A heritage dataset of soil and water salinity in Bardenas, Spain.

This article presents the results of soil and water analysis plus the plans -or "maps"- from the Report [1] issued 1974 on salt-affected soils in a new irrigation district located in the semi-arid Bardenas area of Aragón, northern Spain (Fig. 1). The survey was carried out by the now defunct Institute for Agrarian Reform and Development (i.e., IRYDA by its Spanish acronym). Work began in January 1972, with a preliminary reconnaissance survey on 53,000 ha using aerial photographs at a scale of 1:32,000 from the USAF photogrammetric flight of 1956-57 which covered almost the whole of Spain. Photographs from this flight are available on the Spanish aerial photograph viewer (https://fototeca.cnig.es/fototeca/). At that time, levelling for irrigation had not yet begun. This reconnaissance allowed the selection of an area of 32,300 ha (Fig. 1) with relevant salinity symptoms, like irrigated fields with irregular or no crop growth. A more detailed photo interpretation of the area was carried out at 1:12,000 scale from a flight in August 1971. The new irrigation district is fed by high quality water from the Pyrenees, but soon faced salinity problems that were well known to the farmers and echoed by the media [2, 3, 4] in an environment of great social concern about increasing agricultural production [5]. The Report, written in Spanish, is dated July 1974, but the soil profiles were described and sampled between April 1972 and March 1974. The Report [1] consists of two volumes, the first is a Memoria containing data from the surveys, laboratory analyses, pedological descriptions and some photographs of the soils and other land features of agricultural importance, as well as data and calculations for designing the drainage of selected plots. The second volume consists of five folded plans: a) location of the surveyed area at the scale of 1:200,000, and four plans at the scale of 1:25,000, b) soil-geomorphologic units, c) soil units describing their characteristics, d) land use, and e) locations of the described soil profiles and other field observations. Taken together, these data, improved by our orthorectification, gives a picture of the salinity and other soil properties in this area. The reuse of the data for comparisons with the evolution of agriculture in subsequent years -especially soil salinity and sodicity- will help to evaluate the agricultural practices over the last fifty years, particularly after intensive land levelling and irrigation.

Impact of a Mediterranean diet, physical activity, body composition, and insulin delivery methods on metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes.

Aims: To evaluate the synergistic impact of diet, lifestyle and technology on glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 112 randomly selected patients with T1D from Gran Canaria (median age 12 years; 51.8% female). The study collected data on height, weight, body composition (bioimpedance), age, disease duration, and method of insulin delivery. Physical activity was evaluated using the Krece questionnaire and an accelerometer (GENEActiv). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the KIDMED Quick Nutrition Test. Glycemic control was evaluated using HbA1c and the percentage of time in range. SPSS version 21 and RStudio were used for statistical analysis of the data. Stepwise linear regression analysis (backwards) was used to identify factors independently associated with metabolic control. Results: Insulin pump use, age and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were found to be significantly and independently associated with better glycemic control, whereas years with T1D was associated with worse HbA1c values. No relationship was found between body composition and physical activity measured by accelerometry or questionnaire. Conclusion: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, insulin delivery methods, age, and number of years with T1D are important factors to consider in the management of T1D in children.

Bioactive phenolic compounds and organic acids in the decoction of fruits and leaves of Schinus areira L / Compuestos fenólicos bioactivos y ácidos orgánicos en la decocción de frutos y hojas de Schinus areira L

Leaf and fruit decoctions of Schinus areira L. from northwest Argentina were investigated here. Phenolic compounds and organic acids were analyzed by HPLC. Antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibition were determined by using in vitro tests. The general toxicity was assessed against Artemia salina nauplii. Hyperoside and 3 O-caffeoylquinic acid in leaf decoctions; gallic acid and catechin in fruit decoction were the major phenolic compounds. Malic and citric acids were the main organic acid quantified in the leaf and fruit decoctions, respectively. Fruit decoction had a relatively important content of shikimic acid, precursor of Tamiflu. Leaf decoction presents a greater richness in bioactive compounds with antiradical activity against DPPH●, O2●-and ●NO radicals. S. areira leaves and fruits had α-glucosidase inhibitory activity comparable to hyperoside and acarbose. Fruit decoction was not eco-toxic; leaf decoction showed significant eco-toxic activity and could be chosen for the search of other bioactive compounds with pharmacological activity.

Se investigaron decocciones de hojas y frutos de Schinus areira L. del noroeste de Argentina. Compuestos fenólicos y ácidos orgánicos se analizaron mediante HPLC. Capacidad antioxidante e inhibición de α-glucosidasa se determinaron in vitro. Se evaluó toxicidad general con Artemia salina. Los principales compuestos fenólicos fueron hiperósido y ácido 3 O-cafeoilquínico en hojas y ácido gálico y catequina en frutos. Los principales ácidos orgánicos cuantificados fueron málico en hojas y cítrico en frutos. Ácido shikímico, precursor del Tamiflu está presente en decocción de frutos con un contenido relativamente importante. La de hojas presenta una mayor riqueza en compuestos bioactivos con actividad antirradicalaria frente a DPPH●, O2●-y ●NO. Las hojas y frutos de S. areira tenían una actividad inhibidora de la α-glucosidasa comparable a la de hiperósido y acarbosa. La decocción de frutas no fue eco-tóxica, pero sí la de hojas que podría ser fuente de compuestos bioactivos con actividad farmacológica.

Platinized graphene fiber electrodes uncover direct spleen-vagus communication.

Neural interfacing nerve fascicles along the splenic neurovascular plexus (SNVP) is needed to better understand the spleen physiology, and for selective neuromodulation of this major organ. However, their small size and anatomical location have proven to be a significant challenge. Here, we use a reduced liquid crystalline graphene oxide (rGO) fiber coated with platinum (Pt) as a super-flexible suture-like electrode to interface multiple SNVP. The Pt-rGO fibers work as a handover knot electrodes over the small SNVP, allowing sensitive recording from four splenic nerve terminal branches (SN 1-4), to uncover differential activity and axon composition among them. Here, the asymmetric defasciculation of the SN branches is revealed by electron microscopy, and the functional compartmentalization in spleen innervation is evidenced in response to hypoxia and pharmacological modulation of mean arterial pressure. We demonstrate that electrical stimulation of cervical and sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve (VN), evokes activity in a subset of SN terminal branches, providing evidence for a direct VN control over the spleen. This notion is supported by adenoviral tract-tracing of SN branches, revealing an unconventional direct brain-spleen projection. High-performance Pt-rGO fiber electrodes, may be used for the fine neural modulation of other small neurovascular plexus at the point of entry of major organs as a bioelectronic medical alternative.

Intraneural ultramicroelectrode arrays for function-specific interfacing to the vagus nerve.

Selective interfacing to small multifunctional nerves such as the vagus nerve (VN) which is the main multimodal autonomic nerve that provides a major communication pathway from vital peripheral organs to the brain, can have significant potential in treating and diagnosing diseases as well as enhancing our understanding of peripheral nerve circuits. Here we describe the fabrication of a 16-channel intraneural electrode array with ultramicro-dimensioned electrodes to achieve improved functionally selective recording. We demonstrate that the amorphous silicon carbide ultramicroelectrode arrays (a-SiC UMEAs) provide selectivity in the detection of neural activity in the cVN related to changes in systemic oxygenation and blood pressure. We will also demonstrate spatially selective recording of micro-compound action potentials (µCAPs) by electrical stimulation of the subdiaphragmatic branches of the VN. Distinct neural activity was recorded on electrodes separated by less than about 100 µm. This is the first time that this level of spatially selectivity recording has been demonstrated in the cVN with an intraneural multielectrode array.

Traducción y adaptación transcultural del Gross Motor Function Measure a la población española de niños con parálisis cerebral / Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Gross Motor Function Measure to the Spanish population of children with cerebral palsy

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) es un instrumento diseñado para evaluar los cambios en la función motora gruesa producidos a lo largo del tiempo en niños con parálisis cerebral. Se trata de un instrumento de observación válido, fiable y sensible, ampliamente utilizado tanto en investigación como en la práctica clínica. OBJETIVO: Realizar la traducción y adaptación transcultural a la población española de la herramienta de evaluación GMFM. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la metodología de traducción directa e inversa, sometiendo las versiones resultantes a un análisis cualitativo de la equivalencia. Se tradujeron tanto la hoja de puntuación como las instrucciones mediante estrategias de omisión, incorporación, sustitución de palabras o aportación de ejemplos. Además, se valoraron la comprensibilidad, la aplicabilidad y la viabilidad mediante un estudio piloto en el que participaron evaluadores y sujetos con un perfil heterogéneo. RESULTADOS: Los ítems que generaron más dificultad fueron los que incluían términos clínicos o expresiones cuyo uso no se considera natural o equivalente en la lengua española. Aunque el 57% y 58% de los ítems de la traducción directa e inversa, respectivamente, fueron calificados como «parcialmente equivalentes», no fue necesaria ninguna corrección porque las modificaciones realizadas provenían de la adaptación cultural y lingüística de los ítems a la población española. CONCLUSIONES: La versión española mantiene el máximo grado de equivalencia con respecto a la versión original en inglés y se garantiza la comprensibilidad por parte de todos los profesionales independientemente de su experiencia profesional o procedencia geográfica

INTRODUCTION: The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a measure designed to assess changes in gross motor function over time in children with cerebral palsy. It is an observation instrument, valid, reliable and responsive, widely used both in research and in clinical practice. AIM: To perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation to the Spanish population of the GMFM. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The forward-backward translation methodology was used, subjecting the resulting versions to a qualitative analysis of equivalence. Both the score sheet and the instructions were translated through strategies of omission, incorporation, substitution of words or contribution of examples. In addition, understandability, applicability and feasibility were assessed through a pilot study in which assessors and subjects with a heterogeneous profile participated. RESULTS: The items that generated the most difficulty were those that included clinical terms or expressions whose use is not considered natural or equivalent in the Spanish language. Although 57% and 58% of the items of forward and backward translation, respectively, were classified as «partially equivalent», no correction was necessary since the modifications made came from the cultural and linguistic adaptation of the items to the Spanish population. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version maintains the highest degree of equivalence concerning the original English version and is understandable by all professionals regardless of their professional experience or geographic origin

Effects of the Addition of Flaxseed and Amaranth on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Instant-Extruded Products.

The addition of flaxseed and amaranth on the physicochemical, functional, and microstructural changes of instant-extruded products was evaluated. Six mixtures with different proportions of amaranth (18.7-33.1%), flaxseed (6.6-9.3%), maize grits (55.6-67.3%) and minor ingredients (4.7%) were extruded in a twin-screw extruder. Insoluble and soluble fiber contents in extrudates increased as the proportions of amaranth and flaxseed increased. However, the highest flaxseed proportion had the highest soluble fiber content (1.9%). Extruded products with the highest proportion of flaxseed and amaranth resulted in the highest dietary fiber content and hardness values (5.2 N), which was correlated with the microstructural analysis where the crystallinity increased, resulting in larger, and more compact laminar structure. The extruded products with the highest maize grits proportion had the highest viscosity, expansion, and water absorption indexes, and the lowest water solubility index values. The mixtures with amaranth (18.7-22.9%), flaxseed (8.6-9.3%), and maize grits (63.8-67.3%) resulted in extruded products with acceptable physicochemical and functional properties.

Safety of Aqueous Extract of Calea ternifolia Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine.

There is a trend to use medicinal plants for primary medical care or as dietary supplements; however, the safety of many of these plants has not been studied. The objective of this work was to determine the toxic effect of the aqueous extract of Calea ternifolia (C. zacatechichi), known popularly as "dream herb" in vivo and in vitro in order to validate its safety. In vivo, the extract had moderate toxicity on A. salina. In vitro, the extract induced eryptosis of 73% at a concentration of 100 µg·mL-1 and it inhibited CYP3A by 99% at a concentration of 375 µg/mL. After administering 8.5 mg/kg of C. ternifolia to rats, we found a reduction in platelets and leukocytes and an increase in urea and the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histological analysis showed spongiform changes in the proximal tubules of renal tissue and a lymphoid infiltrate in liver tissue. This plant is used in the treatment of diabetes, and it is commercialized as a dietary supplement in several countries. Our results show renal and hepatic toxicity; therefore, more profound research on the toxicity of this plant is needed.

Thin Film Multi-Electrode Softening Cuffs for Selective Neuromodulation.

Silicone nerve cuff electrodes are commonly implanted on relatively large and accessible somatic nerves as peripheral neural interfaces. While these cuff electrodes are soft (1-50 MPa), their self-closing mechanism requires of thick walls (200-600 µm), which in turn contribute to fibrotic tissue growth around and inside the device, compromising the neural interface. We report the use of thiol-ene/acrylate shape memory polymer (SMP) for the fabrication of thin film multi-electrode softening cuffs (MSC). We fabricated multi-size MSC with eight titanium nitride (TiN) electrodes ranging from 1.35 to 13.95 × 10-4 cm2 (1-3 kΩ) and eight smaller gold (Au) electrodes (3.3 × 10-5 cm2; 750 kΩ), that soften at physiological conditions to a modulus of 550 MPa. While the SMP material is not as soft as silicone, the flexural forces of the SMP cuff are about 70-700 times lower in the MSC devices due to the 30 µm thick film compared to the 600 µm thick walls of the silicone cuffs. We demonstrated the efficacy of the MSC to record neural signals from rat sciatic and pelvic nerves (1000 µm and 200 µm diameter, respectively), and the selective fascicular stimulation by current steering. When implanted side-by-side and histologically compared 30 days thereafter, the MSC devices showed significantly less inflammation, indicated by a 70-80% reduction in ED1 positive macrophages, and 54-56% less fibrotic vimentin immunoreactivity. Together, the data supports the use of MSC as compliant and adaptable technology for the interfacing of somatic and autonomic peripheral nerves.

A study of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has shown significant benefits for patients and healthcare systems. However, due to the poor ergonomic adaptation of operating rooms and surgical instruments, most surgeons suffer from pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). METHODS: A descriptive survey on MIS surgeons working in different surgical specialties has been carried out in Hospital Valdecilla (Spain). The aim is to determine the prevalence of MSDs using a personal interview and the standardized Nordic questionnaire. The study determines the prevalence of MSDs in different parts of the body and their relationship with epidemiological and labor variables. A questionnaire was filled out by 129 surgeons. RESULTS: 90% of surgeons reported MSDs. The higher prevalence appears in the most experienced surgeons. The most affected zones are the lower back (54%), neck (51%), upper back (44%), lower extremities (42%), right shoulder (29%) and right hand (28%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MSDs is higher in MIS surgeons than in any other occupational group. The most vulnerable group is experienced surgeons and there is a potential risk that symptoms will be increased in the future. Muscle strength is revealed as a protective factor against MSDs.

CD24 Expression Is Increased in 5-Fluorouracil-Treated Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells.

The cancer stem cell (CSC) model suggests that there are subsets of cells within a tumor with increased proliferation and self-renewal capacity, which play a key role in therapeutic resistance. The importance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in carcinogenesis has been previously established and the use of COX-2 inhibitors as celecoxib has been shown to exert antitumor effects. The present study investigated whether treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cells with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or the growth of tumor spheres increased the proportion of CSCs and also if treatment with celecoxib was able to reduce the putative CSC markers in this tumor. OE19 and OE33 EAC cells surviving 5-FU exposure exhibited an increase in CSC markers CD24 and ABCG2 and also an increased resistance to apoptosis. EAC cell lines had the capacity to form multiple spheres displaying typical CSC functionalities such as self-renewal and increased CD24 levels. In addition, after the induction of differentiation, cancer cells reached levels of CD24 similar to those observed in the parental cells. Treatment with celecoxib alone or in combination with 5-FU also resulted in a reduction of CD24 expression. Moreover, celecoxib inhibited the growth of tumor spheres. These findings showing a reduction in CSC markers induced by celecoxib suggest that the COX-2 inhibitor might be a candidate for combined chemotherapy in the treatment of EAC. However, additional clinical and experimental studies are needed.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Display Antitumor Effects in Barrett's Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Recent evidence has reported that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can exert antineoplastic effects through the disruption of pH homeostasis by inhibiting vacuolar ATPase (H+-VATPase), a proton pump overexpressed in several tumor cells, but this aspect has not been deeply investigated in EAC yet. In the present study, the expression of H+-VATPase was assessed through the metaplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence in Barrett's esophagus (BE) and the antineoplastic effects of PPIs and cellular mechanisms involved were evaluated in vitro. H+-VATPase expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in paraffined-embedded samples or by immunofluorescence in cultured BE and EAC cell lines. Cells were treated with different concentrations of PPIs and parameters of citotoxicity, oxidative stress, and autophagy were evaluated. H+-VATPase expression was found in all biopsies and cell lines evaluated, showing differences in the location of the pump between the cell lines. Esomeprazole inhibited proliferation and cell invasion and induced apoptosis of EAC cells. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) seemed to be involved in the cytotoxic effects observed since the addition of N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced esomeprazole-induced apoptosis in EAC cells. Esomeprazole also reduced intracellular pH of tumor cells, whereas only disturbed the mitochondrial membrane potential in OE33 cells. Esomeprazole induced autophagy in both EAC cells, but also triggered a blockade in autophagic flux in the metastatic cell line. These data provide in vitro evidence supporting the potential use of PPIs as novel antineoplastic drugs for EAC and also shed some light on the mechanisms that trigger PPIs cytotoxic effects, which differ upon the cell line evaluated.

Mapping of nutrition and sectoral policies addressing malnutrition in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To map existing policies addressing malnutrition in all its forms in Latin America and identify gaps in enabling environments supporting the five priority lines of action outlined in the World Health Organization Comprehensive Implementation Plan on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (CIP) approved in 2014. METHODS: This descriptive study consisted of a systematic Internet search for and mapping of publicly available nutrition-related and sectoral policies already in place to address malnutrition in all its forms in 18 Latin American countries (Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). The policies were described in documents retrieved from the websites of ministries of health, education, agriculture, labor, and development; the national congress; and other government agencies. RESULTS: All 18 countries had relevant policies to address malnutrition, especially undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, but only a few had policies to address overweight and obesity. Nutrition actions were incorporated in food and nutrition security and social protection policies in all 18 countries, and were part of education, environment, agricultural, development, and/or employment policies in some countries. Information on human and financial resources assigned to nutrition was not available through the search strategies used in the study. CONCLUSIONS: All 18 countries included in this review had established enabling environments to support CIP implementation. However, each of the 18 countries needs to develop integrated policies for the promotion of nutrition and prevention of noncommunicable diseases through cross-sector involvement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Micronucleated erythrocytes in newborns rats exposed to three different types of ultraviolet-A (UVA) lamps from commonly uses devices.

Exposure to ultraviolet-A (UVA) light can accidentally cause adverse effects in the skin and eyes. UVA induces DNA damage directly by creating pyrimidine dimers or by the formation of reactive oxygen species that can indirectly affect DNA integrity. UVA radiation is emitted by lamps from everyday devices. In adult rats, micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) are removed from the circulation by the spleen. However, in newborn rats, MNE have been observed in peripheral blood erythrocytes. The objective of this study was to use micronucleus tests to evaluate the DNA damage caused in newborn rats exposed to UVA light from three different types of UVA lamps obtained from commonly used devices: counterfeit detectors, insecticide devices, and equipment used to harden resins for artificial nails. Rat neonates were exposed to UVA lamps for 20min daily for 6days. The neonates were sampled every third day, and the numbers of MNE and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in the peripheral blood were determined. The rat neonates exposed to the three types of UVA lamps showed increased numbers of MNE and MNPCE from 48h to 144h (P<0.05 and P<0.001 respectively). However, no relationship was observed between the number of MNE and the wattage of the lamps. In conclusion, under these conditions, UVA light exposure induced an increase in MNE without causing any apparent damage to the skin.

Physicochemical Changes and Resistant-Starch Content of Extruded Cornstarch with and without Storage at Refrigerator Temperatures.

Effects of extrusion cooking and low-temperature storage on the physicochemical changes and resistant starch (RS) content in cornstarch were evaluated. The cornstarch was conditioned at 20%-40% moisture contents and extruded in the range 90-130 °C and at screw speeds in the range 200-360 rpm. The extrudates were stored at 4 °C for 120 h and then at room temperature. The water absorption, solubility index, RS content, viscoelastic, thermal, and microstructural properties of the extrudates were evaluated before and after storage. The extrusion temperature and moisture content significantly affected the physicochemical properties of the extrudates before and after storage. The RS content increased with increasing moisture content and extrusion temperature, and the viscoelastic and thermal properties showed related behaviors. Microscopic analysis showed that extrusion cooking damaged the native starch structure, producing gelatinization and retrogradation and forming RS. The starch containing 35% moisture and extruded at 120 °C and 320 rpm produced the most RS (1.13 g/100 g) after to storage at low temperature. Although the RS formation was low, the results suggest that extrusion cooking could be advantageous for RS production and application in the food industry since it is a pollution less, continuous process requiring only a short residence time.

A terrestrial planet candidate in a temperate orbit around Proxima Centauri.

At a distance of 1.295 parsecs, the red dwarf Proxima Centauri (α Centauri C, GL 551, HIP 70890 or simply Proxima) is the Sun's closest stellar neighbour and one of the best-studied low-mass stars. It has an effective temperature of only around 3,050 kelvin, a luminosity of 0.15 per cent of that of the Sun, a measured radius of 14 per cent of the radius of the Sun and a mass of about 12 per cent of the mass of the Sun. Although Proxima is considered a moderately active star, its rotation period is about 83 days (ref. 3) and its quiescent activity levels and X-ray luminosity are comparable to those of the Sun. Here we report observations that reveal the presence of a small planet with a minimum mass of about 1.3 Earth masses orbiting Proxima with a period of approximately 11.2 days at a semi-major-axis distance of around 0.05 astronomical units. Its equilibrium temperature is within the range where water could be liquid on its surface.

Mapping of nutrition and sectoral policies addressing malnutrition in Latin America / Mapeo de las políticas alimentarias y sectoriales orientadas a combatir la malnutrición en América Latina

ABSTRACT Objective To map existing policies addressing malnutrition in all its forms in Latin America and identify gaps in enabling environments supporting the five priority lines of action outlined in the World Health Organization Comprehensive Implementation Plan on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (CIP) approved in 2014. Methods This descriptive study consisted of a systematic Internet search for and mapping of publicly available nutrition-related and sectoral policies already in place to address malnutrition in all its forms in 18 Latin American countries (Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). The policies were described in documents retrieved from the websites of ministries of health, education, agriculture, labor, and development; the national congress; and other government agencies. Results All 18 countries had relevant policies to address malnutrition, especially undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, but only a few had policies to address overweight and obesity. Nutrition actions were incorporated in food and nutrition security and social protection policies in all 18 countries, and were part of education, environment, agricultural, development, and/or employment policies in some countries. Information on human and financial resources assigned to nutrition was not available through the search strategies used in the study. Conclusions All 18 countries included in this review had established enabling environments to support CIP implementation. However, each of the 18 countries needs to develop integrated policies for the promotion of nutrition and prevention of noncommunicable diseases through cross-sector involvement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Resumen Objetivo Hacer un mapeo de las políticas que existen para combatir la malnutrición en todas sus formas en América Latina y encontrar las brechas que pueda haber en los ambientes propicios para la aplicación de las cinco líneas de acción prioritarias descritas en el Plan de aplicación integral sobre nutrición materna, del lactante y del niño pequeño de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, aprobado en el 2014. Métodos El presente estudio descriptivo consistió en una búsqueda sistemática de la Internet y en un mapeo de las políticas nutricionales y sectoriales a disposición del público que ya se han adoptado para combatir el problema de la malnutrición en todas sus formas en 18 países latinoamericanos (Argentina, Belice, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, República Dominicana y Uruguay). Las políticas estaban descritas en diversos documentos que se obtuvieron de los sitios web de los ministerios de salud, educación, agricultura y ganadería, trabajo y desarrollo; del congreso nacional; y de otras dependencias gubernamentales. Resultados Los 18 países tenían políticas para combatir la malnutrición, especialmente la desnutrición y las carencias de micronutrientes, pero solo unos cuantos tenían políticas relativas al sobrepeso y la obesidad. Diversas medidas de tipo alimentario estaban incorporadas en las políticas de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional y en las de protección social en los 18 países, y en algunos países formaban parte de las políticas educativas, medioambientales, agropecuarias, de desarrollo y laborales. No se encontró ninguna información acerca de los recursos humanos y económicos asignados al área de la nutrición mediante las estrategias de búsqueda que se usaron en el estudio. Conclusiones Los 18 países incluidos en esta revisión habían creado ambientes propicios para la puesta en práctica del Plan de aplicación integral sobre nutrición materna, del lactante y del niño pequeño. Sin embargo, cada uno de ellos tiene que formular políticas integradas para la promoción de la buena nutrición y la prevención de las enfermedades no transmisibles mediante la participación intersectorial y la colaboración entre los diversos interesados directos.

Mapping of nutrition and sectoral policies addressing malnutrition in Latin America / Mapeo de las políticas alimentarias y sectoriales orientadas a combatir la malnutrición en América Latina

Objective. To map existing policies addressing malnutrition in all its forms in Latin America and identify gaps in enabling environments supporting the five priority lines of action outlined in the World Health Organization Comprehensive Implementation Plan on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (CIP) approved in 2014. Methods. This descriptive study consisted of a systematic Internet search for and mapping of publicly available nutrition-related and sectoral policies already in place to address malnutrition in all its forms in 18 Latin American countries (Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). The policies were described in documents retrieved from the websites of ministries of health, education, agriculture, labor, and development; the national congress; and other government agencies. Results. All 18 countries had relevant policies to address malnutrition, especially undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, but only a few had policies to address overweight and obesity. Nutrition actions were incorporated in food and nutrition security and social protection policies in all 18 countries, and were part of education, environment, agricultural, development, and/or employment policies in some countries. Information on human and financial resources assigned to nutrition was not available through the search strategies used in the study. Conclusions. All 18 countries included in this review had established enabling environments to support CIP implementation. However, each of the 18 countries needs to develop integrated policies for the promotion of nutrition and prevention of noncommunicable diseases through cross-sector involvement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Objetivo. Hacer un mapeo de las políticas que existen para combatir la malnutrición en todas sus formas en América Latina y encontrar las brechas que pueda haber en los ambientes propicios para la aplicación de las cinco líneas de acción prioritarias descritas en el Plan de aplicación integral sobre nutrición materna, del lactante y del niño pequeño de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, aprobado en el 2014. Métodos. El presente estudio descriptivo consistió en una búsqueda sistemática de la Internet y en un mapeo de las políticas nutricionales y sectoriales a disposición del público que ya se han adoptado para combatir el problema de la malnutrición en todas sus formas en 18 países latinoamericanos (Argentina, Belice, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, República Dominicana y Uruguay). Las políticas estaban descritas en diversos documentos que se obtuvieron de los sitios web de los ministerios de salud, educación, agricultura y ganadería, trabajo y desarrollo; del congreso nacional; y de otras dependencias gubernamentales. Resultados. Los 18 países tenían políticas para combatir la malnutrición, especialmente la desnutrición y las carencias de micronutrientes, pero solo unos cuantos tenían políticas relativas al sobrepeso y la obesidad. Diversas medidas de tipo alimentario estaban incorporadas en las políticas de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional y en las de protección social en los 18 países, y en algunos países formaban parte de las políticas educativas, medioambientales, agropecuarias, de desarrollo y laborales. No se encontró ninguna información acerca de los recursos humanos y económicos asignados al área de la nutrición mediante las estrategias de búsqueda que se usaron en el estudio. Conclusiones. Los 18 países incluidos en esta revisión habían creado ambientes propicios para la puesta en práctica del Plan de aplicación integral sobre nutrición materna, del lactante y del niño pequeño. Sin embargo, cada uno de ellos tiene que formular políticas integradas para la promoción de la buena nutrición y la prevención de las enfermedades no transmisibles mediante la participación intersectorial y la colaboración entre los diversos interesados directos.