Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort.

This study aimed to investigate if the duration of breastfeeding and the method at initiation of complementary feeding affect eating behaviour in children aged 3-6 years. This is a cross-sectional analysis from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study project, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study that aims to identify childhood obesity risk factors in Spanish children. A total of 1215 children aged 3-6 years were included. Breastfeeding duration and the method of initiation of complementary feeding [baby-led weaning (BLW), traditional/spoon or mixed method] were evaluated. Eating behaviour at 3-6 years was assessed with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess the association between the aforementioned exposures and eating behaviour. Children breastfed for ≥4 months were less likely to be fussy eaters at 3-6 years compared to those breastfed for <1 month (OR: 0.86 95% CI: 0.76-0.98; p = 0.031). Compared to those children using the traditional/spoon-feeding method, those initiating complementary feeding through BLW or through a mixed approach were more likely to have higher scores on the enjoyment of food (EF) (OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.13-1.57; p = 0.001 and 1.17, 1.05-1.30; p = 0.002, respectively) and lower scores on food fussiness (FF) at 3-6 years (0.76, 0.62-0.91; p = 0.004 and 0.87, 0.78-0.98; p = 0.033, respectively). Breastfeeding for ≥4 months and initiation of complementary feeding with the BLW and a mixed approach were associated with greater EF and lower FF, which should endure practice.

Coronary artery disease as a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at an increased cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is not known whether patients with significant CHD show a higher frequency of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the frequency of MASLD and liver fibrosis in patients with CHD and to assess whether coronary stenosis is significantly associated with MASLD and fibrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational and analytical study included adult patients without any known liver disease who underwent coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (Jul 2021-Jul 2022). The presence of significant CHD (> 50% stenosis of at least one coronary artery) was determined. Liver elastography (FibroScan®) was performed up to 6 months after the coronary angiographic study to determine liver fibrosis, a measurement of liver stiffness (> 6.5 Kpa). Fisher's test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression models were used (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study included 113 patients (76% men, average age: 63 years [standard deviation: 9.9]), of which 72% presented with significant CHD. The prevalence rate of MASLD was 52%. Liver fibrosis was present in 12% of the patients and all patients in the significant CHD group (p = 0.007). An increase in the number of vessels with significant CHD increased the probability of liver fibrosis (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.04; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: MASLD is highly prevalent in patients with significant CHD but without known liver damage. These data suggest that MASLD and liver fibrosis should be investigated in patients with CHD. The presence of confounding variables, especially the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, should be evaluated in further studies.

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children.

Importance: High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective: To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants: This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure: Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results: Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

A multiprotein signaling complex sustains AKT and mTOR/S6K activity necessary for the survival of cancer cells undergoing stress.

Cancer cells encounter stresses during tumor progression and metastatic spread, however, how they survive these challenges is not fully understood. We now identify a mechanism for cancer cell survival through the discovery of a multiprotein signaling complex that includes the GTPase Cdc42, the Cdc42 GEF/effector protein Dock7, AKT, mTOR and the mTORC1 regulatory partners TSC1, TSC2, and Rheb. This pro-survival signaling complex sustains the activated state of AKT by preventing its dephosphorylation at Ser473 during serum starvation, resulting in a low but critical activation of a Raptor-independent mTOR/S6K activity. We demonstrate that the Dock7 DHR1 domain, previously of unknown function, is responsible for preserving AKT phosphorylation through an interaction requiring its C2-like motif. Collectively, these findings help address long-standing questions of how Cdc42 signals mTOR activation by elucidating the unique functions of its signaling partner Dock7 as an AKT regulator necessary for resistance to anoikis and apoptosis in cancer cells.

Reproducibility and relative validity of a semi-quantitative food and beverage frequency questionnaire for Spanish children aged 3 to 11 years: the COME-Kids F&B-FQ.

A reliable food and beverage frequency questionnaire (F&B-FQ) to measure dietary intakes for children across Spain is currently unavailable. Thus, we designed and assessed the reproducibility and relative validity of a new F&B-FQ in 210 Spanish children aged 3-11 years. COME-Kids F&B-FQ contained 125 items to assess the usual diet intake in the past year among children. To explore the reproducibility, caregivers answered COME-Kids F&B-FQ twice over a 15-day period (± 1 week). To evaluate the relative validity, estimates from a third COME-Kids F&B-FQ administered at 1 year of follow-up were compared with the mean estimates from 3-day dietary records (3d-DR) collected at baseline, 6 months, and after 1 year of follow-up. Reproducibility and relative validity of the COME-Kids F&B-FQ in estimating food groups and nutrients were assessed using Pearson (r) and intra-class (ICC) correlation coefficients. We used the kappa index to evaluate the agreement in repeat administrations or with the 3d-DR. We used Bland-Altman plots to identify bias across levels of intake. A total of 195 children (105 boys, 90 girls) completed the study. The reproducibility of data estimated from COME-Kids F&B-FQ was substantial with mean r and ICC being 0.65 and 0.64 for food groups and 0.63 and 0.62 for nutrients, respectively. Validation assessments comparing the FFQ and 3d-DRs showed r = 0.36 and ICC = 0.30 for food groups and r = 0.29 and ICC = 0.24 for nutrients. The mean agreement for food group reproducibility and relative validity was 86% and 65%, respectively. These estimates were 85% for reproducibility and 64% for relative validity in the case of nutrients. For reproducibility and relative validity, the overall mean kappa index was 63% and 37% for all food groups and 52% and 27% for nutrients, respectively. Bland-Altman plots showed no specific bias relating to the level of intake of nutrients and several food groups. CONCLUSION: COME-Kids F&B-FQ showed substantial reproducibility and acceptable relative validity to assess food and beverage intake in Spanish children aged 3 to 11 years. Most children were correctly classified in relation to the intake of food groups and nutrients, and misclassification was unlikely with reference to 3d-DR. WHAT IS KNOWN: • The estimation of dietary intake in children is complex, especially in large cohorts. • The food frequency questionnaire is a well-recognized and the most frequently used method for assessing food consumption. WHAT IS NEW: • A new food and beverage frequency questionnaire including a beverage section and novel plant-based food items has been validated in Spanish children aged 3-11 years.

Inhibiting Glutamine Metabolism Blocks Coronavirus Replication in Mammalian Cells.

Developing therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 has gained widespread interest given the likelihood that new viral variants will continue to emerge. Here we describe one potential therapeutic strategy which involves targeting members of the glutaminase family of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes (GLS and GLS2), which catalyze the first step in glutamine metabolism, the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate. We show three examples where GLS expression increases during coronavirus infection of host cells, and another in which GLS2 is upregulated. The viruses hijack the metabolic machinery responsible for glutamine metabolism to generate the building blocks for biosynthetic processes and satisfy the bioenergetic requirements demanded by the 'glutamine addiction' of virus-infected host cells. We demonstrate how genetic silencing of glutaminase enzymes reduces coronavirus infection and that newer members of two classes of small molecule allosteric inhibitors targeting these enzymes, designated as SU1, a pan-GLS/GLS2 inhibitor, and UP4, which is specific for GLS, block viral replication in mammalian epithelial cells. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of glutamine metabolism for coronavirus replication in human cells and show that glutaminase inhibitors can block coronavirus infection and thereby may represent a novel class of anti-viral drug candidates. Teaser: Inhibitors targeting glutaminase enzymes block coronavirus replication and may represent a new class of anti-viral drugs.

Associations Between Eating Speed, Diet Quality, Adiposity, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the associations between eating speed, adiposity, cardiometabolic risk factors, and diet quality in a cohort of Spanish preschool-children. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in 1371 preschool age children (49% girls; mean age, 4.8 ± 1.0 years) from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS) cohort was conducted. After exclusions, 956 participants were included in the analyses. The eating speed was estimated by summing the total minutes used in each of the 3 main meals and then categorized into slow, moderate, or fast. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the ß-coefficient, or OR and 95% CI, between eating speed and body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass index (FMI), blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile. RESULTS: Compared with participants in the slow-eating category, those in the fast-eating category had a higher prevalence risk of overweight/obesity (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.4; P < .01); larger waist circumference (ß, 2.6 cm; 95% CI, 1.5-3.8 cm); and greater FMI (ß, 0.3 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (ß, 2.8 mmHg; 95% CI, 0.6-4.9 mmHg), and fasting plasma glucose levels (ß, 2.7 mg/dL, 95% CI, 1.2-4.2 mg/dL) but lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (ß, -0.5 points; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.1 points). CONCLUSIONS: Eating fast is associated with higher adiposity, certain cardiometabolic risk factors, and lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Further long-term and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these associations.

Corrigendum: Reliability and validation of the child eating behavior questionnaire in 3- to 6-year-old Spanish children.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.705912.].

Clinical improvements after treatment with a low-valine and low-fat diet in a pediatric patient with enoyl-CoA hydratase, short chain 1 (ECHS1) deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Enoyl-CoA hydratase short-chain 1 (ECHS1) is a key mitochondrial enzyme that is involved in valine catabolism and fatty acid beta-oxidation. Mutations in the ECHS1 gene lead to enzymatic deficiency, resulting in the accumulation of certain intermediates from the valine catabolism pathway. This disrupts the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the mitochondrial respiratory chain, with consequent cellular damage. Patients present with a variable age of onset and a wide spectrum of clinical features. The Leigh syndrome phenotype is the most frequently reported form of the disease. Herein, we report a case of a male with ECHS1 deficiency who was diagnosed at 8 years of age. He presented severe dystonia, hyperlordosis, moderate to severe kyphoscoliosis, great difficulty in walking, and severe dysarthria. A valine-restricted and total fat-restricted diet was considered as a therapeutic option after the genetic diagnosis. An available formula that restricted branched-chain amino acids and especially restricted valine was used. We also restricted animal protein intake and provided a low-fat diet that was particularly low in dairy fat. RESULTS: This protein- and fat-restricted diet was initiated with adequate tolerance and adherence. After three years, the patient noticed an improvement in dystonia, especially in walking. He currently requires minimal support to walk or stand. Therefore, he has enhanced his autonomy to go to school or establish a career for himself. His quality of life and motivation for treatment have greatly increased. CONCLUSIONS: There is still a substantial lack of knowledge about this rare disorder, especially knowledge about future effective treatments. However, early diagnosis and treatment with a valine- and fat-restricted diet, particularly dairy fat-restricted diet, appeared to limit disease progression in this patient with ECHS1 deficiency.

Reliability and Validation of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire in 3- to 6-Year-Old Spanish Children.

Introduction: Eating behavior is often established during the first years of life. Therefore, it is important to make a research on it to understand the relationships that children have with food and how this can contribute to prevent the development of childhood obesity. An appropriate assessment of eating behavior can be achieved using the "Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire" (CEBQ). This questionnaire has been validated in several populations and languages, but it has never been translated, adapted, and validated for Spanish children. Aim: To evaluate the reliability and internal consistency of the CEBQ questionnaire, culturally adapted and translated into Spanish (Spain), in Spanish families with children aged 3 to 6 years, as well as its association with children's body mass index (BMI) to test its construct validity. Materials and Methods: Children between 3 and 6 years old were recruited from the ongoing MELI-POP randomized controlled clinical trial, as well as from public schools located in middle class neighborhoods of Zaragoza, Spain, to complete the sample. Sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measures were obtained according to standardized methods. The 35-item CEBQ questionnaire was completed twice with a time difference of 3 weeks between each response. Statistical analyses included the evaluation of internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire, a confirmatory factor analysis, and the association between the different CEBQ scales and the children's BMI. Results: A total of 197 children completed variables; 97 of them were boys (49.2%) and 100 girls (50.8%). Mean age of the total sample was 4.7 ± 0.9 years. There was a high test-re-test reliability of the questionnaire with values close to 1, with an average of 0.66 and a good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha with values above 0.7), so that a high reliability is established between the items in each scale. A gradual positive association was found between the score of different "pro-intake" scales of the CEBQ: "Food Responsiveness," "Emotional Overeating," and "Enjoyment of food" and the children's BMI; at the opposite, negative associations were observed between BMI and the score of anti-intake scales "Satiety Responsiveness," "Slowness in Eating," and "Emotional Undereating." Conclusion: The Spanish version of the CEBQ is a useful tool to assess the eating behavior of Spanish children because the high reliability and internal validity. There is a significant association between eating behavior and BMI in Spanish children.

Prepubertal Children With Metabolically Healthy Obesity or Overweight Are More Active Than Their Metabolically Unhealthy Peers Irrespective of Weight Status: GENOBOX Study.

Background and Aim: The association of a metabolically healthy status with the practice of physical activity (PA) remains unclear. Sedentarism and low PA have been linked to increased cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PA levels in metabolically healthy (MH) or unhealthy (MU) prepubertal children with or without overweight/obesity. Methods: A total 275 children (144 boys) with 9 ± 2 years old were selected for the GENOBOX study. PA times and intensities were evaluated by accelerometry, and anthropometry, blood pressure, and blood biochemical markers were analyzed. Children were considered to have normal weight or obesity, and further classified as MH or MU upon fulfillment of the considered metabolic criteria. Results: Classification resulted in 119 MH children (21% with overweight/obesity, referred to as MHO) and 156 MU children (47% with overweight/obesity, referred to as MUO). Regarding metabolic profile, MHO showed lower blood pressure levels, both systolic and diastolic and biochemical markers levels, such as glucose, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, triglycerides and higher HDL-c levels than MUO (P < 0.001). In addition, MHO children spent more time in PA of moderate intensity compared with MUO children. In relation to vigorous PA, MH normal weight (MHN) children showed higher levels than MUO children. Considering sex, boys spent more time engaged in moderate, vigorous, and moderate-vigorous (MV) PA than girls, and the number of boys in the MH group was also higher. Conclusion: Prepubertal MHO children are less sedentary, more active, and have better metabolic profiles than their MUO peers. However, all children, especially girls, should increase their PA engagement, both in terms of time and intensity because PA appears to be beneficial for metabolic health status itself.

Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Intervention Modifies Plasma and Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profiles But Not the Clinical Course of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is under investigation and one of the main alterations relates to the metabolic and inflammatory system dysfunctions. Indeed, based on a possible deficit of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) of patients with ASD and looking for an anti-inflammatory effect, dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed. We aimed to evaluate differences in plasma and erythrocyte FA profiles and plasma cytokines in patients with infantile ASD after supplementation with docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids or placebo and both compared at baseline with a reference healthy group. Methods: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled intervention with DHA/EPA for 6 months was carried out in 54 children between 2 and 6 years diagnosed with ASD. They were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: 19 children received 800 mg/day of DHA and 25 mg/day of EPA, or placebo. In addition, another reference group of 59 healthy children of the same age was included. Plasma lipids and cytokines, and FA profiles in plasma and erythrocytes were measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment in ASD children, and at baseline in the reference group. Results: There were no differences in demographic, anthropometric characteristics, and omega-3 intake between the healthy reference group and the ASD children at baseline. Children with ASD showed the higher plasma percentages of palmitic acid and total saturated FA and lower total omega-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) compared with healthy children. An increased level of DHA and reduced EPA level in erythrocytes were detected in the ASD group vs. the reference group. After 6 months of treatment, the ASD group that received DHA enriched product significantly increased the plasma and erythrocyte percentages of DHA, but no differences were observed in the clinical test scores and other parameters as plasma cytokines between the two groups of ASD related to the intervention. Conclusion: Spanish children with ASD exhibit an appropriate omega-3 FA status in plasma and erythrocytes. Neither a clinical improvement of ASD children nor a better anti-inflammatory or fatty acid state has been found after an intervention with DHA/EPA for 6 months. So, the prescription of n-3 LC-PUFA and other dietary supplements in ASD should be only indicated after a confirmed alteration of FA metabolism or omega-3 LC-PUFA deficiency evaluated by specific erythrocyte FA. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03620097].

The Metabolic Impact of Two Different Parenteral Nutrition Lipid Emulsions in Children after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Lipidomics Investigation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the infusion of either bone marrow or blood cells preceded by toxic chemotherapy. However, there is little knowledge about the clinical benefits of parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy during HSCT. We investigated the lipidomic profile of plasma and the targeted fatty acid profiles of plasma and erythrocytes in children after HSCT using PN with either a fish oil-based lipid emulsion or a classic soybean oil emulsion. An untargeted liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry platform connected with a novel in silico annotation algorithm was utilized to determine the most relevant chemical subclasses affected. In addition, we explored the interrelation between the lipidomics profile in plasma, the targeted fatty acid profile in plasma and erythrocytes, several biomarkers of inflammation, and antioxidant defense using an innovative data integration analysis based on Latent Components. We observed that the fish oil-based lipid emulsion had an impact in several lipid subclasses, mainly glycerophosphocholines (PC), glycerophosphoserines (PS), glycerophosphoethanolamines (PE), oxidized PE (O-PE), 1-alkyl,2-acyl PS, lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LPE), oxidized PS (O-PS) and dicarboxylic acids. In contrast, the classic soybean oil emulsion did not. Several connections across the different blocks of data were found and aid in interpreting the impact of the lipid emulsions on metabolic health.

PLB-985 Neutrophil-Like Cells as a Model To Study Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenesis.

Fungal infections remain a major global concern. Emerging fungal pathogens and increasing rates of resistance mean that additional research efforts and resources must be allocated to advancing our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and developing new therapeutic interventions. Neutrophilic granulocytes are a major cell type involved in protection against the important fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, where they employ numerous defense mechanisms, including production of antimicrobial extracellular vesicles. A major drawback to work with neutrophils is the lack of a suitable cell line system for the study of fungal pathogenesis. To address this problem, we assessed the feasibility of using differentiated PLB-985 neutrophil-like cells as an in vitro model to study A. fumigatus infection. We find that dimethylformamide-differentiated PLB-985 cells provide a useful recapitulation of many aspects of A. fumigatus interactions with primary human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. We show that differentiated PLB-985 cells phagocytose fungal conidia and acidify conidia-containing phagolysosomes similar to primary neutrophils, release neutrophil extracellular traps, and also produce antifungal extracellular vesicles in response to infection. In addition, we provide an improved method for the isolation of extracellular vesicles produced during infection by employing a size exclusion chromatography-based approach. Advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics revealed an enrichment of extracellular vesicle marker proteins and a decrease of cytoplasmic proteins in extracellular vesicles isolated using this improved method. Ultimately, we find that differentiated PLB-985 cells can serve as a genetically tractable model to study many aspects of A. fumigatus pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are an important defense against human fungal pathogens, yet our model systems to study this group of cells remain very limited in scope. In this study, we established that differentiated PLB-985 cells can serve as a model to recapitulate several important aspects of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte interactions with the important human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The proposed addition of a cultured neutrophil-like cell line to the experimental toolbox to study fungal pathogenesis will allow for a more mechanistic description of neutrophil antifungal biology. In addition, the easier handling of the cell line compared to primary human neutrophils allowed us to use PLB-985 cells to provide an improved method for isolation of neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles using size exclusion chromatography. Together, these results provide significant tools and a baseline knowledge for the future study of neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles in the laboratory.

Impact of Physical Activity Intensity Levels on the Cardiometabolic Risk Status of Children: The Genobox Study.

Childhood obesity has been related to metabolic syndrome and low-grade chronic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity intensities and practice on inflammation, endothelial damage, and cardiometabolic risk factors in children. There were 513 participants, aged 6-14 years, recruited for the study. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry, and the children were classified into four groups according to quartiles of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) practice as very low active, low active, moderate active, and high active. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and plasma metabolic and proinflammatory parameters were analyzed. Very low active group presented a worse lipid profile and higher insulin, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, matrix metallopeptidase-9, and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, while lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Type 1 macrophages, and interleukin 8 than high-active children. Regression analyses showed that a higher MVPA practice was associated with lower levels of triacylglycerols (ß: -0.118; p = .008), resistin (ß: -0.151; p = .005), tPAI (ß: -0.105; p = .046), and P-selectin (ß: -0.160; p = .006), independently of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). In contrast, a higher BMI was associated with higher levels of insulin (ß: 0.370; p < .001), Homeostasis Model Assessment (ß: 0.352; p < .001), triacylglycerols (ß: 0.209; p < .001), leptin (ß: 0.654; p < .001), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (ß: 0.182; p < .001), Type 1macrophages (ß: 0.181; p < .001), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor (ß: 0.240; p < .001), independently of sex, age, and MVPA. A better anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory profile was detected in the most active children; however, these differences were partly due to BMI. These results suggest that a higher MVPA practice and a lower BMI in children may lead to a better cardiometabolic status.

Escala News2 y Quick COVID-19 Severity Index: Predictores de mortalidad en adultos con infección por SARS­CoV­2 / News2 scale and Quick COVID-19 Severity Index: Predictors of mortality in adults with SARS­CoV­2 infection

La alta morbi-mortalidad asociada con COVID-19, se ha desarrollado herramientas de estratificación de riesgo clínico para estos pacientes, con el fin de predecir la progresión a enfermedad grave y/o mortalidad. En este estudio se comparó la Escala Quick COVID19 Severity Index con News2 como predictor de mortalidad en adultos con infección por SARS ­ CoV-2, precisando su validez diagnóstica. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico, de pruebas diagnósticas. Se incluyeron a 255 pacientes, mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados en el Hospital II ­ I Moyobamba con diagnóstico de COVID-19, con requerimiento de oxígeno ≤6 Lt/min, en el periodo de enero a diciembre del 2020. Resultados: 13% (32/255) de los pacientes fallecieron, con predominio del sexo masculino 62,5% (20/32), con edad promedio de 50 años, los parámetros bioclínico valorados no demostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa, a excepción de la glucemia p: 0.01. En cuanto a las escalas, considerándose como puntaje alto ≥ 7 puntos; Quick Covid-19 Severity Index no tiene asociación significativa como predictor de mortalidad, con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 43,75% y 63,23% respectivamente; mientras que NEWS-2 arrojo sensibilidad de 87,50%; especificidad de 50,67%; AUC 0,768 (IC: 0,684-0,853; p 0,00); es decir existe más del 75% de probabilidad de pronóstico. Conclusión: la escala NEWS-2estadisticamente mostró ser una buena herramienta para el pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con infección con SARS ­ CoV ­ 2, se sugiere realizar estudios que confirme los hallazgos de esta investigación y valorar su aplicabilidad y reproducibilidad en otras poblaciones(AU)

Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19, clinical risk stratification tools have been developed for these patients, in order to predict progression to severe disease and/or mortality. In this study, the Quick COVID19 Severity Index Scale was compared with News2 as a predictor of mortality in adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection, specifying its diagnostic validity. Materials and methods: Observational, retrospective, analytical study of diagnostic tests. 255 patients were included, over 18 years of age, hospitalized in Hospital II - I Moyobamba with a diagnosis of COVID-19, with an oxygen requirement of ≤6 Lt/min, from January to December 2020. Results: 13% (32/255) of the patients died, with a predominance of males 62.5% (20/32), with an average age of 50 years, the bioclinical parameters evaluated did not show a statistically significant association, except for the blood glucose p: 0.01. Regarding the scales, considering a high score ≥ 7 points; Quick Covid-19 Severity Index has no significant association as a predictor of mortality, with a sensitivity and specificity of 43.75% and 63.23%, respectively; while NEWS-2 showed sensitivity of 87.50%; specificity of 50.67%; AUC 0.768 (CI: 0.684-0.853, p 0.00); that is, there is more than 75% probability of prognosis. Conclusion: the NEWS-2 scale statistically showed to be a good tool for the prognosis of mortality in patients infected with SARS - CoV - 2, it is suggested to carry out studies that confirm the findings of this research and assess its applicability and reproducibility in other populations(AU)

Características coligadas al estilo de vida en pacientes adultos mayores en un Centro de Salud de los Andes en el Perú / Characteristics related to lifestyle in elderly patients in a Health Center of the Andes in Peru

Introducción: Un correcto estilo de vida es vital en los adultos mayores para reducir su riesgo de enfermedades y de perder funcionalidad. Objetivo: Determinar las características coligadas al estilo de vida en pacientes adultos mayores en un Centro de Salud de los andes peruanos. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo con pacientes adultos mayores de un centro de salud. Se trabajó con una base de datos previamente recolectada. Se usó estadística descriptiva. El estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética institucional. Resultados: De los 74 pacientes evaluados, la media de edad fue de 75,4 años y el 52% fue de sexo femenino. La media del IMC fue de 24,8 Kg/m2 y la del perímetro abdominal de 86,8 cm. 32,7% tuvieron una agudeza visual de 70 en el ojo derecho y 36,4% de 50 en el ojo izquierdo. La glucosa (mg/dL), hemoglobina (g/dL) y el ácido úrico (mg/dL) tuvieron una mediana de 97, 15,4 y 7; respectivamente. Los triglicéridos y el colesterol tuvieron una media de 182,2 mg/dL y 189,9 mg/dL; respectivamente. Un 5,4% de hombres tuvieron PSA reactivo. 4% tuvieron diabetes, 21,6% hipertensión arterial y 22,2% anemia; mientras que 70,3% consumía alcohol, 6,8% tenía tabaquismo y 89,2% consumía bebidas gaseosas. Conclusiones: Se encontraron algunos indicadores de mal estilo de vida, como el consumo de alcohol y bebidas gaseosas, así como indicadores de condiciones relacionadas a un mal estilo de vida como una media del IMC cercano al sobrepeso, de triglicéridos y colesterol elevados.

Introduction: A correct lifestyle is vital in older adults to reduce their risk of diseases and loss of functionality. Objective: To determine the lifestyles of elderly patients in a Health Center in the Peruvian Andes. Method: Observational, descriptive study with elderly patients from a health center. We worked with a previously collected database. Descriptive statistics were used. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Results: Of the 74 patients evaluated, the mean age was 75.4 years and 52% were females. The mean BMI was 24.8 kg / m2 and that of the abdominal circumference was 86.8 cm. 32.7% had a visual acuity of 70 in the right eye and 36.4% of 50 in the left eye. Glucose (mg / dL), hemoglobin (g / dL) and uric acid (mg / dL) had a median of 97, 15.4 and 7; respectively. Triglycerides and cholesterol had a mean of 182.2 mg / dL and 189.9 mg / dL; respectively. 5.4% of men had reactive PSA. 4% had diabetes, 21.6% hypertension, and 22.2% anemia; while 70.3% consumed alcohol, 6.8% smoked and 89.2% consumed soda. Conclusions: Some indicators of poor lifestyle were found, such as the consumption of alcohol and soft drinks, as well as indicators of conditions related to a poor lifestyle such as an average BMI close to being overweight, high triglycerides and cholesterol.

Dietary Patterns, Eating Behavior, and Nutrient Intakes of Spanish Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Eating behavior problems are characteristic of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with a highly restricted range of food choices, which may pose an associated risk of nutritional problems. Hence, detailed knowledge of the dietary patterns (DPs) and nutrient intakes of ASD patients is necessary to carry out intervention strategies if required. The present study aimed to determine the DPs and macro-and micronutrient intakes in a sample of Spanish preschool children with ASD compared to typically developing control children. Fifty-four children with ASD (two to six years of age) diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic Manual-5 criteria), and a control group of 57 typically developing children of similar ages were recruited. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used, and the intake of energy and nutrients was estimated through three non-consecutive 24-h dietary registrations. DPs were assessed using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. Children with ASD exhibited a DP characterized by high energy and fat intakes and a low intake of vegetables and fruits. Likewise, meat intake of any type, both lean and fatty, was associated with higher consumption of fish and dietary fat. Furthermore, the increased consumption of dairy products was associated with increased consumption of cereals and pasta. In addition, they had frequent consumption of manufactured products with poor nutritional quality, e.g., beverages, sweets, snacks and bakery products. The percentages of children with ASD complying with the adequacy of nutrient intakes were higher for energy, saturated fat, calcium, and vitamin C, and lower for iron, iodine, and vitamins of group B when compared with control children. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need to assess the DPs and nutrient intakes of children with ASD to correct their alterations and discard some potential nutritional diseases.

Analysis of Global and Local DNA Methylation Patterns in Blood Samples of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The goal of this investigation was to determine whether there are alterations in DNA methylation patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Material and Methods: Controlled prospective observational case-control study. Within the ASD group, children were sub-classified based on the presence (AMR subgroup) or absence (ANMR subgroup) of neurodevelopmental regression during the first 2 years of life. We analyzed the global levels of DNA methylation, reflected in LINE-1, and the local DNA methylation pattern in two candidate genes, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM1) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) that, according to our previous studies, might be associated to an increased risk for ASD. For this purpose, we utilized blood samples from pediatric patients with ASD (n = 53) and their corresponding controls (n = 45). Results: We observed a slight decrease in methylation levels of LINE-1 in the ASD group, compared to the control group. One of the CpG in LINE-1 (GenBank accession no.X58075, nucleotide position 329) was the main responsible for such reduction, highly significant in the ASD subgroup of children with AMR (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we detected higher NCAM1 methylation levels in ASD children, compared to healthy children (p < 0.001). The data, moreover, showed higher NGF methylation levels in the AMR subgroup, compared to the control group and the ANMR subgroup. These results are consistent with our prior study, in which lower plasma levels of NCAM1 and higher levels of NGF were found in the ANMR subgroup, compared to the subgroup that comprised neurotypically developing children. Conclusions: We have provided new clues about the epigenetic changes that occur in ASD, and suggest two potential epigenetic biomarkers that would facilitate the diagnosis of the disorder. We similarly present with evidence of a clear differentiation in DNA methylation between the ASD subgroups, with or without mental regression.

Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodevelopmental Regression Present a Severe Pattern After a Follow-Up at 24 Months.

This study examined the presence of neurodevelopmental regression and its effects on the clinical manifestations and the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a group of children with autism compared with those without neurodevelopmental regression at the time of initial classification and subsequently. Methods and Subjects: ASD patients were classified into two subgroups, neurodevelopmental regressive (AMR) and non-regressive (ANMR), using a questionnaire based on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised test. The severity of ASD and neurodevelopment were assessed with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale Test-2, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Behavior Inventory Parent Ratings (PDDBI) and with the Battelle Developmental Inventory tests at the beginning of the study and after 24 months of follow-up. Fifty-two patients aged 2-6 years with ASD were included. Nineteen were classified with AMR, and 33 were classified with ANMR. Results: The AMR subgroup presented greater severity of autistic symptoms and higher autism scores. Additionally, they showed lower overall neurodevelopment. The AMR subgroup at 24 months had poorer scores on the Battelle Developmental Inventory test in the following areas: Total personal/social (p < 0.03), Total Motor (p < 0.04), Expressive (p < 0.01), and Battelle Total (p < 0.04). On the PDDBI test, the AMR subgroup had scores indicating significantly more severe ASD symptoms in the variables: ritual score (p < 0.038), social approach behaviors (p < 0.048), expressive language (p < 0.002), and autism score (p < 0.003). Conclusions: ASD patients exhibited a set of different neurological phenotypes. The AMR and ANMR subgroups presented different clinical manifestations and prognoses in terms of the severity of autistic symptoms and neurodevelopment.