Biofilm reactors for the treatment of used water in space:potential, challenges, and future perspectives.

Water is not only essential to sustain life on Earth, but also is a crucial resource for long-duration deep space exploration and habitation. Current systems in space rely on the resupply of water from Earth, however, as missions get longer and move farther away from Earth, resupply will no longer be a sustainable option. Thus, the development of regenerative reclamation water systems through which useable water can be recovered from "waste streams" (i.e., used waters) is sorely needed to further close the loop in space life support systems. This review presents the origin and characteristics of different used waters generated in space and discusses the intrinsic challenges of developing suitable technologies to treat such streams given the unique constrains of space exploration and habitation (e.g., different gravity conditions, size and weight limitations, compatibility with other systems, etc.). In this review, we discuss the potential use of biological systems, particularly biofilms, as possible alternatives or additions to current technologies for water reclamation and waste treatment in space. The fundamentals of biofilm reactors, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as different reactor configurations and their potential for use and challenges to be incorporated in self-sustaining and regenerative life support systems in long-duration space missions are also discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility to recover value-added products (e.g., biomass, nutrients, water) from used waters and the opportunity to recycle and reuse such products as resources in other life support subsystems (e.g., habitation, waste, air, etc.).

KCNQ2/3 Gain-of-Function Variants and Cell Excitability: Differential Effects in CA1 versus L2/3 Pyramidal Neurons.

Gain-of-function (GOF) pathogenic variants in the potassium channels KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 lead to hyperexcitability disorders such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of how these variants impair forebrain function are unclear. Here, we show that the R201C variant in KCNQ2 has opposite effects on the excitability of two types of mouse pyramidal neurons of either sex, causing hyperexcitability in layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons and hypoexcitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Similarly, the homologous R231C variant in KCNQ3 leads to hyperexcitability in L2/3 pyramidal neurons and hypoexcitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons. However, the effects of KCNQ3 gain-of-function on excitability are specific to superficial CA1 pyramidal neurons. These findings reveal a new level of complexity in the function of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels in the forebrain and provide a framework for understanding the effects of gain-of-function variants and potassium channels in the brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT KCNQ2/3 gain-of-function (GOF) variants lead to severe forms of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the mechanisms by which these channels affect neuronal activity are poorly understood. In this study, using a series of transgenic mice we demonstrate that the same KCNQ2/3 GOF variants can lead to either hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability in different types of pyramidal neurons [CA1 vs layer (L)2/3]. Additionally, we show that expression of the recurrent KCNQ2 GOF variant R201C in forebrain pyramidal neurons could lead to seizures and SUDEP. Our data suggest that the effects of KCNQ2/3 GOF variants depend on specific cell types and brain regions, possibly accounting for the diverse range of phenotypes observed in individuals with KCNQ2/3 GOF variants.

Potential use of fungal-bacterial co-cultures for the removal of organic pollutants.

Fungi and bacteria coexist in a wide variety of natural and artificial environments which can lead to their association and interaction - ranging from antagonism to cooperation - that can affect the survival, colonization, spatial distribution and stress resistance of the interacting partners. The use of polymicrobial cultivation approaches has facilitated a more thorough understanding of microbial dynamics in mixed microbial communities, such as those composed of fungi and bacteria, and their influence on ecosystem functions. Mixed (multi-domain) microbial communities exhibit unique associations and interactions that could result in more efficient systems for the degradation and removal of organic pollutants. Several previous studies have reported enhanced biodegradation of certain pollutants when using combined fungal-bacterial treatments compared to pure cultures or communities of either fungi or bacteria (single domain systems). This article reviews: (i) the mechanisms of pollutant degradation that can occur in fungal-bacterial systems (e.g.: co-degradation, production of secondary metabolites, enhancement of degradative enzyme production, and transport of bacteria by fungal mycelia); (ii) case studies using fungal-bacterial co-cultures for the removal of various organic pollutants (synthetic dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and other trace or volatile organic compounds) in different environmental matrices (e.g. water, gas/vapors, soil); (iii) the key aspects of engineering artificial fungal-bacterial co-cultures, and (iv) the current challenges and future perspectives of using fungal-bacterial co-cultures for environmental remediation.

A novel method to detect hPG80 (human circulating progastrin) in the blood.

hPG80 (human circulating progastrin) is produced and released by cancer cells. We recently reported that hPG80 is detected in the blood of patients with cancers from different origins, suggesting its potential utility for cancer detection. To accurately measure hPG80 in the blood of patients, we developed the DxPG80 test, a sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). This test quantifies hPG80 in EDTA plasma samples. The analytical performances of the DxPG80 test were evaluated using standard procedures and guidelines specific to ELISA technology. We showed high specificity for hPG80 with no cross-reactivity with human glycine-extended gastrin (hG17-Gly), human carboxy-amidated gastrin (hG17-NH2) or the CTFP (C-Terminus Flanking Peptide) and no interference with various endogenous or exogenous compounds. The test is linear between 0 and 50 pM hPG80 (native or recombinant). We demonstrated a trueness of measurement, an accuracy and a variability of hPG80 quantification with the DxPG80 test below the 20% relative errors as recommended in the guidelines. The limit of detection of hPG80 and the limit of quantification were calculated as 1 pM and 3.3 pM respectively. In conclusion, these results show the strong analytical performance of the DxPG80 test to measure hPG80 in blood samples.

Non-suicidal self-injury in patients with eating disorders: nuclear aspects.

BACKGROUND: Through the culture of thinness, increasingly promoted in our society as a beauty canon, it is not surprising that the number of people affected by eating disorders is increasing. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to study the relationship between non-suicidal self-injuries and nuclear aspects of eating disorders specified along with this article. METHODS: The sample consisted of 60 women diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia. Questionnaires assessing impulsivity, body satisfaction, alexithymia, body attitude and self-esteem were administered. Participants with non-suicidal self-harm were compared with those without it, and participants with anorexia with and without self-harm and participants with bulimia with and without self-harm were compared. RESULTS: Differences were found in body dissatisfaction= 5.71; p ≤0.01), body attitudes= 4.80; p ≤0.02), self-esteem= 14.09; p ≤0.00) and impulsivity (t= 3.39; p ≤0.01) between participants with and without non-suicidal self-harm. CONCLUSIONS: These are key factors for the clinical area in the treatment of eating disorders to prevent the presence of self-harm, as it allows focusing the treatment target on those aspects such as dissatisfaction and impulsivity, which are key in the development of self-harm.

Non-suicidal self-injury in patients with eating disorders: nuclear aspects / Autolesiones no suicidas en pacientes con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria: Aspectos nucleares

Abstract Background: Through the culture of thinness, increasingly promoted in our society as a beauty canon, it is not surprising that the number of people affected by eating disorders is increasing. Objective: This research aims to study the relationship between non-suicidal self-injuries and nuclear aspects of eating disorders specified along with this article. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 women diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia. Questionnaires assessing impulsivity, body satisfaction, alexithymia, body attitude and self-esteem were administered. Participants with non-suicidal self-harm were compared with those without it, and participants with anorexia with and without self-harm and participants with bulimia with and without self-harm were compared. Results: Differences were found in body dissatisfaction= 5.71; p ≤0.01), body attitudes= 4.80; p ≤0.02), self-esteem= 14.09; p ≤0.00) and impulsivity (t= 3.39; p ≤0.01) between participants with and without non-suicidal self-harm. Conclusions: These are key factors for the clinical area in the treatment of eating disorders to prevent the presence of self-harm, as it allows focusing the treatment target on those aspects such as dissatisfaction and impulsivity, which are key in the development of self-harm.

Resumen Introducción: A través de la cultura de la delgadez, cada vez más promovida en nuestra sociedad como canon de belleza, no es de extrañar que este aumentado el número de personas afectadas por Trastornos de Conducta alimentaria. Objetivo: Estudiar la relación entre las autolesiones no suicidas y aspectos nucleares del trastorno de conducta alimentaria que se especifican a lo largo de este artículo. Métodos: La muestra ha sido formada por 60 mujeres diagnosticadas de anorexia y bulimia. Se administraron cuestionarios que evaluaban la impulsividad, satisfacción corporal, alexitimia, actitud corporal y autoestima. Se compararon aquellas participantes que presentaban autolesiones no suicidas con las que no lo presentaban, además se compararon participantes con anorexia con y sin autolesiones y participantes con bulimia con y sin autolesiones. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias en insatisfacción corporal = 5,71; p ≤0.01), en actitudes corporales= 4.80; p ≤0.02), autoestima= 14.09; p ≤0.00) e impulsividad, (t= 3.39; p ≤0.01) entre participantes con y sin autolesiones no suicidas. Conclusiones: Estos son factores clave para la clínica en el tratamiento de los trastornos de conducta alimentaria para prevenir la presencia de autolesiones, ya que permite enfocar el objetivo del tratamiento a aquellos aspectos como la insatisfacción e impulsividad, que son claves en el desarrollo de autolesiones.

Estrategias para fortalecer la humanización de los servicios en salud en urgencias / Strategies to strengthen the humanization of emergency health services / Estratégias para fortalecer a humanização dos serviços de saúde de emergência

Introducción: La humanización es un factor ético imprescindible y un atributo de la atención en salud. Estudios previos en la insti-tución donde se realizó la investigación se identificaron: la falta de comunicación (80 a 90%), deficiencia en la capacitación del per-sonal (52%), la sobrecarga (25%) y el estrés laboral (22%), como los principales factores relacionados con la deshumanización en la atención de enfermería en urgencias, desde la percepción de los pa-cientes y del personal. Objetivo: Describir estrategias que fortalez-can el componente de humanización en la prestación de servicios de salud en urgencias de un hospital de cuarto nivel. Metodología: Revisión integrativa en la que se estudiaron 29 investigaciones ori-ginales, artículos y literatura gris, publicados en español, inglés y portugués. En su mayoría son indexados y se obtuvieron en revistas de ciencias de la salud mediante las siguientes bases de datos: EBS-COHost, CINAHL, OVID y en el metabuscador de Google Acadé-mico; también se tuvieron en cuenta los términos DeCS, MeSH, humanización de la atención, atención de enfermería y urgencias médicas. Es un estudio sin riesgo ético por ser de tipo documental. Resultados: Las estrategias que se reportaron como efectivas y que inciden en los factores relacionados con la falta de humanización son: ausencia de capacitación en competencia de compasión, min-dfulness y habilidades blandas; como también, la desinformación en el área de especialización y el aumento de la razón enferme-ro-paciente. Conclusiones: Las estrategias en mención mejoran la empatía, conciencian el presente, favorecen la comunicación, pro-porcionan habilidades para el éxito de la atención y disminuyen la sobrecarga laboral.

Introduction: Humanization is an indispensable ethical factor and an attribute of health care. Previous studies at the institution where the research was conducted identified: lack of commu-nication (80-90%), poor staff training (52%), overload (25%) and job stress (22%) as the main factors related to dehumanisation in emergency nursing care, from the perspective of patients and staff. Objective: To describe strategies that strengthen the humanisation component in the provision of health care in the emergency department of a fourth level hospital. Methodology: Integrative review in which 29 original research studies, articles and grey literature, published in Spanish, English and Portuguese, were studied. Most are indexed and were obtained from health sciences journals using the following databases: EBSCOHost, CINAHL, OVID and in the Google Academic meta-search; the terms DeCS, MeSH, humanisation of care, nursing care and medical emergencies were also taken into account. It is a study without ethical risk as it is of a documentary nature. Results: The strategies reported as effective and that impact on the factors related to the lack of humanisation are: lack of training in compassionate, mindfulness and soft skills competence; as well as, misinformation in the area of specialisation and increased nur-se-patient ratio. Conclusions: The strategies mentioned improve empathy, raise awareness of the present, encourage communication, provide skills for successful care and reduce work overload

Introdução: A humanização é um fator ético indispensável e um atributo do cuidado com a saúde. Estudos anteriores na instituição onde a pesquisa foi realizada identificaram: falta de comunicação (80-90%), falta de treinamento do pessoal (52%), sobrecarga (25%) e estresse no trabalho (22%) como os principais fatores relacionados à desumanização no atendimento de enfermagem de emergência, do ponto de vista dos pacientes e do pessoal. Objetivo: Des-crever estratégias que fortaleçam o componente de humanização da prestação de cuidados de saúde de emergência em um hospital de quarto nível. Métodos: Revisão integrativa na qual foram estudadas 29 investigações originais, artigos e literatura cinzenta, publicados em espanhol, inglês e português. A maioria foi indexada e obtida de revistas de ciências da saúde utilizando as seguintes bases de dados: EBSCOHost, CINAHL, OVID e no Google Academic meta-search; os termos DeCS, MeSH, humanização dos cuidados, cuidados de enfermagem e emergências médicas também foram levados em conta. É um estudo sem risco ético por-que é de natureza documental. Resultados: As estratégias relatadas como eficazes e que têm impacto sobre os fatores relacionados à falta de humanização são: ausência de treinamento em compaixão, cuidado e competência em habilidades leves; bem como, desinformação na área de especialização e aumento da relação enfermeiro-paciente. Conclusões: As estratégias mencionadas melhoram a empatia, aumentam a consciência do presente, incentivam a comuni-cação, fornecem habilidades para o cuidado bem sucedido e reduzem a sobrecarga de trabalho

Infrared analyzers for the measurement of breastmilk macronutrient content in the clinical setting.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing interest in the possibility of measuring the macronutrient content of human milk. Several studies that intend to validate commercially available human milk analyzers have been published with inconsistent results. This review will focus on currently available, verified methodologies for analyzing macronutrients in human milk. AREAS COVERED: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database. Five milk analyzers were chosen to be included in this review: MIRIS (Uppsala, Sweden) (seven articles found), Calais (Cleveland, United States) (four articles), SpectraStar (Brookfield, United States) (four articles), MilkoScan (Hillerdo, Denmark) (two articles), and Delta LactoScope (Stockholm, Sweden) (one article). The following information was extracted from published manuscripts: measuring device, sample preparation, purpose of the study, type of macronutrients studied, results, and conclusions. EXPERT OPINION: Infrared spectroscopy can be an accurate and reliable technology for assessing the macronutrient content of human milk, specifically crude protein, and total fat. However, an optimal handling of samples, the development of standardized quality-control protocols, and an improvement in calibration procedures are required before the full implementation of infrared technology in neonatal units.

A Microfluidic-Based Investigation of Bacterial Attachment in Ureteral Stents.

Obstructions of the ureter lumen can originate from intrinsic or extrinsic factors, such as kidney stones, tumours, or strictures. These can affect the physiological flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder, potentially causing infection, pain, and kidney failure. To overcome these complications, ureteral stents are often deployed clinically in order to temporarily re-establish urinary flow. Despite their clinical benefits, stents are prone to encrustation and biofilm formation that lead to reduced quality of life for patients; however, the mechanisms underlying the formation of crystalline biofilms in stents are not yet fully understood. In this study, we developed microfluidic-based devices replicating the urodynamic field within different configurations of an occluded and stented ureter. We employed computational fluid dynamic simulations to characterise the flow dynamic field within these models and investigated bacterial attachment (Pseudomonas fluorescens) by means of crystal violet staining and fluorescence microscopy. We identified the presence of hydrodynamic cavities in the vicinity of a ureteric occlusion, which were characterised by low levels of wall shear stress (WSS < 40 mPa), and observed that initiation of bacterial attachment occurred in these specific regions of the stented ureter. Notably, the bacterial coverage area was directly proportional to the number of cavities present in the model. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that the number density of bacteria was greater within cavities (3 bacteria·mm-2) when compared to side-holes of the stent (1 bacterium·mm-2) or its luminal surface (0.12·bacteria mm-2). These findings informed the design of a novel technological solution against bacterial attachment, which reduces the extent of cavity flow and increases wall shear stress over the stent's surface.

Análisis con GRD: El egreso hospitalario indiferenciado de la maternidad no representa la complejidad de las pacientes con alto riesgo obstétrico / DRG analysis: undifferentiated hospital discharges of maternity does not represent the complexity of patients with high obstetric risk

INTRODUCCIÓN: La gestión actual de camas hospitalarias sigue un modelo de indiferenciación en el que existen camas quirúrgicas, médicas y de pacientes críticos. Las maternidades si bien no siguen este modelo, tienen egresos indiferenciados con pacientes que pueden egresar post parto o aún embarazadas (con patologías perinatales). OBJETIVO: Evaluar diferencias entre egresos con parto normal y aquellos con patologías de alto riesgo obstétrico (ARO) respecto a estancia media (EM) y el consumo de recursos cuantificado con el peso medio de los grupos relacionados con el diagnóstico (PMGRD). MÉTODO: Estudio transversal con egresos maternales periodo 2017-2018. Se usó Categoría Diagnóstica Mayor (CIE - 10) para definir dos grupos de egreso: 1. Con parto normal a término o 2. Con patología ARO. Se compararon 1.658 y 1.669 egresos del grupo 1 y 2 respectivamente. Las variables de resultado son EM y PMGRD. Se compararon variables cuantitativas con t de student y Kruskal Wallis. Se usó Odds Ratio con respectivo intervalo de confianza para evaluar asociación entre variables y regresión logística multivariada para ajustar asociación. RESULTADOS: La edad, proporción de gestantes tardías, EM y PMGRD fue mayor en los egresos ARO (p<0,05). Existe fuerte asociación de EM prolongada (>4 días) y PMGRD elevado (>0.3109) con los egresos ARO (ORa=3.75; IC95%=3.21-4.39 y ORa=1.28; IC95%=1.1-1.49 respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario diferenciar los egresos del servicio de maternidad porque los egresos de ARO muestran mayor complejidad. La evaluación del riesgo usando EM y PMGRD permite analizar con especificidad los egresos maternales para una mejor gestión de camas y del recurso humano.

INTRODUCTION: The current management of hospital beds in Chile follows an undifferentiation model in which there are surgical, medical and critical patient bed. Maternity hospitals although they do not follow this model, have undifferentiated discharges with patients who may leave poatpartum or still pregnant (with perinatal pathologies) OBJECTIVE: To assess differences between discharges with normal delivery and those with high obstetric risk pathologies (HOR) with respect to mean stay (MS) and the resource spending quantified with the average weight of the diagnosis related group (AWDRG). METHOD: Cross-sectional study with maternal discharges between 2017-2018 period. Major Diagnostic Category (ICD - 10) was used to define two discharge groups: 1. With normal term birth or 2. With HOR pathology. 1,658 and 1,669 egress from group 1 and 2 were compared respectively. The outcome variables are EM and AWDRG. Quantitative variables were compared with student t and Kruskal Wallis. Odds Ratio and respective confidence interval were used to evaluate association between variables and multivariate logistic regression to adjust association. RESULTS: Age, proportion of late pregnant women, MS and AWDRG was higher in HOR discharges (p <0.05). There is a strong association of prolonged MS (> 4 days) and elevated AWDRG (> 0.3109) with HOR discharges (ORa = 3.75; 95% CI 3.21-4.39 and ORa = 1.28; 95% CI 1.1-1.49 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to differentiate medical discharge of the maternity service because the HOR egress show greater complexity. The risk assessment using MS and AWDRG allows to analyze with specificity the maternal discharge for a better management of beds and human resources.

Recomendaciones de actividad física y ejercicio en el paciente adulto sometido a cirugía bariátrica. Documento de Consenso / Exercise and physical activity in adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Consensus document

Physical exercise is useful in people who underwent bariatric surgery. However, the right dosage is still a topic for discussion. The aim of this article is to consolidate the prescription criteria for physical activity and exercise in bariatric patients. A panel of experts to whom the topics were previously assigned for review, met to reach a consensus. Each topic was presented and subjected to discussion and voting by the participants and attendants who were exercise professionals from different obesity treatment centers. We report the conclusions reached for aerobic exercise, strength training, protein supplementation and physical activity for weight maintenance in bariatric patients.

Development and validation of the Pectus Carinatum Body Image Quality of Life (PeCBI-QOL) questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: While body image disturbances and quality of life in persons with pectus excavatum (PE) have been well documented, very little has been done to systematically measure and document the same in patients with pectus carinatum (PC). Because of this, the current study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess body image related quality of life in patients with PC and their parents. METHOD: Participants: Two waves of data collection took place. The development phase enrolled 78 PC patients and 76 matched parents. The validation phase enrolled 50 PC patients and 50 parents. Mean age at the initiation of treatment was 15.14 (SD = 2.54). Participants were mostly boys (85.9%) and White or Caucasian (89.7%). Instrument development, refinement, and validation: A group of 5 experts in chest wall deformities used existing measures of body image disturbances in PE, combined with the broader body image literature, to develop larger item pools for patients and their parents. Item analysis from this phase was used to remove poorly performing or statistically redundant items. In the validation phase, refined patient and parent instruments were examined using exploratory principal components factor analysis (EFA) with parallel analysis for factor retention, followed by Varimax rotation to identify a final factor solution. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: This development and refinement process yielded a final questionnaire for patients (18 items) and parents (15 items). The patient questionnaire includes four subscales, each with good internal consistency: Body Image Disturbance; Treatment Motivation/Engagement; Physical Limitations; and Social Disadvantage. The parent questionnaire includes 3 subscales: Body Image Disturbance; Treatment Motivation/Engagement; Physical Limitations. Patient and parent scales showed moderate correlations. Among patients with measures pre- and posttreatment, there was a significant improvement in overall PeCBI-QOL score. We demonstrate, in this study, that body image and related quality of life can be reliably and validly assessed with the PeCBI-QOL, which has implications for more comprehensively documenting the negative psychological and functional consequences of pectus carinatum. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Study of diagnostic test/III.

[Exercise and physical activity in adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Consensus document]. / Recomendaciones de actividad física y ejercicio en el paciente adulto sometido a cirugía bariátrica. Documento de Consenso.

Physical exercise is useful in people who underwent bariatric surgery. However, the right dosage is still a topic for discussion. The aim of this article is to consolidate the prescription criteria for physical activity and exercise in bariatric patients. A panel of experts to whom the topics were previously assigned for review, met to reach a consensus. Each topic was presented and subjected to discussion and voting by the participants and attendants who were exercise professionals from different obesity treatment centers. We report the conclusions reached for aerobic exercise, strength training, protein supplementation and physical activity for weight maintenance in bariatric patients.

Current insights into the mechanisms and management of infection stones.

Infection stones are complex aggregates of crystals amalgamated in an organic matrix that are strictly associated with urinary tract infections. The management of patients who form infection stones is challenging owing to the complexity of the calculi and high recurrence rates. The formation of infection stones is a multifactorial process that can be driven by urine chemistry, the urine microenvironment, the presence of modulator substances in urine, associations with bacteria, and the development of biofilms. Despite decades of investigation, the mechanisms of infection stone formation are still poorly understood. A mechanistic understanding of the formation and growth of infection stones - including the role of organics in the stone matrix, microorganisms, and biofilms in stone formation and their effect on stone characteristics - and the medical implications of these insights might be crucial for the development of improved treatments. Tools and approaches used in various disciplines (for example, engineering, chemistry, mineralogy, and microbiology) can be applied to further understand the microorganism-mineral interactions that lead to infection stone formation. Thus, the use of integrated multidisciplinary approaches is imperative to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infection stones.

Optimización de medidas para evitar el enfriamiento en la primera hora de vida de los prematuros menores de 35 semanas de gestación / Optimisation of measures to protect premature neonates of less than 35 weeks from the cold in the first hour of life

No disponible

Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos / Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants

Resumen: La nutrición adecuada durante los primeros dos años de vida es fundamental para el desarrollo pleno del potencial de cada ser humano; actualmente se reconoce que este periodo es una ventana crítica para la promoción de un crecimiento y desarrollo óptimos y un buen estado de salud. Por tanto, cumplir con una alimentación adecuada en esta etapa de la vida tiene impacto sobre la salud, estado de nutrición, crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños; no sólo en el corto plazo, sino en el mediano y largo plazo. El presente trabajo ofrece recomendaciones de alimentación complementaria (AC) que se presentan en forma de preguntas o enunciados que consideran temas importantes para quienes atienden niños durante esta etapa de la vida; por ejemplo: inicio de la alimentación complementaria a los 4 o 6 meses de edad; exposición a alimentos potencialmente alergénicos; introducción de bebidas azucaradas; uso de edulcorantes artificiales y productos light; secuencia de introducción de alimentos; modificaciones de consistencia de alimentos de acuerdo a la maduración neurológica; número de días para probar aceptación y tolerancia a los alimentos nuevos; cantidades por cada tiempo de comida; prácticas inadecuadas de alimentación complementaria; mitos y realidades de la alimentación complementaria; hitos del desarrollo; práctica del "Baby Led Weaning" y práctica de vegetarianismo.

Abstract: A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of "Baby Led Weaning" and practice of vegetarianism.

Sorption of zinc onto elemental selenium nanoparticles immobilized in Phanerochaete chrysosporium pellets.

The use of a novel hybrid biosorbent, elemental selenium nanoparticles (nSe0) immobilized in pellets of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, to remove Zn from aqueous solutions was investigated. Fungal pellets containing nSe0 (nSe0-pellets) showed to be better biosorbents as they removed more Zn (88.1 ± 5.3 %) compared to Se-free fungal pellets (56.2 ± 2.8 %) at pH 4.5 and an initial Zn concentration of 10 mg L-1. The enhanced sorption capacity of nSe0-pellets was attributed to a higher concentration of sorption sites resulting in a more negative surface charge density, as determined by analysis of the potentiometric titration data. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of fungal pellets prior to and after being loaded with Zn showed the functional groups, including hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, involved in the sorption process. The experimental data indicated that the sorption rate of the nSe0-pellets fitted well to the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R 2  = 0.99), and the sorption isotherm was best represented by the Sips model (Langmuir-Freundlich) with heterogeneous factor n = 1 (R 2  = 0.99), which is equivalent to the Langmuir model. Operational advantages of fungal pelleted reactors and the Zn removal efficiencies achieved by nSe0-pellets under mild acidic conditions make nSe0-pellet based bioreactors an efficient biosorption process.

Effect of selenite on the morphology and respiratory activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium biofilms.

The temporal and spatial effects of selenite (SeO3(2-)) on the physical properties and respiratory activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium biofilms, grown in flow-cell reactors, were investigated using oxygen microsensors and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging. Exposure of the biofilm to a SeO3(2-) load of 1.67mgSeL(-1)h(-1) (10mgSeL(-1) influent concentration), for 24h, resulted in a 20% reduction of the O2 flux, followed by a ∼10% decrease in the glucose consumption rate. Long-term exposure (4days) to SeO3(2-) influenced the architecture of the biofilm by creating a more compact and dense hyphal arrangement resulting in a decrease of biofilm thickness compared to fungal biofilms grown without SeO3(2-). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the effect of SeO3(2-) on the aerobic respiratory activity on fungal biofilms is described.

[Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants]. / Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos.

A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of "Baby Led Weaning" and practice of vegetarianism.