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`Extracts of 28 species of marine macroscopic algae collected from various coastal habitats of northern California were examined for antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of mammalian viruses. Ten members of Rhodophyta contained substance(s) which caused greater than a 2 log reduction in the infectivity of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. In addition, anti-Coxsackie B, virus activity was detected in extracts of Constantinea simplex Setchell. The physical and chemical properties of the substance in extracts of Farlowia mollis (Harvey and Bailey) Farlow and Setchell and C. simplex indicated the active agent was a structural polysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead is a ubiquitous and neurotoxic heavy metal particularly harmful to children, who are more susceptible than adults to its toxic effects. The prevalence of lead poisoning and iron deficiency (ID) is high in socioeconomically vulnerable child populations, negatively affecting neurocognitive development in children. Although numerous studies have shown the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and ID, the issue remains controversial. Here, we aimed to identify the association between BLL and iron nutritional status in children. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of healthy children aged 1-6 y attending periodic health checks in primary healthcare units from La Plata and its surroundings, Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2012 and 2017. We performed anthropometric evaluations and determined BLL, hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. Blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL were defined as elevated BLL; ferritin levels < 12 ng/ml were considered ID; Hb levels < 11 g/dL (< 11.5 g/dL for children ≥ 5 y) were defined as anemia. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney test, Student´s t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression. The R package (v. 4.2.2.) was used for the statistical analysis of data. The sample included 392 children (mean age, 2.4 ± 1.4 y; 44.6% females). The prevalence of elevated BLL, ID and anemia was 8.7%, 26.3% and 31.8%, respectively. We found a significant association between elevated BLL and ID (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.16 (1.50, 6.63)). The prevalence of elevated BLL was 16.2% and 5.8% in children with and without ID, respectively (p = 0.003). We also found association between elevated BLL and anemia (OR 95% CI: 3.03 (1.49, 6.29)). In conclusion, blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL were significantly associated with ID and anemia in children aged 1-6 years., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics Approval: The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Research Review Board of IDIP. The study results were communicated to parents/tutors. Children whose BLL were ≥ 5 g/dL were referred to the Toxicology Service for follow-up. Consent to Participate: Written informed consent was signed by all the participating parents and/or tutors and attested by a witness. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare they have nothing to disclose., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients are given calcium channel blockers (CCBs) to prevent brain vessel vasospasm. We hypothesized that preinjury antihypertensive use may protect against vasospasm. It remains unclear whether the timing of in-hospital CCB initiation affects the vasospasm risk in this population., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included aSAH patients (≥18 y/o) at a Comprehensive Stroke Center (1/18-11/21). Patients taking prehospital antihypertensives [CCBs, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)] were compared to those who were not. Results were stratified by patients receiving vasospasm prophylaxis ('in-hospital CCBs') ≤1.2 h of arrival vs. >1.2 h from arrival. Outcomes included vasospasm, hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality., Results: Of 251 patients, 18% were taking prehospital antihypertensives. Patients were comparable in baseline characteristics. There was no difference in the rate of vasospasm when compared by prehospital antihypertensive use. For those on prehospital antihypertensives, the time to in-hospital CCBs was significantly longer for patients who developed vasospasm than for those who did not (1.2 vs. 4.9 h, respectively, p = 0.02). For those on prehospital antihypertensives, receipt of in-hospital CCBs within 1.2 h of arrival was associated with a significantly lower vasospasm rate (6% vs. 39%, p = 0.03) and LOS (14 vs. 20 d, p = 0.01) when compared to receiving in-hospital CCBs > 1.2 h of arrival, respectively. The mortality rate (50% vs. 26%, p = 0.06) was statistically similar between groups, respectively. These results were not observed among patients who were not on prehospital antihypertensives. The timing to in-hospital CCB initiation had no effect on vasospasm (p = 0.23), death (p = 0.08), or LOS (p = 0.31) for patients not on prehospital antihypertensives., Conclusions: Enhancing the efficiency of in-hospital CCB initiation for patients on prehospital antihypertensives may decrease the occurrence of vasospasm and lead to a shorter LOS., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Molecular biomarkers of maternal leptin resistance associated with infant weight are needed., Objectives: To evaluate gene expression of leptin receptor (LEPR), suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) and insulin receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of lactating women and their relationship with infant body weight and adiposity., Methods: At day 10 postpartum, maternal gene expression in PBMCs as well as leptin and insulin concentrations in plasma and milk were assessed (n = 68). Infant weight and BMI z-scores, skinfolds and arm circumference were obtained at 10 days and/or at 3 months old., Results: In mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (OW/OB), LEPR expression was reduced (p = 0.013) whereas plasma and milk leptin and milk insulin concentrations were elevated. LEPR expression was positively related with infant weight z-score (Beta (95% CI): 0.40 (0.17, 0.63), p = 0.001) but not with leptin concentrations. SOCS3 expression was positively related with infant weight z-score (Beta (95% CI): 0.28 (0.04, 0.51), p = 0.024) and arm circumference (Beta (95% CI): 0.57 (0.32, 0.82), p < 0.001). Relationships remained significant after adjusting for maternal and infant confounders., Conclusions: LEPR and SOCS3 gene expression in PBMCs are novel maternal molecular biomarkers that reflect leptin resistance and are associated with infant body weight and adiposity., (© 2023 World Obesity Federation.)

Introduction. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency and the main cause of anemia in infants. There is consensus on daily iron supplementation as a preventive strategy; and weekly iron supplementation has also been shown to be effective, but evidence in infants is scarce. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of daily versus weekly iron administration for the prevention of ID anemia (IDA) in infants. Population and methods. Randomized, controlled clinical trial. Infants seen at a public health center, without anemia at 3 months of age, were randomized into 3 groups: daily supplementation (1 mg/kg/day), weekly supplementation (4 mg/kg/week), or no supplementation (control group with exclusive breastfeeding [EB]). Anemia and ID were assessed at 3 and 6 months old. Adherence and adverse events were recorded. Data were analyzed using the R software, version 4.0.3. Results. A total of 227 infants participated. At 6 months, the group of infants with EB without supplementation (control) had a higher prevalence of ID and IDA than the intervention groups (daily and weekly). ID: 40.5% versus 13.5% and 16.7% (p = 0.002); IDA: 33.3% versus 7.8% and 10% (p < 0.001). There were no differences between the daily and weekly supplementation groups. There were also no differences in the percentage of high adherence to supplementation (50.6% daily versus 57.1% weekly) or adverse events. Conclusions. No significant differences in effectiveness were observed between daily and weekly administration for the prevention of infant IDA., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Collateral circulation is important for cerebral perfusion in acute ischemic strokes. Monitoring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) may be useful to assess collateral status or treatment efficacy. The objectives of the present study were to determine if the ORP was associated with collateral circulation status in middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions and to identify patterns in the ORP and the collateral circulation status among patients treated with intraarterial therapy (IAT) over time. The present pilot study was nested within a prospective cohort study measuring the ORP of the peripheral venous plasma of stroke patients. The population included in the present study were patients with MCA (M1/M2) occlusions. Two ORP parameters were examined: Static ORP (sORP; mV), indicating oxidative stress, and capacity ORP (cORP; µC), indicating antioxidant reserves. Collateral status was retrospectively graded using Miteff's system as good (grade 1) or reduced (grade 2/3). Comparisons were made between collateral status groups (reduced vs. good collaterals) in all patients, within a subset including only patients who received IAT, and between thrombolysis in cerebral infraction scale score (TICI) groups (0-2a vs. 2b/3). The Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and Wilcoxon tests were used (α<0.20). The 19 patients were categorized based on their collaterals: Good collaterals (53%) and reduced collaterals (47%). The baseline characteristics were similar with the exception that the patients with good collaterals had a lower international normalized ratio (P=0.12) and were more likely to have a stroke on the left side (P=0.18) or to have a mismatch (P=0.05). The admission sORP values were comparable (169.5 vs. 164.2 mV; P=0.65), as was admission cORP (P=0.73). When considering only the patients who received IAT (n=12), admission sORP (P=0.69) and cORP (P=0.90) were also statistically similar. On day 2, after IAT, both groups experienced a worsening in ORP measures; however, the patients with good collaterals had a significantly lower sORP (169.4 vs. 203.5 mV; P=0.02) and a higher cORP (0.2 vs. 0.1 µC; P=0.002) compared with the patients with reduced collaterals. Neither sORP nor cORP were significantly different between TICI score groups on admission or on day 2. Upon discharge, patients with a TICI of 2b-3 had a significantly better sORP (P=0.03) and cORP (P=0.12) compared with those with a TICI of 0-2a. In conclusion, upon patient admission, the ORP parameters were not significantly different between the collateral circulation status groups for MCA occlusions. The ORP parameters worsened after IAT regardless of the collateral circulation status; however, after IAT, on day 2, patients with good collaterals experienced less oxidative stress (sORP) and had higher antioxidant reserves (cORP) than patients with reduced collaterals., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Atchie et al.)

Introduction: Environmental exposure to lead is still a major public health problem, especially in children. Oxidative stress may be a primary mechanism associated with toxicity. The objective of this study was to measure blood lead levels (BLLs) in children aged 1 to 6 years exposed to lead in La Plata and suburban areas and their relation to oxidative stress biomarkers., Population and Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study. Clinically healthy children aged 1 to 6 years were analyzed. BLLs, antioxidant enzyme activity, and extent of lipid peroxidation were measured. The statistical software package R, version 3.5.1, was used., Results: A total of 131 children participated; their median age was 2.33 years. The geometric mean of BLLs was 1.90 μg/dL; 32% showed a measurable BLL and 3%, BLLs ≥ 5 μg/dL (international reference). The comparison of oxidative stress biomarkers based on BLLs showed a significant difference in median thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS): 12.0 versus 10.0 nmol MDA/mL of plasma; p = 0.02. In addition, the correlation between BLLs and TBARS was positive (r = 0.24; p = 0.012)., Conclusions: Most children had a BLL below the limit recommended by international agencies; although such BLLs do not affect antioxidant enzyme activity, they can induce lipid peroxidation. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this biomarker as an early diagnosis tool to assess subtoxic lead effects., Competing Interests: None., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Introduction: Infancy is the period of greatest neuroplasticity. The early detection of developmental disorders helps to provide a timely intervention aimed at reducing sequelae and/or complications., Objective: To assess psychomotor and cognitive development in infants between 6 and 9 months old assisted in the public health sector., Population and Methods: Descriptive study with follow-up of full-term infants who were clinically healthy at the time of assessment and had an adequate weight, height, and head circumference for their age. The Assessment Scale of Psychomotor Development and the Argentine Scale of Sensorimotor Intelligence were used in infants aged 6-9 months. Early stimulation was the intervention provided to those who showed a risk or delay. The prevalence of risk/delay of psychomotor development and sensorimotor intelligence was determined. The statistical software package R, version 3.3.1 was used., Results: A total of 102 children were assessed. At 6 months old, 22.5 % had a developmental risk/delay. The prevalence of unexpected results for age in psychomotor development and sensorimotor intelligence was 13.7 % and 16.7 %, respectively. These children received early stimulation and all showed improved results. At 9 months old, the prevalence of risk/delay was 20.6 %: 14.7 % in psychomotor development and 9.8 % in sensorimotor intelligence., Conclusions: At 6 months old, 22.5 % of infants had a developmental risk/delay; at 9 months old, this prevalence was 20.6 %. An early assessment of development helped to detect disorders and provide an early intervention., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) has been recognized as an important public health problem in developing countries. Preschoolers account for risk groups within vulnerable populations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of VAD and associated factors in a sample of preschoolers., Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with children aged 1-6 years receiving social assistance and seen at primary health care centers in the outskirts of the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires. Vitamin A levels were determined by measuring serum retinol with a liquid chromatography; anthropometric parameters and dietary intake were recorded. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to assess the association among outcome measures., Results: Data from 624 children were analyzed. The geometric mean of retinol was 23.8 pg/dL (95 % CI: 23.3-24.3). The prevalence of VAD and the risk for VAD were 24.3 % and 57.4 %, respectively. Retinol levels were significantly lower among boys, low-weight children, and those with low intake (below the first tertile of distribution). The multivariate analysis showed a significant association between VAD and male sex (odds ratio: 1.93; 95 % CI: 1.15-3.24) and between VAD and low intake (odds ratio: 1.48; 95 % CI: 1.15-2.62)., Conclusion: The prevalence of VAD (24.3 %) is a major public health problem in this population. VAD-associated factors were male sex and low vitamin A intake., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the relationships among insulin resistance markers and nocturnal and diurnal hypertension in normotensive or mildly untreated hypertensive adults., Methods: The study was performed in both female and male adults referred to the Cardiometabolic Unit of the Hospital San Martín, La Plata, Argentina, in order to perform an ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) for the evaluation of a possible hypertensive disorder. The population was stratified according to their ABPM in: 1-presence or absence of diurnal hypertension and 2-presence or absence of nocturnal hypertension; both conditions were analyzed separately. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were used as surrogate markers of insulin resistance and compared among subjects with vs. without diurnal or nocturnal hypertension., Results: One hundred and five patients, 55 women, 47 (11) years old, and 50 men, 44 (16) years old, were included. Diurnal and nocturnal hypertension were found in 60% and 64% of the sample, respectively. There were no significant differences among the levels of insulin resistance markers between individuals with or without diurnal hypertension. In contrast, individuals with nocturnal hypertension were more insulin resistant irrespectively of whether they were evaluated using FPI (P = 0.016), HOMA-IR (P = 0.019), or TG/HDL-C ratio (P = 0.011); FPI differences remained significant after adjustment for sex, age, and obesity indicators (P = 0.032)., Conclusions: Nocturnal but not diurnal hypertension was related to higher levels of 3 insulin resistance markers in normotensive and untreated mildly hypertensive adults; this relationship seems partially independent of obesity., (© American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com)

Introduction: Lead has neurotoxic effects in children, even at a very low level in blood. The risk factors (RFs) for lead exposure have not been adequately identified in La Plata. The objectives of this study were to determine mean blood lead levels and identify RFs in children aged 1 to 6 years old living in La Plata and the outskirts., Population and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in children who attended primary health care centers for a health check-up. Blood lead levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and a socioenvironmental survey was administered to outline RFs. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare measurements. A multivariate statistical analysis was done to establish the most relevant RFs., Results: A total of 319 children participated (51% were boys); the median (interquartile range) blood lead level was 2.2 pg/dL (1.1-3.6 pg/dL). Significant mean differences in blood lead levels were observed for age≤ 3years old, anemia, pica behavior, overcrowding, dirt floors, and maternal education < 7 years. Age≤ 3years old and pica behavior were both RFs with significant odds ratios (ORs). The OR as adjusted by logistic regression was significant only for age≤ 3years old., Conclusions: The median blood lead level in the studied population was 2.2 pg/dL. The main RFs identified for lead exposure were age≤ 3years old and pica behavior. Other less relevant RFs included anemia, maternal education < 7 years, overcrowding, and dirt floors., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría)

Background: There is growing interest in the fatty acid composition of breast milk and substitute formulas used to replace or complement infant breastfeeding., Aim: The aims of this study were to assess the impact of two follow-up infant formulas based on cow milk fat, vegetable oils and different docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (ARA) acid content on red blood cell membrane fatty acid composition, and determine the percent saturated fatty acid (SFA) incorporation into the membrane., Study Design: This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. Infants received treatment or control product for at least four months before the age of six months. The control group (n=25) received standard infant formula (FA) and the treatment group (n=24) received the same formula supplemented with higher DHA and ARA content (FB). The reference group (n=47) consisted of normal healthy exclusively breastfed infants., Outcome Measure: Red blood cell membrane fatty acid composition was determined by capillary gas chromatography., Results: Ninety-six infants completed the study (FA, 25; FB, 24; reference, 47). Higher DHA content reflected higher DHA percentage in the red blood cell membrane. Breast milk and FB did not show any significant differences in DHA content. ARA percentage was higher in breastfed infants and palmitic acid percentage was higher in FB- compared with FA-fed infants., Conclusion: DHA and palmitic acid percent distributions were higher in the red blood cell membrane of infants receiving FB. DHA percent distribution was not significantly different in FB-fed and breastfed infants. SFA percent distribution was not significantly different when comparing both formulas with breast milk., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this article is to describe the nutritional status and eating patterns of children aged 1-3 years from low-income families who reside in areas with different productive activities: primary production and production of goods and services. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a qualitative and quantitative methodology, evaluating anthropometric and biochemical nutritional status, food intake, economic and demographic characteristics, dietary practices and representations. The results show that children from areas of primary production had a lower prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency. They also had a higher consumption of energy, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and protein and a greater diversity and quality in food consumption. We can conclude that the geographical context of families closer to sources of primary production favors interaction with individuals outside of the family, expanding both the informal social network and access to better quality nutritional food.

Prenatal lead exposure is a health hazard that may cause cognitive development impairments and other adverse effects in children. We conducted a cross sectional study analyzing cord blood lead levels (CBLL) of newborns and their relationship with maternal determinants of lead exposure. Mothers answered a questionnaire about socio-demographic, lifestyle habits and environmental characteristics. We used Mann-Whitney's test to compare CBLL geometrical means (GM) corresponding to the presence or absence of each lead exposure determinant, and Chi square test to study the relationship between CBLL and maternal lead exposure determinants. A total of 159 newborns participated in the study. CBLL GM was 2.1 μg/dL; and 25% of the participants had a measurable CBLL (LOQ=3.3 μg/dl). Although the participants had several determinants of lead exposure, we only found a significant relationship with inside household determinants, such as presence of lead piping (p=0.026), unplastered walls (p=0.046) and peeling paint (p=0.048). Our results show that CBLL GM was similar to that reported in several studies conducted around the world. However, 25% of the participants might have some degree of risk for lead poisoning., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We studied the impact of a food supplementation program (Plan Más Vida (PMV)) on the micronutrient nutritional condition of pregnant women from low-income families 1 year after its implementation. The food program provided supplementary diet (wheat and maize--fortified flour, rice or sugar, and fortified soup). We performed a prospective, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, evaluating pregnant women at baseline (n = 164) and 1 year after PMV implementation (n = 108). Biochemical tests (hemogram, ferritin, vitamin A, zinc, and folic acid), anthropometric assessments (weight and height), and dietary surveys (24 h recall) were performed at the two study points. One year after PMV implementation, no significant changes in anthropometric values were observed. Folic acid deficiency and the risk of vitamin A deficiency (retinol, 20-30 μg/dl) decreased significantly (35.8 to 6.1 % and 64 to 41 %, respectively; p < 0.000). Anemia and prevalence of iron and zinc deficiency values did not change. Diet survey results showed that although nutrient intake increased significantly, it was still below recommendations. Implementation of the PMV and of the government nutritional strategies had a high impact on the prevalence of folic acid deficiency. We also observed a decrease in the risk of vitamin A deficiency, and no impact on iron and zinc nutritional status. Adherence to the specific fortified food (soup) was not good and intra-family dilution and distribution of food was high.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a food aid program (Plan Más Vida, PMV) on the micronutrient nutritional condition of lactating mothers 1 year after its implementation. The food program provided supplementary diets (wheat- and maize-fortified flour, rice or sugar, and fortified soup) to low-income families from the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A prospective, non-experimental study was carried out to evaluate the micronutrient nutritional status of lactating mothers (n = 178 at baseline and n = 151 after 1 year). Biochemical tests (hemoglobin, ferritin, zinc, vitamin A, and folic acid), anthropometric assessments (weight and height) and dietary surveys (24-h recall) were performed. We found no significant changes in anthropometric values 1 year after the intervention. The risk for vitamin A (retinol 20-30 μg/dl) and folate deficiency significantly decreased 1 year after PMV implementation (56.3 vs. 29.9 and 50.3 vs. 3.4 %, respectively; p < 0.001). Anemia was seen in 25.8 % of lactating mothers at baseline, without statistically significant differences 1 year after (p = 0.439). The nutritional data obtained after assessing the early impact of PMV actions may be useful to provincial health authorities to perform periodic evaluations in the future.

Introduction. Anemia is a public healthcare problem that particularly affects children under the age of 2 years, with consequences that greatly affect psychomotor and intellectual growth during childhood and productive capacities in adulthood. Objective. To study the prevalence of anemia, its variations and possibly associated factors in children under 6 months of age. Material and methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study analyzing health records of 363 children aged 4-5 months assisted in the period 2007-2010. We determined the association of anemia (hemoglobin <10,3 g/dl) with feeding (exclusive breastfeeding and mixed feeding), type of birth and sex. Birth weight means and z-scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height were compared in anemic versus non-anemic children. Results. Anemia was present in 28.9% (105/363) of children, being its prevalence significantly higher in boys (38.3% versus 20.9%; p= 0.000). There were no significant differences in type of birth or feeding. Mean birth weight and mean z-score for weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height was significantly lower in anemic vs. non-anemic children. We found a significant reduction in anemia (37.8% in 2007 to 20.3% in 2010 during the study period, p= 0.012) Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia was 28.9%; decreased significantly between 2007 and 2010, and represents a serious public healthcare problem. The prevalence was higher in boys, in children with lower birth weight and in those with lower antropometric indices. Our results, even though local, reflect the high nutritional risk of the population under 6 months of age.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of Plan Más Vida (PMV) on the micronutrient nutritional condition of children aged 1 to 6 years 1 year after PMV implementation. The food program was intended for low-income families from the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina and provided supplementary diets. A prospective, nonexperimental study was carried out. Children (472 at baseline and 474 after 1 year) were divided into two groups (1-2 and 2-6 years of age). Biochemical tests (hemogram, ferritin, zinc, vitamin A, and folic acid), anthropometric assessments (weight and height), and dietary surveys (24-h recall) were performed. Chronic growth retardation (-2 height/age Z-score) was present in 2.8% and 8.7% of 1-2- and 2-6-year-old children, respectively; 14.4% in the former and 8.8% in the latter group had overweight/obesity. No significant changes were recorded 1 year after PMV implementation. Whereas anemia values decreased (55.3% to 39.1%, p = 0.003) and serum zinc values increased in 1-2-year-old children, the risk for vitamin A deficiency decreased significantly in both age groups. The evaluation of the early impact of PMV actions provided important nutritional data that should be used by provincial health authorities to conduct future evaluations.

Background: Antigen exposure is one of the major exogenous factors modulating human immunocompetence acquisition. Decline in family size and improvements in public health and hygiene in developed countries, may deprive the immune system of appropriate antigen input by diminishing infectious stimuli. Probiotics are a large group of microorganisms defined by their beneficial effects on human health and with stimulating effects on different functions of the immune system., Aim of the Study: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine if probiotics maintain their immune-stimulating effects in a population of 162 children with a high index of natural exposure to microorganisms. Children were to ingest for at least 4 months one of two products, low-fat milk fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus (control product) or low-fat milk fermented by S. thermophilus and Lactobacillus casei, with Lactobacillus acidophilus, oligofructose and inulin added after the fermentation process (test product). According to their age, children were vaccinated with DTP-Hib vaccine or a 23-valent anti-pneumococcal vaccine., Results: Final analysis of results was done in 70 children in each group, showing that the rate of immunoglobulin and isoagglutinin acquisition was similar in both groups. There was no difference between groups in antibody levels neither before nor after vaccination. Days of fever and number of episodes of infection were not statistically different in either group., Conclusions: Supplementation of standard fermented milk with additional probiotics was not of benefit. The high natural rate of early microbial exposure in infants and children from a population of low socio-economic status living in a "less hygienic environment" may account for the absence of an additional immune-stimulating effect by supplementary probiotics.

Introduction: Environmental exposure to lead and the subsequent poisoning are a main public health concern worldwide. Children have a higher vulnerability to lead toxic effects, and many reports have shown the association between iron deficiency and lead poisoning. In Argentina, reports about lead levels in children are scarce. Our aims were to assess blood lead levels in children and determining their relationship with iron deficiency and known lead exposure risk factors., Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a sample of 93 children (age range, 6 months to 5 years) receiving care at La Plata Children s Hospital. A social and environmental survey was done, and blood lead, hemoglobin and ferritin levels were assessed., Results: Geometric mean blood lead level was 4.26 microg/dl (95% CI, 3.60-5.03); prevalence of blood lead levels >or=10 microg/dl was 10.8%. Higher blood lead levels were found in children living in households with lead-handling contaminating activities (6.74 vs. 3.78 microg/dl; p= 0.005) and in very low-income households (5.68 vs. 3.71 microg/ dl; p= 0.020). The presence of blood lead levels >or=10 microg/dl was strongly associated with iron deficiency (OR 5.7; 95% CI: 1.34-23.41) and with lead-handling activities at home (OR 4.8; 95% CI: 1.12-20.16)., Conclusion: The prevalence of blood lead levels >or=10 microg/dl is a matter of concern in the population studied. Iron deficiency and development of lead-handling activities at home were the risk factors associated with high blood lead levels.

Supplier certification is an ongoing, formalized improvement process between a customer and a supplier. Ideally, suppliers and healthcare organizations will become extensions of one another, allowing for achievement of significant quality improvement over the long haul. There are six steps to implementing the process: 1) learning the process, 2) building a team, 3) defining objectives, 4) identifying evaluative criteria, 5) developing a measurement system and 6) selecting suppliers. For different levels of certification--defined by specific criteria--the customer receives more benefits and the supplier receives larger incentives.

Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe microbiological primary fouling of glass surfaces exposed in estuarine waters. Observations on clean glass, and glass treated with water-repellent coatings, showed that bacterial slimes adhered less strongly to the waterrepellent glass. An experiment using pure cultures of bacteria and latex particles showed that attached bacteria promoted the settlement of latex particles on the glass.