Less underestimaton of excess weight by the categorical than the visual method. Its determinants and feeding practices in Mexican mothers of children aged 2 to 12 years / Menor subestimación del exceso de peso por el método categórico que por el visual. Determinantes y prácticas de alimentación en madres mexicanas de niños de 2 a 12 años

Introduction: perceived body weight refers to the subjectively assessed weight, which may not correspond to the objectively measured weight.Statistics show that 14 % to 83 % of parents misperceive their children’s weight status, with a propensity for underestimation.Objective: we compared the accuracy of the visual versus the categorical method. We also identified factors and feeding practices associatedwith excess weight underestimation.Material and methods: we carried out a cross-sectional study in five states of Mexico with 1,845 mother-child dyads of children aged 2-12years. The mothers were interviewed about weight perception with two methods, visual and categorical. The Child Feeding Questionnaire identifiedmaternal feeding practices. Actual weight and height were categorized according to WHO criteria. Analysis consisted of Cohen’s kappa estimation,multivariate logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney tests.Results: more mothers correctly identified the weight of their children with the categorical than with the visual method (68 % vs 42 %, p <0.0001). The excess weight underestimation was lower (49 % vs 82 %, p < 0.0001) and the degree of agreement was higher with the cate-gorical method (kappa, 0.39 and 0.08). The better results remained regardless of age. Age 2-5 years increased the odds of overweight/obesityunderestimation. Feeding practices differed by weight perception category, child’s age, and method of assessment.Conclusions: the categorical method was more accurate. Recognition of correct weight perception is one of the first actions required forcontrolling childhood overweight/obesity.(AU)

Introducción: la percepción del peso corporal se refiere al peso evaluado subjetivamente, que puede no corresponder al peso medido objeti-vamente. Las estadísticas muestran que entre el 14 % y el 83 % de los padres tienen una percepción inadecuada del estado del peso de sushijos, predominando la subestimación.Objetivo: comparar la precisión del método categórico y la del visual e identificar los factores y prácticas de alimentación asociados a la sub-estimación del exceso de peso.Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en cinco estados de México con 1,845 díadas madre-hijo de niños de 2-11 años. Lasmadres fueron entrevistadas sobre su percepción del peso con un método visual y uno categórico. El Cuestionario de Alimentación Infantil iden-tificó las prácticas de alimentación. El peso y la altura se clasificaron con los criterios de la OMS. Se estimó la kappa de Cohen y se utilizaron laregresión logística multivariada y las pruebas de Mann-Whitney.Resultados: más madres identificaron correctamente el peso de sus hijos con el método categórico que con el visual (68 % vs. 42 %, p <0,0001). La subestimación del exceso de peso fue menor (49 % vs 82 %, p <0,0001) y el grado de concordancia mayor con el método categórico(kappa: 0,39 y 0,08). Los resultados se mantuvieron independientemente de la edad. La edad de 2-5 años aumentó la probabilidad de subestimarel sobrepeso/obesidad. Las prácticas de alimentación difirieron por categoría de percepción del peso, edad del niño y método de evaluación.Conclusiones: el método categórico fue más preciso. El reconocimiento de la correcta percepción del peso constituye una de las primerasacciones para el control del sobrepeso/obesidad infantil.(AU)

Less underestimaton of excess weight by the categorical than the visual method. Its determinants and feeding practices in Mexican mothers of children aged 2 to 12 years.

Introduction: Introduction: perceived body weight refers to the subjectively assessed weight, which may not correspond to the objectively measured weight. Statistics show that 14 % to 83 % of parents misperceive their children's weight status, with a propensity for underestimation. Objective: we compared the accuracy of the visual versus the categorical method. We also identified factors and feeding practices associated with excess weight underestimation. Material and methods: we carried out a cross-sectional study in five states of Mexico with 1,845 mother-child dyads of children aged 2-12 years. The mothers were interviewed about weight perception with two methods, visual and categorical. The Child Feeding Questionnaire identified maternal feeding practices. Actual weight and height were categorized according to WHO criteria. Analysis consisted of Cohen's kappa estimation, multivariate logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: more mothers correctly identified the weight of their children with the categorical than with the visual method (68 % vs 42 %, p < 0.0001). The excess weight underestimation was lower (49 % vs 82 %, p < 0.0001) and the degree of agreement was higher with the categorical method (kappa, 0.39 and 0.08). The better results remained regardless of age. Age 2-5 years increased the odds of overweight/obesity underestimation. Feeding practices differed by weight perception category, child's age, and method of assessment. Conclusions: the categorical method was more accurate. Recognition of correct weight perception is one of the first actions required for controlling childhood overweight/obesity.

Introducción: Introducción: la percepción del peso corporal se refiere al peso evaluado subjetivamente, que puede no corresponder al peso medido objetivamente. Las estadísticas muestran que entre el 14 % y el 83 % de los padres tienen una percepción inadecuada del estado del peso de sus hijos, predominando la subestimación. Objetivo: comparar la precisión del método categórico y la del visual e identificar los factores y prácticas de alimentación asociados a la subestimación del exceso de peso. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en cinco estados de México con 1,845 díadas madre-hijo de niños de 2-11 años. Las madres fueron entrevistadas sobre su percepción del peso con un método visual y uno categórico. El Cuestionario de Alimentación Infantil identificó las prácticas de alimentación. El peso y la altura se clasificaron con los criterios de la OMS. Se estimó la kappa de Cohen y se utilizaron la regresión logística multivariada y las pruebas de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: más madres identificaron correctamente el peso de sus hijos con el método categórico que con el visual (68 % vs. 42 %, p < 0,0001). La subestimación del exceso de peso fue menor (49 % vs 82 %, p <0,0001) y el grado de concordancia mayor con el método categórico (kappa: 0,39 y 0,08). Los resultados se mantuvieron independientemente de la edad. La edad de 2-5 años aumentó la probabilidad de subestimar el sobrepeso/obesidad. Las prácticas de alimentación difirieron por categoría de percepción del peso, edad del niño y método de evaluación. Conclusiones: el método categórico fue más preciso. El reconocimiento de la correcta percepción del peso constituye una de las primeras acciones para el control del sobrepeso/obesidad infantil.

Functional electrical stimulation therapy controlled by a P300-based brain-computer interface, as a therapeutic alternative for upper limb motor function recovery in chronic post-stroke patients. A non-randomized pilot study.

Introduction: Up to 80% of post-stroke patients present upper-limb motor impairment (ULMI), causing functional limitations in daily activities and loss of independence. UMLI is seldom fully recovered after stroke when using conventional therapeutic approaches. Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy (FEST) controlled by Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is an alternative that may induce neuroplastic changes, even in chronic post-stroke patients. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of a P300-based BCI-controlled FEST intervention, for ULMI recovery of chronic post-stroke patients. Methods: A non-randomized pilot study was conducted, including 14 patients divided into 2 groups: BCI-FEST, and Conventional Therapy. Assessments of Upper limb functionality with Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), performance impairment with Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and spasticity through Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were performed at baseline and after carrying out 20 therapy sessions, and the obtained scores compared using Chi square and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests (𝛼 = 0.05). Results: After training, we found statistically significant differences between groups for FMA (p = 0.012), ARAT (p < 0.001), and FIM (p = 0.025) scales. Discussion: It has been shown that FEST controlled by a P300-based BCI, may be more effective than conventional therapy to improve ULMI after stroke, regardless of chronicity. Conclusion: The results of the proposed BCI-FEST intervention are promising, even for the most chronic post-stroke patients often relegated from novel interventions, whose expected recovery with conventional therapy is very low. It is necessary to carry out a randomized controlled trial in the future with a larger sample of patients.

Thermal Evaluation of Multi-Antenna Systems Proposed to Treat Bone Tumors: Finite Element Analysis.

Microwave ablation is commonly used in soft tissue tumors, but its application in bone tumors has been barely analyzed. Antennas to treat bone tissue (~3 cm2), has been lately designed. Bone tumors at pathological stage T1 can reach 8 cm wide. An antenna cannot cover it; therefore, our goal is to evaluate the thermal performance of multi-antenna arrays. Linear, triangular, and square configurations of double slot (DS) and monopole (MTM) antennas were evaluated. A parametric study (finite element method), with variations in distance between antennas (ad) and bone thickness (bt) was implemented. Array feasibility was evaluated by SWR, ablated tissue volume, etc. The linear configuration with DS and MTM antennas showed SWR ≤ 1.6 for ad = 1 mm−15 mm and bt = 20 mm−40 mm, and ad = 10 mm−15 mm and bt = 25 mm−40 mm, respectively; the triangular showed SWR ≤ 1.5 for ad = 5 mm−15 mm and bt = 20 mm−40 mm and ad = 10 mm−15 mm and bt = 25 mm−40 mm. The square configuration (DS) generated SWR ≤ 1.5 for ad = 5 mm−20 mm and bt = 20 mm−40 mm, and the MTM, SWR ≤ 1.5 with ad = 10 mm and bt = 25 mm−40 mm. Ablated tissue was 4.65 cm3−10.46 cm3 after 5 min. According to treatment time and array configuration, maximum temperature and ablated tissue is modified. Bone tumors >3 cm3 can be treated by these antenna-arrays.

Devices and Technology in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Systematic Review.

The technology for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has significantly changed over the years, with important improvements in the signal generators, the coils, the positioning systems, and the software for modeling, optimization, and therapy planning. In this systematic literature review (SLR), the evolution of each component of TMS technology is presented and analyzed to assess the limitations to overcome. This SLR was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 statement. Published articles of TMS were searched for in four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE). Conference papers and other reviews were excluded. Records were filtered using terms about TMS technology with a semi-automatic software; articles that did not present new technology developments were excluded manually. After this screening, 101 records were included, with 19 articles proposing new stimulator designs (18.8%), 46 presenting or adapting coils (45.5%), 18 proposing systems for coil placement (17.8%), and 43 implementing algorithms for coil optimization (42.6%). The articles were blindly classified by the authors to reduce the risk of bias. However, our results could have been influenced by our research interests, which would affect conclusions for applications in psychiatric and neurological diseases. Our analysis indicates that more emphasis should be placed on optimizing the current technology with a special focus on the experimental validation of models. With this review, we expect to establish the base for future TMS technological developments.

Control Violence Begins in Adolescent Dating: A Research from Students' Perception.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of controlling violence experienced by adolescents in the Region of Murcia, as well as to analyze the patterns and sociodemographic variables involved such as sex, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and country of origin of the families with the consequent cultural background provided. Using a sample of 454 secondary and high school students who completed a survey, the results revealed that 29.96% of the respondents were perpetrators (exerted violence) and 35.68% were victims of at least one dating abuse behavior. Significant differences were found in the occurrence of abuse based on family background, age, and religion. Finally, the results revealed that there were no significant differences in the victimization or perpetration of violence in relation to sex, but the older the victim, the less control exercised in cybernetic media, and the greater the control of the other in relation to family origin, where those from Latin American and African countries showed a greater propensity to control their partners than those of Spanish origin.

Personalized protocol and scoring scale for functional electrical stimulation of the hand: A pilot feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Complex personalized Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) protocols for calibrating parameters and electrode positioning have been proposed, most being time-consuming or technically cumbersome for clinical settings. Therefore, there is a need for new personalized FES protocols that generate comfortable, functional hand movements, while being feasible for clinical translation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a personalized FES protocol, comprising electrode placement and parameter selection, to generate hand opening (HO), power grasp (PW) and precision grip (PG) movements, and compare in a pilot feasibility study its performance to a non-personalized protocol based on standard FES guidelines. METHODS: Two FES protocols, one personalized (P1) and one non-personalized (P2), were used to produce hand movements in twenty-three healthy participants. FES-induced movements were assessed with a new scoring scale which comprises items for selectivity, functionality, and comfort. RESULTS: Higher FES-HSS scores were obtained with P1 for all movements: HO (p= 0.00013), PW (p= 0.00007), PG (p= 0.00460). Electrode placement time was significantly shorter for P2 (p= 0.00003). Comfort scores were similar for both protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The personalized protocol for electrode placement and parameter selection enabled functional FES-induced hand movements and presented advantages over a non-personalized protocol. This protocol warrants further investigation to confirm its suitability for developing upper-limb rehabilitation interventions with clinical translational potential.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in Visual Evoked Potential-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces for Motor Rehabilitation Applications: Systematic Review and Future Directions.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technology that uses electroencephalographic (EEG) signals to control external devices, such as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Visual BCI paradigms based on P300 and Steady State Visually Evoked potentials (SSVEP) have shown high potential for clinical purposes. Numerous studies have been published on P300- and SSVEP-based non-invasive BCIs, but many of them present two shortcomings: (1) they are not aimed for motor rehabilitation applications, and (2) they do not report in detail the artificial intelligence (AI) methods used for classification, or their performance metrics. To address this gap, in this paper the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was applied to prepare a systematic literature review (SLR). Papers older than 10 years, repeated or not related to a motor rehabilitation application, were excluded. Of all the studies, 51.02% referred to theoretical analysis of classification algorithms. Of the remaining, 28.48% were for spelling, 12.73% for diverse applications (control of wheelchair or home appliances), and only 7.77% were focused on motor rehabilitation. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and quality screening was performed, 34 articles were selected. Of them, 26.47% used the P300 and 55.8% the SSVEP signal. Five applications categories were established: Rehabilitation Systems (17.64%), Virtual Reality environments (23.52%), FES (17.64%), Orthosis (29.41%), and Prosthesis (11.76%). Of all the works, only four performed tests with patients. The most reported machine learning (ML) algorithms used for classification were linear discriminant analysis (LDA) (48.64%) and support vector machine (16.21%), while only one study used a deep learning algorithm: a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The reported accuracy ranged from 38.02 to 100%, and the Information Transfer Rate from 1.55 to 49.25 bits per minute. While LDA is still the most used AI algorithm, CNN has shown promising results, but due to their high technical implementation requirements, many researchers do not justify its implementation as worthwile. To achieve quick and accurate online BCIs for motor rehabilitation applications, future works on SSVEP-, P300-based and hybrid BCIs should focus on optimizing the visual stimulation module and the training stage of ML and DL algorithms.

Anatomical 3D Modeling Using IR Sensors and Radiometric Processing Based on Structure from Motion: Towards a Tool for the Diabetic Foot Diagnosis.

Medical infrared thermography has proven to be a complementary procedure to physiological disorders, such as the diabetic foot. However, the technique remains essentially based on 2D images that display partial anatomy. In this context, a 3D thermal model provides improved visualization and faster inspection. This paper presents a 3D reconstruction method associated with temperature information. The proposed solution is based on a Structure from Motion and Multi-view Stereo approach, exploiting a set of multimodal merged images. The infrared images were obtained by automatically processing the radiometric data to remove thermal interferences, segment the RoI, enhance false-color contrast, and for multimodal co-registration under a controlled environment and a ∆T < 2.6% between the RoI and thermal interferences. The geometric verification accuracy was 77% ± 2%. Moreover, a normalized error was adjusted per sample based on a linear model to compensate for the curvature emissivity (error ≈ 10% near to 90°). The 3D models were displayed with temperature information and interaction controls to observe any point of view. The temperature sidebar values were assigned with information retrieved only from the RoI. The results have proven the feasibility of the 3D multimodal construction to be used as a promising tool in the diagnosis of diabetic foot.

3D analysis of bone mineral density in a cohort: age- and sex-related differences.

Women have lower areal BMD (g/cm2) than men; however, the women have smaller-size bones. Our study showed that women ≤ 59 years have a hip volumetric BMD by DXA 3D similar to that of men of the same age. This makes us think about the importance of taking into account bone size at the time of analyzing the sex-related differences in bone mass. PURPOSE: Women have lower areal BMD (g/cm2) than men; however, these studies do not take into account that women have smaller-size bones. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) modeling methods were proposed to analyze volumetric BMD (vBMD). We want to determine the values of vBMD at the hip by DXA-based 3D modeling in a cohort of people in order to know the age- and sex-related differences. METHODS: A total of 2647 people of both sexes (65% women) were recruited from a large cohort (Camargo cohort, Santander, Spain). 3D-SHAPER® software (version 2.8, Galgo Medical, Barcelona, Spain) was used to derive 3D analysis from the hip DXA scans at baseline RESULTS: The differences were less pronounced for vBMD (cortical sBMD 9.3%, trabecular vBMD 6.4%, integral vBMD 2.2%) compared to aBMD (FN aBMD 11.4% and TH aBMD 13.3%). After stratifying by age (≤ 59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and ≥ 80 years), we observed in ≤ 59 years that aBMD was lower in women compared to men, at FN (0.758 [0.114] g/cm2 vs. 0.833 [0.117] g/cm2; p = 1.4 × 10-20) and TH (0.878 [0.117] g/cm2 vs. 0.990 [0.119] g/cm2; p = 4.1 × 10-40). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was observed for integral vBMD (331 [58] mg/cm3 in women and 326 [51] mg/cm3 in men; p = 0.19) and trabecular vBMD (190 [41] mg/cm3 in women and 195 [39] mg/cm3 in men; p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Our results make us think about the importance of taking into account bone size at the time of analyzing the sex-related differences in bone mass.

The atherogenic index of plasma is related to a degraded bone microarchitecture assessed by the trabecular bone score in postmenopausal women: The Camargo Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the trabecular bone score (TBS) in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, to analyze its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD), and serum concentrations of 25OHD, PTH, and bone turnover markers. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study nested in a population-based cohort of 1,367 postmenopausal women aged 44-94 years. Participants were classified according to TBS values (<1.230, between 1.230-1.310 and >1.310) and regarding a widely accepted cut-off point of ≥0.11 for AIP. We analyzed TBS, BMD, serum levels of 25OHD, PTH, P1NP, CTX, and clinical covariates. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the adjusted association between AIP and TBS. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 63±10 years. Women with TBS values <1.230 were older, had greater BMI, greater prevalence of fractures after the age of 40 years, more years since menopause, higher values of AIP, and significantly lower levels of HDL-C, serum phosphate, and 25OHD. AIP values ≥0.11 were not associated with the presence of densitometric osteoporosis (OR=0.83, 95%CI 0.58-1.18; p = 0.30) but, in multivariate analysis, AIP values ≥0.11 were related to a degraded microarchitecture after controlling for age, BMI, smoking, diabetes status, ischemic heart disease, statin use, GFR, a fragility fracture at over 40 years of age and lumbar osteoporosis by DXA, with an adjusted OR=1.61 (95%CI 1.06-2.46; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: AIP is significantly and independently associated with a degraded bone microarchitecture as measured by TBS. In this sense, AIP might be a useful tool in the overall assessment of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.

A Flexible Pulse Generator Based on a Field Programmable Gate Array Architecture for Functional Electrical Stimulation.

Non-invasive Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a technique applied for motor rehabilitation of patients with central nervous system injury. This technique requires programmable multichannel systems to configure the stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, and pulse width). Most FES systems are based on microcontrollers with fixed architecture; this limits the control of the parameters and the scaling to multiple channels. Although field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) have been used in FES systems as alternative to microcontrollers, most of them focus on signal acquisition, processing, or communication functions, or are for invasive stimulation. A few FES systems report using FPGAs for parameter configuration and pulse generation in non-invasive FES. However, generally they limit the value of the frequency or amplitude parameters to enable multichannel operation. This restricts free selection of parameters and implementation of modulation patterns, previously reported to delay FES-induced muscle fatigue. To overcome those limitations, this paper presents a proof-of-concept (technology readiness level three-TRL 3) regarding the technical feasibility and potential use of an FPGA-based pulse generator for non-invasive FES applications (PG-nFES). The main aims were: (1) the development of a flexible pulse generator for FES applications and (2) to perform a proof-of-concept of the system, comprising: electrical characterization of the stimulation parameters, and verification of its potential for upper limb FES applications. Biphasic stimulation pulses with high linearity (r 2 > 0.9998) and repeatability (>0.81) were achieved by combining the PG-nFES with a current-controlled output stage. Average percentage error in the characterizations was under 3% for amplitude (1-48 mA) and pulse width (20-400 µs), and 0% for frequency (10-150 Hz). A six-channel version of the PG-nFES was implemented to demonstrate the scalability feature. The independence of parameters was tested with three patterns of co-modulation of two parameters. Moreover, two complete FES channels were implemented and the claimed features of the PG-nFES were verified by performing upper limb functional movements involving the hand and the arm. Finally, the system enabled implementation of a stimulation pattern with co-modulation of frequency and pulse width, applied successfully for efficient elbow during repetitions of a functional movement.

Efecto del Programa de Estabilización Nutricional "ESNUT" en el consumo alimenticio, IMC, composición corporal y actividad física en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos / Effect of the "ESNUT" Nutritional Stabilization Program on food consumption, BMI, body composition and physical activity in Mexican university students

INTRODUCCIÓN: La encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición en México (ENSANUT-2018) señala que existe un 38.4% de sobrepeso/obesidad en la población entre 10-24 años, lo que favorece las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT). En jóvenes universitarios los factores que mayormente contribuyen son la alimentación y la actividad física inadecuadas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de una intervención (Programa de Estabilización Nutricional "ESNUT") en la composición corporal, índice de masa corporal, nivel de actividad física, consumo de energía y macronutrientes en estudiantes universitarios de nuevo ingreso. MÉTODOS: Diseño. Cuasiexperimental con seguimiento, de agosto de 2017 a mayo de 2018 en un Centro de Salud Universitario (CSU). Población. Estudiantes de 17 a 21 años (ambos sexos), sin condiciones de salud, gestación, lactancia, deporte de alto rendimiento o patología que impactaran en el estado nutricional, que firmaron el consentimiento informado. Los grupos experimental (GE, n=23) y control (GC, n=35) se conformaron por asignación aleatoria y ciego sencillo. Variables. Independiente: Programa ESNUT. Dependientes: Kilocalorías (Kcal), macronutrientes, masa grasa (%MG), masa músculo-esquelética (%MME), índice de masa corporal (lMC) y nivel de actividad física (NAF). Instrumentos: Bioimpedanciómetro Inbody 230; estadímetro digital SECA 274; Encuesta de nivel de actividad física (NAF); Recordatorio de 24 horas (R24), réplicas plásticas de alimentos. Análisis. Estadística descriptiva, U de Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, ANOVA, t de student y r de Pearson, con significancia p≤0.05. RESULTADOS: El 50% del GE padecía SP/OB. Mejoró la adecuación de ingesta energética y de macronutrientes, se redujo %MG, se incrementó %MME y NAF. DISCUSIÓN: El SP/OB y bajo peso decrementaron, asociados a mejoras dietética y de NAF, similarmente a intervenciones educativo-nutricionales efectivas en la prevención de malnutrición y por consiguiente de ECNT en universitarios latinoamericanos. CONCLUSIONES: El programa "ESNUT" tuvo efecto de mejora en la ingesta, composición corporal y NAF. Deben fomentarse estilos de vida saludables en el ámbito universitario

INTRODUCTION: According to the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), overweight/obesity was 38.4% in the population between 10-24 years of age in Mexico, which bolsters chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD). In university students, inadequate diet and physical activity contribute to this. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the Nutritional Stabilization Program "ESNUT" on body composition, BodyMass Index, energy and macronutrient intakes and on the level of physical activity in new university students. METHODS: Design. Quasi-experimental with follow-up carried out from August 2017 to May 2018 in a University Health Center (CSU). Population. Students of both sexes, from 17 to 21 years old, non-pregnant, lactation, high-performance sports, pathology or health condition impacting their nutritional status, who signed the informed consent. The experimental (EG, n=23) and control (CG, n=35) groups were made up of randomized and single-blind allocation. Variables Independent: ESNUT Program. Dependent: Kilocalories (Kcal) and macronutrients, fat mass (%FM), musculoskeletal mass(% MM), body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL). Instruments: Inbody 230 Bioimpedance Meter; SECA274 digital stadiometer; PAL survey; 24-hour reminder (R24) and plastic food replicas. Analysis. Descriptive statistics and tests: Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon U ranges, ANOVA, student's tand Pearson's r, with significance p≤0.05. RESULTS: 50% GE suffered from OW/OB. The adequacy of energy and micronutrients, intake improved,% FM was reduced, % MM and PAL increased. DISCUSSION: OW/OB and low weight were reduced associated with improvements in diet and PAL, similarly to effective educational-nutritional interventions in the prevention of malnutrition and, consequently, of CNCD in Latin American university students. CONCLUSIONS: The "ESNUT" program had an improvement effect on intake, body composition and PAL. Healthy lifestyles should be promoted in the university setting

Level and Noise Sources in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Reference Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the level of environmental and periauricular noise in preterm babies and identify the sources generating noise in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit -NICU- of a reference hospital in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytic study of the measurement of the level of environmental noise in five critical areas of the NICU, according with the method of measurement of noise from fixed sources by the Mexican Official Norm and periauricular at 20 cm from the preterm patient's pinna. The measurements were carried out during three representative days of a week, morning, evening and nocturnal shifts. A STEREN 400 sound level meter was used with 30 to 130 dB range of measurement and a rate of 0.5 s. RESULTS: The average level of periauricular noise (64.5±1.91dB) was higher than the environmental noise (63.3±1.74 dB) during the days and shifts evaluated. The principal noise sources were activities carried out by the staff, like the nursing change of shift and conversations by the staff, which raised the level continuously or intermittently, operation of vital support equipment (alarms) and incidences (clashing of baby bottles and moving furnishings) produced sudden rises of noise. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental and periauricular noise in NICU exceeds by two and almost three times the 45 dB during the day and 35 dB at night from the norm in hospitals. It is necessary to implement permanent noise reduction programs to prevent sequelae in the preterm infant and professional burnout in the nursing staff.

Level and Noise Sources in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Reference Hospital

Objective. Determine the level of environmental and periauricular noise in preterm babies and identify the sources generating noise in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit -NICU- of a reference hospital in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Methods. Cross-sectional and analytic study of the measurement of the level of environmental noise in five critical areas of the NICU, according with the method of measurement of noise from fixed sources by the Mexican Official Norm and periauricular at 20 cm from the preterm patient's pinna. The measurements were carried out during three representative days of a week, morning, evening and nocturnal shifts. A STEREN 400 sound level meter was used with 30 to 130 dB range of measurement and a rate of 0.5 s. Results. The average level of periauricular noise (64.5±1.91dB) was higher than the environmental noise (63.3±1.74 dB) during the days and shifts evaluated. The principal noise sources were activities carried out by the staff, like the nursing change of shift and conversations by the staff, which raised the level continuously or intermittently, operation of vital support equipment (alarms) and incidences (clashing of baby bottles and moving furnishings) produced sudden rises of noise. Conclusions. Environmental and periauricular noise in NICU exceeds by two and almost three times the 45 dB during the day and 35 dB at night from the norm in hospitals. It is necessary to implement permanent noise reduction programs to prevent sequelae in the preterm infant and professional burnout in the nursing staff

Objetivo. Determinar el nivel de ruido ambiental y periauricular en prematuros e identificar las fuentes generadoras de ruido en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales -UCIN- de un hospital de referencia de San Luis Potosí, México. Métodos. Estudio transversal y analítico de la medición del nivel de ruido ambiental en cinco áreas críticas de la UCIN de acuerdo al método de medición de ruido de fuentes fijas de la Norma Oficial Mexicana y periauricular a 20 cm del pabellón auricular del prematuro. Las mensuraciones se realizaron en tres días representativos de una semana, turnos matutino, vespertino y nocturno. Se utilizó un sonómetro STEREN 400 con rango de medición de 30 a 130 dB y una frecuencia de 0.5 s. Resultados. El promedio del nivel de ruido periauricular (64.5±1.91dB) fue mayor que el ambiental (63.3±1.74 dB) en los días y turnos evaluados. Las principales fuentes de ruido fueron las actividades realizadas por el personal como entrega de turno de enfermería y conversación del personal que elevó el nivel de manera continua o intermitente, el funcionamiento del equipo de soporte vital (alarmas) e incidencias (choque de biberones y mover mobiliario) produjeron elevaciones súbitas de ruido. Conclusiones. El ruido ambiental y periauricular en UCIN sobrepasa al doble y casi al triple los 45 dB en el día y 35 dB por la noche de la normativa en hospitales. Es necesario implementar programas permanentes de reducción de ruido para prevenir secuelas en el prematuro y desgaste profesional en el personal de enfermería.

Objetivo. Determinar o nível de ruído ambiental e periatrial em bebês prematuros e identificar as fontes geradoras de ruído na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal -UTIN- de um hospital de referência em San Luis Potosí, México. Métodos. Estudo transversal e analítico da medição do nível de ruído ambiental em cinco áreas críticas da UTIN de acordo com o método de medição de ruído de fontes fixas do Padrão Oficial Mexicano e periauricular a 20 cm da orelha do prematuro. As medições foram realizadas em três dias representativos da semana, turnos matutinos, vespertino e noturno. Foi utilizado um medidor de nível de som STEREN 400 com faixa de medição de 30 a 130 dB e frequência de 0.5 s. Resultados. O nível médio de ruído periatrial (64.5±1.91 dB) foi superior ao ruído ambiente (63.3±1.74 dB) nos dias e turnos avaliados. As principais fontes de ruído foram as atividades realizadas pela equipe, como entrega do plantão de enfermagem e conversas com a equipe que aumentavam o nível de forma contínua ou intermitente, o funcionamento do equipamento de suporte de vida (alarmes) e incidentes (choque de mamadeira e movimentação de móveis) produziu picos repentinos de ruído. Conclusões. O ruído ambiental e periatrial na UTIN é mais do que o dobro e quase o triplo dos 45 dB diurnos e 35 dB noturnos dos regulamentos dos hospitais. Faz-se necessária a implantação de programas permanentes de redução de ruído para prevenir sequelas em prematuros e esgotamento profissional na equipe de enfermagem.

Unexplored lipolytic activity of Escherichia coli: Implications for lipase cloning.

Recent investigations on cloned bacterial lipases performed in our laboratory revealed the presence of lipolytic activity that was not due to the cloned lipase-coding gene but was probably the result of an intrinsic activity of Escherichia coli itself. To confirm such a hypothesis, we assayed the activity of frequently used E. coli strains by fast paper tests, zymograms and spectrofluorometry. A band of Ca. 18-20 kDa showing activity on MUF-butyrate was detected in zymogram analysis of crude cell extracts in all E. coli strains assayed. Moreover, the spectrofluorometric results obtained confirmed the presence of low but significant lipolytic activity in E. coli, with strain BL21 showing the highest activity. Detailed characterization of such a lipolytic activity was performed using E. coli BL21 cell extracts, where preference for C7 substrates was found, although shorter substrates were also hydrolysed to a minor extent. Interestingly, E. coli lipolytic activity displays traits of a thermophilic enzyme, showing maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 8, an unexpected feature never described before. Kinetic and inhibition analysis were also performed showing that activity can be inhibited by several metal ions or by Triton X-100® and SDS, used in zymogram analysis. Such properties ‒ low activity, preference for medium chain-length substrates, and high operational temperature ‒ might justify why this activity had gone unexplored until now, even when many lipases and esterases have been cloned and expressed in E. coli strains in the past. From now on, lipase researchers should take into consideration the presence of such a basal lipolytic activity before starting their lipase cloning or expression experiments in E.coli.

Development of an antimicrobial bioactive paper made from bacterial cellulose.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as an attractive adsorptive material for antimicrobial agents due to its fine network structure, its large surface area, and its high porosity. In the present study, BC paper was first produced and then lysozyme was immobilized onto it by physical adsorption, obtaining a composite of lysozyme-BC paper. The morphology and the crystalline structure of the composite were similar to that of BC paper as examined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Regarding operational properties, specific activities of immobilized and free lysozyme were similar. Moreover, immobilized enzyme showed a broader working temperature and higher thermal stability. The composites maintained its activity for at least 80 days without any special storage. Lysozyme-BC paper displayed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, inhibiting their growth by 82% and 68%, respectively. Additionally, the presence of lysozyme increased the antioxidant activity of BC paper by 30%. The results indicated that BC is a suitable material to produce bioactive paper as it provides a biocompatible environment without compromising the activity of the immobilized protein. BC paper with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties may have application in the field of active packaging.

Shelf life estimation of Blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) with bacterial cellulose film coating from Komagataeibacter xylinus.

The Castile blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) is an Andean crop with nutritional and antioxidant properties. The intake of this fruit potentiates the immune system and reduces the risk of developing degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. However, the Castile blackberry is one of the most perishable fruits due to its high respiration rate and the lack of protectant peel, making this fruit susceptible to microbial attack and rapid deterioration. The objective of this research was to estimate the shelf life of Castile blackberry (R. glaucus Benth) with bacterial cellulose coating from Komagataeibacter xylinus, in order to improve the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics. Blackberries with bacterial cellulose coating at 4°C have extended its shelf life to 9 days and preserved the initial characteristics of texture, color, smell, and taste.

Bacterial Cellulose-Chitosan Paper with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities.

The production of paper-based bacterial cellulose-chitosan (BC-Ch) nanocomposites was accomplished following two different approaches. In the first, BC paper sheets were produced and then immersed in an aqueous solution of chitosan (BC-ChI); in the second, BC pulp was impregnated with chitosan prior to the production of paper sheets (BC-ChM). BC-Ch nanocomposites were investigated in terms of physical characteristics, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and the ability to inhibit the formation of biofilms on their surface. The two types of BC-Ch nanocomposites maintained the hydrophobic character, the air barrier properties, and the high crystallinity of the BC paper. However, BC-ChI showed a surface with a denser fiber network and with smaller pores than those of BC-ChM. Only 5% of the chitosan leached from the BC-Ch nanocomposites after 96 h of incubation in an aqueous medium, indicating that it was well retained by the BC paper matrix. BC-Ch nanocomposites displayed antimicrobial activity, inhibiting growth of and having a killing effect against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and yeast Candida albicans. Moreover, BC-Ch papers showed activity against the formation of a biofilm on their surface. The incorporation of chitosan increased the antioxidant activity of the BC paper. Paper-based BC-Ch nanocomposites combined the physical properties of BC paper and the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant activities of chitosan.

Differential antioxidant activity of glucuronoxylooligosaccharides (UXOS) and arabinoxylooligosaccharides (AXOS) produced by two novel xylanases.

XOS are particularly interesting bioactive molecules. Bacillus safensis CBLMA18, a xylanolytic bacterium has been isolated and two of its xylanases have been identified and fully characterized. Xyn11A is an extracellular 22.5-kDa GH11 xylanase while a second xylanase, Xyn10B, corresponds to an intracellular 48-kDa GH10 enzyme. Both unimodular xylanases showed activity only on xylan substrates with important differences in their catalytic pattern. Xyn11A displays higher activity on glucuronoxylans, with an optimum at pH 8 and 50 °C, and a Vmax of 5281 U/mg on beechwood xylan, meanwhile Xyn10B prefers arabinoxylans, with an optimum of pH 7 and 60 °C, and a Vmax of 50.29 U/mg on rye arabinoxylan. The antioxidant activity of xylanase-generated XOS obtained from glucuronoxylans (UXOS) and arabinoxylans (AXOS) was tested with the ABTS (2, 2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) method. UXOS showed higher antioxidant activity than AXOS (>80% of antioxidant capacity). Thin layer chromatography and MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed that UXOS comprise neutral and acidic XOS with methylglucuronic acid (MeGlcA) ramifications, while AXOS contain only neutral molecules with arabinose decorations. The MeGlcA ramifications seem to have an important role in the antioxidant capacity of oligosaccharides. Besides, the increase of UXOS size correlates with an increase in their activity.