Multiomics Approach Reveals Serum Biomarker Candidates for Congenital Zika Syndrome.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) can be vertically transmitted, causing congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in fetuses. ZIKV infection in early gestational trimesters increases the chances of developing CZS. This syndrome involves several pathologies with a complex diagnosis. In this work, we aim to identify biological processes and molecular pathways related to CZS and propose a series of putative protein and metabolite biomarkers for CZS prognosis in early pregnancy trimesters. We analyzed serum samples of healthy pregnant women and ZIKV-infected pregnant women bearing nonmicrocephalic and microcephalic fetuses. A total of 1090 proteins and 512 metabolites were identified by bottom-up proteomics and untargeted metabolomics, respectively. Univariate and multivariate statistical approaches were applied to find CZS differentially abundant proteins (DAP) and metabolites (DAM). Enrichment analysis (i.e., biological processes and molecular pathways) of the DAP and the DAM allowed us to identify the ECM organization and proteoglycans, amino acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism as CZS signatures. Five proteins and four metabolites were selected as CZS biomarker candidates. Serum multiomics analysis led us to propose nine putative biomarkers for CZS prognosis with high sensitivity and specificity.

Proteomics and Metabolomics in Congenital Zika Syndrome: A Review of Molecular Insights and Biomarker Discovery.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can be transmitted vertically, leading to the development of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in infected fetuses. During the early stages of gestation, the fetuses face an elevated risk of developing CZS. However, it is important to note that late-stage infections can also result in adverse outcomes. The differences between CZS and non-CZS phenotypes remain poorly understood. In this review, we provide a summary of the molecular mechanisms underlying ZIKV infection and placental and blood-brain barriers trespassing. Also, we have included molecular alterations that elucidate the progression of CZS by proteomics and metabolomics studies. Lastly, this review comprises investigations into body fluid samples, which have aided to identify potential biomarkers associated with CZS.

Amniotic fluid metabolomics identifies impairment of glycerophospholipid and amino acid metabolism during congenital Zika syndrome development.

PURPOSE: Our main goal is to identify the alterations in the amniotic fluid (AF) metabolome in Zika virus (ZIKV)-infected patients and their relation to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) progression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We applied an untargeted metabolomics strategy to analyze seven AF of pregnant women: healthy women and ZIKV-infected women bearing non-microcephalic and microcephalic fetuses. RESULTS: Infected patients were characterized by glycerophospholipid metabolism impairment, which is accentuated in microcephalic phenotypes. Glycerophospholipid decreased concentration in AF can be a consequence of intracellular transport of lipids to the placental or fetal tissues under development. The increased intracellular concentration of lipids can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration caused by lipid droplet accumulation. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism was a molecular fingerprint of microcephalic phenotypes, specifically serine, and proline metabolisms. Both amino acid deficiencies were related to neurodegenerative disorders, intrauterine growth retardation, and placental abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study enhances our understanding of the development of CZS pathology and sheds light on dysregulated pathways that could be relevant for future studies.

Phytochemical analysis of carotenoid profile in Mentha piperita and Artemisia vulgaris: cytotoxicity in tumoral cells and evaluation of plasmid DNA cleavage.

Several medicinal plants have been administered to cancer patients attributed to their anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective properties, in addition to lower toxicity compared to traditional therapies. The aim was to investigate the antioxidant properties and carotenoid composition of aqueous extracts of Mentha piperita or Artemisia vulgaris which were previously found to exert beneficial effects on human health through diet. aqueous extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity. A diversity of carotenoids was identified in these extracts using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Both extracts contained predominantly all-trans-lutein as the main component within this class. In order to investigate antioxidant properties, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) techniques were used. The (3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and Crystal Violet assays assessed cellular cytotoxicity. Assessments of presence of reactive species were carried out following exposure of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-4) to various aqueous extracts of M piperita or A vulgaris utilizing dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Exposure to these extracts induced severe cytotoxic effects, which led to investigation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this observed effect. Data demonstrated that both solutions induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, especially at higher concentrations using agarose gel subjected to electrophoresis. It is known that exposure to excess amounts of antioxidants results in a prooxidant effect which is beneficial in cancer therapy. Further, the extracts were found to reduce viability of SCC-4 in culture, indicating that this antitumoral activity may be of therapeutic importance and requires further study.

Correlation of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer in early to moderate glaucoma using the Cirrus ® widefield analysis (PanoMap ® ).

PURPOSE: To evaluate and correlate the structural changes between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) + inner plexiform layer (IPL) in different stages of glaucoma using PanoMap ® optical coherence tomography (OCT). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Glaucoma diagnostic test data were collected from early to moderate open-angle glaucoma patients. The average and minimum GCL + IPL thickness, sectoral GCL + IPL thickness, and the average and sectoral RNFL thickness were correlated with the different glaucoma stages. RESULTS: This study included 157 eyes from 157 glaucoma patients. Patients were grouped into pre-perimetric, early, and moderate glaucoma. The mean average RNFL thickness, RNFL thickness per sector, average GCL + IPL thickness, and minimum GCL + IPL thickness were different between the three groups ( P < 0.001), except for the nasal sector ( P = 0.643). The mean GCL + IPL thickness in all six sectors showed differences between the groups ( P < 0.001), except the superonasal sector ( P < 0.002). The inferior GCL + IPL sector is the thinnest, followed by the inferotemporal sector. There was a strong correlation between the mean average RNFL and the average GCL + IPL thickness in the pre-perimetric group ( r = 0.4963, P < 0.001) and the moderate group ( r = 0.6534, P < 0.001). The early glaucoma group did not show significant correlation ( r = 0.2963, P = 0.0536). CONCLUSION: Peripapillary RNFL and macular GCL + IPL thinning was evident in different stages of glaucoma, with more thinning observed with increasing glaucoma severity. The peripapillary RNFL and macular GCL + IPL average thickness values were highly correlated in the pre-perimetric and moderate stages of glaucoma.

[Reflex triggers in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy]. / Los desencadenantes reflejos en la epilepsia mioclónica juvenil.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is an epileptic syndrome with onset in childhood and adolescence with myoclonus, absences, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Reflex stimuli such as sensitivity to light or photosensitivity, eyelid opening and closing, and praxis induction produce epileptiform discharges and seizures. These reflex triggers are not all systematically studied. OBJECTIVE: Examine reflex features in patients with JME. METHODS: One hundred adolescents and adults with JME who received different anti-seizure treatments were evaluated consecutively. A standard electroencephalogram was performed with an intermittent light stimulation (SLI) protocol and another for the evaluation of praxias through neurocognitive activity (CNA). The statistical analysis was descriptive and of correlation with a p > 0.05. RESULTS: Current age was 28±11 (14-67). The seizure began at 15 years ±3 (Range 8-25 years). They presented myoclonus and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in 58%. 50% received valproic acid and 31% continued with seizures. Epileptiform discharges at rest 20%; hyperventilation 30%; eyelid opening and closing 12%; photoparoxysmal response in SLI 40%; CNA 23%. Higher percentage of discharges and delay in performing CNA in those who presented seizures. Valproic acid compared to other drugs did not demonstrate superiority in seizure control. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the importance of studying reflex traits for diagnosis, follow-up, and therapeutic control.

Introducción: La epilepsia mioclónica juvenil (EMJ) es un síndrome epiléptico de inicio en la infancia y adolescencia con mioclonías, convulsiones tónico-clónicas generalizadas y ausencias. Los estímulos reflejos como la sensibilidad a la luz o fotosensibilidad, la apertura y cierre palpebral y la inducción por praxias producen descargas epileptiformes y crisis. Estos desencadenantes reflejos no son todos sistemáticamente estudiados. OBJETIVO: Examinar los rasgos reflejos en pacientes con EMJ. Métodos: Se evaluaron en forma consecutiva 100 adolescentes y adultos con EMJ que recibían diferentes tratamientos anticrisis. Se realizó un electroencefalograma standard con un protocolo de estimulación luminosa intermitente (ELI) y otro para la evaluación de las praxias a través de una actividad neurocognitiva (ANC). El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo y de correlación. Se consideró significativa una p > 0.05. RESULTADOS: La edad actual fue de 28±11 (14-67). Las crisis comenzaron a los 15 años ±3 (Rango 8-25 años). EL 58% presentaron mioclonías y convulsiones tónico clónicas generalizadas. El 50% recibían ácido valproico y el 31% continuaban con crisis. Descargas epileptiformes en reposo 20%; hiperventilación 30%; apertura y cierre palpebral 12%; respuesta fotoparoxística en la ELI 40%; ANC 23%. Mayor porcentaje de descargas y demora en la realización de la ANC en los que presentaban crisis. El ácido valproico comparado con los otros fármacos no demostró superioridad en el control de las crisis. CONCLUSIONES: Estos hallazgos confirman la importancia del estudio de los rasgos reflejos para el diagnóstico, seguimiento y el control terapéutico.

Plant-Based Dietary Indices in Relation to Nutrient and Food Group Intakes in Preschool-Aged Children.

Dietary guidance promotes plant-based foods, yet minimal research has examined intake in children. This study examined plant-based food intake in preschool-aged children using plant-based dietary index (PDI) metrics and related these metrics to nutrient and food group intakes. Dietary data were collected from preschool-aged children (n = 283, 3.45 ± 1.22 years) from the Guelph Family Health Study at baseline using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool. Food intake servings were assigned to 16 food groups for calculation of overall PDI (oPDI), healthful PDI (hPDI), and less healthful (lhPDI) scores and summarized into tertiles for energy-adjusted comparisons. For oPDI, participants in the highest vs. lowest tertile had higher intakes of nutrients and food groups to encourage (e.g., dietary fiber, fruits) as well as lower intakes of nutrients to encourage (e.g., calcium, vitamin D). For hPDI, participants in the highest vs. lowest tertile had higher intakes of nutrients and food groups to encourage and lower intakes of those to limit (e.g., saturated fat, sweets and desserts). For lhPDI, participants in the highest vs. lowest tertile had higher intakes of nutrients and food groups to limit and lower intakes of those to encourage. These results can inform dietetic practice for dietary guidance that promotes plant-based foods in children.

Dietary practices and nutritional status of children served in a social program for surrogate mothers in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Dietary practices are acquired in the family context and in turn can affect the health of family members, especially the nutritional status of children. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status and feeding practices in children from foster families served by the SOS Children's Villages program in Cartagena, Colombia. METHODS: The study had a cross-sectional design. Through a non-probabilistic purposive sampling, 139 children from 0 to 5 years of age from the SOS Children's Villages Cartagena program were involved. The sociodemographic background of the participants was recorded and the nutritional status of the children was evaluated through anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Dietary practices were measured by means of a standardized questionnaire. Analyses were performed with Poisson regression models with robust variance. These regression models provided prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Among dietary practices, it was observed that most families eat together at home (63.3%), watch television when they eat (55.4%), and have dietary norms (80.6%). Consumption of plant foods was predominantly high, especially vegetables (86.3%), fruits (92.1%), cereals (84.9%), root vegetables, and bananas (93.5%). Consumption < 4 times/week of soft drinks and industrialized juices increases 14.3 times the probability of low weight-for-height in the study population compared to the group that does not consume them. On the other hand, watching television while eating (PR: 2.82, 95%CI 1.32-4.69) and consumption of sweet snacks (PR: 2.24, 95%CI 1.03-4.87) increased the probability of low height-for-age; while having eaten norms at home decreased the probability of low height-for-age in the study population by 50%. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop and implement interventions such as preventive measures and early diagnosis of inappropriate feeding behaviors to ensure adequate nutritional status among children under 5 years of age.

A Capsid Protein Fragment of a Fusagra-like Virus Found in Carica papaya Latex Interacts with the 50S Ribosomal Protein L17.

Papaya sticky disease is caused by the association of a fusagra-like and an umbra-like virus, named papaya meleira virus (PMeV) and papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2), respectively. Both viral genomes are encapsidated in particles formed by the PMeV ORF1 product, which has the potential to encode a protein with 1563 amino acids (aa). However, the structural components of the viral capsid are unknown. To characterize the structural proteins of PMeV and PMeV2, virions were purified from Carica papaya latex. SDS-PAGE analysis of purified virus revealed two major proteins of ~40 kDa and ~55 kDa. Amino-terminal sequencing of the ~55 kDa protein and LC-MS/MS of purified virions indicated that this protein starts at aa 263 of the deduced ORF1 product as a result of either degradation or proteolytic processing. A yeast two-hybrid assay was used to identify Arabidopsis proteins interacting with two PMeV ORF1 product fragments (aa 321-670 and 961-1200). The 50S ribosomal protein L17 (AtRPL17) was identified as potentially associated with modulated translation-related proteins. In plant cells, AtRPL17 co-localized and interacted with the PMeV ORF1 fragments. These findings support the hypothesis that the interaction between PMeV/PMeV2 structural proteins and RPL17 is important for virus-host interactions.

Conformational stability of SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein spike variants.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome spread worldwide, causing a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 mutations have arisen in the spike, a glycoprotein at the viral envelope and an antigenic candidate for vaccines against COVID-19. Here, we present comparative data of the glycosylated full-length ancestral and D614G spike together with three other transmissible strains classified by the World Health Organization as variants of concern: beta, gamma, and delta. By showing that D614G has less hydrophobic surface exposure and trimer persistence, we place D614G with features that support a model of temporary fitness advantage for virus spillover. Furthermore, during the SARS-CoV-2 adaptation, the spike accumulates alterations leading to less structural stability for some variants. The decreased trimer stability of the ancestral and gamma and the presence of D614G uncoupled conformations mean higher ACE-2 affinities compared to the beta and delta strains. Mapping the energetics and flexibility of variants is necessary to improve vaccine development.

The oldest unvaccinated Covid-19 survivors in South America.

BACKGROUND: Although older adults are at a high risk of severe or critical Covid-19, there are many cases of unvaccinated centenarians who had a silent infection or recovered from mild or moderate Covid-19. We studied three Brazilian supercentenarians, older than 110 years, who survived Covid-19 in 2020 before being vaccinated. RESULTS: Despite their advanced age, humoral immune response analysis showed that these individuals displayed robust levels of IgG and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2. Enrichment of plasma proteins and metabolites related to innate immune response and host defense was also observed. None presented autoantibodies (auto-Abs) to type I interferon (IFN). Furthermore, these supercentenarians do not carry rare variants in genes underlying the known inborn errors of immunity, including particular inborn errors of type I IFN. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that their Covid-19 resilience might be a combination of their genetic background and their innate and adaptive immunity.

Effect of eye laterality on correction of myopic astigmatism with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) using vector analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the vector analysis, visual, and refractive outcomes after myopic astigmatic correction using SMILE between the right and left eyes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 41 right and 40 left eyes that underwent SMILE for correction of myopic astigmatism greater than 0.75 diopters (D) with a follow-up of at least 3 months. Vector analysis for astigmatic correction was done. Visual and refractive parameters were compared between both groups by measuring mean postoperative logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity, mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE), cylinder, and refractive predictability in terms of SE and cylindrical correction. Efficacy and safety of SMILE were also determined. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between vector outcomes except for angle of error (AE). The right eye group yielded a negative mean AE (- 2.71 ± 5.35), while the left eye group yielded a positive mean AE (0.23 ± 9.60). Correction index, magnitude of error and refractive predictability of cylindrical correction showed undercorrection of astigmatism in both groups. The right eye group showed lower predictability for higher cylindrical correction. Visual outcomes were similar for both eyes. CONCLUSION: Rotational errors account for vectorial outcome differences between right and left eyes. Despite achieving good visual and refractive outcomes with low cylinder correction, the tendency to undercorrect between eyes due to this error may be more evident when treating higher amounts of astigmatism. More careful preoperative control for cyclotorsion is warranted for right eyes compared to left eyes.

Proteomic profiles of Zika virus-infected placentas bearing fetuses with microcephaly.

PURPOSE: Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission to the fetus during pregnancy could enable a collection of severe fetal malformations like microcephaly (MC), termed Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). The mechanisms involved in ZIKV transplacental transmission are not fully understood. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Here we aim to identify in placental tissues the deregulated proteins associated with ZIKV-induced MC using label-free proteomics. RESULTS: We found proteins associated with DNA damage and gene expression inhibition up-regulated in infected placentas with no MC fetuses (Z+) compared to the control group (Ctr). Actin filament organization and the immune response were also found deregulated in the Z+ group. In ZIKV-positive placentas bearing fetuses with MC (MC+) was detected an increase in T cell activation, indicating an elevated immune response. A comparison between MC+ and Z+ groups showed a higher abundance of proteins related to endocytosis and autophagy in MC+, suggesting a higher transcytosis of vesicles with ZIKV particles across the maternal-fetal interface. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that higher expression of integrins in MC+ might be associated with high internalization of the virus since these proteins are known as virus receptors. Similarly, an increased immune response in the placenta and higher infiltration of the virus to the fetus could contribute to the neurological malformation of the CZS.

Proteomics of ZIKV infected amniotic fluids of microcephalic fetuses reveals extracellular matrix and immune system dysregulation.

During pregnancy, the vertical transmission of the Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause some disorders in the fetus, called Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Several efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanism of the CZS. However, the study of CZS pathogenesis through infected human samples is scarce. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to identify and understand the biological processes affected by CZS development. We analyzed by a shotgun proteomic approach the amniotic fluid of pregnant women infected with Zika carrying microcephalic (MC+ ) or non-microcephalic (Z+ ) fetuses compared to Zika negative controls (CTR). Several groups of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were dysregulated in the Z+ and MC+ patients, triggering an opposite dysregulation. The down-regulation of the ECM proteins in the MC+ groups can be another factor that contributes to CZS. On the contrary, the Z+ group could be developing a neuroprotective response through ECM proteins up-regulation. The neutrophil degranulation process was disrupted in the Z+ and MC+ groups, where the MC+ groups showed a complex dysregulation. These results suggest that the microcephalic phenotypes are modulated by a down-regulation of the ECM and the impairment of the innate immune system processes.

Adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes hipertensos atendidos en un centro asistencial público / Adherence to pharmacological treatment in hypertensive patients treated at a public healthcare center

Introducción: La Adherencia al tratamiento prolon-gado se define como el grado en que el compor-tamiento de una persona, como tomar el medica-mento, se corresponde con las recomendaciones acordadas de un prestador de asistencia sanitaria. Objetivo: Determinar la adherencia al tratamien-to farmacológico en pacientes con Hipertensión Arterial.Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de tipo observa-cional descriptivo, de corte transverso, el muestreo realizado fue no probabilístico de conveniencia, en el que se entrevistó a pacientes hipertensos que retiraban medicamentos de la farmacia externa del Hospital General de San Lorenzo, durante los meses mayo a julio 2018 utilizando un cuestionario adaptado al test de Morisky – Green. Los motivos de no adherencia se evaluaron a través preguntas abiertas. Resultados: Participaron 334 pacientes, de los cuales el 84% eran mujeres, la edad promedio fue 61 años, y el tiempo promedio de evolución de la enfermedad 15 años. El 54% tenía grado de ins-trucción primaria, 54% vivía en pareja y el 33% de los pacientes tenía diabetes mellitus tipo 2 como comorbilidad. El 41,92% de los pacientes son adhe-rentes al tratamiento farmacológico, encontrándo-se como causas más frecuentes de no adherencia el olvido y la polimedicación. A su vez se determinó que la adherencia al tratamiento no guarda relación con el género y tampoco con el tiempo de evolu-ción de la enfermedad.Conclusiones: El manejo de la hipertensión es un desafío para el sistema de salud, en todos los ni-veles de atención, requiere un abordaje integral del paciente que presenta múltiples factores de riesgo asociados.(AU)

Introduction: The adherence to a prolonged treatment is defined as the degree the behavior of a person corresponds to the recommendations prescribed by a healthcare provider.Objective: to determine the adherence to the phar-macological treatment by patients with high blood pressure. Methodology: It was carried out a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, the sampling was non-probabilistic. The people interviewed were high blood pressure patients who received medica-tions issued by the external pharmacy at the San Lorenzo city General Hospital. The research started on May and ended in July 2018. It was used a ques-tionnaire adapted to the Morisky-Green test. The non-adherence reason was evaluated by means of open questions. Results: 334 patients participated in the study. 84% of them were female and the average age was 61 years old. Average evolution time of the disease was 15 years. 54% had finished primary school, 54% were living as a couple and 33% of the patients suffered type 2 diabetes mellitus as a comorbidity. 41,92% of the patients adhered to the pharmaco-logical treatment. The most frequent causes of non-adherence were forgetfulness and polymedica-tion. At the same time, it was determined that the adherence to the treatment shows no relation to gender neither to the evolution time of the disease. Conclusions: Management of hypertension is a challenge to the healthcare system at all levels of attention. It requires a comprehensive approach to the patient that presents multiple associated health risk factors.(AU)

Leptin Chronic Effect on Differentiation, Ion Currents and Protein Expression in N1E-115 Neuroblastoma Cells.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Arcuate nucleus (ARC), a component of appetite-regulatory factors, contains populations of both orexigenic and anorexigenic neurons and one of the fundamental components of its system is leptin. Studies have evidenced the critical neurotrophic role in the development of ARC. To determine such effects on neuron development, N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells were used as an ARC model. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells were treated with leptin [10 nM] for 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 1.5% was used as a known drug that promotes neurite expression. Cells percentage (%) that developed neurites was evaluated by bright field microscopy. Patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to analyze membrane ion currents, RT-PCR for quantifying changes in mRNA expression of anorexic peptides, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine-related transcript (CART), in addition to principal Na_v, Ca_v ion channel subunits. <b>Results:</b> N1E-115 cells treated with leptin show neurite expression after 24 hrs of treatment, similar effects were obtained with DMSO. Leptin (time-dependent) increases the inward current in comparison with the control value at 72 hrs. Outward currents were not affected by leptin. Leptin and DMSO increased Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ current without changes in the kinetic properties. Lastly, leptin promotes an increase in mRNA level expression of transcripts to POMC, CART, Na_v1.2 and Ca_v1.3. <b>Conclusion:</b> Leptin chronic treatment promotes neurite expression, Up-regulation of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ ion channels determining neuronal excitability, besides increasing the mRNA level expression of anorexic peptides POMC and CART in neuroblastoma N1E-115.

Reliability of a Rapid Screener for an Intercept Survey about Drug Use.

Intercept surveys are a relatively inexpensive method to rapidly collect data on drug use. However, querying use of dozens of drugs can be time-consuming. We determined whether using a rapid screener is efficacious in detecting which participants use drugs and should be offered a full survey which asks more extensively about use.We surveyed 103 adults (age 18-29) on streets of Manhattan, NY in 2019 to test the reliability of a screener which queried past-year use of six drugs. Those reporting any drug use on the screener (and a third of those not reporting drug use) were offered the full survey which queried use of 97 drugs. We compared self-reported use on the screener to the full survey.Self-reported use of ecstasy, cocaine, and LSD had high test-retest reliability (Kappa = 0.90-1.00), and the screener had high sensitivity (1.00) and specificity (0.97-1.00) in detecting use of these drugs. Reliability for marijuana (Kappa = 0.62) and nonmedical opioid use (Kappa = 0.75) was lower. The screener had higher sensitivity (0.94) and lower specificity (0.64) in detecting marijuana use, and lower sensitivity (0.71) and higher specificity (0.98) in detecting nonmedical opioid use. Within the full survey, all participants reporting use of amphetamine (nonmedical use), shrooms, poppers, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, novel psychedelics, ketamine, or GHB reported use of at least one drug queried on the screener.Self-reported use of common drugs on a screener can reliably be used as an inclusion criterion for more extensive intercept surveys about drug use behavior.

Articulation of the Sustainable Development Goals with de circular economy paradigm / Articulación de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible con el paradigma de la economía circulara

RESUMEN Con base en diversas investigaciones de las autoras en el ramo medioambiental de la Industria Minero-Metalúrgica de México, se plantea un estudio que tiene como objetivo describir, desde la perspectiva teórica de la Economía Circular, indicadores en función de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible: Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura, y Producción y Consumo Responsable en relación con las fases del Modelo de Economía Circular (MEC), para formular propuestas de medición de productividad en búsqueda del equilibrio económico, social y ambiental que promueve la Sustentabilidad. A partir de una metodología de corte cualitativo basada en un Estudio de Caso realizado en una unidad minera se obtienen resultados que permiten establecer indicadores en relación con cada fase del MEC, generando conclusiones que dirigen a mediciones particulares que en conjunto permitirán la obtención de valores de productividad ligados a la circularidad gestando acciones sustentables.

ABSTRACT Based on diverse investigations of the authors in the environmental branch of the Mining-Metallurgic Industry of Mexico, a study is proposed that has as objective to describe from the theoretical perspective of the Circular Economy, indicators in function of the Objectives of Sustainable Development: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Production and Responsible Consumption in relation to the phases of the Model of Circular Economy (MCE), to formulate proposals of measurement of productivity in search of the economic, social and environmental balance, that Sustainability promotes. From a qualitative methodology based on a Case Study carried out in a mining unit, results are obtained that allow the establishment of indicators in relation to each phase of the MCE, generating conclusions that lead to particular measurements that together will allow the obtaining of productivity values linked to circularity by managing sustainable actions.

Frecuencia de síndrome metabólico en niños y adolescentes de una escuela de Asunción de acuerdo a distintas definiciones

RESUMEN Introducción: Hasta la fecha no se ha podido establecer un consenso para definir de forma universal el Síndrome Metabólico (SM) en niños y adolescentes. En Paraguay, no ha sido documentada la variación de la frecuencia de SM en niños y adolescentes de acuerdo a las diferentes definiciones propuestas en la literatura. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de Síndrome Metabólico en niños y adolescentes de una escuela de la ciudad de Asunción utilizando 3 diferentes definiciones. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en niños y adolescentes (9-13 años). Se recolectaron datos demográficos y mediciones antropométricas. Se extrajeron muestras de sangre en ayunas. Se analizó el colesterol total, triglicéridos, HDL-colesterol, LDL-colesterol y se midió la presión arterial. La frecuencia de SM se estimó a partir de las definiciones modificadas de la Federación Internacional de Diabetes (IDFmod), Programa Nacional de Educación sobre Colesterol (NCEPmod) y De Ferranti. El protocolo de estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la FCQ-UNA Cod 340/17. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 76 niños y adolescentes (el 56% de sexo masculino), cuya edad promedio fue de 10,5 ±1,1 años. El 54% presentó sobrepeso y obesidad. La frecuencia de SM fue 5,26% según IDFmod, 7,89% según NCEPmod y 22,37% de según De Ferranti. Conclusión: La frecuencia de SM fue mayor al emplear la definición propuesta por De Ferranti. Utilizar definiciones cuyos puntos de corte son más estrictos podría tener un efecto en términos preventivos al detectar precozmente a los niños y adolescentes en riesgo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: To date it has not been possible to establish a consensus to universally define the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in children and adolescents. In Paraguay, the variation in the frequency of MS in children and adolescents has not been documented according to the different definitions proposed in the literature. Objective: To determine the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome in children and adolescents of a school in the city of Asunción using 3 different definitions. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in children and adolescents (9-13 years). Demographic data and anthropometric measurements were collected. Fasting blood samples were drawn. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol were analyzed and blood pressure was measured. The frequency of MS was estimated from the modified definitions of the International Diabetes Federation (IDFmod), National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEPmod) and De Ferranti. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the FCQ-UNA Cod 340/17. Results: Data from 76 children and adolescents (56% male), whose average age was 10.5 ± 1.1 years, were analyzed. 54% were overweight and obese. The frequency of MS was 5.26% according to IDFmod, 7.89% according to NCEPmod and 22.37% according to De Ferranti. Conclusion: The frequency of MS was higher when using the definition proposed by De Ferranti. Using definitions whose cut-off points are stricter could have a preventive effect by early detection of at-risk children and adolescents.