Wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 gene for COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance in Tucumán, Argentina.

Wastewater-based epidemiology provides temporal and spatial information about the health status of a population. The objective of this study was to analyze and report the epidemiological dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the province of Tucumán, Argentina during the second and third waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between April 2021 and March 2022. The study aimed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, correlating it with clinically reported COVID-19 cases. Wastewater samples (n = 72) were collected from 16 sampling points located in three cities of Tucumán (San Miguel de Tucumán, Yerba Buena y Banda del Río Salí). Detection of viral nucleocapsid markers (N1 gene) was carried out using one-step reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Viral loads were determined for each positive sample using a standard curve. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between viral load (copies/mL) and the clinically confirmed COVID-19 cases reported at specific sampling points in San Miguel de Tucumán (SP4, SP7, and SP8) in both months, May and June. Indeed, the high viral load concurred with the peaks of COVID-19 cases. This method allowed us to follow the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 infection during epidemic outbreaks. Thus, wastewater monitoring is a valuable epidemiological indicator that enables the anticipation of increases in COVID-19 cases and tracking the progress of the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 genome-based surveillance should be implemented as a routine practice to prepare for any future surge in infections.

Precision Culture Scaling to Establish High-Throughput Vasculogenesis Models.

Hydrogel-based 3D cell cultures can recapitulate (patho)physiological phenomena ex vivo. However, due to their complex multifactorial regulation, adapting these tissue and disease models for high-throughput screening workflows remains challenging. In this study, a new precision culture scaling (PCS-X) methodology combines statistical techniques (design of experiment and multiple linear regression) with automated, parallelized experiments and analyses to customize hydrogel-based vasculogenesis cultures using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Variations of cell density, growth factor supplementation, and media composition are systematically explored to induce vasculogenesis in endothelial mono- and cocultures with mesenchymal stromal cells or retinal microvascular pericytes in 384-well plate formats. The developed cultures are shown to respond to vasculogenesis inhibitors in a compound- and dose-dependent manner, demonstrating the scope and power of PCS-X in creating parallelized tissue and disease models for drug discovery and individualized therapies.

Cumulative Febrile, Respiratory, and Gastrointestinal Illness Among Infants in Rural Guatemala and Association With Neurodevelopmental and Growth Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Infectious disease exposures in early life are increasingly recognized as a risk factor for poor subsequent growth and neurodevelopment. We aimed to evaluate the association between cumulative illness with neurodevelopment and growth outcomes in a birth cohort of Guatemalan infants. METHODS: From June 2017 to July 2018, infants 0-3 months of age living in a resource-limited region of rural southwest Guatemala were enrolled and underwent weekly at-home surveillance for caregiver-reported cough, fever, and vomiting/diarrhea. They also underwent anthropometric assessments and neurodevelopmental testing with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) at enrollment, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: Of 499 enrolled infants, 430 (86.2%) completed all study procedures and were included in the analysis. At 12-15 months of age, 140 (32.6%) infants had stunting (length-for-age Z [LAZ] score < -2 SD) and 72 (16.7%) had microcephaly (occipital-frontal circumference [OFC] < -2 SD). In multivariable analysis, greater cumulative instances of reported cough illness (beta = -0.08/illness-week, P = 0.06) and febrile illness (beta = -0.36/illness-week, P < 0.001) were marginally or significantly associated with lower MSEL Early Learning Composite (ELC) Score at 12-15 months, respectively; there was no association with any illness (cough, fever, and/or vomiting/diarrhea; P = 0.27) or with cumulative instances of diarrheal/vomiting illness alone ( P = 0.66). No association was shown between cumulative instances of illness and stunting or microcephaly at 12-15 months. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the negative cumulative consequences of frequent febrile and respiratory illness on neurodevelopment during infancy. Future studies should explore pathogen-specific illnesses, host response associated with these syndromic illnesses, and their association with neurodevelopment.

Cyclic fatigue resistance of three reciprocating nickel-titanium instruments with heat treatment at intrachannel temperature

Introduction: the in vitro study compared the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of 3 reciprocating NiTi files with heat treatment. Methods: we distributed 30 new endodontic files in three groups. The endodontic files selected for this experiment were: AF Blue R3 25/06 (AFB) (Fanta Dental, Shanghai, China), X1 Blue File 25/06 (X1B) (MK Life, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil), and Reciproc Blue 08/25 (RB) (VDW, Munich, Germany. We measured the time to file fractureand the length of the fractured fragment. ANOVA analysis was used, followed by the Tukey test for multiple comparisons, with a significance level of 5% (P < 0,05). Results: the mean time in seconds until the file fractured was 170.7 ±15,1 for AFB files, 110,4 ±26,8 for X1B, and 163,3 ±22,9 for RB files. This difference was statistically significant when comparing X1B to AFB (p: 0,000) and X1B to RB (p: 0,000). However, there are no statistically significant differences between RB and AFB (p:0,739). Conclussions: this study found that RB and AFB files exhibit similar resistance to cyclic fatigue.

Introducción: el estudio in vitro comparó la resistencia a la fatiga cíclica dinámica de 3 limas NiTi recíprocas con tratamiento térmico. Métodos: distribuimos 30 limas endodónticas nuevas en tres grupos. Las limas endodónticas seleccionadas para este experimento fueron: AF Blue R3 25/06 (AFB) (Fanta Dental, Shanghai, China), X1 Blue File 25/06 (X1B) (MK Life, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil), y Reciproc Blue 08/25 (RB) (VDW, Munich, Alemania. Se midió el tiempo transcurrido hasta la fractura de la lima y la longitud del fragmento fracturado. Se utilizó el análisis ANOVA, seguido de la prueba de Tukey para comparaciones múltiples, con un nivel de significación del 5% (P < 0.05). Resultados: el tiempo medio en segundos hasta la fractura de la lima fue de 170.7 ±15.1 para las limas AFB, 110.4 ±26.8 para las X1B y 163.3 ±22.9 para las RB. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa al comparar X1B con AFB (p: 0.000) y X1B con RB (p: 0.000). Sin embargo, no hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre RB y AFB (p:0.739). Conclusiones: en este estudio se ha comprobado que las limas RB y AFB presentan una resistencia similar a la fatiga cíclica.

Challenges and lessons learned from the rapid operationalization of a prospective cohort to study the natural history and neurodevelopmental outcomes of postnatal Zika virus infection among infants and children in rural Guatemala.

During the course of the 2015-2017 outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas, the emerging virus was recognized as a congenital infection that could damage the developing brain. As the Latin American ZIKV outbreak advanced, the scientific and public health community questioned if this newly recognized neurotropic flavivirus could affect the developing brain of infants and young children infected after birth. We report here the study design, methods and the challenges and lessons learned from the rapid operationalization of a prospective natural history cohort study aimed at evaluating the potential neurological and neurodevelopmental effects of postnatal ZIKV infection in infants and young children, which had become epidemic in Central America. This study enrolled a cohort of 500 mothers and their infants, along with nearly 400 children 1.5-3.5 years of age who were born during the initial phase of the ZIKV epidemic in a rural area of Guatemala. Our solutions and lessons learned while tackling real-life challenges may serve as a guide to other researchers carrying out studies of emerging infectious diseases of public health priority in resource-constrained settings.

Estado nutricional y factores asociados en niños, niñas y adolescentes escolarizados de instituciones oficiales del municipio de Envigado-Colombia 2021 / Nutritional status and associated factors in school children and adolescents from official institutions of the municipality of Envigado-Colombia 2021

Fundamentos: Conocer el estado nutricional de la población escolarizada es un factor imprescindible en elobjetivo de garantizar un desarrollo integral de las poblaciones. El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia y losfactores sociodemográficos asociados al estado nutricional de los niños, niñas y adolescentes de 5 a 17 añosmatriculados en las Instituciones Educativas oficiales del municipio de Envigado.Métodos: Estudio observacional de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo transversal y alcance analítico. Realizado en2164 escolares, mediante muestreo probabilístico estratificado. La clasificación de los indicadores se realizóutilizando los patrones OMS. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva básica y se determinó asociación estadísticaentre variables categóricas mediante el uso de pruebas de independencia.Resultados: El 6,88% (149) de los escolares estaba en riesgo de delgadez, el 1,39% (30) tenían delgadez y el35,09% exceso de peso (22,21% Sobrepeso y 12,88% obesidad). Se encontró asociación entre el grupo etario yel estado nutricional, identificando que el exceso de peso fue significativamente mayor entre la población de5 a 12 años (42,9%) tanto para el sobrepeso como para la obesidad.Conclusiones: Los principales problemas nutricionales en todos los niños, niñas y adolescentes estudiadosson el riesgo de sobrepeso, el sobrepeso y la obesidad, siendo la población de 5 a 12 años la más afectada conesta condición. (AU)

Background: Knowing the nutritional status of the school population is an essential factor in the objective ofguaranteeing an integral development of the populations. Objective: To estimate the prevalence andsociodemographic factors associated with the nutritional status of children and adolescents from 5 to 17years old enrolled in the official Educational Institutions of the municipality of Envigado.Methods: Observational study with a quantitative approach, cross-sectional and analytical scope. Carried outin 2,164 schoolchildren, using stratified probability sampling. The classification of the indicators was carriedout using the WHO standards. Basic descriptive statistics were used and statistical association betweencategorical variables was determined by using independence tests.Results: 6.88% (149) of the schoolchildren were at risk of thinness, 1.39% (30) were thin and 35.09% wereoverweight (22.21% Overweight and 12.88% obesity), it was found association between age group andnutritional status, identifying that excess weight was significantly higher in the population aged 5 to 12 years(42.9%) for both overweight and obesity.Conclusions: The main nutritional problems in all the boys, girls and adolescents studied are the risk of beingoverweight, overweight and obesity, with the population aged 5 to 12 being the most affected with thiscondition. (AU)

A genome-proteome-based approach for xylan degradation by Cohnella sp. AR92.

Several members of Cohnella genus have been reported as xylanolytic bacteria with significant capacity as carbohydrate-active enzyme producers (CAZymes), whose mechanisms involving xylan degradation are a key goal for suitable applications in bio-based industries. Using Cohnella sp. AR92 bacterium, we ensembled a genomic-proteomic approach to assess plant biomass conversion targeting its xylanolytic set of enzymes. Also, the genomic traits of the strain AR92 were compared to other Cohnella spp., showing a significant variability in terms of genome sizes and content of genes that code CAZymes. The AR92 strain genome harbours 209 CAZymes encoding sequences active on different polysaccharides, particularly directed towards xylans. Concurrent proteomic data recovered from cultures containing three kinds of lignocellulosic-derived substrates showed a broad set of xylan-degrading enzymes. The most abundant CAZymes expressed in the different conditions assayed were endo-ß-1,4-xylanases belonging to the GH11 and GH10 families, enzymes that were previously proved to be useful in the biotransformation of lignocellulosic biomass derived from sugarcane as well as onto xylan-enriched substrates. Therefore, considering the large reserve of CAZymes of Cohnella sp. AR92, a xylan processing model for AR92 strain is proposed.

Práctica de la lactancia materna y factores asociados entre mujeres jóvenes y adultas en el Municipio de Envigado, Antioquia-Colombia / Breastfeeding practices and associated factors among young and adult women in the Municipality of Envigado, Antioquia-Colombia

Introducción. La lactancia materna (LM) tiene retosdesde la preparación, nacimiento, primera hora de vida(PHV), protección de madres en hospital, apoyo de asesoras y familiares. La LM exclusiva en Colombia es 36,1% (1 mes)y en municipio Envigado alcanzó 3,1 meses, en 2015. Objetivo. Comparar la práctica de LM y factores asociadosa planificación de gestación, inicio, tipo y duración total de LMen madres jóvenes (MJ) y adultas (MA) del Municipio deEnvigado, Departamento Antioquia, Colombia. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, observacional,con muestreo probabilístico. De un universo de 3540 nacidos,se seleccionó 288 madres lactantes. Variables asociadas aservicios de salud, prácticas y tiempos de LM fueron estudia-das. Para análisis de datos se utilizó SPSSv22. Estudio apro-bado por comité de ética de la Universidad CES. Resultados: La entrega del bebé a la madre inmediata oPHV (83%), favorece la LM precoz (74%). La LM exclusiva(4,6 meses) y la total (12,6 meses) fueron similares en MJ(<27 años) y MA (≥27 años). En MJ tener al bebé hospitali-zado (p=0,00), el número de hijos (p=0,04) y un embarazoplanificado (p=0,02) predicen la LM en PHV, exclusiva y total En MA, tener al menor hospitalizado (p=0,01), la ocupación ylas asesorías predicen la LM en PHV, exclusiva y total. El prin-cipal predictor de LM exclusiva (p=0,02) y total (p=0,01) esla asesoría en LM. Discusión: La asesoría en LM es la principal estrategia deapoyo, promoción y mantenimiento de la LM, lo que se reflejaen las elevadas prevalencias de esta práctica esencial. Conclusiones: La asesoría en LM desde la gestación es elprincipal factor que predice la práctica de la LM exclusiva y to-tal. La hospitalización del neonato en periodo postparto y tipo de parto influyen significativamente en el contacto piela piel y la LM en PHV del bebé.(AU)

Introduction: Breastfeeding (BF) has challenges frompreparation, birth, first hour of life (FHL), protection of moth-ers in hospital, support from counselors and relatives.Exclusive BF in Colombia is 36.1% (1 month) and in Envigadomunicipality reached 3.1 months, in 2015. Objective: Compare the practice of BF and factors associ-ated with planning of gestation, onset, type and total durationof BF in young mothers (YW) and adults (AW) of theMunicipality of Envigado, Antioquia Department, Colombia. Material and methods: Quantitative, observational study,with probability sampling. From a universe of 3,540 new-borns, 288 lactating mothers were selected. Variables associ-ated with health services, practices and times of BF werestudied. SPSSv22 was used for data analysis. Study approvedby the ethics committee of the CES University. Results: Delivery of the baby to the immediate mother orFHL (83%), favors early BF (74%). Exclusive BF (4.6 months)and total BF (12.6 months) were similar in YW (<27 years)and AW (≥27 years). In YW, having the baby hospitalized (p= 0.00), the number of children (p = 0.04) and a plannedpregnancy (p = 0.02) predict BF in FHL, exclusive and totalBF. In AW, having the minor hospitalized (p = 0.01), occupa-tion and counseling predict BF in FHL, exclusive and total. Themain predictor of exclusive (p = 0.02) and total (p = 0.01) BFis BF counseling. Discussion. BF counseling is the main strategy for thesupport, promotion and maintenance of BF, which is reflectedin the high prevalences of this essential practice. Conclusions: Advice on BF from pregnancy is the mainfactor that predicts the practice of exclusive and total BF. Thehospitalization of the neonate in the postpartum period andtype of delivery significantly influences skin-to-skin contactand BF in the first hour of life.(AU)

Albergues temporales como apoyo a la accesibilidad al tercer nivel de atención para poblaciones rurales dispersas: experiencias de pacientes y acompañantes / Temporary shelters to support accessibility to tertiary health care services for rural dispersed populations: patients and companions experiences

Introducción: los servicios de salud en zonas rurales dispersas se han focalizado en la atención primaria. Para lograr integralidad es necesario brindar accesibilidad a los servicios de tercer nivel, lo que representa un reto para los sistemas de salud por los costos y la disponibilidad de profesionales. Varios países desplazan especialistas y equipos a las zonas rurales; en Colombia son los pacientes quienes se trasladan a los centros especializados y las aseguradoras en salud administran dineros provenientes del estado para cubrir los costos. Para ello se requiere el apoyo de albergues temporales que brinden alojamiento y alimentación a pacientes y familiares de bajos recursos. Métodos: estudio cualitativo de caso con enfoque fenomenológico para conocer la experiencia de los usuarios de dos albergues que atienden pacientes y acompañantes provenientes de una zona distante 700 km de Bogotá. Resultados: los servicios de los albergues son bien percibidos por los usuarios, aunque sedestacan aspectos locativos por mejorar. El servicio se focaliza en hospedaje, transporte y alimentación quedando un vacío en otras necesidades como ocupación del tiempo libre, apoyo emocional y social. La demora en la atención en salud es la principal causa de inconformidad pues afecta la cotidianidad de las familias por el desplazamiento y la incomunicación. Conclusiones: la atención especializada trasladando pacientes de las zonas dispersas a los centros urbanos representa una experiencia innovadora que debe ser evaluada desde el punto de vista económico y emocional para analizar su relación costo beneficio y su sostenibilidad.

Introduction: health services in disperse rural areas have focused on primary care. In order to achieve comprehensive services, access to tertiary health care services needs to be provided. This represents a challenge for health systems in terms of costs and availability of healthcare professionals. In several countries, specialists and equipment are moved to rural areas; while in Colombia it is the patient who travels to the specialized centers. Health insurers administer money from the state to cover the expenses. This requires temporary shelters providing accommodation and food to low-income patients and their families. Methods: a phenomenological qualitative case study approach to learn about users experiences in two lodges serving patients and their companions who come from an area 700 km away from Bogota. Results: shelters ́ services are well qualified by users, although facilities need to be improved in some aspects. Services are centered on accommodation, transportation and food leaving a gap in other needs such as free time and leisure activities and emotional and social support. Delay in health care provision is the main cause of dissatisfaction for it affects family everyday life due to displacement and lack of communication. Conclusions: specialized assistance by transferring patients from dispersed areas to urban centers represents an innovative experience which should be evaluated from the economic and emotional perspective to enable a cost-benefit and sustainability analysis.

Caregiver rating of early childhood development: Reliability and validity of the ASQ-3 in rural Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: Although performance-based assessment of early childhood development is preferred, there are a number of limitations to this methodology in low resource settings (LRSs). Hence, clinicians and researchers often rely on caregiver report screening tools. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3 (ASQ) is one of the most widely used caregiver report measures globally. Adequate psychometric properties have been demonstrated in high income settings, especially when used in older children, high- risk children, or those with severe neurodevelopmental delays. However, its utility is more variable within very young children and for use in LRSs. METHODS: The reliability and validity of the ASQ was determined for children ages 0-5 years living in rural Guatemala. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed, as well as concurrent and predictive validity. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values related to performance-based developmental assessment (Mullen Scales of Early Learning; MSEL) and growth status (i.e. stunting) were also calculated. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability for the ASQ was adequate, except when results were limited by small sample size. Test-retest reliability ranged from low to moderate (r = 0.08-0.43; p < 0.05-0.01). However, there was significant variability in mean scores over time across ASQ domain scores. In terms of validity, the ASQ did not discriminate adequately between children who performed within or below age-expectations on performance-based developmental testing or those with and without stunting. CONCLUSIONS: The ASQ did not demonstrate adequate psychometric properties in rural Guatemala, consistent with concerns documented in other LRSs. These results indicate that existing caregiver report screening measures of early childhood development should be utilized with caution in LRSs, and alternative methods for assessment or in the development and utilization of caregiver report measures should be considered.

Parent Report of Health Related Quality of Life in Young Children in Rural Guatemala: Implementation, Reliability, and Validity of the PedsQL in Stunting and Wasting.

In this study, we review the implementation, reliability, and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), a measure of health-related quality of life, in young children in rural Guatemala. Mothers of 842 children (age range = 1-60 months) completed the PedsQL Generic Core Scales 4.0 serially for 1 year. Low (Pearson's r = 0.28, P < .0001) to moderate (Pearson's r = 0.65, P < .0001) consistency in responding over time was shown. The PedsQL did not discriminate reliably between healthy children and those with stunting or wasting. PedsQL scores were not lower during the time of an acute illness. While we found low to moderate evidence for the reliability of the PedsQL in healthy children, it did not discriminate between healthy children and those with stunting, wasting or other acute illness.

Surface roughness of titanium disks influences the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic properties derived from human.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the response of osteogenic cell lineage and gingival fibroblastic cells to different surface treatments of grade IV commercially pure Titanium (cpTi) disks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Grade IV cpTi disks with different surfaces were produced: machined (M), sandblasting (B), sandblasting and acid subtraction (NP), and hydrophilic treatment (ACQ). Surface microtopography characteristics and chemical composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS). Adhesion and proliferation of SC-EHAD (human surgically-created early healing alveolar defects) and HGF-1 (human gingival fibroblasts) on Ti disks were investigated at 24 and 48 h, and osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were evaluated by assessing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red staining, respectively. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the various surface treatments for all surface roughness parameters, except for skewness of the assessed profile (Rsk) favoring M (p = 0.035 ANOVA). M disks showed a slightly higher (p > 0.05; Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn) adhesion of HGF-1 (89.43 ± 9.13%) than SC-EHAD cells (57.11 ± 17.72%). ACQ showed a significantly higher percentage of SC-EHAD (100%) than HGF-1 (69.67 ± 13.97%) cells adhered at 24 h. SC-EHAD cells expressed increased ALP activity in osteogenic medium at M (213%) and NP (235.04%) surfaces, but higher mineralization activity on ACQ (54.94 ± 4.80%) at 14 days. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that surface treatment influences the chemical composition and the adhesion and differentiation of osteogenic cells in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hydrophilic surface treatment of grade IV cpTi disks influences osteogenic cell adhesion and differentiation, which might enhance osseointegration.

Predicting Successful Laparoendoscopic Transhiatal Esophagectomy (THE) by Mediastinal Height Measurement.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) provides advantages over traditional THE by not only avoiding laparotomy but by also allowing more precise esophageal mobilization. Occasionally, the length of the gastric conduit is insufficient to allow delivery into the neck after laparoscopic mobilization and requires laparotomy to complete the procedure. We hypothesize that the need for laparotomy will correlate with the measurement of mediastinal height (distance from thoracic vertebrae T1-T12) on chest CT. METHODS: Medical records of all patients who underwent attempted laparoendoscopic-assisted THE at a tertiary referral center between March 1, 2003 and January 31, 2019 were reviewed. Patients' mediastinal height was measured using computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest by investigators and analyzed for correlation between mediastinal height and successful completion of a totally laparoendoscopic procedure. RESULTS: A total of 21 cases met inclusion criteria: 9 successful laparoendoscopic THE procedures and 12 failed laparoendoscopic THE procedures (those requiring addition of a mini-laparotomy or thoracotomy). The mean mediastinal length for successful laparoendoscopic surgery was 23.5 cm, whereas the mean mediastinal length for failed laparoscopic surgeries was 24.8 cm (P = .03). Patient's overall height was not found to correlate with the need for conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter mediastinal length is associated with successful laparoendoscopic or laparoscopic THE. This information is readily available to clinicians from routine preoperative staging studies (chest CT) and may be used to potentially predict the success rate of a totally laparoendoscopic approach and aid in patient selection. Further prospective evaluation of these findings is warranted.

Medición de inseguridad alimentaria-nutricional, hambre y estrategias de afrontamiento de niños y adolescentes en Medellín-Colombia / Measurement of food-nutrition insecurity, hunger and coping strategies in children and adolescents in Medellin-Colombia

La inseguridad alimentaria (IA) y hambre afectan a 820 millones de personas en el mundo, 187 millones en América Latina y el Caribe, 18,5 millones en Latinoamérica con más severas crisis humanitarias y a más de la mitad de la población en Colombia. En niños y adolescentes la IA ha sido poco estudiada en Colombia, en parte por ausencia de instrumentos válidos y confiables. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la validez y confiabilidad de escalas que miden la IA y las estrategias de afrontamiento (EA) ante la falta de alimentos en niños y adolescentes. Estudio transversal (n=4051) realizado en Medellín-Colombia que midió la IA (10 ítemes) y EA (9 ítemes) con instrumentos desarrollados previamente. Se utilizó SPSS v21 para realizar análisis de componentes principales (ACP), validez y confiabilidad. Siete de cada 10 niños se preocupan por la falta de alimentos. El ACP de instrumento IA arrojó dos componentes: 1. cantidad, calidad y preocupación; 2. episodios de hambre, que explican 57 % de varianza. El ACP de las EA explica 43 % de varianza. Los instrumentos de IA y EA poseen una buena confiabilidad (α-Cronbach's de 0,78 y 0,82). El instrumento de IA se validó comparándolo con la talla para la edad, que arrojó una asociación inversa y significativa entre baja talla y la seguridad alimentaria. Esta investigación es la primera en evidenciar que la problemática de IA está presente en los niños y adolescentes de Medellín. Los instrumentos de IA y EA utilizados resultaron ser altamente válidos y confiables(AU)

Food insecurity (FI) and hunger affected 820 million people in the world, 187 million in Latin America and the Caribbean, 18.5 million in Latin America lived the worst severe food crises, and more than half of the Colombian population live with FI. FI in children and adolescents has been little measure, partly due to absence of valid and reliable instruments in Colombia. The aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the FI and coping strategies (CS) tools in children and adolescents. Cross-sectional study (n = 4051) carried out in Medellín-Colombia. A 10-ítemes scale is used to measure FI and 9-ítemes scale capture the CS. SPSS v21 program was used to analyze data. Principal component analysis (PCA), validity and reliability were applied. Seven out of 10 children mentioned they were worry for FI. PCA showed two main components of FI: 1. Related with quantity, quality and worry about food; 2. Hunger episodes, that explain 57% of variance. PCA of the CS scale resulted in one component that explains 43% of variance. FI and CS instruments resulted in good reliability (α-Cronbach 0.78; 0.82). FI instrument was validated by comparing it with height-for-age indicator, which showed an association between stunting (low height-for-age) and food insecurity. This study is the first to show that children and adolescents living in Medellín are facing FI and CS. The FI and CS scales used were found to be highly valid and reliable(AU)

Reliability and Validity of an Adapted and Translated Version of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (AT-MSEL) in Rural Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: A growing literature base supports the use of tests developed in high-income countries to assess children in low resource settings when carefully translated, adapted, and applied. Evaluation of psychometric properties of adapted and translated measures within populations is necessary. The current project sought to evaluate the reliability and validity of an adapted and translated version of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (AT-MSEL) in rural Guatelama. METHODS: The reliability and validity of the AT-MSEL in rural Guatemala were analyzed for children ages 0-5 years. RESULTS: Interrater reliability coefficients (ICC = 0.99-1.0) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91-0.93) were excellent for all subscales. General linear models utilizing paired data showed consistency between standard scores (p < 0.0001). Mean raw scores increased with chronological age, as expected. Across age groups, subscales were significantly, positively correlated with one another (p < 0.05 - < 0.001) with one exception, visual reception and expressive language at the 0-10 month age range (p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: The AT- MSEL showed strong psychometric properties in a sample of young children in rural Guatemala. Findings demonstrate that the AT-MSEL can be used validly and reliably within this specific population of children. This work supports the concept that tests developed in high-income countries can be used to assess children in low resource settings when carefully translated, adapted and applied.

Receptive language skills among young children in rural Guatemala: The relationship between the Test de Vocabulario en Imagenes Peabody and a translated and adapted version of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning.

BACKGROUND: Children in low- and lower middle income countries (LMICs) often have poorer language skills compared with children from high-income countries. Limited availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment measures in LMICs, especially for young children, can hinder early identification and prevention efforts. Here, we describe receptive language (RL) skills among young children in rural Guatemala and report on the validity of a translated and culturally adapted developmental measure of RL. METHODS: Children (n = 157; m = 53.6 months, range = 42-68 months) enrolled in a prospective cohort study of postnatally acquired Zika virus infection were administered the Test de Vocabulario en Imagenes Peabody (TVIP) and the RL scale from a translated and adapted version of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). Performance on the TVIP was compared with the Latin American normative sample. Correlational analysis examined the relationship between performance on the TVIP and the MSEL-RL. RESULTS: Mean scores were significantly below the normative sample mean on the TVIP, t(126) = -11.04, p < .001; d = 1.00. Performance on the TVIP among children who passed the practice items (n = 127) was significantly positively associated with performance on the MSEL-RL (r = .50, p < .001), but not significantly associated with age or gender. Older age (p < .0001) and female gender (p = .018) were associated with passing the TVIP practice items. CONCLUSIONS: Delays in RL vocabulary were identified among young children in rural Guatemala on the TVIP. The association between scores on the TVIP and the RL scale of the MSEL provides preliminary support for the construct validity of this translated and adapted version of the MSEL.

Isolation and characterization of progenitor cells from surgically created early healing alveolar defects in humans: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The granulation tissue present in surgically-created early healing sockets has been considered as a possible source of osteoprogenitor cells for periodontal regeneration, as demonstrated in animal studies. However, the in vitro osteogenic properties of tissue removed from human surgically-created early healing alveolar defects (SC-EHAD) remains to be established, being that the aim of this study. METHODS: Surgical defects were created in the edentulous ridge of two systemically healthy adults. The healing tissue present in these defects was removed 21 days later for the establishment of primary culture. The in vitro characteristics of the cultured cells were determined by Armelin method, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, immunohistochemistry, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization assay, and flow cytometry for detection of stem cells/osteoprogenitor cell markers. RESULTS: Cells were able to adhere to the plastic and assumed spindle-shaped morphology at earlier passages, changing to a cuboidal one with increasing passages. Differences in the proliferation rate were observed with increasing passages, suggesting osteogenic differentiation. ALP and mineralization activities were detected in conventional and osteogenic medium. Fresh samples of SC-EHAD tissue exhibited CD34- and CD45- phenotypes. Cells at later passages (14th) exhibited CD34- , CD45- , CD105- , CD166- , and collagen type I+ phenotype. CONCLUSION: Tissue removed from SC-EHAD is a possible source of progenitor cells.

Integral process assessment of sugarcane agricultural crop residues conversion to ethanol.

This work focuses a whole process assessment on post-harvesting sugarcane residues for 2G ethanol production by different saccharification-fermentation conditions at high solids loading, performed after steam explosion, alkaline and acidic pretreatments. Carbohydrate recoveries and enzymatic digestibility results showed that alkali and steam explosion pretreatments were effective for the biomass assayed. Due to a significant improvement (60%) of the glucose released by combining hemicellulases and cellulases only after the NaOH pretreatment, the most favorable process settled comprised an alkali-based pretreatment followed by a pre-saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (PSSF). The produced ethanol reached 4.8% (w/w) as a result of an 80% conversion of the glucose from the pretreated biomass. Finally, an ethanol concentration of 3.2% (w/w) was obtained by means of a steam explosion followed by PSSF, representing a suitable start point to further develop a low environmental impact alternative for ethanol production.

Fisiopatología de la hipertensión arterial secundaria a obesidad / Pathophysiology of hypertension secondary to obesity

Resumen: La obesidad es un problema de gran morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. Hoy en día, ha sido constituido como un factor de riesgo cardiovascular, que predispone frecuentemente al desarrollo de múltiples dolencias que deterioran la calidad de vida, tales como hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia y diabetes, que se relacionan con algunos de los criterios que se deben tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico del síndrome metabólico. Durante esta revisión, se busca explicar la relación entre la obesidad, el síndrome metabólico y el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial a partir de conceptos neurohumorales, bioquímicos y mecánicos.

Abstract: The obesity is a problem with a high morbidity and mortality all over the world. It has now been designated as a cardiovascular risk factor. It often predisposes the development of many diseases that reduce quality of life, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes. These diseases are associated with some of the criteria that should be considered in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. During this review, explanations will be presented on the relationship between obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the development of hypertension from neurohumoral, biochemical and mechanical concepts.

Oral health in adolescents with disabilities from centro de educación especial San Miguel, Guarambaré, Paraguay / Salud bucal en adolescentes con discapacidad del centro de educación especial San Miguel, de Guarambaré, Paraguay

ABSTRACT: Introduction: oral health in patients with disabilities represents a great challenge in dentistry, as motor, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional limitations influence oral hygiene, leading to the development of certain diseases in this population. The aim of the present study was to analyze the oral health conditions of school children with disabilities aged 12 to 18 years attending Centro de Educación Especial San Miguel, in the city of Guarambaré, in 2013. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A survey was applied to 20 schoolchildren who met the inclusion criteria. Oral health was assessed using the DMFT index, as well as the dental plaque, tartar, gingival indices and occlusal anomalies. Results: the DMFT index was 5.5 (SD = 4.38), dental plaque index was 1.15, tartar was 0.53 and gingival index was 0.68. There was malocclusion in 50% of cases, of which 35% were class II and 15% class III. Conclusions: the school children participating in this study do not enjoy good health conditions because of the high rate of tooth decay, high percentages of dental plaque, and a large percentage of preventive and restorative needs.

RESUMEN: Introducción: la salud bucal en pacientes con discapacidad representa un gran desafío en la odontología, pues las limitaciones motoras, sensoriales, cognitivas, conductuales y emocionales inciden en la higiene oral, lo cual lleva al desarrollo de ciertas enfermedades en esta población. El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en analizar el estado de salud bucal de escolares de 12 a 18 años con discapacidad, que asistieron al Centro de Educación Especial San Miguel, de la ciudad de Guarambaré, en el año 2013. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se realizó un censo en el que participaron 20 escolares que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. La salud bucal se evaluó mediante los índices CPO-D, placa dental, sarro, gingival y anomalías de oclusión. Resultados: el índice CPO-D fue de 5,5 (DE = 4,38), el índice de placa dental fue de 1,15, el de sarro fue de 0,53 y el gingival de 0,68. Se presentó maloclusión en el 50%, de los cuales 35% correspondieron a la clase II y el 15% a la clase III. Conclusiones: no existen condiciones aceptables de salud bucal en los escolares de este estudio debido al elevado índice de caries, a los altos porcentajes de placa dental, y a un gran porcentaje de necesidades preventivas y restauradoras.