Worldwide trends in childhood overweight and obesity over the last 20 years.

Background: Child overweight and obesity is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases. The present work aimed to explain the global trends of overweight in children under 5 years during the last two decades in comparison to the global nutrition targets.

Methods: We analysed secondary data from the Global Nutrition Report 2020 report for the years 2000 to 2020 from 194 countries, distributed in 23 sub-regions to examine the changes in prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity in children under five years of age.

Effect of channel roughness on the particle diffusion and permeability of carbon nanotubes in reverse electrodialysis process applying molecular dynamics simulation.

Innovative technology and methods are crucial for making pure and refreshing water. Two main methods are present to delete soluble salts from water: membrane processes and thermal processes. A beneficial membrane technique is reverse electrodialysis.

Relationship between COVID-19 Cases and Environmental Contaminants in Quito, Ecuador.

The relationship between COVID-19 infections and environmental contaminants provides insight into how environmental factors can influence the spread of infectious diseases. By integrating epidemiological and environmental variables into a mathematical framework, the interaction between virus spread and the environment can be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of atmospheric contaminants on the increase in COVID-19 infections in the city of Quito through the application of statistical tests.

De novo depression following temporal lobe epilepsy surgery.

Surgical removal of the mesial temporal lobe can effectively treat drug-resistant epilepsy but may lead to mood disorders. This fact is of particular interest in patients without a prior psychiatric history. The study investigates the relationship between Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE), mood disorders, and the functional connectivity of the Hippocampus (Hipp) and Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc).

Nanoscopic Characterization of Starch-Based Biofilms Extracted from Ecuadorian Potato () Varieties.

Synthetic plastic polymers are causing considerable emerging ecological hazards. Starch-based biofilms are a potential alternative. However, depending on the natural source and extraction method, the properties of starch can vary, affecting the physicochemical characteristics of the corresponding casted films generated from it.

Effective geriatric management strategies for fatal non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Insights from a case report.

This case report delves into the intricate medical history of an 85-year-old male who experienced a myriad of health challenges throughout his years. With a medical history full of conditions, such as stroke, sinus bradycardia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe pulmonary hypertension, and chronic gastritis, the patient´s health profile is further complicated by prostatic hypertrophy, persistent dorsalgia and lumbalgia, the presence of a thyroid nodule, and a recent onset of hypothyroidism. Among the diverse medical conditions of this patient, our narrative is primarily centered on his latest diagnosis: non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma.

High Rate of Change of the Foot in Ecuadorian Children: The Need for Proper Shoe Design.

Background: Physiological changes in the foot may be influenced by external factors such as shoe types or demographic parameters, leading to podiatric conditions in adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in morphological measurements of the feet of boys and girls during childhood and adolescence.

Methods: A total of 1678 Ecuadorian children aged 8 to 17 years participated in the study.

Characterization, mathematical modeling of moisture sorption isotherms and bioactive compounds of Andean root flours.

Andean roots can be used as an alternative to gluten-free food. The objective of this study was to enhance the technological and nutritional properties of Andean root flours to promote their industrial applicability. The water content and activity of the flour were lower than those required to prevent mold growth.

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa.

The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production.

Evaluation of the Quality and Lipid Content of Artisan Sausages Produced in Tungurahua, Ecuador.

The consumption of sausage worldwide increases every year; because of this increase, artisanal products have appeared and are intended to be perceived as natural and healthy. Obesity and cardiovascular diseases associated with consuming meat and meat derivatives have been estimated to be the leading cause of death in several countries. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality, lipid content, and presence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, contributing to demonstrating the real nutritional value of artisanal sausages produced in Ecuador.

Characterization of Second-Generation Snacks Manufactured from Andean Tubers and Tuberous Root Flours.

Andean roots, such as zanahoria blanca, achira, papa China, camote, oca, and mashua, contain high amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and fructo-oligosaccharides. This study aimed to demonstrate the possibility of obtaining healthy second-generation (2G) snacks (products obtained from the immediate expansion of the mixture at the exit of the extruder die) using these roots as raw materials. Corn grits were mixed with Andean root flour in a proportion of 80:20, and a Brabender laboratory extruder was used to obtain the 2G snacks.

Seroprevalence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs and cats and its relationship with COVID-19 cases in the city of Villavicencio, Colombia.

: Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, different animal species have been implicated as possible intermediate hosts that could facilitate the transmission of the virus between species. The detection of these hosts has intensified, reporting wild, zoo, farm, and pet animals. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (IgG) in domestic dogs and cats and its epidemiological association with the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Villavicencio, Colombia.

Third-Generation Snacks Manufactured from Andean Tubers and Tuberous Root Flours: Microwave Expansion Kinetics and Characterization.

Andean tubers and tuberous roots have nutritional and medicinal properties transferred through ancestral generations. In this study, we aim to promote cultivation and consumption by developing a snack based on these crops. Corn grits were thoroughly mixed with sweet potato, mashua, and three varieties of oca flour (white, yellow, and red) in an 80:20 ratio, and a single-screw laboratory extruder was utilized to produce third-generation (3G) dried pellets.

Foot morphology as a predictor of hallux valgus development in children.

An excess of body weight can produce morphological changes in the feet of children. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological differences of the foot in children based on their body mass index and to determine the risk factors for the development of a hallux valgus in childhood and adolescence. One Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Eight children (5-17 years) were classified as group with obesity, overweight, and normal weight.

MRGPRX2 signaling involves the Lysyl-tRNA synthetase and MITF pathway.

MRGPRX2, a G-protein-coupled-seven transmembrane domain receptor, is mainly expressed in mast cells and neurons and is involved in skin immunity and pain. It is implicated in the pathophysiology of non-IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity and has been related to adverse drug reactions. Moreover, a role has been proposed in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

MITF Downregulation Induces Death in Human Mast Cell Leukemia Cells and Impairs IgE-Dependent Degranulation.

Activating mutations in KIT (CD117) have been associated with several diseases, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors and mastocytosis. Rapidly progressing pathologies or drug resistance highlight the need for alternative treatment strategies. Previously, we reported that the adaptor molecule SH3 binding protein 2 (SH3BP2 or 3BP2) regulates KIT expression at the transcriptional level and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression at the post-transcriptional level in human mast cells and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cell lines.

The hybrid protein BTH2 suppresses allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of HDM-specific immunotherapy.

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment approach to change disease-causing allergens. Hypoallergenic derivatives show promise as potential therapeutics, amongst which BTH2 was designed to induce tolerance against Blomia tropicalis allergy. Our aim was to investigate the hypoallergenicity and immunoregulatory activity of BTH2 in vitro and its therapeutic potential in a mouse model of AIT.

Socioeconomic Characteristics, Purchasing Preferences and Willingness to Consume Organic Food: A Cross-Location Comparison of Nine Cities in Central Ecuador.

Agriculture worldwide faces the need to reduce chemical pesticides and produce healthier food. In Latin America, research on the organic food sector primarily focuses on supply. Consumption analysis is crucial for providing information about customers' needs.

SH3BP2 Silencing Increases miRNAs Targeting ETV1 and Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor, Decreasing the Proliferation of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Gain of function in receptor tyrosine kinases type III, KIT, or PDGFRA drives the majority of GIST. Previously, our group reported that silencing of the adaptor molecule SH3 Binding Protein 2 (SH3BP2) downregulated KIT and PDGFRA and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) levels and reduced tumor growth.

Reward-based decision-making in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis pre- and post-surgery.

Background: Correct functioning of the reward processing system is critical for optimizing decision-making as well as preventing the development of addictions and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, apathy, and anhedonia. Consequently, patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy due to unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-UHS) represent an excellent opportunity to study the brain networks involved in this system.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate decision-making and the electrophysiological correlates of feedback processing in a sample of mTLE-UHS patients, compared to healthy controls.

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor is involved in gastrointestinal stromal tumor growth.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common neoplasms of mesenchymal origin, and most of them emerge due to the oncogenic activation of KIT or PDGFRA receptors. Despite their relevance in GIST oncogenesis, critical intermediates mediating the KIT/PDGFRA transforming program remain mostly unknown. Previously, we found that the adaptor molecule SH3BP2 was involved in GIST cell survival, likely due to the co-regulation of the expression of KIT and Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).

Nanoscopic Characterization of Starch Biofilms Extracted from the Andean Tubers , , , and .

The replacement of synthetic polymers by starch biofilms entails a significant potentiality. They are non-toxic materials, biodegradable, and relatively easy to gather from several sources. However, various applications may require physicochemical properties that might prevent the use of some types of starch biofilms.