Biotechnological potential of actinomycetes in the 21st century: a brief review.

This brief review aims to draw attention to the biotechnological potential of actinomycetes. Their main uses as sources of antibiotics and in agriculture would be enough not to neglect them; however, as we will see, their biotechnological application is much broader. Far from intending to exhaust this issue, we present a short survey of the research involving actinomycetes and their applications published in the last 23 years. We highlight a perspective for the discovery of new active ingredients or new applications for the known metabolites of these microorganisms that, for approximately 80 years, since the discovery of streptomycin, have been the main source of antibiotics. Based on the collected data, we organize the text to show how the cosmopolitanism of actinomycetes and the evolutionary biotic and abiotic ecological relationships of actinomycetes translate into the expression of metabolites in the environment and the richness of biosynthetic gene clusters, many of which remain silenced in traditional laboratory cultures. We also present the main strategies used in the twenty-first century to promote the expression of these silenced genes and obtain new secondary metabolites from known or new strains. Many of these metabolites have biological activities relevant to medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology industries, including candidates for new drugs or drug models against infectious and non-infectious diseases. Below, we present significant examples of the antimicrobial spectrum of actinomycetes, which is the most commonly investigated and best known, as well as their non-antimicrobial spectrum, which is becoming better known and increasingly explored.

Global relevance of Argentinean rainfed crops in a climatic variability context: A water footprint assessment in Buenos Aires province.

Argentina has a relevant international role as a producer of agricultural commodities. Buenos Aires is the province with the largest cultivated area of cereals and oilseeds of the country. Rainfed crops depend exclusively on green water, meaning a comparative advantage for Buenos Aires province. The green virtual water content in the crops produced in Buenos Aires has implications for water allocation at international level. A great amount of countries depends on the Argentinean rainfed agriculture. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of climate variations on Argentinean crop production at local level and the role of rainfed crops in regional and international trade. We analysed the temporal and territorial variations of crops green water demand in a climatic variability context and their influence on the water footprint. The green water footprint of the main crops of Buenos Aires was assessed, including soybeans, maize, sunflower, wheat and barley, in different climatic conditions: for the period 2008-2018, which include a dry year, a humid year and an ordinary year. A dataset about the green water footprint at municipality level was provided, and the results were presented on maps for each crop and for the different climatic conditions. The relevance of green water of main crops in the world water-dependent supply chains was shown. This comprehensive green water footprint assessment provides a useful database for researchers, companies and policy makers in Argentina and beyond.

Molecular basis of ß-lactam antibiotic resistance of ESKAPE bacterium E. faecium Penicillin Binding Protein PBP5.

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are essential for the formation of the bacterial cell wall. They are also the targets of ß-lactam antibiotics. In Enterococcus faecium, high levels of resistance to ß-lactams are associated with the expression of PBP5, with higher levels of resistance associated with distinct PBP5 variants. To define the molecular mechanism of PBP5-mediated resistance we leveraged biomolecular NMR spectroscopy of PBP5 - due to its size (>70 kDa) a challenging NMR target. Our data show that resistant PBP5 variants show significantly increased dynamics either alone or upon formation of the acyl-enzyme inhibitor complex. Furthermore, these variants also exhibit increased acyl-enzyme hydrolysis. Thus, reducing sidechain bulkiness and expanding surface loops results in increased dynamics that facilitates acyl-enzyme hydrolysis and, via increased ß-lactam antibiotic turnover, facilitates ß-lactam resistance. Together, these data provide the molecular basis of resistance of clinical E. faecium PBP5 variants, results that are likely applicable to the PBP family.

SARS-CoV-2 pneumomediastinum. A proposed pneumomediastinum classification

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of viral pneumonias. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reports of SARS-CoV-2 related pneumomediastinum have increased. This type of pneumomediastinum is known as "spontaneous" pneumomediastinum. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as the presence of air in the mediastinal cavity with no apparent cause, but paradoxically, the group termed "spontaneous" is the one with the greatest trigger. Therefore, we believe that the current classification does not coincide with the definition. We present five SARS-CoV-2 pneumomediastinum cases and propose a pneumomediastinum classification. These are the first published reports in our country. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2252).

El neumomediastino es una complicación poco frecuente de las neumonías virales; sin embargo, a raíz de la pandemia de la COVID-19, los informes de casos de neumomediastino por SARS-CoV-2 se han incrementado. A este tipo de neumomediastino se le denomina espontáneo. Se define como neumomediastino espontáneo a la presencia de aire en la cavidad mediastínica sin ninguna causa aparente, pero paradójicamente, el grupo denominado espontáneo es el que tiene mayor causa desencadenante, por lo tanto, creemos que la clasificación actual no es coherente con el significado. Presentamos cinco casos de neumomediastino por SARS-CoV-2 y proponemos una clasificación para el neumomediastino. Estos son los primeros informes publicados en nuestro país. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2252).

Impacto das ações do centro de referência em saúde do trabalhador nos dados de notificação compulsória de pair no Distrito Federal: um estudo qualitativo / The impact of the measures by the reference centers in worker's health on the compulsory notification nihl data in the Brazilian Federal District: a qualitative study / Impacto de las acciones del centro de referencia de salud del trabajador en los datos de notificación obligatoria de pair en el Distrito Federal: un estudio cualitativo

Introdução: A Perda Auditiva Induzida por Ruído (PAIR) é um agravo que acomete os trabalhadores expostos a ruídos e está entre os agravos que devem ser notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Objetivo: Analisar o impacto das ações desenvolvidas pelo Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST-DF) em relação às notificações de PAIR no Distrito Federal. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal, retrospectivo com base na análise de dados secundários de notificações de PAIR do SINAN-DF, desde sua implementação; foram levantados relatórios dos CEREST-DF sobre as ações desenvolvidas; e análise de documentos dos CEREST procurando pelas ações que foram realizadas sobre PAIR e o impacto que causaram. Resultados: utilizando ações, como: projetos, palestras, busca-ativa, entre outros, o CEREST realiza a prática da educação em saúde, e, com o conhecimento fornecido ao público-alvo, é perceptível o aumento de notificações nos mesmos períodos de realização das ações com os trabalhadores e empregadores. Além disso, a contratação de fonoaudiólogo para a equipe do CEREST também eleva estes números, pois é o profissional envolvido na saúde auditiva de modo geral. Conclusão: A partir deste estudo foi possível observar que as ações do CEREST se refletem no número de notificações de PAIR no SINAN, reduzindo a subnotificação.

Introduction: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a hearing impairment that affects workers exposed to loud noises and is one of the conditions that must be reported to the Brazilian Disease Reporting Information System (SINAN). Objective: To analyze the impact of the measures developed by the Reference Centers in Workers' Health (CEREST-DF) in relation to NIHL notifications in the Brazilian Federal District. Methods: A longitudinal, retrospective study was carried out based on the analysis of secondary data of NIHL notifications from SINAN-DF. Since its implementation. CEREST-DF reports were collected on the measures developed and analysis of CEREST documents looking for measures that were carried out with NIHL and the effect they caused. Results: Utilizing educational measures such as projects, lectures, active search, among others CEREST carries out health education, and to target audiences, there was a noticeable increase in notifications in the same periods of these measures being carried out with employees and employers. In addition, a speech therapist was hired by the CEREST team what also helped to increase these numbers, since speech therapists are professionals involved in the health of hearing. Conclusion: This study made it possible to see that the measures carried out by CEREST are reflected in the number of NIHL notifications in SINAN which helped to reduce under-reporting.

Introducción: La Pérdida Auditiva Inducida por Ruido (PAIR) es un problema que afecta a los trabajadores expuestos al ruido y se encuentra entre los problemas que deben ser reportados en el Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN; Sistema de Información Sanitaria Notificable).Objetivo:Analizar si las acciones desarrolladas por el Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador do Distrito Federal (CEREST-DF; Centro de Referencia de Salud Ocupacional) reflejan en el número de notificaciones de PAIR en el DF. Métodos:Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, retrospectivo, basado en el análisis de datos secundarios de notificaciones de PAIR del SINAN-DF, desde su implementación; Se recopilaron informes de CEREST-DF sobre las acciones desarrolladas; y análisis de documentos de CEREST buscando las acciones que se tomaron sobre PAIR y el impacto que causaron. Resultados: Utilizando acciones como: proyectos, conferencias, búsqueda activa, entre otras, CEREST realiza la práctica de educación en salud, y, con el conocimiento proporcionado al público objetivo, se nota el incremento de notificaciones en los mismos períodos de acciones con trabajadores y empleadores. Además, la contratación de un (a) logopeda para el equipo de CEREST también eleva estos números, ya que éste (ésta) es el (la) profesional relacionado (a) con la salud auditiva en general. Conclusión: A partir de este estudio se pudo observar que las acciones de CEREST se reflejan en el número de notificaciones de PAIR en SINAN, reduciendo el subregistro.

Discovery of novel benzothiophene derivatives as potent and narrow spectrum inhibitors of DYRK1A and DYRK1B.

The discovery of potent and selective inhibitors for understudied kinases can provide relevant pharmacological tools to illuminate their biological functions. DYRK1A and DYRK1B are protein kinases linked to chronic human diseases. Current DYRK1A/DYRK1B inhibitors also antagonize the function of related protein kinases, such as CDC2-like kinases (CLK1, CLK2, CLK4) and DYRK2. Here, we reveal narrow spectrum dual inhibitors of DYRK1A and DYRK1B based on a benzothiophene scaffold. Compound optimization exploited structural differences in the ATP-binding sites of the DYRK1 kinases and resulted in the discovery of 3n, a potent and cell-permeable DYRK1A/DYRK1B inhibitor. This compound has a different scaffold and a narrower off-target profile compared to current DYRK1A/DYRK1B inhibitors. We expect the benzothiophene derivatives described here to aid establishing DYRK1A/DYRK1B cellular functions and their role in human pathologies.

Development of the First Covalent Monopolar Spindle Kinase 1 (MPS1/TTK) Inhibitor.

Monopolar spindle kinase 1 (MPS1/TTK) is a key element of the mitotic checkpoint and clinically evaluated as a target in the treatment of aggressive tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer. While long drug-target residence times have been suggested to be beneficial in the context of therapeutic MPS1 inhibition, no irreversible inhibitors have been reported. Here we present the design and characterization of the first irreversible covalent MPS1 inhibitor, RMS-07, targeting a poorly conserved cysteine in the kinase's hinge region. RMS-07 shows potent MPS1 inhibitory activity and selectivity against all protein kinases with an equivalent cysteine but also in a broader kinase panel. We demonstrate potent cellular target engagement and pronounced activity against various cancer cell lines. The covalent binding mode was validated by mass spectrometry and an X-ray crystal structure. This proof of MPS1 covalent ligandability may open new avenues for the design of MPS1-specific chemical probes or drugs.

Post-exercise hypotension effects in response to plyometric training of 7- to 9-year-old boys with overweight/obesity: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity plays an important role on children with obesity. This study evaluated the effects of plyometric training on the anthropometry, body composition, and the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of boys with obesity. METHODS: Boys aged 7 to 9 years old were divided in: non-trained (N.=12) and trained (N.=29). The plyometric training program consisted of jumps on nonconsecutive days for twelve weeks. Anthropometry and body composition, BP and HR were evaluated. BP, HR and rate-pressure product were recorded at rest and 2 minutes after the section. Two-way repeated factors ANOVA was used. RESULTS: Trained group had a reduction in skinfolds and an increase in free fat mass (within and between-groups) and a large effect size for most anthropometric and body composition variables. Late systolic response was reduced from 122±1.1 (immediately post-exercise at the first week) to 112±1.0 at the end of plyometric training period. Diastolic reduction was seen two minutes after each session of exercise (from 68±1.1 to 62±1.2). HR was reduced in response to plyometric training (108 bpm to 97 bpm). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strengthen previous studies that suggest that intense exercise has significant adaptive effects on BP and HR.

Development of Pyridine-based Inhibitors for the Human Vaccinia-related Kinases 1 and 2.

Vaccinia-related kinases 1 and 2 (VRK1 and VRK2) are human Ser/Thr protein kinases associated with increased cell division and neurological disorders. Nevertheless, the cellular functions of these proteins are not fully understood. Despite their therapeutic potential, there are no potent and specific inhibitors available for VRK1 or VRK2. We report here the discovery and elaboration of an aminopyridine scaffold as a basis for VRK1 and VRK2 inhibitors. The most potent compound for VRK1 (26) displayed an IC50 value of 150 nM and was fairly selective in a panel of 48 human kinases (selectivity score S(50%) of 0.04). Differences in compound binding mode and substituent preferences between the two VRKs were identified by the structure-activity relationship combined with the crystallographic analysis of key compounds. We expect our results to serve as a starting point for the design of more specific and potent inhibitors against each of the two VRKs.

Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome Study and management proposal / Síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible Propuesta de estudio y manejo

Abstract Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome is a group of clinical-radiological alterations that are characterized by severe sudden-onset headaches and reversible multifocal narrowing of the cerebral arteries. Most patients do not present with focal neurological deficit, although it can be seen in a small group, associated with cerebral edema, stroke or seizures. It is considered to be a benign process that causes disability and death in a minority of patients. The term 'reversible vasoconstriction syndrome' has been proposed to unify a variety of clinical syndromes which are similar, but have different etiologies, and have originated various eponyms. The apparently low frequency of reversible vasoconstriction syndrome and the way it presents make it a diagnostic challenge in the emergency room, and it may go unnoticed without an adequate medical history. A case probably related to the use of isometeptene is presented. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1213)

Resumen El síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible es un grupo de alteraciones clínico-radiológicas que se caracterizan por cefaleas intensas de inicio brusco y estrechamiento multifocal reversible de las arterias cerebrales. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentan déficit neurológico focal, aunque puede verse en un grupo reducido asociándose con edema cerebral, ataque cerebrovascular o convulsiones. Es considerado un proceso benigno, en pocos casos originan discapacidad y muerte en una minoría de pacientes. El término de síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible se ha propuesto para unificar a una variedad de síndromes clínicos similares, pero de etiología diferentes y han originados diversos epónimos. La aparente baja frecuencia del síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible y su forma de presentación hace que se convierta en un reto diagnóstico en los servicios de urgencias y puede pasar desapercibido si no se tiene una historia clínica adecuada. Presentamos un caso probablemente relacionado al uso de isometepteno. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1213)

The effects of endoplasmic reticulum stressors, tunicamycin and dithiothreitol on Trypanosoma cruzi.

In higher eukaryotic cells, pertubations in ER environment, called ER stress, usually activate unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway in an attempt to re-stablish the ER homeostasis and prevent cell death. Because trypanosomatids appear to lack the classical UPR, it is not clear how these parasites respond to ER stress. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of ER stressors tunicamycin (TM) or dithiothreitol (DTT) on Trypanosoma cruzi. The TM treatment showed strong trypanostatic effect. At 2.5 µg/mL of TM, the mRNA levels of both binding protein (BiP) and calreticulin (CRT) increased significantly, whereas the protein levels of BiP remained stable. TM treatment induced ultrastructural changes compatible with an autophagic process. The DTT treatment inhibited the cell growth, induced drastic morphological changes, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased ROS production. The expression of BiP apparently was not affected by DTT, whereas the mRNA levels of BiP and CRT were significantly reduced. Our results suggest that TM induces autophagy/ER-phagy without causing substantial injury to the parasite. Conversely, the DTT treatment seems to rupture the mitochondrion homeostasis leading to parasite death. The comprehension of the mechanisms behind the susceptibility of T. cruzi to ER stress open perspectives for the development of chemotherapeutic agents addressed to these pathways.

Perfil de pacientes do núcleo de atenção à saúde da pessoa estomizada: na ótica sociocultural e econômica / Patients' profile of the stomized person health care nucleus: in sociocultural and economic optics / Perfil de pacientes del núcleo de atención a la salud de la persona estomizada: en la óptica sociocultural y económica

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo sobre o perfil social e clínico de paciente estomizados intestinais, cadastrados em um Núcleo de Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa Estomizada, situado em um município do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, que objetivou em analisar o perfil sociocultural e econômico do paciente estomizado intestinal cadastrado no Núcleo de Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa Estomizada. A amostra foi composta por 32 participantes, de ambos os sexos e idade mínima de 18 anos e máxima de 91 anos, sendo 13 participantes do sexo feminino e 19 participantes do sexo masculino, sua maior parte com renda familiar entre um e dois salários mínimos, ensino fundamental incompleto, residentes em casa própria com familiares. Conclui-se que há a necessidade de uma reorganização da assistência prestada aos pacientes estomizados, de forma que os princípios do SUS sejam uma realidade de vida do público em questão, tem em vista que, a assistência ao estomizado perpassa a execução de cuidado técnico.(AU)

This is a descriptive study about the social and clinical profile of patients with intestinal stomies enrolled in a Center for Attention to Health of the Stomized Person, located in a municipality of the State of Rio de Janeiro, which aimed to analyze the sociocultural and economic profile of the stomized intestinal patient registered in the Health Center of the Stomized Person. The sample consisted of 32 participants, of both sexes and minimum age of 18 years and maximum of 91 years, 13 female participants and 19 male participants, the majority of whom had family income between one and two minimum wages, incomplete elementary school, residing at home with family members. It is concluded that there is a need for a reorganization of the care provided to stomized patients, so that the principles of the SUS are a reality of the public in question, considering that, the assistance to the stomized patient goes through the execution of technical care.(AU)

Se trata de un estudio descriptivo sobre el perfil social y clínico de pacientes estomizados intestinales, registrados en un Núcleo de Atención a la Salud de la Persona estomizada, situado en un municipio del Estado de Río de Janeiro, que objetivó en analizar el perfil sociocultural y económico del paciente estomizado intestinal registrado en el Núcleo de Atención a la Salud de la Persona estomizada. La muestra fue compuesta por 32 participantes, de ambos sexos y edad mínima de 18 años y máxima de 91 años, siendo 13 participantes del sexo femenino y 19 participantes del sexo masculino, su mayor parte con renta familiar entre uno y dos salarios mínimos, educación básica incompleta, residentes en casa propia con familiares. Se concluye que hay la necesidad de una reorganización de la asistencia prestada a los pacientes estomizados, de forma que los principios del SUS sean una realidad de vida del público en cuestión, tiene en vista que, la asistencia al estomizado pasa por la ejecución de cuidado técnico.(AU)

Proteomic analysis during of spore germination of Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of witches' broom disease in cacao.

BACKGROUND: Moniliophthora perniciosa is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for witches' broom disease of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.). Understanding the molecular events during germination of the pathogen may enable the development of strategies for disease control in these economically important plants. In this study, we determined a comparative proteomic profile of M. perniciosa basidiospores during germination by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 316 proteins were identified. Molecular changes during the development of the germinative tube were identified by a hierarchical clustering analysis based on the differential accumulation of proteins. Proteins associated with fungal filamentation, such as septin and kinesin, were detected only 4 h after germination (hag). A transcription factor related to biosynthesis of the secondary metabolite fumagillin, which can form hybrids with polyketides, was induced 2 hag, and polyketide synthase was observed 4 hag. The accumulation of ATP synthase, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), and catalase was validated by western blotting. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed variations in protein expression during the early germination stages of fungus M. perniciosa. Proteins associated with fungal filamentation, and consequently with virulence, were detected in basidiospores 4 hag., for example, septin and kinesin. We discuss these results and propose a model of the germination of fungus M. perniciosa. This research can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying basic processes of host invasion and to develop strategies for control of the disease.

Percepções de puérperas sobre o cuidado de enfermagem no alojamento conjunto / Las percepciones de las madres acerca de los cuidados de enfermería enalojamiento conjunto / Perceptions of puerperas on nursing care in rooming-in accommodation

Objective: To know the perception of the mothers on the care of nursing professionals in Rooming-in accommodations. Methods: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study in a medium-sized hospital in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul with 15 women in the immediate postpartum period. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research of the University of the Campaign Region under number 62/2013 CAAE. We used the letter “P” to identify postpartum women, followed by the sequential number of the interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews applied to postpartum women in the months from October to November 2013. Data analysis was used to treat the data. Result: The statements gave rise to two categories: care provided by nursing as a whole and accommodation guidelines about self-care and care of the newborn. Conclusion: The perception of the mothers as to the care of the nursing staff was positive, but educational activities proved fragile.

Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção das puérperas sobre o atendimento dos profissionais de Enfermagem no alojamento conjunto. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo exploratório-descritivo, realizado em um hospital de médio porte no interior do Rio Grande do Sul com 15 mulheres no puerpério imediato. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade da Região da Campanha, sob o número do CAAE 62/2013. Utilizou-se a letra “P” para identificar as puérperas, seguidos pelo número sequencial das entrevistas. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada aplicadas às puérperas nos meses de outubro a novembro de 2013. Para tratamento dos dados utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo. Resultado: Os depoimentos deram origem a duas categorias: cuidados prestados pela Enfermagem no alojamento conjunto e orientações a cercado autocuidado e cuidados com o recém-nascido. Conclusão: A percepção das puérperas quanto ao atendimento da equipe de Enfermagem foi positiva, porém as ações educativas mostraram-se frágeis.

Objetivo: Conocer la percepción de las madres sobre el cuidado de los profesionales de enfermería en alojamientos colectivos. Métodos: Un estudio cualitativo exploratorio descriptivo en un hospital de tamaño medio en el interior de Río Grande do Sul, con 15 mujeres en el posparto inmediato. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad de la Región Campaña con el número 62/2013 CAAE. Se utilizó la letra “P” para identificar a las mujeres después del parto, seguido por el número secuencial de las entrevistas. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas aplicadas a madres después del parto en los meses de octubre a noviembre de 2013. Para el tratamiento los datos recogidos se utilizó el análisis de contenido. Resultado: Las declaraciones dieron lugar a dos categorías: atención fornecida por la enfermería en su conjunto y de alojamiento a las directrices sobre el autocuidado y el cuidado del recién nacido. Conclusión: La percepción delas madres en cuanto a la atención del personal de enfermería fue positiva,pero las actividades educativas resultó frágil.

The role played by gender and age on poor sleep quality among institutionalized adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and association between sleep quality with gender and age and to examine the relation between age and the components of the PSQI in institutionalized adolescents. METHODS: High school internal students of both genders, aged between 14 and 19 years old, were analyzed. After a full clinical evaluation, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index Score was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: We studied 210 participants [male: 15. 7 ± 1.2 years; BMI: 21.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2; female: 15.7 ± 1. 2 years; BMI: 21.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2]. Poor sleep quality was present in 137 (65.3%) participants and was predominant among girls than boys (PSQI = 76.3 vs 55.8%; p < 0.001), respectively. There were positive correlations between PSQI components with age in boys (sleep latency: R = 0.23; p = 0.02; sleep duration: R = 0.28; p < 0.01 and overall sleep quality: R = 0.21; p = 0.03), but not among girls. CONCLUSION: Institutionalized girls have worse sleep quality than boys and positive correlations between sleep quality components with age were only present among boys.