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BACKGROUND: Maternal diet during gestation has been linked to infant sleep; whether associations persist through adolescence is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We explored associations between trimester-specific maternal diet patterns and measures of sleep health among adolescent offspring in a Mexico City birth cohort. METHODS: Data from 310 mother–adolescent dyads were analyzed. Maternal diet patterns were identified by principal component analysis derived from FFQs collected during each trimester of pregnancy. Sleep duration, midpoint, and fragmentation were obtained from 7-d actigraphy data when adolescents were between 12 and 20 y old. Unstratified and sex-stratified association analyses were conducted using linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of offspring was 15.1 ± 1.9 y, and 52.3% of the sample was female. Three diet patterns were identified during each trimester of pregnancy: the Prudent Diet (PD), high in lean proteins and vegetables; the Transitioning Mexican Diet (TMD), high in westernized foods; and the High Meat & Fat Diet (HMFD), high in meats and fat products. Mean ± SD sleep duration was 8.5 ± 1.5 h/night. Most associations were found in the third trimester. Specifically, PD maternal adherence was associated with shorter sleep duration among offspring (−0.57 h; 95% CI: −0.98, −0.16 h, in the highest tertile compared with the lowest) and earlier sleep midpoint among females (−0.77 h; 95% CI: −1.3, −0.26 h). Adherence to the HMFD and TMD was nonlinearly associated with less fragmented sleep, with the latter only evident among females. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that maternal dietary patterns, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, may have long-term impacts on offspring sleep.

The teaching–learning model implemented in Spanish universities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has generated a scenario of academic uncertainty amongst Spanish students. In the case of the Social Work degree, this apprehension appears to be linked to the heavy emotional load related to the theoretical–practical curricular contents of the degree. In this sense, the Freshman Stress Questionnaire (FSQ) has presented adequate levels of reliability and validity for its use on a population of Spanish university students; however, there is as yet no psychometric studies for its use on social work students. This study sought to analyse the psychometric properties of the FSQ using a sample of social work students. The sample comprised 732 students at three Spanish universities doing a social work degree (88.3 per cent women, 11.7 per cent men) with an average age of 21.51 years (standard deviation (SD) = 3.58). The results obtained from the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the FSQ maintained the structure of four correlated factors and suitable reliability values for each dimension. The results of the factor invariance analysis indicate that the FSQ remains stable up to the level of metric invariance for the variable age. Results are discussed with available theory.

People with disabilities face social barriers on a daily basis that cause high levels of social exclusion and isolation. As a result, this study analyses the support needs of people with disabilities under institutional protection in relation to community social support. To this end, a correlational cross-sectional study with a mixed methodology was used. A total of 125 people participated in the study. The results indicate that community integration and participation are areas in which the protagonists find severe limitations while social support in formal and informal systems seems to be satisfactory. In addition, the type and location of the residential centre are shown as determining variables.

Dietary factors are known to influence urinary fluoride (UF) levels in nonpregnant people. Maternal UF is used as a biomarker of fluoride exposure; however, dietary influences on UF during pregnancy are unknown. We compared UF levels and assessed the associations between UF and five select dietary influences in pregnancy vs. one-year postpartum: dietary fluoride (F), calcium intake from diet (Ca-diet), calcium intake from supplements (Ca-sup), dietary acid load (AL), and table salt use (TS) in 421 women exposed to fluoridated salt in the Mexican diet. Spot UF (mg/L) was measured by microdiffusion/fluoride-specific electrode and dilution-corrected with specific gravity (SG). Dietary variables were estimated from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Comparisons among UF in pregnancy vs. one-year postpartum were performed with non-parametric tests. Associations between dietary variables and UF were assessed using random effect models (for pregnancy) and linear regression (for one-year postpartum). SG-corrected UF (median, range) during pregnancy (0.77, 0.01–4.73 mg/L) did not significantly differ from one-year postpartum (0.75, 0.15–2.62 mg/L) but did increase every 10 gestational weeks, β = 0.05 (CI: 0.00–0.10). Different dietary influences on UF were identified at each state. Although Ca-diet and AL were not associated with UF in either state, Ca-sup decreased UF only during pregnancy, β = − 0.012 mg/L (CI: − 0.023–0.00). Reporting TS use was associated with 12% increase in UF only at one-year postpartum (p = 0.026). These results suggest different dietary influences on UF in the pregnant state, which need consideration when using UF as a biomarker of fluoride exposure.

Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are related and often concomitant pathologies, accompanied by common comorbidities such as hypertension or dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms that trigger CAS, and it can drive the vascular complications in T2DM. Metformin can inhibit oxidative stress, yet its effects have not been studied in the context of CAS. Here, we assessed the global oxidative status in plasma from patients with CAS, both alone and with T2DM (and under treatment with metformin), using multimarker scores of systemic oxidative damage (OxyScore) and antioxidant defense (AntioxyScore). The OxyScore was determined by measuring carbonyls, oxidized LDL (oxLDL), 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. In contrast, the AntioxyScore was determined through the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Patients with CAS displayed enhanced oxidative stress compared to control subjects, probably exceeding their antioxidant capacity. Interestingly, patients with CAS and T2DM displayed less oxidative stress, possibly due to the benefits of their pharmacological therapy (metformin). Thus, reducing oxidative stress or enhancing antioxidant capacity through specific therapies could be a good strategy to manage CAS, focusing on personalized medicine.

Objective:To estimate dietary fluoride intake (F) over the course of pregnancy and the overall adjusted difference in dietary F intake by pregnancy stages and levels of compliance with dietary recommendations.Design:Secondary data analysis from a longitudinal pregnancy cohort study in a population exposed to fluoridated salt. Women were followed during the early, middle and late stages of their pregnancy (n 568). The dietary intake of recommended prenatal nutrients according to Mexican dietary guidelines and F intake (mg/d) was estimated with a validated FFQ. Data were summarised with descriptive statistics. Levels of F intake were compared with the USA’s Institute of Medicine adequate intake (AI) of 3 mg/d for pregnancy. Adjusted differences in F intake by pregnancy stages and levels of compliance with recommendations were estimated using random effects models.Setting:Mexico City.Participants:Women participating in the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) project, from 2001 to 2003.Results:Median dietary F intake throughout pregnancy ranged from 0·64 (interquartile range (IQR) 0·38) in the early to 0·70 (IQR 0·42) in the middle, and 0·72 (IQR 0·44) mg/d in the late stage (0·01 mg F/kg per d). Corresponding adjusted intakes of F were 0·72 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·74), 0·76 (95 % CI 0·74, 0·77) and 0·80 (95 % CI 0·78, 0·82) mg/d. Women who were moderately and highly compliant with Mexican dietary recommendations ingested, on average, 0·04 and 0·14 mg F/d more than non-compliant women (P < 0·005).Conclusions:Dietary F intake was below current AI, was greater with the progression of pregnancy and in women who were moderately and highly compliant with dietary recommendations.

El síndrome de Cronos ha sido poco estudiado. Este es un síndrome que afecta tanto a las empresas como a sus empleados en una gama de circunstancias y escenarios variados. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Percepción del Síndrome de Cronos. Se obtuvo una muestra de 204 empleados de diversas zonas de Puerto Rico con edades entre los 21 y 70 años; el 71.1 % eran féminas y el 28.9 % varones. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la escala posee una estructura bifactorial: factor 1; control, con .92 y factor 2; miedo con .86 de consistencia interna mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Se utilizaron los valores Eigen como criterio para identificar factores, así como la prueba Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin para medir adecuacidad y el Chi-cuadrado de la esfericidad de Bartlett. Se examinó la estructura factorial utilizando el método de extracción de ejes principales y rotación oblicua, logrando obtener una escala con excelentes propiedades psicométricas. Estos resultados aportan una escala robusta que puede ser utilizada para estudiar el síndrome de Cronos.

Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may influence gene expression and phenotypes, including obesity in childhood. The directionality of this relationship is nevertheless unclear, and some evidence suggests that adiposity modifies the epigenome, rather than the other way around. In this pilot study, we utilize data from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) study to examine whether measures of adiposity in childhood and early adolescence are associated with repeated measures of blood leukocyte DNA methylation at LINE-1 repetitive elements and two genes implicated in growth and adiposity: H19 and HSD11B2. Longitudinal epigenetic data were generated from cord blood and blood from follow-up visits in early and late adolescence. We assessed interactions between age and measures of body mass index (BMI) at 5 years of age and weight, BMI and waist circumference in early adolescence to infer whether adiposity deflects age-related DNA methylation changes throughout childhood. Applying linear mixed-effects models, we found an inverse association between measures of childhood BMI (kg/m

Lead is a toxic chemical of public health concern, however limited biomarkers are able to reconstruct prior lead exposures in early-life when biospecimens are not collected and stored. Although child tooth dentine measurements accurately assess past child perinatal lead exposure, it has not been established if they reflect maternal exposure in pregnancy.To assess the prenatal relationship between child tooth dentine and maternal blood lead measurements and to estimate maternal lead exposure during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy from weekly child dentine profiles.We measured early-life lead exposure in child tooth dentine and maternal blood from 419 child-mother dyads enrolled in the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stress (PROGRESS) cohort. We employed the Super-Learner algorithm to determine the relationship of dentine lead data with maternal blood lead concentrations and to predict maternal lead from child dentine lead data in blinded analyses. We validated and quantified the bias of our results internally.Mothers had moderate blood lead levels (trimesters: 2nd = 29.45 ug/L, 3rd = 31.78 ug/L). Trimester-averaged and weekly child dentine lead measurements were highly correlated with maternal blood levels in the corresponding trimesters. The predicted trimester-specific maternal lead levels were significantly correlated with actual measured blood values (trimesters: 2nd = 0.83; 3rd = 0.88). Biomarkers of maternal lead exposure discriminated women highly exposed to lead (mean) with 85 % and 96 % specificity in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively, with 80 % sensitivity.Weekly child dentine lead levels can serve as biomarkers of past child and maternal lead exposures during pregnancy.

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto del confinamiento decretado a raíz del estado de alarma causado por la Covid-19 en el estado emocional de la población millennial española. Se trata de una investigación transversal, descriptiva y correlacional con metodología de carácter cuantitativo realizada entre el 28 de Marzo y el 26 de Abril de 2020. Participaron 1.137 personas de entre 19 años (cumplían 20 en el año de la realización de la investigación) y 40 años de edad. Para el análisis del estado emocional se utilizó el cuestionario CES-D; la escala de resiliencia para el estudio de factores protectores resilientes; y para las variables de índole socio-demográfica se crearon preguntas ad hoc. Como resultado la población millennial universitaria (de 19 a 24 años) presenta mayores niveles de ánimo depresivo que la población millennial en edad laboral (de 25 a 40 años). A su vez, las mujeres millennials, que residen en viviendas más pequeñas y que perciben una peor situación económica, manifiestan mayores niveles de ánimo depresivo. Se concluye que, la fortaleza personal se muestra como una dimensión determinante en el ánalisis del estado de ánimo depresivo en población joven (millennial) durante el confinamiento en España.

The present research aims to analyze the impact on depressed mood of the confinement decreed by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on empathic capacities and personal strength in Spain. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research with quantitative methodology. 2112 people over 18 years of age participated. For the analysis of depressed mood, the CES-D questionnaire was administered and to empathic capacities and personal strength the resilience scale for the study of resilient protective factors. The results of the ANOVA statistic and the linear regression carried out indicate the high degree of association and predictive capacity of the dimensions, empathic capacities and personal strength, with respect to the depressed. In conclusion the depressive mood in the Spanish population during confinement caused by COVID-19 is determined by empathic capacities and personal strength. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto de las capacidades empáticas y la fortaleza personal en el ánimo depresivo en España, durante el confinamiento decretado por la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se trata de una investigación transversal, descriptiva y correlacional con metodología de carácter cuantitativo. Participaron 2112 personas mayores de 18 años. Para el análisis del estado de ánimo depresivo se administró el cuestionario CES-D y para las capacidades empáticas y la fortaleza personal la escala de resiliencia para el estudio de factores protectores resilientes. Los resultados del estadístico ANOVA y la regresión lineal efectuada indican el alto grado de asociación y capacidad predictora de las dimensiones capacidades empáticas y fortaleza personal respecto al estado de ánimo depresivo. En conclusión, El estado de ánimo depresivo en población española durante el confinamiento provocado por la COVID-19 se encuentra determinado por las capacidades empáticas y la fortaleza personal.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular major events and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the complex cardiorenal network interaction remain unresolved. It is known that the presence of AKI and its evolution are significantly associated with an alteration in the anti-aging factor klotho expression. However, it is unknown whether a klotho deficiency might aggravate cardiac damage after AKI. We examined intracellular calcium (Ca2+) handling in native ventricular isolated cardiomyocytes from wild-type (+/+) and heterozygous hypomorphic mice for the klotho gene (+/kl) in which an overdose of folic acid was administered to induce AKI. Twenty-four hours after AKI induction, cardiomyocyte contraction was decreased in mice with the partial deletion of klotho expression (heterozygous hypomorphic klotho named +/kl). This was accompanied by alterations in Ca2+ transients during systole and an impairment of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) function in +/kl mice after AKI induction. Moreover, Ca2+ spark frequency and the incidence of Ca2+ pro-arrhythmic events were greater in cardiomyocytes from heterozygous hypomorphic klotho compared to wild-type mice after AKI. A decrease in klotho expression plays a role in cardiorenal damage aggravating cardiac Ca2+ mishandling after an AKI, providing the basis for future targeted approaches directed to control klotho expression as novel therapeutic strategies to reduce the cardiac burden that affects AKI patients.

En el siguiente trabajo se presentan los resultados de la aplicación de la metodología Backward Design (BD, en español Diseño inverso) para el diseño curricular de un programa de posgrados en la Universidad del Magdalena titulado programa de especialización en gestión y legislación ambiental. Durante el proceso se establecieron tres etapas fundamentales: la Identificación de los resultados deseados, la determinación de la evidencia aceptable y el diseño de las experiencias de aprendizaje y la pedagogía a utilizar; donde se interrelacionaron los fundamentos del BD con los requisitos para la creación de programas de posgrado del Ministerio de Educación Nacional de Colombia. En este sentido, se generó un currículo actualizado en su diseño pedagógico, bajo una metodología que propende fortalecer de manera transversal la formación de los estudiantes, a través de la adquisición de competencias que den respuesta a las necesidades del entorno, especialmente en los ámbitos técnicos y jurídicos en materia ambiental.

Background Prenatal phthalates exposures have been related to adiposity in peripuberty in a sex-specific fashion. Untargeted metabolomics analysis to assess circulating metabolites offers the potential to characterize biochemical pathways by which early life exposures influence the development of cardiometabolic risk during childhood and adolescence, prior to becoming evident in clinical markers. Methods Among mother-child dyads from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohort, we measured 9 phthalate metabolites and bisphenol A in maternal spot urine samples obtained during each trimester of pregnancy, corrected for urinary specific gravity and natural log-transformed. In 110 boys and 124 girls aged 8–14 years, we used a mass-spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics platform to measure fasting serum metabolites, yielding 572 annotated metabolites. We estimated the associations between trimester-specific urinary toxicants and each serum metabolite, among all children or stratified by sex and adjusting for child age, BMI z-score, and pubertal onset. We accounted for multiple comparisons using a 10% false discovery rate (q Results Associations between exposures and metabolites were observed among all children and in sex-stratified analyses (q Conclusions Metabolomics biomarkers may reflect sex- and exposure timing-specific responses to prenatal phthalate exposures manifesting in childhood that may not be detected using standard clinical markers of cardiometabolic risk.

Biomarkers of mineral bone disorders (MBD) including phosphorus, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 and Klotho are strongly altered in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who have high cardiac outcomes and mortality rates. However, the crosslink between MBD and cardiac damage after an AKI episode still remains unclear. We tested MBD and cardiac biomarkers in an experimental AKI model after 24 or 72 hours of folic acid injection and we analyzed structural cardiac remodeling, intracellular calcium (Ca

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) still poses a threat to the swine industry worldwide. Currently, commercial vaccines against PRRSV, which consist of modified live or inactivated virus, reduce symptoms and viremia in immunized pigs, but efficacy against heterologous strains is variable. This has led to the development of subunit vaccines that contain viral antigens that show the highest variability. In this work, a chimeric protein comprising short amino acid sequences from glycoprotein 3 (GP3), glycoprotein 4 (GP4), glycoprotein 5 (GP5), and M (matrix protein) proteins of PRRSV was designed and expressed in Escherichia coli. This protein, designated as PRRSVchim, was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and evaluated. PRRSVchim was identified by immunoglobulin G (IgG) presence in serum samples from PRRSV-positive pigs. Also, the protein probed to be antigenic in immunized mice and piglets and provided some degree of protection against challenge with a PRRSV field isolate. These results show the potential of PRRSVchim protein for both PRRSV diagnostic and immunoprophylaxis.

Introduction/purpose Limited studies have examined the association of physical activity with reproductive hormones, DNA methylation, and pubertal status among adolescents. Methods Among 248 boys and 271 girls, we estimated daily physical activity levels based on 7 d of wrist-worn accelerometer data. We used an isotemporal substitution paradigm and sex-stratified regression models to examine the association of physical activity levels with 1) testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, and androstenedione concentrations; 2) DNA methylation of long interspersed nucleotide (LINE-1) repeats and the genes H19, hydroxysteroid (11-Beta) dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA) from blood leukocytes; and 3) Tanner stages, adjusted for age, BMI, and socioeconomic status. Results In boys, substituting 30 min of moderate physical activity for 30 min of sedentary behavior per day was associated with 29% (-49%, 0%) of lower testosterone and 29% (4%, 61%) of higher progesterone. Substituting 30 min of light physical activity for sedentary behavior was associated with 13% (-22%, -2%) of lower progesterone. Among girls, 30 min of additional sedentary behavior was associated with 8% (-15%, 0%) of lower testosterone and 24% (8%, 42%) of higher progesterone concentrations. Substituting 30 min of moderate physical activity for sedentary behavior was associated with 15% (0%, 31%) of higher cortisol, whereas substituting the same amount of light physical activity for sedentary behavior was associated with 22% (-39%, 0%) of lower progesterone. Substituting 30 min of vigorous physical activity for sedentary behavior per day was associated with almost six times higher levels (5.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.79-9.86) of HSD11B2 methylation in boys. Conclusions Accelerometer-measured daily physical activity was associated with reproductive hormones and HSD11B2 DNA methylation, differed by sex and activity intensity levels.

Gonzalez, D. y Mercado, E. (2019): “El modelo social como perspectiva de intervencion desde el trabajo social en personas con la capacidad modificada”. Revista Espanola de Discapacidad, 7 (I): 241-249.

Background: Previous studies have examined the association between blood lead levels and pubertal timing in adolescent girls; however, the evidence is lacking on the role of lead exposure during sensitive developmental periods on sexual maturation. Objectives: To examine the association of prenatal and early childhood lead exposure with pubertal stages among 264 boys and 283 girls aged 9.8–18.0 years in Mexico City. Methods: We measured maternal bone lead (a proxy for cumulative fetal exposure to lead from maternal bone stores mobilized during pregnancy) at 1 month postpartum. Blood lead was measured annually from 1 to 4 years. Pubertal stage was assessed by a pediatrician. We examined the association between lead and pubertal stages of breast, pubic hair and genitalia using ordinal regression. Age at menarche was evaluated using Cox proportional-hazard models. Results: Multivariate models showed that maternal patella lead and early childhood blood lead were inversely associated with breast growth (patella OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51–1.00; blood OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.93) in girls. Girls with maternal patella lead in the 3rd tertile and child blood lead in the 2nd tertile had a later age at menarche compared with girls in the 1st tertile (patella HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41–0.88; blood HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91). Additionally, early childhood blood lead was negatively associated with pubic hair growth (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.90) in girls. No associations were found in boys. Conclusions: These data suggest that higher prenatal and early childhood exposure to lead may be associated with delayed pubertal development in girls but not boys. Our findings are consistent with previous analyses and reinforce the reproductive effects of lead for girls. Keywords: Bone lead, Blood lead, Pregnancy, Early childhood, Puberty, Age at menarche

Background: Gestational lead (Pb) exposure can adversely affect offspring health through multiple mechanisms, including epigenomic alterations via DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC), an intermediate in oxidative demethylation. Most current methods do not distinguish between 5mC and 5hmC, limiting insights into their individual roles. Objective: Our study sought to identify the association of trimester-specific (T1, T2, T3) prenatal Pb exposure with 5mC and 5hmC levels at multiple cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites within gene regions previously associated with prenatal Pb (HCN2, NINJ2, RAB5A, TPPP) in whole blood leukocytes of children ages 11–18 years of age. Methods: Participants from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohorts were selected (n=144) for pyrosequencing analysis following oxidative or standard sodium bisulfite treatment. This workflow directly quantifies total methylation (5mC+5hmC) and 5mC only; 5hmC is estimated by subtraction. Results: Participants were 51% male, and mean maternal blood lead levels (BLL) were 6.43±5.16μg/dL in Trimester 1 (T1), 5.66±5.21μg/dL in Trimester 2 (T2), and 5.86±4.34μg/dL in Trimester 3 (T3). In addition, 5hmC levels were calculated for HCN2 (mean±standard deviation(SD), 2.08±4.18%), NINJ2 (G/C: 2.01±5.95; GG: 0.90±3.97), RAB5A (0.66±0.80%), and TPPP (1.11±6.67%). Furthermore, 5mC levels were measured in HCN2 (81.3±9.63%), NINJ2 (heterozygotes: 38.6±7.39%; GG homozygotes: 67.3±9.83%), RAB5A (1.41±1.21%), and TPPP (92.5±8.03%). Several significant associations between BLLs and 5mC/5hmC were identified: T1 BLLs with 5mC in HCN2 (β=−0.37, p=0.03) and 5hmC in NINJ2 (β=0.49, p=0.003); T2 BLLs with 5mC in HCN2 (β=0.37, p=0.03) and 5hmC in NINJ2 (β=0.27, p=0.008); and T3 BLLs with 5mC in HCN2 (β=0.50, p=0.01) and NINJ2 (β=−0.35, p=0.004) and 5hmC in NINJ2 (β=0.45, p

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The neurobiological processes involved in establishing sleep regulation are vulnerable to environmental exposures as early as seven weeks of gestation. Studies have linked in utero pesticide exposure to childhood sleep-disordered breathing. However, the impact of in utero pesticide exposure on the sleep health of adolescents remains unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 137 mother-adolescent pairs from a Mexico City cohort were analyzed. We used maternal urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA, pyrethroid metabolite) and 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, chlorpyrifos metabolite) from trimester three to estimate in utero pesticide exposure. Among adolescents, we obtained repeated measures of objectively assessed sleep duration, midpoint, and fragmentation using wrist-actigraphy devices for 7 consecutive days in 2015 and 2017. Unstratified and sex-stratified associations between maternal urinary 3-PBA and TCPy and adolescent sleep measures were examined using linear mixed models. We also examined the interactive effects of maternal pesticide exposure and offspring sex on sleep outcomes. RESULTS: 3-PBA and TCPy were detected in 44.4% and 93% of urine samples, respectively. In adjusted models, we observed monotonic associations between TCPy with longer sleep duration and later sleep midpoint. Adjusted findings demonstrated that higher exposure to maternal TCPy was associated with longer sleep duration (p, trend = 0.01), and later sleep timing (p = 0.07). Findings from interaction tests between exposure and offspring sex were not statistically significant. Adjusted sex-stratified findings showed that the association between TCPy with duration and midpoint was evident only among female offspring; those in the highest tertile of exposure had a 59 minute (95% CI: 12.2, 104.8) (p, trend = 0.004) longer sleep duration and a 0.6 h (95% CI: −0.01, 1.3) (p, trend = 0.01) later sleep midpoint. We found no significant associations between 3-PBA and sleep outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although findings from interaction tests were not statistically significant, effect estimates demonstrated that associations between maternal pesticide exposure and longer sleep duration and later sleep timing were stronger in female offspring.

Dietary factors are known to influence urinary fluoride (UF) levels in nonpregnant people. Maternal UF is used as a biomarker of fluoride exposure; however, dietary influences on UF during pregnancy are unknown. We compared UF levels and assessed the associations between UF and five select dietary influences in pregnancy vs. one-year postpartum: dietary fluoride (F), calcium intake from diet (Ca-diet), calcium intake from supplements (Ca-sup), dietary acid load (AL), and table salt use (TS) in 421 women exposed to fluoridated salt in the Mexican diet. Spot UF (mg/L) was measured by microdiffusion/fluoride-specific electrode and dilution-corrected with specific gravity (SG). Dietary variables were estimated from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Comparisons among UF in pregnancy vs. one-year postpartum were performed with non-parametric tests. Associations between dietary variables and UF were assessed using random effect models (for pregnancy) and linear regression (for one-year postpartum). SG-corrected UF (median, range) during pregnancy (0.77, 0.01-4.73 mg/L) did not significantly differ from one-year postpartum (0.75, 0.15-2.62 mg/L) but did increase every 10 gestational weeks, β = 0.05 (CI: 0.00-0.10). Different dietary influences on UF were identified at each state. Although Ca-diet and AL were not associated with UF in either state, Ca-sup decreased UF only during pregnancy, β = - 0.012 mg/L (CI: - 0.023-0.00). Reporting TS use was associated with 12% increase in UF only at one-year postpartum (p = 0.026). These results suggest different dietary influences on UF in the pregnant state, which need consideration when using UF as a biomarker of fluoride exposure.

This study evaluates Central American countries’ participation in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which was instituted by the Kyoto Protocol to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The authors examine whether this mechanism promotes sustainable development in host countries, whose economies are relatively small. Simultaneously, the authors conduct a multi-criteria evaluation of large-scale CDM projects in Central America. Findings show that the mechanism advances host countries’ current priorities, rather than promoting sustainable development, thereby failing to meet one of the objectives of the CDM. Economic progress is a high priority at the local level and, accordingly, economic benefits outweigh social benefits, with local environmental costs being incurred in the process.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have reported an inverse association between fluoride exposure and IQ in children, but most were ecological in design. Few involved personal measures of exposure or adjus...

Despite the unquestionable progress in the treatment and legal and social recognition of persons with disabilities with modified capacity,the role and social position of the collective still hinders the development of a full life. The objective was to know the possible effect of the guardianship exercise on the quality of life of persons with disabilities who reside permanently in residential centres and whose ordinary guardianship falls to the public FASAD Foundation.Correlational quantitative study. The GENCAT quality of life scale adapted so that the population under study itself was in charge of assessing the areas and dimensions related to their bio-psycho-social well-being. The starting hypothesis is was that exists a better perception of the levels of quality of life with a longer time of guardianship protection. In addition, the research questions were, What effects does the tutelary protection exercised by the FASAD Foundation have on the perception of the quality of life of the interviewed subjects? How do the variables (sex, place of residence and time of guardianship) affect the perception of quality of life? What dimensions present in the quality of life analysis are most affected by the variable time of guardianship? For the analysis of the statistical data, was used the SPSS® Statistics 22.0, a descriptive and bivariate exploration was carried out that showed the level of association and correlation between the variables studied.People under guardianship for a period of more than 3 years present better results in all the dimensions studied -except for rights- regardless of their sex or place of residence. Women under guardianship for a period less than 3 years obtained a general percentile of quality of life of 13.6, while those who were under guardianship for a period greater than 3 years obtained 18.9, in the same way it happened with men (14.1 vs 20.7) The ANOVA statistic and the Pearson correlation table confirm the association and relationship between the variable time of care and the general percentiles of quality of life.The exercise of guardianship has a positive effect on all the dimensions that integrate the quality of life construct. In addition, knowing the self-perception of the quality of life of the people under guardianship favors knowing the true impact of a support and promotion mechanism such as guardianship.Pese al incuestionable avance en el tratamiento y reconocimiento jurídico y social de las personas con discapacidad con la capacidad modificada, el rol y la posición social que ocupa el colectivo aún sigue dificultando el desarrollo de una vida plena. El objetivo fue conocer el posible efecto del ejercicio tutelar sobre la calidad de vida en personas con discapacidad que residen de forma permanente en centros residenciales y cuya tutela ordinaria recae sobre la Fundación de carácter público FASAD.Estudio de carácter cuantitativo de tipo correlacional. Se adaptó la escala de calidad de vida GENCAT para que fuese la propia población objeto de estudio la encargada de valorar las áreas y dimensiones relacionadas con su bienestar bio-psico-social. La hipótesis de partida fue que existe una mejor percepción sobre los niveles de calidad de vida a mayor tiempo de protección tutelar. Además, las preguntas de investigación fueron, ¿Qué efectos tiene la protección tutelar ejercida por la Fundación FASAD en la percepción de la calidad de vida de los sujetos entrevistados? ¿Cómo afectan las variables (sexo, lugar de residencia y tiempo de tutela) en la percepción de la calidad de vida? ¿Qué dimensiones presentes en el análisis de la calidad de vida se ven más afectadas por la variable tiempo de tutela? Para el análisis de los datos estadísticos se utilizó el SPSS® Stadistics 22.0, se efectuó una exploración descriptiva y bivariada que mostró el nivel de asociación y correlación entre las variables estudiadas.Las personas tuteladas por un período superior a 3 años presentan mejores resultados en todas las dimensiones estudiadas -excepto en derechos- independientemente de su sexo o lugar de residencia. Las mujeres tuteladas por un periodo inferior a 3 años obtuvieron un percentil general de calidad de vida de 13,6, mientras que las que se encontraban tuteladas por un periodo superior a 3 años obtuvieron un 18,9, de la misma forma ocurrió con los hombres (14,1 frente al 20,7). El estadístico ANOVA y la tabla de correlaciones de Pearson refrendan la asociación y relación existente entre la variable tiempo de tutela y los percentiles generales de calidad de vida.El ejercicio de la tutela tiene un efecto positivo en todas las dimensiones que integran el constructo calidad de vida. Además, conocer la autopercepción sobre la calidad de vida de las propias personas tuteladas favorece conocer el verdadero impacto de un mecanismo de apoyo y promoción cómo es la tutela.

Phthalates are associated with several adverse health outcomes, but few studies have evaluated phthalate exposures in Mexican populations, particularly pregnant women. Between 2007 and 2011, 948 pregnant women from Mexico City were recruited as part of the PROGRESS cohort. We quantified 17 metabolites of phthalates and phthalate alternatives in urine samples collected during the second and third trimesters and examined temporal trends of metabolite concentrations, within-person reproducibility, and relations of individual metabolites with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational factors. Concentrations of mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl terephthalate, a metabolite of the alternative phthalate di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate, increased monotonically from 2007 to 2010 (31% per year; 95% confidence interval = 23 and 39%). We observed moderate to high correlations among metabolites collected at the same visit, but there was high variability between second and third trimester phthalate metabolite concentrations (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.17-0.35). In general, higher socioeconomic status was associated with higher phthalate concentrations. Some metabolites were associated with maternal age and education, but no consistent patterns were observed. Women working in the home and those who worked in administration had higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites relative to students, professionals, and those in customer service. Biomonitoring efforts are warranted to investigate present and future exposure trends and patterns.

La violencia de género existe en parejas jóvenes a tenor de los datos de mujeres asesinadas de menos de 20 años. El trabajo analiza la relación entre actitudes sexistas (roles y cualidades) en adolescentes y jóvenes, y cómo estas tendrían incidencia en las creencias en torno a la conformación de parejas desiguales y tolerantes con la violencia de género, e influenciadas por la socialización familiar. Se basa en un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y comparado en dos momentos temporales (2010 y 2019), mediante la aplicación de cuestionario con escala tipo Likert. La muestra se compone de un total de 1594 estudiantes de ESO y de Bachillerato. El análisis de datos se ha realizado utilizando IMB SPSS Statistics 19.0, con técnicas bivariantes. Los resultados apuntan a la persistencia de sesgos sexistas y, asimismo, se muestran cartografiados nítidamente los avances y retrocesos habidos en torno a la conceptualización de la violencia de género comparando los datos obtenidos en ambas investigaciones. A modo de conclusión, se señala la articulación de medidas socioeducativas, para que, desde diferentes espacios de intervención, se transversalice el enfoque de género en la implementación de acciones orientadas a la promoción de la igualdad y erradicación de la violencia de género.

Background: Lead is a neurotoxic metal potentially affecting the developing brain. Children are particularly susceptible since they can absorb between 50% and 100% of ingested lead. There is no safe level for lead, therefore preventing exposure is crucial. We previously reported a positive association between lead concentrations found in candy and concurrent blood lead levels in Mexican children. This first report garnered media and the general public’s attention. Objective: To conduct a follow-up study to assess lead concentrations in candy brands that we previously reported with concentrations ≥0.1ppm the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recommended maximum lead level in candy likely to be consumed frequently by small children. Methods: In 2018 we analyzed 50 additional candy samples. Lead concentrations were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and lead content per candy unit was calculated. Findings: We found concentrations were typically low, with a marked decrease from prior levels (2008). Nevertheless two candy units had concentrations of 0.1 ppm of lead. Conclusions: Candy may have lead concentrations up to 0.1 ppm and 1.2 μg per unit. This is a concern because candies are exported and consumed in many countries worldwide potentially resulting in human exposure. Continued public health surveillance is needed to protect populations especially vulnerable to lead exposure, especially children.

La violencia de género existe en parejas jóvenes a tenor de los datos de mujeres asesinadas de menos de 20 años. El trabajo analiza la relación entre actitudes sexistas (roles y cualidades) en adolescentes y jóvenes, y cómo estas tendrían incidencia en las creencias en torno a la conformación de parejas desiguales y tolerantes con la violencia de género, e influenciadas por la socialización familiar. Se basa en un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y comparado en dos momentos temporales (2010 y 2019), mediante la aplicación de cuestionario con escala tipo Likert. La muestra se compone de un total de 1594 estudiantes de ESO y de Bachillerato. El análisis de datos se ha realizado utilizando IMB SPSS Statistics 19.0, con técnicas bivariantes. Los resultados apuntan a la persistencia de sesgos sexistas y, asimismo, se muestran cartografiados nítidamente los avances y retrocesos habidos en torno a la conceptualización de la violencia de género comparando los datos obtenidos en ambas investigaciones. A modo de conclusión, se señala la articulación de medidas socioeducativas, para que, desde diferentes espacios de intervención, se transversalice el enfoque de género en la implementación de acciones orientadas a la promoción de la igualdad y erradicación de la violencia de género.

Ultra-processed food consumption has increased in recent years. The evidence suggests a positive association between consumption of ultra-processed food consumption and low diet-quality and malnutrition, characterized by nutritional deficiencies and high prevalence of obesity and overweight. In México the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren is 33.2%, and ultra-processed food consumption varies from 40.4% to 81.5% depending on the product. The objective of this study was to describe the association between ultra-processed food consumption, diet-quality and nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren. We analyzed dietetic and anthropometric data from 364 children (6–12 years) of two communities in the center of México. Four 3d-recalls (three days records followed up for ten months including weekdays and weekends) were used for data collection. Consumed foods were classified according to the level of processing using the NOVA classification. Portions of each food, dietary energy, macro and micronutrients intakes were calculated in accordance with the Mexican equivalent food system, nutrition labelling of each product and software Nutrimind® 15.0. Nutritional status was evaluated according to BMI categories; diet-quality was assessed calculating a dietary score. All data were adjusted by energy. In our study, 32% of foods consumed by schoolchildren were ultra-processed, 49% were minimally processed or unprocessed. 30% of the energy intake derived from ultra-processed foods (95% CI 29.2–33.2%). Major ultra-processed foods in habitual diet were bakery, pastries (23%), sugar-sweetened beverages (dairy and non-dairy) (22%), processed meat (18%), pizzas and pastas (9%), and canned vegetables (4%). Children in the highest quartile of ultra-processed foods consumption, presented lower diet-quality than those in the lowest quartile. In this group of children, 38.0% presented combined overweight or obesity, although there were no statistically significant differences between nutritional status and ultra-processed food consumption. Regular ultra-processed food consumption is associated with a lower diet quality in healthy schoolchildren. It is necessary to implement strategies to reduce intake of these products to avoid possible risks to health in early ages.

Additional file 1.

Background: Epidemiologic and animal-based studies have raised concern over the potential impact of fluoride exposure on neurobehavioral development as manifested by lower IQ and deficits in attention. To date, no prospective epidemiologic studies have examined the effects of prenatal fluoride exposure on behavioral outcomes using fluoride biomarkers and sensitive measures of attention. Objective: We aimed to examine the association between prenatal fluoride exposure and symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: 213 Mexican mother-children pairs of the Early Life Exposures to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohort study had available maternal urinary samples during pregnancy and child assessments of ADHD-like behaviors at age 6–12. We measured urinary fluoride levels adjusted for creatinine (MUFcr) in spot urine samples collected during pregnancy. The Conners' Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R) was completed by mothers, and the Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) was administered to the children. Results: Mean MUFcr was 0.85 mg/L (SD = 0.33) and the Interquartile Range (IQR) was 0.46 mg/L. In multivariable adjusted models using gamma regression, a 0.5 mg/L higher MUFcr (approximately one IQR higher) corresponded with significantly higher scores on the CRS-R for DSM-IV Inattention (2.84 points, 95% CI: 0.84, 4.84) and DSM-IV ADHD Total Index (2.38 points, 95% CI: 0.42, 4.34), as well as the following symptom scales: Cognitive Problems and Inattention (2.54 points, 95% CI: 0.44, 4.63) and ADHD Index (2.47 points; 95% CI: 0.43, 4.50). The shape of the associations suggested a possible celling effect of the exposure. No significant associations were found with outcomes on the CPT-II or on symptom scales assessing hyperactivity. Conclusion: Higher levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy were associated with global measures of ADHD and more symptoms of inattention as measured by the CRS-R in the offspring. Keywords: Fluoride, Pregnancy, Neurobehavioral, ADHD

Personal care product use is a potential source of metals exposure among children, but studies have been limited. We measured urinary concentrations of 10 metals (aluminum, arsenic [As], barium [Ba], cadmium, cobalt [Co], lead [Pb], manganese [Mn], molybdenum [Mo], nickel, and zinc [Zn]) in third trimester pregnant women (n = 212) and their children at 8–14 years of age (n = 250). Demographic factors (child sex, age, socioeconomic status, and maternal education), body mass index (BMI) z-score, and child personal care product use in the 24 h prior to urine collection were examined as predictors of urinary metal concentrations. Metals were detected in 80–100% of urine samples, with significant differences in maternal versus childhood levels. However, metal concentrations were not strongly correlated within or between time points. In linear regression models including all demographic characteristics, BMI z-score, and specific gravity, age was associated with higher Co (6% [95% CI: 2, 10]), while BMI z-score was associated with lower Mo (-6% [95% CI: -11, -1). In addition, significantly higher metal concentrations were observed among users of colored cosmetics (Mo: 42% [95% CI: 1, 99]), deodorant (Ba: 28% [3, 58]), hair spray/hair gel (Mn: 22% [3, 45]), and other toiletries (As: 50% [9, 108]), as well as with an increasing number of personal care products used (As: 7% [3, 11]) after adjustment for child sex, age, total number of products used, and specific gravity. However, significantly lower metal concentrations were noted for users of hair cream (As and Zn: -20% [-36, -2] and -21% [-35, -2], respectively), shampoo (Pb: -40% [-62, -7]), and other hair products (Pb: -44% [-65, -9]). We found that personal care product use may be a predictor of exposure to multiple metals among children. Further research is recommended to inform product-specific exposure source identification and related child health risk assessment efforts.

Introducción. Las personas con discapacidad viven situaciones de exclusión social que han limitado el desarrollo de sus dimensiones de calidad de vida en comparación con el resto de la sociedad. Esto se debe a la falta de apoyos que reciben para realizar las actividades cotidianas, lo que reduce su participación social. La danza, como expresión artística, presenta beneficios sobre la salud y la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual. La exclusión social que sufren las personas con discapacidad hace necesario replantear técnicas y herramientas capaces de aumentar el bienestar general del colectivo, especialmente en una disciplina como el Trabajo Social, que pivota sobre el derecho al pleno desarrollo socio personal de las personas con las que se trabaja. Este estudio pretende analizar los efectos de la danza en la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual. Metodología. Se ha realizado una investigación cualitativa exploratoria y descriptiva mediante la revisión bibliográfica y la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas encaminadas a estudiar la experiencia subjetiva y captar el significado particular atribuido a los datos recogidos. Se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico a través de informantes clave. Participaron un total de nueve personas entre los que se encontraban tres profesores de danza, cuatro personas con discapacidad intelectual, una madre y la presidenta de una Asociación de Familiares para el Ocio y Tiempo Libre. La diversidad de perfiles permitió obtener discursos complementarios, ofreciendo una visión más amplia del objeto de estudio. Sin embargo, este trabajo no pretende generalizar los resultados. Resultados. Los hallazgos muestran los beneficios y el potencial de la danza en diferentes dimensiones de la calidad de vida y el funcionamiento humano de las personas con discapacidad intelectual. La evidencia empírica realizada en el marco de esta investigación evidencia que esta actividad artística promueve patrones de comportamiento y el desarrollo de determinadas dimensiones de la calidad de vida. Discusión. El imaginario social en torno a la idea de funcionalidad requiere un inmenso esfuerzo para encajar en los preceptos culturales de la sociedad. La participación en este tipo de actividades ha contribuido a visibilizar este colectivo. Se puede afirmar que la danza mejora la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual. Su impacto se refleja en el peso que el colectivo asigna a esta actividad y su vinculación con el potencial de crecimiento, específicamente en lo que respecta a las nociones de oportunidad, relaciones sociales y participación social. Conclusiones. Finalmente, la expresión comunicativa modifica las actitudes hacia posiciones inclusivas para promover el empoderamiento y la mejora de la calidad de vida. Este trabajo demuestra que el uso de la danza o las actividades artísticas como herramienta de intervención social es beneficioso cuando se trabaja con personas y/o grupos en situación de vulnerabilidad social. Esta investigación aporta nuevos conocimientos sobre la influencia de las expresiones artísticas en la mejora de la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual y abre un nuevo campo dentro del Trabajo Social. Introduction. People with disabilities live in situations of social exclusion that prevent the various dimensions of their quality of life from developing to the same degree as that of the rest of society. This is due to the lack of support they receive to carry out daily activities, thus reducing the extent of their social participation. Dance, as an artistic expression, presents health and quality-of-life benefits for people with intellectual disabilities. The social exclusion experienced by people with disabilities makes it necessary to rethink techniques and tools to increase this group’s general welfare. This is especially important in a discipline such as Social Work as it focuses on the right to full socio-personal development. In this paper, we analyse the effect of dance on the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. Methodology. Exploratory and descriptive qualitative research based on a literature review and semi-structured interviews, focusing on subjective experience and the interpretation of the specific meaning of the collected data. Non-probability sampling was conducted using key informants. There were nine participants: three dance teachers, four individuals with intellectual disabilities, one mother, and the President of a Parents’ Association for Leisure and Free Time. The diversity of the profiles permitted obtaining complementary discourses and thus a broader view of the object of study. We did not seek, however, to generalise the results. Results. The findings show the benefits and potential of dance regarding different dimensions of quality of life and human functioning in intellectually disabled individuals. The empirical evidence collected showed that dance fosters a number of behavioural patterns and the development of certain dimensions of quality of life. Discussion. The social imaginary around the idea of functionality requires immense efforts to fit into society’s cultural precepts. Participating in these types of activities has contributed to making this group more visible. It can be affirmed that dance improves the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The impact of dance is reflected both in the importance assigned to it by this group, and dance’s link to the potential for growth, specifically with regard to opportunity, social relations and social participation. Conclusions. To finish, physical expression is communicative and leads to changing attitudes, shifting them towards more inclusive positions which promote empowerment and improvement of quality of life. This work has shown that dance or artistic activities, used as a tool for social intervention, are beneficial when working with socially vulnerable people and/or groups. The present study contributes to our understanding of how artistic expression can improve the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities and opens a new field within Social Work.

Over the past several decades, the age of pubertal onset in girls has shifted downward worldwide. As early pubertal onset is associated with increased risky behavior and psychological issues during adolescence and cardiometabolic disease and cancer in adulthood, this is an important public health concern. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during critical windows of in utero development may play a role in this trend. Our objective was to investigate trimester-specific phthalate and BPA exposure in relation to pubertal development among girls in the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohort.We measured maternal urinary phthalate metabolites and BPA in samples collected during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. To assess reproductive development among their female children, we measured serum testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and assessed sexual maturation, including Tanner staging for breast and pubic hair development and menarche status, at age 8-13 years (n = 120). We used linear and logistic regression to examine measures of trimester-specific in utero exposure as predictors of peripubertal hormone levels and pubertal onset, respectively. In secondary analyses, we evaluated estimated exposure at the midpoint of the first trimester and rates of change in exposure across pregnancy in relation to outcomes.Several phthalate metabolites measured throughout in utero development were associated with higher serum testosterone concentrations, while a number of metabolites measured in the third trimester were associated with higher DHEA-S. For example, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in mean monoethyl phthalate (MEP) levels across pregnancy was associated with 44% higher peripubertal testosterone (95% CI: 13-83%), while an IQR increase in di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHP) specifically in the third trimester was associated with 25% higher DHEA-S (95%CI: 4.7-47%). In IQR increase in mean mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) levels across pregnancy was associated with lower odds of having a Tanner Stage1 for breast development (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.95), while MEHP in the third trimester was associated with higher odds of having a Tanner Stage1 for pubic hair development (OR = 3.76, 95%CI: 1.1-12.8). Results from secondary analyses were consistent with findings from our main analysis.These findings suggest that female reproductive development may be more vulnerable to the effects of phthalate or BPA exposure during specific critical periods of in utero development. This highlights the need for comprehensive characterizations of in utero exposure and consideration of windows of susceptibility in developmental epidemiological studies. Future research should consider repeated measures of in utero phthalate and BPA exposure within each trimester and across pregnancy.

Resumen Introduccion Los pacientes con cardiopatia isquemica, diabetes o enfermedad renal cronica constituyen una poblacion de alto o muy alto riesgo cardiovascular, en la que es necesario un control estricto de todos los factores de riesgo, incluyendo la dislipidemia. De los lipidos plasmaticos, el colesterol LDL (c-LDL) es el objetivo prioritario a controlar. Tratamiento Las guias de las distintas sociedades plantean diferentes enfoques de manejo de la hiperlipidemia en estas situaciones, aunque en todas ellas las estatinas son la base del tratamiento. Debido a que en estos pacientes es necesario alcanzar niveles mas bajos de c-LDL y de colesterol no-HDL, con frecuencia se precisa un tratamiento combinado con otros hipolipidemiantes, basicamente ezetimibe o fibratos. Los inhibidores de PCSK9 pueden aportar un beneficio adicional en pacientes seleccionados.

Background: As population lead levels decrease, the toxic effects of lead may be distributed to more sensitive populations, such as infants with poor fetal growth. Objectives: To determine the association of prenatal lead exposure and fetal growth; and to evaluate whether infants with poor fetal growth are more susceptible to lead toxicity than those with normal fetal growth. Methods: We examined the association of second trimester maternal blood lead levels (BLL) with birthweight-for-gestational age (BWGA) z-score in 944 mother-infant participants of the PROGRESS cohort. We determined the association between maternal BLL and BWGA z-score by using both linear and quantile regression. We estimated odds ratios for small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants between maternal BLL quartiles using logistic regression. Maternal age, body mass index, socioeconomic status, parity, household smoking exposure, hemoglobin levels, and infant sex were included as confounders. Results: While linear regression showed a negative association between maternal BLL and BWGA z-score (β = −0.06 z-score units per log2 BLL increase; 95% CI: −0.13, 0.003; P = 0.06), quantile regression revealed larger magnitudes of this association in the

Lead exposure during pregnancy remains a public health problem with potential lifelong impacts on children's growth and development. Mexico is unique in that stunting and obesity are both major public health concerns in children. This situation might be exacerbated by lead exposure which remains more common in Mexico than in the United States due in part to the use of lead glazed pottery in food preparation and storage. Our objective is to determine how lead exposure during pregnancy is associated with children's growth parameters, including height, weight, body mass index and percentage body fat measured between ages 4-6 years old in a Mexico City pregnancy cohort. Blood lead was collected in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy as well as at delivery. Bone lead was assessed in mothers as a long term exposure biomarker. We performed multivariable linear regression analyses to assess the association between each of these lead exposure biomarkers and child anthropometry. We found a significant negative association between maternal 3rd trimester blood lead concentration and offspring height for age (β-0.10; 95% CI -0.19, -0.01), and a negative association between maternal 3rd trimester blood lead concentration and weight for age (β-0.11; 95% CI -0.22,-0.003). Our results in this Mexican population add to previous findings of an association of lead and decreased stature and weight in early childhood. Ongoing follow-up and longitudinal analyses may help elucidate how this impacts growth trajectory and other children's health outcomes.

Aim: Bacterial vaginosis may lead to preterm birth through epigenetic programming of the inflammatory response, specifically via miRNA expression. Methods: We quantified bacterial 16S rRNA, cytokine mRNA and 800 miRNA from cervical swabs obtained from 80 women at 16–19 weeks’ gestation. We generated bacterial and cytokine indices using weighted quantile sum regression and examined associations with miRNA and gestational age at delivery. Results & discussion: Each decile of the bacterial and cytokine indices was associated with shorter gestations (p < 0.005). The bacterial index was associated with miR-494, 371a, 4286, 185, 320e, 888 and 23a (p < 0.05). miR-494 remained significant after false discovery rate correction (q < 0.1). The cytokine index was associated with 27 miRNAs (p < 0.05; q < 0.01). Conclusion: Future investigation into the role of bacterial vaginosis- and inflammation-associated miRNA and preterm birth is warranted.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) still poses a threat to the swine industry worldwide. Currently, commercial vaccines against PRRSV, which consist of modified live or inactivated virus, reduce symptoms and viremia in immunized pigs, but efficacy against heterologous strains is variable. This has led to the development of subunit vaccines that contain viral antigens that show the highest variability. In this work, a chimeric protein comprising short amino acid sequences from glycoprotein 3 (GP3), glycoprotein 4 (GP4), glycoprotein 5 (GP5), and M (matrix protein) proteins of PRRSV was designed and expressed in

The periodic heavy flooding which Mexico experiences impacts negatively on its economic development. Adaptation and risk-management measures are predominantly based on cost evaluation, which therefore needs to be comprehensive. This paper evaluates the total economic cost of Hurricane Alex in the state of Nuevo Leon in 2010, which was the most devastating natural phenomenon recorded during the last 50 years. Therefore, for the first time in Mexico, a methodology was applied which factors in both direct costs (material damage) and indirect costs (productivity losses) in the affected region’s economy (MIP). This methodology was based on the input-output model. The results suggest that total costs were $20.5 billion MXN, ofwhich 29% (6 billion) were indirect costs.

Gene expression changes mediated by DNA methylation may play a role in pubertal tempo regulation, and availability of methyl donor nutrients affects these pathways. We examined first trimester maternal and adolescent diet patterns that may be associated with DNA methylation at long interspersed nucleotide (LINE-1) repetitive elements in adolescence using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and calculated an ‘Epigenetics-Associated Diet Score’ (EADS) for each pattern; then tested the associations of these scores with pubertal tempo among adolescent boys and girls. The analytic sample included 118 boys and 132 girls aged 10–18 years. DNA methylation at LINE-1 repetitive elements was quantified. Typical maternal and adolescent nutrient intakes were estimated using food frequency questionnaires. Interval-censored time to event and ordinal regression models were used to examine associations EADS scores with pubertal tempo using physician-assessed Tanner stages and self-reported menarche, respectively, adjusted for confounders. We observed associations between maternal EADS and pubertal onset, but not pubertal progression. Each standard deviation (SD) greater maternal EADS was associated with 52% higher odds of having later onset of menarche in both cross-sectional and prospective analysis (P = 0.031 and 0.028, respectively). In contrast, we observed associations between adolescent EADS and pubertal progression, but not pubertal onset. Among boys, for each SD higher adolescent EADS, there was 13% increase in odds of slower genital progression (P = 0.050), as well as 26 and 27% increase in odds of slower left and right testicular development, respectively (P = 0.001). Epigenetic-associated diet influences pubertal tempo in a sex- and timing-specific manner.

Background Exposure to environmental toxicants may play a role in the pathogenesis of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Cumulative exposure to lead (Pb) has chronic and permanent effects on liver function. Pediatric populations are vulnerable to the toxic effects of Pb, even at low exposure levels. The purpose of the study was to estimate the association between cumulative Pb exposure during childhood and hepatic steatosis biomarkers in young Mexican adults. Methods A subsample of 93 participants from the ELEMENT cohort were included in this study. Childhood blood samples were collected annually from ages 1–4 years and were used to calculate the Cumulative Childhood Blood Lead Levels (CCBLL). Hepatic steatosis during adulthood was defined as an excessive accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (>5%) determined using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Liver enzymes were also measured at this time, and elevated liver enzyme levels were defined as ALT (≥30 IU/L), AST (≥30 IU/L), and GGT (≥40 IU/L). Adjusted linear regression models were fit to examine the association between CCBLL (quartiles) and the hepatic steatosis in young adulthood. Results In adulthood, the mean age was 21.4 years, 55% were male. The overall prevalence of hepatic steatosis by MRI was 19%. Elevate levels of the enzymes ALT, AST, and GGT were present in 25%, 15%, and 17% of the sample, respectively. We found a positive association between the highest quartile of CCBLL with the steatosis biomarkers of hepatic triglycerides (Q4 vs. Q1: β = 6.07, 95% CI: 1.91–10.21), elevated ALT (Q4 vs. Q1: β = 14.5, 95% CI: 1.39–27.61) and elevated AST (Q4 vs. Q1: β = 7.23, 95% CI: 0.64–13.82). No significant associations were found with GGT. Conclusions Chronic Pb exposure during early childhood is associated with a higher levels of hepatic steatosis biomarkers and hepatocellular injury in young adulthood. More actions should be taken to eliminate sources of Pb during the first years of life.