Metabolomic Phenotype of Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis in Mexican Children Living with Obesity

Background and Objectives: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD is the main cause of chronic liver diseases in children, and it is estimated to affect 35% of children living with obesity. This study aimed to identify metabolic phenotypes associated with two advanced stages of MASLD (hepatic steatosis and hepatic steatosis plus fibrosis) in Mexican children with obesity. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis derived from a randomized clinical trial conducted in children and adolescents with obesity aged 8 to 16 years. Anthropometric and biochemical data were measured, and targeted metabolomic analyses were carried out using mass spectrometry. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were estimated using transient elastography (Fibroscan® Echosens, Paris, France). Three groups were studied: a non-MASLD group, an MASLD group, and a group for MASLD + fibrosis. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to identify the discrimination between the study groups and to visualize the differences between their heatmaps; also, Variable Importance Projection (VIP) plots were graphed. A VIP score of \u3e1.5 was considered to establish the importance of metabolites and biochemical parameters that characterized each group. Logistic regression models were constructed considering VIP scores of \u3e1.5, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were estimated to evaluate different combinations of variables. Results: The metabolic MASLD phenotype was associated with increased concentrations of ALT and decreased arginine, glycine, and acylcarnitine (AC) AC5:1, while MASLD + fibrosis, an advanced stage of MASLD, was associated with a phenotype characterized by increased concentrations of ALT, proline, and alanine and a decreased Matsuda Index. Conclusions: The metabolic MASLD phenotype changes as this metabolic dysfunction progresses. Understanding metabolic disturbances in MASLD would allow for early identification and the development of intervention strategies focused on limiting the progression of liver damage in children and adolescents

The CCR2+ Monocyte Subsets Increase in Obese Boys but Not Girls with Abnormally High Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Pilot Study

The differential contribution of monocyte subsets expressing the C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) to subclinical atherosclerosis in girls and boys is unclear. In this pilot study, we compared classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocyte subsets expressing CCR2 in 33 obese children of both sexes aged 8 to 16 divided by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), considering values above the 75th percentile (p75) as abnormally high IMT. Obesity was defined as body mass index above the 95th percentile according to age and sex. Flow cytometry analyses revealed that boys but not girls with IMT ≥ p75 displayed increased CCR2+ cell percentage and CCR2 expression in the three monocyte subsets, compared to boys with IMT \u3c p75. The CCR2+ cell percentage and CCR2 expression in the three monocyte subsets significantly correlated with increased IMT and insulin resistance in boys but not girls, where the CCR2+ nonclassical monocyte percentage had the strongest associations (r = 0.73 and r = 0.72, respectively). The role of CCR2+ monocyte subpopulations in identifying an abnormally high IMT shows a marked sexual dimorphism, where boys seem to be at higher subclinical atherosclerosis risk than girls. View Full-Tex

Modelo de aptitud de sitios para riego con aguas residuales domésticas mediante sistemas de información geográfica y evaluación multi-criterio en Cafayate, Salta

En este trabajo se presenta un modelo preliminar de evaluación de aptitud de sitios para riego con aguas residuales domésticas que integra herramientas de Evaluación Multi-Criterio y Sistemas de Información Geográfica. La metodología fue adaptada a las condiciones y características de Cafayate mediante visitas, entrevistas y encuestas con actores locales y expertos. Se seleccionaron seis limitantes y diez factores y se identificaron 3504 has aptas para la actividad. Las áreas aptas fueron clasificadas en tres categorías de aptitud, presentándose sitios de aptitud alta cercanos a la actual planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales. La herramienta desarrollada permitió integrar los factores que intervienen en la valoración de la aptitud de sitios para el aprovechamiento seguro de las aguas residuales y puede ser modificada para su aplicación en otras regiones y/o con otros objetivos.This paper presents a preliminary assessment tool to identify suitable sites for irrigation with domestic wastewater by integrating Multi-Criteria Evaluation and GIS tools. The methodology was adapted to Cafayate conditions and characteristics, through interviews and surveys with local stakeholders and experts. Six restrictions and ten factors were selected. The final map showed that a large area, covering 3504 ha, is suitable for wastewater irrigation. The eligible areas were classified into three categories of suitability. High suitability areas were identified near the existing wastewater treatment plant. The tool allows the integration of multiple factors involved in site suitability assessment for the safe use of wastewater and can be modified for its application in other regions and/or for different purposes.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Colon cancer therapy with calcium phosphate nanoparticles loading bioactive compounds from Euphorbia lathyris: In vitro and in vivo assay

Amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (ACP NPs) exhibit excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. ACP NPs were functionalized with two coumarin compounds (esculetin and euphorbetin) extracted from Euphorbia lathyris seeds (BC-ACP NPs) showing high loading capacity (0.03% and 0.34% (w/w) for esculetin and euphorbetin, respectively) and adsorption efficiency (2.6% and 33.5%, respectively). BC-ACP NPs, no toxic to human blood cells, showed a more selective cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (T-84 cells) (IC50, 71.42 μg/ml) compared to non-tumor (CCD18) cells (IC50, 420.77 μg/ml). Both, the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase and autophagic cell death appeared to be involved in their action mechanism. Interestingly, in vivo treatment with BC-ACPs NPs using two different models of CRC induction showed a significant reduction in tumor volume (62%) and a significant decrease in the number and size of polyps. A poor development of tumor vasculature and invasion of normal tissue were also observed. Moreover, treatment increased the bacterial population of Akkermansia by restoring antioxidant systems in the colonic mucosa of mice. These results show a promising pathway to design innovative and more efficient therapies against CRC based on biomimetic calcium phosphate NPs loaded with natural products.Spanish GovernmentEuropean Commission PTQ-17-09172 RTC-2017-6540-1 RTI2018-100934-B-I00 RTC2019-006870-1 RYC2016-21042Junta de Andalucia FEDER program P18-TP-1420 A-CTS666-UGR20 B-CTS-122-UGR20 P18-HO-3882 P18-TP-0969Andalusian Government AGR145 FQM-368 CTS-10

Calendario de vacunaciones de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2021

The CAV-AEP annually publishes the immunisation schedule considered optimal for all children and adolescent resident in Spain, taking into account the available evidence. The 2+1 schedule is recommended (2, 4, and 11 months) with hexavalent vaccines (DTPa-VPI-Hib-HB) and with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate.A 6-year booster is recommended, preferably with DTPa (if available), with a dose of polio for those who received 2+1 schemes, as well as vaccination with Tdpa in adolescents and in each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 32 weeks. Rotavirus vaccine should be systematic for all infants. Meningococcal B vaccine, with a 2+1 schedule, should be included in routine calendar. In addition to the inclusion of the conjugated tetravalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) at 12 years of age with catch up to 18 years, inclusive, the CAV recommends this vaccine to be also included at 12 months of age, replacing MenC. Likewise, it is recommended in those over 6 weeks of age with risk factors or who travel to countries with a high incidence of these serogroups. Two-dose schedules for triple viral (12 months and 3-4 years) and varicella (15 months and 3-4 years) will be used. The second dose could be applied as a tetraviral vaccine. Universal systematic vaccination against HPV is recommended, regardless of gender, preferably at 12 years, and greater effort should be made to improve coverage. The 9 genotype extends coverage for both genders

Acute coronary syndrome clinical and epidemiological approach, an experience

Introducción: el síndrome coronario agudo incluye un grupo de síntomas y signos atribuibles a una isquemia aguda del miocardio que repercute biológica, social y económicamente en quien lo sufre, por lo que la estratificación del riesgo coronario es de vital importancia. Objetivo: identificar las características epidemiológicas y los factores de riesgo coronario y su relación con las complicaciones más frecuentes en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en pacientes que requirieron ingreso en el Hospital “Celestino Hernández Robau” con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo durante el período de septiembre de 2015 a diciembre de 2016. De la población de estudio fueron seleccionados 168 pacientes de forma no probabilística. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, peso, talla, factores de riesgos y antecedentes patológicos personales. Se utilizaron distribuciones de frecuencias absolutas y relativas, razón, media, desviación típica y técnicas de la estadística inferencial. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino (59,52%); los factores de riesgo frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial (68,45%), la cardiopatía isquémica (44,64%), el tabaquismo (35,71%), la diabetes mellitus (26,79%) y la obesidad (10,12%) y las complicaciones se presentaron según los factores de riesgo presentes: la obesidad (82,35%), la cardiopatía isquémica (58,67%) y la diabetes mellitus (53,33%). Conclusiones: la aparición del síndrome coronario agudo aumenta hacia la quinta década de la vida, con predominio masculino. Prevalecieron los factores de riesgo como la hipertensión arterial, la cardiopatía isquémica, el tabaquismo, la diabetes mellitus y la obesidad, que estuvo relacionada con las complicaciones más frecuentes.Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome includes a group of signs and symptoms attributable to an acute ischemia of the myocardium which has a biological, social and economic repercussion on the sufferer; therefore, coronary risk stratification is of vital importance. Objective: To identify the epidemiological characteristics and coronary risk factors and their relationship with the most frequent complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in patients who were admitted to the Celestino Hernández Robau Hospital with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome from September 2015 to December 2016. A total of 168 patients were selected, in a non-probabilistic form, from the study population. Variables such as age, sex, weight, height, risk factors and personal pathological background were studied. Absolute and relative frequency distributions, ratio, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics techniques were used. Results: males predominated (59.52%); the most frequent risk factors were hypertension (68.45%), ischemic heart disease (44.64%), smoking (35.71%), diabetes mellitus (26.79%) and obesity (10.12%), and complications appeared according to the risk factors present: obesity (82.35%), ischemic heart disease (58.67%) and diabetes mellitus (53.33%). Conclusions: The appearance of acute coronary syndrome increases towards the fifth decade of life, with male predominance. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, smoking, diabetes mellitus and obesity prevailed, which were related to the most frequent complications

Relationship among Streptococcus gallolyticus Subsp. gallolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis and Colorectal Neoplasms in Recurrent Endocarditis: A Historical Case Series.

Objectives: The role of colorectal neoplasms (CRN) as a common potential source of recurrent Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG) and Enterococcus faecalis (EF) endocarditis remains unstudied. We aimed to investigate what proportion of episodes of recurrent endocarditis are caused by a succession of SGG and EF, or vice versa, and to assess the role of a colonic source in such recurrent episodes. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of two prospective endocarditis cohorts (1979-2019) from two Spanish hospitals, providing descriptive analyses of the major features of the endocarditis episodes, colonoscopy findings, and histologic results. Results: among 1552 IE episodes, 204 (13.1%) were caused by EF and 197 (12.7%) by SGG, respectively. There were 155 episodes (10%) of recurrent IE, 20 of which (12.9%) were due to a succession of SGG/EF IE in 10 patients (the first episode caused by SGG in eight cases, and by EF in two cases). The median follow-up was 86 (interquartile range 34-156) months. In 8/10 initial episodes, the causative microorganism was SGG, and all patients were diagnosed with CRN either during the initial episode or during follow-up. During the second episode of IE or follow-up, colonoscopies revealed CRN in six patients. Conclusions: There seems to be an association between SGG and EF in recurrent endocarditis that warrants further investigation. Our findings reinforce the need for systematically performing colonoscopy in the event of endocarditis caused by both microorganisms

White matter damage disorganizes brain functional networks in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Although progressive functional brain network disruption has been one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer?s Dis- ease, little is known about the origin of this functional impairment that underlies cognitive symptoms. We in- vestigated how the loss of white matter (WM) integrity disrupts the organization of the functional networks at different frequency bands. The analyses were performed in a sample of healthy elders and mild cognitive im- pairment (MCI) subjects. Spontaneous brain magnetic activity (measured with magnetoencephalography) was characterized with phase synchronization analysis, and graph theory was applied to the functional networks. We identified WM areas (using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging) that showed a statistical de- pendence between the fractional anisotropy and the graph metrics. These regions are part of an episodic mem- ory network and were also related to cognitive functions. Our data support the hypothesis that disruption of the anatomical networks influences the organization at the functional level resulting in the prodromal dementia syndrome of MCI

MEG networks organization is related to white matter integrity

Many studies have assessed the characterization of anatomical or functional connectivity in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), however it is still unknown how they are related in the course of the pathology. Here we integrate the analysis of magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data with white matter (WM) integrity quantification from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), to asses whether the damage in the WM tracts disrupt the organization of the functional networks

Sensitization to isothiazolinones in the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Registry (REIDAC): 2019–2021 epidemiological situation

Background: Current frequency and risk factors for sensitization to methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) in Spain are not well known. Objectives: To study the frequency of sensitization, risk factors and simultaneous sensitization between the four isothiazolinones. Materials and Methods: We analysed all 2019-2021 consecutive patients patch-tested with MI (0.2% aq.), MCI/MI (0.02% aq.), BIT (0.1% pet.) and OIT (0.1% pet) within the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Registry (REIDAC). Results: A total of 2511 patients were analysed. Frequencies of sensitization were: any isothiazolinone 15.7%, MI 6.8%, MCI/MI 4.8%, BIT 3.5% and OIT 0.5%. MI and MCI/MI sensitization was associated with being occupationally active, hand dermatitis, detergents and age over 40. BIT sensitization was associated with leg dermatitis and age over 40. About one in nine MI-positive patients were positive to BIT, whereas one in five BIT-positive patients were positive to MI. Conclusions: Sensitization to MI, MCI/MI and BIT is still common in Spain, while sensitization to OIT is rare. Currently, sensitization to MI and MCI/MI seems to be occupationally related. Although its origin is unknown, sensitization to BIT is more frequent in patients aged over 40 years. Simultaneous sensitization between MI and BIT is uncommon.The Spanish Registry of Contact Dermatitis (REIDAC) is promoted by the Fundación Piel Sana (Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología), which has received financial support from the Spanish Medicines and Health Products Agency (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios. https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2022/04/11/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-5975.pdf) and Sanofi. The funders were not involved in the design and conduct of the study, collection, management, analysis and interpretation of data, preparation, review, approval of the manuscript, or decision to submit the manuscript for publication