Mother's smoking habits affects IL10 methylation but not asthma in Ecuadorian children.

There is no evidence evaluating the IL10 epigenetic upregulation among mestizo children in a high-altitude Andean city in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To identify polymorphisms and methylation profiles in the IL10 gene associated with asthma in children aged 5 to 11. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with asthmatic and non-asthmatic children aged 5 to 11 years in Cuenca-Ecuador. Data on allergic diseases and risk factors were collected through a questionnaire for parents. Atopy was measured by skin prick test (SPT) to relevant aeroallergens. Three IL10 single nucleotide polymorphisms were evaluated in all participants, and methylation analysis was performed in 54 participants. Association between risk factors, allergic diseases and genetic factors were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The results of polymorphisms showed no differences between cases and controls when comparing the SNPs rs3024495, rs3024496, rs1800896 allelic and genotypic frequencies. In the methylation analysis, no differences in the IL10 methylation profile were found between cases and controls; however, the multivariate analysis showed an association between the mother's smoking habits and the IL10 methylation profile. CONCLUSION: Smoking habit could be essential as an environmental exposure factor in regulating gene expression in children with asthma.

Unhealthy food consumption among Ecuadorian children: A cross-sectional study in the context of the school food regulation / Consumo de alimentos poco saludables en niños ecuatorianos: estudio transversal en el contexto del reglamento de alimentación escolar

Introduction. The intake of energy-dense unhealthy food at school could influence the overall energy intake of children. Objective: To characterize the patterns of buying a snack at school and to analyze the association of these patterns with the source of the school snack (brought from home or bought at school) and screen time. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 until May 2019 among school children (9 to 12-year-olds) from Cuenca-Ecuador. Intake of energy-dense unhealthy food groups, the source of the school snack, and screen time were assessed using questionnaires. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to identify intake patterns of unhealthy food groups, and logistic regression to assess the association between intake of energy-dense unhealthy food groups (FG) with the school snack source. Results: Among 1,028 children recruited 63%, 42%, 30% and 22% of the children reported consuming sweets/confiture, savory snacks, fast food, and pastry products, respectively, at least two days per week. Around 39% of the children were classified as "Frequent consumers of energy-dense unhealthy FG". Buying the snack at school was associated with a more frequent intake of sweets/confiture (OR=1.56, CI 95% =1.05-2.32) and fast food (OR=2.01, CI 95% =1.15-3.50) during the week, as well as with being classified in the "frequent consumer of energy-dense unhealthy FG" (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.40-2.82). Conclusions: Ecuadorian children still consume prohibited unhealthy foods at school. These results reinforce the importance of evaluating, monitoring, and adapting strategies to promote a balanced diet(AU)

Introducción. La ingesta de alimentos poco saludables con alto contenido energético en la escuela podría influir en la ingesta energética total de los niños. Objetivo: Caracterizar los patrones de compra de snacks en el colegio y analizar la asociación de estos patrones con la procedencia del snack escolar (de la casa o comprada en el colegio) y el tiempo de pantalla. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal (octubre 2018-mayo 2019) en escolares (9-12 años) Cuenca- Ecuador. La ingesta de grupos de alimentos (FG) no saludables altos en energía, la fuente del snack escolar y el tiempo de pantalla se evaluaron mediante cuestionarios. Se utilizó análisis de correspondencias múltiples para identificar patrones de ingesta de FG poco saludables y la regresión logística para evaluar asociación entre la ingesta FG no saludables con la fuente del snack escolar. Resultados: En 1.028 niños 63%, 42%, 30% y 22% declararon consumir dulces/golosinas, aperitivos salados, comida rápida y productos de pastelería, respectivamente, al menos dos/días/ semana. Un 39% fueron clasificados como "Consumidores frecuentes de FG poco saludables de alta densidad energética". La compra de los snacks en el colegio se asoció con una ingesta más frecuente de dulces/golosinas (OR=1,56; IC95%=1,05-2,32) y comida rápida (OR=2,01; IC95%=1,15-3,50) durante la semana y con la clasificación en el grupo" consumidores frecuentes de FG poco saludables de alta densidad energética" (OR=1,99; IC95%=1,40- 2,82). Conclusiones: Los niños ecuatorianos aún consumen alimentos no saludables prohibidos en la escuela. Estos resultados refuerzan la importancia de evaluar, monitorear y adaptar estrategias para promover una dieta balanceada(AU)

Modelos de variables latentes en patrones de alimentación y actividad física en niños/adolescentes: una revisión sistemática / Models of latent variables used for eating and physical activity patterns in children/ adolescents: a systematic review

Introducción. Debido a la poca evidencia sobre el modelamiento de los patrones de alimentación y actividad física (AF), basado en variables latentes, el presente estudio de revisión pretende describir las técnicas estadísticas aplicadas para modelar estos patrones en niños y adolescentes y valorar su calidad metodológica. Materiales y métodos. La búsqueda se realizó en bases de datos electrónicas (Science Direct, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of science y Cochrane) con las palabras "diet", 'physical activity', children y 'latent variable'. Se incluyeron artículos que utilizaron modelos estadísticos basados en variables latentes para analizar patrones de alimentación y AF en niños y adolescentes sanos, publicados entre 2014­2019, en inglés o español. Resultados. Entre los 27 artículos seleccionados, el Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (MEE) fue el más utilizado (77,78%); seguido del Modelo de Perfil Latente (7,41%), mientras, el restante, 14,81% aplican el Modelo del Factor Común, Modelo Ecológico y el Modelo de Regresión Logística Multinivel. El MEE fue aplicado a 12 de los 16 artículos con enfoque de AF, y en 7 de los 9 artículos con enfoque de Alimentación. El 48,15% de los estudios sí justificaba el uso del modelo, y el 37,04% poseen una calidad "Excelente" (cumplen el 85% o más de los ítems de STROBE). Conclusiones. El MEE fue el más utilizado para abstraer los patrones de AF y alimentación en niños y adolescentes, sin embargo, solo la mitad de los artículos justifica su pertinencia. Las guías de reporte de estudios deberían evaluar la calidad metodológica de los modelos estadísticos aplicados(AU)

Introduction. Due to the limited evidence on the modeling of eating and physical activity (PA) patterns based on latent variables, the present review study aims to describe the statistical techniques applied to model these patterns in children and adolescents and to assess their methodological quality. Materials and methods. The search was performed in electronic databases (Science Direct, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of science and Cochrane) with the words 'diet', 'physical activity', children and 'latent variable'. We included articles that used statistical models based on latent variables to analyze diet and PA patterns in healthy children and adolescents, published between 2014-2019, in English or Spanish. Results. Among the 27 selected articles, the Structural Equation Model (SEM) was the most used (77.78%); followed by the Latent Profile Model (7.41%), while, the remaining 14.81% applied the Common Factor Model, Ecological Model and Multilevel Logistic Regression Model. The SEM was applied to 12 of the 16 articles with PA approach, and in 7 of the 9 articles with eating approach. The 48.15% of studies did justify the use of the model, and 37.04% were classified as "Excellent" quality (meet 85% or more of the STROBE items). Conclusions. The SEM was the most commonly used to model the PA and eating patterns in children and adolescents, however, only half of the articles justify their relevance. Study reporting guidelines should evaluate the methodological quality of the statistical models applied(AU)

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Asymptomatic Women from Urban-Peripheral and Rural Populations of Cuenca, Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious public health issue due to their high prevalence and a substantial percentage of women being asymptomatic. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of three STD-causative pathogens in asymptomatic women from Southern Ecuador, with the ultimate purpose of updating the epidemiological data and obtaining a timely diagnosis, which can prevent further complications. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 102 asymptomatic women from Cuenca, Ecuador, who underwent a cervical cytology examination. They met all the inclusion criteria and signed the consent form. Nucleic acids were extracted from each sample, and PCR and flow-through hybridization were performed to detect the pathogens responsible for three STDs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to define and describe the study population, obtain the frequency data, and measure central tendencies to determine possible associations among the variables. RESULTS: We found that 49.02% of the participants were infected with at least one of the three microorganisms, with 48.04% and 2.94% carrying Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), respectively. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection was not observed. Among the participants, 1.96% presented co-infections with CT and UU. Approximately half of the participants presented with asymptomatic infections caused by at least one microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the importance of conducting regular STD screening programs for high-risk asymptomatic women.

Cardiovascular risk among 6-8-year-old children living in urban and rural communities in Ecuador: A cross-sectional analysis.

Cardiovascular diseases have their origins in childhood. At least 20% of children and adolescents in Latin America are overweight or obese. However, little is known regarding the cardiovascular risk of young children living in the region. This paper aims to identify associations between socio-demographics, adiposity, and dietary intake with cardiometabolic risk among children between 6- and 8-years old living in urban and rural Andean regions of Ecuador. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 children attending elementary schools between February and August 2018. Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured interview. Bodyweight, height, and waist circumference were measured in duplicate; blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to determine blood lipids, hepatic enzymes, and adipokines; food intake data was assessed by two 24-h recalls administered to the guardians. Associations between cardiometabolic risk (i.e., blood lipids, hepatic enzymes, and adipokines) with sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, and waist circumference were tested using multiple hierarchical regression models. Twenty-nine percent of the children were overweight or obese, 12% had low HDL levels, and over 18% had high levels of LDL and triglycerides. Children living in the urban region had lower levels of HDL (ß-4.07 mg/dL; 95% CI: -7.00; -1.15; P = 0.007) but higher levels of LDL cholesterol (ß 8.52 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.38; 15.66; P = 0.019). Hepatic enzymes were also higher among urban children (SGOT: ß% 22.13; 95% CI: 17.33; 26.93; P < 0.001; SGPT: ß 0.84 U/L; 95% CI: 0.09; 1.59; P = 0.028). Leptin blood levels were higher (ß% 29.27; 95% CI: 3.57; 54.97; P = 0.026), meanwhile adiponectin plasma concentrations were lower among urban children (ß%-103.24; 95% CI: -58.9; -147.58; P = < 0.001). Fiber intake was inversely associated with total cholesterol (ß-9.27 mg/dL; 95% CI -18.09; -0.45; P = 0.040) and LDL cholesterol blood levels (ß-9.99 mg/dL; 95% CI: -18.22; -1.75; P = 0.018). Our findings demonstrate that young children are at high cardiovascular risk; if no actions are taken, the burden of non-communicable diseases will be substantial. The differences in risk between rural and urban areas are evident; urbanization might predispose children to a different reality and, in most cases, result in poor habits.

Physical activity during recess in elementary schoolchildren in Belgium and Ecuador: The role of the physical environment at school.

To increase physical activity levels in children, knowledge on how school playgrounds can be optimally designed is important. Until now, the contribution of playground variety and greening to children's physical activity level during recess remains unclear. This study examined the associations of school playground variety and greening with energy expenditure (EE) in elementary school children in Ecuador and Belgium. Additionally, moderating effects of study site and gender were studied. Observational data were collected using SOPLAY in ten schools in East Flanders (Belgium) and Cuenca (Ecuador). Data were analysed with linear mixed-effects model analyses. Results showed that independent of study site, EE was higher in playground areas with less green elements, and a higher level of total variety. Primary surface was only associated with EE in boys, they were more active when an artificial surface was present. Implementation of loose equipment was somewhat more strongly positively associated with EE in Ecuadorian than in Belgian children. Because of the well-known restorative effects of green elements, we do not wish to suggest that less greening should be implemented at schools. However, ideally green spaces should be designed in a way that active play is stimulated by combining green elements with other improvements.

Nature relatedness as a potential factor to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in Ecuadorian children.

BACKGROUND: Nature relatedness can be associated with health-related outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the associations of nature relatedness with physical activity and sedentary behavior. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 9-12 year old children living in Cuenca, Ecuador, was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Questionnaires were used to evaluate physical activity (PAQ-C), out-of-school sedentary behavior, nature relatedness and wellbeing. Associations of nature relatedness with physical activity, and sedentary behavior were evaluated using linear regression models or tobit regressions adjusted by age, sex, school type, wellbeing, and body mass index z-score. RESULTS: A total of 1028 children were surveyed (average age:10.4±1.22 years, 52% female.). Nature relatedness was positively associated with physical activity (ß = 0.07; CI 95%: 0.05-0.09; p < 0.001) and non-screen-related sedentary leisure (ß = 3.77 minutes; CI 95%: 0.76-6.68; p < 0.05); it was negatively associated with screen time (ß = -5.59 minutes; CI 95%: -10.53-0.65; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that nature relatedness is associated with physical activity and some sedentary behaviors among Ecuadorian school-age children. The promotion of nature relatedness has the potential to improve health.

Viperidae snakebites in Ecuador: A review of epidemiological and ecological aspects.

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected disease of public health concern. Most snakebite accidents occur in developing countries. In Ecuador, 17 viper species are responsible for 99% of official accidents, and ten species are in critical conservation states. This report analyzes the snakebite incident cases and mortality rates in Ecuador between 2014 and 2019. The data obtained from the national surveillance system suggests that the incidence and mortality rates remained constant. The geographic region with the highest incidence rates is the Amazonian region. National policies are urgently needed to prevent snakebite accidents and to protect snakes in danger of extinction.