Seguimiento a los egresados de la Maestría en Nutrición Humana / Follow-up of the graduates of the Master´s degree in Human Nutrition

Introducción: Diferentes estudios de seguimiento de egresados hablan del valor de obtener información sobre las actividades profesionales que ejercen y determinar el impacto de la formación recibida y la percepción de la misma. Objetivos: Determinar el desempeño de los egresados de la Maestría en Nutrición Humana FCM- UNA de las promociones del 2007 al 2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de diseño observacional con enfoque cuantitativo que obtuvo la participación de 83 de los 91 egresados que completaron la encuesta enviada a través del Formulario Google. Resultados: Entre los más resaltantes se tiene que las egresadas entre los encuestados sobresalen las mujeres (90,4 %). El área laboral ejercida; mayor cantidad en el área clínica (61,4 %), consultorio (24,1 %), salud pública en un 6%. El 55,4 % respondió que tuvo más oportunidades laborales; solo el 28,9 % realiza tutoría de tesis. El 79,1 % ha mejorado sus actividades docentes o asistenciales y el 55,4 % ha respondido que no desempeña actividad docente. El 71,1 % ha colaborado en trabajos de investigación siendo magister, en área clínica (47%), en Salud Pública (14,5 %), en área de alimentación, (6%), otros (3.6%); el 64,9 % no ha publicado el trabajo de investigación de la maestría realizada. El 95,2 % no ha hecho aún el Doctorado en Nutrición y al 89,2 % le gustaría hacerlo. Un 87,9 % califica la Maestría de Nutrición Humana FCM-UNA de Excelente o Muy Bueno. Conclusión: Se identifica una mayor cantidad de egresadas mujeres, en cuanto al campo laboral de desempeño, existe una mayor cantidad en el área clínica, más de la mitad de los egresados ha participado en un trabajo de investigación siendo magister en el área clínica, la tesis de maestría no ha sido publicada por la mayoría. Casi el total no ha realizado un Doctorado en Nutrición. Se presenta por primera vez, a nivel nacional, un estudio sobre el desarrollo profesional de los egresados de la Maestría en Nutrición Humana que podría ser útil para futuros trabajos de investigación y toma de decisiones en formación continua.

Introduction: Different graduate follow -up studies speak of the value of obtaining information about the professional activities they exercise and determining the impact of the training received and the perception of the same. Objectives: Determine the performance of graduates of the Master in Human Nutrition FCM One of the promotions from 2007 to 2020. Materials and methods: Descriptive study with observational design and quantitative approach that obtained the participation of 83 of the 91 graduates who completed the survey sent through the Google form. Results: Graduates women (90.4 %). The work area exercised; greater amount in the clinical area (61.4 %), office (24.1 %), public health at 6 %. 55.4 % replied that they had more work chances, only 28.9 % perform thesis tutoring. 79.1 % have improved their teaching or care activities and 55.4 % have responded that they do not perform teaching activity. 71.1%have collaborated in research papers being Master, in clinical area (47%), in public health (14.5%), in food area, (6%), others (3.6%); 64.9 % have not published the research work of the master's degree. 95.2 % have not yet done the doctorate in nutrition and at 89.2 % they would like to do it. 87.9 % describe the mastery of human nutrition FCM an excellent or very good one. Conclusion: A greater number of women graduates is identified, in terms of the performance field, there is a greater amount in the clinical area, more than half of the graduates have participated in a research work being a magister in the clinical area, the work of Master's research has not been published by the majority. Almost the total has not done a doctorate in nutrition. It is presented for the first time, at the national level, a study on the professional development of graduates of the Master in Human Nutrition that could be useful for future research works.

Frecuencia de malnutrición y su relación con complicaciones en mujeres embarazadas y sus recién nacidos / Frequency of malnutrition and their relationship with complications in pregnant women and their newborns

En el embarazo el requerimiento energético y de nutrientes aumentan, el déficit o el exceso puede afectar el estado nutricional de la madre y del neonato. Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de malnutrición y su relación con complicaciones en mujeres embarazadas y sus recién nacidos que acuden al Hospital Distrital de Capiatá del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, en el mes de febrero a agosto de 2022, se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transverso retrospectivo que incluyó a 140 gestantes, de las cuales 64 presentaron complicaciones por malnutrición y 76 no presentaron ninguna complicación. La edad media fue de 26,9±6,6 años con un rango de edad de 15 a 40 años. Los resultados muestran que el 45.7% (n=64) de las gestantes presentaron complicaciones por malnutrición, el 51,6% presentó diabetes gestacional, anemia en el 29,7%, el 7,8% presentó anemia y diabetes gestacional, el otro 7,8% hipertensión arterial, el 1,6% manifestó hipertensión arterial y diabetes gestacional y el otro 1,6% presentó anemia, hipertensión arterial y diabetes gestacional. En relación a la evaluación nutricional al inicio y al final de la gestación en las gestantes con complicaciones hubo una leve disminución en los porcentajes de obesidad de 43,7% a 37,5% y un aumento del bajo peso de 11% a 20,3%. En cuanto al tipo de parto en las gestantes con complicaciones el 51,6% fue por cesárea (n=33), las cuales presentaron diabetes gestacional en el 54,5%, seguido de anemia en el 21,2%. Se comprobó un mayor porcentaje de sobrepeso y obesidad (29,7%) en los recién nacidos de madres con complicaciones. Se pudo evidenciar la frecuencia de malnutrición y complicaciones en casi la mitad de las gestantes, es preciso generar mayores estrategias en salud pública para prevenir la malnutrición y complicaciones en gestantes.

In pregnancy the energy and nutrient requirement increases, the deficit or excess can affect the nutritional status of the mother and the neonate. In order to determine the frequency of malnutrition and their relationship with complications in pregnant women and their newborns who go to the Capiata District Hospital of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, in the month of February to August 2022, a Descriptive observational study of retrospective cross -section that included 140 pregnant women, of which 64 presented complications for malnutrition and 76 did not present any complication. The Middle Ages was 26.9 ± 6.6 years with an age range of 15 to 40 years. The results show that 45.7% (n = 64) of pregnant women presented complications for malnutrition, 51.6% presented gestational diabetes, anemia in 29.7%, 7.8% presented anemia and gestational diabetes, the other 7.8% arterial hypertension, 1.6% expressed arterial hypertension and gestational diabetes and the other 1.6% presented anemia, arterial hypertension and gestational diabetes. In relation to nutritional evaluation at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy in pregnant women with complications there was a slight decrease in obesity percentages of 43.7% to 37.5% and an increase in low weight of 11% to 20, 3%. As for the type of childbirth in pregnant women with complications, 51.6%was due to caesarean section (n = 33), which presented gestational diabetes in 54.5%, followed by anemia in 21.2%. A higher percentage of overweight and obesity (29.7%) was proven in mother's newborns with complications. The frequency of malnutrition and complications could be evidenced in almost half of the pregnant women, it is necessary to generate greater public health strategies to prevent malnutrition and complications in pregnant women.

Frecuencia de malnutrición y su relación con complicaciones en mujeres embarazadas y sus recién nacidos

En el embarazo el requerimiento energético y de nutrientes aumentan, el déficit o el exceso puede afectar el estado nutricional de la madre y del neonato. Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de malnutrición y su relación con complicaciones en mujeres embarazadas y sus recién nacidos que acuden al Hospital Distrital de Capiatá del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, en el mes de febrero a agosto de 2022, se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transverso retrospectivo que incluyó a 140 gestantes, de las cuales 64 presentaron complicaciones por malnutrición y 76 no presentaron ninguna complicación. La edad media fue de 26,9±6,6 años con un rango de edad de 15 a 40 años. Los resultados muestran que el 45.7% (n=64) de las gestantes presentaron complicaciones por malnutrición, el 51,6% presentó diabetes gestacional, anemia en el 29,7%, el 7,8% presentó anemia y diabetes gestacional, el otro 7,8% hipertensión arterial, el 1,6% manifestó hipertensión arterial y diabetes gestacional y el otro 1,6% presentó anemia, hipertensión arterial y diabetes gestacional. En relación a la evaluación nutricional al inicio y al final de la gestación en las gestantes con complicaciones hubo una leve disminución en los porcentajes de obesidad de 43,7% a 37,5% y un aumento del bajo peso de 11% a 20,3%. En cuanto al tipo de parto en las gestantes con complicaciones el 51,6% fue por cesárea (n=33), las cuales presentaron diabetes gestacional en el 54,5%, seguido de anemia en el 21,2%. Se comprobó un mayor porcentaje de sobrepeso y obesidad (29,7%) en los recién nacidos de madres con complicaciones. Se pudo evidenciar la frecuencia de malnutrición y complicaciones en casi la mitad de las gestantes, es preciso generar mayores estrategias en salud pública para prevenir la malnutrición y complicaciones en gestantes.

In pregnancy the energy and nutrient requirement increases, the deficit or excess can affect the nutritional status of the mother and the neonate. In order to determine the frequency of malnutrition and their relationship with complications in pregnant women and their newborns who go to the Capiata District Hospital of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, in the month of February to August 2022, a Descriptive observational study of retrospective cross -section that included 140 pregnant women, of which 64 presented complications for malnutrition and 76 did not present any complication. The Middle Ages was 26.9 ± 6.6 years with an age range of 15 to 40 years. The results show that 45.7% (n = 64) of pregnant women presented complications for malnutrition, 51.6% presented gestational diabetes, anemia in 29.7%, 7.8% presented anemia and gestational diabetes, the other 7.8% arterial hypertension, 1.6% expressed arterial hypertension and gestational diabetes and the other 1.6% presented anemia, arterial hypertension and gestational diabetes. In relation to nutritional evaluation at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy in pregnant women with complications there was a slight decrease in obesity percentages of 43.7% to 37.5% and an increase in low weight of 11% to 20, 3%. As for the type of childbirth in pregnant women with complications, 51.6%was due to caesarean section (n = 33), which presented gestational diabetes in 54.5%, followed by anemia in 21.2%. A higher percentage of overweight and obesity (29.7%) was proven in mother's newborns with complications. The frequency of malnutrition and complications could be evidenced in almost half of the pregnant women, it is necessary to generate greater public health strategies to prevent malnutrition and complications in pregnant women.

Neurological Manifestations and Complications of the Central Nervous System as Risk Factors and Predictors of Mortality in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors and predictors of mortality in a retrospective cohort of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who presented central nervous system (CNS) manifestations and complications when admitted to hospital. Patients hospitalized from 2020 to 2022 were selected. Demographic variables; history of neurological, cardiological and pulmonary manifestations; comorbidities; prognostic severity scales; and laboratory tests were included. Univariate and adjusted analyses were performed to determine risk factors and predictors of mortality. A forest plot diagram was used to show the strength of the associated risk factors. The cohort included 991 patients; at admission, 463 patients presented CNS damage and of these, 96 hospitalized patients presented de novo CNS manifestations and complications. We estimate a general mortality of 43.7% (433/991) and 77.1% (74/96), for hospitalized patients with de novo CNS manifestations and complications, respectively. The following were identified as risks for the development of hospital CNS manifestations and complications when in hospital: an age of ≥64 years, a history of neurological disease, de novo deep vein thrombosis, D-dimer ≥ 1000 ng/dL, a SOFA ≥ 5, and a CORADS 6. In a multivariable analysis, the mortality predictors were an age of ≥64 years, a SOFA ≥ 5, D-dimer ≥ 1000 ng/mL and hospital CNS manifestations and complications when admitted to hospital. Old age, being hospitalized in critical condition, and having CNS manifestations and complications in hospital are predictors of mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Migración de catéter distal a nivel del recto como complicación de derivación ventriculoperitoneal. Reporte de caso / Catheter Migration Through the Rectum as Ventricular Peritoneal Shunt Complication. Case Report

Resumen La hidrocefalia es una entidad nosológica común que en muchos casos tiene como tratamiento de elección la derivación ventricular hacia cualquier cavidad. Dentro de las complicaciones más frecuentes, tenemos las abdominales con formación de colecciones, así como irrupción a sistema intestinal con posterior migración del mismo con presentación de sintomatología a este nivel. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con nula sintomatología abdominal y migración del catéter distal hacia el recto.

Abstract Hydrocephalus is a common nosological entity, with ventricular shunting towards any cavity as the treatment of choice in many cases. Among the most frequent complications, we have the abdominal ones with the formation of collections, as well as irruption to the intestinal system with subsequent migration of the same with presentation of symptoms at this level. We present the case of a patient with no abdominal symptoms and migration of the distal catheter towards the rectum.

Frecuencia de comorbilidades en pacientes con artritis psoriásica y evaluación de la adherencia de los médicos a las recomendaciones de tratamiento de las Guías GRAPPA 2015 / Frequency of comorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthritis and evaluation of the adherence of physicians to the treatment recommendations of the GRAPPA 2015 Guidelines

Introducción: los pacientes con artritis psoriásica (APs) presentan más comorbilidades. Las guías del Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) establecen lineamientos para los tratamientos de acuerdo a ellas. Objetivos: describir la prevalencia de comorbilidades en pacientes con APs según el Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index (RDCI), analizar el efecto sobre la enfermedad y estudiar la adherencia a las guías GRAPPA. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes con APs de la cohorte RAPSODIA. Se reportaron características sociodemográficas y clínicas. Las comorbilidades se valoraron por RDCI. Se estudiaron variables asociadas a RDCI ≥1 mediante análisis multivariado. Se analizó el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de tratamiento en relación a las comorbilidades según las guías GRAPPA. Resultados: se incluyeron 170 pacientes. El 67,6% presentó al menos una comorbilidad (RDCI ≥1); estos eran de mayor edad (X 57,3±12,7 años vs. 48,2±13,2 años; p<0,0001), presentaban más sobrepeso u obesidad (84,3% vs. 67,3%; p=0,011) y peor calidad de vida (PsAQoL X 7,6±6,6 vs. 5,2±6; p=0,025). El análisis multivariado evidenció asociación de la edad y el uso de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINEs) con RDCI ≥1. Contrariamente a las recomendaciones de GRAPPA, el 70% de los pacientes con cardiopatía utilizaba AINEs, y la mitad de aquellos con enfermedades hepáticas o renales tomaba AINEs o metotrexato. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de comorbilidades en los pacientes con APs es alta. En algunos casos no se cumplían las recomendaciones de tratamiento en relación a las comorbilidades.

Introduction: comorbidities are common in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) guidelines strengthen the choice of treatments according to them. Objetives: to describe the prevalence of comorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthritis according to Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index (RDCI) and to analyze the influence of them on disease activity, functional capacity and quality life and to assess adherence to GRAPPA 2015 treatment recommendations according to the presence of comorbidities. Materials and methods: adult patients with PsA (CASPAR criteria) from the RAPSODIA cohort were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, disease activity and current treatment were recorded. Comorbidities were assessed by the RDCI. Variables associated with RDCI≥1 were studied by multivariate analysis. Adherence to treatment recommendations in relation to the reported comorbidities was analyzed according to the 2015 GRAPPA guidelines. Results: a total of 170 patients were included. Patients with RDCI ≥1 were reported by 67.6%. These patients were older (57±13 years vs 48±13 years, p<0.0001), had a higher frequency of overweight or obesity (84.3% vs 67.3%, p=0.011), and had a poorer quality of life (PsAQoL 7.6±6.6 vs 5.2±6, p=0.025). The multivariate analysis showed an association between age and the use of NSAIDs with RDCI≥1. Contrary to GRAPPA recommendations, 70% of patients with heart disease were using NSAIDs. Moreover, about half of those with hepatic or kidney disease took NSAIDs or methotrexate. Conclusions: most patients with PsA presented at least one comorbidity. GRAPPA recommendations were not followed in a considerable number of patients.

Loss of gut microbial diversity in the cultured, agastric fish, Mexican pike silverside (Chirostoma estor: Atherinopsidae).

Teleost fish are the most diverse group of extant vertebrates and have varied digestive anatomical structures and strategies, suggesting they also possess an array of different host-microbiota interactions. Differences in fish gut microbiota have been shown to affect host development, the process of gut colonization, and the outcomes of gene-environment or immune system-microbiota interactions. There is generally a lack of studies on the digestive mechanisms and microbiota of agastric short-intestine fish however, meaning that we do not understand how changes in gut microbial diversity might influence the health of these types of fish. To help fill these gaps in knowledge, we decided to study the Mexican pike silverside (Chirostoma estor) which has a simplified alimentary canal (agastric, short-intestine, 0.7 gut relative length) to observe the diversity and metabolic potential of its intestinal microbiota. We characterized gut microbial populations using high-throughput sequencing of the V3 region in bacterial 16S rRNA genes while searching for population shifts resulting associated with fish development in different environments and cultivation methods. Microbiota samples were taken from the digesta, anterior and posterior intestine (the three different intestinal components) of fish that grew wild in a lake, that were cultivated in indoor tanks, or that were raised in outdoor ponds. Gut microbial diversity was significantly higher in wild fish than in cultivated fish, suggesting a loss of diversity when fish are raised in controlled environments. The most abundant phyla observed in these experiments were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, particularly of the genera Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Spiroplasma, and Aeromonas. Of the 14,161 OTUs observed in this experiment, 133 were found in all groups, and 17 of these, belonging to Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, and Spiroplasma genera, were found in all samples suggesting the existence of a core C. estor microbiome. Functional metagenomic prediction of bacterial ecological functions using PICRUSt2 suggested that different intestinal components select for functionally distinct microbial populations with variation in pathways related to the metabolism of amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, and energy. Our results provide, for the first time, information on the bacterial populations present in an agastric, short-gut teleost with commercial potential and show that controlled cultivation of this fish reduces the diversity of its intestinal microbiota.

Sex Differences in MicroRNA Expression and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hispanic Adolescents with Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sex differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic risk factors in Hispanic adolescents with obesity. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 68 (60% male) Hispanic adolescents with obesity, aged 13-17 years, recruited from a pediatric weight management clinic. We used small RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circulating miRNAs. We used ingenuity pathway analysis and David bioinformatic resource tools to identify target genes for these miRNAs and enriched pathways. We used standard procedures to measure anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors. RESULTS: We identified 5 miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-361-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-486-5p, and miR-199b-3p) that differed between females and males. miRNA targets-enriched pathways included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin resistance, sphingolipid, transforming growth factor-ß, adipocyte lipolysis regulation, and oxytocin signaling pathways. In addition, there were sex differences in blood pressure, skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass, and percent body fat. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified sex differences in miRNA expression in Hispanic adolescents relevant to cardiometabolic health. Future studies should focus on sex-specific mechanistic roles of miRNAs on gene pathways associated with obesity pathophysiology to support development of precision cardiometabolic interventions.

Comparison of the effect of whole-body vibration therapy versus conventional therapy on functional balance of patients with Parkinson's disease: adding a mixed group.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) therapy in functional balance status of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and compare this to conventional and combined therapy. INTRODUCTION: PD patients experience a decreased mobility, inactivity, and loss of independence as consequence of disturbances in gait, posture, and balance. Rehabilitation therapy is a non-pharmacological way of improving functionality. One of the most studied modalities is WBV, with multiple studies showing improvement in motor function. However, results in this manner are inconsistent. METHODS: Forty-five patients were enrolled in a non-randomized controlled trial and divided into three groups. Group 1 received conventional therapy (thermotherapy, stretching, strengthening, coordination and balance). Group 2 received WBV therapy, and group 3 patients underwent a combined therapy protocol. A total of 20 sessions (3 per week) were conducted, assessing Berg Balance Scale (BBS) before initial and after final session. RESULTS: The 3 intervention groups showed significant improvement in BBS scores after concluding the 20-session trial compared to initial assessment. When comparing mean change in BBS score from initial to final assessment, the combined therapy group had a greater increase compared to conventional therapy, but no significant differences were observed comparing to WBV group. Mean change in BBS score showed no significant difference between conventional therapy and WBV therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: WBV therapy is a useful tool as co-adjuvant in conventional therapy. The combination of both therapies is a significant therapeutic alternative for the improvement of functional balance status in PD patients compared to conventional therapy alone.

Levels of Vitamins and Homocysteine in Older Adults with Alzheimer Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment in Cuba.

INTRODUCTION Age-related cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer disease, are among the main causes of disability and dependence in older adults worldwide. High blood homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) are a risk factor for diseases whose metabolism involves different B vitamins. Antioxidant vitamins provide a protective effect by mitigating oxidative stress generated by these diseases. Epidemiological studies have presented varying results on the relationships between blood levels of these vitamins and such cognitive disorders. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the association of vitamin and homocysteine levels with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease in a group of Cuban older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Havana, Cuba, of 424 persons aged ≥65 years: 43 with Alzheimer disease, 131 with mild cognitive impairment, and 250 with no signs of cognitive impairment. Dementia was diagnosed using criteria of the International 10/66 Dementia Research Group and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), and mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed using Petersen's criteria. Blood levels of vitamins (thiamine, B-2, folate, B-12, C and A) and homocysteine were measured by standard procedures. Analysis of variance for continuous variables and percentage comparison tests for dichotomous variables were used to compare groups. RESULTS Persons with Alzheimer disease presented signifi cantly lower levels of vitamins B-2, C and A than healthy participants (p <0.05). Homocysteine levels were signifi cantly higher in those with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment than in participants with no cognitive impairment (p <0.05). Statistically, levels of thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 were not signifi cantly different across groups. Compared with those without cognitive impairment, prevalence rates (PR) in the Alzheimer group were signifi cantly higher for hyperhomocysteinemia (PR = 3.26; 1.84-5.80) and defi - ciency of all B vitamins: thiamine (PR = 1.89; 1.04-3.43), B-2 (PR = 2.85; 1.54-5.26), folate (PR = 3.02; 1.53-5.95), B-12 (PR = 2.21; 1.17-4.19), vitamin C (PR = 3.88; 2.12-7.10) and A (PR = 5.47; 3.26-9.17). In mild cognitive impairment, prevalence rates were signifi cantly higher for hyperhomocysteinemia (PR = 1.42; 1.08-1.87), vitamin B-2 defi ciency (PR = 1.70; 1.24-2.32) and vitamin A defi - ciency (PR =1.88; 1.05-3.38). CONCLUSIONS Hyperhomocysteinemia and various vitamin defi ciencies are related to Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between different nutritional biomarkers and dementia. A better understanding of this relationship could provide a basis for therapeutic and preventive strategies. KEYWORDS Vitamins, homocysteine, geriatrics, Alzheimer disease, cognitive impairment, Cuba.

Growth recovery lines: a specific indicator of child abuse and neglect?

BACKGROUND: Growth recovery lines are radiodense lines in long bones reported to be indicators of stress. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand the distribution, quantity and associations of growth recovery lines in children ages 0-24 months with high and low risk for child maltreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children ages 0-24 months who had skeletal surveys and an assessment for maltreatment. Growth recovery lines, fractures and osteopenia were assessed independently by two pediatric radiologists blinded to the abuse likelihood. RESULTS: Of the 135 children in this study, 58 were in the low-risk group, 26 were in the neglect group, and 51 were in the physical abuse group. Children in the neglected and physically abused groups had 1.73 times (95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.16, 2.59), P=0.007) and 1.84 times (95% CI 1.28, 2.63, P<0.001) more growth recovery lines than the low-risk group, respectively. Growth recovery lines occurred at an earlier age in the neglect group (age interaction P=0.03) and abuse group (age interaction P=0.01) compared to the low-risk group. The specificity for maltreatment in children with at least 10 growth recovery lines in the long bones was greater than 84%, while sensitivity was less than 35%. The most common locations for growth recovery lines were distal radius, proximal tibia and distal tibia. CONCLUSION: In the absence of a known major stressor, physical abuse and neglect should be considered in children younger than 24 months with at least 10 growth recovery lines.

Perímetro de cuello y éxito del tratamiento de pacientes con obesidad: estudio de vida real.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the patient with obesity is a challenge due to the technical difficulties to carry out measurements. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between neck circumference (NC) and waist circumference (WC) with cardio-metabolic risk markers, as well as treatment success in patients with morbid obesity. METHOD: Four-hundred and seventy patients of 39.3 ± 11.4 years of age and with a body mass index (BMI) of 44.1 ± 8.4 were studied; 73.5% were females. Baseline and final BMI, WC, NC, hip circumference and cardio-metabolic markers were assessed. Success was defined as weight loss ≥ 5%. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between WC and NC, and between these and cardio-metabolic risk markers, as well as between changes in WC and NC and treatment success. NC predicted success in logistic regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The association of WC and NC with cardio-metabolic risk indicators and the association of NC with treatment success in patients with morbid obesity was documented. Given the simplicity for obtaining it, NC might replace WC in the assessment and follow-up of patients with class III obesity.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La evaluación del paciente con obesidad es un reto debido a las dificultades técnicas para efectuar las mediciones. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre el perímetro de cuello (PCu) y el de cintura (PC) con marcadores de riesgo cardiometabólico y el éxito del tratamiento de pacientes con obesidad mórbida. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 470 pacientes de 39.3 ± 11.4 años e índice de masa corporal de 44.1 ± 8.4; 73.5 % era del sexo femenino. Se evaluó índice de masa corporal, PC, PCu, perímetro de cadera y marcadores cardiometabólicos basales y finales. Se definió como éxito a una pérdida ponderal ≥ 5 %. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre PC y PCu y entre estos y marcadores de riesgo cardiometabólico, así como entre los cambios en PC y PCu y el éxito en el tratamiento. El PCu predijo el éxito en modelos de regresión logística. CONCLUSIONES: Se documentó la asociación entre PC y PCu con indicadores de riesgo cardiometabólico y la asociación del PCu con éxito en el tratamiento en pacientes con obesidad mórbida. Dada la sencillez de su obtención, el PCu podría sustituir al PC en la evaluación y seguimiento de pacientes con obesidad clase III.

The Radical-Scavenging Activity of a Purified and Sequenced Peptide from Lactic Acid Fermentation of Thunnus albacares By-Products.

Yellowfin tuna by-products (Thunnus albacares) were processed to produce radical-scavenging peptides from hydrolysis by lactic acid fermentation (LAF) with Lactobacillus plantarum, papaya fruit (Carica papaya), and molasses as a carbon source for 72 h. A 15-kDa peptide was purified; after de novo sequencing, it was determined that fragments are rich in hydrophobic and neutral amino acids. The results suggest this effect is mainly to the hydrophobicity of the amino acids in their sequence. Further work is on progress to assess the ability of peptides to provide stability in lipids or in other types of samples sensitive to the action of free radicals.

Fatal hemothorax caused by pleural mesothelioma in a lion / Hemotórax fatal causado por mesotelioma pleural em um leão

Mesothelioma is considered a malignant neoplasm caused by the proliferation of mesothelial cells mostly from the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Here we described a case of fatal hemothorax caused by pleural mesothelioma in a lion by means of necropsy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Gross inspection of the thoracic cavity showed hemothorax with about 4 liters of blood. Microscopically, numerous, randomly distributed, soft, red-pink, irregular masses with up to 1cm in diameter were observed in both visceral and parietal pleurae. Microscopically, a papillary structure pattern was observed in the thoracic masses, composed mainly by one layer of cubic mesothelial cells, which presented eosinophilic cytoplasm, central nucleus and evident nucleolus, supported by a low cellular fibrovascularstroma. Neoplastic cells were positive for both cytokeratin and vimentin by immunohistochemistry. This seems to be the first report of fatal hemothorax caused by pleural mesothelioma in a lion.(AU)

O mesotelioma é considerado um neoplasma maligna causada pela proliferação de células mesoteliais, principalmente da pleura, peritôneo e pericárdio. O presente caso descreve os achados macroscópicos, microscópicos e imuno-histoquímicos do hemotórax fatal causado por um mesotelioma pleural em um leão. Macroscopicamente, na cavidade torácica, foi observado cerca de 4 litros de sangue. Além disso, foram observadas numerosas massas macias, vermelho-rosa, irregulares, com até 1cm de diâmetro e distribuídas aleatoriamente pelas pleuras parietal e visceral. Microscopicamente, as massas torácicas apresentavam estruturas papilares, compostas por uma camada de células mesoteliais, que apresentavam citoplasma eosinofílico, núcleo central e nucléolo evidente, suportada por um estroma fibrovascular pouco celular. A imuno-histoquímica foi positiva para ambas citoqueratina e vimentina nas células neoplásicas. Este trabalho descreve o que parece ser o primeiro relato de um hemotórax fatal causado por um mesotelioma pleural em um leão.(AU)

Comparison of immune infiltrates in melanoma and pancreatic cancer highlights VISTA as a potential target in pancreatic cancer.

Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has transformed cancer treatment in recent years; however, treatment response is not uniform across tumor types. The tumor immune microenvironment plays a critical role in determining response to ICT; therefore, understanding the differential immune infiltration between ICT-sensitive and ICT-resistant tumor types will help to develop effective treatment strategies. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the immune tumor microenvironment of an ICT-sensitive tumor (melanoma, n = 44) and an ICT-resistant tumor (pancreatic cancer, n = 67). We found that a pancreatic tumor has minimal to moderate infiltration of CD3, CD4, and CD8 T cells; however, the immune infiltrates are predominantly present in the stromal area of the tumor and are excluded from tumoral area compared with melanoma, where the immune infiltrates are primarily present in the tumoral area. Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) had a lower infiltration of total T cells compared with resectable primary PDACs, suggesting that metastatic PDACs have poor immunogenicity. Further, a significantly higher number of CD68+ macrophages and VISTA+ cells (also known as V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation) were found in the pancreatic stromal area compared with melanoma. We identified VISTA as a potent inhibitory checkpoint that is predominantly expressed on CD68+ macrophages on PDACs. These data suggest that VISTA may be a relevant immunotherapy target for effective treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Osteonecrose mandibular associada ao uso de bisfosfonatos tratada com plasma rico em fibrina leucocitária: relato de caso

Bisfosfonatos são antiabsortivos que agem especificamentesobre a atividade dos osteoclastos. Uma complicaçãograve do seu uso é a osteonecrose dos maxilares,definida como uma área de exposição óssea na regiãomaxilofacial sem resolução espontânea por um períodode no mínimo oito semanas em pacientes com históricode uso de compostos bisfosfonatos, mas que não foramsubmetidos à radioterapia na região de cabeça e pescoço.Tratamentos conservadores são recomendados, masos resultados da literatura são controversos e nem sempreefetivos. Por isso, novas abordagens, como o usodos concentrados plaquetários, têm sido sugeridas. Sãoprodutos autólogos que contém altas concentrações defatores de crescimento e que atuam como moléculasde adesão celular, acelerando o reparo ósseo. Objetivo:descrever, por meio de relato de caso, o uso do plasmarico em fibrina e leucocitária (L-PRF) como forma detratamento da osteonecrose mandibular. Relato do caso:paciente do gênero feminino, 79 anos, diagnosticadacom osteonecrose mandibular associada ao uso de bisfosfonatos,tratada por meio de cirurgia convencionalassociando curetagem óssea e rotação de retalho, massem sucesso. Então, foi submetida à modificação detécnica cirúrgica, associando o uso de plasma rico emfibrina leucocitária (L-PRF), a fim de acelerar o processode reparo ósseo e garantir a cicatrização dos tecidosmoles. Considerações finais: o uso de L-PRF como tratamentoda osteonecrose mandibular estimula o reparoósseo e acelera a cicatrização dos tecidos moles, sendouma alternativa eficaz de tratamento.

Establishing a standard protocol for the voiding cystourethrography.

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a frequently performed test to diagnose a variety of urologic conditions, such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The test results determine whether continued observation or an interventional procedure is indicated. VCUGs are ordered by many specialists and primary care providers, including pediatricians, family practitioners, nephrologists, hospitalists, emergency room physicians, and urologists. Current protocols for performing and interpreting a VCUG are based on the International Reflux Study in 1985. However, more recent information provided by many national and international institutions suggests a need to refine those recommendations. The lead author of the 1985 study, R.L. Lebowitz, agreed to and participated in the current protocol. In addition, a recent survey directed to the chairpersons of pediatric radiology of 65 children's hospitals throughout the United States and Canada showed that VCUG protocols vary substantially. Recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend a VCUG for children between 2 and 24 months of age with urinary tract infections but did not specify how this test should be performed. To improve patient safety and to standardize the data obtained when a VCUG is performed, the AAP Section on Radiology and the AAP Section on Urology initiated the current VCUG protocol to create a consensus on how to perform this test.

Establishing a Standard Protocol for the Voiding Cystourethrography.

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a frequently performed test to diagnose a variety of urologic conditions, such as vesicoureteral reflux. The test results determine whether continued observation or an interventional procedure is indicated. VCUGs are ordered by many specialists and primary care providers, including pediatricians, family practitioners, nephrologists, hospitalists, emergency department physicians, and urologists. Current protocols for performing and interpreting a VCUG are based on the International Reflux Study in 1985. However, more recent information provided by many national and international institutions suggests a need to refine those recommendations. The lead author of the 1985 study, R.L. Lebowitz, agreed to and participated in the current protocol. In addition, a recent survey directed to the chairpersons of pediatric radiology of 65 children's hospitals throughout the United States and Canada showed that VCUG protocols vary substantially. Recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend a VCUG for children between 2 and 24 months of age with urinary tract infections but did not specify how this test should be performed. To improve patient safety and to standardize the data obtained when a VCUG is performed, the AAP Section on Radiology and the AAP Section on Urology initiated the current VCUG protocol to create a consensus on how to perform this test.