The differential effects of palmitic acid and oleic acid on the metabolic response of hypothalamic astrocytes from male and female mice.

Diets rich in saturated fats are more detrimental to health than those containing mono- or unsaturated fats. Fatty acids are an important source of energy, but they also relay information regarding nutritional status to hypothalamic metabolic circuits and when in excess can be detrimental to these circuits. Astrocytes are the main site of central fatty acid ß-oxidation, and hypothalamic astrocytes participate in energy homeostasis, in part by modulating hormonal and nutritional signals reaching metabolic neurons, as well as in the inflammatory response to high-fat diets. Thus, we hypothesized that how hypothalamic astrocytes process-specific fatty acids participates in determining the differential metabolic response and that this is sex dependent as males and females respond differently to high-fat diets. Male and female primary hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were treated with oleic acid (OA) or palmitic acid (PA) for 24 h, and an untargeted metabolomics study was performed. A clear predictive model for PA exposure was obtained, while the metabolome after OA exposure was not different from controls. The observed modifications in metabolites, as well as the expression levels of key metabolic enzymes, indicate a reduction in the activity of the Krebs and glutamate/glutamine cycles in response to PA. In addition, there were specific differences between the response of astrocytes from male and female mice, as well as between hypothalamic and cerebral cortical astrocytes. Thus, the response of hypothalamic astrocytes to specific fatty acids could result in differential impacts on surrounding metabolic neurons and resulting in varied systemic metabolic outcomes.

Validity, reliability, and readability of single-item and short physical activity questionnaires for use in surveillance: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Accurate and fast measurement of physical activity is important for surveillance. Even though many physical activity questionnaires (PAQ) are currently used in research, it is unclear which of them is the most reliable, valid, and easy to use. This systematic review aimed to identify existing brief PAQs, describe and compare their measurement properties, and assess their level of readability. METHODS: We performed a systematic review based on the PRISMA statement. Literature searches were conducted in six scientific databases. Articles were included if they evaluated validity and/or reliability of brief (i.e., with a maximum of three questions) physical activity or exercise questionnaires intended for healthy adults. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, data were summarized narratively. The level of readability was calculated according to the Flesch-Kincaid formula. RESULTS: In total, 35 articles published in English or Spanish were included, evaluating 32 distinct brief PAQs. The studies indicated moderate to good levels of reliability for the PAQs. However, the majority of results showed weak validity when validated against device-based measurements and demonstrated weak to moderate validity when validated against other PAQs. Most of the assessed PAQs met the criterion of being "short," allowing respondents to complete them in less than one minute either by themselves or with an interviewer. However, only 17 questionnaires had a readability level that indicates that the PAQ is easy to understand for the majority of the population. CONCLUSIONS: This review identified a variety of brief PAQs, but most of them were evaluated in only a single study. Validity and reliability of short and long questionnaires are found to be at a comparable level, short PAQs can be recommended for use in surveillance systems. However, the methods used to assess measurement properties varied widely across studies, limiting the comparability between different PAQs and making it challenging to identify a single tool as the most suitable. None of the evaluated brief PAQs allowed for the measurement of whether a person fulfills current WHO physical activity guidelines. Future development or adaptation of PAQs should prioritize readability as an important factor to enhance their usability.

Complete dentures associated with frailty among edentulous older Japanese people: A prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the cross-sectional and prospective associations between self-reported functionality of complete dentures (FCD), satisfaction with complete dentures (SCD) and the ability to chew hard food (ACHF) on the one hand and the frailty index (FI) on the other hand among edentulous community-dwelling older Japanese people. METHODS: The study examined 770 edentulous participants of the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging. The self-reported FCD, SCD and ability to chew six groups of food (from hardest to softest) with complete dentures were the independent variables at the baseline. The FI was computed including 40 deficits as the dependent variable at the baseline and 4 years later. Cross-sectional and prospective generalized linear regression models were fitted controlling for age, gender, marital status, education, working status and area of residence. RESULTS: The use of non-functional complete dentures and dissatisfaction with complete dentures were both associated with a higher FI cross-sectionally (3.9% [95% CI 2.2-5.6] and 3.2% [95% CI 1.5-4.9], respectively) and prospectively (3.9% [95% CI 2.0-6.0] and 3.3% [95% CI 1.3-5.3], respectively). Regarding the ability to chew, a higher FI at baseline was observed among those able to chew food of Group 2 (1.9%, [95% CI 0.1-3.7]) and Groups 4-6 (1.9%, [95% CI 0.1-3.7]), and a progressive increment in the FI, as the participants reported being able to chew softer groups of food at the follow-up (Group 2: 2.2% [95% CI 0.05-4.3]; Group 3: 3.6% [95% CI 1.2-6.0]; and Groups 4-6: 3.4 [95% CI 0.7-6.1]). CONCLUSION: Self-reported use of non-functional complete dentures, dissatisfaction with dentures and a reduced ACHF with complete dentures were associated with a higher FI both cross-sectionally and prospectively.

Synergism Between Hypothalamic Astrocytes and Neurons in Metabolic Control.

Astrocytes are no longer considered as passive support cells. In the hypothalamus, these glial cells actively participate in the control of appetite, energy expenditure, and the processes leading to obesity and its secondary complications. Here we briefly review studies supporting this conclusion and the advances made in understanding the underlying mechanisms.

A multidisciplinary approach to analyze the antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to both human health and environmental well-being. Our study delved into Costa Rican wildlife reserves, uncovering a substantial human impact on these ecosystems and underscoring the imperative to pinpoint AMR hotspots. Embracing a One Health perspective, we advocated for a comprehensive landscape analysis that intricately intertwined geographic, climatic, forest, and human factors. This study illuminated the link between laboratory results and observed patterns of antimicrobial use, thereby paving the way for sustainable solutions. Our innovative methodology involved deploying open-ended questions to explore antimicrobial usage across livestock activities, contributing to establishing a comprehensive methodology. Non-invasive sampling in wildlife emerged as a critical aspect, shedding light on areas contaminated by AMR. Feline species, positioned at the apex of the food chain, acted as sentinels for environmental health due to heightened exposure to improperly disposed waste. Regarding laboratory findings, each sample revealed the presence of at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). Notably, genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines dominated (94.9%), followed by beta-lactams (75.6%), sulfonamides (53.8%), aminoglycosides (51.3%), quinolones (44.9%), phenicols (25.6%), and macrolides (20.5%). Genes encoding polymyxins were not detected. Moreover, 66% of samples carried a multi-resistant microbiome, with 15% exhibiting resistance to three antimicrobial families and 51% to four. The absence of a correlation between forest coverage and ARG presence underscored the profound human impact on wildlife reserves, surpassing previous estimations. This environmental pressure could potentially modify microbiomes and resistomes in unknown ways. As not all antimicrobial families encoding ARGs were utilized by farmers, our next step involved evaluating other human activities to identify the primary sources of contamination. This comprehensive study contributed crucial insights into the intricate dynamics of AMR in natural ecosystems, paving the way for targeted interventions and sustainable coexistence.

Prevalence, and Risk Indicators of Coronal and Root Caries in Mexican Older Adults in Nursing Homes.

Background: Several factors are associated with coronal and root caries in older persons. The purpose of this study was to determine the experience, prevalence, and risk indicators (socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and dental variables) of coronal and root caries in older persons residing in nursing homes in Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 227 dentate participants with natural teeth. Convenience sample, where all dentate residents were invited to participate. The dependent variables were coronal caries and root caries, which were determined through an oral clinical examination. The independent variables were sociodemographic factors, location, type of center, surfaces free of dental biofilm and calculus, surfaces with recession, retainers in contact with surfaces with recession, xerostomia, smoking, and the previous use of dental services. The binary logistic regression model was used in the analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants in this study was 77.7±8.8 years, and 69.2% were women. Moreover, 71.8% live in long-term care facilities, and 48.0% live in Mexico City. The prevalence of coronal and root caries was found to be 67.8% and 50.7%, respectively. Being male and living in Mexico City were risk indicators for coronal caries, and with a 1% increase in surfaces with no biofilm, the risk decreased by 2%. Being widowed, having government or no social security, denture retainers, and coronal caries were risk indicators for root caries, while the utilization of dental services indicated lower risk. Conclusion: Several variables that differ in nature were found to be risk indicators for coronal and root caries. Coronal caries increases the risk of root caries. Prevention should be aimed at identifying persons at higher risk, and dental care should be improved for persons living in long-term care institutions.

Evaluation of imaging findings in gastrointestinal anisakiasis in emergency CT and ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: To assess the frequency of appearance of various signs (isolated and grouped) in emergency imaging tests in patients with anisakiasis, according to the location of gastrointestinal tract involvement. METHODS: Retrospective review by two experienced radiologists of emergency ultrasounds and CTs performed on patients admitted in the Emergency Department of our hospital with later confirmed anisakiasis (2010-2021), assessing the presence of signs suggesting anisakiasis. Calculation of the frequency of appearance according to the gastric or intestinal location, as well as the most common grouped signs. RESULTS: Out of 231 total patients with anisakiasis, imaging studies were performed in 144: abdominopelvic ultrasound in 43 cases and CT in 111 (both techniques in 31). In cases with gastric occurrence (34), in CT the wall stratification (100%), wall thickening (97%), fat stranding (91%) and ascitic fluid (82%) were predominant. In the intestinal cases (105), in CT (95) the wall thickening (100%), fat stranding (92%) and mesenteric vessel engorgement (83%) were usual; in ultrasound (40), ascitic fluid and wall thickening (70% in both cases) were frequently observed. The frequency of grouped appearance of the mentioned signs was 82% in gastric cases, 80% in intestinal cases and 50% in ultrasounds. Multisegment involvement in CT reached 28% (gastric + intestinal) and 11% (only intestinal) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent CT findings in patients with gastric anisakiasis are wall stratification and thickening, fat stranding and ascitic fluid. In the intestinal cases, wall thickening, fat oedema and vessel engorgement are the most often observed findings. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The presence of different radiological signs makes it advisable to include anisakiasis in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. Intestinal and multifocal involvement rates are greater than previously reported. KEY POINTS: • In gastric anisakiasis, CT frequently shows wall stratification and thickening, fat stranding and ascitic fluid. • In intestinal anisakiasis, CT often presents wall thickening, fat stranding and vessel engorgement. • In intestinal anisakiasis, ultrasounds most frequently show ascitic fluid and wall thickening.

Current status of geriatric dentistry education in selected dental schools in Latin America and the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: Latin American and Carribean (LAC) are currently experiencing a rapid aging of their population, coupled with a significant burden of oral diseases. Despites this, there is a scarcity of evidence regarding the manner in wich geriatric dentistry is being taught in dental schools across LAC. So, the objective of this study is to investigate the current status of geriatric dentistry education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in selected LAC dental schools. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was developed and emailed to all 539 dental schools in 19 LAC countries. The questionnaire recorded activity levels, contents and methodology of geriatric dentistry education as part of dental degree programmes. Reminders by email and telephone calls were used to encourage non-responders to complete the questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 317 schools from 17 countries responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 58.8%). Geriatric dentistry was taught in 54.6% of the schools at the undergraduate level and in 6.9% at the postgraduate level. Thirty two percent of the schools had a programme director trained in geriatric dentistry. Geriatric dentistry was taught as an independent course in 14.5% of the schools. Dry mouth, periodontal disease, denture-related conditions and prosthodontic management, oral mucosal disease and age-related changes of the orofacial complex were the most frequently covered topics. Clinical teaching of geriatric dentistry was reported by 26.5% of the schools, with 38.0% providing clinical training in outreach facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric dentistry education remains incipient in LAC, with only one in every four dental school offering it as a standalone course. There is an urgent need to further develop geriatric dentistry education in the continent, including further research to develop a minimum geriatric dentistry curriculum.

[Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. A systematic review.] / Reparación artroscópica de roturas del manguito rotador del hombro mediante técnica de una hilera frente a doble hilera. Revisión sistemática.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature to compare single and double row techniques for rotator cuff tears in terms of functional, pain improvement and structural healing of the tendon. Methods: In order to carry out the research, a systematic selection of scientific articles has been made by consulting PubMed and The Cochrane Library databases. The articles included in the present study compare the single-row and double-row techniques, with publication date between 2016 and 2021. Results: Diverse results are observed in the UCLA, SST, Constant and ASES assessment scales and in the range of mobility, therefore, the superiority of one technique in terms of functional results is not established. The double row technique may show superiority in the strength variable, although there is a methodological variability in its measurement. The double-row technique may be related to more intense postoperative pain, while the single-row technique to residual shoulder pain. However, the variables strength and pain show non-homogeneous or coincident data. The superiority of the double row repair in the structural healing of the tendon and a lower re-tear rate than the single row technique is established with statistically significant results, being the most homogeneous and coincident studies.

Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio es realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica para comparar las técnicas de hilera simple y doble para los desgarros del manguito de los rotadores en términos de curación funcional, del dolor y estructural del tendón. Métodos: Para llevar a cabo la investigación se ha realizado una selección sistemática de artículos científicos consultando las bases de datos PubMed y The Cochrane Library. Los artículos incluidos en el presente estudio comparan las técnicas de una y dos hileras, con fecha de publicación entre 2016 y 2021. Resultados: Se observan diversos resultados en las escalas de valoración UCLA, SST, Constant y ASES y en el rango de movilidad, por lo que no se establece la superioridad de una técnica en cuanto a resultados funcionales. La técnica de doble hilera puede mostrar superioridad en la variable fuerza, aunque existe una variabilidad metodológica en su medición. La técnica de doble hilera puede estar relacionada con un dolor postoperatorio más intenso, mientras que la técnica de hilera simple con dolor residual en el hombro. Sin embargo, las variables fuerza y ​​dolor muestran datos no homogéneos o coincidentes. Se establece con resultados estadísticamente significativos, siendo los estudios más homogéneos y coincidentes, la superioridad de la reparación en doble hilera en la cicatrización estructural del tendón y una menor tasa de re-desgarro que la técnica de hilera simple.

The metabolic effects of resumption of a high fat diet after weight loss are sex dependent in mice.

Dietary restriction is a frequent strategy for weight loss, but adherence is difficult and returning to poor dietary habits can result in more weight gain than that previously lost. How weight loss due to unrestricted intake of a healthy diet affects the response to resumption of poor dietary habits is less studied. Moreover, whether this response differs between the sexes and if the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, sex dependent and involved in metabolic control, participates is unknown. Mice received rodent chow (6% Kcal from fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD, 62% Kcal from fat) for 4 months, chow for 3 months plus 1 month of HFD, or HFD for 2 months, chow for 1 month then HFD for 1 month. Males and females gained weight on HFD and lost weight when returned to chow at different rates (p < 0.001), but weight gain after resumption of HFD intake was not affected by previous weight loss in either sex. Glucose metabolism was more affected by HFD, as well as the re-exposure to HFD after weight loss, in males. This was associated with increases in hypothalamic mRNA levels of IGF2 (p < 0.01) and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) 2 (p < 0.05), factors involved in glucose metabolism, again only in males. Likewise, IGF2 increased IGFBP2 mRNA levels only in hypothalamic astrocytes from males (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the metabolic responses to dietary changes were less severe and more delayed in females and the IGF system might be involved in some of the sex specific observations.

Relationship between the Social Development Index and Self-Reported Periodontal Conditions.

Inequalities in oral health are influenced by the social strata of the population. Few studies have focused on the multitude of factors related to social development as indicators of living conditions and periodontal health status. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between self-reported periodontal conditions and the Social Development Index (SDI). A cross-sectional validated questionnaire was carried out among 1294 Mexican adults. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the best predictors of self-reported periodontal conditions. Bone loss reporting was used as a proxy for the presence of periodontal disease. We found that higher global scores on the SDI and quality and available space in the home (QASH) increase the probability of having bone loss. Global SDI (OR = 7.27) and higher QASH (OR = 3.66) were indeed the leading societal factors related to periodontal disease. These results have pointed out how SDI and its indicators, in particular QASH, can be used to further explore inequities related to privileged access to dental care in the context of periodontal diseases.

How the training of ultrasonographers influences the certainty of prenatal detection of congenital malformations of interest to the pediatric surgeon.

BACKGROUND: The training needed for doing obstetric ultrasounds is rarely reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the training of the ultrasonographer influences the prenatal diagnostic certainty of some congenital malformations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of antepartum sonographic findings of newborn infants found ultimately to have a congenital anomaly in a tertiary level pediatric reference center. Data were collected on admission for consecutive patients at a tertiary-level pediatric reference center. The mother´s pregnancy and birth demographic variables and those of the prenatal ultrasound (PUS) were analyzed and correlated with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-seven neonates were included. All cases underwent PUS with a mean of 4.6. Prenatal diagnosis was established in 24 cases (35.8%). Thirteen surgical anomalies were detected, particularly anorectal malformation and gastroschisis. The accuracy of PUS was associated with the training of the physician performing the PUS, whereby PUS with the greatest accuracy were performed by gynecologists and maternal-fetal specialists against radiologists and general practitioners (p = 0.005). Patients without an accurate prenatal diagnosis had a greater risk of presenting comorbidities (relative risk [RR]: 1.65, p = < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.299-2.106). CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, prenatal diagnosis of these malformations is directly determined by the training of the person performing the ultrasound.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Con poca frecuencia se ha reportado el entrenamiento necesario para realizar ultrasonido (US) obstétrico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si el entrenamiento del ultrasonografista influye en la certeza del diagnóstico prenatal de algunas malformaciones congénitas. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una evaluación retrospectiva de los hallazgos ultrasonográficos prenatales de neonatos que tuvieron malformaciones congénitas en un hospital de referencia pediátrico de tercer nivel. Se realizó al ingreso de neonatos consecutivos en un hospital de referencia de tercer nivel. Se recolectaron y analizaron datos del embarazo y alumbramiento, así como los de los ultrasonidos prenatales (USP) correlacionando con el diagnóstico final. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 67 neonatos. Todos tuvieron USP con media de 4.6. Se realizó diagnóstico prenatal en 24 casos (35.8%). Se detectaron 13 malformaciones congénitas, predominando malformación anorectal gastrosquisis. La certeza del USP se asoció con el entrenamiento del individuo que realizó el US y la mayor certeza se encontró cuando lo realizaron ginecólogos y especialistas materno-fetales contra radiólogos y médicos generales (p = 0.005). Los pacientes sin diagnóstico prenatal certero tuvieron mayor riesgo de presentar comorbilidades (riesgo relativo [RR]: 1.65, p = < 0.001, 95% intervalo de confianza [CI]: 1.299-2.106). CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro medio, el diagnóstico prenatal de estas malformaciones está determinado directamente por el entrenamiento de la persona que realiza el ultrasonido.

Sex, Age, and Comorbidities Are Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection, COVID-19 Severity, and Fatal Outcome in a Mexican Population: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study.

People with comorbidities and the male sex are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. In the present study, we aim to investigate the associated factors for infection, severity, and death due to COVID-19 in a population from Nuevo León, México. Epidemiological COVID-19 data were collected from 65 hospitals from December 2020 to May 2022. A total of 75,232 cases were compiled from which 25,722 cases were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Male sex, older age, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension were associated with infection. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression were found to be associated with increased COVID-19 severity. These factors, as well as neurological diseases, are also associated with death due to COVID-19. When comparing the different variants of SARs-CoV-2, the variant B1.1.519 increased the probability of death by 2.23 times compared to the AY.20 variant. Male sex, older age, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity, and death. Along with the aforementioned comorbidities, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression are also associated with severity and death. Another factor associated with death is the presence of neurological disease. The SARS-CoV-2 B1.1.519 variant increases the odds of death compared to the SARS-CoV-2 AY.20 variant.

Efficient capture of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) with citrate-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

Several vaccines against COVID-19 use a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) as antigen, making the purification of this protein a key step in their production. In this work, citrate-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were evaluated as nano adsorbents in the first step (capture) of the purification of recombinant RBD. The nanoparticles were isolated through coprecipitation and subsequently coated with sodium citrate. The citrate-coated nanoparticles exhibited a diameter of 10 ± 2 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 160 ± 3 nm, and contained 1.9 wt% of citrate. The presence of citrate on the nanoparticles' surface was confirmed through FT-IR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystallite size (10.1 nm) and the lattice parameter (8.3646 Å) were determined by X-ray diffraction. In parallel, RBD-containing supernatant extracted from cell culture was exchanged through ultrafiltration and diafiltration into the adsorption buffer. The magnetic capture was then optimized using different concentrations of nanoparticles in the purified supernatant, and we found 40 mg mL-1 to be optimal. The ideal amount of nanoparticles was assessed by varying the RBD concentration in the supernatant (between 0.113 mg mL-1 and 0.98 mg mL-1), which resulted in good capture yields (between 83 ± 5% and 94 ± 4%). The improvement of RBD purity after desorption was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Furthermore, the magnetic capture was scaled up 100 times, and the desorption was subjected to chromatographic purifications. The obtained products recognized anti-RBD antibodies and bound the ACE2 receptor, proving their functionality after the developed procedure.

Study of anti-tumorigenic actions of essential fatty acids in a murine mammary gland adenocarcinoma by micro-XRF.

In the present work, a statistical experiment based on the microscopy X-ray fluorescence technique was developed to evaluate the effect of diets rich in ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on tumour tissues. Relative variations on the local content of P, S, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn were analysed in the experiment. Neoplastic tissues were obtained from mammary gland adenocarcinomas inoculated in mice belonging to three different dietary groups: normal, rich in ω-3 and in ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Slices of 30 microns thick sections of these samples were scanned in the air atmosphere in areas of 5 mm × 5 mm with a spatial resolution of 50 microns using synchrotron radiation. Principal component analysis was employed to analyse the correlation between the X-ray fluorescence signals of P, S, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn. The subsequent application of the K-means clustering was used for the automatic segmentation of the image scans. By comparison with conventional histological analysis, the clusters were positively identified as tumour parenchyma, transition and necrotic region. The calculation of the mean content of P, S, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn in these regions showed that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids modify elemental content of tumour parenchyma, suggesting its involvement in the antitumour effects of chia oil and protumour effects of safflower oil.

Valorization of Grape Pomace as a Renewable Source of Techno-Functional and Antioxidant Pectins.

The food industry's increasing demand for new functional ingredients that meet both organoleptic and healthy requirements has driven the exploration of new sources of functional ingredients in agro-industrial by-products. The aim of this work was to valorize grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L. garnacha) as a source of pectins using food-grade extracting agents. Obtained pectins were evaluated for monomeric composition, methyl esterification, molecular weight, water retention, oil-holding capacity, and antioxidant properties. The relatively soft extraction conditions used permitted obtaining low methoxyl pectin (10-42%) enriched in homogalacturonan (38-45%) or rhamnogalacturonan (33-41%) with different branching degrees, molecular weight, and fewer impurities than those found in the scarce previous literature. The relationship between structure and functionality was studied. Among the different pectins obtained, the sample derived from the extraction with sodium citrate could resume the best characteristics, such as pectin purity and higher water retention and oil holding capacity. These results underscore the relevance of grape pomace as a viable alternative source of pectin.

How the training of ultrasonographers influences the certainty of prenatal detection of congenital malformations of interest to the pediatric surgeon / Cómo el entrenamiento del ultrasonografista influye en la certeza de la detección prenatal de malformaciones congénitas de interés para el cirujano pediatra

Abstract Background: The training needed for doing obstetric ultrasounds is rarely reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the training of the ultrasonographer influences the prenatal diagnostic certainty of some congenital malformations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of antepartum sonographic findings of newborn infants found ultimately to have a congenital anomaly in a tertiary level pediatric reference center. Data were collected on admission for consecutive patients at a tertiary-level pediatric reference center. The mother´s pregnancy and birth demographic variables and those of the prenatal ultrasound (PUS) were analyzed and correlated with the final diagnosis. Results: Sixty-seven neonates were included. All cases underwent PUS with a mean of 4.6. Prenatal diagnosis was established in 24 cases (35.8%). Thirteen surgical anomalies were detected, particularly anorectal malformation and gastroschisis. The accuracy of PUS was associated with the training of the physician performing the PUS, whereby PUS with the greatest accuracy were performed by gynecologists and maternal-fetal specialists against radiologists and general practitioners (p = 0.005). Patients without an accurate prenatal diagnosis had a greater risk of presenting comorbidities (relative risk [RR]: 1.65, p = < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.299-2.106). Conclusions: In our setting, prenatal diagnosis of these malformations is directly determined by the training of the person performing the ultrasound.

Resumen Introducción: Con poca frecuencia se ha reportado el entrenamiento necesario para realizar ultrasonido (US) obstétrico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si el entrenamiento del ultrasonografista influye en la certeza del diagnóstico prenatal de algunas malformaciones congénitas. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una evaluación retrospectiva de los hallazgos ultrasonográficos prenatales de neonatos que tuvieron malformaciones congénitas en un hospital de referencia pediátrico de tercer nivel. Se realizó al ingreso de neonatos consecutivos en un hospital de referencia de tercer nivel. Se recolectaron y analizaron datos del embarazo y alumbramiento, así como los de los ultrasonidos prenatales (USP) correlacionando con el diagnóstico final. Resultados: Se incluyeron 67 neonatos. Todos tuvieron USP con media de 4.6. Se realizó diagnóstico prenatal en 24 casos (35.8%). Se detectaron 13 malformaciones congénitas, predominando malformación anorectal gastrosquisis. La certeza del USP se asoció con el entrenamiento del individuo que realizó el US y la mayor certeza se encontró cuando lo realizaron ginecólogos y especialistas materno-fetales contra radiólogos y médicos generales (p = 0.005). Los pacientes sin diagnóstico prenatal certero tuvieron mayor riesgo de presentar comorbilidades (riesgo relativo [RR]: 1.65, p = < 0.001, 95% intervalo de confianza [CI]: 1.299-2.106). Conclusiones: En nuestro medio, el diagnóstico prenatal de estas malformaciones está determinado directamente por el entrenamiento de la persona que realiza el ultrasonido.

Alcohol and lactation: Developmental deficits in a mouse model.

It is well documented that prenatal ethanol exposure via maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy alters brain and behavioral development in offspring. Thus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises against maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. However, little emphasis has been placed on educating new parents about alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. This is partly due to a paucity of research on lactational ethanol exposure (LEE) effects in children; although, it has been shown that infants exposed to ethanol via breast milk frequently present with reduced body mass, low verbal IQ scores, and altered sleeping patterns. As approximately 36% of breastfeeding mothers in the US consume alcohol, continued research in this area is critical. Our study employed a novel murine LEE model, where offspring were exposed to ethanol via nursing from postnatal day (P) 6 through P20, a period correlated with infancy in humans. Compared to controls, LEE mice had reduced body weights and neocortical lengths at P20 and P30. Brain weights were also reduced in both ages in males, and at P20 for females, however, female brain weights recovered to control levels by P30. We investigated neocortical features and found that frontal cortex thickness was reduced in LEE males compared to controls. Analyses of dendritic spines in the prelimbic subdivision of medial prefrontal cortex revealed a trend of reduced densities in LEE mice. Results of behavioral tests suggest that LEE mice engage in higher risk-taking behavior, show abnormal stress regulation, and exhibit increased hyperactivity. In summary, our data describe potential adverse brain and behavioral developmental outcomes due to LEE. Thus, women should be advised to refrain from consuming alcohol during breastfeeding until additional research can better guide recommendations of safe maternal practices in early infancy.

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT ON NATURAL HABITATS BY ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE QUANTIFICATION IN TWO NEOTROPICAL WILD CATS AND THEIR GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS.

Human activities such as habitat degradation and fragmentation threaten biodiversity in Neotropical areas. This work proposes an analytical methodology to identify natural areas in Central America with anthropogenic impact, analyzing the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in accordance with their theoretical relationship with human-related activities. Sixteen ARGs were quantified in feces of different individuals of 13 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 13 pumas (Puma concolor) in three conservation areas in Costa Rica by real-time PCR. At least one ARG was detected in all samples. Of the ARGs encoding tetracycline resistance, the most frequent were tetQ and tetY (85% and 69%, respectively). The sulfonamides (sulI and sulII; 69% each), phenicols (catI and catII; 19% and 54%, respectively), and quinolones (qnrS; 12%) were also detected. The presence of human settlements, livestock farms (pigs, cattle, and poultry), roads, human health centers, flood zones, and rivers were identified within each area to generate an index of human activity. We found no difference between the presence of ARG by roads, agricultural activities, and human settlements (P>0.05). However, tetW showed higher percentages with porcine and bovine farms; both tetY and tetW were more frequent in jaguars than in pumas. Of concern is that many of the most contaminated samples were taken from national parks, such as Braulio Carrillo and Tortuguero, where animals should not have direct contact with humans.

Recent Advances in the Knowledge of the Mechanisms of Leptin Physiology and Actions in Neurological and Metabolic Pathologies.

Excess body weight is frequently associated with low-grade inflammation. Evidence indicates a relationship between obesity and cancer, as well as with other diseases, such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in which inflammation and the actions of various adipokines play a role in the pathological mechanisms involved in these disorders. Leptin is mainly produced by adipose tissue in proportion to fat stores, but it is also synthesized in other organs, where leptin receptors are expressed. This hormone performs numerous actions in the brain, mainly related to the control of energy homeostasis. It is also involved in neurogenesis and neuroprotection, and central leptin resistance is related to some neurological disorders, e.g., Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. In peripheral tissues, leptin is implicated in the regulation of metabolism, as well as of bone density and muscle mass. All these actions can be affected by changes in leptin levels and the mechanisms associated with resistance to this hormone. This review will present recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of leptin action and their underlying roles in pathological situations, which may be of interest for revealing new approaches for the treatment of diseases where the actions of this adipokine might be compromised.