarán de la Universidad de Chile. Clasificación del estado nutricional utilizando datos registrados en ficha clínica. Marcadores de inflamación por medio de ELISA, hemoglobina glicosilada mediante métodos estándares. El análisis estadístico incluyó correlaciones mediante test de Spearman y diferencia de medias mediante test de Kruskal-Wallis seguido de post hoc Dunns. RESULTADOS: Un 30% de los pacientes con DM1 presentaron malnutrición por exceso. Al analizar la relación entre los niveles de marcadores inflamatorios y Hb glicosilada se observó la existencia de asociacion positiva entre usPCR y HbA1c (r= 0,30; p=0,0352) y entre IL-6 y HbA1c (r= - 0,038; p=0,0352). CONCLUSIONES: este estudio describe una posible asociación entre parámetros clásicos de inflamación con la hemoglobina glicosilada en las categorias de sobrepeso y obesidad en pacientes con DM1.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that generates permanent exogenous insulin dependence, accompanied by chronic subclinical inflammation that leads to an elevation of inflammation markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between BMI on markers of inflammation and metabolic control in children and young people with T1D between 5 and 15 years of age. METHODOLOGY: A clinical, observational and exploratory study was carried out, based on the collection of data from clinical records and blood samples of children and adolescents with DM1 at the Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil (IDIMI) of the Hospital San Borja Arriarán of the Universidad de Chile. Nutritional status, levels of inflammation markers and glycosylated hemoglobin were determined by standardized methods. Statistical analysis included correlations by Spearman test and mean difference by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post hoc Dunns test. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients with T1D were analyzed, 30% of whom presented excess malnutrition. Those children or adolescents with obesity presented significantly higher usPCR levels compared to underweight patients or patients at risk of malnutrition (p=0.039). In addition, HbA1c levels were determined which were negatively associated with usPCR (r= 0.30; p=0.0352) and IL-6 (r= - 0.038; p=0.0352) levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study points out that nutritional status is associated with usPCR levels, in agreement with what is described in the literature and shows a possible association between classical parameters of inflammation with glycosylated hemoglobin in children and adolescents with nutritional diagnosis of overweight or obesity.

Desenlaces obstétricos y perinatales en embarazadas con obesidad. Estudio de prevalencia / Obstetric and perinatal results in pregnant women with obesity. Prevalence study

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la prevalencia de obesidad en el área de influencia del Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor y analizar los desenlaces obstétricos y perinatales de embarazadas obesas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo efectuado con base en los datos de partos atendidos en el año 2019 en el Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor y asentados en las historias clínicas. Se evaluaron y determinaron la prevalencia de obesidad, las variables maternas y el desenlace perinatal en embarazadas con obesidad. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 428 embarazadas, con obesidad, de 2048 partos atendidos. La prevalencia de obesidad fue 21.59%. La edad materna fue 32 años y 39.10% eran migrantes; el índice de masa corporal (IMC) medio fue 33.61 kg/m2; 33.18% eran primíparas; 14.12% recibieron algún tratamiento y 18.63% seguimiento endocrinológico. Las semanas de embarazo al parto fueron 39; 43.93% de los partos se indujeron. La tasa de cesáreas fue 26.17% y en el 51.45% hubo complicaciones. El peso medio de los recién nacidos fue 3345.9 g. La mediana del Apgar al primer minuto fue 9 y 10 a los 5. El 16.24% de los recién nacidos tuvo pH en sangre de cordón ≤ 7.20; 1.96% de los recién nacidos ingresó a cuidados intensivos y 0.93% fue la tasa de muerte fetal. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de obesidad fue superior a la media nacional. Factores como la migración y la multiparidad se asociaron con mayor IMC, y éste con más complicaciones (ingreso a cuidados intensivos y muerte fetal anteparto). La obesidad se asoció con mayor tasa de inducción de parto, cesáreas, desgarros perineales, peso fetal y menor pH al nacimiento.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of obesity in the healthcare area of Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor and analyze the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective transversal observational study based on data from births in Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor during 2019. 2048 clinical records were evaluated in order to determine prevalence of obesity, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes variables in pregnant women with obesity. RESULTS: A total of 428 pregnant women with obesity were analyzed out of 2048 deliveries attended. The prevalence of obesity was 21.59%. Maternal age was 32 years; 39.10% of the patients were migrants; the mean BMI was 33.61 kg/m2; 33.18% were primiparous; 14.2% received any pharmacological treatment and 18.63% had endocrinological follow-up. Gestational age at labour was 39 weeks; 43.93% of deliveries were induced; caesarean delivery rate was 26.17% and 51.45% presented complications. Newborn's mean weight was 3345.9 g. The 1-minute Apgar score median was 9 and the 5-minute Apgar score was 10; 16.24% of newborns had cord pH≤7.20; 1.96% ICU admission and 0.93% of fetal death. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity in pregnant women in the Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor healthcare area was higher than the national mean. Factors such as migration and multiparity are associated with higher BMI, which leads to an increased risk of complications, especially ICU admission and antepartum fetal death. Obesity is associated with a higher rate of labour induction, caesarean delivery, tears, higher neonatal weight and lower pH.

Factores relacionados al estado nutricional y actividad en estudiantes universitarios de Santiago / Factors related to nutritional status and physical activity in university students from Santiago

Introducción: La actividad física y el estado nutricional son dos componentes fundamentales en el estilo de vida de las personas. Los jóvenes universitarios, al encontrarse expuestos a distintos entornos, son vulnerables a adquirir ciertos hábitos y actitudes que pueden llegar a perjudicar su salud. En República Dominicana se carecen de estos datos, dándole importancia a este estudio, investigando sobre dichos factores modificables. Objetivos: Determinar los factores relacionados al estado nutricional y actividad física en estudiantes universitarios de la provincia Santiago de los Caballeros en el período de mayo-julio 2022. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo corte transversal utilizando fuentes primarias en el periodo 2021-2022 en Santiago, a través de un cuestionario con 33 preguntas, aplicado previo a consentimiento informado, en una muestra de 201 estudiantes seleccionados por un muestreo no probabilístico, de tipo bola de nieve en una población desconocida. Resultados: La mayoría de la población encuestada era de sexo femenino (67.2%), el estado nutricional predominante era aquel con un IMC normal (36.8%), la mayor parte de los universitarios eran inactivos físicamente (41.8%), y los hábitos alimenticios de los mismos eran parcialmente inadecuados (57.2%). Conclusión: La relación entre los factores sociodemográficos y académicos con la actividad física y el estado nutricional no fue estadísticamente significativa. Sin embargo, se evidenció una relación significativa entre la actividad física inactiva y los hábitos alimenticios parcialmente inadecuados de los participantes.

Introduction: Physical activity and nutritional status are two fundamental components of a person's lifestyle. Young university students, being exposed to different environments, are vulnerable to acquiring certain habits and attitudes that may be detrimental to their health. In the Dominican Republic these data are deficient, giving importance to this study, investigating these modifiable factors. Objectives: To determine the factors related to the nu-tritional status and physical activity in university stu-dents of the Santiago de los Caballeros province in the period of May-July 2022. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was ca-rried out using primary sources in the period 2021-2022 in Santiago, using a questionnaire with 33 questions, applied prior to informed consent, in a sample of 201 students selected by a non-probabilistic sampling of snowball type in an unknown population. Results: The majority of the population surveyed was female (67.2%), the predominant nutritional status was normal BMI (36.8%), most of the university students were physically inactive (41.8%), and their eating ha-bits were partially inadequate (57.2%). Conclusion: The relationship between sociodemogra-phic and academic factors with physical activity and nu-tritional status was not statistically significant. Howe-ver, a significant relationship was evidenced between inactive physical activity and partially inadequate eating habits of the participants.

Nutritional assessment of servicemen in relation to area of duty and feeding habits: a Pakistani prospective

Abstract The present study was carried out to determine incidence of overweight and obesity in Pakistani servicemen with reference to their area of duty, feeding habits and also to identify risk factors. Accordingly, 2,501 servicemen selected from all over Pakistan using multiple stage stratified sampling protocol. Nutrition assessment performed using body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and dietary assessment using food frequency questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 25. Regression was used to find risk factors of obesity and WHR. Results indicated that about 1/4th of servicemen were smokers. Approximately, 1/5th of them were overweight and about one quarter were eating fruits and vegetables for 3 days/ week and 4 days/week, respectively. Only 1/3rd of them were physically active for at least 40 minutes per day. Age and fruits intake were significantly predicting BMI with a direct relation and vegetable intake was negatively correlated to BMI of the servicemen. Age and rank were significant predictors of WHR while, physical activity was negatively correlated to WHR. It is concluded and suggested from our study that there is a need to modify eating patterns and habits as well as improving physical activity on daily basis for healthy and long life of the servicemen.

Resumo

Dos fórmulas para calcular el IMC, y su relación con otros indicadores antropométricos en adultos / Two formulas for calculating BMI, and their relationship toother anthropometric indicators in adults

Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal y correlacional, cuyo objetivo es relacionar dos fórmulas para calcular el IMC, con otros indicadores, en un grupo de adultos. METODOS: La muestra es de 137 adultos pacientes que asistieron a consulta en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Las variables son: edad, peso, talla, IMC-Q, IMC-O, CC,ICT, IPCC y PGC. Se obtuvieron promedios, desviaciones, porcentajes y pruebas z y Mann Whitney para comparar medias y Mediana. RESULTADOS: Los promedios del IMC-Q similares en los dos sexos, y del IMC-O mayor en el sexo femenino. Las dos fórmulas para calcular el IMC dan como resultado que en Bajo peso el porcentaje mayor con IMC-O, porcentaje de Sobrepeso mayor con IMC-Q y significativo (p<0,000) y porcentajes de Peso saludable y Obesidad son iguales. Promedios iguales, por grupo, del PGC para las dos fórmulas del IMC, y aumentan desde Peso saludable hasta Obesidad. El Coeficiente de Variación, revela más homogeneidad en el IMC-O (18,41%vs 25,21%). IMC-Q correlaciona con peso (0,91), CC (0,92)e ICT (0,93); el IMC-O con peso (0,97), CC (0,83) e IPCC(0,90). La prueba de Mann Whitney revela que los promedios por sexo son significativos (p<0,000), al igual que los promedios del IPCC por sexo (p<0,000). Además, los indicadores IMC Oxford, CC, ICT e IPCC tienen Sensibilidad de 92,3%, 92,3% y92,3%, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: El IMC Oxford por su algo complicada fórmula de cálculo, no es recomendable para evaluar sobrepeso y obesidad, en adultos(AU)

Descriptive, prospective, transversal and correlational study, whose objective is to relate two formulas for calculating BMI, with other indicators, in a group of adults. METHODS: the sample is of 137 adult patients who attended consultation at the University Hospital of Caracas. the variables are: age,weight, size, BMI-Q, BMI-O, WC, WSI, WCWP and BFP. Averages, deviations, percentages and z-tests and Mann Whitney were obtained to compare averages and Median. RESULTS: Similar BMI-Q averages in both sexes, and older BMI-O infemale sex. the two formulas for calculating BMI result in the highest percentage with BMI-O, higher overweight percentage with BMI-Q and significant (p<0.000) and percentages of Healthy Weight and Obesity equal. Equal averages, per group, of BFP for the two BMI formulas, and increase from HealthyWeight to Obesity. e Coefficient of Variation reveals morehomogeneity in BMI-O (18.41% vs 25.21%). BMI-Q correlateswith weight (0.91), WC (0.92) and WSI (0.93); IMC-O withweight (0.97), WC (0.83) and WCWI (0.90). Whitney's testreveals that averages by sex are significant (p<0,000), as are IPCC averages per sex (p<0.000). In addition, the BMI Oxford,WC, WSI and WCWI indicators have sensitivity of 92,3%,92.3% and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the BMI Oxford for its somewhat complicated calculation formula is not recommended to evaluate overweight and obesity, in adults(AU)

Avaliação Nutricional de Pacientes com Esquizofrenia dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial do Extremo Sul Catarinense: Uma Série de Casos / Nutritional Assessment of Patients with Schizophrenia from Psychosocial Care Centers in the Extreme South of Santa Catarina State: a Case Series

Introdução: Análises corporais mais específicas mostram que pacientes com esquizofrenia também apresentam uma porcentagem de gordura mais elevada quando comparado a indivíduos saudáveis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar os pacientes de acordo com as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, estado nutricional e risco cardiovascular de pacientes com esquizofrenia. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 26 pacientes com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial das cidades de Criciúma/SC, e de Siderópolis/ SC, e com os pacientes com esquizofrenia da Farmácia Escola da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. Verificaram-se variráveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, medidas antropométricas (peso, estatura, circunferência abdominal, razão cintura-quadril, avaliação combinada, percentual de gordura corporal) e a classificação da pressão arterial. A amostra constituiu-se de 26 indivíduos, 50% homens e 50% mulheres, e a idade média foi de 42,4 anos. Cerca de 50% utilizavam antipsicóticos de primeira geração, 23,1%, antipsicóticos de segunda geração e 26,9%, ambos. A maior parte dos indivíduos encontrava-se com estado nutricional alterado, sendo que 42,3% com obesidade pelo Índice de Massa Corporal e 61,5% com a circunferência abdominal acima do desejado. Os resultados da razão cintura-quadril mostraram que 76,9% dos indivíduos estavam com risco aumentado para doenças cardiovasculares e obesidade, e 73,1% apresentaram excesso de gordura corporal. Parâmetros de estado nutricional e risco cardiovascular estiveram associados, indicando a necessidade do uso destes de forma conjunta. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário monitorar a situação nutricional e de saúde desses indivíduos para melhoria dos cuidados prestados, com promoção de atenção nutricional em um contexto multiprofissional.

Introduction: More specific body analyses show that patients with schizophrenia also have a higher fat percentage when compared to healthy individuals. This study aimed to characterize patients according to sociodemographic and clinical variables, nutritional status, and cardiovascular risk of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 26 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the Psychosocial Care Centers of the cities of Criciúma and Siderópolis and with patients with schizophrenia from the Pharmacy School of the Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. We verified sociodemographic and clinical variables, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, abdominal circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, combined assessment, body fat percentage), and blood pressure classification. The sample consisted of 26 individuals, 50% male and 50% female, and the mean age was 42.4 years. About 50% used first-generation antipsychotics, 23.1% second-generation antipsychotics, and 26.9% both. Most individuals had altered nutritional status, 42.3% were obese according to the Body Mass Index, and 61.5% had abdominal circumference above the desired range. The results of the waist-to-hip ratio showed that 76.9% of the individuals were at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and obesity, and 73.1% had excess body fat. Parameters of nutritional status and cardiovascular risk were associated, indicating the need to use them together. Conclusion: It is necessary to monitor the nutritional and health status of these individuals to improve the care provided, promoting nutritional care in a multidisciplinary context,

Family influences on food choices and nutrition: What does the literature say?

ABSTRACT The prevention of diseases related to nutrition requires an approach that considers aspects that transcend the individual level in understanding food decisions. In this context, the family as an interpersonal determinant of eating behavior is gaining importance in developing behavioral change interventions that seek better nutritional health. This manuscript aims to describe the current evidence of how family variables influence its members' food choices and nutritional status. Specifically, we present evidence on family functioning, parental feeding styles, and family meals, as they are recent topics of interest in the area. The evidence shows that a better or balanced family functioning or some of its components (communication, conflicts, cohesion, among others); a parental feeding style that demands but listens to the requirements from children; and a higher frequency of family meals are associated with a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and healthier eating habits, especially in children and adolescents. A deep understanding of family variables could guide weight management interventions and provide information that could explain why some interventions work and others do not.

RESUMEN La prevención de enfermedades relacionadas con la nutrición requiere de un enfoque que considere aspectos que transciendan el nivel individual en el entendimiento de las decisiones alimentarias. En este contexto, la familia como un determinante interpersonal de las conductas alimentarias, está ganando importancia en el desarrollo de intervenciones de cambio conductual que buscan una mejor salud nutricional. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir la evidencia actual de cómo variables familiares influyen en las elecciones alimentarias y el estado nutricional de sus miembros. Específicamente, presentamos evidencia sobre el funcionamiento familiar, los estilos parentales de alimentación y las comidas familiares, ya que son temas recientes de interés en el área. La evidencia muestra que un mejor o equilibrado funcionamiento familiar o de algunos de sus componentes (comunicación, conflictos, cohesión, entre otros); un estilo parental que exige, pero escucha los requerimientos de los niños; y una mayor frecuencia de comidas familiares se asocian con un menor Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) y hábitos alimentarios más saludables, especialmente en niños y adolescentes. Una comprensión profunda de las variables familiares podría orientar las intervenciones de control de peso y brindar información que explicaría por qué algunas intervenciones funcionan y otras no.

Estado nutricional de la mujer embarazada y su relación con las complicaciones de la gestación y el recién nacido / Nutrition status of pregnant women and its relationship with complications of pregnancy and the newborn

RESUMEN: El estado nutricional materno determina las condiciones de salud y nutricionales del recién nacido, así como las complicaciones durante el embarazo y el parto. Se realizó el estudio en 894 mujeres que tuvieron su parto en los Hospitales de la ciudad de Loja Ecuador durante el periodo enero - junio del 2019. Se determinó la antropometría de la madre y de su hijo, así como se tomó datos de complicaciones durante el embarazo y el parto, de su historia clínica. Además, se efectuó la correlación entre el estado nutricional pre-gestacional de la madre con el recién nacido, de igual forma con el estado de salud de la madre. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el estado nutricional pre-gestacional y su relación con la condición de salud y nutricional del niño. El IMC pre-gestacional reportó 47,3 % de sobrepeso y obesidad y 2,6 % de bajo peso. En un porcentaje mayor al 10 % las madres con sobrepeso y obesidad tuvieron hijos grandes para la edad gestacional, de igual forma las madres con bajo peso tuvieron el 26,1 % recién nacidos pequeños. Las principales complicaciones de las madres relacionadas con sobrepeso y obesidad fueron: diabetes gestacional, hemorragia postparto y pre-eclampsia durante el embrazo. Importante señalar la alta frecuencia de infecciones de las vías urinarias 53,9 % (478); y vaginitis 22,3 % (199); aunque estas no están directamente relacionadas con procesos metabólicos como etiología, más si están favorecidos por ellos. Durante el parto la complicación más frecuente fue el parto distócico con un 8,9 % (77), además del total de partos el 41,8 % (374) terminaron en cesárea, de estos el 51, 6 % (193) corresponden a sobrepeso y obesidad. Las complicaciones del recién nacido fueron: Síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, asfixia neonatal e hipoglicemia. En conclusión, el estado nutricional pre-gestacional de la madre está relacionado directamente con el estado de salud y nutricional del recién nacido.

SUMMARY: The maternal nutritional status determines the health and nutritional conditions of the newborn, as well as complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The study was carried out in 894 women who had their delivery in the Hospitals of the city of Loja Ecuador during the period January - June 2019. The anthropometry of the mother and her child was determined, as well as data on complications during pregnancy and delivery, from their clinical history. In addition, the correlation was made between the pre-gestational nutritional status of the mother with the newborn, in the same way with the health status of the mother. The objective of this work was to determine the pre-gestational nutritional status and its relationship with the health and nutritional condition of the child. The pre-gestational BMI reported 47.3 % overweight and obesity and 2.6 % underweight. In a percentage higher than 10 %, mothers with overweight and obesity had large children for gestational age, in the same way, mothers with low weight had 26.1 % small newborns. The main complications of the mothers related to overweight and obesity were: gestational diabe- tes, postpartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. It is important to note the high frequency of urinary tract infections 53.9% (478); and vaginitis 22.3% (199; although these are not directly related to metabolic processes such as etiology, more if they are favored by them. During delivery, the most frequent complication was dystocic delivery with 8.9 % (77), in addition to the total deliveries 42.5 % (374) that ended in cesarean section, of which 51.6 % (193) correspond to overweight and obesity. The complications of the newborn were: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal asphyxia and hypoglycemia. In conclusion, the pre-gestational nutritional status of the mother is directly related to the health and nutritional status of the newborn.