Cytotoxic and antibacterial compounds from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi fruits.

Chromatographic procedures of extracts of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi fruits afforded (Z)-masticadienoic (1) and 3ß-masticadienolic (2) acids, tetrahydroamentoflavone (3), and 4-O-methyl gallic acid (4). Addicionally, the derivative 6-oxo masticadienoic acid (1a) was prepared by an allylic oxidation. The chemical structures of obtained compounds were elucidated by spectrometric data analyses. Furthermore, both the semi-synthetic derivative and the metabolites were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity against the A549 human lung cancer cell line, as well as antimicrobial activity tests. Compounds 2 and 1a exhibited cytotoxicity towards A549 cells with IC50 values of 20.13 and 6.11 µM, respectively. In the tests against pathogens, the CHCl3 and EtOAc soluble fractions of MeOH extract along with the pure compounds, exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Except for 4-O-methyl gallic acid, the other pure compounds showed inhibitory microbial activities with MIC values ranging from 0.25 µg/mL to 25 µg/mL doses.

Characterization of Z cluster connectivity in CuZr metallic glasses.

CONTEXT: Previous studies have proposed that the backbone of metallic glasses consists mainly of high-centrosymmetric structures, particularly Z clusters, which are responsible for the strength of the glass matrix. However, exploring these networks involves medium-range order analysis, a topic still not fully understood in the literature. This study investigates the atomic connectivity of CuZr metallic glasses by analyzing Z clusters using complex networks to establish their relationship with the mechanical behavior. Our results reveal higher connectivity and larger network sizes in the sample exhibiting the most pronounced stress overshoot, while the opposite trend is observed in samples with less pronounced stress overshoot. Metrics, such as density and clustering coefficient, further validate the correlation between Z cluster connectivity and mechanical behavior. These findings underscore the critical role of Z cluster connectivity in understanding the mechanical response of metallic glasses. METHODS: Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using the LAMMPS software. Atomic interactions in Cu 50 Zr 50 metallic glasses were modeled using the embedded atom method, and compression tests were performed to assess the mechanical response. Atomic connectivity was examined through complex network analysis based on Z clusters, utilizing the NetworkX library for the Python programming language. Within this framework, parameters such as the average coordination number, network size, and network density were calculated, revealing the relationship between the interpenetrating Z cluster structure and the mechanical response of the samples.

Decoding Gen Z: AI's influence on brand trust and purchasing behavior.

This study focuses on the role of AI in shaping Generation Z's consumer behaviors across fashion, technology, beauty, and education sectors. Analyzing responses from 224 participants, our findings reveal that AI exposure, attitude toward AI, and AI accuracy perception significantly enhance brand trust, which in turn positively impacts purchasing decisions. Notably, flow experience acts as a mediator between brand trust and purchasing decisions. These insights underscore the critical role of AI in developing brand trust and influencing purchasing choices among Generation Z, offering valuable implications for marketers in an increasingly digital landscape.

ZBP1 promotes hepatocyte pyroptosis in acute liver injury by regulating the PGAM5/ROS pathway.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Acute liver injury (ALI) is characterized by massive hepatocyte death with high mortality and poor prognosis. Hepatocyte pyroptosis plays a key role in the physiopathological processes of ALI, which can damage mitochondria and release NLRP3 inflammasome particles, causing systemic inflammatory responses. Z-DNA Binding Protein 1 (ZBP1) is a sensor that induces cell death. Here, we investigated whether ZBP1 participates in hepatocyte pyroptosis and explored the possible pathogenesis of ALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatocyte pyrotosis was induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and nigericin (Nig), and the expression of Zbp1 (ZBP1) was examined by western blot analysis and RT-qPCR. Further, we transfected AML-12 (LO2 and HepG2) cell lines with Zbp1 (ZBP1) siRNA. After ZBP1 was silenced, LDH release and flow cytometry were used to measure the cell death; Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR were used to detect the marker of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. We also detected the expression of mitochondrial linear rupture marker phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) using western blot analysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) using the DCFH-DA method. RESULTS: The expression of ZBP1 was up-regulated in LPS/Nig-induced hepatocytes. Si-Zbp1 (Si-ZBP1) inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in LPS/Nig-induced hepatocytes. Moreover, ZBP1 silencing inhibited the expression of PGAM5 by reducing ROS production. CONCLUSIONS: ZBP1 promotes hepatocellular pyroptosis by modulating mitochondrial damage, which facilitates the extracellular release of ROS.

Deformidad en equino del tobillo en edades pediátricas

La deformidad en equino del tobillo ocurre como consecuencia de múltiples entidades. Aunque la primera línea de tratamiento es la conservadora, las modalidades quirúrgicas son necesarias en la mayoría de los enfermos pediátricos. Estas últimas son las más empleadas por zonas del complejo músculo-tendinoso, en especial los alargamientos fraccionados y en forma de Z-plastia. El objetivo de este trabajo es actualizar y brindar información sobre los distintos procedimientos quirúrgicos en la corrección de la deformidad en equino del tobillo. En la búsqueda y análisis de la información se emplearon las siguientes palabras: equinus deformity, equino varus, equino valgus; drop foot deformity y Achilles tendon Z-lengthening. A partir de la información obtenida, se realizó unala revisión bibliográfica de un total de 187 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO, EBSCO, Scopus, Medscape y Medline, mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote. De ellos se utilizaron 30, 28 de los últimos cinco años. Se hace referencia a la anatomía esencial de la zona, al igual que a la prueba de Silfverskiöld. Con relación a la imagenología, se describe la técnica para calcular la distancia del tendón a alargar. Se mencionan las técnicas quirúrgicas de alargamiento fraccionado, por Z-plastia, trasposición anterior del tendón de Aquiles y la hemiepifisiodesis.

Equinus deformity of the ankle occurs as a consequence of multiple entities. Although the first line of treatment is conservative, surgical modalities are necessary in most pediatric patients. The latter are the most used for areas of the muscle-tendinous complex, especially fractional and Z-plasty-shaped lengthening. The aim of this work is to update and provide information on the different surgical procedures in the correction of equinus deformity of the ankle. In the search and analysis of the information, the following words were used: equinus deformity, equinovarus, equinovalgus; drop foot deformity and Achilles tendon Z-lengthening. Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review of a total of 187 articles published in PubMed, Hinari, SciELO, EBSCO, Scopus, Medscape and Medline databases was carried out using the search manager and reference administrator EndNote. Of these, 30 were used, 28 of the last five years. Reference is made to the essential anatomy of the area, as well as to the Silfverskiöld test. In relation to imaging, the technique to calculate the distance of the tendon to be lengthened is described. Fractional lengthening surgical techniques are mentioned, by Z-plasty, anterior transposition of the Achilles tendon and hemiepiphysiodesis.

Personality Characteristics and Interpersonal Relationship Skills in Human Aging / Características de Personalidade e Habilidades de Relacionamento Interpessoal no Envelhecimento Humano

Abstract This longitudinal study aimed to assess personality characteristics and interpersonal relationship skills over time. The participants were 20 trade workers, non-patients, between 18 and 56 years old, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Social Skills Inventory (SSI2-Del Prette), and Zulliger in the Comprehensive System (ZSC). The first assessment (Test) took place between 2009 and 2019; the second (Retest) in 2021 (M=7.7 years; SD=3.8). No statistically significant differences (ANOVA) were evidenced in the assessed personality characteristics (ICC 0.40 to 0.81) and the interpersonal relationship skills remained good and excellent. The study contributes to a broader understanding of personality aspects and relational skills in human aging.

Resumo Este estudo de delineamento longitudinal objetivou avaliar as características de personalidade e as habilidades de relacionamento interpessoal ao longo do tempo. Participaram 20 trabalhadores do comércio, não pacientes, de 18 a 56 anos de idade, que responderam a um questionário de dados sociodemográficos, Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS2-Del Prette) e Zulliger no Sistema Compreensivo (ZSC). A primeira avaliação (Teste) ocorreu de 2009 a 2019; a segunda avaliação (Reteste) ocorreu em 2021 (M=7,7 anos; DP=3,8). Não se evidenciou diferenças estatísticas significativas (ANOVA) nas características de personalidade avaliadas (ICC 0,40 a 0,81) e as habilidades de relacionamento interpessoal se mantiveram boas e excelentes. O estudo contribui para ampliar a compreensão de aspectos de personalidade e das habilidades relacionais no envelhecimento humano.

Discovery of inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B contained in a natural products library from Mexican medicinal plants and fungi using a combination of enzymatic and in silico methods*.

This work aimed to discover protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors from a small molecule library of natural products (NPs) derived from selected Mexican medicinal plants and fungi to find new hits for developing antidiabetic drugs. The products showing similar IC50 values to ursolic acid (UA) (positive control, IC50 = 26.5) were considered hits. These compounds were canophyllol (1), 5-O-(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)-7-methoxy-3',4'-dihydroxy-4-phenylcoumarin (2), 3,4-dimethoxy-2,5-phenanthrenediol (3), masticadienonic acid (4), 4',5,6-trihydroxy-3',7-dimethoxyflavone (5), E/Z vermelhotin (6), tajixanthone hydrate (7), quercetin-3-O-(6″-benzoyl)-ß-D-galactoside (8), lichexanthone (9), melianodiol (10), and confusarin (11). According to the double-reciprocal plots, 1 was a non-competitive inhibitor, 3 a mixed-type, and 6 competitive. The chemical space analysis of the hits (IC50 < 100 µM) and compounds possessing activity (IC50 in the range of 100-1,000 µM) with the BIOFACQUIM library indicated that the active molecules are chemically diverse, covering most of the known Mexican NPs' chemical space. Finally, a structure-activity similarity (SAS) map was built using the Tanimoto similarity index and PTP1B absolute inhibitory activity, which allows the identification of seven scaffold hops, namely, compounds 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11. Canophyllol (1), on the other hand, is a true analog of UA since it is an SAR continuous zone of the SAS map.

Effect of Industrial Pollution in Puchuncaví Valley on the Medicinal Properties of Senecio fistulosus Poepp. ex Les (Asteraceae): Content of Phytoconstituents and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities.

Senecio fistulosus, an endemic plant in Chile, is highly regarded for its medicinal properties and is popular in alternative medicine. It thrives even in polluted areas, like Puchuncaví Valley, Chile. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the impact of industrial pollution in Puchuncaví Valley, Chile, on the phytoconstituent content, as well as the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, of S. fistulosus. Phenols, flavonoids, and anthraquinones content were measured, alongside the assessment of antioxidant activities. Additionally, a GC-MS analysis was conducted to profile the phytoconstituents, while the cytotoxic potential was evaluated in HT-29 and MCF-7 and cell line non-tumorigenic MCF-10. The Wild sample exhibited a greater concentration of phytoconstituents (0 to 169.48 mg·L-1) compared to the Commercial control (0 to 95.38 mg·L-1), directly correlating with its antioxidant activity. While the Wild species showed cytotoxic activity, the Commercial control demonstrated cytotoxic effects on MCF-10 and MCF-7. Noteworthy compounds identified were hexadecanoic acid (12.76 to 19.57% relative area) and (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (18.36% relative area), with anticancer properties. In conclusion, the abiotic stress experienced by S. fistulosus led to higher phytoconstituent content and improved antioxidant activity when contrasted with the Commercial control. The Commercial species showed increased cytotoxic activity against both tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cell lines.

Nutrient intakes from complementary foods are associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers among undernourished Peruvian children.

Relatively little is known about how the diet of chronically undernourished children may impact cardiometabolic biomarkers. The objective of this exploratory study was to characterise relationships between dietary patterns and the cardiometabolic profile of 153 3-5-year-old Peruvian children with a high prevalence of chronic undernutrition. We collected monthly dietary recalls from children when they were 9-24 months old. At 3-5 years, additional dietary recalls were collected, and blood pressure, height, weight, subscapular skinfolds and fasting plasma glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were assessed. Nutrient intakes were expressed as average density per 100 kcals (i) from 9 to 24 months and (ii) at follow-up. The treelet transform and sparse reduced rank regress'ion (RRR) were used to summarize nutrient intake data. Linear regression models were then used to compare these factors to cardiometabolic outcomes and anthropometry. Linear regression models adjusting for subscapular skinfold-for-age Z-scores (SSFZ) were then used to test whether observed relationships were mediated by body composition. 26 % of children were stunted at 3-5 years old. Both treelet transform and sparse RRR-derived child dietary factors are related to protein intake and associated with total cholesterol and SSFZ. Associations between dietary factors and insulin were attenuated after adjusting for SSFZ, suggesting that body composition mediated these relationships. Dietary factors in early childhood, influenced by protein intake, are associated with cholesterol profiles, fasting glucose and body fat in a chronically undernourished population.

Multimodal Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Perforations as a Complication of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for a Zenker's Diverticulum.

Zenker's diverticulum develops because of a weakness in Killian's triangle, leading to a mucosal and submucosal herniation. Its treatment has evolved from morbid surgical interventions to safer endoscopic techniques such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). Despite being a safe technique, Z-POEM is not free of complications such as perforations, bleeding, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumothorax, for which new endoscopic techniques have been developed. We present the case of a 53-year-old man taken to a Z-POEM who postoperatively presented dehiscence of the mucosotomy and a mediastinal collection, managed with a vacuum-assisted endoscopic closure device.

Powdered Beverage from Native Plants from Argentina (Zuccagnia punctata and Solanum betaceum) Obtained by Spray-Drying: A Promising Source of Antioxidant Compounds.

In previous studies, the Argentinean native plants called Zuccagnia punctata (jarilla, pus pus, lata) and Solanum betaceum (chilto, tree tomato) were reported as new natural sources of antioxidant compounds, mainly chalcones, anthocyanins and rosmarinic acid derivates. The present study deals with the production of antioxidant beverages of Z. punctata (Zp) extract and chilto juice with honey as sweetener. A Zp extract and red chilto juice were obtained according to Food Code and characterized. The beverages were formulated by using maltodextrin (MD) with two dextrose equivalents (DE), 10 and 15, and then spray-dried at an inlet air temperature of 130 °C. The physicochemical, microscopical, phytochemical and functional characteristics of the powders were surveyed. The experiments carried out showed good physical properties for both formulations showing high water solubility with adequate features for handling, transport and storage. The chromatic parameters of both powdered beverages indicate orange-pink tones regardless of the wall material used. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content in the beverages were kept after spray-drying (92 and 100%, respectively). The anthocyanins were less stable under drying conditions (yield 58%). Both powdered beverages showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, HO• and H2O2 (SC50 between 3.29 to 41.05 µg GAE/mL) and were able to inhibit xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity (CI50 between 91.35 and 114.43 µg GAE/mL). The beverages were neither toxic nor mutagenic in the concentration range with biological activity. The results obtained in the present work scientifically support the use of the powdered beverages of Argentinean native plants as antioxidant.

Identifying markers volatiles in Brazilian virgin oil by multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction, and chemometrics tools.

A protocol was optimized to determine the volatile profile from monovarietal virgin olive oil (VOO) by multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction (MHS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. For this, a Plackett-Burman (PB) and central composite rotational designs (CCRD) were used to define the best condition of extraction. Moreover, fatty acids profile and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify markers among the cultivars. The amount of 0.1 g of sample was enough to express the volatile composition of the olive oils by MHS-SPME. Volatile compounds [nonanal, (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-Hexenyl Acetate, Hexyl Acetate, 3-Methylbutyl Acetate, (E)-2-Hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-Hexenyl Acetate] and fatty acids [C17:1, C18, C18:1, C18:2] were those reported such as the markers in the varieties of olive oils. The PCA analysis allowed the classification of the most representative volatiles and fatty acids for each cultivar. Through two principal components was possible to obtain 81.9% of explanation of the variance of the compounds. The compounds were quantified using a validated method. The MHS-SPME combined with multivariate analysis showed a promising tool to identify markers and for the discrimination of olive oil varieties.

Urinary KIM-1 is not correlated with gestational age among 5-year-old children born prematurely.

Background: Preterm birth is associated with decreased nephron endowment. Currently, there is no reliable non-invasive biomarker to identify or monitor decreased nephron number in at-risk patients. Urinary Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a biomarker of acute and chronic renal injury. We measured urinary KIM-1 among a wide array of other potential biomarkers. Methods: We conducted an ambispective cohort study of 5-years-old children born prematurely and healthy controls identified from city schools. Detailed anthropometrics, renal ultrasound dimensions, and biochemical parameters were measured. Urinary KIM-1 was measured using Luminex® technology. Age independent z-scores were calculated and compared. Spearman correlations were used for estimating the association between measures and KIM-1. Results: We enrolled 129 children, 97 (75.2%) born pre-term and 32 (24.8%) healthy controls born at full-term. Pre-term patients had significantly lower weight and body surface area than controls. Pre-term patients and controls did not differ in current age, sex, race, height, blood pressure, urinary sodium, fractional sodium excretion, serum creatinine and estimated GFR. All spearman correlation between KIM-1 and gestational age, renal and serum measurements were weak without statistical significance. Conclusion: In 5-year-old children born prematurely, KIM-1 was not correlated with gestational age. Further prospective studies need to confirm this finding.

COVID-19, social identity, and socially responsible food consumption between generations.

Introduction: The objective of the research was to analyze the effect of COVID-19 with the predictors of the health belief model (perceived severity, perceived benefits, and cue to action) on the social identity of the consumer and the social identity of the socially responsible food consumption among four generation groups of adults based on the stimulus-organism-response model. Methods: The study had a quantitative approach explanatory design and a cross-sectional temporal dimension. A total of 834 questionnaires were collected from adults in the metropolitan area of Mexico City, and the data were analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results: The results indicated that perceived severity, perceived benefits, and cue to action positively and significantly influenced social identity, and this positively and significantly influenced socially responsible consumption. In addition, identity was found to be a variable that had a total mediation effect between perceived severity and socially responsible consumption, perceived benefits and socially responsible consumption, and cue to action and socially responsible consumption. While the perceived barriers only had a direct effect on socially responsible consumption. Likewise, a difference was found between generation X and Y, generation Z and X, and generation Y and X in the relationship between cue to action, belonging to a social network group, and social identity. Discussion: In this sense, these results allow us to consider that when environmental stimuli (predictors of the health belief model) affect the organism (social identity), it will respond with socially responsible food consumption. This type of consumption is explained through social identity and is modified according to the age of the consumers due to the effects of social networks.

Composite resin reinforced with silk nanoparticles from Bombyx mori cocoon for dental applications

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical performance of Z350 resin composite modified with Bombyx mori cocoons silk nanoparticles for dental applications. Four experimental groups were analyzed G0% = Filtek Z350 resin composite (control); G1% = Filtek Z350 with 1% of silk nanoparticles; G3% = Filtek Z350 with 3% of silk nanoparticles; G5% = Filtek Z350 with 5% of silk nanoparticles. It was employed scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 3-point flexural strength test, Knoop hardness test, and surface roughness. From 3-point flexural strength tests the control group presented the best results G0% = 113.33 MPa (±23.73). The higher flexural modulus was shown by groups G3% = 29.150 GPa (±5.191) and G5% = 34.101 GPa (±7.940), which are statistically similar. The Knoop microhardness test has shown statistical difference only among the G3% group between the top 80.78 (± 3.00) and bottom 68.80 (±3.62) and no difference between the groups. The roughness test presented no statistical difference between the groups. The incorporation of silk nanoparticles reduced the flexural strength of Z350 resin composite. The surface roughness and microhardness tests showed no changes in any of the groups studied.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho mecânico da resina composta Z350 modificada com nanopartículas de seda Bombyx mori cocoons para aplicações odontológicas. Quatro grupos experimentais foram analisados: G0%) Resina Z350 apenas (grupo controle); G1%) Reforço com 1% de nanopartículas de seda; G3%) Reforço com 3% de nanopartículas de seda; e G5%) Reforço com 5% de nanopartículas de seda. Foi empregado microscopia eletrônica de varredura, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X, difração de raios X, teste de resistência à flexão de 3 pontos, teste de dureza Knoop e rugosidade superficial. Nos testes de resistência à flexão de 3 pontos o grupo controle apresentou melhores resultados G0% = 0.113 GPa (±0.024). O maior módulo de flexão foi demonstrado pelos grupos G3% = 29.151GPa (±5.191) e G5% = 34.102 GPa (±7.94), que são estatisticamente semelhantes. O teste de microdureza Knoop mostrou diferença estatística apenas entre o grupo G3% entre os 80.78 superiores (± 3.00) e os 68.80 inferiores (±3.62). Não há diferença entre os grupos. O teste de rugosidade não apresentou diferença estatística entre os grupos. A incorporação de nanopartículas de seda reduziu a resistência à flexão da resina composta Z350. Os testes de rugosidade superficial e microdureza não apresentaram alterações em nenhum dos grupos estudados.

Three years of COVID-19 pandemic: comparative analysis of incidence, lethality and mortality among the States of the south region of Brazil / Três anos de pandemia da COVID-19: análise comparativa da incidência, letalidade e mortalidade entre os Estados da região sul do Brasi

Introduction: the first COVID-19 case in Brazil was confirmed on February 26, 2020. As of March 17, 2023, the Ministry of Health reported 699,634 deaths from COVID-19, with a case fatality rate of 1.9%. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil extends to socioeconomic and healthcare systems, reflecting significant regional disparities. Objective: To analyze mortality, incidence, and case fatality rates for COVID-19 in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, in the southern region of Brazil. Methods: This is an ecological time-series study using official Brazilian secondary data for COVID-19 cases and deaths. Data were extracted from the dashboard of the State Health Department of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Temporal series were developed for trend analysis using the Prais-Winsten regression model. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 14.0 software (College Station, TX, USA, 2013). Results: In the analysis of rates over the entire period, trends for mortality, case fatality, and incidence in the state of Santa Catarina are decreasing, decreasing, and stationary, respectively. In Paraná, rates over the entire period showed a stationary trend for mortality, decreasing for case fatality, and increasing for incidence. Conclusion: COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Both states experienced the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher case fatality and mortality rates observed in Paraná, while Santa Catarina had a higher incidence rate over the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BMI Z-Score and Protein Energy Ratio in Early- and Late-Diagnosed PKU Patients from a Single Reference Center in Mexico.

The relationship between protein and energy and their appropriate proportions in hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) or phenylketonuria (PKU) patients in terms of growth have been poorly studied, especially in those diagnosed late. We aimed to describe the protein energy ratio (P:E) and its association with body mass index (BMI) in 638 dietetic and anthropometric assessments from 54 early- or late-diagnosed HPA/PKU patients. Dietetic and anthropometric data were analyzed and classified according to BMI Z-Score and type of diagnosis, early by newborn screening (NBS) or late. Correlation between BMI Z-Score and P:E ratio was established. Percent of dietary protein from Phe-free metabolic formula was analyzed. According to the BMI Z-Score, the majority of assessments were eutrophic (69.4%). The median P:E ratio was >4 in most of the overweight assessments. Remarkably, the underweight group consumed the highest proportion of Phe-free metabolic formula (74.5%). A positive correlation between BMI Z-Score and P:E ratio was found. The highest proportion of underweight was found in the late-diagnosed patients. Our findings might be related to their nutritional history previous to the HPA/PKU treatment. Thus, complex nutritional outcome of the late-diagnosed HPA/PKU patients deserves actions to guarantee the early diagnosis, closer nutritional follow-up and alternative therapeutic approaches.

The influence of six polymorphisms of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) gene and childhood obesity: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is defined as a multifactorial disease, marked by excessive accumulation of body fat, responsible for compromising the individual's health over the years. The energy balance is essential for the proper functioning of the body, as the individual needs to earn and spend energy in a compensatory way. Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins (UCP) help in energy expenditure through heat release and genetic polymorphisms could be responsible for reducing energy consumption to release heat and consequently generate an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between six UCP3 polymorphisms, that have not yet been represented in ClinVar®, and pediatric obesity susceptibility. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 225 children from Central Brazil. The groups were subdivided into obese (123) and eutrophic (102) individuals. The polymorphisms rs15763, rs1685354, rs1800849, rs11235972, rs647126, and rs3781907 were determined by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: Biochemical and anthropometric evaluation of obese group showed higher levels of triglycerides, insulin resistance, and LDL-C and low level of HDL-C. Insulin resistance, age, sex, HDL-C, fasting glucose, triglyceride levels, and parents' BMI explained up to 50% of body mass deposition in the studied population. Additionally, obese mothers contribute 2 × more to the Z-BMI of their children than the fathers. The SNP rs647126 contributed to 20% to the risk of obesity in children and the SNP rs3781907 contribute to 10%. Mutant alleles of UCP3 increase the risk for triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL-C levels. The polymorphism rs3781907 is the only one that could not be a biomarker for obesity as the risk allele seem to be protective gains the increase in Z-BMI in our pediatric population. Haplotype analysis demonstrated two SNP blocks (rs15763, rs647126, and rs1685534) and (rs11235972 and rs1800849) that showed linkage disequilibrium, with LOD 76.3% and D' = 0.96 and LOD 57.4% and D' = 0.97, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The causality between UCP3 polymorphism and obesity were not detected. On the other hand, the studied polymorphism contributes to Z-BMI, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL-C levels. Haplotypes are concordant with the obese phenotype and contribute minimally to the risk of obesity.

Modified Anterior Z Le Fort III Osteotomy.

Introduction: Surgery of the midface for non-syndromic patients with maxillo-malar hypoplasia exclusively has had many breakthroughs lately. The surgical techniques for midface surgery are varied and must be selected according to the patient's problem. Purpose: The technique is a modification of the Z Osteotomy, the Modified Anterior Z Le Fort III Osteotomy (MAZLFIIIO), is used to correct posteroanterior midface deficiency of 6 mm at most. It can be combined simultaneously with a Le Fort I osteotomy if a greater maxillary advance is needed. MAZLFIIIO advances midface without grafts or distraction osteogenesis. The anterior reposition of the midface is calculated in millimetres and depends on the relation of the eye's most inferior point, as well as the orbital's hard and soft tissues. It is a predictable osteotomy, only for patients without vertical excess of the midface. The osteotomy planned is drawn over a stereolithographic model, and then Z-shaped surgical splints are fabricated over it. Transverse midface deficiencies of no more than 4 mm can also be corrected during the malar osteotomy. A great number of patients are operated exclusively with Le Fort I osteotomies, leaving behind an undesirable step between the upper part of the midface and the Le Fort I osteotomy. Methods: The Modified anterior Z Le Fort III Osteotomy (MAZLFIIIO) was performed in seven patients, from 2016 to 2018. Results: The results obtained with the proposed osteotomy notably improve the appearance of the patient and provide a better protection of the lower part of the eye, while widening the maxillary sinus. Conclusion: We consider that maxillo-malar hypoplasias are very common; the surgeon pretends not to give importance to the deformity, exclusively using an advance Le Fort type osteotomy, with both functional and aesthetic treatment being limited. In this article, we give all the elements to perform this Le Fort III Modified Osteotomy in anterior Z, and that it is a combined and routine procedure in midface surgery.

Relationship of Serum Zinc Levels with Cardiometabolic Traits in Overweight and Obese Schoolchildren from Mexico City.

Zinc (Zn) participates as a cofactor for many enzymes in the cellular metabolism, and its serum levels have been associated with different metabolic diseases, especially obesity (OB). Nevertheless, its associations are not clear in the children population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between serum Zn levels (SZn) with overweight/obesity status (OW/OB), as well as its cardiometabolic traits in a population of children in Mexico City. Anthropometrical data (body mass index z score (BMIz)), demographic variables (age and sex), and cardiometabolic traits (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and insulin) were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. SZn were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The population included 210 children from Mexico City (girls (n = 105) and boys (n = 105)) between ages 6 and 10 years. Normal-weight (NW) schoolchildren had higher SZn concentrations (66 µg/dL; IQR: 48 to 91) compared to OW or OB schoolchildren (61 µg/dL; IQR: 45 to 76). The data showed a significant negative association between SZn and BMIz without sex exclusion (r = - 0.181 and p = 0.009). The boy's population did not show an association between the SZn and BMIz compared to the girl's population which showed a significant negative association (r = - 0.277 and p = 0.004). In addition, other associations were found between SZn and TC (boys (r = 0.214 and p = 0.025), LDLc (boys (r = 0.213 and p = 0.029), and TG (girls (r = - 0.260 and p = 0.007)). Moreover, 38.6% of the total children in our population study had Zn deficiency (ZnD). NW schoolchildren had higher SZn concentrations compared to OW or OB schoolchildren. A diet low in Zn can be a factor to evaluate in the development of childhood OB in Mexico. However, further studies need to be performed on the children Mexican population to replicate and confirm our findings.