What causes obesity in children and adolescents?

Abstract Objective To present the different aspects that may be involved in the genesis and maintenance of obesity in children and adolescents. Data source Narrative review of articles published in the PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the search terms: overweight, obesity, pre-conception, prenatal, infants, schoolchildren, children, and adolescents. The search was conducted in studies written in Portuguese, English and Spanish, including narrative, integrative or systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies, published between 2003 and 2023. Data synthesis A total of 598 studies were initially screened and 60 of them, which showed the main biopsychosocial aspects related to greater risks of excessive adiposity in the pediatric age, were included in the review. The data were presented taking into account the incidence of risk factors and their consequences in six periods: pre-conception, pre-natal, infant, preschool, school age, and adolescence. Conclusions The causal factors described in the scientific literature that have been shown to be related to obesity in childhood and adolescence are presented.

Exposure assessment of children to dietary mycotoxins: A pilot study conducted in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

Exposure to mycotoxins through food is a major health concern, especially for youngsters. This study performed a preliminary investigation on children's exposure to dietary mycotoxins in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Sampling procedures were conducted between August and December 2022, to collect foods (N = 213) available for consumption in the households of children (N = 67), including preschoolers (aged 3-6 years, n = 21), schoolers (aged 7-10 years, n = 15), and adolescents (aged 11-17 years, n = 31) cared in the Vila Lobato Community Social Medical Center of Ribeirão Preto. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to determine concentrations of the mycotoxins in foods. Mycotoxins measured in all foods comprised aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Higher incidence and levels were found for FBs, ZEN, and DON in several commonly consumed foods. Furthermore, 32.86 % foods had two to four quantifiable mycotoxins in various combinations. The mean estimated daily intake (EDI) values were lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for AFs, FBs, and ZEN, but higher than the TDI (1.0 µg/kg bw/day) for DON, hence indicating a health risk for all children age groups. Preschoolers and adolescents were exposed to DON through wheat products (EDIs: 2.696 ± 7.372 and 1.484 ± 2.395 µg/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively), while schoolers were exposed through wheat products (EDI: 1.595 ± 1.748 µg/kg bw/day) and rice (EDI: 1.391 ± 1.876 µg/kg bw/day). The results indicate that wheat-based foods and rice may be risky to children, implying the need for stringent measures to avoid DON contamination in these products.

What causes obesity in children and adolescents?

OBJECTIVE: To present the different aspects that may be involved in the genesis and maintenance of obesity in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE: Narrative review of articles published in the PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the search terms: overweight, obesity, pre-conception, prenatal, infants, schoolchildren, children, and adolescents. The search was conducted in studies written in Portuguese, English and Spanish, including narrative, integrative or systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies, published between 2003 and 2023. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 598 studies were initially screened and 60 of them, which showed the main biopsychosocial aspects related to greater risks of excessive adiposity in the pediatric age, were included in the review. The data were presented taking into account the incidence of risk factors and their consequences in six periods: pre-conception, pre-natal, infant, preschool, school age, and adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: The causal factors described in the scientific literature that have been shown to be related to obesity in childhood and adolescence are presented.

Clinical Evolution of Preschool Picky Eater Children Receiving Oral Nutritional Supplementation during Six Months: A Prospective Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if oral nutritional supplementation of picky eater children has a beneficial effect in addition to nutritional guidance on anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, appetite, physical activity, and health complications. METHODS: This is a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial that included Brazilian picky eater children aged 24 to 60 months. The individuals were randomized into a control group (CG) (n = 17) and an intervention group (IG) (n = 18), and were followed up in seven meetings for 180 days (baseline plus one meeting every 30 days). The CG received nutritional guidance for food selectivity, while the IG received the same guidance plus oral nutritional supplementation. Anthropometric and nutrient intake assessments were carried out, and appetite, physical activity and health complications were investigated. RESULTS: In the IG, the z-score of weight and height increased significantly over time (p < 0.05), while the body fat percentage (BFP) and BMI z-score remained unchanged. The percentage of inadequate intake of vitamins D, C and folate reduced in the IG over time compared to the CG (p < 0.05). In the IG, the score assigned by parents to the appetite scale increased over time (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in the scores on the physical activity and global health scales, and in the number of health complications. CONCLUSIONS: Picky eater children that were supplemented increased their weight not by gaining fat, but due to an increase in stature, as shown by BMI z-score and BFP, that remained unchanged. Furthermore, they showed a decrease in inadequate micronutrient intake during the intervention. An improvement in appetite was also observed over time, attesting to the benefit of supplementation.

Breastfeeding by chikungunya virus-infected dams confers resistance to challenge in the offspring.

Vertical transmission of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been reported in humans, but the transmission routes have not been completely understood, and experimental animal models are needed to enable detailed investigation of the transmission and pathogenesis of congenital infections. The intertwining of immune response and virus components at the gestation/breastfeeding interfaces between mother and fetus/newborn may have effects during the offspring development. An experimental model of CHIKV was established by infecting pregnant BALB/c female mice that enabled confirmation that dams inoculated up to the 10th gestational day transmit CHIKV transplacentally to approximately 8.4% of the fetuses, resulting in severe teratogenic effects. CHIKV neutralizing antibodies were detected in sera from adult mice born to healthy females and breastfed by CHIKV-infected dams, while no neutralization was detected in sera from animals born to CHIKV-infected dams. Moreover, adult mice born to healthy dams and cross-fostered for breastfeeding by CHIKV-infected dams were resistant to challenge with CHIKV on the 90th day after birth. The animals also had reduced viral loads in brain and spleen as compared to controls. There was expression of fluorescent CHIKV non-structural protein, and detection of viral RNA by RT-PCR in breast tissue from infected dams. CHIKV RNA and proteins were also detected in breast milk retrieved from the stomachs of recently fed newborns. The experimental results were also complemented by the finding of CHIKV RNA in 6% of colostrum samples from healthy lactating women in a CHIKV-endemic area. Breastfeeding induces immune protection to challenge with CHIKV in mice.

Anthropometric Indicators of Body Composition Associated With Lipid and Glycemic Profiles in Overweight Brazilian Children and Adolescents From 2008 to 2020.

Background: Anthropometric indicators have been used to predict health problems. The objective was to determine which indicators present better correlation with dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and peripheral insulin resistance, as well as the cutoff points capable of predicting lipid and glycemic alterations in Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with 568 overweight individuals, aged between 5 and 18 years, living in Southeast and South Brazilian regions, submitted to anthropometric and body composition evaluation by bioimpedance, in addition to fasting laboratory tests [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), fasting glycemia, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)]. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the association between anthropometric indicators and serum biomarkers. The ROC curve with Youden's J index was used to suggest anthropometric cutoff points with better ability to predict or rule out lipid and glycemic changes. Results: Cutoff points obtained for the z-score of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist circumference for height (WC/H) showed high specificity (52 to 87%) and low sensitivity (23 to 59%), indicating greater ability to exclude changes in HDL-c, TG, and HOMA-IR levels. Cutoff points suggested for BMI ranged from +1.86 to +2.20 z-score. WC cutoff points ranged from +1.29 to +1.72, and, for the WC/H index, from +1.21 to +1.25. It was suggested the use of the following cutoff points to rule out changes in HDL-c, TG, and HOMA-IR values in clinical practice: BMI < z-score +2 and WC/H < z-score +1.29. In body fat percentage (BFP) analyses, the cutoff point < of 34% may be able to rule out changes in HDL-c (specificity of 70%), while the cutoff point > 36.6% may be able to predict changes in the HOMA-IR index (sensitivity of 76%). Conclusion: It is not yet possible to state which anthropometric parameter has the best correlation with lipid and glycemic alterations in overweight children and adolescents. We suggest considering BMI, WC, and WC/H cutoff points together to rule out changes in HDL-c, TG, and HOMA-IR, and use the BFP cutoff point to predict changes in HOMA-IR.

Anthropometric markers of abdominal adiposity and its relation to dyslipidemia and insulin resistance among overweight/obese schoolchildren and adolescents / Marcadores antropométricos de adiposidade abdominal e sua relação com dislipidemia e resistência à insulina em escolares e adolescentes com sobrepeso/obesidade

Objective: to assess the relationship between anthropometric indicators and laboratorial markers of cardiovascular risk in overweight/obese children and adolescents, in order to verify whether any anthropometric indicator has a better potential for use in screening cardiovascular risk in the population. Method: retrospective cross-sectional study enrolling 237 individuals aged 7 to 18 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist circumference/height index (WC/H), glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triglycerides and TC/HDL and LDL/HDL indexes were obtained. Associations between anthropometric and laboratory markers were tested in contingency tables using the chi-square test. Correlations were tested by Spearman's correlation. Results: higher WC (Freedman cutoffs) was associated with lower levels of HDL and higher score in the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL indexes, but, using +2 z-scores as the cutoff, there were associations with low HDL and higher HOMA-IR. WC/H indicator (0.5 cutoff) was not associated with any of the outcomes, but, using +2 z-scores, an association was found with HOMA-IR. Z-scores of WC, WC/H and BMI showed positive correlation with HOMA-IR, TC/HDL and HOMA-IR, respectively. Negative correlations were found between WC and WC/H z-scores with HDL. WC and WC/H z-score were related to changes in HDL and HOMA-IR. Conclusions: there seems to be an advantage in using WC alone as a possible predictor of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in children and adolescents. It is not possible to state that WC, WC/H or BMI measurements differ in their abilities to identify Brazilian children and adolescents with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (AU)

Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre indicadores antropométricos e marcadores laboratoriais de risco cardiovascular em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso / obesidade, a fim de verificar se algum indicador antropométrico tem melhor potencial para uso no rastreamento de risco cardiovascular na população. Método: estudo transversal retrospectivo com 237 indivíduos com idades entre 7 e 18 anos. Índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC), índice de circunferência da cintura / altura (CC / H), glicose, HOMA-IR, colesterol total (CT), LDL, HDL, triglicerídeos e índices CT/HDL e LDL/HDL foram obtidos. As associações entre marcadores antropométricos e laboratoriais foram testadas em tabelas de contingência por meio do teste do qui-quadrado. As correlações foram testadas pela correlação de Spearman. Resultados: CC mais elevado (pontos de corte de Freedman) foi associado a níveis mais baixos de HDL e maior pontuação nos índices TC/HDL e LDL/HDL, mas, usando +2 escores z como ponto de corte, houve associações com HDL baixo e HOMA-IR mais alto. O indicador CC/H (0,5 ponto de corte) não foi associado a nenhum dos desfechos, mas, usando +2 escores z, foi encontrada associação com o HOMA-IR. Os escores Z de CC, CC/E e IMC mostraram correlação positiva com HOMA-IR, TC/HDL e HOMA-IR, respectivamente. Correlações negativas foram encontradas entre CC e escores z de CC/H com HDL. CC e escore z de CC/H foram relacionados a mudanças em HDL e HOMA-IR. Conclusões: parece haver vantagem em usar a CC isoladamente como possível preditor de dislipidemia e resistência à insulina em crianças e adolescentes. Não é possível afirmar que as medidas de CC, CC/E ou IMC diferem na capacidade de identificar crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (AU)

Vitamin A deficiency and association between serum retinol and IGF-1 concentrations in Brazilian children with Down syndrome

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and serum concentrations of retinol, correlating them with IGF-1 concentrations in preschoolers with DS. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 children with DS aged 24 to 72 months, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. VAD was determined by the relative dose-response (RDR) test. Retinol serum concentration ≤ 0.70 μmol/L and IGF-1 serum concentration below the 3rd percentile for sex and age were considered to represent deficiency. C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined at the beginning of the study. Weight, height, and information about fever and/or diarrhea were obtained at the beginning of the study. Results: VAD prevalence was 25.5% (12/47), and 74.5% (35/47) of the children had deficient retinol before the intervention. CRP was not associated with VAD. Mean IGF-1 were 103.5 ng/mL (SD = 913) for the group with VAD and 116.3 ng/mL (SD = 54.9) for the group with no VAD (p-value = 0.85); 8.5% (4/47) of the children showed deficient IGF-1, but without VAD. No association was observed between VAD and IGF-1 deficiency. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pre-intervention retinol and IGF-1 (ρ = 0.37; p-value = 0.01). Conclusion: a high prevalence of VAD and deficient retinol was observed and there was a positive correlation between serum retinol and IGF-1.

Anthropometric markers of abdominal adiposity and its relation to dyslipidemia and insulin resistance among overweight/obese schoolchildren and adolescents / Marcadores antropométricos de adiposidade abdominal e sua relação com dislipidemia e resistência à insulina em escolares e adolescentes com sobrepeso/obesidade

ABSTRACT: Objective: to assess the relationship between anthropometric indicators and laboratorial markers of cardiovascular risk in overweight/obese children and adolescents, in order to verify whether any anthropometric indicator has a better potential for use in screening cardiovascular risk in the population. Method: retrospective cross-sectional study enrolling 237 individuals aged 7 to 18 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist circumference/height index (WC/H), glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triglycerides and TC/HDL and LDL/HDL indexes were obtained. Associations between anthropometric and laboratory markers were tested in contingency tables using the chi-square test. Correlations were tested by Spearman's correlation. Results: higher WC (Freedman cutoffs) was associated with lower levels of HDL and higher score in the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL indexes, but, using +2 z-scores as the cutoff, there were associations with low HDL and higher HOMA-IR. WC/H indicator (0.5 cutoff) was not associated with any of the outcomes, but, using +2 z-scores, an association was found with HOMA-IR. Z-scores of WC, WC/H and BMI showed positive correlation with HOMA-IR, TC/HDL and HOMA-IR, respectively. Negative correlations were found between WC and WC/H z-scores with HDL. WC and WC/H z-score were related to changes in HDL and HOMA-IR. Conclusions: there seems to be an advantage in using WC alone as a possible predictor of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in children and adolescents. It is not possible to state that WC, WC/H or BMI measurements differ in their abilities to identify Brazilian children and adolescents with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. (AU)

RESUMO:Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre indicadores antropométricos e marcadores laboratoriais de risco cardiovascular em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso / obesidade, a fim de verificar se algum indicador antropométrico tem melhor potencial para uso no rastreamento de risco cardiovascular na população. Método: estudo transversal retrospectivo com 237 indivíduos com idades entre 7 e 18 anos. Índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC), índice de circunferência da cintura / altura (CC / H), glicose, HOMA-IR, colesterol total (CT), LDL, HDL, triglicerídeos e índices CT/HDL e LDL/HDL foram obtidos. As associações entre marcadores antropométricos e laboratoriais foram testadas em tabelas de contingência por meio do teste do qui-quadrado. As correlações foram testadas pela correlação de Spearman. Resultados: CC mais elevado (pontos de corte de Freedman) foi associado a níveis mais baixos de HDL e maior pontuação nos índices TC/HDL e LDL/HDL, mas, usando +2 escores z como ponto de corte, houve associações com HDL baixo e HOMA-IR mais alto. O indicador CC/H (0,5 ponto de corte) não foi associado a nenhum dos desfechos, mas, usando +2 escores z, foi encontrada associação com o HOMA-IR. Os escores Z de CC, CC/E e IMC mostraram correlação positiva com HOMA-IR, TC/HDL e HOMA-IR, respectivamente. Correlações negativas foram encontradas entre CC e escores z de CC/H com HDL. CC e escore z de CC/H foram relacionados a mudanças em HDL e HOMA-IR. Conclusões: parece haver vantagem em usar a CC isoladamente como possível preditor de dislipidemia e resistência à insulina em crianças e adolescentes. Não é possível afirmar que as medidas de CC, CC/E ou IMC diferem na capacidade de identificar crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. (AU)

Vitamin A deficiency and association between serum retinol and IGF-1 concentrations in Brazilian children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and serum concentrations of retinol, correlating them with IGF-1 concentrations in preschoolers with DS. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 children with DS aged 24 to 72 months, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. VAD was determined by the relative dose-response (RDR) test. Retinol serum concentration ≤ 0.70 µmol/L and IGF-1 serum concentration below the 3rd percentile for sex and age were considered to represent deficiency. C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined at the beginning of the study. Weight, height, and information about fever and/or diarrhea were obtained at the beginning of the study. RESULTS: VAD prevalence was 25.5% (12/47), and 74.5% (35/47) of the children had deficient retinol before the intervention. CRP was not associated with VAD. Mean IGF-1 were 103.5 ng/mL (SD = 913) for the group with VAD and 116.3 ng/mL (SD = 54.9) for the group with no VAD (p-value = 0.85); 8.5% (4/47) of the children showed deficient IGF-1, but without VAD. No association was observed between VAD and IGF-1 deficiency. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pre-intervention retinol and IGF-1 (ρ = 0.37; p-value = 0.01). CONCLUSION: a high prevalence of VAD and deficient retinol was observed and there was a positive correlation between serum retinol and IGF-1.

Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19: urgent attention required.

OBJECTIVE: To identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus infection as one of the severe forms of COVID-19 involvement in children and adolescents. METHODS: review was based on articles published in 2020 in the PubMed, Medline, Scopus, SciELO and Cochrane databases. SUMMARY: Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome is a serious clinical disorder that affects children and adolescents and is associated with the detection of previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2. It is characterized by the installation of a shock picture, with a significant increase in inflammatory markers such as presentations of Kawasaki Disease or shock syndrome related to Kawasaki Disease, or even toxic shock syndrome, with the clinical picture being characterized by fever of difficult control, rash, conjunctivitis, peripheral edema, generalized pain in the extremities and gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although the vast majority of children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, it is necessary to consider that some have a hyperinflammatory response. It is essential that health professionals receive information that can assist in the recognition of this clinical condition, differentiating it from other diagnoses, so that early and appropriate treatment is instituted.

Prevalence of childhood anaemia in Brazil: still a serious health problem: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in Brazilian children up to 83·9 months old. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis, using databases PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Lilacs, Google Scholar, Periódicos Capes, Arca, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Microsoft Academic Search and Cochrane Library using search terms: anaemia, prevalence, child and Brazil. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42020208818. SETTING: Cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and intervention studies published between 2007 and 2020 were searched, excluding those who assessed children with an illness or chronic condition. The main outcome was anaemia prevalence. Random effects models based on the inverse variance method were used to estimate pooled prevalence measures. Sensitivity analyses removed studies with high contribution to overall heterogeneity. PARTICIPANTS: From 6790 first screened, 134 eligible studies were included, totalling 46 978 children aged zero to 83·9 months analysed, with adequate regions representativeness. RESULTS: Pooled prevalence of anaemia was 33 % (95 % CI 30, 35). Sensitivity analyses showed that withdrawal of studies that contributed to high heterogeneity did not influence national average prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood anaemia is still a serious public health problem in Brazil, exposing 33 % of Brazilian children to the anaemia repercussions. The main limitation of the study is the estimation of national prevalence based on local surveys, but a large number of studies were included, with representation in all regions of the country, giving strength to the results. In Brazil, more public policies are needed to promote supplementation, fortification and access to healthy eating to reduce the high level of anaemia among children.

La falacia de los niños gordos anémicos / The fallacy of the fat anemic child

Fundamento: los estudios sugieren la presencia de deficiencia de hierro en niños obesos, lo que conduciría a una mayor incidencia de anemia en este grupo. Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de anemia entre niños con sobrepeso y obesidad de dos niveles socioeconómicos y dos regiones diferentes en Brasil. Métodos: se obtuvieron datos de hemoglobina y antropometría de 598 niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad de dos servicios especializados en la atención de estos niños. Resultados: la prevalencia global de anemia fue del 5,8% y el nivel medio de hemoglobina fue de 13,2 mg / dL, sin diferencia estadística para los dos indicadores según sobrepeso u obesidad y grupo de edad. Sin embargo, la hemoglobina media fue mayor entre los varones y, en el servicio con atención prestada a una población de menor nivel socioeconómico, la prevalencia de anemia fue mayor. Conclusión: la prevalencia de anemia encontrada en niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad fue bastante baja, siendo mayor en la población más pobre. Para los niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso, la anemia parece estar más relacionada con el nivel socioeconómico que con la presencia de exceso de peso.

Background: studies suggest the presence of iron deficiency among obese children, which would lead to a higher incidence of anemia in this group. Aim: to assess the prevalence of anemia among overweight and obese children from two socioeconomic levels and two different regions in Brazil. Methods: hemoglobin and anthropometric data on 598 overweight and obese children and adolescents were obtained from two services specialized in the care of these children. Results: the overall prevalence of anemia was 5.8% and mean hemoglobin level was 13.2 mg/dL, with no statistical difference for the two indicators according to overweight or obesity and age group. However, the mean hemoglobin was higher among boys and, in the service with care provided to a population of lower socioeconomic status, the prevalence of anemia was higher. Conclusion: the prevalence of anemia found among overweight and obese children and adolescents was quite low, being higher in the poorest population. For overweight children and adolescents, anemia seems to be more related to socioeconomic status than to the presence of excess weight.

Assessment of nitric oxide metabolites concentrations in plasma, saliva, and breast milk and their relationship in lactating women.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in many biological mechanisms. The amounts of physiologically produced NO are associated with the concentrations of its metabolites nitrate and nitrite. This study investigated whether there is any association between the concentrations of NO metabolites nitrate, nitrite, and nitrosylated species (RXNO) in mature breast milk, saliva, and plasma in healthy lactating women (N = 30). We hypothesized that the NO metabolites concentrations in plasma are associated with those found in saliva and in breast milk. NO metabolites concentrations were measured using chemiluminensce-based assays. Nitrate concentrations in breast milk are twice as much as plasma concentrations, whereas nitrate concentrations in saliva are about eightfold higher (both P < 0.001). Similar differences were found when nitrite concentrations were taken into consideration. RXNO concentrations in breast milk were negligible, and RXNO concentrations in saliva were approximately sixfold higher than those found in plasma samples (P < 0.0001). Nitrate concentrations in plasma are associated with nitrate concentrations in saliva (rs = 0.474, P = 0.004). However, no significant association was found between nitrate concentrations in breast milk and in plasma (P > 0.05). Our results show a significant association between nitrate concentrations in plasma with those found in saliva, whereas all other relationships were not significant. In conclusion, this report shows for the first time that the physiological concentrations of NO metabolites in human breast milk are probably independent of circulating NO metabolites concentrations and may depend mostly on endogenous NO synthesis in the breast. These findings may have clinical implications for newborns and lactating women.

COVID-19 and obesity in childhood and adolescence: a clinical review / COVID-19 e obesidade na infância e adolescência: uma revisão clínica

Abstract Objective: To identify factors that contribute to the increased susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 in obese children and adolescents, and its health consequences. Sources: Studies published between 2000 and 2020 in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Cochrane databases. Summary of findings: Obesity is a highly prevalent comorbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 in children and adolescents; social isolation may lead to increase fat accumulation. Excessive adipose tissue, deficit in lean mass, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and low intake of essential nutrients are factors that compromise the functioning of organs and systems in obese individuals. These factors are associated with damage to immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems, along with modification of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis). In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, these organic changes from obesity may increase the need for ventilatory assistance, risk of thromboembolism, reduced glomerular filtration rate, changes in the innate and adaptive immune response, and perpetuation of the chronic inflammatory response. Conclusions: The need for social isolation can have the effect of causing or worsening obesity and its comorbidities, and pediatricians need to be aware of this issue. Facing children with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, health professionals should 1) diagnose excess weight; 2) advise on health care in times of isolation; 3) screen for comorbidities, ensuring that treatment is not interrupted; 4) measure levels of immunonutrients; 5) guide the family in understanding the specifics of the situation; and 6) refer to units qualified to care for obese children and adolescents when necessary.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar fatores que contribuem para o aumento da suscetibilidade e gravidade da COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes obesos e suas consequências para a saúde. Fontes de dados: Estudos publicados entre 2000 e 2020 nas bases de dados PubMed, Medline, Scopus, SciELO e Cochrane. Síntese dos dados: A obesidade é uma comorbidade altamente prevalente em casos graves de COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes e o isolamento social pode levar ao aumento do acúmulo de gordura. Tecido adiposo excessivo, déficit de massa magra, resistência à insulina, dislipidemia, hipertensão, altos níveis de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e baixa ingestão de nutrientes essenciais são fatores que comprometem o funcionamento dos órgãos e sistemas no indivíduo obeso. Esses fatores estão associados a danos nos sistemas imunológico, cardiovascular, respiratório e urinário, juntamente com a modificação da microbiota intestinal (disbiose). Na infecção por SARS-CoV-2, essas alterações orgânicas causadas pela obesidade podem aumentar a necessidade de assistência ventilatória, risco de tromboembolismo, taxa de filtração glomerular reduzida, alterações na resposta imune inata e adaptativa e perpetuação da resposta inflamatória crônica. Conclusões: A necessidade de isolamento social pode ter o efeito de causar ou agravar a obesidade e suas comorbidades e pediatras precisam estar cientes desse problema. Diante de crianças com suspeita ou confirmação de COVID-19, os profissionais de saúde devem 1) diagnosticar o excesso de peso; 2) aconselhar sobre cuidados de saúde em tempos de isolamento; 3) fazer a triagem de comorbidades, garantindo que o tratamento não seja interrompido; 4) medir os níveis de imunonutrientes; 5) orientar a família respeitando as especificidades da situação; e 6) encaminhamento a unidades qualificadas para cuidar de crianças e adolescentes obesos, quando necessário.

Vitamin E deficiency and associated factors among Brazilian school children / Deficiência de vitamina E e fatores associados entre crianças escolares brasileiras

ABSTRACT: Objective: Brazilian national data show a significant deficiency in pediatric vitamin E consumption, but there are very few studies evaluating laboratory-proven nutritional deficiency. The present study aimed to settle the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency (VED) and factors associated among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit in Ribeirão Preto (SP). Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 94 children between 6 and 11 years old. All sub-jects were submitted to vitamin E status analysis. To investigate the presence of factors associated with VED, socio-economic and anthropometric evaluation, determination of serum hemoglobin and zinc levels, and parasitological stool exam were performed. The associations were performed using Fisher's exact test. Results: VED (α-tocopherol concentrations <7 µmol/L) was observed in seven subjects (7.4%). None of them had zinc deficiency. Of the total of children, three (3.2%) were malnourished, 12 (12.7%) were anemic, and 11 (13.5%) presented some pathogenic intestinal parasite. These possible risk factors, in addition to maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income, were not associated with VED. Conclusions: The prevalence of VED among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit was low. Zinc deficiency, malnutrition, anemia, pathogenic intestinal parasite, maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income were not a risk factor for VED. (AU)

RESUMO: Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina E (DVE) e os fatores associados a essa deficiência em escolares atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde de Ribeirão Preto (SP). Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 94 crianças entre 6 e 11 anos de idade, atendidas em uma unidade básica de saúde. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos à análise do status de vitamina E. Para investigar a presença de fatores associados à DVE, foi realizada avaliação socio-econômica e antropométrica, determinação dos níveis séricos de hemoglobina e zinco, e exame parasitológico de fezes. As associações foram realizadas por meio do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: A DVE (concentrações de α-tocoferol <7 µmol/l) foi observada em sete indivíduos (7,4%). Nenhum sujeito apresentou deficiência sérica de zinco. Do total de crianças, três (3,2%) eram desnutridas, 12 (12,7%) anêmicas e 11 (13,5%) apresentavam algum parasita intestinal patogênico. Estes possíveis fatores de risco, além do trabalho materno, escolaridade materna e renda mensal, não foram associados à DVE (p>0,05). Conclusão: A prevalência de DVE em escolares atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde foi baixa. Desnutrição, anemia, parasitose intestinal, renda mensal e trabalho e nível educacional maternos não se apre-sentaram como fatores de risco para a DVE. (AU)

COVID-19 and obesity in childhood and adolescence: a clinical review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that contribute to the increased susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 in obese children and adolescents, and its health consequences. SOURCES: Studies published between 2000 and 2020 in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Cochrane databases. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Obesity is a highly prevalent comorbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 in children and adolescents; social isolation may lead to increase fat accumulation. Excessive adipose tissue, deficit in lean mass, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and low intake of essential nutrients are factors that compromise the functioning of organs and systems in obese individuals. These factors are associated with damage to immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems, along with modification of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis). In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, these organic changes from obesity may increase the need for ventilatory assistance, risk of thromboembolism, reduced glomerular filtration rate, changes in the innate and adaptive immune response, and perpetuation of the chronic inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: The need for social isolation can have the effect of causing or worsening obesity and its comorbidities, and pediatricians need to be aware of this issue. Facing children with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, health professionals should 1) diagnose excess weight; 2) advise on health care in times of isolation; 3) screen for comorbidities, ensuring that treatment is not interrupted; 4) measure levels of immunonutrients; 5) guide the family in understanding the specifics of the situation; and 6) refer to units qualified to care for obese children and adolescents when necessary.

Sedentary lifestyle among adolescents living in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP) / Estilo de vida sedentário entre adolescentes na cidade de Ribeirão Preto (SP)

INTRODUCTION: Physical inactivity has been pointed out as one of the major public health problems of the 21st century and the benefits of the regular practice of physical activity during adolescence are important for the biological process of growth and development. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of physical inactivity among adolescents enrolled in schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP). METHODS: From September 1 to November 30, 2013, a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study was conducted with adolescents enrolled in 14 state schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, short version. RESULTS: A total of 535 adolescents participated, 35% of them boys and 65% girls; 65% were 10 to 14 years old and 35% were 15 to 19 years old; 52.3% studied in the evening period and 10.3% worked part time on a daily basis. Regarding the level of physical activity, 15.5% of the boys and 24.1% of the girls were classified as sedentary (p>0.05). 60.4% of the boys performed physical activity of vigorous intensity, while 56.3% of the girls showed preference for physical activity of low or moderate intensity (p=0.03). The girls aged 15 to 19 years spent more time sitting during the week, while the girls aged 10 to 14 years were less active during the weekend. 24.2% of the girls aged 10 to 14 years who studied during the morning period and 13.7% of the boys and 18% of the girls who studied during the evening period were classified as sedentary. CONCLUSION: High rates of sedentary lifestyle were observed among adolescents enrolled in state (or public?) schools in Ribeirão Preto (Brazil). Girls presented higher rates of sedentary lifestyle than boys. Boys performed physical activity of vigorous intensity more frequently than girls. The older girls had higher rates of physical inactivity (hours spent in the sitting position) during the week days compared to the younger ones, while the latter spent more time in physical inactivity during the weekend.

INTRODUÇÃO: Adolescência é o período de transição entre a infância e a vida adulta, caracterizado por modificações no desenvolvimento físico, emocional, sexual e social e pelos esforços em alcançar os objetivos relacionados às expectativas culturais da sociedade em que vive, OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de inatividade física entre adolescentes matriculados em escolas da cidade de Ribeirão Preto (SP). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo realizado entre 01/09/2013 e 30/11/2013, com adolescentes matriculados em 14 escolas estaduais da cidade de Ribeirão Preto (SP), utilizando-se o International Physical Activity Questionnarie, versão curta. RESULTADOS: Participaram 535 adolescentes sendo 35 % masculino e 65 % feminino; 65% tinham entre 10 e 14 anos e 35% entre 15 e 19 anos; 52,3% estudavam no período vespertino e 10,3% trabalhavam meio período ao dia. Quanto ao nível de atividade física encontrou-se 15,5% dos meninos e 24,1% das meninas classificados como sedentários (p>0,05). As moças com idades entre 10 e 14 anos referiram nível de atividade física menor que as da faixa etária dos 15 aos 19 anos (p= 0,507). 60,4% dos rapazes realizam atividade física de intensidade vigorosa enquanto 56,3% das moças mostraram preferência por atividades físicas de intensidade baixa ou moderada (p=0,03). As moças na faixa etária dos 15 aos 19 anos passam mais tempo sentadas durante a semana, enquanto que nos finais de semana são menos ativas aquelas com idades entre 10 e 14 anos. Classificou-se como sedentários 24,2% das moças com idades entre 10 e 14 anos que estudam no período da manhã e, no período vespertino, 13,7% dos rapazes e 18% das moças na faixa etária dos 15 aos 19 anos. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de sedentarismo foi de 21% sendo maior para o sexo feminino na faixa etária dos 10 aos 14 anos, que são menos ativas nos finais de semana e que estudam no período da manhã

Uma experiência exitosa de meio século da Universidade de São Paulo junto à comunidade / A successful experience of half a century of the University of São Paulo with the community

A extensão constitui-se em parte indissociável das atividades universitárias e elo fundamental da interface da academia com a comunidade. A participação da universidade na assistência à saúde da comunidade talvez represente uma das faces mais visíveis e, ao mesmo tempo, sensíveis da extensão universitária. A atuação da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) no Centro Médico Social Comunitário "Vila Lobato" (CMSC "Vila Lobato") tem se constituído por uma experiência exitosa de meio século junto à comunidade servida por esta unidade básica de saúde de Ribeirão Preto. Alunos de graduação do curso de medicina e de nutrição e metabolismo da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto-USP (FMRP-USP) e, também, médicos residentes do Hospital das Clínicas da FMRP-USP têm prestado assistência à saúde à população local. Alunos de graduação de outras unidades do Campus de Ribeirão Preto da USP (odontologia, enfermagem e psicologia) também atuam no CMSC "Vila Lobato". Inúmeros projetos de pesquisa na área da saúde foram e continuam sendo desenvolvidos na unidade, beneficiando a comunidade. A experiência de meio século da USP junto ao CMSC "Vila Lobato" constitui-se por modelo bem-sucedido de extensão universitária, devendo não somente ser reconhecido de forma genuína no meio acadêmico, mas também estimulada. (AU)

The university extension program is inseparable from the university activities and also an essential connection between the academia and the community. The participation of the university in health care to the community may represent one of the most visible and at the same time sensitive aspects of university extension. The work of the University of São Paulo (USP) at the Community Social Medical Center "Vila Lobato" (CSMC "Vila Lobato") has been a successful experience of half a century in the community assisted by this primary health care unit of Ribeirão Preto. Undergraduate students of both Medicine and Nutrition and Metabolism courses from Ribeirão Preto Medical School-USP (RPMS-USP) and also resident physicians from the General Hospital of RPMS-USP have provided health care to the local population. Undergraduate students from other schools from USP at Ribeirão Preto (dentistry, nursing, and psychology) have also worked at the CSMC "Vila Lobato". Several research projects on health were carried out, and many others have been developed in the unit, benefiting the community. This experience of half a century of USP with the CSMC "Vila Lobato" is a successful model of university extension, and it should be recognized genuinely in the academic institutions and also stimulated. (AU)

Do all infants need vitamin D supplementation?

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in children has been observed worldwide, but there are few studies on the nutritional status of vitamin D (VD) in healthy infants. The main cause of deficiency in healthy children is breastfeeding without supplementation and lack or insufficiency of sun exposure. The aims of this study were to determine serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and verify its association with parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations and use of VD supplementation in healthy infants aged ≥ 6 to ≤ 24 months attended at two Primary Health Care Units in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional, observational and analytical study was performed in which serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, PTH, alkaline phosphatase (AP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and albumin were determined in 155 healthy infants. Information on sun exposure, sociodemographic aspects of mothers and clinical and nutritional characteristics of infants were obtained through interviews with responsible infants's legal representatives. Ten infants (6%) presented deficient 25(OH)D serum concentration (≤20ng/ml) and 46 (30%), insufficient (21 to 29ng/ml). No changes in serum P, Ca and albumin concentrations were detected. Only one infant had an increase in PTH serum concentrations. 35% (55/155) of infants had high AP e 40% (22/55) presented insufficient serum concentrations of 25(OH)D but none presented deficient ones. There was a weak association between serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and PTH and an association between serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and P when adjusted for sex, age and BMI. There were no associations between inadequate serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (deficient ou insufficient), sun exposure and VD supplementation. This study found a low prevalence of deficient 25(OH)D serum concentration and high prevalence of insufficient ones which was not associated with changes in serum PTH, AP, P, Ca and albumin concentrations, VD supplementation and the formula volume intake.