Estudiantes universitarios en tiempos de covid-19: clases en línea y vida cotidiana / Being a college student in COVID-19 times: online classes and daily life / Ser um estudante universitário em tempos de Covid-19: aulas online e vida quotidiana

Resumen (analítico) Se abordan los ajustes que hicieron estudiantes de psicología en su vida cotidiana para continuar con sus clases en línea. Desde un enfoque de psicología cultural y una investigación de corte cualitativo, se analizan los significados que las y los estudiantes plasmaron en cuestionarios abiertos respondidos en línea. Los resultados muestran el trabajo de reelaboración práctico y simbólico que realizaron las y los participantes para redefinir qué significa ser estudiante en tiempos de pandemia. Se exponen las emociones que tuvieron, las estrategias empleadas para responder a las clases en línea y las experiencias con el servicio de psicología brindado a adolescentes de secundaria. Concluimos que durante la pandemia por covid-19 las clases en línea implicaron para las y los estudiantes retos nuevos en el reacomodo de sus vidas cotidianas.

Abstract (analytical) The paper addresses the adjustments made by psychology students in their daily lives to continue with their online classes. From a cultural psychology approach and a qualitative research approach, we analyze the meanings that students expressed in open questionnaires answered online. The results show the practical and symbolic elaboration work carried out by the participants to redefine what it means to be a student in times of pandemic. The emotions they had, the strategies used to respond to the online classes, and the experiences with the psychology service provided to secondary school adolescents are presented. We conclude that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the online classes implied new challenges for the students in the rearrangement of their daily lives.

Resumo (analítico) O artigo aborda os ajustamentos que os estudantes de psicologia fizeram na sua vida quotidiana para continuar com as suas aulas online. A partir de uma abordagem psicológica cultural e de uma investigação qualitativa, analisamos os significados que os estudantes expressaram em questionários abertos respondidos em linha. Os resultados mostram o trabalho prático e simbólico de reelaboração realizado pelos participantes para redefinir o que significa ser um estudante em tempos de pandemia. São apresentadas as emoções que tinham, as estratégias utilizadas para responder às aulas em linha e as experiências com o serviço de psicologia prestado aos adolescentes do ensino secundário. Concluímos que durante a pandemia de Covid-19, as aulas em linha proporcionaram aos estudantes novos desafios na reorganização da sua vida quotidiana.

Ontological Issues and the Possible Development of Cultural Psychology.

Ontological issues have a bad reputation within mainstream psychology. This paper, however, is an attempt to argue that ontological reflection may play an important role in the development of cultural psychology. A cross-reading of two recent papers on the subject (Mammen & Mironenko, Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 49(4), 681-713, 2015; Simão Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 50, 568-585, 2016), aimed at characterizing their respective approaches to ontological issues, sets the stage for a presentation of Cornelius Castoriadis' ontological reflections. On this basis, a dialogue is initiated with E.E. Boesch's Symbolic Activity Theory that could contribute to a more refined understanding of human psychological functioning in its full complexity.

Pathologic yawning in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Brainstem, hypothalamic and cerebral symptoms may occur in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). However, pathologic yawning has not been previously described in NMOSD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients experienced excessive yawning not related to sleep deprivation or fatigue. RESULTS: Patients were female, aged 19-57 years (median, 39 years) at disease onset. Excessive yawning spells were the presenting symptom of the disease in five patients, lasted 2-16 weeks, and usually occurred in association with nausea, vomiting and hiccups. Brain MRI was abnormal in all patients and most frequently showed brainstem and hypothalamic lesions. CONCLUSION: Pathologic yawning may be a neglected although not a rare symptom in NMOSD.

Fatores de risco para acidentes com materiaisperfurocortantes / Risk factors of accidents with sharp instruments

Os profissionais de saúde estão expostos a uma série de riscos no ambiente hospitalar, dentre os quais merece destaqueo risco biológico. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar os fatores de risco para acidentes com material perfurocortantese analisar as principais causas referidas. Trata-se de estudo exploratório de caráter retrospectivo, com uma amostracomposta por 100 acadêmicos de enfermagem, que já exerciam a profissão no nível técnico e tivessem sofrido algumtipo de acidente com materiais perfurocortantes. Constatou-se que 41% dos acidentes ocorreram em hospitais de grandeporte, no turno matutino, sendo a UTI o ambiente com maior prevalência de acidentes, e os objetos que mais causaramacidentes foram as agulhas de seringas. As causas apontadas como possíveis fatores de risco para os acidentes indicam aimportância da implementação da Política Nacional de Educação Permanente em Saúde (PNEPS), a utilização de EPIs eas precauções-padrão.

Health care professionals are exposed to a number of risks in hospital environment among which biological risk should behighlighted. This research aimed to identify risk factors of accidents with sharp instruments and analyze the main causesmentioned. This is a retrospective exploratory study with a sample of one hundred nursing students already working at atechnical level and who had already suffered some sort of accident with sharp instruments. The analysis of the results showedthat 41% of the accidents occurred in large hospitals and in the morning shift, the ICU environment was the one withgreater prevalence of accidents and the objects that caused most accidents were syringe needles. The causes identified aspossible risk factors of accidents indicate the importance of implementing the National Policy on Permanent Education inHealth (PNEPS), of using PPE and of the standard precautions.

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

UNLABELLED: Investigations on the prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) around the world have yielded important clues on the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. As Brazil is a huge country laid on many latitudes and inhabited by population with distinct ethnic backgrounds, it might be assumed that the frequency of MS varies in its different regions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence rate of MS in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: We used six sources to draw up a provisional list of identified cases of MS. Only patients with diagnosis of clinically definite MS according to Poser Committee criteria were included. RESULTS: The calculated crude MS prevalence was 18.1/100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: The MS prevalence in Belo Horizonte is similar to that found in São Paulo and Botucatu, two other cities in southeastern Brazil with similar ethnic background.

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil / Prevalência da esclerose múltipla em Belo Horizonte, Brasil

Investigations on the prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) around the world have yielded important clues on the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. As Brazil is a huge country laid on many latitudes and inhabited by population with distinct ethnic backgrounds, it might be assumed that the frequency of MS varies in its different regions. Objective: To determine the prevalence rate of MS in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Methods: We used six sources to draw up a provisional list of identified cases of MS. Only patients with diagnosis of clinically definite MS according to Poser Committee criteria were included. Results: The calculated crude MS prevalence was 18.1/100,000 inhabitants. Conclusions: The MS prevalence in Belo Horizonte is similar to that found in São Paulo and Botucatu, two other cities in southeastern Brazil with similar ethnic background.

Estudos sobre as taxas de prevalência da esclerose múltipla (EM) no mundo têm fornecido importantes evidências do papel da inter-relação dos fatores genéticos e ambientais determinando estas frequências. Como o Brasil é um país muito extenso e com populações de diversas origens étnicas, supõe-se que a frequência da EM seja variável em suas diferentes regiões. Objetivo: Determinar a taxa de prevalência da esclerose múltipla (EM) em Belo Horizonte, capital do estado de Minas Gerais, no sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: Nós usamos seis fontes para a identificação dos pacientes que preenchiam os critérios diagnósticos de EM clinicamente definida de acordo com o Comitê de Poser. Resultados: A taxa de prevalência encontrada foi de 18,1/100.000 habitantes. Conclusões: A prevalência em Belo Horizonte de EM é semelhante à encontrada nos estudos em São Paulo e Botucatu, duas outras cidades na região sudeste do Brasil habitadas por populações com similar origem étnica.

Association of free fatty acids with the insulin-resistant state but not with central obesity in individuals from Venezuela.

Individuals with insulin resistance (IR) usually have upper body obesity phenotype, often accompanied by an increase in plasma free fatty acids (FFA). Since the Venezuelan population has a high frequency of IR and central obesity, the purpose of this work was to determine FFA levels in 47 Venezuelan individuals, men and women, 24-58 years old, and analyze their relationship with central obesity and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Basal concentrations of TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C were measured, and FFA, glucose and insulin, at basal state and at different times after a glucose load. Eighteen individuals presented insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2.7) and 29 were non-insulin resistant (non-IR). Insulin resistant individuals (IR) had higher waist circumference, BMI and basal concentrations of FFA than the non-IR. No differences were observed in skin folds and other basal lipids studied. The increased FFA seemed to be related to the IR associated to BMI and not to central obesity, since the difference between IR and non-IR disappeared when they were matched for waist circumference. After a glucose load, FFA decreased in both groups, but remained significantly elevated in IR subjects. This effect disappeared after matching for BMI or waist circumference, inferring that it was independent of anthropometries. FFA were positively associated with HOMA-IR, glucose and TG levels; however, there was.no association with BMI or waist circumference. These findings, and the lack of elements to support the presence of hepatic IR, common to increased visceral lipolysis, might suggest that the IR present in the obese individuals studied, might be due to an increase in subcutaneous fat.

Association of free fatty acids with the insulin-resistant state but not with central obesity in individuals from Venezuela

Individuals with insulin resistance (IR) usually have upper body obesity phenotype, often accompanied by an increase in plasma free fatty acids (FFA). Since the Venezuelan population has a high frequency of IR and central obesity, the purpose of this work was to determine FFA levels in 47 Venezuelan individuals, men and women, 24-58 years old, and analyze their relationship with central obesity and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Basal concentrations of TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C were measured, and FFA, glucose and insulin, at basal state and at different times after a glucose load. Eighteen individuals presented insulin resistance (HOMA-IR >2.7) and 29 were non-insulin resistant (non-IR). Insulin resistant individuals (IR) had higher waist circumference, BMI and basal concentrations of FFA than the non-IR. No differences were observed in skin folds and other basal lipids studied. The increased FFA seemed to be related to the IR associated to BMI and not to central obesity, since the difference between IR and non-IR disappeared when they were matched for waist circumference. After a glucose load, FFA decreased in both groups, but remained significantly elevated in IR subjects. This effect disappeared after matching for BMI or waist circumference, inferring that it was independent of anthropometrics. FFA were positively associated with HOMA-IR, glucose and TG levels; however, there was no association with BMI or waist circumference. These findings, and the lack of elements to support the presence of hepatic IR, common to increased visceral lipolysis, might suggest that the IR present in the obese individuals studied, might be due to an increase in subcutaneous fat.

Los individuos con insulino-resistencia (IR) usualmente presentan obesidad central, fenotipo comúnmente acompañado de incremento de ácidos grasos libres (AGL). Como los individuos venezolanos presentan una alta frecuencia de IR y obesidad central, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar, en un grupo de ellos, la relación entre AGL y obesidad central y parámetros relacionados con el metabolismo de carbohidratos y lípidos. En 47 venezolanos, hombres y mujeres, entre 24 y 58 años, se determinaron las concentraciones basales de TG, Colesterol total, LDL-C, HDL-C y AGL, glucemia e insulina a nivel basal y a diferentes tiempos después de una sobrecarga glucosada. Dieciocho individuos resultaron IR (HOMA-IR > 2,7) y 29 no IR. Los IR presentaron mayor circunferencia de cintura (CC), índice de masa corporal (IMC) y concentraciones basales de AGL. No hubo diferencias en los pliegues cutáneos ni en los otros lípidos. Los valores elevados de AGL parecieron relacionarse con la IR asociada al IMC y no a la obesidad central puesto que una vez apareados por CC, la diferencia en los valores de AGL entre IR y no-IR desapareció. Después de la sobrecarga glucosada los AGL disminuyeron en ambos grupos, pero permanecieron significativamente elevados en los IR. Esta diferencia desapareció al aparear por IMC o CC. Los AGL estuvieron significativamente asociados a HOMA-IR, glucemia y TG, sin embargo no se encontró asociación con IMC o CC. Estos hallazgos, más la falta de elementos que apoyen la presencia de IR hepática, común en un incremento de la lipólisis visceral, sugieren que la IR presente en estos individuos obesos pueda ser debida a incremento de la grasa subcutánea.

Polimorfismo Pro12Ala del gen PPAR-γ 2 y síndrome metabólico: Estudio preliminar / Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR-gamma2 gene and the metabolic syndrome: Preliminary study

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia del polimorfismo Pro12Ala del gen PPARgamma2 en individuos no emparentados con síndrome metabólico de la ciudad de Maracaibo. Se seleccionaron 50 individuos (22 con síndrome metabólico y 28 sin síndrome metabólico) entre 22 y 58 años. A cada individuo se le realizó una evaluación clínica, nutricional y bioquímica. Para analizar la secuencia de la variante Pro12Ala del gen PPAR se empleó PCR y digestión enzimática de los fragmentos de restricción del polimorfismo (PCR-RFLP). En los individuos con síndrome metabólico el porcentaje de portadores del alelo Ala fue de 13,6%, mientras que en el grupo sin síndrome metabólico fue de 32,14%. La frecuencia para el alelo Ala del polimorfismo Pro12Ala fue de 0,12 y para el alelo Pro fue de 0,88. Los individuos con síndrome metabólico y portadores del alelo Ala presentaron niveles más bajos de triglicéridos y col-HDL más alto. Se concluye que la presencia del alelo Ala en individuos con síndrome metabólico mostró un efecto protector sobre el perfil lipídico.

The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of the polymorphism pro12ala in non-related individuals with metabolic syndrome from Maracaibo-Venezuela. Fifty subjects (22 with metabolic syndrome and 28 without metabolic syndrome) between 22 to 58 years of age were selected. For each individual, biochemical, nutritious, and clinical evaluations were carried out. PCR and restriction-fragment length polymorphism enzyme digestion were used to analyze the Pro12Ala sequence variant of the PPAR gene. The distribution of the Ala allele was 13.6% in the individuals with metabolic syndro- and 32.14% in the group without metabolic syndrome. The frequency distributions of the PPAR gamma sequence variants were 0.12 for Ala variant and 0.88 for Pro. The subjects with the metabolic syndrome and carriers of the Ala 12 allele had lower concentration of triglycerides and higher HDL-C. It can be concluded that the Ala12 allele in individuals with metabolic syndrome had a protective effect on the lipid profile.

[Relationship of fibrinogen with cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men from Maracaibo, Venezuela]. / Relación del fibrinógeno con factores de riesgo cardiovascular en hombres aparentemente sanos de Maracaibo, Venezuela.

The purpose of this paper was to determine the relationship between fibrinogen concentration and cardiovascular ischaemic risk factors in a group of apparently healthy men from Maracaibo, Venezuela. Two hundred and forty six individuals, ages 31 to 65 years were evaluated by means of clinical and laboratory examination. In each person plasma fibrinogen concentration was measured by coagulometry, serum glucose and lipids by enzymatic methods and insulin by radioimmunoanalysis. 31.7% of subjects had fibrinogen values in the highest tertil of the whole group (> or = 311 mg/dL), they also showed significantly higher values of total cholesterol (p < 0.03) and LDL-C (p < 0.01). In addition, the individuals in this tertil showed a significant and positive correlation between the values of triglycerides with insulin (p < 0.02) and with HOMA-IR (p < 0.01). On the other hand, correlation analysis also showed a positive significant association between the fibrinogen levels and total cholesterol (p < 0.02), dependent of individuals with family history of ischaemic cardiovascular disease (total cholesterol: p < 0.02 and LDL-C: p < 0.003). In consideration of the high concentrations of fibrinogen found in 31.7% of apparently healthy men and their significant positive correlation with total cholesterol and LDL-C, on the group of men with a family history of ischaemic cardiovascular disease, it would be advisable to include the determination of fibrinogen in the cardiovascular evaluation of these particular subjects.

Relación del fibrinógeno con factores de riesgo cardiovascular en hombres aparentemente sanos de Maracaibo Venezuela / Relationship of fibrinogen with cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men from Maracaibo Venezuela

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la relación de las concentraciones de fibrinógeno con factores de riesgo cardiovascular isquémicos en hombres aparentemente sanos de Maracaibo,Venezuela. Se estudiaron 246 hombres aparentemente sanos, con edades entre 31 a 65 años, mediante evaluación médica y de laboratorio. Se determinaron las concentraciones de fibrinógeno por coagulometría, lípidos y glicemia por métodos enzimáticos e insulina por radioinmunoanálisis. El 31,7% se ubicó en el tercil más alto de fibrinógeno (>311 mg/dL) y a su vez presentó valores significativamente superiores de colesterol total (p < 0,03) y de LDL-C (p < 0,01). Además, los individuos ubicados en este tercil mostraron una correlación significativa y positiva entre las concentraciones de triglicéridos y los niveles de insulina (p < 0,02) y HOMA-IR (p < 0,01). Por otra parte, el análisis de correlación demostró también una asociación positiva y significativa entre las concentraciones de fibrinógeno y los niveles de colesterol total (p < 0,02) en el grupo total, a expensas de los sujetos con antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular isquémica (colesterol total: p < 0,02 y LDL-C: p < 0,003). En conclusión, las altas concentraciones de fibrinógeno encontradas en el 31,7% de los hombres aparentemente sanos y la positiva y significativa asociación de esta variable con el colesterol total y las lipoproteínas de baja densidad, en los sujetos con antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular isquémica, hacen aconsejable incluir el estudio del fibrinógeno en la evaluación cardiovascular de estos últimos individuos en particular.

Black Hispanics have a worse cardiovascular risk profile than mixed Hispanics in Venezuela.

In order to characterize components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in Venezuelan black Hispanics and compare these metabolic abnormalities with those found in the predominant mixed Hispanic population, 2336 mixed Hispanics (69% women) and 281 black Hispanics (60% women), aged 20-78 years, without prior history of diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease were evaluated in a population-based study in Zulia State, Venezuela. Blood pressure (BP), waist circumference, as well as fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. The criteria proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) to identify those with metabolic abnormalities were used. We found that black Hispanics showed higher frequency of age-adjusted elevated BP than mixed Hispanics in both men (66.9% vs. 52.3%, p < 0.01) and women (39.3% vs. 30.4%, p < 0.05). In men, elevated FBG was also more frequent in black Hispanics (32.7%) than in mixed Hispanics (22.3%), despite the lack of significant differences in fasting insulin, HOMA-insulin resistance and HOMA-beta cell function values. In women low HDL-C and higher abdominal obesity were more common in black Hispanics (71.8% and 54.1%, respectively) than in mixed Hispanics (56.2% and 44.5%, respectively), despite the greater frequency of high TG in mixed Hispanics (22.6%) when compared to black Hispanics (13.3%). Furthermore, in logistic regression analysis black Hispanic race was independently associated with higher risk for hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, and low HDL-C. These results suggest that black Hispanics have worse cardiovascular risk profile than mixed Hispanics in Zulia State, with higher BP, higher FBG, more abdominal obesity, and lower HDL-C. Identification and intervention of these high-risk subjects are important strategies for diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention in Venezuela.

Black hispanics have a worse cardiovascular risk profile than mixed hispanics in Venezuela

Con el propósito de caracterizar los componentes del síndrome metabólico en hispanos negros de Venezuela y comparar dichas anormalidades metabólicas con aquellas encontradas en la población predominante de hispanos mezclados, se estudiaron 2236 hispanos mezclados (69 por ciento mujeres) y 281 hispanos negros (60 por ciento mujeres), de 20 años o más, sin historia previa de diabetes y/o enfermedad cardiovascular en un estudio poblacional en el Estado Zulia de Venezuela. Se midieron la tensión arterial (TA), circunferencia de cintura, así como insulina y glicemia basal, triglicéridos (TG) y colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-C). Para definir la presencia de anormalidades metabólicas se usaron los criterios del Programa Nacional de Educación del Colesterol/Panel del Tratamiento del Adulto III (NCEP/ATP III). Se encontró que los hispanos negros tenían mayor frecuencia de TA elevada - ajustada para la edad que los Hispanos mezclados tanto en los hombres (69,9 por ciento vs. 52,3 por ciento, p < 0,01) como en las mujeres (39,3 por ciento vs. 30,4 por ciento, p < 0,05). En los hombres, la elevación de la glicemia en ayunas fue más frecuente en los hispanos negros (32,7 por ciento) que en los hispanos mezclados (22,3 por ciento) a pesar de la falta de diferencias significativas en los valores de insulina, HOMA-insulino resistencia y HOMA-célula beta. En las mujeres, el HDL-C bajo y la obesidad abdominal fueron más comunes en las hispanas negras (71,8 por ciento y 54,1 por ciento, respectivamente) que en las hispanas mezcladas (56,2 por ciento y 44,5 por ciento, respectivamente), a pesar de la mayor frecuencia de hipertrigliceridemia en las hispanas mezcladas (22,6 por ciento) comparadas con las hispanas negras (13,3 por ciento). En análisis de regresión logística se observó que la raza hispana negra se asocia independientemente con mayor riesgo de hipertensión, hiperglicemia y HDL-C bajo.

[Basal insulin levels in a Zulia State population in Venezuela]. / Niveles basales de insulina en una población del estado Zulia, Venezuela.

This study examines the basal insulin levels in a population from Zulia state (Venezuela). A total of 1703 subjects (1175 women and 528 men) from five different sanitary regions (Maracaibo, La Guajira, Perijá, Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, y Costa Oriental del Lago de Maracaibo) were studied. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were determined. A blood sample was taken after a 12-h overnight fast to determine serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-C using enzymatic methods and insulin by radioimmunoassay. According to ATP III criteria two groups were established: a group without metabolic abnormalities (138 subjects) and a group with some metabolic abnormalities 84.8% of subjects of the non metabolic alteration groups and 80.4% of the group with some metabolic alteration were of mixed race. Non metabolic altered lean subjects (BMI <25 Kg/m2) had the lowest (p < 0.0001) basal insulin levels compared to the ones with overweight from the same group and the obese with metabolic abnormalities. This study proposes to consider a cutoff basal insulin levels of 13 microU/mL for women and 11 microU/mL for men, over 20 years of age, in the Zulia state region of Venezuela.

[Serum insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels are associated with body mass index and obesity index in adolescents]. / Insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento y su relación con índice de masa corporal e índice de obesidad en adolescentes.

Leptin, insulin and growth hormone levels seem to regulate body composition, fat distribution and fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels in a group of adolescents. Ninety five adolescents (31 boys and 64 girls) between 13 and 18 y. of age were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous skinfolds measurements. Basal levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, leptin, insulin and growth hormone were determined. The leptin and insulin levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity index (OBI). Insulin, leptin and obesity markers were negatively associated with growth hormone level. Fifty two percent of the adolescents with BMI = 21.09 kg/m2 were considered metabolically obese because they had elevated levels of insulin (18.68 +/- 1.52 vs. 10.08 +/- 0.38 microU/ml), HOMA IR (3.34 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.76 +/- 0.07), leptin (16.30 +/- 1.24 vs. 8.11 +/- 1.32 ng./dl) and triglycerides (78.56 +/- 4.38 vs. 64.39 +/- 5.48 mg/dl) and lower levels of HDL-C (39.09 +/- 1.27 vs. 43.30 +/- 2.38 mg/dl), compared with normal group. The same alterations were observed in the obese group, in which significative decrease in growth hormone level was added. We conclude that hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and low growth hormone levels, may be established as risk factors related to obesity markers, lipid alterations and insulin resistance that can lead to an early development of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Niveles basales de insulina en una población del estado Zulia Venezuela / Basal insulin levels in a Zulia state population in Venezuela

El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer los niveles basales de insulina en una población del estado Zulia. Se estudiaron 1703 individuos (1175 mujeres y 528 hombres) de 5 subregiones sanitarias del Estado Zulia (Maracaibo, Guajira, Perijá, Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, y Costa Oriental del Lago de Maracaibo). A cada individuo se le determinó peso, talla, circunferencia de cintura y cadera y presión arterial. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC, Kg/m2). Después de 12 horas de ayuno, se tomaron muestras de sangre venosa y se determinaron las concentraciones de glicemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total y HDL-C empleando métodos enzimáticos, e insulina por radioinmunoensayo. De acuerdo a los criterios del ATP III se establecieron 2 grupos: sin alteraciones metabólicas (138 individuos) y con alguna alteración metabólica (1565 individuos). El 84,8 por ciento de los sujetos sin alteraciones metabólicas y el 80,4 por ciento de los sujetos con alteraciones, se caracterizaron por ser de raza mezclada. Los individuos delgados (IMC < 25 Kg/m2) sin alteraciones metabólicas, presentaron los valores más bajos de insulina basal (p < 0,0001), comparados con los sujetos con sobrepeso del mismo grupo y con los individuos con alteraciones metabólicas. Este estudio propone considerar como puntos de corte para los niveles de insulina basal valores de 13 µU/mL para las mujeres y 11µU/mL para los hombres mayores de 20 años de la región zuliana

Insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento y su relación con índice de masa corporal e índice de obesidad en adolescentes / Serum Insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels are associated with body mass index and obesity index in adolescents

La leptina, insulina y hormona de crecimiento influyen en la masa grasa, composición corporal y distribución grasa. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre los niveles de insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento con parámetros antropométricos y lipídicos en adolescentes. Se estudiaron 95 adolescentes entre 13 y 18 años. Se realizó una historia clínico-nutricional donde se midió el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y los pliegues subcutáneos. Se determinaron los niveles basales de glicemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total, HDL-C, LDL-C y VLDL-C, insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento. Los niveles de leptina e insulina se relacionaron positivamente con el IMC y el Índice de Obesidad (IOB). La insulina, leptina e indicadores de obesidad se relacionaron en forma negativa con la hormona de crecimiento. El 52% de los adolescentes con IMC≥21,09 Kg/m2 e IOB >42,02 mm se consideraron metabólicamente obesos, debido a que comparados con los adolescentes normales, presentaron niveles elevados de insulina (18,68± 1,52 vs 10,08± 0,38 m U/ml), HOMA IR (3,34± 0,24 vs 1,76± 0,07), leptina (16,30± 1,24 vs 8,11± 1,32 ng/dl) y triglicéridos (78,56± 4,38 vs 64,39± 5,48 mg/dl) y disminución de HDL-C (39,09± 1,27 vs 43,30± 2,38 mg/dl). Estas mismas alteraciones se observaron en adolescentes obesos en quienes se produjo además una disminución significativa de la hormona de crecimiento. Se concluye que en los adolescentes estudiados existió una serie de factores de riesgo como hiperinsulinemia, hiperleptinemia y hormona de crecimiento disminuida relacionada con marcadores de obesidad, alteraciones lipídicas e insulino resistencia, lo cual puede conducir a la aparición temprana de diabetes tipo 2 y enfermedad cardiovascular.

Leptin, insulin and growth hormone levels seem to regulate body composition, fat distribution and fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels in a group of adolescents. Ninety five adolescents (31 boys and 64 girls) between 13 and 18 y. of age were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous skinfolds measurements. Basal levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, leptin, insulin and growth hormone were determined. The leptin and insulin levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity index (OBI). Insulin, leptin and obesity markers were negatively associated with growth hormone level. Fifty two percent of the adolescents with BMI ≥21.09 kg/m2 were considered metabolically obese because they had elevated levels of insulin (18.68 ± 1.52 vs. 10.08 ± 0.38 m U/ml), HOMA IR (3.34± 0.24 vs. 1.76± 0.07), leptin (16.30± 1.24 vs. 8.11± 1.32 ng./dl) and triglycerides (78.56± 4.38 vs 64.39± 5.48 mg/dl) and lower levels of HDL-C (39.09± 1.27 vs 43.30± 2.38 mg/dl), compared with normal group. The same alterations were observed in the obese group, in which significative decrease in growth hormone level was added. We conclude that hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and low growth hormone levels, may be established as risk factors related to obesity markers, lipid alterations and insulin resistance that can lead to an early development of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

[Relation of socioeconomic levels and life style to fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor in healthy Venezuelans and those with ischemic cardiopathy]. / Relación entre el nivel socioeconómico y hábitos de vida, con el fibrinógeno y el factor von Willebrand en venezolanos sanos y con cardiopatía isquémica.

Previous studies in Europe, U.S.A and Japan have revealed an inverse relationship between socioeconomic levels and fibrinogen concentration. Similar results have been reported in a smaller number of studies for concentrations of von Willebrand factor. In this opportunity we present results on the relationship between smoking, drinking, physical activity, age and socioeconomic level on fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor concentrations in a Venezuelan sample. The control population consisted of 978 men and 968 women. Patients with coronary heart disease were 172 males and 78 females. The presence of one or more of the following conditions: smoking or less than 5 years of having quit, non drinkers or drinking in excess, and a reduced physical activity, was considered a health related risk factor for high levels of these two haemostatic variables. Our results indicate that in Controls, the socioeconomic level had a significant effect on fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor levels, only in women: those of lower socioeconomic levels had the highest concentrations. This difference was maintained when age was taken into account. Health related behaviors had no significant effect on either variable. In patients, age had no effect on either variable. The health behavior risk factor had a significant effect only on fibrinogen of male patients, and socioeconomic level had a significant effect only on the fibrinogen of female patients. More studies in Venezuela are recommended, in order to increase our knowledge on the relationship between socioeconomic levels, haemostatic markers and the occurrence of coronary heart disease.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in White, Black, Amerindian and Mixed Hispanics in Zulia State, Venezuela.

Studies have highlighted the association between insulin resistance (IR) and several cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, including hypertension (HTN), obesity, dyslipidemia (i.e. high triglyceride and low HDL-cholesterol) and glucose intolerance, in a cluster known as the metabolic syndrome (MS). There are few data on the frequency of the MS and dyslipidemia in developing countries, and none in South America. To estimate the prevalence of the MS and its components in Zulia State, Venezuela, and to establish associated demographic and clinical factors, we evaluated 3108 Hispanic men and women aged 20 years or older from a cross-sectional survey of a random representative sample from each health district in Zulia State, Venezuela (1999-2001). Prevalence of the MS and dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)/Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. The age-adjusted prevalence of MS and dyslipidemia was 31.2% and 24.1%, respectively, with higher rates in men than in women. Prevalence rates increased with age and with the degree of obesity. MS prevalence was lower in Amerindian (17.%) compared to Black (27.2%), White (33.3%) and Mixed (37.4%) men, but no differences were found among women. Overall, low HDL-cholesterol (65.3%), abdominal obesity (42.9%) and HTN (38.1%) were the most frequent MS components. After adjusting for age, sex and race groups, family history of diabetes, obesity and HTN were associated with the MS. Sedentary lifestyle also increased the risk of MS, event after adjusting for the same covariates, obesity and the degree of IR. These results suggest that MS is found in approximately one-third of the Venezuelan adult population in Zulia State, with higher prevalence in men related to the presence of dyslipidemia. Lifestyle interventions in MS subjects are needed in Venezuela to halt the burden of CV disease and diabetes.

Relación entre el nivel socioeconómico y hábitos de vida con el fibrinógeno y el factor von Willebrand en venezolanos sanos y con cardiopatía isquémica / Relation between socioeconomic levels and life style with fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor in Venezuela

Estudios epidemiológicos en Europa, EEUU y Japón, han revelado una relación inversa entre la concentración de fibrinógeno y del factor von Willebrand con el nivel socioeconómico. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de la relación entre el fibrinógeno y el factor von Willebrand con el nivel socioeconómico, los hábitos tabáquicos, alcohólicos, actividad física y la edad, en una población venezolana aparentemente sana de 978 hombres y 968 mujeres (grupo control), y en 172 hombres y 78 mujeres con Enfermedad Cardiovascular Isquémica. Se consideró factor de riesgo comportamiento para niveles altos de fibrinógeno y factor von Willebrand, la presencia de uno o más de los siguientes hábitos: ser fumador o ex-fumador de menos de 5 años, no ingerir alcohol o ingerirlo en exceso, y el tener una actividad física muy limitada. En los controles, la edad tuvo un efecto significativo y positivo sobre las dos variables hemostáticas, en ambos sexos. En relación al efecto del nivel socioeconómico, se observó una tendencia en ambas variables de mostrar las concentraciones más altas en los niveles más bajos, sólo significativa en las mujeres. En cambio, el factor de riesgo comportamiento no tuvo un efecto significativo sobre ninguna de las dos variables. En los pacientes, la edad no tuvo efecto sobre ninguna de las variables, el factor de riesgo comportamiento tuvo un efecto significativo positivo sólo sobre el fibrinógeno de los hombres, y el nivel socioeconómico sólo tuvo efectos significativos en la concentración de fibrinógeno de las mujeres: valores altos en niveles socioeconómicos bajos. Se recomienda continuar con estos estudios para entender mejor la relación entre el nivel socioeconómico, las variables hemostáticas y la incidencia de Enfermedad Cardiovascular Isquémica