[Comparison of serum uric acid and liver enzyme levels in adolescents with obesity and with metabolic syndrome]. / Comparación de los niveles séricos de ácido úrico y enzimas hepáticas entre adolescentes con obesidad y con síndrome metabólico.

INTRODUCTION: a relationship has been observed between elevated levels of liver enzymes and uric acid with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: to compare serum liver enzyme and uric acid levels between adolescents with and without MS. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was carried out in adolescents with obesity between 10 and 18 years old. Somatometric data, serum insulin, lipid profile, uric acid levels and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t test or the Chi-square test was used to evaluate differences between groups. RESULTS: a total of 1095 adolescents with obesity were included (444 with MS and 651 without MS). The group with MS had a higher BMI (with MS 2.28 vs without MS 2.11 p < 0.001), with no difference in body fat (42.9 % vs 42.9 %, p = 0.978). The MS group had significantly higher levels of AST (34.4 vs. 29.5, p = 0.013), ALT (42.2 vs. 34.6, p = 0.003), and uric acid (6.17 vs. 5.74, p = 0.002). comparison to the group without MS. The proportion of ALT (40.5 % vs 29.5 %, p = 0.029) and altered uric acid (58.1 % vs. 45.6 %, p = 0.019) was higher in the MS group. CONCLUSIONS: serum levels of ALT, AST and uric acid in adolescents with obesity and MS were higher compared to those without MS. Altered ALT was a risk factor for SM.

Gallium-containing mesoporous nanoparticles influence in-vitro osteogenic and osteoclastic activity.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized using a microemulsion-assisted sol-gel method, and calcium, gallium or a combination of both, were used as dopants. The influence of these metallic ions on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as N2 adsorption-desorption methods. The presence of calcium had a significant impact on the morphology and textural features of the nanoparticles. The addition of calcium increased the average diameter of the nanoparticles from 80 nm to 150 nm, while decreasing their specific surface area from 972 m2/g to 344 m2/g. The nanoparticles of all compositions were spheroidal, with a disordered mesoporous structure. An ion release study in cell culture medium demonstrated that gallium was released from the nanoparticles in a sustained manner. In direct contact with concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL of the nanoparticles, gallium-containing nanoparticles did not exhibit cytotoxicity towards pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, in vitro cell culture tests revealed that the addition of gallium to the nanoparticles enhanced osteogenic activity. Simultaneously, the nanoparticles disrupted the osteoclast differentiation of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These findings suggest that gallium-containing nanoparticles possess favorable physicochemical properties and biological characteristics, making them promising candidates for applications in bone tissue regeneration, particularly for unphysiological or pathological conditions such as osteoporosis.

Simultaneous biofiltration of H2S, NH3, and toluene using compost made of chicken manure and sugarcane bagasse as packing material.

Offensive odors from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are caused by volatile inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as toluene. To treat these pollutants, biofiltration is an effective and economical technology used worldwide due to its low investment and environmental impact. In this work, a laboratory-scale prototype biofilter unit for the simultaneous biofiltration of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and toluene was evaluated by simulating the emission concentrations of the El Salitre WWTP Bogotá, Colombia, using a compost of chicken manure and sugarcane bagasse as packing material for the biofilter. The prototype biofilter unit was set to an operation flow rate of 0.089 m3/h, an empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 60 s, and a volume of 0.007 m3 (6.6 L). The maximum removal efficiency were 96.9 ± 1.2% for H2S, at a loading rate of 4.7 g/m3 h and a concentration of 79.1 mg/m3, 68 ± 2% for NH3, at a loading rate of 1.2 g/m3 h and a concentration of 2.0 mg/m3, and 71.5 ± 4.0% for toluene, at a loading rate of 1.32 g/m3 h and a concentration of 2.3 mg/m3. The removal efficiency of the three compounds decreased when the toluene concentration was increased above 40 mg/m3. However, a recovery of the system was observed after reducing the toluene concentration and after 7 days of inactivity, indicating an inhibitory effect of toluene. These results demonstrate the potential use of the prototype biofilter unit for odor treatment in a WWTP.

Acidithiobacillia class members originating at sites within the Pacific Ring of Fire and other tectonically active locations and description of the novel genus 'Igneacidithiobacillus'.

Recent studies have expanded the genomic contours of the Acidithiobacillia, highlighting important lacunae in our comprehension of the phylogenetic space occupied by certain lineages of the class. One such lineage is 'Igneacidithiobacillus', a novel genus-level taxon, represented by 'Igneacidithiobacillus copahuensis' VAN18-1T as its type species, along with two other uncultivated metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) originating from geothermally active sites across the Pacific Ring of Fire. In this study, we investigate the genetic and genomic diversity, and the distribution patterns of several uncharacterized Acidithiobacillia class strains and sequence clones, which are ascribed to the same 16S rRNA gene sequence clade. By digging deeper into this data and contributing to novel MAGs emerging from environmental studies in tectonically active locations, the description of this novel genus has been consolidated. Using state-of-the-art genomic taxonomy methods, we added to already recognized taxa, an additional four novel Candidate (Ca.) species, including 'Ca. Igneacidithiobacillus chanchocoensis' (mCHCt20-1TS), 'Igneacidithiobacillus siniensis' (S30A2T), 'Ca. Igneacidithiobacillus taupoensis' (TVZ-G3 TS), and 'Ca. Igneacidithiobacillus waiarikiensis' (TVZ-G4 TS). Analysis of published data on the isolation, enrichment, cultivation, and preliminary microbiological characterization of several of these unassigned or misassigned strains, along with the type species of the genus, plus the recoverable environmental data from metagenomic studies, allowed us to identify habitat preferences of these taxa. Commonalities and lineage-specific adaptations of the seven species of the genus were derived from pangenome analysis and comparative genomic metabolic reconstruction. The findings emerging from this study lay the groundwork for further research on the ecology, evolution, and biotechnological potential of the novel genus 'Igneacidithiobacillus'.

Smart Design of ZnFe and ZnFe@Fe Nanoparticles for MRI-Tracked Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy: Challenging Classical Theories of Nanoparticles Growth and Nanomagnetism.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) hold the potential to exert significant influence on fighting cancer through their theranostics capabilities as contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and as mediators for magnetic hyperthermia (MH). In addition, these capabilities can be improved by doping IONPs with other elements. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of single-core and alloy ZnFe novel magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), with improved magnetic properties and more efficient magnetic-to-heat conversion, are reported. Remarkably, the results challenge classical nucleation and growth theories, which cannot fully predict the final size/shape of these nanoparticles and, consequently, their magnetic properties, implying the need for further studies to better understand the nanomagnetism phenomenon. On the other hand, leveraging the enhanced properties of these new NPs, successful tumor therapy by MH is achieved following their intravenous administration and tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Notably, these results are obtained using a single low dose of MNPs and a single exposure to clinically suitable alternating magnetic fields (AMF). Therefore, as far as the authors are aware, for the first time, the successful application of intravenously administered MNPs for MRI-tracked MH tumor therapy in passively targeted tumor xenografts using clinically suitable conditions is demonstrated.

Sol-gel derived B2O3-CaO borate bioactive glasses with hemostatic, antibacterial and pro-angiogenic activities.

Sol-gel borate bioactive glasses (BGs) are promising ion-releasing biomaterials for wound healing applications. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of binary B2O3-CaO borate BGs (CaO ranging from 50 to 90 mol%) using a sol-gel-based method. The influence of CaO content in B2O3-CaO borate BG on morphology, structure and ion release behavior was investigated in detail. Reduced dissolution (ion release) and crystallization could be observed in borate BGs when CaO content increased, while the morphology was not significantly altered by increasing CaO content. Our results evidenced that the ion release behavior of borate BGs could be tailored by tuning the B2O3/CaO molar ratio. We also evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity, hemostatic, antibacterial and angiogenic activities of borate BGs. Cytocompatibility was validated for all borate BGs. However, borate BGs exhibited composition-dependent hemostatic, antibacterial and angiogenic activities. Generally, higher contents of Ca in borate BGs facilitated hemostatic activity, while higher contents of B2O3 were beneficial for pro-angiogenic activity. The synthesized sol-gel-derived borate BGs are promising materials for developing advanced wound healing dressings, given their fast ion release behavior and favorable hemostatic, antibacterial and angiogenic activities.

Smartphone-based safety plan for suicidal crisis: The SmartCrisis 2.0 pilot study.

Here we present the findings of the pilot phase of the SmartCrisis 2.0 Randomized Clinical Trial. This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a safety plan contained in a smartphone app. Our sample consisted patients with a history of recent suicidal behaviour who installed a smartphone-based safety plan. To explore the satisfaction with of the safety plan, two patient satisfaction surveys were conducted: one qualitative and one quantitative. To explore the objective use of the safety plan, we gained access to texts contained in the safety plans completed by the patients. Participation rate was 77%, while 48.9% patients completed both satisfaction surveys at the end of the pilot phase. N = 105 successfully installed the safety plan. In a scale from 1 to 10, users rated the usefulness of the security plan at 7.4, the usability at 8.9, the degree to which they would recommend it to others at 8.6 and the overall satisfaction with the project including evaluations at 9.6. The most widely completed tab was warning signs. Feeling sad or lonely was the warning sign most commonly reported by patients. The second most completed tab was internal coping strategies. Walking or practicing any other exercise was the strategy most commonly resorted to. Our smartphone-based safety plan appears to be a feasible intervention. Data obtained from this pilot study showed high participation rates and high acceptability by patients. This, together with the general satisfaction with the project, supports its implementation in the clinical practice.

Pangenome-level analysis of nucleoid-associated proteins in the Acidithiobacillia class: insights into their functional roles in mobile genetic elements biology.

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are relevant agents in bacterial adaptation and evolutionary diversification. Stable appropriation of these DNA elements depends on host factors, among which are the nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs). NAPs are highly abundant proteins that bind and bend DNA, altering its topology and folding, thus affecting all known cellular DNA processes from replication to expression. Even though NAP coding genes are found in most prokaryotic genomes, their functions in host chromosome biology and xenogeneic silencing are only known for a few NAP families. Less is known about the occurrence, abundance, and roles of MGE-encoded NAPs in foreign elements establishment and mobility. In this study, we used a combination of comparative genomics and phylogenetic strategies to gain insights into the diversity, distribution, and functional roles of NAPs within the class Acidithiobacillia with a special focus on their role in MGE biology. Acidithiobacillia class members are aerobic, chemolithoautotrophic, acidophilic sulfur-oxidizers, encompassing substantial genotypic diversity attributable to MGEs. Our search for NAP protein families (PFs) in more than 90 genomes of the different species that conform the class, revealed the presence of 1,197 proteins pertaining to 12 different NAP families, with differential occurrence and conservation across species. Pangenome-level analysis revealed 6 core NAP PFs that were highly conserved across the class, some of which also existed as variant forms of scattered occurrence, in addition to NAPs of taxa-restricted distribution. Core NAPs identified are reckoned as essential based on the conservation of genomic context and phylogenetic signals. In turn, various highly diversified NAPs pertaining to the flexible gene complement of the class, were found to be encoded in known plasmids or, larger integrated MGEs or, present in genomic loci associated with MGE-hallmark genes, pointing to their role in the stabilization/maintenance of these elements in strains and species with larger genomes. Both core and flexible NAPs identified proved valuable as markers, the former accurately recapitulating the phylogeny of the class, and the later, as seed in the bioinformatic identification of novel episomal and integrated mobile elements.

Developing a bioactive glass coated dental floss: antibacterial and mechanical evaluations.

In the present study, we investigated commercial dental floss coated with chitosan or chitosan + mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) in order to determine the antimicrobial and mechanical properties of the newly fabricated flosses. Whereas these coatings showed notable ability to inhibit growth of both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria after 24 h, the impact was negligible at 3 h. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the floss was improved by the addition of these layers, making it more durable and effective for cleaning between teeth. We therefore propose enhanced investigations of these composites since they demonstrate enormous potential in promoting oral health.

Assessing Formability and Failure of UHMWPE Sheets through SPIF: A Case Study in Medical Applications.

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of an experimental study conducted on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sheets using single point incremental forming (SPIF). The analysis is performed within a previously established research framework to evaluate formability and failure characteristics, including necking and fracture, in both conventional Nakajima tests and incremental sheet forming specimens. The experimental design of the SPIF tests incorporates process parameters such as spindle speed and step down to assess their impact on the formability of the material and the corresponding failure modes. The results indicate that a higher step down value has a positive effect on formability in the SPIF context. The study has identified the tool trajectory in SPIF as the primary influencing factor in the twisting failure mode. Implementing a bidirectional tool trajectory effectively reduced instances of twisting. Additionally, this work explores a medical case study that examines the manufacturing of a polyethylene liner device for a total hip replacement. This investigation critically analyses the manufacturing of plastic liner using SPIF, focusing on its formability and the elastic recovery exhibited by the material.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of PCV20 to prevent pneumococcal disease in the Canadian pediatric population.

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) in Canadian infants aged <2 years versus the standard of care (SoC), a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), or a potential 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15). A decision-analytic Markov model was developed to compare PCV20 with PCV13 or PCV15 in a 2 + 1 schedule over 10 years. Vaccine effect estimates (direct and indirect) across all ages were informed by PCV13 clinical effectiveness and impact studies as well as PCV7 efficacy studies. Epidemiologic, clinical, health state utilities, utility decrements, cost per event, and list price data were from Canadian sources where available. Clinical and economic outcomes related to invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), hospitalized and non-hospitalized pneumonia, and simple and complex otitis media (OM) were calculated for each strategy. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated from the publicly funded healthcare system perspective. Over 10 years, PCV20 versus PCV13 was estimated to avert over 11,000 IPD cases, 316,000 hospitalized and non-hospitalized pneumonia cases, 335,000 simple and complex OM cases, and 15,000 deaths, resulting in cost savings of over 3.2 billion Canadian dollars (CAD) and 47,000 more quality-adjusted life years (i.e. dominant strategy). Compared with PCV15, PCV20 was estimated to result in over 1.4 billion CAD in cost savings and 21,000 more QALYs (i.e. dominant strategy). PCV20 was dominant over both PCV13 and PCV15. Given broader serotype coverage, substantial incremental benefits and cost-savings, PCV20 should be considered as a replacement for the SoC in the publicly funded Canadian infant immunization program.

Influence of mobile genetic elements and insertion sequences in long- and short-term adaptive processes of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strains.

The recent revision of the Acidithiobacillia class using genomic taxonomy methods has shown that, in addition to the existence of previously unrecognized genera and species, some species of the class harbor levels of divergence that are congruent with ongoing differentiation processes. In this study, we have performed a subspecies-level analysis of sequenced strains of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to prove the existence of distinct sublineages and identify the discriminant genomic/genetic characteristics linked to these sublineages, and to shed light on the processes driving such differentiation. Differences in the genomic relatedness metrics, levels of synteny, gene content, and both integrated and episomal mobile genetic elements (MGE) repertoires support the existence of two subspecies-level taxa within A. ferrooxidans. While sublineage 2A harbors a small plasmid related to pTF5, this episomal MGE is absent in sublineage 2B strains. Likewise, clear differences in the occurrence, coverage and conservation of integrated MGEs are apparent between sublineages. Differential MGE-associated gene cargo pertained to the functional categories of energy metabolism, ion transport, cell surface modification, and defense mechanisms. Inferred functional differences have the potential to impact long-term adaptive processes and may underpin the basis of the subspecies-level differentiation uncovered within A. ferrooxidans. Genome resequencing of iron- and sulfur-adapted cultures of a selected 2A sublineage strain (CCM 4253) showed that both episomal and large integrated MGEs are conserved over twenty generations in either growth condition. In turn, active insertion sequences profoundly impact short-term adaptive processes. The ISAfe1 element was found to be highly active in sublineage 2A strain CCM 4253. Phenotypic mutations caused by the transposition of ISAfe1 into the pstC2 encoding phosphate-transport system permease protein were detected in sulfur-adapted cultures and shown to impair growth on ferrous iron upon the switch of electron donor. The phenotypic manifestation of the △pstC2 mutation, such as a loss of the ability to oxidize ferrous iron, is likely related to the inability of the mutant to secure the phosphorous availability for electron transport-linked phosphorylation coupled to iron oxidation. Depletion of the transpositional △pstC2 mutation occurred concomitantly with a shortening of the iron-oxidation lag phase at later transfers on a ferrous iron-containing medium. Therefore, the pstII operon appears to play an essential role in A. ferrooxidans when cells oxidize ferrous iron. Results highlight the influence of insertion sequences and both integrated and episomal mobile genetic elements in the short- and long-term adaptive processes of A. ferrooxidans strains under changing growth conditions.

Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine Composite Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles: An Exploration of Potential Metal-Ion Loading Platform and In Vitro Bioactivity.

Exploring new approaches to realize the possibility of incorporating biologically active elements into mesoporous silicate bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBG NPs) and guaranteeing their meso- structural integrity and dimensional stability has become an attractive and interesting challenge in biomaterials science. We present a postgrafting strategy for introducing different metal elements into MBG NPs. This strategy is mediated by polydopamine (PDA) coating, achieving uniform loading of copper or copper-cobalt on the particles efficiently and ensuring the stability of MBG NPs in terms of particle size, mesoporous structure, and chemical structure. However, the PDA coating reduced the ion-binding free energy of the MBG NPs for calcium and phosphate ions, resulting in the deposition of minimal CaP clusters on the PDA@MBG NP surface when immersed for 7 days in simulated body fluid, indicating the absence of hydroxyapatite mineralization.

Correlación del ácido úrico con el grosor de la íntima media de la carótida en adolescentes con obesidad / Correlation of uric acid with carotid intima media thickness in obese adolescents

Introducción: la obesidad en la población pediátrica es un problema de salud pública. Se ha demostrado la correlación del ácido úrico y el grosor de la íntima media de la carótida en adultos. Objetivo: identificar la correlación del ácido úrico y el grosor de la íntima media de la carótida en adolescentes con obesidad. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes de diez a 16 años con diagnóstico de obesidad. Se determinó ácido úrico, perfil de lípidos y grosor de la íntima media carotidea. En el análisis estadístico, se correlacionó el grosor de la íntima media carotídea con los niveles de ácido úrico a través del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: se incluyeron 169 adolescentes con una mediana para la edad de 13 años, sin predominio de sexo. Se identificó una correlación positiva del ácido úrico con el grosor de la íntima media carotídea (r = 0,242, p = 0,001). Al estratificarse de acuerdo con el sexo, no hubo correlación en las mujeres (r = -0,187, p = 0,074), mientras que en los hombres aumentó (r = 0,36, p = 0,001) y por estadio puberal, los adolescentes varones púberes tuvieron una correlación positiva (p = 0,384, p = 0,002). Conclusión: se identificó una correlación positiva débil entre el grosor de la íntima de la carótida y el ácido úrico en adolescentes con obesidad. (AU)

Introduction: obesity in the pediatric population is a public health problem. The correlation of uric acid and carotid intima media thickness in adults has been demonstrated.Objective: to identify the correlation of uric acid and carotid intima media thickness in adolescents with obesity.Material and methods: an observational, cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients aged ten to 16 years with a diagnosis of obesity were included. Uric acid, lipid profile and carotid intima media thickness were determined. In relation to the statistical analysis, carotid intima media thickness was correlated with uric acid levels through Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: one hundred and sixty-nine adolescents were included with a median age of 13 years, without predominance of sex. A positive correlation of uric acid with carotid intima media thickness was identified (r = 0.242, p = 0.001). When stratified according to sex, there was no correlation in women (r = -0.187, p = 0.074), while in men it increased (r = 0.36, p = 0.001) and by pubertal stage, pubertal male adolescents had a positive correlation (p = 0.384, p = 0.002).Conclusion: a weak positive correlation was identified between carotid intimal thickness and uric acid in obese adolescents. (AU)

Burden of Acute-Care Hospitalization for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Canadian Adults Aged 50 Years or Older: Focusing on Most Responsible Diagnosis Tells Only Part of the Story.

The burden of all-cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including pneumococcal pneumonia, is typically estimated using ICD codes where pneumonia is coded as the most responsible diagnosis (MRDx). Pneumonia may also be coded as other than most responsible diagnosis (ODx) based on administrative and reimbursement criteria. Analyses including pneumonia as MRDx only likely underestimate hospitalized CAP incidence. The aim of this study was to estimate the burden of hospitalized all-cause CAP in Canada and to assess the contribution of ODx-coded cases to the overall disease burden. This longitudinal retrospective study obtained data from the Canadian Institutes of Health Information (CIHI) for adults 50+ years hospitalized for CAP between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2019. Cases were identified as those where pneumonia was either diagnosis code type M (MRDx) or pre-admit comorbidity type 1 (ODx). Reported outcomes include pneumonia incidence rate, in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, and cost. Outcomes were stratified by age group, case coding, and comorbidity. Between 2009-2010 and 2018-2019, CAP incidence increased from 805.66 to 896.94 per 100,000. During this time, 55-58% of cases had pneumonia coded as ODx. Importantly, these cases had longer hospital stays, higher in-hospital mortality, and higher cost of hospitalization. The burden of CAP remains substantial and is significantly greater than that estimated by solely focusing on MRDx-coded cases. Our findings have implications for policy decision making related to current and future immunization programs.

[Correlation of uric acid with carotid intima media thickness in obese adolescents]. / Correlación del ácido úrico con el grosor de la íntima media de la carótida en adolescentes con obesidad.

Introduction: Introduction: obesity in the pediatric population is a public health problem. The correlation of uric acid and carotid intima media thickness in adults has been demonstrated. Objective: to identify the correlation of uric acid and carotid intima media thickness in adolescents with obesity. Material and methods: an observational, cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients aged ten to 16 years with a diagnosis of obesity were included. Uric acid, lipid profile and carotid intima media thickness were determined. In relation to the statistical analysis, carotid intima media thickness was correlated with uric acid levels through Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: one hundred and sixty-nine adolescents were included with a median age of 13 years, without predominance of sex. A positive correlation of uric acid with carotid intima media thickness was identified (r = 0.242, p = 0.001). When stratified according to sex, there was no correlation in women (r = -0.187, p = 0.074), while in men it increased (r = 0.36, p = 0.001) and by pubertal stage, pubertal male adolescents had a positive correlation (p = 0.384, p = 0.002). Conclusion: a weak positive correlation was identified between carotid intimal thickness and uric acid in obese adolescents.

Introducción: Introducción: la obesidad en la población pediátrica es un problema de salud pública. Se ha demostrado la correlación del ácido úrico y el grosor de la íntima media de la carótida en adultos. Objetivo: identificar la correlación del ácido úrico y el grosor de la íntima media de la carótida en adolescentes con obesidad. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes de diez a 16 años con diagnóstico de obesidad. Se determinó ácido úrico, perfil de lípidos y grosor de la íntima media carotidea. En el análisis estadístico, se correlacionó el grosor de la íntima media carotídea con los niveles de ácido úrico a través del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: se incluyeron 169 adolescentes con una mediana para la edad de 13 años, sin predominio de sexo. Se identificó una correlación positiva del ácido úrico con el grosor de la íntima media carotídea (r = 0,242, p = 0,001). Al estratificarse de acuerdo con el sexo, no hubo correlación en las mujeres (r = -0,187, p = 0,074), mientras que en los hombres aumentó (r = 0,36, p = 0,001) y por estadio puberal, los adolescentes varones púberes tuvieron una correlación positiva (p = 0,384, p = 0,002). Conclusión: se identificó una correlación positiva débil entre el grosor de la íntima de la carótida y el ácido úrico en adolescentes con obesidad.

Global phylogenomic novelty of the Cas1 gene from hot spring microbial communities.

The Cas1 protein is essential for the functioning of CRISPR-Cas adaptive systems. However, despite the high prevalence of CRISPR-Cas systems in thermophilic microorganisms, few studies have investigated the occurrence and diversity of Cas1 across hot spring microbial communities. Phylogenomic analysis of 2,150 Cas1 sequences recovered from 48 metagenomes representing hot springs (42-80°C, pH 6-9) from three continents, revealed similar ecological diversity of Cas1 and 16S rRNA associated with geographic location. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the Cas1 sequences exposed a broad taxonomic distribution in thermophilic bacteria, with new clades of Cas1 homologs branching at the root of the tree or at the root of known clades harboring reference Cas1 types. Additionally, a new family of casposases was identified from hot springs, which further completes the evolutionary landscape of the Cas1 superfamily. This ecological study contributes new Cas1 sequences from known and novel locations worldwide, mainly focusing on under-sampled hot spring microbial mat taxa. Results herein show that circumneutral hot springs are environments harboring high diversity and novelty related to adaptive immunity systems.

Effect of Boron-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles on C2C12 Cell Viability and Differentiation: Potential for Muscle Tissue Application.

Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) exhibit a high surface area and a highly ordered mesoporous structure. MBGs have potential for both hard and soft tissue engineering applications. MBGs may be doped with biologically active ions to tailor their biological activity. Boron is being widely studied as a dopant of bioactive glasses. Recently, research has demonstrated the potential of boron-containing bioactive glasses for muscle regeneration. In this study, boron-containing MBGs, 10B-MBG and 18B-MBG nanoparticles, were produced by a microemulsion-assisted sol-gel approach for potential muscle regeneration applications. First, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses were conducted to study the chemical structure and composition of the nanoparticles. To examine the nanoparticle morphology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were analyzed. Both SEM images and particle size distribution determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated a decrease of the average particle size after boron doping. TEM images indicated a slit-shaped mesoporous structure of nanoparticles for all compositions. The ζ potential was measured, and a negative surface charge was found for all study groups due to the presence of silanol groups. Cytocompatibility and fluorescence microscopy studies were also carried out. The results indicated that low concentrations (0.1 and 1 mg mL-1) of all MBG nanoparticles led to high viability of C2C12 cells. Fluorescence microscopy images indicated that at lower nanoparticle concentrations (0.1 and 1 mg mL-1), C2C12 cells appeared to differentiate into myotubes, which was indicated by a spindle-shaped morphology. For 10 mg mL-1 concentration of nanoparticles, C2C12 cells had a lower aspect ratio (estimated qualitatively by inspection of the images), which implied a lower degree of differentiation. Boron-doped MBG nanoparticles in reduced concentrations are suitable to induce differentiation of C2C12 cells into myotubes, indicating their potential for applications in muscle tissue repair.

Influence of Copper-Strontium Co-Doping on Bioactivity, Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Mesoporous Bioactive Glass.

Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) is an extensively studied biomaterial used for the healing of bone defects. Its biological applications can be tailored by introducing metallic ions, such as strontium (Sr) and copper (Cu), which can enhance its functionalities, including osteogenetic, angiogenetic and antibacterial functionalities. In this study, Cu and Sr ions were co-doped (ratio 1:1) with x = 0.5, 1 and 2 mol% each in glass with an intended nominal composition of 80SiO2-(15-2x)CaO-5P2O5-xCuO-xSrO and synthesized with an evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA)-based sol-gel technique. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the glass, while compositional analysis using ICP-OES confirmed the presence of dopant ions with the required amounts. A TEM study of the MBG powders showed fringes that corresponded to the formation of a highly ordered mesoporous structure. The Cu-Sr-doped MBG showed a positive effect on apatite formation when immersed in SBF, although the release of Cu and Sr ions was relatively slow for 1 mol% of each co-dopant, which signified a stable network structure in the glass. The impact of the Cu and Sr ions on the osteoblast-like cell line MG-63 was assessed. At the particle concentrations of 1 wt./vol.% or lower, the cell viability was above 50%. An antibacterial test was conducted against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria. With a sequential increase in the co-doped ion content in the glass, the zone of inhibition for bacteria increased. The results suggest that the doping of MBG with Cu and Sr ions at up to 2 mol% can result in tailored sustained release of ions to enhance the applicability of the studied glass as a functional biomaterial for bone regeneration applications.

Asociación del fitness cardiorrespiratorio con marcadores de adiposidad corporal: estudio de corte transversal de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Chile 2016-2017 / Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with adiposity markers

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases and adiposity markers. Aim: To assess the association of CRF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity in a representative sample of the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 5,958 participants in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-1027 aged 15 years or above were analyzed. CRF was estimated by an equation that included sociodemographic, anthropometric and health-related data and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs). The association between CRF and adiposity was assessed using linear and Poisson regression models and the results were presented as Prevalence Ratio (PR). RESULTS: One MET increment in CRF was associated with a 3.27 kg/m2 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.35; -3.2) and 4.56 kg/m2 (95% CI: -4.67; -4.46) lower BMI in men and women, respectively. Waist circumference was 6.7 cm [95% CI: -6.98; -6.42] and 9 cm [95% CI: -9.33; -8.67] lower per 1-MET increment in CRF. With one MET increment, the probability of being obese was 34% (PR = 0.66 [95%CI: 0.63; 0.69]) and 36% (PR = 0.64 [95%CI: 0.61; 0.67]) lower in men and women, respectively. The probability of having a central obesity was 26% (PR = 0.74 [95%CI: 0.71; 0.77]) and 30% (PR = 0.70 [95%CI: 0.68; 0.73]) lower in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: A higher estimated CRF was associated with lower adiposity levels and a lower risk of being obese in both men and women. Public health policies aiming to increase physical activity are needed to increase the CRF of the Chilean population.