Prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and neurodevelopment among children in Puerto Rico.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants produced through the combustion of organic matter, with sources ranging from traffic pollution to diet. Although PAH exposure has been associated with adverse health effects, few studies have examined its impact on neurodevelopmental delay (NDD). Thus, our study aims to investigate the effect of prenatal PAH exposure on the odds of NDD. We measured 7 hydroxylated PAH metabolites in spot urine samples collected up to three times during pregnancy in the PROTECT birth cohort. NDD was identified using score cutoffs from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd edition offered in Spanish, across five domains at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. We utilized logistic regression and mixed effects logistic regression models to assess associations between prenatal PAH concentrations and NDD. Our results showed mostly lower odds of NDD with higher PAH exposure (p < 0.05). However, male children showed higher odds of NDD in relation to PAH exposure, particularly in the Fine Motor domain. For example, 1-hydroxypyrene was associated with 1.11 (1.01, 1.23) times odds of delay in fine motor function in male children versus 0.91 (0.82, 1.00) times odds in female children. Our preliminary sex-specific results suggest that PAH exposure may impact neurodevelopment in male children and prompt further investigation into the potential sex-specific mechanisms of PAHs on motor function.

Growth patterns in infants born to women with pregestational overweight/obesity supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy have controversial and contrasting results on the short and long-term effects on early child growth. The impact of this nutritional intervention on the postnatal growth patterns in the offspring of women with pregestational overweight/obesity (PGO) also remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the postnatal growth patterns during the first 4 months of life in the offspring of women with PGO randomly supplemented with 800 mg/day (PGO-800) compared with normative doses of 200 mg/day (PGO-200) of DHA during pregnancy (<15 weeks of gestation until delivery). METHODS: This study evaluated the growth patterns during the first 4 months of life of 169 infants of the women that participated in the MIGHT study (NCT02574767). We included the infants of women from the PGO-200 (n = 81) and PGO-800 group (n = 88). The growth patterns (weight, length, and head circumference) and change in z-score (World health Organization charts) were evaluated. RESULTS: Throughout the first 4 months of life, the infants of the PGO-800 group had lower weight-for-length z-score (coef. -0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.07, -0.22, p = 0.003) and lower body mass index-for-age z-score (coef. -0.56, 95% CI -0.99, -0.12, p = 0.012) compared with the PGO-200 group adjusted by maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, gestational age, insulin in cord blood and infant feeding (exclusive breastfed, not breastfed, and partially breastfed). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal supplementation with DHA during pregnancy could beneficially limit the offspring's postnatal weight gain during the first 4 months of life.

Maternal nutrition and its effects on fetal neurodevelopment.

Herein, we present a thorough examination of the impact of maternal nutrition on fetal and infant neurodevelopment, focusing on specific nutrients and their critical roles in perinatal and pediatric health. Through a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, this study highlights the importance of a balanced maternal diet rich in nutrients like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), folic acid, iron, and iodine in shaping children's neurological functions. Key findings underscore the influence of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the peri-gestational period on children's cognitive, motor, speech, and socio-emotional development. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as DHA, are linked to adverse long-lasting outcomes such as premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction, where a suitable intake of iron and folic acid is vital to prevent neural tube defects and promote healthy brain development. We highlight areas requiring further investigation, particularly regarding iodine's impact and the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In conclusion, this research sheds light on our current understanding of maternal nutrition and child neurodevelopment, offering valuable insights for health professionals and researchers.

Growth Trajectories Over the First Year of Life Among Early-Treated Infants with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Infants Who are Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Exposed Uninfected.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of early antiretroviral therapy (ART) on growth trajectories of infants with human immunodeficiency virus (IHIV) in the first year of life. STUDY DESIGN: As part of a clinical trial of early ART in Johannesburg, South Africa (2015-2018), 116 IHIV diagnosed within 48 hours of birth were started on ART as soon as possible, and 80 uninfected infants born to mothers living with HIV (IHEU) were enrolled. Both groups were followed prospectively from birth through 48 weeks and growth parameters collected. The groups were compared and risk factors for poor growth investigated, in the full cohort and among IHIV separately. RESULTS: IHIV had lower mean weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) than IHEU at 4 and 8 weeks (-1.17 [SE:0.14] vs -0.72 [0.14], P = .035 and -1.23 [0.15] vs -0.67 [0.14], P = .012). Although there was some closing of the gap over time, means remained lower in IHIV through 48 weeks. In length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ), differences widened over time and IHIV had lower Z-scores by 48 weeks (-1.41 [0.15] vs -0.80 [0.18], P = .011). Deficits in WAZ and LAZ in IHIV vs IHEU were most marked among girls. IHIV with pre-ART viral load ≥1000 copies/ml had significantly lower weight-for-length and mid-upper arm circumference Z-scores across all time points through 48 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: IHIV on early ART had deficits in WAZ over the first 8 weeks of life and lower LAZ at 48 weeks than IHEU. Among IHIV, higher pre-ART viral load was associated with worse anthropometric indicators through 48 weeks.

The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Longitudinal Growth, Nutritional Status, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Early Childhood in Leyte, the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact and potential mechanistic pathways of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on longitudinal growth and nutritional status in early childhood. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort of 296 mother-infant dyads (32% with PAE vs 68% unexposed) were recruited in Leyte, the Philippines, and followed from early gestation through 24 months of age. PAE was assessed using serum phosphatidylethanol (PEth) captured twice prenatally and in cord blood and supplemented with self-reported alcohol consumption. Linear mixed models were used to examine longitudinal effects of PAE on growth from birth through 2 years including key potential mediating factors (placental histopathology, and infant serum leptin and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 [IGF-1]). RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that PAE was significantly associated with a delayed blunting of linear growth trajectories (height-for-age z-score, body length) and weight (weight-for-age z-score, body weight) that manifested between 4 and 6 months and continued through 12-24 months. PAE was also associated with a decreased rate of mid-upper-arm circumference growth from birth to 12 months, and a lower mean IGF-1 levels at birth and 6 months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a delayed impact of PAE on growth that manifested around 6 months of age, underscoring the importance of routine clinical monitoring in early childhood. Furthermore, the findings supported prior animal model findings that suggest a mechanistic role for IGF-1 in PAE-induced growth delay.

Prenatal current-use pesticide exposure and children's neurodevelopment at one year of age in the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) birth cohort, Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Pesticide exposure may affect young children's neurodevelopment, but only few cohort studies have addressed possible effects of non-organophosphate pesticides. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated associations between prenatal current-use pesticide exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes among 1-year-old children from the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) birth cohort. METHODS: To determine prenatal pesticide exposure, we measured biomarkers of pyrimethanil, chlorpyrifos, synthetic pyrethroids, and 2,4-D in urine samples among 355 women, 1-3 times during pregnancy. One-year post-partum, we evaluated children's neurodevelopment with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition (BSID-III). We assessed associations between exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes (composite and z-scores) using single-chemical linear regression models adjusted for possible confounders (maternal education, parity, sex, gestational age at birth, child age, HOME-score, location of assessment, biomarkers of mancozeb), and studied effect-modification by sex. We evaluated non-linear associations of multiple pesticide exposures with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS: We found higher prenatal urinary 2,4-D concentrations were associated with lower language (ßper ten-fold increase = -2.0, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = -3.5, -0.5) and motor (ßper ten-fold increase = -2.2, 95 %CI = -4.2, -0.1) composite scores among all children. Also, higher chlorpyrifos exposure [measured as urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy)] was associated with lower cognitive composite scores (ßper ten-fold increase = -1.9, 95 %CI = -4.7, 0.8), and lower motor composite scores among boys (ßper ten-fold increase = -3.8, 95 % CI = -7.7, 0.1) but not girls (ßper ten-fold increase = 2.3, 95 %CI = -1.6, 6.3, pINT = 0.11). Finally, higher pyrimethanil was associated with lower language abilities among girls, but not boys. Pyrethroid metabolite concentrations did not explain variability in BSID-III composite scores. Associations were similar for BSID-III z-scores, and we found no evidence for non-linear associations or mixture effects. DISCUSSION: Prenatal exposure to common-use pesticides may affect children's neurodevelopment at 1-year of age, some effects may be sex-specific.

Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for children age 6-24 months: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of effects on developmental outcomes and effect modifiers.

BACKGROUND: Small-quantity (SQ) lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) provide many nutrients needed for brain development. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to generate pooled estimates of the effect of SQ-LNSs on developmental outcomes (language, social-emotional, motor, and executive function), and to identify study-level and individual-level modifiers of these effects. METHODS: We conducted a 2-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data from 14 intervention against control group comparisons in 13 randomized trials of SQ-LNSs provided to children age 6-24 mo (total n = 30,024). RESULTS: In 11-13 intervention against control group comparisons (n = 23,588-24,561), SQ-LNSs increased mean language (mean difference: 0.07 SD; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.10 SD), social-emotional (0.08; 0.05, 0.11 SD), and motor scores (0.08; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.11 SD) and reduced the prevalence of children in the lowest decile of these scores by 16% (prevalence ratio: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), 19% (0.81; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.89), and 16% (0.84; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), respectively. SQ-LNSs also increased the prevalence of children walking without support at 12 mo by 9% (1.09; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.14). Effects of SQ-LNSs on language, social-emotional, and motor outcomes were larger among study populations with a higher stunting burden (≥35%) (mean difference: 0.11-0.13 SD; 8-9 comparisons). At the individual level, greater effects of SQ-LNSs were found on language among children who were acutely malnourished (mean difference: 0.31) at baseline; on language (0.12), motor (0.11), and executive function (0.06) among children in households with lower socioeconomic status; and on motor development among later-born children (0.11), children of older mothers (0.10), and children of mothers with lower education (0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Child SQ-LNSs can be expected to result in modest developmental gains, which would be analogous to 1-1.5 IQ points on an IQ test, particularly in populations with a high child stunting burden. Certain groups of children who experience higher-risk environments have greater potential to benefit from SQ-LNSs in developmental outcomes.This trial was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42020159971.

Characteristics that modify the effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplementation on child growth: an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses show that small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) reduce child stunting and wasting. Identification of subgroups who benefit most from SQ-LNSs may facilitate program design. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify study-level and individual-level modifiers of the effect of SQ-LNSs on child growth outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a 2-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data from 14 randomized controlled trials of SQ-LNSs provided to children 6-24 mo of age (n = 37,066). We generated study-specific and subgroup estimates of SQ-LNS compared with control and pooled the estimates using fixed-effects models. We used random-effects meta-regression to examine study-level effect modifiers. In sensitivity analyses, we examined whether results differed depending on study arm inclusion criteria and types of comparisons. RESULTS: SQ-LNS provision decreased stunting (length-for-age z score < -2) by 12% (relative reduction), wasting [weight-for-length (WLZ) z score < -2] by 14%, low midupper arm circumference (MUAC) (<125 mm or MUAC-for-age z score < -2) by 18%, acute malnutrition (WLZ < -2 or MUAC < 125 mm) by 14%, underweight (weight-for-age z score < -2) by 13%, and small head size (head circumference-for-age z score < -2) by 9%. Effects of SQ-LNSs generally did not differ by study-level characteristics including region, stunting burden, malaria prevalence, sanitation, water quality, duration of supplementation, frequency of contact, or average compliance with SQ-LNS. Effects of SQ-LNSs on stunting, wasting, low MUAC, and small head size were greater among girls than among boys; effects on stunting, underweight, and low MUAC were greater among later-born (than among firstborn) children; and effects on wasting and acute malnutrition were greater among children in households with improved (as opposed to unimproved) sanitation. CONCLUSIONS: The positive impact of SQ-LNSs on growth is apparent across a variety of study-level contexts. Policy-makers and program planners should consider including SQ-LNSs in packages of interventions to prevent both stunting and wasting.This trial was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019146592.

Minerals in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development.

During pregnancy, women undergo metabolic and physiological changes, and their needs are higher, to maintain growth and development of the fetus. If the nutritional status of the expectant mother is not satisfactory, some maternal and neonatal complications can occur. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there is a reserve of nutrients in the fetus that can be utilized after birth; thereby, children present an accelerated growth in the first years of life, which is a proven response to the available nutrition pattern. However, if such a pattern is insufficient, there will be deficits during development, including brain function. Therefore, despite many recent published works about gestational nutrition, uncertainties still remain on the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, and excretion of micronutrients. Further elucidation is needed to better understand the impacts caused either by deficiency or excess of some micronutrients. Thus, to illustrate the contributions of minerals during prenatal development and in children, iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium were selected. Our study sought to review the consequences related to gestational deficiency of the referred minerals and their impact on growth and development in children born from mothers with such deficiencies.

Prenatal PM2.5 exposure and behavioral development in children from Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Childhood exposure to air pollution has been linked with maladaptive cognitive development; however, less is known about the association between prenatal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and childhood behavior. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and behavioral development in 4-6 year old children residing in Mexico City. METHODS: We used data from 539 mother-child pairs enrolled in a prospective birth cohort in Mexico City. We estimated daily PM2.5 exposure using a 1 km2 satellite-based exposure model and averaged over each trimester of pregnancy. We assessed childhood behavior at 4-6 years of age using the parent-completed Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children (BASC-2) composite scores and subscales. We used linear regression models to estimate change in BASC-2 T-scores with trimester specific 5-µg/m3 increases in PM2.5. All models were mutually adjusted for PM2.5 exposures during the other trimesters, maternal factors including age, education, socioeconomic status, depression, and IQ, child's age at study visit, and season. We additionally assessed sex-specific effects by including an interaction term between PM2.5 and sex. RESULTS: Higher first trimester PM2.5 exposure was associated with reduced Adaptive Skills scores (ß: -1.45, 95% CI: -2.60, -0.30). Lower scores on the Adaptive Skills composite score and subscales indicate poorer functioning. For PM2.5 exposure during the first trimester, decrements were consistent across adaptive subscale scores including Adaptability (ß: -1.51, 95% CI: -2.72, -0.30), Social Skills (ß: -1.63, 95% CI: -2.90, -0.36), and Functional Communication (ß: -1.21, 95% CI: -2.21, -0.21). The association between 1st trimester PM2.5 and depression was stronger in males than females (ß for males: 1.52, 95% CI: -0.41, 3.45; ß for females: -0.13, 95% CI: -1.99, 1.72; p-int: 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to PM2.5 during early pregnancy may be associated with impaired behavioral development in children, particularly for measures of adaptive skills. These results suggest that air pollution impacts behavioral domains as well as cognition, and that the timing of exposure may be critical.

Neuropsychological Effects of Mercury Exposure in Children and Adolescents of the Amazon Region, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Studies with children exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) through fish consumption in the Brazilian Amazon region report that the high levels of hair Hg are associated with significant decreases in intelligence, memory, attention, and visuospatial processing. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between mercury exposure and neuropsychological functions in riverside communities of the Brazilian Amazon. METHOD: 263 participants aged 6 to 14 years old were assessed, from resettlement regions, near the Madeira river, Rondônia, Brazil. To assess the neuropsychological functions we used the following instruments: intelligence (WASI), working memory (Corsi Block-Tapping Task and Digit Span), verbal fluency (Word Generation - NEPSY II), inhibitory control (Inhibition Errors - NEPSY II), shifting (Trail Making Test) and manual motor dexterity (Grooved PegBoard Test). Socioeconomic status was obtained through household surveys. Total Hg levels were quantified hair samples (Total HgH) collected from the occipital region of the scalp and analyzed by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. RESULTS: The group in the upper quartile of Total HgH levels presented lower scores on the tasks that assessed estimated IQ, visuospatial working memory, semantic knowledge and phonological verbal fluency, when compared to the group in the lower quartile level. A regression analysis controlled for age, sex, and maternal education showed that for each increase of 10 µg/g of Total HgH, there was a decrease around half standard deviation in Verbal IQ, estimated IQ scores, semantic knowledge, phonological verbal fluency and for verbal and visuospatial working memory. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of Total Hg in hair were associated with a lower performance in neuropsychological functions tests. The results show that environmental exposure to Hg is associated to children and adolescents' lower neuropsychological performance in the riverine and resettled areas of the Brazilian Amazon region.

Low neurodevelopmental performance and behavioural/emotional problems at 24 and 48 months in Brazilian children exposed to acetaminophen during foetal development.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that there is an association between developmental and emotional/behavioural problems in children exposed to acetaminophen during foetal development. However, few studies have focused on development and behavioural outcomes in early life. OBJECTIVES: To test the association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and low neurodevelopmental performance at 24 months and behavioural/emotional problems at 48 months of life. METHODS: We used data from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort, a population-based longitudinal prospective study. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at 24 months using Battelle's Developmental Inventory (BDI) (n = 3737). We assessed global function as well as each domain (personal-social, adaptative, motor, cognitive, and communication). Behavioural/emotional problems were assessed at 48 months using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) (n = 3624). We used the CBCL total, externalising, and internalising symptomatology and individual subscales (withdrawn, somatic complaints, anxious/depressed, social problems, cognitive problems, attention problems, aggressive behaviour, and rule-breaking behaviour). Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was retrospectively assessed at the perinatal follow-up. Poisson regression and multiple linear regression analyses were used to test the association, adjusting for several family and maternal sociodemographic and health factors, medication use during pregnancy, and the sex of the child. RESULTS: Acetaminophen exposure during prenatal development was not associated with low neurodevelopmental performance at 24 months assessed using the BDI or to emotional and behavioural problems assessed at 48 months using the CBCL in the adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot confirm the existence of an association between acetaminophen used during pregnancy and low neurodevelopmental performance at 24 months and emotional/behavioural problems at 48 months of life based on the present results.

Thimerosal-containing vaccines and deficit in child development: Population-based study in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The discussion on the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) and their impact on child development it́s very relevant. METHODS: This is a cohort study with mother-child dyads who received prenatal care in the Unified Health System. The domains of motor, cognitive and language development were evaluated in children between 24 and 36 months of age. Data on vaccination were obtained through the child's immunization record. A linear regression analysis was carried out considering possible confounders. RESULTS: In bivariate analyses, motor and language development were associated with TCVs (p < 0.05). However, in the multivariate analysis, this association was not maintained (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the use of TCVs is not associated with child development. The importance of this study is summarized in transmitting relevant information regarding public health, based on reliable data.

Associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the first year of life with neurodevelopment in early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Over-the-counter analgesic use during pregnancy, particularly acetaminophen, may be associated with negative developmental outcomes in children. OBJECTIVE: Estimate associations of prenatal and early-life exposure to acetaminophen in early childhood with cognitive, motor, and language skills in two birth cohorts. METHODS: The American Project Viva cohort (1217 mother-child pairs enrolled 1999-2002) assessed cognition at approximately 3 years using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the Wide Range Achievement of Visual Motor Abilities (WRAVMA). The Brazilian 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort (3818 mother-child pairs) assessed cognition at 2 years using the INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment. We used linear regression to estimate associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy (Project Viva and Pelotas) and infancy (Project Viva) with children's cognitive scores adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, education, parity, race/ethnicity, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy, depression during pregnancy, antibiotic and ibuprofen use during pregnancy, household income, and child's sex. RESULTS: In Project Viva, exposure to acetaminophen in both the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy was associated with lower WRAVMA drawing scores (ß -1.51, 95% CI -2.92, -0.10). However, in Pelotas, exposure to acetaminophen in both the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy was not associated with INTER-NDA motor scores (ß 0.02; 95% CI -0.05, 0.09) and was associated with higher INTER-NDA total scores (ß 0.08, 95% CI 0.01, 0.16). Other comparisons did not show evidence for any associations. CONCLUSIONS: Inconsistencies and lack of specificity of the findings did not clarify the research question considering that we still have a large variability and uncertainty to define the risk or safety in the use of acetaminophen related to cognition in early childhood. More studies using better exposure assessment and better confounding variables are needed to clarify these associations.

Exposição a agrotóxicos e a leucemia linfocítica aguda em criança: uma revisão de escopo / Exposición a pesticidas y leucemia linfocítica aguda en niños: una revisión del alcance / Pesticide exposure and acute lymphocytic leukemia in children: a scope review

RESUMO Introdução: A Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda (LLA) é um tipo de câncer que acomete o processo hematopoiético e está diretamente relacionada a fatores genéticos e ambientais. Objetivo: Identificar na literatura a existência de associação entre a exposição à agrotóxicos e o desenvolvimento de Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda em crianças no cenário nacional e internacional. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão de escopo nas bases de dados LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, BDENF, CINAHL e bibliotecas Cochrane e Scielo e Google Scholar. Incluíram-se produções relacionadas à exposição por agrotóxicos e o desenvolvimento de Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda em crianças. Resultados: A revisão abrangeu 22 estudos publicados de 2008 a 2017. A associação da exposição a pesticidas com o desenvolvimento de LLA infantil deu-se na exposição materna aos pesticidas domésticos no período pré-concepção, gestacional e exposição da própria criança à pesticidas domésticos na primeira infância. Conclusão: Os resultados permitiram identificar as publicações sobre a associação entre o uso de agrotóxicos e o desenvolvimento de Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda em crianças. Entretanto, há a necessidade de novos estudos sobre a exposição de crianças à pesticidas domésticos, conhecimento sobre sua toxicidade e danos à saúde humana, assim como medidas para redução do uso.

RESUMEN Introducción: la Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda (LLA) es un tipo de cáncer que acomete el proceso hematopoyético y está directamente relacionada a factores genéticos y ambientales. Objetivo: identificar en la literatura la existencia de asociación entre la exposición a pesticidas y el desarrollo de Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda en niños ene les cenario nacional e internacional. Métodos: se realizó una revisión del alcance en las bases de datos LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, BDENF, CINAHL y bibliotecas Cochrane y Scielo y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron producciones relacionadas a la exposición por pesticidas yel desarrollo de Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda en niños. Resultados: la revisión abarcó 22 estudios publicados de 2008 a 2017. La asociación de la exposición a pesticidas con el desarrollo de LLA infantil ocurrióen la exposición materna a los pesticidas domésticos en el período preconcepción, gestacional y exposición del proprioniño a pesticidas domésticos en la primera infancia. Conclusión: los resultados permitieron identificar las publicaciones sobre la asociación entre el uso de pesticidas y el desarrollo de Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda en niños. Pero, hay la necesidad de nuevos estudios sobre la exposición de niños a pesticidas domésticos, conocimiento sobre su toxicidad ylos daños a la salud humana, así como medidas para la reducción del uso.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the hematopoietic process and is directly related to genetic and environmental factors. Objective: To identify in the literature the existence of an association between exposure to pesticides and the development of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in children in the national and international scenario. Methods: A scoping review was carried out in the LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, BDENF, CINAHL databases, and Cochrane and Scielo and Google Scholar libraries. Production related to pesticide exposure and the development of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in children were included. Results: The review had 22 studies published from 2008 to 2017. The association of pesticide exposure with the development of childhood ALL was due to maternal exposure to domestic pesticides in the pre-conception, gestational period, and the child's exposure to domestic pesticides in early childhood. Conclusion: The results allowed us to identify publications on the association between the use of pesticides and the development of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in children. However, there is a need for further studies on children's exposure to domestic pesticides, knowledge of their toxicity, and damage to human health, as well as measures to reduce its use.

Efeito da educação musical na promoção do desempenho escolar em crianças / Effect of music education on the promotion of school performance in children

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo investigou o efeito da educação musical no repertório de habilidades escolares em crianças expostas e não expostas à educação musical. Método Foram avaliadas 80 crianças, entre oito a doze anos, ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: 40 alunos com educação musical (experimental) e 40 alunos sem educação musical (controle). Para coleta dos dados, foram utilizados o questionário do Sistema de Avaliação de Habilidades Sociais (SSRS-M) e o Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE). Resultados Indicaram diferença estatisticamente significante nas crianças expostas à educação musical, evidenciando que houve melhoria no desempenho escolar e na competência acadêmica. Conclusão Portanto, é de grande relevância o benefício da aprendizagem musical aliada a diferentes áreas da educação e da saúde, uma vez que pode representar uma estratégia eficaz na prática inclusiva e na promoção da saúde física e mental das crianças.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigated the effect of music education on the repertoire of school skills in children submitted and not to music education. Methods The study sample was composed of 80 children aged 8-12 years, of both genders, divided into two groups: 40 students submitted to music education (experimental) and 40 students not submitted to music education (control). Data were collected using the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS-BR) and the School Performance Test (SPT) questionnaire. The results were submitted to statistical analysis (paired sample t-test and repeated measures ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results Results showed statistically significant difference between the groups, evidencing improvement in school performance and academic competence in the children submitted to music education. Conclusion The benefit brought by musical learning associated with different areas of education and health is of great relevance, representing an effective strategy in inclusive practice and promotion of physical and mental health in children.

Early-life Pb exposure as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease: are there hazards for the Mexican population?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia in elderly. Increasing life expectancy is behind the growing prevalence of AD worldwide with approximately 45 million cases currently documented and projection studies suggesting a triplication of this number by 2050. Mexico does not have an accurate AD registry, but 860,000 cases were reported in 2014 and the prediction reaches 3.5 million cases by 2050. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles represent the main hallmarks of AD, being constituted of amyloid beta (Aß) peptide and phosphorylated tau, respectively. The risk factors for AD include genetic mutations, lifestyle and environmental pollution. Particularly, lead (Pb) has attracted attention due to its ability to target multiple pathways involved in the pathophysiology of AD. Although the epidemiological data are limiting, animal and in vitro studies show growing evidence of causal effects of Pb exposure on AD-linked features including Aß aggregation and tau phosphorylation. Interestingly, many Pb effects occur selectively following early-life exposure to the metal, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism. This hypothesis is supported by changes in DNA methylation and microRNA expression patterns inflicted by early-life Pb exposure. Pb pollution in Mexico represents a significant problem because past and current mining activities, historical use of Pb as fuel additive and culturally rooted use of Pb in glazed ceramics, contribute to high levels of Pb pollution in Mexico. In this review we will discuss potential risks of AD development in Mexican populations chronically exposed to Pb in their childhood.

Growth and Clinical Characteristics of Children with Floating-Harbor Syndrome: Analysis of Current Original Data and a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare condition characterized by dysmorphic facial features, short stature, and expressive language delay. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of patients with FHS and review the literature about the response to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy. METHODS: Anthropometric and laboratory data from 7 patients with FHS were described. The molecular diagnosis was established by multigene analysis. Moreover, we reviewed the literature concerning patients with FHS treated with rhGH. RESULTS: All 7 patients were born small for gestational age. At first evaluation, 6 patients had a height standard deviation score (SDS) ≤-2 and 1 had short stature in relation to their target height. Bone age was usually delayed, which rapidly advanced during puberty. Nonspecific skeletal abnormalities were frequently noticed, and normal to elevated plasma IGF-I levels were observed in all except 1 patient with growth hormone deficiency. Information about 20 patients with FHS treated with rhGH was analyzed (4 from our cohort and 16 from the literature). The median height changes during the treatment period (approx. 2.9 years) were 1.1 SDS (range from -0.4 to 3.1). Nontreated patients had an adult height SDS of -4.1 ± 1.2 (n = 10) versus -2.6 ± 0.8 SDS (n = 7, p 0.012) for treated patients. CONCLUSION: We observed a laboratory profile compatible with IGF-1 insensitivity in some patients with FHS. Nevertheless, our study suggests that children with FHS may be considered as candidates for rhGH therapy. Further studies are necessary to establish the real benefit and safety of rhGH therapy in these patients.

Antibioticoterapia em crianças indígenas e não indígenas desnutridas / Antibiotic therapy in indigenous and non-indigenous undernourished children

INTRODUÇÃO: A prevalência da desnutrição infantil vem diminuindo em todo o mundo, mas ainda acomete milhões de crianças, especialmente indígenas. Devido ao elevado número de doenças infecciosas associadas à desnutrição, a antibioticoterapia faz parte da terapêutica recomendada. OBJETIVO: Observar os casos de desnutrição entre crianças indígenas e não indígenas hospitalizadas e a terapêutica empregada durante o tratamento. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, farmacoepidemiológico, realizado com informações extraídas de prontuários arquivados do período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2014 de um hospital público. RESULTADOS: Participaram 166 crianças, sendo o número de crianças indígenas aproximadamente seis vezes maior do que não indígenas. Houve maior prevalência entre lactentes e crianças com idade inferior a um ano apresentaram mais chances de serem internadas por desnutrição. Os diagnósticos de desnutrição mais vistos foram os inespecíficos, com uma proporção significativa de óbitos relacionados ao diagnóstico E43. As infecções mais comuns foram do sistema digestório e respiratório. Crianças indígenas tiveram quase cinco vezes mais chances de apresentarem infecção respiratória. A maior proporção recebeu até três antibióticos, havendo crianças que receberam mais que sete antibióticos diferentes durante o período de internação. CONCLUSÃO: A população infantil deve ser acompanhada por meio de inquéritos que possam subsidiar políticas de saúde que atendam suas necessidades. É necessária a capacitação dos profissionais envolvidos no cuidado da criança desnutrida, recursos materiais e financeiros, a fim diminuir o número de diagnósticos inespecíficos e evitar o uso indiscriminado de antibióticos, sendo imprescindível uma política de controle efetiva no uso da politerapia antimicrobiana.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of child malnutrition is declining worldwide, but still affects millions of children, especially indigenous people. Due to the high number of infectious diseases associated with malnutrition, antibiotic therapy is part of the recommended therapy. OBJECTIVE: To observe the cases of malnutrition among hospitalized indigenous and non-indigenous children and the therapy used during treatment. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, pharmacoepidemiological, carried out with information extracted from medical records filed from January 2012 to December 2014 of a public hospital. RESULTS: 166 children participated, with the number of indigenous children being approximately six times higher than that of nonindigenous children. There was a higher prevalence among infants and children under one year of age who were more likely to be hospitalized for malnutrition. The most frequent diagnoses of malnutrition were nonspecific, with a significant proportion of deaths related to diagnosis E43. The most common infections were of the digestive and respiratory system. Indigenous children were almost five times more likely to have respiratory infection. The highest proportion received up to three antibiotics, with children receiving more than seven different antibiotics during the hospitalization period. CONCLUSION: The child population must be accompanied by surveys that can subsidize health policies that meet their needs. It is necessary to train the professionals involved in the care of malnourished children, material and financial resources, in order to reduce the number of non-specific diagnoses and to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, a policy of effective control in the use of antimicrobial polytherapy is essential.