Core-collapse supernova explosion theory.

Most supernova explosions accompany the death of a massive star. These explosions give birth to neutron stars and black holes, and eject solar masses of heavy elements. However, determining the mechanism of explosion has been a half-century journey of great numerical and physical complexity. Here we present the status of this theoretical quest and the physics and astrophysics upon which its resolution seems to depend. The delayed neutrino-heating mechanism is emerging as the key driver of supernova explosions, but there remain many issues to address, such as the chaos of the involved dynamics.

A case report of albendazole toxicity mimicking tetanus in an Anglo-Nubian ­ Alpine cross goat (Capra hircus)

An unvaccinated pregnant two-year-old Anglo- Nubian ­ Alpine crossed doe presented to The University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine in lateral recumbency with bilaterally stiff hind limbs. The owner indicated that he had dewormed the animal three days prior with 380mg of Albendazole per os and that the doe started experiencing seizures two days later. On clinical physical examination, the animal was bloated and had severe ocular lesions to the right eye including corneal oedema and ulceration and a miotic and non-responsive pupil. Abdominal ultrasound suggested the presence of two foetuses but their viability could not be confirmed as only one heartbeat was detected. The doe was initially treated with tetanus antitoxin, parenteral antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, intravenous fluids and anticonvulsants. Two days later, she aborted two foetuses. Once the doe was stabilized, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy were performed. Within two weeks of initial presentation, she had regained a healthy appetite and was able to stand and walk unassisted. Despite the similarities between the initial clinical signs to that of tetanus, the abortion, subsequent case progression and eventual resolution of clinical signs are more consistent with the final diagnosis of albendazole toxicity. This case is important as it demonstrates how the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics and the lack of proper deworming strategies can potentially result in animal fatalities. Appropriate anthelmintic use is essential for both animal health and continued drug efficacy. Veterinarians should also be aware of the striking similarities in clinical signs of albendazole toxicity with those of tetanus.

A systematic comparison of on-axis and off-axis transmission Kikuchi diffraction.

The capabilities of the novel on-axis transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) technique were explored in a systematic comparison with conventional off-axis TKD. The effect of experimental parameters on the appearance of on-axis and off-axis Kikuchi patterns was measured and discussed. In contrast to off-axis TKD, on-axis TKD is more sensitive to changes in beam current and beam energy and less sensitive to changes in working distance and detector distance. Moreover, on-axis TKD has a distinct advantage over off-axis TKD due to enhanced pattern intensity, which allows reduction of the beam current or an increase in the acquisition rate. The physical and effective spatial resolution were measured with detector-typical parameters. Even though the spatial resolution of both configurations did not differ significantly under test conditions, on-axis TKD enables measurement over large areas with the determined resolution, whereas off-axis TKD is more sensitive to beam drift. Band detection by the Hough-transform led to indexing of, on average, one additional Kikuchi band when measuring with on-axis TKD compared to off-axis TKD and operated more stable on on-axis patterns.

Iron Oxide Films Prepared by Rapid Thermal Processing for Solar Energy Conversion.

Hematite is a promising and extensively investigated material for various photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes for energy conversion and storage, in particular for oxidation reactions. Thermal treatments during synthesis of hematite are found to affect the performance of hematite electrodes considerably. Herein, we present hematite thin films fabricated via one-step oxidation of Fe by rapid thermal processing (RTP). In particular, we investigate the effect of oxidation temperature on the PEC properties of hematite. Films prepared at 750 °C show the highest activity towards water oxidation. These films show the largest average grain size and the highest charge carrier density, as determined from electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy analysis. We believe that the fast processing enabled by RTP makes this technique a preferred method for investigation of novel materials and architectures, potentially also on nanostructured electrodes, where retaining high surface area is crucial to maximize performance.

Flow Diversion for Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysms.

Endovascular treatments of ophthalmic segment aneurysms are commonly used but visual outcomes remain a concern. We performed a retrospective review of patients with carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms treated with flow diversion from June 2009 to June 2015. The following outcomes were studied through chart review: visual outcomes, complications, postoperative stroke and intraparenchymal hemorrhage, and clinical outcomes. Angiographic outcomes were studied with angiography and MRA at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. We evaluated 50 carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms in 48 patients, among whom 44 patients with 46 aneurysms underwent treatment. The mean clinical follow-up was 29 ± 22 months (range, 0-65 months). There were no permanent adverse visual outcomes. There was 1 death because of late intraparenchymal hemorrhage (2.2%). Six-month angiography showed complete occlusion in 24 of 37 patients (64.9%), and 3-year angiography results showed occlusion in 24 of 25 patients (96%). In conclusion, flow diversion is a safe and effective treatment for carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms in carefully selected patients. The risk of adverse visual outcomes is low, and most aneurysms progress to complete occlusion.

Nonaneurysmal Perimesencephalic Hemorrhage Is Associated with Deep Cerebral Venous Drainage Anomalies: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanisms underlying bleeding in nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH remain unclear. Previous investigators have suggested a relationship between nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH and primitive venous drainage of the basal vein of Rosenthal. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relation between primitive basal vein of Rosenthal drainage and nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of all studies examining the prevalence of primitive basal vein of Rosenthal drainage in patients with aneurysmal SAH and nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH. Data collected were primitive basal vein of Rosenthal drainage (direct connection of perimesencephalic veins into the dural sinuses instead of the Galenic system) in at least 1 cerebral hemisphere, normal bilateral basal vein of Rosenthal drainage systems, and the number of overall primitive venous systems in the nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH and aneurysmal SAH groups. Statistical analysis was performed by using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight studies with 888 patients (334 with nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH and 554 with aneurysmal SAH) and 1657 individual venous systems were included. Patients with nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH were more likely to have a primitive basal vein of Rosenthal drainage in at least 1 hemisphere (47.7% versus 22.1%; OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 2.15-5.08; P < .01) and were less likely to have bilateral normal basal vein of Rosenthal drainage systems than patients with aneurysmal SAH (18.3% versus 37.4%; OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.52; P < .01). When we considered individual venous systems, there were higher rates of primitive venous systems in patients with nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH than in patients with aneurysmal SAH (34.9% versus 15.3%; OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 2.37-6.43; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH have a higher prevalence of primitive basal vein of Rosenthal drainage in at least 1 hemisphere than patients with aneurysmal SAH. This finding suggests a venous origin of some nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAHs. A primitive basal vein of Rosenthal pattern is an imaging finding that has the potential to facilitate the diagnosis of nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH.

Recovery of chronically lame dairy cows following treatment for claw horn lesions: a randomised controlled trial.

A positively controlled, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to test recovery of cows with claw horn lesions resulting in lameness of greater than two weeks duration. Cows on seven commercial farms were mobility scored fortnightly and selected by lameness severity and chronicity. Study cows all received a therapeutic trim then random allocation of: no further treatment (trim only (TRM)), plastic shoe (TS) or plastic shoe and NSAID (TSN). Recovery was assessed by mobility score at 42 (±4) days post treatment by an observer blind to treatment group. Multivariable analysis showed no significant effect of treatment with an almost identical, low response rate to treatment across all groups (Percentage non-lame at outcome: TRM--15 per cent, TS--15 per cent, TSN--16 per cent). When compared with results of a similar RCT on acutely lame cows, where response rates to treatment were substantially higher, it can be concluded that any delay in treatment is likely to reduce the rate of recovery, suggesting early identification and treatment is key. Thirty-eight per cent of animals treated in this study were lame on the contralateral limb at outcome suggesting that both hindlimbs should be examined and a preventive or if necessary a therapeutic foot trim performed when lameness is identified particularly if the duration of lameness is unknown.

Transforming Growth Factor-ß3 Therapy Delays Postoperative Reossification and Improves Craniofacial Growth in Craniosynostotic Rabbits.

Postoperative reossification is a common clinical correlate following surgery. It has been suggested that an underexpression of transforming growth factor-ß3 (TGF-ß3) may be related to craniosynostosis and postoperative reossification. Adding TGF-ß3 may delay reossification and improve postoperative growth. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis. Thirty 10-day-old New Zealand white rabbits with hereditary coronal suture synostosis were divided into three groups: (1) suturectomy controls (n = 14), (2) suturectomy treated with bovine serum albumin (n = 8), and (3) suturectomy treated with TGF-ß3 protein (n = 8). At 10 days of age, a 3-mm × 15-mm coronal suturectomy was performed, and serial three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scans and cephalographs were taken at 10, 25, 42, and 84 days of age. Calvaria were harvested at 84 days of age for histomorphometric analysis. Mean differences were analyzed using a group by age analysis of variance. Analysis of the 3D CT scan data revealed that sites treated with TGF-ß3 had significantly (P < .05) greater defect areas and significantly (P < .05) greater intracranial volumes through 84 days of age compared with controls. Histomorphometry showed that sites treated with TGF-ß3 had patent suturectomy sites and significantly (P < .001) less new bone in the suturectomy site compared with controls. Serial radiograph data revealed significant (P < .05) differences in craniofacial growth from 25 to 84 days in TGF-ß3-treated rabbits compared with controls. Data show that TGF-ß3 administration delayed reossification and improved craniofacial growth in this rabbit model. These findings also suggest that this molecular-based therapy may have potential clinical use.

Discovery and spectroscopy of the young jovian planet 51 Eri b with the Gemini Planet Imager.

Directly detecting thermal emission from young extrasolar planets allows measurement of their atmospheric compositions and luminosities, which are influenced by their formation mechanisms. Using the Gemini Planet Imager, we discovered a planet orbiting the ~20-million-year-old star 51 Eridani at a projected separation of 13 astronomical units. Near-infrared observations show a spectrum with strong methane and water-vapor absorption. Modeling of the spectra and photometry yields a luminosity (normalized by the luminosity of the Sun) of 1.6 to 4.0 × 10(-6) and an effective temperature of 600 to 750 kelvin. For this age and luminosity, "hot-start" formation models indicate a mass twice that of Jupiter. This planet also has a sufficiently low luminosity to be consistent with the "cold-start" core-accretion process that may have formed Jupiter.

Are routine intensive care admissions needed after endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms?

SUMMARY: Routine intensive care unit monitoring is common after elective embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. In this series of 200 consecutive endovascular procedures for unruptured intracranial aneurysms, 65% of patients were triaged to routine (non-intensive care unit) floor care based on intraoperative findings, aneurysm morphology, and absence of major co-morbidities. Only 1 patient (0.5%) required subsequent transfer to the intensive care unit for management of a perioperative complication. The authors conclude that patients without major co-morbidities, intraoperative complications, or complex aneurysm morphology can be safely observed in a regular ward rather than being admitted to the intensive care unit.

Programa MINSAL-FONASA para Tratamiento de la Obesidad Infanto-Juvenil / MINSAL-FONASA Pilot Study in obese children and adolescents

La disminución de la obesidad es un objetivo sanitario para la década. Objetivo: Evaluar respuesta antropométrica, metabólica y adherencia a corto plazo, a un modelo de intervención en obesidad infantil. Sujetos y Método: Niños(as) obesos, 6-19 años, ingresados a un programa piloto; intervención multidisciplinaria, de 4 meses de duración. Se evaluó al ingreso y 4 meses 1MC, perímetro de cintura (PC), lípidos plasmáticos, glicemia e insulinemia. Resultados: Ingresaron 402 pacientes, 12,2 años (6,3 a 18,2 años); 56,5% mujeres, zIMC al ingreso 2,92 (1,7 a 7,7); PC 92,3 ± 11,1cm; HOMA 2,45 (0,37 a 17,79). El 39,1% presentaba un CT > 170 mg/dL; 26,5%; LDL > 110 mg/dL; 30,9% HDL < 40 mg/dL y 37%; TG > 110 mg/dl. El 66,9% completó el programa, 68,4% de éstos bajó el zIMC (3,13 ingreso vs 2,77 cuarto mes, p < 0,05) sin relación con edad, sexo, ni zIMC inicial. El grupo que completó el programa tenía un zIMC al ingreso significativamente mayor (3,1 ví 2,74, p < 0,05). Del grupo con exámenes alterados al ingreso y repitieron al cuarto mes, 54% disminuyeron HOMA, 59% bajaron el CT y 66% los TG, sin relación con descenso ponderal, disminución de PC, ni HOMA. Conclusión: Un alto porcentaje de los niños(as) completa el programa, presentando mayor adherencia quienes tienen zIMC más alto al ingreso. El programa logra mejoría en estado nutricional y variables metabólicas a corto plazo, y justificaría su aplicación en atención primaria de salud.

Reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity is a sanitary goal for the decade. Objective: To evaluate a short time intervention model in childhood obesity on its anthropometric and metabolic impact. Methods: Prospective evaluation of obese children and adolescents, 6 to 19 years of age. A pilot treatment program from the Public Health System and FONASA was conducted as a multidisciplinary, non-pharmacologic intervention, during a 4-month follow-up period. Body Mass Index (BM1), waist circumference, lipid profile, plasma glucose and HOMA index were evaluated. In a subset of the subjects the blood profile was repeated on the 4th month. Results: 402 patients entered the program, 56,5% females, age 12,2 years (range 6,3-18,2). Baseline mean BMl z score was 2,92 (1,7 to 7,7), mean waist circumference was 92,3 ±11,1 cm. A total cholesterol (TC) >170 mg/dL was founded in 39,1% of patients; LDL >110 mg/ dL, 26,5%; HDL < 40 mg/dL, 30,9%, and TG > 110 mg/ dL in 37% of patients. The median HOMAwas 2,45 (0,37 to 17,79). The program was completed by 66,9% of patients, 68,4% of these reduced z score BMl at the 4-month evaluation (3,13 baseline vs 2,74, p < 0.05), without correlation with age, gender, or baseline BMl z score. The group who completed the program showed a BMl z score at baseline significantly higher than their counterparts (3,1 vs 2,74, p < 0,05). 118 subjects were reevaluated, 59 % of them showed a decrease in HOMA index. From the group of patients with high TC levels at baseline, 54% reduced the TC and 66% TG, without relation to weight, waist circumference or HOMA reduction. Conclusion: a high percentage of children succeeded in completing the program, showing better adherence those who were more overweight at the entrance of the program. The program showed an improvement in the nutritional state and in metabolic factors.

Prevalencia del sindrome metabolico en niños y adolescentes chilenos con historia familiar de enfermedades cronicas no transmisibles

La historia familiar (HF) de Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles (ECNT), aumentaría el riesgo de síndrome metabólico (SM). En Chile, el SM afecta al 27% de niños con sobrepeso, y la hiperglicemia de ayuno (HA) es el trastorno menos prevalente (4.0%). El objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia del SM y de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) en niños con sobrepeso e HF de ECNT analizando su asociación con el número de parientes afectados y con la historia parental (HP). En 183 niños con IMC ≥p85 de 11,8 ± 1,8 años (86 varones) e HF (padres y/o abuelos) de ECNT, se evaluó el z IMC (CDC / NCHS), el perímetro de cintura, la presión arterial, la glicemia, la insulina, los triglicéridos y el colesterol-HDL. El SM y los FRCV fueron diagnosticados por el criterio de Cook y la insulinoresistencia (IR) por el HOMA-IR. Se utilizaron Chi², ANOVA, t Student y Willcoxon. La HF de DM2, hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia fue de 81,4 %, 88,0 % y 71,6 % respectivamente. La prevalencia del SM fue de 46,5%, asociándose a la magnitud del sobrepeso y a la HP de ECNT. La prevalencia de hipertrigliceridemia y de hiperglicemia de ayuno fueron de 54,6% y 31,4% respectivamente. No hubo asociación entre el número de parientes con HF y el perfil cardiovascular y metabólico del niño. Se concluye, que la HF de ECNT, se asocia a una mayor prevalencia del SM, de dislipidemia y de hiperglicemia de ayuno que la observada en población general de niños con sobrepeso.

Metabolic syndrome prevalence in Chilean children and adolescent with family history of chronic noncommunicable diseases. . Family history (FH+) of non transmisible chronic diseases (NTCD) increase MetS risk. In Chile, the MetS affects 27% of overweight children, and fasting hyperglycemia is very low prevalent (4,0%). The objective was to study the prevalence of MetS and the cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in overweight children with a family background of NTCD and analyze its association with the number of relatives witth NTCD and with parental history (PH). In 183 overweight children (BMI ≥p85) mean age 11,8 ± 1,8 (86 males) with a FH+ (parental or grandparental) of NTCD, were assessed the BMI z (CDC / NCHS), waist circumference, blood arterial pressure, fasting Glucose and Insulin (RIA), triglycerides, HDL chol. The MetS and the CVRF were diagnosed using the Cook phenotype and the insulin resistance (IR) through the HOMA-IR. Chi², ANOVA, t Student and Willcoxon test were performed. The frequency of FH+ of DM2, hypertension and dyslipidemia were 81,4 %, 88,0 % and 71,6 % respectively. The MeTS prevalence was 46,5 % associated to overweight magnitude an parental history of NTCD. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 54,6%, while fasting hyperglycemia affected 31,4% of the sample. There was no association between number of relatives with NTCD and CV risk profile. We conclude that in overweight children with FH+ of NTCD, the prevalence of MetS, dyslipidemia and fasting hyperglycemia are significantly higher, than those observed in the general population of obese children.

Obesity prevention in defined (high school) populations.

BACKGROUND: A challenge for the widespread dissemination of Internet-based programs designed to produce weight maintenance/loss in defined (high school) populations is to adapt them to local needs and interests, whereas demonstrating effectiveness and salience for both universal and targeted populations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the feasibility of providing an inexpensive, Internet-based universal (healthy weight regulation) and targeted (weight maintenance/loss) health program to all ninth-grade students in a high school serving a lower socioecnomic status, diverse population. DESIGN: A total of 118 normal-weight and 64 overweight/obese students in the same ninth-grade class completed a baseline screen and were allocated to a healthy weight regulation program or a weight-loss maintenance program. Both groups simultaneously received a 10-week Internet-based intervention. Program implementation required minimal teacher time. Measurement included self-reported fruit, vegetable and high-fat/-calorie food consumption, self-reported change in body mass index (BMI), weight and shape concerns, as well as program engagement. RESULTS: The program was successfully implemented in nine classes, with minimal help from the investigators. There was a significant increase in self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables (P=0.001). There was a significant reduction in self-reported BMI in the overweight/obese group (P=0.001). Students found the program helpful and engaging. There was a significant reduction in weight and shape concerns in the high-risk female students, consistent with a reduced risk for the development of an eating disorder. Providing a universal and targeted online healthy weight regulation program to ninth-grade students is feasible and inexpensive. The results suggest the program can serve as 'core' for future studies using adaptive, continuous quality-improvement designs.

[Intake and energy metabolism in a sample of overweight and obese Chilean adolescents]. / Ingesta y metabolismo energético en una muestra de adolescentes chilenos con sobrepeso y obesidad.

BACKGROUND: In the last decades, a seven to nine fold increase in the prevalence of teenage obesity and overweight has occurred. AIM: To assess energy intake and metabolism in a sample of overweight and obese adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a sample of 113 overweight and obese Chilean adolescents (aged 13 to 16 years, 67 females) we studied anthropometry, body composition by deuterium isotope dilution water, resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and 24-h diet and physical activity recalls. RESULTS: Most participants (87% of men and 67.2% of women) had an intake that was adequate compared to requirements (fAO/WHO 2005). However, 82.6% of men and 83.6% of women showed reduced energy expenditure. The sample was classified as sedentary, with a physical activity level of 1.29. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample of overweight and obese adolescents there was a sedentary behavior, resulting in low energy expenditure that would explain a sustained caloric retention. Preventive and therapeutic interventions should encourage the increase in physical activity.

Dynamics and gravitational wave signature of collapsar formation.

We perform 3+1 general relativistic simulations of rotating core collapse in the context of the collapsar model for long gamma-ray bursts. We employ a realistic progenitor, rotation based on results of stellar evolution calculations, and a simplified equation of state. Our simulations track self-consistently collapse, bounce, the postbounce phase, black hole formation, and the subsequent early hyperaccretion phase. We extract gravitational waves from the spacetime curvature and identify a unique gravitational wave signature associated with the early phase of collapsar formation.

Ingesta y metabolismo energético en una muestra de adolescentes chilenos con sobrepeso y obesidad / Intake and energy metabolism in a sample of overweight and obese Chilean adolescents

Background: In the last decades, a seven to nine fold increase in the prevalence of teenage obesity and overweight has occurred. Aim: To assess energy intake and metabolism in a sample of overweight and obese adolescents. Material and Methods: In a sample of 113 overweight and obese Chilean adolescents (aged 13 to 16 years, 67 females) we studied anthropometry, body composition by deuterium isotope dilution water, resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and 24-h diet and physical activity recalls. Results: Most participants (87 percent of men and 67.2 percent of women) had an intake that was adequate compared to requirements (fAO/WHO 2005). However, 82.6 percent of men and 83.6 percent of women showed reduced energy expenditure. The sample was classifed as sedentary, with a physical activity level of 1.29. Conclusions: In our sample of overweight and obese adolescents there was a sedentary behavior, resulting in low energy expenditure that would explain a sustained caloric retention. Preventive and therapeutic interventions should encourage the increase in physical activity.

Adenoid reservoir for pathogenic biofilm bacteria.

Biofilms of pathogenic bacteria are present on the middle ear mucosa of children with chronic otitis media (COM) and may contribute to the persistence of pathogens and the recalcitrance of COM to antibiotic treatment. Controlled studies indicate that adenoidectomy is effective in the treatment of COM, suggesting that the adenoids may act as a reservoir for COM pathogens. To investigate the bacterial community in the adenoid, samples were obtained from 35 children undergoing adenoidectomy for chronic OM or obstructive sleep apnea. We used a novel, culture-independent molecular diagnostic methodology, followed by confocal microscopy, to investigate the in situ distribution and organization of pathogens in the adenoids to determine whether pathogenic bacteria exhibited criteria characteristic of biofilms. The Ibis T5000 Universal Biosensor System was used to interrogate the extent of the microbial diversity within adenoid biopsy specimens. Using a suite of 16 broad-range bacterial primers, we demonstrated that adenoids from both diagnostic groups were colonized with polymicrobial biofilms. Haemophilus influenzae was present in more adenoids from the COM group (P = 0.005), but there was no significant difference between the two patient groups for Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, lectin binding, and the use of antibodies specific for host epithelial cells demonstrated that pathogens were aggregated, surrounded by a carbohydrate matrix, and localized on and within the epithelial cell surface, which is consistent with criteria for bacterial biofilms.

Programa MINSAL-FONASA para tratamiento de la obesidad infanto-juvenil / MINSAL-FONASA pilot study in obese children and adolescents

Reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity is a sanitary goal for the decade. Objective: To evaluate a short time intervention model in childhood obesity on its anthropometric and metabolic impact. Methods: Prospective evaluation of obese children and adolescents, 6 to 19 years of age. A pilot treatment program from the Public Health System and FONASA was conducted as a multidisciplinary, non-pharmacologic intervention, during a 4-month follow-up period. Body Mass Index (BM1), waist circumference, lipid profile, plasma glucose and HOMA index were evaluated. In a subset of the subjects the blood profile was repeated on the 4th month. Results: 402 patients entered the program, 56,5 percent females, age 12,2 years (range 6,3-18,2). Baseline mean BMl z score was 2,92 (1,7 to 7,7), mean waist circumference was 92,3 +/-11,1 cm. A total cholesterol (TC) >170 mg/dL was founded in 39,1 percent of patients; LDL >110 mg/dL, 26,5 percent; HDL < 40 mg/dL, 30,9 percent, and TG > 110 mg/dL in 37 percent of patients. The median HOMA was 2,45 (0,37 to 17,79). The program was completed by 66,9 percent of patients, 68,4 percent of these reduced z score BMl at the 4-month evaluation (3,13 baseline vs 2,74, p < 0.05), without correlation with age, gender, or baseline BMl z score. The group who completed the program showed a BMl z score at baseline significantly higher than their counterparts (3,1 vs 2,74, p < 0,05). 118 subjects were reevaluated, 59 percent of them showed a decrease in HOMA index. From the group of patients with high TC levels at baseline, 54 percent reduced the TC and 66 percent TG, without relation to weight, waist circumference or HOMA reduction. Conclusion: a high percentage of children succeeded in completing the program, showing better adherence those who were more overweight at the entrance of the program. The program showed an improvement in the nutritional state and in metabolic factors.

La disminución de la obesidad es un objetivo sanitario para la década. Objetivo: Evaluar respuesta antropométrica, metabólica y adherencia a corto plazo, a un modelo de intervención en obesidad infantil. Sujetos y Método: Niños(as) obesos, 6-19 años, ingresados a un programa piloto; intervención multidisciplinaria, de 4 meses de duración. Se evaluó al ingreso y 4 meses 1MC, perímetro de cintura (PC), lípidos plasmáticos, glice-mia e insulinemia. Resultados: Ingresaron 402 pacientes, 12,2 años (6,3 a 18,2 años); 56,5 por ciento mujeres, zIMC al ingreso 2,92 (1,7 a 7,7); PC 92,3 +/- 11,1cm; HOMA 2,45 (0,37 a 17,79). El 39,1 por ciento presentaba un CT > 170 mg/dL; 26,5 por ciento; LDL > 110 mg/dL; 30,9 por ciento HDL < 40 mg/dL y 37 por ciento; TG > 110 mg/dl. El 66,9 por ciento completó el programa, 68,4 por ciento de éstos bajó el zIMC (3,13 ingreso vs 2,77 cuarto mes, p < 0,05) sin relación con edad, sexo, ni zIMC inicial. El grupo que completó el programa tenía un zIMC al ingreso significativamente mayor (3,1 ví 2,74, p < 0,05). Del grupo con exámenes alterados al ingreso y repitieron al cuarto mes, 54 por ciento disminuyeron HOMA, 59 por ciento bajaron el CT y 66 por ciento los TG, sin relación con descenso ponderal, disminución de PC, ni HOMA. Conclusión: Un alto porcentaje de los niños(as) completa el programa, presentando mayor adherencia quienes tienen zIMC más alto al ingreso. El programa logra mejoría en estado nutricional y variables metabólicas a corto plazo, y justificaría su aplicación en atención primaria de salud.

Tratamiento integral de la obesidad infantil: Efecto de una intervención psicológica / Effects of psychological support as an adjunct to a weight reducing program among obese children

Background: Disrupted eating behaviors and psychological issues can have a role in the development of childhood obesity. Aim: To assess the effects of psychological support as an adjunct to the treatment of obesity among children. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of a group of 152 obese children aged 3 to 16 years, who received medical, Nutritional and physical training treatment. Seventy three (Group I) were invited to participate in a protocol of psychological support and 79 formed the control group (Group 2). Body mass index, body fat mass, waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, eating and physical activity habits were evaluated. Family structure, history of food rejection, psychological, physical and social development, and adherence to the program were also analyzed. To analyze responses to treatment, Group I was further divided into those who attended the psychology sections (intervened group) and those who did not attend (non intervened group). Results: At baseline, there were no differences in anthropometric, metabolic, familial and psychological profile among Groups I and 2. Family structure, eating behaviors and physical and social development were normal. Those associated with lack of control appeared as negative characteristics. There was a significant improvement in eating habits and physical activity among intervened children of Group 1 and Group 2. No significant change in weight was recorded in all three groups. Compliance with the program was significantly better among intervened children in Group 1 (62.1 percent at sixth months), compared with non intervened children of Group 1 (15.9 percent) and Group 2 (30.3 percent). Conclusions: Obese children who attended psychological support therapy as an adjunct to a weight reducing program, had a better compliance with treatment but did not achieve a higher weight loss.

Brief communication: MaqFACS: A muscle-based facial movement coding system for the rhesus macaque.

Over 125 years ago, Charles Darwin (1872) suggested that the only way to fully understand the form and function of human facial expression was to make comparisons with other species. Nevertheless, it has been only recently that facial expressions in humans and related primate species have been compared using systematic, anatomically based techniques. Through this approach, large-scale evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses of facial expressions, including their homology, can now be addressed. Here, the development of a muscular-based system for measuring facial movement in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is described based on the well-known FACS (Facial Action Coding System) and ChimpFACS. These systems describe facial movement according to the action of the underlying facial musculature, which is highly conserved across primates. The coding systems are standardized; thus, their use is comparable across laboratories and study populations. In the development of MaqFACS, several species differences in the facial movement repertoire of rhesus macaques were observed in comparison with chimpanzees and humans, particularly with regard to brow movements, puckering of the lips, and ear movements. These differences do not seem to be the result of constraints imposed by morphological differences in the facial structure of these three species. It is more likely that they reflect unique specializations in the communicative repertoire of each species.