Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints.

RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

Monitoring Mitochondrial Function in Aedes albopictus C6/36 Cell Line during Dengue Virus Infection.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are responsible for dengue virus (DENV) transmission in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, where an estimated 3 billion people live at risk of DENV exposure. DENV-infected individuals show symptoms ranging from sub-clinical or mild to hemorrhagic fever. Infected mosquitoes do not show detectable signs of disease, even though the virus maintains a lifelong persistent infection. The interactions between viruses and host mitochondria are crucial for virus replication and pathogenicity. DENV infection in vertebrate cells modulates mitochondrial function and dynamics to facilitate viral proliferation. Here, we describe that DENV also regulates mitochondrial function and morphology in infected C6/36 mosquito cells (derived from Aedes albopictus). Our results showed that DENV infection increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, modulated mitochondrial transmembrane potential and induced changes in mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, we offer the first evidence that DENV causes translocation of mitofusins to mitochondria in the C6/36 mosquito cell line. Another protein Drp-1 (Dynamin-related protein 1) did not localize to mitochondria in DENV-infected cells. This observation therefore ruled out the possibility that the abovementioned alterations in mitochondrial function are associated with mitochondrial fission. In summary, this report provides some key insights into the virus-mitochondria crosstalk in DENV infected mosquito cells.

Neck circumference cut-offs for overweight and obesity in a group of Mexican adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Neck circumference (NC) has been used for screening overweight/obesity for its high correlation with age, weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Cut-offs should be population specific. The aim of the study was to obtain cut-offs of NC for overweight/obesity in Mexican adolescents and to correlate them with anthropometric indicators. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Weight, height, BMI, NC, WC, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of 465 12-14-year-old Mexican-mestizo students attending a public school in Mexico City were assessed. Using receiver operating characteristics analyses, neck cut-offs were obtained according to the WHO age and sex criteria for overweight/obesity. RESULTS: NC cut-offs with the highest sensitivity and specificity for males and females, respectively, were as follows: 30.0 and 29.3 cm for 12-year-olds; 31.9 and 30.4 cm for 13-year-olds; and, 33.5 and 30.7 cm for 14-year-old adolescents. Overweight/obesity was identified with NC cut-offs in 80% of males and 86% of females, and showed significant correlations (p < 0.01) in males and females with weight (r = 0.821 and r = 0.840, respectively), BMI (r = 0.649 and r = 0.819, respectively), WC (r = 0.710 and r = 0.813, respectively) and MUAC (r = 0.736 and r = 0.815, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Neck circumference may be used as a first-stage screening tool or jointly with BMI to identify overweight/obesity in 12-14-year-old Mexican adolescents.

Metabolism, ATP production and biofilm generation by Staphylococcus epidermidis in either respiratory or fermentative conditions.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram-positive saprophytic bacterium found in the microaerobic/anaerobic layers of the skin that becomes a health hazard when it is carried across the skin through punctures or wounds. Pathogenicity is enhanced by the ability of S. epidermidis to associate into biofilms, where it avoids attacks by the host and antibiotics. To test the effect of oxygen on metabolism and biofilm generation, cells were cultured at different oxygen concentrations ([O2]). As [O2] decreased, S. epidermidis metabolism went from respiratory to fermentative. Remarkably, the rate of growth decreased at low [O2] while a high concentration of ATP ([ATP]) was kept. Under hypoxic conditions bacteria associated into biofilms. Aerobic activity sensitized the cell to hydrogen peroxide-mediated damage. In the presence of metabolic inhibitors, biofilm formation decreased. It is suggested that at low [O2] S. epidermidis limits its growth and develops the ability to form biofilms.

Sodium thiosulfate and pamidronate for treatment of calciphylaxis: case report / Tiosulfato de sodio y pamidronato para el tratamiento de calcifilaxis: reporte de caso

Abstract Introduction: Calciphylaxis is an infrequent disease that almost exclusively affects patients with chronic kidney disease, although cases have been observed in patients without renal function impairment. The diagnosis is mainly made by clinical manifestations and subsequently confirmed by radiological and histological study. The optimal treatment is not known, although there is a consensus that a multifactorial approach is required. Clinical Case: A 68-year-old woman on hemodialysis for 2 years, who presented a painful nodular lesion in the left thigh, a skin biopsy was performed resulting in a diagnosis of calciphylaxis. Treatment and Outcome: Treatment was started with intravenous sodium thiosulfate. Pamidronate is added intravenously, three months later, due to an unfavorable evolution. After 6 months of treatment, improvement in nodular lesions and healing of the ulcerated lesion was observed to be generally well tolerated treatment. Conclusion: The combined treatment of sodium thiosulfate, pamidronate and calcitomimetics has been effectiveand safe for the treatment of calciphylaxis, inducing complete remission.

Resumen: Introducción: La calcifilaxis es una enfermedad infrecuente que afecta casi exclusivamente a pacientes con insuficiencia renal, aunque se han observado casos en pacientes sin deterioro de la función renal. El diagnóstico es clínico confirmándose con estudio radiológico e histológico. No se conoce con exactitud el tratamiento óptimo, aunque hay consenso en que se requiere un abordaje multifactorial. Caso Clínico: Mujer de 68 años en hemodiálisis desde hace 2 años, que presenta una lesión nodular dolorosa en muslo izquierdo, resultando un diagnostico compatible con calcifilaxis, tras biopsia cutánea. Tratamiento y resultado: Inicia tratamiento con tiosulfato de sodio vía venosa. Tres meses más tarde y ante la evolución desfavorable, se añade al tratamiento pamidronato vía intravenosa. Tras 6 meses de tratamiento se observa mejoría de las lesiones nodulares y cicatrización de la lesión ulcerada, habiéndose experimentado buena tolerancia. Conclusión: El tratamiento combinado de tiosulfato de sodio, pamidronato y calcimiméticos ha resultado efectivo y seguro para el tratamiento de la calcifilaxis, induciendo su remisión completa.

Sodium thiosulfate and pamidronate for treatment of calciphylaxis: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Calciphylaxis is an infrequent disease that almost exclusively affects patients with chronic kidney disease, although cases have been observed in patients without renal function impairment. The diagnosis is mainly made by clinical manifestations and subsequently confirmed by radiological and histological study. The optimal treatment is not known, although there is a consensus that a multifactorial approach is required. CLINICAL CASE: A 68-year-old woman on hemodialysis for 2 years, who presented a painful nodular lesion in the left thigh, a skin biopsy was performed resulting in a diagnosis of calciphylaxis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment was started with intravenous sodium thiosulfate. Pamidronate is added intravenously, three months later, due to an unfavorable evolution. After 6 months of treatment, improvement in nodular lesions and healing of the ulcerated lesion was observed to be generally well tolerated treatment. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of sodium thiosulfate, pamidronate and calcitomimetics has been effectiveand safe for the treatment of calciphylaxis, inducing complete remission.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La calcifilaxis es una enfermedad infrecuente que afecta casi exclusivamente a pacientes con insuficiencia renal, aunque se han observado casos en pacientes sin deterioro de la función renal. El diagnóstico es clínico confirmándose con estudio radiológico e histológico. No se conoce con exactitud el tratamiento óptimo, aunque hay consenso en que se requiere un abordaje multifactorial. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 68 años en hemodiálisis desde hace 2 años, que presenta una lesión nodular dolorosa en muslo izquierdo, resultando un diagnostico compatible con calcifilaxis, tras biopsia cutánea. TRATAMIENTO Y RESULTADO: Inicia tratamiento con tiosulfato de sodio vía venosa. Tres meses más tarde y ante la evolución desfavorable, se añade al tratamiento pamidronato vía intravenosa. Tras 6 meses de tratamiento se observa mejoría de las lesiones nodulares y cicatrización de la lesión ulcerada, habiéndose experimentado buena tolerancia. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento combinado de tiosulfato de sodio, pamidronato y calcimiméticos ha resultado efectivo y seguro para el tratamiento de la calcifilaxis, induciendo su remisión completa.

Response of Ustilago maydis against the Stress Caused by Three Polycationic Chitin Derivatives.

Chitosan is a stressing molecule that affects the cells walls and plasma membrane of fungi. For chitosan derivatives, the action mode is not clear. In this work, we used the yeast Ustilago maydis to study the effects of these molecules on the plasma membrane, focusing on physiologic and stress responses to chitosan (CH), oligochitosan (OCH), and glycol-chitosan (GCH). Yeasts were cultured with each of these molecules at 1 mg·mL-1 in minimal medium. To compare plasma membrane damage, cells were cultivated in isosmolar medium. Membrane potential (Δψ) as well as oxidative stress were measured. Changes in the total plasma membrane phospholipid and protein profiles were analyzed using standard methods, and fluorescence-stained mitochondria were observed. High osmolarity did not protect against CH inhibition and neither affected membrane potential. The OCH did produce higher oxidative stress. The effects of these molecules were evidenced by modifications in the plasma membrane protein profile. Also, mitochondrial damage was evident for CH and OCH, while GCH resulted in thicker cells with fewer mitochondria and higher glycogen accumulation.

Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores y el potencial uso de Wolbachia, una bacteria endocelular obligada, para erradicarlas / Vector-borne diseases and the potential use of Wolbachia, an obligate endocellular bacterium, to eradicate them

Resumen Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), 17% de las enfermedades infecciosas reportadas en el mundo son transmitidas por vectores artrópodos. Una alternativa para bloquear la transmisión es infectar a los vectores con una bacteria endocelular llamada Wolbachia. Diferentes investigaciones han demostrado que Wolbachia acorta la vida del mosquito, aumenta su resistencia ante la infección de algunos virus como dengue, Zika y Chikungunya, y provoca incompatibilidad citoplasmática, por lo que al liberar mosquitos machos infectados con Wolbachia en una población de hembras no infectadas los productos no son viables, disminuyendo drásticamente la población total. En el presente artículo se incluye una descripción general de las enfermedades infecciosas más comunes transmitidas por vectores así como una revisión del uso de Wolbachia como una posible herramienta para controlar su propagación.

Abstract According to the World and Health Organization (WHO), 17% of the worldwide reported infectious diseases are vector-borne. One alternative for blocking the transmission of these infectious agents is to infect the vectors with the endocellular bacterium Wolbachia. Several studies have shown that Wolbachia shortens mosquitos' lifespan and increases their resistance to some virus like Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya. Wolbachia also causes cytoplasmic incompatibility, so, when Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes are released among an uninfected female population, the production of an offspring is not viable and the mosquito population decreases drastically. This article includes an overview of the most common vector-borne infectious diseases as well as a review of the use of Wolbachia as a possible tool for controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases.

In female rat heart mitochondria, oophorectomy results in loss of oxidative phosphorylation.

Oophorectomy in adult rats affected cardiac mitochondrial function. Progression of mitochondrial alterations was assessed at one, two and three months after surgery: at one month, very slight changes were observed, which increased at two and three months. Gradual effects included decrease in the rates of oxygen consumption and in respiratory uncoupling in the presence of complex I substrates, as well as compromised Ca2+ buffering ability. Malondialdehyde concentration increased, whereas the ROS-detoxifying enzyme Mn2+ superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and aconitase lost activity. In the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the concentration and activity of complex I and complex IV decreased. Among other mitochondrial enzymes and transporters, adenine nucleotide carrier and glutaminase decreased. 2-Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase also decreased. Data strongly suggest that in the female rat heart, estrogen depletion leads to progressive, severe mitochondrial dysfunction.

Characterization of the indoor particles and their sources in an Antarctic research station.

Many studies have been carried out on the environmental impact of the research stations on the Antarctic continent. However, the assessment of indoor air quality in these confined environments has been neglected. The main objectives of this study are to investigate the granulometric distribution of the indoor particles in the different compartments of the Brazilian Antarctic Station, to examine the number and mass concentration of the indoor particles, to conduct chemical and morphological analyses of the indoor PM2.5, and to identify the possible sources of the PM. The results showed that Na, K, Cl, Fe, Zn, S and Si were the main elements detected. High levels of black carbon were recorded in the workshop, which may be associated with the use of diesel vehicles. To identify the human activities related to the indoor particle emission in the station, the size distribution of the particles in the living room was monitored for seven consecutive days, during normal station operation. It was possible to identify the influence of individual processes, such as incineration, cooking and the movement of people, upon the particle size number concentration. The indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio for the total suspended particles (TSP), PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 measured was significantly larger than those reported for urban buildings. In general, the I/O ratio distribution for all the compartments shows peak values between 2.5 and 10 µm, which is often related to human activity, such as cleaning, personnel circulation or clothing surfaces. The maximum I/O ratio at this range varied from 12 to 60. In addition, the compartments affected by combustion processes tend to present a significant number of submicron particles.

[Change in prevalence of physical and sports activities in a cohort of students]. / Cambio en la prevalencia de sedentarismo y actividad deportiva en una cohorte de estudiantes.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary lifestyle is one of the worldwide problems of Public Health. Given that, physical activity has both direct and indirect effects on the mortality and morbidity on non-communicable chronic diseases. The aim was to determine the change in prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in a cohort of students. METHODS: The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México makes an Automated Medical Examination to students. In this evaluation, the sport, physical activity and other risk factors were analyzed in students admitted in 2010 to the Faculty of Medicine that were previously analyzed in 2007. RESULTS: A total of 593 students were studied. The mean age was 15.1 ± 1.4 years. The prevalence of physical inactivity increased from 38.3 to 39.9 %. When stratified by gender, women were more sedentary (p < 0.05). Sports activities decreased significantly in frequency and time. In the sedentary population, the prevalence of overweight increased in men and the obesity in women. Smoking increased 4.9 % and alcohol consumption in 36.7 % in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of physical inactivity was higher compared to other countries. Smoking and alcohol consumption increased so it is necessary to follow up and implement programs of health promotion.

Introducción: la inactividad física tiene efectos directos e indirectos con la muerte por enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y es un problema de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer el cambio en la prevalencia de sedentarismo y actividad deportiva en una cohorte de estudiantes. Métodos: la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México hace el Examen Médico Automatizado a sus alumnos. En este trabajo se analizó la actividad física y deportiva, así como algunos factores de riesgo en los estudiantes que ingresaron en 2010 a la Facultad de Medicina y contaran con información en 2007. Resultados: participaron 593 estudiantes. El promedio de edad inicial fue 15.1 ± 1.4 años. El sedentarismo incrementó de 38.3 a 39.9 %. Al estratificar por sexo, las mujeres resultaron ser más sedentarias (p < 0.05). Las actividades deportivas disminuyeron considerablemente en frecuencia y tiempo. En la población sedentaria, la prevalencia de sobrepeso incrementó en los hombres y la obesidad en las mujeres. Aumentó el tabaquismo 4.9 % y consumo de alcohol en 36.7 % en ambos sexos. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de sedentarismo resultó más alta en comparación con otros países. El tabaquismo y consumo de alcohol se incrementaron por lo que es necesario su seguimiento y realizar programas de promoción de la salud.

Cambio 2007-2010 de la prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas en estudiantes / 2007-2010 change the prevalence of risk factors for chronic disease in students

Resumen Introducción: Para diseñar estrategias de prevención, control y tratamiento de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en estudiantes es necesario conocer el comportamiento de éstas y los factores de riesgo a los que se exponen. Objetivo: Comparar los cambios en la prevalencia de riesgos de enfermedades crónicas en estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) al pasar del bachillerato a la licenciatura. Material y métodos: Se comparó información de los años 2007 y 2010 de la encuesta de valoración integral de la salud que aplica la Dirección General de Servicios Médicos (DGSM) a los estudiantes sobre consumo de alcohol, tabaco, actividad física o deportiva, cambios somatométricos, y la presencia de hipertensión arterial (HA), diabetes mellitus (DM), cáncer, sobrepeso y obesidad en ellos y sus familiares directos. Resultados: Participaron 593 alumnos, de ellos 69.6% eran mujeres. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) cambio en 3 años de ٢٢.٣ a ٢٣.٤ (p < 0.001) en los hombres y de 22.1 a 22.8 (p < 0.001) en las mujeres. La frecuencia de presión arterial alta cambió de ١.٥٤ a 1.69%, el consumo de alcohol y tabaco se incrementó 32 y 7.6%, respectivamente. Los hombres resultaron más activos físicamente que las mujeres (p < 0.05); disminuyó la práctica de futbol en 21.7% y de corredores en 23%. En los familiares, la prevalencia de HA incrementó de 24.1 a 30.4%; obesidad de 27.6 a 31.3%, y DM tipo 2 de 12.8 a 16.2% con p < 0.01. El consumo de alcohol se incrementó de 11.4 a 13.3% y el tabaquismo de 24.5 a 24.9%. Conclusiones: El incremento de los factores de riesgo en los estudiantes y las enfermedades crónicas en sus familiares apuntalan hacia un perfil de mayor riesgo, por ello es importante promover conductas saludables y formar a los jóvenes como agentes de cambio, para que puedan influir en la reducción de daño en ellos y sus familiares.

Abstract Introduction: To design strategies of prevention, control and treatment of chronicnon transmissible diseases in students, it's necessary to know the behavior of these and the risk factors to which they are exposed. Objective: To compare the changes in the prevalence of risks of chronic diseases in students of the National Autonomous Universisty of Mexico (Universidad Autónoma de México [UNAM]) as they make their way from high school to college. Material and methods: Information from the survey of integral valorization of health that the General Board of Medical Services carried in 2007 and 2010 was compared. The information regarded alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical and sports activity, somatometric changes and the presence of high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cancer and overweight in the students and their direct family. Results: 593 students participated, 69.6 were women. The BMS changed in three years from 22.3 to 23.4 (P<0.001) in men and from 22.1 to 22.8 (P<0.001) in women. The frequency of high blood pressure changed from 1.54 to 1.69%, the alcohol and tobacco consumption was increased in three years, 32 and 7.6% respectively. Men resulted to be more physically active than women. (P<0.05); in three years the practice of soccer decreased in 21.7% and the practice of running 23%. In family members the prevalence of high blood pressure increased from 24.1 to 30.4%; obesity from 27.6 to 31.3% and diabetes mellitus type 2 from 12.8 to 16.2% with P<0.01. Alcohol consumption from 11.4 to 13.3% and tobacco consumption from 24.5 to 24.9%. Conclusions: The increase in risk factors in students and the chronic diseases in their family members indicate a higher risk profile. This is the reason why it is important to promote healthy conducts and to form the youth as agents of change so they can have influence in the reduction of damage in them and their family members.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae fructose-1,6-bisphosphate contributes to the Crabtree effect through closure of the mitochondrial unspecific channel.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae addition of glucose inhibits oxygen consumption, i.e. S. cerevisiae is Crabtree-positive. During active glycolysis hexoses-phosphate accumulate, and probably interact with mitochondria. In an effort to understand the mechanism underlying the Crabtree effect, the effect of two glycolysis-derived hexoses-phosphate was tested on the S. cerevisiae mitochondrial unspecific channel (ScMUC). Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) promoted partial opening of ScMUC, which led to proton leakage and uncoupling which in turn resulted in, accelerated oxygen consumption. In contrast, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP) closed ScMUC and thus inhibited the rate of oxygen consumption. When added together, F1,6BP reverted the mild G6P-induced effects. F1,6BP is proposed to be an important modulator of ScMUC, whose closure contributes to the "Crabtree effect".

[Activities after school time and obesity in children. Influence of family and neighborhood environment]. / Actividad extraescolar y obesidad en los niños. Influencia del ámbito familiar y del vecindario.

BACKGROUND: elementary school children spend little time at the school in Mexico. The aim was to investigate the activities after school time in children and to determine the presence of overweight and obesity. METHODS: one hundred and seventy two children of both sexes were included. They belonged to the first and second grade of an official primary school from a marginalized zone. Somatometry was obtained and the type of physical practice and motifs for no practice physical activity were investigated. Descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: the frequency of underweight was 12.1 %, overweight 19 %, and obesity 18.5 %. Sedentary activities like watching television and playing video games were the most common registered, whereas sports were the lowest physical activity practiced, especially in girls. The parents' lack of time, low family income, and the scarcity of safe spaces where children can play and practice physical activity or sports were the most related factors. CONCLUSIONS: poverty and insecurity of the neighborhoods influence the outside activities in after school time. The high frequency of underweight, overweight and obesity in school children were associated to the lack of physical activity.

Introducción: los niños de primaria en México permanecen poco tiempo en el ámbito escolar. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las características somatométricas de los escolares y sus padres e investigar las actividades extraescolares que realizan y las que les gustaría realizar y la razón por la que no lo hacen. Métodos: participaron 172 niños de uno y otro sexo, de primer y segundo año de una escuela primaria oficial de una colonia marginada. Resultados: la frecuencia de bajo peso fue de 12.1 %; de sobrepeso, de 19 % y de obesidad, de 18.5 %. Las actividades sedentarias como ver la televisión y los videojuegos fueron las más altas y las deportivas las más bajas, principalmente en las niñas. La falta de tiempo de los padres, los bajos recursos económicos de la familia y la falta de espacios seguros donde los niños puedan jugar y realizar actividades físicas y deportivas fueron los factores más importantes. Conclusiones: la pobreza y la inseguridad del barrio determinan las actividades extraescolares. La alta frecuencia de bajo peso, el sobrepeso y la obesidad en los escolares se relacionaron con la falta de actividad física.

[Food consumption in and around the school]. / Consumo alimentario dentro y fuera de la escuela.

BACKGROUND: elementary school students usually stay in school 4.5 hours a day in Mexico. The main food consumption is outside school. The objective was to explore behaviors on food consumption beyond the school environment. METHODS: descriptive trial that included 173 children, both sexes, from public elementary school in Mexico City. Eating habits were obtained through questionnaire and anthropometric characteristics from physical measurement. RESULTS: participants reported to consume soft drinks and canned juices at high frequency and quantity (80 %) and low consumption of animal foods. They also eat industrialized dairy products with high caloric content and low in protein. Moreover, 30 % of children eat 4 or 5 times a day, whereas 10 % eat one or two times a day. These results were associated with the somatometric characteristics of the children, 37.6 % of whom presented as overweight or obese while 12 % were underweight. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary that health education involves teachers, parents and children in programs for obesity prevention with the objective of increasing healthy behaviors.

Introducción: en México, los niños de primaria permanecen aproximadamente 4.5 horas en la escuela, por lo que fuera de ese espacio es donde consumen la mayor parte de sus alimentos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar las conductas alimentarias más allá del entorno escolar que pudieran favorecer la obesidad. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de niños de una escuela primaria oficial en el Distrito Federal. Los hábitos alimentarios se conocieron por un cuestionario y las características antropométricas, por medición física. Resultados: los participantes indicaron consumir refrescos y jugos enlatados con alta frecuencia y en cantidades importantes (80 %), así como productos lácteos industrializados con alto valor calórico y bajo contenido de proteínas; ingerían pocos alimentos de origen animal; 30 % comía cuatro o cinco veces al día y 10 %, una o dos veces. Los resultados se asociaron con las características omatométricas de los niños, 37.6 % de los cuales presentó sobrepeso u obesidad y 12 %, bajo peso. Conclusiones: para la prevención de la obesidad son necesarios programas de educación que involucren a profesores, padres de familia y escolares, para obtener conductas saludables y preservar la salud.

[Rudolf Barth: a pioneering scientist on the island of Trindade]. / Rudolf Barth: um cientista pioneiro na ilha da Trindade.

As a result of the institution of the International Geophysical Year in 1957, the Brazilian Navy organized an expedition to the island of Trindade, on which Rudolf Barth participated. He was a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute and the Naval Research Institute, and a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council. The scientist returned to the island of Trindade the following year, on a second expedition with the Brazilian Navy. The research findings then resulted in some scientific publications and two unpublished reports with observations and data concerning terrestrial, zoological, meteorological, climatological, geomorphological and biological phenomena. The reports are then transcribed.

Rudolf Barth: um cientista pioneiro na ilha da Trindade / Rudolf Barth: a pioneering scientist on the island of Trindade

Em consequência da instituição do Ano Geofísico Internacional, em 1957, a Marinha do Brasil organizou uma expedição à ilha da Trindade, da qual participou Rudolf Barth, pesquisador do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz e do Instituto de Pesquisas da Marinha, membro da Academia Brasileira de Ciências e do Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas. Esse cientista retornou à ilha da Trindade no ano seguinte, em uma segunda viagem com a Marinha brasileira. As pesquisas feitas então resultaram em algumas publicações científicas e em dois relatórios inéditos com observações e dados concernentes a fenômenos zoológicos (terrestres), meteorológicos, climatológicos, geomorfológicos e biológicos. Os relatórios são transcritos a seguir.

As a result of the institution of the International Geophysical Year in 1957, the Brazilian Navy organized an expedition to the island of Trindade, on which Rudolf Barth participated. He was a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute and the Naval Research Institute, and a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council. The scientist returned to the island of Trindade the following year, on a second expedition with the Brazilian Navy. The research findings then resulted in some scientific publications and two unpublished reports with observations and data concerning terrestrial, zoological, meteorological, climatological, geomorphological and biological phenomena. The reports are then transcribed.

Impacts of multidisciplinary actions on environmental lead exposure in Uruguay.

Environmental lead contamination in Uruguay became a matter of public concern in 2001, when cases of children with blood lead levels (BLL) higher than 20 µg/dl appeared in some low-income neighborhoods of Montevideo, being 10 µg/dl the intervention reference BLL. The aim of this paper is to show the results of multidisciplinary actions taken by decisions makers in social, environmental and healthcare aspects, to minimize lead exposure risks. We evaluated changes in blood lead levels of different children and non-exposed adult populations before and after the actions were taken, from 2001 on. For children populations and non-exposed adults, we found a significant decrease of almost 50% in BLL compared with studies done before the actions were taken. The main action to consider was the phasing out process of leaded gasoline in our country among other. We conclude that the integration of inter and multidisciplinary actions promoted was of high impact on the population, bringing about a public sensitization and growing awareness of the lead environmental risks.

Colesterol no-hdl: utilidad clínica de un marcador de riesgo cardiovascular ignorado / Non-hdl cholesterol: clinical use of an ignored cardiovascular risk marker

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen la causa mas importante de morbi-mortalidad del siglo XXI. Las lipoproteínas aterogénicas juegan un rol fundamental en el desarrollo de las mismas. La evaluación de estas lipoproteínas en el laboratorio de análisis clínicos se puede realizar mediante la determinación de colesterol no-HDL, que se obtiene de la diferencia entre colesterol total y el colesterol transportado por las lipoproteínas de alta densidad. Se ha demostrado que esta variable es mejor predictora de enfermedades cardiovasculares que la determinación de colesterol transportado por las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL), por lo que entidades científicas sugieren su incorporación en todos los informes del perfil lipídico. Es una herramienta útil para estimar el riesgo cardiovascular y evaluar tratamientos que reduzcan ese riesgo. A pesar de que su obtención es rápida, sencilla y accesible a todos los laboratorios, continpua siendo un marcador poco solicitado.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality of the 21st century. Atherogenics lipoproteins play a fundamental role in the development. In the clinical laboratory evaluation, these lipoproteins can be performed by determining non- HDL cholesterol, from the difference between total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It has shown that this variable is better predictor of cardiovascular diseases that low density lipoprotein cholesterol and entities suggest its incorporation on the lipid profile reports. It is a useful tool to estimate the cardiovascular risk and evaluating treatments to reduce that risk. While obtaining is fast, simple and accessible to all laboratories, continues to be a little requested marker.