More Adult Women than Men at High Cardiometabolic Risk Reported Worse Lifestyles and Self-Reported Health Status in the COVID-19 Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 lockdown represented an immense impact on human health, which was characterized by lifestyle and dietary changes, social distancing and isolation at home. Some evidence suggests that these consequences mainly affected women and altered relevant ongoing clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status and changes in diet, physical activity (PA), sleep and self-reported health status (SRH) as perceived by older adult men and women with metabolic syndrome during the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: We analyzed data from 4681 Spanish adults with metabolic syndrome. We carried out a telephone survey during May and June 2020 to collect information on demographics, dietary habits, PA, sleep, SRH and anthropometric data. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 64.9 years at recruitment, and 52% of participants were men. Most participants (64.1%) perceived a decrease in their PA during confinement. Regarding gender-specific differences, a higher proportion of women than men perceived a decrease in their PA (67.5% vs. 61.1%), Mediterranean diet adherence (20.9% vs. 16.8%), sleep hours (30.3% vs. 19.1%), sleep quality (31.6% vs. 18.2%) and SRH (25.9% vs. 11.9%) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 lockdown affected women more negatively, particularly their self-reported diet, PA, sleep and health status.

Detection of Tumor-Associated Autoantibodies in the Sera of Pancreatic Cancer Patients Using Engineered MUC1 Glycopeptide Nanoparticle Probes.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, mainly due to late diagnosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel diagnostic approaches to identify the disease as early as possible. We have developed a diagnostic assay for pancreatic cancer based on the detection of naturally occurring tumor associated autoantibodies against Mucin-1 (MUC1) using engineered glycopeptides on nanoparticle probes. We used a structure-guided approach to develop unnatural glycopeptides as model antigens for tumor-associated MUC1. We designed a collection of 13 glycopeptides to bind either SM3 or 5E5, two monoclonal antibodies with distinct epitopes known to recognize tumor associated MUC1. Glycopeptide binding to SM3 or 5E5 was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance and rationalized by molecular dynamics simulations. These model antigens were conjugated to gold nanoparticles and used in a dot-blot assay to detect autoantibodies in serum samples from pancreatic cancer patients and healthy volunteers. Nanoparticle probes with glycopeptides displaying the SM3 epitope did not have diagnostic potential. Instead, nanoparticle probes displaying glycopeptides with high affinity for 5E5 could discriminate between cancer patients and healthy controls. Remarkably, the best-discriminating probes show significantly better true and false positive rates than the current clinical biomarkers CA19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus among people born before and after implementation of universal vaccination in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Until 2005, when a single dose of vaccine was implemented in one-year-old children, the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was responsible for approximately 90% of acute hepatitis cases in the paediatric population in Argentina. However, despite vaccination success, sporadic outbreaks of HAV still occur among adults. This study aimed to assess the seroepidemiology of HAV in Argentina, analysing IgG and IgM antibodies against HAV in a large population, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. METHODS: The study included 16,982 patients attending a hospital from 2001 to 2023. The cohort was divided into two groups: 16,638 individuals who were not reached by the vaccination program implemented in 2005 and 344 children who were covered by the universal vaccination. RESULTS: Anti-HAV IgG was detected in 56.7% of cases. The rate was significantly higher in individuals born after 2005 (77.7%) compared to those born before (56.3%), p < 0.001. The age groups 19-40 and 41-60 years showed the anti-HAV IgG lowest rates. On the other hand, 100/3956 cases (2.5%) with suspected acute hepatitis were positive for Anti-HAVIgM. Notably, none of these were born after the mandatory vaccine rollout. CONCLUSIONS: The study of this large cohort contributes to the understanding of the seroepidemiology of HAV. Although the implementation of the vaccine achieved its main goal, the age segment between 19 and 60 years does not reach the estimated threshold to achieve herd immunity. These findings reveal the importance of targeting vaccination campaigns, provide essential insights for public health planning, and guide future immunisation strategies against HAV in Argentina.

Large pyroelectric energy conversion in lead scandium tantalate thin films.

Non-linear pyroelectric energy harvesting using ferroelectric thin films exhibits high energy conversion, primarily due to their large breakdown field compared to bulks. Here, we report the pyroelectric energy conversion potential of lead scandium tantalate, Pb(Sc1/2Ta1/2)O3 (PST) thin film fabricated on a c-sapphire substrate using chemical solution deposition. To enable the application of high electric field and to assess the pyroelectric energy conversion performance, interdigitated electrodes were deposited on the PST thin film. A maximum harvested energy density of 9.1 J cm-3 per cycle was deduced from polarization measurements in films undergoing an Olsen cycle between 0 °C and 150 °C when the electric field was varied between 50 and 1500 kV/cm. Furthermore, PST thin films can reach up to 27 % of Carnot efficiency for a temperature interval of 10 K between 30 °C and 40 °C. This study highlights the significance of PST thin films for electro-thermal energy harvesting and promising opportunities for enhancing the conversion efficiency and power density using thin films or thin film multi-layer capacitors in the future for thermal energy harvesting.

Changes in SOD and NF-κB Levels in Substantia Nigra and the Intestine through Oxidative Stress Effects in a Wistar Rat Model of Ozone Pollution.

This work aimed to elucidate how O3 pollution causes a loss of regulation in the immune response in both the brain and the intestine. In this work, we studied the effect of exposing rats to low doses of O3 based on the association between the antioxidant response of superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and the nuclear factor kappa light chains of activated B cells (NFκB) as markers of inflammation. Method: Seventy-two Wistar rats were used, divided into six groups that received the following treatments: Control and 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days of O3. After treatment, tissues were extracted and processed using Western blotting, biochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques. The results indicated an increase in 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) and Cu/Zn-SOD and a decrease in Mn-SOD, and SOD activity in the substantia nigra, jejunum, and colon decreased. Furthermore, the translocation of NFκB to the nucleus increased in the different organs studied. In conclusion, repeated exposure to O3 alters the regulation of the antioxidant and inflammatory response in the substantia nigra and the intestine. This indicates that these factors are critical in the loss of regulation in the inflammatory response; they respond to ozone pollution, which can occur in chronic degenerative diseases.

Highly sensitive serum volatolomic biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

The discovery of new diagnostic tools for the early detection of diseases with poor prognosis such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is of high importance. The results from a control-case study (20 PAC patients, 19 healthy controls) for the search of new biomarkers of pancreatic cancer based in differences in the serum volatolome are presented in this work. Volatolomics were performed following a non-targeted HS-SPME-GC/MS approach, and a total of 433 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was detected in the human serum samples. Of these, 125 VOC indexes showed a significant variation when controls and patients were compared (p-value < 0.05). Bonferroni corrected p-values < 0.05 were found for 40 features. PCA analysis showed the control-PAC discrimination capability of VOCs in serum, and PLS-DA was performed to select the best candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of PAC. For the 40 selected VOCs, calculated areas under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.98 to 0.85, and 11 of them were successfully validated using an independent set of samples (5 PAC patients, 5 healthy controls). Four of the proposed PAC biomarkers were identified as toluene, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, pentylbenzene, and butoxymethylbenzene. Combinations of the identified PAC biomarkers were tested and showed AUC > 0.90, with the more promising candidate being butoxymethylbenzene (AUC = 0.98).

Endovascular resolution of post-surgical complications in the portal vein: Report of two cases.

Stenosis of the portal vein is one of the main complications after hepatobiliar and pancreatic surgery, with a reported incidence of 19.6% after pancreaticoduodenectomy and 3% after liver transplant. It is associated with the intraoperative resection of the portal vein, local recurrence of the primary tumor and radiotherapy. The portal lesion secondary to bile drainage catheter insertion is extremely rare or unusual, with few cases described in the literature. This article describes 2 cases: the first of a male patients 49 years old post-operative to liver transplant with partial portal thrombosis and stenosis of the mesoportal joint, and the second a female patient 50 years old with history of cholecystectomy, exploration of the bile duct and placement of Kehr "T" tube with secondary portal lesion. The 2 cases were successfully treated through minimally invasive procedures by an interventionist radiologist.

Association between Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: Mediation Analysis Using Waist Circumference.

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLI) is implicated in the development of multiple metabolic diseases. The gut microbiota (GM) activates different signaling pathways and induces phenotypic changes, offering an exciting opportunity to treat CLI. We evaluated the mediation of waist circumference on the association of GM with serum cytokines. In this cross-sectional study of 331 children, we measured 5 gut bacterial species, namely, Lactobacillus (L.) casei, L. paracasei, L. reuteri, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, and Akkermansia (A.) muciniphila, as well as anthropometry, serum cytokines, and other covariates. We evaluated adjusted regression models, path analysis, and structural equation modeling to obtain path coefficients (PCs) for direct, indirect (waist circumference-mediated), and total effects. We found that L. paracasei was directly associated with lower interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels (PC = -173.5 pg/mL). We also observed indirect associations between S. aureus with lower adiponectin levels (PC = -0.1 µg/mL and -0.09 µg/mL). Finally, A. muciniphila was indirectly associated with higher adiponectin levels (PC = 0.1 µg/mL). Our findings suggest the importance of considering the GM composition and waist circumference when evaluating inflammatory-related factors, providing a basis for future research to identify potential strategies to intervene in inflammatory processes and prevent metabolic diseases in childhood. [Figure: see text].

Expression of Mitochondrial Long Non-Coding RNAs, MDL1 and MDL1AS, Are Good Prognostic and/or Diagnostic Biomarkers for Several Cancers, Including Colorectal Cancer.

Non-coding RNAs provide new opportunities to identify biomarkers that properly classify cancer patients. Here, we study the biomarker status of the mitochondrial long non-coding RNAs, MDL1 and MDL1AS. Expression of these genes was studied in public transcriptomic databases. In addition, a cohort of 69 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years was used to determine the prognostic value of these markers. Furthermore, cell lines of colorectal (HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB-231) carcinoma were employed to study the effects of downregulating MDL1AS in vitro. Expression of MDL1AS (but not MDL1) was significantly different in tumor cells than in the surrounding tissue in a tumor-type-specific context. Both MDL1 and MDL1AS were accurate biomarkers for the 5-year survival of LARC patients (p = 0.040 and p = 0.007, respectively) with promising areas under the curve in the ROC analyses (0.820 and 0.930, respectively). MDL1AS downregulation reduced mitochondrial respiration in both cell lines. Furthermore, this downregulation produced a decrease in growth and migration on colorectal cells, but the reverse effects on breast cancer cells. In summary, MDL1 and MDL1AS can be used as reliable prognostic biomarkers of LARC, and MDL1AS expression provides relevant information on the diagnosis of different cancers.

Crystallization of piezoceramic films on glass via flash lamp annealing.

Integration of thin-film oxide piezoelectrics on glass is imperative for the next generation of transparent electronics to attain sensing and actuating functions. However, their crystallization temperature (above 650 °C) is incompatible with most glasses. We developed a flash lamp process for the growth of piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate films. The process enables crystallization on various types of glasses in a few seconds only. The functional properties of these films are comparable to the films processed with standard rapid thermal annealing at 700 °C. A surface haptic device was fabricated with a 1 µm-thick film (piezoelectric e33,f of -5 C m-2). Its ultrasonic surface deflection reached 1.5 µm at 60 V, sufficient for its use in surface rendering applications. This flash lamp annealing process is compatible with large glass sheets and roll-to-roll processing and has the potential to significantly expand the applications of piezoelectric devices on glass.

Best Nursing Practice: Safe and Inclusive Healthcare Environments for Transgender People: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to review the scope of the existing scientific literature on creating safe and inclusive healthcare environments for transgender people and provide an overview of the resources and nursing skills required to do so. (2) Methods: With the research question in mind, an exploratory search of six databases was conducted to identify all relevant primary studies. After screening and selection of articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 41 articles were included and reviewed. (3) Results: The results were classified under four headings: the training of health professionals, the creation of safe spaces, the nurse as facilitator, and best care practice. Most of the evidence indicates that it is essential for nurses and other healthcare staff to be trained in specific skills to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to transgender people; however, there is a lack of material and human resources to do so. (4) Conclusions: The trans-inclusive care competent nurse should use neutral language that respects the person's preferred name and pronouns in a safe healthcare environment that offers and ensures warmth, respect, and inclusivity in the care provided. This study was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 9 January 2024 (osf.io/rpj6a).

Primary Peritoneal Serous Cancer: A Case Report of a Tumor in the Rectovaginal Septum.

Peritoneal cancer is the invasion by malignant cells of serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, the viscera, and the coelom of the amniotes. Histologically, it is indistinguishable from ovarian counterpart, although in the former, it commonly involves the ovary only superficially, or it may totally lack an ovarian component, but with extensive involvement of the peritoneum, calcified perihepatic peritoneal nodules, or involvement of the omentum, in most cases. The current study describes the case of a 54-year-old female patient referring a history of colitis and dairy intolerance. A transvaginal ultrasound and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a tumor measuring 70 × 61 × 63 mm. CA-125 serum levels were 880 U/ml. Laparotomy surgery was indicated, and tumor was found at the level of the rectovaginal septum without evidence of metastasis. Tumor dissection and protective colostomy with loop sigmoid colon were performed. A pathological study gave a diagnosis of a high-grade peritoneal serous carcinoma with a micropapillary pattern. The present study describes the case of papillary serous peritoneal cancer presented as a single tumor mass without extensive involvement of the peritoneum. Additionally, the need for routine tests for its diagnosis and documenting hormonal alterations as the cause of its origin are suggested.

Pesticide use patterns and their association with cytokine levels in Mexican flower workers.

OBJECTIVE: Occupational exposure to pesticides is a known risk for disrupting cellular immune response in flower workers due to their use of multiple chemical products, poor work conditions, and inadequate protection. Recently, the analysis of pesticide use patterns has emerged as an alternative to studying exposure to mixtures of these products. This study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to different patterns of pesticide use and the cytokine profile of flower workers in the State of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a population of 108 flower workers. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 cytokines were analyzed by means of multiplex analysis, and TNF-α and IFN-γ using an ELISA test. Pesticide use patterns were generated by principal components analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that certain patterns of pesticide use, combining insecticides and fungicides, were associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IFN-γ. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that pesticides may possess immunotoxic properties, contributing to increased inflammatory response. However, further comprehensive epidemiological studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.

Structure-Guided Approach for the Development of MUC1-Glycopeptide-Based Cancer Vaccines with Predictable Responses.

Mucin-1 (MUC1) glycopeptides are exceptional candidates for potential cancer vaccines. However, their autoantigenic nature often results in a weak immune response. To overcome this drawback, we carefully engineered synthetic antigens with precise chemical modifications. To be effective and stimulate an anti-MUC1 response, artificial antigens must mimic the conformational dynamics of natural antigens in solution and have an equivalent or higher binding affinity to anti-MUC1 antibodies than their natural counterparts. As a proof of concept, we have developed a glycopeptide that contains noncanonical amino acid (2S,3R)-3-hydroxynorvaline. The unnatural antigen fulfills these two properties and effectively mimics the threonine-derived antigen. On the one hand, conformational analysis in water shows that this surrogate explores a landscape similar to that of the natural variant. On the other hand, the presence of an additional methylene group in the side chain of this analog compared to the threonine residue enhances a CH/π interaction in the antigen/antibody complex. Despite an enthalpy-entropy balance, this synthetic glycopeptide has a binding affinity slightly higher than that of its natural counterpart. When conjugated with gold nanoparticles, the vaccine candidate stimulates the formation of specific anti-MUC1 IgG antibodies in mice and shows efficacy comparable to that of the natural derivative. The antibodies also exhibit cross-reactivity to selectively target, for example, human breast cancer cells. This investigation relied on numerous analytical (e.g., NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography) and biophysical techniques and molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the antigen-antibody interactions. This workflow streamlines the synthetic process, saves time, and reduces the need for extensive, animal-intensive immunization procedures. These advances underscore the promise of structure-based rational design in the advance of cancer vaccine development.

Cold-shock proteins accumulate in centrosomes and their expression and primary cilium morphology are regulated by hypothermia and shear stress.

Primary cilia act as cellular sensors for multiple extracellular stimuli and regulate many intracellular signaling pathways in response. Here we investigate whether the cold-shock proteins (CSPs), CIRP and RBM3, are present in the primary cilia and the physiological consequences of such a relationship. R28, an immortalized retinal precursor cell line, was stained with antibodies against CIRP, RBM3, and ciliary markers. Both CSPs were found in intimate contact with the basal body of the cilium during all stages of the cell cycle, including migrating with the centrosome during mitosis. In addition, the morphological and physiological manifestations of exposing the cells to hypothermia and shear stress were investigated. Exposure to moderately cold (32°C) temperatures, the hypothermia mimetic small molecule zr17-2, or to shear stress resulted in a significant reduction in the number and length of primary cilia. In addition, shear stress induced expression of CIRP and RBM3 in a complex pattern depending on the specific protein, flow intensity, and type of flow (laminar versus oscillatory). Flow-mediated CSP overexpression was detected by qRT-PCR and confirmed by Western blot, at least for CIRP. Furthermore, analysis of public RNA Seq databases on flow experiments confirmed an increase of CIRP and RBM3 expression following exposure to shear stress in renal cell lines. In conclusion, we found that CSPs are integral components of the centrosome and that they participate in cold and shear stress sensing.

Contusión medular en ratas tratadas con hipotermia sistémica. Expresión de proteínas inducibles por frío experimental / Spinal cord contusion in rats treated with systemic hypothermia. Experimental cold-inducible protein expression

Introducción: La lesión traumática de la médula espinal es la principal causa mundial de discapacidad motora y una prioridad para la OMS. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto de la hipotermia terapéutica tras una contusión medular. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron ratas macho a las que se les generó una contusión medular. Se formaron cuatro grupos (6 animales por grupo): a) de control, b) con lesión en normotermia (24 °C, sacrificados 12 h después de la lesión, c) con lesión en normotermia (24 °C, sacrificados 24 h después de la lesión) y d) lesión en hipotermia (8 °C, durante 180 min, sacrificados 24 h después de la lesión). Se estudió la expresión de la CIRBP, la caspasa-3 y la Neu-N. Resultados: La lesión medular aumentó ligeramente la expresión de CIRBP a las 24 h y, de manera importante, la de caspasa-3, todo acompañado por imágenes de motoneuronas dañadas en el asta anterior. En los animales tratados con hipotermia, se observó una alta expresión de CIRBP y niveles muy bajos de caspasa-3, que no se distinguen de los controles. El número de motoneuronas viables se restauró parcialmente. Conclusiones: Este modelo experimental resultó eficaz para inducir una lesión medular, demostró la protección neuronal mediada por hipotermia. El aumento de la expresión de CIRBP en la médula espinal de ratas con lesión e hipotermia comparado con el del grupo normotérmico abre el camino para un posible uso de sustancias que incrementen la CIRBP como terapéutica para las lesiones medulares contusivas. Nivel de Evidencia: I

Introduction: Traumatic spinal cord injury is the leading cause of motor disability worldwide, and the WHO considers it a priority. This study sought to investigate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia following spinal cord contusion. Materials and Methods: Male rats that underwent experimental spinal cord contusion were used. For this purpose, four experimental groups were created (n=6 per group): a) control, b) lesion in normothermia (24°C, sacrificed 12h after the injury), c) lesion in normothermia (24°C, sacrificed 24h after the injury), and d) hypothermic injury (8°C for 180 min, sacrificed 24h after the injury). The expression of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP), Caspase-3, and NeuN was studied. Results: At 24 hours, spinal cord damage raised CIRBP expression slightly while also increasing Caspase-3 significantly. All of this was accompanied by images of damaged motor neurons in the anterior horn. In animals treated with hypothermia, high expression of CIRBP and very low levels of Caspase-3 were observed, which were indistinguishable from controls. Furthermore, the number of viable motor neurons was partially restored. Conclusions: The experimental model developed in this study was effective at inducing spinal cord injury, demonstrating neuronal protection through hypothermia. The increased expression of CIRBP in the spinal cord of rats with injury and hypothermic treatment when compared to the normothermic group suggests the possibility of using substances that increase CIRBP as therapies for the treatment of contusive spinal cord injuries. Level of Evidence: I

In vivo biocompatibility testing of nanoparticle-functionalized alginate-chitosan scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Background: There is a strong interest in designing new scaffolds for their potential application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The incorporation of functionalization molecules can lead to the enhancement of scaffold properties, resulting in variations in scaffold compatibility. Therefore, the efficacy of the therapy could be compromised by the foreign body reaction triggered after implantation. Methods: In this study, the biocompatibilities of three scaffolds made from an alginate-chitosan combination and functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNp) and alginate-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNp + Alg) were evaluated in a subcutaneous implantation model in Wistar rats. Scaffolds and surrounding tissue were collected at 4-, 7- and 25-day postimplantation and processed for histological analysis and quantification of the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, macrophage profile, and proinflammatory (IL-1ß and TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. Results: Histological analysis showed a characteristic foreign body response that resolved 25 days postimplantation. The intensity of the reaction assessed through capsule thickness was similar among groups. Functionalizing the device with AuNp and AuNp + Alg decreased the expression of markers associated with cell death by apoptosis and polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment, suggesting increased compatibility with the host tissue. Similarly, the formation of many foreign body giant cells was prevented. Finally, an increased detection of alpha smooth muscle actin was observed, showing the angiogenic properties of the elaborated scaffolds. Conclusion: Our results show that the proposed scaffolds have improved biocompatibility and exhibit promising potential as biomaterials for elaborating tissue engineering constructs.

Effect of school reopening on pediatric morbidity and mortality during the third epidemiological wave of COVID-19 in a Mexican state.

BACKGROUND: Determining the effect of reopening schools on pediatric SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection rates increased the need to share the experience of governments in many geographic regions for better future decision-making in similar health emergencies. METHODS: Through a prospective study based on a population-based cohort, students from 18,988 schools in the State of Mexico who began returning to school were followed. Daily sanitation filters were implemented in each school and district liaisons were informed on a daily basis through a negative network. Identified cases were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Simple case frequencies, percentages, and incidences of COVID-19 were estimated. State incidences were compared with the national incidence. RESULTS: A total of 3,586 cases were confirmed; 2,048 (57.1%) were children. Twenty-four (0.6%) were hospitalized for moderate to severe COVID-19; nine (37.5%) died, and only one was a schoolchild. From week 36, an average infection rate of 0.36 was observed. The highest infection rate in schoolchildren was observed in epidemiologic week 40 (1.01); from this week on, a decrease in the number of cases was observed until week 50. CONCLUSIONS: The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions has more advantages than limitations, as long as the strategies are homogeneous and properly implemented to ensure adequate control of infections.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La determinación del efecto de reabrir las escuelas sobre las tasas de infección pediátrica por SARS-CoV-2 (síndrome respiratorio agudo grave coronavirus 2) incrementó la necesidad de trasmitir la experiencia de los gobiernos de muchas regiones geográficas para mejores decisiones futuras en emergencias sanitarias similares. MÉTODOS: Mediante un estudio prospectivo basado en una cohorte poblacional se dio seguimiento a los alumnos de 18,988 escuelas del Estado de México que iniciaron con el regreso a clases. Se implementaron filtros sanitarios diarios en cada escuela y cotidianamente se informaban a los enlaces jurisdiccionales a través de una red negativa. Los casos identificados eran confirmados a través de RT-PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa). Se estimaron frecuencias simples de casos, porcentajes e incidencias de COVID-19. Las incidencias del estado se compararon con la incidencia nacional. RESULTADOS: Un total de 3,586 casos fueron confirmados; 2,048 (57.1%) correspondieron a niños. Veinticuatro (0.6%) fueron hospitalizados por COVID-19 moderado a grave; nueve (37.5%) fallecieron, y solamente una correspondió a un escolar. A partir de la semana 36 se observó una tasa promedio de infecciones de 0.36. En la semana epidemiológica 40 se observó la mayor tasa de infección en escolares (1.01); a partir de esta semana se observa un declive de los casos hasta la semana 50. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de intervenciones no farmacéuticas tiene más ventajas que limitaciones, siempre y cuando las estrategias sean homogéneas y correctamente ejecutadas, lo que asegurará un adecuado control en los contagios.

Effect of school reopening on pediatric morbidity and mortality during the third epidemiological wave of COVID-19 in a Mexican state / Efecto de la reapertura de escuelas en la morbimortalidad pediátrica durante la tercera ola epidemiológica por COVID-19 en un estado mexicano

Abstract Background: Determining the effect of reopening schools on pediatric SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection rates increased the need to share the experience of governments in many geographic regions for better future decision-making in similar health emergencies. Methods: Through a prospective study based on a population-based cohort, students from 18,988 schools in the State of Mexico who began returning to school were followed. Daily sanitation filters were implemented in each school and district liaisons were informed on a daily basis through a negative network. Identified cases were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Simple case frequencies, percentages, and incidences of COVID-19 were estimated. State incidences were compared with the national incidence. Results: A total of 3,586 cases were confirmed; 2,048 (57.1%) were children. Twenty-four (0.6%) were hospitalized for moderate to severe COVID-19; nine (37.5%) died, and only one was a schoolchild. From week 36, an average infection rate of 0.36 was observed. The highest infection rate in schoolchildren was observed in epidemiologic week 40 (1.01); from this week on, a decrease in the number of cases was observed until week 50. Conclusions: The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions has more advantages than limitations, as long as the strategies are homogeneous and properly implemented to ensure adequate control of infections.

Resumen Introducción: La determinación del efecto de reabrir las escuelas sobre las tasas de infección pediátrica por SARS-CoV-2 (síndrome respiratorio agudo grave coronavirus 2) incrementó la necesidad de trasmitir la experiencia de los gobiernos de muchas regiones geográficas para mejores decisiones futuras en emergencias sanitarias similares. Métodos: Mediante un estudio prospectivo basado en una cohorte poblacional se dio seguimiento a los alumnos de 18,988 escuelas del Estado de México que iniciaron con el regreso a clases. Se implementaron filtros sanitarios diarios en cada escuela y cotidianamente se informaban a los enlaces jurisdiccionales a través de una red negativa. Los casos identificados eran confirmados a través de RT-PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa). Se estimaron frecuencias simples de casos, porcentajes e incidencias de COVID-19. Las incidencias del estado se compararon con la incidencia nacional. Resultados: Un total de 3,586 casos fueron confirmados; 2,048 (57.1%) correspondieron a niños. Veinticuatro (0.6%) fueron hospitalizados por COVID-19 moderado a grave; nueve (37.5%) fallecieron, y solamente una correspondió a un escolar. A partir de la semana 36 se observó una tasa promedio de infecciones de 0.36. En la semana epidemiológica 40 se observó la mayor tasa de infección en escolares (1.01); a partir de esta semana se observa un declive de los casos hasta la semana 50. Conclusiones: La implementación de intervenciones no farmacéuticas tiene más ventajas que limitaciones, siempre y cuando las estrategias sean homogéneas y correctamente ejecutadas, lo que asegurará un adecuado control en los contagios.

Interaction between Akkermansia muciniphila and Diet Is Associated with Proinflammatory Index in School-Aged Children.

BACKGROUND: Imbalance in the intestinal microbiota can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation. Diet may influence this association. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the interaction between Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) and dietary patterns using a proinflammatory index. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with school-aged children. We quantified the relative abundance (RA) of A. muciniphila in feces using a polymerase chain reaction. We collected dietary information through employing a food frequency questionnaire and generated dietary patterns using principal component analysis. We generated a proinflammatory index from serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and adiponectin validated by receptor operating characteristic curves. We evaluated the association between A. muciniphila and the proinflammatory index using logistic regression, including an interaction term with dietary patterns. RESULTS: We found that children with a low RA of A. muciniphila and a high intake of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats had increased odds of being high on the proinflammatory index. However, when the consumption of this dietary pattern is low, children with a low RA of A. muciniphila had decreased odds of being high on the proinflammatory index. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the simultaneous presence of A. muciniphila and diet have a more significant impact on the presence of being high on the proinflammatory index compared to both factors separately.