Micro(RNA) managing by mTORC1.

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Ye et al. (2015) demonstrate that mTORC1 globally regulates miRNA biogenesis under nutrient-rich conditions via the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mdm2, which promotes Drosha degradation.

The Effect of Pristine and Hydroxylated Oxide Surfaces on the Guaiacol HDO Process: A DFT Study.

The acid-base character of oxide supports is crucial for catalytic reactions. In this work, the acid-base properties of five oxide surfaces common in heterogeneous catalysis were investigated and related to their interaction with monolignol compounds derived from lignin. We have used density functional theory simulations also to understand the role of the surfaces' hydroxylation state. The results show that moderate hydroxyl coverage on the amphoteric γ-Al2 O3 (110) slightly strengthens the oxy-compounds' adsorption due to an increase in Lewis acidity. Similarly, low hydroxyl coverage on the reducible TiO2 (101) enlarges its adsorption capacity by up to 42 % compared with its clean surface. The higher affinity is attributed to the more favourable interaction between the surface-OH groups and the aromatic rings. Overall, the results indicate that hydroxyl coverage enhances the amphoteric and reducible adsorption capacity towards aromatic species.

Effect of a ready-to-use supplementary food on the recovery of preschool children with malnutrition.

INTRODUCTION: In developing countries, protein-energy malnutrition causes 60% of deaths in children < 5 years of age. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) on moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in preschool children. METHOD: Clinical trial that included 155 children with MAM (weight/height Z-score > -3 and ≤ -2). Each child received RUSF in the form of biscuits, four per day (250 kcal), for 12 months. The tutor received education on nutrition, health and hygiene. Recovery (weight/height Z-score > -2) at four, six, and 12 months was assessed using intent-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses. Changes in chronic malnutrition were also analyzed. RESULTS: In the first semester, adequate RUSF consumption was observed in 61% of the children, and in 42% in the second semester. In the ITT analysis, 78% were identified to have recovered, with 38% reaching normal nutritional values; in the PP analysis, > 90% recovered and > 40% reached normal values. Recovery from chronic malnutrition was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of RUSF and an educational program reduced MAM.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En países en desarrollo, la desnutrición proteico-energética causa 60 % de las muertes en los niños menores de cinco años. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio listo para consumir (SALC) en la desnutrición aguda moderada (DAM) en niños preescolares. MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico que incluyó 155 niños con DAM (puntuación Z de peso/talla [pZ] mayor de −3 y menor o igual a −2). Cada niño recibió SALC en forma de galletas, cuatro por día (250 kcal), durante 12 meses. El tutor recibió educación sobre nutrición, salud e higiene. La recuperación (pZ peso/talla mayor de −2) a los cuatro, seis y 12 meses se evaluó con un análisis por intención a tratar (AIT) y por protocolo (APP). También se analizaron cambios en la desnutrición crónica. RESULTADOS: En el primer semestre se observó consumo adecuado del SALC en 61 % de los niños y en 42 % en el segundo semestre. Con el AIT se identificó que 78 % se recuperó y 38 % alcanzó valores normales de nutrición; con el APP, > 90 % se recuperó y > 40 % alcanzó valores normales. Se observó recuperación de la desnutrición crónica. CONCLUSIONES: El consumo de SALC y un programa educativo redujeron la DAM.

Biomass hydrodeoxygenation catalysts innovation from atomistic activity predictors.

Circular economy emphasizes the idea of transforming products involving economic growth and improving the ecological system to reduce the negative consequences caused by the excessive use of raw materials. This can be achieved with the use of second-generation biomass that converts industrial and agricultural wastes into bulk chemicals. The use of catalytic processes is essential to achieve a viable upgrade of biofuels from the lignocellulosic biomass. We carried out density functional theory calculations to explore the relationship between 13 transition metals (TMs) properties, as catalysts, and their affinity for hydrogen and oxygen, as key species in the valourization of biomass. The relation of these parameters will define the trends of the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) process on biomass-derived compounds. We found the hydrogen and oxygen adsorption energies in the most stable site have a linear relation with electronic properties of these metals that will rationalize the surface's ability to bind the biomass-derived compounds and break the C-O bonds. This will accelerate the catalyst innovation for low temperature and efficient HDO processes on biomass derivates, e.g. guaiacol and anisole, among others. Among the monometallic catalysts explored, the scaling relationship pointed out that Ni has a promising balance between hydrogen and oxygen affinities according to the d-band centre and d-band width models. The comparison of the calculated descriptors to the adsorption strength of guaiacol on the investigated surfaces indicates that the d-band properties alone are not best suited to describe the trend. Instead, we found that a linear combination of work function and d-band properties gives significantly better correlation. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.

Moderate acute malnutrition prevention with a ready-to-use supplementary food in pre-school children from rural communities.

INTRODUCTION: Child malnutrition in Mexico reaches a prevalence as high as 27.5 % in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) to correct mild acute malnutrition and prevent moderate acute malnutrition in preschool children from rural communities. METHOD: Randomized clinical trial, with assignment to two groups: group with RUSF (RUSF-g) or group without it (non-RUSF-g); children aged from two to five years, with weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ) between -2 and -1 and low socioeconomic status were included. All received education on nutrition, health and hygiene twice monthly; the RUSF-g children had to consume one portion of the supplement every day. WHZ was assessed at baseline and at four, six, and 12 months. The comparison between groups was carried out with Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: With regard to mild acute malnutrition correction in the RUSF-g, 68.7 versus 52.1 % in the control group was observed in the intent-to-treat analysis, with a hazard ratio (HR) = 1.25; in the per-protocol analysis of first semester, a HR = 1.48 was observed, and in the second semester, HR = 1.56. One patient progressed to moderate acute malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The RUSF-g showed a significantly higher resolution of mild acute malnutrition. INTRODUCCIÓN: La desnutrición infantil en México alcanza prevalencias de 27.5 % en zonas rurales. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad de un suplemento alimenticio listo para consumir (SALC) para corregir desnutrición aguda leve y prevenir desnutrición aguda moderada en preescolares de comunidades rurales. MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado por grupos: con y sin SALC (g-SALC y g-S/SALC); se incluyeron niños de dos a cinco años, con puntuaciones-Z de peso para la talla (pZ-P/T) mayor de −2 y menor de −1 y nivel socioeconómico bajo. Todos recibieron educación sobre nutrición, salud e higiene dos veces al mes; los niños del g-SALC debieron consumir diariamente una porción del suplemento. Se evaluó pZ-P/T al inicio y a los cuatro, seis y 12 meses. La comparación entre grupos se realizó con el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. RESULTADOS: Respecto a la recuperación de desnutrición aguda leve, en g-SALC se observó 68.7 versus 52.1 % en el grupo control en el análisis de intención para tratar, con una razón de riesgo (HR) = 1.25; en el análisis por protocolo del primer semestre se observó una HR = 1.48 y en el segundo semestre, HR = 1.56. Un paciente progresó a desnutrición aguda moderada. CONCLUSIONES: El g-SALC mostró resolución significativamente mayor de desnutrición aguda leve.

Development and Validation of a Method of Body Volume and Fat Mass Estimation Using Three-Dimensional Image Processing with a Mexican Sample.

Body composition assessment using instruments such as dual X-ray densitometry (DXA) can be complex and their use is often limited to research. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop and validate a densitometric method for fat mass (FM) estimation using 3D cameras. Using two such cameras, stereographic images, and a mesh reconstruction algorithm, 3D models were obtained. The FM estimations were compared using DXA as a reference. In total, 28 adults, with a mean BMI of 24.5 (±3.7) kg/m2 and mean FM (by DXA) of 19.6 (±5.8) kg, were enrolled. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for body volume (BV) was 0.98-0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99) for intra-observer and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99) for inter-observer reliability. The coefficient of variation for kinetic BV was 0.20 and the mean difference (bias) for BV (liter) between Bod Pod and Kinect was 0.16 (95% CI, -1.2 to 1.6), while the limits of agreement (LoA) were 7.1 to -7.5 L. The mean bias for FM (kg) between DXA and Kinect was -0.29 (95% CI, -2.7 to 2.1), and the LoA was 12.1 to -12.7 kg. The adjusted R2 obtained using an FM regression model was 0.86. The measurements of this 3D camera-based system aligned with the reference measurements, showing the system's feasibility as a simpler, more economical screening tool than current systems.

Predictors of maternal knowledge on early childhood development in highly marginalized communities in Mexico: Implications for public policy.

INTRODUCTION: Efforts to identify the predictors of maternal knowledge on Early Child Development (ECD) have proven inconclusive thus far, particularly with respect to socially deprived contexts in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). We quantified the extent of ECD knowledge among mothers who were the primary caregivers of 0-38-month-old infants in marginalized communities in Mexico. We also explored the characteristics of the children, both individually and with regard to their households, given the influence of these factors on childhood development. METHODS: We analyzed primary data obtained through a questionnaire administered to mothers who were the primary caregivers of 1045 girls and boys 0-38 months of age. The instrument was specifically designed for our study in order to explore the knowledge of participants about physical, neurological and psycho-affective development during childhood. We performed fractional regression analysis to assess the predictors of ECD knowledge. RESULTS: The mean score of maternal ECD knowledge increased with their age and schooling as well as with their levels of cognitive ability and self-esteem. Irrespective of age at first birth, mean knowledge was relatively high for women with high school education and low for women with elementary or no formal education, a gradient with respect to age at fist birth was more marked among women with middle school education. ECD knowledge scores increased among mothers from households enjoying higher socioeconomic levels and from households with health insurance. Scores were lower for indigenous households regardless of their participation in social programs. CONCLUSION: Public policies on ECD should promote programs that are not only adapted to specific contexts, but also designed to improve shared child-rearing, early childhood care and as well as psycho-emotional education skills as a pathway to healthier ECD. The participation of families and communities in sensitive childhood care should form part of multisectoral programs involving education, health and wellbeing.

Assessing the effect of an educational intervention on early childhood development among Mexican preschool children in the state of Oaxaca: a study protocol of a cluster randomized stepped-wedge trial.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood development (ECD) is essential in human capacity building and a critical element in the intergenerational process of human development. In some countries, social programs targeted at improving ECD have proven to be successful. Oaxaca is one of the States with the greatest social inequities in Mexico. Therefore, children in Oaxaca are at a high risk of suboptimal ECD. In 2014, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Un Kilo de Ayuda started to implement the Neurological and Psycho-affective Early Childhood Development Program in eighty marginalized communities of Oaxaca. In this article, we present the impact evaluation design to estimate the effect of this program on ECD. METHODS: We will use a cluster randomized stepped-wedge design with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Communities will be randomly assigned to each study group: four groups of twenty communities each. We expect that children from intervened communities will show better ECD outcomes. DISCUSSION: This study is one of the few rigorous assessments of the effect of an ECD program on the neurodevelopment of Mexican children recruited in their first 3 years of life from communities of high social vulnerability. Our study design is recommended when the way in which outcomes are measured and assessed depends on age, self-selection is present, and assignment is performed at an aggregate level. Implementation research will be conducted prior to study launch and quality control measures will be in place to maximize the fidelity of study design implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04210362.

[Correlation between gait speed and muscular strength with balance for reducing falls among elderly]. / Correlación entre velocidad de marcha y fuerza muscular con equilibrio para reducir caídas en ancianos.

BACKGROUND: Evidence of the benefit on propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for reducing falls in older people does not exist. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of propioceptive facilitation over falls and biomechanical variables, in comparison to standard treatment and control groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Series cases comparative for the 24 participants were recruited and randomnly assigned to 3 groups. Group 1, propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, group 2, standard treatment, and 3 control. Falls and biomechanic variables were measured before and after. Chi(2) was used for falls and multiple regression for biomechanical variables, RESULTS: Participants had similar falls in previous year. Women had higher falls in a relation 7:1 women-men. After intervention, there was no difference between 3 groups. A correlation exista between muscular strength and gait speed with one foot position time r(2) = 0.67, p = 0.02. CONCLUSIONS: Improving 1kilogram-force of muscular strength of pelvic limb and 0.1meter/second in gait speed, balance (unipodal position time) increases balance by 11.3%. After 3 months of intervention group 2 got 7.9kg-force and 0.26m/s of profit, while group 1 had 4.1kg-force and 0.15m/s and control group 2.4kg-force and 0.1m/s.

MAP4K family kinases act in parallel to MST1/2 to activate LATS1/2 in the Hippo pathway.

The Hippo pathway plays a central role in tissue homoeostasis, and its dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis. Core components of the Hippo pathway include a kinase cascade of MST1/2 and LATS1/2 and the transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ. In response to stimulation, LATS1/2 phosphorylate and inhibit YAP/TAZ, the main effectors of the Hippo pathway. Accumulating evidence suggests that MST1/2 are not required for the regulation of YAP/TAZ. Here we show that deletion of LATS1/2 but not MST1/2 abolishes YAP/TAZ phosphorylation. We have identified MAP4K family members--Drosophila Happyhour homologues MAP4K1/2/3 and Misshapen homologues MAP4K4/6/7-as direct LATS1/2-activating kinases. Combined deletion of MAP4Ks and MST1/2, but neither alone, suppresses phosphorylation of LATS1/2 and YAP/TAZ in response to a wide range of signals. Our results demonstrate that MAP4Ks act in parallel to and are partially redundant with MST1/2 in the regulation of LATS1/2 and YAP/TAZ, and establish MAP4Ks as components of the expanded Hippo pathway.

Prevención de desnutrición aguda moderada con un suplemento alimenticio listo para consumir en niños preescolares de comunidades rurales / Moderate acute malnutrition prevention with a ready-to-use therapeutic food in pre-school children from rural communities

Resumen Introducción: La desnutrición infantil en México alcanza prevalencias de 27.5 % en zonas rurales. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un suplemento alimenticio listo para consumir (SALC) para corregir desnutrición aguda leve y prevenir desnutrición aguda moderada en preescolares de comunidades rurales. Método: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado por grupos: con y sin SALC (g-SALC y g-S/SALC); se incluyeron niños de dos a cinco años, con puntuaciones-Z de peso para la talla (pZ-P/T) mayor de −2 y menor de −1 y nivel socioeconómico bajo. Todos recibieron educación sobre nutrición, salud e higiene dos veces al mes; los niños del g-SALC debieron consumir diariamente una porción del suplemento. Se evaluó pZ-P/T al inicio y a los cuatro, seis y 12 meses. La comparación entre grupos se realizó con el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: Respecto a la recuperación de desnutrición aguda leve, en g-SALC se observó 68.7 versus 52.1% en el grupo control en el análisis de intención para tratar, con una razón de riesgo (HR) = 1.25; en el análisis por protocolo del primer semestre se observó una HR = 1.48 y en el segundo semestre, HR = 1.56. Un paciente progresó a desnutrición aguda moderada. Conclusiones: El g-SALC mostró resolución significativamente mayor de desnutrición aguda leve.

Abstract Introduction: Child malnutrition in Mexico reaches a prevalence as high as 27.5 % in rural areas. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) to correct mild acute malnutrition and prevent moderate acute malnutrition in preschool children from rural communities. Method: Randomized clinical trial, with assignment to two groups: group with RUSF (RUSF-g) or group without it (non-RUSF-g); children aged from two to five years, with weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ) between -2 and -1 and low socioeconomic status were included. All received education on nutrition, health and hygiene twice monthly; the RUSF-g children had to consume four biscuits of the supplement every day. WHZ was assessed at baseline and at four, six, and 12 months. The comparison between groups was carried out with Cox proportional hazards model. Results: With regard to mild acute malnutrition correction in the RUSF-g, 68.7 versus 52.1 % in the control group was observed in the intent-to-treat analysis, with a hazard ratio (HR) = 1.25; in the per-protocol analysis of first semester, a HR = 1.48 was observed, and in the second semester, HR = 1.56. One patient progressed to moderate acute malnutrition. Conclusions: The RUSF-g showed a significantly higher resolution of mild acute malnutrition.

Recomendaciones médicas para uveítis no infecciosas en adultos

Justificación: Las uveítis no infecciosas constituyen una importante causa de pérdida visual a nivel mundial; por su complejidad y gravedad de complicaciones requieren un abordaje temprano y multidisciplinario. En Costa Rica se desconoce hasta el momento la incidencia global de estas entidades y todavía no existe ningún consenso en cuanto a su manejo. Objetivos: Resumir las recomendaciones terapéuticas vigentes para uveítis no infecciosas en adultos y ofrecer una guía adaptada a la realidad costarricense. Métodos: Se efectuó una revisión no sistemática de bibliografía médica indexada en las plataformas PubMed y Scielo, sobre el manejo médico de las uveítis no infecciosas. De igual manera, se compararon los esquemas terapéuticos recomendados actualmente en América y Europa con el abordaje realizado en los centros hospitalarios costarricenses, para crear una guía adaptada a la realidad nacional. En la elaboración de estas recomendaciones participaron médicos especialistas de todas las clínicas multidisciplinarias especializadas en uveítis del país. Conclusiones: En Costa Rica se cuenta con la mayoría de las opciones disponibles para el tratamiento de uveítis idiopáticas en el sistema público de salud. Se logró la creación de algoritmos de tratamiento para las diferentes patologías.

Summary Background: Noninfectious uveitis represents an important cause of visual loss worldwide, which in view of the severity and complexity of complications demands an early and multidisciplinary approach to therapy. In Costa Rica there is no statistical records of incidence nor consensus of management of these entities to this date. Objectives: To summarize the therapeutic recommendations for non-infectious uveítis according to the scientific evidence and adapt them to the Costa Rican conditions. Methods: A non-systematic review of medical literature indexed on PubMed and Scielo, concerning medical and surgical management of non-infectious uveitis was carried out. Likewise, the recommended therapeutic schemes in America and Europe were compared to the approach used in the Costa Rican hospital centers. In the elaboration of these recommendations participated physicians, specialists of all multidisciplinary clinics for uveitis of the country. Conclusions: In Costa Rica, the majority of alternatives available for the treatment of idiopathic uveitis in the public health system are available. It was possible to create therapeutic algorithms for the different diseases.

Síndrome de compresión del desfiladero torácico superior, relato de un caso de obliteración de la arteria subclavia / Superior thoracic passage compression syndromes

Los elementos anatómicos que al atravesar la fosa retroclavicular son susceptibles de ser comprimidos y generar sintomatología son la arteria y vena subclavias y el plexo braquial. Por la disposición anatómica de esta región que conforma el desfiladero torácico superior, puede suscitarse compresión en los siguientes niveles: canal costo clavicular, desfiladero intercosto escalénico; y, la angulada inserción del músculo pectoral menor en la apófisis coracoides, túnel subpectoral. Cada uno genera un cuadro característico de acuerdo a la estructura y nivel comprometido, con síntomas neurológicos somáticos, simpáticos o síntomas vasculares arteriales o venosos. Esto síntomas se nos revelarán en la historia durante el examen físico...