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.

Phenolic compounds profile in extracts of Smilax spp., antioxidant activity, and inhibition of advanced glycation end products.

Smilax genus possesses bioactive properties attributed to phenolic compounds, which may exhibit antioxidant effects and inhibit the advanced glycation end products (AGEs). However, identifying these phenolic compounds and AGEs has become increasingly relevant to understanding such activities. This study aimed to identify phenolic compounds in extracts of Smilax spp. and evaluate their antioxidant and AGEs inhibitory activities. To achieve this, the Smilax genus was identified via PCR, and phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, naringenin-6-C-glucoside, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and myricetin were identified using HPLC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis-[3-ethyl-benzothiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), while AGEs inhibition was evaluated using a model system formed by bovine serum albumin-glucose. The highest antioxidant activity was 3612.18 mM TE/g, and the inhibition of AGEs was 52.44 %. These results demonstrate that Smilax spp. can inhibit AGEs, neutralize free radicals, and reduce compounds associated with antioxidant capacity.

Beneficios psicológicos de la práctica de la esgrima en edades tempranas, en la provincia de Artemisa

El deporte es un fenómeno social de gran interés público que tiene un importante papel en el bienestar físico-mental, en el crecimiento y en el desarrollo integral de las personas. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los beneficios psicológicos de la práctica de la esgrima en edades tempranas, en la provincia de Artemisa. Se utilizaron métodos de investigación teóricos como el histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético e inducción-deducción y empíricos como la entrevista que permitió conocer la opinión especializada en la práctica de la esgrima en Artemisa; el análisis de documentos para explorar el contenido de los documentos normativos que rigen la esgrima y la medición aplicada en los test de concentración de la atención de Tolouse-Pierón y el test de rapidez de pensamiento de Torrance para medir particularidades individuales del pensamiento. Se efectuó, además, una consulta a especialistas para resaltar la importancia y beneficios psicológicos de la esgrima. La muestra estuvo representada por diez niños de nueve años, de la Escuela Primaria "Gabino Labrador" ubicada en el municipio San Cristóbal, se seleccionaron de manera intencional cinco niños que llevaban dos años en la práctica de la esgrima y cinco que no. Los resultados demostraron que los niños practicantes tuvieron un mayor desarrollo de las variables analizadas, ello confirmó los beneficios psicológicos que propicia la práctica de este deporte en edades tempranas.

O esporte é um fenômeno social de grande interesse público que desempenha um papel importante no bem-estar físico-mental, no crescimento e no desenvolvimento integral das pessoas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os benefícios psicológicos da esgrima em uma idade precoce na província de Artemisa. Foram utilizados métodos teóricos de pesquisa, como os métodos histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético e de indução-dedução, bem como métodos empíricos, como a entrevista, que nos permitiu conhecer a opinião especializada sobre a prática da esgrima em Artemisa; a análise de documentos para explorar o conteúdo dos documentos normativos que regem a esgrima e a medição aplicada no teste de concentração de atenção de Tolouse-Pieron e no teste de velocidade de pensamento de Torrance para medir as particularidades individuais do pensamento. Além disso, foram consultados especialistas para destacar a importância e os benefícios psicológicos da esgrima. A amostra consistiu em dez crianças de nove anos de idade da Escola Primária "Gabino Labrador", no município de San Cristóbal, cinco crianças que praticavam esgrima há dois anos e cinco que não praticavam. Os resultados mostraram que as crianças que praticaram esgrima tiveram um maior desenvolvimento das variáveis analisadas, o que confirmou os benefícios psicológicos da prática desse esporte em idade precoce.

Sport is a social phenomenon of great public interest that has an important role in the physical-mental well-being, growth and comprehensive development of people. The present study had as objective to analyze the psychological benefits of practicing fencing at an early age, in the province of Artemisa. Theoretical research methods such as historical-logical, analytical-synthetic and induction-deduction were used, as well as the empirical ones as the interview that allowed to know the specialized opinion on the practice of fencing in Artemisa; the analysis of documents to explore the content of the normative documents that govern fencing and the measurement applied in the Tolouse-Pieron attention concentration test and the Torrance quick thinking test to measure individual particularities of thinking. A consultation with specialists was also carried out to highlight the importance and psychological benefits of fencing. The sample was represented by ten nine-year-old children from the "Gabino Labrador" Primary School located in the San Cristóbal municipality. Five children who had been practicing fencing for two years and five who had not were intentionally selected. The results showed that the practitioners had a greater development of the variables analyzed, this confirmed the psychological benefits that practicing this sport at an early age provides.

Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE): Promising Targets Aiming at the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Conditions.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are compounds formed after the non-enzymatic addition of reducing sugars to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. They are associated with the development of various clinical complications observed in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and others. In addition, compelling evidence indicates that these molecules participate in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Multiple cellular and molecular alterations triggered by AGEs that could alter homeostasis have been identified. One of the main targets for AGE signaling is the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE). Importantly, this receptor is the target of not only AGEs, but also amyloid ß peptides, HMGB1 (high-mobility group box-1), members of the S100 protein family, and glycosaminoglycans. The activation of this receptor induces intracellular signaling cascades that are involved in pathological processes and cell death. Therefore, RAGE represents a key target for pharmacological interventions in neurodegenerative diseases. This review will discuss the various effects of AGEs and RAGE activation in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the currently available pharmacological tools and promising drug candidates.

Inhibition of Glycation End Products Formation and Antioxidant Activities of Ilex paraguariensis: comparative study of fruit and leaves extracts.

Objectives: Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoleaceae) is cultivated to produce "yerba mate". Due to its nutritional, energizing, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects, it is used in the elaboration of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The oxidative stress related to protein glycation and production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to the development of several diseases. The objective of this work was to compare the antioxidant and anti-AGEs activity of a decoction of fruits (F) and leaves (L). Methods: The antioxidant activity was assayed by the DPPH assay and the inhibition of egg yolk lipid peroxidation (ILP), and anti-AGEs activity, through the inhibition of the formation of fructosamine (IF), ß-amyloid (Iß), protein carbonylation (IC) and AGEs (IA). Polyphenols were quantified by HPLC. Results: Maximum response ± SEM For F 0.01 µg/mL IF = 42 ± 4%, IC = 17 ± 2% and for 10 µg/mL IA = 38 ± 4%, Iß = 67 ± 7%. For L 0.1 µg/mL IF = 35 ± 2%, IC = 19 ± 2% and for 100 µg/mL IA = 26 ± 3%, Iß = 63.04 ± 2%. The DPPH IC50 = 134.8 ± 14 µg/mL for F and 34.67 ± 3 µg/mL for L. The ILP IC50 = 512.86 ± 50 µg/mL for F and 154.8 ± 15 µg/mL for L. By HPLC L presented the highest amounts of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. F and L showed strong anti-AGEs activity, affecting the early stages of glycation at low concentrations and the late stages of glycation at high concentrations. The highest activity for both F and L was seen in the IF and Iß. F presented the highest anti-AGEs potency. L presented the highest antioxidant potency, which was related to the highest content of polyphenols. Conclusion: The fruits of I. paraguariensis could be a source of antioxidant and anti-AGEs compounds to be used with medicinal purposes or as functional food.

Desfechos clínicos e físico-funcionais na fase intra-hospitalar de idosos com fratura de fêmur / Clinical and physical-functional outcomes in the in-hospital phase of elderly people with femur fracture

As quedas em idosos representam um importante problema de saúde pública devido à associação com a morbimortalidade. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico de idosos com fratura de fêmur proximal, bem como associar o tempo de espera para a cirurgia e os desfechos clínicos com as variáveis físico-funcionais. Métodos: Estudo transversal analítico, de idosos com fratura de fêmur proximal de origem traumática. Os aspectos físico-funcionais foram avaliados pelo Índice de Barthel, Escala de Lawton, Medical Research Council e Dinamometria de Força de Preensão Palmar em dois momentos distintos, admissão e alta hospitalar. Foi realizado análise estatística descritiva e inferencial adotando-se p<0,05. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 64 indivíduos, sendo 48 (75%) do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 77,8 anos (±8,73). Os pacientes com maior dependência funcional no Índice de Barthel na admissão (U= 282,000; p<0,05) e na alta hospitalar (U= 248,000; p<0,05) aguardaram mais tempo para o procedimento cirúrgico. O principal desfecho foi a alta, de 55 pacientes (85,9%), no entanto aqueles que evoluíram a óbito apresentaram piores pontuações na Escala de Lawton (t(62)= -2,060; p<0,05) e no Índice de Barthel (U= 145,500; p<0,05) no momento da admissão. Conclusão: O perfil de idosos com fratura de fêmur proximal são mulheres, na transição para a oitava década de vida, vítimas de queda da própria altura. Idosos com maior dependência funcional aguardaram mais tempo para a cirurgia e apresentaram piores desfechos

Falls in the elderly represent an important public health problem due to the association with morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological profile of elderly people with proximal femur fractures, as well as to associate the waiting time for surgery and clinical outcomes with physical-functional variables. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of elderly patients with fractures of the proximal femur of traumatic origin. Sociodemographic, trauma and clinical information were obtained via electronic medical records. The physical-functional aspects were assessed using the Barthel Index, Lawton Scale, Medical Research Council and Hand Grip Strength at two different times, admission and hospital discharge. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed, adopting p<0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 64 individuals, 48 (75.0%) of which were female, with a mean age of 77.8 years (±8.73). The median waiting time for surgery was 12 (8-15) days. Patients with greater functional dependence on the Barthel Index at admission (U= 282.000; p<0.05) and at hospital discharge (U= 248.000; p<0.05) waited longer for the surgical procedure. The main outcome was discharge 55 (85.9%), however, patients who evolved to death had worse scores on the Lawton Scale (t(62)= -2.060; p<0.05) and on the Barthel Index (U = 145.500; p<0.05) at admission. Conclusion: The profile of elderly people with proximal femur fractures are women, in the transition to the eighth decade of life, victims of a fall from their own height. Elderly people with greater functional dependence waited longer for surgery and had worse outcomes

Endophytes, a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds to Curtail the Formation-Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products: A Review.

Endophytes, microorganisms that live in the internal tissues and organs of the plants, are known to produce numerous bioactive compounds, including, at times, some phytochemicals of their host plant. For such reason, endophytes have been quoted as a potential source for discovering bioactive compounds, particularly, of medical interest. Currently, many non-communicable diseases are threatening global human health, noticeably: diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other ailment related to chronic inflammation and ageing. Intriguingly, the pathogenesis and development of these diseases have been linked to an excessive formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are a heterogeneous group of compounds that can alter the conformation, function, and lifetime of proteins. Therefore, compounds that prevent the formation and consequent accumulation of AGEs (AntiAGEs compounds) could be useful to delay the progress of some chronic diseases, and/or harmful effects of undue AGEs accumulation. Despite the remarkable ability of endophytes to produce bioactive compounds, most of the natural antiAGEs compounds reported in the literature are derived from plants. Accordingly, this work covers 26 plant antiAGEs compounds and some derivatives that have been reported as endophytic metabolites, and discusses the importance, possible advantages, and challenges of using endophytes as a potential source of antiAGEs compounds.

An Exploratory Analysis of the Internal Structure of Test Through a Multimethods Exploratory Approach of the ASQ:SE in Brazil.

Background A wide range of exploratory methods is available in psychometrics as means of gathering insight on existing data and on the process of establishing the number and nature of an internal structure factor of a test. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and principal component analysis (PCA) remain well-established techniques despite their different theoretical perspectives. Network analysis (NA) has recently gained popularity together with such algorithms as the Next Eigenvalue Sufficiency Test. These analyses link statistics and psychology, but their results tend to vary, leading to an open methodological debate on statistical assumptions of psychometric analyses and the extent to which results that are generated with these analyses align with the theoretical basis that underlies an instrument. The current study uses a previously published data set from the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional to explore, show, and discuss several exploratory analyses of its internal structure. To a lesser degree, this study furthers the ongoing debate on the interface between theoretical and methodological perspectives in psychometrics. Methods From a sample of 22,331 sixty-month-old children, 500 participants were randomly selected. Pearson and polychoric correlation matrices were compared and used as inputs in the psychometric analyses. The number of factors was determined via well-known rules of thumb, including the parallel analysis and the Hull method. Multidimensional solutions were rotated via oblique methods. R and Factor software were used, the codes for which are publicly available at https://luisfca.shinyapps.io/psychometrics_asq_se/ . Results Solutions from one to eight dimensions were suggested. Polychoric correlation overcame Pearson correlation, but nonconvergence issues were detected. The Hull method achieved a unidimensional structure. PCA and EFA achieved similar results. Conversely, six clusters were suggested via NA. Conclusion The statistical outcomes for determining the factor structure of an assessment diverged, varying from one to eight domains, which allowed for different interpretations of the results. Methodological implications are further discussed.

Formation of advanced glycation end products by novel food processing technologies: A review.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a diverse group of compounds formed endogenously and exogenously due to non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and lipids. Although the effects of heating on AGE concentrations in foods are known, few studies have been published addressing the effects of new processing technologies on AGE formation. This work focuses on the current scientific knowledge about the impacts of novel technologies on AGE formation in food products. Most studies do not measure AGE content directly, evaluating only products of the Maillard reaction. Moreover, these studies do not compare distinct operational conditions associated with novel technologies. This lack of information impacts negatively the establishment of process-composition relationships for foods with safe AGE dietary intakes. Overall, the outcomes of this review suggest that the use of novel technologies is a promising alternative to produce food products with a lower AGE content.

Manifestaciones oftalmológicas en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas en edades pediátricas / Ophthalmologic manifestations in patients with rheumatic diseases in pediatric ages

El diagnóstico de las enfermedades reumatológicas en los niños supone un gran impacto para el paciente, padres y familiares. Uno de cada 1.000 niños podría sufrir una enfermedad reumatológica. Los síntomas del sistema locomotor son un motivo de consulta frecuente. Las enfermedades reumáticas producen un gran número de manifestaciones sistémicas, muchas de ellas incapacitantes, entre las que se encuentran las alteraciones oftalmológicas que aparecen en un porciento elevado de casos. Para poder diagnosticarlas es fundamental en primer lugar conocerlas, su diagnóstico precoz permite el tratamiento adecuado para evitar complicaciones como la disminución o pérdida visual irreversible en muchos casos. En este trabajo se realizó una búsqueda automatizada con el objetivo de encontrar información actualizada sobre el tema y describir las lesiones oculares observadas en pacientes pediátricos con afecciones reumáticas e identificación temprana de signos predictivos del desarrollo de las mismas(AU)

The diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases in children denotes a great impact for the patient, parents and relatives. One in every 1,000 children could suffer from a rheumatologic disease. Symptoms of the locomotor system are a frequent reason for consultation. Rheumatic diseases produce a large number of systemic manifestations, many of them disabling, including ophthalmologic alterations which appear in a high percentage of cases. In order to be able to diagnose them, it is essential to know them first of all, their early diagnosis allows the appropriate treatment, to avoid complications such as irreversible visual decrease or loss in many cases. In this work an exhaustive automated search was carried out in order to find updated information on the subject and to describe the ocular lesions observed in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases and early identification of predictive signs of their development(AU)

Breast cancer trends in women younger than 40 years in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: A recent Brazilian populational database analysis showed a concerning increase in breast cancer mortality rates among patients under 40 years. We aimed to evaluate the trends in the proportion of new breast cancer cases and deaths occurring in patients younger than 40 years over the last decade in Brazil. METHODS: We evaluated all consecutive breast cancer patients treated from 2009 to 2020 in a Brazilian tertiary cancer center. The proportions of new cases and deaths in patients younger than 40 years was compared between two time periods (2015-2020 versus 2009-2014) using Chi-squared test. Linear regression was used to evaluate the trends in the proportion of new cases and deaths in young patients over the years. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2020, a total of 12,569 breast cancer patients started treatment at our institution; 1441 were younger than 40 years. From 2009 to 2014, 9.9% (95% CI 9.2-10.7%) were patients younger than 40 years compared to 12.9% (95% CI 12.1-13.8%) from 2015 to 2020. Similarly, the proportion of deaths among breast cancer patients younger than 40 years increased during the period (2009-2014: 9.6%, 95% CI 7.8-11.6%; 2015-2020: 12.4%, 95% CI 10.9-14%). The linear regression model showed a trend for an increasing proportion of new breast cancer cases occurring in patients under 40 years (P = 0.005). Proportion increased from 7.9% (95% CI 6.2-9.8%) in 2009 to 21.8% (95% CI 19.1-24.8%) in 2020. The trend for the increase in the proportion of deaths in this young population was also observed in the linear regression model (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of new breast cancer cases and deaths among patients younger than 40 years has increased in a public Brazilian cancer center over the past decade. These results raise the concern for the need to reconsider primary and secondary prevention strategies for young women.

Early postnatal exposure of rat pups to methylglyoxal induces oxidative stress, inflammation and dysmetabolism at adulthood.

This work aimed to investigate the effects of early progeny exposure to methylglyoxal (MG), programming for metabolic dysfunction and diabetes-like complications later in life. At delivery (PN1), the animals were separated into two groups: control group (CO), treated with saline, and MG group, treated with MG (20 mg/kg of BW; i.p.) during the first 2 weeks of the lactation period. In vivo experiments and tissue collection were done at PN90. Early MG exposure decreased body weight, adipose tissue, liver and kidney weight at adulthood. On the other hand, MG group showed increased relative food intake, blood fructosamine, blood insulin and HOMA-IR, which is correlated with insulin resistance. Besides, MG-treated animals presented dyslipidaemia, increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Likewise, MG group showed steatosis and perivascular fibrosis in the liver, pancreatic islet hypertrophy, increased glomerular area and pericapsular fibrosis, but reduced capsular space. This study shows that early postnatal exposure to MG induces oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis markers in pancreas, liver and kidney, which are related to metabolic dysfunction features. Thus, nutritional disruptors during lactation period may be an important risk factor for metabolic alterations at adulthood.

Predictive Validity of Developmental Screening Questionnaires for Identifying Children With Later Cognitive or Educational Difficulties: A Systematic Review.

Context: Parent/caregiver completing developmental screening questionnaires (DSQs) for children before 5 years of age is currently recommended. The DSQs recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), and the Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC). Nevertheless, their predictive validity has not been well-established. Objective: To assess in the current literature, the value of AAP-recommended DSQs (ASQ, PEDS, SWYC) administered between 0 and 5 years of age, for predicting long-term cognitive achievement and/or school performance (CA/SP), after 1 year or more of evaluation and at/or after age 5 years, in the general population. Data Sources: Cochrane, MEDLINE PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scielo, and Scopus databases (until March 2021). Study Selection: Two authors selected the studies. Forward and backward citation follow-up was done; authors of DSQ were contacted to identify additional studies. Data Extraction: Cohorts were identified, and authors of selected studies were contacted to corroborate and complete extracted data. Results: Thirty-two publications, corresponding to 10 cohorts, were included. All cohorts used ASQ. Only cohort using PEDS was identified but did not meet the inclusion criteria. No cohorts conducted with SWYC were identified. Associations between ASQ and CA/SP were extracted for eight cohorts. The odds ratios were >3, and the area under the curve was 0.66-0.87. A trade-off between sensitivity and specificity was observed. Limitations: Heterogeneity in population characteristics and in DSQ adaptations. Conclusions: A positive association between ASQ and later CA/SP was found in different social, cultural, and economic settings. Additional studies are necessary to determine the impact factors in the predictive capacity of DSQs. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020183883.

Psychometric properties of the ASQ-3 in a nationally representative sample of Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: The Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Version (ASQ-3) identifies the risk of developmental delay in children aged 2 to 66 months. The ASQ-3 is available in many languages. However, there is little evidence of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version and using nationally-representative samples. AIMS: This study evaluates the reliability and factor solution of the Spanish version of the ASQ-3 (18- to 54-month questionnaires) in a large, representative sample of Uruguayan children. Besides, it explores the association of ASQ-3 scores with sociodemographic characteristics. METHOD: Participants were 4016 main caregivers selected randomly across the country who completed the ASQ-3 for their children. All participants responded to the ASQ-3 and a sociodemographic questionnaire within the context of a government-run survey of child development. RESULTS: Most versions of the ASQ-3 in Spanish have acceptable-to-good psychometric properties, supporting the 5-factor-solution. Personal-Social and, to a lesser extent, Problem-solving scores were the subscales that showed more suboptimal internal consistency coefficients. Scores showed higher ceiling effects than the original US sample but varied across domains, with Gross Motor showing the highest pattern. Sex and socioeconomic status are associated with scores of most age-versions and subscales of the ASQ-3. CONCLUSIONS: In general, results support the reliability and dimensionality of ASQ-3 scores, but psychometric properties varied across age-version and domains. Overall, earlier versions presented less precision, while the Personal-social domain showed reduced reliability in most age-versions.

Sex differences in diet and life conditions in a rural Medieval Islamic population from Spain (La Torrecilla, Granada): An isotopic and osteological approach to gender differentiation in al-Andalus.

OBJECTIVES: Gender differentiation can influence the diet, physical activity, and health of human populations. Multifaceted approaches are therefore necessary when exploring the biological consequences of gender-related social norms in the past. Here, we explore the links between diet, physiological stress, physical activity, and gender differentiation in the Medieval Islamic population of La Torrecilla (Granada, Spain, 13th-15th century AD), by analyzing stable isotope patterns, stature, and long bone diaphyseal measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample includes 96 individuals (48 females, 48 males) classified as young and middle adults (20-34 and 35-50 years of age respectively). Diet was reconstructed through the analysis of δ13 C and δ15 N. Stature, humeral and femoral diaphyseal shape and product of diaphyseal diameters served as proxies of physiological stress and physical activity. RESULTS: Isotopic ratios suggest a substantial dietary contribution of C4 plants (e.g., sorghum, millet), a variable access to animal proteins, and no differences between the sexes. Sexual dimorphism in stature derives from a markedly low female stature. Long bone diaphyseal properties suggest that men performed various physically stressful activities, whereas women were involved in less physically demanding activities (possibly related to household work). DISCUSSION: Gender differentiation in La Torrecilla was expressed by a possibly differential parental investment in male versus female offspring and by culturally sanctioned gender differences in the performance of physical tasks. Diet was qualitatively homogenous between the sexes, although we cannot rule out quantitative differences. Our results shed new light on the effects of gender-related social norms on human development and lifestyle.

Early AGEing and metabolic diseases: is perinatal exposure to glycotoxins programming for adult-life metabolic syndrome?

Perinatal early nutritional disorders are critical for the developmental origins of health and disease. Glycotoxins, or advanced glycation end-products, and their precursors such as the methylglyoxal, which are formed endogenously and commonly found in processed foods and infant formulas, may be associated with acute and long-term metabolic disorders. Besides general aspects of glycotoxins, such as their endogenous production, exogenous sources, and their role in the development of metabolic syndrome, we discuss in this review the sources of perinatal exposure to glycotoxins and their involvement in metabolic programming mechanisms. The role of perinatal glycotoxin exposure in the onset of insulin resistance, central nervous system development, cardiovascular diseases, and early aging also are discussed, as are possible interventions that may prevent or reduce such effects.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Premedication with Atropine/Propofol vs Atropine/Atracurium/Sufentanil for Neonatal Intubation: 2-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study followed 173 newborn infants in the PREmedication Trial for Tracheal Intubation of the NEOnate multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial of atropine-propofol vs atropine-atracurium-sufentanil for premedication before nonemergency intubation. At 2 years of corrected age, there was no significant difference between the groups in death or risk of neurodevelopmental delay assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01490580.

Anacardium humile St. Hil as a novel source of antioxidant, antiglycation and α-amylase inhibitors molecules with potential for management of oxidative stress and diabetes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The substantial increase in diabetes cases worldwide has been a major public health problem, and the use of medicinal plants can be considered an interesting alternative to control the disease and its complications. Anacardium humile St. Hill. (Anacardiaceae) is a typical plant from the Brazilian savanna, popularly known for its antidiarrheal, expectorant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, however, few studies have fully described its biological properties. This study aimed to investigate in vitro and ex vivo the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of A. humile ethanolic extract, its organic fractions and three isolated molecules (quercetin, catechin and gallic acid), their capacity to inhibit the glycolytic enzyme α-amylase, as well as their cytotoxic effects against RAW264.7 macrophages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ethanolic extract of A. humile, its organic fractions and three isolated molecules (catechin, quercetin and gallic acid) were tested for their antioxidant (ORAC, FRAP and DPPH) and antiglycation (BSA/Fructose, BSA/Methylglyoxal, Arginine/Methylglyoxal and Lysine/Methylglyoxal) capacities, and also for its potential to inhibit the enzyme α-amylase. Additionally, bioactive compounds present in the A. humile leaves fractions were elucidated by an HPLC-ESIMS/MS analysis. RESULTS: The analysis showed relevant antioxidant activity of DCM (1264.85 ± 76.90 µM Trolox eq/g ORAC; 216.71 ± 1.04 µM Trolox eq/g FRAP and 3.03 ± 0.08 IC50 µg/mL IC50 DPPH) and EtOAc (1300.11 ± 33.04 ORAC, 236.21 ± 23.86 FRAP and 3.03 ± 0.14 µg/mL IC50 DPPH) fractions and also of the isolated molecules, mainly gallic acid (1291.19 ± 8.41 µM Trolox eq/g ORAC, 1103.52 ± 31.48 µM Trolox eq/g FRAP and 0.78 ± 0.11 µg/mL IC50 DPPH). Concerning the antiglycation activity, all samples inhibited over 88% in the BSA-FRU method. In the BSA-MGO and ARG-MGO methods, the Hex, DCM, EtOAc fractions and the isolated molecule catechin stood out. However, in the LYS-MGO model, only the isolated molecules showed significant results. In α-amylase assay, all fractions, for exception Hex, presented notable inhibition capacity with low IC50 values, especially DCM, EtOAc, ButOH and H2O (IC50 0.56 ± 0.10, 0.84 ± 0.01, 0.74 ± 0.03 and 0.79 ± 0.06 µg/mL, respectively). Tests using hepatic tissue showed a notorious capacity of the DCM, AcOEt and ButOH fractions, as well as of the isolated molecules to inhibit lipid peroxidation and ROS production, and also to preserve thiol groups. Molecules of great antioxidant potential were found in our samples, such as kaempferol, quercetin, catechin, gallic acid and luteolin. CONCLUSION: A. humile extract and its organic fractions showed promising antioxidant and antiglycation potential and a prominent capacity to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme. Hence, this study presents new results and stimulates further research to elucidate the biological properties of A. humile and its capacity to manage DM and its complications.

Especificidad de pruebas rápidas y confirmatorias de vih/sida de pacientes femeninas en edades reproductivas del hospital general esmeraldas sur / Specificity of rapid and confirmatory hiv / aids tests of female patients in reproductive ages of the General Hospital Esmeraldas Sur

EL Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana, constituye un grave problema de salud a nivel mundial. El VIH, es una patología que ataca las células CD4 del sistema inmunitario, ocasionando un desperfecto en el sistema inmune, lo cual hace más fácil la llegada de infecciones o enfermedades oportunistas. Objetivo: Conocer la especificidad de las pruebas rápidas y pruebas confirmatorias de pacientes con VIH en edades reproductivas del Hospital General Esmeraldas Sur, en el área de laboratorio clínico. Metodología: Es un estudio Cuantitativo, de corte longitudinal retrospectivo, con alcance descriptivo, que permitió ordenar, interpretar y tabular los resultados de las pruebas rápidas y pruebas confirmatorias de VIH/sida de pacientes femeninas en edades reproductivas. Evidenciándose la falta de información en el registro de pacientes con VIH/sida del HGES, de los datos estadísticos, en 49 pacientes femeninas registras en el HGES. Resultados: El estudio indica que existe un predominio de pacientes con VIH/sida 30 casos corresponde a pacientes al grupo etario ≤ 30 años, seguido por 12 casos que corresponde a pacientes del grupo etario ≤ 40 años, mientras que los pacientes del grupo etario ≤ 45 representan un 8% (4 casos) y el 6% (3 casos) corresponde a pacientes ≤ 20. El 61% corresponde a ≤ 30 años, en segundo lugar, con el 25% las ≤ 40 años. Conclusiones: Los registros observados en el HGES, durante el proceso de investigación, no fueron suficientes para alcanzar el objetivo propuesto, para tal efecto es necesario disponer de los registros completos de los pacientes con VIH/sida en todas las pruebas, según en algoritmo de la OMS. Además, de brindar confianza a la ciudadanía con resultados de calidad, se debe utilizar recursos tecnológicos y demás instrumentos que permitan al profesional de salud, dar un diagnóstico correcto y oportuno. Todo enmarcado en la ética principal, la conservación de la vida(AU)

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus constitutes a serious health problem worldwide. HIV is a pathology that attacks the CD4 cells of the immune system, causing damage to the immune system, which makes it easier for infections or opportunistic diseases to arrive. Objective: To know the specificity of the rapid tests and confirmatory tests of patients with HIV in reproductive ages of the General Hospital Esmeraldas Sur, in the clinical laboratory area. Methodology: It is a quantitative study, retrospective longitudinal section, with descriptive scope, which allowed ordering, interpreting and tabulating the results of rapid tests and confirmatory tests of HIV / AIDS of female patients of reproductive ages. Evidence of the lack of information in the registry of patients with HIV / AIDS of the HGES, of the statistical data, in 49 female patients registered in the HGES. Results: The study indicates that there is a predominance of patients with HIV / AIDS. 30 cases correspond to patients in the age group ≤ 30 years, followed by 12 cases corresponding to patients in the age group ≤ 40 years, while patients in the age group ≤ 45 represent 8% (4 cases) and 6% (3 cases) correspond to patients ≤ 20. 61% correspond to ≤ 30 years, secondly, with 25% those ≤ 40 years. Conclusions: The records observed in the HGES, during the research process, were not sufficient to achieve the proposed objective, for this purpose, it is necessary to have complete records of patients with HIV / AIDS in all tests, according to the algorithm of The OMS. In addition, to provide confidence to the public with quality results, technological resources and other instruments must be use that allow the health professional to give a correct and timely diagnosis. All framed in the main ethic, the conservation of life(AU)

Enfoque integral del dolor por cáncer en pacientes en edad pediátrica / Comprehensive Approach to Cancer Pain in Pediatric Patients

RESUMEN El cáncer se consideraba una enfermedad rara en niños y adolescentes, sin embargo, en las últimas décadas ha habido un aumento considerable de este padecimiento. Según la Unión Internacional Contra el Cáncer las estadísticas señalan que cada año más de 160 mil niños son diagnosticados. El dolor es un síntoma cardinal en estos pacientes. La evaluación es compleja y requiere entrenamiento en el uso de escalas diseñadas y validadas para las distintas edades. El manejo del dolor por cáncer en los niños es un gran reto, pero al mismo tiempo una oportunidad para el personal de la salud de ejercer sus conocimientos y habilidades para ayudarlos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo exponer las principales características del dolor por cáncer en pediatría, su evaluación y manejo, sobre la base de los conocimientos fisiopatológicos, teniendo en cuenta los aspectos referenciados en lo más actualizado de la literatura especializada. Se realizó un enfoque integral que incluye tanto medidas farmacológicas como no farmacológicas.

ABSTRACT Cancer was considered a rare disease in children and adolescents; however, in recent years there has indicate that each year more than 160 thousand children are diagnosed. Pain is a cardinal symptom been a considerable increase in this disease. According to the International Union Against Cancer, statistics in these patients. The evaluation is complex and requires training in the use of scales designed and validated for different ages. Managing cancer pain in children is a great challenge, but at the same times an opportunity for health personnel to exercise their knowledge and skills to help them. This work aims to expose the main characteristics of pain from cancer in pediatrics, its evaluation and management, based on the pathophysiological knowledge, taking into account the aspects referenced in the most current specialized literature. All through a comprehensive approach that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures.