A Hammett's analysis of the substituent effect in functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) systems: Optoelectronic properties and intramolecular charge transfer effects.

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) systems have promising applications in different organic electronic devices. In this work, we investigated the effect of 20 different substituent groups on the optoelectronic properties of DPP-based derivatives as the donor ( D )-material in an organic photovoltaic (OPV) device. For this purpose, we employed Hammett's theory (HT), which quantifies the electron-donating or -withdrawing properties of a given substituent group. Machine learning (ML)-based σ m , σ p , σ m 0 , σ p 0 , σ p + , σ p - , σ I , and σ R Hammett's constants previously determined were used. Mono- (DPP-X1 ) and di-functionalized (DPP-X2 ) DPPs, where X is a substituent group, were investigated using density functional theory (DFT), time-dependent DFT (TDDFT), and ab initio methods. Several properties were computed using CAM-B3LYP and the second-order algebraic diagrammatic construction, ADC(2), an ab initio wave function method, including the adiabatic ionization potential ( I P A ), the electron affinity ( E A A ), the HOMO-LUMO gaps ( E g ), and the maximum absorption wavelengths ( λ max ), the first excited state transition 1 S0 → 1 S1 energies ( ∆ E ) (the optical gap), and exciton binding energies. From the optoelectronic properties and employing typical acceptor systems, the power conversion efficiency ( PCE ), open-circuit voltage ( V OC ), and fill factor ( FF ) were predicted for a DPP-based OPV device. These photovoltaic properties were also correlated with the machine learning (ML)-based Hammett's constants. Overall, good correlations between all properties and the different types of σ constants were obtained, except for the σ I constants, which are related to inductive effects. This scenario suggests that resonance is the main factor controlling electron donation and withdrawal effects. We found that substituent groups with large σ values can produce higher photovoltaic efficiencies. It was also found that electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) reduced E g and ∆ E considerably compared to the unsubstituted DPP-H. Moreover, for every decrease (increase) in the values of a given optoelectronic property of DPP-X1 systems, a more significant decrease (increase) in the same values was observed for the DPP-X2 , thus showing that the addition of the second substituent results in a more extensive influence on all electronic properties. For the exciton binding energies, an unsupervised machine learning algorithm identified groups of substituents characterized by average values (centroids) of Hammett's constants that can drive the search for new DDP-derived materials. Our work presents a promising approach by applying HT on molecular engineering DPP-based molecules and other conjugated molecules for applications on organic optoelectronic devices.

A comprehensive analysis of charge transfer effects on donor-pyrene (bridge)-acceptor systems using different substituents.

The alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene has photophysical properties that can be tuned with different donor and acceptor substituents. Recently, a D (donor)-Pyrene (bridge)-A (acceptor) system, DPA, with the electron donor N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA), and the electron acceptor trifluoromethylphenyl (TFM), was investigated by means of time-resolved spectroscopic measurements (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2021, 12, 2226-2231). DPA shows great promise for potential applications in organic electronic devices. In this work, we used the ab initio second-order algebraic diagrammatic construction method ADC(2) to investigate the excited-state properties of a series of analogous DPA systems, including the originally synthesized DPAs. The additionally investigated substituents were amino, fluorine, and methoxy as donors and nitrile and nitro groups as acceptors. The focus of this work was on characterizing the lowest excited singlet states regarding charge transfer (CT) and local excitation (LE) characters. For the DMA-pyrene-TFM system, the ADC(2) calculations show two initial electronic states relevant for interpreting the photodynamics. The bright S1 state is locally excited within the pyrene moiety, and an S2 state is localized ~0.5 eV above S1 and characterized as a donor to pyrene CT state. HOMO and LUMO energies were employed to assess the efficiency of the DPA compounds for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). HOMO-LUMO and optical gaps were used to estimate power conversion and light-harvesting efficiencies for practical applications in organic solar cells. Considering the systems using smaller D/A substituents, compounds with the strong acceptor NO2 substituent group show enhanced CT and promising properties for use in OPVs. Some of the other compounds with small substituents are also found to be competitive in this regard.

Machine Learning Determination of New Hammett's Constants for meta- and para-Substituted Benzoic Acid Derivatives Employing Quantum Chemical Atomic Charge Methods.

Hammett's constants σ quantify the electron donor or electron acceptor power of a chemical group bonded to an aromatic ring. Their experimental values have been successfully used in many applications, but some are inconsistent or not measured. Therefore, developing an accurate and consistent set of Hammett's values is paramount. In this work,we employed different types of machine learning (ML) algorithms combined with quantum chemical calculations of atomic charges to predict theoretically new Hammett's constants σm, σp, σm0, σp0, σp+, σp-, σR, and σI for 90 chemical donor or acceptor groups. New σ values (219), including previously unknown 92, are proposed. The substituent groups were bonded to benzene and meta- and para-substituted benzoic acid derivatives. Among the charge methods (Mulliken, Löwdin, Hirshfeld, and ChelpG), Hirshfeld showed the best agreement for most kinds of σ values. For each type of Hammett constant, linear expressions depending on carbon charges were obtained. The ML approach overall showed very close predictions to the original experimental values, with meta- and para-substituted benzoic acid derivative values showing the most accurate values. A new consistent set of Hammett's constants is presented, as well as simple equations for predicting new values for groups not included in the original set of 90.

A retinal code for motion along the gravitational and body axes.

Self-motion triggers complementary visual and vestibular reflexes supporting image-stabilization and balance. Translation through space produces one global pattern of retinal image motion (optic flow), rotation another. We examined the direction preferences of direction-sensitive ganglion cells (DSGCs) in flattened mouse retinas in vitro. Here we show that for each subtype of DSGC, direction preference varies topographically so as to align with specific translatory optic flow fields, creating a neural ensemble tuned for a specific direction of motion through space. Four cardinal translatory directions are represented, aligned with two axes of high adaptive relevance: the body and gravitational axes. One subtype maximizes its output when the mouse advances, others when it retreats, rises or falls. Two classes of DSGCs, namely, ON-DSGCs and ON-OFF-DSGCs, share the same spatial geometry but weight the four channels differently. Each subtype ensemble is also tuned for rotation. The relative activation of DSGC channels uniquely encodes every translation and rotation. Although retinal and vestibular systems both encode translatory and rotatory self-motion, their coordinate systems differ.

Characterization of third generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli clinical isolates from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Escherichia coli is one of the main human pathogens causing different hospital- and community-acquired infections. During the period from January 2013 to March 2015, 1.96% (32/1632) of E. coli isolates recovered at the Hospital Regional de Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego province, were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (TGCs). These isolates were resistant to cefotaxime (91%) and/or ceftazidime (28%). No resistance to carbapenems was detected. Twenty-six isolates were positive for blaCTX-M gene, grouped as CTX-M-1/15 (54%); CTX-M-9/14 (25%); CTX-M-2 (17%); and CTX-M-1/15 plus CTX-M-9/14 (4%). Five TGC-resistant strains were positive for blaCMY gene, while one strain harbored TEM-19 ESBL. Twelve isolates were identified as ST131 E. coli hyperepidemic clone, and one as ST69. Genome sequence analysis of seven blaCTX-M-15E. coli selected isolates confirm the circulation of ST131, ST617 and ST405 international high-risk clones in the city of Ushuaia.

Late Gadolinium Enhancement by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Cardiac Complications in Chagas Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) increases cardiovascular mortality associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), ventricular arrhythmias (VA), and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Different imaging techniques have been tested to assess disease progression and cardiac risk in individuals with Chagas disease (ChD). In this systematic review, we evaluated the accuracy in detecting cardiac complications in CC patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods: A search was done on PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase for studies in humans over 18 years of age with ChD. Demographic data, research methodology, imaging parameters, and cardiac outcomes were extracted, and study quality was assessed, resulting in a narrative description. Results: Twelve studies with 1124 patients were analyzed. One study discovered a contractility pattern by STE. Four studies assessed the identification of Early Cardiac Impairment (ECI) and VA risk, respectively, while three studies evaluated the risk of SCD. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) identified patients with ECI (-18.5 ± 3.4% non-fibrosis vs -14.0 ± 5.8% fibrosis, p = 0.006 and -18 ± 2% non-fibrosis vs -15 ± 2% fibrosis, p = 0.004). The amount of fibrosis > 11.78% or in two or more contiguous transmural segments were markers for VA risk. GLS and the amount of fibrosis were found to be predictors of SCD. Conclusions: STE may be considered a screening technique for identifying the subclinical status of CHF. CMR using Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) is considered a relevant parameter for stratifying patients with ChD who are at risk of SCD. Fibrosis and GLS can be used as markers to categorize patients at risk for arrhythmias.

Nurturing care indicators for the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Municipal Index (IMAPI).

The Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) calls for establishing a global monitoring and accountability systems for early childhood development (ECD). Major gaps to build low-cost and large-scale ECD monitoring systems at the local level remain. In this manuscript, we describe the process of selecting nurturing care indicators at the municipal level from existing routine information systems to develop the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Index (IMAPI). Three methodological steps developed through a participatory decision-making process were followed. First, a literature review identified potential indicators to translate the NCF domains. Four technical panels composed of stakeholders from federal, state and municipal levels were consulted to identify data sources, their availability at the municipal level and the strengths and weakness of each potential indicator. Second, national and international ECD experts participated in two surveys to score, following a SMART approach, the expected performance of each nurturing care indicator. This information was used to develop analytical weights for each indicator. Third, informed by strengths and weaknesses pointed out in the previous steps, the IMAPI team reached consensus on 31 nurturing care indicators across the five NCF domains (Good health [n = 14], Adequate nutrition [4], Responsive caregiving [1], Opportunities for early learning [7] and Security and safety [4]). IMAPI represents the first attempt to select nurturing care indicators at the municipal level using data from existing routine information systems.

Population-based approaches for monitoring the nurturing care environment for early childhood development: A scoping review.

Selecting indicators to monitor nurturing care (NC) environments that support decision-making and guide the implementation of integrated early childhood development (ECD) programmes has become a priority globally. Several population-based approaches have been attempted to create a set of indicators or a composite index methodology to measure the NC environment using existing secondary data. However, they have not been systematized. Our scoping review aimed to analyse the population-based approaches for monitoring the domains of the NC (e.g. good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and opportunities for early learning). ECD experts, peer-reviewed, and grey literature were systematically searched with no year or language restrictions. Data extraction used a standard predefined protocol. Thirty-two population-based approaches were identified. Most approaches were composed of a set of indicators (53.1%, n = 17) versus composite indexes (46.9%, n = 15) and had the country as their unit of analysis (68.8%, n = 22). Twenty-seven approaches were applied in middle-income countries (84.4%) and thirteen in low-income countries (40.6%). Four approaches were guided by the NC framework (12.5%), and 56.3% (n = 18) did not include any indicator representing responsive caregiving. NC indicators (n = 867) were sorted into 100 groups of indicators. Twenty of the 32 approaches had some kind of methodological validation (62.5%). We identified six methodological challenges to build a population-based approach. Standardized methods for selecting and validating indicators, and coordinated efforts to share findings/data with stakeholders should be prioritized. Given the great variability in methods and indicators used to measure NC environments, valid approaches should be flexible to work well across different contexts.

The Impact of Variants in Four Genes: MC4R, FTO, PPARG and PPARGC1A in Overweight and Obesity in a Large Sample of the Brazilian Population.

Obesity and overweight are worldwide public health problems with an evident genetic predisposition that is still poorly understood. In addition, great variability has been described across populations. In this work, we analyzed the association of variants in four genes: PPARG (rs1801282), PPARGC1A (rs8192678), FTO (rs9939609) and MC4R (rs17782313) with overweight and obesity in a large sample of the Brazilian population. The case-control study involved 4084 individuals (1844 with overweight or obesity; and 2240 with normal BMI). Genotyping was performed by quantitative PCR. MC4R rs17782313-C was associated with obesity (OR = 1.27, p = 0.038) and when stratifying by sex associated only in women (OR = 1.36, p = 0.030). FTO rs9939609-A allele was associated with overweight however for women it represented a risk factor (OR = 1.24, p = 0.034) and for men, a protective factor (OR = 0.68, p = 0.033). PPARG was the strongest associated gene, with both overweight and obesity, and this association was also restricted to women (rs1801282-GG OR = 1.46, p = 0.027). The combined effect of the three risk alleles on overweight and obesity had an OR of 1.65 (p = 0.008) and when stratifying by sex again it was significant only in females (OR = 1.95, p = 0.0028). Our findings indicate that the three genes play a significant role in predisposing to overweight and/or obesity in the Brazilian population, reaching together a relatively high impact on these traits. Interestingly our results also suggest a strong sex-specific genetic effect of these variants.

Verrucosamide, a Cytotoxic 1,4-Thiazepane-Containing Thiodepsipeptide from a Marine-Derived Actinomycete.

A new cytotoxic thiodepsipeptide, verrucosamide (1), was isolated along with the known, related cyclic peptide thiocoraline, from the extract of a marine-derived actinomycete, a Verrucosispora sp., our strain CNX-026. The new peptide, which is composed of two rare seven-membered 1,4-thiazepane rings, was elucidated by a combination of spectral methods and the absolute configuration was determined by a single X-ray diffraction study. Verrucosamide (1) showed moderate cytotoxicity and selectivity in the NCI 60 cell line bioassay. The most susceptible cell lines were MDA-MB-468 breast carcinoma with an LD50 of 1.26 µM, and COLO 205 colon adenocarcinoma with an LD50 of 1.4 µM. Also isolated along with verrucosamide were three small 3-hydroxy(alkoxy)-quinaldic acid derivatives that appear to be products of the same biosynthetic pathway.

Wistar audiogenic rats display abnormal behavioral traits associated with artificial selection for seizure susceptibility.

Accumulating evidence from different animal models has contributed to the understanding of the bidirectional comorbidity associations between the epileptic condition and behavioral abnormalities. A strain of animals inbred to enhance seizure predisposition to high-intensity sound stimulation, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR), underwent several behavioral tests: forced swim test (FST), open-field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), elevated plus maze (EPM), social preference (SP), marble burying test (MBT), inhibitory avoidance (IAT), and two-way active avoidance (TWAA). The choice of tests aimed to investigate the correlation between underlying circuits believed to be participating in both WAR's innate susceptibility to sound-triggered seizures and the neurobiological substrates associated with test performance. Comparing WAR with its Wistar counterpart (i.e., resistant to audiogenic seizures) showed that WARs present behavioral despair traits (e.g., increased FST immobility) but no evidence of anhedonic behavior (e.g., increased sucrose consumption in SPT) or social impairment (e.g., no difference regarding juvenile exploration in SP). In addition, tests suggested that WARs are unable to properly evaluate degrees of aversiveness (e.g., performance on OFT, EPM, MBT, IAT, and TWAA). The particularities of the WAR model opens new venues to further untangle the neurobiology underlying the co-morbidity of behavioral disorders and epilepsy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".

Triggering Different Brain States Using Asynchronous Serial Communication to the Rat Amygdala.

Inputting information to the brain through direct electrical microstimulation must consider how underlying neural networks encode information. One unexplored possibility is that a single electrode delivering temporally coded stimuli, mimicking an asynchronous serial communication port to the brain, can trigger the emergence of different brain states. This work used a discriminative fear-conditioning paradigm in rodents in which 2 temporally coded microstimulation patterns were targeted at the amygdaloid complex. Each stimulus was a binary-coded "word" made up of 10 ms bins, with 1's representing a single pulse stimulus: A-1001111001 and B-1110000111. During 3 consecutive retention tests (i.e., day-word: 1-B; 2-A, and 3-B), only binary-coded words previously paired with a foot-electroshock elicited proper aversive behavior. To determine the neural substrates recruited by the different stimulation patterns, c-Fos expression was evaluated 90 min after the last retention test. Animals conditioned to word-B, after stimulation with word-B, demonstrated increased hypothalamic c-Fos staining. Animals conditioned to word-A, however, showed increased prefrontal c-Fos labeling. In addition, prefrontal-cortex and hypothalamic c-Fos staining for, respectively, word-B- and word-A-conditioned animals, was not different than that of an unpaired control group. Our results suggest that, depending on the valence acquired from previous learning, temporally coded microstimulation activates distinct neural networks and associated behavior.

Effect of 3D-Printed Honeycomb Core on Compressive Property of Hybrid Energy Absorbers: Experimental Testing and Optimization Analysis.

This paper presents an innovative method of constructing energy absorbers, whose primary function is to effectively transform kinetic energy into strain energy in events with high deformation rates. Hybrid specimens are proposed considering thin-walled windowed metallic tubes filled with 3D-printed hexagonal honeycombs made of PET-G and ABS thermoplastic. The patterned windows dimensions vary from 20 × 20, 20 × 30, 15 × 20 and 15 × 30 mm2. Although using polymers in engineering and thin-walled sections is not new, their combination has not been explored in this type of structure designed to withstand impacts. Specimens resist out-of-plane quasi-static axial loading, and test results are analyzed, demonstrating that polymer core gives the samples better performance parameters than unfilled samples regarding energy absorption (Ea), load rate (LR), and structural effectiveness (η). An optimization procedure using specialized software was applied to evaluate experimental results, which led to identifying the optimal window geometry (16.4 × 20 mm2, in case) and polymer to be used (ABS). The optimized sample was constructed and tested for axial compression to validate the optimization outcomes. The results reveal that the optimal sample performed similarly to the estimated parameters, making this geometry the best choice under the test conditions.

Fluid therapy and pulmonary complications in abdominal surgeries: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the most effective strategy for Postoperative Pulmonary Complication (PPC) reduction. This study hypothesized that a Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT) protocol of infusion of predetermined boluses reduces the occurrence of PPC in patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgeries when compared with Standard of Care (SOC) strategy. METHODS: Randomized, prospective, controlled study, conducted from May 2012 to December 2014, with ASA I, II or III patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries, lasting at least 120 min, under general anesthesia, randomized into the SOC and the GDFT group. In the SOC, fluid administration was according to the anesthesiologist's discretion. In the GDFT, the intervention protocol, based on bolus infusion according to blood pressure and delta pulse pressure, was applied. Patients were postoperatively evaluated by an anesthesiologist blinded to the group allocation regarding PPC incidence, mortality, and Length of Hospital Stay (LOHS). RESULTS: Forty-two patients in the SOC group and 43 in the GDFT group. Nineteen patients (45%) in the SOC and 6 in the GDFT (14%) had at least one PPC (p = 0.003). There was no difference in mortality or LOHS between the groups. Among the patients with PPC, four died (25%), compared to two deaths in patients without PPC (3%) (p = 0.001). The LOHS had a median of 14.5 days in the group with PPC and 9 days in the group without PPC (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The GDFT protocol resulted in a lower rate of PPC; however, the LOHS and mortality did not reduce.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of healthcare workers and the associated factors: A systematic review.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health issues in healthcare workers which in turn impacts their quality of life. Objective: This review aimed to (i) analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of healthcare professionals and (ii) identify the associated factors with quality of life. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021253075). The searched in Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases included original articles published till May 2021. Results: We found 19 articles and 14,352 professionals in total, the median age ranged from 29 to 42.5 years and 37% of the studies used the WHOQOL-BREF instrument to assess the outcome. The report was heterogeneous, 7 studies described global scores and 9 by domains. Depression, anxiety and stress were commonly reported factors affecting professional's quality of life and this was significantly lower among professionals working with COVID-19 patients compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: COVID-19 frontline workers perceived lower quality of life, which was mainly associated with psychological states such as the aforementioned besides to working conditions like not being previously trained in COVID-19 cases. On the other hand, social support, resilience and active coping could improved their quality of life.

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha agravado los problemas de salud del personal sanitario, lo que a su vez repercute en su calidad de vida. Objetivo: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo: (a) Analizar el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en la calidad de vida de los profesionales sanitarios y (2) Identificar los factores asociados a su calidad de vida. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática utilizando las pautas PRISMA previamente registradas en PROSPERO (CRD42021253075). La búsqueda en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE y EMBASE incluyó artículos originales publicados hasta mayo de 2021. Resultados: Se encontraron 19 artículos y 14.352 profesionales en total, la mediana de edad osciló entre 29 y 42,5 años y el 37% de los estudios utilizaron el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF para evaluar el resultado. El informe fue heterogéneo, 7 estudios describieron puntuaciones globales y 9 por dominios. La depresión, la ansiedad y el estrés fueron los factores comúnmente reportados que afectan a la calidad de vida del profesional, y esta fue significativamente menor entre los profesionales que trabajan con pacientes de COVID-19 en comparación con sus homólogos. Conclusión: Los trabajadores de primera línea de COVID-19 percibieron una menor calidad de vida, que se asoció principalmente a estados psicológicos como los mencionados, además de a condiciones de trabajo como no haber recibido formación previa en casos de COVID-19. Por otro lado, el apoyo social, la resiliencia y el afrontamiento activo mejoraron su calidad de vida.

Impact of different roasting conditions on the chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and color of Coffea canephora and Coffea arabica L. samples.

This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical changes during the roasting process of Robusta and Arabica coffee. The highest content of total phenolics was detected in roasted coffee at temperatures of 135 °C/20.20 min, 210 °C/9.02 min, 210 °C/11.01 min, and 220 °C/13.47 min for both species. Robusta coffee showed greater antioxidant activity compared to Arabica coffee, except for the profiles at 230 °C/17.43 min and 275 °C/7.46 min that did not differ between samples by the DPPH and FRAP methods. For Arabica coffee, the antioxidant activity was independent of the roasting profile used. Robusta coffee presented higher values of the indexes b* (intensity of yellow vs blue), c* (chroma) and hue, being characterized as lighter and with greater chroma and hue. The highest levels of caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) were observed in Robusta coffee. Arabica coffee had lower trigonelline values. Caffeic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural were identified only in Robusta coffee. However, the results provided solid knowledge for the design of general properties and chemical compounds generated from binomials of roasting time and temperature that are little used in the world market.

Small area vulnerability, household food insecurity and child malnutrition in Medellin, Colombia: results from a repeated cross-sectional study.

Background: Malnutrition and food insecurity might be driven not only by individual factors but also by contextual conditions, such as area-level deprivation or vulnerability. This study aimed to analyze the association between area-level vulnerability and i) household food insecurity and ii) malnutrition in children in Medellin, Colombia, during the years 2017 and 2018. Methods: We obtained data from two different sources: the Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) and the nutrition surveillance system of Medellin. The main outcomes were food insecurity in households with children and anthropometric indicators for children under five. The main predictor was area-level vulnerability. Mixed effects Poisson regression with robust standard errors models were conducted to test the association of quintiles of deprivation with each outcome. Findings: Households with children living in areas with the highest deprivation had 1.9 times the prevalence of food insecurity as compared to those living in areas with the lowest deprivation (PR 1.91, 95% CI 1.42-2.57). Similar results were observed for underweight/risk of underweight (PR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11-1.42), stunting/risk of stunting (PR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.53) and stunting (PR 1.93 95% CI 1.55-2.39) among children under five. We found no consistent associations with wasting/risk of wasting or excess weight/risk of overweight across quintiles of deprivation. Interpretation: This study sheds light on the role of area-level vulnerability on malnutrition in children in Medellin, Colombia, showing a pattern of increasing prevalence of food insecurity, underweight and stunting by quintile of deprivation. Funding: Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+) and Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN).

Influence of spontaneous and inoculated fermentation of açai on simulated digestion, antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic activity.

This work describes the kinetic study of different types (spontaneous, lactic and alcoholic) of açai fermentation in terms of total phenolics and total anthocyanins, as well as antioxidant capacity, before and after simulated digestion (SD). Cytotoxicity (A549, HCT8 and IMR90 cells) and formation of reactive oxygen species (A549 cells) were also evaluated. The results revealed that spontaneous fermentation (SF) for 24 h, followed by SD, generated a product with greater bioaccessibility of phenolics (52.68%) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (27.01%) than unfermented açai. Likewise, lactic fermentation (LF) for 72 h improved the bioavailability of phenolics (64.49%) and cyanidin-3-rutinoside (20.00%). On the other hand, alcoholic fermentation (AF) decreased the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins after SD. The SF 24 h (10.16 ± 1.25 µmol Trolox /g) and LF 72 h (15.90 ± 0.51 µmol Trolox /g) significantly increased the antioxidant capacity after SD, when compared to unfermented açai (SF 0 h, 4.00 ± 0.09 µmol Trolox /g; LF 0 h, 10.57 ± 0.91 µmol Trolox /g). It was concluded that the samples did not show cytotoxicity in the cell lines tested and, in addition, AF 24 h showed antioxidant and antimutagenic effects in vitro, reducing about 40% of chromosomal aberrations. The results obtained provide important information that can be used to produce foods with greater bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds.

Protein Coronas on Functionalized Nanoparticles Enable Quantitative and Precise Large-Scale Deep Plasma Proteomics.

Background: The wide dynamic range of circulating proteins coupled with the diversity of proteoforms present in plasma has historically impeded comprehensive and quantitative characterization of the plasma proteome at scale. Automated nanoparticle (NP) protein corona-based proteomics workflows can efficiently compress the dynamic range of protein abundances into a mass spectrometry (MS)-accessible detection range. This enhances the depth and scalability of quantitative MS-based methods, which can elucidate the molecular mechanisms of biological processes, discover new protein biomarkers, and improve comprehensiveness of MS-based diagnostics. Methods: Investigating multi-species spike-in experiments and a cohort, we investigated fold-change accuracy, linearity, precision, and statistical power for the using the Proteograph™ Product Suite, a deep plasma proteomics workflow, in conjunction with multiple MS instruments. Results: We show that NP-based workflows enable accurate identification (false discovery rate of 1%) of more than 6,000 proteins from plasma (Orbitrap Astral) and, compared to a gold standard neat plasma workflow that is limited to the detection of hundreds of plasma proteins, facilitate quantification of more proteins with accurate fold-changes, high linearity, and precision. Furthermore, we demonstrate high statistical power for the discovery of biomarkers in small- and large-scale cohorts. Conclusions: The automated NP workflow enables high-throughput, deep, and quantitative plasma proteomics investigation with sufficient power to discover new biomarker signatures with a peptide level resolution.

Oral health policies and decision-making process in Brazil, Colombia and Chile.

Public health policies are crucial for the well-being of the general population; however, the health systems of developed countries still do not include oral health in its system. Thus, it is necessary to understand the process of decision-making in oral health policies to create opportunities for countries to achieve an overall positive health outcome, including oral health. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health on the political agenda in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The study sample involved decision-makers at political, technical, and academic levels. The extracted data were analyzed using the software Maxqda® and Kingdon´s theoretical model; defining interactive variables that produce a "window of opportunity" to define the agenda and the insertion of theme in formulating public policies. The decision-making process regarding oral health is influenced by many factors like the need to improve the overall oral health of the population, identified through national epidemiological studies, and the importance of individuals in positions involving political decision-making, who advocate for oral health. Strategies were developed in partnership with the academy that focused on the health rights of the population provided by law; territorial and national programs were also developed. The inclusion and creation of oral health policies depend on actors who advocate for thematic and scientific evidence to support decision-making. A close relationship between academia and stakeholders and knowledge translation is important for the development of public policies that can be effective for health systems.