Antioxidant defense of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Association with disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing, chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease with onset, in general, in early childhood. Chronic skin inflammation is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense, results in tissue inflammation due to the upregulation of genes that encode inflammatory cytokines. This condition plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. OBJECTIVE: To compare the antioxidant defense in children and adolescents with AD with that of healthy individuals and to verify the association of antioxidant defense with disease severity and nutritional status. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 48 children and adolescents with AD and 25 controls for nutritional assessment (body mass index z score [BMIZ] and height for age z score [HAZ]) and levels of vitamins A, C, E, and D, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 33 (IL-33). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the comparison between AD and control groups for serum levels of vitamins (A, D, C, and E), copper, and antioxidant enzymes. Serum zinc levels were higher in the AD group (ß = 24.20; 95% CI 13.95-34.91; P < 0.001) even after adjusting the BMIZ, HAZ, gender, IL-33, and CRP. Children and adolescents with moderate or severe AD compared to mild AD (SCORAD - 36.7±17.4 vs 11.8 ± 3.9; P < 0.001) had lower values of the vitamin E/total lipid ratio (3.68 [0.29;12.63] vs 5.92 [3.27;17.37]; P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with AD had higher concentrations OF elevated levels of zinc compared to controls, a fact not observed for other biomarkers of antioxidant defense. AD in moderate or severe forms presented lower concentrations of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant fat soluble.

Ultra-processed food intake and food allergy in children and adolescents.

This study aimed to describe the dietary intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) by children and adolescents with food allergy (FA) and to verify a possible association between the UPF intake with clinical characteristics and nutritional status in this group. This cross-sectional study included 110 children and adolescents with single or multiple FA IgE and non-IgE mediated. We evaluated food intake using the NOVA classification through the three 24-h recalls. The average contribution of UPF to total energy intake (calories) ranges from 21% in the first quartile to 43% in the last quartile (mean UPF intake 33.9 ± 14.9%). After binary logistic regression, an association was verified between dietary intake of UPF (>4th quartile) as a percentage of total energy intake and having multiple food allergies (OR 4.102; 95% CI - 1.331 to 12.643; p = .014). We concluded that children and adolescents with FA consumed a higher amount of UPF.

Antioxidant defense of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Association with disease severity

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing, chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease with onset, in general, in early childhood. Chronic skin inflammation is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense, results in tissue inflammation due to the upregulation of genes that encode inflammatory cytokines. This condition plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Objective: To compare the antioxidant defense in children and adolescents with AD with that of healthy individuals and to verify the association of antioxidant defense with disease severity and nutritional status. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 48 children and adolescents with AD and 25 controls for nutritional assessment (body mass index z score [BMIZ] and height for age z score [HAZ]) and levels of vitamins A, C, E, and D, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 33 (IL-33). Results: There was no significant difference in the comparison between AD and control groups for serum levels of vitamins (A, D, C, and E), copper, and antioxidant enzymes. Serum zinc levels were higher in the AD group (β = 24.20; 95% CI 13.95–34.91; P < 0.001) even after adjusting the BMIZ, HAZ, gender, IL-33, and CRP. Children and adolescents with moderate or severe AD compared to mild AD (SCORAD – 36.7±17.4 vs 11.8 ± 3.9; P < 0.001) had lower values of the vitamin E/total lipid ratio (3.68 [0.29;12.63] vs 5.92 [3.27;17.37]; P = 0.013) (AU)

Influence of umbilical cord vitamin D serum levels on the growth of preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels at birth in postnatal growth at discharge and 12 mo of corrected age in preterm infants. METHODS: This prospective cohort included 63 preterm newborns born before 34 gestational weeks evaluated from birth until 12 mo of corrected age. The serum 25(OH)D levels in umbilical cord blood and from their mothers were evaluated at delivery. RESULTS: The mean 25(OH)D levels in preterm newborns were higher than maternal levels (24.8 ± 13.3 ng/mL versus 21 ± 10.2 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and showed a moderate correlation between (r = 0.548; P < 0.001). Considering the body mass index Z-score at 12 mo, 3 (10%), 25 (83%), and 2 (7%) of the preterm infants were thin, had normal body mass index, and were overweight, respectively. The 25(OH)D levels in the umbilical cord did not influence the anthropometric indicators at hospital discharge and 12 mo of corrected age. We observed improvement in all anthropometric indicators assessed over the months, and there was no difference between preterm infants with 25(OH)D levels >20 ng/mL and <20 ng/mL in the umbilical cord. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that the 25(OH)D serum levels in the umbilical cord did not influence postnatal growth from birth to the first year of life in preterm infants. There was a direct association between maternal and umbilical cord serum 25(OH)D levels.

Serum amyloid A in children and adolescents: association with overweight and carotid intima-media thickness.

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum amyloid A concentrations between overweight and eutrophic children and adolescents and to relate it to lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and carotid intima-media thickness. METHODS: One hundred children and adolescents (mean age: 10.8±3.16 years) were included and divided into two groups: overweight and non-overweight. The following were evaluated: Z-score body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, lipid metabolism biomarkers (lipid profile and apolipoproteins A1 and B), inflammatory biomarkers (ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and glucose homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous in age, sex, and pubertal stage. Higher levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and carotid intima-media thickness were observed in the overweight group. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.73; 95%CI: 1.16-2.60, p=0.007), Z-score body mass index (OR=3.76; 95%CI: 1.64-8.59, p=0.002), apolipoprotein-B (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.01-1.2, p=0.030), and carotid intima-media thickness (OR=5.00; 95%CI: 1.38-18.04, p=0.014) were independently associated with serum amyloid A levels above the fourth quartile of the studied sample (>9.4mg/dL). CONCLUSION: Overweight children and adolescents had higher serum amyloid A concentrations than eutrophic children. There was an independent association between higher concentrations of serum amyloid A and Z-score, body mass index, apolipoprotein B, and carotid intima-media thickness, indicating the importance of this inflammatory biomarker in identifying the early risk of atherosclerosis.

Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese children and adolescents and relate them to blood pressure levels, renal function, and insulin resistance. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with 64 overweight children and adolescents (mean age: 11.6±3.5 years) in outpatient follow-up. The following parameters were evaluated: body mass index z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio, pubertal stage, blood pressure, serum homocysteine, glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, renal function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, and creatinuria. Statistical analysis: analysis of variance and logistic regression (dependent variable: homocysteine) (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean body mass index z-score was 2.9±1.1. The mean homocysteine concentrations were 8.6±2.2 µmol/L (10th and 90th percentiles: 6.6 and 11.2 µmol/L, respectively), with no difference when compared with children with severe obesity and obesity/overweight (p=0.431). High values of waist-to-height ratio (93.8%), systolic blood pressure (18.8%), diastolic blood pressure (12.5%), glycemia (4.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31.1%), triglycerides (35.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (34.4%), and microalbuminuria (21.9%) were obtained. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 122.9±24.6 mL/min/1.73 m². Homocysteine concentrations were not associated with any of the studied variables (R²=0.095). CONCLUSION: Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents (mean 8.6±2.2 µmol/L) were not associated with body mass index z-score, blood pressure, renal function, and insulin resistance.

Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese children and adolescents and relate them to blood pressure levels, renal function, and insulin resistance. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with 64 overweight children and adolescents (mean age: 11.6±3.5 years) in outpatient follow-up. The following parameters were evaluated: body mass index z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio, pubertal stage, blood pressure, serum homocysteine, glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, renal function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, and creatinuria. Statistical analysis: analysis of variance and logistic regression (dependent variable: homocysteine) (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean body mass index z-score was 2.9±1.1. The mean homocysteine concentrations were 8.6±2.2 μmol/L (10th and 90th percentiles: 6.6 and 11.2 μmol/L, respectively), with no difference when compared with children with severe obesity and obesity/overweight (p=0.431). High values of waist-to-height ratio (93.8%), systolic blood pressure (18.8%), diastolic blood pressure (12.5%), glycemia (4.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31.1%), triglycerides (35.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (34.4%), and microalbuminuria (21.9%) were obtained. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 122.9±24.6 mL/min/1.73 m². Homocysteine concentrations were not associated with any of the studied variables (R²=0.095). CONCLUSION: Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents (mean 8.6±2.2 μmol/L) were not associated with body mass index z-score, blood pressure, renal function, and insulin resistance.

Impact of the Presence Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA in the Colostrum of Women Infected by COVID-19 During the Pregnancy in Neonatal Clinical Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG in the blood and colostrum of women with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and associate the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA in colostrum with clinical symptoms of their newborns. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed with 165 participants with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and their newborns. DATA COLLECTED: characteristics COVID-19 infection in pregnant women, gestational age, and clinical symptoms in their newborns (fever, hypothermia, respiratory distress, hypotonia, hypoactivity, hypoglycemia, cyanosis, vomiting/regurgitation, abdominal distention, and jaundice). Maternal blood and colostrum samples were collected postpartum to to detect the presence of IgA and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: The median interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and delivery was 37.5 days (IQ = 12.0, 73.0 days). Clinical symptoms during hospitalization were observed in 55 newborns (33.3%), and two (1.6%) tested RT-PCR positive for COVID-19. Positive colostrum for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA was found in 117 (70.9%) women. The presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA in colostrum was associated independently with lower clinical symptoms in their newborns (OR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.202 to 0.84; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: The presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA in colostrum was detected in more than two-thirds of the women evaluated and was associated with a lower frequency of clinical symptoms in their newborns.

Association of serum and erythrocyte zinc levels with breastfeeding and complementary feeding in preterm and term infants.

Zinc is an important nutrient involved in cell division, physical growth, and immune system function. Most studies evaluating the nutritional status related to zinc and prematurity were conducted with hospitalized preterm infants. These studies show controversial results regarding the prevalence of deficiency, clinical implications, and the effect of zinc supplementation on mortality, infectious diseases, and growth in these groups. This study aimed to compare serum and erythrocyte zinc levels in a group of preterm and full-term infants after 9 months of age, and related the zinc levels to dietary intake and anthropometric indicators in both groups. This cross-sectional study compared 43 preterm infants (24 to 33 weeks) aged 9-24 months to 47 full-term healthy infants. Outcome measures: anthropometric indicators and dietary intake. Blood sample for serum and erythrocyte zinc levels (ICP-MS, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). There was no difference between the groups regarding the mean of serum and erythrocyte zinc. Variables associated with higher serum zinc levels were breastfeeding at evaluation (ß = 20.11 µg/dL, 95% CI 9.62-30.60, p < 0.001) and the later introduction of solid foods (ß = 6.6 µg/dL, 95% CI 5.3-11.4, p < 0.001). Breastfeeding was also associated with higher erythrocyte zinc levels. The zinc levels were adequate in both groups, there was no association with anthropometric indicators or dietary intake and were slightly influenced by breastfeeding and time of solid food introduction.

Crianças e adolescentes com deficiência: desafios na formação médica / Children and adolescents with disabilities: challenges in medical training

Resumo: Introdução: Amparar os direitos constitucionais das pessoas com deficiência inclui atender aos novos direcionamentos curriculares e exige um ensino superior que considere a diversidade em diversos contextos. Assim, os currículos de graduação de profissionais de saúde devem atender às necessidades multifacetadas das pessoas com deficiência de modo que transcendam o modelo biomédico e perpassem pela promoção da cultura inclusiva. As atitudes e os valores sobre a deficiência frequentemente influenciam o comportamento das pessoas, tornando imperativa a introdução desta temática. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a abordagem nos currículos e as concepções de professores sobre crianças e adolescentes com deficiência em cursos de Medicina. Método: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, transversal e de abordagem qualitativa que incluiu a análise documental de documentos oficiais dos cursos e páginas oficiais das universidades publicados até o primeiro semestre de 2021, e entrevistas de professores participantes do curso. A análise de conteúdo foi a técnica utilizada para o material das entrevistas. Resultado: A análise documental apontou nos tópicos gerais um direcionamento para uma formação humanística, com respeito às diferenças. Entretanto, quando a temática é a deficiência, o enfoque foi centrado nas questões biológicas. Nas entrevistas, identificaram-se os seguintes eixos temáticos: 1. a importância do Sistema Único de Saúde como espaço de formação médica; 2. a contribuição das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais na orientação das atividades dos docentes e destaque a pontos relevantes; 3. desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino voltadas à criança e ao adolescente com deficiência, com base nas experiências dos docentes; 4. concepção sobre a pessoa com deficiência e formação docente; 5. formação docente para o desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino sobre a criança e o adolescente com deficiência e conhecimento sobre as políticas públicas da área. Conclusão: Foi identificada uma fragilidade na abordagem da temática, com inserções pontuais sobre o tema, geralmente na perspectiva da doença e a partir de oportunidades surgidas. Entre os docentes, identificaram-se a predominância do olhar biomédico, a ausência de formação para a temática e a frágil inserção desta na prática acadêmica. Entretanto, houve reconhecimento da importância do tema e seu potencial em integrar a matriz curricular de forma transversal.

Abstract: Introduction: supporting the constitutional rights of people with disabilities includes meeting new curricular guidelines and requires higher education that considers diversity in different contexts. Thus, the undergraduate curricula of health professionals must meet the multifaceted needs of people with disabilities in a way that transcends the biomedical model and permeates the promotion of an inclusive culture. Attitudes and values about disability often influence people's behavior, making it imperative to introduce this topic. Aim: the present study aim to describe an approach in the curricula and teachers' conceptions about children and adolescents with disabilities in medical courses. Method: this exploratory, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach included the documental analysis of official documents of the courses and official pages of the universities, published until the first semester of 2021 and interviews of teachers participating in the course. The content analysis technique was used for the interview material. Results: the documental analysis pointed in the general topics a direction towards a humanistic formation, while respecting the differences; however, when the topic is the disability, the focus was centered on biological issues. During the interviews, the following topics were identified: 1) The importance of the Unified Health System as a space for medical training; 2) The contribution of the National Curriculum Guidelines in guiding the activities of teachers and highlighting relevant points; 3) Development of teaching activities aimed at children and adolescents with disabilities, based on the teachers' experiences; 4) Conception about the person with disabilities and teacher training; 5) Teacher training for the development of teaching activities about children and adolescents with disabilities and knowledge about public policies in the area. Conclusions: a weakness was identified in the approach to the subject, with specific insertions on the subject, usually from the perspective of the disease and from the opportunities that arise. Among the teachers, the predominance of the biomedical perspective was identified, as well as the lack of training on the subject and its fragile insertion in academic practice. However, the importance of the topic was recognized and its potential to integrate the curricular matrix in a cross-sectional way.

Serum amyloid A in children and adolescents: association with overweight and carotid intima-media thickness

ABSTRACT Objective To compare serum amyloid A concentrations between overweight and eutrophic children and adolescents and to relate it to lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and carotid intima-media thickness. Methods One hundred children and adolescents (mean age: 10.8±3.16 years) were included and divided into two groups: overweight and non-overweight. The following were evaluated: Z-score body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, lipid metabolism biomarkers (lipid profile and apolipoproteins A1 and B), inflammatory biomarkers (ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and glucose homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Results The groups were homogeneous in age, sex, and pubertal stage. Higher levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and carotid intima-media thickness were observed in the overweight group. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.73; 95%CI: 1.16-2.60, p=0.007), Z-score body mass index (OR=3.76; 95%CI: 1.64-8.59, p=0.002), apolipoprotein-B (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.01-1.2, p=0.030), and carotid intima-media thickness (OR=5.00; 95%CI: 1.38-18.04, p=0.014) were independently associated with serum amyloid A levels above the fourth quartile of the studied sample (>9.4mg/dL). Conclusion Overweight children and adolescents had higher serum amyloid A concentrations than eutrophic children. There was an independent association between higher concentrations of serum amyloid A and Z-score, body mass index, apolipoprotein B, and carotid intima-media thickness, indicating the importance of this inflammatory biomarker in identifying the early risk of atherosclerosis.

Chronic cholecystitis from Raoultella planticola infection associated with adenomyomatous hyperplasia.

A 67-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Computed tomography was suggestive of cholecystitis, but neither ultrasound nor magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography found evidence of cholecystitis or biliary ductal dilatation. The patient was started on piperacillin-tazobactam, and blood cultures revealed gram-negative-rod bacteremia. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and bile cultures grew Raoultella planticola susceptible to ciprofloxacin, which was identical to the speciation of her positive blood cultures. In addition, pathology revealed adenomyomatous hyperplasia of the gallbladder and chronic cholecystitis. Unlike other cases of R. planticola cholecystitis, our patient had no significant risk factors for the infection-no history of immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus, nor underlying malignancy. We discuss the current knowledge of R. planticola infection in the setting of chronic cholecystitis and adenomyomatous hyperplasia.

Association between acanthosis nigricans and overweight with hypertension in children and adolescents from low-income families.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and high blood pressure in children and adolescents from low-income families, and to verify the association of elevated blood pressure with nutritional status and the presence of acanthosis nigricans. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and controlled study with 232 children and adolescents from an institution for low-income families. Pubertal stage, body mass index Z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio (increased waist-to-height circumference ratio >0.5), the presence of acanthosis nigricans, and blood pressure were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of excess weight and the change in waist-to-height circumference ratio was 37.9%. Acanthosis nigricans and increased blood pressure occurred in 20.3 and 34.8%, respectively. The prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and hypertension was higher in individuals with excess weight (p<0.001; p<0.001) and with an increased waist-to-height circumference ratio (p=0.009; p<0.001). Logistic regression showed a significant and independent association of body mass index Z-score (OR 2.35; 95%CI 1.52-3.65; p<0.001) and the presence of acanthosis nigricans (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.12-5.23; p=0.023) with elevated blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Acanthosis nigricans and elevated blood pressure occurred in one-fifth and one-third of the individuals in an institution for children from low-income families. Overweight and the presence of acanthosis nigricans increased the risk of high blood pressure more than twofold.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios of overweight children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio of overweight children and adolescents with the eutrophic ratios and to verify whether these ratios are associated with age, inflammation, Z-score of body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 64 overweight and 106 eutrophic children and adolescents. Data on weight, height, and waist circumference (body mass index and waist-to-height ratio), blood count (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 8.4±3.2 years. The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio has shown a direct and independent association with body mass index (p=0.031) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.018), a fact not observed for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level was higher in the obesity group (p=0.003). Both ratios had a direct and independent association with age. CONCLUSION: The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. There was a direct and independent association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with overweight, not observed in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ratios have significantly increased according to the age of the participants.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios of overweight children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio of overweight children and adolescents with the eutrophic ratios and to verify whether these ratios are associated with age, inflammation, Z-score of body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 64 overweight and 106 eutrophic children and adolescents. Data on weight, height, and waist circumference (body mass index and waist-to-height ratio), blood count (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 8.4±3.2 years. The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio has shown a direct and independent association with body mass index (p=0.031) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.018), a fact not observed for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level was higher in the obesity group (p=0.003). Both ratios had a direct and independent association with age. CONCLUSION: The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. There was a direct and independent association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with overweight, not observed in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ratios have significantly increased according to the age of the participants.

Association between ultraprocessed food intake and C-reactive protein levels in preterm and term infants.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine associations between consumption of ultraprocessed food (UPF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a sample of term and preterm infants. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 43 preterm infants (<34 wk), chronological age between 9 and 24 mo, were compared with a group of 47 healthy term infants of the same age. Data were collected on dietary intake, anthropometric measures, and serum CRP level (mg/L). The main exposure of interest was the consumption of UPF (excluding all types of milk), measured as the percentage of total energy intake. RESULTS: The mean birth weight, gestational age, and corrected age were 1,245 ± 381.7 g, 29.9 ± 2.3 wk, and 14.3 ± 6.4 mo, respectively, in the preterm group. Infants in the preterm group consumed UPF less frequently (27-67.5% versus 40-87.0%; P = 0.038) but in a greater amount relative to total energy intake (39.8% [19.1-59.1%]) versus 29.0% (14.5- 41.9%; P = 0.040) when compared with the term group. There was no statistically significant difference between the preterm and term groups regarding CRP levels. The consumption of UPF (percentage of energy intake) was independently associated with CRP levels (ß = 0.007; 95% CI, 0.001-0.014; P = 0.034). A significant interaction between being born preterm and UPF consumption was found for CRP levels (P = 0.049). Breast-feeding was not associated with lower consumption of UPF in both groups (24-75.0% versus 43-79.6%; P = 0.404). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive relationship between UPF and CRP levels among infants, irrespective of excess weight. At the clinical practice level, a better comprehension of the associations between food processing and chronic inflammation may aid in individual dietary guidance.

Is There an Association between Vitamin D Concentrations and Overweight in Children and Adolescents?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in children and adolescents and to verify the association with the body mass index z-score (ZBMI), lipid profile and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 170 children and adolescents aged between 4 and 15 years (106 normal weight and 64 overweight) from a public institution in Santo André-Brazil. Weight, height and waist circumference were verified and ZBMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Biochemical analysis: 25(OH)D levels [deficiency: 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml]; glycemia and insulin (HOMA-IR), lipid profile and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Mean age was 8.37 ± 3.17 years; 89 (52.4%) were male; 77 (45.3%) Caucasians and 121 (71.2%) pre-pubescent. Overweight was observed in 64 (37.6%), dyslipidemia in 108 (63.5%) and 25(OH)D deficiency in 117 (68.8%) of the individuals. ZBMI (r = -0.209; p = 0.006), WHtR (r = -0.154; p = 0.045), triglycerides (TGs) (r = -0.161; p = 0.037) and TGs/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (r = -0.168; p = 0.028) were inversely correlated with 25(OH)D concentrations. Overweight children and adolescents were four times more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio = 4.28; 95% confidence interval 1.152 to 4.907; p = 0.019), after adjustment for pubertal development (prepubertal), sex (male), HDL-c (<45 mg/dl), non-HDL (>120 mg/dl), TG/HDL ratio (>2.0) and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (68.8%) was observed. There was an independent association between vitamin D deficiency and overweight, not observed for dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. The data point to the need for periodic monitoring of serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and reinforcement of guidelines for combating and preventing overweight in the pediatric age group.

Impact of using cocoa bean shell powder as a substitute for wheat flour on some of chocolate cake properties.

The cocoa bean shell is a residue rich in bioactive compounds and its use as an ingredient in the food industry has been studied. This work had the objective of proposing the elaboration of chocolate cake with substitution of wheat flour by cocoa bean shell powder (CSp). Five formulations with different percentages of CSp were used: 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% and 0% (control). The cakes were evaluated by technological characteristics (volume, texture profile, firmness and colour), antioxidant profile (DPPH, ß-carotene/linoleic acid system, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and tannins) and sensory tests (TDS and acceptance). The technological characteristics and antioxidant activity of the cakes were influenced by the different concentrations of CSp compared to the control sample. The cakes containing up to 75% CSp presented satisfactory sensory acceptance. Therefore, CSp has been revealed to be a prominent alternative substitute ingredient to be used promisingly in the food industry.

Selenium nutritional status and its association with SLEDAI-2K, HOMA-IR and lipid profile in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess nutritional status regarding selenium in adolescents with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (jSLE) and analyze possible associations with disease activity, insulin resistance and lipid profile. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study of 31 female adolescents with jSLE and 31 healthy female volunteers as a comparison group. We obtained demographic, anthropometric (weight, stature, waist, and neck circumferences), and clinical data (disease activity measured by SLEDAI-2K) from both groups; laboratory data including: lipid profile, plasma selenium, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), insulin levels, and glycemia (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance-HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis of jSLE group was 15.9±1.7 years, with mean disease duration of 3.6±2.6 years. 48% of patients and controls had below-reference Se levels (≤46mcg/L). GPx was more frequently below reference levels (<4.171U/L) in the jSLE group, compared to controls. A ROC curve was used to assess the power of the variables to discriminate between both groups; insulin (AUC = 0.712; CI 95% 0.584-0.840), waist-to-height ratio (AUC = 0.704; CI 95% 0.572-0.837), and HOMA-IR (AUC = 0.689; CI 95% 0.556-0.822) were the variables with the greatest discriminatory power. Linear regression showed an independent inverse association between Se levels and c-LDL; no such correlation was found for GPx activity. SLEDAI-2 K and HOMA-IR showed no association with levels of Se and GPx activity. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 50% of jSLE adolescents had below reference Se levels. The frequency of inadequate GPx values was higher in patients, compared to controls. There was an independent inverse association between Se and c-LDL levels in both groups; this was not the case for HOMA-IR and SLEDAI-2K. The data show the importance of assessing Se nutritional status in jSLE patients.

Centenarian caregivers: perception of burden, sociodemographic data and physical activity

This study aimed to understand centenarian caregivers' perception of care burden according to sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity level. This is a descriptive study that used a mixed data (quantitative and qualitative) approach. Sixty-seven caregivers of centenarians from municipalities in Santa Catarina participated in this study. Interviews were held for application of questions about sociodemographic data, transport-related and leisure-time physical activity, caregiver burden, and suggestions for improving care. The data were collected in the centenarian's home where the caregiver worked. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative data by content analysis. The results showed that 58.2% of the caregivers were overburdened. Of these, 92.3% were females, 56.4% were 60-75 years old, 48.7% had 7 to 11 years of schooling, 53.8% were married, 66.7% were children of centenarians, the caregiving duration ranged from 1 to 5 years in 35.9%, and 69.2% cared for the older adult 24 hours/day. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) between the level of leisure-time physical activity and caregiving burden, with 64.9% of insufficiently active caregivers tending to be overburdened with the care demand. The suggestions of caregivers for improving centenarian care included having help from health professionals and relatives for care, infrastructure, and financial resources. Most burdened caregivers are insufficiently active and need assistance in taking care of their own health.